REV.  ALEXANDER  CAMPBELL.

This gentleman, who has rendered himself somewhat conspicuous, both by his debate with Robert Owen, at Cincinnari, Ohio, in defending Christianity from the attacks of a noted opponent of the Gospel, and by introducing a new sort of theology into the middle and western States, resides at Bethany, Va., and publishes a monthly periodical entitled, "The Millennial Harbinger." His system of theology is a peculiar system, about as unintelligible, visionary and untangible, as that of Emanuel Swedenborg. For as none can understand the system of Swedenborg except by the science of correspondences and the admission of a new and special revelation through him to the world, so none can understand or be benefitted by the transcendent glories of Campbellism, except by the doctrine of baptism and the admission of Mr. C.'s divine appointment "to restore the ancient order of things," (which by the bye proves to be an entirely new orderof things unknown to the primitive church,) making Christianity and salvation itself to consist in the rite of baptism. The latter, as was also the former, is a man of some talent and indenuity, and has something of a number of followers at the west. In a late number of the "Harbinger," Mr. C. was led to speak of Universalism, and like his Limitarian brethren in general, undertook to caricature the doctrine. Upon this caricature, the Editors of the "Sentinel and Star in the West," made some strictures, and offered Mr. C. the use of their columns to overthrow the doctrine of Universalism if he was able. He replied to the "Sentinel," that he would accept their offer, provided the Editors in their replies to him would abstain from all "scurility," &c. and yet, in the same article, makes use of no small share of that ingredient himself; and closes by saying he is "forthcoming" upon Universalism, to show that "it has no foundation in Scripture, nor in the reason and nature of things, and that its inevitable tendency is to Deism or something worse." ...

Should the discussion go on, we shall apprise our readers of its progress.     S.


Notes: (forthcoming)

CHANGES  OF  MORMONISM.

In a postscript to a letter recently received from Chagrin River, Ohio, the writer says:

"The Mormonites in this region have received a 'new revelation' which has been proclaimed through the medium of their seer, Jo. Smith, viz. -- 'that the whole human family will finally be brought to a knowledge of the truth and be saved.' They have in some instances gone to those on whom they had pronounced curses for their unbelief, and asked forgiveness -- proclaiming the new revelation, and stating that 'their want of charity for unbelievers originated from the same cause that misled the Jews in the days of our Saviour.'"   J. M. H.

In view of the above every friend of Universalism and well wisher to our cause, will be ready to excalim, "Good Lord deliver us from such accessions to our ranks as the Mormonites." They have hitherto attempted to honor Orthodoxy by teaching the doctrine of endless misery; we hope they will not now seek to disgrace Universalism by professing in the salvation of all men. We have this reflection, however, to console us, that if they embrace and teach Universalism they must renounce Mormonism and the pretended revelations they have received from Jo Smith, for this plain reason -- the Mormon Bible written by him teaches endless damnation in the most plan and unequivocal language; and of course, that revelation must be given up.     S.


Note: Probably the "new revelation" here referred to was the "vision" of Smith and Rigdon, as published in the Missouri Evening and Morning Star of July 1832. In their "vision" Smith and Rigdon purported to see that the afterlife was divided into three major realms -- the celestial, the terrestial and the telestial. Those believers who did not join the Mormonites still might hold out some hope of their eventual salvation in one of the two lesser spiritual realms. As the editor alludes, the 3-layers of heaven doctrine is not taught in the Book of Mormon, which is stridently anti-Universalist in its message.

FANATICISM.

... In the western part of this State a Baptist church, after going through revival operations, is turning Mormonite -- the next improvement we may expect them to make, will probably be into Skepticism.


Note: This news, from the Rochester area, was first reported by Abner Cole, who was never a friend to Joseph Smith nor to his Mormonite followers.

Mormonism in New England. -- It is stated in the Boston Christian Register, that two Mormonite preachers have recently visited that city, and made about 15 converts to their strange doctrines, who had been baptized and joined the Mormon church. Some of them are said to be respectable persons. All contemplate going to the west, and some have already started for "the promised land, the place of refuge for the house of Israel and for the Gentile world who will flee thither for safety," in Jackson county Missouri. Two females who have gone, had acquired by industry, one 1500, and the other 800 dollars, which they have given up to go into the general stock. The others possess between 3 or $4,000 which they are going to put into the general fund, and which they can never draw out again. "Thus (says the Register) are people swindled out of their property, and drawn from their comfortable homes, by ignorant fanatics." One of the preachers has been at Lynn, where four or five persons have embraced Mormonism and been immersed. The preachers intend visiting the cities and principal towns in New England. --   N. Bedford Mercury.


Note: This was one of the early Mormon news stories that made the national papers. Niles' Weekly Register of Sept. 8, 1832 summarized the report from the Boston Christian Register, as did several other big eastern papers. The "two preachers" who were spreading Mormonism in Boston were elders Orson Hyde and Samuel H. Smith, who first arrived in Boston on June 22, 1832. At the beginning of the missionary tour, in Conneaut in January, they opened the literary can of worms that became the Solomon Spalding claims for the authorship of the Book of Mormon. Towards the end of their proselytizing efforts they visited the Saco Valley of Maine and converted a number of former followers of the polygamist Jacob Cochran.

BENEVOLENCE  OF  DR.  ELY'S  PRAYERS.

Dr. Ely has lately taken a jaunt to Huntingdon and other places in the interior of Pennsylvania, to attend protracted meetings and see that all his subalterns are faithful and true. He passed through and stopped at Reading on his way. In a late number of the "Philadelphian" he gives us a sketch of his journey, and among other things describes a Mormon prophet now imposing on the ignorant and credulous part of the Reading community. He says this impostor pretends to predict future events, and declares that "when he can find two other persons as perfect as himself, he intends to raise the dead." After some further remarks on the absurdity and wickedness of his pretensions, the Doctor very charitably adds, "The Mormon prophet of Reading will have his day, and then will come his night. God grant that it may be the blackness of darkness forever!"...

This, however, is perfectly cinsistent with the principles of Calvinism, Dr. Ely, doubtless, believes that the misery of damnation in hell will add greatly to the glory of God and the happiness of the saints in heaven! and that he shall hereafter contemplate on the unspeakable and endless torments of this poor, miserable Mormon prophet with infinite pleasure!... Nor is it any easier reconciling his theory and prayer for the Mormon prophet's damnation, with the apostolic exhortion and sentiment, than with the Doctor's great anxiety for the conversion and salvation of sinners... Now Paul would have prayed for the enlightening and salvation of this deluded and benighted Mormonite; but Dr. Ely prays that "the blackness of darkness forever" may be his portion. What must be the feelings of that heart which can thus pray, and deliberately pen for publication such peititions to the Supreme?     S.


Note 1: The issue of the Rev. Dr. Ezra S. Ely's Philadelphian in which his anti-Mormon prayer was published has not yet been located for transcription. Ely was the orthodox Presbyterian champion of Sunday closings and the "Christian Party in politics." He lived long enough to see Joseph Smith, Jr.'s bid for the Presidency in 1844, and Brigham Young's attempt to create an independent nation out of Deseret, a few years later. Probably that was not the sort of religious voice "in politics" he had anticipated.

Note 2: The identity of the Mormon missionary holding forth in Reading during 1832 has not yet been determined. For a vacuous follow-up to this item, see the Evangelical Magazine of Jan. 5, 1833

BENEVOLENCE  OF  DR.  ELY'S  PRAYERS.

Our readers will recollect that we publishd an article a few weeks since, with the above caption, in which we noticed a certain prayer of the Doctor (as printed in the Philadelphian) concerning the Mormon prophet of Reading, Pa., beseeching God that his night might "be the blackness of darkness for ever." The Dr. has copied our article and comments on his prayer, and then appended the following

EXPLANATION

"Until the Editor read the above, he was wholly ignorant that he had made himself answerable for a very unchristian prayer. He intended to write from Harrisburg, "The Mormon prophet of Reading will have his day, and then will come his night: God grant that it may NOT be the blackness of darkness forever..."


Notes: (forthcoming)

NEW BOOKS, received by land from New-York...

Description of the ruins of an ancient city discovered near Palenque, in the kingdom of Guatemala in Spanish America, with a critical investigation and research into the History of the Americans.   Just received by
                  W. C. LITTLE, 67 State st.


Note: The above advertisement is only one of many published in American newspapers for the 1822 Del Rio book. Possibly an unauthorized copy was printed in the USA during the 1820s or early 1830s. If so, it has not been detected and distinguished from the London original by American book cataloguers.

"FREE  UNIVERSAL  MAGAZINE."

For six months past I have had in my possession, a book of 200 pages, entitled "The Free Universal Magazine, being a display of the mind of Jesus as manifested to his servants, the members of the New and Free Church." It was published quarterly for the space of one year, in numbers from 40 to 60 pages each, 12mo. The imprint of the first two numbers, is as follows: "New-York, printed by Louis Jones, No. 24 Smith-street for Rev. Abel Sargent, 1793." The third and fourth numbers were printed in Baltimore, for the same Editor.

Br. Whitmore, of the "Expositor," makes a mistake of 26 years, in supposing that the first Universalist periodical in the United States was commenced in Boston, in 1819. He of course knew not that the "Free Universal Magazine" was commenced June 7, 1793.

I have no doubt that Br. Sargent was the author of the queries which caused so much excitement at Hanover, Pa. many years ago -- an account of which was recently published by Br. Grosh, of the Utica Magazine, transferred to the Baltimore Pioneer, and noticed in an article in the "Expositor" to which I have referred. In the list of subscribers to Br. Sargent's work, I find that there were seven at "Hanover or McAllister's Town, Pa."

At the close of the volume before me, is a Proposal for a Second. It is therein stated that "the Editor, being now settled in the town of Baltimore, in the centre of intelligence, is at this time establishing an extensive correspondence with men of information, in divers parts of America and Europe," &c. I have been informed by Br. Timothy Banger, to whom the book in my possession belongs, that a second volume was not published.

In the second number of this "Magazine," I find the following article:

"A list of the Universal churches, within the Knowledge of the Editor, also of Universal Ministers.

"Churches in Jersey. -- Kingwood; ___Town; New-Hanover; Pitts Grove; Shilo, in Cumberland County; Cape May.

"Churches in Pennsylvania. New Britain; Philadelphia; Washington county, Pike Run; Cross Creek.

"Churches in Maryland. Eastern Shore of Maryland; Hartford county; George's Hills, Allegany.

"Churches in Virginia. Shenandoah; Morgan Town; Clerksburg (this church is very small, but it is likely to increase much, if there could be only a settled minister there, and there is one who expects before long, to settle and tarry here.)

"In New England, I have been informed, there are many.

"Also the same cause prospers much in London, through the instrumentality of Rev. Elhanan Winchester; and in Kentucky (I hear) through the instrumentality of Revs. Bailey and Holmes, formerly Baptist ministers.

UNIVERSAL MINISTERS.

"London. Elhanan Winchester; and some others, whom I hear are lately converted to the Faith.

"New England. John Murray, Mr. Richards, with several others, some of whom I hear wish to come to Jesus by Night.

"Eastern Shore of Maryland. Mr. Pollard and Mr. Hockins.

"Maryland. Richard Green, and one Methodist Minister, who thinks not proper to declare himself.

"Pennsylvania. David Evans, Mr. White, George Adam Martin, David Arnold, James Wallis, Mr. Bylew [sic - Ballou?].

"Kentucky. Mr. Bailey and others, of whom I have been credibly informed.

"Jersey. William Worth, Nicholas Cox, Artis Segrave, Mr. McIntire, Joseph Ayres, Abel Sargent."

I learn from the "Magazine," before me that "the representatives of sundary societies in the United States, believing in the Salvation of All Men," convened on the 25th of May, 1790, in the city of Philadelphia, by an invitation from the brethren in the said city, holding the same doctrine. -- William Worth was Moderator of the Convention, and Artis Seagrave, Clerk. Much business was transacted. The Convention met agreeably to adjournment, in Philadelphia, May 25, 1791; Nicholas Cox, Moderator, Artis Seagrave, Clerk. The Convention met again, in the same place, May 25, 1792; James Moore, Moderator, David Evans, Clerk. And again, May 25, 1793; David Evans Moderator, Wm. Worth, Clerk. The Convention adjourned "to meet in Philadelphia, the last Tuesday in October, 1794." As the publication of the "Free Universal Magazine" closed in March, 1794, we thence derive no farther information in relation to this Convention.   A. C. T.


Note 1: There seems to be some confusion over exactly which numbers of the Free Universal Magazine were published in New York City. The Maryland Archives possesses two issues of the first volume, which are there cataloged as #s 2 and 3. Probably these are actually #s 3 and 4. Copies of the Sept. 6, 1793 issue, published in New York City, still exist; perhaps some libraries have mistakenly cataloged this as #1 of the series. The true first issue of Rev. Able's paper appears to be a lost New York imprint from June 7, 1793. See also the episode entitled "The Halcyon Inspiration" in the on-line Spalding Saga.

Note 2: The two Universalist congregations above mentioned, for Washington Co., Pennsylvania, were located near Pike Run in the vicinity of Greenfield or Beallsvlle; and near Cross Creek, northwest of the town of Washington. Rev. Abel M. Sargent reportedly served briefly as a Universalist pastor for one of these congregations, prior to 1800. Perhaps his ministry was with the Pike Run congregation, for there were members of the Sargent family then living in the adjoining township of West Bethlehem in the vicinity of Zollarsville. Rev. Sargent's third wife, Mary Gardner, was evidently related to Dunkard Gardner family in that area. At that period Dunkards (German Baptist Brethren) and Universalists were very close in their respective theologies and occasionally shared pastors for preaching services, thus it is possible that Rev. Sargent then preached in the area between Amity and what is now the town of California, in southeast Washington County. The other Universalist congregation was a neighbor to the Cross Creek Presbyterian Church, presided over by Rev. Joseph Patterson, Sr., the father of Rev. Robert Patterson -- the Pittsburgh minister, publisher and book-seller. Cross Creek is the first "hollow" north of Brush Run, where Alexander Campbell established the first of his "Reformed Baptist" congregations, in 1811.

Note 3: The 1793 list of Universalist congregations and ministers shows a church at "George's Hills, Allegany" Co., Maryland. This was the settlement of Cona, near Westernport. One record shows that, in 1786, the the Baptist Church in that place, professed "believers' baptism by immersion only, the laying on of hands, eternal unconditional election, and final perserverance," which may have held open some room for Universalism. Rev. Able M. Sargent's son Osborn was born in that settlement in 1789. By May of 1796 Rev. Sargent had moved his family back to the same area of Allegany Co., for his daughter Clarissa was born there in May of that year. The 1793 list also shows Universalist churches at "Morgan Town" and "Clerksburg," in Virginia. These towns lie directly west from Sargent's 1796 residence in Westernport, and are now Morgantown, Monongalia Co., West Virginia and Clarksburg, Harrison Co., in the same state. Rev. Sargent reportedly preached in these places during the late 1790s. Both towns are upstream on the Monongahela River, not far from southeastern Washington Co., Pennsylvania. Rev. Sargent's probable migration path, during 1798-99, was westward from Maryland, into the Monongahela River country, and then from there, westward again, to Cincinnati and the Ohio River borderlands.

REV.  ABEL  SARGENT.

