The  Latter  Day  Saints.

Brandywine, Chester Co. Pa.    
Jan. 22d 1840.    

Mr. Editor. -- Sir, -- Inasmuch as many false rumors are a broad in the world concerning myself and the faith which I profess, and that my belief with regard to earthly governments and laws, in general, may not be misinterpreted nor misunderstood, I have thought proper to present, at the close of this volume, my opinion concerning the same.

1st. I believe that governments were instituted of God for the benefit of man, and that he holds men accountable for their their acts in relation to them, either in making laws or administering them for the good and safety of society.

2d. I believe that no government can exist, in peace except such laws are framed and held inviolate as will secure to each individual the free exercise of conscience, the right and control of property, and the protection of life.

3d. I believe that all governments necessarily require civil officers and magistrates to inforce the laws of the same, and that such as will administer the law in equity and justice, should be sought for and upheld by the voice of the people, (if a Republic) or the will of the sovereign.

4th. I believe that religion is instuted instituted of God, and that men are ameniable to him, and to him only, for the exercise of it, unless their religious opinion prompts them to infringe upon the rights and liberties of others; but I do not believe that human law has a right to interfere in prescribing rules of worship to bind the conciences of men, nor dictate forms for public or private devotion; that the civil magistrates should restrain crime but never control concience; should punish guilt. but never supress the freedom of the soul.

5th. I believe that all men are bound to sustain and uphold the respective governments in which they reside, while protected in their inherent and inalienable rights by the laws of such governments, and that sedition and rebellion are unbecoming every citizen thus protected and should be punished accordingly and that all governments have a right to enact such laws as in their own judgements are best calculated to secure the public interest; at the same time however, holding sacred the freedom of concience.

6th. I believe that every man should be honoured in his station: rulers and magistrates as such being placed for the protection of the innocent and the punishment of the guilty; and that to the laws all men owe respect and deference, as without them peace and harmony would be supplanted by anarchy and terror: human laws being instituted for the express purpose of regulating our interest as individuals and nations, between man and man, and divine laws given of heaven prescribing rules on spiritual conserns, for faith and worship, both to be answered by man to his Maker.

7th., I believe that rulers states and and governments, have a right, and are bound to enact laws for the protection of all citizens in the free exercise of their religious belief; but I do not believe that they have a right, in justice, to deprive citizens of this privilege, or proscribe them in their opinions, so long as a regard and reverence is shown to the laws, and such religious opinions do not justify sedition nor conspiracy.

8th. I ["do not" in holograph] believe that the commission of crime should be punished according to the nature of the offence; that murder, treason, robbery, theft, and the breach of the general peace, in all respects, should be punished according to their criminalty, and their tendancy to evil among men, by the laws of that government in which the offence is committed: and for the public peace and tranquillity, all men should step forward and use their ability in bringing the offenders against good laws to punishment.

9th. I do not believe it just to mingle religious influence with civil Government, when one religious society is fostered and another proscribed in its spiritual privileges, and the individual rights of its members, as citizens denied

10th. I believe that all religious societies have a right to deal with their members for disorderly conduct, according to the rules and regulations of such societies, provieded that such dealing be for fellowship and good standing; but I do not believe that any religious society has authority to try men on the right of property or life, to take from them this world's goods or put them in jeopardy, either life or limb, neither to inflict any physical punishment upon them; they can only excommunicate them from their society and withdraw from their fellowship.

11th. I believe that men should appeal to the civil law for redress of all wrongs and grievences, where personal abuse is inflicted, or the right of property or character infringed, where such laws exist as will protect the same but; I believe that all men are justified in defending themselves, their friends and property and the government, from the unlawful assaults and encroachments of all persons in times of exigencies, where immediate appeal cannot be made to the laws and relief afforded.

12th. I believe it just to preach the gospel to the nations of the earth, and warn the righteous to save themselves from the corruption of the world; but I do not believe it right to interfere with bond servants, neither preach the gospel to nor baptize them contrary to the will and wish of their masters, nor to meddle with or influence them in the least to cause them to be dissatisfied with their situations in this life, thereby jeopardizing the lives of men; such [interference] I believe to be unlawful and unjust, and dangerous to the peace of every government allowing human beings to be held in servitude

13th. It has been reported by some vicious or ungodly characters, that the church of Latter Day Saints, believe in having their property in common, and also the leaders of said church control said property. This is a base fabrication without the least the least shadow or coloring to make it out of, but on the contrary, no person's feelings can be more repugnant to such a principle than mine. Every person in this church has a right to control his own property, and is not required to do any thing, except by his own free voluntary act, that he may impart to the poor according to the requirement of the gospel, 'Give to him that asketh thee; and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou not away.' -- (Matthew, 5th chapter, 42d verse.

I believe in living a virtuous, upright and holy life before God, and feel it my duty to persuade all men in my power to do the same, that they may cease to do evil and learn to do well, and break off from their sins by righteousness.

I close this by subscribing myself your most obedient servant.     JOSEPH SMITH, Jr.
Jan. 25, 1840.


Note 1: No copies of the 1840 Chester Co. Register have yet been located for transcription. The text of the above letter from Joseph Smith, Jr. was taken from a reprint, published the the Boston Abolitionist paper, The Liberator, on Feb. 21, 1840. A transcript of Smith's holograph is reproduced on pp. 455-58 of Vol. II of Dean Jessee's The Personal Writings of Joseph Smith. See also Jessee's 2nd ed., pp. 493-96, where he says that the letter was printed in the Chester County Register and Examiner of Feb. 11, 1840. According to Jessee's transcript, the letter was was written from Brandywine, Chester Co., Pennsylvania, and bears the date of Jan. 22, 1840. The published letter is dated "Jan 25, 1840," which may be its date of postmarking, or date of reception at the office of the Chester Co. Register.

Note 2: Smith's holograph, in the first paragraph, contains these words, which were not fully copied into the 1840 printed version of the text: "I have thought proper to present for your consideration and for the consideration of the public (if you will do me the favour) through your valuable and interesting paper my opinions concerning the same."

THE  MORMONS.

A correspondent requests information as to the peculiar tenets of this modern sect. We have never seen a copy of the book of Mormon, nor any abstract of their creed upon which we could fully rely, as a fair exposition of their opinions. -- In the extract subjoined, it is stated, that their preaching and views much resemble those of the Reformers or adherants of Mr. Campbell. This we supposed to be a misapprehension, but on pointing out the sentence to one of the preachers of the Reformed or Campbellite church, he stated that it was so; that there was much resemblance in their views and manner of proclaiming the gospel, and it had been supposed to have arisen from the fact, that Mr. Rigdon, their ablest leader, had been an active and influential associate of Mr. Campbell.

They immerse, on a personal profession, for the remission of sins. They believe literally that the saints are to inherit the earth. That the New Jerusalem is to be an earthly abode, and to be located in this Western world. They adopted the system of having all things in common like the primitive disciples and modern Shakers. In addition to Joe Smith, their founder and prophet, they have twelve apostles.

The book of Mormon is a bungling and stupid production, purporting to be a continuation of the Old Testament, by one Nephi, the last of a family of Jews, who, after the captivity, by some means, reached this Continent. It was found, as alleged by Joe Smith, engraved on golden plates in Western New York, and by him, through an assumed miraculous power deciphered, and transcribed. It contains some trite, moral maxims, but the phraseology in which they are embodied frequently violates every principle and rule of grammar.

We have no hesitation in saying that the whole system is erroneous -- carrying falsehood and imposture on its face, and exhibiting a want of skill, of uniformity, of harmony with the gospel, which ought to lead any rational mind to treat it with deserved contempt. There is no redeeming feature in the whole scheme; nothing to commend it to a thinking mind. Yet this miserable, this foolish imposition has secured to itself many devoted adherents, and appears to be on the increase: -- a deplorable proof of the awful state to which the fall of Adam has reduced the human race. Continually seeking out new inventions to regain the forfeited favour of their Creator, and slighting the only name and way whereby they can be saved.


Note 1: This issue of the Methodist Pittsburgh Christian Advocate is actually headed with the title "Pittsburgh Conference Journal." The Advocate masthead is retained here only as the general name given to this publication through the years.

Note 2: The name of the original paper publishing this biased decription of the Mormons is not given. The same article was reprinted in the Episcopal Recorder on May 9, 1840.

MORMONISM  EXPOSED. -- Mormonism Exposed, being a Journal of a residence in Missouri from the 28th of May to the 20th of August, 1838, together with an appendix, containing the Revelation concerning the Golden Bible, with numerous axtracts from the "Book of Covenant," &c., &c., by William Swartzell, some time a Deacon of the Church of "Latter-Day Saints," commonly called "Mormons." Just published, and for sale by.
               A. INGRAM, Jr.
                   78 Market street.

Note: The title "Mormonism Exposed" was a popular one for early anti-Mormon booklets. Origen Bacheler wrote a small book by that title, which he had published in New York City in 1838. Rev. La Roy Sunderland used the same title for two totally different short volumes, one of which was printed in New York City in 1838 and the other, in the same place in 1842. The latter was serialized in the Pittsburgh Chronicle beginning on May 27, 1842. Yet another booklet with this title was published by Rev. Samuel Williams and advertised for sale in Pittsburgh on May 4, 1842. Swartzell's 1840 Mormonism Exposed was a 48 page volume published in Pekin, Ohio. A. Ingram, Jr., who advertised Swartzell's book for much of 1840, was a printer and book-seller in Pittsburgh who, until 1839, was in partnership with Rev. Robert Patterson in that same business. Ingram apparently printed the pages in Pittsburgh and Swartzell assembled some of them into a booklet in Pekin. Unfortunately the Swartzell booklet contains no information derived from Ingram's former business partner in Pittsburgh, Rev. Patterson.

From the St. Louis Republican.
MORE  MORMON  DIFFICULTIES.

The last Quincy Whig gives an account of a difficulty between some of the Mormons, residing in Illinois, and some of the citizens of this State, residing at Tully, on the Mississippi. We trust, for the honor and character of our State, that the representation made in the Whig may not be true. We had supposed that the day for further difficulties between any portion of our fellow citizens and those fanatics had passed. In this however, we are disappointed, and we can only say, that if the representations given by the Whig are true we will as deeply regret the escape of the authors of the outrage from the punishment due their acts as we now regret that the outrage has been committed. It is high time that a stop was put to taking the law in men's hands, who have no legal authprity to inflict punishment, and we trust the Executive of this State will lend the force and power of his station to bring to punishment the guilty.

The following is the Whig's relation of the affair,

We readily give place below to the proceedings of a public meeting held at Nauvoo, Hancock Co. They but briefly allude to the inhuman outrage lately perpetrated by certain persons of Missouri, upon four citizens of the Mormon persuasion living in Hancock county, in this State. The gentleman, -- a Mr. Miller, late of this county, -- who brought down the proceedings of the meeting, detailed some of the circumstances of the outrage. It seems, or rather, the citizens of Tully, Missouri, allege, that there has been considerable property, such as salt, iron, &c. stolen from that place within the last two weeks -- the Missourians charged the Mormons with the thefts, -- practising upon their suspicions, several persons of Tully, crossed over the river in the vicinity of the Mormon settlements, below Nauvoo -- after watching the bottom, sure enough, sundry of the missing articles, were found concealed among the underwood.

It further appears, from the statement of our informant, that two or three Mormons were in the bottom hunting horses, while this Missouri party were on the hunt for the goods, and coming upon them, as it were, by accident, three of the Mormon horse hunters, together with a very respectable old gentleman, whose gray hairs should have protected him from insult, -- were charged with secreting the goods, made captive, and contrary to their will, forced across the river, and confined in Tully. Here, with their victims in their power, the Missourians proceeded to inflict a severe punishment upon them. One was immediately stripped, a halter placed around his neck, and attached to a limb above his head, and so tightly drawn that to prevent choking to death, he was obliged to stand on the tip of his toes, in this situation, with his arms fastened around the tree, to that his bare back was fully exposed, the tormentors swore they would take his life unless he would confess. In vain he urged his innocence, that he had nothing to confess, that he had never committed any theft, &c., they still plied their whips until his back was so dreadfully lacerated, that to save his life, he agreed to confess any thing they would desire. He was taken down from the tree, with scarcely any life in him, and actually confessed whatever his tormentors wished! This was necessary, to give a coloring of justice to the inhuman outrage. Two other of the Mormons were tortured in the same manner, and a similar extortion from them. The old gentleman we spoke of above, one of the four abducted, behaved with such resolution, and pointed out to them so clearly their injustice and inhumanity, that after stripping, and fastening him to the tree, and taunting him with epithets of the foulest character, they took him down and finally set him at liberty.

One of the victims by some means, succeeded, all cut in pieces as he was to make his escape -- he reached the river closely pursued by his persecutors, where, finding a canoe, he made all haste for this shore; upon arriving at which, he staggered out of the boat and fell exhausted on the beach, seemingly resolved to die, if die he must, upon a soil where the laws were respected. Two other of the victims, by our latest intelligence, were still in the hands of the people of Tully, if death, of which there is some probability, has not put an end to their sufferings.

Mr. Miller, who brought down the proceedings of the meeting, had also sundry important papers, such as a petition, affidavit, &c., detailing a history of the outrages, and communicating the names of several citizens of Tully, who were engaged in the transaction; all of which has been laid before Gov. Carlin. The Governor, with commendable spirit, we learn, has taken hold of the matter, and avows his intention of investigating all the circumstances connected with these outrages -- and to protect the Mormons from future outrage and aggression, to the utmost of his authority. It is also the intention of the Governor, we understand, as soon as the necessary papers can be made out, to demand the authors of the outrage from the Executive of Missouri. Every good citizen, of whatever party or denomination, will sustain the Governor, in vindicating the laws of our State, which have, in this transaction, been shamefully violated.


Notes: (forthcoming)

RUINS  IN  CENTRAL  AMERICA.

The remains of the city of Palenque, in Guatemala, give indications that the population in the days of its greatness could not have been less than two millions. The ruins extend for the distance of about twenty miles, and consist of bridges, aqueducts, palaces, temples, &c., all of stone. What is singular, these wonderful remnants of remote antiquity were unknown to Europeans until the year of 1750, when they were discovered by some Spaniards; and what is more singular still, they have been visited by few persons since. A London paper of 1831 contained a letter from [the] Spanish commandant of an adjoining district which gave an account of his investigations. The ruins according him, abound in figures of men and animals, in relief, some of colossal size, together with paintings and what he conceived to be characters representing sounds, or a phonetic alphabet, of which no traces have been elsewhere found America.

If we mistake not, a later account has been published by some French savans who visited the spot, and prepared a complete sketch of the ruins, with plates. We may, however, look shortly for something entirely satisfactory on this interesting subject, so far as anything in the way of description can be satisfactory in the absence of actual inspection. Mr. Stevens, the oriental traveller, whose graphic sketches and manly style have entranced thousands to follow him in his naratives Eastern incidents and adventures, is about to depart for Guatemala, accompanied by Mr. Catherwood, the celebrated traveller and artist. We shall doubtless have the whole scene set forth, both by the pen and by the pencil in manner worthy of the object. Of the race of men that built this once stupendous metropolis -- who filled its streets with bustle and pursued the avocations of life within its walls, nothing now is known except what these imperfect ruins may indicate. What were their modes of government, their habits and manners, their language, their history -- no one can tell. The dwellers upon the soil whom the Spaniards found there, soon after the discovery of America, knew nothing of them even by tradition. When did they live? What wide sweeping destruction has removed the whole race from the surface of the earth? Perhaps they were the contemporaies of the mammoth -- a giant brood -- the primeval occupants of this mighty continent -- in size and majestic statute suited to the natural grandeur of their home. It is said that forest trees have been taken from amid the ruins of Palenque, whose concentric circles indicated a growth of one thousand years. Yet those trees never waved over the living city.

We call ourselves the inhabitants of a _new country._ This is the New World, according to modern phraseology; yet it may be that we are every day treading upon the soil composed of elements which were once quickened with human life. Our cities may be built of materials which once composed temples and towers. The coal which gives warmth and comfort to our evening fire sides is mirked with the impressions of leaves and twigs which may have overshaded the repose of lovers, or sheltered the weary hunter from the sun, at a time when Achilles poised the spear from his war chariot on the plains of Troy.

We hope that every facility which it is in the power of our Government to furnish will be granted to Mr. Stevens and his associate, for the accomplishment of a complete investigation. Every thing that can be known on the subject of their researches will be interesting. The remains of Eastern cities have drawn the attention of traveller after traveller -- fragments and columns have been measured and sketched -- we have had books and drawings in abundance. But here is a new field -- new to most of us; and, what concerns us particularly, it is upon our own continent. Every thing connected with the early history of America, its former inhabitants, their character and works, must be of interest to the present possessors of a soil which has known other masters. -- Baltimore American.


Note 1: An excerpt from this article was featured in the Poughkeepsie Casket of Dec. 28, 1839. Its original appearance in the Baltimore American probably dates to mid-December of that year.

Note 2: For more on early views of Palenque, see this web-page.

The Mormons. -- This sect held a semi-annual conference at Nauvoo, Hancock County, (Ill.,) on the 3d October. The large number of 5,000 was present, including elders and preachers. About 100 were baptised. The church, (says a correspondent of the Peoria Register), seems to be in a much more prosperous condition than at any former time. Several families have arrived from England, belonging to the church. This sect has been very industrious in building homes and raising provisions. For or five stores, a saw mill and two water mills, have recently been erected; a large stone school house is now being built; and a large stone meeting-house 120 ft long and 80 or 100 ft wide, will soon be commenced. -- St. Louis Gaz.


Notes: (forthcoming)

Mormons arrived from England. -- The packet ship North America, which arrived at New York last week, brought in her steerage 200 passengers, the whole of whom were "Latter Day Saints," or Mormons, bound for the Mormon settlement at Quincy. The Liverpool Chronicle states that upward of 2,000 are in treaty to embark early next spring for the same locality. A great portion of those who sailed in the North America; are members of the abstinence society, and are from Leicestershire and Herefordshire.


Notes: (forthcoming)

The Mormons held a semi-annual conference at Nauvoo county, Illinois, on the 3d of October. The large number of 5,000 was present, including elders and preachers. About 100 were baptised. "The Church," says a correspondent of the Peoria Register, "seems to be in [a] much more prosperous condition than at any former time. Several families have arrived from England, belonging to the church. This sect has been very industrious in building homes and raising provisions." -- Nat. Gaz.


Notes: (forthcoming)

The Mormons. -- This sect of visionary fanatics appears to be on the increase. The St. Louis Bulletin says: "Two hundred and thirty-seven Mormons came up in the Moravian yesterday, from New Orleans. They are from Westmoreland, Landcaster and Yorkshire, England and are bound for Nauvoo, Illinois."


Notes: (forthcoming)

THE MORMONS. -- An officer of one of the steamboat that arrived at our wharf from above, informs us that the Governor of Illinois has, bona fide, become a Mormon. -- There had been several hundred Mormons, from New York and England, who had lately made a "descent" upon Nauvoo, and the circumjacent regions, by way of making a settlement there. This colony was beheld with alarm by many of the dispassionate inhabitants in that part of the State. Both the American, and English emigrants of that persuasion, had come there at least as well armed and accoutered for the fight, as for agriculture; not one male among them that knew how to use fire arms, but had his rifle, his pistol, and many others of them their snicker-snee. With the colony from New York, there had been several young women decoyed off from parents and friends, with them by means of promises the most extravagant, and descriptions of country more romantic than ever entered into Arabian tale. The fruits of the earth, even in a state of nature, were as the Garden of Eden before it had been cursed with thorns and thistles; the strawberries there in a state of nature being equal to pomegranates! One of these deluded young women, at the sight of this paradise, gave expression to her disappointment that bordered upon despair -- so different was the real scenery from the representation, and so completely, so hopeless as to deliverance, was her captivity. The fact of the Governor's joining this society, was looked upon as no unmeaning "sign of the times" to come. Such is the rumor we have. They are also building an extensive something which they call a temple, but which has much more the appearance of fort. -- St. Louis Repub., May 29.

---

We understand that the greatest dissatisfaction exists at Nauvoo, amongst those who have lately arrived from England. It is said that many have determined to leave -- and that letters have been sent to England, warning their friends, who had designed to emigrate, of the sad state of things in the city of the Church. Mr. Rigdon, on the contrary, informed us last week, that, in general, the new comers were well satisfied. Be it as it may, it is certain that some have left both City and the Church -- not believing on the one, in the mission of the Prophet, and on the other, dissatisfied with temporal government, which is exercised over them. -- St. Louis New Era.


Notes: (forthcoming)

We understand that the greatest dissatisfaction exists at Nauvoo, amongst those who have lately arrived from England, It is said that many have determined to leave -- and that letters have been sent to England, warning their friends, who had designed to emigrate, of the sad state of things in the city of the Church. Mr. Rigdon, on the contrary, informed us last week, that, in general, the new comers were well satisfied. Be it as it may, it is certain that some left both the City and the Church -- not believing on the one hand, in the mission of the Prophet, and on the other, dissatisfied with the remporal government, which is exercised over them. --   St. Louis New Era.


Note: The Pittsburgh Christian Advocate was published by the Methodist Episcopal Church. pre-1841 issues were entitled: "Pittsburgh Conference Journal." The paper's editor took very little notice of local Mormon activities and did not print articles exploring the alleged secret origin of Mormonism by Sidney Rigdon in the Pittsburgh area.


Notes: (forthcoming)

ARREST OF JO. SMITH. -- We learn from the Quincy Whig that Jo Smith, the Mormon Prophet, has been arrested under a writ issued by Gov. Carlin, in compliance with a demand made two years ago, by Gov. Boggs, on the alleged charge of treason against the State of Missouri. Smith applied to Judge Douglass for a habeas corpus, which was granted, and is not yet disposed of. -- St. Louis New Era.

Notes: (forthcoming)

THE  MORMONS.

(Correspondence of the "Boston Recorder.")

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, 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 the 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, deside 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 baynotes, 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 centro of all this strange pageant! -- also, 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 tendered inappropriately 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 eloquence presented as peculiar to their xreed. 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 [benign?] Swedenborg, the visionary Miller, or the lying Smith, [invoked] or [promised] more extravagant or unscriptural than the infallible Mother church has sanctioned, and enforced by the sword and the stake?

J. W. C.      

Note: The 1841 account reproduced above provides no hint as to whom the initials "J. W. C." might apply as an abbreviated name. The loquacious correspondent was, perhaps, a Congregational minister then traveling in the "wild west," as he is pleased to call it. His word picture of Nauvoo at the time of the Temple cornerstones' dedication is not known to have been reprinted from the pages of the Boston Recorder in any publication other than in the Methodist Pittsburgh Christian Advocate.

Extract of a Letter from the vicinity of Nauvoo.

"The excitement on both aides of the river against the Mormons is increasing very fast. The conduct of Jo Smith and the other leaders is such as no community of white men can tolerate. It is the entire absence of all moral and religious principle, that renders time them so obnoxious to the Gentiles of all denominations, wherever they reside.

