ORIGIN OF MORMONISM. More than 30 years since, what now constiutes the historical part of the Mormon Bible was written by one Solomon Spaulding. At a very early age, Spaulding obtained the appellation of a close student from his acquaintances in Ashford, Conn, his native town. After the completion of his collegiate course at Hanover, N. H, he was engaged in the ministry. He abandoned this profession in three years, removed to Cherry Valley, N. Y, and commenced the mercantile business. Being unfortunate, he again removed, and built a forge in the State of Ohio. He was now reduced to great poverty, and commenced writing a book, with the expectation, or hope, that the sale of it might enable him to pay his debts. The work was called, "The Manuscript Found" and contained the fictitious history of the Aborigines of America, whom he proved to be the descendants of the Jews. This narrative commenced with Lehi, who lived during the reign of Zedekiah, 600 years before Christ. This Lehi was warned by God to escape the calamities that were to befal Jerusalem. He, therefore, left the doomed city with his family, and fled to the wilderness. In a short time, they embarked on board a small vessel on the Red Sea, and floating to the ocean, after some length of time reached America, and landed on the shores of Darien. His descendants became, in a high degree, civilized, but were again reduced to barbarism by the numerous wars in which they were engaged. This accounted for the mounds and fortifications found in the western states, and for the condition of the Indians at the time of our forefathers' landing. When the work was completed, Spaulding was unable to raise funds sufficient for its publication. Soon after, he removed to Pennsylvania, where he died. By some means, the manuscript fell into the hands of Joseph Smith, Jr, the originator of Mormonism. The father of Smith emigrated from Royalton, Vt, in 1820, and settled in Manchester, N. Y. At this time the son was only 16 years of age. This family were remarkable for their belief in evil omens, and like things. Collecting some few of his companions, the prophet was engaged several months in seeking hidden treasures. In 1825, it was reported by the friends of young Joseph, that he had been informed, by an angel, of certain golden plates, containing the history of the Aborigines of America. Being opposed by an evil spirit, they were not obtained until 1827. These plates were written in characters which could not be read by any one excepting the prophet. The translation was not completed until 1830. In the meantime he removed to Pennsylvania, escaping the opposition of all evil-minded men. It was pretended that these plates were brought from Jerusalem by Lehi, and were transferred from father to son until the fifth century, when, in obedience to the command of God, they were buried in the earth. The book of the prophet Joseph was received as soon published by a few credulous persons. The reasons given for its belief were, the internal evidence of the book, and the striking exhibitions of the character of God, through Joseph. Soon after the Mormon Bible was published, a sect of fanatics from Ohio, called Cambellites [sic], passed through New York, and heard of the golden plates. They called upon Smith, and many of them were converted to his faith. With them, Sidney Bigelow [sic], their preacher. He was a man of eloquence and great popularity among them. -- National Aegis.


Notes: (forthcoming)

                          From the Alexandria Gazette

A  GLANCE  AT  THE  MORMONS.

Since the Mormons were expelled from the State of Missouri, they have purchased the town of Commerce, a situation of surpassing beauty, at the head of the lower rapids, on the Illinois shore of the upper Mississippi river. The name of the place they recently changed to Nauvoo, the Hebrew term for Fair or Beautiful. Around this place, as their centre, they are daily gathering from almost every quarter; and several hundred new houses, created within the last few months, attest to the passing traveller the energy, industry, and self-denial with which the community is imbued. They have also obtained possession of extensive lands on the opposite side of the river, in that charming portion of Iowa Territory, known as the 'Half Breed Reservation;' and there, upon the rolling and fertile prairies, they are rapidly selecting their homes and opening their farms. As the traveller now passes through those natural parks and fields of flowers, which the hand of the Creator seems to have originally planted there for the inspection of his own eye, he beholds their cabins dotted down in the most enchanting perspective, either on the borders of the timber, or beside the springs and streams of living water, which are interspersed on every hand.

Nor are they unmindful of their interests abroad, while they are thus accomplishing so much at home. No sect, with equal means, has probably ever suffered and achieved more in so short a time. Their elders have not only been commissioned and sent forth to every part of our own country, but they have left their families and friends behind them, and gone to Europe, and even to the Holy Land, to reveal the wonders of the "new and everlasting covenant;" and to preach "the dispensation of the fulness of times." They doubt not but that they shall be endued, when necessary, with power from on high to proclaim to all the nations of the earth in their own tongues, the wonderful works of God.

The signal success which every where attends their exertions, proves how well their religious system is adapted to give expression to the various forms of enthusiasm that pervade the religious sentiment of the day. Retaining many truths which are held in common by different denominations of Christians and covering their own absurdities with imposing forms and lofty pretensions, their system opens a winning asylum for all the disaffected or dissatisfied of other persuasions, and much that is congenial to almost every shade of erratic or radical religious character. As an illustration of this, it is stated, in the last number of their own journal, called "Times and seasons," that, on a single occasion in England, one of their elders lately baptized, among others, no less than thirteen preachers of one denomination of Christians.

The name of Mormon they disclaim, and affirm that it was given to them by their enemies. They call themselves "The Church of Jesus Christ, of Latter Day Saints," and number, among their chief ecclesiastical dignitaries, a prophet, patriarch, and a train of high priest[s], bishops, and elders. They are understood to disallow the truth and validity of other churches, and to believe that their own ecclesiastical constitution entitles them to expect the enjoyment of all other gifts and blessings of the church in ancient times. They teach that all who are baptized by immersion and under proper authority, are legally entitled to the remission of their sins, and the gift of the Holy Ghost. Among other religious exercises, they meet together to testify, to prophecy, to speak with tongues to interpret, and to relate their visions and revelations, and, in short, to exercise all the gifts of God, as set in order among the ancient churches. They believe that the restoration of Israel to Palestine, the rebuilding of Jerusalem, and the second advent of the Messiah are near at hand, -- and the dreadful calamities which have recently befallen some of the cities of our land, are set down upon their records as prophetic signs of the second coming of the Son of Man in the clouds of Heaven to open their millennial era.

As to the "Book of Mormon," while they place implicit confidence in its truth, they deny that it is a new Bible, to exclude the old but a historical and religious record, written in ancient times, by a branch of the house of Israel that peopled America, from whom the Indians descended. The metallic plates, on which these records was engraved, lay deposited for many centuries in the earth, until at length, they were discovered and translated by Joseph Smith Jr. and found, not only to corroborate and confirm the truth of holy writ, but also to open the events of ancient America, as far back at least as the flood. -- They believe that this book pours the light of noonday upon the history of a nation, whose mounds and cities, and fortifications, still repose, in grand but melancholy ruins, upon the bosom of the western prairies; and the reason that it is not more generally received is the same that operated to prevent the reception of the Gospel, in the early ages of Christianity.

It was a beautiful morning towards the close of April last, when the writer of the foregoing sketch, accompanied by, a friend, crossed the Mississippi River, from Montrose, to pay a visit to the prophet. As we approached his house, we saw him ride up and alight from his beautiful horse; and handing the bridle to one of his followers in attendance, he waited in front of his gate to receive us. A number of principal men of the place soon collected around, apparently anxious to hear the words which fell from his lips. His bearing towards them was like one who has authority; and the deference which they paid him convinced us that his dominion was deeply seated in the empire of their consciences. To our minds, profound knowledge of human nature had evidently taught him that, of all principles, the most omnipotent is the religious principle; and to govern men of certain classes, it is only necessary to control their religious sentiment.

After he had shown us the fine grounds around his dwelling, he conducted us, at our request, to an upper room, where he drew aside the curtains of a case, and showed us several Egyptian mummies, which we were told that the church had purchased, at his suggestion, some time before, for a large sum of money.

The embalmed body that stands near the centre of the case, said he, is one of the Pharaohs, who sat on the throne of Egypt; and the female figure by it was probably one of the daughters.

It may have been the princess Thermutis, I replied, the same that rescued Moses from the waters of the Nile.

It is not improbable, answered the Prophet; but [my] time has not yet allowed fully to examine and decide that point. Do you understand the Hebrew language, said he, raising his hand to the top of the case, and taking down a small Hebrew Grammar of Rabbi Seixas.

That language has not altogether escaped my attention, was the reply.

He then walked to a secretary, on the opposite side of the room, and drew out several frames, covered with glass, under which were numerous fragments of Egyptian papyrus, on which, as usual, a great variety of hieroglyphical characters had been imprinted.

These ancient records, said he, throw great light on the subject of Christianity. They have been unrolled and preserved with great labor and care. My time has been hitherto too much taken up to translate the whole of them, but I will show you how I interpret certain parts. There, said he, pointing to a particular character, that is the signature of the patriarch Abraham.

It is indeed a most interesting autograph, I replied, and doubtless the only one extant. What an ornament it would be to have these ancient manuscripts handsomely set, in appropriate frames, and hung up around the walls of the temple which you are about to erect at this place.

Yes, replied the Prophet, and the translation hung up with them.

Thinking this a proper time to propose a few inquiries relative to some of his peculiar tenets, I observed that it was commonly reported of him, that he believed in the personal reign of the Messiah upon earth, during the millennial era.

I believe in no such thing, was his reply. At the opening of that period, I believe that Christ will descend; but will immediately return again to heaven. Some of our elders, he continued, before I have found time to instruct them better, have unadvisedly propagated some such opinions; but I tell my people that it is absurd to suppose that Christ "will jump out of the frying pan into the fire." He is in a good place now, and it is not to be supposed that he will exchange it for a worse one.

Not a little shocked by the emblem employed by the Prophet, we descended from his chamber, and the conversation turned upon his recent visit to Washington, and his talk with the President of the United States. He gave us distinctly to understand that his political views had undergone an entire change; and his description of the reception given him at the executive mansion was any thing but flattering to the distinguished individual who presides over its hospitalities.

Before he had heard the story of our wrongs, said the indignant Prophet, Mr. Van Buren gave us to understand that he could do nothing for the redress of our grievances lest it should interfere with his political prospects in Missouri. He is not as fit said he, as my dog, for the chair of state; for my dog will make an effort to protect his abused and insulted master, while the present chief magistrate will not so much as lift his finger to relieve an oppressed and persecuted community of freemen, whose glory it has been that they were citizens of the United States.

You hold in your hands, I observed, a larger amount of political power, and your society must exert a tremendous influence, for weal or woe, in the coming elections.

Yes, said he, I know it; and our influence, as far as it goes, we intend to use. There are probably not far short of an hundred thousand souls in our society, and the votes to which we are entitled throughout the Union must doubtless be extensively lost to Mr. Van Buren.

Not being disposed in any way to intermeddle in party politics, I made no definite reply; but immediately taking leave we returned to Montrose, abundantly satisfied that the Society over which he presided has assumed a moral and political importance which is but very imperfectly understood. Associated on the religious principle, under a prophet and leader whose mysterious and awful claims to divine inspiration make his voice to believers like the voice of God; trained to sacrifice their individuality; to utter one cry; and to think and act in crowds; with minds that seem to have been struck from the sphere of reason on one subject, and left to wander, like lost stars; amid the dark mazes and winding ways of religious error; these remarkable sectaries must necessarily hold in their hands a fearful balance of political power. In the midst of contending parties, a single hand might turn their influence, with tremendous effect, to which ever side presented the most potent attraction; and should they ever become disposed to exert their influence for evil, which may Heaven prevent, they would surround our institutions with an element of danger more to be dreaded than an armed and hundred eyed police.


Note: This Alexandria Gazette article was widely reprinted in American papers, including the Boston Courier of July 16, 1840. The Illinois Quincy Whig reprinted an edited version in its issue of Oct. 17, 1840. See also the New York Sun of July 28, 1840.

The Mormons. -- The Corner Stone of the great Mormon Temple (that is to be) at Nauvoo, Illinois, was laid on the 6th inst. in presence of seven or eight thousand persons, and the Nauvoo Military Legion, consisting of six hundred and fifty men. The Warsaw (Ill.) World says: "Mr. Rigdon officiated at the laying of the chief corner stone, and addressed the assembly in a very energetic manner in a speech of about an hour's length. On the whole the exercises passed off with the utmost order, without accident or the slightest disturbance. Gen. Bennett commanded the Legion, under the direction of the Prophet, and acquitted himself in a truly officer-like manner."


Note: William Schouler (1814-72), was the proprietor and editor of the Lowell "Courier in 1841-47, after which he became the editor of the Boston Daily Atlas. Schouler evidently took a personal interest in Mormonism and its origins, and his paper published several interesting articles on that subject. The other paper in Lowell, Massachusetts, the Lowell Journal, also published some unique and informative articles on the Mormons during the early 1840s.

THE  MORMONS.

(Correspondence of the Boston Recorder.)

"City of Nauvoo," Ill., April 6, 1841.          

My Dear Sir, -- I have this day attended services of so novel a character, and connected with so remarkable a species of modern fanaticism, that I am inclined to give your readers and my friends through the columns of the Recorder some account of the extraordinary scene. The occasion was the laying the corner stones -- for it was not deemed sufficient to lay one ceremonously -- of the Mormon Temple to be erected on this beautiful spot. Let me say a word about the spot. It is a high bluff on the Mississippi about 60 miles above Quincy, and more than two hundred above St. Louis. There is a lower plateau or table land, perhaps half a mile wide, level, cleared and dotted here and there with log cabins, and few frame buildings. The bluff rises less abruptly than many of the western bluffs, to the height of 60 or 80 feet, affording a fine view of the lower town as well as of the river, and the opposite shore of Iowa, with the village of Montrose in that Territory -- Directly upon the edge of the bluff, is the foundation of the Temple, from which may be seen in every direction among the trees, the new or half-finished log-cabins of the Mormon settlers, who are crowding into this, their new "land of promise," in great numbers. It is eleven years this day since the first band of these deluded people was organized in the State of New York. It consisted of six, all of whom dispersed, as preachers of the new doctrine. An establishment was soon formed at Kirtland, Ohio, and I believe at one or two other places, but their principal rallying point was at "Far West," in Missouri, their favorite "land of promise," from which they were driven a year since, for reasons which I find it extremely difficult to ascertain. Undoubtedly, they were bad neighbors, but whether as the missionaries allege, they attempted to carry out their true principles, that the earth is the Lord's and the fulness thereof, and that He has given it to "His saints" for their discretionary possession and use, is not quite clear to my mind.

Cases of dishonesty there undoubtedly were, and the presence of a large and increasing body of men, fully possessed with a spirit of the wildest fanaticism, and joined from time to time by reckless adsventurers, perhaps outlaws was naturally fitted to awaken the jealousy of those among whom they came, and whom they did not hesitate to speak of as the Lord's enemies, and to treat in the most overbearing and irritating manner. Probably there was wrong on both sides. Be this as it may, they were driven out, with some loss of life, and an expense to the state of Missouri of $150,000. They soon after purchased the little town of Commerce, situated on the table land I mentioned above and are now concentrating themselves at this point and the tract adjacent, where they have a city laid off and organized, which they call Nauvoo. It having been "revealed to Joe Smith, the istensible head of this strange force, that a Temple must be built at this place, and the dimensions, architecture, arrangement, and devotions having all been prescribed with no less minuteness than were those of the ancient Jewish sanctuary, this day was appointed, and all the "faithful" within convenient distance, commanded to appear before the ceremony of laying the corner stones: -- Accordingly, there was a great rush of men, women and children, from all directions yesterday; and as I entered this city of logs last evening, intending to spend the day here, unless a boat should come to bear me on my journey, it seemed for a time doubtful whether I should do better for a lodging than to share one of the numerous tents erected among the tress, by families who chose to bring their own beds as well as provisions along with them.

However, I found hospitality, if not splendid entertainment in a Scotch family, where I passed the night in an apartment with a larger and less carefully assorted number of lodgers than would be thought either comfortable or decorous in New England, but which necessity has sanctioned here as being both the one and the other. It was a great pleasure to me to find Scotch piety as well as Scotch kindness. The "big ha' Bible" brought from Scotland, and the reverent blessing asked, and family prayers offered by the good blind man, who seemed to be the priest at the domestic altar, all told that they had brought their religion with them, from the home of their childhood to the home of their adoption. The humble, evangelical tone of the good man's devotions, though a glimpse might be had occasionally of the wild fanatical notions he had imbibed, showed that those notions were only an unfortunate excresence engrafted upon his piety, leaving it, as well as the main element of his faith untouched. Such, I believe, is true of thousands of professors of religion from all the Evangelical denominations who have been led away by worse men, and with more cunning than themselves. On going this morning to the edge of the bluff, I found crowds of people already assembled around the foundations of the Temple. They are well laid, and of large dimensions, about 120 by 80. Below, on the declivity, were the camps, wagons and horses of the numerous pilgrims who had spent the night among the trees, while the plain below presented the spectacle of six hundred and fifty armed men, artillery, cavalry and infintry, with one company of slimgers, & nearly as many thousand of men, women and children, looking on. After some show of reviewing, the preservation of a banner by some ladies &c., the whole "Nauvoo Legion" advanced up the hill accompanied by an immense procession. They were commanded by the Quarter Master General of Illinois, who in his new capacity of a Mormon convert, doubtless considers it his highest military distinction to head this motley herd even under the direction and authority of such a man as Smith. The latter presented the appearance of a prophet militant, being dressed in elegant military costume, riding a fine horse, and surrounded by quite a respectable staff, besides a life-guard of twelve men, mounted, dressed in white, and armed with rifles, pistols and knives -- a necessary retinue for a prophet who is an outlaw, having been demanded by the Governor of Missouri, as a criminal, a demand which his guard have promised with an oath to resist, even unto blood. I obtained a position just outside of the line of sentries established around the consecrated enclosure, from which I could see and hear all that passed -- and a most imposing scene it was, though with a touch of the ludicrous -- Here on a lone bluff in the wild west, were fifteen military companies, under an ecclesiastical organization, with an assembly of spectators variously estimated at from 5000 to 8000, and in the centre, surrounded by bayonets, was an ill-made, ill-bred man, decked in military garb -- an indicted criminal under the laws of Missouri, honored and guarded, and swelling with ill-concealed pride as the inspired organ of the divine commands, and the grand centre of all this strange pageant! -- Alas, for poor human nature! I have never before so well conceived the possibility of the Mohammedan, Swedenborgian, or any other prophetic delusion. Certainly, no false prophet or dreamer ever had shallower pretences to go upon, or a smaller capital in the trade of delusion, than this man; and yet he boasts of a train of dupes, amounting to between fifty and a hundred thousand. Probably even the smaller number is much above the truth; but it is undeniable that some in Europe as well as great numbers in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, and even New England, have been led captives in this triumph of stupid imposture. I say stupid, for so far as the ostensible leader is concerned, this epithet is not rendered inappropriate by whatever of low cunning he possesses. I am inclined to the opinion that Rigdon, who delivered the address on this occasion, is now in reality the master spirit of the humbug, and that he, rather than Smith, is the inspirer of the oracles which, for "purposes of state" the latter promulgates as the breathing of his own afflatus.

He is a man of much address and some talent. Having been a preacher among several sects, he now stands forth as the High Priest of this, under its great Prophet. He is a good person, and much self-possession, and stood up on a windy day in feeble health, before an immense assembly, with as much advantage of voice, action and ready utterance, as one in a hundred of our distinguished public men. There was of course, some rant and more sophistry in what he said, together with plenty of assertion without evidence. But the whole was skillfully managed. And when he enlarged upon the greatness of their God, and the glory of their Christ, and then adroitly conveyed the impression that it was for this belief that they had suffered the loss of all things, and even left the mangled bodies of their wives and children on the plains of Missouri, many substantial yankee emigrants around me were beguiled, and testified by their visible emotion, and suppressed words, that he had found and touched the right chord in their hearts. All that is really peculiar and offensive to their belief, he contrived to introduce without show of argument, in the wake of the common doctrines of Christianity which he had with some eloquence presented as peculiar to their creed. On the whole, though the address probably made no converts, it doubtless confirmed the faith of those who were already duped, and certainly afforded one hearer an hour's amusement at the ingenuity, not unmingled with indignation at the hoary deceiver, and pity for the thousands who lent their credulous ears and their gaping attention.

What wonder, in view of such abuses of the right of "private interpretation" as this and its numerous kindred heresies present, that some should be found in Protestant America to sympathize with the new spirit of old popery in England?

And yet what has the insane Swedenborg, the visionary Miller, or the lying Smith, invented or promulgated more extravagant or unscriptural than the infallible Mother church has sanctioned, and enforced by the sword and the stake?
"To the law and testimony" -- is our only -- thank God it is a sufficient and sure -- appeal.
                  Truly yours,                                     J. W. C.


Note: Reprints of this article were published in the June 23, 1841 issue of the Pitttsburgh Christian Advocate and the April, 1843 issue of the Millennial Harbinger. This 1841 letter from Nauvoo provides no hint as to who "J. W. C." may have been -- he was, perhaps, an obscure Congregational minister traveling through the "wild west," as he calls it.

THE  MORMONS.

The public authorities of Missouri have published judicial testimony to show that their course in the "Mormon war" was justifiable. The evidence was laid before Congress during the last session, and parts of it have been published in the newspapers. According to these witnesses the leaders of Mormonism and many of their followers are but a gang of murderers, assassins, and robbers. We copy a few passages, merely remarking that it is testimony deemed valid in a court of justice, and that there is a vast deal more of the like tenor.

"George M. Hinkle, one of the Mormon commanders in that war, testifies, that there was much mysterious conversation in the camp about goods, and that Parley P. Pratt said, they were much cheaper than they were in New York. There was much such conversation, also, about plundering and house-burning; so much so, that witness had his own notions about it; and on one occasion, he spoke to Smith, and told him that this course of burning houses and plundering, by the Mormon troops, would ruin the Mormons. Smith roughly told him to keep still, and that he would not suffer him to say any thing about it; and that it was their only way to gain their liberty and their point. Witness saw a great deal of plunder brought into the camp. The teachings of the church were, that the time had come when the Mormon kingdom was to be set up by forcible means, if necessary; that the time had likewise come, when the riches of the Gentiles were to be consecrated to the true Israel; and that this plundering of property by tho Mormons, was a fulfilment of that prophecy. The preachers were directed to instruct their converts to come up to Zion, meaning that upper part of Missouri. Smith, in a speech to the Mormon troops said, that the troops which were gathered through the country were a damned mob; that he had tried to please them long enough; that he had tried to keep the law long enough; but as to keeping the law of Missouri any longer, he did not intend to try to do so; that the whole State was a mob set; that if they came to fight him, he would play hell with their apple-carts and that they had heretofore had the character of fighting like devils, but they should now fight like angels, for angels could whip devils.

"Samuel Kinnible, who resided near the Far West, testifies that his life was repeatedly threatened, if he did not go to Far West, and take up arms. He finally went, and was enrolled, and forbidden to leave the town.

"John Whitnear [sic - Whitmer?] testifies, that Smith said that if an officer attempted to serve a process on him, he should die; that any person who spoke or acted against the Presidency of the Church, should leave the country or die. Rigdon expressed himself to the same effect.

"William W. Phelps testifies, that Rigdon, in a public meeting, said they meant to resist the law, aud if a sheriff came after them with writs, they would kill him; and if' any body opposed them, they would take off their heads. Smith followed, approving of what Rigdon had said. Rigdon, on another occasion, administered several covenants to forty or fifty Mormons. The first was, that if any man attempted to move out of the country, or pack his things for that purpose, any one of these covenanters, seeing it, should, without saying anything to any other person, kill him, and haul him aside into the brush; and that all the burial he should have, should be in a turkey buzzard's guts, so that nothing should be left of him only his bones. The next covenant was, that if any person from the surrounding country came into their town, walking about -- no odds who he might be -- any one of that meeting should kill him, and throw him aside into the brush. The third was, 'Conceal these things.' These covenants were taken with uplifted hands. Witness testifies to many other things, to which our witnesses that have been adduced give their testimony. He had an excellent opportunity to know all about the concern, as he was one of the leading men among them."

It is said that the Mormon books teach that what land they want is to be got "by purchase or by blood;" (see "Doctrine and Covenants") and also that the Indians are to embrace Mormonism, and to repossess the land, and all who do not embrace Mormonism to be cut off. Converts from England are already arriving at their city of Nauvoo. -- Vt. Chronicle.


Note: This same article was also reprinted in the Portland, Maine Christian Mirror of May 27, 1841. The testimony published in the 1841 Missouri General Assembly "Document" was summarized in Chapter X of Daniel P. Kidder's 1842 Mormonism and the Mormons

THE MORMON PREACHER. A person, calling himself "Elder Freeman Nickerson," a preacher of the sect of Mormons, held forth to a large audience in this city, on Sunday morning. The Daily Mail of yesterday contains a report of his discourse, which is nothing but an outpouring of incoherent dogmatism, fanaticism, and cant. Perhaps the prayer which the Elder offered, in the course of his remarks, should be excepted from this censure, for that was simple, devotional, and apparently sincere. That man is a hypocritical knave, or, if honest, is but little removed from an idiot, is manifest from the boastful claims he makes to the power of working miracles. The following conversation took place, as reported in the Mail: --

When the Elder had finished his rhapsody, Capt. Tyler Parsons, one of the friends of Free Discussion, rose in the assembly, and said he wished to ask the preacher a question.

The Elder replied that he would hear it with pleasure.

Well, said Capt Parsons, do I understand you to say that you can cast out devils -- take deadly poison -- and heal the sick?

All these things, replied the Elder, were done in the ancient church --

I don't care anything about the ancient church, interposed the Captain; I want to talk about the modern church. You pretend to say that believers can work miracles. I ask you, if you can do these things?

Yes sir! Replied the Elder, striking his hand upon the desk with great emphasis, I can, sir! I have, sir! I have caused the blind to awake; the sick to be healed; the lame to walk; and I have seen these miracles performed by others!

Capt. Parsons continued; Let me tell you, sir, that you have come to preach in a city where people do not take every thing for granted. You say that believers shall be able to cast out devils; that if they lay hands upon the sick, they shall be healed, they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them. Now, sir, I ask you if you dare eat a piece of Prussic Acid, half as big as a pea? No sir, you durst not! Or dare you try to heal the sick? No, sir, you durst not! Or dare you try to heal the sick? No, sir! If you will try, I will take you this moment to a sick bed! No, sir, I have heard you in quietness and candor, but I repudiate these doctrines; and unless you prove the divine character of your mission by some direct act, I pronounce you an impudent charlatan!

The Elder heard all this very calmly, and then put on his spectacles, and turning to the 16th chapter of Mark, read the passage which we have quoted above.

Yes! said he, when he had finished, "and these things shall follow them that believe!" Captain! do you deny the word of God?

That has nothing to do with the point at issue, replied the Captain. Is there a person here that believes that you can call upon a sick woman, and say, "Maiden, arise!" and that she will obey you? Or that you can take up a rattle-snake, with his teeth in, and not be harmed? Or that you can eat Prussic Acid, without having your throat and stomach prepared against it, and not have it hurt you? No, sir! We are not such fools, I assure you!

Look here, Captain, said the Mormon: if you don't believe the bible, what evidence shall I bring you of the truth of these things? You would not believe, though one were to rise from the grave. Let the Lord do his own work!

Yes, said the Captain, triumphantly, you are right there! Let the Lord ddo his own work! that will be the best way for you! But we don't want any of your Cape Cod arguments! We want the proof -- the proof, sir! We live in a day of light and reason, sir; and things which were once considered dark and mysterious, are now fully explained. We want the proof, sir!

Look here, Captain, urged the Mormon; you just wait till I have preached here a little while, and see the salvation of God for yourself. And now, my friends, (addressing the assembly) when you go away, I hope you will not forget to put a little money in the box at the door to pay expenses!

The audience now began to move out, very rapidly. Several persons dropped coppers, buttons, buckles, and pieces of tobacco into the contribution box, and one man had the generosity to come up and put a genuine quarter of a dollar on the preacher's desk.

The quick eye of the Mormon caught a glimpse of the silver. "Ah!" exclaimed he, involuntarily, "there's a quarter!" and he, quicker than thought, stowed it away in his capacious pocket.


Notes: (forthcoming)

CRUEL MURDER. -- Martin Harris, one of the earliest supporters of the Mormons, and the only wealthy man among them, in their origin, has been murdered. He spent all he was worth in supporting the delusion under which he labored, furnishing all the funds for the publication of the Mormon Bible.

He abandoned the Mormons not long since, and delivered some lectures in opposition to their doctrines, and two or three weeks ago was found dead, having been shot through the head with a pistol. No doubt was entertained of his having been murdered.


Note 1: This report was reprinted in the Oct. 1, 1841 issue of the Nauvoo Times & Seasons, which was itself reprinted from the Philadelphia Public Ledger, (which contained an extract from yet a third paper, the Philadelphia Chronicle, which quoted the original Traveller report). One interesting evolution of this news item can be seen in the editorial remarks published in the Rochester Daily Democrat of June 23, 1841, which were probably penned by Jonathan A. Hadley, a one-time friend of Martin Harris.

Note 2: The Traveller took this news item from a June issue of the New York Journal of Commerce, adding some embellishment of its own to the story. As things turned out, the Journal of Commerce's 1841 reports of Martin Harris' death in Illinois were "greatly exaggerated." The man died decades later, near Logan, Utah.

(From the Rochester Democrat.)

MARTIN HARRIS, THE MORMON. In an article we published on Tuesday, it was announced that Martin Harris was found near Nauvoo, the city of the Mormons, shot through the head, and that there was no doubt of his having been murdered.

We have ever regarded Mr. Harris as an honest man. We first became acquainted with him a Palmyra, in the spring of 1828, shortly after the plates from which the Book of Mormon is said to have been translated, were found. At that time Jo Smith had a mere handful of followers, most of whom were as destitute of character and intelligence as the "Prophet" himself. Mr. Harris however, was an exception. Though illiterate and naturally of a superstitious turn of mind, he had long sustained an irreproachable character for probity. He became an early believer in the doctrines of Mormonism, and neglected no opportunity of inculcating them, even at the expense of his pecuniary interests. By his neighbors and townsmen with whom he earnestly and almost incessantly labored, he was regarded rather as being deluded himself, than as wishing to delude others knowingly; but still he was subjected to many scoffs and rebukes, all of which he endured with a meekness becoming a better cause.

Mr. Harris was the only man of wealth among the early Mormons, and many were the calls made upon his purse for the purpose of feeding Smith and fostering his humbug in its incipient stages. The heavier taxes to which he was at first subjected, were for two journies to Pennsylvania, by command of Smith, who was then in that State, and who had received, if we are to credit him, a revelation from the Lord, to the effect that the suffering condition of the Gentiles in that region demanded of Mr. Harris these visits. That Smith's pecuniary sufferings at least were relieved, is certain. The next was for a journey to Dr. Mitchell of New York, and other men of science in the eastern States, to ascertain whether they were sufficiently profound to render into English the hieroglyphic characters which had been intrusted to Mr. Harris, and represented as fac similies of those on some of the plates which Smith pretended to have found, But the most severe tax upon Mr. Harris' purse, was for the publication of the Book of Mormon. To secure the printer, he mortgaged his farm, one of the best in the town, and ultimately lost it. The work did not meet with as ready a sale as was anticipated; but had those to whom its sale was entrusted, appropriated the proceeds as honesty would have dictated, he probably would have been enabled to redeem his farm.

A few years after this, we saw Mr. Harris in Lyons, and found him as firm as ever in his belief in the purity of Mormonism, nothwithstanding he had been fleeced of his goodly estate. He had just arrived from Liberty, Missouri, the then "promised land," and soon afterward returned to that place. We have not seen him since, and had supposed, until we saw the announcement of his death, and the cause of it conjectured, that he was still among the most zealous and conspicuous of Jo. Smith's followers. But we were wrong. Mr. Harris's native honesty had gained the mastery of his credulity. He had been so long a confident of Smith and his leading associates, and had seen so much of their villainy, that he undoubtedly felt it a duty to expose them and their debasing doctrines. Hence his lectures against Mormonism in Illinois, and hence, too, his probable murder by some of that sect.

Mr. Harris was about 55 years of age. His first wife died in Palmyra some four years since, having refused to accompany him to the "promised land" -- about a year after this time, he returned to Wayne county and married again.


Note 1: It seems very likely that the Democrat's June 23, 1841 mistaken obituary for Martin Harris was composed by Jonathan A. Hadley (1809-1868). The Harris article was reprinted several papers, including in the Charleston Southern Patriot of July 1, 1841. See also one editor's response to this mistaken Harris death notice, as published in the Ohio Painesville Telegraph of June 30, 1841.

Note 2: Other reprints of the Democrat's article add this final paragraph: "We have so often expressed our conviction of the humbuggery of Mormonism and the worthlessness of its propagators, that we need not do so at this time. We have merely to express the hope, that the authorities of Illinois may spare no pains or expense in ferreting out the murderers of Mr. Harris, and bringing them to merited punishment."

                        For The Investigator
DISCUSSION  OF  MORMONISM.

Mr. Editor: Please to give the following notice an insertion:

The question concerning the divine inspiration of the Mormon Bible, which has been under discussion at Winchester Hall for the last four or five Sunday afternoons, remaining undecided, and but small progress having been made in the discussion in consequence of some persons participating in the debate who claim to be Christians, but who appear to be about as much Mormon as Christian, taking a portion of the Mormon Bible as part and parcel of the Christian revelation -- which course of proceeding greatly obstructs the hearer from coming to a fair conclusion on the subject in debate ---

Therefore, by mutual consent between Elder Nickerson, the Mormon preacher, and the subscriber, we have agreed to debate together the subject of Mormonism, the discussion to commence on Sunday next (August 1st) at 10 o'clock in the forenoon, and to be continued on following Sundays, at the same hour and place, until otherwise agreed on, the respective disputants to make two sets of speeches alternately of 30 minutes each.   TYLER PARSONS.
Boston, July 28, 1841

---

DISCUSSION OF MORMONISM. -- The further consideration of Mormonism having been given up by the Free Discussion Society, it will be seem by the notice below that the debate is now to be continued by Elder Nickerson, the Mormon preacher, and Mr. Tyler Parsons, a member of the Society. The discussion will commence next Sunday forenoon, and be carried on and continued independent of the Discussion Society, which Society will hold a debate as usual in the afternoon. We invite attendance upon the Mormon discussion, satisfied from what we know of the candor and fairness of the debaters, that it will prove interesting and instructive. Let every subject that comes up in these stirring times -- Mormonism as well as every other -- have a full and honest investigation. We know of no other way to break down error and build up truth.


Notes: (forthcoming)

Book  of  Mormon.

The Subscriber has agreed to publish a Compendium of the Book of Mormon, or Joseph's Golden Bible, with the subject matter of all the arguments that have been made before the "Boston Free Discussion Society," on the question "The Book of Mormon -- Is there any internal or external evidence, or facts, to prove it Divine Revelation? Or is it not the writings of Solomon Spaulding and others, got up to impose on the ignorant and credulous, about the year 1827?"

The pamphlet will contain 100 octavo pages of closely printed matter. Price, 25 cents per single copy or 20 cents by the hundred copies.

==> All persons holding subscription papers will please return them as early as the 25th of September next. The pamphlets will be sent to subscribers by way of the agents who hold the subscription papers. As soon as 1000 subscribers are obtained the pamphlet will be published.
                                  TYLER PARSONS.
Boston, August 9, 1841.


Note: Tyler Parson's published his 102 page pamphlet, Mormon Fanaticism Exposed, A Compendium of the Book of Mormon... in Boston, late in 1841.

==> The first part of the book of Mormon is occupied with the history of the Nephites, a portion of the tribe of Joseph. They are described as having emigrated from Jerusalem many centuries ago, under the prophet Nephi, and having been miraculously led to America, where they became the progenitors of the Indian race. After the emigrants have sailed, they are described as mutinying against Nephi, as the Spanish crews did against Columbus, but they released him when a tempest came on, as he was the only person capable of working the ship. He is then represented as saying:

"And it came to pass after they had loosed me, behold I took the compass, and it did work whither I desired it. And it came to pass that I prayed unto the Lord; and after I had prayed, the winds did cease, and the storms did cease, and there was a great calm."

The impostor who wrote the book was not aware that he was antedating the discovery of the needle's polarity by several centuries, and he speaks of the compass in such a way as to show that he was utterly ignorant of the nature of the implement. A Mormonite elder has unwittingly explained the probable source of this error; when pressed with this palpable mark of forgery, he unhesitatingly replied that the compass was mentioned in Scripture, quoting from the account of St. Paul's voyage, "We fetched a compass, (that is, took a circuitous course) and came to Rhegium." -- Athenaeum.


Notes: (forthcoming)

THE  SECOND  MAHOMET.

JOE SMITH is said to have declared repeatedly, that he would be a "second Mahomet." We infer from the military manifestations at Nauvoo and from other indications, that the meaning of that declaration is, that he will ultimately, like Mahomet, enforce belief in the divinity of his commission and revelations, by the sword. If this be his meaning, we have a word of caution for him. We advise him to bear in mind, that Mahomet lived some twelve hundred years ago, when physical force and military prowess were the prime elements of power, as they always are in the barbarous stages of human progress. Since Mahomet's time, the world has become intellectual and commercial. Statesmen and merchants have taken the place of warriors. -- There is almost as much difference between the present age and the age of Mahomet, as there is between a Yankee and an Indian. Mahomet adapted his operations to his age. He had a world of Indians to deal with, and he propagated his religion with Indian weapons. Hence he succeeded admirably for a time. But his mode of operation is not adapted to the present age. Mahometanism now has a world of Yankees to deal with. Hence it has ceased to conquer, and is tottering to its fall. So that Mahomet, though he was wise in his generation, was a fool on the scale of ages. He made no provision for the progress of the world. But Joe Smith, if he thinks of propagating Mormonism by the sword, is not even wise in his generation. He is blind not only to the progress of the world, but to human nature as it is; -- a fool on the small scale as well as on the great. He proposes to imitate the barbarism of Mahomet, though the world has manifestly outgrown that barbarism, and has left the mighty structure reared by it, "a wreck upon the shore of time." If Mahomet had lived in this age, his sagacity would have taught him to rely on science and commerce, instead of military power, for the conquest of the world. In fact, Mehemet Ali, who, more than any other man, is the present representative of at least the sagacity and enterprize of the Arabian impostor, has, in a great measure, merged the warrior in the statesman and the merchant. We advise Joe Smith to take a lesson from him, rather than from Mahomet. -- And if our counsel is not heeded, we advise those who suffer under any apprehension of the success of military Mormonism, to cast away their fears. It is very certain that the first flame of faith-compelling war on the part of " the second Mahomet," will be his funeral pile; though he have the 'Nauvoo Legion,' with the refugees of two Continents, and all the Indians of North and South America at his heels.


Note: Mehemet Ali (1769-1849), was the Ottoman Pasha of Egypt. In 1831 he revolted against Turkish and invaded Syria. This political change proved encouraging to Zionists who hoped to settle Jews in Palestine. In 1839 Mehemet Ali again revolted and claimed hereditary possession of Egypt and Syria. Eventually the Turks re-established their power in Syria and Palestine, but not until after the Holy Land had been "blessed" by the Mormon traveler, Apostle Orson Hyde -- that is, blessed for an LDS-approved gathering of the Jews back to their own homeland, under the improved political circumstances brought about by Mehemet Ali's revolts.

The Mormons. -- The success of the Mormons is one of the most astonishing features of the age, and is beginning to excite a very deep interest in their movements. We find some interesting facts in relation to them in the Journal of Commerce, from which it appears that their numbers reach already one hundred thousand persons, and as many more in Europe. Many of them are men of intelligence, who have stood high in the Christian church. Their members are increasing by the addition of men of property who join their wealth to the common stock. They have acquired so much political importance as to procure of the Legislature of Illinois an act of incorporation, authorizing the Mormons to maintain a standing army of a thousand men. Smith and Rigdon have ordained twelve Apostles, who have been anointed for their work by a sight of the golden plates. They adopt the whole of the Bible and claim that they have an additional revelation which was communicated to Joe Smith on the golden plates. This pretended revelation is said to be, and there is good reason to believe the report true, the production of a deceased clergyman, who wrote it as an amusement during hours of sickness, the manuscript of which was stolen from the printer's office. With all the boasted intelligence of the day, people are as ready to follow strange delusions as much as they ev-er were in the most superstitious periods of world's history.


Notes: (forthcoming)

The Mormons. -- The Warsaw (Ill.) Signal of the 24th ult. contains a notice of more hostilities between the Mormons and the citizens dwelling in their vicinity. It states that a number of the latter met together and gave formal notice to several families to quit a locality they had settled upon for the purpose of cutting timber, on peril of being removed by force. Another version of the story, however, says that no threats were used. A rumor was prevalent that the citizens of Iowa above Montrose had adopted the same course -- threatening violence in case the Mormons would not remove. The Signal chronicles the arrival of more parties of this sect.


Notes: (forthcoming)

From the Baptist Advocate.

Mormonism.

MR. EDITOR: -- A pamphlet has recently fallen into my hands containing an exposure of Mormonism, by a renouncing Mormon. In this pamphlet are many valuable facts, all going to show up this imposture in its true colors. As you have already published several communications of mine on this subject, and have yourself manifested a good degree of interest in the matter, I now propose to furnish you with two additional communications touching the contents of this pamphlet -- a production exceedingly rich in its way and well worthy of public attention.

The pamphlet is entitled "Mormonism Portrayed; its Errors and Absurdities Exposed; and the Spirit and Designs of its Authors made manifest: by William Harris; with Emendations, by a Citizen. Warsaw, Ill. 1841."

Speaking of the witnesses who have testified to the truth of the Book of Mormon, the autbor of the pamphlet says: "I do not admit that these witnesses were honest; for six of them, after having made the attestation to the world that they had seen the plates, left the Church; thus contradicting that to which they had certified. And one of these witnesses, Martin Harris, who is frequently mentioned in the Book of Covenants, -- who was a High Priest of the Church -- who was one of the most infatuated of Smith's followers -- who even gave his property in order to procure the publication of the Book or Mormon, -- having afterwards left the Church, Smith, in speaking of him in connexion with others, said, that they were so far beneath contempt, that a notice of them would be too great a sacrifice for a gentleman to make."

"There are two certificates," continues the writer, "attached to the Book of Mormon; the second of which is signed by eight witnesses. Now this certificate does not say one word about the Book being translated through inspiration; it simply avers that Smith is the translator. The only evidence, therefore, which we have that Smith translated the Book by the aid of inspiration, is the first certificate, signed by Martin Harris, Oliver Cowdery, and David Whitmer. Now as to Harris, by Smith's own showing, he is too contemptible to be noticed by a gentleman; therefore we will lay him on the shelf. The other two, Cowdery and Whitmer, left the Church, renounced Mormonism, and contradicted what they had certified. Here, then, are but three witnesses on all the Mormon records to prove Smith's inspiration; one of which is too contemptible to notice, and the others have discredited themselves."

After thus disposing of the witnesses to the truth of the Book of Mormon, the writer dispatches the Book itself in an equally summary maaner, by giving an extract from a recent letter of Professor Anthon, of this city, to Rev. T. W. Coit, of New Rochella, in this State, in relation to some specimens of the characters pretended to have been copied from the plates, and exhibited to him by Martin Harris. The extract from Professor Anthon's letter is as follows:

"Many years ago, the precise date I do not recollect, a plain looking countryman called upon me with a letter from Dr. L. Mitchell, requesting me to examine and give my opinion upon a certain paper marked with various characters, which the Doctor confessed he could not decipher, and which the bearer of the note was very anxious to have explained. A very brief examination or the paper convinced me that it was a mere hoax, and a very clumsy one too. The characters were arranged in columns, like the chinese mode of writing, and presented the most singular medley that I had ever beheld. Greek, Hebrew, and all sorts of letters, more or less distorted, either through unskillfulness, or from actual design, were intermingled with sundry delineations of half moons, stars, and other natural objects; and the whole ended in a rude representation of the Mexican Zodiac. The conclusion was irresistible, that some cunning fellow had prepared the paper in question for the purpose of imposing upon the countryman who brought it; and I told the man so without any hesitation. He then proceeded to give me a history of the whole affair, which convinced me that he had fallen into the hands of some sharper, while it left me in great astonishment at his own simplicity."

So much, Mr. Editor, for the "Reformed Egyptian Hieroglyphics" which Mormonism says were engraved on the plate, and which the learned could not read. Now let the Mormons, if they wish to know the truth of this matter, go and ask Professor Anthon if this is not the fact. He is here on the spot, and they have no excuse for declining to make the inquiry of him.

The writer alludes to Smith's pretended miracles, and says: "Can he heal the sick? If so, why when he is himself sick, does he take ordinary medicine for relief? Can he prevent death? Why, then, are his nearest relations and most useful friends suffered to die in the vigor of manhood?" Home questions these.

Speaking of Smith's character, the writer says: "At the very time that the widows of the church, and indeed the poorer classes were suffering for want of the common necessaries of life, Smith and his coadjutor. S. Rigdon, demanded, at the hands of the people, twelve hundred dollars per year each, in order to aggrandize themselves, and enable them to live in luxury. And when some complained, that this would be a violation of the rules of the Church, he remarked, that if he could not obtain his demand, his people might go to hell, and he would go to the Rocky Mountains! And this, too, when the bishop is appointed by revelation, to deal out to every man according to his wants. Here, then, is a beautiful specimen of his benevolence he must have his enormous demands satisfied, though his people starved; even by breaking through the laws of the Church. Where was anything like Moses in this? But look at his example before his people. At the very time that their enemies were pressing them, he was found, like a giddy boy, or an abandoned renegade, wrestling for amusement on the Sabbath day; and when reproved, said: "Never mind; it is a time of war. -- Those who were with Smith at the periods referred to, know that these things are true; and besldes that Smith, since he has become the leader of the Church, has been repeatedly guilty of the sin of drunkenness."

Suffice this, Mr. Editor, for the present communication. Comment is entirely unnecessary on such circumstances as these, and I shall therefore make none. My next communication will complete what I have to furnish on Mormonism for the present.  Yours, O. BACHELER.


Note: Mr. Bachelor's two-part article for the New York City Baptist Advocate, quoting various claims made against the Mormons by William Harris, followed a few months after a similar multi-part exposure, written for the Advocate by Dr. George Montgomery West -- see reprints in the Episcopal Recorder of March 27, 1841, Apr. 10, 1841 and Apr. 10, 1841.

MORE MORMON TROUBLES. -- The St. Louis Argus of the 6th gives the following account of anticipated troubles between the citizens of Illinois and the Mormons at Nauvoo:

We learn from the Warsaw (Ill.) Signal, that there is a prospect of "troublous times" between the good people there and the "Latter Day Saints." The poor, persecuted followers of the great and renowned "Joe," are very unceremoniously told by the Suckers that they must take their duds and walk! In Iowa, the people are enraged against them, and in and around about Montrose, the citizens have assembled in large multitudes, and have sent messengers telling then to depart out of their Territory. Joe must fortify himself in the strong holds and fastnesses of the mountains, and not trust in his chariots of iron, or the armies of the Suckers will overrun their fair possessions and slay them until they shall be cut off from the face of the earth.

---

THE MORMONS. -- The Warsaw (Ill.) Signal complains bitterly of thefts committed by the Latter Day Saints. Their neighbors lose horses, cows, clothes, &c., and have little difficulty in tracing them to Nauvoo. The same paper suggests that Joe Smith has pocketed all the money arising from the sale of lots, and hints that he will ere long take the "Sabine Slide." We cut from it the following account of a new "peeping stone" just discovered by the Prophet.... N. Y. Tribune.


Notes: (forthcoming)

From the Baptist Advocate.