We are happy in the opportunity of laying the following communication before the public, and hope it may be the means of eliciting further valuable information from Br. Sargent, the subject of the letter, both in relation to himself and the cause of Universalism in its early stages in those parts of the country where he labored. There are two facts developed in this letter, of which we were not before aware, viz. 1. That Br. Sargent was the first defender of the strict unity of God in America, and 2. that the first organized body of Universalists in Ohio, took to themselves and long bore the name of "Free Church." This is certainly not an inappropriate name. We received ten numbers of the "Lamp of Liberty," mentioned in this letter, and have them now in our possession; though we did not know by whom the work was edited, the name of the Editor not being appended to it. The EDitors of the Sentinel and Star will confer a favor by re-publishing this letter, and the article that elicited it; and we hope to hear more on the subject soon from Br. Sargent. The writer of this letter has our thanks for this favor. Our readers will learn who Br. Sweet is by refering to the Modern History of Universalism, p. 420.     S.

(For the Magazine and Advocate.)

Friend Grosh -- In the sixth number of the present volume of the "Evangelical Magazine and Gospel Advocate," you have published an article from Br. Thomas, of Philadelphia, relative to a volume entitled "The Free Universalist Magazine," edited by Rev. Abel Sargent, and printed in New-York and Baltimore, 1793. And you desire furtherinformation relative to the preachers and societies named in the article from Br. Thomas. I have thought it proper to address you a few lines, for the purpose of directing you in the way to obtain the information desired -- and to obtain it from a source that may be relied on as correct -- that is, from Rev. Abel Sargent, himself. Were I at Marietta, (O.,) I could give you much information realtive to the subject generally; but as Br. SArgent is still living, and able to speak for himself, it would be more proper to obtain the information from him.

I have the honor of a personal acquaintance with Br. Sargent. He called on me at Marietta and Belpre, (Ohio,) about four years since. He is now about 67 years old -- when I saw him, his health was good, his voice was clear and strong, and he is considered a good speaker. He was (as he informed me) performing his last general visit to the brethren, where he had preached, west of the Allegany mountain; and he said that he should (when he had performed this general tour) then retire to some place in the State of Indiana, where he should endeavor to spend the remainder of his days in quietness and peace. That Br. Sargent will attend to any request for information, made directly to him, by you, I have no doubt. And should the call on him be published in your paper, with a request to the Editors of the Sentinel and Star in the West to republish it, I have no doubt bit it would reach him in due time, and elicit the desired information. -- Though Br. Sargent is generally known in the south part of the State of Ohio, I know of no one that would be more likely to know his present resident than Br. J. Kidwell, Editor of the Sentinel and Star in the West.

I am acquainted with some old people who heard Br. Sargent preach, nearly forty years ago, in the State of Pennsylvania. It has been as much as thirty-five years since he first preached at Belpre, and other places west of the mountain.

He gathered a large church in the neighborhood of Marietta -- they had many preachers -- but as you will obtain all the information desired on these subjects, from Br. Sargent, I will not go into particulars. Br. Sargent, in his first publications, discarded the doctrine of the trinity, and maintained the Divine unity. And in this he was before Ballou -- if not before any man in the United States. * With the trinity, he rejected vicarious atonement, or the vicarious suffering of Christ, and contended that at-one-ment meant to reconcile or make one, by making peace -- but that the change was wholly in man, that God never had changed, and that none could change him. And I think Br. Sargent, and the "Free Church" generally, denied the natural immortality of the soul, and predicated future life and immortality on a resurrection from the state of death. That they do at the present time, I am certain; and believe they did from the beginning. Br. Sargent has been writing and publishing on the subject of religion, nearly forty years. The last periodical that I knew of his publishing, was entitled "The Lamp of Liberty;" it was discontinued about four years ago. The Lamp of Liberty was published in Cincinnati, Ohio.


Note 1: Few, if any, copies the of 1827-29 Cincinnati Lamp of Liberty appear to have survived, however the Rev. Barton W. Stone, Editor of the Christian Messenger, wrote some disparaging comments regarding the first two issues of the Lamp of Liberty, in his Christian Messenger. See that paper's issue of Aug. 25, 1827, where Rev. Stone attributes management of the periodical to the otherwise unknown "Liberating Community" of Cincinnati. Perhaps this was the last, lingering remnant of Sargent's once extensive (if not particularly numerous) "Halcyon Church."

Note 2: The farewell tour of the Ohio river towns, that Mr. Sweet mentions, was evidently undertaken by the Rev. Able M. Sargent at the time he left Cincinnati (1829?) to relocate near his brother's George Sargent's home in Logan, Fountain Co., Indiana. It is not known whether or not Rev. Sargent submitted the requested autobiographical information to the Union Co., Indiana Sentinel and Star in the West. Rev. Sargent's last known public communication, prior to his death in that state on Aug. 10, 1839, was a personal notice that he had printed in the Bloomington Post, on Nov. 27, 1835.

MORMONISM.

Br. J. B. Prosser, of Bolton, Warren county, writes in a late letter, as follows: --

"The Mormon prophets are working wonders in Bolton. Fifty, or upwards, have joined the standard raised by Jo. Smith, jr. More are expected to join them speedily. I know of no Universalist that has been disturbed at all by the revelation of "Nephi." It is but a word and a blow with the prophets, with regard to initiation -- they baptize in the night-time, when occasion requires. They appear to be greatly hurried."

The world has truly got to a strange pass, when people in numbers and companies can be juggled out of reason and common sense, so far as to give themselves up as the disciples and followers of the miserable scapegoat, Jo. Smith, jr., a juggling knave and a lazy swindler, who, having escaped from prison [sic] and the hand of legal justice, has set up for himself in religion, by publishing what he calls his golden Bible, his own wicked invention, filled with a tissue of the most glaring absurdities and nonsensical trash. It would seem that there is no impostor too vile and scandalous to have his devoted followers, and no kind of knavery or absurdity too palpable to have its dupes and victims. But Jo. Smith jr. is not the only impostor and religious juggler of the present age. It is our honest, serious and dep conviction of mind, that Jedediah Burchard and his coadjutors in modern fanaticism, are practicing as great an imposition, as vile an imposture, a worse kind of blasphemy, and exerting a far more extensively pernicious influence in society, than that of the Mormon prophet and his followers. For Burchard and his coadjutors are more enlightened, move in a different circle, and impose on more people than the Mormonites have it in their power to impose upon. Therefore the greater is their guilt.     S.


Notes: (forthcoming)

UNIVERSALISM.

There is no doctrine or sentiment which is so well calculated to give unalloyed joy to the truly devoted Christian, as that of the cheering doctrine of universal emancipation from sin and misery of all the intelligent offspring of our heavenly Father.

Yet the false creed of Mohammed, or the visionary and ludicrous sentiments of the Mormons have not been held in more disrepute, or more pointed at with the finger of scorn and contempt, than the heavenly doctrine of Universalism. The doctrine most calculated to fill the humane heart, and pious soul with sorrow and despair, has been embraced before it, and in opposition to it! Cometh this from a corrupted heart, or a muddied intellect? Our faith in the benevolence of all men, as evinced in their desires for universal happiness forbids the former, and impels to the latter conclusion. May, then, the happy period soon arrive, when a knowledge commensurate with these good desires shall cover the earth and fill every mind.     N. B.

---

(For the Magazine and Advocate.)

MORMONISM -- AURORA BOREALIS.

It is very common with men at the present day, to declaim loudly against the superstitious and extravagant notions prevalent during the darker ages of popish dictation and monkish credulity; while they, perhaps, at the same time, openly avow their belief in what is equally preposterous, or give a tacit assent to such opinions, by allowing them to be proclaimed within the legitimate sphere of their influence, without any expression of disappointment or attempts at refutation...

Even now, there are many among us, wearing the sanctimonious visage of the Glastonbury saint, who would undoubtedly, should an opportunity present, hold with an iron grasp, in torturing durance, the arch enemy of Heaven; and the loud portentious cry of the Mormon prophet to his deluded followers is ringing in our ears:

"On, on to the far away West! the promised land,
From the dread, awful day, where God shall quick command:
'Let the Northern Lights with consuming vengeance glow,
Enwrap the unbelieving world in wrathful wo!'
On, ever-faithful, obedient, holy band!
Children of endless life! away to the promised land."
The above lines may be unintelligible, in part, to soem readers: for the benefit of such I will make explanation. On the evening of the 17th of May, the aurora borealis illumined the northern regions of our hemisphere with unusual brilliancy...

But their appearance and intense brilliancy were unusual at this season of the year. Hence the wild, enthusiastic Mormon teachers announced the awful intelligence, that the northern lights would soon increase to such a degree of intensity as to consume the world. "These lights, (so say the disciples of Jo. Smith, jr.) are to shine brighter and brighter in the latter days, until a part of the world shall be consumed and the rest purified. And the latter days are now come." Latter days of what? Not of superstition and fanaticism. The announcement was made, simultanwously, by a number of the Mormon teachers, in a neighborhood including parts of Livonia and Geneseo towns in Livingston county. In these towns, and in Avon, Mormon meetings have frequently been held, for some months past, which have been attended with some success; though small, when the long-continued, strenuous efforts which have been made are taken into consideration. They now number nearly fifty in the vicinity, with teachers, preachers and prophets enough for the general good; say ten to fifteen. On the eventful evening of the 17th of May, they went from house to house, alarming and terrifying the people with their ominous predictions. They succeeded in working on the fears of nine in such a manner, as to induce them to be baptized on the following evening. They usually baptize between the hours of nine and twelve at night. With regard to the expression, "children of endless life," it is well known that a petition, purporting to be from the "subjects of endless life," and praying a lease of a tract of land, situate near the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi rivers, was presented to Congress during its last session. The asked for a lease to remain in force, only during the "natural life" of one of their members, who they believed would never taste death. But the member, named in the memorial, has since died; a circumstance which ought to dispel their illusion. Whether this society is a ramification of Mormonism, or some other species of fanaticism, I know not; be it as it may, many of the followers of the new revelator, Jo. Smith, jr. are deluded enough to suppose they shall never die.

They receive slmost daily, revelations; even in the most trifling occurences of life they are directed by the counsel of the Most High. They often speak in an unknown tongue, which appears not only unknown to the hearers, but to the speakers, for they cannot interpret it. However, when they shall have increased their number to fifty, they are to receive, among many other new and miraculous gifts, that of the interpretation of tongues. -- There is an institution among them, in which some respects bears affinity to the Shaker dance. The manner in which this ceremony is performed, as well as the advantages derivable from its enactment, are a matter of speculation and burlesque, among those who are not willing to receive the say-so of the swindling impostor, Jo. Smith, jr. as their "only rule of faith and practice." It is reported, and not without considerable circumstantial and some positive testimony, that the ceremony consists in tumbling and rolling about the floor "by the whole troop," men, women and children, "without discrimination or preference." Be this true or false, their undignified , immodest carriage and obscene behaviour, are proverbial wherever their preposterous notions have been fairly proclaimed and practically exemplified. In once case, not in Livingston county, but in a neighboring part of the State, (the facts are derived from a credible source,) a Methodist minister managed to slip behind a door, from whence he witnessed a part of the ludicrous proceedings. On his being observed by one of the Mormonites, the first exclamation escaping from the observer was "the devil!" "The sons of God came to present themselves (i. e. to tumble) before the Lord, and satan came also among them." Should this meet the eye of our Methodist brother, I hope he will not be unwilling to admit that he was an adversary in the Mormon camp. AS the proceedings could not well be dispensed with, and attempt was made to divert his attention; but he would not have his attention withdrawn from the novel exhibition. They then had recourse to threatenings, and denounced the most terrinle judghments on the unwelcome intruder; which would surely fall upon him before he left the neighborhood. But he had the good sense to laugh at their threatenings, and the good fortune to leave the place the next day in good health, and free from the contaminating influence of their lascivious practices. They say, "the cholera will prove tenfold more destructive in the course of this Summer than it ever has at any former period." "Thousands and thousands will this year curse God and die." If so, let them beware. Their crowded meetings in warm weather -- the high mental and physical excitement which usually prevails, together with their "holy rolls" and night baptisms, would furnish fit subjects for the fell pestilence: and should that unparalleled scourage re-visit our land, the poor wandering Mormonites may have, above all others, most cause to deprecate its return. They pretend to heal the sick, restore sight to the blind, and make the lame to walk; but, like Jemima Wilkinson, they require the faith of the witnesses to assist them in working miracles. Faith unshaken is first requisite in those who would be cured; then, "As a man thinketh so is he." Hence, many wonderful miracles are said to have been wrought. "If the Lord be God, serve him; if Ball, serve him." Is it not written, "Ye cannot serve God and mammon." (Mormon?) &*nbsp;   M. L. F.
Henrietta, Monroe county, June 24, 1833.

For some other particuoars respecting the Mormon delusion, the reader may see last page, article "Mormonism."     G.

---

From the American Eagle.

MORMONISM.

(view the original of this article)

Note 1: On November 13th, 1833, Joseph Smith, Jr. wrote in his journal: "I arose and beheld to my great Joy the stars fall from heaven... A literal fullfillment of the word of God as recorded in the holy scriptures and a sign that the coming of Christ is close at hand. Oh how marvellous are thy works Oh Lord and I thank thee for thy mercy unto thy servant. Oh Lord save me in thy Kingdom for Christ's sake..." LDS historian Scott Faulring attributes the source of Smith's joy to his having perceived "the northern lights" on that night. However, the date of Smith's recorded observation clearly shows that what he saw was the Leonid meteor shower of the early morning of Nov. 13th, and not the aurora borealis mentioned in the Evangelical Magazine's article of July 13, 1833. More than likely, the "Mormon teachers" mentioned in the above article were responding to the unusual exhibitions of northern lights observed in Northa America during mid-May, 1833 -- see Alexander D. Bache's "Note of the Effect upon the Magnetic Needle, of the Aurora Borealis, Visible at Philadelphis, on the 17th of May, 1833," in The Journal of the Franklin Institute for July of 1835. The same exhibition was reported in The Advocate of Science for Jun 6, 1833, on page 45, where the writer says: "On the evening of the 17th ult., a very remarkable phenomenon was seen. A brilliant aurora was visible at 8 o'clock, extending from N. W. to N. E...."

Note 2: It seems rather unlikely that displays of Mormonite pentacostalism continued in any of that denomination's branches as late as 1833. If the Monroe County correspondent's allegations of such are to be taken at face value, probably the dating of those exhibitions of "bodily exercises" needs to be set in the year 1832 or even earlier. Joseph Smith, jr. forbade such demonstrations among his Kirtland followers during the early part of 1831. His prohibition did not extend to speaking in tongues, raising the dead, nor fainting during preaching services, however. The ostensible head of the Mormonites in Livingston Co., was no doubt "Father" Alvah Beaman, who in 1833 was living at Avon. Two years later he moved his family to Kirtland and the congregation of Livingston Co. saints appears to have faded away at about the same time.

Note 3: This same correspondent had a letter published in the Evangelical Magazine of Apr. 5, 1834

"REGULATING"  THE  MORMONITES.

Some days since we announced to our readers by means of a letter from Missouri, that the Mormonite head quarters in Jackson county, in that state, had been broken up. The St. Louis Republican of the 9th inst., just received, gives the annexed particulars of the transaction. We can easily conceive that such an establishment would be quite a nuisance any where, but we must say, notwithstanding, that such a mode of breaking it up is illegal and riotous, however respectable may have been the individuals concerned. What avail our toleration principles, if no sect is to be endured but such as are free from extravagance and fanaticism? --   N. Y. Journal of Commerce.

(The original Mo. Republican article follows)

Notes: (forthcoming)

Not long since a Mormon preacher in Vermont, by way of establishing his infalibility, asserted that his flesh could not be hurt, upon which a by-stander gave him a blow that brought him sprawling to the ground. As soon as he recovered himself, he found that the argument made use of by the Vermonter was too strong, and he made off.


Notes: (forthcoming)

THE  MORMONITES.