"Jo Smith was yesterday arrested, between Nauvoo and Quincy by the authorities of Illinois, on a requisition fromthe Governor of Missouri. May justice be meted out to him for his villainy.

"Martin Harris, who was one of the witnesses to the book of Mormon, and who has been for some time lecturing in Illinois against the Mormons, was found dead last week, having been shot through the head. He was no doubt murdered." -- Jour. of Com.


Notes: (forthcoming)

THE MORMONS -- ARREST OF JO. SMITH.  By the annexed extract of a private letter from a highly respectable gentleman residing near the Mormon city, (Nauvoo) it appears that the scenes which a few months since were enacted in Missouri, are in danger of being repeated in Iowa. There is a tract of 120,000 acres of beautiful land lying directly opposite the Mormon settlement on the Mississippi River. This tract was given to the half breed of the Sac and Fox nations by the United States, and has been purchased from them by the Whites. Proceedings have been had in the Equity Court of Iowa to partition those lands, and Commissioners appointed by the court to survey and divide them among the lawful claimants. Some months since, the title being then unsettled, Jo. Smith received a revelation from God to the effect that the Latter Day Saints should gain and possess this fair land, and enjoy the fruits thereof. Accordingly there are said to be now about 2000 of these people residing on said lands, who claim by the highest possible title, -- a title direct from the Creator; and they seem determined to set [the] human decrees at defiance. In addition to despoiling the lands of much valuable timber, they [have] forbid Commissioners and Surveyors on pain of death, to attempt a survey and partition. The arrest of their leader, it is to be hoped, will prevent the execution of their threats.

                 Extract of a letter from the vicinity of Nauvoo:

"The excitement on both sides of the river against the Mormons is increasing very fast. The conduct of Jo. Smith and the other leaders, is such as no community of white men can tolerate. It is the entire absence of all moral and religious principle, that render them so obnoxious to the Gentiles of all denominations, wherever they reside.

"Jo Smith was yesterday arrested between Nauvoo and Quincy, by the authorities of Illinois, on a requisition from the Governor of Missouri. May justice be meted out to him for his villainy." -- N. Y. Journal of Commerce.


Notes: (forthcoming)

Not Dead Yet. -- The Painesville (Ohio) Telegraph says that Martin Harris, the Mormon, has not been found dead any where, but is alive and hearty at his residence in Kirtland.


Notes: (forthcoming)

The Mormons. -- A copy of the Mormon paper called the "Times and Seasons," published at Nauvoo, Ill., has been sent us, we presume, for the purpose of calling our attention upon a "letter from the vicinity of Nauvoo," which we published some weeks since. Said letter stated, among other things that Jo Smith had received a revelation, that the Latter Day Saints should take possession of a certain tract of land in Iowa Territory, and that a large number of these people were already residing on it. The Times and Seasons says:

"The entire statement With the exception of the arrest of Joseph Smith, is an issue of lies, got up by a malignant and depraved heart for the worst, and diabolical purposes (keep cool, Jo,) and when we read it we could not blush for humanity.

"We pretend to no claim to any land, but what is according to the law and constitution of the U. States.

"We ask no rights, no privilege, no immunity, but what the constitution guarantees to all citizens, and we hold ourselves at all times amendable to the laws of the land for our conduct. This we call upon the most fastididious to deny. -- Journal of Commerce.


Notes: (forthcoming)

JOE SMITH & CO. -- The Mormons have again been stirred up with a long pole, and are calling upon sinners to repent, and come to Nauvoo, and build Joe Smith's Temple. An Epistle from the "twelve Apostles" of the Mormons has been promulgated through the N. Y. Herald, which is producing a wonderful sensation among the christians of denominations. Joe Smith is bound to go ahead. The Mormon movement is certainly one of the most extraordinary that has occurred in religion since the days of Mahomet. The leader of the sect is a master spirit of no ordinary character. His ambition is to build up a kingdom for the faithful, which will eclipse in temporal grandeur and spiritual dominion that of his holiness the Pope of Rome. He has prepared a new Bible, and tee-total temperance is the corner stone of his magnificent superstructure. -- His code of morals prohibit chewing tobacco, lying, and going to law. Truly a great prophet has risen! We may perhaps publish the real origin of the Golden Bible some of these days. The humbug commenced about these diggins.


Note: With the founding of the Pittsburgh Morning Chronicle in mid-1841, an unbridled anti-Mormon voice began to be heard in the city. The weekly edition of the paper commenced publication on Nov. 27th of that year and in its first issue printed an intention to perhaps eventually "publish the real origin of the Golden Bible." Presumably this same article first saw light in the pages of the daily Chronicle shortly before Nov. 27, 1841. Only scattered numbers of the first months of the paper's daily edition survive. Neither the Iron City nor the Morning Chronicle appear to have ever made good on their editor's half-promise to print a story relating the "real origin" of the Book of Mormon -- an origin which, it is insinuated, "commenced" in or near the city of Pittsburgh (in the days when Solomon Spalding lived in those "diggins").

From the Cleveland Herald.

THE  MORMONS.

This singular people are growing in numbers and gifts. We understand that to their old mode of worship practiced by them at Kirtland, dancing and kissing are now added. They are building up Nauvoo, their Holy City, rapidly, and accessions to the society from various sections of the United States as well as from Europe, are constantly arriving to occupy the "Promised Land." A splendid Temple for wirship, and an extensive Hotel for the accomodation of "the brethren," are now in progress at Nauvoo. One tenth of the labor of the whole community is devoted to constructing these edifices.

The origin and progress of Mormonism in this country is one of the marvels of the age. That it originated in and has been sustained by gross imposition on the credulous, hardly admits of a doubt. The deceptions have in many instances been so glaring, that none but the infatuated could close their eyes against them. The story of the finding of the Golden Bible -- the abstraction of the plates on which the strange characters are said to have been written -- the gift of tongues -- the new revelations -- the new prophecies made from time to time to meet occurring events, or else their total failure of "coming to pass" -- the abortion of attempted miracles -- were sufficient in the early days of Mormonism to stamp the whole as humbug of the first water. Persecution, however, took the place of investigation, and as a matter of course the Mormons "grew and multiplied." The followers of Joseph Smith were as humble and ready for the sacrifice as the old Christian martyrs, and the story of their wrongs and sufferings for the faith, is similarly soul-harowing.

The extravagance of the belief and conduct of the first converts to Mormonism is hardly credible, though what we shall relate we personally witnessed. At a protracted Mormon meeting, the gift of tongues and prophecy was claimed and taught by the elders. Accordingly these gifts were practised by the converts. At one time something like half a dozen of both sexes were stretched upon the fround together, struck down by the spirit, as asserted by the Mormon teachers. Suddenly one of the entranced would commence a low, gutteral kind of Indian dialect, and the others would join in the conversation in "unknown tongues" truly -- neither English, Dutch, French, Indian, or hog-latin! After entertaining themselves and the wondering spectators long enough with "tongues," they would start to their feet, and apparently controlled by the spirit, wildly gesticulate -- pluck the air as if gathering grapes -- feast on nothing -- hunt on the "promised land" -- ready, aim, and fire at the game -- then return and relate their success in "unknown tongues!" And the preachers of Mormonism gravely told the people these were the "signs which should distinguish the saints!" A few weeks after it was revealed to Jo Smith that all these "signs" were of the Devil -- and presto! they were gone to their reputed father!

Their prophecies were "off the same piece." The destruction of the world in three years was repeatedly predicted. One of the elders closed a cheering exhortation to his followers to prepare for the "Holy Land," by positively assuring them that ere long the whole country between Ohio and Missouri would be changed into a sea of waters, on which they would be triumphantly borne to the "promised land of milk and honey!" After patiently waiting some years for the promised flood, the credulous flock started for "New Jerusalem" with ox teams! The prophet had gone before on foot!

The Mormons now issue a monthly paper from Nauvoo, called "The Times and Seasons." From a late number we add a few extracts, to give an idea of some of their modern crotchets: "The brethren are hereby notified, that our well beloved brother, Hyrum Smith, Patriarch of the church, has erected a comfortable office, opposite his dwelling house, where himself together with his scribe and recorder (James Sloan,) will attend regularly every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, during the entire day, or upon any other day, if urgent circumstances require it, to perform the duties of his high and holy calling.

"A copy of the blessing can be received immediately after being pronounced, so that the brethren who live at a distance can have it to take with them."

"It appears that the Mormons at Kirtland, Ohio, are about establishing a press at that place, and also design establishing themselves there permanently. In reference to this matter, the "Times and Seasons," published the following communicatiuon from the "patriarch of the whole church."

"All the saints that dwell in that land are commanded to come away, for this is, 'Thus saith the Lord;' therefore pay out no moneys nor properties for houses, nor lands, in that country, for if you do, you will lose them; for the time shall come that you shall not possess them in peace; but shall be scourged with a sore scourge; yet your children may possess them; but not until many years shall pass away; and, as to the organization of that branch of the church, it is not according to the spirit and will of God: and as to the designs of the leading members of that branch relative to the printing press, and the ordaining of Elders, and sending out elders to beg for the poor, are not according to the will of God; and in these things they shall not prosper, for they have neglected the House of the Lord, the Baptismal Font, in this place, wherein their dead may be redeemed, and the key of knowledge that unfolds the dispensation of the fulness of times may be turned, and the mysteries of God be unfolded, upon which the salvation of the world, and the redemption of their dead depends, for 'Thus saith the Lord,' 'there shall not be a general assembly or a general conference assembled together until the House of the Lord shall be finished, and the Baptismal Font, and if we are not diligent the church shall be rejected, and their dead also,' 'saith the Lord,' therefore, dear Brother, any proceedings otherwise than to put forth their hands with their might to do this work, is not according to the will of God, and shall not prosper; therefore tarry, not in any place whatever, but come forth unto this place from all the world, until it is filled up and polished, and sanctified according to my word, saith the Lord, come ye forth from the ends of the earth, that I may hide you from mine indignation that shall scourge the wicked, and then I will send forth and build up Kirtland, and it shall be polished and refined according to my word, therefore, your doings and your organizations, and designs in printing, or any of your councils, are not of me, saith the Lord, even so, Amen.     HYRUM SMITH. Patriarch gor the whole church.

---

MORE MORMONS. -- The St. Louis Republican of the 20th inst., announces the arrival of the steamer Gen. Pratt from New Orleans, with two hundred and fifty Mormons on board. -- They were from England, and were bound for Nauvoo, the city of the "Latter Day Saints."


Notes: (forthcoming)

From the St. Louis Republican.

MORMONS  and  MORMONISM.

We are indebted to a pious and intelligent gentleman of this city, for the following description of Mormonism, as it is to be found at Nauvoo, and of Jo Smith, its leader. The intelligent reader will scarcely believe that such humbuggery could be successfully practiced, at this day, upon the most credulous or ignorant of the community, yet it is so in this instance.

---

                                                              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. We are, this morning, on the declivity of Zion's Hill, taking a last look at their city. We stand among heaps of limestone rock, that are fast rising into a temple -- a fac simile of the Temple which was built by Solomon, and trod by the Savior. The devoted Mormons are hammering busily at a work, and giving to it each the tenth of their time; and from thus up, the half, or even the whole, both of time and property. Before us, is the beginning of a great city -- a noble bottom land, already half covered with cabins. Higher up, also, the bluffs and timber are thickly scattered with them, extending back a couple of miles or more. Crowds of people, from England, many of them poor, are pouring in. How they are to support themselves, or be supported, Heaven only knows. It seems as if they must be driven, by sheer necessity, to "spoil the Egyptians;" (i. e. all who are not Mormons about them;) and it is not surprising that their name is in bad odor with their neighbors. The notion that there is a community of property, among them, is altogether false; and many must and do suffer. Some few I have met at St. Louis, hastening back to England, "while their money holds out."

The Mormon gathering is a singularly interesting phase of our times. They are, too, say what you will, a singularly interesting people. As a people, I am ready to believe all good of them. Would that there were among them as much of Christian intelligence as of the Christian spirit.

Of their leaders, or rather their chief leader, Joseph Smith, I say nothing by way of private opinion. At your request, however, I give through you, somewhat reluctantly, I confess, an account of my interview with him. As he promptly discovered and revealed to me that I was worthy of no man's confidence, 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 hospitalities. 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 expense of the temple, Mr. Smith thought would be $200,000 or $300,000. The temple is 127 feet size, 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 anything, 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. S. "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 for 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 last; 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 trust just alike, for the scripture says, '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 begin with taking 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 that not that no two men 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 fortell; 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. "I 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 in 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 expression 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 filled table.

I have been carefully, 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.

---

THE MORMONS. -- The Warsaw Signal states that troubles are thickening in that region in reference to the Mormons. The inhabitants charge the Mormons with pilfering, and talk of driving them out of the country. We fear there will be trouble before Joe Smith's humbug is exploded. The Mormons are well prepared to fight, and will not be easily dispossessed of the promised land.


Note: Quite possibly the above Missouri Republican report so intrigued the Editor of the Pittsburgh Weekly Gazette that he became determined to visit with and interview Joseph Smith himself one day. Mr. David N. White, that same editor, made a trip to Illinois in the summer of 1843 and took the opportunity to report upon the situation of Joseph Smith at Nauvoo. His letter detailing that interview was printed as "The Prairies, Nauvoo, Joe Smith, the Temple, the Mormons &c." in the Weekly Gazette of Sept. 15, 1843.

QUEEN VICTORIA AND MORMONISM. -- Parley P. Pratt, first apostle of the Church of Latter-Day Saints, has written a long letter to Queen Victoria, warning her that a great moral revolution is about to take place in the world. He quotes scripture in abundance to prove that such an event has been prophecied, and then goes on to state circumstances which indicate that those prophecies are about to be fulfilled. Among these is the discovery of his famous plates in the western part of New York, but no mention is made of the discoverer. This is a great omission.   -- Hieroscope.


Note: Presumably this news report was printed in the daily Morning Chronicle before it was inserted into the weekly Iron City. A few years later, (in a letter dated Oct 21, 1844) LDS Apostle Orson Hyde would accuse Elder Sidney Rigdon of preaching the Mormon defeat or overthrow of the power of Queen Victoria.

THE MORMONS. -- The Nauvoo, (Ill.,) Times and Seasons, a Mormon paper, acknowledges that several of the "Latter Day Saints" have been detected stealing, and publishes the proceedings of a Church meeting, which expelled five members for larceny, and two for assault and battery, together with the affidavit of "Joseph Smith, President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints," and "Lieut. Gen. of Nauvoo Legion," that he was opposed to such transactions.


Note: Presumably this news report was printed in the daily Morning Chronicle before it was inserted into the weekly Iron City. In the years that followed, reports of Mormon thievery in western Illinois would grow to an almost continual flow in the pages of America's newspapers.

THE MORMONS. -- This new sect have lately established a Tabernacle at Philadelphia. They have been holding meetings in this city for some weeks past, and may probably pitch a tent among us.

Note: This news report was likely first printed in the daily Morning Chronicle before it appeared in the Iron City. The sustained missionary efforts of the Mormons in major Pennsylvania cities dates to the last months of 1839, when Elder William Small was baptized in Philadelphia. By the end of 1841 the LDS presence in Pittsburgh had become noticeable to the local press. Mormon Apostle John E. Page said (in Feb. 1844) that he had resided in Pittsburgh "from the eighth day of May, one thousand eight hundred and forty-two, until the eighth day of June, one thousand eight hundred and forty-three." Page had previously spent part of Feb. 1842 in Pittsburgh, working to convert Richard and Elizabeth Savery to the Church. During this same 1842-43 period Page also spent a great deal of time in Philadelphia, supervising Mormon missionary efforts in that part of the State.

MORMONS AND POLITICIANS. -- Many of our brother editors object to the late proclamation of the head of the Mormons, Joe Smith, advising his followers to vote for particular candidates for Governor and Lieutenant Governor of Illinois. However the Prophet of Nauvoo may err in his religious opinions, we can see nothing worse in this particular public act of his, than what occurs almost daily among other of our citizens -- we allude to the nominations to office of a similar kind by conventions of Delegates from particular parties. Joe Smith has procured his appointment or commission from the Mormons, to decide upon their course in future, in both religion and politics, and the delegates to political conventions are the conscience-keepers in a like manner of the party for which they act; they go to Harrisburg, or the capital of their State; nominate a candidate for Governor, whom nine-tenths of their bamboozled constituents never heard of before; pass a string of resolutions, marking out the course of their party for the next year, if they can see a straight course so far ahead, and adjourn -- their nominee is then introduced to his party by means of the nomination, and every eight-by-ten in the State that owes fealty to the party, hoists his name to the head of its columns! Is Mormonism worse than politics? Is it a greater humbug?


Note: This news report was likely first printed in the daily Morning Chronicle before it appeared in the Iron City. The rise of Mormon block-voting largely coincided with the rise of the convention nominating system for political candidates in the USA. As late as the mid-1840s many Whigs and independents were still very distrustful of political nominating conventions.

THE MORMONS. -- A number of preachers of this sect have lately been holding forth in our city, and on Sunday afternoon last baptised the results of their labors -- four converts, one of them a journeyman baker on Wood street, the remainder young ladies. These were all taken to the Allegheny river, at the front of Wayne street, and introduced to the church of Latter Day Saints, by being pitched head foremost into the muddy waters, amid the cheers of some thousands of our citizens! Rev. Alick Stevenson being called upon, addressed the assembly in opposition to the Mormons, from a neighboring board-pile, his discourse being interrupted by numerous cheers, and an occasional yell (from those who had unfortunately taken their station upon rotten sheds, several of which were levelled to the ground) and finally put a stop to by his honor, the Mayor, shoving him from his romantic pulpit. After Alick's expulsion, another gentleman took up the cudgels, and succeeded in out-speaking the Mormons, who left the ground in disgust.


Note 1: This report on the local Mormons was likely first printed in the daily Morning Chronicle before it appeared in the Iron City. Among the early LDS baptisms in Pittsburgh was those of James Spratly and Elizabeth Savery (in April of 1842 by John E. Page), James Logan (in Jan. 1843 by John E. Page), Frances Mary Clements (in May 1843 by Richard Savery), Louisa Liston (in Feb. 1843 at Pittsburgh by Elijah Swackhammer), and several members of the Falconer family (in 1843-44). One of the ladies baptized on Feb. 5, 1842 may have been Mary McDowell, whose baptism was officiated by John E. Page.

Note 2: The "journeyman baker" baptized on that same date was Joseph Arny (or Arney) was the first Mormon male convert at Pittsburgh. For more on Mr. Arney, and his eventual defection from the Mormons, see the notes for the Pittsburgh papers of Sep. 16, 1842. Elder Richard Savery was probably the second male convert in the LDS Pittsburgh branch. He, Joseph Arney, and James Spratley were joined in Pittsburgh later that year by another male convert, Lovick Sturges, from Philadelphia. It appears that by the early spring of 1842 there were enough converts in the city to form the beginnings of the Pittsburgh LDS branch. The branch was officially organized by Apostle John E. Page during the late spring or early summer of 1842.

A MORMON POSED. -- The Mormons sent a missionary to enlighten the people of New Orleans. At one of his meetings, he pretended to have the gift of tongues, and being successively in French, Spanish and German, answered readily in these languages. His triumph was soon cut short; for a son of the Emerald Isle addressed him in pure Milesian; and bothered him entirely. Amid roars of laughter, the gifted prophet put off.


Note: This report was reprinted in the weekly Iron City on May 5, 1842.

The last Nauvoo "Times and Seasons,".a Mormon paper edited by Joseph Smith, contains an extract from the Book of Abraham, translated from an ancient record on papyrus in the hand writing of that patriarch, found in one of the Egyptian catacombs, and now in Joe's possession! We presume the faithful will have no doubt of its authenticity. The Mormon paper contains a fac simile engraving from the same manuscript, which adds very little to Abraham's fame, as far as drawing is concerned; it represents Abraham bound upon an altar, and the idolatrous priest of Elkenah attempting to sacrifice him to his gods, the images of which surround the altar.

Joe Smith, the chief of the Mormons, was born in Sharon, Windsor County, Vt., on the 23d of December, 1805. Relative to the Golden Bible, of which so much has been said, Joe asserts that it was delivered to him by the Angel, on the morning of the 22d of September, 1827, and describes them as follows:

These records were engraved on plates which had the appearance of gold, each plate was six inches wide and eight inches long and not quite so thick as common tin. They were filled with engravings in Egyptian characters and bound together in one volume, as the leaves of a book, with three rings running thro' the whole. The volume was something near six inches in thickness, a part of which was sealed. The characters on the unsealed part were small, and beautifully engraved. The whole book exhibited many marks of antiquity in its construction and much skill in the art of engraving. With the records was found a curious instrument which the ancients called "Urim and Thummim," which consisted of two transparent stones set in the rim of a bow fastened to a breast-plate.

Through the medium of the Urim and Thummim I translated by the gift and power of God.


Note 1: This report was reprinted in the weekly Iron City on May 26, 1842. It is interesting to see that editors of the Pittsburgh newspapers were reading copies of the Nauvoo Times and Seasons. The Apr. 1 1842 number of that publication contained a "petition" signed by twenty-three men in Pittsburgh, requesting the LDS First Presidency to allow Apostle John E. Page to continue his missionary work in the area. Among the signers were early Pittsburgh LDS convert Richard Savery, as well as Mormons Thomas J. Lanyon, James Spratley, Joseph Dudley. The other signers were George Avery, L. Allbeya, Wm. Campion, Robert L. Caswell, Benj. Chapman, Thornell Craddock, Thomas Crawford, Joseph Harper, John MacDonald, Arth. Moon, David Potts, John Prince, Dennis Savary, C. Seicwirt, J. W. Smith, James Smith, John Smith, Matthew Smith, and John Steel.

Note 2: It was the eventual decision of the Mormon leadership to station Apostle John E. Page at Pittsburgh (a city they said had been "so long impregnable to the principles" of the latter day "truth") on a semi-permanent basis. According to Page, he took up his residence in that city on May 8, 1842 -- after returning to Pittsburgh from the spring LDS conference at Nauvoo.

MORMONISM EXPOSED -- by the Rev. S. Williams, just issued from the press, and for sale at Berfords, 85 Fourth street.      my 4

Note 1: Elder Samuel Williams (1802-1887) served as pastor of the First Baptist Church of Pittsburgh from 1827 to 1859. Between the time Sidney Rigdon was expelled from that office in 1823, and the time Williams took over the pastorate, the following ministers also served the First Baptist Church: Elder John Winter (1823-1824), Elder Lawrence Greatrake (1824-25) and Elder Joshua Bradley (1826-27). Elder Williams' 1842 Mormonism Exposed contains important personal statements (dated Apr. 2, 1842) made by the Rev. Robert Patterson, Sr., concerning Solomon Spalding and his c. 1812 attempt to get Patterson to publish his manuscript, "a singular work, chiefly in the style of our English translation of the Bible," for him at Pittsburgh. Mormon Apostle John E. Page came back to reside in the city while advertisements for Williams' new anti-Mormon pamphlet were still being circulated in Pittsburgh. Page is not known to have publicly responded to Williams' accusations against Sidney Rigdon and others top LDS leaders until June 29, 1844 when he tauntingly demanded: "We hope that Rev. S. Williams will now come out and sustain, if possible, what he published in a pamphlet in the spring of 1842..." Apostle Page is reported to have responded privately however -- see Elder William Small's 1876 account of Page's 1842 interview with Rev. Robert Patterson.