Miscellaneous.

(under construction)

... On this passage, Parley P. Pratt, in the Voice of Warning, (a standard work of the Mormons,) makes the following argument, which I give in this place as an illustration of the wild doctrines of Mormonism: 'See the prayer of Christ recorded by John, concerning his saints becoming one with him and the father, as they are one, and certainly they are equal: and again, the saints are joint heirs with him; and again, he that overcometh shall sit down with Christ on his throne, as he has overcome and set down with the father on his throne; and again, the spirit shall guide his saints unto all truth, God is in possession of all truth, and no more, consequently his saints will know what he knows; and it is an acknowledged principle that knowledge is power; consequently if they had the same knowledge that God has, they will have the same power. And this will fulfil the Scriptures which say, unto him that believeth all things are possible, and I am sure God can do no more than all things; consequently, there must be equality. Hence the propriety of calling them God's, even the sons of God.'

Such is the reasoning of the Apostle Parley P. Pratt ... the Mormon Church believe that they will have power to create worlds, and that those worlds will transgress the law gives; consequently that they will become Saviour's to those worlds, and redeem them; and that never until this is accomplished, will their glory be complete; and then there will be ‘Lords many, and Gods many.'...


Notes: (forthcoming)

Joe Smith's New Peeping Stone. -- We learn from the most indisputable authority that Joe has found a new peeping stone. The circumstances of its discovery are rather curious, and we give them as received. He was walking some evenings ago, with a young lady, (or woman, which ever you please,) when suddenly he darted aside and leaped into a cellar, where he presently cried out "how came I here?" and "how shall I get out?" The lady with this seized him and raised him as though he had been a child. Joe then stated the miraculous manner of his being drawn by the power of God into the cellar, and to the very spot where laid the stone, which he says has the remarkable property of enabling him to translate unknown languages, and to discover the place where treasures are hidden.

Look out for miracles soon, Joe no doubt intends to find lots of money before long that for months have been laying by him. -- Warsaw Signal


Notes: (forthcoming)

From the Missouri Republican.

A  Visit  to  the  Mormon  Leader.

Nauvoo, Nov. 4, 1841.            

Dear Sir, -- We were yesterday enjoying the hospitality of Joseph Smith, the leading prophet of the Latter Day Saints, the Mormons. * * * At your request, I give, though somewhat reluctantly, I confess, an account of my interview with him. As he pretended to discover, and promptly declared to me that I was worthy of no man's trust, I can certainly betray no confidence in this case, try as I may. The facts, as they lie fresh in my memory, are simply these: Yesterday afternoon, in company with a friend, I entered the house of this strange man, intending to trespass but a few minutes on his hospitality. I expected to have seen a person of some dignity and reserve, and with at least an outside of austere piety. The prophet was asleep, in his rocking-chair, when we entered. His wife and children were busy, about the room, ironing, &c., and one or two Mormon preachers lately returned from England, were sitting by the large log fire. After having been introduced, the following talk ensued.

A. 'You have the beginning of a great city here, Mr. Smith.'

(Here came in the more prominent objects of the city. The expenses of the temple, Mr. Smith thought, would be $200,000 or 8300,0000. The temple is 127 feet side, by 88 feet front; and by its plan, which was kindly shown us, will fall short of some of our public buildings, as yet, only the foundations are laid. Mr. Smith then spoke of the 'false' reports current about himself, and 'supposed we had heard enough of them.'

A. 'You know, sir, persecution sometimes drives the wise man mad.'

Mr. S. (laughing,) 'Ah, sir, you must not put me among the wise men; my place is not there. I make no pretensions to piety, either. If you give me credit for any thing, let it be for being a good manager. A good manager I do claim to be.'

A. 'You have great influence here, Mr. Smith.'

Mr. Smith. 'Yes; I have. I bought 900 acres here, a few years ago, and they all have their lands of me. My- influence, however, is ecclesiastical only: in civil affairs, I am but a common citizen. To be sure, I am a member of the City Council, and Lieutenant General of the Nauvoo Legion. I can command a thousand men to the field, at any moment, to support the laws. I had hard work to make them turn out and form the 'Legion,' until I shouldered my musket, and entered the ranks myself. Now, they have nearly all provided themselves with a good uniform, poor as they are. By the way, we had a regular 'set to' up here, a day or two since, The City Council ordered a liquor-seller to leave the place, when his time was up; and, as he still remained, they directed that his house should be pulled down about his ears. They gave me a hand in the scrape; and I had occasion to knock a man down more than once. They mustered so strong an opposition, that it was either 'knock down,' or 'be knocked down.'

'We beat him off, at least; and are determined to have no grog-shops in or about our grounds.'

(The conversation flowed on pleasantly, until my friend, to fill a pause that occurred, referred to my calling as a preacher.)

Mr. S. 'Well, I suppose (turning from me,) he is one of the craft trained to his creed. '

A. 'My creed, sir, is the New Testament.'

Mr. S. 'Then, sir, we shall see truth alike; for the scriptures say, 'They shall see eye to eye.' All who are true men, must read the Bible alike, must they not?'

A. 'True, Mr. Smith; and yet I doubt if they will see it precisely alike. If no two blades of grass are precisely alike, for a higher reason, it seems that no two intellects are.'

Mr. S. (getting warm) 'There -- I told you so. You don't come here to seek truth. You are takin the place of opposition. Now, say what I may, you have but to answer, 'No two men can see alike.'

A. 'Mr. Smith, I said not that no two could see alike; but that no two could see, on the whole, precisely alike.'

Mr. S. 'Does not the scripture say, 'They shall see eye to eye?'

A. 'Granted, sir; but be good enough to take a case; the words 'all' and 'all things' were brought up as meaning, at one time, universal creation. And again: 'One believeth that he may eat all things, i. e. any thing, or, as we say, every thing.'

Mr. S. 'You may explain away the Bible, sir, as much as you please. I ask you, have you ever been baptized?'

A. 'Yes sir, I think I have.'

Mr. S. 'Can you prophesy?'

A. 'Well, sir, that depends on the meaning you give the word. I grant that it generally means to foretell; but I believe that it often means, to preach the gospel. In this sense, sir, I can prophesy.'

Mr. S. 'You lie, sir; and you know it.'

A. 'It is as easy for me to impugn your motives, Mr. Smith, as for you to impugn mine.'

Mr. S. 'l tell you, you don't seek to know the truth. You are a hypocrite; I saw it when you first began to speak.'

A. 'It is plain, Mr. Smith, that we differ in opinion. Now, one man's opinion is as good as another's, until some third party comes in to strike a balance between them.'

Mr. S. 'I want no third party, sir. You are a fool, sir, to talk as you do. Have I not seen twice the years that you have? (Joseph Smith is 36 years old; the speaker, A. was 10 years younger.) I say, sir, you are no gentleman. I wouldn't trust you with my purse across the street.'

(Here my friend interposed, saying, 'I don't believe, Mr. Smith, that this gentleman came to your house to insult you. He had heard all sorts of accounts of your people, and came simply to see with his own eyes.')

Mr. S. 'I have no ill feelings towards the gentleman. He is welcome to my house; but what I see to be the truth, I must speak out; I flatter no man. I tell you, sir, that man is a hypocrite. You'll find him out, if you're long enough with him. I tell you, I wouldn't trust him as far as I could see him. What right has he to speak so to me? Am I not the leader of a great people? He, himself, will not blame me for speaking the truth plainly.'

(Here kind expressions passed on both sides, and we were rising to go.)

Mr. S. 'Don't be going, gentlemen. Do take bread and salt with us; our tea is on the table.'

We staid accordingly, and made up around his smoking and well piled table.

I have been careful, especially towards the close of this talk, to give the words that were used, omitting nothing but conversational by-play, and some of the filling up. The skeleton is complete, so much for this man at his own fireside. D.


Notes: (forthcoming)

Letters  from  the  West.  No. 4.
BY A YANKEE TOURIST.

I proceed in this letter to redeem my pledge of giving some description of... the Mormon city of Nauvoo...

I shall not forget the bouyant feelings with which I jumped ashore at daylight, to foot it up to Montrose, of course expecting to meet the boat there before night and continue my journey... Had I [remained on board the steamer], it is true I should have lost the pleasure of a week's residence among the Mormons...

In addition to the city of Nauvoo and the adjoining county in Illinois, the Mormons have numerous settlements on the "half-breed tract." I found them scattered along the entire distance from Keokuk to Montrose. About half way between these two places there is a Mormon settlement called Nashville, containing some forty or fifty families; this I made my head-quarters, taking up my abode with a Mormon preacher, who is also a colonel of militia and as arrant a scroundrel as ever escaped the penetentiary... They affect great zeal for their religion, talk loudly about their persecutions for opinion's sake, and profess to believe the bible, the book of Mormon, the book of covenants and the divinity of Joseph Smith. They also profess to believe in dreams, visions, apparitions and miracles, and you can scarcely find one who will not tell you he has seen an apparition, or witnessed a miracle. One who manifested more intelligence than most of them, of whom I was making some inquiries regarding his belief, said to me "now I suppose you would doubt it if I was to tell you I had seen an evil spirit." I told him I would believe it or not according to the credulity of his story, and requested him to relate the occurance. I give it in his own words as near as I can recollect them. "I was out on the edge of the prairie one night during the winter of 1838, engaged in tending a coal pit. This was before I joined the army of the saints, [lengthy narrative follows]... This is a Mormon's account of his vision, which he related to me with so much gravity and such apparent conviction of its truth, that I was at a loss whether to consider him a knave endeavoring to impose upon me, or the unfortunate victim of a diseased imagination.

Having some curiosity to see Nauvoo, I procured a skiff and accompanied by one of the sect, crossed the river to that place. It is situated on the Illinois shore, directly opposite Montrose; as you approach from the water, it presents quite an imposing appearance; more that of a city that has had a generation for its growth, than one that has sprung up almost in a single year. It occupies an area of some two or three square miles, commencing at the bank of the river and running back by a gradual slope until it attains a considerable elevation in the rear, thus presenting from the river, a view of its whole extent. Besides the famous temple which is not yet completed, Nauvoo contains a number of substantial buildings scattered about among numerous cabins and shantees. It is laid out on a grand scale, with wide streets intersecting each other at right angles, and several ambitiuos public squares. The temple is a spacious structure of stone and brick, with no pretensions to architecture, its walls of immense thickness, and covering sundry underground cells. This building has created much speculation as to the object for which it was designed. Some suppose it to be intended as a sort of bastile, like the prisons of the Inquisition, and that these underground apartments are to be used as dungeons in which to incarcerate back-sliding or refractory brethren, others maintain that in addition to religious purposes, it is intended as a repository for provisions to be collected in anticipation of a universal famine with which according to Mormon belief, the Almighty is soon to visit the earth; others think it is to be used as a citidel in a war which the Mormons intend waging against the Gentiles as they call other Christians, as soon as they have gained sufficient strength to give them a chance of success. Many passages from the book of Mormon, the "covenants," and "the voice of warning," a work written by one of their "twelve apostles," are cited to prove the last supposition, and it seems quite probable from the pains which their readers have taken to perfect a military organization, and procure weapons, that they have an eye to some anticipated contest.

Their total disregard of the right of property, and frequent depredations upon their neighbors, have already exasperated the people of Illinois and Iowa, and there is every appearance of its soon leading to open hostilities. The population of Nauvoo is variously estimated; I judge it does not vary much from five thousand, and it is daily receiving accessions from all parts of the United States, and from Great Britain. Coming as they do from the most lazy, vicious and degrading class of society, no community will have reason to deplore their loss. How they are to subsist here, crowded together as they are, most of them destitute of means, is a question of much interest to their neighbors, as theft or starvation seem to be the only alternatives. Before leaving this place I called to see Joe Smith, their leader and prophet; and found him to be a plump, pursey, round shouldered, light complexioned man, thirty-five years of age, and about six feet in height, with a vulgar sensual countenance, and a head indicating strong passions, great cunning and moderate intellect; in short the very man who, from his personal appearance, would be selected among a thousand, for a bully to a ten pin alley, or to brag at a horse-race. And his appearance does his character no injustice, for in manners and conversation he appears the sensualist, the bully and the brag. On our return to Montrose, he took passage on our skiff; the river at this place is about two miles across, and the wind being high, created quite a swell, and several times was near swamping our boat; Smith remarked to me as a wave larger than ordinary struck against the skiff, "I suppose you are not afraid because I am with you," to which I replied, "that remark reminds me of the distinguished Roman's 'Quid times? verbis Cesarem!'" but my classical display was as completely wasted upon him, as if I had made it in the presence of [a] Sioux Indian, for though Joe by inspiration translated the book of Mormon frpm hieroglyphics which would have puzzled Dr. Anthon himself, his powers as a linguist seem to be limited to Mormonism. Joe, on this occasion, had taken care to provide himself with a bottle of whiskey, from which during our passage across the river, he moistened his clay from time to time, until he became quite communicative, so much so as to amount to loquacity; thinking this a good opportunity to get an insight into his real character, I said to him "Smith, you are too sensible a man to be duped by this book of Mormon, come, now confess frankly that it is a fabrication designed to impose on the credulity of the weak-minded." To which he replied with a wink evidently intended to convey the idea that he was a knowing fellow, "you don't see things as I do, and never can until you are filled with the right spirit." I then told him that it was charged against him that he would occasionally get intoxicated, and that I was inclined to believe the report, since his condition at that very time was by no means saint-like. "Oh," said he, "if I didn't now and then indulge in the propensities of humanity, my followers would forget that I am a man of passions with themselves, and I fear, would worship me as though I was Divinity himself." This is the man who in the nineteenth century is looked up to by thousands as a prophet of the Almighty, sent to re-establish God's church on earth. Since this interview with Smith, my estimation of humanity has fallen away many degrees. Propagating a doctrine the most absurd, this sensual, degraded being is making proselytes by thousands in the two most enlightened nations on earth, and the devotion of his converts to this false creed, seems to be commensurate with its absurdity.

After the success which this impostor, and his confederates have already met with, if Mahomet, unassisted by, and in opposition to the Holy Scriptures, could establish a false system of religion, which has [endured] for ages, is it a groundless apprehension to fear, lest this artful pretender, engrafting, as he has on the Bible, the wild and fanciful doctrines of the book of Mormon, may be laying the basis of an imposture, more inimical to true Religion, if not as extensively credited, as the delusion of the false prophet of the earth. This is a subject which demands the serious consideration of the statesman, the philanthropist and the christian, in order that the proper means may be devised of arresting the progress of this dangerous fanaticism....   YANKEE TOURIST.


Notes: (forthcoming)

THE  MORMONS  IN  BOSTON
AND  VICINITY.

As every thing which relates to this unique sect is interesting at this time, we have concluded to give an account of their affairs in this city and vicinity. This information we have derived from Mr. Nickerson, the presiding elder in Boston. Their meetings are held at No. 82 Commercial street, on Sunday, at the usual hours of public worship, and are free to all. This church was formed on Wednesday, the 9th of March last, with little more than thirty members, most of which were baptized by elder Nickerson. The congregation has been large, and a great many have been obliged to turn away in consequence of the crowds which attend. In Chelsea, meetings are held occasionally, and one has been baptized. In Salem and vicinity about seventy have been baptized. In Medifield, Medway, Cape Cod, and many other places, meetings are also held. Mr. Nickerson says there never was such a call for preachers as at the present time. The church in Peterboro, Gilson, and neighborhood, numbers in all upwards of one hundred. What will the end be?


Note: The Dollar Weekly Bostonian began publication on Apr. 9, 1842, as the Saturday edition of the Boston Daily Ledger, (edited by W. Bartlett and published by Albert Morgan). Its masthead name seems to have been changed to "The Bostonian" before the paper ceased publication (late in 1842?). Both the Daily Ledger and the Bostonian appear to have taken a lively interest in the affairs of the Mormons in New England. The exact date of the above article has not been confirmed, but it probably came from the paper's initial issue of April 9th. The text reproduced above is taken from a reprint in the May 16, 1842 number of the Nauvoo Times & Seasons.

THE  MORMONS -- JOE SMITH,  THE  PROPHET.

Joe is decidedly the greatest original of the present day. He carries all before him when he undertakes an enterprise -- knows no impediment -- and never halts in his course till he has accomplished his object. His post, at the head of the Mormons, is a conspicuous one, and in a few years of such advancement as he has met with for the past year, will give him a numberless host of followers. We should not be surprised if Joe should become as omnipotent as ever the Pope was in his palmiest days. He is a genius -- and a rare one -- and all the armies of Satan, should they confront him in a solid phalanx, would be sure to meet with sore discomfiture, if not with complete annihilation. The true philosophy of goaheadity -- the quintessence of concentrated moral and spiritual energy-fears no combat-and although we cannot say it exactly courts danger, it never flies from the post of duty on its approach. -- We have so high an opinion of Joe Smith that we intend to open a correspondence with him in order to acquaint ourself with all his secret springs of action, and thus get all the secrets of his success, public and private, worldly and ecclesiastical.

The chapter from the recently recovered Book of Abraham, and the unique cut which illustrates it, on our outside, has occasioned us some expense; but we care not for that so long as we please our patrons, which we mean to do at all hazards, trusting to the good sense of the most enlightened public in this, or any other universe, for suitable remuneration.

The Mormons hold meetings in Boston regularly on the Sabbath, somewhere in commercial street, and are equally successful in saving souls, healing the sick and restoring sight to the blind. Meetings are also held in Chelsea, and the cause is on the increase in that place.

Will Elder Nickerson, or some of the brethren, furnish us with the statistics?


Note: The exact date of the above article is unknown, but it probably came from the issue of April 9th or that of April 16th, reproducing an earlier piece in the Boston Daily Ledger. The text provided above is taken from a reprint in the May 16, 1842 issue of the Nauvoo Times & Seasons. The editor of the latter adds these remarks: "It will be seen by several extracts taken from different papers, that the press is changing its tone a little, in regard to the subject of Mormonism; many of the most respectable, influential, and widely circulated periodicals are beginning to look at Mormonism... The first cut of a fac simile from the Book of Abraham, has been re-published both in the New York Herald, and in the Dollar Weekly Bostonian, as well as in the Boston Daily Ledger, Edited By Mr. Bartlett; together with the translation from the Book of Abraham. Mr. Bartlett says that he "intends opening a correspondence with us, that he may acquaint himself with our public and private acts." &c. we can assure Mr. Bartlett that we shall be most happy to put him in possession of any information that he may require pertaining to our society, as we have always courted publicity, and investigation, and chose light rather than darkness. -- ED."

LATTER DAY  SAINTS  AGAIN.

We have the pleasure to lay before our readers the following letter from Elder Nickerson, the presiding elder of the church of Latter Day Saints in Boston, who believes, to use his own words, that "wickedness will soon be swept from the earth, and that the day of universal righteousness will set in during this generation, when our offices shall all become peace, and our exactions righteousness:"

BOSTON, April 11, 1842.                   

To the Editor of the Daily Ledger:

DEAR SIR: -- Observing a request in your paper for information of the situation and progress of the Latter Day Saints in Boston vicinity, I rejoice that I have this opportunity. The cause of truth is onward in this city and the region round about. I commenced preaching in Boston on the 30th of May last, in Winchester hall, in the forenoon, and in the afternoon took a part in the free discussion, which I followed for several months, when one of the number which was called infidels, began to believe in the truth of the Old and New Testaments, which the world calls Mormonism. The individual was Mr. Abijah Tewkesbury, who opened his shipping office, and seated it, for free preaching. He was the first that was baptized in Boston. Three others were baptized on the 9th of January, 1842. I have held fore and afternoon meetings at 82 Commercial street ever since. There was a branch organized in Boston, numbering thirty, including one elder and three priests, on the 9th of March. The great inquiry after truth still continues. Several are added to the church weekly. I have baptized in Boston and vicinity. Some from Maine, some have gone to sea in vessels, several in Lynn, four in Medfield, and seven in Cape Cod, and all are strong in the faith, and in good standing. I have baptized in all a little rising fifty persons. There are calls for preaching on every side.

We have meetings in private houses through the city, nearly every evening. People of all classes come to hear, and it is rare that one goes away dissatisfied. The honest in heart are coming out; and I think will every one join the church. There is likewise a branch organized in Salem. Brother Snow is preaching there. His church has sixty two members, and is increasing every week. There is one elder and one priest. Elder Maginn is preaching in Peterboro, Gilson, and vicinity, where there are several branches, numbering about one hundred. I understand twenty have been baptized in one day. A branch has been established also, in Northbridge, of upwards of thirty members, and is on the increase; Elder Swett presides.

I am now in Boston, and invite all the honest in heart, both priests and people, to come and hear for themselves, as I do believe the end of this age is near at hand, and the fulness of the gospel is preached, and the honest in heart, or the elect of God will be gathered in from the four quarters of the earth, and a new era, a reign of righteousness will commence on the earth, which will continue for a thousand years. If any, either priests or people, desire an interview for information, they will please give me their names street and number, and time that they would wish for me to come and see them, and if possible I will attend to the call with pleasure. Have you souls worth saving? If so, do not neglect to investigate. Paul's religion persecuted the saints, but the gospel of Christ, he was not ashamed of, for it is the power of God unto salvation to them that believe.

We believe in faith in the Lord Jesus Christ -- repentance-baptism for the remission of sins -- laying on of hands for the reception of the Holy Ghost -- with all the prophecies and blessings which did follow the ancient saints -- such as casting out devils in the name of Christ healing the sick, and so forth, which signs do follow many of those that believe, in the city of Boston. Come and see.
                                               FREEMAN NICKERSON.

P. S. Likewise the devil is cast out by the word of God, and the sick are healed by the prayer of faith, and anointed with oil, and the poor have the gospel preached to them without money; and I request the citizens and authorities of the city of Boston, to open a house for the servant of the people, that the Lord hath sent to this city to warn the people of the destruction which will take place in this generation, that is now on the earth, and teach them how they may escape, and come through and abide the day of the second coming of Christ, to reign on the earth a thousand years. Quench not the spirit, despise not prophecyings, prove all things, hold fast that which is good.
.

Note: The exact date of the above article is unknown, but it evidently came from the issue of April 16th or that of April 23rd. The text is taken from a reprint in the May 16, 1842 issue of the Nauvoo Times & Seasons.

MORMONS. There are some Mormons preaching up in Middlesex Village, who, it is said, are doing a smart business in the proselyte line.


Note: William Schouler (1814-72), was the proprietor and editor of the Lowell "Courier in 1841-47, after which he became the editor of the Boston Daily Atlas. Schouler evidently took a personal interest in Mormonism and its origins, and his columns featured several articles on that subject.

THE  MORMONS,
OR  LATTER DAY SAINTS.

This increasing but persecuted sect, it seems to us, are the only consistent sect now extant. They are the only sect who act up on strict accordance to the Scripture. They are in fact, the only sect who act as if they believed what they profess. In the last chapter of the Epistle of St. James, it is written: "If there be any illness among you, ye shall call for the elders of the Church, and anoint yourselves with oil in the name of the Lord." Here is a plain prescription for the cure of disease, coming directly from God, according to the professed belief of Christians; coming certainly from God, if the New Testament be a divinely inspired volume, Yet how few Christians there are who would not laugh to scorn the very suggestion to treat their sick in this manner! Instead of the elders of the Church, modern Christians send for a physician, and instead of anointing with oil, they dose the patient with drugs which were unknown to St. James or any of the apostles. Does not this neglect of the plain advice of scripture prove that modern Christians believe themselves wise above what is written, and that they are willing to set at naught one of the commands of an inspired Apostle, because they believe themselves wiser than he?

Not so with the Latter Day Saints. They act up to their professed faith.-Believing the Bible to be truly the word of God, and not a mere make believe system of religion, they abide by the commands of scripture in relation to their sick, as well as in relation to matters of mere theological faith. They believe that the Bible is just as good authority for one thing as another; that the command of God with respect to the treatment of invalids, is as worthy of obedience as his command with respect to the treatment of sinners; that God's work is as good authority in law and medicine as in theology. Orthodox Christians, on the contrary, despite the authority of the Bible with regard to all matters of science. They seem to consider the omniscient God as ignorant of every thing in the world except morals and theology. Hence, if his word says that all unbelievers are damned, they believe his word on that point, though our own reason declares that we are not accountable for mistakes of opinion. If, on the other hand, God's word declares, that the earth was created in six days, and that the sun and stars are mere lights in the firmament, set there to give light to mankind, Christians reject the idea, because it is contrary to science. They reject also the commands of God in relation to the treatment of the sick, because they are proved to be absurd by medical science and experience.

Not long since, a coroner's inquest was held in London over the body of Elizabeth Morgan, aged 55 years, whose death was alleged to have been caused through improper treatment by unqualified persons. She belonged to the sect of Latter Day Saints, and was treated during her illness, according to the usual custom of her sect, who agreeably to the commands of St. James, "pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord." What was the consequence of this literal obedience to the command of Scripture, in this Christian Land? After Elizabeth Morgan died, her body was taken by the Christian authorities, and inspected, in order to find cause for punishing her friends and attendants for their abiding by the directions of the Apostle, instead of sending for proper medical aid! The jury returned a verdict of "natural death," but took occasion to caution the sect how they acted in such cases for the future.

Now is it not evident from the proceedings in this case and other similar cases, that Christians, who call the Latter Day Saints a foolish sect on account of their literal obedience to the commands of Scripture, believe the commands of Scripture foolish in regard to almost all matters except those which merely concern one's theological faith? Is it not evident that they believe the omniscient God to be perfect ignoramus in all matters of science? O, ye generation of hypocrites! why do ye not throw away your Bible altogether, which commands men to do the very things which ye condemn as foolish and absurd?


Note: This srticle was reprinted in the June 1, 1842 issue of the Nauvoo Times & Seasons.

MORMON  VIEWS  OF  BAPTISM.

A mormon preacher was present at the discussion of the subject of Baptism, in the Newark Convention. At the close of it, he requested liberty, and was allowed, to give his sentiments on the subject. The following is a specimen of his reasoning. "Paul planted and Apollos watered. Plants will not grow unless they are watered; so men must be watered in order to be saved. This matter may well be compared to the working of a steam engine. The engine will not work without steam, so men cannot be saved without the Holy Ghost. But steam cannot be had without water; so men cannot get the Holy Ghost without baptism!" The preacher was a little disconcerted on being referred to Acts x. 44-48, where it appears that the Holy Ghost was given to the Gentiles before they were baptized.


Note: The convention referred to in this report was one involving religious Perfectionists at Temperance Hall in Newark, N. J. on May, 12-13, 1842. The LDS preacher's crude theological analogy probably made more sense to uneducated, working class Mormon converts than it did to Mr. Noyes.

The Latter-Day Saints have been giving two or three lectures on the beauties and benefits of Mormonism, with what success we have not heard. If they are left to themselves, and not brought into importance by opposition. The agitation will, we have no doubt, die a natural death. -- Cheltenham Examiner.


Notes: (forthcoming)

Mormonism -- Some  Curious  Facts.

GROTON, May 23, 1842.            

MESSRS EDITORS: Having noticed in a late number of the Signs of the Times, a notice of a work, entitled Mormon Delusions and Monstrosities, it occurred to me that it might, perhaps, be of service to the cause of truth, to state one circumstance in relation to the authentocity of the Book of Mormon, which occurred during its publication, at which time I was a practical printer, and engaged in the office where it was printed, and became familiar with the men and their principles, through whose agency it was "got up."

The circumstance alluded to was as follows: -- We had heard much said by Martin Harris, the man who paid for the printing, and the only one in the concern worth any property, about the wonderful wisdom of the translators of the mysterious plates, and resolved to test their wisdom. Accordingly, after putting one sheet in type, we laid it aside, and told Harris it was lost, and there could be a serious deflection in the book in consequence, unless another sheet like the original could be produced. The announcement threw the old gentleman into quite an excitement. But after a few moments; reflection, he said he would try to obtain another. After two or three weeks, another sheet was produced, but no more like the original than any other sheet of paper would have been, written over by a common schoolboy, after having read, as they did, the manuscripts preceding and succeeding the lost sheet.

As might be expected, the disclosure of the plan greatly annoyed the authors, and caused no little merriment among those who were acquainted with the circumstance. As we were none of us Christians, and only labored for the "gold that perisheth," we did not care for the delusion, only so far as to be careful to avoid it ourselves, and enjoy the hoax. Not one of the hands in the office where the wonderful book was printed, ever became a convert to the system, although the writer of this was often assured by Harris, if he did not, he would be destroyed in 1832.

I am well acquainted with the two gentlemen whose names appear on pages 50, 51, in the work referred to at the head of this article, and know the certificate above their names to be true. I have known several instances of the grossest impostures by them in their pretensions of working miracles, &c. &c., and am greatly surprised that such a man as Nickerson, of your city, can induce any rational person to follow in his pernicious ways.

Mrs. Harris, the wife of Martin Harris, was so familiar with the monstrous wickedness and folly of her husband, and the trio who were engaged with him, that she would not follow him, nor live with him. His conduct was not such as a man of God would have been. After he had been absent about two years, and frequent reports of his having power to heal the sick, &c., had reached his neighborhood, he returned, and assured his wife that he could cure her of deafness, with which she was afflicted. But as a condition of so doing, he requested her to put into his hands about $1500 of money which she had managed to secure out of the avails of his property, which he sold on joining the "Latter Day Saints" colony. She assured him he should have every dollar as soon as her hearing was restored. But he very wisely replied, he could "have no evidence of her faith until she put the cash down;" so, of course, she remained deaf, and Martin went back to the "promised land," with pockets as light as when he came.

This is, no doubt, one of the great deceptions which should come upon the people on the eve of the second coming of the Son of Man. Let the saints of God beware of them. Let no persecution or violence be opposed to them, but simply an avoidance, and we shall soon find them without faith.
                      Yours in the gospel of Christ.
Groton, May 23, 1842.                               J. N. T. TUCKER.


Note 1: It is practically impossible to determine, at this late date, if any of Tucker's recollections are true facts. If he was indeed "a practical printer," J. N. T. may have been a brother of Pomeroy Tucker, who once published the Wayne Sentinel and who worked in that paper's office in Palmyra -- where the book was printed during 1829-30. It is difficult to believe that Martin Harris would have been the person who dealt with the Palmyra printers on a daily basis, and especially so when Oliver Cowdery and Hyrum Smith are known to have supervised that part of the printing of the Book of Mormon which entailed supplying the text and proofreading the printing. It is likely that they took a sample copy of every form as it went through the press, just as John H. Gilbert did.

Note 2: On the other hand, Mr. Tucker's story may have some core of fact in it somewhere. A somehat similar, but very strange and obviously garbled version of Joseph Smith's "scribes" and the missing sheet was published as early as 1838, in England, Canada and America. See the Nov. 26, 1838 issue of the Philadelphia American Sentinel and the Dec. 15, 1838 issue of the Hartford Connecticut Courant for copies of the tale.

REV. DR. GEORGE MONTGOMERY WEST. -- This redoubtable champion of the Cross, who a few months since visited Boston for the purpose of arguing down Infidelity but who got argued down himself and was glad to be off with what remained of him, has, after repairing his damages, appeared again in this city, and commenced a job at preaching. He had some difficulty, we suspect, in obtaining a house, or he would have selected some other than a Church of the Millerites! An English clergyman and a "D. D" ought to command a station more exalted, and he would, if he is what he pretends to be. How does it happen, that a "Rev. Dr.," of the Episcopal order, can find admittance only to the houses of Free Will Baptists, a small and insignificant sect? There is something in this that looks suspicious, A clergyman unsustained by his own denomination, yet at the same time thrusting himself upon others, is either a person who cannot be trusted by those who know him, or he is one who is attempting to palm himself upon people who he imagines have not sagacity enough to detect imposition.

We understand that the "Dr." preached on Sunday evening last in Chardon Street Chapel -- the church of the Rev. Dr. Himes, a prominent disciple of Miller. His subject was Mormonism and Infidelity, and he attempted to show their identity! -- most slanderously alleging, in his printed hand-bills, that both doctrines "are made up of and imply the principles of madness, blasphemy, lying, fraud, plunder, treason, and murder"! -- Here is the spirit of a Christiany. And to disseminate this benevolent and merciful spirit, the good, pious Rev. Mr. George Montgomery West, D. D., employs his time and talents! Verily, the "Dr." has cause to he thankful for the charitable feelings he has imbibed from Christianity. We were always aware, however, that he had been greatly benefitted in this particular; but we had no idea that his philanthropy was unbounded. We trust he experiences no injury from the excessive liberality with which he pours out his kindness on the heads of the poor Infidels and Mormons.

Seriously, such wholesale abuse and slander as this Mr. West indulges in, simply proves that he is as ignorant of the doctrines on which he comments, as he is destitute of truth and candor. His assertions may perhaps be credited by his dupes, who may look upon him as a saint, though we doubt if there can be found a single Mormon or Infidel in the whole country who is not his superior in every quality that constitutes an honorable man.


Note: See Tyler Parsons' 1841 pamphlet Mormon Fanaticism Exposed -- See also the contempory writings of LaRoy Sunderland and Origen Bacheler.

ADAMS'S  LECTURES  IN  BOSTON.

Mr. Editor, -- Having attended the lectures lately delivered at the Boylston Hall by Mr. Adams, the Mormon lecturer of the city of New York, who has just returned from England where he has been for the last fifteen months declaring what he calls "the glories of the new and everlasting covenant," I thought a short review of said lectures would prove interesting to the readers of your valuable paper; and I have no hesitation in saying that Elder Nickerson has made a decided hit in getting Mr. Adams to assist him at this time, as the large, intelligent, and attentive congregations that have attended to hear his lectures fully prove.

His first lecture was delivered on Wednesday evening, June 1st, in which he gave his reasons for renouncing Methodism, and embracing the doctrines and principles of the Latter-day Saints. His reasoning was unanswerable, and the way he walked into the affections of their supposed God, without body, parts, or passions, was a caution to Yankee sinners. At the close he gave an opportunity for the Methodists to defend their system, and although some of their preachers were present, they said not a word -- for they well knew the bible condemned their creed. On Thursday evening he fully showed the ignorance and folly of Millerism, clearly proving by the scriptures that the Jews must be gathered home from their long dispersion, and rebuild their city on its own heaps of ruins, even Jerusalem itself, before Christ should come. On Friday and Saturday evenings he introduced a talented young elder from Nauvoo, named Snow, who clearly set forth that the doctrine of Christ was, and is, the same in all ages, and that the Church of Christ, when he has an organized church on the earth, is composed of the same offices, the same ordinances, and has in it the same gifts and blessings. On Sunday, Mr. Adams lectured on the second coming of Christ, and gave much light on that subject, showing that it would take place before this present generation shall pass away. He proved also, if the bible is true, that the second advent must take place before 1880. In the course of the lecture he threw much light on the subject of the "Ancient of Days," showing him not to be the Lord Jesus Christ, nor God the Father, but that he is old father Adam, who shall sit as a great patriarch at the head of the whole family, when the second Adam, the Lord from heaven, the Son of Man shall come with the clouds, and come to the Ancient of Days, and the Saints should take the kingdom, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, according to Daniel, c. vii. He also declared, as it was in the days of Noah, so now God had called a prophet, viz. Joseph Smith, to warn this generation to prepare for the coming of the Son of Man, and labored to show the injustice of destroying any generation without first warning them. In the afternoon he spoke on the subject of the resurrection, and every one that heard him, that said anything upon the subject, acknowledged that it surpassed every thing they ever heard on the final destiny of man. He first showed that the living soul is in its full meaning composed of two eternal principles -- matter and spirit; that through disobedience man became a dying soul.

He then clearly set forth that Christ became the first fruits of them that slept at his resurrection, or the first saved soul, or the type or pattern of every soul that will be saved; and that the soul consisted of the spirit and body being re-united at the resurrection, no more to be separated; and that the soul thus raised would be composed of flesh, bones, and spirit, but not blood. He then fully established the reign of Christ on earth one thousand years, with those that have part in the first resurrection, and gave much light on the full sway after the unbinding of Satan at the close of the reign of peace; and then spoke of the last struggle between the powers of darkness and of light, when death itself shall be conquered and immortality alone endure. When he came to dwell on the second resurrection, the new heavens and the new earth, the whole congregation seemed for a moment to forget that they were listening to a poor despised Latter-day Saint or Mormon, and tears of joy fell from their eyes in abundance, that plainly indicated they were wrapped up in the subject before them. He then sweetly spoke of the bringing back of the tree of life, that caused many hearts to rejoice.

In the evening he preached on the reorganization of the Church of Christ and the marriage supper of the Lamb, showing that the Church of Christ had been disorganized and driven in the wilderness, and the priesthood or authority by which men act in the name of Jesus Christ had been caught up unto the throne of God, until the dispensation of the fulness of times should be ushered in by the ministry of angels in fulfilment of many prophecies of the scriptures. He then set forth the scarlet coloured beast and her daughters, who compose the present sectarian world. He also showed that every sect on earth at the present time received their priesthood or authority through the Church of Rome or nowhere, for they all deny a later revelation than eighteen hundred years ago. He then appealed to the people, declaring that the Latter-day Saints were the only people on earth that believed in revelations in this age, and that they were the only society on earth that were contending for the faith once delivered to the saints -- and that the sects of the present time plainly told the people that the gifts of God could not be enjoyed, "for they were all done away in this enlightened age." He then declared that God had, in fulfilment of his word, reorganized the church with all the offices, ordinances, gifts, and blessings, according to the New Testament pattern; that the bride, the Lamb's wife, that is the church, should make herself ready to enter in at the marriage supper of the Lamb.

At the close a gentleman arose and told Mr. Adams that if he would work a miracle he would believe and be baptized, for all the servants that God ever sent worked miracles to convince the people. Mr. Adams then arose and said he thought God had sent many prophets that did not work miracles, and named Noah and about a dozen others; he then showed that Christ said a wicked and an adulterous generation seek after a sign -- that the devil was the first sign-seeker in the days of Christ. He then held up the bible and said, if the gentleman would show him one place in the New Testament that a servant of God ever gave a sign to make a man believe, he would do the same sign forthwith -- this the gentleman failed to do, and so the matter ended. In conclusion, I must say, that notwithstanding I am no Mormon, yet as far as I have heard them, they preach the truth.   A LOVER OF TRUTH.


Note 1: Elder Reed M. Holmes, in his 1981 volume The Forerunners said: "The [Mormon missionary] conquest of Boston [in 1842] was carried in detail in the Weekly Bostonian. This time a correspondent covered events regarding the Latter Day Saints without prejudice. His eye was open to the possibility that they might be onto something of significance.

Note 2: While the unidentified Bostonian correspondent may indeed have been "no Mormon," the prevarication exhibited by Willard Richards -- in corresponding with the Boston Bee under a false Gentile identity -- leaves the question of LDS truthfulness open in all contemporary communications of this nature.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE INVESTIGATOR: --

Dear Sir: -- I have been informed that you attended the lectures of the Rev. Dr. George M. West at the Chardon Street Chapel the past week, for the purpose of replying to the slanderous charges which he has circulated, by means of advertisements, against the whole infidel community. Your motive, I am well aware, was just and praiseworthy; but I was surprised, after the knowledge you have received of the character and standing of that individual, that you should consider him worthy of notice. The letter from Mr. Benjamin Offen of New York, which you published in your paper of the 13th of April, shows the Reverend in his true colors, find amply confirms the suspicion I had I entertained of him, namely -- that his veracity cannot be relied upon. I formed this opinion of Dr. West upon his first appearance among us, and expressed it to him in my letter of April 7th, a copy of which was also published in your paper. The course he has recently pursued in this city, stamps him with additional meanness. He has published to the inhabitants of Boston, in glaring capitals, that Infidelity is identical with Mormonism, thus amalgamating Infidels with the most fanatical sect of Christians. And, as if his malicious spirit knew no bounds, he directly implies, in his printed handbills, that the Infidels, in common with the Mormons, are guilty (I use his own words) of "Madness, Blasphemy, Deception, Lying, Fraud, Plunder, Treason, and Murder"!

A man who can deliberately put forth such falsehoods as these, is altogether unworthy of your attention, and you only injure yourself by bestowing it. Why, five out of the seven charges are indictable offences, and two of them capital offences, punishable with death! This of itself is a sufficient demonstration of his worthlessness and utter disregard of truth and candor. He must know, if he knows any thing of the Mormons and Infidels, that they bear no resemblance to each other. The Mormons are Christians; emphatically so, for they believe the Bible throughout. But if Dr. West honestly wishes to remove their delusions, let him do it by fair and manly reasoning, by arguments which show a desire to benefit their minds instead of traducing their characters. Infidels have no connection with Mormons. On the contrary, they have always opposed them; and in proof of this assertion, I beg leave to mention a fact with which you are well acquainted, that I have lately published a book of 102 pages, entitled" Mormon Fanaticism Exposed," which conclusively shows that the Rev. Dr. is incorrect in regard to one Infidel, at least. If there are any Infidels, however, who choose to become amalgamated with the Mormons, or any other fanatical Christian sect, they are welcome to do so. So long as they are moral men and good citizens, they will find no true Infidel disposed to treat them with unkindness, much less to publicly brand them with treason and murder as has been done by that Christian champion, the "Rev. George Montgomery West, D. D." The character of the Mormons should be decided by their general conduct; so should the character of Infidels; and, so I trust will be, the character of their Reverend libeller.

The publicity of the above expression of opinion, as it is well known that I was somewhat involved in your former controversy with West, will confer a favor on
     Yours, respectfully, TYLER PARSONS.
Boston, 14th June, 1842.

We fully concur in the opinion of our worthy friend, respecting the contemptible course pursued by West, and have no doubt that his intimation, to let him alone, is the most appropriate answer to his abuse and insolence. But the fact is, we cannot listen to misrepresentations, without being impelled to offer a reply. It may not always be the most judicious method, but we cannot conscientiously pursue any other, for it appears to us a duty, when we hear our friends unjustly charged, to stand forth in their defence, whether the charge be flung out in a church or any where else.


Note: See Tyler Parsons' 1841 pamphlet Mormon Fanaticism Exposed -- See also the contempory writings of LaRoy Sunderland and Origen Bacheler.

DR. WEST AND THE MORMONS. -- A discussion on the subject of Mormonism was commenced at the Marlboro' Chapel, on Monday evening between Dr. West and Mr. G. J. Adams, a Mormon Elder. The audience was numerous; and, for Christian people, as orderly as could be expected -- that is, rather boisterous. However the affair went off pretty well, and was, on the whole, quite interesting. The valiant Dr. did his best, but he got most essentially mauled and "used up." The Mormon, with the whole Bible at his tongue's end, bore down upon him with a torrent of Scripture that swept away his objections like chaff before the hurricane, and the doughty Dr. was fairly at a loss how to get hold of him. This practice of quoting Scripture is a knock down argument with Christians; and as it can be made to prove Mormonism just as well as any thing else, the poor fellows had to swallow it -- though we perceived that many of them made most awful faces. Mr. Adams is a perfect tearer on the Bible quotations; and the way he brought them to bear in confirmation of Mormonism, must have sorely puzzled many of the faithful. To the infidel, however, it afforded another evidence, if any were wanting, that the Bible, in regard to doctrines, as it is made to prove every thing, proves in fact nothing -- or rather, nothing that is consistent.

---

HYPOCRISY EXPOSED, or J. V. Himes weighed in the balances of truth, honesty, and common sense, andfound wanting; being a reply to a pamphlet put forth by him entitled Mormon Delusions and Monstrosities -- by John Hardy. -- When Christian sects fall out among themselves, which, by the way, is a very common infirmity with the "brethren," the Infidel is about the only person qualified to judge impartially between them, because he cares not a fig for either. In the little pamphlet before us, we have a case in point -- the Mormonites versus the Millerites. It seems that the Rev. Joshua V. Himes, the right hand man of the Prophet Miller, fearful of being superseded by the Mormons in this quarter, published a book of their supposed "Monstrosities," intending thereby to acquire fame as an author, and at the same time gather together a snug quantum of the "mammon of unrighteousness." The idea of a Miller man rebuking the Mormons on account of their delusions is something so entirely ridiculous, that out of sheer pity to Mr. Himes we must believe him to be a pious buffoon. We see no other alternative, unless we call him a knave; and that would be not less untrue, than unpolite. He is certainly not a knave; -- but, as the Christian world goes, an honest man, though dreadfully simple. It will at once be perceived, that a person with such an enormous heam in his own eye, has but little capacity to detect the mote in his neighbor's. And such is the case. His catchpenny concern abounds with misrepresentations, and is marked throughout with that narrow and illiberal spirit which is so characteristic of a bigot and an ignoramus. -- Although the Mormons believe implicitly every word of the Bible, and we venture to say, are quite as conscientious as himself, yet, for a difference of opinion, he would, had he the power, send them all to perdition. We are always glad to see this contemptible spirit lashed as it deserves; and on this account, the pamphlet of Mr. Hardy has enabled us to pass away an hour very pleasantly. He handles the Reverend without gloves; successfully refutes his charges; and sets him before the public as he really is -- a clerical "monstrosity" of the most pitiful shape.

As for Mormonism itself, We look upon it as the wildest delusion, yet as the most consistent Christianity. Its advocates are more thorough in their belief of the Bible, than any sect with which we are acquainted; and deserve, therefore, to receive from Christians the treatment of brethren. But instead of this, they are eternally persecuted by them, in one way or another; their motives impeached, their characters slandered, and every stigma heaped upon them that sectarian malice can invent. For our own part, we are free to say that we believe the Mormons, as a class, are the most sincere, liberal, and benevolent Christians in the whole country; and that if we must have the Christian Superstition fastened upon us in some one of its gorgon shapes, we would as soon welcome it in the form of Mormonism as in any other 'ism.


Note: Elder John Hardy's "Hypocrisy Exposed" pamphlet is available on-line. It should not be confused with his 1844 booklet, History of the Trials of John Hardy.

==> MARLBORO' CHAPEL. Great public debate and discussion, every evening until further notice, In Marlboro' Chapel, between Dr. West and Elder Adams, on the exciting subject of "Mormonism," so called, in relation to the Book of Mormon, Military movements, alleged 200,000 converts, prophetic and miracle working pretensions, inspiration, supremacy, and other astounding claims. Dr. West undetakes to substantiate his preferred "charged" of blasphemy, imposture, murder, &c. &c., which charges Elder Adams, the Apostle and advocate of the "latter day Saints," undertakes to disprove and refute. Doors open at half-past 7 o'clock each evening -- Discussion to commence at 8 o'clock. Clergy admitted free.


Note 1: The "Rev. Dr." George Montgomery West was a shady character, equal in deviousness to Elder George J. Adams himself. A sample of Rev. West's rhetoric can be found in the Episcopal Recorder of Apr. 10, 1841, where, writing under the pen name of "Primitivus," he reported: "[in 1838] Mr. Rigdon even proposed that blood should first begin to flow in the streets of Far West... said he would assist in erecting a gallows on the square, and hang all the dissenters. [Joseph] Smith was present, and followed Rigdon. He spoke of the fate of Judas, and said that Peter had hung him... and that he approved of Mr. Rigdon's sermon and called it a good one."

Note 2: For more on Elder G. J. Adams see the Philadelphia Daily Evening Bulletin of Aug. 20, 1867, as well as David J. Whittaker's "East of Nauvoo: Benjamin Winchester and the Early Mormon Church" in Journal of Mormon History 21 (Fall 1995): p. 55.

GREAT  DISCUSSION  ON  MORMONISM

BETWEEN DR. WEST AND ELDER ADAMS,
AT THE MARLBORO CHAPEL.