I much like the spirit of the following article by one of the Editors of the Sentinel and Star in the West. I say "DITTO" to Br. Tizzard. However deluded -- however wrong -- however fanatical, the followers of Jo Smith may be -- however deserving of either reprobation or ridicule -- contempt or commiseration -- they are still citizens -- their erroneous faith cannot disenfranchise them.

No fear need be entertained of the great spread of Mormonism, if it is let alone -- but persecute it, and it will outstrip a locomotive steam engine in its progress. But it is too ridiculous -- to absurd to gain credence in any other way. I deem every man, in reality, an enemy to truth who attempts its defence by force or fraud -- and a friend to error, who attempts the extipation of a false creed by persecution and oppresive, illegal means. Let us frown down the hypocrisy of the hypocrite, and teach the ignorant better things. But hear Br. Tizzard.     G.

PERSECUTION.

We learn from various papers that the inhabitants of Jackson county, Missouri, have taken upon themselves the responsibility of driving the poor Mormons from among them, and have demolished the office of their publication, entitled the "Star." How do such doings comport with the letter and spirit of our inimitable Constitution (see first article of ammendments to the United States Constitution), the freedom of the press, and the rights of conscience? If the Mormonites have transgressed the laws of Missouri, let them be punished by those laws. We shall ever contend for freedom of opinion; and will ever oppose the infliction of punishment on an individual, or a community, for opinion's sake. We had thought that the old patriarchal laws of New-England, under which Quakers and Baptists were put to death, had sunk into oblivion; but the people of Jackson county, Missouri, seem to posses the same spirit which dictated those laws, and have commenced a crusade against what they call a deluded set of fanatics. Brethren, let reason be your weapon, not the sword, to drive error and delusion from your Territory; then will all good men wish you success in the warfare.


Notes: (forthcoming)

Civil War in Missouri. -- The people of Jackson county are using the torch, the sword, and the musket, against the Mormonites. On the 31st of October, a mob of fifty persons attacked and demolished 12 of the Mormon dwellings, beat the inmates, and drove women and children into the woods. On the 1st Nov. the war recommenced, both [arties using fire arms. On the 5th, the mob recommenced the assault about 300 strong. Several of the assailants were badly wounded and three of them killed. Among the latter was an Attorney named H. L. Breazeleale. Subsequently, there was another battle, in which several were killed on both sides. One of the Mormon worshippers gives an account of the affair in a St. Louis paper, concluding as follows: --

I am satisfied that it is useless to undertake to enforce the laws in that county under the present circumstances, because there is no one to enforce them. Every officer, civil and military, with one or two exceptions, is either directly or indirectly engaged in the mob.

Under these painful circumstances, what remains to be done? Must we be driven from our homes? Must we leave the soil for which we have paid our money? -- Most our women and children be turned out of doors with nothing but the clouded canopy to cover them and the perpetration of the above crimes escape unpunished? Or must we fight our enemies three to one, or lie down and die and our names be blotted out from among men? Let the Executive of our State and nation consider these questions; and if they will answer them in the negative, let them signify it by raising the helping hand. Again, I ask in behalf of my brethren: Will not the Governor or President lend a helping hand in this deadly calamity? Shall the crisis of the innocent and distressed, salute the ears of the Executive in vain? God forbid! For while the constitution of the United States, which was given by the inspiration of Almighty God through the instrumentality of our fathers, shall stand, I trust that those who are honored with the Executive, will see that the laws are magnified and made honorable. -- Perhaps some of my friends, on reading this letter, will be ready to ask me what I think of my religion now: I have no reply, other than this: Paul said, "He that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution."

Editors throughout the United States, are requested to publish this letter, if they are willing to confer a favour upon those who are journeying through much tribulation

I am, sirs, though a stranger, your friend and humble servant.         ORSAN HYDE.


Notes: (forthcoming)

CIVIL WAR AND BLOODSHED. The St. Louis Republican of the 12th ult. gives an account of a series of outrages by the inhabitants of Independence, Jackson co., (Missouri) upon the Mormonites, derived from Mr. Orsan [sic] Hyde, an eye-witness and sufferer, and a leader of the sect. From his statement, which is confirmed by a postscript in the Boonville Herald of the 7th ult., it appears, that on the night of October 31st, some forty or fifty of the citizens of Jackson county, made an assault upon the Mormonite village, and demolished twelve dwelling houses. Two of the Mormonites were taken and severely beaten and stoned. On the following night, the attack was renewed by the same mob, who broke open Gilbert and Whitney's store and scattered their goods through the streets. On Saturday night, another assault was made, but the Mormons, in the mean time, had conveyed their goods to a place of safety, and prepared themselves for defence. They were fired upon by the mob, and returned the fire, by which two men were wounded. On Monday, the mob had increased to between two and three hundred men, well armed, who called themselves the Militia. -- They again attacked the settlement, and poured a deadly fire -- says the informant -- upon the settlers, several of whom were killed. A party of the Mormons returned the fire, with a fatal effect. Some twenty or thirty of the assailants fell, mortally wounded, among them Hugh L. Bronseale and a Mr. Hicks, attorneys at law. The writer, after this battle, left the settlement to wait upon the governor, to petition for a redress of these grievances. The issue of the application is not stated.


Notes: (forthcoming)

Trouble in Missouri. -- The New York Commercial of Friday contains a letter from a Mr. Hyde, a Mormonite, giving an account of several conflicts, in which blood was shed, between a body of Mormons, living at the town of Independence, Missouri, and some of the inhabitants by whom they were attacked. He states that on the 31st October last, some forty or fifty men came and demolished twelve dwelling houses of the Mormonites. The inmates were obliged to escape to the woods. On the 1st of November they were attacked again, and broke open the doors and windows of all the dwellings in the town belonging to the Mormonites. The next day the Mormonites gathered their property together, to be better prepared for defence, and at night they were attacked and fired upon with guns, and returned the fire, and shot one of the assailants. A day or two afterwards, the people collected together to the number of three hundred, well armed, and made another assault. The Mormonites were prepared and poured back a deadly fire upon them. Three of the assailants were killed, and a number mortally wounded. -- The writer then left the place; after he had descended the river (Blue) and landing to receive freight, a man rode up and stated that there had been another battle, and about twenty of the assailants killed. The cannonading was distinctly heard from the boat. This is indeed extraordinary. These men are fanatics, it is true -- but harmless ones. This account is almost incredible, but seems to have been generally believed. Who could credit it, that a people, only from a difference in creed and worship, would in this country, be hunted down like wild beasts!


Note 1: The New York Commercial Advertiser ran Orson Hyde's somewhat misleading eye-witness statement on Friday, Nov. 29, 1833. The paper's sister newspaper, the New York Spectator published an extract from Hyde's account on Monday, Dec. 2, 1833. Many newspapers (like the Utica paper) picked up and reprinted Hyde's report, giving the Mormon plight in Missouri national exposure for the next several weeks.

Note 2: The editor wonders whether the Mormons could "be hunted down like wild beasts," simply because of a difference between themselves and the Missourians, of "creed and worship." The causes of the conflict were certainly more than just that seemingly small difference, and the conflict had been going on for months before the outbreak of violence that November. However, readers at a distance were not well informed of the circumstances and events in "Zion," and obviously had difficulty in accounting for the disturbing reports of bloodshed there.

PAINFUL  INTELLIGENCE.
            St. Louis, (Mo.) Nov. 15.

THE MORMONS AND THE ANTI MORMONS. -- Our intelligence from the West by the mail is not so late as that brought by the steamboat Charleston. The Fayette Monitor corroborates the statement of Mr. Hyde, in relation to the violent proceedings of the Anti-Mormons, so far as the accounts of that paper extend. Houses and property were destroyed, and the elders of the church severely whipped by the mob, under cover of the night. -- It is impossible to forsee what is to be the result of this singular and outrageous violation of the laws. We fear that the party opposed to the Mormons will think themselves placed so far beyind the pale of the law as to continue utterly regardless of it, and eventually, by the power of numbers, be enabled to cut off the offending sect. The loss of their relatives and partizans will stimulate them to these acts, and fearful acts of bloodshed may have already been witnessed. As yet, our intelligence is not very accurate, or full, in regard to the measures taken by the officers of the county to surpass the rebellion as it may properly be called. -- The entire county is probably arrayed on one side or on the other; and in this state of things the power of the sheriff, and other officers, to suppress the riot, is perfectly futile. It is reported besides, that the judge of the circuit, who attempted to interfere to stop the proceedings, as well as some of the officers, were captured by the mob, and placed in durance, either in jail, or in charge of some of their number, for a good many hours; and the lieut. governor, who resided in that county, was driven from it. In this state of things, we appregend the proper course would have been for the authorities to have represented the case to the Executive, for his interposition; but we have not learned whether they have done so. The facts are, nevertheless, notorious; and the governor should, without delay, if he has not already done it, act upon them. He is bound to see that the laws are executed against all offenders. The power of the county not being available in this case -- for almost all are concerned in the insurrection -- the governor should issue his proclamation, calling out the militia of the neighboring counties, to enforce the laws, and to quell the riot. He should give the requisite orders to the officers for that purpose; and do it with all alacrity. It is very evident, that unless some effective measures are adopted by him in this emergency, the lives of many valuable citizens will be sacrificed, and the state suffer an irretrievable injury. A rancorous, deadly hostility, has long existed between the parties, and unless the firmness and prudence of the governor should be equal to the crisis, and the offending party be severely punished, we must expect to hear of the continual recurrence of such disgraceful proceedings.

We have nothing to do with the original causes of the quarrel. There may be many worthless and intolerable members of the obnoxious sect; but the laws are equal to the punishment of all those who are guilty of violating them. It does not appear that they were appealed to at all prior to this contest. The Mormons are as much protected in their religion, their property, and persons, as any other denomination or class of men. We think that they acted perfectly right in offering the resistance which they did, and thus far they have the sympathy of this part of the community.

---

MORE MORMON TROUBLES. -- We learn that there has been another fracas in Missouri, between the Mormon fanatics and the citizens, in which fire arms were resorted to. Twenty of the latter and two of the former were killed. It is said that since the previous affair, the Prophet had sent orders to the brethren there, to "stand by their arms," instead of leaving the place as they had agreed. They had accordingly erected some kind of barricade and supplied themselves with arms. The citizens commenced the attack, and were totally routed, with the loss as above stated. There were also several wounded. We understood that dispatches have arrived at the head quarters of the prophet in this county, by a special messenger, from the seat of war. --   Painesville Telegraph.


Notes: (forthcoming)

MORMONS. -- Companies of Mormons continue to pass through this State for "Mount Zion." One would suppose that the late events at Zion would cool the zeal of the new converts. But it is not so. It is given out that one of the prophets, some two years since, foretold the destruction of Zion, and the fulfilment of his rediction is regarded as conclusive evidence of the Divine Character of the new religion. One of the Mormons on being required to point out another prophecy and its fulfilment, stated that about one year ago a Mormon prophet visited Cincinnati, and foretold the destruction of that city; and he had lately seen a person direct from Cincinnati, who informed him that the cholera and small pox had carried off nearly all the inhabitants of that city! --   Sangamo Journal.


Notes: (forthcoming)

THE WAR AGAINST THE MORMONITES. -- We are glad to receive, says the St. Louis Republican, more pacific accounts from the county of Jackson... The Mormonites have determined to oppose no further armed resistance to the dominent party, and they were rapidly leaving the county and their homes, with intention of forming another community elsewhere. They are determined, however, to prosecute the citizens engaged in hostilities towards them, and for the depredations committed upon their property. They have undoubtedly adopted the best course which was left to them; and all alarm has subsided in that county.

All our accounts concur in one thing, that the original statement as to the number killed was much exaggerated. The most authentic and latest account which has reached us, puts down the number at 6 -- 2 of the citizens, and 4 of the Mormonites, and a good many wounded.


Notes: (forthcoming)

THE MORMON WAR. -- A letter from the Rev. B. Pixley, to the editor of the New-York Observer, relative to the civil war in Missouri, between the inhabitants and the Mormons, gives a somewhat different version of the affair from that published some time ago, by Orson Hyde, one of the Elders. From Mr. Pixley's account, it appears that the sect proclaimed that the spot they had selected was the Zion spoken of in scripture -- that the present inhabitants would be driven off, and that they, the Mormons, should inhabit the country. This arrogant pretence, coupled with an invitation to all the free negroes to come and join them, aroused a spirit of opposition, and induced the citizens, last summer, to pull down their printing office. They were proceeding to other extremities, when expostulation ensued and a treaty was made in which it was agreed that the Mormons should move away before another summer, and in consideration thereof the other party were to make good the loss sustained by destroying their printing office. Instead, however, of making any preparations for departure, the Mormons proceeded to arm themselves, barricaded portions of their settlement, and threatened to kill any one who should molest them. This provoked a renewal of hostilities, and the consequences have been that in the skirmishes that have taken place, 3 of the Mormons have been killed, and about 20 of the inhabitants. At the last encounter the citizens proved too powerful for the Mormonites, and would have destroyed them but for the interposition of the civil authorities. Great exasperation continued to prevail, and no immediate means of composing the difficulties were as yet perceptible.

Still later accounts represent that a cessation of hostilities had taken place between the Mormonites and the inhabitants of Jackson county, in consequence of which the former were rapidly leaving their country and their homes, with the intention of forming another community elsewhere. The extent of loss of lives is said to have been exaggerated -- and it is now confidently affirmed that only four of the Mormons and two of their opponents have been killed.


Notes: (forthcoming)

THE MORMON WAR. -- A letter from the Rev. B. Pixley, to the editor of the New-York Observer, relative to the civil war in Missouri, between the inhabotants and the Mormons, gives a somewhat different version of the affair from that published some time ago. From Mr. Pixley's account, it appears that the spot they had selected was the Zion spoken of in scripture -- that the present inhabitants would be driven off, and that they, the Mormons, should inhabit the country. -- This arrogant pretence, coupled with an invitation to all the free negroes to come and join them, aroused a spirit of opposition, and induced the citizens, last summer, to pull down their printing office. They were proceeding to other extremities, when expostulation ensued and a treaty was made, in which it was agreed that the Mormons should move away before another summer, and in consideration thereof the other party were to make up the loss sustained by destroying their printing office. Instead, however, of making any preparations for departure, the Mormons proceeded to arm themselves, barricaded portions of their settlement, and threatened to kill any one who should molest them. This provoked a renewal of hostilities. At the last encounter the citizens proved too powerful for the Mormonites, and would have destroyed them but for the interposition of the civil authorities. Great exasperation continued to prevail, and no immediate means of composing the difficulties were as yet perceptible.

Still later accounts represent that a cessation of hostilities had taken place between the Mormonites and the inhabitants of Jackson county, in consequence of which the former were rapidly leaving their country and their homes, with the intention of forming another community elsewhere. The extent of loss of lives is said to have been exaggerated; and it is now confidently affirmed that only four of the Mormons and two of their opponents have been killed.


Notes: (forthcoming)

THE MORMONS AGAIN. -- Governor Dunklin of Missouri, has issued an Executive Letter directed to several leading men of the Mormon persuasion, directing them to appeal to the courts of law, which are bound to render them satisfaction for the late outrageous assaults upon their rights and liberties as peaceable citizens. The Governor says. "in the event that the laws cannot be executed, and that fact is officially made known to me, my duty will require me to take such steps as will enforce a faithful execution of them."