Note 2: Elder Williams recalled his acrimonious interactions with LDS Apostle Page in Pittsburgh in the early 1840s, years later in letters he wrote to James T. Cobb dated Nov. 12, 1878, Dec. 3, 1878, and Dec. 14, 1878.

Note 3: See also Elder Williams' letter of Aug. 16, 1886, in which he says: "Along in [eighteen] twenty one, two, and three Sidney Riqdon who was a member at Peters Creek; occasionally preached for them [1st Baptist Church of Pittsburgh], they called him, he embraced Campbelism first, then his common stock system as he called [it], and getting hold of a 'Manuscript Novel' written by Spalding, he garbled it and interspersed passages of scripture so as to make it appear like a revelation favoring his communism."

MORE MORMONS. -- The Louisa, from New Orleans for this port, brought 350 Mormons from England, going to Nauvoo. There were lots of women in the crowd. Some of the families looked like thrifty people. Many of them will be most woefully disappointed on reaching the promised land.   Missouri Rep.

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The Mormons are driving a stiff business in making converts in many places "down east." Even in the vicinity of Boston they are said to be multiplying finely.


Notes: (forthcoming)

Joe Smith, the Mormon, it is currently reported, is a brother of John Smith, of whom our readers may have heard. Joe's a hard case -- it is said one of his flock caught him kissing his wife t'other day, in Nauvoo.

Note: Presumably this unusual news report was also printed in the daily Morning Chronicle. The incident spoken of prefigures by only a few weeks subsequent published reports (from John C. Bennett and others), of secret Mormon polygamy at Nauvoo. Joseph Smith's requirement that some other high LDS leaders have their wives "sealed" to him, as well as his reported illicit advances toward the wife of Apostle Orson Pratt, would not be related in the public press until later in the year.

MORMONS. -- About forty of this sect left for Nauvoo, Ill., on the Arcade, on Wednesday last. Some of them were from this city, but the greater portion from farther East.

Note: This brief report was reprinted in the Iron City number of May 21st. The news that Pittsburgh had become a jumping-off point for river steamers carrying Mormon converts to Nauvoo must have come as a shock to many residents of that place. It is doubtful that the city itself was able to supply many migrants to the "New Jersualem" in the west at so early a date -- the LDS Pittsburgh branch was still in its infancy during the spring of 1842.

MORMONISM.

In compliance with the wishes of many of the readers of our paper, and because the subject is one which is attracting considerable attention in this part of the country at the present time, we republish from the N. York Watchman, the following extracts from a review of a work recently published in that city, entitled "Mormonism Exposed." We give them without remark of our own, leaving our readers to judge for themselves:

ORIGIN OF MORMONISM: -- Mormonism owes its origin to one Joseph Smith, Jr., and Martin Harris, and perhaps one or two more ignorant but designing persons, then resident in the Western part of the state of New York.

In the work entitled "Mormonism Unveiled," we find the testimonies of not less than eighty different persons, all residents of Wayne and Ontario counties, N. Y., which prove beyond the possibility of a doubt, that neither Joseph Smith, Jr., nor either of his witnesses are to be believed, and that Mormonism, from beginning to end, is a base delusion, which does not leave its originators even the credit of honesty or good intentions in its propagation. These witnesses are disinterested, respectable citizens, many of whom have made solemn oath to the following facts, and their characters are sufficiently vouched for by magistrates of the counties where they live. Among many other things which might be named to the eternal dishonor of the authors of the Mormon delusion, we notice the following:

That Joseph Smith, Jr., and his family, were, about the time he pretended to have discovered the book of Mormon, known as "fortune tellers" and "money diggers," and that they often had recourse to tricks of juggling for the purpose of finding money which they said was hid in the earth.

That the said Smith, up to that time, and after, was known as a wicked man; that he was a cheat, and a liar, and used profane language; that he was intemperate and quarrelsome.

That his own father-in-law never had any confidence in him, and he was knowing to the manner in which Smith commenced his imposture in getting out what he called the book of Mormon.

That Smith has, himself, confessed the cheat, and so has Martin Harris, one of his principal witnesses. Harris once said, "What if it is a lie? If you will let me alone, I will make money out of it."

That Oliver Cowdery, another of the witnesses to Smith's book, was not a man of good character before he joined Smith in the cheat of Mormonism.

That Smith and Martin Harris were in the habit of meeting together, often, just before the plates were said to be found, and were familiarly known in the neighborhood by the name of the "Gold Bible Company;" and they were regarded by the community, generally, as a lying, indolent set of fellows, in whom no confidence could be placed; and Joseph Smith, Jr.'s, character for truth was so notoriously bad, that he could not and was not believed when under oath.

The wife of Martin Harris testifies, that he is both a cruel man and a liar, he having beat her and turned her out of his house.

That Smith confessed his object in pretending to find the plates was to make money, saying, "when it is completed, my family will be placed on a level above the generality of mankind."

Such are some of the facts, which are proved beyond the possibility of confutation, by the affidavits of respectable witnesses, persons who were well acquainted with Joseph Smith, Jr., and his associates, both before and since the pretended discovery of his golden plates. And, perhaps, we cannot better close the investigation of this subject, than by quoting a specimen of those testimonies. It is numerously signed, as will be seen, and by persons well acquainted with the "author and proprietor" of the book of Mormon:

PALMYRA, N. Y., Dec. 4, 1833.      

"We, the undersigned, have been acquainted with the Smith family for a number of years, while they resided near this place, and we have no hesitation in saying that, we consider them destitute of that moral character which ought to entitle them to the confidence of any community. They were particularly famous for visionary projects, spent much of their time in digging for money, which they pretended was hid in the earth; and to this day, large excavations may be seen in the earth, not far from their residence, where they used to spend their time in digging for hidden treasures. Joseph Smith, Senior, and his son Joseph, were, in particular, considered entirely destitute of moral character, and addicted to vicious habits.

"Martin Harris was a man who had acquired a handsome property, and in matters of business his word was considered good; but on moral and religious subjects, he was perfectly visionary -- sometimes advocating one sentiment, and sometimes another. And in reference to all with whom we were acquainted, who have embraced Mormonism, from this neighborhood, we are compelled to say, they were very visionary, and most of them destitute of any moral character, and without influence in this community, and this may account why they were permitted to go on with their impositions undisturbed.

"It was not supposed that any of them were possessed of sufficient character, or influence, to make any one believe their book or their sentiments; and we know not of a single individual in this vicinity, that puts the least confidence in their pretended revelations.

G. N. Williams, H. Sinnell, Th. Rogers, 2d, Clark Robinson, W. Parke, L. Durfee, S. Ackley, E. S. Townsend, Josiah Francis, Josiah Rice, H. P. Alger, G. A. Hathaway, R. D. Clark, G. W. Anderson, H. K. Jerome, H. P. Thayer, L. Williams, Lewis Foster, G. W. Crosby, Levi Thayer, P. Grandin, Philo Durfee, P. Sexton, Joel Thayer, R. W. Smith, S. P. Seymour, A. Millard, Henry Jessup, John Hurlbut, James Jenneer, Amos Hollister, Jesse Townsend, C. E. Thayer, D. G. Ely, Th. P. Baldwin, John Sothington, G. Beckwith, Durfy Chase, W. Anderson, H. Paine, A. H. Beckwith, R. S. Williams, L. Hurd, G. S. Ely, M. Butterfield, E. D. Robinson, Pelitian West, D. S. Jackways, E. Ensworth, Linus North, Israel F. Chilson."

Persons thus destitute of moral character, combined to usher into being a book purporting to be of EQUAL authority with the bible. And here is the story which one of its "apostles," professing to act under the infallible inspiration of God, tells of this book: --

"The book of Mormon was found in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty seven, in Ontario County, New York; was translated and published in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty. It contains the history of the ancient inhabitants of America, who were a branch of the house of Israel, of the tribe of Joseph; of whom the Indians are still a remnant; but the principal nation of them having fallen in battle, in the fourth or fifth century, one of their prophets, whose name was Mormon, saw fit to make an abridgment of their history, their prophecies, and their doctrine, which he engraved on plates; and afterwards, being slain, the record fell into the hands of his son, Moroni, who being hunted by his enemies, was directed to deposit the record safely in the earth, with a promise from God that it should be preserved, and should again be brought to light in the latter days, by means of a Gentile nation, who should possess the land. The deposit was made about the year four hundred and twenty, on a hill then called Cumora, now in Ontario county, where it was preserved in safety, until it was brought to light by no less than the ministry of angels; and translated by INSPIRATION. And the Great Jehovah bore record of the same to chosen witnesses, who declare it to the world."-- Voice of War. p. 129.

Of course, they give us no evidence (except their own word) to prove what is here asserted!

(To be Continued.)

Note 1: This article was reprinted in the Iron City of May 28th. Although the Morning Chronicle editor credits the source of the above excerpt to "a review of a work... entitled 'Mormonism Exposed...'" the excerpt is actually from pp. 7-12 of that 1842 LaRoy Sunderland pamphlet, as reproduced in the pages of his Zion's Watchman. Although they share a common title, Sunderland's pamphlet should not be confused with the 1842 Pittsburgh booklet, "Mormonism Exposed by Rev. Samuel Williams." The Chronicle proceeded to republish practically the entire text of Sunderland's pamphlet, not finishing up the task until its issue of June 10, 1842. This lengthy serialization caught the eye of both newly-arrived LDS Apostle John E. Page and an unnamed local Campbellite preacher. The two religious opponents subsequently engaged in a lively debate in the pages of the Chronicle, a verbal duel that continued until the July 27th issue. Some quotations from the Campbellite side of the exchange were published in the Millennial Harbinger of Aug. 1842.

Note 2: Much of the information printed in Sundrland's pamphlet did not come as news to the readers of Pennsylvania. The Philadelphia Episcopal Recorder had previously printed very similar material in its issues of Mar. 27, 1841, Apr. 10, 1841, and Apr. 17, 1841.

MORMONISM  EXPOSED.

(Continued from the N. Y. Watchman.)

I. -- Mormons profess to act under the infallible Inspiration of God... (This second installment in the reprint series reproduces Sunderland's booklet, pp. 13-18

(To be Continued.)

---

Joe Smith, it appears, was not killed, but only cowhided, at Nauvoo, lately.

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A  MORMON  REQUEST.

==> The patrons of the Morning Chronicle are requested to preserve carefully those numbers which embrace those extracts from the New York Watchman, concerning Mormonism, as I will reply to them orally in due time.

"Should thy lies make men hold their piece? and when thou mockest, shall no man make thee ashamed?" -- Job. xi. 3.

              JOHN E. PAGE.
Elder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.


Note: Apostle Page's series of responses were printed in the Morning Chronicle from June 13 to July 20, 1842, supplemented with some special letters Page addressed to "A. Disciple," his anonymous Campbellite challenger. This Pittsburgh Campbellite may have been the "Brother Church" spoken of in the Feb. 1, 1842 issue of The Evangelist of the True Gospel, or, he may perhaps have been local Campbellite firebrand, Levi O. C. Nicklin.

MORMONISM  EXPOSED.

(Continued from the N. Y. Watchman.)

XI. -- One Grand Design of Mormonism is, to fill the pockets of its advocates with money... (Installment #3 in this reprint series reproduces Sunderland's booklet, pp. 19-21

(To be Continued.)

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THE ASSASSINATION OF GOV. BOGGS OF MISSOURI. -- The perpetration of this crime has been charged upon the Mormons, for no reason we know of, but the fear the Missourians have of receiving some retaliation from that sect who were driven from their houses at an inclement season of the year, by bands of armed ruffians.


Notes: (forthcoming)

MORMONISM  EXPOSED.

(Continued from the N. Y. Watchman.)

XII. -- Mormonism authorizes theft... (Installment #4 in this reprint series reproduces Sunderland's booklet, pp. 21-25

(To be Continued.)

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INSOLVENT SAINTS. -- Joe Smith, Hiram Smith and Sidney Rigdon, have applied for the benefit of the Bankrupt Law, in Illinois. The Prophet Joe's debts amount to $100,000, his assets consisting of a little furniture, a few promissory notes, and some Nauvoo town lots.


Notes: (forthcoming)

MORMONISM  EXPOSED.

(Continued from the N. Y. Watchman.)

XIII. -- Mormons charge their leaders with the crimes of Theft, Lying, Cheating, Counterfeiting, Slander, and other Infamous Crimes... (Installment #5 in this reprint series reproduces Sunderland's booklet, pp. 25-28

(To be Continued.)

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CONTRADICTORY RUMORS. -- The Western papers say that Joe Smith, the Mormon, kissed another man's wife, shot Gov. Boggs of Missouri, took the benefit of the Bankrupt Law, and got killed in an affray in Nauvoo! We presume the first mentioned crime was the worst.


Notes: (forthcoming)

MORMONISM  EXPOSED.

(Continued from the N. Y. Watchman.)

XIV. -- Mormonism Authorizes the crime of Robbery and Plunder... (Installment #6 in this reprint series reproduces Sunderland's booklet, pp. 28-32

(To be Continued.)

Notes: (forthcoming)

MORMONISM  EXPOSED.

(Continued from the N. Y. Watchman.)

XVII. -- Mormonism compels its victims to a course of Irreligion and Crime, under the penalty of Death... (Installment #7 in this reprint series reproduces Sunderland's booklet, pp. 32-36

(To be Continued.)

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MORMONISM. -- We have been informed that a Mormon, or Latter Day Saint, lately attempted to prevent the death of a child, in Allegheny city, by various Mormon ceremonies, after the physicians had stated its recovery impossible. The parents, we learn, offered to embrace Mormonism in case their child was restored to health, but, it is needless to say, the impostor failed entirely.


Notes: (forthcoming)

MORMONISM  EXPOSED.

(Continued from the N. Y. Watchman.)

XIX. -- Mormonism compels its victims to a course of Irreligion and Crime, under the penalty of Death... (Installment #8 in this reprint series reproduces Sunderland's booklet, pp. 36-38

(To be Continued.)

Notes: (forthcoming)

MORMONISM. -- We have been informed that a Mormon or Latter Day Saint lately attempted to prevent the death of a child in Allegheny city by various Mormon ceremonies after the physician had stated his recovery impossible. The parents, we learn, offered to embrace Mormonism in event their child was restored to health, but it is needless to say, the imposter failed entirely.


Note: Reprinted from the Morning Chronicle of Friday, June 3, 1842.

MORMONISM  EXPOSED.

(Continued from the N. Y. Watchman.)

XXI. -- The Mormon leaders hold that they, or their sect, are justly entitled to the Temporal and Spiritual Dominion of these United States... (Installment #9 in this reprint series reproduces Sunderland's booklet, pp. 38-41

(To be Continued.)

Notes: (forthcoming)

MORMONISM  EXPOSED.

(Continued from the N. Y. Watchman.)

The Testimony of Burr Riggs... (Installment #10 in this reprint series reproduces Sunderland's booklet, pp. 41-47

(To be Continued.)

Notes: (forthcoming)

MORMONISM  EXPOSED.

(Continued from the N. Y. Watchman.)

It was proved, on the trial of Joseph Smith... (Installment #11 in this reprint series reproduces Sunderland's booklet, pp. 47-52

(To be Continued.)

Notes: (forthcoming)

MORMONISM  EXPOSED.

(Continued from the N. Y. Watchman.)

XXVII. -- Joseph Smith, jr., and other Mormons, are Notoriously Profane.... (Installment #12 in this reprint series reproduces Sunderland's booklet, pp. 53-58

(To be Continued.)

Notes: (forthcoming)

MORMONISM  EXPOSED.

(Continued from the N. Y. Watchman.)

It is said those men have commenced a new translation of our common Bible... (Installment #13 -- the final episode -- in this article reprint series reproduces La Roy Sunderland's booklet, pp. 58-64)


Notes: (forthcoming)

MORMONISM.

This vulgar imposture is attracting notice both in this country and in Europe. A work has recently been published, entitled "Mormonism Unveiled" -- which gives the testimony on oath of eighty individuals, all residing in Wayne and Ontario counties, New York, the latter being the county in which the Book of Mormon is said to have been found. These witnesses are distinguished and respectable people, who are familiar with Smith's history; and their character is attested by the magistrates of those counties.

The following are some of the facts sworn to by these witnesses:

"That Joseph Smith, Jr., and his family, about the time he pretended to have discovered the book of Mormon, were known as 'fortune tellers,' and 'money diggers,' and that they often had recourse to tricks of juggling for the purpose of finding money which they said was hid in the earth.

"That the said Smith, up to that time, and after, was known as a wicked man, that he was a cheat, and a liar, and used profane language; that he was intemperate and quarrelsome.

"That his own father-in-law never had any condidence in him, and he was knowing to the manner in which Smith commenced his imposture in getting out what he called the book of Mormon.

"That Smith has, himself, confessed the cheat, and so has Martin Harris, one of his principle witnesses. Harris once said, 'What if it is a lie? If you will let me alone, I will make money out of it.'

"That Oliver Cowdery, another of the witnesses to Smith's book, was not a man of good character before he joined Smith in the cheat of Mormonism.

"That Smith and Martin Harris were in the habit of meeting together, often, just before the plates were said to be found, and were familiarly known in the neighborhood [as] the 'Gold Bible Company;' and they were regarded by the community, generally, as a lying, indolent set of fellows, in whom no confidence could be placed; and Joseph Smith, Jr.'s character for truth was so notoriously bad, that he could not be and was not believed when under oath.

"The wife of Martin Harris testifies, that he is both a cruel man and a liar, he having beat her and turned her out of his house.

"That Smith confessed his object in pretending to find the plates was to make money, saying, 'when completed, my family will be placed on a level above the generality of mankind.'

Such are some of the facts, which are proved beyond the possibility of confutation, by the affidavits of respectable witnesses, persons who were well acquainted with Joseph Smith, Jr. and his associates, both before and since the pretended discovery of the golden plates. And perhaps we cannot better close the investigation of this subject than by quoting a specimen of those testimonies. It is numerously signed, as will be seen, and by persons well acquainted with the "author and proprietor" of the book of Mormon.

PALMYRA, N. Y, Dec. 4, 1833.      

"We, the undersigned, have been acquainted with the Smith family, for a number of years, while they resided near this place, and we have no hesitation in saying, that we consider them destitute of that moral character, which ought to entitle them to the confidence of any community. They were particularly famous for visionary projects, spent much of their time in digging for money which they pretended was hid in the earth; and to this day, large excavations may be seen in the earth, not far from their residence, where they used to spend their time in digging for hidden treasures. Joseph Smith, Senior, and his son Joseph, were in particular, considered entirely destitute of moral character, and addicted to vicious habits.

"Martin Harris was a man who had acquired a handsome property, and in matters of business his word was considered good; but on moral and religious subjects, he was perfectly visionary -- sometimes advocating one sentiment, and sometimes another. And in reference to all with whom we were acquainted, that have embraced Mormonism from this neighborhood, we are compeled to say, were very visionary, and most of them destitute of moral character, and without influence in this community; and this may account why they were permitted to go on with their impositions undisturbed.

"It was not supposed that any of them were possessed of sufficient character or influence to make any one believe their book or their sentiments, and we know not of a single individual in this vicinity that puts the least confidence in their pretended revelations."

This last testimony is signed by more than fifty individuals who publish their names. And yet this awkward and silly scheme to make money by practising on the credulity of man, finds some adherants. Smith, Rigdon, and Harris, like Jemima Wilkinson and other cunning deceivers, have their followers! --   Presbyterian Advocate.


Note: The Spirit of Liberty was an obscure abolitionist paper published in Pittsburgh before the U. S. Civil War; it carried very few news items on the Mormons. The above article was reprinted from the Pittsburgh Presbyterian Advocate, a forerunner of the Presbyterian Banner. This little known paper should not be confused with its similarly-named contempories published in Pittsburgh, the secular Daily Advocate and the Methodists' Christian Advocate. The 1840s Pittsburgh Presbyterian Advocate was apparently a precurser to the 1850s Philadelphia Presbyterian Advocate. It is very probable that any Presbyterian newspaper published in Pittsburgh during the 1840s would have carried numerous articles on the Mormons, as well as an occasional article on local Presbyterian minister, Robert Patterson, Sr. An initial investigation into material reprinted from the Pittsburgh Presbyterian Advocate by other papers indicates that Rev. Patterson himself may have contributed more than one statement concerning Sidney Rigdon, Solomon Spalding, etc. to that publication in the early 1840s.

The Palmyra (Mo) Courier says that the rumor that Jo Smith, the Mormon prophet, had been killed in an affray near Nauvoo, by one of his fanatical followers, is not true. Jo Smith, it appears, quarreled with one of his followers about the amount of tithes the latter would pay for the use of the prophet. The result was, Jo Smith received a severe cowhiding.

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MORMONISM alias, TRUTH [1].

Defended against foul calumniating falsehoods and misrepresentations, that have been lately published in those respected columns, viz: -- "The Morning Chronicle," of the city of Pittsburgh, as copied from the "New York Watchman."

Respected Patrons and Readers of the above mentioned columns: Ladies and Gentlemen, -- you have been liberally served with a treat, such as it is, called "Mormonism Exposed." Be assured, respected reader, that we are not in the least discomposed, relative to the influence that the said publication may have with those who are of the sober, reading, dispassionate, and reflective class in society, who are also, long before this, well informed in the fact that whenever the God of heaven has set his hand, to introduce a dispensation of his will and purposes, that it always did meet with like skeptical opposition.

One grand evidence of the fact that what is called Mormonism is the work of the God of heaven, is this: -- We take our stand ecclesiastically on the broad platform of the eternity tried ROCK OF REVELATION, as set forth in those sacred books called the Old and New Testaments, and, for protection, to occupy these sacred grounds unmolested by human assassins, we take refuge under the broad folds of the star spangled banner of the Constitution and Laws of these United States of America. The only resort that has ever come under my notice, by the enemies of our holy religion, to prove it unholy, is set forth in the above stated publication; with the exception of those abuses, murder, robbery, and all that attendant train of evils, which are connected with the same, that I have been an eye-witness to, as practiced on the Saints, called Mormons, in the state of Missouri.

The only reason that I can give that the ministers of the age, such as the Editor of the New York Watchman, and others of the like character, do not attack us on scriptural grounds, is this; we have fairly and squarely, in their own cities and in their own hearing, by arguments adduced from the scriptures, driven them out of, and from the Book called the Bible, so effectually that, as far as scripture intelligence is concerned, it is our property and they DARE not meddle with it, in our case, to prove our religious sentiments false; and the only resort for comfort they have in their last death struggles and groans of their Babylonish religions, is slander, vituperation, virulence, &c., &c. If any should consider the above language to be somewhat harsh, I reply -- the nature of the calls for it, otherwise we would be more mild. Christ and his Apostles are our examples in this case. -- Read Matthew chapter 23.