MR. EDITOR: --

I understand that Mr. Adams is a native of New Jersey and for many years, a resident of the city of New York, where, about two years ago, he was converted from Methodism to Mormonism so called, or the doctrines of the self-styled "Latter Day Saints," since which time he has labored much on both sides the Atlantic, as he says "to bring others to a knowledge of the glorious work of the latter days." He is rather slim built, about 34 years of age, and his appearance before an audience must certainly give the lie to those who pronounce the Mormons all fools. Dr. West is a robust Englishman, about 50 years old, and he too, I am informed, once stood connected with the Methodist church, and had charge of some congregation in Canada; but in consequence of some singular transactions, he "took himself off," and ingratiated himself into the favor of the Episcopalians of Ohio, and under the especial patronage of Bishop Chase, performed some feats in England and "elsewhere," in consequence of which he again necessarily changed friends and patrons, and he now calls himself "one of God's volunteers," but what society (if any) he now stands connected with, is hard to determine, either from rumor or any answer Adams has yet forced from him. Whether his feats were of so glorious a character that one society sought to get him from the other, or so inglorious that each in turn sought to rid themselves of him, I leave for those that know better than myself to determine. So much for the belligerent parties, and now for the origin of this debate A certain religious society sent for Dr. West to come and deliver a course of lectures in this city against Infidelity and Mormonism. Accordingly while Mr. Adams was delivering his lectures in Boylston Hall, The Doctor announced bono publico in handbills, that he would furnish a reply to said lectures in Chardan Street Chapel, and show that Mormonism is made up of, and implien [implied] the principles of lying, fraud, blasphemy, theft, robbery treason and murder. Mr. Adams read the handbill before the public and challenged the Doctor to meet him on honorable ground, to discuss the subject of his charges, any time after the 19th inst. as his engagements in Lowell, Peterboro, and elsewhere precluded the possibility of his meeting him sooner. But while Adams is absent, a committee appointed by West and his hearers, announce in the papers that the Doctor having accepted a challenge, would discuss the subject in Marlboro' Chapel, which they have engaged for that purpose. Admittance by tickets at 12 1/2 cts. The Infidels also were invited to participate in the discussion, but as the rules were drafted by his committee, gave him about two thirds of the time, they declined being used as the cats paws to extract the shilling from the pockets of the people, to line those of West; therefore the Doctor occupied the house himself several evenings, and for aught I know, bore away the spoils, as of course he did the laurels, when there was none to pluck them from him. But Monday evening, the 20th inst. brought Elder Adams, agreeable to promise, to assist the Doctor in his discussion, before a large and respectable audience. The Rev. Mr. Taylor was called to the chair and two secretaries appointed. The odious portions of his rules were then brought before the audience and abolished. Twenty minutes were fixed upon for each speaker to occupy alternately. Relating to the funds collected, D. West opposed an equal division between the disputants, and Elder Adams therefore proposed to give the net proceeds of the debate to the Temperance Society -- instead of Dr. West first making that proposition as the reporter of "the Mail" stated. By the way, I would caution Mr. "Mail" to watch his dog, for he is very apt to bark up the wrong tree, and in reading his reports of the debate, I was inclined to think that he understood with his elbow or wrote 'many things that nobody could remember,' as he said of the secretaries. However, the question of the funds was referred to a joint committee, who at a subsequent meeting reported that they had agreed after defraying the expenses of the debate to give the rest of the proceeds to the Washingtonian Society. Now we come to the debate and what shall I say. The disputants reminded me of the paddy's flea, when he put his finger on him he was not there. They seemed to talk about any thing else but the chosen question, each accused the other of wandering from the subject, and neither the chairman, nor the audience, could keep them to it. But as the Doctor was to lead the way and prove his charges, he was the most censurable, as Elder Adams had to follow his wanderings or strike off another course. The Doctor is a master of language, and very sarcastic, but his proofs are all assertions, his arguments assumptions, his reasons ridicule; and he seems determined to frighten the Mormons away by looks and expressions of horror, and annihilate their system by a flower of rhetoric, appealing to the well known prejudices of the people, instead of their understanding. Three evenings have passed away and the auditors have been anxiously looking for the astounding arguments that is to show the blasphemous, treasonable, and murderous tendency of Mormonism; but still they have to console themselves with his assertion, that he can prove it. The only argument I collect of his producing as yet, to prove charges, is the testimony of the witnesses to the Book of Mormon, and others testifying to the advent of an angel, &c. which he pronounced blasphemous in this age. To which his antagonist replied that by the same rule, all prophets, apostles and inspired men of old, were blasphemers for testifying to the ministry of angels, and the manifestations of God to them. They had some dispute about the application of the 29th chapter of Isaiah, which was brought in support of the Book of Mormon, but Dr. West expressed great astonishment and aversion to the course of Mr. Adams in adverting to the bible to prove any thing pertaining to Mormonism; that of itself, he considered, if not blasphemous, a great insult to a christian community.

Elder Adams did not wonder that Dr. West wished him to let the Bible alone, for he well knew the result of investigating it. But he did not catch him there, for Adams quoted scriptures in such torrents as sometimes astonished the people, and made his antagonist writhe under it. Having no argument relating to murder, treason, &c. to refute, and being unwilling to follow West in his wanderings, Adams took up his time in briefly wiping off his sarcasms, and proving his doctrine from the Bible, which he seemed to have all on the end of his tongue.

The first evening he showed the falling away of the church from the primitive order of the Gospel, and the many corruptions, divisions, and traditions that had succeeded it, and that the various Protestant denominations were entirely dependent on the church of Rome for their authority to administer in holy things, unless they had new revelations, for there was no succession of priesthood after the apostles, unless through that channel.

The second night he referred to Genesis chap. xlviii, 14, 21-and chap. xlix, 22, 27, and other places; likewise to American Antiquities, to prove that the aborigines were descendants of Joseph, and then referred to Ezekiel xxxvii. 15-22, in proof of what he said. From the ancient custom of the Jews writing upon parchment and rolling it round sticks, he argued that the writing on the stick of Judah mentioned in the text, was the Bible coming from the Jews, and the stick of Joseph was the Book of Mormon written by the seed of Joseph. These arguments were not refuted.

The third night he quoted the 24th chapter of Isaiah, 5th verse, to prove that the christian world because of apostacy have broken the Gospel covenant, transgressed its laws, changed its ordinances, &c. hence the necessity of new revelations to renew the covenant and restore the priesthood. This too was left unanswered. The Doctor should have put forth his "strong reasons" before the discussion ended, but either he had none or could not bring them forth if he had. I hope they will be forthcoming, or I do not know but I shall be compelled to be a Mormon!

The discussion closed on Friday evening at 11 o'clock, having done immense good towards disseminating the doctrines of the Latter Day Saints. The audience were highly excited.   Q.


Note: Dr. George M. West seems to have made it his hobby to expose what he considered to be Mormon wrongdoings. A few months later (in September) he joined forces with the traveling John C. Bennett, to give audiences at lectures held in Boston and Salem a further dose of anti-Mormonism.

THE. MORMON DISCUSSION. -- The discussion between Dr. West and Elder Adams, alluded to in our last, was brought to a close on Friday, having occupied five evenings. It was well attended throughout; and the nUdience, with some few exceptions, appeared disposed to listen patiently. We certainly have no great relish for Mormonism, and should rejoice to see every vestige of the wild delusion entirely obliteratetd; but candor obliges us to affirm us our opinion, that Mr. Adams defended it in a masterly manner, and so ingeniously and fairly supported it by the Bible, as to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Mormonism is the doctrine of the Bible; provided it teaches any one particular doctrine more than another. Were the Bible true, Mormonism is true -- but "there's the rub!" Dr. West, therefore, could do scarcely any thing towards disproving Mormonism on Bible ground; while the charges he preferred against its practice, such as treason, murder, &c., were not supported at all, or rather, were supported by no better evidence than the idle stories invented by Christian enemies. -- The fact is -- and every man not blinded by priestcraft will admit it -- the Mormons have been most outrageously persecuted, and their characters believed to be just what their persecutors have represented them. Hence the attempt of the Rev. Dr. West to fix upon their principles and consequently upon themselves, the detestation of the public. Hence, also, his total failure, which was not less apparent to every discriminating mind, than his bigotry and evasion.


Notes: (forthcoming)

[GREAT  DISCUSSION  ON  MORMONISM]

In the haste of my remarks last week I briefly referred to the proceedings of the first three evenings of the discussion, but necessarily omitted several interesting features which I wish now to notice. The last paragraph of my communication which was inserted as the paper was going to press stated that the discussion closed on Friday night; but for want of time and room in your columns my sketches of the last two evenings were reserved till this week. Dr. West spent much of the second and third evenings in reading from a Mormon pamphlet containing a history of the rise of their church, of Smith's finding the plates and translating the Book of Mormon, and the testimony of eleven witnesses who say they saw and handled the plates, three of whom vouch for the correctness of the translation. All this the Dr. pronounced a humbug, and all pretension to revelations or miracles in this age, blasphemy! This was sufficient, he said, to fix upon Mormonism his charges, of Lying, Fraud and Blasphemy. This he relied on as one of his strong-holds and often referred to it, though he brought no scripture to prove his assertion. On the third night Elder Adams answered it as follows. He thanked the Dr. for introducing the narrative and the testimony of the witnesses, &c. as it saved him the trouble. The whole he said was correct and true, but why it was introduced at this stage of the discussion in proof of the charges, he could not imagine If the ground the Doctor assumed be conceded it of course fixed upon Mormonism the charges of Lying and Fraud, but that was the contested point which remained to be proved; and his assumptions were not arguments. Here the Rev. E. T Taylor, chairman, and many of the audience made themselves ridiculous by calling aloud for his proof in its favor. Mr. Adams replied, it was already proved if they would admit the power of testimony. No court of justice could require more than eleven positive witnesses to convict a man or establish any fact. Their testimony must be impeached and proved false, before the Doctor's charge can be fixed upon them. The Doctor contended that they were interested witnesses and therefore not to be believed. Mr. A. contended that if worldly interest were in view instead of honor, they had received calumny and detraction -- instead of wealth, and affluence, stripes and imprisonment; but if eternal interests were before them, he said no consistent man could be a disinterested witness of the things of God, none could say the eight writers of the New testament-on whose authority we believe that book -- were not interested in the things they affirm. Elder Adams referred to four or five prophesies in the Bible as parallel testimony in favor of the Book of Mormon, and his reasoning on them was very plausible. Father Taylor called him to order once because he thought he had made a wrong application of one of the prophesies. The merits of his argument not being a point of order, Mr. Adams very significantly replied he would discuss the subject with the chairman when he had done with his present antagonist. But the chairman became so interested that he forgot that Dr. West had spoken three times and Mr. Adams twice and was very anxious to adjourn, but after several remonstrances from different parts of the house, he put on his thinking cap and concluded that Mr. A. was entitled to another speech, but as it was late Mr. Adams said he should detain them but a few moments, and give the rest of his time, which he did, and the meeting adjourned. Previous to the adjournment, however, Father Taylor resigned the chair because the audience were disposed to be noisy; and some thought him partial, but he was forthwith re-elected, and Thursday evening he again took the chair.

Dr. West's chief effort the first part of the evening was to impeach the character of Smith and the Mormon witnesses, for this purpose he read from an old pamphlet what appeared to be a certificate from some twenty or thirty citizens of the state of New York, representing Harris and the Smith family as being money diggers, superstitious and visionary, and that they had no confidence in their pretended discoveries. He also read a long letter which he said was from a Mr. Tucker the printer of the first edition of the Book of Mormon. The letter stated that neither he nor the hands in the office, believed a word of the book, that they tried Smith by pretending to lose one of the sheets and got Smith to translate it over gain, and that afterwards they compared the two together, and they did not agree. The letter also gave an account of several failures by the Mormon Elders, in their attempts to work miracles, &c. the principal of which was as follows: One of their accomplices went before, and called upon a farmer-was sick, and pretended to die. Soon after two Mormon Elders came along, and proposed trying their skill in raising him. The farmer called in the neighbors to witness it, but he asked them if they could raise a man that was beheaded; they answered, yes; then said the farmer, seizing his axe, I will cut off his head, that the miracle may be more apparent and the proof more convincing. But the dead man declining the operation sprang upon his feet without their aid. This was the amount of the testimony by which the Mormon witnesses were impeached. In reply Mr. Adams said, the certificate from the citizens of New York was not half as bad as the Priests and Pharisees entertained of Christ and his apostles; that Christ told them that they should be hated of all nations, and Paul says: "we are counted as the filth and offscouring of all things." Harris, Smith, and others were not accused of murder, treason, robbery, theft, and other crimes, but of being 'visionary and money diggers.' The servants of God were always visionary; Stephen was stoned for seeing a vision; forty men bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink till they had killed Paul, because he said he had seen a vision and heard a voice. If Mr. Smith dug for money he considered it was a more honorable way of getting it than taking it from the widow and orphan; but few lazy, hireling priests of this age, would dig either for money or potatoes. This of course made Father Taylor take his toes again. Tucker's letter he pronounced wholly a farce; it bore marks of forgery or falsehood in every sentence; first E. B. Grandin was the printer of the 1st edition of the book, as the title page showed for itself, and if Tucker or any one else had pretended to lose and yet retained a portion of it, let it be produced; why is it kept secret, this twelve years and no one know any thing about it until now? As to the story of the dead man it proved too much. He was either dead, or the farmer and his neighbors were all fools. Who was the farmer? Who were the neighbors? What was the dead man's name, and that of the preachers? Where and when was it done? On all these subjects we are left to our own conjectures. Adams further said, if such men as Tucker or the farmer existed, tell us where and who they are; I will, furnish the money to bring them here, and we will have this matter settled; and I will pay Dr. West's expenses till it can be done.


Notes: (forthcoming)

SECTARIAN  PHRASES.

On running down the line of what is called ecclesiastical history, we distinctly perceive that there is a natural springing up of sects...

There is still a higher series as regards the superstitions of the world. This is an amalgamation of sects, denominations, and superstitions. Zoroaster, Mahomet, the Christ of India and of Palestine, have done this, and Joseph Smith will do it. We predicted this long ago, and affirm it still. We predicted it when it was under deep persecution. We rested our prediction not on preternatural foresight, but on the fact, that the plan covered all the ground, and combined principles and motives exactly calculated to do it. The Jewish account; the Christian religion; a revelation, latter day saints; all gifts and graces; ecclesiastical honors; an armed, peaceful neutrality, well disciplined and springing up in the midst of a free people; points taking in all our large cities, and from the world a grand concentration forming in America! Say or do what we please, Mormonism is destined to become one of the most splendid superstitions ever devised. It has originated in an age of science, resting on originations in an age of ignorance, and it is this very fact which will sustain it. Fifty years hence, and you will hear this argument: -- 'What! Do you believe that Joseph Smith, the Prophet of the Lord, could have been an imposter? Did he not spring up in an age of science and mechanical invention? Did he not proclaim openly to the world his mission? Sustain persecution and brave death for the sake of God? Did he not have visions and revelations? And who but a man divinely inspired, could, at a time when the whole world was deluged with vain and contradictory teachings, have conceived this one sublime faith and worship?' If it be urged that the thing was tested, to what does it amount? "They were enemies and persecutors."...


Note: This article was partly reprinted in the Nauvoo Times & Seasons of Sept. 1, 1842. The editor of Niles Register, on Oct. 1, 1842, reprints the same Investigator piece, and adds: "as a verification of the prophecy that the Lord would perform a strange work in these latter days, Joe Smith quotes in his paper... from the Boston Investigator, a deistical paper."

==> Mr. G. J. Adams, the Mormon Elder who recently held a discussion in this city with Rev. "Dr." West and used him up most essentially, has again challenged him to another debate; but the chop-fullen "Dr." has no stomach for a second encounter; having got enough at the first. He declines to meet him. He doubtless thinks with Falstaff, who; by the by, he somewhat resembles, that "discrection is the better part of valor." Alas! for the glory of the Church, when its fattest champion quails before the thrusts of a Mormon, and he, like Cassius, of "a lean and hungry look!" Brother Hines! where are you in this emergency? Rouse, man; call up the faithful; and, in one body, charge home upon him, giving him occasionally a touch of Millerism! If all this don't frighten the bold Mormon, he is invulnerable, and the day is against you.


Notes: (forthcoming)

Trouble among the Mormons. The Burlington (Iowa) Hawk Eye says: "We understand by a private letter from Montrose, that Jo Smith has had a quarrel with Rigdon and Bennett, and that he has turned both of the latter out of the synagogue. Some hard swearing passed between these saints during the quarrel. Bennett threatens to write a book, for the purpose of exposing the rascality of the pretender to a spirit of prophesy. We hope the schism is incurable, as it is said to be.


Note: John C. Bennett responded to editor James G. Edwards' news item in a letter published in the next issue of the Burlington Hawkeye. Although the former "Vice President" of the Mormon Church produced copious reports on the indiscretions of Joseph Smith and his chief followers, the conservative Courier refrained from reproducing even a single droplet from Bennett's 1842 flood of anti-Mormonism. About the closest its editors came to referring to his published exposures was a brief notice, inserted into the issue for July 28th.

RIGHT.
_____

The papers from one end of the country to the other are rejoicing in prospect of a split in the ranks of the Mormons at Nauvoo. The story runs, that, "Major General John C. Bennett, is about making an expose of Jo Smith and the Mormons." The facts are these: John C. Bennett went among the Mormons and professed their religion. Great confidence was placed in him by the people, and several high offices were given him, among which was Mayor of Nauvoo, General of the Nauvoo Legion, &c. &c. Bennett was soon found to be guilty of gross improprieties: such as living in open fornication, &c. for which he was frequently reasoned with by the brethren, but all to no effect. He was threatened but it done no good. Finding all remonstrance in vain, and having their name and religion frequently sneered at on this account, the "Quorum of the Twelve" excommunicated him for his wickedness. They done perfectly right, and if all our churches would mete out the same reward to backsliders, there would not be half the scoffers and revilers of religion there now is.


Note: This item was probably published in the Bostonian on July 16th -- though its date might possibly have been July 23rd. The text is taken from the Times & Seasons of Aug. 1, 1842.

The Mormons. We have received, says the Buffalo Commercial , the second number of Gen. Bennett's disclosures. It fully confirms all that the Sangamo Journal said of it. Such a mass of villainy of every kind made thick and slab with lust, was never before disclosed to the public. Gen. Bennett supports all his statements by reference to well-known persons and dates and by the affidavits of respectable people, and if the half of it is true, Joe Smith is one of the greatest scoundrals unhanged.

It is only just, however, to say, that to all appearances the accuser and the accused among these Mormons, are in parity of crime. It is a thief catching a thief; and statements on all sides must be taken with allowance. The loathsome details presented to the public by the seceding Mormon, Gen. Bennett, and which the Express, and, we suppose, other equally decent papers copy, are unfit for the public eye.   (New-York Journal of Commerce.)


Notes: (forthcoming)

AN  INTERESTING  LETTER --
MORMON  DECEPTIONS.

The following letter was addressed, a few days since, to a highly respectable gentleman of this city, a brother of the writer, in reply to some questions proposed to him. The gentleman being a member of my congregation, presented it to me and by giving it publicity in your paper you will much oblige myself and others.  WM. H. BREWSTER.
Lowell, July 27, 1842.

"Rochester, New York, July 14, 1842.         

Dear Brother: Yours of the 10th inst., making inquiries about Jo Smith and the origin of the Mormon humbug, I proceed to answer without delay.

I went to Palmyra, the residence of the Smiths and of the early dupes of Jo, in the Spring of 1827, a year or two after the pretended finding of the plates from which the book of Mormon was translated. The story of the manner in which it is said the plates were found, I have often had from Martin Harris, (the only honest man, if there was one, among the original Mormons) which is briefly as follows:

Jo was one night visited by an angel, and told that in a certain hill in Manchester, a town adjoining Palmyra, was deposited a record of God's ancient people, which he was commanded to disinter and cause to be translated, for the benefit of the present and future generations. In the morning, as Jo afterwards said, he supposed this "vision," as he used to call it, to be no more nor less, than "the baseless fabric of a dream," and paid no attention to it. Soon afterward he was visited again; he was told that through his agency, the Lord purposed to do wonderful things for fallen man; the locale of the record was distinctly brought before his mind's eye, and he was still more strongly urged to execute the command previously made. On awakening from his slumbers, Jo said the hair of his head stood on end, like the quills of "the fretful porcupine;" that he hardly knew what to think of his holy visitor; and still he hesitated, thinking that the matter must have been only the creature of a disordered imagination. A third time was Jo visited, and threatened with the most direful calamities in this world, and eternal damnation in the next, if he did not immediately enter upon the glorious task to which he had been appointed. As there appeared to be no longer any room for doubt in the mind of Jo, the next night he took a lantern and proceeded to the spot indicated, and applying a crow-bar to the end of a flat stone which projected an inch or two from the surface of a small mound, the plates were revealed to his anxious eyes! They had been deposited in a miniature vault, and rested on a flat stone, and were preserved from contact with the earth above, by the first mentioned stone being placed upon four small stone pillars, one at each corner of the vault.

Now understand me; these are the circumstances under which it is claimed that the plates were found -- not that I credit a single word of the story; on the contrary, I have every reason for believing that this is only the first of the numerous humbugs hatched by Jo and his Mormon horde. Indeed, Mormonism originated in humbug, has ever since been a humbug, will continue a humbug until fully exploded, and will hereafter be remembered only as a humbug.

But to proceed: These plates were said to be some dozen in number, and of the purest gold, not in the least tarnished with age, about the thickness of tin, and some nine inches long and six wide. -- They were fastened on the back by gold wire, which enabled them readily to open like a book; and hence the name of the "Golden Bible." These plates were covered with hieroglyphics, the like of which man had never before seen, and probably will never see again.

Now it was, that Jo noised abroad his precious discovery. At first, no one would listen to his absurd story; but he soon let some knowing ones into the secret, and by dint of their united efforts, a few of the unlearned and superstitious of their neighbors were made to gulp down the story. No one, however, was allowed to examine the plates, except three or four, to whom the privilege was specially granted by the angel. These individuals, the more successfully to prosecute their imposition, signed a paper, (and I believe made affidavit, to its correctness) stating that they had seen and examined the plates, &c.

Fac similes of these pretended hieroglyphics were shown to some of the most learned in this section of the country, but they proved quite too ignorant to render them into English. Some lines of them were even sent to the late Dr. Mitchell, of New York, but notwithstanding his profound literary researches, he was equally unsuccessful.

But, fortunately, a translator was soon found, believed to be in the person of a fellow of some learning, by the name of Cowdery. An old manuscript historical novel, the property of the widow of a deceased clergyman in Pennsylvania, had previously fallen into Jo' s possession, by means best known to himself -- the novel having been written during the college days of the deceased, and preserved in the family as a relic by no means devoid of interest, showing as it did in its design, a genius of no ordinary stamp. It was never offered to the printer, for the reason that the writer became pious, soon after it was finished, and determined to devote the energies of his mind to divinity, instead of law, could not consent to lend the influence of his plan in multiplying the works of fiction then extant. The existence of this manuscript volume was known, however, to his neighbors, many of whom had read it with much interest, all the scenes being laid in America.

If I recollect right, it was about a year after Jo obtained possession of this volume, (he having spent a few months in the neighborhood of the widow) that the Mormon plates were alledged to have been found. It is believed that the locality of its scenes, and the historical nature of its contents, first suggested to Jo the getting up of the Mormon humbug. Hence the coined story of the angel's visits, the finding of the plates, their wonderful contents, &c.

The "translator," whether Cowdery or some other person, dressed up this old manuscript, merely adding to it whatever the book of Mormon can be said to contain of a religious cast, and adapting its general phraseology as far as possible to that of the bible; but preserving the general original narrative as nearly, as to enable every one who read the manuscript, readily to detect the plagiarism on a perusal of the Book of Mormon. Affidavits to this effect are already before the public.

Soon after the translation was completed, I was one day waited upon by Harris, and offered the printing of the Book of Mormon. This was in the summer of 1829, at which time I was carrying on the printing business at Palmyra. Harris owned a good farm in that town, and offered to mortgage it to secure the expense of printing. Though he was a subscriber to my paper, and had frequently "labored" to convert me to the Mormon faith, I was so skeptical as to utterly refuse to have any "part or lot" in the imposition, telling him at the same time, that if he proceeded with the publication, I should feel it my duty, as the conductor of a faithful public journal, to expose him and the whole Mormon gang. He took the work, however, to the other office in the village, and it was soon put to press. It was then I wrote and published an article, which you may recollect, headed "THE GOLDEN BIBLE," giving a history of the humbug up to that time. This article was extensively copied, it having been the first ever published about the Mormons.

I have not the patience, nor do I consider it necessary, to trace all the movements of the Mormons up to the time of their emigration to the "Land of Promise" in the West. The appearance of their bible, (which, by the way, cost Harris his farm) seemed to inspire them with fresh hopes, and in the course of a few months they were able to muster for their Western tour, some hundred and fifty or two hundred souls, including women and children. -- Since that time their position has been sufficiently public to render anything further from me in regard to it, an useless task.

But you wish to know something about the earlier history of the Smiths. They were always considered by their own townsmen as a lazy, vicious, profane, unlearned, superstitious family. They lived "from hand to mouth," spending most of the time not required for the provision of their immediate wants, in digging in the hills of Manchester for money, under the often-repeated impression that Capt. Kidd or some other person of wealth, had there deposited their treasures. For many, many years to come, traces of these excavations will be visible -- monuments alike of their superstition and folly.

As for Jo, he is altogether too stupid to write an ordinary newspaper paragraph of common sense, as the columns of the Mormon paper will bear abundant testimony. Before he got up his humbug, he was so illiterate as scarcely to be able to write his name intelligibly or spell it correctly. He could have no farther agency in the preparation of the Book of Mormon for the press, than that which I have already awarded him.

I may here add, that Harris, disgusted with Mormonism, left the tribe nearly two years since, as have also all of the honest persons of ordinary intelligence, who had become the dupes of Jo and his assistant wire-pullers.

Thus have I complied with your request, though with great haste; but imperfect as this sketch is, I doubt not that if you have not always thought so, you will now concur with me in the opinion, that, to say the least, Mormonism was "conceived in sin and brought forth in iniquity."
      J. A. H."


Note 1: "J. A. H." was veteran western New York newspaperman, Jonathan A. Hadley (1809-1868). He had a brother, Ebenezer Hadley (1804-1875) who was evidently a member of Pastor William H. Brewster's Wesleyan Methodist congregation in Lowell. Ebenezer and his family are listed in the 1850 federal census for Lowell, Massachusetts. The 1830 New York Census shows a "John Hadley" living in Galen township, Wayne Co., just east of Lyons -- this may have been Jonathan's brother, John Varnum Hadley (1811-1874) whose name appears in the 1840 Lowell census list. One of Ebenezer's sons was born in or near Lowell in 1841, so he appears to have been the likely recipient of the 1842 letter.

Note 2: Jonathan A. Hadley's Lowell Courier article was reprinted in his old home of Lyons, New York, in that town's Wayne County Whig on Sept. 14, 1842. Since Jonathan was then working as the print-shop foreman of the Rochester Daily Democrat, the latter paper may have also published a report related to the 1842 letter's contents. It also seems very likely that the Democrat's mistaken obituary for Martin Harris, published on June 23, 1841, was composed by Mr. Hadley. The Harris article was reprinted several papers, including in the Charleston Southern Patriot of July 1, 1841

Note 3: Jonathan A. Hadley evidently arrived in Palmyra late in 1827. Beginning in March of 1828 he was editor of the anti-masonic Palmyra Freeman. When that paper ceased publication late in 1829, Hadley quickly continued his journalistic efforts in the newly established Lyons Countryman and Anti-Masonic Recorder. --- Milton W. Hamilton's 1836 book, The Country Printer, has the following entry on p. 275: "Hadley, Jonathan A., appt. Rochester, 1825; pr. Palmyra Freeman; 1829; Lyons Countryman; 1831 (with Myron Holley, ed.); Penn Yan Yates Republican, 1835; Warsaw American Citizen, 1836-37; jrmn., foreman on Rochester Daily Democrat, 1837-1847..." This abbreviated resume does not disclose the detail of Hadley serving his apprenticeship with the famous Thurlow Weed while at the Rochester Telegraph in 1825-26. At that time Benjamin Franklin Cowdery was employed as Weed's foreman -- thus, Hadley went directly from his training under one Mr. Cowdery in Rochester (Franklin) to founding the Palmyra Freeman at the very time a second Mr. Cowdery (Oliver) was active the same town, helping to get the Book of Mormon published. Jonathan A. Hadley's Aug. 11, 1829 Palmyra Freeman article on the Book of Mormon is not extant today, but its text is easily consulted in a reprint published by the Niagara Courier of Aug. 27, 1829 -- see also the Painesville Telegraph's abriged version of Hadley's article, in that Ohio paper's issue of Sept. 22, 1829.

Note 4: Jonathan A. Hadley's 1842 letter is an important and generally overlooked historical sketch by a person who was living in Palmyra at the time the Book of Mormon was being printed. In tone and content the Hadley reminiscence resembles one supplied by another old-time Palmyra newspaperman, Orsamus Turner, in 1851. On some points Hadley and Turner differ in their recollections of Joseph Smith and the advent of Mormonism. For example, Turner asserts that Oliver Cowdery played an important role in the creation of Mormonism, while Hadley barely mentions Cowdery. Turner provides only a vague account of how Smith's treasure hunting pre-dated his claims to possess ancient gold plates, while Hadley (in his 1842 account) specifies that Smith had been "digging in the hills of Manchester for money... that Capt. Kidd or some other person of wealth had there deposited." Turner says very little about of Smith's purported angelic visitations, while Hadley (in both his 1829 and 1842 accounts) goes into detail about how Smith at first dismissed one of his visons of the "night" as "the baseless fabric of a dream," and only decided to act upon its directions (to obtain hidden riches) after the strange event was twice more repeated. In his 1829 account Hadley stated that Smith "reported that he had been visited in a dream by the spirit of the Almighty" and that he was "thrice thus visited." The Rochester Daily Advertiser, in its issue for Aug. 31, 1829 quoted Hadley's words about "a dream" and "the spirit of the Almighty," but said nothing of money-digging or Captain Kidd. The Rochester Gem of Sept. 5, 1829 paraphrased Hadley regarding Smith's "dream" and his visitation by "the spirit of the Almighty," but left out any mention of Kidd's treasures or local money-digging, until it reprised the golden plates story in its issue of May 15, 1830.

A  VISIT  TO  JO  SMITH.

We present the following extract from a letter received, a few days age, from a clergyman now in Illinois:

"I went by stage from Burlington to Nauvoo. I spent the night in the city of the 'latter day saints.' In the morning I visited the lions of the place. -- The stone temple which they are building under Jo Smith's direction, is situated about half a mile back from the river, on the bluff. The basement is built -- dimensions, one hundred feet or thereabouts by sixty or seventy. It is to be a very imposing building. Nauvoo contains a population variously estimated at from five to ten thousand. Probably there are six or seven thousand people there. It is a beautiful location. The city is laid out in acre lots, each lot having a house, generally of one story; it extends from three to four miles along the river, and runs back about the same distance, and this space is all built on. I called to see the Prophet and had a short but very pleasant interview with him. He was quite communicative. I asked him about the gold plates which he professes to have dug up and tranalated into the Book of Mormon. He said, 'Those plates are not now in this country -- they were exhibited to a few at first, for the sake of obtaining their testimony -- no others have ever seen them, and they will never be exhibited again.' He showed me some specimens of hieroglyphics, such as he says were on the gold plates. I told him I had heard some pretty bad stories about him and the Mormons and had come to see if they were true. 'Well, you have come to the right place,' he replied. 'Are you not a clergyman?' he says. 'Yes, a Unitarian clergyman.' 'Well, I should like to set down and have a long talk with you.' 'So should I with you, Mr Smith.' 'What is the fundamental doctrine of your faith?' 'The unity of God -- one God in one person.' 'We don't agree with you. We believe in three Gods: There are three personages in Heaven -- all equal in power and glory, but they are not one God.' I suppose from what I heard, that Smith always makes it a point not to agree with any one in regard to his religious opinions, and adapts himself to the person with whom he happens to be talking, for the time being. He was about going to ride in his carriage, which stood waiting at the door, and I was about coming away from the town, so that I saw him only about ten minutes.

As I came out of his house, I saw two cannon mounted in the yard of this Prophet. Can this be a prophet of God, thought I, who must have cannon for his guard, and must convert all his followers into soldiers, and excite in them a warlike spirit? It is certainly strange that this man of ordinary ability, should exert such an influence as he does -- and that converts are flocking into the miscalled Zion, by hundreds. But so it is. The simple religion of Jesus is not sufficient, but men must have something outward and visible, and with this show they are satisfied. I know not how this great body of men are to subsist in this city. An acre of ground to family, gives not much for their support."


Notes: (forthcoming)

JOE SMITH. -- A Western editor, speaking of this "Mormon Prophet," scouts the idea that he had any hand in the assassination of Ex-Governor Boggs. He says that Smith, beyond all question, is a knave; but is too fat and good-natured to deal in blood. A glance at his corporation and round face, is sufficient to convince the most skeptical, that bad as his life may have been heretofore, he has of late been accustomed to good living. He is not one of the "lean Cassiuses" who are constantly "hatching treason." It is well known in that region, that he is a mere puppet of men of ten times his talents and ambition -- the tool of others. His "revelations" and commands from heaven are all made at the dictation of his rulers who are behind the curtain.


Notes: (forthcoming)

THE MORMONS. The Warsaw Signal, a paper published near Nauvoo, states that information had been received at Warsaw of the sudden disappearance of Elder Orson Pratt, a prominent Mormon. He left a paper stating that his disappearance was caused by Joe Smith's treatment of his wife, and by some wrong doing in the church. He confirms Bennett's statement relative to Joe Smith's attempt to seduce Mrs Pratt. It was supposed by some in Nauvoo, that he had committed suicide, and about 500 were out in search of him.


Notes: (forthcoming)

MORMON-OMANIA.

JOE SMITH AND THE MORMONS -- Bennet, the General, has published the following:

"I am about to repair to the East for the purpose of publishing a "HISTORY OF THE SAINTS," or important disclosures in relation to Joe Smith and the Mormons; I shall, however, be in readiness to substantiate my statements relative to the participation of Joe Smith in the attempted assassination of Gov. Boggs, whenever he is demanded and secured by the Executive of Missouri.

"I am blamed by some for not making disclosures at an earlier day, as I must have been apprised of Smith's enormities for a long time -- this I anticipated; but if gentlemen will hold on a short time, until I publish the aforesaid history, I will show to the entire satisfaction of all candid men, that had an expose been attempted at an earlier period, it would have proved abortive; but I am now enabled to show such a system of deliberate swindling, corruption, and base depravity, as the world has never seen."

Bennet, the late Mormon General and Mayor of the Holy City of Nauvoo, in disclosing the revelations of the "prophet" Smith, winds up one of his chapters with the following precious morceau:

"If Joe Smith is not destined for the devil, all I can say is, that the duties of a devil have not been clearly understood."


==> The Philadelphia correspondent of the N. Y. Journal of Commerce, relates the following: --

On Wednesday evening a most marvellous scene occured at the Assembly Building, corner of Tenth and Chesnut, which deserves public notice. Elder Adams, the great lion and apostle of Joe Smith's cohorts, delivered a discourse in favor of the Latter Day Saints. At the latter part of his discourse he called out with Stentorian lungs, "where now is the celebrated and learned Dr. West? He knew I was coming to Philadelphia. Why does he not appear and vindicate Orthodoxy, if in his power?" At this moment a portly figure started up and electrified the audience by stating, "Ladies and gentlemen, the person who has addressed you professes to speak by inspiration, but had he possessed what he professes, he would have known that Dr. WEST IS PRESENT, and now challenges him to prove the TRUTH of his monstrosities before this enlightened community."


Disappearance of Elder Orson Pratt. The Warsaw Signal, a paper published near Nauvoo, states that information had been received at Warsaw of the sudden disappearance of Elder Orson Pratt, a prominent Mormon. He left a paper stating that his disappearance was caused by Joe Smith's treatment of his wife, and by some wrong doing in the church. He confirms Gen Bennett's statement relative to Joe Smith's attempt to seduce Mrs. Pratt. It was supposed by some in Nauvoo that he had committed suicide, and about 500 persons were out in search of him.


Note: The above article (also featured in the Boston Signs of the Times on Aug. 17th) may have been one of the first mentions of the Mormon Elder George J. Adams, published in eastern Massachusetts. Adams had once been a tailor in Boston and he would return there in the summer of 1842, to temporarily become the most prominent Latter Day Saint operating in that place.

I T E M S.

==> DIFFICULT TIMES AMONG THE MORMONS. -- Joe Smith has recently got into a broil with one of his chief men, which will probably occasion him some loss of his religious influence. The account of the matter, as we learn from the papers, is this: Smith, together with the authorities of the Mormon church, in May or June last, publicly withdrew the hand of fellowship from Gen. John C. Bennett. Bennett at that time was Mayor of the city of Nauvoo, and Commander of the Nauvoo Legion, and is stated to have been 'the Prophet's great gun,' Sometime after his excommunication, Smith publicly exposed his conduct and character, and cautioned the church and the honorable part of the community against him as "an impostor and base adulterer." On the other hand, Gen. Bennett has come out in the Sangamo Journal in a furious article, charging Joe Smith with being "king of impostors," "the great Mormon seducer," &c., and denouncing him in very harsh terms. he says "his licentiousness is unparaleled [sic] in the annals of time;" and that he makes this exposure under a threat of death from " the holy Joe and his Danite band of murderers." He also promises to give 'some important facts' hereafter. There is not much direct proof advanced by either party in support of his allegation; it is not improbable however, that there has been much truth told by both of them.

More recent accounts inform us that Gen. Bennett, continues to make disclosures of the licentiousness and villany [sic] of Joe Smith. The N. Y. Herald says -- "According to all appearances, there will be a civil war in Illinois against the Mormons. A most intense excitement has sprung up on both sides of the Mississippi. The Mormons have all the arms, big and small, of the state of Illinois, and will use them in their own defence, but will never give them up."


Notes: (forthcoming)

JO SMITH AND GEN. BENNET. The war which has been raging between these two Mormon leaders for the last few weeks has been pretty "much of a muchness." Bennet accuses Smith of all sorts of enormities, which Smith in return denies, and accuses Bennet of being a hypocrite, an adulterer and liar, and supports his charges with a host of evidence. Upon the whole we think the prophet Jo a better man than General Bennet.

---

Bennet, the late Mormon General and Mayor of the Holy City of Nauvoo, in disclosing the revelations of the "prophet" Smith, winds up one of his chapters with the following precious morcean:

"If Joe Smith is not destined for the devil, all I can say is, that the duties of a devil have not been clearly understood."


Notes: (forthcoming)

MORMONS, OR "LATTER DAY SAINTS."
_____

You will doubtless recollect that some two or three weeks since I gave you a short sketch of the lectures delivered by Elder G. J. Adams, at the Boylston Hall, and also promised if he produced anything worthy of notice in his forth-coming lectures, that you should hear from me again. The reason of my so long delaying to notice this subject, is not that there was nothing worthy of notice in the lectures, but about the time I should have written, Mr. Adams, and his society were charged with Murder, Blasphemy, Lying, Fraud, Treason, and Murder, and I thought if they were guilty of these heavy charges, they were unworthy of any thing but the halter and hangman; however, since that time Mr. Adams has nobly met the man that made the heavy charges above named, and entirely freed himself and the society to which he belongs of every vestige of said charges; and the opposers of the Mormons, are left in shame, confusion, and disgrace, and the "the wonders of the new and everlasting covenant," as Adams calls it, is the great existing subject in Boston at the present time; and truly it can be said, they that turn the world upside down have come hither also. and the general cry among Sectarians is, "how shall we put them down; if we let them alone our societies will be shaken to their narrow foundations, and already they begin to tremble. Some of our best and most devoted members are leaving us and joining them."

Before I enter upon a short description of the lectures, I wish to notice one important item in the discussion lately held in the Marlboro Chapel; it is relative to the Bible being the rule or standard of evidence in their decisions on points of doctrine and principle. On the last evening but one of the discussion, to save time and come directly to the point it was moved by Mr. Seaver, (who is a Free Enquirer) that the disputants, Dr. West, and Elder Adams take the Bible as the standard of evidence. To this proposition Adams, the Mormons, and the Free Enquirers agreed, but Dr. West and his sectarian friends would not agree to it, and being most in number they voted down the proposition, yes, those very men that are continually crying "the Bible! the Bible! give us the Bible!" actually voted against the Bible, yes, voted it down for no other reason that the writer knows, only that it condemns them and their creeds. From the moment that vote was taken, I have been a determined opposer of sectarianism and priestcraft in all its monstrous and soul-killing forms, but a friend to the Bible, and Bible religion. The three lectures that I alluded to in my previous communication were on the subject of the Book of Mormon, the building of Zion, and the pouring out of the vials of the wrath of God, in the last days. On the subject of the Book of Mormon his arguments were clear and conclusive, plainly proving by many prophesies in the Bible that such a record must come forth before God could gather the Jews from their long dispersion. He particularly dwelt on the 29th chap. of Isaiah and the latter part of the 37th chap. of Ezekiel, commencing with the 15th verse. He then clearly proved the Book of Mormon to be the stick record or history of the descendants of Joseph that dwelt in this land, (America) separate from their brethren, in fulfilment of the predictions of Jacob and Moses, see Gen. 48th chapter, also part of chapter 49, from verse 22 to 26; also Deut. chap. 33d, verses 13-14-15-16-17. He argued from the above and many other passages of scripture, that the descendants of Joseph were to become, "a multitude of nations," and inhabit the utmost bounds of the everlasting hills," -- "the earth and the fulness thereof." He introduced an account of many American antiquities together with the discoveries lately made by Mr. Stevens that all go to prove that the American Indians were once an enlightened people and understood the arts and sciences, as the ruined cities and monuments lately discovered fully prove. He then declared that this record had not come forth in the place of the Bible, but in fulfilment of the Bible; that its coming forth clearly demonstrated that Jesus has been as good as his work, viz: he told his disciples he had other sheep that were not of that fold (in Jerusalem) and they also should hear his voice, for he was sent to the lost sheep of the house of Israel,-and some of the lost sheep of the house of Israel, viz. -- of the tribe of Joseph being in America, it was necessary Jesus should visit them, as also the ten tribes in the "north country." He declared that Jesus did visit both the above named branches of the house of Israel during the forty days before his final ascension from the Mount of Olives, and that the Book of Mormon was not only a history of the dealings of God with the descendants of Joseph on this continent, previous to the crucifixion of our Lord, but also an account of the gospel as established among them by the personal appearance of Christ on this continent, and that the account of the gospel in the Book of Mormon agreed with the account in the Bible; thereby proving that the gospel of Christ is the same in every nation, composed of the same eternal truths, the same gifts, the same offices, the same ordinances, and every thing the same as when Christ has an organized church on the earth; and that the Book of Mormon had come forth as an "ensign to the nations," containing an account of the gospel in much plainness, being translated by the gift and power of God by the use of the Urim and Thummim, that had come forth with the plates that contain the record. He also stated that the plates containing the record had been hid up unto the Lord by Moroni the son of Mormon, the last prophet among the descendants of Joseph on this continent, that about the time this event took place, they had fallen into sin, and great wickedness; many of their cities had been overthrown by earthquakes, and they left to fall in ignorance and unbelief, until the "dispensation of the fulness of times," and that now their record had come forth, throwing a flood of light on the early history of this continent and would yet be hailed by every lover of truth, as one of the most glorious works of the nineteenth century.


Note: The exact date of the above item is unknown. The text is taken from the Times & Seasons of Sept. 1, 1842.

Gov. Carlin, of Illinois, is said to have made a requisition upon Gov. Reynolds, of Missouri, for the delivery of the person of General Bennett, charged by Jo Smith with high treason against the State of Illinois. This will delay proceedings against Jo until after the election. (St. Louis New Era.)


Note: The above report may be a bit confused in its portrayal of the facts. At about this time Gov. Thomas Reynolds of Missouri called upon Gov. Thomas Carlin of Illinois to extradite Joseph Smith, jr. to Missouri for trial. The warrant for Smith's arrest was served upon him at Nauvoo on Aug. 8, 1842. However, prior to this event, the LDS Bishop at Nauvoo, George Miller importuned Gov. Reynolds to take action against Bennett, based upon the report that Bennett had "entered into a conspiracy" with some Missourians to persecute the Mormons and drive them from their homes in Illinois. The article in the New Era appears to have confused the contents of these sorts of reports concerning the two governors.

THE MORMONS. -- Elder Orson Pratt. -- We mentioned a few days since the disappearance of this gentleman from Nauvoo, Illinois. He left a communication with his friends, which stated that he had been induced to take this course on account of the treatment of his wife by Smith, and of the general management of the affairs of the church by him. The Warsaw (Ill.) Signal says:-- "We learn from other sources that Smith, finding his attempts on Mrs Pratt were matters of notoriety, went to her husband with a manufactured story, that his wife was a base woman, and that the fact was well known to him. This communication had such an effect upon Mr. Pratt, at once blasting his happiness and the reputation of a virtuous woman, that the wretched husband left the city. It will be recollected that Mrs Schindle, in her affidavit detailing the attempt of Smith upon her, said, "he told her she must never tell of his propositions to her, for he had all influence in that place, and if she told, he would ruin her character, and she would be under the necessity of leaving." This same scheme has been carried out in reference to Mrs Pratt. She "told" on the impostor, and was marked by him for destruction. In a public speech in Nauvoo on the 14th, Joe spoke of this lady -- a woman whose reputation had been as fair as virtue could make it until she came in contact with him -- in a manner only befitting the lowest and most degraded vagabond in existence."


Notes: (forthcoming)

DEFIANCE OF THE LAWS IN ILLINOIS. -- We copy from the Alton Telegraph of the 23d ult. "It is a fact, well ascertained, that Joe Smith has, for some days back, been laying in a large amount of ammunition at the city of Nauvoo. The object of this preparation for war, on the part of the Mormans, is to defend themselves by force against any legal process calling for the surrender of Joe Smith and the assassin who shot Gov. Boggs. They admit that the disclosure of Bennett will result in a requisition, on the part of the Governor of Missouri, for the impostor Joe Smith, together with some of his 'Danites;' and they are thus fortifying themselves to defy the strong arm of the law in its administration of justice."


Notes: (forthcoming)

There are 5000 voters among the Mormons. -- They all vote the Loco ticket this year, so there is not much doubt of the result in Illinois.


Notes: (forthcoming)

THE HOLY WAR at Nauvoo, is going on briskly. Bennett and Jo Smith continue to tell the truth of each other, but it must come hard to them, they are so unused to it.


Notes: (forthcoming)

THE  MORMON  HUMBUG.

This stupid and pitiful delusion seems to be approaching a crisis. Its two great champions at the city of Nauvoo, Jo Smith and Bennett, have quarrelled, and gone to telling the truth concerning each other, in a way which bids fair to blow Mormonism sky-high. Bennett has withdrawn from the fraternity and published an expose in which he accuses Smith of a series of attempts upon the virtue of the females of the sect 'unparalleled in the annals of time.' He also charges upon him the agency in the perpetration of several murders which have occurred in that vicinity, and the attempt upon the life of Gov. Boggs of Missouri. Jo also has published a rejoinder in which he shows up Bennett as 'no better than he should be,' having paid his attentions to another woman notwithstanding he has a wife and three children. He declares that Bennett did not voluntarily withdraw, but was excommunicated to preserve the virtue of the saints from contamination. Truth enough had doubtless been told between them to satisfy any reasonable and candid man that a more hellish imposture was never practiced under the garb of religion than the Mormon fanaticism. Can it be wondered that every new opinion enlists its throng of disciples and advocates, when such an absurd and villainous delusion is sustained and believed by rational beings? -- Spring. Gaz.