---

The Wayne Sentinel states that the mysteries of Mormonism are about to be developed to the world. Dr. P. Hurlbert, of Kirtland, Ohio, who has given the matter a thorough investigation, intends publishing a history of this new faith. The Sentinel says -- "the original manuscript of the Book of Mormon was written some thirty years since, by a respectable clergyman, now deceased. It was designed to be published as a romance, but the author died soon after it was written, and hence the plan failed. The pretended religious character of the work has been superadded by some more modern hand -- believed to be the notorious Rigdon. These particulars have been derived by Dr. Hurlbert from the widow of the author of the original manuscript."


Notes: (forthcoming)

MORMONISM.

The following is given as we find it. -- We make no remarks, except that the Clergyman whoever he may have been, who could have spent his time in forming so miserable a romance of God's word, had been better employed in carrying that word to the hearts of his people.

The Mormon mystery developed. -- Doct. P. Hurlbert, of Kirtland, Ohio, who has been engaged for some time in different parts of this state, but chiefly in this neighborhood, on behalf of his fellow-townsmen, in the pursuit of facts and information concerning the origin & design of the Book of Mormon, which to the surprise of all in this region who know the character of the leaders in the bungling imposition, seems to have gained multitudes of believers in various parts of the country, requests us to say, that he has succeeded in accomplishing the object of his mission, and that an authentic history of the whole affair will shortly be given to the public. The original manuscript of the Book was written some thirty years since, by a respectable clergyman, now deceased, whose name we are not permitted to give. It was designed to be published as a romance, but the author died soon after it was written; and hence the plan failed. -- The pretended religious character of the work has been superadded by some more modern hand -- believed to be the notorious Rigdon. These particulars have been derived by Dr. Hurlbert from the widow of the author of the original manuscript. --  Palmyra Sent.


Note: The brief prefatory comments by the Auburn editor probably constitute the very first public reaction to D. P. Hurlbut's Dec., 1833 public announcement of the Spalding-Rigdon authorship theory -- that is, the joining of Solomon Spalding's literary efforts to the previously announced conclusion that Sidney Rigdon produced the Book of Mormon. The next iteration of the authorship theory would appear in the Painesville Telegraph of Jan. 31, 1834.

            (For the Magazine and Advocate.)

INTERVIEW  WITH  THE  MORMON  PROPHET.

Messers. EDITORS. -- Yesterday I attended a Mormon meeting in Geneseo, at which was present, for the first time in that place, the foundation, main pillar, and corner stone of Mormonism, the doughty Jo. Smith, Jun.

A multitude was assembled to hear what this impudent ignoramus would say; most of whom were surprised that he said so little and made so ordinary an appearance. He did not attempt to preach, but made some few statements with regard to himself and his clumsy compilation of pretended oracles.

He said many would disbelieve that a recent revelation had been made to him, and in view of himself: and the "Book of Mormon," would raise the cry of false prophet! delusion!! (!!!) &c., but that a revelation from heaven was given to him, and by him had been faithfully transcribed, for the benefit of all who should receive his testimony!

In his person, he is about six feet in height, neither attenuated nor corpulent. His eyes are rather dull than expressive, hair of a light brown, and his countenance unmarked by any peculiar expression indicative of intense thought or extraordinary intellect. He is said to be about twenty-seven years of age. His manner is ungainly, his diction coarse, and his delivery slow and labored. There is nothing in his appearance or language to excite much attention, save his presumptuous impiety.

Having a short distance to walk, on the dispersion of the multitude, it so happened that my route lay in the same direction pursued by this wonder working impostor. Embracing the opportunity thus thrown in my way, the following colloquy, substantially and almost verbatim, ensued between us.

Self. Sir, is your name Jo. Smith, Jun.?
Mormon Prophet. That is my name, Sir.

S. Have you a mission from God to this generation?
M. P. That question I shall leave you to answer, at present. You heard my testimony to-day.

S. But not being convinced of the truth of that testimony, I have embraced this opportunity to obtain more satisfactory evidence that your mission is from above; or more ample proof that you are an impostor. Ought you not to "be ready always to give me an answer" and "a reason to every man that asketh you?"
M. P. When put in a good spirit and at a proper time, I should be ready to answer. You commenced this conversation [abruptly].

S. The questions were proposed in a spirit of candor. I do not reside in this neighborhood, and probably may never meet you again. I therefore, have seized on such a time as circumstances have permitted. The importance of the subject matter to which my interrogatories had reference, must apologize for the abruptness of manner.

Here this Baal of the Mormonites, irritated and vexed by the manner in which the conversation had been carried on, murmured out something which became inaudible in the distance, as he urged on his horse and was soon out of the reach of my voice; leaving me to the full enjoyment of my disbelief in the truth of his testimony, or, if perchance I should find a pair of "stone spectacles," aided by their magical powers, to pore through his book of falsehoods in search of truth, as might best suit mine inclination.         M. L. P.

Henrietta, March 17, 1834.


Note 1: Henrietta twp. lies in Monroe Co. N. Y., south of Rochester and northwest of Mendon, near the meeting of today's Monroe-Wayne line with the northern border of Ontario Co. On March 16, 1834 Joseph Smith, Jr. was staying at the Alvah Beaman residence in Avon, Livingston Co. (near the southwest corner of Monroe Co.). He had left Kirtland in late February (after the successful conclusion of D. P. Hurlbut's preliminary hearing in Painesville) in company with Parley P. Pratt, attempting to solicit funding for his planned military expedition to Jackson Co., Missouri. During this same time Sidney Rigdon was traveling with Lyman Wight in the same direction and for the same purpose. On March 10th Smith was at Warren Cowdery's home in Cattaraugus Co., and five days later he arrived at Beaman's. On March 17, 1834, Smith, Rigdon, and their associates held a special conference in Avon. The writer of the above letter says that Smith was in Geneseo on the 16th. Probably he made the day-trip away from the Beaman home in Avon in order to solicit funds there.

Note 2: This correspondent also had one of his letters published in the Evangelical Magazine of July 13, 1833.

The Mormon War in Missouri is about to be renewed. A fanatical leader, styled Goneral Joe Smith, has sent forth, in the form of a circular, his pretended revelations from on high, requiring the aid of the faithful to "expel the infidels from tho Holy Land." About 500 are said to be on the move, and they are armed with dirks, swords, pistols, guns, and other hostile weapons. The prophet, it is said, has a sword more than four feet long, and professes an expectation of sharing the fall [sic - fate?] of a martyr in the coming contest.


Notes: (forthcoming)

(report from Richmond, Indiana)

Mormonites.-- [On Monday last] a caravan of about two hundred Mormonites, with a [large] train of wagons, passed through this place, on their way to the 'far west.' There were but few women among them, and the men were generally, if not all, supplied with fire arms. A stout, hardy set of looking fellows they were too, and many of them quite intelligent. From their equipments, it has been suspected that they intend joining and defending their brethren in Jackson county, Missouri. They professed to be in search of new lands, whereon to form a settlement, either in Illinois or farther west. We understand they were from the states of Vermont, New York, and Pennsylvania, and had assembled at some point on their route hither.


Notes: (forthcoming)

MORMONITES. -- On the 17th of May, a caravan a caravan of about two hundred Mormonites, with a long train of wagons, passed through this place, on their way to the "far west." There were but few women among them, and the men were generally, if not all, supplied with fire arms. A stout, hardy set of looking fellows they were too, and many of them quite intelligent. From their equipment, it has been suspected that they intend joining and defending their brethren in Jackson county, Missouri. They professed to be in search of new lands, whereon to form a settlement, either in Illinois or farther west. We understand they were from the states of Vermont, New York, and Pennsylvania, and had assembled at some point on their route hither. --  Richmond (Ind.) Palladium.


Notes: (forthcoming)

A MORMON BATTLE. -- A letter has been received at Chardon, (Ohio) direct from Missouri, which states that a body of well armed Mormons. led on by their Prophet Joe Smith, lately attempted to cross the river into Jackson county. A party of the citizens of Jackson county opposed their crossing -- a battle ensued, in which Joe Smith was wounded in the leg, and the Mormons retreated. Smith's limb was amputated, but he died three days after the operation.


Notes: (forthcoming)

            (For the Magazine and Advocate.)

TOUR  IN  OHIO.

Brs. SKINNER and GROSH -- If you think the following tour would be interesting to your numerous readers, you are at liberty to publish it.

Monday, September 1, I left the vicinity of my labors for the last year, for an excursion in Ohio. I travelled up the Lake road; the thoroughfare for all who journey by land to the great West; delivering ths message of the Gospel, according to previous arrangements, on different evenings, at Mill Creek and Springfield, Pa., Ashtabula and Geneva, Ohio. Friday I called on Br. H. De Woolf, who had lately removed from Vermont to Madison. After spending an hour with him and his family, I proceeded south, towards Chardon, the present residence of Br. Tracy, who is, for the time being, employed by the Geauga county society. The road to that place led me through the ravine of the Grand river, skirted by high projecting banks and over-hanging cliffs, which formed a delightful contrast with the monotnous scenery of a smooth, even road. I arrived in Chardon just in time to meet my appointment, and on Saturday returned to the Ridge road, at Chagrin, where I spend the Sunday. Journeying to this place I passed through Kirtland, the rendezvous of the Mormons. Here they are erecting their temple, the wall of which, composed of stone, I was informed was reared to the height of fifty feet.

Monday, September 8, I pursued my jouney to Cleveland a flourishing town on the lake, at the mouth of the Cayuhoga, and the northern termination of the Ohio canal. Casting a glance at its superb and beautiful mansions -- its fine specimens of architecture -- its sail, steam and canal boats; with its busy multitude of visitors and citizens thronging its streets; I passed on to Olmstead...

Returning thence, I arrived, on Wednesday following, at the residence of my friend; and, after spending a day with him, proceeded to Monroe, where I lectured on Friday evening...

Monday, October 6, I directed my course towards home, and, after spending a Sunday at Springfield, where a society has been formed under the labors of Br. Beals, I arrived safe among my friends on the 18th, having been absent seven weeks; travelled more than six hundred miles, and preached thirty-one discourses. And now, returning thanks to my friends for their kindness, and to God for his preserving goodness, I commend the family of man, with myself, to his care and keeping.

Fredonia, October 28, 1834.                               J. E. HOLMES.

---

(For the Magazine and Advocate.)

MISREPRESENTATION. --  INFORMATION  WANTED.

Brs. SKINNER and GROSH -- A few weeks since, I had the privilege of hearing Mr. Moss, a Campbellite, deliver a lecture in this village. In his introductory remarks, however, he stated that that was not their name -- they did not believe in names, and therefore had never assumed one -- but the name, Campbellite, had been given them by others. But soon after this, he informed the congregation that they styled themselves "Learners, or disciples of Christ." Thus it appeared that, while they would wish to have us think theyare averse to names, they have assumed one which they think will make them appear very honorable as a Christian society, as well as humble before the public... from their answers to certain questions, and the preaching of Mr. Moss, I should not think they were very faithful disciples, or careful to learn the truth, and therefore are no more deserving of the name "disciple" than many others...

But to proceed. Ask one of these "disciples" if he verily believes that Christ, who gave himself a ransom for all, who rose victorious from the grave and thus destroyed death and him that had the power of death, will now as assuredly draw all men unto him, and thus raising them from death to life, and from corruption to incorruption, give ample testimony that he was their Saviour? And he will reply, I am not certain that it will be so. Do you believe that any part of the human family will be finally endlessly miserable? The answer is, "I dont know anything about it. I hope not -- I hope that all will be saved, but then we do not know as it will be so."...

Mr. Moss, in his private conversation, will not, as far as I can learn, acknowledge that he believes in the doctrine of Partialism; yet in discourse he labored to overthrow the doctrine of universal salvation. And to enable himself to effect this, he selected the seventeenth chapter of John's Gospel, commencing at the sixth verse... After having made a thrust at Calvinism, he told us he would tell us who the men were to whom Christ alluded... his apostles... I arose at the close of the meeting, and requested him to give me the name of the person from whom he had received such an explanation... He informed me that it was Br. Peck.

Will Br. Alfred Peck inform us whether he has given such an exposition of John xvii; 6.... Yours, &c.,

Cazenovia, Octobe, 1834.                               D. BIDDLECOM.

Note: The "Mr. Moss, a Campbellite" above mentioned was probably Elder Jasper Jesse Moss of Ohio. He was a school teacher at Kirtland when Mormonism first appeared in that village. See his letters to Mr. James T. Cobb of Salt Lake City, on that interesting subject.

Will Joshua Spooner, of Conneaut, Ohio, who has lately turned Mormon preacher, have so much religion as to send us the amount ($2.50) he is owing us for this paper?

Note: This was, perhaps, the Joshua Spooner was born in Salem (now Conneaut), Ohio in 1808, and who died in Wisconsin in 1876. He is not known to have joined the Mormons -- and, having been brought up in the very town where the Spalding authorship claims for the Book of Mormon originated, it seems odd that he might ever have contemplated doing so. However, see the Evangelical Magazine of Apr. 25, 1835, which places Spooner at Kirtland, Ohio during that year.

STATISTICS. --  MORMONISM.

To Correspondents. -- An esteemed brother in Steuben county requests us to publish a statistical table, giving at one view the whole number of Universalist Conventions...

We are also informed that a Mormon preacher quoted Jer l, and Genesis xlix; 22-27, in proof of his doctrine, and our opinion is gravely asked respecting the 24th verse of the latter passage...

the blessing of Jacob on Joseph, Gen, xlix: 22-27, "from thence" in the 24th verse, may be supposed to refer to some other (but it is extremely doubtful) than "the mighty of Jacob." I omit the supplied words. No genealogy of Christ can be traced to Joseph that I know of. But is our friend certain that "the shepherd, the stone of Israel" means either Christ, (or a greater than he, as Jo. Smith would have his followers believe)? Christ is called "the Rock, but this passage merely says "the stone of Israel" It may mean Christ -- (but the title does not denote a greater than Christ --) and it may mean "Joshua, the son of Nun," the lineal descendant of the patriarch Joseph. He was the "Saviour of Israel," and a very important personage in Jewish history. When it is remembered that Ephraim, the Son of Joseph, was the founder of a tribe that ultimately formed nearly the whole of the Kingdom of Israel, the rest of the passage is easily understood.

In conclusion... when the close of "the fulness of the times," which is the dispensation of Christ, can be proved to be past and finished, (1 Cor. xv,) and when Jo. Smith's lineage can be traced directly up to the patriarch Joseph, the Governor of Egypt (!), I will be willing to look for a "Jo. Smith dispensation," when "Mormonism shall be all in all" -- but no sooner.   A. B. G.


Notes: (forthcoming)

Mr. Joshua Spooner, late of Conneaut, now of Kirtland, Ohio, on whom we called in number six, for the payment of his arrers, and stated that we heard he had turned Mormon preacher, has written a letter subjecting us to nineteen cents postage, saying he has paid Mr. G. Leavitt for the paper he took. But who is G. Leavitt? We know not. We have no such subscriber to our knowledge; and certainly no such agent who is authorized to receipt for this paper. We have neevr received the pay. Again, Mr. Spooner says he supposes we made that an excuse for writing against the people called Mormonites, of whom he thinks we know nothing. -- But we certainly said nothing against the Mormonites in the article alluded to. We will, however, now say so much of them as this: that they are a poor, deluded set of dupes to the vile impositions and jugglery of the mountebank Jo. Smith.     D. S.


Notes: (forthcoming)

THE  MORMON  ANGEL.