I have the whole matter before me entitled "Mormonism Exposed," (as published in the Chronicle,) in pamphlet form, -- and inasmuch as I am restricted to confine my remarks to certain bounds in point of length, I shall not take up the matter as I would do if my circumstances or limits were more extended. The fact is, a falsehood can be uttered in twenty words, that would require one hundred or more words to refute. I shall therefore only notice such points as are calculated to show their own falsity on their own face, consequently hold up to public derision the character of him, whoever he or she may be, that has been the author of said pamphlet; printed and published in New York, at the office of the New York Watchman, 126 Fulton street, 1842.

I shall first notice the character of those Congressional documents, which are so copiously quoted in the pamphlet. In order to do this, I am under the delicate necessity of here introducing some letters of commendation of my humble self, to prepare the way to introduce some testimony of my own, of what I have verily heard and seen of those things to which those documents relate. -- As for the correctness or incorrectness of the quotations made from these documents, I shall not vouch, inasmuch as they have never come under my inspection; on this point I shall leave the reader to form his own opinion, and make his conclusions, when I have noticed the unhallowed manner the author has selected and put together those extracts, which he has made from our books: -- the Book of Mormon, and the Book of Doctrines and Covenants of the Latter-day Saints, -- in which testimony I shall feel myself bound under the most solemn obligation before God, to tell the truth and nothing but the truth, as I heard and saw the matter. Let it be strictly understood, that I make no claim to literary merit.
                                               JOHN E. PAGE.
ELDER of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, usually called Mormons.

(To be Continued.)

Note: Apostle John E. Page's 13-part serialized exposition, "Mormonism, Alias Truth" was never reprinted in pamphlet form by the LDS Church. The work constitutes an important example of early-1840s Mormon apologetics which should not be lost sight of, even though it is available only in the 1842 pages of the Pittsburgh Morning Chronicle and Iron City. Page's exposition effectively ended with its 12th installment in the July 12, 1842 issue of the Morning Chronicle, though Page wrapped up some loose ends in a conclusion printed in the same paper on July 20th. The unfolding public scandal concerning Joseph Smith and secret polygamy at Nauvoo no doubt caused Apostle Page to temporarily retreat from the field of newspaper article exchanges with the Pittsburgh anti-Mormons. The editor of the Chronicle avoided publicizing the 1842 battle over Pittsburgh Mormonism after July of that year.

MORMONISM alias, TRUTH [2].

Defended against foul calumniating falsehoods and misrepresentations, that have been lately published in those respected columns, viz: -- "The Morning Chronicle," of the city of Pittsburgh, as copied from the "New York Watchman."

First we notice the Congregational document. How did this document originate?

Answer -- By the transmission of the proceedings of a mock Court, spoken of in the next paragraph -- and I bid an unlimited, and unreserved defiance, to all the authorities of the state of Missouri, and the United States Congress, to make it appear to be any thing else; by the presentation of any document made by any Judicial Court, held in the state of Missouri, where the people called Mormons enjoyed the right as citizens and subjects of the state unmolested; to bring forward their witnesses in any lawful investigation of the charges brought them., such as murder, robbery, treason, theft, burglary, and such like conduct, for which it is ungenerously said that the Mormons was exterminated from the State. If there were any such individuals that were such, most assurdely there was law enough, and civil and military authority, and power enough, to have chastised the guilty, and protect the innocent, and not have barbarously and unconstitutionally wasted our means of living, and then driven us destitute, into the limits of another State, (Illinois,) to perish with hunger and cold, or live on the hospitality of strangers. The fact is, the whole matter from beginning to end, from Alpha to Omega, is too notorious (when all matters are considered that pertain to the Mormon difficulty with Missouri,) for such a document as referred tom to gull the people in the state of Illinois, except such as are so intoxicated with the spirit of mobocracy, that they are altogether unprepared to judge righteously in any manner, where our rights are concerned.

An extract taken from a pamphlet entitled, "An appeal to the American People, being an account of the persecutions of the church of Latter-Day Saints, and of the barbarities inflicted upon them by the inhabitants of the State of Missouri. By authority of said church, second edition, revised, A. D. 1840:

"Gen. Clark spent several days in searching the statutes of Missouri to find some authority to hold a court martial. (The troops said that he had promised when he left, that there were two or three that they should have the privilege of shooting before they returned.) But he could find none, and after a fruitless search of a number of days he came again to see us, and informed us that he would turn us over to the civil authorities for trial. Accordingly, the trial commenced; Austin A King on the bench, and Thomas C. Birch, attorney. This was surely a new kind of court -- it was not an inquisition nor yet a criminal court, but a compound between. A looker on would be convinced that both the judge and attorney were not satisfied that some or all of the prisoners had been guilty of some criminal act or acts, but on the contrary, that their object was to try by all means in their power to get some person to swear some criminal thing against us, though they knew we were innocent.

"The first act of the court was to send out a body of armed men to obtain witnesses without any civil process whatever; and after witnesses were brought before the court, they were sworn at bayonet point. -- Dr. Sampson Avard was the first brought before the court. He had previously told Mr. Oliver Olney, that if he (Olney) wished to save himself, he must swear hard against the heads of the church, as they were the ones the court wanted to criminate; and if he could swear hard against them, they would not (that is, neither court nor mob,) disturb him. I intend to do it, said he; in order to escape, for if I do not they will take my life. To aid him in this work, there was standing a body of armed men; a part of this armed body stood in the presence of the court to see that the witnesses swore right, and another part was scouring he county to drive out of it every witness that they could hear of, whose testimony would be favorable to the defendant. This course was kept up during the whole time of the court. If a witness did not swear to please the court, he or she would be threatened to be cast into prison. They never pleased the court when their testimony was favorable to the defendants. One instance is all the proof that need be adduced on this head. A man by the name of Allen was called on, he began to tell the story about Bogart's burning houses in the south part of Caldwell, he was kicked out of the house and three men took after him with loaded guns, and he hardly escaped with his life. Every witness that the defendants had, (that these creatures knew of, and they made diligent search to find all they could) were either arrested under pretention of some charge, or else driven off. When a witness did not swear to please the attorney (Birch) he would order them to be taken into custody, and they were immediately cast into prison, and the next morning they would be brought forward and tried again. Such was the course the court and their armed body pursued during their sittings till they got through; by such means they got men to swear for them, and to swear to most unhallowed falsehoods. It was indeed suborning witnesses to swear to promise a man's life if he would swear, and death or imprisonment if he did not swear, and not only to swear, but swear to please them.

"This matter of driving away witnesses or casting them into prison or chasing them out of the county, was carried to such a length that our lawyers, Gen. Doniphan and Amos Rees, told us not to bring our witnesses there at all, for if we did there would not be one of them left for the final trial, for no sooner would Bogart and his men know who they were than they would put them out of the county. As to making any impression on King, if a cohort of angels were to come down and declare we were clear, Doniphan said it would all be the same, for he (King) had determined from the beginning to cast us into prison; we never got the privilege of introducing our witnesses at all; if we had we could have disproved all they swore.

"We here must rather go back a little, for after Clark arrived at Far West he arrested a great many persons, an account of which will be found in the memorial of the citizens of Far West, to the Legislature of Missouri. Their trials also went on at the same time. One thing in relation to Clark's proceeding we forgot to mention -- we will insert it here. After he had arrived, some persons made application for a privilege to go and plunder houses for goods; this was readily granted, and under this authority, houses were plundered, locks broken, and property taken at pleasure -- all this without any civil process whatever.

"We will here give a specimen or two, of their swearing. We will first introduce Willliam W. Phelps. This said Phelps was angry at one of the prisoners, George W. Robinson, in consequence of a law suit existing between them. Phelps, we suppose, thought he had a fair opportunity now to take vengeance in swearing against him; so he swore that in Daviess county he saw George W. Robinson have a clock in his arms, There had been a clock found in some hazel bushes, somewhere in the neighborhood of Far West -- this clock a man in Daviess county swore to be his -- it was presented to Phelps and Phelps swore positively that that was the clock he saw George W. Robinson have in Daviess county. Now the truth is, that the clock which said Robinson had belonged to another man; who had it at that time, and has it at this, if he has not sold it; and it is now in Illinois. -- This Mr. Robinson could have proven if he could have introduced his witnesses. For this, he was bound over to appear at the county court, in the sum of one thousand dollars. Another by the name of Job, whose mother had gone to the house of Mr. Wright and swore a feather bed, which was in his house was her's. After she got away, she said she never had a bed since she lived in Daviess county; but she wanted one of 'old Wright's' beds. He [sic] came to the court to swear against Mr. Wight for stealing; and accordingly swore that his mother's bed was found in his house. The question was asked how he knew it was his mother's bed? He said he had slept upon it and he felt the stripes with his feet. His mother's bed had a striped tick, and the stripes went two ways, and he felt them with his feet, while lying in the bed. He was then asked if there was not a sheet on the bed under him? He said there was, but still he felt the stripes in the tick, through the sheet so distinctly that he knew that they went two ways, and that it was his mother's bed, and that was the way they found his mother's bed was there. Mr. Wight proved in the mean time, that that same bed had been in his house for many years. We give these as specimens of men's swearing. We might multiply them to a great number, but it would swell this narrative beyond the limits allowed it -- let so much suffice.

"The court at last closed, on the 29th of November, after a session of two weeks and three days, and during most of the time we were closely confined in chains. At the close of the court, and some few days before it closed, there were a considerable number of those who had been arrested by General Clark released. Out of that number was Amasa Lyman, Esq., who was one of the seven who had been carried to Jackson county, and from thence to Ray. They were either all released or admitted to bail, except Lyman Wight, Caleb Baldwin, Hyram Smith, Alexander McRae, Joseph Smith, Jr. and Sidney Rigdon; who were sent to Liberty, Clay county, to jail, to stand their trial for treason and murder. The treason for having whipped the mob out of Daviess county, and taking their cannon from them; and the murder, for the man killed in the Bogart battle. Also Parly P. Pratt; Morris Phelps, Luman Gibbs, Darwin Chase, and Norman Shearer; who were put into Richmond jail, to stand their trials for the same crimes. At this time the Legislature had commenced its session, and a memorial was presented to the Senate and House of Representatives to obtain a committee to investigate the whole affair pertaining to the Governor's order, the operations of the mob, and the conduct and operations of the militia while at Far West.

"After much legislation, disputation, and controversy, and angry speechifying; as the papers of Missouri, published at the time, abundantly testify, the petition and memorial were laid on the table until the July following; thus utterly refusing to grant the memorialists their request; thereby refusing to investigate the subject; and thus it stands to this day, uninvestigated by any legal authority."


Note: This second installment of Apostle Page's serialized exposition defending Mormonism presumably appeared in the non-extant Morning Chronicle of June 14, 1842. The text presented above has been reconstructed from its reprinting in the Iron City of June 18, 1842.

MORMONISM alias, TRUTH [3].

Defended against foul calumniating falsehoods and misrepresentations, that have been lately published in those respected columns, viz: -- "The Morning Chronicle," of the city of Pittsburgh, as copied from the "New York Watchman."

LETTERS  OF  COMMENDATION.

To Saints scattered abroad, to the nations of Europe, and to the World: Be it known unto you. That Elder John E. Page is fully authorized to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, and his testimony can be relied on; he is a man of unexceptionable character and received his authority and priesthood from under the hands of the presiding authorities of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, who were called by actual revelation from God, Therefore, God will bless him, and bear record by his power, thereby confirming his word and ministry. Thus testifieth your humble servants.

SIDNEY RIGDON,
HYRAM SMITH,
JOSEPH SMITH, JR. Quincy, Ill., June 3, 1839.

---

From the Governor of Illinois.

                                  QUINCY, Ill., April 30, 1840.
Having been informed that Rev's. Orson Hyde and John E. Page, elders in the church denominated Latter Day Saints, are about to depart on their mission to Europe -- and having heard the former gentlemen preach -- and having been made acquainted to some extent with the characters of both, it affords me pleasure to say, that I was much pleased with the sermon delivered by Mr. Hyde; and the reputation of both gentlemen for talent and christian-like deportment, so far as I have been made acquainted, are unexceptionable; and as such, believe them to be entitled to the respect and kind treatment of all.       (Signed)
                         THOMAS CARLIN,
                                 Governor of Illinois.

---

UNITED STATES OF NORTH AMERICA } ss.
                         State of Illinois,
I, Alexander P. Field, Secretary of State, of the State of Illinois, one of the United States of North America, and keeper of the great seal of said State, do hereby certify that Thomas Carlin, who took and signed the foregoing certificate, is now, and was at the time of signing the same, Governor of the State aforesaid, duly elected and qualified to office, with full power by the law of the State to issue certificates as aforesaid; that said certificate is in due form of law, and that full faith and credit are due his official attestations.

--------- | L.S. | ---------

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and the great seal of State, at the City of Springfield, this twenty-second day of May, in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and forty, and of the Independence of the United States, the sixty-fourth.

                    (Signed)                        A. P. FIELD,
                                                    Secretary of State.

---

I will here insert a brief account of what I saw and suffered in the Missouri tragedy, practiced on the Mormons, as they are called, by a ruthless banditti of marauders in the State of Missouri, in the fall season of the year 1838.

A man by the name of Henry Root, who was a large proprietor in the town plat of De Witt, on the North side of [the] Missouri river, some six or seven miles above the outlet of Grand river, which flowed into the Missouri river obliquely, partly from the North-west to the South-east, forming at the conjunction a point of land like a [heater]; we crossed Grand river near the outlet, at what was called the lower ferry; my company consisted of men, women, and children, of families various in their numbers, from the old men and women of 75 years to the helpless infant, sufficient with their goods to require thirty wagons for their conveyance; we had performed the long journey on land of some thirteen or fourteen hundred miles, having left the town called Hammond, in Lawrence county, New York, on the 14th day of May, 1838, and arrived in De Witt, I think it was, in the last week of September, some two or three days after our arrival, there was a company of eight wagons more with families, all Mormons, from near the same county, all my acquaintances; a man by the name of George McHinkle; and one by the name of John Murdock, who had purchased of Mr. Root one half of the town plot, and agreed with him to move there with their families, as soon as they conveniently could, in order to commence building up the place; accordingly in July following they moved to De Witt; soon after their arrival a settlement began to be made; the saints at the time were emigrating into the country in considerable numbers, and a portion of them stopped at De Witt. At the time stated my company arrived, making in all some seventy families; they bought considerable property such as farms and city property, and made arrangements to erect buildings and other conveniences for their comfort. Some short time after they first began, there was a mob meeting called at Carlton, the county seat of Carroll county, and resolutions passed of a very treasonable character; the proceedings of this meeting were published in the public papers; they there resolved to drive the saints out of the county, regardless of consequences; a committee was appointed to go and warn them of their danger, to demand of them that they should leave the county forthwith. All those transactions were public, and perfectly well known to the authorities of the county, but not the most distant attempt was made to bring any of them to justice; in consequence of the apathy of the government the mob went on, holding meeting after meeting, passing resolution after resolution, and threatening the saints with death, unless they would leave their homes and property, and go out of the county. These proceedings were all public and notorious. This mob was led [on by] two Presbyterian preachers, named Sashel Woods and ______ Hancock.

They did not attempt to charge the saints with crime, -- it was their religion, only, to which they took exception. The more effectually to accomplish their purposes, they sent to Jackson county (whence the saints were driven by a mob in the year 1833,) and got a cannon, said to be a six pounder. They also got balls and ammunition, with the cannon, in abundance. Bodies of armed men gathered in from all the adjoining counties, particularly Ray, Saline, Howard, Livingston, Clinton, Clay, Platt, and other parts of the State, to aid them. Among the number was a man by the name of Jackson, from Howard, who was appointed one of their leaders; he was called Capt. Jackson. The whole band collected and closely infested the place. A large portion of the people there had just arrived, and they were forbidden to go out of the place under pain of death; they were deprived of getting food or providing houses for themselves; the mob scuttled or sunk the ferry boat, on the lower ferry, and kept a guard over the upper ferry, so that we had the Missouri river on one side of us, and Grand river on the other side, and the mob came in front, rendering it impossible for us to get into the country, to purchase provisions, except at the risk of our lives. As fast as our cattle, horses, or any other property, got where they could get hold of it, it was carried off as spoils. If any of our people left town, on any occasion, they were shot at by layers-in-wait, who were stationed for that purpose. By these outrages our families were compelled to live in their waggons, or in tents, at least the greater part of them. Application was made to the Judge of the Circuit Court for deliverance, and two companies of militia were ordered out. One of the companies was commanded by Samuel Bogart, a Methodist Preacher. The whole were put under command of the Brigadier General Parks, but they never made the least attempt to disperse the mob.
                                  JOHN E. PAGE.

(To be Continued.)

---

For the Chronicle.     

Why has Elder John E. Page, in his communications of yesterday and the day before, taken no notice of the quotations from the Doctrines and Covenants, from the Book of Mormon, from the Voice of Warning, from Congressional Documents, quoted in the articles headed "Mormonism Exposed?" From Elder Page's former notice of these articles I had expected from him an exposure of the "falsehood" and "slander" contained in these quotations; but instead of that, we are furnished with a reprint of a pamphlet published by the Mormons, in relation to their troubles in Missouri. If I understand the matter, we have very little to do at present with the history of those troubles. We are interested to ascertain the truth -- the designs -- the spirit of that system called Mormonism. The questions are, is Mormonism of God? Is its design the good of mankind? Is its spirit a benignant one? Mormonism Exposed attempts from authentic documents to demonstrate that it is from the Devil -- that its designs are wicked, and that its spirit is malignant. Are the quotations furnished in "Mormonism Exposed" fairly and correctly made? If so, Mormonism is to be regarded and avoided as a pestilence. If these quotations are wrong, why does not Elder Page expose them?

A DISCIPLE.    

Notes: (forthcoming)

Joe Smith, Rigdon and several other leading Mormons, have applied for the benefit of the Bankrupt Law. Why don't Smith melt down the "golden plates" and pay his debts as an honest saint should? For a saint, Jo appears to have lived in a very extravagant style, as his debts are reported to exceed $100,000. -- Manufacturer.


Notes: (forthcoming)

MORMONISM alias, TRUTH [4].

Defended against foul calumniating falsehoods and misrepresentations, that have been lately published in those respected columns, viz: -- "The Morning Chronicle," of the city of Pittsburgh, as copied from the "New York Watchman."

When the people of De Witt enquired of Parks the reason of his conduct, he always replied that Bogart and his company were so mutinous and monocratic that he dare not venture to attempt a dispersion of the mob, saying that, if he did, Bogart and his company, instead of dispersing the mob, would unite with them. A messenger was sent with a petition to the Governor, requesting aid from him. The man who took the petition (Caldwell,) went and saw the Governor, and received for answer that the Mormons had got into a scrape, and they might fight it out, for he would have nothing to do with it. This was the return made to the citizens of De Witt, who found themselves pressed on very hard with difficulties, -- a mob threatening their lives, and not only threatening, but using all their efforts to take them; scouting parties were around in every direction, stealing cattle, horses, and all kinds of property that they could get. They set fire to a house owned by a man named Smith Humphrey, and burnt it to ashes, he and his family barely escaping with their lives. Numbers of the saints died for want of proper attendance in sickness, for they had been deprived from making any provision whatever for their families, many of whom were sick, laying in wagons and in tents, without any other shelter. Many females that were in delicate situations gave birth to children under these forbidding circumstances, and to crown all, their provisions were getting low, and they could see nothing but actual starvation before them, by continuing where they were. This, added to the sickness in our midst, made our case desperate indeed; our anguish, grief, pain, and trouble, were beyond the power of my pen to paint, in their full extent. I am sure the vile Hottentot would have shed a tear of sympathy in view of our distressed and forlorn condition. Where? Oh! where, was all this human suffering? In the free land of America! within the bounds of these United States! -- a land as were flowing with milk and honey! And for what? For nothing but that we were pleased to differ from our neighbors in our religious belief! I bid a bold defiance to all that dwell on the earth, to make it legally appear to be otherwise, relative to our case in De Witt. Yes, there was sister Eliza Maybee, with her infant, buried without a coffin! and my wife Lorain, of twenty-four years, and her two little once blooming sons -- Ephraim and George -- lying in one grave! and others whose blood has recorded their death as martyrs to their holy religion on Missouri's soil, to be read in this hearing of the high court of heaven, when Jesus of Nazareth will sit as Judge on the case -- and not Gov. Boggs nor Auston A. King -- nor yet the Editors of the New York Watchman, or any of like character, thank God! And yet after all the above stated suffering, (which there is not a man on the earth that dare to legally dispute,) the New York Watchman cries and says: "And what adds injury to insult is this" that they raise a long and loud cry of PERSECUTION, when people are only defending themselves against their unlawful affressions," and then asks his countrymen "whether they are prepared to allow those wolves in sheep's clothing to impose upon them, by the false cry of peace, when it is evident that they have only religion on their tongues, at the same time hold a dagger in their hands, and murder in their hearts."

Alas! alas! and has it come to this -- that a people, for merely differing from their neighbors in their religious belief, are to be persecuted unto death, and then be denominated plotters of treason, thieves, murderers, &c. And that, too, because they dare say they are "persecuted" while they groan under the lash of their afflicting foes. And that, too, for charges that have been legally investigated, before any judicial court under heaven, or on earth, to prove us guilty. Oh mercy! where has thou flown? has the throne of justice at last crumbled to the dust, so that mercy, that heaven born principle, has no place for her repose? Spirits of Washington, and his associates of seventy-six, deign ever to cast an eye once more on the American soil, where you have left your honorable, and yet sleeping remains, and behold the anguish of human suffering! I do most humbly hope that those gentlemen Editors, in whose bosom there yet remains one latent spark of justice and equity, that have given publicity to the article entitled "Mormonism Exposed," will also give publicity to this reply; by so doing they will confer a favor on a persecuted people and disabuse the public mind.

I shall next present some few extracts from a pamphlet entitled "Facts relative to the expulsion of the Mormons from the State of Missouri, under the Exterminating order, by John P. Green, an authorized representative of the Mormons, Cincinnati, printed by R. P. Brooks, 1839."

The reason I introduce those extracts above spoken of is as follows: It is well known (geographically) that, that flourishing business City called Quincy, (whose moral rectitude was exceeded by none in the Western country, at the time the Mormons were exterminated from the State of Missouri,) is situated immediately on the Eastern shore of the Mississippi river, (some fifty miles South of the latitude of the Northern boundary line of the State of Missouri,) in the State of Illinois.