The following is a specimen of the disclosures of sundry women in the Mormon establishment:

"We then proceeded to the house where Mrs. Pratt resided, and Joe commenced discourse as follows: -- 'Sister Pratt, the Lord has given you to me as one of my spiritual wives. I have the blessings of Jacob granted me, as he granted holy men of old, and I have long looked upon you with favor, and hope you will not deny [me].' She replied: 'I care not for the blessings of Jacob, and I believe in no such revelations, neither will I consent under any circumstances. I have one good husband, and that is enough for me.' Joe could not come it! He then went off to see Miss _____, at the house of Mrs. Sherman. He remained with her an hour or two, and then returned to Barnett's, harnessed our horse, started for Ramus, and arrived at Carthage at early breakfast."

The Sangamo Journal of the 15th inst. is filled to overflowing with exposures of Mormon villainies. It contains among other things two more letters from J. C. Bennett, giving further details of Joe Smith's licentiousness and rascality, and charging him distinctly with having instigated and caused the attempted assassination of Gov. Boggs. Bennett says that the man who shot Gov. Boggs is a Mormon named Rockwell, and that he was sent by Smith to do it.

We mentioned a few days since, the disappearance of Elder Orson Pratt from Nauvoo, Illinois. He left a communication with his friends, which stated that he had been induced to take this course on account of the treatment of his wife by Smith, and of the general management of the affairs of the church by him.

The Warsaw, (Ill.) Signal [& Sangamo Journal] says -- "We learn from other sources that Smith, finding his attempts on Mrs Pratt were matters of notoriety, went to her husband with a manufactured story, that his wife was a base woman, and that the fact was well known to him. This communication had such an effect upon Mr. Pratt, at once blasting his happiness and the reputation of a virtuous woman, that the wretched husband left the city.

It will be recollected that Mrs Schindle, in her affidavit detailing the attempt of Smith upon her, said, "he told her she must never tell of his propositions to her, for he had all influence in that place, and if she told, he would ruin her character, and she would be under the necessity of leaving." This same scheme has been carried out in reference to Mrs Pratt. She "told" on the impostor, and was marked by him for destruction.


Note: The Boston Daily Times of Aug. 8, 1842 also reprinted this Warsaw Signal article, adding this last sentence from the Sangamo Journal: "In a public speech in Nauvoo on the 14th, Joe spoke of this lady -- a woman whose reputation had been as fair as virtue could make it until she came in contact with him -- in a manner only befitting the lowest and most degraded vagabond in existence."

Important from the Mormon Country. The St. Louis Republican has a letter from Quincy, Ill., which says: -- Since the election, Gov. Carlin has resolved to comply with the requisition of the Governor of Missouri, and deliver up Joe Smith and A. [sic] P. Rockwell. The Sheriff of Hancock county, elected at the recent election, being a Mormon, the writ was placed in the hands of the Sheriff of Adams county. The sheriff repaired to Nauvoo and arrested Smith and Rockwell, when a habeas corpus was issued by some of the Nauvoo authorities, and the prisoners taken out of the sheriff's custody and released. The sheriff had just returned to Quincy and reported the facts. Our informant says that it was currently reported, while he was writing, that Gov. Carlin was then in the act of issuing orders calling out the military to enforce the arrest, and it was expected they would march on the day following for Nauvoo. Our correspondent, however, expresses the confident belief that when the troops reach the city, Joe and his colleague will be among the missing.


Notes: (forthcoming)

IMPORTANT FROM THE MORMON COUNTY. -- The St. Louis Republican has a letter from Quincy, Ill., which says:

Since the election, Governor Carlin has resolved to comply with the requisition of the Governor of Missouri, and deliver up Joe Smith and A. P. Rockwell. The Sheriff of Hancock county, elected at the recent election, being a Mormon, the writ was placed in the hands of the Sheriff of Adams county. The Sheriff repaired to Nauvoo and arrested Smith and Rockwell, when a habeas corpus was issued by some of the Nauvoo authorities, and the prisoners taken out of the Sheriff's custody and released. The Sheriff had just returned to Quincy and reported the facts. Our informant says, that it was currently reported, while he was writing, that Gov. Carlin was then in the act of issuing orders calling out the military, to enforce the arrest, and it was expected they would inarch on the day following for Nauvoo. Our correspondent, however, expresses the confident belief that when the troops reach the city, Joe and his colleague will be among the missing.


Notes: (forthcoming)

THE MORMONS. -- MILITARY CALLED OUT. -- We learn from the St. Louis Republican of last Friday week, that Gov. Carlin of Illinois had complied with the requisition of the Governor of Missouri, to deliver up Joe Smith and O. P. Rockwell, and that they had been arrested by the sheriff of Adams county, but in consequence of an habeas corpus issued by the authorities of Nauvoo, the prisoners were taken from the sheriff and released. The informant of the Republican says that it was currently reported, while he was writing, that Gov. Carlin was then in the act of issuing orders calling out the military, to enforce the arrest, and it was expected that they would march on the day following for Nauvoo.


Notes: (forthcoming)

The Mormons. The Cincinnati Microscope says: "We hear that after the Illinois troops had reached the city of Nauvoo, the prophet was not to be found, high or low, neither could a trace be found of Smith or Rockwell. In a few days we shall hear more from the Nauvoo country. It may be possible that Smith has only concealed himself, to gather his forces to resist the authorities of Illinois. He is a bold, reckless fellow, and we would not be much surprised to hear that a battle had been fought, by the next mail, between the forces of the Mormons and the State of Illinois."


Notes: (forthcoming)

JO SMITH has completely escaped from the power of the officers sent to arrest him upon the requisitions of the Governor of Missouri. The officers have returned from Nauvoo, and gave it as their opinion that Jo cannot be taken.


Notes: (forthcoming)

The story of a fight between the Mormons and Anti-Mormons is probably a hoax; no mention being made of it in the Chicago papers.


Notes: (forthcoming)

MORMON  DISCLOSURES.

We should not think it proper to lay before the public such exhibitions of depravity as the following, were it not that Mormonism, in its treasonable designs, and especially its influence upon political partisans, has assumed a serious aspect, it is a matter of grave concern that such a shocking and wicked imposture, should have been able to secure peculiar advantages from the Legislature of one of our states. It is ominous of evils of great magnitude, in view of the prevalent disposition of Romanism in this country, to court the aid of wily politicians. The statements which follow are taken from the "Watchman of the Valley."

A letter from General Bennet addressed to the St. Louis Bulletin, under date of July 13th, 1842, stated that the Mormon Prophet, Smith, in a public congregation at Nauvoo, in 1841, prophesied in the hearing of Bennet and of a Mr. Hamilton of Carthage, and a Mr. Robinson of Warsaw, "that Lilburn W. Boggs, Ex-Governor of Missouri, should die by violent hands within a year;" -- that in the spring of 1842 Smith in the hearing of Bennet and several other persons named, offered a reward of $500 to any man who would kill Boggs, the other being made to the Danites -- a band of Mormons who are bound by the most solemn engagements, made with uplifted hands, to assassinate anyone who dares make disclosures relative to the conduct of the prophet; -- that O. P. Rockwell, a Danite, left Nauvoo, one or two months prior to the attempted assassination of Boggs, and when Bennet enquired of Smith, some weeks afterward, where Rockwell had gone, he replied, with a significant nod, "GONE? GONE TO FULFIL PROPHESY!" -- that Rockwell returned to Nauvoo, the day before the news of the attempted assassination reached them, the "Nauvoo Wasp," a paper edited by Joe Smith's brother, declaring it a NOBLE DEED; -- that Rockwell who was abjectly poor before this event, had on his return an elegant carriage at his disposal, with his pockets full of gold: -- that on the night of the 29th of June twelve of the Danites, clothed in female apparel, approached the residence of Bennet, with their carriage wheels wrapped in blankets and their horses' feet covered with cloths, who were prevented only by the vigilance and precaution of Bennet, from executing their horrid purposes of abduction and assassination; -- that if Smith is demanded for trial, he will prove by Colonel F. M. Higbee and others that he murdered a certain prisoner in Missouri: -- that he is about to repair to the East for the purpose of publishing a HISTORY OF THE SAINTS, or important disclosures relative to Joe Smith and the Mormons: -- and that his reason for not making an earlier disclosure is, by his proposed history will satisfactorily show, "that an earlier attempt would have proved abortive." Some of Bennet's statements are corroborated by published affidavits.

Bennet discloses another feature of "Holy Joe's" character, if possible still more revolting. The names of Mrs. Sarah M. Pratt, wife of Professor Orson Pratt, of a Miss Rigdon, daughter of Sidney Rigdon, and a Miss Brotherton, are given, as among the selected victims of his base designs. According to the testimony of Bennet, Smith told him "that he intended to make that amiable and accomplished lady (Mrs. Pratt) one of his spiritual wives, for the Lord had given her to him," at the same time requesting Bennet to help him in executing his design. Mrs. Pratt was apprised of the contemplated assault upon her virtue, to be made by the Prophet, in the name of the Lord. At a subsequent interview the following dialogue between them is reported: -- "Sister Pratt, the Lord has given you unto me as one of my spiritual wives. I have the blessings of Jacob granted to me, as he granted holy men of old, and I have long looked upon you with favor, and hope you will not deny me." "I care not for the blessings of Jacob," was her indignant reply, "and I believe in no such revelations; neither will I consent under any circumstances. I have one good husband, and that is enough for me." Not less than three times after this, were his infamous solicitations repented and successively repulsed, till her threats of exposure deterred him from further assaults. "Well then, as you have refused me," was his final reply, "it becomes sin, unless sacrifice is oftered." A lamb was accordingly procured, by his direction, and the blood of the victim sprinkled upon the door posts and gate, and the kidneys and entrails offered, a burnt offering, on an altar of twelve stones, that had not been touched by a hammer. A curious compound of villainy, imposture, and mummery!

A letter from Martha H. Brotherton, dated St. Louis, Mo., and addressed to Gen. Bennet, details a villainous conspiracy against her virtue, concerted between Joe and two of his Mormon Apostles, Kemball [sic] and Young, the particular object of which was to induce Martha to marry Young, who had already one wife. Taking advantage of her simple confidence in the Prophet, they thought to persuade her to consent to the infamous deed. She was decoyed from home, with a desire to see and get on introduction to the object of her veneration, taken into a secluded apartment of Smith's house, and there urged to submit to the immediate imposition of the nuptial bond, "brother Joseph," who was to consummate the act, assuring her that he had a revelation from God and that it was lawful and right for a man to have two wives. With no little effort and address she tore herself from their importunities.

Connected with facts like the those, are others also of a painful character. To protect himself from arrest, Bennet says Joe keeps a strong guard about his person. A still more effectual protection is expected -- without good reason we hope, for the credit of the party from the political party which is indebted to him for the thousands of votes at his command. Such is his political influence in Illinois, that he has secured from the Legislature some very extraordinary and monstrous privileges for his sect, -- privileges and powers dangerous to be entrusted to any body of men.


Notes: (forthcoming)

==> A MORMON LEGISLATOR. -- Among the representatives elected in Illinois, is WM. SMITH, brother of Joe Smith, the Mormon Prophet.

Notes: (forthcoming)

GEN. BENNETT will give a course of three lectures on Mormonism and the wickedness of Joe Smith at Nauvoo, commencing tomorrow evening. The "silly women" and sillier men who have been led captive by the imposter and his apostles cannot do better than to attend these lectures.


Notes: (forthcoming)

MORMONISM. In yesterday's paper we mentioned that Gen. Bennett, the great expositor of Mormonism, would commence a course of three lectures on this subject, this evening at the Marlboro' Chapel. This same perosnage has been lecturing at New York. The Journal of Commerce of that city has the following in relation to him and his lectures.

GEN BENNETT. We heard this expositor of Mormonism for a short time on Friday night. The General is not fitted to make a very deep impression, either by the intellectual or moral qualities he exhibits. A considerable portion of what he stated was written on detached sheets of papers, and read rather poorly; and the gross facts which he stated were interspersed with eloquent reflections and quotation in prose and poetry. His stories of the lewdness which he says was practiced by Joe Smith and the other leaders of the Mormons, were told with a particularity, and a lear and laugh occasionally, which showed that the lecturer's mind was in a vulgar and debased condition, and totally destitute of that serious and stern disapprobation of crime which should characterize a reformer. If Gen. Bennett's statements were correct, Mormonism must be a clumsy copy of Romanism as it existed at the time of the reformation, and as it exists now in some European countries. But we do not think the General carried any very strong conviction to the minds of his audience, that what he said was conclusive evidence of the real state of things at Nauvoo. It is, however, a strange place, without trusting to Bennett's testimony; and the scenes which he relates are very like those which almost always occur in such assemblages of imposture and fanaticism.


Notes: (forthcoming)

William Smith, brother to Joe, the Mormon prophet, has been elected a member of the Illinois Legislature. He is said to be a disciple of his prophet brother.


Notes: (forthcoming)

Ex-Major General of the Nauvoo Legion John C. Bennett apparently is not the most learned man of the age, but he told some pretty tough stories about Joe Smith and his deluded followers, at the Marlboro' Chapel, last night. The Ex-General thinks that Mormonism is a cancer upon our free institutions, and the sooner it is cut off the better. He is of the opinion that if the Mormons at Nauvoo should be suffered to multiply for a few years more, as fast as they have for a year or two past, they would be able to defy the armed hosts of the whole Union, the position of their city is so impregnable.


Notes: (forthcoming)

Mormonism. We notice that the individual alluded to in the following paragraph from the New-York Journal of Commerce, has advertised a course of lectures in this city. Other New-York papers represent his lectures as improper and disgusting recitals.

Gen. Bennett. We heard this expositor of Mormonism for a short time on Friday night. The General is not fitted to make a very deep impression, either by the intellectual or moral qualities which he exhibits. A considerable portion of what he stated was written on detached sheets of paper, and read rather poorly; and the gross facts which he stated were interspersed with eloquent reflections and quotations in prose and poetry. His stories of the lewdness whixh he says was practiced by Joe Smith and the other leaders of the Mormons, were told with a particularity, and a lear and length occasionally, which showed that the lecturer's mind was in a vulgar and debased condition, and totally destitute of that serious and stern disapprobation of crime which should characterize a reformer. If Gen. Bennett's statements were correct, Mormonism mist be a clumsy copt of Romanism as it existed at the time of the reformation, and as it exists now in some European countries. But we do not think that the General carried any very strong convictions to the minds of his audience, that what he said was conclusive evidence of the real state of things at Nauvoo. It is, however, a strange place, without trusting to Bennett's testimony; and the scenes which he relates are very like those which almost always occur in such assemblages of imposture and fanaticism.


Note: Although John C. Bennett was giving tempestuous public lectures on "Joe Smith and the Mormons" in Boston at the very time the Courier ran the above news item, the editors of the paper took no further notice of the man and his "disgusting recitals." When Bennett's lubricous volume, History of the Saints, was published in Boston by Leland & Whiting a few weeks later, the Courier ignored its newsworthy appearance altogether.

GEN BENNETT did not have a very large audience last night. After he had finished his discourse upon Joe Smith and Mormonism, a gentleman rose, and begged permission to read a sketch of the General's character, drawn by the Prophet Joe himself. The General consented, and the gentleman commenced reading from the "Times and Seasons" but the audience began to exhibit symptoms of contrary-mindedness, and the "exercises" of the evening were closed by an elderly Boston lady, who rose, and stated, with feelings of indignation, that she had been at Nauvoo, and had learned by experience what bad men the leaders of the Mormons were. They had taken from her upwards of fourteen hundred dollars! The audience seemed inclined to tarry awhile, and talk the matter over, but, the lights being extinguished, they made for the street. Gen Bennett stated that he should give a recapitulatory lecture on Saturday evening, when he should appear in the uniform of a Major General of the Nauvoo Legion.

---

We would ask our neighbor of the Transcript in what particular does Mormonism resemble Romanism at the time of the so-called Reformation? We are anxious to know. [Pilot of last week.]

Our neighbor of the Pilot must put his question to General Bennet the professed "expositor" of Mormonism. The article in the Transcript to which the Pilot refers, was in reference to the lectures of that individual, and was taken from, and credited to, the New York "Journal of Commerce" -- a paper whose statements are always substantially correct. The Pilot ought to have seen this, and to have observed well the import of that article. There was nothing obtuse about it.


Notes: (forthcoming)

MORMONISM -- GEN. BENNETT, &c.

Five feet nine inches high, with black eyes, black hair sprinkled with gray, dark complexion, and rather a thin face, -- such, as nearly as we could judge by lamp light, was the aspect presented by this would be notable personage, the other evening, in Marlboro Chapel, Boston. We hardly knew, after all, what to think of him and his purposes. His manner does not impress us, as that of one actuated by any very high and noble impulses. Yet, that all he is saying and doing is falsehood and forgery we are not at all inclined to think. That he read sundry documents that were genuine we have no manner of doubt. That his original instigation to what he is doing, is the purest in the world, we must confess we do not believe. -- However, be his motives what they may, we have no question he is in possession of evidence laying open no small amount of villainy. We have before expressed our opinion, that the major portion of those who have joined the Mormon body, have done so in simple sincerity of intent. But that many of those in high places among them are very far from single hearted, we are impressed by Gen. Bennett, let him or his design be what they will. We did not like his manner, his aside comments, his ejaculations, -- and we liked just as little the boisterous applause rendered to his readings or remarks. Still, an impression was left by the whole and this though not very favorable to the speaker, yet decidedly gave us to believe that roguery the most scandalous attaches to Jo Smith, if to no others of the Mormon chief ones. Gen. Bennett read, from various newspapers, accounts of crimes committed by Mormons. This might, peradventure, be well for the public, however it might show for General Bennett himself. It is well that truth be revealed, whatever be the mind of its revealer. -- He then related several advances of a disgusting character, made by Joe Smith to women of Nauvoo. If truly stated these were abominable enough, since they were instances of borrowing the cloak of religion to effect the devil's purposes. We are inclined, from the total impression made on us, to believe that he told what actually occurred. And 'twas vile enough, to be sure. He then read a letter, which taking the entire impression made on us, we incline to hold authentic, written by Joe Smith to Miss Rigdon, in explanation, (as he called it) of proposals he had previously made her. 'Twas not without a certain devilish talent, skillfully employing holy words, and striving to make black appear white, -- an effect it might possibly have wrought, had the person addressed believed with undoubting assurance, the writer to be a holy man.

On the whole, after taking pains to listen two evenings to Gen. Bennett, we came away with no pleasant impressions. The leaders of the Mormons -- especially the leader -- are, we verily believe, knaves. And knaves of a class the most detestable, too seeking to win indulgence in the two very basest passions, Lust and Avarice, through the highest of all sentiments-the Religious! In pity's name, if there be any within reach of our voice of warning, let them keep away from Nauvoo! Religion is the highest and best. But, if cheated and betrayed through means of pretensions of this class, we are in peril of being stricken with a deadly chill! At least, let any, who have a leaning this way, pause for a time. This can do no harm. Light will ere long penetrate every nook and corner of Nauvoo. If we have the opportunity of information we will use it.


Notes: (forthcoming)

A New Sect. -- We verily believe that sects and parties, social, political and religious, will multiply and subdivide until, like the parson's clerk, who formed the sole congregation, every man becomes a sect himself. They have "out west" and "down east," their Latter-Day Saints; and here, as if we were determined to keep pace with the spirit of change which is abroad; we have got the Latter Night Saints! As many as three of this new fangled tribe were simultaneously harranguing the multitude as late at 12 o'clock, opposite St. Charles, on Wednesday night. Although they did not speak exactly in "unknown tongues," yet their language was by no means intelligible. He who appeared to be the high priest, the Joe Smith of the party, wound up every fifteen minutes with the following stereotyoed phrase: "These are facts -- most glorious to behold -- keep them before the people!" -- N. O. Picayune.


Note: See also the Daily Picayune of Aug. 27, and Sept. 7, 1842.

The Mormons. A statement in the western papers contradicts, under oath, the pretended revelations of J. C. Bennett, formerly of the Mormon Society, and shows him up as an offender against decency, who having been punished for his faults, now wishes to take vengeance upon his judges for their righteous decisions.


Notes: (forthcoming)

==> We believe the following, or the substance of it, was published by the Spy a year or two since. But under existing circumstances, we presume most of our readers will be glad to see it again:

ORIGIN  OF  MORMONISM.

The origin of this band of fanatics who have excited so much attention recently at the west, affords another lamentable instance of the comparative ease with which the strongest fraud and most glaring imposition may be palmed on individuals, even in the most intelligent community, and how liable, even persons in other matters of some discrimination, are to be transformed into silly dupes of arrant knaves and impudent pretenders. The founders of this sect professed to obtain the book of their faith from plates of brass brought from Heaven by an angel to the celebrated "Joe Smith," who has succeeded in numbering among his disciples, in all perhaps, some thousands of all ages and sexes. The real origin of this book until within a few months was never discovered clearly to the public, although it was evident that knavery was used in obtaining it, as the first propagators of their tenets are men remarkable for their shrewdness. This "Book of Mormon," or "Golden Bible," is well ascertained to have been the production of the Rev. Solomon Spaulding, a graduate of Dartmouth College, and formerly pastor of a Presbyterian Church on the Western Reserve in Ohio. While suffering under a disease, to amuse himself and friends, he wrote an imaginary history of the mysterious race of men who built the ancient mounds and other works of art, which are scattered so profusely over the valley of the Mississippi.

This manuscript having surreptitiously fallen into the hands of these artful and designing men, was used for the furtherance of their scheme of aggrandizement and pecuniary profit, by building up a new set of fanatics. The Rev. John Storrs of Holliston, Mass., learning that the widow of Mr. Spaulding (now Davidson, having since Mr. S.'s death married a second husband) was still living at Monson, Mass., and could testify to the fact, addressed her a letter, and obtained the following narrative, which is published in the Boston Recorder.

(reprints Boston Recorder article of Apr. 19, 1839)

Notes: (forthcoming)

The wife (or widow,) of William Morgan of Anti-Masonic memory, is at present a Mormoness; having become the wife of one Harris, a chosen friend of Joe Smith; and who is now dwelling among the latter day Saints at Nauvoo.


Note: Lucinda Morgan and George W. Harris were married in Nov., 1830 at Batavia, New York. Exactly when George became "a chosen friend of Joe Smith," is unknown -- possibly it was as early as the mid-1820s. Lucinda and George had a large house at Far West, which they abandoned in 1838. By Dec. 4, 1839 they were living in Montrose, Iowa acrosss the river from Commerce (Nauvoo) See the New York Mercury of Jan. 2, 1840 and the Alexandria Gazette of Jan. 6, 1840.

Mr. Orson Pratt publishes a communication in the Nauvoo Wasp, in which he states that he has not left the Mormons; but makes no mention of Joe Smith's attack on the virtue of his wife.  (Sangamo Journal).

Pratt would deny the statement in regard to those if he could, for it has been every where published, and both he and his wife have been publicly appealed to to say if it was not true. His not denying it in his communication to the Wasp, is an admission of its truth.

Therefore his saying he is yet with the Mormons, is simply a declaration that, notwithstanding Joe Smith's attempt on the chastity of his wife, he still recognizes Joe as his prophet sent by God upon earth, for the regeneration of mankind, and womankind. This is one of the queerest phenomena in the whole circle of animal being. White men may be grateful that they are not negroes; negroes may re-joice that they are not monkeys; but monkeys may chatter thanks to their stars that they are not Mormons.  (Louisville Journal).


Note: The Quartro Notion was the weekly edition of the Boston Daily Times. Most article appearing in its Saturday numbers were first published in the daily paper.

GEN. BENNET'S MORMON DISCLOSURES. The subscribers will publish, in the course of the ensuing week, "Mormonism Exposed," or a History of Joe Smith and the Latter Day Saints: By J. C. Bennett. These highly interesting and astounding disclosures exhibit in their true light the profligacy and wickedness of the Mormon leaders. It will be issued in good style in a 12 mo. volume, of upwards of 320 pages. Orders respectfully solicited.

LELAND & WHITING,   Washington street,             
Opposite the Post Office.             

Note 1: In his July 15, 1842 letter to the editor of the St. Louis American Bulletin, "Dr." John Cook Bennett said: "I am about to repair to the East for the purpose of publishing a 'HISTORY OF THE SAINTS,' or important disclosures in relation to Joe Smith and the Mormons..."

Note 2: In his 1997 Bennett biography, The Saintly Scoundrel, Andrew F. Smith says: "From New York Bennett traveled to Boston, where he offered three lecture at Marlboro' Chapel beginning on September 7 [1842].... Tickets were sold by Leland and Whiting, the future publisher of Bennett's book.... Bennett settled with Leland and Whiting in Boston and completed the book by September 12. In late October... the book was published."

Mormonism. -- A Mr. T. F. Olney, of La Harpe, Illinois, in the last Springfield Journal publicly withdraws from the church of the Latter Day Saints. he says he 'cannot consent to remain a member of said church, while polygamy, lasciviousness and adultery are practised by some fo its leaders.' Mr. Olney confirms the statements of Bennett, as to Joe Smith's practices.


Note: The former Mormon's name should read "John F. Olney" (family information unknown -- probably from northern Ohio)

Arrest of Joe Smith. An extra from the Quincy (Ill.) Whig, dated 8th inst, says: -- We understand the Governor has received information that Joe Smith is in custody at Carthage, and that he is to be brought before Judge Douglass, who is there holding Court, on a writ of habeas corpus, for the purpose of trying the validity of the Governor's writ of arrest. From the course things are taking, it is not improbable that the same farce played off two years ago, in which the same parties were interested, will be re-acted again in the present instance.


Notes: (forthcoming)

The Mormons. It seems to be verified that Joe Smith has actually been arrested, or has surrendered himself into custody. The Springfield (Illinois) Journal, however, suspects that his surrender was not made until he was tolderably well assured of a speedy release by habeas corpus, or some other trickery. The same paper contains a formal renunciation of Mormonism, signed by ten members of the Missouri Church, who declare that they have been "most scandelously imposed upon in matters and things of a divine character." Oliver H. Olney, late a preacher of the Mormon doctrines, has also renounced all connexion with the "Latter Day Saints," as they call themselves, having been a witness to the corruptions and debaucheries of their leaders.   (Commercial Advertiser.)


Notes: (forthcoming)

ARREST OF JOE SMITH. -- An extra from the Quincy (Ill.) Whig dated 8th inst., says: -- "We understand the Governor has received information that Joe Smith is in custody at Carthage, and that he is to be brought before Judge Douglass, who is there holding court, on a writ of habeas corpus, for the purpose of trying the validity of the Governor's writ of arrest. From the course things are taking, it is not improbable that the same farce played off two years ago, in which the same parties were interested, will be reacted again in the present instance."


Notes: (forthcoming)

We are informed that General Bennett will give a gratuitous Lecture this evening at 7 o'clock, in the Marlboro' Chapel. On Wednesday he intends to leave for New York City, from thence to the West.


Note: John Cook Bennett quickly made his way back to the Mississippi valley. The Boston Daily Bee of Feb. 1, 1843 informed its readers that, "Bennett, the anti-Mormon lecturer, is 'going it' at St Louis." But, by the time people in New England heard of Bennett's western lecture tour, he was already headed back to Massachusetts. The Boston Daily Bee of March 17, 1843 reported his presence in Plymouth. -- On March 23, 1843 Bennett married Sarah Rider in Plymouth.

FANATICISM. -- The present century will be spoken of by posterity as the "Age of Fanaticism." Never were so many wild and visionary notions promulgated; -- never was there so much religious extravagance abroad; -- never were absurdities so readily seized upon by the public mind. The people seem to be looking eagerly for something new, with mouths wide open ready to gulp down the first theological monstrosity that offers. Adventurers are taking advantage of this propensity, and are evidently determined to "make hay while the sun shines." Joe Smith is one of these. Some who go about deluding the people are sincere, but fanatical. But so far as he is concerned, all the facts prove deliberate imposture. He has arranged every thing admirably well for a final blow up. He has accumulated a vast amount of wealth at Nauvoo, and it is all in his own name. He holds it in fee simple. But the fact that nearly half a million of people have adopted him as their prophet -- that they believe he actually did dig up some golden plates -- that the Almighty does communicate with him directly -- shows that the public mind has become mighty credulous.

We have run off these thoughts under the influence of a graphic letter in the Argus describing a Miller Camp Meeting at Salem. We believe Miller and his followers are serious and honest. They number many intelligent and well educated minds among them. Yet, to us, there is something eminently ridiculous in the whole affair, and it proves our assertion that the present age has a strong tendency to fanaticism.

This and the Mormon excitement will ultimately die off; but something new will spring up, more monstrous, in their stead. Fanaticism has a thousand heads. -- (Portland American.)

The above is no doubt all true, but not a word is said about the great fountain of fanaticism -- the Bible. Mormonism and Millerism are both Bible doctrines; and the Christian who opposes them, opposes the Bible.


Notes: (forthcoming)

THE INDIAN'S OPINION OF JOE SMITH. -- The Indians have the greatest possible contempt for Joseph Smith, and denominate him a Tshe-wal-lis-ke, which signifies a rascal. Nor have other false prophets risen more highly in their estimation. A few years since, that notorious deceiver, Matthias, made his appearance one evening at the door of Keokuk's (chief of a neighboring tribe) 'waikeon,' or cabin.

He wore a long beard, which was parted on one side of his chin; a long gun was on his shoulder, and a red sash around his waist. -- Keokuk demanded who he was, to which question Matthias replied, that he was Jesus Christ, the only true God, and that he was come to gather the Indians, who were of the seed of Israel. "Well," says Keokuk, who is a very dignified man, "perhaps you are Jesus Christ, and perhaps you are not. If you are Jesus Christ you cannot be killed. If you are not Jesus Christ, you are a rascal, and deserve to be shot. Look at these two fine rifle pistols; they were made in New York, they never miss their aim. Now see me sound them with the ramrod. -- They have a tremendously heavy charge. Now I point them at you. Now I am going to fire." At this Matthias suddenly bolted, being unwilling that his claims should be tested by so novel and striking a mode of theological argument.


Notes: (forthcoming)

A History of the Rise and Progress
of the Latter Day Saints.

THE  LATTER  DAY  SAINTS.

The emigration of the 'Mormons, or Latter day Saints,' from this port is daily increasing. Notwithstanding the rascalities of their Apostle, Joe Smith, having been so often denounced and exposed these well meaning but deluded enthusiasts continue to leave their native country by hundreds, in order to swell the number of his dupes on the other side of the Atlantic. The class of persons thus emigrating are, in appearance and worldly circumstances, above the ordinary run of steerage passengers. The bulk of them are from the midland counties -- farmers and farmers' servants, with their wives and families. Upwards of 5000 have already emigrated, and an equal number will probably leave before spring. As no better freight is offering, the New Orleans vessels are taking these disciples of the knavish blacksmith at a very low figure. The Syden, for instance, only received £115 for 180 of the Mormons, while the Henry has agreed to carry 140 for £100 -- little more than fifteen shillings a head! All this is clearly indicative of two things; first, the utter stagnation of trade between this port and America at the present moment; and, secondly, the prevalence of superstition and simplicity amongst a class of our countrymen who ought to know better than to leave their homes and kindred in order to follow the fortunes of one of the most ignorant and impudent quacks of modern days, whose knavery is so transparent as to be seen through by every person of ordinary capacity. -- Liverpool Albion.


Notes: (forthcoming)

GOOD NEWS FROM NAUVOO. A gentleman just arrived from Nauvoo, says the Philadelphia Inquirer, states that whole families at a time, were continually leaving that place. The delusion appeared to be on the decline. Our informant describes the houses as small and mean looking log, board, and sod shanties. The Temple is to be large -- that is, should it ever be built; but at present the foundation only is laid. Joe Smith keeps the only store of any consequence, and of course monopolizes most of the trading profits. The whole matter is a system, as he conceives, of cruel and heartless deception, selecting victims, not only in this country, but even more extensively in England.


Notes: (forthcoming)

MORMONISM -- JOE SMITH -- The Burlington Hawk Eye of the 3d says, Joe Smith preached at Nauvoo last Sunday to an immense concourse of the brethren. He said in one of his late discourses that Governor Carlin was afraid that he (Smith) wanted to be Governor, but no fears need be entertained on that point, as he considered himself even now in a better situation than he would be if he was Governor or President, being Lieut. General for time and Prophet for eternity, either of which he considered pre-ferable to being Governor or President. He also said if there were any who did not believe in him, they might leave him, and, to use his own expression, 'go to hell and be damned.'

Extraordinary as it may seem, after the scathing expositions of the utterly profligate conduct of this pretended Prophet, which have been so widely spread, his doctrines are spreading far and wide. Indeed, it appears that they have recently taken fresh hold in that part of Northern Ohio which was the scene of his religious impostures and swindling banking operations prior to the hegira for Missouri.

According to the Cleveland 'Plain Dealer,' the Mormon Temple at Kirtland has lately been dedicated anew, and the wand of the prophet has been waking the dry bones in that valley. -- On Saturday the 29th ult. three of Joe Smith's specially commissioned and faithful followers arrived at the Temple from Nauvoo, and com-menced preaching faith and repentance. The Sunday morning following, they commenced baptizing in a branch of the Chagrin River, and continued at intervals for three days -- baptizing in all 206 persons, at two shillings a head!

But why should it be surprising that such success should attend the efforts of the Mormon propagandists? They find ready hearers among those who look for marvels in religion, for physical manifestations of miraculous power, for something out of the beaten track. Ignorance is ever credulous, and from the ignorant, imposture always derives its chiefest support. Hence Mormonism finds favor with a large class who must have some religion or other, and like that faith best which comes nearest the level of their prejudices and passions. What educated man ever, in good faith, embraced its absurdities?

It does little or no good to spread before the world convincing, damning proofs of the rank wickedness and outrageous conduct of such impostors as Joe Smith. The details given by Gen. Bennet, in his just published expose, of the shameful promiscuous indulgences allowed among the Mormons, will undoubtedly have the effect of attracting thither scores of lewd fellows who will have no difficulty in shamming belief in their doctrines, for the sake of the fine field there afforded for the gratification of their peculiar propensities. Thus may the fires of fanaticism be fed with additional fuel, from the very effort to extinguish them.

The true remedy for these evils is contained in the one brief glorious sentence -- a sentence which should be inscribed in letters of gold on every portal of the republic -- EDUCATE THE PEOPLE. -- Buffalo Com. Adv.


Notes: (forthcoming)

Good News from Nauvoo. -- A gentleman just arrived from Nauvoo, says the Philadelphia Inquirer, states that whole families at a time, were continually leaving that place. The delusion appeared to be on the decline. Our informant describes the houses as small and mean looking log, board, and sod shanties. The Temple is to be large -- that is, should it ever be built; but at present the foundation only is laid. Joe Smith keeps the only store of any consequence, and of course monopolizes most of the trading profits. The whole matter is a system, as he conceives, of cruel and heartless deception, selecting victims, not only in this country, but even more extensively in England.


Notes: (forthcoming)

A SHARP LAD. -- A Mormon boy, during the excitement at Nauvoo, was accosted by a man on horseback, who enquired of him for Joe Smith. The lad asked the gentleman what he wanted of the prophet? "I wish to see him on business," replied the stranger. "On business, eh?" looking up rather mysteriously; "you will not see him to-day -- The prophet has just gone up to heaven on his brother's white horse, and I am fixing this kite to send up his dinner to him." The stranger was suddenly taken with a leaving.

---

THE MAGNET for January, by La Roy Sunderland, has been received and is for sale by John Sly, No. 22 Court street.


Note: Essentially the same "Sharp Lad" item was published in the Boston Investigator of Jan 18th, -- ending with the line: "The stranger put spurs to his horse and rode off at full speed, muttering that nothing can be got out of a Mormon."

MORE MORMONS. -- The New Orleans Tropic of the 27th says, "The ship Emerald from Liverpool last night, brought 248 Mormons, bound for Illinois, and all consigned to Joe Smith. Another ship with about as many more of the same kidney, is coming up the river."


Notes: (forthcoming)

The Mormon Temple at Nauvoo has not been completed. A certain paragraph which is going the rounds to the contrary notwithstanding. The Mormons now find that they commenced the building on too magnificent a scale, inasmuch as they have not the means to carry their ideas out. The same cannot be said of the Miller Tabernacle -- the builders will carry their ideas out of a "tumble down" in April, or we are mistaken.


Notes: (forthcoming)

MORMONISM IN NEW YORK. -- An ill-looking fellow, of the name of Joseph Beebe, a disciple of Joe Smith's, who, with his wife and children, occupied the second floor of the house, 177 Goerck street, on the 31st December last, seduced a wife of a man named Irwin, who lived in the same house, and the parties have since resided at 166 Essex street, as man and wife. It appeared from the affidavit of Harry T. Irwin, Mrs. Irwin's son, that his father and mother, with himself and his little sister, resided at 177 Goerck street, and occupied the first floor. Beebe, and his wife and children, occupied the second floor; that on the 31st December last, Beebe, Mrs. Irwin and her two children, took all her husband's furniture to the house No. 166 Essex street; where they have continued to reside up to Thursday last. It further appeared by the affidavit that Beebe and Mrs. Irwin occupied the same room and bed; and that he beat the children several times without any cause. It showed also that the fellow deserted his own wife and children, and left them in a state of utter destitution. He was held to bail.


Note: According to LDS Church records, on October 6, 1841 "Elder Joseph Beebe" wrote to Nauvoo, from New York City, that "he had been preaching in that City" and had "baptized 29" Mormon converts. Mrs. Irwin, however, is not listed as being among those 29 new members.

VERY IMPORTANT. -- We learn from the Springfield Journal, that a young lad of that city, of the name of John C. Brewster, a member of the Mormon Church, supposing himself to be inspired, has recently written and published, what he says, is one of the lost books of the Bible. This publication having been circulated among the Mormon churches, the Nauvoo "Times and Seasons," Lieutenant General Joseph Smith's organ, has given notice, that no one but the said Lieutenant General Joseph Smith, is permitted to be inspired, and that the work in question is a perfect humbug. In this latter particular we fully concur with Joe.


Note: The Sangamo Journal report should have read James instead of "John." -- James Colin Brewster (1826–1909) began to make his visionary claims as early as 1836, in Kirtland, Ohio. The next year he was expelled from the Mormon Church. His "lost book" was entitled "The Words of Righteousness..."

JOE SMITH. -- The Springfield (Ill.) correspondent of the St. Louis Republican, under date of Dec. 31st, says: -- "Springfield has been the theatre of quite an excitement to-day, growing out of the appearance among her citizens of Joe Smith, the Mormon Prophet, accompanied by a retinue of some fifteen or twenty of his subjects. Joe surrendered himself to the sheriff of this county, upon the requisition of the Governor of Missouri, upon a charge of being accessory before the fact to an attempted assassination of ex-Gov. Boggs. After his arrest a writ of habeas corpus was sued out by his counsel, and he was brought before the Circuit Court of the United States, for the district of Illinois. The cause is set down for hearing on Monday next, and Smith entered into recognisance in open court in the sum of two thousand dollars, with approved sureties, for his appearance from day to day. The ground of this application is, that the act of Congress as well as the constitution of the United States, authorizing the surrender of a person in one state to the authorities of another state, charged with crime is founded upon the supposition that the individual sought to be given up has fled from the state where the crime is alleged to have been committed, and is then a fugitive from justice in the state where he is arrested. That such is not the fact in the case of Joe Smith. That when Gov. Boggs was shot, Smith was in the state of Illinois, and had been for months previous, without once being without its limits; consequently he could not have fled from the state of Missouri, where the crime was committed, -- and that he is without the provisions, both of the act of Congress and the constitution of the United States, authorizing the surrender of a citizen of one state to the Executive of another for trial of an alleged crime."


Note: The St. Louis New Era reprinted this same report, and added: "The correspondent of the Republican thinks the objection will be sustained, and Joe discharged. The Attorney General of the State was to appear against Joe Smith."

JOE SMITH AT FAULT. -- It appears that the notorious prophet has at last given himself up to the authorities of Illinois. He is charged with conspiring to assassinate Gov. Boggs of Missouri.


Notes: (forthcoming)

THE IMPOSTOR-PROPHET DISCHARGED.

We have chronicled the arrest of Smith, the so-called prophet of the Mormons, at Springfield, Illinois, upon a warrant issued by the Governor of that State (on a requisition from the Governor of Missouri) charging him as accessory before the fact to the attempted murder of ex-Governor Boggs. We have also mentioned his application for a habeas corpus, returnable before the U. S. District Court, to question the legality of his arrest and detention.

On the 4th inst. the matter was argued, and on the 5th Judge Pope gave his opinion, deciding against the legality of the arresr, on the ground that Smith could not be accounted a fugitive from Missouri justice, inasmuch as he had not been within that State, and consequently could not have fled therefrom. It was urged that, supposing him to have instigated the assassin, and actually sent him from Nauvoo into Missouri, to shoot the ex-Governor, he must be held constructively a fugitive; but this sort of construction Judge Pope gave no countenance.

The decision appears to be right, under the letter of the constitution and the law of Congress; but it seems also that thereought to be some mode of bringing within the reach of justice a person charged with such a crime.


Notes: (forthcoming)

Elder G. J. Adams will lecture this evening at the Boylston Hall. Subject: Election and Reprobation; or Calvinism in all its windings and absurdities. Seats free.


Notes: (forthcoming)

THE MORMONS. -- A correspondent of the New York Express describes the Mormons at Nauvoo, as from 7,000 to 10,000 strong, and constantly increasing. The greater number live in town, but the country for five miles around, is thickly populated.


Notes: (forthcoming)

Elder G. J. Adams, late from Nauvoo, will lecture at the Boylston Hall to-morrow -- on three interesting subjects, connected with the coming of Christ, and his reign on the earth, -- to commence at the usual hours. The seats at this place are free.

---

Another requisition, it is said, will be made for Joe Smith. It will be based upon a charge of arson, &c.


Note 1: Elder George J. Adams' activities in and around Boston during the year 1843, evidently consisted of more than simply preaching and baptizing. One of his hosts in that city, Elder John Hardy, later asserted: "Elder G. J. Adams was charged with teaching the polygamy system some time last spring, and tried (although not present) before a conference held in Franklin Hall in this city. P. P. Pratt, one of the twelve presiding, and there was evidence brought to that amount, that Elder Adams was disfellowshiped for teaching polygamy..."

Note 2: One on-line reference gives the following information: "George J. Adams... born 1810 or 1819, baptized 1840. Freemason, Nauvoo City Council pro-tem; polygamist; member of the Council of Fifty; theocratic ambassador to Russia; evangelical (not administrative) apostle (in Oct. 1844, William Smith called Adams, the “thirteenth postle”); witnessed ordination of Joseph Smith III as successor to Joseph Smith Jr. by Smith himself. Missionary in Boston at various times 1842 to 1844. A June 25, 1842 article in the Dollar Weekly Bostonian reported that Adams debated with Dr. George M. West at the Marlboro Chapel three evenings in Boston... Presided at a conference in Boston on February 9, 1843. Because of his erratic behavior, he was called to return to Nauvoo to answer some charges [made against him]..."

JOE SMITH -- the Mormon prophet, says an exchange paper, is a large, portly and fine-looking man, six feet without shoes, looks about 40 or 42, and weighs 230 pounds, eyes light blue, approaching to gray -- light brown hair, peaked nose, large head. I think a very little self-esteem, but more of the intellectual than the animal -- dressed in box coat, black, blue dress coat and pants, black silk velvet vest, white cravat, a large gold ring on the finger next to the little one of his left hand, black cane, and wears a continual smile.


Note: The above item is an excerpt from New York Herald correspondence, dated Jan. 4, 1843. See also the illustration and similar description of Smith (possibly by the same Illinois correspondent -- Benjamin West?) which appeared in the Philadelphia newspaper, Alexander's Express Messenger for July 24, 1844. The 1844 report and description was evidently reprinted in the Boston Daily Times, a few weeks later.

GREAT MORMON JUBILEE -- We understand there is to "come off" at the Boylston Hall next Thursday (to continue over Sunday) a grand conference or gathering, of the Mormon Chiefs in this region. As there is to be open doors on the occasion, it will give all an opportunity of attending and investigating for themselves. We expect it will afford a rich treat to all lovers of the antique and curious.

---

RELIGIONS OF THE UNITED STATES. -- The following statement of the religious population of the United States, is derived from various sources, several of which are authentic: Baptists,4,000,000; Methodists, 3,000,000; Presbyterians, 2,175,000; Congregationalists, 1,400,000; Roman Catholics, 1,300,000; Episcopalians, 1,000,000; Universalists, 600,000; Lutherans, 540,000; Dutch Reformed, 450,000; Friends, 220,000; Unitarians, 180,000; Dunkers, 30,000; Mormonites, 19,000; Shakers, 6,000; Swedenborgians, 6,000; Moravians, 5,000.


Notes: (forthcoming)

MORMON CONFERENCE. -- Our readers will bear in mind that the great Mormon, or Latter Day Saint, Conference is to commence at the Boylston Hall, this day at 2 P.M. Doors open to all, male and female. Preaching at 7 o'clock in the evening by Elder Derby, one of the "faithful" from Nauvoo. Seats free.


Note: The Boston Bee editors seemed to have taken a special interest in things Mormon. In the daily issue for Feb. 10th a musical sketch, or stage play, entitled "Miller's Rights and Mormon's Profits" was announced. That event evidently was featured at Boston's National Theatre the same evening. History does not record what the content (or the audience reception) might have been.

ORDINATION. -- We understand that a number of ministers are to be ordained in the Mormon faith, to-day, at 2 o'clock, P.M., in Boylston Hall. A chance for the curious to become acquainted with their ceremonies. They have been preaching three times a day on Sundays.

Note: This same issue carried an announcement for the Boston Weekly Bee, to be issued every Saturday, beginning on Feb. 11th. The weekly edition featured several interesting articles related to Mormonism, not all of which appeared in the daily edition. These Saturday articles can be partly re-constructed from reprints -- but the preserved back files (available on microfilm) should be consulted for the correct texts.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE WEEKLY BEE.