Soon after the notorious impostor, Jo. Smith, of golden Bible memory, reached "the promised land" in Ohio, with his deluded followers, and was getting along with such "swimming success" in making proselytes and baptising them in Grand River, near Painesville, ("though he himself baptised not, but his disciples" in the instance at least which we are about to relate,) word was given out that an angel would uniformly appear, dressed in white, standing in the edge of the water on the opposite side of the river whenever the baptismal rite was administered, to witness and approve the ordinance. To give the celestial messenger a more imposing appearance, and withal, not to dazzle the eyes of weak mortals with too much glory for their feeble organs to behold, the rite was always very prudently administered in the night. The angel was uniformly sen as above described on such occasions. At length three young men of the place, resolved one night, when notice was given that a baptism was to be administered and the angel was to appear, that they would see the ghost nearer at hand than across the river, ah! and feel him too, if tangible, and ascertain whether he were material or immaterial substance. Accordingly these ghost-daring mortals secreted themselves in the bushes on the side where the angel would appear, opposite the baptismal administration. The ordinance proceeded, and behold!the angel was there, clothed in white, with a luminous appearance, the wonder and admiration of the Mormon host. Our triune guard now made a plunge -- the angel sprang to elude their grasp -- splash, splash goes the water -- deeper and deeper plunge the pursued and the pursuers, till behold! they had him fast -- it was surely material substance -- clear up to the neck, chin, and eyes of the ghost, dragging him directly through the river to the place of the ceremony, crying out, "we've got your angel -- his wings are wet and dripping." And behold! on examination by the light, it was the veritable Jo. Smith himself, with a sheet wrapped around him and a dark lantern concealed underneath!

The above fact we had a few days since from the lips of one of the daring trio, by the name of S____, now at work in the Frankfort furnace, only a few miles from this city. We deemed it too good to be lost. Pur readers have it as cheap as we had.     D. S.


Note 1: This unverified "angel" account circulated widely, in the form of a paraphrase published in the June 15, 1835 issue of the Rochester Republican. The Mormons responded to the Republican's reprint of this article in their LDS Messenger & Advocate of July 1835.

Note 2: See notes appended to the item entitled, "Phorphorus," in the Palmyra Reflector of June 22, 1830 for one possible explanation of the "luminous" Kirtland angel.

Pittsburg,  Aug. 13.    

Antiquarian Discovery. -- Three mummies, purchased by the Mormons, upon being examined by Joe Smith, the prophet, have been discovered to be no less than the bodies of Joseph, the son of Jacob, and King Abimelech and his daughter. With these wonderful curiosities, those vagrants intend travelling about the country to astonish the wondering multitude by a sight of those well determined personages.

This surely is an age of humbugging. There have been a number of ages of the world -- the leaden, iron, silver, gold, and brass, and we know not how many more, but the present excels all for its gullibility. The credulity of man is monstrous. He is prepared to believe the most absurd deceptions that the mind can conceive, if they but be presented to him under a religious garb. Was there ever any thing more preposterous than the stories of the Mormons -- unless, indeed, we except the pretensions of the notorious Matthias? Yet there are many men, who in some respects appear like well informed persons, that are prepared to sacrifice business, property and reputation, in witness of their confidence in the golden bible doctrines. -- Chronicle.


Note: See also the Cleveland Whig of Aug. 5, 1835.

(For the Magazine and Advocate.

COMPLAINTS  OF  A  MORMONITE.

Messrs. Editors -- It is for the love I bear the truth, and a desire to obtain information. that I venture to trouble you with a communication at this time. But I pledge myself to be short, and my questions shall be to the point.

Have Universalists, as a denomination of Christians, been persecuted and slandered? Have they had hard words spoken against them unjustly, (for their religion's sake,) and all that, by those who knew not the doctrine they preached; neither would they hear it? And have not the Universalist public unamously spoken in terms expressive of their high disapprobation of such conduct, manifested by their Partialist brethren?

I can hardly entertain a doubt but that these questions will be answered in the affirmative. If so, ought Universalists with a higher hand, and an obdurant heart, to stigmatize, with the merciless epithets "notorious impostor," and "deluded followers, an innocent people, who have never injured them; and this because they have lately come forth preaching the Gospel, varrying somewhat from their (the Universalists) faith?

I ask, can Universalists preserve a clear conscience, keep themselves unspotted from the world, and be void of offence toward God, and toward man, when they pseak against, and openly revile an unoffending people? On the contrary, ought not they who know what persecution is from experience, be the first

      "To impart
To the needy; and kindly raise the burden,
From the oppressed heart?"
These lines are written with feelings of love, and an anxious desire for the immortal welfare of all God's children; dedicated to yourselves, hoping that an answer will be given through the columns of the Magazine and Advocate.     IDUMEA.
July 31, 1835.

P. S. The Editors of the Pioneer and Visitor are requested to copy the above     I.

REPLY.

The allusion in the above is well understood. The writer is a Mormonite and refers to the article which we originally wrote and published in number twenty-three of this paper, of the 6th of June last, entitled a "Mormon Angel," in which we spoke of Jo. Smith, the pretended Mormon prophet, as a "notorious impostor" and his votaries as "deluded followers," and related a well authenticated instance of the base imposture practiced by Smith.

In reply to the above communication signed Idumea, (which was mailed at Colebrook, N. H.,) we would say, the questions contained in his second paragraph, should all be answered (at least we should answer them all) in the affirmative. But because Universalists, as a Christian denomination have been persecuted, slandered, misrepresented, and abused, and we disapprove of that persecution, is this any good reason why we should not call things by their right names? We disclaim entirely any disposition to persecute or injure honest Mormons -- we pity them and would fain deliver them from the silly and mad delusion by which they are blinded and led astray. For we know them to be deluded followers" not only of a notorious" but of a very vile and wicked "impostor."

Jo. Smith and his villany are better known in this State than on the remote hills of New-Hampshire, or the distant regions of Ohio and the Western States. He is known here as a miserable mountebank and juggler -- too lazy to work, and too dishonest to seek a livelihood by any honorable and useful pursuit -- a disorderly vagrant and deceiver, who got his living till his golden bible was published, by glass-looking, or pretending, by means of a certain stone, or glass, which he put in a hat, to be able to discover lost goods, hidden treasures, mines of gold and silver, &c. He has been tried before a civil court ad a disorderly person, found guilty and condemned, and fled from these parts to escape the punishment his iniquity deserved. He never found any golden plates, as he pretended, from which to translate the book of Mormon -- the whole was sheer fabrication or forgery; and the miserable tools whom he employed to certify to the divine authority of his book, were among the weakest dupes, or most unprincipled vagrants that our State could furnish. And, at all events, if the Deity ever indited such a book as that, he must be mentally as weak as any of his worshippers, and could never have studied grammar in all his life, or he would never have thus horribly murdered language! For a further description of SMith and his vile imposture, see the second volume of this paper published in 1831, pp. 47, 120, and 198.

Smith has pretended to utter prophecies respecting events that were to take place before this time, and they have not come to pass -- therefore he is a false prophet. He pretended, as in the story referred to, that the angel of God would appear on the banks of Grand River, in Ohio, to sanction the rite of baptism as administered by his followers, and was himself caught and ducked in the river, while attempting to deceive the ignorant by-standers with the idea that he was an angel of God from heaven! And if such a man is not a "notorious impostor," we should like to be informed what would constitute one.

Is it wrong therefore to call men and things by their right names? If our correspondent is a sincere Mormonite, we honestly believe him to be a deluded follower" of a "notorious impostor;" we pity his delusion, and would exhort him to abandon so vile a leader and so wretched a cause, and become a true and faithful follower of the Lord Jesus Christ.     D. S.


Notes: (forthcoming)

(For the Magazine and Advocate.

UNIVERSALISM  IN  OHIO.

Brs. Skinner and Grosh -- Will you give me leave, through the medium of your paper, to add my mite to the good news occasionally contained in its columns, relative to the prosperity of our cause in Ohio... [news of Universalism in Ohio follows]

The Mormons have recently bought an addition to their stock of absurdities, in the form of four Egyptian mummies, and a hieroglyphic bundle of characters, which Jo. Smith pretends he can interpret, and says this ancient manuscript is in the same language of the book of Mormon, (alias Rigdon.) Jo. and a few others , more cunning than himself, but less honest (if possible) in religious matters, are now engaged in translating this precious mummy business so that the vulgar may read this new edition of their monstrous faith! Verily, these Mormons must have consciences of elastic gum, and staunch stomachs to swallow all that their leaders bid them! And even this motley, deluded multitude are contributing thei mite to our Partialist friends in the work of persecution!...

If this country was filled with... [good] preachers, pure and undefiled religion would more abundantly prevail, and soon supplant the contending isms of the day, and our brethren of every name and creed would soon acknowledge that the whole duty of man is comprised in love to our Creator and all human-kind; and see the fallacy of an attempt to worship the Almighty "by teaching for doctrine the commandments of men."

I am yours in the Gospel of the Redeemer.

JOSEPH BRADLEY.          

Chardon, Ohio, August 21, 1835.


Notes: (forthcoming)

CURIOUS DISCOVERY. -- The American Monthly Magazine contains a very interesting article on the subject of the antiquities of North America, in which is detailed an account of an exceedingly interesting discovery of a human skeleton in the town of Fall River, Mass., about eighteen months since. The skeleton was armed with a breast plate, a species of mail, and arrows of brass, and is supposed to have been either one of the race, who inhabited this country for a time anterior to the so called aborigines, and afterwards settled in Mexico, or Guatimalia, or to one of the crew of a Phoenecian vessel, that blown out of her course, thus discovered the Western world long; before the christian era. -- The following is the account given of the discovery of the interesting relic of antiquity.

"In digging down a hill near the village, a large mass of earth slid off, leaving in the bank and partly uncovered a human skull, which on examination was found to belong to a body buried in a sitting posture; the head being about one foot below what has been for many years the surface, of the ground. The surrounding earth Was carefully removed, and the body found to be enveloped in a covering of coarse bark of a dark color. -- Within this envelopment were found the remains of coarse cloth made of fine bark, and about the texture of a Manilla coffee bag. On the breast was a plate of brass 13 inches long, 6 broad at the upper end and five at the lower. This plate appears to have been cast, and is from one eighth to three thirty seconds of an inch in thickness. It is so much corroded that whether or not any thing was engraved upon it, has not yet been ascertained. It is oval in form, the edges being irregular, apparently made so by corrosion.

Below tbe breast plate, entirely encircling the body, was a belt composed of brass tubes each four and a half inches in length, and three sixteenths of an inch in diameter arranged longitudinally and close together, the length of the tube being the width of the belt. The tubes are of thin brass cut upon hollow reeds, and were fastened together by pieces of sinew. The belt was so placed as to protect the lower part of the body below the breast plate. The arrows are of brass, thin, flat, and triangular in shape, with a round hole cut through near the base. The shaft was fastened to the head by inserting the latter in an opening at the end of the wood, and then tying it with a sinew through the round hole; a mode of constructing the weapon never practiced by the Indians, not even with their arrows of thin shell. Parts of the shaft still remained on some of them. When first discovered the arrows were in a sort of quiver of bark, which fell in piecet when exposed to the air.

The skull it much decayed, but the teeth are sound and apparently those of a young man. The pelvis is much decyed and the smaller bones of the lower extremities are gone. The integuments of the right knee for four or five inches below and above, are in good preservation, apparently the size and shape of life although quite black.

Considerable flesh is still preserved on the hands and arms, but none on the shoulder and elbows. On the back under the belt, and for two inches above and below the skin and flesh are in good pestrvation and have the appearance of being tanned. -- The chest it very much compressed, but the upper viscera are probably entire. The arms are bent up, not crossed; so that the hands turned inwards touching the shoulders. The statue is about five and a half feet. -- Much of the exterior envelope was decayed and the inner one appeared to be preserved only where it had been in contact with the brass.

The following sketch will give our readers an idea of the posture of the figure and position of the armor. When the remains were discovered the arms were brought rather closer to the body than in the engraving. The arrows were near the right knee.

The preservation of this body may be the result of some embalming process; and this hypothesis is strengthened by the fact that the skin has the appearance of being tanned; or it may be the accidental result of the action of tht salts of the brass during oxydation; and this hypothesis is supported by the fact that the skin and flesh have been preserved only where they have been in contact with, or quite near, the brass, or we may account for the preservation of the whole by supposing the presence of saltpetre in the soil at the time of deposit. In either way the preservation of the remains is fully accounted for, and upon known chemical principles.

That the body was not one of the Indians we think will need no argument. We have seen some of the drawings taken from the sculptures found at Palenque, and in these the figures are represented with breastplates, although smaller than the plates found at Fall River. On the figures at Palenque, the bracelet and ancles appear to be of a manufacture similar to the belt of the tubes just described. The figures also have helmets precisely answering the description of the helmet of Homer's."


Notes: (forthcoming)

THE MORMONS. -- Scarcely a day passes (says the Salt River Journal) that we do not see our roads strewed with these deluded people, marching like Pilgrims to their promised rest, under the influence of their leader, Joe Smith, who we learn promises to be with them next fall. The real object of their concentrating their force in the neighborhood of Jackson county, cannot be learned from them, so well are they instructed. But few of the families seem to have much property to retard their march onward, unless women and children may be styled property -- each wagon seems to be filled with those latter articles. Some of these people pretend, that at or before next fall, the citizens of Jackson county will he glad to sell out their lands and go off; others say that they will be permitted to occupy Jackson county by the special interposition of Providence, and that those who now oppose them will be converted to the religion of Joe Smith.


Notes: (forthcoming)

(From the N. Y. Evening Star.)

Mormons. -- These crazy fanatics have their their grand tabernacle at a place they call Kirtland, 5 miles from the shore of Lake Erie, and 20 miles from Cleveland, and count no less than 4000 persons under their leader, Joe Smith. They have been lately joined by a shrewd literary person, named Sydney Rigdon, formerly a preacher of the doctrine of Campbell. He is the Grand Vizer to Smith; and under their decision a banking house has been established, of which Smith is president and Rigdom cashier. The issues have been about $150,000. The Bank failed. They have several mills on their property. The houses are small, including the Prophet Joe's. The temple is a beautiful building of rough stone, three stories high, and 70 to 75 feet square. Each of the two principal apartments holds twelve hundred persons. The joists of the interior are supported by six fluted columns. Each apartment contains six pulpits, arranged, gradatum, three at each end for the "Aaronic priesthood," and [three] at the other end for the "priesthood of Melchisidec." The slips are so constructed, that the audience can face either pulpit, as may be required. In the highest seat for the "Aaronic priesthood," sits the reverend father of the prophet; the next below is occupied by Joe, and his prime minister, Rigdon. The attic story is occupied as school rooms, five in number, where the various branches of English, Latin, Greek and Hebrew languages are taught to a great number of students. The actual cost of the temple is not known, but it is estimated to have cost not less than $60,000.

Smith, from the account of a late visit in the [Miami] of the Lake newspaper, is reported as a placid looking knave, with passionless features, and perfectly composed in the midst of the hetrogenous multitude who have become the victimized dupes of his imposture. Rigdon is described as the reverse, with a face full of fire, a tenor voice and of eloquent speech; The subject of his sermon was the pressure; his discourse was mild and persuasive. Rigdon is the wire puller or screen of Joe's inspirations. The followers are, many of them, upright men and tolerant towards other sects. -- N. Y. Star.


Note 1: The original for this article was a letter published the Perrysburg, Ohio Miami on the Lake newspaper near the end of June, 1837. It was reprinted in the Washington National Intelligencer of July 4, 1837 and in Major Mordecai M. Noah's New York Evening Star, also in July.

Note 2: In a letter from W. W. Phelps to John Whitmer (editor of the LDS newspaper), Phelps quotes the previous M. M. Noah "Heathen Temple" article from Noah's Evening Star of 1835. The 1837 follow-up piece brands the LDS as "crazy fanatics," but avoids presenting the Mormons as "heathens." See the LDS Messenger & Advocate for Dec. 1835.