Quincy was the place where the Mormons, in emigrating to the State of Missouri, crossed the river Mississippi, at least a considerable part of them. It was there also, that the Mormons, almost as a body, crossed the river again, when they fled from the State of Missouri to the State of Illinois, where they now reside, some fifty miles North of, or above Quincy, in the city of Nauvoo. From the peculiar location, character, and advantages of the city of Quincy it is but reasonable to suppose that its inhabitants must be fully acquainted with the character of the Mormons, both by actual experience, observation, and the press, inasmuch as it issued two very respectable papers at the time of the extermination of the Mormons. The citizens of Jefferson, Missouri, knew no more of the character of the Mormons, than the inhabitants of the city of Quincy did; therefore, whatever measure the city of Quincy, or its leading gentlemen, took relative to the Mormons, was done with their eyes open to all that pertained to the occasion, that the State of Missouri had to treat the Mormons with savage, yea more than yes, they are well prepared to form a just opinion of the character of that corrupt hearted individual or community, who organized the "Mormonism Exposed" or of the credit that congressional document referred to ought to receive from a candid, dispassionate and intelligent community. What then is the occasion of so much "fuss," or noise and bustle, about the Mormons? The great God of heaven has set to his hand to fulfil all his most holy words, as spoken by the prophets of the Old and New Testaments, and by so doing, the rottenness and folly of the religion of such ministers and characters as the author of "Mormonism Exposed," and those of his real image (in character,) viz: Liliburn W. Boggs, ex-Governor of Missouri, Sashel Woods, a Presbyterian preacher; Samuel Bogart, a Methodist preacher; Isaac McCoy, a Baptist preacher; and many others, that we might add with great propriety; their ecclesiastical ignorance, superstition, and folly, is exposed by the light of the eternal truth of God as preached by the Mormons, and the Lord is spoiling their pasture; as the high, or chief priests were to Christ so are such ministers as are above spoken of to the Mormons.
                                JOHN E. PAGE,
ELDER of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, usually called Mormons.

(To be Continued.)

---

For the Chronicle.     

MORMONISM. -- "A Disciple," -- Sir: -- I have known men before now get rich by minding their own business. All I have to do with the Congressional Documents, referred to, in "Mormonism Exposed," is to show that it originated under the influence and power of mobocracy, and consequently has no claim on public sentiment. We have clearly shown by the reprint of historical parts, that the witnesses were sworn and gave testimony at the point of the bayonet; and then testified to that which was false, to answer some nefarious design of their own -- or to please a mobocratic court. The above is a fact and you cannot refute it. I have seen men before that were fond of dictating to others, in matters not their own; go to Missouri, and you will find company of your own kidney.     JOHN E. PAGE.


Notes: (forthcoming)

For the Chronicle.     

In your paper of yesterday we are furnished with another lengthy article from Elder John E. Page, giving us the "flattering notices" of himself, promised us in his communication of the day previous, and also his account of the troubles in Missouri. -- Now, what have we to do with all this? The Governor of Illinois may have been "much pleased with the sermon of Mr. Hyde." but what of that? If he had ever said this much for Elder Page, what bearing ought it to have on the matters which interest this community? As Elder Page still shuns the question, I will take the liberty of placing one or two items of Mormonism where they properly stand, opposite christianity -- thus:

"Nevertheless thine enemy is in thine hand and if thou reward him according to his work thou art justified: if he has sought thy life and thy life is endangered by him, thine enemy is in thine hand and thou art justified. -- Doc. and Cov. p. 218. "Let us resist evil and whatsoever evil we cannot resist with our words, yea, such as rebellion and dissentions, let us resist them with our swords." - Book of Mormon p. 399 "Confound your enemies; call upon them to meet you both in public and private." Book of Mormon p. 225.

"Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you and pray for them that dispitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be the children of your Father which is in heaven." -- Mat. v, 44 & 45. "But I say unto you that ye resist not evil, but whosoever shall smite thee on the right cheek turn to him the other also," etc. -- Mat. v, 39. "If thine enemy hunger feed him, if he thirst give him drink." -- Romans. 12 20.

Will Elder Page inform us if these quotations are correct?     A DISCIPLE.

MORMONISM alias, TRUTH [5].

Defended against foul calumniating falsehoods and misrepresentations, that have been lately published in those respected columns, viz: -- "The Morning Chronicle," of the city of Pittsburgh, as copied from the "New York Watchman."

Copy of a Military Order by the Governor of Missouri.

HEAD QUARTERS OF THE MILITIA }
CITY OF JEFFERSON, Oct. 27th, 1838.    }

SIR: -- Since the order of the morning to you, directing you to cause four hundred mounted men, to be raised within your division, I have received by Amos Rees, Esq., and Wiley E. Williams, Esq., one of my aids, information of the most appalling character, which changes entirely the whole face of things, and places the Mormons in the attitude of an avowed defiance of the laws, and of having made war upon the people of the State. Your orders are therefore, to hasten your operations and endeavor to reach Richmond in Ray county, with all possible speed. The Mormons must be treated as enemies, and must be exterminated, or driven from the State, if necessary for the public good. Their outrages are beyond all description. If you can increase your force, you are authorized to do so, to any extent you think necessary. I have just issued orders to Maj. General Wallock, of Marion county, to raise 500 men and to march them to the northern part of Daviess, and there to unite with General Doniphan, of Clay, who has been ordered with 500 men to proceed to the same point, for the purpose of intercepting the retreat of the Mormons to the North. They have been directed to communicate with you by express. You can also communicate with then if you find it necessary. Instead therefore, of proceeding, as at first directed, to re-instate the citizens of Daviess in their homes, you will proceed immediately to Richmond, and there operate against the Mormons. Brig. Gen. Parks, of Ray, has been ordered to have four hundred of his brigade in readiness to join you at Richmond. The whole force will be placed under your command.
                                               L. W. BOGGS,
                                 Gov. and Commander-in-chief.
   To General Clark.

---

The following address, was delivered at Far West, by Maj. Gen. Clark, to the Mormons, after they had surrendered their arms and themselves prisoners of war:

"Gentlemen -- You whose names are not attached to this list of names, will now have the privilege of going to your fields to obtain corn for your families, wood, &c. -- Those that are now taken, will go from thence to prison -- be tried, and receive the due demerit of their crimes -- but you are now at liberty, all but such as charges may be hereafter preferred against. It now devolves upon you to fulfill the treaty that you have entered into, the leading items of which I now lay before you. The first of these you have already complied with, which is, that you deliver up your leading men to be tried according to law. Second, that you deliver up your arms -- this has been attended to. The third is, that you sign over your properties to defray the expenses of the war -- this you have also done. Another thing yet remains for you to comply with, that is, that you leave the State forthwith, and whatever your feelings concerning this affair -- whatever your innocence, it is nothing to me. Gen. Lucas, who is equal in authority with me, has made this treaty with you. I am determined to see it executed. The orders of the Governor to me, were, that you should be exterminated, and not allowed to continue in the State, and had your leader not been given up and the treaty complied with before this, you and your families would have been destroyed, and your houses in ashes.

"There is a discretionary power vested in my hands which I shall try to exercise for a season. I did not say that you shall go now, but you must not think of staying here another season or of putting in crops; for the moment you do, the citizens will be upon you. I am determined to see the Governor's Message fulfilled, but shall not come upon you immediately -- do not think that I shall act as I have done any more -- but if I have to come again, because the treaty which you have made here shall be broken, you need not expect any mercy, but extermination -- for I am determined the Governor's order shall be executed. As for your leaders, do not once think -- do not imagine for a moment -- do not let it enter your mind, that they will be delivered, or that you will see their faces again, for their fate is fixed, their die is cast -- their doom is sealed.

"I am sorry, gentlemen, to see so great a number of apparently intelligent men found in the situation that you are; -- and oh! that I could invoke the spirit of the unknown God to rest upon you, and deliver you from that awful chain of superstition, and liberate you from those fetters of fanaticism with which you are bound. I would advise you to scatter abroad and never again organize with Bishops, Presidents, &c, lest you excite the jealousies of the people, and subject yourselves to the same calamities that have now come upon you. You have always been the aggressors, you have brought upon yourselves these difficulties by being disaffected, and not being subject to rule -- and my advice is that you become as other citizens, lest by a recurrence of these events you bring upon yourselves irretrievable ruin."
                                JOHN E. PAGE,
ELDER of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, usually called Mormons.

(To be Continued.)

Notes: (forthcoming)

Gov. Bogg's wounds are said to he healing as fast as is desirable. He is considered out of danger.

---

For the Chronicle.     

It is a favorite adage of Elder John E. Page, "The wounded bird is the first to flutter." Has my short note of the 14th stripped this bird of its borrowed feathers, or broken a wing, or what, that it makes such a chattering? In other words, why is it that Elder John E. Page declines to show to this community the falsehood of the quotations made from his own books, and from Congressional Documents, in the pamphlet entitled "Mormonism Exposed," lately copied into the "Morning Chronicle" of this city? The public expect this at his hands, and that too on the strength of his promises -- why then, does he lose his good nature, and forget the courtesy due to a respectful enquiry, when called on with so reasonable a request? Does Elder John E. Page imagine that this community will accept of abuse towards "A Disciple" in discharge of his previous promises and threats? Come, come, Elder, admit the truth of the quotations made in "Mormonism Exposed," or prove them false. I now, to you, and to this community, pledge myself to sustain them. What say you -- will you join issue? I intend to make it my business to mind you for a little while. One word in conclusion -- What has become of Martin Harris and Sampson Avard? Are "Turkey Buzzards" plenty in the vicinity of Nauvoo?

A DISCIPLE.    

Notes: (forthcoming)

The Palmyra (Mo.) Courier says that the rumor that Jo Smith, the Mormon propher, had been killed in a fray near Nauvoo, by one of his fanatical followers, is not true. Jo Smith, it appears, quarrelled with one of his followers about the amount of tithes the latter would pay for the use of the prophet. The result was, Jo Smith received a severe cowhiding.


Note: Reprinted from the Morning Chronicle of Monday, June 13, 1842.

For the Chronicle.     

The impudence of some men is truly surprising. How can Elder John E. Page hold up his head in this orderly community as a good citizen, much less as a preacher, and least of all as an apostle, (all of which he claims to be,) with such facts as the following staring him full in the face? Facts authenticated under all the solemnities of an oath, and recorded and laid up among the Congressional archives of our country. Is Elder Page entirely lost to all sense of shame? or is assassination a virtue in Mormonism?

Let it be borne in mind that these are the people who claim to be endowed with the spirit of God, and in a much higher sense than christians, that they profess to work miracles -- to converse with angels -- to have seen God, and a thousand other things equally ridiculous and false. Look then at these unparalleled pretensions on the one hand, following unheard of atrocities on the other, and then estimate the true character of Mormonism.

The following quotations are made from a Congressional document, printed by order of the Senate of the United States in February, 1841, No. 189:

Mr. Rigdon then commenced making covenants with uplifted hands. "The first was, that if any man attempted to move out of the county, or pack up their things for that purpose, that any man then in the house, seeing this, without saying any thing to any other person, should 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 of him should be left but his bones." This measure was carried in the form of a covenant with uplifted hands.

"The next covenant, 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 covenant was, "conceal all these things."

Mr. Rigdon then observed that "yesterday a man had slipped his wind," and said he, "the man that lisps it shall die."

Horrible! horrible!! horrible!!! My soul sickens at the reading of such awful wickedness.

If the righteous indignation of a moral people could be awakened a few years since by the story of the abduction of one man, what must be the feeling produced when we are assured, upon the highest authority, that there is in our country a band of religious fanatics banded together by oaths to assassinate unoffending men. Who is safe if such things are tolerated. And shall we quietly permit the vile emissaries of such a diabolical banditti to come among us enlisting associates under the hypocritical pretence of religion. "By their fruits ye shall know them."

A DISCIPLE.    

---

For the Chronicle.     

MORMONISM alias, TRUTH [6].

Defended against foul calumniating falsehoods and misrepresentations, that have been lately published in those respected columns, viz: -- "The Morning Chronicle," of the city of Pittsburgh, as copied from the "New York Watchman."

Messrs. Editors: -- At the request of my friends, or at least those in whom I have confided as friends, I have written an account of my troubles and losses in the State of Missouri. I went to Missouri to procure land for myself and children. I entered two hundred acres of land and settled on it with the intention of living in peace with all men; and we lived in peace and harmony until the fourth of November, when a worthless mob came and scattered all our joys. It was Sunday, late in the afternoon, they came to one of my buildings, (which was evacuated, but part of my goods were in it,) and burned it with its contents to the ground, except a few articles which they carried off. They then came to my son-in-law's, where he was at home with his wife and child, and ordered him from his own house and home. They next came to my house to order me from my own house and land. My son-in-law started to come to my house to see what they intended to do to me and my family -- the ruffians ordered him back -- he would not go back, but told them he had disturbed no one, had violated no law, and always reverenced and supported the government of the United States -- he therefore contended that he had a right to go where he pleased. One of them spoke and said, "you are d---d liar," and got down from his horse and struck him with a rock. My son-in-law then went up to him and threw him down, a second one then broke a club over him, and the third one presented a gun and fired at him, but we do not know whether the ball hit him or not, as he was so shamefully bruised with a gun which they broke over him, that the doctors could not tell whether the ball had entered his scull or not. When they were murdering him in this awful manner, oh! it makes my heart lament to think of it, his wife with uplifted hands and streaming eyes begged of them to spare his life, but they took no notice of her lamentations, and regarded here as a mere reptile beneath their feet, and continued to beat him over the head with a gun until they burst the brains from his scull. After thus inhumanly mangling him they mounted their horses and bawled out to us to begone by early breakfast time the next morning or they would kill every one of us. When his wife had recovered and come to herself, in the agony of her soul she exclaimed, oh my father, my companion is killed, -- yes, replied ruffians, with horrible oaths, your companion is killed, and we will kill more of your companions. These barbarous villains then rode off laughing at our distress. After some ten or fifteen minutes we raised him up and gave him some water, which caused him to revive a little; we then took him to the house and laid him down and began to make preparations for starting. It was then dark, and in getting ready to start we all happened to be out of the house except my little grand-daughter, who on seeing her father in this miserable condition, left her seat and sat down by him, and wept as if she participated in his misery; she was only three years old. It was about one hour in the night when we got ready to start -- although the moon shone bright it was a dreary day to us. I was at the stable when the mob came in sight; two of my daughters came to me, and although most distracted, prevailed on me not to go near them or say a word or we should all be murdered. In this wretched condition we moved off, leaving our houses, homes, and all property to be filched and destroyed by a lawless set of demons in human form. We went four miles from home that night, carrying my son-in-law, whose misery was past description. In the morning we went back for our cows and other property, but the mob who had augmented and collected n the spot refused to let us have our cows, but said if we would come back and say nothing we might have part of our household goods, but the rest of our property they intended to keep to pay the destruction of property in Davies county; so they kept the whole and divided it among themselves. --

When the news came back that we could get nothing, it was distressing to all, for we left in such a confused state we took nothing for ourselves or horses. We took neither bread or meat, or even a fowl, or any necessary article of the kind, although we had plenty that we had left. The mob then burned my three houses, my stable and crib., which contained about 100 bushels of corn, the rest was in the field. There were many of them I did not know, but six of them that I did know I will mention, viz. Benjamin Clark, Jesse Clark, Atherton Wethers, Peliman Ellis, John Gardner, of Charlton county, and Jesse Hase, of Elk township. Thus, an old man, almost three-score years old, and a cripple, with a set of helpless women and my son-in-law, spent that night and the next day until noon alone in the wilderness. At that time my other son-in-law, with his wife and three small children came to us as we were crossing the creek in Macon county. A melancholy sight it was for them to behold their father, mother, and sisters driven from home wandering in the desert, and the still more heart-rending sight was to see their kinsmen thus brutally slaughtered, weltering in his own blood and destitute of any place to lay his mangled body, except on the ground in the howling wilderness.     PETER WIMMER.

Messrs. Editors: -- The undersigned, residents of Adams county, Illinois, in presenting the above, think it our duty to say, that the said Mr. Wimmer has lived close by us for about two months, and we can consider him in no other way than an honest and industrious citizen. He wishes us to say that he is willing to testify to the above, yea, and even more than is stated; his family also say the same. Now Messrs. Editors, there are two questions which naturally present themselves to us; the first is, why were these people thus barbarously treated and driven from their homes? All the answer we can give is, it was pretended that they were Mormons. The truth of the case appears to be this, two of the family, both females, believe in most of the doctrines held by the Latter Day Saints, or Mormons, but they did not assemble with the Mormons in a religious, defensive or warlike capacity. The second question is, upon what pretext do these wretches seize to shield them from justice? (That they were in every sense of the word a mob is apparent, as they had no officers and were not organized in any way except this, the men who were most inhuman and desperate should be their leaders.) The answer is, Executive order, yes, Executive order -- the more than savage order of extermination, as given by Gov. Boggs. That Boggs did give such orders is apparent from the address of Maj. Gen. Clark, at Far West. -- The General says, "the orders of the Governor to me were, that you (Mormons) should be exterminated and not allowed to remain in the State," etc. Now, that under this brutal order all manner of misconduct and barbarity has been condescended to, is a point that we think requires no proof, except what is before the public. The conclusion is, then, that the Executive is responsible, and ought to be held accountable for the great loss of property and lives.
                                              S. J. Comfort.
                                              D. A. Miller.

PITTSBURGH. June 18th, 1842.     

Respected Reader: -- I have the following reason to believe the above statements concerning Mr. Wimmer to be true; I called on Mr. Wimmer, near the last of April, 1840, who was then living near Messrs. S. J. Comfort and D. A. Miller; there I examined the head of Mr. Wimmer's son-in-law, and found on the side of his head a cavity, which he said was caused by a blow from a rifle, sufficient to receive one half of the thickness of a common rifle barrel; he was at that time severely afflicted with a spasmodic affection of the nerves, no doubt occasioned by the blow.     JOHN E. PAGE.


To "A Disciple:" -- You asked me if the quotations you made from the Book of Mormon and Book of Covenants were correct? This is to say relative to the pages where they occur, except the last, which ought to read Book of Covenants, they are correct. But as regards the sentences quoted, there is as much justice done to them in detaching them from their connection, as the following would be, and no more.

"My son. if sinners entice thee, consent thou. -- Prov. 1, 10.
Judas departed, and went and hanged himself. -- Math. xxvii, 5.
Go thou and do likewise. -- Luke x. 37.
Let him that stole steal. -- Eph. iv. 28.
Men stealers. -- ! Tim. 1, 10.
To the respected reader: you will readily see by referring to the above quotations from the Scriptures, that they are detached from their connection, so that the true meaning is not conveyed; this is given as an example, to show the community that the Scriptures can be wickedly perverted, as our Books have been, and are, by "A Disciple/" A question to the candid: -- Is it wicked or not to pervert sentences to suppress the truth? What is your real name, Mr. "Disciple?" Be a man, do -- if you are but a small one!

The difference of the circumstances of "A Disciple" is this: The Scriptures are of universal extent, having had the advantages of centuries, while the Book of Mormon and the Book of Doctrine and Covenants have had only 12 years. When the Scriptures are perverted it can be detected by the reader, -- when our Books are perverted, it must stand so till the people can obtain copies of them.
                                JOHN E. PAGE,
ELDER of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, commonly called Mormons.



Notes: (forthcoming)

For the Chronicle.     

There is in the Mormon Church, a band called the "Danite Band," comprised of the members of that church, and bound together by the following oath:

"Now I do solemnly swear, by the eternal Jehovah, that I will decree to hear and conceal, and never reveal this secret, at the peril of committing perjury, arid the pains of death, and my body to he given to be shot at and laid in the dust. Amen."

This band has its signs, and is bound to assist one another, right or wrong -- to swear for one another, and in the event of one of them deserting, to kill him privately, wherever they may chance to meet him!

This band executes the orders of the Presidency of the church on dissenters from the Mormon faith, in putting them to death, and casting their bodies into "the hazlebrush to become food for turkey buzzards."

If it be a good rule that the value of any system is to be ascertained from its results, what are we forced to think of Mormonism, which while it affects to clothe itself in the spotless robes of christianity, is found polluted with innocent blood and enriched with the plunder of unoffending citizens? The Lord deliver the country from such a curse.

A DISCIPLE.    

---

For the Chronicle.     

MORMONISM alias, TRUTH [7].

Defended against foul calumniating falsehoods and misrepresentations, that have been lately published in those respected columns, viz: -- "The Morning Chronicle," of the city of Pittsburgh, as copied from the "New York Watchman."

                        QUINCY, (Illinois,) May 28, 1839.
To all whom it may concern.

The undersigned, citizens of Quincy, Illinois, take great pleasure in recommending to the favorable notice of the public, the bearer of this, John P. Greene. Mr. Greene is connected with the Church of "Mormons," or "Latter Day Saints," and makes a tour to the east for the purpose of raising means to relieve the sufferings of this unfortunate people; stripped as they have been of their all, and now scattered throughout this part of our state. We say to the charitable and benevolent, you need have no fears but your contributions in aid of humanity will be properly applied, if entrusted to the hands of Mr. Greene. He is authorized by his Church to act in the premises, and we most cordially bear testimony to his piety and worth as a citizen.
                  Very Respectfully Yours.
SAMUEL HOLMES, Merchant.
I. N. MORRIS, Att'y. at Law and Ed. of Argus.
THOMAS CARLIN, Governor of State of Illinois.
RICH'D M. YOUNG, U. S. Senator.
L. V. RALSTON, M.D.
SAMUEL LEECH, Receiver of Public Moneys.
HIRAM ROGERS, M. D.
J. T. HOLMES, Merchant.
NICHOLAS WREN, County Clerk.
C. M. WOODS, Clerk of Circuit Court, Adams Co., Ill.

---

Facts relative to the Expulsion of the Mormons from the State of Missouri.

THE MORMONS, OR LATTER DAY SAINTS.

We give in to-day's paper the details of the recent bloody tragedy acted in Missouri -- the details of a scene of terror and blood unparalleled in the annals of modern, and under the circumstances of the case, in ancient history -- a tragedy of so deep, and fearful, and absorbing interest, that the very life-blood of the heart is chilled at the simple contemplation. We are prompted to ask ourselves if it be really true, that we are living in an enlightened, a humane and civilized age -- in an age and quarter of the world boasting of its progress in every thing good, and great, and honorable, and virtuous, and high-minded -- in a country of which, as American citizens, we could be proud -- whether we are living under a Constitution and Laws, or have not rather returned to the ruthless times of the stern Atilla -- to the times of the fiery Hun, when the sword and flame ravaged the fair fields of Italy and Europe, and the darkest passions held full revel in all the revolting scenes of unchecked brutality, and unbridled desire?

We have no language sufficiently strong for the expression of our indignation and shame at the recent transaction in a sister State -- and that State of Missouri -- a State of which we had long been proud, alike for her men and history, but now so fallen, that we could wish her star stricken out from the bright constellation of the Union. We say we know of no language sufficiently strong for the expression of our shame and abhorrence of her recent conduct. She has written her own character in letters of blood -- and stained it by acts of merciless cruelty and brutality that the waters of ages cannot efface. It will be observed that an organized mob, aided by many of the civil and military officers of Missouri, with Gov. Boggs at their head, have been the prominent actors in this business, incited too, it appears, against the Mormons by political hatred, and by the additional motives of plunder and revenge. They have but too well put in execution their threats of extermination and expulsion, and fully wreaked their vengeance on a body of industrious and enterprising men, who had never wronged, nor wished to wrong them, but on the contrary had ever comported themselves as good and honest citizens, living under the same laws and having the same right with themselves to the sacred immunities of life, liberty, and property.