Dear Sir, -- I wish through the medium of your valuable paper, to make some remarks concerning the Latter day Saints or Mormons, as people in general appear to be entirely ignorant of their doctrine. I had been led, from out door and newspaper reports, to believe they were people of the worst character -- a sect who denied the Bible and substituted another book in its stead; and in short, that they were every thing that was bad. Curiosity led me to their meeting at the Boylston Hall and I can truly say I was astonished and most agreeably disappointed. First a beautiful hymn was read and sung. Then a Prayer, apparently sincere, solemn and impressive, was offered up to that God whom Christians profess to worship -- the blessing of Heaven was invoked upon all men, of every sect, creed and denomination; after which a text was chosen from the New Testament, from which the speaker descanted at considerable length; and I must say I never heard a more able sermon. His reasoning, was logical, philosophical, and easy to be understood. Passage after passage seemed to flow like a torrent to prove this position. He contended that the Priesthood which was lost when the Church went into the wilderness, has been restored by the ministering of Angels -- and that this is Christ's Church re-organized; and having Apostles, Prophets, &c. and also the gifts and blessings, such as healing the sick, &c. &c. in ancient times -- and that Joe Smith is a Prophet chosen of God to lay the foundation and be instrumental in carrying on the great work. That this Gospel must be preached unto all people before the second coming of Christ, which from the signs of the times it is expected will be in this generation. They also preach baptism for the remission of sins, and the laying on of hands for the reception of the Holy Ghost, as practised anciently. The doctrine certainly appears to be plausible, consistent and in accordance with that laid down in the Scriptures. I have been induced to make these remarks from a conviction that this people have been grossly slandered and defamed. If they are imposters, as has been so often represented, or if their doctrine be false, let the public know it before more of the unwary are imposed upon. Let some of our learned Divines come out against them and publicly discuss the subject; it is their duty to do so, that if there be error or falsehood, the public may be disabused. If they are wrong the world ought to know it; and if they are right, it is of vital importance that their doctrine should be widely disseminated.
                                                    A Seeker after Truth.

---

Review of the Mormon Lectures.

Agreeable to previous appointment, on Thursday evening, Jan. 19th, Elder Adams made his appearance before an immensely crowded house to give a history of his visit to Nauvoo, the Holy City of the Saints. He commenced by quoting the words of Pilate to our Lord, viz: "what is truth?" and said he had taken a good text, and intended to give nothing but plain facts; said he was well aware of the deep rooted prejudice that existed in the minds of many against his people, but he felt extremely happy to have an opportunity of standing before such a crowd of the enlightened citizens of Boston, in defence of the truth. After various preliminary remarks, concerning his journey to Nauvoo and defeating Dr. West in discussion, he drew a line between Joseph Smith the Prophet, and John C. Bennett the apostate, proving the prophet to be one of the most noble hearted patriots and the earth, and John C. Bennett one of the most degraded, polluted, perjured scoundrels that now live. He then spoke of the great Temple at Nauvoo, that is (when finished) to become the glory of the western world, which will probably be accomplished in about two years. Then came a description of the twelve Oxen carved as large as life, to be overlaid with fine gold, on which rests the baptismal fount, that is used especially for baptising those afflicted with various diseases, and also to baptise for the dead. He then gave a powerful, a soul stirring and an eloquent appeal, in behalf of the doctrine of baptism for the dead; his reasoning on that subject was unanswerable. He then turned to the Bible and proved the doctrine to be Scriptural and glorious; he did this with perfects ease. Talk of the Mormons believing the Bible! they believe all the truths in our Bible and nearly half a dozen others. Next came a description of the Nauvoo house, a splendid edifice now being erected for the accommodation of illustrious visitors that may call at the Holy City from time to time. He then spoke of the industry, temperance, virtue and integrity of the Saints in general, and related two or three witty anecdotes, illustrating the character of the Prophet, and settling him in a very favorable light before the public. He next touched upon the falsehoods, slanders and misrepresentations, under which this infant Church has been compelled to struggle for years; and closed by making a strong appeal on the subject of the persecutions, privations and almost unparalleled suffering his brethren, and especially the Prophet, had been forced to pass through in the establishing of the glorious dispensation of the fulness of times, that was finally to usher in the great Sabbath of rest. The speaker carried every thing before him; and no man said why say you so-although full opportunity was given at the close. By the by Mr. Bee, I want to sting Elder Adams a little for his own good, for the comfort of his hearers, and, if Mormonism is true, for the benefit of coming ages: I mean in regard to his loud speaking; for the way he uses his lungs, is a caution to Yankee sinners, and unless he reforms, he won't last long, I hope a word to the wise will be sufficient.

P. S. In my next, I will give you a short sketch of his original sermon on the parable of the Prodigal Son.
               Yours truly,
                                 A Lover of Truth.


Note: This was one of several Boston Weekly Bee articles reproduced in the Nauvoo Times and Seasons during the spring and summer of 1843. The "news" in this report seems rather outdated -- perhaps its planned appearance was crowded out of the Bee's daily issue by the Governor's message, and the text was then used to fill up empty space the initial weekly issue's columns. While the issue date appears to have been Feb. 11th, the letter's actual publication may have come a week later.

MORMON  CONFERENCE.

The great Mormon Chiefs met in Conference, at Boylston Hall, on Thursday, Feb. 9th, at two p. m. The number of officials was, 16 Elders, 5 Priests, 4 Teachers, and 3 Deacons, together with a large and respectable assembly of all sects and denominations, both Infidel and Christian, who assembled at an early hour, to hear the wonders of the new and everlasting covenant, The Conference was opened by singing and prayer by Elder G. J. Adams, when, on motion, Elder Adams was called to the chair, and Elder E. P. Maginn was chosen Secretary. The Prest. then stated in a brief manner the object of the Conference, which was for the purpose of spreading the fulness of the gospel, throughout New England, and was followed by Elder E. Snow, whose object appeared to be to disabuse the public mind in relation to signs and miracles, showing their real object, which was for the benefit of the Saints. He also showed the inconsistency of their opponents in circulating such foolish reports concerning them, instead of coming out and meeting them with the word of God, upon the broad platform of honorable investigation. Two or three others of the faithful followed on the same subjects. The Conference then adjourned to two p. m. on Friday. In the evening the public were addressed by Elder Derby on the subject of baptism. Friday Conference met pursuant to adjournment, and was opened with singing and prayer, by E. P. Maginn. The Prest. then called upon the presiding Elders to represent the different branches composing this Conference, which was done...

... in the short space of about fifteen months, a society that was only known among us by report, now actually numbers near one thousand in this immediate vicinity, and their preachers seem imbued with a spirit and determination to carry every thing before them; for, in fact, they all seem to have the Bible at the end of their tongue. After the representation of the Churches, they adjourned to two p. m. on Saturday. On Friday evening the congregation was addressed in a very able and lucid manner by Elder Maginn, on the subject of sins and wonders. On Saturday, agreeable to appointment, the Conference was opened by singing and prayer by E. Snow, after which a number of the faithful were called by the spirit of prophecy and revelation, to the different offices, such as elders, priests, teachers, and deacons. The officers were then addressed by the Prest., on the order of the church, and the object of God in establishing it by revelation in these last days; followed by Elder E. Snow on the same subject. Those that were called, were then ordained with great solemnity, under the hands of Elders Nickerson, Snow, and Adams -- after which, on motion, resolved, that licenses be granted to said officers, signed by the Prest. and Secretary. -- The Conference then adjourned, sine die. In the evening we had an able discourse on baptism for the dead, from E. Snow. On Sabbath morning, at nine o'clock, the ice was brushed away, and eight of our citizens were very decently buried in the river, after the ancient order, by Elder Adams, who seems a perfect water fowl. The great congregation was addressed in the morning by Elder Maginn, on the subject of the false spirits that was to come forth in the last days, for the overthrow of mystic Babylon; and he proved the impossibility of the religious world being able to discover between true miracles and false ones-and that they were not given to make men believe, but to edify the Church. In the afternoon, five elders gave their testimony to an immensely large crowd of people, who seemed much pleased; after which the ordinance of confirmation or the laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost, according to the scriptures was attended to in a very impressive and solemn manner, by elders Maginn, Adams and Snow. In the evening, Elder Snow gave us a rich treat, on the apostacy of the Church, and the establishing of the "the new and everlasting covenant in these last days," for the bringing in of everlasting righteousness, and the salvation of the world. I have given you a true sketch of the movements of this new and curious sect in this vicinity. My motto is, live and let live. If the Mormons can be put down by Scripture and reason, let them go; but let us never attempt to put them down by persecution and religious bigotry: let us prove "all things and hold fast that which is good," -- hear a matter first, and then judge.


Note: This was the second of several Boston Weekly Bee articles regarding the Mormons -- several of which were reproduced in the Times and Seasons during the spring and summer of 1843.

Editorial Correspondence.
                               Philadelphia, Feb. 20, 1643.

Our  Weekly.

The third number of 'The Boston Weekly Bee' is published this morning, containing a large amount of useful and interesting reading matter... [including] an interesting sketch of the Rise, Progress, and Faith of the Mormons; together with all the news of the week, foreign and domestic, miscellany, anecdote, fun and philosophy... Price three cents per copy...

---

Elder G. J. Adams will lecture at the Boylston Hall three times to-morrow, at the usual hours, on the following subjects: -- The Aborigines of this country -- the Book of Mormon, their history -- the "Urim and Thummim," by which said book was translated by Joseph Smith, the prophet, and the necessity of Revelation in this as well as in former ages. The faithful may expect a rich treat.


Notes: (forthcoming)

Mr. Editor, Sir -- As you have (in justice) given the Mormons a chance to defend their principles from the attacks of those who are ignorant of its true tendency, and some who from self interest, or what is worse, join in the cry of the hounds and huntsmen against the flying and defenceless stag -- for no other reason under heaven than because they see others do it. I think if they reflect for an instant on the unmanly, despotic and unjust principle of persecuting the innocent, without knowing the 'why and wherefore' -- I say if our calumniators reflect, they will say you have done what justice and honor requires of man-given us a weapon to defend (what is dearer to us than life) 'the immortal part of man,' our reputation.

I thought myself (three weeks ago) an unchangeable infidel, and lived with a family that some of its members were of the Mormon faith. I had an opportunity of witnessing their private meetings, and every thing connected with them. I have heard General Bennett's lectures, and left not a stone unturned to find its character. I have argued with their elders on the truth of the Bible, and ridiculed their belief with every argument of science, philosophy and convictions of common sense, and accounted for their revelations and miracles as common effect, from a common cause -- the works of 'a mind diseased.' Yet I have always given them credit for honesty, from the very fact of their suffering for principle's sake. Show me a christian denomination in existence that are so liberal in their principles as the 'poor deluded Mormons.' They believe that every honest man, who acts up to the principle of reflection, and obeys those dictates of conscience that show him wrong from right, will be saved, no matter what his belief -- whether Turk, Jew or Heathen. And surely if God is just, he will not condemn a man for his belief, when he thinks from his heart he acts right.

The Mormons do not want persons to believe all that they do, as is falsely affirmed -- they do not want to ram Joe Smith or revelation down people's throats, without their knowing for themselves: all they want is to obey the words of Christ for the remission of sin. They want to terrify no man into belief. They do not say it is sinful to read Shakespeare or Byron or any book that you get an exalted idea from, as your judgment (if you have any) will point out the good from the bad. Let those who contend that the writings of these giants of genius have an immortal tendency, remember there never yet was a general good without a partial evil.

We are charged with advocating a plurality of wives, and common property. Now this is as false as the many other ridiculous charges which are brought against us. No sect have a greater reverence for the laws of matrimony, or the rights of private property, and we do what others do not, practice what we preach.

A conversation I had with a friend, soon after joining the Mormons, will strongly illustrate public opinion, and show in what light men ought to be held, who condemn without knowing for what, and have only the same reason to offer as Bardolph had for running away -- 'faith I ran when I saw others run.'

'Mr. R___, why did you join the Mormons?'
  'Because I thought they were right.'

'Well, I never thought you were a fool until now.'
  'And why do you think I am a fool now?'

'Because you joined the Mormons.'
  'How does that prove me a fool?'

'Because none but fools would join them.''
  'Why do you think so?'

'Because every one says so.'
  'Do you know any of their principles?'

'No -- but I know they cannot be good.'
  'How do you know?'

'Because every one says so.'
  'Do you think I am dishonest?'

'I know you are not.'
  'Well, before I was a Mormon, I did not believe in God or devil; yet I was considered an upright man -- and now as I believe as you do, in Christ and the remission of sins, you call me a fool; do you not think I can judge for myself?'

'I know you can.'
  'Why then do you blame me for using my judgment.'

'Because every one says they are humbugs, and they are scouted out of every place.'
  'Then your reason is this: because you see a dog running down the street, with an appendage to his tail, and people shouting and pelting him with stones, you pick up a stone also and pelt and shout after the poor animal; and you call me a fool, because I know the master of the ill-treated dog, and strive to remove the appendage, and protect the poor brute from such treatment.'


It is thus we are condemned without a hearing, and persecuted without a cause.

As a parting word, I would suggest a sentence which no sophistry can refute; and let our calumniators remember they are the words of Christ. 'Judge not, lest ye be judged.'
                           I remain, sir, your obliged servant,
                                     H. R.


Note: This was one of several Boston Bee articles reproduced in the Times and Seasons during the spring and summer of 1842. While the exact date of publication has not yet been verified, it appears that the "H. R." letter was published in the weekly Bee of Feb. 25th, along with a lengthy article entitled "A Sketch of the Rise, Progress and Faith, of the Latter Day Saints, or Mormons." Both items were reprinted in the Nauvoo Times & Seasons of Mar. 15, 1843. Since the "Sketch" was has been verified as having been reprinted in the daily Bee of Feb. 27th, its text has been copied into that issue.

What do  the Mormons  Believe?

This is a question often asked, and the following sketch from the pen of Elder Adams, the big gun of Mormonism in these parts, will throwsome light upon the subject: --

A sketch of the Rise, Progress and Faith, of the Latter Day Saints, or Mormons.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints was first organized in the state of New York, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty, on the sixth day of April. At its first organization, it consisted of six members. The first instruments of its organization were Joseph Smith, Jun. and Oliver Cowdery, who received their authority and priesthood, or apostleship, by direct revelation from God -- by the voice of God -- by the ministering of angels -- and by the Holy Ghost. -- They claim no authority whatever from antiquity, they never received baptism nor ordination from any religious system which had previously existed; but being commissioned from on high, they first baptized each other, and then commenced to minister its ordinances to others. The first principle of Theology as held by this church, is faith in God the Eternal Father, and in his Son Jesus Christ, who verily was crucified for the sins of the world, and who rose from the dead on the third day, and is now seated on the right hand of God as a mediator, and in the Holy Ghost who bears record of them, the same to-day as yesterday, and forever. The second principle is Repentance towards God; that is, all men who believe in the Father, Son and Holy Ghost, are required to turn away from their sins, to cease from their Evil Deeds, and to come humble before the throne of grace with a broken heart and a contrite spirit. The third principle is Baptism by immersion in water, in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost, for the remission of sins with the promise of the Holy Ghost, to all who believe and obey the gospel. The fourth principle is the laying on of the hands in the name of Jesus Christ, for the gift of the Holy Ghost. This ordinance is to be administered by the apostles or elders of the church, upon all those who are baptised into the church. Through these several steps of faith and obedience, man is made partaker of the Holy Ghost, and numbered with the children of God. -- Through this process man is adopted into the church and kingdom of God, as one of his Saints; his name is then enrolled in the book of the names of the righteous, and it then becomes his duty to watch, to pray, to deal justly, and to meet together with the saints as oft as circumstances will admit of it; and with them to partake of bread and wine in remembrance of the broken body, and shed blood of Jesus Christ; and in short, to continue faithful unto the end, in all the duties which are enjoined by the law of Christ. Fifth, it is the duty and privilege of the saints thus organized upon the everlasting gospel, to believe in, and enjoy all the gifts, powers and blessings which flow from the Holy Spirit. Such for instance, as the gifts of revelation, prophesy, visions, the ministry of angels, healing the sick by the laying on of hands in the name of Jesus, the working of miracles, and in short all the gifts as mentioned in scripture, or as enjoyed by the ancient saints.

This is a brief outline of the doctrine of this church, and we believe that it is the only system of doctrine which God ever revealed to man in a gospel dispensation, and the only system which can be maintained by the New Testament.

Now as far as all other modern religious systems differ from the foregoing principles, so far we disfellowship them. We neither recognize their priesthood, nor ordinances as divine. But at the same time we wish well to the individuals of all societies; we believe that many of them are sincere, and that they have the right to enjoy their religious opinions in peace. We do not wish to persecute any people for their religion. But we wish to instruct them in those principles which we consider to be right, as far as they are willing to receive instruction, but no farther. We also believe that the scriptures of the Old and New Testament are true; and that they are designed for our profit and learning, and that all mystical and private interpretation of them ought to be done away; that the prophecies, and doctrine, the covenants and promises contained in them have a literal application, according to the most plain, easy and simple meaning of the language in which they are written. We believe that the scriptures now extant to not contain do not contain all the sacred writings which God ever gave to man, for it is easily demonstrated, that they contain but a small portion indeed of the things which God has made known to our race, for it is evident that a communication has been kept open between God and man from the days of Adam to the present day, among all nations, kindreds, tongues and people; except such communication has been withheld by reason of transgression. -- Thousands of communications were received before the Bible was begun to be written. -- Thousands of communications were received during the progress of these writings, besides those which are written in it, and thousands of communications were received since the Bible was completed. Thousands of communications have also been received among other nations, and in other countries remote from the scenes where the Bible was written. And in short the Holy Ghost is a spirit of revelation and prophecy, and wherever it has been enjoyed by mankind, there communications from God have been received.

We therefore believe in the Book of Mormon, which is an ancient American Record lately discovered, containing a sketch of the history, prophecies, and doctrine of the ancient nations who inhabited this country. And we also believe in many communications which God has been pleased to make us in the rise and progress of this church, as he has often revealed his word to us, by visions, by dreams, by angels, by his own voice and by the Holy Spirit of prophecy and revelation; and lastly, we believe that God will continue to reveal himself to us until all things are revealed concerning the past, present, and future; until we have come in possession of all knowledge, intelligence or truth, which is in existence. We believe that the Jews and all the house of Israel will soon be gathered home to their own lands, from all the countries where they have been dispersed, and that they will become one nation in the land upon the mountains of Israel, never more to be divided or overcome, and that they will all be brought to the knowledge of God, and will become a holy nation. We also believe that Jesus Christ will come in person, in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory, and all the saints with him to reign on the earth a thousand years, and that he will destroy the wicked from the earth by terrible judgments at the time of his coming. We also believe that the saints will rise from the dead at this second coming, and that they will live and reign on the earth one thousand years. We do not believe that the wicked will rise from the dead until the thousand years are ended, but that their resurrection is after the millennium and connected with the last judgment. We further believe that the restoration of Israel and Judah, and the second advent of Messiah are near at hand, and that the generation now lives who will witness the fulfilment of these great events, and that the Lord has raised up the Church of Latter Days Saints, and has set the truth in order among them as a commencement of the great restoration. For further particulars as to our doctrine and principles, I refer the reader to a work entitled "The Voice of Warning," which is particularly designed as an introduction to our faith and doctrine. I must, however, before leaving the subject, contradict certain reports which are in circulation concerning our principles in regard to property. It is a current report, and often credited by those who have no acquaintance with our society, that we hold our property in common. This is a base falsehood without a shadow of truth. The members of this church have ever held their property individually, the same as other societies, with the exception of that which they freely give for the use of the society, to minister to the wants of the poor, and for the building of houses of worship, &c. The property thus given is managed by proper officers, who render a strict account for all their incomes and expenditures, and who have no right to apply one shilling for any other purpose than that for which it is given.

Having given this brief sketch of our religious principles, we will now proceed to our account of the rise and progress of the church until this present time. After the church was organized as stated in the foregoing, they gradually increased in numbers from that time until June, 1831; the whole church numbered near two thousand. A general conference was then held in Kirtland, Ohio, and was attended by something like sixty of our preachers. From this time until 1835 it rapidly spread throughout all the United States of North America, in so much that in 1836 branches of the church and General Conferences had been organized throughout this vast republic, and at the present time the number amounts to over 150,000. In the latter part of the same year it was introduced into Toronto, Upper Canada, when it soon spread through that province; and in 1837, several of the elders sailed to England, under the direction of O. Hyde and H. C. Kimball, where they soon baptized between one and two thousand; from that time the work of the Lord has rapidly spread through England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, and we have now flourishing societies in the principle towns and cities of Great Britain; numbering over 20,000. This glorious message has also spread into Germany, a part of France, and reached even Constantinople, Jerusalem, the East Indies, and islands of the seas. It is still spreading in every country where it is known, and we anticipate a time not far distant, when a knowledge of the great work which the Lord has set his hand to do in these last days will be enjoyed by all the nations of the earth, for to this end was it sent into the world. The apostles and elders of this church have a special mission to fulfil to every nation, kindred, tongue and people under heaven, and this is the gospel of the kingdom which was to be preached for a testimony unto all nations, and then shall the son of man come. If the people oppose this great mission, it will only injure themselves; it will not hinder the rolling forth of the work of God, or the fulfilment of his purposes, for he has set his hand a second time to bring about the restoration of Israel, with the fulnes of the Gentiles.


Note: Although the editor of the daily Bee does not specifically state that the above Mormon "sketch" first appeared in the previous Saturday's issue of the weekly Bee, it seems evident that the Feb. 27th text is a reprint from the weekly's Feb. 25th columns.

THROWING DOWN THE GAUNTLET. -- At a large meeting of the citizens of Charlestown the other evening, at the conclusion of a lecture given by the Mormon big gun, Elder Adams, a number of resolutions were adopted, defying the clergy of other denominations to a controversy on the doctrines of the "Latter-day Saints" -- the scriptures of the Old and New Testament to be the rule of evidence. This sect is rapidly increasing in these parts, and it is well worthy of some of our eminent theologians to enter the lists, and Bible in hand, conquer their champions with their own weapons.

---

MORMONISM. -- Elder Adams, the Mormon, who has created such a stir lately by his eloquent exposition of his peculiar tenets, will hold forth as usual to-morrow at Boylston Hall; and, we understand, will undertake to prove from the Bible many things which form a part of his creed, and will conclude by upsetting Millerism completely. The Bible is a weapon which he uses like a two-edged sword when engaged in controversy. The seats are free.


Notes: (forthcoming)

==> A Mormon elder in Boston is preaching against Millerism!


Note: William Schouler (1814-72), was the proprietor and editor of the Lowell "Courier in 1841-47, after which he became the editor of the Boston Daily Atlas. Schouler evidently took a personal interest in Mormonism and its origins, and his columns featured several articles on that subject.

OUR WEEKLY. -- Some one has sent us a small pamphlet, containing an account of the remarkable visions of Joe Smith, the Latter-day Saint, in reference to the golden plates of the Book of Mormon -- his manner of discovering them -- how the angel looked -- some particulars about Joe himself -- and various other matters connected with what is called the Mormon humbug. As it will doubtless prove interesting to the curious reader, as proving how far the force of imagination and credulity will go, we shall publish a portion of it in our next Weekly, and continue it in parts until finished. It is written by Orson Pratt, one of the Elders of Nauvoo, and "opens rich."

---

IMMERSION. -- On Tuesday evening, about seven o'clock, quite an interesting scene occurred at the Railway in Commercial street. Some of the Mormon Elders or Latter Day Saints conferred the rites of baptism on about fifteen new converts to their faith, by immersion in the river -- a proceeding, by the way, which gave us a cold chill to look upon. Those engaged in the rites however, appeared to take to the water like young ducks, and under the influence of a bright moon, and amid a throng of four or five hundred spectators, the ceremonies were gone through with, much to the satisfaction of all engaged, and productive of no little interest to the bystanders.


Notes: (forthcoming)

MORMONISM  IN  WESTERN  NEW YORK.

One of our oldest subscribers in Genesee county, who has himself embraced the doctrines of Joe Smith, called upon us a few days ago, and stated that he had been appointed agent for some thirty or forty farmers, now residents of the counties of Genesee and Wyoming, who intend emigrating as soon as they can dispose of their property, to the city of Nauvoo, Ill., the head quarters of the "Latter day Saints." They offer their farms, some of which lie in the vicinity of Batavia, and others on the Attica and Buffalo Railroad, at from 15 to 25 dollars per acre. These facts will excite greater wonder, when it is recollected that the prophet Joe Smith commenced his career in Western New York, and was never able to make but one or two converts here until his name became celebrated at the West. -- Rochester Democrat.


Note: Elder Charles B. Thompson was the chief Mormon leader in western New York at this time -- see his letters to the Nauvoo Times & Seasons.

OUR WEEKLY. -- The number issued this morning is replete with interesting reading... with a number of interesting communications, among which is the commencement of an interesting pamphlet containing "facts in relation to the discovery of the golden plates of the Book of Mormon;" besides poetry, miscellany, news, and "short paragraphs" ad libitum.


Note: The Bee's daily issue for March 11th reprinted the above "Our Weekly" item, plus the Rochester Democrat article found in the Vermont Phoenix of March 10th. Also in that daily issue was this short piece: "Elder E. Snow, of Salem, an old Pioneer in the Mormon Church will preach at the Boylston Hall to-morrow. Seats free."

... [Joseph Smith, Jr.] therefore, retired to a secret place, in a grove, but a short distance from his father's house, and knelt down, and began to call upon the Lord. At first, he was severely tempted by the powers of darkness, which endeavoured to overcome him; but he continued to seek for deliverance, until darkness gave way from his mind; and he was enabled to pray, in fervency of the spirit, and in faith. And, while thus pouring out his soul, anxiously desiring an answer from God, he, at length, saw a very bright and glorious light in the heavens above; which, at first, seemed to be at a considerable distance. He continued praying, while the light appeared to be gradually descending towards him; and, as it drew nearer, it increased in brightness, and magnitude, so that, by the time that it reached the tops of the trees, the whole wilderness, for some distance around, was illuminated in a most glorious and brilliant manner. He expected to have seen the leaves and boughs of the trees consumed, as soon as the light came in contact with them; but, perceiving that it did not produce that effect, he was encouraged with the hopes of being able to endure its presence. It continued descending, slowly, until it rested upon the earth, and he was enveloped in the midst of it. When it first came upon him, it produced a peculiar sensation throughout his whole system; and, immediately his mind was caught away, from the natural objects with which he was surrounded; and he was enwrapped in a heavenly vision, and saw two glorious personages, who exactly resembled each other in their features or likeness. He was informed, that his sins were forgiven. He was also informed upon the subjects, which had for some time previously agitated his mind, viz.-- that all the religious denominations were believing in incorrect doctrines; and, consequently, that none of them was acknowledged of God, as his church and kingdom. And he was expressly commanded, to go not after them; and he received a promise that the true doctrine -- the fulness of the gospel, should, at some future time, be made known to him; after which, the vision withdrew, leaving his mind in a state of calmness and peace, indescribable. Some time after having received this glorious manifestation, being young, he was again entangled in the vanities of the world, of which he afterwards sincerely and truly repented.

And it pleased God, on the evening of the 21st of September, A.D. 1823, to again hear his prayers. For he had retired to rest, as usual, only that his mind was drawn out, in fervent prayer, and his soul was filled with the most ernest desire, "to commune with some kind of messenger, who could communicate to him the desired information of his acceptance with God," and also unfold the principles of the doctrine of Christ, according to the promise which he had received in the former vision. While he thus continued to pour out his desires before the Father of all good; endeavouring to exercise faith in his precious promises; "on a sudden, a light like that of day, only of a purer and far more glorious appearance and brightness, burst into the room. Indeed, the first site was as though the house was filled with consuming fire. This sudden appearance of a light so bright, as must naturally be expected, occasioned a shock or sensation visible to the extremities of the body. It was, however, followed with a calmness and serenity of mind, and an overwhelming rapture of joy, that surpassed understanding, and, in a moment, a personage stood before him....


Note: The exact wording and full content of this particular Weekly Bee article remains unknown. It evidently reproduced a lengthy excerpt from the first few pages of Orson Pratt's 1840 "Edinburgh account" of Smith's "first vision," his finding "golden plates," etc. This Bee excerpt was probably the first statement most American newspaper patrons ever read, claiming that Joseph Smith, Jr. had encountered "two glorious personages," whose identities might be interpreted (from the context) as being God the Father and God the Son.

LECTURE  ON  THE  WEST.

Mr. Newhall, who is to lecture at the Lyceum Hall on Tuesday evening next, passesses ample materials for interesting, instructing and entertaining our citizens. That they may have some idea of what is in store for them, we copy the following from the Lynn Freeman: --

LECTURE ON THE WEST. Notwithstanding the severe cold on Monday evening last, Lyceum Hall was crowded at an early hour by an intelligent audience of gentlemen and ladies, to hear the lecture of our former townsman, John B. Newhakk, Esq., upon the History, Resources, &c., of the 'far West.' Mr. Newhall's long residence in the West, and his favorable opportunities for minute information respecting that interesting country, render his subject highly attractive.

His allusions to the characteristics and appearance of the Mormon Prophet, 'Joe Smith,' and especially his delineations of Indian character, with the gaudy war dress of a Sac Chief, excited deep interest; more so as the Lecturer was personally acquainted with those celebrated 'red sons of the forest.' He has travelled their country and familiarized himself with their manners and customs, theur life in the 'Camp,' and the shrill echo of the 'war-whoop.' A better proof of the interest manifested than our remarks will be, was that an audience of 1000 persons were enchanted for more than two hours.

A highly complimentary Resolution was passed unanimously at the close of the meeting.


Notes: (forthcoming)

Gen. John C. Bennett, the seceder from the Mormon faith, is now at Plymouth, in this State, at which place he is about to take to himself a "better half." There is no question but what he needs a better half or a better whole.

---

At the Chatham Theatre, New York, the company are hehearsing The Comet, and The Last Day. They should cast Miller and Brother Himes in it.


Note: On John Cook Bennett's 1843 marriage, see notes attached to the Daily Atlas clipping of Nov. 1, 1842.

It was at the [Hill Cumorah], where the record was found to be deposited, on the west side of the hill, not far from the top down its side; and when myself visited the place in the year 1830, there were several trees standing -- enough to cause a shade in summer, but not so much as to prevent the surface being covered with grass -- which was also the case when the record was first found.

"How far below the surface these records were" anciently "placed, I am unable to say; but from the fact, that they had been some fourteen hundred years buried, and that, too, on the side of a hill so steep, one is ready to conclude, that they were some feet below, as the earth would naturally wear, more or less, in that length of time. But they, being placed toward the top of the hill, the ground would not remove as much as at two-thirds, perhaps. Another circumstance would prevent a wearing of the earth: in all probability, as soon as timber had time to grow, the hill was covered," "and the roots of the same would hold the surface. However, on this point, I shall leave every man to draw his own conclusion, and form his own speculation." But suffice to say, "a hole of sufficient depth was dug. At the bottom of this was laid a stone of suitable size, the upper surface being smooth. As each edge, was placed a large quantity of cement, and into this cement, at the four edges of this stone, were placed erect four others; their bottom edges resting in the cement, at the outer edges of the first stone. The four last named, when placed erect, formed a box: the corners, or where the edges of the four came into contact, were also cemented so firmly, that the moisture from without was prevented from entering. It is to be observed, also, that the inner surfaces of the four erect or side stones, were smooth. This box was sufficiently large to admit a breastplate, such as was used by the ancients, to defend the chest, &c., from the arrows and weapons of their enemy. From the bottom of the box, or from the breastplate, arose three small pillars, composed of the same description of cement used on the edges; and upon these three pillars were placed the records." -- "This box, containing the records, was covered with another stone, the bottom surface being flat, and the upper crowning."

When it was first visited by Mr Smith, on the morning of the 22d of September 1823, "a part of the crowning stone was visible above the surface, while the edges were concealed by the soil and grass." From which circumstance, it may be seen, "that however deep this box might have been placed at first, the time had been sufficient to wear the earth, so that it was easily discovered, when once directed, and yet, not enough to make a perceivable difference to the passer-by." -- "After arriving at the repository, a little exertion in removing the soil from the edges of the top of the box, and a light pry, brought to his natural vision its contents." While viewing and contemplating this sacred treasure with wonder and astonishment, behold! the Angel of the Lord, who had previously visited him, again stood in his presence, and his soul was again enlightened as it was the evening before, and he was filled with the Holy Spirit, and the heavens were opened, and the glory of the Lord shone round about and rested upon him....


Note: The exact wording and full content of this particular Weekly Bee article remains unknown. It evidently reproduced a lengthy excerpt from the first few pages of Orson Pratt's 1840 "Edinburgh account" of Smith's recovering and translating the Book of Mormon, etc.

NAUVOO ABOLISHED. -- In the Illinois Legislature, on the 27th ult., the Senate repealed the law creating the Nauvoo Legion military corps. They also repealed the charter of the Mormon city of Nauvoo. The vote in favor of the latter was 22 to 11.

---

At Boylston Hall this evening, Elder Adams commences a course of lectures. explanatory of his peculiar tenets and his reasons for embracing them -- prior to his departure for the West.


Note 1: The Springfield Sangamo Journal of Jan. 19, 1843 reported: "The House of Representatives were engaged on Thursday last in ihe discussion of a bill to repeal all the Mormon Charters.... Mr. [William] Smith, the prophet's brother, fought ably and manfully against the bill; which was finally laid on the table... We think there is a decided majority in both houes in favor of amending these charters, and as decidedly opposed to an entire repeal." In its issue for Mar. 9, 1843, the same paper reported: "The Nauvoo charters were not repealed. The Senate refused to take up the bill for this purpose, which passed the House. -- We may here very properly say that the action of the House on this subject did not arise from any course adopted by Mr. [William] Smith, the Mormon Representative..." --- It thus seems that the newspaper headline reading "Nauvoo Abolished" was published a little too prematurely to be "current news."

Note 2: G. J. Adams continued his lecturing at Boylston Hall for a few more days. Essentially the same notice also appeared in the Daily Bee of March 24th.

...Mr. Smith continued the work of translation, as his pecuniary circumstances would permit, until he finished the unsealed part of the records. The part translated is entitled the "Book of Mormon," which contains nearly as much reading as the Old Testament.

In this important and most interesting book, we can read the history of ancient America, from its early settlement by a colony who came from the tower of Babel, at the confusion of languages, to the beginning of the fifth century of the Christian era. By these Records we are informed, that America, in ancient times, has been inhabited by two distinct races of people. The first, or more ancient race, came directly from the great tower, being called Jaredites. The second race came directly from the city of Jerusalem, about six hundred years before Christ, being Israelites, principally the descendants of Joseph. The first nation, or Jaredites, were destroyed about the time that the Israelites came from Jerusalem, who succeeded them in the inheritance of the country. The principle nation of the second race, fell in battle towards the close of the fourth century. The remaining remnant, having dwindled into an uncivilized state, still continue to inhabit the land, although divided into a "multitude of nations," and are called by Europeans the "American Indians."

We learn from this very ancient history, that at the confusion of languages, when the Lord scattered the people upon all the face of the earth, the Jaredites, being a righteous people, obtained favour in the sight of the Lord, and were not confounded. And because of their righteousness, the Lord miraculously led them from the tower to the great ocean, where they were commanded to build vessels, in which they were marvellously brought across the great deep to the shores of North America.

And the Lord God promised to give them America, which was a very choice land in his sight, for an inheritance. And He swore unto them in his wrath, that whoso should possess this land of promise, from that time henceforth and forever, should serve him, the true and only God, or they should be swept off when the fulness of his wrath should come upon them, and they were fully ripened in iniquity. Moreover, he promised to make them a great and powerful nation, so that there should be no greater nation upon all the face of the earth.

Accordingly, in process of time, they became a very numerous and powerful people, occupying principally North America; building large cities in all quarters of the land; being a civilized and enlightened nation. Agriculture and machinery were carried on to a great extent. Commercial and manufacturing business flourished on every hand; yet, in consequence of wickedness, they were often visited with terrible judgments. Many prophets were raised up among them from generation to generation, who testified against the wickedness of the people, and prophesied of judgments and calamities which awaited them, if they did not repent, &c. Sometimes they were visited by pestilence and plagues, and sometimes by famine and war, until at length (having occupied the land some fifteen or

sixteen hundred years) their wickedness became so great, that the Lord threatened, by the mouth of his prophets, to utterly destroy them from the face of the land. But they gave no heed to these warnings; therefore the word of the Lord was fulfilled; and they were entirely destroyed; leaving their houses, their cities, and their land desolate; and their sacred records also, which were kept on gold plates, were left by one of their last prophets whose name was Ether, in such a situation, that they were discovered by the remnant of Joseph, who soon afterwards were brought from Jerusalem to inherit the land....


Note: The exact wording and full content of this particular Weekly Bee article remains unknown. It evidently reproduced a lengthy excerpt from the first few pages of Orson Pratt's 1840 "Edinburgh account" of Smith's translating the Book of Mormon, what its contents were, etc.

FAREWELL SERMON. -- We are requested to state that Elder G. J. Adams, the powerful Mormon preacher, will deliver his farewell sermon this evening at Boylston Hall, previous to his departure for the West.

---

The Burlington (Ia) Hawkeye of the 9th inst. says, "the Mississippi is still crossed at this place by the heaviest teams on the ice."


Note 1: Elder George J. Adams apparently departed Boston at the end of March, 1843. By April 6th he had arrived in Nauvoo, where he attended the LDS Spring Conference.

Note 2: In his letter of March 17th, the anonymous correspondent "Viator" said he was "ice-bound" in Nauvoo. By mid-April the ice on the river had melted away to the extent that steamers could again reach that city.

IMMERSION. -- The Mormons had another baptismal ceremony at the Railway on Monday evening, when twenty-five new members were added to their fold. -- This sect is increasing very rapidly in this vicinity, under the zealous activity and enthusiastic preaching of their "great gun," Elder Adams.

---

C. H. Brainard, 9 Court Street, has received "Incidents of Travel in Yucatan," by John L. Stephens. This work is published in two splendid volumes, and embellished by 120 engravings from original drawings by Mr. Catherwood. It wlll have an extensive sale...


Note 1: The brief report of Boston Mormon baptisms was reprinted in the April 15th issue of the Nauvoo Times and Seasons. Elder G. J. Adams may have hand-carried the clipping from Massachusetts to Illinois -- arriving in Nauvoo during the first week in April.

Note 2: Elder John E. Page and others in the Philadelphia Mormon branch were greatly encouraged by the publication of Incidents of Travel in Yucatan. For an example, see "Ruins in Central America” in the March, 1842 Millennial Star.

...in the year 1829, Mr Smith and Mr Cowdery, having learned the correct mode of baptism, from the teachings of the Saviour to the ancient Nephites, as recorded in the "Book of Mormon," had a desire to be baptized; but knowing that no one had authority to administer that sacred ordinance in any denomination, they were at a loss to know how the authority was to be restored, and while calling upon the Lord with a desire to be informed on the subject, a holy angel appeared and stood before them, and laid his hands upon their heads, and ordained them, and commanded them to baptize each other, which they accordingly did.

In the year 1830, a large edition of the "Book of Mormon" first appeared in print. And as some began to peruse its sacred pages, the spirit of the Lord bore record to them that it was true; and they were obedient to its requirements, by coming forth, humbly repenting before the Lord, and being immersed in water, for the remission of sins, after which, by the commandment of God, hands were laid upon them in the name of the Lord, for the gift of the Holy Spirit.

And on the sixth of April, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty, the "Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints" was organized, in the townof Manchester, Ontario County, State of New York, North America. Some few were called and ordained by the spirit of revelation and prophecy, and began to preach and bear testimony, as the spirit gave them utterance; and although they were the weak things of the earth, yet they were strengthened by the Holy Ghost, and gave forth their testimony in great power, by which means many were brought to repentance, and came forward with broken hearts and contrite spirits, and were immersed in water confessing their sins, and were filled with the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands; and saw visions and prophesied. Devils were cast out, and the sick were healed by the prayer of faith, and laying on of hands. Thus was the word confirmed unto the faithful by signs following. Thus the Lord raise up witnesses, to bear testimony of his name, and lay the foundations of his kingdom in the last days. And thus the hearts of the saints were comforted, and filled with great joy. In the foregoing, we have related the most important facts concerning the visions and the ministry of the angel to Mr Smith; the discovery of the records; their translation into the English language, and the witnesses raised up to bear testimony of the same.

We have also stated when, and by whom they were written; that they contain the history of nearly one-half of the globe, from the earliest ages after the flood, until the beginning of the fifth century of the Christian era; that this history is interspersed with many important prophecies, which unfold the great events of the last days, and that in it also is recorded the gospel in its fulness and plainness, as it was revealed by the personal ministry of Christ to the ancient Nephites. We have also given an account of the restoration of the authority in these days, to administer in the ordinances of the gospel; and the time of the organization of the church; and of the blessings poured out upon he same while yet in its infancy.

We now proceed to give a sketch of the faith and doctrine of this Church....


Note: The exact wording and full content of this particular Weekly Bee article remains unknown. It evidently reproduced a lengthy excerpt from the first few pages of Orson Pratt's 1840 "Edinburgh account" of Smith's establishing the Mormon Church, its rise and progress, etc.

[a Lecture Delivered in Salem, by Mr. J. B. Newhall]

The Nauvoo Temple is a very singular and unique structure. It is 150 feet in length, 98 feet wide, and when finished will be 150 feet high. It is different from any thing in ancient or modern history. Every thing about it is on a magnificent scale, and when finished and seen from the opposite side of the river, it will present one, if not the most beautiful, chaste, and noble specimens of architecture to be found in the world. We should like to be in possession of a model of this building, both on account of its great notoriety, as being connected with the Mormon or Latter Day Saints' religion, and also a work of art. Did our limits here permit, we might give a very minute description of the whole order of architecture. This splendid drawing was executed by Mr. Newhall, while in Nauvoo, from a copy in the archives of that city. We wish he had taken it on a large scale, but he probably did not, on account of transportation. We regret exceedingly that we did not have the privilege of a near inspection of the map of the city of Nauvoo; the place which for some time past has created more intense interest perhaps, than any other city, town or village in the country, if not in the world. But on inquiring for it we found it had been rolled up and packed away. He gave a very glowing and interesting account of this city. The location is one of the most beautiful on earth. Situated on the Mississippi river, rising in an inclined plane, till it reaches the height where it overlooks an extensive tract of territory, unrivaled in rich and varying scenery. His account of the military displays in Nauvoo, where the regiment, or Joe Smith's legion as it is called, turns out, is very interesting and exciting. He spoke of the six ladies on horses, with white feathers or plumes waving over black velvet, riding up and down in front of the last regiment. This must appear singular, at least to a Yankee.

He has had personal interviews with Joseph; and to sum up his character in a word; he is a jolly fellow: and according to his view, he is one of the last persons on earth whom God would have raised up as a prophet or priest, he is so diametrically opposite to that which he ought to be, in order to merit the titles or to act in such offices. Among others, he is very sociable, easy, cheerful, kind and obliging, and very hospitable.

We have seen Hiram Smith, a brother of Joseph's and heard him preach, and conversed with him about his religion, its origin and progress; and we heard him declare, in this city in public, that what is recorded about the plates, &c. &c., is God's solemn truth. We have seen and conversed also with Mr. Wm. Law, one of the apostles. He declared to us in the Masonic Hall, in this city, that the statements are true, and called upon God with uplifted hands as a witness. We think it would be very interesting to the good people of Salem, and in fact to the whole Eastern States, to have the prophet come and make us a visit. We very much doubt whether there is a man on earth, who would create so much excitement and deep interest, at least, for the time being, as the prophet.

After Mr. N. had drawn the Temple, Joseph was exceedingly pleased, pronounced it very correct, complimented him very highly, and told him he believed he would be the means in the hands of God, of doing a great deal of good.

Joseph's sermon, given verbatim as heard by Mr. N., is very interesting; but we cannot give it here.


Note 1: This text was taken from a reprint in the Times and Seasons of June 15, 1843. The exact date of publication has not yet been determined. -- "Major" John B. Newhall lectured in Massachusetts on the "Territory of Iowa, and of Nauvoo, the city of the Mormons" during the spring of 1843. He lectured on the "Western Country" at Salem on March 21, and April 3, 1843 -- but the semi-weekly (Sat. & Wed.) Salem Advertiser's report may have appeared several days later, on April 8th or 12th.

Note 2: H. H. Bancroft, in Chapter 6 of his History of Utah, mistakenly attributed this man as the writer of Rev. Samuel A. Prior's published account of a visit made to Nauvoo during the same year. Subsequent histories of the Mormons have occasionally provided faulty citations for these two (Newhall's and Prior's) separate reports.

(CORRESPONDENCE  OF  THE  "BOSTON BEE.")

Nauvoo, Illinois. }         
March 17, 1843. }         

To the Editor of the Boston Bee:
      Sir -- By the prospectus of the Bee I discover a disposition in that useful creature to spread its wings over the whole earth, eye all the various scenery of its surface, and gather the precious drops from every flower, whether on tree, shrub, or plant, to fill the golden bowl of intelligence to the brim; that all variety of appetite may be gratified, and every epicure may be sated with the abundance of the delicious fluid in your market. If I may be permitted to add one drop, to the great fountain of the store-house of the Bee, you may expect more, anon.

One of the greatest curiosities, in this day of intelligence, is, an editor, who appreciates the high and responsible nature of his calling, in giving tone to the public sentiment and feeling; and, rising above all party prejudices, sectarian dogmas, and political intrigues, emits light from every leaf, and furnishes an intellectual feast at every sitting, that exalts, enriches, and ennobles his fellow man, raising him to the high dignity of "lord of the creation."

There is a great complaint that it is "hard times" and difficult to "get up" in the world, and "the less a business man makes himself busy with business," the better for his estate, which, right or wrong, is surely a grand apology for a lazy man.

When rags became tender legal, at a thousand times their value, and all the fashionables turned bankrupt, I found trade of little use, and resorted to the popular method of travelling to and fro, from one side of the nation to the other, till I came to the far-famed "City of the Mormons," the capital of the "New Western Empire," and residence of the great prophet of the nineteenth century -- Joe Smith.

From what I have heard and read, before my arrival in the golden city I might well have expected to have met with a band of outlaws; marauders of the forest; ruffians of the darkest die; midnight assassins, clad in skins of beasts with horns and hoofs, more ugly than Lucifer himself; with a mighty chieftain at their head, desperate and bloody, before whom, Mahomet or Nero would fall into insignificance: Yes, the visions of Daniel and John, with their beasts of seven heads and ten horns, and eyes within and without, darting firebrands, arrows and death at every glance, were as nothing, compared with the description of this outlandish host; and in contemplating their deeds of darkness, one might well have exclaimed, Ne plus ultra. The cry of blood and murder was wafted on every breeze, but, as I had never been accustomed to fear the spirits of shadows, I leaped from the steamer, which had safely borne me over the waters of the majestic Mississippi, and landed safely on terra firma, in the midst of this wonderful people, just as the frost was about to suspend navigation; and, here I am yet -- ice-bound.

Immediately on my arrival I made my way into the very heart of the city, and judge of my astonishment, when, instead of finding myself surrounded by savages; more terrible than the copper man of the forest, with his tomahawk and scalping knife, I discovered that I was in the midst of an intelligent and enlightened people; as peaceable, quiet, sober, and industrious as those of any city I had ever visited.

I have had several interviews with the great prophet, and other big lions of this community I and will do them the justice to say that I have never found more of the true gentleman, among any people -- entirely free from that sophistry in deportment, which characterises many of the fashionables of civilized society.

The Mormon Prophet may well be considered the one hundred and first wonder of the age, and the caution too, if I may judge by a few calls at his office, and the frequent exhibitions of himself in public. The dignity, combined with ease, familiarity, and urbanity of manner, which characterise his deportment; on the judgment seat as Chief Magistrate of the City; as commander of the Legion; as President of a numerous church; as the head of a noble family; and as a general business calculator, is unsurpassed: but this is not sufficient to occupy his mind, his eye appears to glance with the velocity of lightning to the utmost bounds of earth, and he compasses other worlds in his imaginations, or revelations, (true or false, Judge, ye) never losing sight of the signs in the heavens, and commotion of the elements, the contentions of nations, and even minute circumstances of every description, which he supposes will have an influence on the happiness, misery, or destiny of himself or his fellow men, and especially of those, his followers, who refer to him for counsel.