MORMONS. -- These crazy fanatics have their grand tabernacle at a place they call Kirtland, 5 miles from the shore of Lake Erie, and 20 miles from Cleveland, and count no less than 4000 persons under their leader, Joe Smith. -- They have been lately joined by a shrewd literary person, named Sydney Rigdon, formerly a preacher of the doctrine of Campbell. He is the Grand Vizier to Smith; and under their decision a banking house has been established, of which Smith is President and Rigdom cashier. The issues have been about $150,000. The bank failed. They have several mills on their property. The houses are small, including the Prophet Joe's. The temple is a beautiful building of rough stone, three stories high, and 70 to 75 feet square. Each of the two principal apartments holds 1200 persons. The joists of the interior are supported by six fluted columns. Each apartment contains six pulpits, arranged, gradatim, three at each end of the "Aaronic priesthood," and [three] at the other end for the "priesthood of Melchisidec." The slips are so constructed, that the audience can face either pulpit, as may be required. In the highest seat for the "Aaronic priesthood," sits the reverend father of the prophet; the next below is occupied by 'Joe,' and his prime minister, Rigdon. The attic story is occupied as school rooms, five in number, where the various branches of English, Latin, Greek and Hebrew languages are taught to a great number of students. The actual cost of the temple is not known, but it is estimated to have cost not less than $60,000.

Smith, from the account of a late visit in the Miami of the Lake newspaper, is represented as a placid looking knave, with passionless features, and perfectly composed in the midst of the hetrogeneous multitude who have become the victimized dupes of his imposture. -- Rigdon is described as the reverse, with a face full of fire, a tenor voice and of eloquent speech. The subject of his sermon was the pressure; his discourse was mild and persuasive. Rigdon is the wire puller or screen of Joe's inspirations. The followers are many of them upright men and tolerant towards other sects. -- Star.


Notes: (forthcoming)

ANOTHER  TESTIMONY.

From the New York Gazette.    

MORMONS. -- The "latter day saints" like other saints are showing symptoms of mutiny. The golden bible has as many interpreters as the true book. Joe Smith, who fights the devil manfully when he can catch him from home, can't manage the imps upon his own dung hill. They have risen upon Rigdon, his Lieutenant, and upon himself, taken possession of the Temple at Kirtland, and Saint Joseph and a few followers are fugitives from their own holy city. One Parish, a "reformer" in that precious body of blasphemers, is about to publish an expose of the whole concern. On the whole, Mormonism is in a bad way, and we don't see but a part of the Army must be called from Florida to "preserve neutrality" upon the border. It will be cruel in Mr. Van Buren to suffer anything serious to happen; for the Mormons to a man, are Loco Focos, and earlier in the field too, than the Hon. John C. Calhoun. The "integrity" of Joe Smith's government must be preserved.

---

Mormonism.

The following information which we clip from the Cleveland Herald, concerning the "latter-day saints," may be interesting to those of this place who have received new light under the ministration of the mighty Prophet, Humbuggum Pratt. It is a pity that these exclusively inspired people cannot get along without quarrels and divisions among themselves. If it be true, as the Reverend Mr. Pratt predicted, that the present generation are to witness the literal and glorious fulfilment of all Scripture prophecy, and that the Messiah is to make his second advent, stand upon the Mount of Olives, set up his throne here on earth, and consume the wicked by the light of his countenance, we should think that his chosen saints could find better employment for their heads and hearts, than warring with each other. But read what the Herald says:

TROUBLE AMONG THE MORMONS. -- We learn from a source to be relied on, that the Mormon Society at Kirtland is breaking up. Smith and Rigdon, after prophecying the destruction of the town, left with their families in the night, and others of the faithful are following. The Reformers' are in possession of the Temple, and have excluded the Smith and Rigdon party. An exposure of the proceedings of the Society is in course of preparation by one Parish, the former Confidential Secretary of the prophet Smith. He has the records, &c., in his possession.


Note: The first item is a rare but not too informative article, from the New York Gazette, relating the break-up of the LDS Church at Kirtland at the close of 1837. See Warren Parrish's letter in the Feb. 15, 1838 issue of the Painesville Republican for more details. The second (belated) item was taken from the Cleveland Herald and Gazette of Jan. 25th and reprinted in the Warren Western Reserve Chronicle of Jan. 30th.

To the Editor of the Berkshire Advocate:

Dear Sir: -- In your paper of January 22d, I observed a short notice of the sect called Mormons. I have thought that a sketch of the history of Mormonism would not be uninteresting to your readers.

For more than a year past, I have resided in the vicinity of the "head quarters" of the Mormons, and have become somewhat acquainted with the leading characters of the sect; and have learmed, from an authentic source, the character and the standing standing which its originators held in society, previous to their engaging in the "Mormon Book" speculation.

The family of Smiths have, from their earliest histiry, been individuals who have made no claim to respectibility or honesty. The father of Joseph Smith, Jr. the Mormon Prophet, used to be a man, who spent most of his time in digging for money. The Prophet served a long apprenticeship in the same business. He used to tell fortunes, in his younger days. But, finding that he could not make money fast enough by digging after money and telling fortunes -- he entered into the Mormon speculation, believing that he could, in this manner, make a fortune, and immortalize his name. He has deceived the ignorant, and imposed upon the credulous. He has supported himself upon the property of the deluded mortals, who have become his disciples. He has caused many people to sell their farms, and other property, and go to Missouri, the promised land -- where they are now without homes -- without any means of subsistance -- wandering about from place to place, "among strangers, in a strange land." Many of the Mormons who went to Missouri, were men who had considerable property, but now they are poor and destitute. They have sold themselves to a hard master, and to a wicked and depraved man. Mr. Joseph Smith, Jr. is a man wholly destitute of moral character -- governed by no principles of moral rectitude -- acuated by no motives, save those of gain -- and he possesses a heart black and corrupt as the fiends of darkness. His character will soon be held up to the inspection of mankind, and the execration of the world.

It is a matter of wonder and astonishment, that in this enlightened era of the world, and especially in our own country, that so large a number of persons could have been made to believe in the divine authority of the Book of Mormon. Never was there a more wicked and abominable imposition, issued forth to the world, clothed in the same or garb of religion, than that of Mormonism! Never was there a more false delusion! Never a more base deception!

The historical part of the Book of Mormon was written by Solomon Spalulding, Esq., a graduate of Dartmouth College. More than twenty years ago, Mr. S. resided in Salem, Ashtabula county, in this state. He was a gentleman of very respectable talents, and a man of excellent character. When he first commenced writing, it was merely for his own gratification. But having met with some pecuniary losses, he copied and altered his original manuscript, and intended to publish the work in the form of an historical novel, under the title of the "Manuscript Found;" giving account of the first settlement of this continent, and of the people who made the Forts and Mounds, now remaining in different parts of our western country. Mr. S. went to Pittsburgh, with the intention of having the work published, but he died, and the manuscript was left with a bookseller in that place. It is believed, and it is undoubtedly true, that Sidney Rigdon added the pretended religious character to the work, as it is supposed he got in possession of the manuscript of Mr. S. in Pittsburgh, as he used to reside there, and during the latter part of his residence there, spent much of his time in writing. -- Rigdon is an artful, cunning, wicked, and unprincipled man; and he is the only one among the Mormons, whom I have ever seen, who can be accused of possessing any talent. The Prophet is entirely destitute of talent; he may have some low cunning, but it is too low to be mentioned.

Mormonism must and will go down. It cannot stand the light of investigation and truth. Since Mr. Hurburt has made his facts public, many have left the society, and many more will undoubtedly leave the false Prophet, and Mormonism, with its wickedness and abominations, will be scattered to the four winds of Heaven. The angel of humanity, as she broods o'er the earth with her outspread wings, will hail its downfall with shouts of joy and gladness! The deluded victims who have been rescued from its thraldom, will raise their fervent orisons to God for their deliverance, and its vile originators will be more guilty, than those who throw themselves beneath the life-destroying wheels of the car of Juggernaut, and leave their bones to bleach upon its desolating path.   Yours Respectfully,
                             J. ALFRED BRIGGS.

---

MORMONISM. -- One of the expounders of the golden bible of Joe Smith has recently been lecturing in the village of Mount Pleasant, Westchester county, and has had large audiences, but whether he made any converts is not stated. If he did, that village will become celebrated for entertaining imposters, as there Matthias figured at the expense of his credulous dupes. -- Pokeepsie Telegraph.

We can assure the editor of the Telegraph that but very few of the people of Mt. Pleasant are taken with Mormonism, and that a few short sighted, weak minded, gullible people, can be found in every community, is evidenced by the fact, that the absurd and preposterous doctrines of Fanny Wright have gained a foot hold in this Country, and have already become, both morally and politically, the affianced principles of Mr. Van Buren and the whole Loco Foco party.


Note: Compare the above James Alfred Briggs letter, with the one he wrote to John Codman, in March of 1875. In his earlier account, Mr. Briggs makes no mention of D. P. Hurlbut's January, 1833 hearing at Painesville, nor of Hurlbut's having made any efforts to procure Solomon Spalding's notorious "Manuscript Found."

THE MORMONS. It is stated in the Canton, Ohio, Repository, that this people to the number of about 200 with 57 wagons, filled with furniture, cattle, &c. have left Geauga county, on their way to the "promised land" in Missouri. They pitch their tent in the open field at night, after the manner of the ancient Israelites.

They probably pay their travelling expenses with Kirtland money. Tom Benton's State is the hot bed of political humbug; and the Mormons are going to try its capabilities to sustain their exploded imposture. -- Buffalo Com. Adv.


Note: "Tom Benton's State": Thomas Hart Benton ("Col. Humbug Benton") was the famous ante-bellum Senator from Missouri. He was arguably the most famous man from that state in 1838. The original news report came from the July 19, 1838 issue of the Ohio Repository, and documented to departure of the "Kirtland Camp" of Joseph Smith loyalists, following the break up of the Church in that Ohio town.

THE MORMONS. -- The Canton (Ohio) Repository says that "about 500 Mormons, with their wagons, filled with furniture, have left Geauga county, on their way to the promised land in Missouri. It is understood that they have selected Col. Humbug Benton as their High Priest and Oracle!


Notes: (forthcoming)

MR. VAN BUREN'S SUPPORTERS. -- From Fanny Wright, the she apostle of Loco Focoism, to Jo Smith, the blasphemous pretender, the 'odds and ends' of society have been gathered under the mantle of the great Loco Foco. In Caldwell county, Missouri, the Whig candidates for Congress received but 2 votes out of 353 polled, the entire population with a few exceptions being followers of Jo Smith, and obeyed his pretended revelation from Heaven that all the 'Latter Day Saints' should vote the Loco Foco ticket. Jo Smith should have his reward. A sub-treasuryship or else his Bank of Kirtland should be made a Deposite bank. Van Buren will remember him. -- Cleve. Her. & Gaz.


Notes: (forthcoming)

The Mormons appear to be full of trouble at the West. The last St. Louis papers speak of the difficulties existing between this sect and their neighbors as having created much feeling, and not a little fighting. Some 200 or 300 of the inhabitants of the neighboring towns and counties had assembled near the Mormon settlement, for the purpose of giving battle; and it was believed that a fight between them could not be prevented.


Notes: (forthcoming)

                    St. Louis, Oct. 18, 1838.
MORMON DIFFICULTIES. -- Late yesterday we received from our esteemed friend at Glasgow, the following letter in relation to these difficulties, which, for the present, seem to have ended bloodless:

                    Glasgow, Oct. 12, 1838.
DEAR SIR. -- I informed you a few days ago of the existing difficulties between the citizens of Carroll and the Mormons residing at Dewitt. I now have the pleasure of informing you that on yesterday, I witnessed the departure of every Mormon in Carroll county for the far west, in Caldwell county. The matter at last was amicably settled, and the Mormons yielded to the proposition from the citizens; that is, that they should be paid for their property, and such damages as should be assessed by two men, chosen by each side, from the counties of Howard and Chariton; and upon the arrival of the committee on the ground, both parties took up the line of march and moved off. The citizens of Carroll pledged themselves to assist any county who assisted them, when called on for a similar purpose. There was a company of militia stationed near the place to preserve the peace, of about 100 men, who after peace was made, declared that they would not let the Mormons pass to far west; they said there was no room for them in Caldwell county. We have not heard whether they were intercepted on their way, but presume not, for the Mormons were double their number. However, I am inclined to believe that the adjoining counties to Caldwell will never be contented until they leave the State. Had the Mormons refused to sell on the day the last proposition was made to them, it would have been a serious matter to both parties, for there was but little difference in their forces, and the citizens had come to a determination to make, if possible, a successful attack on the day the compromise was effected.


Notes: (forthcoming)

FURTHER FROM THE MORMONS. -- We learn by the Pirate which arrived at noon to-day, that on Tuesday night, the Anti-Mormons were still in force near Dewit. The Pirate lay at Greenville, seven miles above Dewit, on Tuesday night. At that time, information had come in, that the Anti-Mormons had given their opponents notice that they must take up their line of march next morning, at 8 o'clock. This the Mormons refused to do. It was reported, also, that the Anti-Mormons had sent word to the Mormons that, if they would collect their women and children in one house -- that house should not be fired on. As the Pirate passed down on Wednesday morning, by Dewit, a flag was seen flying over one of the largest houses there. From all appearances, there is reason to believe that a conflict took place on Wednesday.-- St. Louis Rep.


Notes: (forthcoming)

From the St. Louis Gazette, Nov. 1.

THE  MORMON  WAR.
Violence, Burning, Bloodshed, &c. --

From the Missourian and Republican, as well as our own private advices, we are satisfied that the very worst anticipations in regard to the Mormon difficulties have been realized. A letter to the Governor from an officer in Davies County, makes the following statements:

"On the 15th inst. the Mormons were collected in Far West, for the purpose of driving what they termed the mob from Davies. They have plundered, robbed and burned every house in Gallatin, (our county seat,) among the rest our Post Office. They have driven almost every individual from the county, who are now flying before them with their families -- many of which have been forced out without their ordinary clothing; their wives and little children wading in many instances through the snow, even without their shoes. When the miserable families are thus forced from their homes, they plunder and burn their houses. This, they are making universal throughout the county. They have burned for me two houses. Our County Treasurer's Office has also been burned.

The amount of property stolen or destroyed at this time, is not less than $20,000, and the work is still going on."

The following is from the Missourian, printed at Fayette, under date of the 27th ult:

                    LATER AND MORE DREADFUL NEWS.

The simultaneous tolling of the bells aroused us from our pillows last night to hear the rehersal of the most barbarous atrocities. The following letters which were read before the meeting, which speedily assembled in the Court House, embody the principal facts, as succinctly perhaps, as any language which we could substitute -- and we hence submit them without farther comment than that the authors are gentlemen of the first respectability. The meeting last night adjourned to meet again at 9 this morning, for the purpose of organizing and marching this evening or to-morrow.

SNOWDEN'S, Oct. 25, 1838.        

Col. Jones, Sir -- News has just reached us here that the Mormons have attacked and cut to pieces Capt. Bogard's company of 50 men, except three or four who had escaped. They say the Mormon force is 200 or 400. Richmond is threatened to night. If you can spare, I wish you to detail two or three companies of troops, and repair to Richmond will all speed.

Yours in haste,                    
GEO. WOODWARD,
                Aid to General Parks.

CARROLTON, Oct. 25, 1838.        