---

Proceedings in the town of Quincy for the purpose of affording relief to the people usually denominated "The Latter-day Saints."

                            WEDNESDAY, Feb. 27, 1839.}
                            6 o'clock, P. M.                     }
The members of the Democratic Association, and the citizens of Quincy generally, assembled in the court house to take into consideration the state and condition of the people called "The Latter-day Saints," and organized the meeting by appointing General Leach chairman, and James D. Morgan secretary.

Mr. Whitney from the committee appointed at a former meeting, submitted the following resolutions:

Resolved, That the strangers recently arrived here from the State of Missouri, known by the name of "The Latter-day Saints," are entitled to our sympathy and kindest regard, and that we recommend to the citizens of Quincy to extend to them all the kindness in their power to bestow, as persons who are in affliction.

Resolved, That a numerous committee be raised, composed of some individuals in every quarter of the town and its vicinity, whose duty it shall be to explain to our misguided fellow-citizens, if any such there be, who are disposed to excite prejudices and circulate unfounded rumors; and particularly to explain to them, that these people have no design to lower the wages of the laboring class, but to procure something to save them from starving.

Resolved, That a standing committee be raised, and be composed of individuals who shall immediately inform Mr. Rigdon and others, as many as they may think proper, of their appointment; and who shall be authorized to obtain information from time to time, and should they be of opinion that any individuals, either from destitution or sickness, or if they find them houseless, that they appeal directly and promptly to the citizens of Quincy to furnish them with the means to relieve all such cases.

Resolved, That the committee last aforesaid, be instructed to use their utmost endeavors to obtain employment for all these people who are able and willing to labor, and also to afford them all needful, suitable, and proper encouragement.

Resolved, That we recommend to all the citizens of Quincy, that in all their intercourse with the strangers, that they use and observe a becoming decorum and delicacy, and be particularly careful not to indulge in any conversation or expressions calculated to wound their feelings, or in any way to reflect upon those, who, by every law of humanity, are entitled to our sympathy and commiseration.

All which is submitted.

                       J. W. WHITNEY, Ch'n.
Quincy, Feb. 17, 1839.

---

                        THURSDAY EVENING, Feb. 28.
Met pursuant to adjournment.

The meeting was called to order by the chairman.

On motion of Mr. Morris, a committee of three was appointed to take up a collection; Messrs. J. T. Holmes, Whitney, and Morris, were appointed.

The committee subsequently reported that $48.25 cents had been collected.

On motion, the amount was paid over to the committee on behalf of the Mormons.

On motion of Mr. Holmes, a committee of three, consisting of S. Holmes, Bushnell, and Morris, were appointed to draw up subscription papers and circulate them among the citizens, for the purpose of receiving contributions in clothing and provisions.

On motion, six were added to that committee.

On motion of J. T. Holmes, J. D. Morgan was appointed a committee to wait upon the Quincy Greys, for the purpose of receiving subscriptions.

Mr. Morgan subsequently reported that twenty dollars had been subscribed by that company.

The following resolutions were then offered by Mr. J. T. Holmes:

Resolved, That we regard the rights of conscience as natural and inalienable, and the most sacred guaranteed by the constitution of our free government.

Resolved, That we regard the acts of all mobs as flagrant violations of law, and those who compose them, individually responsible, both to the laws of God or man for every depredation committed upon the property, rights, or life of any citizen.

Resolved, That the inhabitants upon the western frontier of the state of Missouri in their late persecutions of the class of people denominated Mormons, have violated the sacred rights of conscience, and every law of justice and humanity.

Resolved, That the Governor of Missouri, in refusing protection to this class of people when pressed upon by an heartless mob, and turning upon them a band of unprincipled militia, with orders encouraging their extermination, has brought a lasting disgrace upon the state over which he presides.

The resolutions were supported in a spirited manner by Messrs. Holmes, Morris and Whitney.

On motion the resolutions were adopted.
On motion the meeting then adjourned.

                       SAMUEL. LEACH, Ch'n.
J. D. MORGAN, Sec'ry.

---

We might have quoted much more interesting matter from Mr. Green's pamphlet, which would go to exhibit the views and philanthropic feelings which the respected gentlemen, and citizens, of the city of Quincy, manifested in their treatment towards oppressed Mormons. The above must suffice, knowing the limits allowed us will not admit any more, -- and that our readers are looking for some thing, relative to the Book of Mormon and Book of Doctrine and Covenants.

Being then encompassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses we, the Latter-day Saints, still feel that we are in duty bound to lift up our heads and rejoice, fully believing that we have nothing to fear relative to what influence the document referred to may have on the honest part of the community, while the Press stands open to the investigation of both sides of the case, fully believing that the feelings, and views of the Rt. Hon. Gov. Thomas Carlin, and all other gentlemen of the City of Quincy, whose signatures are given to the world, to show that they are not in the least reluctant to assert the rights, and defend the cause of the innocent Mormons, and hear the plaintive cries of the suffering and hasten to their relief, and thus act the noble part of the "good Samaritan."

Respected reader, your humble servant feels the most implicit confidence in the candor of an enlightened and unprejudiced community, that inasmuch as it remains a matter yet to be proved before legal authority, that the Mormons are guilty of those crimes set forth in the documents to which the Editor of the New York Watchman refers, that the facts that I have set forth, which I boldly and fearlessly declare to be facts that cannot be refuted, that as long as the names of those gentlemen, Gov. Thomas Carlin and others, of the city of Quincy, such as Doctors, Attorneys, Merchants, &c., stand forth before the public, testifying to the facts, "that the Gov. of Missouri, in refusing protection to this class of people, when pressed upon by a heartless mob, and turning upon them a band of unprincipled Militia with orders encouraging their extermination, has wrought a lasting disgrace upon the State over which he presides," will bury in eternal infamy and disgrace that Congressional Document, referred to for proof to establish falsehoods relative to the character of the inoffensive Mormons, as a body. So, adieu to that "Document" for the present; I shall notice the "Book of Mormon," and "Book of Doctrine and Covenants," referred to in "Mormonism Exposed."
                                JOHN E. PAGE,
ELDER of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, commonly called Mormons.

(To be Continued)

Notes: (forthcoming)

For the Chronicle.     

To a Disciple. -- "Judge, you can't come it." You and I are in the city of Pittsburgh, which is one of the first in the list of good morals when compared with the moral character of cities of the world. The vigilant eye of the authorities as well as the community, are upon us both, and can easily discern who first moves towards the commission of acts of violence. The good sense of the community will say that your remarks of Monday last were uncalled for and quite out of place. All I ask is my rights as an American, a freeman, and a citizen, and with confidence unshaken by your unhallowed vituperations, I shall hold up my head as a freeman, and how will you help yourself? I was about to make an appeal to the authorities, yet it is not necessary as yet. The good sense of this community has thus far secured to us our rights, and the authorities are diligent to their duty, and why should Mormons fear in this city? Astonishing! astonishing!! astonishing!!! that a Disciple should, like a turkey buzzard, (who lives on nothing else but putrid flesh,) so long subsist on an old putrefied mobocrat document, which is nothing else but a nauseous effluvia in the nostrils of all true-hearted freemen, who justly appreciate the nature and design of our free Republic, which is first to prove a man guilty before we condemn him, and that too before a free and lawful court, where the accuser and the accused can, without fear or molestation, implead their case according to law and evidence. Mr. "A Disciple," first show that the testimony, setting forth the turkey buzzard story was given when, and where, and under circumstances, that the Mormons did enjoy the right and privilege, as freemen, to bring forward their witnesses unmolested, to prove and disprove, as the nature of the case required -- and then, and not till then, will your frequent references to a mobocratic document appear with grace on its face, except to those who are so much like yourself, that every wicked assertion and vile vituperation, coming from the mouth of any ragamuffin, is considered valid and good testimony, so that it is against the Mormons.

Mr. Disciple, the people of Quincy would look with contempt on you, did you live there, and was not hid under some assumed fictitious name. Come out here with your real name. A Disciple should not be afraid of committing himself, especially if he is not ashamed of himself nor his mobocratic document. As it respects my claim to the Apostleship, it is no more than every other man makes that professes to be an ambassador of Christ, sent of Christ, inasmuch as sent of Christ signifies the same as an Apostle of Christ, -- let him therefore that is not an Apostle of Christ, consider that he is not sent of Christ, therefore is running before he is sent, therefore is without the Priesthood authority of Christ. As it respects those spiritual gifts of which you spoke, we make no higher claim to them than all other saints have done that the Bible gives us any account of. I believe, if we pretend to be saints at all, of being saints according to the patterns of saints, (the New Testament.) As it respects other creeds, I shall not submit to them as a religious faith till the Lord requires it at my hand.
                        JOHN E. PAGE.

---

For the Chronicle.     

Hezekiah McKune states that in conversation with Joseph Smith, jr., he (Smith) said he was nearly EQUAL TO JESUS CHRIST. That he was the greatest prophet that had ever arisen. Mr. [Lewis] also testifies that he heard Smith say, he (Smith) said he was AS GOOD AS JESUS CHRIST. Sophia [Lewis] testifies to the same declaration, namely, "that he (Smith) WAS AS GOOD AS JESUS CHRIST." Reader, ponder these shockingly blasphemous pretensions of this vile impostor, and then look at his abandoned character as disclosed with the following testimony:

Alva Hale testifies that Smith told him "that this peeping was all d____d nonsense." Levi Lewis testifies that he has heard Smith say "that ADULTERY was no crime." That he "knows him to be A LIAR."That he "saw him INTOXICATED THREE TIMES while he was composing the Book of Mormon." That he "heard Martin Harris say he did not blame Smith for his attempts to SEDUCE Eliza Winters." Other witnesses testify to the same things, but the following will suffice at present, to show to the world the true character of this infamous pretender:

James C. Owens testified, -- "I heard Joseph Smith, jr., in a speech to the Mormon troops, say (speaking of the Missourians,) that they were A DAMNED set, and God should DAMN them, so help him Jesus Christ. He swears considerably, and observes that they might think that he was swearing, but that God Almighty would not take notice of him in cursing such a DAMNED SET, that they were all a DAMNED SET of mobs." -- Very like a prophet! The devil has his prophets. Will Elder Page undertake to deny the truth of the above statements, or if so, is his denial worth any thing? Is he not interested in the ultimate success of this nefarious scheme? That he knows it to be false, I have no doubt, and if I had any, his unwillingness to bring Mormonism to the light in a fair and manly discussion, would remove that doubt forever. But Mr. Page has embarked every thing in this enterprise on the credulity and wretchedness of his fellow men, and he feels himself obliged to labor for its triumph. If it fails he is ruined; if it succeeds he is made up. Is this not true, Elder?     A DISCIPLE.

For the Chronicle.     

MORMONISM alias, TRUTH [8].

Defended against foul calumniating falsehoods and misrepresentations, that have been lately published in those respected columns, viz: -- "The Morning Chronicle," of the city of Pittsburgh, as copied from the "New York Watchman."

(Continued:)

According to our last notice we are to say something concerning the Book of Mormon and the Book of Doctrine and Covenants, and exhibit to the public gaze the wicked manner in which these Books are treated by those who profess to believe in the supremacy of the scriptures, and, consequently make a professional show to the world that they love the truth; where as it is evident on the face of their own productions, that they are makers and lovers of lies, so that after all that is said concerning the doctrine or principles of the Mormons, the public does not know any more concerning the truth of our case than they did before they heard any thing about us, until they investigate the matter for themselves, by reading our books and hearing us preach. I have read many skeptical writers, such as Messrs. Thomas Paine, Volney, B. D. White of Stafford, and others, yet in all these productions, I must say, in honor to candor and honesty, that I have not found that low, vulgar meanness manifested in the character of those gentlemen, in exposing the scriptures, that I have found in the character of every one that I have read after, that has written against the Mormons. I ask, has it come to this at last, that the open, plain and naked truth is no longer an efficient means in the hands of our editors and ministers of this age, to counteract the influence of a supposed evil; and that supposition, founded on rumor's ten thousand lying tongues. Ah! reason much abused reason, return and strike hands once more with that noble principle, called consistency, and earnestly contend for these words, "Prove all things, hold fast that which is good;" -- also. "He that judgeth a matter before he heareth it is a fool." Mr. LeRoy Sunderland (for that is the name of the editor of the New York Watchman) and a Methodist at that; and if he is not now he used to be a preacher of that faith, -- was the editor of what was called "Zion's Watchman" in 1838, the first book he refers to in "Mormonism Exposed" is a book called "Mormonism Unveiled." a book worthy of its author, whose frontispiece is exhibited in its proper place, fully representing the character of its author from tip to toe, with his two horns, cloven foot and pitch-fork in the act of performing the office and deed to which Mr. Sunderland, his true imp, would like to be a rival -- which is fully manifest in the manner which he has traced the book called the "Voice of Warning," a book published by Mr. Parley P. Pratt, Elder of the Latter Day Saints.

Sunderland says in his declaration:--

"Mormons say that God has sent down from a city called the 'New Jerusalem' and located it in the Western boundaries of Missouri, where he requires all his true followers to go, under the pain of his wrath."

He then quotes Voice of Warning p. 179. thus, "America is a chosen land, it is the place of the New Jerusalem, which has come down from heaven upon the earth."

The idea conveyed in this quotation as he (Sunderland) gives it, is in the past tense, as though something had taken place in the west, even a city, New Jerusalem had come down for the Mormons to inhabit, now in the present tense and none can deny it.

We do not expect to do such abandoned characters as Mr. Sunderland is, any good, for reproof is lost labor in his case, as also all characters that will strive to sustain him in his course of treatment of our books. -- We will give the quotation as it is: "America is a chosen land of the Lord, above every other land; it is the place of the New Jerusalem, which shall come down from God out of heaven upon the earth when it is renewed." The one expresses something future, which will happen upon the new earth, when time is no longer. The other conveys an idea of a city which has already descended, which is perfectly ridiculous, and none but the most abandoned and hardened of all liars, could possibly have so misrepresented another's statement. And again says Mr. S., "where he requires all his true followers to go, under pain of his wrath." What wrath Mr. S? I know of no requirement in any of our books, which compels men to go there, or any where else, under pain of any wrath, except the troubles of a temporal nature, which shall befall the nations; and if God has provided the great west as a refuge from such wrath, it is no more than he has done for his saints in former ages. Think of Noah, Lot and many others, who received revelations directing them to a temporal refuge from the calamities which befell the wicked, and remember, it must be likewise in the days of the coming of man. -- Read Math. 24 c. 37, 38, 39 v.

Again, Mr. S. says, "And it is a fundamental principle with them, that if they cannot buy land, they are to obtain it by the sword;" judge, Mr. Sunderland, could you not see your own folly, first say God has sent down a city for the Mormons, even from heaven, and then say the Mormons are to take the land by the sword. O fool, when will you be any better. But again, Mr. S. says why did you break off in the middle of the subject concerning the shedding of blood! Thus sir, you are likely to be an instrument, by your misrepresentations, lying and deception, to cause our blood to flow, in fulfillment of this revelation. Had you quoted the whole subject, it would have forbidden us to shed blood, and foretold that our enemies would shed ours, which has been fulfilled; be the revelation true or false.

I will here insert the sentences in full as they occur in our Book of Covenants, that is, a sufficiency to convey the true sense of the sayings concerning the shedding of blood, and the purchase of the lands of Zion. I will also state, the circumstances under which those revelations were given.

The following are the sentences referred to:

"Revelation given August, 1831. Book of Covenants, page 139.

"For, behold, verily I say unto you, the Lord willeth that the disciples, and the children of men, should open their hearts even to purchase this whole region of country, as soon as time will permit. Behold, here is wisdom; let them do this lest they receive none inheritance, save it be by the shedding of blood.

"And now, behold this is the will of the Lord your God concerning his saints, that they should assemble themselves together unto the land of Zion, not in haste, lest there should be confusion, which bringeth pestilence. Behold the land of Zion, I the Lord holdeth it in mine own hands, nevertheless, I the Lord rendereth unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's, wherefore I the Lord willeth, that you should purchase the lands, that you may have advantage of the world, that you may have claims on the world, that they may not be stirred up unto anger, for satan putteth it into their hearts to anger against you, and to the shedding of blood. wherefore the land of Zion shall not be obtained but by purchase or by blood, otherwise there is none inheritance for you -- and if by purchase behold you are blessed; And if by blood, as you are forbidden to shed blood, lo, your enemies are upon you, and ye shall be scourged from city to city, and from synagogue to synagogue, and but a few shall stand to receive an inheritance." --

Page 143, same date.

Here follows the commandment not to shed blood: "Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. Thou shalt not steal. Neither commit adultery, nor kill, nor do anything like unto it. Thou shalt thank the Lord thy God in all things." -- Page 190.

"Thou shalt offer a sacrifice unto the Lord thy God in righteousness, even that of a broken heart and a contrite spirit; and that thou mayest more fully keep thyself unspotted from the world, thou shalt go to the house of prayer and offer up thy sacraments upon my holy day, for verily this is a day appointed unto you to rest from your labors, and to pay thy devotions unto the Most High; nevertheless thy vows shall be offered up in righteousness on all days and at all times, but remember that on this, the Lord's day, thou shalt offer thine obligations and thy sacraments unto the Most High, confessing thy sins unto thy brethren, and before the Lord; and on this day thou shalt do none other thing, only let thy food be prepared with singleness of heart that thy fasting may be perfect, or, in other words, that thy joy may be full." p. 121.

"And now behold, I speak unto the church: Thou shalt not kill, and he that kills shall not have forgiveness in this world nor in the world to come.

"And again I say, thou shalt not kill, but he that killeth shall die. Thou shalt not steal; and he that stealeth and will not repent, shall be cast out. Thou shalt not lie, he that lieth and will not repent shall be cast out, p, 125. And if a man or woman shall rob, he or she shall be delivered up unto the laws of the land: And if he or she shall steal, he or she shall be delivered up unto the laws of the land: And if he or she shall lie, he or she shall be delivered up unto the laws of the land."

This it is Mr. LeRoy Sunderland cannot unite with the Mormons until he repents for his lying.

                                JOHN E. PAGE,
ELDER of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, commonly called Mormons.

(To be Continued)

Notes: (forthcoming)

For the Chronicle.     

IN the Book of Mormon, page 471, of the first edition, we read, "the earth was carried up upon the city of Moronihah." Will Elder Page be kind enough to tell us what this city stood on; the Moon, or which of the planets?

While the Elder is enlightening our good citizens on other matters, I feel curious to understand the following description given in the Book of Mormon, page 541, of the ships in which the Jaredites removed from Asia to America. "They would hold water like a dish, the bottom was tight like unto a dish, the sides was tight like unto a dish, the top was tight like unto a dish, the door was tight like unto a dish; the length was the length of a tree, a hole in the bottom and one in the top to admit a circulation of the air, and they moved through the water as a whale in the midst of the sea." Very like a whale!

These Jaredites, however. were remarkable on another account. On page 539 we have their genealogy reaching back nineteen generations beyond Adam. Most veritable! The book, however, abounds in wonders. Instance the following:-- Nephi, one of the most distinguished personage in the book, gives a quotation from Shakespeare, 2000 years before the poet was born. See page 61 "That bourne from which no traveller returns." Again, this same individual actually uses the Mariner's Compass 600 years before the Christian Era. See pages 48 and 49. 'Tis passing strange!

In the midst of all our admiration, it is unfortunate for the credibility of the book that it flatly contradicts the Bible. See the following. On page 240, the Book of Mormon says that Jesus Christ was born at Jerusalem. The Bible says he was born at Bethlehem. Again, the Book of Mormon, page 51, predicts three days of darkness when Jesus should be crucified; and on page 446, it records, as a fact, that there were three days of darkness from his crucifixion to his resurrection. The Bible speaks of only three hours of darkness, See Matthew xxvii. 45; Mark XV. 23; Luke xxiii. 44. -- Here, then, the Bible and the Book of Mormon are at issue. One or the other must be wrong. Which is it, Elder Page? Answer me like a man. If the Lord be God, worship him; but if Baal be God worship him. Come, sir, declare which you prefer to believe in this matter. The two are irreconcilable; they contradict each other pointedly, not in a question of doctrine, but one of fact. Here, sir, is a matter that a child can understand, and, sir, it stamps the Book of Mormon with falsehood. You may flounder, but, sir, you cannot escape the deep disgrace of being concerned in spreading and advocating falsehood.

A DISCIPLE.    

P. S. Elder Page, in Monday's Chronicle, stigmatizes the Congressional document from which certain quotations are made, exposing the wickedness of the leaders of Mormonism -- "a mobocratic document." Will the Elder explain? Is the Senate of the United States, by whose order it was printed, a mob? Is the Court in Missouri, before which this evidence was taken, a mob? If so, why did the Mormons appear with their witnesses and the best Attorneys in the State? This won't do, Mr. Page.

A DISCIPLE.    

Notes: (forthcoming)

For the Chronicle.                      

MORMONISM alias, TRUTH [9].

Defended against foul calumniating falsehoods and misrepresentations, that have been lately published in those respected columns, viz: -- "The Morning Chronicle," of the city of Pittsburgh, as copied from the "New York Watchman."

(Continued:)

Mr. Sunderland's 3d Declaration.

"Mormons profess to have intercourse with the Angels of God, and affirm that they frequently see them, and have messengers from God through them."

I say yes, and are we to be rejected because of that fact? If so, we must reject Abraham, Moses, and the prophets, Zachariah, the shepherds, Elizabeth, Matt., Paul, Peter, John, the Revelation and others. So you see we (Mormons) have a host of good company in this profession; and more than that, Paul says that the angels are ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who are the heirs of salvation -- Heb. 1, 19; and still more, we have the promise of the ministering angels in these last days -- Mat. xxiv, 31; Rev. vii, 2, 3; Ib. xiv, 6, 7. 8. I say then, if Mr. S. would repent of his lying, and become an honest man, and obey the Gospel, he might become an heir of salvation, and be sealed a servant of the Lord, and not fall with the downfall of Mystical Babylon; but as he is a liar, and will not repent, he must have his share in the lake that burneth with fire and brimstone, on the veracity of the Bible.

Mr. Sunderland's 4th Declaration.

"Mormons claim to be the only true church -- all other churches are of Anti-Christ, and exposed to God's eternal displeasure."