I have taken a survey of the location of the city and many other things, such as its charters, number of inhabitants, age of the city, municipal organization and discipline, politics, legion, general and particular relations, as individuals and body politic, literary institutions, morals, commerce, currency, wealth and poverty, prospects, revelations, ordinances, faith, &c. &c., so far as the intense cold would suffer a man, with safety, to trust his nose out of doors, which has been seldom; but will say no more, till I have examined more critically; for there has been so. much speculation, concerning this people, so that I am determined to write nothing but from my own observation.

Yours,             VIATOR.

Note: This was Elder Willard Richards' initial letter to the Editor of the Boston Bee. A copy of the original holograph is preserved in the LDS Church Archives under the title of "Truthiana No. 1," by "Viator." This latter pseudonym was commonly used at the time, and especially so by travelers corresponding with newspaper journalists. Richards, who had previously lived in Boston, was probably chosen to compose "Truthiana" based upon his connections with residents of that city. On March 6, 1843, Joseph Smith's "History" records that he "requested Dr. Richards to write to the Bee..." W. W. Phelps evidently also made use of the same pen name, and it may be difficult, in some instances, to distinguish the anonymous writings of Phelps from those composed by Richards.

(CORRESPONDENCE  OF  THE  "BOSTON BEE.")

Nauvoo, Ill., March 24, 1843.          

To the Editor -- Sir: -- In gone-by years, and long before I had heard of the prophet "Jo Smith," and, indeed, before he had an existence, I had formed some very curious ideas about the ancient prophets. From reading their history in the Bible, I supposed they must have been men of no ordinary proportions; or, if so, that there was something about them different from other men, by which they might be distinguished at sight. As a matter of course, I thought they must have had grey hairs for a covering to make them appear very dignified, and beard as long as a Jew; for if they shaved it would shew that they were men; and could I have had the privilege of looking at one, I should have expected to have seen him clad in sheep, goat, bear or wolf skin, wandering about on the mountains, like the beasts he had robbed of their garments; lodging in the caves and dens of the earth, and subsisting on the fruits and nuts of the forests. A being too holy, too sanctified, too exalted, by his high calling, to appear in the habitations or among the society of men, unless he had some important message to communicate direct from Heaven; some revelation or commandment to promulgate to his fellows, and then he would just come forth, and cry out, like the beasts, in the wilderness, with so much sacred sanctity that every body would know he was a prophet; and, if by nothing else, when they saw his nails like birds' claws, and his hairs like eagles' feathers, and his face and hands as filthy as a baboon; for it never occurred to me that clean hands, in administering before the Lord, as mentioned in the Scripture, meant any thing more than a good conscience, and I had never supposed but that a man could worship God just as acceptably, all covered with dirt, and filth and slime, as though he had bathed in Siloam every hour, until I heard the Mormon prophet lecturing his people on the subject of neatness and cleanliness, teaching them that all was clean in Heaven, and that Jesus was going to make the place of his feet glorious, and if the Mormons did not keep their feet out of the ashes, they could not stand with him on Mount Zion,

I had no thought before but that dirty people could get to heaven, as well as clean ones; and that if the priests offered sacrifice with polluted hands, the fire would cleanse both the offering and the hands that offered it. I cannot say how much there may be in Scripture to contradict my views, neither can I vouch for it that the churches of the day believe any such doctrine, for I never belonged to any of them, but had rather been called an infidel. As to that I have not altered much. I like consistency, find it where I may.

With all these curious notions I fell into the Mormon Settlement, and saw the prophet, but having never heard a Mormon preach, you can imagine me not quite ready to receive all the impressions incident to an interview with such a distinguished personage, but Iwill give it as I find it, hit or miss the faith or feelings of any one.

I have had an interview since my last, and found anything but the truth of current reports. "The prophet Joseph," (as he is caned among his people) said in a conversation with a gentleman present that he no more professed to be a prophet, than every man must, who professed to be a preacher of righteousness, or a minister of the New Testament. To be a minister of Jesus, a man must testify of Jesus; and to testify of Jesus, a man must have the spirit of prophecy; for, according to John, the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. If a man professes to be a minister of Jesus, and has not the spirit of prophecy, he must be a false witness for he is not in possession of that gift which qualifies him for his office; and the difference between himself and the clergy of this generation is, he claims, to be in possession of that spirit of prophecy which qualifies him to testify of Jesus and the gospel of salvation; while the clergy deny that spirit, even the spirit of prophecy, which alone could constitute them true witnesses or testators of the Lord Jesus, and yet claim to be the true ministers of salvation.

In this, said he, I am honest, and they are dishonest, and that is the difference between us. Were they true and honest witnesses of Jesus Christ, they would acknowledge they have the testimony of him, and that is the spirit of prophecy, and every man who possesses that spirit is a prophet. I, said he, claim no more than what every servant of Christ must possess, to qualify him for his office while the clergy of the 19th century, deny that which alone could constitute them what they profess to be. He said he did not profess to be a very good man, but acknowledged himself a sinner like other men, or as all men are, imperfect; and it is necessary for all men to grow into the stature of manhood in the gospel.

I could not help noticing that he dressed, talked and acted like other men, and in every respect the perfect counterpart of what I had conjured up in my imagination for a prophet.

The Mormons have not yet completed their great temple, and have no commodious place of worship, but the apostles and elders preach in private houses on the Sabbath, and at other times, though I seldom attend these latter meetings: but when the weather will admit, they meet in the grove, or on the rough floors of the basement of the temple, and then the prophet frequently preaches. On one of these occasions I heard him preach concerning the prodigal son.

After naming his text, the prophet remarked, that some one had asked him the meaning of the expression of Jesus, "among those born of woman there has not arisen a greater than John," and said he had promised to answer it in public, and he would do it then. "It could not have been on account of the miracles John performed, for he did no miracles; but it was, first, because he was trusted with a divine mission, of preparing the way before the face of the Lord. Who was trusted with such a mission, before or since? No man.

Second, He was trusted, and it was required at his hands, to baptise the son of man. Who ever did that? Who ever had so great a privilege or glory?" Who ever led the Son of God into the waters of baptism, beholding the Holy Ghost descend upon him in the sign of the Dove? No man.

Third, John, at that time, was the only legal administrator, holding the keys of power, there was on earth: The keys, the kingdom, the power, the glory, had departed from the Jews; and John, the son of Zachariah, by the holy anointing, and decree of heaven, held the keys of power at that time."   V.


Note 1: This was Elder Willard Richards' second letter to the Editor of the Boston Bee. A copy of the original holograph is preserved in the LDS Church Archives under the title of "Truthiana No. 2," by "Viator."

Note 2: The above text essentially agrees with its reprint in the LDS "History of the Church," (Vol. 5, pp. 406-408) where it is left unclear what the Boston publication date might have been. Neither the composition nor the publication correspond with the "History of the Church's" "May 24, 1843" attribution.

M O R M O N I S M.

Dear Sir -- I have for some time past, been a regular attendant at the meeting of the Latter Day Saints, or Mormons, held at the Boylston Hall -- and have thought I would give you some account of how those people are getting along. When Elder Adams left here, some weeks since, for the City of the Saints, where he had been called by the heads of the church, it was supposed that no one could be found competent to fill his place -- that the meetings would decline -- Mormonism die away, and finally sink into its original nothingness. Not so, however -- no sooner had this lion, as he was called, left the field, than his place was supplied in the person of Elder Maginn. Before proceeding, let me give you a description of this man. He is 24 years of age, though his appearance is that of a man farther advanced in years, caused probably by the many hardships, privations, persecutions and mobbings, which he has passed through for the gospel's sake. He is six feet in height, and of rather a commanding appearance; and honest, happy smile plays over countenance, which, (if I am any judge of the "human face divine") indicates that all is right within; and if a thorough knowledge of the scriptures, talent, tact, sound reasoning, and powerful argument, are qualifications, then Elder Maginn is fully qualified for the duties of his office, and must pass as truly a master workman. He seems perfectly intimate with all the old apostles and prophets, and it is truly astonishing with what facility he quotes the scriptures from memory, giving chapter and verse, with the greatest ease, and correctness. On Sunday last, he delivered a most able discourse on the subject of prophesies already fulfilled, from 2d Peter, 1st chapter, 20th and 21st verses: "Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation, for the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man, but by holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost:" And went on to prove that from the days of the first prediction to the present time, every prophesy has had a literal fulfilment. He commenced with the days of Noah, Genesis vi: 17, and showed that had Noah understood this spiritualizing system, and supposed the flood of water was to have been a spiritual one, the ark a spiritual ark, &c. &c., Noah and his family must have perished with the rest of the inhabitants of the world. But no -- he believed -- when God said "And behold I, even I do bring a flood of waters upon the earth, to destroy all flesh wherein is the breath of life from under Heaven, and every thing that is in the earth shall die." He meant to do just what he said he would do, and nothing else; and the sequel proved that Noah was right in thus believing. He next referred to Genesis, xv: 13 to 16th verses -- and also to Lot's leaving Sodom, Genesis xix: 12th verse. He next quoted the prophecy of Joseph, Genesis 41st chapter, 29th verse, and showed that misery, sorrow, suffering, death and mourning, would have followed had they believed there was to have been seven years of spiritual plenty and seven years of spiritual famine, only. He then carried us forward to the history of the principal nations, vide Jeremiah 25th chapter, 20th verse. It is out of my power to follow him through, or give even a faint outline of this most noble address. Passage after passage, plain and positive, from Holy writ, were brought forward in rapid succession to prove that all prophecies that have been fulfilled were fulfilled literally, and that those yet in the future must also have a literal fulfilment. His reasoning was plain, logical and conclusive to the mind of every candid hearer; and I much regret that I am not better able to portray his most convincing and able lecture. He remarked that the days of those prophets, are by the sectarian world called the "Dark Age;" whereas men were in fact far more enlightened than even the great divines of the present day, with all their boasted wisdom, knowledge, and pretended piety. Those men were as familiar with the designs of God, and the future destiny of nations, as we are with the history of past events. Instead of darkness, God revealed himself to man, conversed with him, told him what should come to pass in future ages -- where, we are now told that God has ceased to give revelation to man -- that prophesying is done away -- that the only guide necessary is a brief history of certain events which transpired centuries ago, and certain prophecies which they contend mean any thing but what they profess. Enlightened indeed! when the church is cut up into some hundreds of sects and parties, each differing from the other; the blind leading the blind, and all under the dominion of bigotry, superstition and priestcraft; the mind of man shrouded in worse than Egyptian darkness. Could we look down through the dark vista of time and foresee future events as did the prophets of old, then could we boast of living in an enlightened age; but whilst we deny revelation, we are, and must continue to remain in darkness and error.

In the evening, he took up the subject of God's promise to Abraham, that he would give to him and his seed the land of Canaan for an everlasting possession-see Genesis, 13th chap, 15th v.; 15th. 18th v.; 17th chap. 8th v. -- Exodus, 6th chap. 4th v. He then showed that Abraham had long since died, and that God's promise to him had never been fulfilled, as he proved by Acts, 7th chap. 5th v.; as well as by an abundance of other testimony. He then showed that according to most of the doctrines of the present day God's promise never could be fulfilled, inasmuch as they denied a literal resurrection of the body, and a reign of rest during the millennium, but professed to believe that when the spirit left the body, it soared away to some fairy region "beyond the bounds of time and space," or, (as he ingeniously transposed it) beyond the bounds of common sense; and could never return to possess the earth; -- that he had never given Abraham any inheritance in that land, no, not so much as to set his foot on, although he had promised it to him and to his seed. That he was long since dead, and that consequently God's promise must fail. He then on the other hand proceeded to show that Abraham (although long since dead) and his seed would yet possess the land of Canaan according to God's promise. He then produced a flood of scriptures to prove the literal resurrection of the righteous at Christ's second coming, and that they should possess the earth, and live and reign with Christ during the millennium. He quoted Ezekiel's prophecy in the valley of dry bones, 37th chapter, and contended that this prophecy meant just what it said -- vide 11, 12, 13 and 14th verses, and fully and plainly proved, that notwithstanding the opinions of the learned and wise revelation denyers of the present generation, God would keep his promise to Abraham, and that he and his seed should possess the land of Canaan for an everlasting inheritance. He concluded, by giving notice that on Sunday next he would be again with them, "in the power and demonstration of the spirit," and preach on the subject of the great army of Gog and Magog, which shall gather together against the saints in the last days. I shall not fail to be present and would respectfully ask you, Mr. Bee, knowing you to be a man of a candid and unprejudiced mind, to go and hear him. Prove all things and hold fast that which is good.
                                              Yours, &c.,
                                                     A SEEKER AFTER TRUTH.


Note: This was one of several Boston Bee articles reproduced in the Times & Seasons, The Wasp and Nauvoo Neighbor during 1843. The letter penned by the "Seeker After Truth" was noticed in Nauvoo and reprinted in the Times & Seasons of May 15th. In those days it typically took 3 or 4 weeks before Boston news items appeared as reprints in Illinois newspapers -- so the date of the original letter must have been some time in late April (or mid-April) 1843. The writer mentions "Elder Adams" having departed Boston "some weeks since." G. J. Adams gave his farewell address there at the end of March -- so a late April publication in the Weekly Bee seems likely. While this clipping is tentatively assigned to the April 22nd issue, it may have actually appeared in Boston on April 29th.

THE  GREAT  WEST.

At the solicitation of numerous citizens of Lowell, Mr. J. [B.] Newhall, of the territory of Iowa, will deliver a lecture in the John St. Vestry, on Wednesday Evening next, at 7:30 o'clock, upon the physical features, resources, rapid advancement and future prospects of the grest "Far West," particularly the territory of Iowa -- illustrated by soils, minerals, prairie sketches, view of the grand Mormon Temple, and city of Nauvoo; and likewise sketches of Indian character, with portraits of Black Hawk, Keokuck and Appanoose, and exhibition of the full dress of a Sack warrior, and a scalp of their enemies the Sioux. Tickets 12 1/2 cts.

Note: Mr. John B. Newhall lectured on the "Western Country" at Salem on March 21 & April 3, 1843 and in Boston on April 12th & 13th. His Lowell lecture probably featured the much the same content -- including an account of Joseph Smith reviewing his troops at Nauvoo, with "six ladies on horses with white feathers or plumes waving over black velvet riding up and down in front of the regiment." The scene was illustated in a c. 1850-51 engraving prepared by Frederick Piercy (and published in Dr. Charles Mackay's 1851 book on the Mormons).

(CORRESPONDENCE  OF  THE  "BOSTON BEE.")

Nauvoo, Ill., April 1, 1843.          

To the Editor -- Sir: -- As the prophet was expatiating on the character of John and Jesus, I had a peculiarly fair view of his person; and, to my astonishment, I beheld a man destitute of all those qualifications so essential to the life and interest of the man of memory keen, the razor; for if men generally, did not need shaving more than the Mormon prophet, barber's shops would be of little use; indeed, if he shaves at all, I think it must be for fashion's sake, for I would judge him to be a beardless hero of about thirty-seven or eight years.

The way he explained the difference between the Holy Ghost, in the form of the dove, and the sign of the dove, was curious indeed, and after critically noticing all the nice distinctions between the two, he closed that part of his subject by calling on all the learned men present, of every sect and denomination, or of no denomination at all, to come forward, and, by their Greek and Hebrew, refute what he had stated; and when they had done it, he pledged himself to prove them all false, before the whole world, by their own witnesses. There were several learned men present, but no one accepted the offer, and it was presumed they dare not do it, for fear they should expose themselves.

There is the greatest spirit of liberality among this "deluded" people, I have ever met with. They will let any man who professes to be a minister of the gospel, preach in their houses, or, on their stand, and I have never known them flinch from investigation, but always appear open and frank in faith and practice.

The way the prophet uses his lungs, when he addresses a great multitude in the open air, (and he seldom speaks to less than several thousands on such occasions) would be a caution to almost any man; when he gets engaged, he roars -- so that all who will may hear, and all who will not, must not stand very near.

In all his appearance, both in public and in private, so far as I have observed, he is purely sui generis, he is governed by the governing spirit, and not by any fixed rules, or scholastic dogmas; and thousands hung on his lips in breathless silence, while he explained the Alpha and Omega, and all the interstices of the Prodigal Son; and although he occupied near three hours in his multifarious observations, his standing auditors seemed at the close as though he had just named his text, or as though they wished it were so, and seemed as much delighted as surprised at the wonderful expose of the poor returning penitent of the parable, in which he brought forth a particular key which unlocked the whole mystery. But I must not enter into a detail of such lengthy proceedings to the exclusion of passing events.

Saturday week, Peter Sozzle was brought up, on complaint, before the Mayor, (for you must recollect that "Jo" is Mayor, as well as prophet) for breach of ordinance. Peter feigned himself rather blue, and the Mayor ordered him to the lockup until sober. I'm sober as your honor, said Peter. Then I will imprison you two days for contempt of Court, was his honor's reply. On Monday it appeared that Peter had been in the habit of making too free with the "gud cratur," and had abused his better half, whom he had found only about one moon ago, and who thought them poor saints "who would act so." Fined ten dollars, and bound over, to keep the peace 6 months.

But you must not take Peter for a specimen of Nauvoo. The city ordinances prohibit drunkenness in every form, both by fine and imprisonment, and no man is allowed to sell less than one gallon of whiskey, at any one time, under severe penalty. Whiskey is used principally for making vinegar, in the West, but the ordinance is rather hard against the tippler, in the "city of the Saints," "for the Mormon drunkards, while drunk, are obliged to keep hid behind the barrel, or risk being found before their betters, with or without precept, when sober.

Before arriving at this place, and since too, from abroad, I have often heard it reported that the prophet gets drunk; but if I may be permitted to judge of "Joe's" exterior, I would as soon suspect the angel Gabriel for a tippler, as his honor, and if he were as guilty as the Gothamites, and other ites, report him to be, I think somebody might have found it out before now, for he stated in Court, two days since, that he had been arrayed before the Courts of his country, sixty-five times, and no evil had yet been found against him.

There is a fine field here now; for the hopeful sons of Galen and Blackstone; for opposition is the life of business, and we read that when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, Satan came also among them; this being the situation of Nauvoo city, of course it requires many of the professionals to keep things straight; and the Mormons think it takes their prophet to keep these orators strait; and he lately fined a limb of the law, $10.00, for abusing a witness with improper questions.

The credit of the Mormons, is good for almost any thing but righteousness, and of that, they possess much less than many of their more opulent neighbors. They have credit for stealing to an infinite amount. So if anyone wishes to make a big game at slight o'hand, he has only to cry Mormon, and he can be introduced to the whole mystery. Some of the wholesale speculators have been reporting that there is a combination to steal and transport property from place to place, through all this section of country, and other parts of the Union, and that the Mormons are at the head of the heap, but the way the Mayor has given them a hint of somethings, in the last "Wasp" is a loud caution to slippery fingers.   V.


Note: This was Elder Willard Richards' third letter to the Editor of the Boston Bee. A copy of the original holograph is preserved in the LDS Church Archives under the title of "Truthiana No. 3," by "Viator."

MORMONISM vs. MILLERISM. -- Joe Smith, we speak reverently, the Mormon Prophet, has announced to them that are of a fearful heart, that the World will not come to an end in 1843. Inasmuch as the earth is not yet prepared for the reception of the Latter Day Saints!


Note: For related reports see the Feb. 1, 1843 issue of the Nauvoo Times & Seasons. See also the Lowell Courier of Mar. 7, 1843 for a contemporary news item.

DISCUSSIONS. We are informed that the lovers of "free discussion" have been highly entertained with an exhibition of it in Chapel Hall, Wyman's building, during the past week. The discussion has been in reference to the authenticity of the Mormon Bible, and has been carried on by a Mormon Elder and a man named Palmer. We are told that at various times the meeting exhibited a very fair daguerreotype miniature likeness of Pandemonium. Mr. Palmer stands in the same relation to the Mormons that Peter the Hermit did to the Infidels who possessed the holy city.


Note: Possibly the Book of Mormon defender in Lowell was Seventy Eli P. Maginn, the LDS branch president there. The Apr. 1, 1843 Boston Bee published a mention of Maginn taking the place of the departing G. J. Adams. Elder Adams had been defending Mormonism in public debates, held in eastern Massachusetts towns and it is likely that Maginn did the same, since he had already given public lecturs in Lowell the previous spring.

M O R M O N I S M.

Mr. Editor: -- On visiting Boylston Hall, as usual, on Sunday last, I missed Elder Maginn's honest countenance, and in his stead was a stranger, who, I was informed, is called Elder Willey. I was somewhat disappointed, but as I am "seeking after truth," I care not from whom or from what quarter it comes. I determined to pay every attention to what was said, and seated myself with pencil and memorandum book in hand, for, Mr. Editor, I always take notes of chapter and verse, and when I go home, take down my Bible and examine whether they have told me truth; and if I ever do catch them misquoting, or trying to deceive the people by preaching any other doctrine but that contained in the Bible, I'll expose them-the way I'll serve them up will be a caution -- General Bennet's expose will be no touch to it. -- But to return to Elder Willey. He commenced by saying that he meant to take the Bible for his text, and the contents of his sermon; and I was much pleased to hear the manner in which he quoted from that good book. He took up the subject of the restoration of Israel and certainly handled it in a masterly manner. He spoke with much energy and appeared to feel and mean just what he said. He contended that Israel would be restored, and as I have not time, and do not wish to trespass too much on "Every body's Corner," I will briefly quote some few of the many passages he cited to prove his position, so that any of your readers who feel an interest in these things may examine for themselves. But first, he quoted John, chap. 5, v. 39; "Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life; and they are they which testify of me" and then enquired, "How are we to search them? and found an answer in Romans, 15, 4, 2d Peter, 1, 19, to 21; John, 17, 17; Amos 3, 7, - and that taking "thus saith the Lord" for a definite assertion-a figure for a figure and a parable for a parable, a rule was laid down by which to work. He then, to show that Israel would be restored, proceeded to quote and briefly comment on the following texts: Jeremiah, 12, 14 to 17; Isaiah, 11, 11; Deut., 30, 1 to 9; Jeremiah, 16, 21; Isaiah, 40, 1 to 5; 43, 1 to 7; 49, 10 to 23; Jeremiah 30, 3 7 and 11; 31, 3 to 13; Ezekiel, 34, 22 to 31; 29, 21 to 29; 37, 21 to 28; 36 34 and 35, Hosea, 14, 4 to 7; Amos, 11, 15; Psalms, 144, 5 to 15; Joel, 3; Zachariah, 2, 4 to 13; 10, 6 to 12; 12, 8 to 11; 14 ch.; and several other passages, but perhaps when the reader has attentively examined the ones above mentioned, he will be convinced of the fact that the Jews will be gathered back to Jerusalem, that that city will be built up and that they shall again possess the land from which they were driven.

Elder Willey, I understand, has been in the church almost ever since its formation. He has labored much and suffered much: he was in the midst of the Missouri persecution; he has been buffeted, ill treated and imprisoned; robbed of property to a considerable amount-his all. The cold earth has often been his bed, while his weather-worn valise served for a pillow and the canopy of heaven for a covering. -- Cold and hunger are not unknown to him. Yet, he has braved all for the gospel's sake, and is now rejoicing that he was considered worthy to suffer. Can all this be delusion or imposition? or is it the work of God that these men come to proclaim? I can only say that if it is the work of God, all the combined powers of earth and hell, hireling priests and devils, cannot stop it; and if it be the work of man -- if it be delusion or imposition, it will come to nought and must soon be numbered with the things that were. Let us then, as we value the salvation of our immortal souls, let us diligently enquire whether these things are so -- let us search the scriptures, and if we find these people preach the doctrine there laid down, and practice what they preach, then we are bound to believe them: and if they do not, it is our duty to reject them. As long as there is any thing to be learnt, I trust I shall continue to be --                                                      A SEEKER AFTER TRUTH.


Note: This was one of several Boston Bee articles reproduced in the Times and Seasons during the spring and summer of 1843. The exact date of publication in the Bee has not yet been determined, but it probably appeared there about three weeks prior to its being reprinted in the Nauvoo Times & Seasons of June 15th.

(CORRESPONDENCE  OF  THE  "BOSTON BEE.")

Nauvoo, Ill., April 8, 1843.          

To the Editor -- Sir: -- The Millennium has begun: -- not Miller's Millennium that is to be ushered in by fire and brimstone on April 3d 1843 but the Mormon Millennium commenced April 6th 1843 on this wise: -- the prophet gave notice some weeks ago, they would have a Conference on that day. So the Prophet and the Patriarch, and the Apostles, and High Priests, and little priests (or lesser Priests I think they call them), and big guns, and little guns, and all sorts of fire arms, collected together on the floor of the Temple (which is now surrounded by walls from 6 to 12 feet high) filled with rough benches, crowded to overflowing, even to the top of the walls on the 6th inst., just 13 years since their church was organized in Manchester, N. York, consisting of six members. This being the first day of the fourteenth year of the church, they call it a Jubilee -- a Millennium; no body but Saints; all peace; one Spirit [fired] 4 or 5000.

I have heard about preachers speaking to the walls, but this was not the case at this meeting, which lasted 3 days, closing this evening; for so completely were the people packed away, there was nothing to be seen from the centre of a room 100 by 80 feet, but bonnets on the one hand, and at prayers, bare heads on the other, which had they been as white as Michael's, would have presented a very fleecy appearance; and instead of speaking to the walls it was literally speaking to the people.

These Mormons have a way peculiar to them, and can accommodate themselves to times and circumstances, with a grace; their stand is by the East Wall, but when the North-West wind blew so hard that the audience could not hear, they made a pulpit of a barrel or two, then mounted some of their big guns heavily loaded; and then some of their auditors would get more sand and dust than knowledge; but it mattered not, there is no turning them from their purpose; they are a persevering people, and will accomplish what they begin.

At these public Councils, or Conferences, they attend to all sorts of business, and talk about all sorts of things. I gave myself up to the Spirit of listening through the whole of their operations, and will tell you of several things before I get through. They had much to say about building the Temple and Nauvoo House, and stealing, and beasts, and kingdoms, and heads, and horns, and seven heads and ten horns; in heaven and earth, and all about; and missions and trials; the first Presidency, and the Prophet, and his Council were tried for the good reason that they offered themselves for trial; but nobody had aught against them, and they were voted in good standing.

Next they called up the Temple Committee. The public property of the Mormons is managed by a sole Trustee in Trust, chosen by the people, and under heavy bonds for a faithful discharge of his duties. This trustee is no less a personage than Joe himself. The Temple Committee are three men under bonds to the trustee for a faithful discharge of their duties. Some of the knowing ones, such as are always found among all sorts of people thought this Committee had helped themselves to a little better pay than they had given their hands who labored for them. The Committee (Cutler, Cahoon & Higbee) made an honorable defence, but the Patriarch Hyrum, (the prophet's oldest brother) thought to make certainly sure by pleading their case over again, and said he once was on a Temple Committee; and as the Committee present could not talk very well, and he could, he would tell them all about it; so at it he went, and told them the complaint against the Committee reminded him of the boy who saw something on a tree; and he ran to his daddy and told him he had seen an Elephant on a tree. His daddy did not believe him but as the lad affirmed it was so, he went to see, and behold it was nothing but an owl; and this was the substance of the whole matter. But I thought the Patriarch did not know much more, and they thought he did. I neither believed it an Elephant nor an owl, but only a scarecrow the thieves had hung up to keep off the owls while they stole the chickens which roosted on the tree. Be that as it may the Committee came off as pure as Angels.   V.


Note: This was Elder Willard Richards' forth letter to the Editor of the Boston Bee. A copy of the original holograph is preserved in the LDS Church Archives under the title of "Truthiana No. 4," by "Viator." The text had not yet been compared to the original Bee clipping and may be incomplete.

The  Book  of  Mormon.
                       Newark, N. J., March 20, 1843.

BR. NOYES: Having lately come in contact with the Mormons, the question has arisen in my mind. How can they be most effectually met, in their Heaven daring career of imposture and folly? The answer to the question has appeared to be this: let the people know the contents of the Book of Mormon before they become entangled with their sophistry, and there will be no danger. The Book of Mormon is the greatest compound of grammatical blunders, absurdities, impossibilities, contradictions of fact, and contradictions of the Bible, that I have ever seen. It professes to be not only written, but also to be translated, by inspiration. If you ask a Mormon how inspiration could commit so many blunders, he will tell you that the printer and the type were not inspired, and thus lead you if possible to believe that they are only typographical errors. But each and every edition of the work, although carefully revised by Joseph Smith and others, contains the same blunders; and it is not at all probable that the uninspired type should commit the very same mistakes in every edition. Again; page after page of the Book of Mormon is taken up with quotations from the Bible: those quotations are written correctly, -- no mistakes, no grammatical errors occur, while the other parts of the book abound with the most egregious blunders. I will give you a sample by way of illustration, although my limits will not permit me to do more than glance at this part of my subject. The following are some of them:

"They rebelled against I, Nephi and Sam;" "It supposeth me;" "He had somewhat contentions among his own people;" "The more part of them;" "With all your whole soul;" "The whole human family of Adam;" "The enormity of their number;" "The hand of providence hath smiled upon you most pleasingly;" "The battle of the battle;" "And I saw wars and rumors of wars among them; and in wars, and rumors of wars, I saw many generations pass away."

The last quotation reminds one of the old lady who in a time of war remarked that they only had the wars then, " but wait," said she, "until the rumors come." The above quotations are taken from the Golden Bible, as it is sometimes called, and are but a small part of the errors which abound throughout the book. Although the Book of Mormon professes to have been written by various persons, in different ages of the world, yet the same style runs through the whole work, with the exception of the quotations from our Bible. Of course, it will not answer for the Mormons to admit that there are any quotations from the Bible after Isaiah's day, for that would subvert their whole system. From the modern phrases and ideas that constantly occur, the candid reader is forced to conclude that it is a modern work. One of the writers quotes from the prophet Malachi, 200 years before he prophesied: but I must hasten to introduce you to some of the hidden treasures of this celebrated record of antiquity. On page 63, 3d edition, it reads thus:

"Wherefore, all things must needs be a compound in one; wherefore if it should be one body, it must needs remain as dead, having no life, neither death nor corruption, nor incorruption, happiness nor misery, neither sense nor insensibility." (Page 65,) "And now, behold, if Adam had not transgressed, he would not have fallen; but he would have remained in the garden of Eden. And all things which were created, must have remained in the same state which they were, after they were created; and they must have remained forever, and had no end. And they would have had no children; wherefore, they would have remained in a state of innocence, having no joy, for they knew no misery; doing no good, for they knew no sin. (Page 458,) "And it came to pass that there was thick darkness upon all the face of the land, insomuch that the inhabitants thereof who had not fallen, could feel the vapor of darkness; and there could be no light, because of the darkness, neither candles, neither torches; neither could there be fire kindled with their fine and exceeding dry wood, so that there could not be any light at all; and there was not any light seen, neither fire, nor glimmer, neither the sun, nor the moon, nor the stars, for so great were the mists of darkness which were upon the face of the land."

Permit me to inquire here if it is possible for human beings to exist in an atmosphere where lights and fire cannot burn; and whether this story about the darkness is not a bungling absurdity? The Book of Mormon pretends to give the history of a race of people who emigrated from the Tower of Babel after the confusion of tongues, and came to this country; after living here for thirty generations, and being divided under two kings named Coriantumr and Shiz; they fought several bloody battles until both parties were destroyed, men, women, and children, with the exception of the prophet Ether. The writer remarks that in one war, Coriantumr lost two millions of fighting men, with their wives and children; and that afterward, the kings began to gather all the people, for a final struggle -- but I will give you his own language. On page 555, it reads thus:--

"The people who were for Coriantumr, were gathered to the army of Coriantumr; and the people who were for Shiz, were gathered together to the army of Shiz; wherefore they were for the space of four years in gathering together the people, that they might get all who were upon the face of the land, and that they might receive all the strength which it was possible that they could receive. And it came to pass that when they were all gathered together, every one to the army which he would, with their wives, and their children; both men, women, and children, being armed with weapons of war, having shields, and breast-plates, and head-plates, and being clothed after the manner of war, they did march forth one against another to battle; and they fought all that day, and conquered not."

The writer goes on to say that they fought several days, until they totally annihilated each other. Think of the absurdity of arming their infant children "with weapons of war, shields, breast-plates, and head-plates." I will give you one more specimen from this wonderful book -- one which you will doubtless consider the climax of human ingenuity. On p. 527 it says:

"And it came to pass that the brother of Jared did go to work, and also his brethren, and built barges after the manner which they had built according to the instructions of the Lord. And they were small, and they were light upon the water, even like unto the lightness of a fowl upon the water; and they were built after a manner that they were exceeding tight, even that they would hold water like unto a dish; and the bottom thereof was tight like unto a dish; and the sides thereof were tight like unto a dish; and the ends thereof were peaked; and the top thereof was tight like unto a dish; and the length thereof was the length of a tree; and the door thereof, when it was shut, was tight like unto a dish. And it came to pass that the brother of Jared cried unto the Lord, saying, O Lord I have performed the work which thou hast commanded me, and I have made the barges according as thou hast directed me. And behold, O Lord, in them there is no light, whither we shall steer. And also we shall perish, for in them we cannot breathe, save it is the air which is in them; therefore we shall perish. And the Lord said unto the brother of Jared, Behold, thou shalt make a hole in the top thereof, and also in the bottom thereof; and when thou shalt suffer for air, thou shalt unstop the hole thereof, and receive air. And if it be so that the water come in upon thee, behold, ye shall stop the hole thereof, that ye may not perish in the flood. And it came to pass that the brother of Jared did so, according as the Lord had commanded. And he cried again unto the Lord, saying, O Lord, behold I have done even as thou hast commanded me; and I have prepared the vessels for my people, and behold there is no light in them. Behold, O Lord, wilt thou suffer that we shall cross this great water in darkness? And the Lord said unto the brother of Jared, What will ye that I should do that ye may have light in your vessels? For behold, ye cannot have windows, for they will be dashed in pieces; neither shall ye take fire with you, for ye shall not go by the light of fir; for behold, ye shall be as a whale in the midst of the sea: for the mountain waves shall dash upon you. Nevertheless, I will bring you up again out of the depths of the sea; for the winds have gone forth out of my mouth, and also the rains and the floods have I sent forth."

There are many absurdities in the book; but my limits will not allow me to give more at this time. The number of barges was eight; and in them they brought to this continent the different animals, fowls of the air, and fishes, that first made their appearance in the western world after the deluge. Just think of the idea of bringing "fish of the waters" across the mighty deep: again, although these barges were "light upon the water like a fowl," yet they were much of the time buried in the deep: and although they were driven continually toward the promised land by "furious winds" and "terrible tempests," yet, it required 344 days to cross the ocean to this country. -- You can judge for yourself with what speed they must have traveled. The book of Mormon, (at least, the religious part of it,) was evidently written by an individual who had a particular theory to support: for questions in theology that have long divided the religious world, are fully settled. For example, the mode of baptism is particularly described, infant baptism forbidden, &c. &c. But the length of my letter admonishes me that I must close.
                       YOURS,    G. C. STEWART.


Notes: (forthcoming)

Some brass plates, with wonderful inscriptions, have been found out West somewhere. They have been sent to Nauvoo, for Joe Smith to look at. -- Now look out for some extraordinary developments.


Note: See also the Quincy Herald of Apr. 28, 1843.

(CORRESPONDENCE  OF  THE  "BOSTON BEE.")

Nauvoo, Ill., April 15, 1843.          

To the Editor -- Sir: -- These Mormons are determined to be the first in every thing. Last Wednesday the steamers "Maid of Iowa" and "Amaranth" arrived at the golden city, direct from St. Louis. These were the first boats that have been up this spring: one was four & the other was eleven days coming from St. Louis, buffetting ice all the way; but their arrival was little consolation to any but the Mormons, of whom there were 200 on one and 250 on the other, to the exclusion of almost every other passenger. The Amaranth after discharging her freight, proceeded up the river, and the "Maid of Iowa" returned to St. Louis after more Saints; for the river is lined with them, and ship loads are continually coming in from the Old World. Two or three ships have already arrived at New Orleans this spring, besides the thousand emigrants that were caught in the ice-bound river, who to secure their safe arrival, and do good as they had the opportunity, baptized the Captain of the "Maid of Iowa" who appeared well while here, and is shewing himself off as a diligent man in their service.

As these emigrants were the first to break the ice, so the prophet "Jo" was the first to meet them at the landing and greet his "old friends" who had been absent for years, and had returned with their flocks; as he said "like doves into their windows." Yes, Jo leaped on the boat by the first plank that was thrown out, more like a boy who was hunting his mate, than a "great prophet," so familiar is he in his deportment; and, Sir, I am sure it would have warmed your heart (for it did mine, as much of an infidel as I am) to have seen the thousands who collected on the beach ready to greet the arrival of their expected friends whom they had left in the old world. But I must repeat an anecdote related me yesterday by one of these emigrants who stopped a few days at St. Louis. "As John Cook Bennett of anti-Mormon notoriety (I hardly dare write his name, it is such a stink here) had collected round him some 12 or 15 Missourians in a bar room in a grog shop, trying to persuade them to go with him to kidnap Jo Smith, one of Joe's apostates told him that Jo was more than a match for thirty of the best Missourians they could pick. This made them look daggers at each other, and broke their castle of air in a moment."

Thursday morning, all the new emigrants, and some thousands of others, assembled at the Temple that the prophet might be the first in everything, and give them his views before they got into the hands of the speculators. He congratulated them on their safe arrival, and blessed them, and warned them to beware of the speculators who infest the city, trying to lead the Saints astray, and get their money, that they might see a good many old houses about, but they were all new; for the city was not 4 years old -- it was only a "3 year old;" but if they did not listen to council, the speculators would get their money for lands with bad titles, and then they might come, as many had done, and want help when it was too late to help them. They had come out of sectarian bondage, and national bondage and arrived in a free government -- not free from outlaws, thieves &c., but free from bondage, taxation, oppression, and everything if they conduct honestly, and especially with their neighbors -- free in a spiritual capacity. That this is the place for the oracles of heaven to be revealed; and what parts of the city were most healthy, and instructed them how to do to preserve their health in a new climate -- what medicine to take -- whipped the Doctors and Lawyers (not petty lawyers but expounders of the Gospel) Doctors would not tell them where to go to get well -- they must kill or cure to get money. Calomel on an empty stomach would kill.   V.


Notes: (forthcoming)

(CORRESPONDENCE  OF  THE  "BOSTON BEE.")

Nauvoo, Ill., April 22, 1843.          

To the Editor -- Sir: --


Notes: (forthcoming)

MORE  MORMON  PLATES.

Two of the Illinois papers, the Whig and the Herald, published at Quincy in that State, have lately put in circulation a tale of six brazen plates dug out of an ancient mound in Pike county, III., in the vicinity of a place called Kinderhook. The plates are stated to be covered on each side with hieroglyphics. Some of the figures have a little resemblance to the sun, others to the moon, others to trees; and ''many," says the Herald, "have a striking similarity to some of the capital letters and figures of the English language." The more material part of the account we copy as follows:

A respectable merchant of Kinderhook, having for some time past felt a strong anxiety to ascertain what was contained in the mounds which abound in the vicinity of that place, was induced to make an excavation on the 16th inst. in the centre of one which is much larger than any of the others. At the depth of ten feet he came to a rock, and abandoned the work until the 23d, when quite a number of citizens repaired to the place of operation, and comnnced work.

After digging through different strata of earth, and finding some specimens of lime, and what was believed to be pot-metal, the rock was penetrated to the depth of of about three feet, and had the appearance of some time or other having been excessively heated. Human bones were found which had the appearance of having been burnt. Charcoal was discovered in great abundance, and then these six brass plates. Their shape is somewhat similar to a bell, having a hole pierced in the small end. When found they were bound together by two clasps, and a ring through the holes, which had the appearance of iron, but in such a state of decomposition, that upon a very slight pressure they crumbled to pieces. The plates were very black when found, but after having been carefully cleansed, they were found to be covered with hieroglyphics.

These searches and diggings were undertaken, it is added, in obedience to a dream thrice dreamed, and when the plates had been found they went sent to Nauvoo, to be examined and kept by the famous Mormon prophet, Jo Smith.

It will be remembered by some of our readers that Mormonism originated in the discovery, made by this same prophetical Mr. Smith, of several brazen plates in the earth, in the town of Manchester, Ontario county, in N. York. Those plates and the strange characters engraven on them, were interpreted by Mr. Smith, and his interpretations suggested to his mind, as he avers, by the Holy Spirit being collected and published, constitute the book of the Mormon Bible. These plates will undoubtedly be interpreted also, and published in like manner, and then there will be another volume of what we may call this fossil revelation.


Note: The above text was drived from its reprint in the LDS "History of the Church," Vol. 5, pp. 406-408.

Great Excitement at Nauvoo! -- Arrest of Joe Smith, the Mormon Prophet! -- News was brought last evening by the steamer Osprey that Joe Smith, the Mormon Prophet, had been arrested and placed in jail at Ottawa; and further, that when the intelligence reached Nauvoo, two hundred horsemen of the legion started immediately for Ottawa, with the intention of liberating him. The steamboat Iowa had also been chartered at Nauvoo by the Mormons, and is at present ascending the Illinois river with 150 armed men, to second the attack of the horsemen at Ottawa. Ottawa is situated up the Illinois, and is distant about two hundred miles from this city

We believe Smith has been travelling in the northern part of the State, fot the purpose of keeping from the arrest made under the requisition of the Governor of this State, which accounts for his being lodged in jail at Ottawa. -- St. Louis Republican of the 30th ult.


Notes: (forthcoming)

JOE SMITH. -- The St. Louis Republican of July 3d says: "We were informed by a gentlemen from up the river, who arrived here yesterday morning, that Joe the Prophet had been liberated or rescued by his legion. The boat in which he was brought back touched at Quincy on her road back to Nauvoo, having Joe safe and sound onboard."


Notes: (forthcoming)

An attempt is to be made, it appears, to convert the Russians to Mormonism. Joe Smith has appointed Elders Hyde and Adams to go to St. Petersburg for that purpose. "Great doings" may be expected.


Notes: (forthcoming)

MORMON  BIBLE.

We give place to the following article on the origin of the Mormon Bible, to oblige an old and much respected friend, and not because the article itself contains any thing new, or because we have the slightest regard for the notorious John C. Bennett, from whose miserable catch-penny book the certificates respecting the authorship of the Mormon Bible are copied. At the same time, we do not wish to be understood as having the least synpathy for this Mormon momstrosity, which may, for any thing we know to the contrary, have been the production of Mr. Spaulding; but we place no sort of reliance, in confirmation of the fact, upon any testimony of Bennett himself, and indeed the testimony which he says was given by others is rendered suspicious by his own contemptible treatment of the Mormons. He says he went among them a stranger; they gave him a friendly welcome, elevated him to stations of honor and trust, and for years he lived upon their bounty. When he could no longer fleece them, the ungrateful whelp, in return for their kindness, published to the world a large volume of their pretended vices and immoralities. We do not know, to be sure, that the volume is not true; but for all that we have no confidence in the statements of a fellow guilty of such consummate meanness and hypocrisy, and we cannot suffer any extract from his vile work to appear in our paper without saying beforehand, that we heartily despose and detest him.

---

Boston, July 16, 1848.    

Mr. Abner Kneeland: -- Dear Sir, -- Yours of the 14th of May came to hand three days since. I have noted its contents, and will briefly reoly in the Boston Investigator, agreeably to your request.

You observe, you had by request attended a Mormon meeting, and at which a Mr. Gleason preached; that in conversation with you he denied the statement of Mrs. Matilda Davidson, formerly the wife of Solomon Spaulding, as published in my Expose of Mormonism; and that a Mr. Duncan whom you also conversed with, attempted to confirm the statement of Mr. Gleason. If these Mormons will show the statement of Matilda Davidson, denying, as they say, her former testimony, I will take the pains to call the attention of Mrs. Davidson, if living, to the subject. Unless they do this, I shall conclude that they know their statements to be false. Mrs. Spaulding's statement has been been alluded to in many public journals, and corroborated by more than twenty responsible evidences, and piblished in books now extant, which is sufficient to remove all the stories any Mormon may bring to his aid to the contrary.

I will now, Sir, give you a brief account, relative to this subject, from a number of persons given in an Expose by a champion of their own party, John C. Bennett, which will be found in a work of 334 pages published by him in Boston, 1842. He went among the Mormons, it appears, to ascertain their true character, and has published the results of his observations. In his book, he refers to the testimony of John Spaulding. I will give you this entire, and a number of others briefly, as it would occupy the whole paper to publish them in full; -- all of which prove, beyond a shade of doubt, the truth of the statement of Mrs. Davidson, alluded to in my Expose, to which you refer... [statement of John Spalding, and excerpts from the other 1833 "Conneaut witnesses" follow]

Thus I have given you sufficient evidences to support Mrs. Davidson's statement, and to satisfy every one that Solomon Spaulding was the author of a manuscript from which the Mormon Bible was got up.   Yours, respectfully,

TYLER PARSONS.

Note: The above article contains nothing unique relating to the Spalding authorship claims. Parsons merely repeated some claims he had made in 1841.

Western Correspondence to the Courier.

Jo Smith -- His Adventures...

Northwestern Illinois, July 30, 1843.          

These are stirring times, and much going on worthy of notice. I will therefore permit my pen to chronicle a few items for your widely circulated and truly valuable newspaper.

We are all of us on tiptoe to catch every passing rumor from Nauvoo, relating to its great head and leader, Joseph Smith, the High Priest of the Mormons, and the great prophet of the Latter Day Saints, who, while absent from the great body of his elevated followers was taken prisoner, but by some means obtained his release from durance vile, and is now strongly ensconsed in the heart of his great city, which will be found no doubt a sure defence.

It seems that Jo was on his way up into this Rock River country, for the purpose of visiting friends, and had stopped at Dixon's Ferry, where he had assembled the people about him, and was proceeding to expound to them the new and wonderful doctrines of Mormonism, when it was whispered to him that an officer had just arrived, and was about to restrain him of his liberty. Trusting on the Lord, probably, for preservation, and remembering also that the better part of valor was discretion, be immediately called his legs in requisition, and attempted to make good his escape, which however was not accomplished, as the officer soon overhauled him, and drawing his pistols, not only compelled the vanquished interpreter of hyeroglyphics to treat for terms of peace, but also kept his few friends from attempting his rescue. From this point our information varies. One report tells us that he was immediately taken before a Justice, where the proceedings were declared illegal, and the Prophet was released, and that he then got out a warrant, and took the officer, and conveyed him a prisoner to Nauvoo, where he was kindly treated and finally discharged. Another report affirms that the Mormon chief was taken prisoner, put into a close carriage, guarded by a company of armed men, thus conveyed through the State to Quincy, where he was permitted to have an examination, and thro' the influence of talented counsel was liberated. -- Be these things as they may, of this there is little doubt, that an officer was sent from Missouri with a requisition on our Governor for a warrant to take Smith, and convey him into their borders, there to answer to charges relative to the attempted murder of Gov. Boggs, sometime since. The warrant it seems was granted, but the officer in apprehending him proceeded in an illegal manner, upon which the Prophet claimed and obtained his release. It however created quite a hubbub among the Mormons, who collected about their leader by hundreds, with the determination that he should not be taken into Missouri, well knowing that the Missourians would never permit him to recross the Mississippi should they once get him fairly within their limits.