Gentlemen: News of an appalling nature has just reached us. Capt. Bogard, who was ordered with his company to guard the frontier of Ray county, was attacked and cut to pieces by immense numbers. -- They were overpowered by 3 or 400 Mormons, while they were guarding their own frontier. But five minutes ago, three reports of a cannon were heard in the direction of Richmond. Firing has been heard in various directions, and there is no doubt but that these infatuated villians have attacked Richmond.

The news of their burning and pillage has already reached you. They have indubitably captured the cannon, and taken many prisoners -- probably killed many. Daviess county is a scene of desolation. Ray is probably so ere this time; and their next movement will be at this place. It is already threatened.

Be up and doing. Bring all the men you can, and let us check them in their course of destruction and devastation. They are moving on with great strides to the climax of anarchy, civil war, and desolation. Wolf and Baker will explain all. I have just received orders, by express, from Gen. Brig. Parks, to raise 150 mounted men. Fifty have volunteered, and the remainder I will obtain in a day or two.

Stir the people up in Howard and Chariton. Send all the braces you can with Wolf, and we can meet and check them in their mad career.
                      Yours in haste,
                          WM. CLAUDE JONES.

      To Congrave Jackson and others.

==> We learn that the Governor has ordered out 3,000 mounted men.

From the Missourian of the 30th.

MARCHING OF THE TROOPS. -- A portion of our edition of Saturday having laid over until this morning (Monday,) we throw out some paragraphs in order to make room for the following synopsis of the progress of affairs since the meeting of Friday night. At the adjourned meeting of Saturday, General Clark read a despatch which he was on the eve of starting to the Governor by express in which he informed the Commander in Chief, that under the extingencies of the occasion, he had so far anticipated his orders as to direct the raising of 600 mounted gunmen from his division, to be organized on yesterday -- and to march this morning. This number was increased by a vote of the meeting to one thousand.

Too much credit cannot be awarded to Mr. P. Wilson, who [brot?] this despatch as far as Marion, where meeting the Governor's express, he returned with the official orders of the Governor in less than 18 hours, 12 hours of which were night work, besides the unusual delays in crossing the Missouri. The distance (going and coming) is about 100 miles.

The orders of the Governor confer the most plenary authority on General Clark to close this wild and fearful strife -- even by extermination if necessary. -- Between two and three thousand men from the divisions of General Wilcock, Grant and Atchison are to rendezvous at Richmond with all possible celerity, and report themselves to Gen. Clark, who is directed to assume the command. Rumors of still more barbarous atrocity -- butchering and hanging, burning and destroying, continue to multiply with hours, but as they are not official, we forbear their repetition. -- Enough is known to justify all that has been done -- and the Howard regiments, composed exclusively of volunteers, are on the march with as chivalrous a christian leader as ever warred against a Moslem.


Notes: (forthcoming)

Further from the Mormons. -- We learn by the Pirate, which arrived at noon to-day, that, on Tuesday night, the Anti-Mormons were still in force near Dewit. The Pirate lay at Greenville, seven miles above Dewit, on Tuesday night. At that time, information had come in, that the Anti-Mormons had given their opponents notice that they must take up their line of march next morning, at 8 o'clock. This the Mormons refused to do. It was reported, also, that the Anti-Mormons had sent word to the Mormons that, if they would collect their women and children in one house -- that house should not be fired on. As the Pirate passed down on Wednesday morning, by Dewit, a flag was seen flying over one of the largest houses there. From all appearances, there is reason to believe that a conflict took place on Wednesday. --   St. Louis Rep.


Notes: (forthcoming)

From the St. Louis Republican, Nov. 12.

SAD NEWS FROM THE MORMONS. -- The account of a bloody butchery of thirty two Mormons, on Splawn's Creek, is fully confirmed. Two children were killed, we presume, by accident. Considerable plunder -- such as beds, hats, &c. were taken from the slaughtered. Not one of the assailants was killed or hurt. About the time of the surrender, several Mormon houses were burnt in Chariton; and one Mormon who refused to leave, killed. At Far West, after the surrender, a Mormon had his brains dashed out, by a man who accused the Mormons of burning his house in Daviess.

We copy the above paragraph from the Gazette of Saturday evening. We are sorry to say, that our own information corroborates the details. For the honor of the State, we could have wished, that such savage enormities had not attended a controversy in itself disgraceful enough. We understand, that the company engaged in the attack at Splawn's Creek, was not attached to any division of the army, but was fighting on its own hook. The men were principally from Chariton county, and amongst the number was at least one member of the Legislature. The enemy had approached within eighty yards of the Mormons before they were apprized of their approach. The Mormons had their families with them, and to preserve their lives, the men separated from them and took refuge in a blacksmith's shop. Here they were murdered! It is said that the Mormons had arms, but it is a little singular that they should have used them so ineffectually as not to have touched one of the assailants. The latter, in some instances, placed their guns between the logs of the house and deliberately fired on the victims within.

These reports are founded upon statements of persons engaged in the attack; and bad as they are, are not likely to be overcharged. Will the actors in the tragedy be suffered, by the courts of that district, to go unpunished?


Notes: (forthcoming)

The Mormon War. -- The militia under Gen. Grant have been disbanded, and all apprehensions of further trouble are now at an end. There had been no additional bloodshed since the date of the surrender.

Notes: (forthcoming)

The Mormons. -- We perceive from the proceedings of the Missouri Legislature, that a memorial, asking pecuniary aid for the Mormon women and children of Caldwell county, was laid before that body on the 31st inst. "It appears," observes the Louisville Journal,"that the homes of many of the Mormons in that county have been burned down; that about 600 Mormon men, all of them married, have been arrested and imprisoned, 40 killed, and 100 compelled to fly to escape the vengeance of the citizens, and that 200 women, most of whom had small children, are thus left destitute, with no food to keep them from starvation, and no shelter to protect them from the winter storms. -- We trust that the State, through her Legislature will promptly do what she can to repair the foul and cruel wrongs perpetrated by her citizens."


Note: The Binghampton Broome Republican carried the same article on the same day.

THE MORMON PRISONERS. -- Jo Smith, Jr., Sidney Rigdon, and four others of the Mormon leaders have been held to trial in Ray County, Missouri, for treason. About 30 are also committed for trial on charges of arson, burglary, robbery and larceny, and something like a dozen stand charged with being principals and accessories in the murder.

The Cleveland Herald & Gazette says:

Such has been the excitement in the counties where the Mormons resided, that no man will be in a condition to serve as a Juror. The Mormons can change the venue if they choose, but the state cannot.

It is stated that the Missourians are purchasing the Mormon lands at the land sales with all the improvements made on them at mere nominal prices for speculation! The Republican states that a Company has been formed of some of the most active in driving off the Mormons, for the purpose of speculating in their abandoned lands!

Great distress and suffering exist among the plundered Mormons, many of whom were formerly quiet, inoffensive residents of northern Ohio. They were wild and fanatical in their religious notions when among us, but peaceable, humble, and law-observing in their deportment.

There can be no possible excuse for the murder and rapine with which they have been desolated since emigrating. This infamy will be as lasting as the name of Missouri.


Notes: (forthcoming)

MISSOURI. The Missouri Legislature has appropriated $150,000 for paying certain militia of the state against the Mormons. The bill to provide for the establishment and support of common schools passed the lower house of the legislature on the 21st by an overwhelming majority.


Notes: (forthcoming)

THE MORMON WAR. -- The paymaster in Missouri, engaged in making out the pay tolls of the forces employed in suppressing the Mormon War, estimates the number of [men] at not less than 12,000, and the pay and expenses of each man at $20 -- making $240,000 for the privates alone, and the whole expense not less than half a million dollars.


Notes: (forthcoming)

THE MORMONS. -- This persecuted people are emigrating from Missouri to Illinois, settling on the Mississippi, near Quincy. Sidney Rigdon is delivering addresses, and locating his disciples there. They appear to be well received by the people. Rigdon's eloquent account of the cold-blooded murder, by the Missouri mob, of Mormon men and children, the violation of females, the destroying of property, the burning of houses, &c. is awakening much pity and commiseration. The refusal of the Legislature of Missouri to enquire into and publish to the world a true history of the disgraceful and barbarous war on the Mormons, has placed Rigdon and his followers on a vantage ground they will not fail to occupy in exciting the sympathies of the humane and benevolent. The infamy of the persecuting war can never be wiped from the escutcheon of Missouri. Time will only darken its coloring. -- Cleveland Herald.


Notes: (forthcoming)

(For the Magazine and Advocate.

THE  THIRD  HEAVEN.

BY  REV.  S.  P.  LANDERS.
"I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body,
I can not tell, or whether out of the body, I can not tell, God knoweth.)
such a one caught up to the third heaven." -- 2 Cor. xii: 2.

... I make the following remarks for two reasons -- 1st. To correct an error which some entertain respecting the belief of the "Mormons," or as they term themselves, "The latter day Saints," (See Br. Sawyer's remarks on Mr. Sunderland's book entitled, "Mormonism Exposed and refuted," Universalist Union, volume 3, page 205.) 2. To give my views, in short, of the apostle's meaning. The Mormons are strenuous advocates for the literal meaning of the passage at the head of this article, and instead of believing in the eternal damnation of all sects but their own, as the book and remarks above alluded to state, they believe that all mankind will eventually be made perfectly happy, according to their capacities for bliss, in one of the "three heavens." That your readers may know I am correct in my statements respecting their belief, I will simply state, that J. Smith, Jr., their leader and prophet, was brought up in the saem town that I was; that I have been acquainted with the advocates of Mormonism, and that I have kept up a correspondence with one of the most distinguished men among them in Missouri, whose learning and talents I respect, and I have to lament that they are not employed in the promotion of a better cause. In a letter of his reply to one of mine, he speaks of their views respecting man's future destiny, in language too plain to be misunderstood. He says, "But what is for man beyond the grave? What may we understand by your question, 'God will have all men to be saved and come unto the knowledge of the truth?' Can we prove this to be equivalent to an assertion, that all men shall be saved from eternal punishment, which the sectarians contend is the doom of all who die impenitent? The language is less positive, but from the hypothesis, that the will of God must be done in the world to come, as regards the salvation of those for whom Christ died, this may be incontrovertibly established; for God wills that all men be saved; and to those who repent and are baptized in the name of Christ, for the remission of sins, shall be given power 'to become heirs of God and joint heirs with Jesus Christ,' and to sit down in the kingdom of celestial glory. Those who obey not the Gospel by being baptized, must be rewarded according to their transgressions, after which they are made partakers of a degree of happiness and glory, but one inferior to that enjoyed by such as 'wash their robes and make them white in the blood of the Lamb.' 'The unbeliever and murderer, etc., shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone,' and then be permitted to take their seats in heaven, but not around the throne of God, for where he is, they can not come.

"You may ask, how it would be possible to be in heaven, and not in the immediate presence of God! In answer, I would introduce to your notice the third heaven, spoken of by the apostle Paul, in 2d Cor. xii: 2, to establish the fact that there must be a second and a first. This being established, let those who obey not the Gospel, occupy their respective places in these two lower kingdoms, for none but the church of the first born can find place in the third, where God sits upon his throne in majesty, surrounded by all who overcome the world through faith in Christ, and obedience to the Gospel. Therefore, our opinions touching 'the future destiny of man,' are that all who are baptized for the remission of sins, and continue faithful unto the end, are admitted into the celestial kingdom of God, to enjoy his presence forever. Those who deal justly, and are not guilty of crimes that debase the character and pervert the nature of man, are made inheritors of an inferior kingdom of glory, and can wnjoy the presence of angels, and be ministered unto by the Son of God; and lastly, those who give themselves up to licentiousness, disregarding the command of God, and the laws of men, will suffer the punishment due their crimes, and finally be restored to happiness, and receive the fulness of the Holy Spirit, by the ministration of angels. To this, every son and daughter of Adam, who has not merited a superior glory, must eventually be raised, though their sins be as mountains, else the atonement was not made for all."

These views are widely different from what is commonly supposed the Mormons entertain, and are infinitely better than the doctrine of endless misery. We will close our already protracted remarks, by inquiring what was the probable meaning of the aspostle, in the language at the head of this article. It is probable that the apostle used the term "third heaven" and "paradise" as synonymous, and it is reasonable to conclude, that he did not refer to a future existence at all by them, but only used these terms to signify a high degree of exaltation to which the person was raised in ecstacy, or in a trance. It is in this sense that these and similar words are frequently used in the Scriptures....

When we find such expressions as the above in the Scriptures, we can not reasonably suppose that the sacred writers meant to teach that there were actually "three heavens," or a "heaven of heavens," but that they used them in a figurative manner.
Bethany, March, 1839.


Note: The 1839 Federal Census for New York shows a "Charles Landers" then living in Arcadia, Wayne Co. There is no evidence, however, of a Landers family living in Manchester, Ontario Co., nor any place thereabouts, during the early 1800s.

THE BOOK OF MORMON. -- According to a statement published in the Boston Recorder by Mrs. Davidson, (formerly the wife of the Rev. Solomon Spaulding, of the Presbyterian church,) it seems that the Book of Mormon, or "Golden Bible," generally supposed to be the joint production of Joe Smith and Sidney Rigdon, was written by her deceased husband, which incapacitated by ill-health for active service in the church. It was written with no other object in view than the amusement of himself and his neighbors; but having fallen into the hands of wicked men, it has been used for the worst of purposes...


Note: It may be significant that the Watchman's editor credited the authorship of the Book of Mormon to "Joe Smith and Sidney Rigdon," upon the popular supposition of that period. Whether Rigdon's purported involvement in the 19th century literary production was a conclusion based upon E. D. Howe's 1834 book, J. G. Bennett's 1832 investigative journalism, or even upon early 1830s Ohio news items, the editor does not say. Elder Parley P. Pratt said, in 1838: "Early in 1831, Mr. Rigdon having been ordained, under our hands, visited elder J. Smith, Jr., in the state of New-York, for the first time; and from that time forth, rumor began to circulate, that he (Rigdon) was the author of the Book of Mormon." Pratt's report matches well with the Ohio news items, as well as with D. P. Hurlbut's Dec. 1833 press release" in Smith's hometown paper, saying: "The pretended religious character of the work [Book of Mormon] has been superadded by some more modern hand -- believed to be the notorious Rigdon. These particulars have been derived by Dr. Hurlbert from the widow of the author of the original manuscript." Years later William H. Leffingwell, an early resident of Conneaut, Ohio, would claim, "I afterwards learned that he [Solomon Spalding] got hold of Sidney Rigdon, and I knew within six months that Spalding sold it, and that Rigdon got it." How Leffingwell could have known, six months after Spalding left Conneaut in 1812, that "Rigdon got it," remains undetermined. The Spaldings lived very near Sidney Rigdon's Aunt Mary Rigdon in 1814-16, but that probable neighborly association must have begun well over a year after Solomon moved his family from Ohio to Pennsylvania.

THE MORMONS. -- The Peoria (Illinois) Register says: "Great numbers of this unfortunate sect, men, women and children, are encamped near Quincy, in a state of destitution of the necessaries of life. The sufferings they endured in Missouri are heart-rending. A public meeting has been held in Quincy to devise means for their relief. The audience was deeply affected at the relation given by the Mormons and effective measures were adopted for their relief."


Notes: (forthcoming)

The Mormons' Bible. -- The origin of this work which it has puzzled many to account for, being evidently the production of a cultivated mind, yet found in the hands of exceedingly ignorant and illiterate persons, is at length explained. It was written in 1812, for amusement as a historical romance of the lost race, the remains of whose numerous mounds and forts are found on the Ohio. The author was Rev. Solomon Spaulding, a graduate of Dartmouth College, who resided at New Salem, Ohio; and on the appearance of a Mormon preacher there, many of the friends of the deceased clergyman recollected passages which he had read to them during the time he was engaged in composing it. On enquiry, the original manuscript was among his papers. -- It also appeared that at one time he had some thoughts in relation to printing the work, and that it remained at a printing office for a long time. Sidney [Rigdon], who has figured so largely in the history of the Mormons, was at that time employed in this printing office, and it was no doubt copied by him.