Pray, Mr. Sunderland, how many churches has our heavenly Father on this earth, that he acknowledges to be his true church? Is the Methodist's a true church of the Lord's? If so, when did the Lord say so? If the Lord has said so at any time, I ask where, and when, and to whom? If the Lord has said the Methodists are his church, then, inasmuch as the constitution and doctrines, and discipline of the Methodist church is different from the constitution, doctrines, and discipline of the ancient christian church, it argues that the Lord is like some inefficient mechanic that was not able to suit himself the first time; trying, he destroys his first mode, and then tries again, and if the Lord has suited himself in the formation of the Methodist church, I think their old grand-mother church, the Roman Catholics, and their Mother church of England, and their sisters, and cousin churches of all the divided and subdivided sects will rather dispute their claim as much as you dispute ours. Most certainly it is quite a novel thing to the honest and free inquirer after truth, to see and hear all the claim that is made to be the true church in this world below, when the model and plan of the constitution of the true church of Christ is as plain on the face of the New Testament, as differing from the Methodist church or any other church of the age, (except the true church,) as the difference of the plan of a steamboat and old chaise is to any person of common sense. Reader, compare all the churches you ever saw with the 12th chapter of First Corinthians, and then look around yourself, and ask where is such a church now? and your answer will be no where, unless the Lord has revealed himself from the heavens again, and raised up unto himself a church of Apostles, Prophets, Pastors, and Teachers as in former days. Read Rev. xix, 7, 8; also Eph. iv, 9 to 14; Ib. v, 26, 27.

I fancy, in comparing the present Christian world with those sayings of Holy writ respecting the church of Christ, can they say that the claims made by the present sects of this age are legal? Such should not blame the Jews for their blindness while they claimed themselves to be the church of God, while Jesus called them hypocrites. Now, since the Lord has in his own way (and that is by direct revelation) as in ancient days, raised up a church for himself preparatory to the second advent of Jesus Christ to judgment, Mr. Sunderland pleases to reproach us for the claim of being the only true church on the earth. He must do it, and find as many to join him in their cavalcade as he can, and that at their own peril. That such a church as we, the Latter-day saints, profess to be, is not wanting for proof on the face of the Scriptures. The parable of the ten virgins, the parable of the harvest of the wheat and tares, the parable of the good and bad fish, the marriage of the king's son; and, in fine, all the sayings of Holy writ that pertains to the last days of the final separation of the righteous from the wicked, go to show that the Lord will have a people redeemed for himself from among all other people; and they shall be one people even as Jesus prayed: "Let them be one in me as thou father art in me and I in thee are one;" John xvii.; Zach. xvi. 9.

But Mr. Sunderland, you should not have done such injustice to the question you made from our Book of Doctrine and Covenants, page 76, by stopping so short with the word earth. * * * * "The only true and living church upon the face of the whole earth, with whom I the Lord am well pleased," speaking unto the church collectively and not individually. The idea as you left it is wrong, that every individual in the church was accepted of the Lord. The second or last idea is, that the church as a body was pleasing in the sight of the Lord, yet at the same time there were individuals in the church that were not pleasing in his sight. I believe in doing justice to all things. If there should be some things I did not like quite so well; for example, suppose I should have occasion to quote the first article of the Methodist faith, where they give the dimensions of their God, that they believe in as found in their discipline; and quote thus: "There is but one living and true God, everlasting, * * * * of infinite power, wisdom and goodness." By so doing I should leave the impression on the minds of my readers, that the Methodist's God was some body, by leaving out ":without body or parts." Thus by such a manifest wicked perversion, the reader would gain an idea that the Methodist's God was worthy of some attention, because of his power, &c.; but by inserting in its proper place every word in the sentence, and do that justice which is due to it, and the proper sense conveyed, is, that the Methodist's God is an idol god, a kind of a nondescript, bearing no description with Moses' God, for he had "back parts." Read Exodus xxxiii. last verse. Fair play is the righteous jewel.

Mr. Sunderland complains in his 6th declaration:

"Mormons affirm that their books were written, and that the Book of Mormon was translated by the inspiration of God; and that they're of equal authority with the Holy Scriptures."

It appears by this that Mr. S. is astonished at the idea that God should carry out the truth and veracity of his word in the Holy Scriptures, by bringing to pass the things therein declared. Read some passages of Scriptures which refer to the Book of Mormon, such as Habakuk ii, 2, 3. Here is something spoken of, written on "tables" to come forth at the appointed time, but at the end it should speak, not lie. Who on earth that is candid and reverences the Scriptures, but what will say something, and who is prepared to say with assurance that this matter written on the "tables" does not have reference to the Book of Mormon. Surely it is plain that it has reference to something written that should be held in reserve till the times of the end, and that it should come forth at the end, and when it did come forth it should speak the truth and not lie. If any conclude this does not have reference to the Book of Mormon, let them realize that they may be as much mistaken as the Jews were when they rejected the true Messiah as not being the personage spoken of that should be born of a virgin. Inasmuch as the Holy Ghost was the only criterion by which we can call Jesus the Lord, it is certain the Jews had not the Holy Ghost as a criterion to decide these matters by, so also this generation "resists the Holy Ghost." And I can say with all the assurance that Paul could say by the Holy Ghost, that Jesus was the Lord. So also I can say with a perfect assurance by the Holy Ghost that the book is of God. Paul was whipped for his testimony, and it may be that some day I may suffer the same for my testimony, for I live in a day that many of our good professors are weak enough to think that persecution is a proper course to put down a supposed religious error, when according to sensible fact the reverse of the case is the truth in the matter. Error is without merit or worth, and must fall of itself by letting it alone. Truth stands on its own merit and is an eternal principle, and like God himself, it must stand and none can let or hinder, and he that persecutes, only shows his own weakness and ignorance in any matter; and he that takes the testimony of ones one enemies as a just criterion to judge the merits of another by, only shows the want of better information and the need of higher attainments in the principles of proper civilization.

If the Book of Mormon is not true, and my testimony is false, the fact is plain in the face of common sense, that it will fall under the influence and power of the naked truth, independent of the iron and savage arm of persecution. Light is light, and darkness is darkness, and must retreat before the victorious march of light and truth. Why complain, the Lord will do his own work in his own way, and the unbelief of Mr. Sunderland or any others, will not make the faith of God of none effect. When the Lord speaks, I know of no difference in the authority of his word, whether it is spoken in Asia or America, in ancient or modern times -- whether it be through Moses, Joshua, Isaiah, Daniel, John the Baptist, Paul, Peter, or any other man, even Joseph Smith. The fact is, when the Lord has spoken in past ages, the great mass of the people did not believe it, because they loved their own ways and words the best; so at the end of the world, or the wicked, like as it was in the days of Noah, the mass of the people will not know until it is too late, and the day of burning consumes them as stubble at the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ to judgment.     JOHN E. PAGE.
  ELDER of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, usually called Mormons.

(To be continued.)

---

For the Chronicle.      

"Mormonism unveiled" is the name of the book from which I quoted the evidence of Hezekiah McKune and others, as published in the Chronicle of Monday last. If Elder Page desires a copy he shall have one by leaving a request with Mr. Berford. I have no personal controversy with Mr. Page, and consequently no feelings for him, as a man, but those of good will. I have, however, a controversy with his system, because, I am persuaded that it is destructive to the souls of men and threatening to the peace, if not to the free institutions of our country.

If the object of the leaders of this imposture be the promulgation of religious principles, and nothing more, why the existence of the Nauvoo Legion? WHY THE FORTIFICATION OF THE CITY OF NAUVOO? Why have they solemnly sworn before God that they would avenge themselves of the Missourians four fold? Why did Sidney Rigdon swear, and in the most awful manner call God to witness, that they (the Mormons) would bathe their swords in the vital blood of the Missourians?" Why did one of your preachers, (Mr. Gee) last winter, during a discourse which he delivered in Manchester, declare that he wanted none to join them (the Mormons) but such as could stand Missouri steel? Sir, your designs are treasonable, and your creed is a fighting creed. It is soldiers you want and not christians.
                                       A  DISCIPLE.


Notes: (forthcoming)

For the Chronicle.    

To the learned or credulous, as you please. Here is a specimen of "the gift of tongues" as possessed and practiced by the Mormons: "Ak man oh son oh man ah ne conene en holle goste en haben en glai hassanne en holle goste en esac milkea jeremiah ezekiel Nephi Lehi St. John." Don't laugh!

Here is the rule for speaking with tongues. "Rise upon your feet and look and lean on Christ. Speak or make some sound; continue to make sounds of some kind and the Lord will make a correct tongue or language of it." The "interpretation was to be given in the same way." How revolting to common sense and insulting to the character of our Heavenly Father. The Apostle says, "tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not." But have these Mormons ever gone among our Indians preaching to them in their respective tongues? Have they ever gone to foreign countries preaching in the language of those countries? Never! Of what practical use then is all this gibberish spoken among a few deluded devotees in a corner? Away with such downright folly. The religion of Heaven is rational and intended to elevate the character of mankind, but such mummery is unworthy of any class of beings who profess the least superiority of intellect over the most degraded of the human family. I am surprised to see men so far given up to self deception as to impose a belief upon themselves, that they possess spiritual gifts in the absence of all common sense evidence. How was it in primitive times? Every place visited by the Apostles could furnish demonstration of the power of God exerted by these men in curing the sick, or raising the dead, or opening the eyes of the blind, or making the maimed whole. Is it so now in places visited by these modern apostles? Where is the person in this city who has been the subject of one miracle performed by Elder Page, or Elder Small, or Elder any one else? It has been attempted, I admit, but the failure has been as signal as in the cases of Sceva and his sons, recorded in the Acts of the Apostles, when they attempted to cast out devils in the name of Christ. "Peter I know, and Paul I know, but who are you?" God confirmed the word of his grace as spoken by Peter and Paul, with signs and wonders and mighty deeds, in the presence of vast multitudes of unbelievers. Why is it that all the pretended miracles of Elder Page and his associates are never performed except in closets? But the Elder told us a few days since, that his claim to the Apostleship was no more than that of any other man who claims to be an ambassador of Christ. Now, sir, you are not candid in this statement. All our clergymen profess to be ambassadors of Christ, but do they pretend that the heavens were opened, and that they saw Jesus Christ sitting at the right hand of God? No, sir; but you have said this of yourself. Deny it if you dare.     A DISCIPLE.

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For the Chronicle.    

To A Disciple: -- In your article of Wednesday last, you have at last exhibited your true character, as you are told by Isaiah xxix, 20, 21. "for the terrible one is brought to nought, and the scorner is consumed, and all that watch for iniquity are cut off. That maketh a man an offender for a word, and lay a snare for him that reproveth in the gate, and turn aside the just for a thing of nought." By reading the whole chapter, you will find that the above quotation was spoken of in connection with those peculiar sayings of the same chapter, concerning the book which is of so much marvel to you and this generation. Read the 10th and 11th verses -- "And the vision of all is become unto you as the words of a book that is sealed, which men deliver to one that is learned, saying: Read this, I pray thee; and he saith I cannot, for it is sealed." "And the book is delivered to him that is not learned, saying: Read this, I pray thee; and he saith, I am not learned;" -- which scriptures we believe to have particular reference to the Book of Mormon, and was literally published in the coming forth of the Book of Mormon, in the fact of Mr. Joseph Smith transcribing some of the characters of the plates, and sending them to Professor Anthon of the city of New York, by Mr. Martin Harris, as Mr. Anthon has acknowledged, was exhibited to him in that city. Then it becomes you to take heed to yourself on the veracity of the word of the Lord, concerning such characters as yourself, that make a man an offender for a word, &c. -- Relative to the first query on the Book of Mormon, p. 471, you asked me to tell you what the city of Moronihah stood on; whether "on the moon or which of the planets." Well, child. I will tell you; I am an instructor of such babies as you. The locality of the city was in some region on the South of what is called at this time, North America, and at the time our Lord Jesus Christ was crucified, near Jerusalem, in Asia. At that time there was a terrible destruction on this continent, because of the wickedness of the people, at which time those cities were destroyed, My child, the Great God which made you and I, and when you get older you may by accident find it out, the Lord of Heaven could not allow sin on this continent in the character of the people, no more than he could on the Eastern continent in Carthage, Thebes, Tyre, Egypt, Babylon, Sodom, Gomorrah, Jerusalem, and many others whose inhabitants, like yourself, rejected the council of God against themselves, until God destroyed them from before his face. So also, on this continent we find the dilapidated relics and remains of large and extensive cities, which has much puzzled the traveler, the historian, and the most celebrated antiquarian, to tell who built these cities, walls, aqueducts, pyramids, and terraces. The inquiry is reverberated from nation to kingdom, but all remains silent as death relative to an answer, only now and then a faint whisper of somebody's opinion, but nothing definite is known until there suddenly appeared a book through the kindness of our heavenly Father, "who hath made of one blood, all nations of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed and the bounds of their inhabitation." Read Acts xvii.

The dark curtain is now rolled back; the mystical veil is removed; a refulgent beam of heavenly light has burst upon our benighted world; a book of God has appeared that is hailed by the humble and the meek that will stoop to learn doctrine at the mouth of the Lord, and rejected by none but those who are ignorant of its claims, or too proud to love the truth of heaven. The days are but few, thank the Most High, before the Book of Mormon will be ranked with the Bible, as one of the best of heaven's blessings: one the ecclesiastical history of the eastern and the other of the western continent: one to tell the ancient tale of Egypt, Tyre, Edom, Syria, and Jerusalem, when they were built and by whom, and what was the occasion of your many disasters that have hurled you down to hell with Pharaoh and his uncircumcised host. Read Ezekiel xxxi, xxxii. The other will tell the mournful story of Moronihah, Zarahemla, and others, to the amount of fourteen cities named in the book of Mormon on the 459-480 pages. And how was you destroyed? was the inquiry of those efficient antiquarians Messrs. Catherwood and Stephens, the charge d'affairs of these United States as they sit on the wondrous walls of "Copan," situated near the western extremity of the Bay of Honduras, in the narrowest neck of land between the waters of the Atlantic ocean and the Pacific ocean, the very place where the book of Mormon located a great city, on the narrow neck of land between the two seas. Read book of Mormon, 3d edition, page 549. Let the reader observe, that the book of Mormon was published A. D. 1830. The discovery of this city by Messrs. Catherwood and Stephens was in 1840. Read Stephens' travels in Central America, vol. 1. page 130, 131, &c. Mr. Stephens states, "There is no account of these ruins until the visit of Col. Galindo in 1836, before referred to, who examined them under a commission from the Central American government." Question. -- If the book of Mormon is a fiction, no difference who wrote it, how did it happen to locate this city so nicely before it was known to exist till 1836 by any account that was extant in America, from which it could have been extracted? How was this city, with seven or eight others, which Mr. Stevens gives us an account of destroyed? Read the book of Mormon, and that will tell the story of their sad disasters; and all you can do with it, Mr. Disciple, is to say concerning it, as Messrs. Paine, Volney, and others have said of the Bible. "I do not believe it." And because it is said, that "the earth was carried upon the city of Moronihah; that in place of the city there became a great mountain;" that it signifies that the city was on some other planet besides this earth, as though it signified the whole earth in saying "the earth," which only designated the difference of the means by which it was destroyed, in distinction to those cities that were sunk in the sea, and those that were burned with fire, and those thrown down by the earthquake. That was rather a small straw, Mr. Disciple, for a drowning man to catch at, or it is too small a hole for a man to creep out of, yet it will do for a child like yourself. No wonder a man that has lost all shame and reverence for truth, and then palm himself off on a credulous people as a disciple. (professedly, I suppose, of Christ,) and think, because the book of Mormon is unpopular in this community, and of small circulation among the people, that you are fully justified in making and vending lies, wholesale and retail, do you?

I shall let you know, and this community know, that you are a willful and vulgar liar; sir, concerning the Book of Mormon, you quote on page 539 "we have their (Jaredites,) genealogy, reaching back nineteen generations beyond Adam." Now, you know there is no such genealogy given in the Book of Mormon; there is a genealogy given by Ether, on this continent of his father, back to Jared, at the tower of Babel, from whence Jared came to this continent, and the confounding of the languages at the tower of Babel, and the genealogy of which you pretend goes not one generation farther back, with the genealogy of Ether, than to Jared; and if you have read the book, as you profess, you know that what I state is a fact, and you cannot deny it; I wish I knew who this vulgar blackguard of a liar was that thinks he can be sustained in his course by this honest and moral community merely because the Book of Mormon is unpopular; I think, however, he will be mistaken; read the Book of Mormon 1st ed. p. 539 also 3d ed. p. 524.

Again, Mr. Disciple, you have lied most vilely; you say on the 61st page of the Book of Mormon, Nephi quotes Shakespeare's words "That bourne from which no traveller returns." I pledge a copy of the Book of Mormon to any one who will first show me the sentence, as you have quoted it, in the book; on the 61st page of the Book of Mormon I find these words: "Cold silent grave, from whence no traveler can return." I see plainly you are a child for the lake of fire and brimstone, to keep company with dogs, and those that love to make a lie, well, go if you will -- I can't help it! And again, you quote page 48, 49 for to find a Mariner's compass; why do you call it a mariner's compass? why not speak of a thing as you ought to do? so that the public would be honestly benefited by your treatise. The book speaks of a compass prepared by the hand of the Lord, but perhaps Mr. Disciple thinks the Lord could not have invented a compass in that early age of arts and sciences; but some scientific men propose to trace the knowledge of the compass back to very early ages; indeed, some show reasons for believing it was invented in Egypt in the ages of her glory; but be this as it may, our God is just [as] good at mechanical inventions, architecture, tailoring, smithing, stone working, &c., as at any other business; for proof of this we refer the reader to the tables of stone, not only written on by the finger of God, but the first tables were made by him; also the plans of the Tabernacle, Temple, Aaron's garments, &c., as well as the workers in gold and silver, &c., who were all inspired of God, according to Moses.

Again you quote Book of Mormon page 290 saying "that Jesus Christ was born at Jerusalem." This you think is a contradiction of the Bible; the Bible says he was born in (not at) Bethlehem. (a little place six miles from Jerusalem.) but mark the least difference in the places where each was spoken. One prophet stands in the vicinity where the things were fulfilled, and points out the exact location, (Bethlehem.) The other stands on the other side of the globe from Jerusalem, and addresses a people who know but little concerning the localities of the various towns and villages of Judea. The prophet speaks in general terms concerning the things which should transpire in the land of Jerusalem, as they had a general idea of the great capital city and country from which they sprang, rather than a distant idea of all its villages. -- This is in perfect accordance with all the circumstances under which they wrote; and a great proof in favor of the Book of Mormon, because an impostor in forging a book would have said Bethlehem, for every school boy knows that Bethlehem is the place where the Lord was born.

Again you ask me which I like best of the two accounts given in the Book of Mormon or the Bible, you ask me to answer you "like a man," I will, child, in my next.
                                                            JOHN E. PAGE.

(To be continued.)

Note 1: The "Elder Small" spoken of by "A. Disciple," was, no doubt, William H. Schmahl or Small (1814-aft.1878) of Harrisburg. Elder Small appears to have been the Presiding LDS Elder in Pittsburgh in 1841-42. As such he would have been Apostle John E. Page's right hand man in managing church affairs in that city. Small is identified as an "Elder" and as a seemingly authoritative voice for the local Mormons in the letter of Thomas Smethurst, as published in the Morning Chronicle of July 27, 1842. Elder Small also appears to have been associated with the LDS branch at Philadelphia, since his name appears along with other Mormons of that city in a letter they wrote to the Church leaders in Nauvoo on Jan. 30, 1842. In either late 1841 or during the first half of 1842, Elders Page and Small called upon Rev. Robert Patterson, Sr. in Pittsburgh and interviewed the former publisher in regard to his knowledge of Solomon Spalding and Sidney Rigdon. The ever close-mouthed Patterson did not have much to say on the subject, and what little information he did deign to share was not anything Apostle Page apparently cared to publicize.

Note 2: Years later Elder William Small provided the RLDS Saints' Herald a brief recollection of the two Mormons' conversation with Rev. Patterson in Pittsburgh. In a letter dated Sept. 13, 1876, Elder Small recalled: "While I was living in Pittsburgh in 1841, at the time so much was said of the Book of Mormon, and in connection with the Solomon Spaulding Story. It was stated that the Spaulding manuscript was placed in Mr. Patterson's hands for publication, and that Sidney Rigdon was connected with him at the time. In connection with John E. Page I called upon General [sic] Patterson, the publisher..." Although Elder Small seems to indicate that John E. Page's visit with Rev. Robert Patterson, Sr. occurred in some time in 1841, it is much more likely that this LDS interview of Patterson was conducted after Page's in late April or early May return to Pittsburgh from Nauvoo. Apostle Page, in company with Elder Small, perhaps visited Rev. Patterson not long after Rev. Samuel Williams' Mormonism Exposed pamphlet went on sale in Pittsburgh on May 4, 1842. That pamphlet printed an affidavit documenting Rev. Williams' own interview with Patterson on Apr. 2, 1842. Presumably Apostle Page and Elder Small called upon Patterson some time between May 4 and the end of June. On July 2, 1842 Page began to relate a Mormon response to old claims saying that Sidney Rigdon obtained Solomon Spalding's writings in Pittsburgh, etc. Probably Elders Page and Small interviewed Patterson before Page submitted this article to the newspaper. Page, however, made no specific mention of his visit with Patterson when he wrote (and published in Philadelphia) his own 1843 pamphlet refuting the Spalding claims for Book of Mormon authorship.

Note 3: On page 108 (in Chapter 4) of his 1908 Memoirs RLDS leader William W. Blair speaks of encountering William Small and his family in October 1864, still living in Pennsylvania, as former followers of "Rigdonism." According to Sidney Rigdon's Dec. 16, 1844 Messenger and Advocate, William Small was one of Rigdon's two agents in St. Louis. The Mar. 15, 1845 issue of the same paper lists William Small as an Apostle in Rigdon's splinter-group church at Pittsburgh. William Small became an RLDS some time between 1864 and 1876, perhaps in Philadelphia or New Jersey. His reported visit with Rev. Robert Patterson did not seem to hold much interest for RLDS leaders and apologists, however. It was only mentioned in passing by Apostle Edmund L. Kelley in his 1884 refutation of the Spalding authorship claims; there Kelley says: "Wm. Small, of Camden, N. J., in the meantime goes to this same Patterson in Pittsburg, and he makes affidavit to the fact that he never knew anything about such a manuscript as these parties had told about."

For the Chronicle.     

Not feeling that I have any personal difference, or controversy with Elder Page, I cannot consent to bandy hard language. -- What I have said concerning the use of the mariner's compass by Nephi, 2,000 years before it was discovered; the quotation from Shakespeare, ages before he was born; the piling of the earth on the city of Moronihah -- the ships and genealogy of Jaredites, are matters that can be ascertained by reference to the 1st edition of the Book of Mormon. -- The Elder quotes from the 3d edition, and although the translation was professedly made by divine inspiration, I am [prepared] to show, that there exist essential variations in the 3d from the 1st edition. Will you join issue, Elder?

That part of my communication of Wednesday last, which claims superior attention, is, the charge brought against the Book of Mormon, namely, that in two important facts it contradicted the Bible. These are,

  First. -- The Book of Mormon records it as a fact that Jesus Christ was born in Jerusalem. The Bible records that he was born in Bethlehem.

  Second. -- The Book of Mormon informs us, that at the time of Christ's crucifixion and burial, there were three days of darkness. -- The Bible informs us of only three hours of darkness.