There is probably far less cause of complaint against Smith and his adherents than is usually supposed. True, they have a very singular and remarkable religious faith, which they endeavor to maintain in opposition to that of others; and this faith often leads them into a course of action counter to the generally established opinion of propriety. Nevertheless, they seem to be sincere in their professions, particularly mindful of their own business, industrious, quite hospitable, and probably equal, if not surpassing in some degree, the moral qualifications of their neighbors. In fact, we are told that Smith is rigid in his examination of those who apply for permission to go forth and preach the Gospel, inquiring into their daily habits and practices, condemning unhesitatingly whatever is generally considered immoral or infamous, and requiring a reformation, for he is also not unmindful of the moral qualifications of his followers generally, and also of their physical habits, requiring very strict Temperance, and a due regard to all healthy practices, although his own habits ill accord perhaps with these requirements. Their settlement in and about Nauvoo, is in quite a prospering condition,and there is little doubt, if they are permitted to go on their, way unmolested, but they will become wealthy and flourishing people....

Excuse me, Mr Editor, for wandering so far from my province; I have been led on from one step to another, far beyond my design, and will now take a hasty leave, promising to call again soon.
         Yours most truly.                    JUVENILIS.


Note: See the Boston Evening Transcript of Aug. 29, 1843New York Spectator of July 31, 1843 for more details regarding the 1843 arrest and release of Joseph Smith.

(CORRESPONDENCE  OF  THE  "BOSTON BEE.")

Nauvoo, Ill., July 17, 1843.          

To the Editor -- Sir: -- After an abrupt leave, I am in Nauvoo again; and having been for many years what is called a Constitutional man, and feeling a deep interest in the common welfare of all, so far as the rights of "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" are concerned, you will pardon me, as a legal advocate of vested rights, (not your religious tenets, or any other's, for I consider them as a matter connected with the soul,) for once more offering you a little 'Bee Bread.'

I am much pleased with the liberal powers of the Charter of the goodly city of Nauvoo. The vested rights in that public document are sufficient for all necessary purposes of a people whose greatest object appears to be to benefit mankind in this world, and happify them in the next. It is evident, on the face of the instrument in question, that the Legislature of Illinois, or more properly the people of Illinois through their representatives, have vested in the corporate body of Nauvoo, over a certain district of territory which may be increased in size at pleasure, all the rights, privileges, and powers which the said State possessed in her constitutional capacity, or could claim under the broad folds of the Constitution of the United States.

When I first read the charter, I supposed it was circumscribed by the statutes of the State; but, upon a second reading, I saw the beauty of that magna charta. I saw that the Legislature of Illinois had ceded to the City Council of the city of Nauvoo, the power to legislate for the common weal of Nauvoo; for a part of the 11th section of that Act reads as follows:

"The city council shall have power and authority to make, ordain, establish, and execute all such ordinances not repugnant to the Constitution of the United States or of this State, as they may deem necessary for the peace, benefit, good order, regulation, convenience, and cleanliness of said city."

Now, if words mean any thing, here certainly are vested rights as sacred, as substantial, and, according to the terms of the charter, (perpetual succession,) as durable as those of the State, or United States, for the "benefit and convenience" of the citizens of Nauvoo, and her posterity, ad infinitum. It is a wise, liberal, and substantial foundation for those who may be so fortunate as to share the salutary effects of its ordinances, and to partake of its growing blessings. If Illinois has power to enact laws for the benefit and convenience of her inhabitants, so has Nauvoo for her citizens. If the constitution of the United States protects Illinois in her vested rights, Nauvoo has the same claim and the same power to control it. And if the city council of Nauvoo should pass an unconstitutional act or ordinance literally repugnant to the constitution of the United States or of this State, all that could be done would be to declare it void by some court having competent jurisdiction; and there the matter ends, without any recourse upon the charter any more than there is recourse upon the constitution of the state for unconstitutional acts that so frequently disgrace the statutes of the several states.

When I heard that the Legislature, last winter, was laboring to repeal or modify the said charter, it put me in mind of a father and a son who owned a horse which they were too lazy to prove, and bring out his good qualities; but a gentleman, observing him, purchased, and in a few days passed by with the noble animal in full mounted harness attached to an elegant carriage, attracted the attention of all that saw him. The son immediately sought the father to sue and get the horse back; but the old man drily replied, "It takes two to make a bargain." So, if the Legislature should repeal or alter the charter of Nauvoo, without the consent of the citizens, they have only to put a quietus on the act, through the Supreme Court of the United States, as many other cases have been, according to her reports.

Reserved rights and vested rights are very different; and had the Legislature reserved any important point in [the] charter, and the City Council used it without the consent mutually of both parties, they would have been held amenable to the Supreme Court for the usurpation of that power. But when the "benefit and convenience" of Nauvoo demands ordinances no broader than the Constitution of the United States and that of Illinois [justifies], no matter whether there is any law on the subject or not, the City Council has only to shew their wisdom by their ordinances, and their power by their virtues, and how beautifully the world will behold imperium in imperio.

Recently there has been much said about the powers of the Municipal Court of said city, because that court had the right to issue writs of Habeas Corpus under "their own ordinances." Any man that objects to this power of the Municipal Court is ignorant of the vested rights of the Constitution of the United States; for "the privilege of the writ of Habeas Corpus shall not be suspended, unless when in cases of rebellion and invasion, the public safely may require it." The [highest? - tritest?] objection is, that the writ, according to the charter, must be confined to cases arising from the ordinances. Just so. If the writ was not issued upon the direction and rules of ordinances, what would govern it? Do the Circuit and Supreme Courts of the State issue writs of Habeas Corpus on the laws of the State, or upon the laws of Spain, Portugal, or the United States? Does the Supreme Court of the United States exercise the right of Habeas Corpus upon the laws of the United States, or upon the acts of the Emperor Nicholas, of Russia?

Again, the Municipal Court of Nauvoo consists of several persons, whereas the Circuit Court is one man only; and the world has yet to learn that a "little brief authority" is as judiciously exercised by one man as by six. Why the good old Law Book says, "In the midst of counsellors there is safety."

Missouri, of late, [has] made a most desperate [and illegal] attempt to force the Mormon prophet into her bosom, but [she has] met with a most sublime failure. After having been once thrust from her warm embrace by pointed steel and burning sulphur, he seems not anxious to throw himself again upon their renewed [offers of] hospitality and "pretended justice." Yet General Smith treated the agent of the State of Missouri with all due respect, introducing him to his family, and seating him at the head of his table. [All is quiet at Nauvoo]. Yours,   V.


Note: The text of the above Willard Richards letter has not been verified. It is taken from an uncorrected transcript from the Nauvoo Wasp of Aug. 30th, and it may contain errors -- items in brackets probably need correction. It is possible that this letter appeared in the Weekly Boston Bee of Aug. 5th, as well as in the daily paper of the same date.

THE MORMONS AND JOE SMITH. the following letter descriptive of the residence of the Mormons, and their "great captain," is by the St. Louis correspondent of the Journal of Commerce.

I have been on a visit to the famed city of Nauvoo. The situation is one of the most beautiful and picturesque on the waters of the Mississippi, and seems desecrated in the purpose to which a strange fanaticism has preverted it. -- The lower limits include nearly four miles square; divided off into lots of one acre each, which cannot be subdivided. The population at present is little short of 15,000. The streets are rectangular, wide and commodious, but the houses for the most part are mere hovels. The Temple now in process of erection, to be completed in three years, is of free stone, scarcely less beautiful in texture and color than granite, and will, if perfected according to the present design, be an edifice externally of grandeur and magnificence, which in its great advantages of site will have no equal in this Western world -- I say externally -- for within there is already completed one of the most absurd and out-of-place contrivances, that human folly could have devised for man and mockery. This is the Baptismal Fount -- a large wooden tub -- of circular form crossed by a pair of steps, ascending without and descending within -- the whole supported on the back of twelve white pine oxen -- planted firmly in the ground, and looking for all the world like so many horned frogs -- as you may have seen them in Texas -- creeping from beneath the shelter of a house. This fount neither tasteful in design,nor in keeping, but finished off with flutings, and cornices and partings, of a shingle's thickness -- constituting a most perfect piece of ginger bread workmanship and wasteful gimcrack. However, it belongs to a peculiar people, and in that respect its absurdity and singularity may be pardoned -- but what can excuse their wanton violence of all taste.

The Prophet, Joe, is a beast. His head is twice as large aft as it is in the intellectual region -- and he looks not unlike he might have sat for the portraits (I beg pardon) the statues of the oxen. He is about six feet in stature, clumsily and heavily put together, with a good deal of the loafer in his swagger, and much bar-room slang in his miserable attempt at wit. -- His eyes are large and boyish, his nose straight, pointed, and almost perpendicular to his face -- his forehead is low and not much improved, because he bestows momently upon it, the labor of brushing back his long sandy hair from its front and temples. He wears this latter ornament, parted transversely from ear to ear, quite long, both before and behind -- and at a side view -- so large are his occipital possessions, that I could almost fancy him old Janus, with his two heads, resurrectionized from his antiquated dust -- and, as the saying has it, "standing in the middle of the week, and looking both ways for Sunday."


Notes: (forthcoming)

THE MORMONS. A correspondent of the Baltimore Patriot writes as follows of the city of Nauvoo and its inhabitants:

The city of Nauvoo contains 13 to 15,000 inhabitants, all Mormons we believe, and new converts are fast flocking to their standard. They have many missionaries travelling throughout the country and in Europe, and they are now fitting out one for Russia. We believe they have no community of interest, as some suppose, but each man works for his own living; they are compelled to work one day out of ten, however, on the Temple, which will be a magnificent building when finished. The dwellings are generally small frames, thrown up in a few daya. The people are industrious and sober; no spirituous liquors are allowed in the city, or persons to be out after 9 o'clock at night. We received much kindness from Smith and others, and the day was very agreeably spent.

The writer heard Smith and Rigdon, his "Vicegerent," preach. Smith told the story of his arrest, and release from confinement; and then proceeded to run a parallel between the Mormons and other denominations of Chrislisns. He is a bad speaker. Rigdon speaks better. At the close of the service, the latter gave notice to the congregation that he had lost a valuable sorrel horse, sixteen hands high and requested to be informed if any person present should discover him. Between one and two hundred people were baptized in the Mississippi in the evening -- some of the disciples were immersed perhsps twenty times, first for themselves, and then for some deceased relative or friend.


Note: The Rochester Republican of Aug. 29, 1843 published a more precise and more comprehensive reprint of this Baltimore Patriot report.

NAUVOO  AND  JOE SMITH.

A correspondent of the N.Y. Journal of Commerce who hails from St. Louis, says --

I have been on a short visit to the famed city of Nauvoo, the residence of the Mormons and their great Captain, Joe Smith. The situation is one of the most beautiful and picturesque on the waters of the Mississippi, and seems desecrated in the purpose to which a strange fanaticism has perverted it. The lower limits include nearby four miles square; divided off into lots of one acre each, which cannot be subdivided. The population at present is little short of 14,000. The streets are rectangular, wide and commodious, but the houses are for the most part mere hovels. -- The Temple now in process of erection, to be completed in three years, is of free stone, scarcely less beautiful in texture and color than granite, and will, if perfected according to the present design, be an edifice externally of grandeur and magnificence, which in its great advantages of site will have no equal in this Western world I say externally -- for within there is already completed one of the most absurd and out-of-place contrivances, that human folly could have devised for man or mockery. This is the Baptismal Fount, a large wooden tab -- of circular form, crossed by a pair of steps, ascending without and descending within -- the whole supported on the back of twelve white pine oxen -- planted firmly in the ground, and for all the world like so many horned frogs, as you may have seen them in Texas, creeping from beneath the shelter of a house. This Fount is neither tasteful in design, nor in keeping, but finished off with flutings, and cornices and partings of a shingle's thickness -- constituting a most perfect piece of ginger-bread workmanship and wasteful gim-crack.

The prophet, Joe, is a beast. His head is twice as large aft as it is in the intellectual region -- and he looks not unlike he might have sat for the portraits, (I beg pardon,) the statues of the oxen. He is about six feet in stature, clumsily and heavily put together, with a good deal of the loafer in his swagger, and much bar-room slang in his miserable attempt at wit. His eyes are large and bluish, his nose straight and pointed, and almost perpendicular to his face -- his forehead is low and not much improved, because he bestows momently upon it, the labor of brustling back his long sandy hair, from his front and temples. He wears this latter ornament, parted traversely from ear to ear, quite long, both before and behind, and at a side view, so large are his occipital possessions that I could almost fancy him old Janus, with his two heads, resurrectionized from his antiquated dust, and as the saying has it, standing in the middle of the week, and looking both ways for Sunday.'


Notes: (forthcoming)

WHY JOE SMITH WAS ARRESTED: AND HOW HE ESCAPED. A correspondent of the Bunker Hill Aurora, writing from Fort Madison, gives the following story about the notorious Nauvoo Captain:

On the 4th of July the public services at Nauvoo consisted of a great dinner and preaching in a grove from the two Mormons who were going to Russia on a mission. Quite a sensation was produced among the Mormons when their Prophet Joe made his appearance on the stand, to address his followers, in as much as only the day before he very cunningly escaped from the hands of the Missouri sheriff who had succeeded a second time in arresting him. The circumstances of the arrest and escape were these. It will be recollected that some months since an attempt was made to assassinate Gov. Boggs, of Missouri, and that Joe Smith was suspected of being the instigator of the attempt, and that upon this suspicion he was arrested by permission of the Governor of Illinois, by the sheriff of Missouri, but was rescued by the Mormon legion. As the Mormons have three large mounted cannon and several thousand stands of arms, it has not been thought safe to make an attempt to arrest him at Nauvoo. But the Prophet having recently gained a little confidence, ventured about a week since, to accompany his wife on a visit to her sister, at Dixon, some distance up the river. The sheriff of Missouri hearing of this, immediately started in pursuit of him, attended by the sheriff of Hancock county, in which Nauvoo is situated, and they succeeded in arresting him as he was baptizing a company of new proselytes. The Prophet, however, immediately had a warrant issued against the two sheriffs for false imprisonment, and they were arrested. The whole company then set out in a carriage for Quincy in this State, to have the whole matter adjusted.

In this Joe outwitted them all; for in passing down to Quincy it was necessary for them to pass Nauvoo. The news of their prophet's arrest soon reached the ears of the Nauvoo Legion. Four hundred of them, fully armed, came to the rescue, and about six miles from Nauvoo, fell in with the cavalcade, and made them all prisoners! The Rev. Prophet, Gen. Joe Smith, then immediately took the command, and with the sheriffs in custody, and at the head of four hundred armed men, rode triumphantly into the city of Nauvoo. After giving his prisoners a good fat dinner, at his own house, Joe Smith assembled the court of the city, (which by the city charter is an independent court) placed himself on trial and was of course acquitted. He then ordered the sheriffs of Missouri and Hancock county, Ill., to be tried for imprisoning him falsely. They were found guilty of the charge and placed under bonds of $5,000 each, to appear for trial at next session of the county court. The two sheriffs, with difficulty, succeeded in getting out of the dominions of Joe Smith, without a cowhiding. As I came on, I met the two sheriffs at Rushville, and put up with them at the same public house. They were on their way to Springfield, to demand of the Governor a posse in order to arrest Smith. What the result will be is uncertain. It will be difficult to arrest Smith at Nauvoo. The Mormons are the majority in the county, and it will be impossible to raise, in the county, even from those who are not Mormons, a military force to attack Nauvoo, for the impression is very general throughout the county of Hancock, that Joe Smith, if arrested and taken to Missouri, will be torn to pieces by the mob, without any legal trial. Great excitement prevails in this region on the subject.


Note: See the Lowell Courier of Aug. 5, 1843 and the New York Spectator of July 31, 1843 for more details regarding the 1843 arrest and release of Joseph Smith.

INCONSISTENCIES  OF  PROFESSED
BIBLE  BELIEVERS.

Reading an article in the Times of the 20th inst. headed "Taking the Veil," my thoughts were led to muse on the gross inconsistency of the present professed Bible believing generation. Now it is a well known fact, that the present christian world, (with the exception of a few that the rest term infidels,) both priest and people, editors and readers, are professed believers in the Bible, and are ready to denounce a man as infidel, who dares question its authority; they believe it to be a revelation of the will of God to man, for the purpose of effecting his salvation; and (with the exception of the Mormons,) they believe it to be the last and only revelation that man ever did or will receive from his God. Now if they acted consistently, would they not receive and support those who come among them preaching and practicing the plan of salvation, with its ordinances contained in the New Testament, to the very letter and repudiate and condemn all others. Would they not obey the injunction of John, 'if any come among you and obey not the doctrine of Christ, receive him not into your houses, neither bid him God speed.'

Should it make any difference whether they were old or new, popular or unpopular, learned or unlearned? Every candid mind will answer no, it should not, but the grand, and only question should be, do you preach the same plan of salvation which Christ and his apostles preached? Do you hold out the same blessings and promises they held out for believing, and threaten them with the same condemnation for disbelieving the New Testament being the rule of evidence? But how stands the case? what are the facts? Now for the purpose of testing this thing, I will make use of two denominations, viz: 'Catholics' and 'Mormons,' not out of any disrespect to either, but only to test the principle standing at the head of this article, particularly in regard to the press and pulpit.

The Mormons came among us preaching faith, repentance and baptism for the remission of sins, see Acts ii: 38 and xxii: 16. They practice the order of laying on of hands, for the reception of the holy spirit, see Acts vii: 17-18 and xix; 6 and Heb. vi: 2. They preach that the signs shall follow them that believe, see Mark xvi: 17. They preach that as the gospel, like its author, is unchangeable, therefore his church whenever and wherever found, will be built on the same foundation, organized with the same organization that characterized it in its early period, and that that organization consisted of apostles and prophets, &c., see Eph. ii: 20 and iv: 11, also Cor xii: 28. And that these officers were to continue until perfection is come, 1 Cor. xiii: 8-10. And 'till we all come in the unity of faith, and of the knowledge (not belief) of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; Eph. iv: 13. They preach that as like causes produce like effects in all ages of the world, that those who are obedient to the gospel in this age and thereby receive the holy spirit, can and will claim and receive the holy spirit, and will claim and receive all its blessings and fruits, which include revelations, visions, dreams, tongues, prophecies, interpretations, discerning of spirits, healing the sick, casting out devils, &c. Proof, see 1 Cor. xii, Mark. xvi: 17, James v: 14-15. -- They preach that Zion is to be built in the last days, see Ps. cii: 16 and xlviii: 2, and also Ps. lx, and Mich. iv, and Joel ii: 32. They preach a gathering of the saints in the last days to this Zion, while God pours out his judgments upon the earth. Proof, Ps. iv: 5 and cii 22, Js. ix: 3,4,5,8 and xxxiv: 10, and the Parables, especially that of tares and wheat, 2 Thess. ii: 1, Rev. xviii: 4. These are some of the grand and important doctrines taught by the Mormons, all based and founded on the word of God in the Bible that the whole christian world profess to receive as their standard of faith and practice.

And now, I would ask, where, among the whole Christian world, can be found another people that teaches or even believes one of these plain Bible doctrines? And where is the priest that dare meet the elders of the Mormons on any one of these questions? I have heard elder Page, time and again, publicly challenge the whole clergy of Boston to meet him on any of these questions, using their own hall free of expense, the Bible being the rule of evidence, and where is there one that dare do it? Echo answers where? Bro. Comings to the contrary notwithstanding.

And now, how are the Mormons, coming as they do, Bible in hand, received by the present Bible believing generation, especially editors and priests? I need not answer. Every one knows that each and all of the above Bible doctrines, preached by the Mormons, are met with scorn and contempt, ridicule and blackguardism, and by the very men that denounce men that honestly admit their disbelief in the Bible, as Infidels.

And here are the Mormons baptising weekly, having established a branch in this city of 250, and that in a year and a half, and yet not one of the Boston clergy dare meet them, and expose their delusion, as they call it, and thereby save the dear people from being deceived. And not the clergy alone, but the press also, professedly Bible believing, will in their turn ridicule each of the above doctrines, and publish every item that will tend to throw contempt and obloquy upon them, and not publish a word by way of reply, or in favor, unless paid for.

But now let us look a the other sect mentioned viz: The Catholics, not that they are any more inconsistent than other denominations, or even half so much, but I mention them because the article that gave rise to this communication involves their principles, viz: 'Taking the veil.' Merely to show the difference of treatment by the press, when the doctrines and ceremonies of an old, numerous and popular church, is concerned, than when an unpopular people are the subject for remarks. Now with what grace, and respect the ceremony of taking the veil is spoken of, in the article referred to. If they were written concerning the crucifixion of Christ, they could not be more serious or respectful. And what do we see in the article the, why-'Taking the Veil,' 'Nunnery,' 'Sacrament of high Mass,' 'Reverend Archbishop,' dressed in the 'Pontificals of his station,' then the co-sister in which, with their black veils and a lighted taper in their hands.' then we have a 'Reverend mother,' &c. &c. Now in what part of the Old or New Testament are one of these things alluded to? Where in the organization of the Church of Christ, can the office of 'Reverend Arch Bishop,' or 'Reverend mothers,' be found? We can read about Paul and the Apostles and the Prophets dressed in sheep and goat skins, but nothing about Arch Bishops in their pontificals,' and where can you read of the white dress of the sisters-and their long black veils, and their lighted tapers, &c. Now I will challenge the whole professed Bible believing world, to point out a single passage, that even alludes to one of these ceremonies.

Then we may mention the enquiring meetings and anxious seats of the Orthodox and baptist. The camp meetings, class meetings, sisters and the three baptisms of the Methodist, all verifying the predictions of Paul, that in thelast days 'they would not endure sound doctrines, but would turn from the truth, unto fables,' such as I have been referring to; that they should 'heap to themselves teachers instead of God sending them-and that they would have a form of godliness but deny the power,' also fulfilling the words of Christ to the Jews, that they made void the law of God by their own traditions, and 'taught for doctrines the commandments of men,' for instance the doctrine of Christ, as I have before shown, is baptism for the remission of sins-but the commandments of men are, come to the anxious seats, the altars -- or the mourners bench, for the remission of sins. The doctrines of Christ is 'laying on of hands for the reception of the Holy Ghost;' the commandment of men -- go to the camp meeting and receive the Holy Ghost.

But enough has been said to show that this Bible believing generation care not a fig for the Bible, or the doctrines it contains, when speaking of the doctrines and ceremonies of any sect; but if the sect is wealthy, or numerous and popular, they will be spoken of with respect and flattering words -- whether their doctrines accords with the Bible or not; and the sect that is small, new and unpopular, will be met with ridicule and contempt, Bible or no Bible. The Catholics and Methodists and others will present to the community, doctrines and precepts, laws and ceremonies, that the Bible never dreamed of, and will be petted and supported by Pulpit and Press. The Mormons, on the other hand, come Bible in hand, ready to defend therefrom, both publicly and privately, each and every doctrine they present to the people, and they are met by Pulpit and Press with slang, vituperation, and any thing under heaven but argument. Oh! the consistency of this godly, Bible believing generation.
                                    J. H.


Note: The exact date of the above article has not been determined. The text is taken from a reprint in the Times & Seasons of Oct. 15, 1843 -- the writer was probably Elder John Hardy of Boston.

(CORRESPONDENCE  OF  THE  "BOSTON BEE.")

Nauvoo, Ill., August 18, 1843.          

To the Editor -- Sir: -- In my last [two] communications, I briefly touched upon the [rights] of the habeas corpus law in Nauvoo, and the peculiar constitutional powers, &c., of Missouri; in this I propose to hint at the literary Spirit of Nauvoo, as it seems to be rising upon that scale of notoriety, which of what was and is, in after years, make up •• the history of the times." There are many Common Schools in Nauvoo, where the germs of greatness are planted; and if they, as the Mormons seem very apt todo, nourish and cherish them, in a masterly manner, the world may witness the blessing of a harvest, rich, obund ant, yielding even an hundred fold, of the good things of intellect.

From one of the Literati, not the Prophet, I have taken the liberty to send you a new translation of the eighteenth chapter of Isaiah, which he made, not long since, from the Hebrew text of " Michaelis." It appears to me that it will compare with any of the Catholic, Church of England, or other "sectarian" translations, in point of clearness of expression, sublimity of thought, or literal application.— Perhaps Professor Stewart of Andover, and the renowned Alexander Campbell, of Bethany, Virginia, or the Sophmores of Harvard or Yale, or some " legate of the skies," will come forth to the help of the mighty, and show still a better; if so, I doubt not, Nauvoo will be ready; so here it is:—

ISAIAH, CHAPTER XVIII.

1. "Ho land, spread out as wings, which is beyond the passing of the waters of Ethiopia;

2. The sending by sea, ambassadors, and, with instruments of paper, upon the faces of the waters, go ye swift messengers unto a nation from being strong and active, was terrible unto the people, from which he was far removed; a nation measured by measure, but will tread down, whose land waters divide.

3. All ye dwellers on parts of the globe, and ye inhabitants of the earth, when he lifts up a standard on the mountains, ye shall see, and when he sounds a trumpet, ye shall hear,

4. For thus saith the Lord unto me, I will yet rest, and, in my place, I will spread forth light like a serene heat on leaves, as the dew of darkness in the heat of harvest.

5. For before the harvest, when the perfect pprout and the sour grapes are ripening, he will flower, and cut down the shoots with pruning knives; and with the twigs he will cut off the thorn.

6. And they shall be left together for the fowls of the mountains and for the beasts of the earth; aud the ravenous birds shall go up to end it, and all the beasts of the earth shall winter upon it.

7. In that time she shall prevail to bring the gift to the Lord of hosts, of a people from being strong and active and terrible to a portion of the people, from whom he was far removed; A nation measured by measure, but will tread down, whose land waters divide, unto the gathering place of the name of the Lord of Hosts, to Mount Zion."

This translation appears very plausible from what Esdras and the Mormons say of the ten tribes being carried into a country where mankind had never dwelt, which occupied a year and it half for the journey; and that they were gathered in the last days; "the land spread oat as wings," could mean "the north and the south;" for the 89th Psalm says he created them, and although the bible throughout, holds the language that the earth hath foundations, and is set on pillars, yet the " north," according to Job, was "stretched out over the empty place," and the earth hangs upon nothing there, so that Esdras' ten tribes may live on one of the wings and be a " part of the globe," as this translation shows—and see when the "standard is set up," and return with the gift to the gathering place—when the Lord says to the "north give up." This is Mormon philosophy, and like all others, time must prove it.

With all the 'reasons' and 'truths' as 'thick as grass-hoppers,' as a yankee would say, the Mormons have not made me over, but I like their 'open course' of 'trying all things,' and 'proving all things,' and 'holding fast what is good.' Viatoa.


Notes: (forthcoming)

THE MORMONS. -- The refusal of Gov. Ford of Illinois to comply with the requisition of the Governor of Missouri, for the surrender of Joe Smith, the Mormon Chief, is likely to produce a serious commotion. It is said that twenty thousand of the people of Missouri are ready to go into the State of Illinois, and take him by force. The offence charged against Smith is that of having been accessory to the assassination of Gov. Boggs of Missouri, about two years since.

---

MORMON, is a Greek word. According to the Baptist Register, “Donegan and other authors of Greek dictionaries define it, ‘A bugbear, a hob-goblin, a raw head and bloody bones, a hideous spectre, a frightful mask, something to frighten children.' It is thus used by the Greek author Theocritus, and the Greek author Aristophanes the comic poet. Solomon Spalding, having tried to preach three or four years and failed, then having tried mercantile business and failed, being a classic Greek scholar, and out of all business, wrote for his amusement what he called the 'Book of Mormon,' i. e., as he understood it, the Book of Spectres. After his death, the ignorant Joe Smith and J. [sic] Rigdon, coming into possession of the book, and ignorantly pretending that Mormon was a sacred Jewish name, have used the book for deceptive purposes, as all the world know, and have attempted to clothe the word Mormon with a sacred meaning. Above is the true definition and origin of the word, as well as of the book. Mormons, then, the anglicised word, or the derivative as comprehending the people, may be defined 'Devotees to bugbears, hobgoblins and spectres.' Seventeen thousand of such devotees, it is said, are now residents in Nauvoo.'   Philadelphia Mercury.


Notes: (forthcoming)

The  Mormons  and  Anti-Mormons.

On Wednesday last a meeting of Delegates from Hancock and the surrounding counties was held at Carthage. They had been appointed at a previous meeting of the People opposed to the Mormons. The official proceedings have not yet reached us, but we learn from the Burlington Hawk Eye of Saturday last, that the resolutions adopted, were of the strongest kind. "They declared that if Gov. Ford would not surrender 'Jo Smith' on the requisition of the Governor of Missouri -- which he has refused to do from political considerations -- that they would call in aid from other counties and other States to assist them in delivering him up." As rumors were prevalent that a number of the citizens had their lives threatened by the Mormons, the meeting resolved to avenge any blood that might be shed. -- They agreed not to obey the mandates of the Mormon officers of the county, who have been put in power by the Mormons, the whole county treasury being now at their disposal. There is considerable excitement -- the crisis seems to be rapidly approaching -- and we greatly fear the consequences. -- All may be remedied if the Mormons, as a religious body, will but eschew politics and amalgamate with our citizens -- but we fear it is too late to do even that. -- St Louis New Era.


Notes: (forthcoming)

THE MORMON PROPHET -- It is a curious feature of the human mind, (says the N. York Commercial Advertiser) and wonderfully illustrative of its proclivity to evil, that the most successful impostors, especially in matters of religious faith, are generally the very kind of men whose delusions ought to be most easily seen through and scouted. Courtney, Matthias, Joanna Southcote, Jacob the White Quaker, and many others who have led thousands astray, were ignorant, uncouth in manners, rude in speech, and utterly incapable of sustaining themselves against intelligent investigation; yet they succeeded in deceiving many whose intelligence and judgment, in ordinary matters, were far superior to their own. And this seems to be the case, too, with the Mormon impostor, as we find him described by the editor of the Pittsburg Gazette, who has recently made a visit to the Mormon capital. He says --

(read original article in Pittsburgh paper)

Notes: (forthcoming)

JOE SMITH. -- The following odd resolutions, among others, were passed at the opening of Joe Smith's tavern, at Nauvoo, on the 3d. ult.

Resolved, That Gen. Joe Smith, whether we view him as a Prophet at the head of the Church, a General at the head of the Legion, a Mayor at the head of the City Council, or as a Landlord at the head of his table, he has few equals and no superiors.

Resolved, Nauvoo, the great Emporium of the West, the centre of all centres, a city of three years growth, a population of 18,000 souls (!) congregated from the four quarters of the globe (!!) embracing the intelligence (!!!) of all nations, (!!!!) with industry, frugality, economy, virtue, and brotherly love, unsurpassed by any age in the world, a suitable home for the saints. (!!!!!)


Notes: (forthcoming)

THE BIBLE AND THE BOOK OF MORMON. --
A PROPHECY!

In the present article, we propose two things: -- 1st, to demonstrate that every part of the Bible, both of the Old and New Testament, has originated in the same way as the Book of Mormon; and 2dly, that Mormonism will ultimately become the predominant sect, and the Book itself be incorporated in the Bible, and they in the Church. This is our PROPHECY. Let the present No. of the Investigator be preserved; for in less than fifty years the prophecy will be fulfilled, and a part in less than ten. We lay aside our indignation of these Christian superstitions, for a time, and enter calmly, coolly, and earnestly on our work. We are as sure of effecting our object, as ever we were of performing successfully an algebraic equation.

We are, then, in the first place, to demonstrate that every part of the Bible, both of the Old and New Testament, has originated in the same way as the Book of Mormon -- that is, "been found," and then commended to the world. As our proposition, though particular as to formula, is nevertheless general in its character, and thus in confirmation taking the sweep of nations through the generations of the past, we are warranted in assuming the latter ground in its demonstration -- that is, advancing generally known and universally received demonstrable truths, as confirmatory of what we aver to be fact. If either of these truths are denied, we will then descend to particulars, until the superstition itself becomes an evanescent point. It is a fact, that all the Old Testament up to the end of "Chronicles" and "Kings," was found. Say the priests to the good king Josiah, "We have found the Book of the Law of the Lord." It is a fact, often proclaimed both by Jews and Christians, and used as "a triumphant argument," that the writings of no prophet were received as divinely inspired, until after his death and the fulfilment of his prophecy proved him to be a true prophet. That the Apocrypha was found, and only inserted to fill up the historical part and give salutary instructions in virtue, piety, and patriotism, we need not insist. But the Book of the Law of the Lord, the writings of the Prophets, and the Apocrypha, constitute the Old Testament.

We come now, of course, to the New Testament. At the Council of Nice, in Bythnia, Papius assorts, "That they put all the books, promiscuously, under the communion table in the church, and prayed that they might find, in the morning, the inspired ones upon the table, and the spurious ones beneath -- which accordingly happened." -- There they were found. This took place in 327. In 368, the Council of Laodicca sanctioned the transaction, by making a catalogue of the books -- not including the Revelations. In 397, the third Council of Carthage sanctions that of Laodicca, and with the volumes incorporates the Revelations; of course, the Revelations had been found. In 401, the whole of the New Testament was presented to the assembly of the people; and yet St. Chrysostom, who died 407, asserts, that in his time, "The Acts of the Apostles were by many Christians entirely unknown:" -- of course, the Acts had been found. And finally, Dr. Lardner, one of the ablest and most profound writers of "evidences," declares that nothing was canonical, "people being left to judge for themselves, till the time of Cassiodorus, 556," who was a compiler of the ecclesiastical histories of Socrates, Sozomen, and Theodoret, in one. Now, if here is not a finding the Books both of the Old and New Testament, and a commending them to the people, we are ignorant of all knowledge, and of all the rules of interpreting human actions. The books were found. The same with the Book of Mormon. The authority is the same -- the ipse dixit of individuals interested in the finding. It is true the Book of Mormon has not yet been received by the authority of Councils; and simply, because it is not time. We had omitted one volume in the Old Testament -- the Book of Jashur. This has been found; and as it is appealed to as high authority to confirm the highest in the Old Testament, it has to become incorporated in the Old, and it will appear in Ecclesiastical History, to all succeeding generations, that in 1839 the Book of Jashur, which had been lost more than three thousand years, was found and became a canonical part of the Old Testament.

2d. We proceed with confidence to our second position, which was -- that the Mormons will ultimately become the predominant sect, the Book of Mormon be incorporated in the Bible, and they in the church. That they will become predominant, we argue from the fact, that their form of worship, in its officers, spirit, and essence, is exactly adapted to the genius of the times, especially of the superstition; and that they are persecuted. They denominate themselves the "Latter Day Saints;" have all the high offices and dignities embraced both in the Jewish and Christian superstitions; give every possible latitude and longitude to spiritual pride in divine gifts and graces, from prophecying to sanctity in self-denial. They enter upon the stage of action at a time in which sentiment, heart work, is every thing, and doctrine nothing -- at a universal electric fusion of sects and denominations, in which Unitarians, Universalists, Quakers, and Shakers, are noticed as to churches and functionaries, "very respectable," when twenty years ago the Edwards and Emmons and Masons were ranking them with the "damnable heretics," and praying fervently for their conversion or destruction. It was once the same with all Arminians. The same, emphatically, with the Methodists. The Arminians, more lax in their faith and practice, are now a grand and respectable division of the church of Jesus Christ; the Methodists, one of the predominant sccts, whom no man dare despise or anathematize; and the Quakers, Shakers, Universalists, and Unitarians, are respectable.

What shall prevent the ascendency of the Mormons? At this far more favorable time -- a time in which they may be said to be floated over the waters of the sanctuary, the same as oil upon the waves of the ocean, what is to prevent them from becoming a constellation of the brightest form? -- We mistook. We said a sect. They are destined to something infinitely beyond it. They are to become a Superstition, the same as the Christian, or Mahometan, it will inevitably be the case. Moses was a prophet, Jesus was a prophet, Mahomet was a prophet, but Joseph Smith is a greater. The only difficulty in the way, is, the assumption is not sufficiently rank. It rests on Mormon. This will give it an intermediate character, the same as republic in governments, until it can slide into the imperial, either by stratagem or power. Now, if this be not the result in regard to Mormonism, then the world superstitious, and the ecclesiagogue portion of our nature, has completely changed; and substances, "coming events," instead of "casting their shadows before," are nothing -- body less and shadowless. But why do we reason, when the reality is before us? In ten years they are spoken of as 100,000. They are spread over England and the United States. -- Persecution cannot diminish, but increase them. For every Mormon slain, ten will rise up to collect his ashes, embalm his memory, and propagate his faith. Listen to our prophecy. We are no Mormon, God knows, or, at any rate, we know. We believe their religion is the same as that of all others, founded in delusion, deceit, and falsehood -- in books that are found; but the predominancy of Mormonism will assuredly be the case, and is as fully demonstrated and demonstrable, as, that from adequate causes and existing antecedents, legitimate effects and consequences must follow.

Thus, we think we have accomplished our object: proved that the Books of the Old and New Testament rest on the same authority as the Book of Mormon -- that is, "have been found;" that the Book of Mormon will ultimately become incorporated in the Bible, and they in the Church. We have argued from fact, and the exigency of the case; and, having effected our purpose, dismiss the subject.


Notes: (forthcoming)

Note: The date of an issue of the Boston paper publishing "Joseph Smith, the Mormon Prophet," remains unknown. A very similar illustrated feature appeared in the Philadelphia Alexander's Express Messenger of July 24, 1844. --- The description West gives of Smith, at the beginning of 1844, reads much like another portrayal of the prophet's physique, published in the New York Herald of Jan. 18, 1843: "The prophet is a large, portly, and fine looking man, six feet without shoes, looks about forty of forty-two, and weighs 220 pounds, eyes light blue, approaching to grey, light brown hair, peaked nose, large head... dressed in box coat, black, blue dress coat and pants, black silk velvet vest, white cravat, a large gold ring on the finger next to the little one of his left hand, black cane, and wears a continual smile."

Mormon  Difficulties  in  Illinois

The Quincy Herald of the 9th inst., states that four wagons passed through that place on Tuesday previous, on their way to the State Arsenal at Alton, for the purpose of procuring arms to be used against the Mormons, The difficulties and the prospect of an immediate breach between the citizens and the Mormons has been brought to the knowledge of Gov. Ford, and he has been earnestly appealed to, to maintain the peace and protect the innocent. The state of exasperation between the Mormons and the citizens is such that we will not be surprised to hear of actual hostilities at any time quite as violent as formerly existed between them and a portion of our citizens. (St. Louis Repub.)

---

(more articles follow, Nauvoo, etc. -- under construction

Notes: (forthcoming)

MORMONS IN ALABAMA. -- The Mobile Journal of the 7th inst., says: -- "The Mormons are upon our borders. we learn from a late letter from Sumpter county, that they are making a somewhat formidable demonstration in the adjoining county of Mississippi. They commenced operations at Pleasant Spring late in the Fall, and now number about seventy-five proselytes -- some twenty being seceders from the Methodist connexion, and about twenty-six from the Baptist -- the balance from non-professors. They have recently commenced propagating their faith at Brooklyn, only a few miles from our State line, where they will probably meet with a like success."


Notes: (forthcoming)

THE MORMON PROPHET'S FATHER. We yesterday stated that Joe Smith had appealed to the citizens of Vermont, his native State, calling upon them to come to his assistance. The circumstances reminds us of an anecdote told of Joe's father, who was a great sower of discord and fomenter of strife, although he made great pretensions to more godliness, uprightness, and charity, than his neighbors. When the elder Smith died, one of his neighbors, a truly pious, but blunt and plain-spoken person, remarked that he was glad of it, and expressed the hope that he might be sent to that place where "the wicked find no rest." The remark astonished a friend, who asked him how he could talk thus. "Mr. Smith destroyed the peace and broke up three church societies while on earth, and he will break up the bottomless pit itself, if they once get him in there!" [N.O. Pic.]


Note 1: Unfortunately the above item does not provide the name of the person who knew the father of Joseph Smith, Jr. The original report was published in the New Orleans Picayune of Friday, March 15, 1844.

Note 2: For another first-hand recolection concerning Joseph Smith, Sr., see the Chicago Times of Oct. 14, 1888.

From our Correspondent.

Boston, March 30, 1844.      

Messrs. Editors. -- ...

I learn from your last paper, that if Joe Smith were a Turk, and wished to say "fountain of light," his words would be "Ain shems," which is not Turkish, but Arabic, and which means, not fountain of light, but fountain of the Sun; that is, fountain consecrated to the idolatrous worship of the solar fire. But "it was not that, I meant to tell." I have something more important; something that may lead to the uprising of another prophet, equal to him.

It seems, he was born in Sharon, Vt., in 1805, and lived there a quarter of his life, or till 1814, or 1815. Now I remember distinctly, that during some part of that time, there was said to be a "peeping stone," as the unbelievers call it, in Sharon. The owner could place it in the bottom of a hat, and then put his face into the hat so as to exclude the light, and by thus looking into the stone, could see "things invisible to mortal sight." People used to go, -- or at least, it was reported that they went, in great numbers, to Sharon, to learn from the owner of the "peeping stone," where stolen goods might be found, whither their cattle had strayed, and the like; and wonderful discoveries were said to be made. Now, you know that it was by the help of such a stone, used in the same way, that Joe was enabled to read the inscriptions on the golden plates out of some unknown tongue into English, and thus make the Book of Mormon.

But I have still greater wonders to reveal. The reports of that day told how such stones are made. You must take the skull of a man born under the planet Mercury; burn it, and melt it down into glass; for it is really glass, rather than a stone. You must then place it on the eyes of a dead man who was born under the same planet, where it must lay seven years. It is then fit for use; any person born under Mercury can see in it.

Yet again, and very interesting. The peeper in Sharon, it was said, saw where another of those stones was buried; and I know the spot very nearly. It is at the foot of the same sandy hill which you are obliged to ascend, just before entering the village of West Hartford from the east. It is "between the road and the river;" but whether the road is the turnpike, or the old road further back, I am not sure.

Now for the "practical application" -- if any person "born under Mercury" feels inclined to go to Nauvoo and place himself under Joe Smith, let him pause. He can do better. Let him, after having purchased the right to do so from the owner of the land, dig for that stone, at the base, -- the eastern base, -- of that hill; and let him dig till he finds it, and then set up for a prophet himself. This, I doubt not, would be a much better use of his time and money, than would be made at Nauvoo.


Notes: (forthcoming)

"GENERAL SMITH'S VIEWS OF THE POWERS AND POLICY OF THE UNITED STATES." -- A Pamphlet of this title has been handed to us, which we have read with much pleasure. The Mormon Prophet has there put forth many excellent ideas worthy of the perusal of a free people. It is a plain philosophical discourse, entirely free from cant, and full of the very best advice. General Smith appears to be neither whig nor democrat; but he is evidently in favor of the largest liberty, discountenances that mob spirit which is so prevalent in our country, and recommends unity, char-ity and universal toleration. The address is well written, and the quotations from American Statesmen are excellent and appropriate, and made without reference to party. He advises legislators to "study the convenience of the People more than the comfort of the Cabinet." He praises Jefferson and Jackson, but seems disposed to sneer at Van Buren and Tyler, whom he calls a "pseudo-Democratic Whig President." He recommends the re-annexation of Texas, under certain circumstances. He says -- "When a neighboring realm petitioned to join the Union of the sons of liberty, my voice would be, come, yea, come Texas; come Mexico; come Canada, and come all the world -- let us be brethren; let us be one great family, and let there be universal peace." Surely, none can complain of a want of liberality in these sentiments! His opinions on the subject of Abolition are worthy of attention. He goes for a liberal and generous policy, and advises Government to use its surplus revenue for the purchase of the freedom of the slaves. He thinks the slaveholders would agree to this, and that no other measure of emancipation is just.


Notes: (forthcoming)

The Mormon Prophet, Joe Smith, has turned his wife out of doors, for being in conversation with a gentleman of the sect, which she hesitated or refused to disclose.

Note: See the Warsaw Signal of Apr. 17, 1844 for the source of this report.

From the St. Louis Republican.

JO SMITH -- DISSENSION AMONG THE MORMONS AT NAUVOO -- We have good reasons for placing reliance in the details of a letter, the contents of which are hereafter stated, giving an account of an emeute at the chief city of the Mormons, Nauvoo. The occurrences took place on the 26th ult. On that day -- says the writer -- a fracas of an alarming and important character occurred in Nauvoo, threatening with impending destruction the Mormon government and even the life of the prophet himself. Jo Smith, prophet and Mayor elect, having ordered his police to arrest a man named Spencer, for an assault on his brother in his own house -- the residence of his mother also -- the accused refused to become a prisoner, alleging it was illegal to arrest without a writ from the Mayor.

All the parties, however, collected round the Masonic Hall, or Courthouse. Jo Smith, Mayor, being present, ordered the police and the people to take Spencer into custody. The constable having placed hands on him, Spencer put himself in a fighting position, and was assisted by Dr. Foster and his brother younger Foster, and also James Higby -- who said they would not submit to the authority of the prophet. Jo Smith put hands, too, to assist in taking him, when the younger Foster took out a pistol, presented it, and said he would shoot the prophet. At this moment I came up, and saw the struggle. The prophet got hold of the pistol, and held firmly round the breech until, by the assistance of Rockwell, the prophet succeeded in getting the pistol from Foster. The Dr. and Lasner at this time took up stands, and vociferated they would kill the prophet -- said he was a villain and an impostor, and that he knew it; that they would be doing a meritorious act to rid the world of such a villain, impostor and tyrant.

Higby said he would certainly shoot him -- at any rate told him he remembered by-gone times -- knew of blood being shed on the island opposite; that he, the prophet, was the right man. He (Higby) belonged to his band -- had sustained him by money and by force; he knew the Mormon Prophet, Jo Smith, was the author of murders, and it was high time he should die, and he would kill him. The prophet got his hand cut and his nervous system shaken. Finally the authorities succeeded in bringing up the three traversers before the court. It would be too long to write all the trial. Let the following suffice: The traversers manifested no disposition to withdraw their threats -- on the contrary, demanded their pistol from the Mayor, who gave it to them -- said he was always lenient, and would tyrannize over no man. Foster took the pistol, and took another from his breast, examined to see all was properly loaded, and betrayed much wickedness and desperation.

The court having heard the evidence, the pro-phet made many observations about his clemency -- adverted to the threats, and denied ever having been privy to any murders on the island -- said he would maintain his authority and the law, should it cost life, and then fined the traversers -- Spencer, for assaulting his brother, a cripple, in $100; and Spencer, Dr. Foster and his brother, young Foster, each $100, for resisting the city authorities. Appeals were taken in all the suits. The case is, at present, undergoing a second trial before a squire in the upper part of the city, where the mother, a brother of Spencer, and his two daughters, are called on to give evidence. The verdict is not returned.

Jo Smith has a number of enemies, and his influence is beginning to decline, but I think his doctrine is on the increase.

There are about fifty masons and stone cutters engaged about the temple. It will be the most extraordinary building on the American continent. We have a regular theatre got up by the Mormons themselves. Last night the play of Pizarro went off in good style to a large audience, of which about one hundred were ladies. I was astonished to see such an array of beauty in the New Jerusalem.

Notes: (forthcoming)

PREACHING GRATIS. -- Michael H. Barton, alias Hull Barton, who figured among the Cochranites of Maine a few years since, offers through the Liberator "to preach the gospel of God" to the inhabitants of Boston "without money and without price." He is a great stickler for "Christian Union. -- Morn. Star.

Notes: (forthcoming)

Besides the Loco and Tyler National Conventions at Baltimore on Monday next, the Mormons hold one to nominate their prophet Joe Smith for the Presidency, unless they unite with one of the former. Won't there be rich times at Baltimore.


Notes: (forthcoming)

Schism among the Mormons.

The last Warsaw Signal states that a rupture had taken place among the Mormons. -- a respectable number of the most intelligent members of that body having seceded, under the guidance of William Law, and set up for themselves. It does not appear that the religious views of the seceders have undergone any material change.

They profess to believe that Joseph Smith was once a true prophet; but contend that he is now fallen from grace, and no longer worthy to remain at the head of the Church. Private information confirms the above intelligence in its most essential facts.


Notes: (forthcoming)

SCHISM AMONG THE MORMONS: -- The Warsaw Signal states that a rupture has taken place among the Mormons -- a respectable number of the most intelligent members of that body having seceded, under the guidance of WILLIAM LAW, and set up for themselves. It does not appear that the religious views of the seceders have undergone any material change. They profess that JOSEPH SMITH WAS ONCE A TRUE PROPHET, but contend that he is now fallen from grace, and no longer worthy to remain at the head of the Church. Private information confirms the above intelligence in its most estential features.


Notes: (forthcoming)

SCHISM AMONG THE MORMONS. -- The last Warsaw Signal states that a rupture has taken place among the Mormons -- a respectable number of the most intelligent members of that body having seceded, under the guidance of William Law, and set up for themselves. It does not appear that the religious views of the seceders have undergone any material change. They profess to believe that Joseph Smith was once a true prophet; but contend that he is now fallen from grace, and no longer worthy to remain at the head of the church. Private information confirms the above intelligence in its most essential features.


Note: The above article was reprinted from the daily Springfield Republican of June 11th.

Arrest of Joe Smith.

The Warsaw (Illinois) Signal states that the U. S. Marshal had succeeded in arresting Joe Smith, at Nauvoo, and hod proceeded with him down the river. Joe showed fight at first, but afterwards concluded that discretion was the better part of valor. Had Joe persisted, the military would have been called out to enforce the law.

The Alton Telegraph, of the 8th inst., has the following:

A deputy marshal of the district of Illinois, proceeded to Nauvoo, a few days since, with a process issued by the Judge of the district court of the United States, for the arrest of Joe [sic, Jeremiah] Smith, upon a criminal charge of embezzling money. -- The deputy Marshal succeeded in arresting Smith; when "Holy Joe" caused his follower to be taken out of the possession of the United States' officer, and brought before the municipal court of Nauvoo, for an examination under the writ of habeas corpus, issued by that immaculate body.

The Deputy, in a letter, states that the examination was to come off on the next day, and the result was involved in doubt. He farther avowed a fixed determination on the part, fearlessly and faithfully to execute the process of the United States Court, regardless of the course of this mock tribunal of justice, whose chief business is the release of all rogues who take shelter at Nauvoo, and are subsequently arrested by any process of law, whether issued from the State or Federal courts. Should Joe Smith refuse to surrender the accused into the hands of the deputy marshal, Col. Prentiss will repair in person to the scene of action, with such a force as will ensure obedience to the constituted authorities of the Government.


Note: By confusing the names of the fugitive from Federal Justice (Jeremiah Smith), with that of his holy protector at Nauvoo (Joseph Smith), the writer for the Cultivator makes something of a hash out of the above arrest news.

LATER FROM NAUVOO. -- The St. Louis Reveille, of 23d ult. says -- "By the clerk of the steamer Gen. Brooke, which came down yesterday evening, we are informed that Gov. Ford had arrived at Carthage, approved of present operations, to further which he had ordered out 2500 men. By this time, it is supposed that active preparations have been commenced.


Notes: (forthcoming)

Michael  Hull  Barton.

The certificate of character given by some of our Newburyport friends, in regard to this individual, which may be found on our last page, was published at his request, because we supposed that he was an [honest?] man; but since it was printed, we have had an interview with Richard Plumer, one of the signers, [who] with his associates, is now satisfied that the said Barton is a wolf in sheep's clothing -- a profligate who, under the mask of religion, is attempting to lead captive silly women, and indulge his lustful desires; and [with] the statements which Mr. Plumer has made to us, we are satisfied that M. H. Barton is a rank deceiver, of whom the virtuous and good should beware. But he shall not be excluded from making a defence of himself in our columns, if he wishes to come to a public trial. (See the notice 'To the Public,' of R. Plumer and others, in another column.)

---

TO  THE  PUBLIC.

A few weeks since, I, with ten or fifteen other friends, gave to M. Hull Barton, in writing, our approbation of his course here, and approbated the gospel truths he uttered. I still say, that, in public meetings, and at other times, he advanced very much truth, and invariably showed a meek and quiet spirit in his deportment before us, and that from all the circumstances we could gather, we thought he was condemned unjustly; for we elt convinced that, however bad he might be, we could not condemn kins for any thing that we had seen. We did not testify to his general character, (as he was a stranger,) but to his labors here. Within twenty four hours, facts of the most convincing nature have come before us, and, we are fully convinced that he is a hypocrite and base deceiver and we warn the public to be on their guard against his Spiritual Magnetism. And we say to him, we wish returned immediately, postage paid, the writing we gave him -- that if he will come himself, we will tell him what we know about facts, be cannot gains or resist.

All that I have had opportunity to see, who signed the paper, are the following, and they join in the above request: -- David Coleman, Heniy Lunt, P. H. Richardson, Olive Richardson, Leonard Plumer, Mary J. Hills.   Yours, truly,

R. PLUMER.              

Newburyport, July 1.

---

The  Word  of  the  Lord.

TO THE INHABITANTS OF THE EARTH:

Thus saith the Lord God or heaven and earth -- The time has come for my people to withdraw from all the governments of men, for they are wicked. Those that are called ecclesiastical, persecute, imprison and destroy, or crucify afresh the Son of God, or Divine life in the souls of man and women. And those that are called political are banditties of robbers and murderers. Therefore, saith the Lord, touch not, handle not, taste not any more these tyrannical, murdering, governments; for they are all about to be dashed to pieces. Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion. I will declare the decree: thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel. Pa. ii. 8, 9.

Friend Garrison, that the foregoing is the word of the Lord, I believe events will soon demonstrate; and that Henry Clay will be the next and last President of this enslaving and murdering government, I believe will also be soon developed.

Twenty-one years ago, the Spirit of God constrained me to go from State to State, and proclaim that in this generation, God would overthrow all sects and sin. That political and ecclesiastical governments rest upon a Satanic foundation, I have no doubt. And for this purpose was the Son of God manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. Hence, the object of his manifestation is not answered until they are all destroyed. I have been running the gauntlet between these governments for twenty-one years past. Three months since, I left my home to preach the truth as it is in Jesus, and the defenders of the kingdom of Antichrist have warned the public to be upon their guard against being devoured by me. The Midnight Cry of New-York, the Advent Herald of Boston, the Christian Herald of Exeter, and the Morning Star of Dover, have each thrown a dagger at me. Some sixteen years since, the editor of the Morning Star, in on article, uttered twelve or thirteen lies about me; and I called upon the Quarterly Meeting, of which the editor was a member, to appoint a committee to investigate tha charges made against me. The committee was appointed, and met the editor (S. Burbank) and myself, face to face, and investigated the charges, and decided that Burbank had stated falsehoods about me; and also that Elder M. Clark should prepare an article for the Star, in which, he should exonerate me from certain false charges made in the Star against me, and that the editor should publish the same in the Star. Elder Clark prepared the article, and gave it to me, and I put it into Elder Burbank's hands; but it did not appear in the Star, neither have I heard a word from it since. Instead of publishing that article, as justice demanded, the conductor of the Star recently published a libellous article against me from 'The Advent Herald.' The following is an answer to that article; and if J. V. Himes and Wm. Burr regard the claims of justice, they will give it publicity in their respective papers.

---

Newburyport, June 10, 1844.          

TO  WHOM  IT  MAY  CONCERN.

Whereas, several persons in this place having testified to the public, through The Advent Herald,' published in Boston, that M. Hull Barton has caused a division among the children of God in this place, and taught doctrines contrary to the teachings of Christ, thereby leading some of the children of God astray; that he also encouraged a sister in leaving her husband and children to the mercy of others; and that he is a wolf in sheep's clothing; we, the undersigned, do certify, that brother Barton came among us in the name of the Lord, and held up in a clear light the principles of the gospel, as taught by Jesus and the apostles; that there has been for some months a division of sentiment and practice among the professed children of God in this place, (who are looking for the coming Saviour), and that by holding up the truth of God in a clear light, the division was more clearly developed. In reference to the sister's leaving her husband and children to the mercy of others, the fact is, the sister felt it a duty to go out at times, and labor in ther vineyard of the Lord. Her husband gave his consent; for he said whenever he opposed her going out in the name of the Lord, he felt that God cursed him, and darkness was brought into his mind. He also obtained a carriage for her to ride in to the depot in this place, and the children were left in the care of a faithful christian sister, who has resided in the family for three years.

David E. Coleman, Richard Plumer, Philip H. Richardson, Henry Lunt, Jr., Leonard Plumer, M. J. Hill, And eight others, which are omitted.

---

J. V. Himes, at the close of the article to which the foregoing is an answer, says of me, 'The above is but an additional instance in proof of tha character of this vile impostor, of whom we have twice warned our friends through the press. It was because he was known to be such a wretch that we gave the warning. Our surprioe is, that such barefaced devilism ahould find any countenance with a Christian.

Jesus Christ says, 'Inasmuch as ye do it unto one of the least of these, (his servants,) ye do it unto me.' If, then, I am a servant of Jesus Christ, J. V. Himes has pronounced him 'a vile impostor, a wretch, guilty of barefaced devilism.' But, in the language of Paul, It is a small thing to be judged of you, or of man's judgment;' for I am not my own judge. The Lord is my Judge, Lawgiver, and King. Could I have been permitted to judge in relation to my duty, I should now be at my home in New-York, with my peaceable family. Neither would I have spent the prime of my life in travelling 70 or 80,000 miles, and perhaps 10,000 of it on foot, to preach the gospel without money and without price; but to be rewarded by having my name cast out as evil, and counted the off-scouring of the earth.

But I have a Master, who says, 'Behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves; be ye, therefore, wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. If they have called the Master of the house Beelzebub, much more will they call them of his household.' Perhaps it is better for me to be persecuted than to be praised; therefore, in all things, let me give thanks.'

M. H. BARTON.              

Kennebunk, Me. June 17, 1844.

---

MISCELLANY.

From the St. Louis Era of the 15th ult.

Mormon  War.

We have received a slip from Warsaw, III., containing the proceedings of the citizens of that place, in a meeting on the 12th. The preamble alludes to the violent destruction of the press of the Nauvoo Expositor, and the threats made by the Mormons to destroy the press ot the Warsaw Signal, and to assassinate the editor. Among the resolutions adopted were the following:

Resolved, That the public threat made in the Council of the city, not only to destroy our printing press, but to take the life of its editor, is sufficient, in connexion with the recent outrage, to command the efforts and the services of every good citizen, to put an immediate stop to the career of the mad prophet and his demoniac coadjutors. We must not only defend ourselves from danger, but we must resolutely carry the war into the enemy's camp. We do, therefere, declare that we will sustain our press and the editor, at all hazards. That we will take full vengeance -- terrible vengeance, should the lives of any of our citizens be lost in the effort. That we hold ourselves at all times in readiness to co-operate with our fellow-citizens in this State, Missouri and Iowa, to exterminate, utterly exterminate, the wicked and abominable Mormon leaders, the authors of our troubles.

Resolved, That a committee of five be appointed forthwith to notify all persons in our township, suspected of being the tools of the prophet, to leave immediately on pain of instant vengeance. And we do recommend the inhabitants of the adjacent township to do the same, hereby pledging ourselves to render all the assistance they may require.

Resolved, That the time, in our opinion, has arrived, when the adherents of Smith, as a body, should be driven from the surrounding settlements, into Nauvoo. That the prophet and his miscreant adherents should then be demanded at their hands, and if not surrendered, a war of extermination should then be waged, to the entire destruction, if necessary, of his adherents. And we do hereby recommend this resolution to the consideration of the several townships, to the mass Convention, to be held at Carthage; hereby pledging ourselves to aid, to the utmost, the complete consummation of the object in view, that we may thereby be utterly relieved of the alarm, anxiety and trouble, to which we are now subjected.

Resolved, That every citizen arm himself, to be prepared to sustain the resolutions herein contained.

LATEST NEWS -- 7 o'clock, p. m. A gentleman directly from Nauvoo, informs usm, that on Tuesday, the City Council passed an ordinance that if any officer or officers, should attempt to arrest any person engaged in the destruction of the Expositor press, and take him out of Nauvoo for trial, he should be imprisoned. We may, therefore, expect that the officers from Carthage are in custody of the Mormons.

A mass meeting was called, to assemble in Carthage to-day.

The streets of Warsaw will be patrolled to-night, in pursuance of the order made by the public meeting yesterday.

A family of suspected persons were to-day ordered to leave this place before to-morrow at 10 A. M., by a party of our citizens, a part of whom were armed. The excitement in the country is said to be tremendous, and on the increase.

A meeting was to be held in St. Louis on the night of the 15th ult., to take into consideration the subject of these difficulties.


Notes: (forthcoming)

THE  MORMONS -- EXCITEMENT  IN  ILLINOIS.

All of our intelligence from Illinois indicates the probability and almost the certainty of a speedy and bloody collision between the Mormons and the surrounding citizens of Illinois. The St. Louis Republican of the 17th says:--

"Our intelligence from the seat of the disturbances at Nauvoo, is down to Friday night last. We learn by the Die Vernon, that great excitement existed in all the counties on both sides of the river, and that a resort to arms was inevitable. The Die Vernon, on her last trip, took about sixty stand of arms from Quincy to Warsaw, and efforts were making to get arms from other quarters. A week or two will determine the result of this movement. Some three hundred of the Mormons, it is understood, had left Nauvoo, but Joe Smith had put a stop to this migrating disposition by anathematizing all persons who had expressed any intention of quitting the city."

The citizens of Hancock county, in which Nauvoo is situated, held a mass meeting at Carthage, the seat of justice, on the l3th. -- Dr. Barns one of the persons who went with the officers to Nauvoo, for the purpose of arresting the rioters (Mormons with Joe Smith at their head) engaged in the destruction of the Expositor, reported the result of their proceedings, which was that the persons charged in the writs were duly arrested, but taken from the officers' hands on a writ of habeas corpus from the municipal court and discharged, and the following potent words entered upon the records -- honorably discharged.

The meeting after the adoption of resolutions &c. condemnatory of the course of Joe Smith and his Mormon followers, determined that all should prepare for an attack upon Nauvoo. Gov. Tod [sic, Ford] of Illinois, had been informed of the proceedings of the citizens and of the Mormons at Nauvoo; and St. Louis dates of the 26th informs us that he had arrived near the scene of excitement, approved of the course of the citizens and their operations, and ordered out 2,500 men to further them.

The inhabitants of Warsaw appear to count with confidence on the assistance of their neighbors in Iowa and Missouri.

Joe Smith had about 2,800 men under arms on the 20th and was ready for defensive operations. At Warsaw and Carthage 8,000 men were under arms to enforce the service of the writs and an additional force of 1,000 men was looked for.

Joe, in a proclamation, justified the course of his people in destroying the Expositor press, on the ground that the conductors were a set of blacklegs, counterfeiters and debauchees and that it was their duty to rid themselves of such characters.

It is supposed that by this time active operations have commenced.


Note: The above article was reprinted from the daily Springfield Republican of July 2nd.

Mormon Convention in Boston. -- On Tuesday forenoon, afternoon and evening, Mormon meetings were held at the Melodeon in Boston, for the purpose of considering the claims of Jo Smith as a candidate for the Presidency. Several Mormons from the holy city of Nauvoo were present, including some of Joe's twelve apostles, and Brigham Young, the President of the Twelve, who presided over the meeting. Lyman White and Mr Hyde addressed the Convention in the forenoon, and delegates were chosen to attend the Baltimore Convention for the purpose of nominating Joe Smith as a candidate for the Presidency. The morning and afternoon sessions were orderly, and there was a pretty fair attendance, principally ladies. The evening meeting broke up in a row. Says the Boston Mail, --

A set of uneasy spirits continually annoyed the speaker, until finally aunt Nabby Folsom rose in her place and essayed to speak (she only asked the modest time of two minutes to tell her story.) when the cry of "hear her, hear her," drowned every thing else, and Nabby put on her dignity and left the place. A young gentleman in the gallery then rose, and, in spite of all the efforts to put him down, made a sentimental speech and sung a sentimental song. This -- that is, either the song or the speech, or both, -- was too much for Mormon philosophy to bear; and a party of the faithful having been sent after the police, an attempt to take the last speaker into custody caused confusion to confound itself, and such a scene came off as has not been seen since the great Tyler Mass Convention at Faneuil Hall.

Finally, the lights were partially extinguished, and it was voted to dissolve the meeting. The audience mostly left, and another attempt was made to organize; but some of the saints seemed to be of opinion that it was useless to expend their eloquence upon bare walls, and they gave it up. The whole affair was disgraceful enough. The Mormons had hired the Melodeon, and had a right to work off their own folly in their own way, so long as they did not interfere with the rights of others. That they are a set of ignorant and designing men, there cannot we think, after what has transpired, be any doubt among intelligent men; but still they have their rights, and these should not be interfered with.


Notes: (forthcoming)

From the Cincinnati Gazette, July 1.
THE MISSISSIPPI -- NAUVOO... &c.

The Goddess of Liberty brings the latest dates from St. Louis, having made her run to Louisville in 48 1/2 hours, the shortest trip ever made between these places. She bring news....

Of Joe Smith. The Governor arrived in Carthage on Friday week last. He sent to the prophet, demanded surrender of the state arms, and the appearance of Joe and his conucil before him, we suppose. Joe did not comply. He neither came nor sent arms. The opinion prevailed that he had fled; but at 9 o'clock P. M. an express arrived at Warsaw stating that four of the leaders who destroyed the Press had yielded and that Joe would do the same next morning.

Troops were still concentrating at Carthage. -- The better opinion seemed to be that the Mormon difficulties were over.


Notes: (forthcoming)

AFFAIRS AT NAUVOO. -- Great Excitement was produced at Warsaw by the news of the destruction of the office of the "Nauvoo Expositor," and a handbill was issued inviting an appeal to arms. Writs were procured at Carthage, the county seat of Hancock county, and officers despatched to Nauvoo to arrest the persons concerned in the outrage. But this, remarks the St. Louis Republican, we venture to say, will not be done. The law is powerless for good in that region. A rumor prevailed at Warsaw, that Joe Smith was arresting every man at Nauvoo, who was opposed to, or would not justify his proceedings.

A war of extermination has been declared at Warsaw, and vicinity. At a large county meeting on the 15th inst., it was resolved to arm, and call upon the adjoining counties to arm. All Mormons have been ordered off. They have a strong force at Nauvoo.

THE MORMON DIFFICULTIES. -- The St. Louis papers of June 12, state that the people in the neighborhood of Nauvoo were organizing into military companies at the latest dates, and arming themselves for a serious conflict. They were not expected to make any attack upon Nauvoo, until the return of the messengers sent to the Governor, and when they return, we suppose the law will take its way without bloodshed.

A mandamus has been issued by Judge Pope of Illinois, against the Nauvoo Council, for ordering the office of the Expositor to be demolished, and thus exceeding the authority granted by the charter of the city.

THE MORMONS. -- The St. Louis Reveille of June 22d, says -- "The Waverley, down last night, brings intelligence that the allies march to-day on Nauvoo. They are reported to be three or four thousand strong, while the Mormons are said to be already short of provisions.

By the clerk of the steamer New Haven we are informed that Nauvoo is strictly under martial law, armed guards are stationed at different points, and a sentry patrolling the landing. The New Haven, however, was permitted to touch, and a guard was immediately placed at the foot of her gangway plank to prevent the embarkation of any who had no particular business with the city."

MORMON WAR ENDED. -- Joe Smith and his council have abdicated and surrendered. The Mormon difficulties have, in all probability, been brought to a close for the present. Gov. Ford, whose arrival at Nauvoo has been already announced, demanded the State arms at that place, and ordered on a number of militia companies. Joe Smith and his Council fled precipitately, but afterward voluntarily gave themselves up. Gov. Ford addressed the people of Carthage and assured them that the offenders should be brought to punishment.


Notes: (forthcoming)

==> Here is another awful and most bloody tragedy. The infatuated leader of the Mormons, having first sanctioned a mobocratic assault on the office of the Nauvoo Expositor, has at last fallen a victim of lawless violence. 'They that take the sword,' &c.

Death  of  Joe  Smith.

TREMENDOUS  EXCITEMENT  AT  NAUVOO.

We learn by a slip from the New-York Sun, that Joe Smith and his brother Hiram were shot on the 26th ult. under the following circumstances: They were confined in the Carthage jail, on a charge of treason. The jail was strongly guarded by soldiers, who had been placed there by Governor Ford.

A Mormon attempted to rush into the jail where Joe and his brother were confined, and was stopped by one of the guard. Some confusion ensued. Joe and his brother, who were provided with pistols, commenced firing on the guard within, and tried to escape, when a hundred balls entered his body.

His brother Hiram shared the same fate. Richards, a leading Morman, was badly wounded. Mormon messengers immediately left for Nauvoo, with intelligence of the death of their prophet. The citizens in that vicinity were arming themselves. Three independent companies were in marching order.

Major Flood had ordered out his regiment of militia, and a steamboat was in readiness to convey them to the scene of action. Messengers have just left for Missouri, to call on the people of that state for assistance.


LATER FROM NAUVOO. The intelligence from Illinois is confirmed by the Cincinnati papers of the 4th. We learn from the Cincinnati Atlas, that the steamer Mendota, Capt. Riley, left Nauvoo on Friday, 23th June, at 4 o'clock, touching at St. Louis, and arriving at Cincinnati on the 3d inst. Capt. Riley furnished the St. Louis New Era with many particulars not given in the extra copied by us yesterday. He says he stopped at Nauvoo several hours, and talked with a number of Mormons; and that while there, a number of Mormons came in, bearing the dead bodies of Joe and Hiram Smith. Mr. Phillips [sic - Phelps?] was not killed, but was in Nauvoo when the Mendota left, making a speech to the Mormons, and advising them to peace.

No Mormons were killed except Joe and Hiram Smith. The Mormons all express a determination to keep the peace, and not to resort to arms, except in necessary self-defence. They state that at Carthage, the Mormon were confined: that about fifty or one hundred men, disguised, suddenly rushed on the jail house; that the guard fired on them, and wounded three of them that the men in disguise fired into the jail, and killed Hiram Smith before the door was opened. Joe Smith had a revolving pistol, and fired it two or three times without effect, but was himself soon killed by tbe assailants; that Taylor, the editor of the Nauvoo Neighbor, was in jail, and was shot through the thigh, but not seriously injured; Richards was not injured. After tbe assault, the disguised mob retreated, and it was not even known who they were. The guard that had been stationed at the jail consisted of fifty men, left by the Governor, of whom only eight or ten were on duty when the attack was made on the jail house.'


Notes: (forthcoming)

FROM  NAUVOO.

THE  MORMON  WAR.

The Mormon difficulties have, in all probability been brought to a close for the present. Gov. Ford of Illinois, (not Gov. Tod as we erroneously published it) whose arrival at Nauvoo has been already announced, demanded the State arms of that place, and ordered out a number of militia companies -- Joe Smith and his council thereupon fled precipitately to Iowa. Gov. Ford addressed the people of Carthage, and assured them that the offenders should be brought to punishment.

The Cincinnati Gazette of July 1st, states that Joe Smith had yielded as well as four of his followers engaged in destroying the Expositor press. The better opinion seemed to be that the difficulties were at an end.

DEATH OF JOE AND HIRAM SMITH.

The Cincinnati Gazette of July 3d, announces, on authority of the St. Louis Gazette and the Quincy Herald of June 23, the DEATHS OF JOE AND HIRAM SMITH.

It appears that Gov. Ford of Illinois, left Carthage on the 27th ult. with 120 soldiers for the purpose of taking possession of the Nauvoo legion and their arms. This was done and the Governor left Nauvoo and encamped about 7 miles from the city.

About the same time an attempt was made by a Mormon to break the guard placed around the Carthage prison, in which Joe and Hiram were confined.

A general confusion ensued in the crowd around the jail. Joe and his Mormon fellow prisoners, it seems, had provided themselves with pistols, and commenced firing upon the guard within. He then attempted to escape from the window, when a hundred balls entered his body, and he fell a lifeless corpse.

His brother Hiram shared the same fate. -- Richards, a leading Mormon, was badly wounded. The Mormons immediately left for Nauvoo to carry the news of the death of the Prophet. It is feared that the Mormons at Nauvoo will be so exasperated as to exterminate the Governor and his small force.

A letter from on board the steamer Boreas, to the Louisville Journal, dated June 27, gives another and probably more accurate account of the killing of Joe and Hyrum Smith. We insert it:

"Yesterday, the 26th, Governor Ford having prevailed upon Joseph Smith and several other principal Mormons, to resign them into the hands of the officers of justice at Carthage to be tried by due process of law, five, and I believe only five, viz. Joseph and Hyrum Smith, a Dr. Richards, and two others, were incarcerated in the Hancock county jail, and guarded by the Governor's troops, until this morning, when Governor Ford discharged the troops, except sixty already stationed at Nauvoo, and a further reserve of sixty, who, to-day, accompanied him to Nauvoo, to detect and annihilate the bogus factory, leaving the prisoners in the safe and efficient keeping of seven men of the Carthage Greys. Shortly after disbanding the McDonough troops, and the Governor's departure for Nauvoo, a large body of militia, say two hundred, resolved to wait on the prisoners in their room. Here was the beginning of the trouble.

The fearful Greys could not consistently admit visitors to prisoners excused of treason and other felonies. The militia took efficient means to convince the guard of their impotence, and the opposing forces joined issue. At a charge of the militia the Greys fired, evincing a valor not surpassed nor even equaled by the renowned heroes of Thermopylae. Here two hundred men were incompetent to intimidate these valorous seven, who, true to their trust, discharged their pieces with deadly aim. The militia soon ascertained, either by roll-call or particular inspection and inquiry, that none were either killed or wounded, and bethinking themselves that cartridge paper without ball therein is harmless, the militia formed seven parties of seven men each, and thus arranged, each division seized one of the guard, and thus the valorous seven were overcome; and yet a few militia, say one hundred and fifty, were at leisure to enter and pay their respects to the prisoners. The door was forced, and Joe shot the foremost, named Willis through the wrist. A general melee ensued in which pistols spoke eloquently and forcibly. Five of the Militia were wounded, though slightly. Joe Smith, endeavoring to escape, precipitated himself from the window, receiving while between heaven and earth, some half dozen shots, and five thereafter, Hyrum, was killed within the prison. This tragedy was enacted between four and five this afternoon, and I heard the announcement of the courier in Warsaw at eight. The men immediately fell in, shouldered arms, right faced, and made divers defensive preparations; while women with children in their arms throng the levee to cross by moonlight to Missouri, or await the return of the Boreas from Keokuk, to Quincy, that they may not be endangered should the desperate Mormonites attempt to revenge the loss of their defunct head. All is confusion, and Warsaw looks as if besieged."

By the following from the Louisville Journal of the 3d it would seem that the Mormons have more discretion than any body has given them credit for:

We have seen a gentleman who was in Nauvoo on Friday, and who informs us, that all was then quiet there, the prominent Mormons exhorting their followers to offer no insult or molestation to any one, and in no case to offer violence except in strict self-defence. The deepest grief and affliction pervaded the city. There appeared to be no danger of the burning of Warsaw or Carthage.


Note: The "Mormon War" article was reprinted from the daily Springfield Republican of July 6th.

We have just received by the western mail the following particulars of the death of Joe Smith the Prophet, and his brother Hiram

THE  WERE  BOTH  SHOT.

There was a tremendous excitement at the west in consequence of their death. A dreadful civil war was expected.

We learn from an extra of the St. Louis Gazette, that Warsaw was all excitement. The women and children were all removed, and an immediate attack was expected from the Mormons. We met the Boreas just above Quincy, with three hundred men armed and equipped for Warsaw, eager for the fight.

From the Quincy Herald of Friday, June 28, 6 o'clk.

DEATH OF THE PROPHET!
JOE AND HIRAM SMITH ARE DEAD!!

(view original source article)

Notes: (forthcoming)

We are told there are now in the county of Addison four Mormons who have been electioneering in Bristol, Lincoln and Starksboro for Joe Smith as President. One of these, a Mr. Huston has sent us a Pamphlet to publish containing the views of the defunct candidate on Government. This phrenzied sect have also established a press in New York, advocating the claims of their favorite candidate. Recently the Mormons have held a political meeting in one of the beautiful groves which adorn the city of Cleveland. Mr. Winter the chief speaker, assigned as the reason why the saints had resolved on political organization was for redress of the wrongs and outrages committed on their society. The death of General Smith of course ends further political organization for the present.

The Herald says, no allusion on Saturday or Sunday was made to the murder of the two Smiths, and in conversation they manifest but little excitement and do not anticipate any interruption of the progress of Mormonism. One of them remarked that the "country would be in a wretched condition if there was but one prophet in the land," and we understand that Sidney Rigdon is next in the prophetic succcssion.

Correspondence of the Missouri Republican.

Mr. Chambers, one of the Editors of the Missouri Republican, writes from Quincy the 30th ult.

At Quincy I found Gov. Ford. He reached Columbus on Friday morning, very much exhausted, so much so that he had to be lifted from his carriage. The next day he reached this place, where he has established his head quarters. He has established expresses between this and the seat of war, by which he is almost hourly advised of passing events. The reason for the Governor's removal to this place and establishing his head quarters here, is his want of confidence in the people immediately in the vicinity of the excitement. He is alike afraid to trust either the troops or the citizens around Carthage and Warsaw.

THE MURDER OF THE MORMONS. -- The Cincinnati Gazette states that a traveller, who arrived at that city on the 3d inst., of apparent candor and truth, relates the following account of the death of the Prophet:

He was in prison, with, Hiram at Carthage, and a guard of 60 men placed over them by order of Gov. Ford. The Guard, except about eight had left their position at the jail, when a mob disguised in dress, and painted black in their faces, rushed into the jail, shot Hiram dead, and then killed Joe. No resistance was made by either. Joe was leaning or setting upon a window when shot; he fell from it exclaiming, My God! My God! and died. After he reached the ground he was stabbed apparently by a young man, in the breast, who said "Damn you; take that, you killed my father."

The Mormons have removed the dead bodies of Joe and Hiram Smith to Nauvoo.

Notes: (forthcoming)

FROM THE MORMONS. -- All seems quiet and peaceful among these people. An extra from their organ indulges in many lamentations for the death of the Prophet and his brother, and narrates how the deed was accomplished.

The murder was committed about 6 o'clock in the evening, by an armed force, of 150 to 200 men, painted red, black and yellow, who surrounded the jail, forced it, and poured a shower of bullets into the room where the men were confined...

The St. Louis Republican of July 3, uses the following language: --

All our information tends to fix on the people concerned in the death of the Smiths, the odium of perfidious, black-hearted, cowardly murder -- so wanton as to be without any justification * * *

Troops were stationed at Warsaw and Carthage, as late as June 30, and great excitement prevailed. A descent on Nauvoo was feared. Gov. Ford established his head quarters at Quincy because he was afraid to trust either the troops or the citizens around Carthage and Warsaw.

The Governor has deputed a comission to visit the Mormons at Nauvoo, to inquire particularly into their situation, and give them such instructions or orders as they may deem necessary.

Gov. Ford is praised, even by political opponents for his manly course; but his failure to protect the Smiths has impaired confidence in his efficiency. The Mormons are thoroughly subdued. Taylor, the editor of the Nauvoo neighbor, it is supposed cannot survive.

---

The Mormons. -- The St. Louis Republican says: "What will be the fate of the Mormons is uncertain. Deprived of their prophet by the means to which we have we have averted, they yet, it is said, exhibit no signs of retaliating on those who had taken his life and that of his brother. They were under arms, but it is said only to repel attacks -- not to make them. This was the condition of things at Nauvoo, at the lapse of more than a day after the deaths of the Smiths was consummated. If they persevere in this course, there will be no farther bloodshed, and they will disappoint those who have pressed these events, by remaining where they are. It is hardly possible however, that any man exercising as much control over the sect as the Prophet Smith, can be found, and hence the community will soon be broken up and its members scattered over the country."

---

Joe Smith. -- The following description of the famous Mormon Prophet, we extract from the Boston Daily Mail, which may not be uninteresting to our readers, about these times. --

"At first glance there is nothing striking in his countenance. He is quite a large man, light complexion, hair and eye-brows very light, eyes prominent and blue, a remarkably long nose, and forehead and chin retreating; dresses neatly, but not peculiarly, excepting his high shirt collar and most prodigious white cravat; but on the whole one would take him to be some stout honest miller, or mechanic retired from business, and would think it most likely that his name was Smith: but when engaged in conversation (I fancied it perhaps) his countenance changes very much, becoming very animated, and his bright keen eye shines out with much greater promise of that talent and knowledge of human nature, which he must possess, to be the absolute master of so many thousands of his fellow creatures. Smith, himself, contrasted very favorably in appearance with a body guard of his followers, who always kept about him; all large men, like himself, but with faces in which Mormon was written most legibly; stern, gloomy fanatics, evidently ready at the least beck of their leader to sacrifice life, although it should be their own."

Latest from the Mormon Country. -- It is now asserted in some quarters that the Smiths were murdered by the disaffected Mormon faction, whose press had been burnt and themselves expelled from Nauvoo. -- [Mail.]


Notes: (forthcoming)

CHIEF OF THE MORMONS. -- General Joe Smith is said to have left in the hands of his wife a document appointing his successor, which she was directed to open on the third day after his death....


It is proposed that the Mormons, now that their leader is gone, should unite with the Tylerites and make John Tylor their head and chief.   Why not?

---

The Mormon Convention met at Baltimore on Saturday, agreeable to appointment, and decided, on account of the death of their leader, Joe Smith, to make no movement on the Presidential question.


Note: The "Mormon Convention" item was reprinted in the weekly Republican of July 27th.

THE  MORMON  WAR.

The St. Louis Republican of July 3d, uses the following language: --

All our information tends to fix on the people concerned in the death of the Smiths, the odium of perfidious, black-hearted, cowardly murder -- so wanton as to be without any justification -- so inhuman and treacherous as to find no parallel in savage life, under any circumstances. Governor Ford declares his intention to seek out the murderers; and he owes it to his own honor and to that of the state, whose faith was most grossly violated, never to cease his exertions for this purpose. The Mormons, it will be seen, were quiet, and not disposed to commit any acts of aggression; their enemies, on the other hand, were evidently disposed to push them to extremities, and to force them to leave the State. This feeling may be checked by the alacrity with which Gov. Ford's orders were being executed, but it will be some time before peace and order can be restored -- the disgrace of past acts cannot be wiped out.

Troops were stationed at Warsaw and Carthage, as late as June 30, and great excitement prevailed. A descent on Nauvoo was feared. Gov. Ford established his headquarters at Quincy because he was afraid to trust either the troops or the citizens around Carthage and Warsaw.

The Governor has deputed a comission to visit the Mormons at Nauvoo, to inquire particularly into their situation, and give them such instructions or orders as they may deem necessary.

Gov. Ford is praised, even by political opponents for his manly course; but his failure to protect the Smiths has impaired confodence in his efficiency. The Mormons are thoroughly subdued.

The address of the Governor is generally liked by the Mormons, who in meeting assembled, passed resolutions declaring their determination to adhere rigidly to the laws of the State and that instead of an "appeal to arms," they should appeal to the majesty of the law. Their moderation and course are just and commendable and will do them more good than opposite measures.

LATEST  FROM  THE  MORMONS.

We have news from Nauvoo to the 4th inst. -- Every thing remained quiet, although fears were still entertained of further violence. Gov. Ford has taken the strongest measures to preserve the peace, and has written a letter in which he states that upon the first appearance of hostility on the part of the Mormons an exterminating force would be sent against them. It is said that Joe Smith, in his revelation left with his widow, had appointed his son, a lad of twelve years old, Prophet in his place. The Mormons were many of them leaving Nauvoo, and it is somewhat probable that their city will be eventually abandoned and the tribe removed entirely from the State. The Mormon difficulties have already run the State of Illinois in debt some $20,000, which in her present impoverished condition she will find it extremely difficult to pay.

Dr. Foster, one of the seceding Mormons, has rendered himself peculiarly obnoxious to the tribe; and, on his way down from Burlington to Quincy he narrowly escaped with his life. Should they capture him and kill him -- and they threaten loudly that one event shall quickly follow the other -- the soldiery will be let lose upon them, and they will be slain by hundreds. Altogether it is a sad and melancholy business, and will leave a dark spot, side by side with the records of the Philadelphia riots, in the history of these times -- Tribune.

---

THE MURDER OF JOE SMITH. -- The following paragraphs are from the Warsaw Signal, a paper that has from the first taken a most active part against the Mormons -- We presume the particulars in regard to the murder of the Smiths are literally correct.

About four o'clock, P. M., a company of about one hundred armed men, marched to the jail in Carthage, and demanded the prisoners. A rush was made on the guards, who fired, but hurt nobody. They were immediately secured, and the men rushed up stairs to the room of the prisoners. For about two minutes, [the] discharge of fire arms within the jail was very rapid. Finally Joe raised the window, exclaimed, "oh my God," and threw himself out. He fell heavily on the ground, and was soon despatched. Hirum was shot in the jail. There were two other prisoners, Dr. Richards who we learn was not hurt, and J. Taylor, editor of the Nauvoo Neighbor, who received five balls in his arms and legs. Immediately on the work being done, the men fled!

Taylor, the Editor of the Nauvoo Neighbor, it is said, cannot survive. The burial of the two Smiths took place at Nauvoo yesterday evening, without causing any excitement or turbulent appearances whatever among the Mormons.

---

NAUVOO. -- The accounts of the number of the population of this city of the Mormonites vary considerably. The Mormons claim 20,000, and if it is true that the armed forces have kept up under the name of the Nauvoo Legion, has amounted to 3,000 men, they are probably correct. The general opinion, however, seems to be that the population does not exceed 12,000. It contains a large number of white-washed log houses, and some frame and brick houses. It has a hotel fronting on two streets, 120 feet on each, and 40 feet wide. The temple is 130 feet long and 100 wide. They have a University which has a professor of mathematics and English literature, a professor of learned languages, and a professor of church history. The city is laid out in streets of ample width, crossing each other at right angles. Few impostors have had so successful a career as the founder of this sect, since the days of Mahomet.


Note: The "Mormon War" article was reprinted from the daily Springfield Republican of Aug. 16th.

"JOE  SMITH."

The murder of him who was familiarly or contemptuously so called, but more respectfully as well as ironically "The Prophet," has taken the country by surprise, and overwhelmed his followers with sudden and deep grief, if not with inextricable confusion. We say his country, because the extraordinary character of the man and the more extraordinary delusion and attachment of his disciples were matters every where talked of, and which the thousand tongues of the press made, for years, the theme of daily public discourse. Doubtless Joe was a man of genius. He, who, without education, without hereditary rank, with-out money, without civil office or public patronage, and against influence that would dishearten almost every other man, can make and keep himself, for so long a time, the centre of so great and strong an attraction, who can dictate the highest public office into such hands as his will may elect, who can build cities, raise and discipline a formidable body of troops, inspire them with a religious fervor to which his own bosom is a stranger, make himself the dread of a large district of the country and set in commotion the civil and military power of a State, needs no other credentials to establish his title to be called a man of genius. He read human nature with no common vision, and combined and wielded its conflicting elements with no common force and dexterity. He possessed acuteness, boldness, calmness, promptness, and firmness of mind, with a fullness adequate to the conception and accomplishment of large designs. We are even afraid that, by many, his genius will be more admired than his bold and subtle knavery detested. Extraordinary genius and an extraordinary death have a power, in very many minds, to canonize the vices and crimes which nothing but corrupt genius could have hoped or dared to achieve, and which nothing can so well perpetuate as the violent and treacherous death of their founder and patron. The country, we think could well spare his genius and his life, but the manner of his death, it should, by all means, have dispensed with. No man of sober sense can contemplate it without regret. It was an act of deliberate, cold-blooded, and cowardly assassination -- a violation of law and honor, of private obligation and public faith. The shot which pierced the heart of the false prophet, lodged in the bosom of public safety, and nothing will stanch its wound but the public indignation against the atrocity of the offence.

We have no question of Joe Smith's downright dishonesty. No man has a right to question it. It was too flagrant to be honestly doubted. Its extreme boldness alone has saved it from universal scorn, except by such minds as swallow any amount of imposture; and the false maxim, "Speak no evil of the dead," should not hinder the freest ex-pression of indignant truth against his detestible hypocrisy and mischievous ambition. But how shall the public judge of his followers? -- how estimate their character? -- how distinguish them from each other and from their fallen chief? By some his disciples are thought of en masse. But his followers were not all villains: nor were they all saints. They were a community of opposite ingredients. No doubt the tendency of all its heterogeneous elements was, like that of any other chowder, to combine and assimilate into one controlling taste and odor. Such is the spiritual chemistry of all human combinations where there is heat enough to melt them into one, or not cold enough to freeze them in their earliest stratification. But, while those diverse materials were fresh, and as yet but little operated on by each other, though they had some principles of attraction and cohesion, they had, also, as many unsocial and repellent, earnest to retain their habitual characteristics till Joe should electrify them, by successive shocks, into as much consistency and harmony as a jumble of opposites is susceptible of. Though the process might be sure at last, it would be slow and sometimes stubborn in its movements. A more motley group, so definitely marked, has sel-dom been looked upon by speculators on human character. While they had common elements, they had infinitely diversified modifications of them. Simple credulity, unsophisticated ignorance, earnest piety, conscientious devotion to duty, godly sincerity, self denial, fervid zeal, calm fortitude, true and prayerful desire to be and to do good, according to the best light that had ever shined on them -- all these were there in close amalgamation and unseemly confusion with shrewd ungodliness, insubordinate passions, headstrong ambition, sordid avarice, reckoning gain for godliness and grasping it by spiritual overreaching. These and a host of nameless modifications of bad elements, subject to all the changes which a carnal and time-serving policy might have need of to work out its changeful schemes of fixed selfishness were intermingled in that worldly-religious and carnally spiritual community. Nor have we less question of their master spirit's skill to devise the worst purpose, or fidelity to accomplish them by whatever means might suit the genius of his plans or the necessity of his shifting exigencies.

But corrupt and corrupting as we verily believe Joe Smith was, and wholly indisposed to murmur, as we might have been, had God's providence seen fit to cut off the imposture of that prophet of lies by a still earlier close of his unscrupulous career, we are not the less pained that lawless ruffians robbed him of life, by breaking down the barriers which human and divine government had interposed for its protection.

Strange as it may seem to some, it is quite as plain to others, that the people of this country do not enough feel the grasp of despotism and the cruel wounds of anarchy, to understand the worth of good government and the necessity of maintaining public prosperity by upholding the supremacy of law. A number unwisely and grievously large seem bent on finding out its value by experimenting against its most sacred principles and most productive virtues. More wisdom should be taught on this subject, publicly and from house to house, and still more should be practiced by by such as can plead no deficiency of instruction.

While we deplore we do not wonder, that men in the vicinity of Joe Smith's spiritual encampment were greatly vexed at its composition, attitude, and fanatical energies. That they were impatient of such enormous impositions, even on strangers, is not matter of surprise; nor, least of all, was it marvelous that when their own families and dearest kindred and friends were absorbed into that whirlpool of corrupt superstition, to be wrecked in its merciless circumvolutions, they broke from the moorings of law, to rescue, if possible, the weak who were about to perish in its abyss, and to cut off the purpose of others equally infatuated to be sucked into the same moral gulph. It was hardly in natnre to hold back men urged on by such and so many temptations. Grace accomplishes a great work when it triumphs over theenergies of such a crisis in human passions.

While we say these things, we would carefully abstain from any remark that might seem to justify or excuse lawless violence, and, especially, the savage murder of a defenceless prisoner, for the protection of whose life from ruthless passion or deliberate barbarity the faith of the State was openly pledged. It was base and cowardly, and its strong tendency is to demolish greater interest than it could presumptuously hope or pretend to uphold. Nor yet would we deal out deserved censure on the actors in that foul assassination, and wholly spare such as were the guilty occasion of the atrocity. If we could, we would excite, every where, a just indignation against lawless violence, and a wholesome dread of corrupt superstition. Both are offensive and baleful to all social interests domestic and civil, and their pernicious tendency should be exposed that it may be shunned. The present time emphatically calls for the best influences of the country to rebuke such evils.

We close this article with a few remarks on a subject which is viewed with at least the interest of curiosity, and spoken of with many surmises, by thoughtful and virtuous men. -- The inquiry is heard, from various quarters, What will be the effect of Joe Smith's assassination, upon his followers, and upon the superstition and fanaticism which his perverse genius devised and guided, and which his sudden death has left to his disciples as their principal inheritance?

What they will do, or be, or whether they will cease to be, are questions which nothing can wisely answer but the events themselves. Guessing, at present, is as far as human foresight can reach, and one guess is nearly as good as another. There are, no doubt, martyr spirits in the camp of Nauvoo; but what their martyrdom would come to, should an opportunity be given and they see fit to try it, too many contingencies keep us from divining. Truth is apt to live with fresh vitality, in spite of the rack and the faggot, and error, in some of its vigorous forms, may linger, with spasms of unwonted energy, when furious zeal has cut off its head.

But some, we know, are ready to say, It is the nature of persecution to prolong the existence of both error and truth, and to recreate, for either, a head to the body it has severed from its guiding power. This is by no means an axiom in respect to physics or morals. It is not a necessity even in regard to truth; much less in respect to error. If it is the tendency of persecution to secure such a result, it is one that may be, and often has been, counteracted and defeated. What may be brought to pass, in a given case, depends on its own circumstances, often such as no human eye can comprehend, in their number, complicated relations, activity, and force. To dare to be wise, in such a case, is a rashness that differs much from the genius of true courage.

Principles, which by themselves seem to be clear, often fade into obscurity before brighter lights. Some may imagine, that, to have been a follower of such an imposter as Joe Smith, argues an incapacity to be a leader, and especially of such a band at such a time. They may be right in their conjecture: at least the result may not disprove it. And yet it may be well to remember that capacity itself is often a creature of circumstance. Probably Smith's own designs grew on his hands, and new hopes were fed on those which had been already gorged. The necessities he had unexpectedly created may have given him a power to meet them which himself, nor his devotees had dreamed of his possessing. Often men's abilities grow out of their own unforeseen ambition and other men's unexpected wants.

Looking into the history of men who have disappointed themselves and those who best knew them, by the number and greatness of their achievements, one is almost tempted to say that time and chance breathe souls into sluggish clay, and mould the passive lump for honor or infamy -- that they transform souls that are, making heroes of cowards, virtues of vices, and changing the monotony of human hearts into tones as various as all harmonies and discords are susceptible of. But we will not say it. We much prefer subscribing to the doctrine of a prophet who came unharmed out of the fire of persecution to live forever in the hearts of the wise, that "the Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will." We would not, nor would we have others forget, that it is never quite safe to pry deep into the future, to find out the particular events which are hoarded up in it, to be unlocked only when their developement shall best subserve the purposes of INFINITE WISDOM.


Notes: (forthcoming)