Here then, in two plain matters of fact, about which there ought not to be the slightest difference, the Bible and the Book of Mormon contradict each other: and I defy the ingenuity of Elder Page, or any other man, to reconcile them. The Book of Mormon claims to be divinely inspired. The Bible we all believe to be from God. Now if both books were dictated by the same author, why are matters of fact recorded so very differently? Both of these records cannot be true, one of them must be false.

Which is it? Certainly not the Bible. -- Then it must be the Book of Mormon. I say then triumphantly, that I have established it as a fact, admitting the Bible to be true, that the Book of Mormon is false.

Dagon has fallen on his face before the ark of the Lord.

A DISCIPLE.     

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For the Chronicle.     

MORMONISM   DEFENDED.
(Continued.)

The first book referred to by "Mormonism Exposed" is a book entitled "Mormonism Unveiled." I am under the necessity here of introducing the testimony of a gentleman of Philadelphia, by the name of Benjamin Winchester, who gives a short and clear account of the origin of the book called "Mormonism Unveiled." I have a copy of it before me, and am informed by credible authority that they are in general circulation through this city. On pages 288, 289 and 290, of this "Mormonism Unveiled," there is an effort made to make it appear, if possible, that Sidney Rigdon obtained an old manuscript at the Printing Office of Lambdin & Patterson, of this city, said to be written by one Solomon Spaulding, as a romance; which manuscript Mr. Rigdon new fangled over and made of it the Book of Mormon. Therefore, the "Mormonism Unveiled's" closing words are these: "We therefore must hold out Sidney Rigdon to the world as being the original author and proprietor of the whole Mormon conspiracy, until further light is elicited upon the lost writings of Solomon Spaulding." On page 289 of the "Mormonism Unveiled." it is stated thus: "Now, as Spaulding's book can nowhere be found, or anything heard of it after being carried to this establishment, there is the strongest presumption that it remained there in seclusion, till about the year 1823 or '24, at which time Sidney Rigdon located himself in that city." (Pittsburgh.)

I wish to show the whole world an example of the measures and lengths of lying and misrepresentation our enemies will resort to, to counter act the influence of Mormonism. I have a letter before me, written and signed by Sidney Rigdon's own hand, bearing date, Post Office, Nauvoo, Jan. 17, 1842, to Elder George W. Gee, Pittsburgh. In it Mr. Rigdon states that Mr. Winchester's account of the origin of "Mormonism Unveiled," was correct. Mr. Rigdon further states that he moved his family to this city in the month of February, 1823. I have before me a pamphlet, "Mormon exposed," by S. Williams, of this city, who states on the second page, that Sidney Rigdon moved to Warren, Ohio, from which he came to this city, and connected himself with the First Regular Baptist Church, then in its infancy, on the 28th day of January, 1822. On the third page, Mr. Williams states that Sidney Rigdon left this city and moved to the Western Reserve in 1824, -- Mr. Rigdon consents to the account of Mr. Winchester of Phila. in stating that he left Pittsburgh in the year 1826. The reader is here requested to keep his eye on the statement in "Mormonism Unveiled," as above noticed, that "Spaulding's book can nowhere be found, or anything heard of it after being carried to this establishment," (Patterson's Printing Office.) I have before me the August number (of 1840) of a monthly periodical published in Cincinnati, entitled "Monthly Record," in which I find an account of a number of questions proposed to Mrs. Davison, who was formerly the consort of Solomon Spaulding. The questions and answers originated as follows; as they lay before us in the Monthly Record.

Copy of a letter written by Mr. John Haven of Holliston, Middlesex co., Mass., to his daughter Elizabeth Haven, of Quincy, Adams co., Ill.

"Your brother Jesse passed through Monson, where he saw Mrs. Davidson and her daughter Mrs. M'Kinstry, and also Dr. Ely, and spent several hours with them, during which time he asked them the following questions, viz: -- Have you read the Book of Mormon? I have read some in it. Does the manuscript describe an idolatrous or a religious people? Am idolatrous people. Where is the manuscript? Dr. Philaster Hurlburt came here and took it, said he would get it printed, and let me have one half of the profits. Has Dr. P. Hurlbut got the manuscript printed? I received a letter stating it did not read as they expected, and they should not print it."

I have before me a copy of Mrs. Davidson's letter concerning the Book of Mormon and its origin, which has gone the rounds of the public newspapers of the age. In this letter, Mrs. Davidson who was formerly the widow of Solomon Spaulding, says, "at length the manuscript was returned to its author, and soon after, we removed to Amity, Washington county, Pa., where Mr. Spaulding deceased in 1816. -- The manuscript then fell into my hands and was carefully preserved. It has frequently been examined by my daughter, Mrs. M'Kinestry of Monson, Mass., with whom I now reside, and other friends." Thus the idea of Mr. S, Rigdon ever having anything to do with Mr. Spaulding's manuscript is exploded, and exposed to the four winds, to be a nefarious falsehood, as also the statement that Mr. Spaulding's book could no where be found, when, in fact, according to Mrs. Davidson's own telling, she let Mr. Philaster Hurlbut have it, the legitimate father of the book called "Mormonism Unveiled." Again, let us see how the dates tally, Mrs. Davidson, who was formerly the widow of S. Spaulding, says that the manuscript was returned to its author, and that they moved to the [sic] Amity where Mr. Spaulding died in 1815. Mr. Rigdon never lived in this city till 1822, some 6 or 7 years after Mr. Spaulding died, and his romance manuscript, was in the safe keeping of his widow, till she let Mr. Philaster Hurlbut have it. Admitting all this, I ask in the name of propriety and consistency, how did Mr. Rigdon get hold of the romance manuscript. A poor attempt indeed to fix names and dates to a falsehood to qualify it as truth, shame! shame!! to the wickedness of the age, and corruption of the measures pursued by those that attempt to oppose the undaunted march of Mormonism alias Truth in our world.

Again Mr. S. Rigdon is now about 49 years of age, consequently was born in 1793, consequently when Mr. Spaulding lived in Pittsburgh from 1812 to 1816, Mr. Rigdon's age must have been 16 years in 1812; at 2816, 23 years of age, and then consider that he never lived in Pittsburgh until he was 29 years of age, and at the time Mr. Spaulding lived in Pittsburgh Mr. Rigdon lived on a farm and worked on a farm, and did not enter into a public life until the 26th year of his age, three years after Mr. Spaulding's manuscript was in the hands and safe keeping of his widow. After all this clear and precise statement of facts that cannot be refuted even in this city, if any person can swallow down the idea that Sidney Rigdon had anything to do with the Spaulding romance can do like the hypocrites of old, they can "strain at a gnat and swallow a camel." Matt. 23, 21.

Here follows the account of Mr. B. Winchester of Philadelphia, (a minister of the Gospel.) as published by him in 1840, entitled: "The Original [sic] of the Spaulding story," in which is shown that the bundle of lies, called "Mormonism Unveiled." is worthy the character of its legitimate author, viz: Dr. Philaster Hurlbut, but adopted and printed by E. D. How of Painesville, the first edition appeared in 1834. Let it be remembered that this "Mormonism Unveiled" is the principle touch stone of the "Mormonism Exposed" to find eighty witnesses to say that Joseph Smith was not of good character at the time the Book of Mormon was published; a very small number indeed in comparison to the number that was ready to bear witness that Jesus and his disciples were not good men at the time that Jesus was crucified, when the Jews "gnashed on him with their teeth" and cried out as with one stentorian voice "away with him, away with him." Who does not know that all the righteous martyrs on the earth were put to death because the people of their own acquaintance said the prophets were not good men. Oh! the weakness and foolishness of this generation -- when will ye be wise?

B. Winchester's account of Dr. Philaster Hurlbut from personal acquaintance, which I have never seen or heard of any attempt to disprove, but acknowledged by many to be true, by those who are also acquainted with Mr. P. Hurlbut.

                                JOHN E. PAGE.
(To be continued.)     

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==> MORMON PREACHING. -- Mr. John E. Page will preach in the Cumberland Meeting House, situated on Smithfield street, near Diamond alley, on Sunday, the 3d instant, at 10 1/2 o'clock, A. M., and 2 1/2 o'clock, P. M. The Scriptures are the standard of our faith. The community at large are respectfully invited to attend.

Note 1: The "George W. Gee" to whom Sidney Rigdon wrote his letter at the beginning of 1842, was LDS "Seventy," George Washington Gee (1815-1842). Elder Gee died in Pittsburgh at about the same time that Sidney Rigdon's letter reached the post office there. Gee, then the "Church Recorder," had been sent from Nauvoo to serve an LDS mission in Pittsburgh in November of 1841. Mormon Apostle John E. Page no doubt retrieved Gee's letter and answered its sender in Nauvoo. George W. Gee's father was Elder Salmon Gee (1792-1845), who was apparently living near Conneaut, Ashtabula Co., Ohio at about the time Solomon Spalding left that place in 1812 for Pittsburgh. George Gee was born in either Rome or New Lyme township, both of which lie about five miles southwest of Jefferson in Ashtabula Co. It is quite possible that Salmon Gee, in his younger years, knew Solomon Spalding personally.

Note 2: Salmon Gee certainly knew Sidney Rigdon, for it was Rigdon who ordained Salmon to the office of Elder in the Mormon Church on Feb. 4, 1833, probably at Kirtland. Salmon's family may have been Campbellites and members of Sidney Rigdon's extended fold before Rigdon joined the Mormons. At the time of his LDS baptism in 1832, Salmon was apparently living in Madison township, Geauga Co., Ohio. The next year, perhaps just after his ordination, he moved temporarily a few miles south to become the Branch President of the Mormon congregation at Thompson in Geauga Co.

Note 3: Salmon was the leader of the Thompson Saints when Mormon missionary D. P. Hurlbut was passing through the township, coming and going between Kirtland and his mission field in nearby Erie Co., Pennsylvania. Either Elder Salmon Gee (or one of his two sons, George W. or Lysander) testified against D. P. Hurlbut at Kirtland in the church trial that resulted in Hurlbut's final excommunication from the Mormons. All three of the Gee men were then in an excellent position to have known D. P. Hurlbut well. George had accompanied Hurlbut to the Church Headquarters at Kirtland on March 18, 1833 when both Elders received their mission assignments. His younger brother, Lysander Gee (1818-1894), later married Amanda Melvina Sagers, a young lady who had resided at Elk Creek, Erie Co., Pennsylvania at exactly the same time that Hurlbut was preaching in that area (both during his brief 1833 Mormon mission and during his subsequent anti-Mormon crusade through the same region later that same year).

(No John E. Page installment -- but other articles on the Mormons
may have been printed in this non-extant issue)

 


Notes: (forthcoming)

MORMONISM. -- An article from Elder Page will be found on the first page.

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==> MORMON PREACHING, in the Temperance Hall, corner of Smithfield street and Diamond alley, every Sunday at 10 1./2 o'clock A. M. and at early gas light in the evening; also every Tuesday and Thursday evening, at early gas light. All people are respectfully invited to attend. The scriptures are the standard of the faith of the Latter-Day Saints called Mormons..

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For the Chronicle.     

MORMONISM alias, TRUTH [10].

Defended against foul calumniating falsehoods and misrepresentations, that have been lately published in those respected columns, viz: -- "The Morning Chronicle," of the city of Pittsburgh, as copied from the "New York Watchman."

(Continued,)

"Thus mightily grew the work of the Lord, and the Holy Spirit was poured out. Other elders began to visit us from other parts of the United States. This brought me acquainted with many of them, among them appeared the famous Doct. P. Hulbert, some of whose writings I shall examine...." Note: Page's entire 10th installment merely reproduces pp. 5-8 of Winchester's Origin of the Spaulding Story.

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For the Chronicle.     

I have a few questions to ask Elder John E. Page:

It is agreed that the Mosaic supercedes the Patriarchal, and the Christian the Mosiac Institutions. Now, sir, do not the Mormons teach that Mormonism is to supercede Christianity in a similar manner?

In the same sense that Moses is regarded as the author of Judaism, and Jesus Christ of Christianity, do not the Mormons insist that Joseph Smith, Jr., is the author of Mormonism?

It is agreed that the Old Testament contains the scriptures peculiar to Judaism, and the New Testament contains the scriptures peculiar to Christianity; but do not the Mormons teach that the Book of Mormon contains the scriptures peculiar to Mormonism, thus setting aside both testaments?

It is indisputable that the Jews were baptized into Moses, the Christians are baptized into Jesus; why then do not Mormons baptize into Joseph Smith, Jr.?

God appeared in awful sublimity on Mt. Sinai, and spoke audibly in the hearing of the whole congregation of Israel to establish the mission of his servant Moses; the spirit of God descended in the form of a dove and rested on the head of Jesus and a voice was heard from Heaven (by a vast multitude assembled to attend to John's baptism,) saying this is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased, in order to establish the authority of the Son of God in and over the Christian Church. Now sir, tell us when and where and how and before whom has God ever appeared to establish the authority of Joseph Smith, Jr.?

It is pretended that Mormonism is to place the world in possession of those unspeakable blessings so gloriously described in the vision [of] Isaiah "The wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard lie down with the kid, and the calf and young lion, and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them. And the cow and the bear shall feed, their young ones shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like an ox, and the sukling child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice's den." Now sir, how do your reconcile the introduction of this most happy and peaceful state just described, with the military spirit and character of Gen. Joseph Smith, Jr., and the marshalling and disciplining of soldiers at Nauvoo?

Do not the Mormons claim as the land promised them, in the same sense as Canaan was promised to the Jews anciently?

Do not the Mormons regard the people of these United States, who refuse to embrace their superstition, as Gentiles and speak of them as such?

Will it not become the duty of every Mormon as soon as they feel themselves able, to attempt to drive out these Gentiles from the land of promise?

Is it not the essence of Mormonism to carry conviction to the hearts of unbelievers on the points of their bayonets, and eventually to preach their doctrines from the mouths of their cannon?

Has not Gen. Joseph Smith, Jr., the pretended prophet of the Lord, High Priest after the order of Melchisideck, etc. found it necessary to detail a body guard on account of a very general impression that he hired ruffians who attempted to assassinate Gov. Boggs?

Is not assassination not only permitted, but actually commanded in the case of dissenters from the Mormon faith?

Is it not the design of the leaders of Mormonism to establish a Western Empire?

Elder Page may flounder and call names, but I assert confidently that Mormonism actually professes the introduction of a new religion and a new government. I am not mistaken, neither am I exaggerating facts, but declaring a sober and most startling truth. As a Christian I feel concerned for the souls of my fellow men, and as an American alarmed for the consequences of this delusion to my country.     A. DISCIPLE.


Notes: (forthcoming)

For the Chronicle.     

MORMONISM alias, TRUTH [11].

Defended against foul calumniating falsehoods and misrepresentations, that have been lately published in those respected columns, viz: -- "The Morning Chronicle," of the city of Pittsburgh, as copied from the "New York Watchman."

(Continued,)

"After having pursued the history of this individual so far, we shall now proceed to detail the precise manner in which the Spaulding story originated, respecting the manuscript found, which it is supposed by some, has been transmuted into the Book of Mormon...."


Note: Page's 11th installment merely reproduces pp. 8-11 of Winchester's Origin of the Spaulding Story.

Trouble among the Mormons. -- 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. --   Burlington Iowa Hawk Eye.


Note: This short notice in The Spirit of Liberty marked the beginning of the end for Elder John E. Page's easy access to the columns of Pittsburgh newspapers. The growing scandal at Nauvoo almost certainly shook the confidence, if not the faith, of the wayward LDS Apostle. In later years a more jaded John E. Page would slip briefly into and out of latter day polygamy, but in mid-1842 the news of Joseph Smith's involvement in such unsavory marital practices must have come as an unhappy surprise to the previously over-vocal Mormon leader in Pittsburgh. And, if the news surprised Page, it angered and disgusted the local newspaper editors. While they continued to cover the story unfolding at Nauvoo, most of the editors quickly grew wary of giving the Pittsburgh Mormons any undue publicity.

For the Chronicle.     

Why, Elder Page, do you continue to blink the main points in "Mormonism Exposed," and entirely overlook the contradictions of the Bible by the book of Mormon as proved by "A Disciple?" For the last two days the readers of the Chronicle have been edified with a senseless story, about P. Hurlbut, who, for aught we know or care, may be the man in the moon. The truth is, your system has been successfully exposed, in its naked deformity, to the astonishment and indignation of an insulted public, and you now wish to conceal your disgrace by a sham defence; but it won't do, Rlder. If your system is true, let us have some better evidence than a wandering Mormon's word; if it is false, make a clean breast by an honest and manly confession and you may yet live to acquire the character of a good citizen. Depend upon it, Elder, that you draw too largely on our credulity when you ask us to believe that Elder Page is as good a man as the Apostle Paul; our faith is weak. Your word, Sir, notwithstanding all your noise and asseverations, is not as good with us Christians, whatever it might be with Mormons, as the word of our Lord or any of his Apostles. Are you not ashamed, Elder, to declare publicly, that we have as much evidence of the truth of the Book of Mormon, as of the truth of the Bible? Do you never fear the vengeance of an insulted God, when you take the liberty of preaching that the pretended miracles of such abandoned creatures as Joseph Smith, jr., and his deluded followers, yourself among the number, have as strong claims on our belief, as the miracles performed by Jesus Christ and his Apostles?ÊWhat, Sir, is there in Mormonism that requires miracles to establish it? Christianity, as preached and practiced by its most illustrious author, and his immediate followers, was the very essence of God-like dignity and excellence; but Mormonism stinks in the nostrils of every people among whom it has ever come. As for dignity, it has none; as for excellence, if a thirst for blood, if assassination, if adultery, if robbery, if profane swearing, if unrelenting hatred for its opponents, if any of these be excellence, then indeed Mormonism can plead an indisputable claim to that kind of virtue, Why sir, if you are an honest man, do you decline to publish in the Chronicle what you preach in the pulpit, namely, "that your word is as good as that if the Apostle Paul. That the eight witnesses to the book of Mormon furnish evidence of its truth, equal to all the evidence of its truth, equal to all the evidence on which Christians receive the Bible as the word of God. That the Apostles of Jesus Christ never gave any other evidence of their being sent from God, or of the truth of what they preached, but their own word, and that you will give no other evidence of the authenticity of the book of Mormon, but your word." Come out sir, and let us see what a Mormon apostle is.

Tell us, sir, in conclusion. Does the book of Mormon record it as a fact, that Jesus Christ was born in Jerusalem? Does the book of Mormon record as a fact, there were three days of darkness when Jesus was crucified? Is the record true? I am determined to hold you to your point.

A DISCIPLE.    

Note 1: A Disciple's remark concerning "a senseless story, about P. Hurlbut, who, for aught we know or care, may be the man in the moon" is perhaps indicative of the general Campbellite lack of interest in Sidney Rigdon at this point in their church history. In the July 1, 1839 issue of his Evangelist of the True Gospel, early Disciples leader and editor, Rev. Walter Scott asked: "Why is not Mr. Patterson's testimony adduced in this case? He is now in Pittsburgh, and can doubtless throw light upon [some of the Spalding-Rigdon authorship claims for the Book of Mormon." But, when presented a golden opportunity to pursue this useful suggestion farther, Scott apparently did nothing to encourage the necessary solicitation of "Patterson's testimony" -- see his Evangelist of Feb. 14, 1842. Although Rev. Scott again addressed the subject or Mormon origins a year later, he still did nothing to document Rigdon's former activities in Pittsburgh. Scott's 1843 article did, however, catch the eye of the Disciples' primary leader, Alexander Campbell. In his Millennial Harbinger of January 1844 Campbell responded to Scott's previously published remarks with some reflection of his own regarding Sidney Rigdon and Mormon origins, but, like Scott before him, Campbell failed to initiate any investigation of Rigdon's pre-Mormon activities in Pittsburgh. Campbell had also been presented with a golden opportunity to call for such on-the-ground research a year previously, but did nothing then either -- see his Harbinger of August 1842. It is quite possible that Alexander Campbell had good reason to go digging too deeply into the affairs of his former lieutenant in Pittsburgh. Campbell had helped get Rigdon ensconced there as the pastor of the First Baptist Church twenty years before. Perhaps Campbell did not want the story of Rigdon's secretive work for him in that congregation told in any great detail. The net result was that in 1841-43 Pittsburgh Campellites (such as Elder Nicklin, Elder Church, and "A Disciple") neglected to investigate the story related by D. P. Hurlbut, and Rigdon's Pittsburgh past remained conveniently obscure.

For the Chronicle.     

Messrs. Editors: -- Did you ever hear the story of the Kilkenny cats? Well, I'll tell you a similar one. The Book of Mormon gives an account of a great battle between Nephites and Lamanites, in which every soul on both sides was killed, except the two generals, Coriantumr and Shiz. As a matter of course, they continued the fight until Shiz fainted and fell, when Coriantumr struck off his head. After this Shiz rose up, struggled for breath, fell and expired. There's courage for you. The Irish soldier who ran a mile after his head, which a cannon ball carried away, is no touch to Gen. Shiz.

After this it is no longer matter of surprise that one of the Mormon captains in Missouri, addressing his soldiers, should exhort them to [have] faith enough, if shot down in battle, to rise up and shoot again. Strong faith that! Nor is it matter of surprise that Peter Wimmer's son-in-law should have been alive, according to Elder Page, two years after his brains were knocked out with a rifle barrel by a Missourian. These Mormons must have as many lives as a cat.   Yours, &c.

        PICCOLA.
Captain of Danite Band.             

Notes: (forthcoming)

For the Chronicle.     

MORMONISM alias, TRUTH [12].

Defended against foul calumniating falsehoods and misrepresentations, that have been lately published in those respected columns, viz: -- "The Morning Chronicle," of the city of Pittsburgh, as copied from the "New York Watchman."

(Continued,)

"After Mr. H. returned from Pittsburgh, he went to Kirtland, Ohio..."


Note 1: Apostle Page's 12th installment merely reproduces pp. 11-12 of Winchester's Origin of the Spaulding Story. It is unfortunate that Page chose to end his "Mormonism, Alias Truth" series at the very juncture where he finished up quoting Elder Benjamin Winchester in reference to the activities of D. P. Hurlbut during the 1830s. In ending his serialized exposition at this awkward point in the story, Page avoided having to say anything new about the Spalding claims for Book of Mormon authorship, the alleged prior misdeeds of Sidney Rigdon in Pittsburgh, etc. The reading public's interest in Mormonism was already moving from doctrinal and historical issues to the continuing melodrama then going on at Nauvoo. Their predictable questions (and possible answers) regarding the alleged secret beginnings of Mormonism in Pittsburgh two decades previous were lost in the shuffle of John C. Bennett exposures and Mormon denials of any wrongdoing by their chief leader in Illinois.

Note 2: Apostle Page's voice would breiefly re-emerge in the pages of the Pittsburgh Morning Post during the fall of 1842, but editor of that paper, like the editor of the Morning Chronicle before him, thenceforth declined giving the Mormon leader much additional communication space in his columns.