Note: The Northern Journal of May 16th featured a longer piece on the same subject, primarily copied from the widely-reprinted Boston Recorder article.

THE MORMON PRISONERS ESCAPED. -- The Columbia Patriot of the 27th ult., a paper printed in Boone county, has the following important paragraphs:

The Mormon prisoners were taken from the jail in Clay county, where they have been confined since last fall, in Daviess or Caldwell, for the purpose of having indictments found. This being done, the change of venue to Boone county was granted, and they were immediately put under the charge of a guard to be bro't to the jail at Columbia.

While passing through Linn, they stopped to spend the night, at a cabin which is said to be elevated by means of blocks some distance above the ground. When morning came Joe Smith and his followers were missing, and upon examination it appeared that they had escaped by raising a puncheon on the cabin floor and letting themselves down through the opening thus made. They have made a successful escape.


Notes: (forthcoming)

The Mormon Prisoners Escaped. -- The Columbia Patriot of the 27th, a paper printed in Boone county, has the following important paragraphs: --

The Mormon prisoners were taken from the jail in Clay county, where they have been confined since last fall, in Davies or Caldwell, for the purpose of having indictments found. This being done, the change of venue to Boone county was granted, and they were immediately put under the charge of a guard to be brought to the jail at Columbia.

While passing through Linn, they stopped to spend the night, at a cabin which is said to be elevated by means of blocks some distance above the ground. When morning came Joe Smith and his followers were missing, and upon examination it appeared that they had escaped by raising a puncheon of the cabin floor and letting themselves down through the opening thus made. They have made a successful escape.


Notes: (forthcoming)

The Mormon Bible. -- The origin of this work which it has puzzled so many to account for, being evidently the production of a cultivated mind, yet found in the hands of exceedingly ignorant and illiterate persons, is at length explained. It was written in 1812, for amusement as a historical romance of the lost race, the remains of whose numerous mounds and forts are found on the Ohio. The author was Rev. Solomon Spaulding, a graduate of Dartmouth College, who resided at New Salem, Ohio; and on the appearance of a Mormon preacher there, many of the friends of the deceased clergyman recollected passages which he had read to them during the time he was engaged in composing it. On inquiry, the original manuscript was among his papers. -- It also appeared that at one time he had some thoughts in relation to printing the work, and that it remained at a printing office for a long time. Sidney Rigdon, who has figured so largely in the history of the Mormons, was at that time employed in this printing office, and it was no doubt copied by him.


Notes: (forthcoming)

ORIGIN  OF  MORMONISM.

The Book of Mormon, or 'Golden Bible,' it would seem, is the production of the Rev. Solomon Spaulding, a graduate of Dartmouth College, and formerly pastor of a Presbyterian church on the Western Reserve of Ohio. While suffering under disease, to amuse himself and his friends, he wrote an imaginary history of the mysterious race of men who built the ancient mounds and other works of art, which are scattered so profusely over the valley of the Mississippi. His manuscript falling into the hands of wicked and designing men, has been perverted into the means of building up a new seat of fanatics who are making so much noise in the West. The Rev. John Storrs, of Holliston, Mass., learning that the widow of Mr. Spaulding, (now Mrs. Davison, having since Mr. S.'s death, married a second husband) was still living at Monson, Mass., and could testify to this fact, addressed her a letter, and obtained the following narrative, which we copy from the Boston Recorder of last week.

(Matilda Davison statement follows)

Notes: (forthcoming)

THE MORMON BIBLE. -- The origin of this work which it has puzzled so many to account for, being evidently the production of a cultivated mind, yet found in the hands of exceedingly ignorant and illiterate persons, is at length explained. It was written in 1812, for amusement as a historical romance of the lost race, the remains of whose numerous mounds and forts are found on the Ohio. The author was Rev. Solomon Spaulding, a graduate of Dartmouth College, who resided at New Salem, Ohio; and on the appearance of a Mormon preacher there, many of the deceased clergymen [sic] recollected passages which he had read to them during the time he was engaged in composing it. -- On inquiry, the original manuscript was among his papers. It also appeared that at one time he had some thoughts in relation to printing the work, and that it remained at a printing office for a long time; Sidney Rigdon, who has figured so largely in the history of the Mormons, was at that time employed in this printing office, and it was no doubt copied by him.


Notes: (forthcoming)

ORIGIN  OF  THE  MORMON  BIBLE

Though we have before exposed the wicked imposition of Mormonism, and shown how the book which the Mormons have substituted for the Bible, was originated, yet, the following may not be out of place at the present time. As will be seen, it is from the woman whose husband wrote the book or the manuscript out of which Rigdon and Smith concocted what they call the book of Mormon.

It seems, that this delusion found its way into Holiston, Ms., and the Rev. Mr. Storrs obtained the following account from Davison, and published in the Boston Recorder for that purpose of setting this cheat in its true light.

(view the original Boston Recorder article

Notes: (forthcoming)

For the Magazine and Advocate.

THE  MORMONS.

To Rev. S. P. Landers: --

Dear Brother -- In the "Magazine and Advocate" for April 26th, is an article from your pen, in which you introduce a notice of the Mormons, and their views in regard to a future state. -- You say, "they (the Mormons) believe that all mankind will eventually be made perfectly happy, according to their capacities for bliss, in one of the three heavens."

Will you please to inform me gow you reconcole this remark with the following, which I copy from the Mormon Bible -- "Book of Maroni," chap. viii. "And he that saith that little children needeth baptism, denieth the mercies of Christ, and setteth at nought the atonement of him and the power of his redemption. Wo unto such, for they are in danger of death, hell, and endless torment."

I have no doubt that the gentleman from whose letter you made the extract, believed in universal happiness. But does the "Mormon Bible" teach that "all mankind will eventually be made happy?" If so, what meanth this quotation?

A word from your pen, touching this matter, will be gratefully received, and attentively read.

Your brother in Christ,                      J. Shrigley.

Exeter, May 2d, 1839.


Notes: (forthcoming)

The Mormons -- The Book of Mormon. -- The fate of this people has been that of similar deluded sects that have gone before them. They have been hunted and persecuted and in some instances even unto death; but still it is quite probable that some of them will ultimately stand among the redeemed before the throne of God; not however on account of their Mormonism, but for the sake of the great sacrifice made for the sins of the world. Our opinion on this point is drawn from a personal knowledge of some of them. But what may be hoped of a few cannot be expected of them as a community or of their leaders, who by "lying wonders" and feigned revelations have deceived many of their adherents. But regarding them in the darkest shade that has ever been thrown over them, which we doubt not is not much exaggerated, it is obvious that they have been much abused, and that the right course has not been in many cases, taken to reclaim them and stop their delusions. -- The fact that a person is persecuted, is considered by a certain class of men decisive proof that he is right. We shall not attempt to explain the philosophical principles by which the mind is brought to such conclusions; perhaps they are the character of those by which the sceptic is brought to deny the Bible because popery is wrong; but certain it is that anything that is new and persecuted possesses with them a peculiar charm. Mormonism possesses both of these qualities to an eminent degree. It claims to be a new revelation from God, and holds out new things to its votaries; it has shared not only the odium justly attached to it, but its adherents have been treated not as American citizens but as another race of men; which has no doubt served to strengthen their cause. It has enlisted the sympathies of the disinterested, in their favor, and many have therefore been induced firstly to plead for their rights, secondly, to espouse their cause who otherwise had remained unmoved. Such has been the aid that persecution and mobocracy have afforded to the cause of truth as well as error.

It appears from the following extract, that Sidney Rigdon did not act the part in copying the Book of Mormon which the article which we published in the last number attributed to him. The extract is as follows: --

The Book of Mormon. -- Our readers noticed in the Banner and Pioneer, not long since, an article giving an account of the author and origin of the Book of Mormon. There is an error in that statement which should be corrected, otherwise the Mormons will take occasion to condemn and deny the whole statement. Sidney Rigdon had no hand in copying that book. He was not a Mormon when that was printed, but joined them, with a portion of his congregation, afterwards. Rigdon was first a Baptist preacher; then adopted the peculiarities of Alexander Campbell; was re-baptizd to get his sins pardoned; and subsequently became a Mormon; was baptized the third time into that faith.

Oliver Cowdery was Joe Smith's amanuensis, and did his copying. It is evident -- and that we published in 1833, and again in 1835 -- that Solomon Spaulding wrote the main portion of the Book of Mormon as a wild, historical romance; but portions of that book were written by Cowdery, or some of Joe Smith's cronies. When we can command a little more leisure we intend to give a more particular sketch of this singular and extraordinary delusion. We have the means to furnish a correct exposition. In 1833 we wrote a series of articles, which were published [in] a little tract, at our own expense, and circulated in Illinois to expose the delusions of Mormonism; and we will again satisfy the inquiries of those who "ask for information" about Mormonism as soon as we can get time. -- Baptist Banner and Pioneer.


Note: Rev. John Mason Peck's 1833 series of articles in the Rock Spring, Illinois Pioneer have not survived. His "little tract" exposing "the delusions of Mormonism," was a four-page pamphlet, which he entitled: Mormonism, One of the Delusions of Satan, Exposed, and credited to "A Friend of Truth." This undated pamphlet may possibly have pre-dated E. D. Howe's 1834 book, and might be claimed as the second (after Campbell's 1831 "Delusions") anti-Mormon publication -- (more likely it came out just after the Howe book, at the end of 1834 or the beginning of 1835). The Exter, NH, Christian Journal, of May 28, 1835 reprinted the 1835 article on the Spalding claims, etc. from the columns of Rev. Peck's Pioneer. Also, Elder Oliver Cowdery offered some response to the 1835 Pioneer article in the April 1835 issue of the Latter Day Saints' Messenger and Advocate. Rev. Peck's newspaper eventually became the Louisville Western Pioneer and Baptist Standard-Bearer. For more on Peck's views of the Book of Mormon and the LDS, see also his article, "Nauvoo, Illinois: The Mormons" in the Jan. 1854 issue of Arthur's Home Magazine.

From the Cincinnati Daily News, June 15.

MORMON  MEETING.

Agreeably to public notice, a meeting was held in the College Chapel last evening, which was opened by a few remarks from a gentleman accompanying Mr. Greene; after which Mr. Greene gave a statement of the early settlement of the Mormons in Missouri, and a history of their persecution, which has hardly a parallel even in the persecution of the primitive christians. They were ruthlessly driven from their homes, their property destroyed, the women and children forced into the woods, without any shelter from the inclemency of the weather, (it being in the month of January) where they roamed about till their feet became so sore that their enemies tracked them by the foot-prints of blood. The men were in many instances cruelly murdered. On one occasion the mob attacked a smith shop, into which nine of the Mormons and two boys had taken refuge; it being a log house, the mob fired between the logs and killed every individual of the nine men; they then entered and dragged the two boys from under the bellows who begged for mercy in most piteous tones; one of the miscreants applying his rifle to the ear of the youngest, (who was but nine years old,) said, "My lad we have no time to quarter you, but we will halve you," and immediately shot away the whole upper part of his head. The other boy was severely wounded in the hip, but had the presence of mind to fall and remain quiet, and so escaped; he is still living, and is at Quincy, Ill. Speaking of the massacre, he said, "they had killed my father and brother, and I was afraid if I moved they would kill me too." -- To cap the climax, the villains plundered the dead bodies of their clothes, &c. In another instance; part of the mob pursued an aged man, who, finding he could not escape, turned and raising his hands to Heaven begged for mercy: the reply he received was a shot from a rifle, and he fell mortally wounded; he still besought them to save him, when one of the party picked up a scythe, or sickle, and literally hacked him to pieces as he lay on the ground.

This man assisted in the achievement of our liberties in the revolutionary war. Mr. Greene's narrative contained many such instances, and was indeed a tale of woe and suffering at which the heart sickens.

Hon. Thomas Morris then addressed the meeting. He said he had been in the vicinity of these transactions, and had taken some pains to acquaint himself with the facts, and from all he could learn, the Mormons were an industrious and harmless people, that no specific charges had been brought against them by the executive of Missouri, but that their religion gave offence to a mob -- for causes which may at any time induce the same persecution of any religious sect in our land, -- He said he believed the statements made by the gentleman to be true, and that they were corroborated by those who resided in the vicinity of their occurrence.

On motion, a chairman and secretary were appointed, and resolutions passed condemning the conduct of the executive of Missouri; appointing a committee to prepare a statement of the treatment received by this distressed people, and recommending them to the favorable notice of the people of Cincinnati.

The meeting then adjourned, to meet next Monday evening at the same place.


Notes: (forthcoming)

For the Magazine and Advocate.

THE  MORMONS.
                                          Utica, Michigan, June 22, 1839.

Br. Grosh -- As some of your readers desire to know what are the religious opinions of the "latter day Saints," I will attempt to give you a part of the information, derived from an attentive perusal of some of their publications; and more especially from a several days' protracted and very friendly conversation with one of their Elders, (Hiram J. Brown,) who, though not a literary man, seems to be very well acquainted with our Bible, and with latter day Saints literature in general.

They attempt to prove their doctrine by the Old and New Testament, upon which we build our faith, which they interpret in the most literal manner. And though I have been a diligent student of the Bible for years, and expected to have involved my friend in a labyrinth of inextricable difficulties and contradictions, I assure you that my expectations were utterly disappointed.

The answer to Br. J. Shrigley's interrogatory (Magazine and Advicate, June 7 is, that though the punishment, or rather the places of it, (hell and the lake of fire,) will exist as long as God, yet none of his creatures will remain in it beyond a certain time, longer or shorter according to their several demerits. They say that after the "first" resurrection, when death and hell shall be cast into the lake of fire, (Rev. xx:14,) all sinners will be liberated from hell, cleansed from all evil propensities, except the false prophets, whose evil character, they say, is described in Heb. vi: 4,5,6, and Matt. xii:31; and even these, who had received the priesthood, of which they can never be deprived, and by virtue of which they are enabled to work miracles, etc., (Rev. xix:20,) are to be restored to the celestial kingdom so soon as they make a public and sincere acknowledgement of their error. Thus you see that the latter day Saints are restorationists to the fullest extent. -- They argue that all punishment not intended to, or which in its nature can not, reform, attributed to God, accuses him of tyranny; and that there is no escape from deserved punishment, and no substitute can suffer it instead of the guilty.

They believe there are three heavens; the Telestial, the Terrestrial, and the Celestial; in the last of which God and Christ reside, and where alone, absolute perfection can be attained by the Saints, and which will be located on our earth after the secind resurrection with the New Jerusalem, fifteen hundred miles square and of the same height. Rev. xxi:2,3,17, etc. The other two kingdoms (heavens) are in other spheres, and will be freely opened to all mankind after the second resurrection, where they will enjoy a degree of glory far transcending any thing that has ever entered the mind of mortal, even in the Telestial, which is the least glorious kingdom. Their joy does not consist in any kingdom in "the rapturous gaze," as some poets have it, but in activity in all, and progression in wisdom and knowledge in the Celestial and Terrestial without end or limit; though these can never arrive at perfection, nor ever be introduced into the Celestial kingdom, to enjoy the immediate presence of God and Christ, and enter on the work of creating, in which all its inhabitants are engaged. And here they appeal to the changes going on the universe, as revealed by the science of Astronomy. Nor are they alone in this hypothesis: -- Professor Dick, from whom they frequently quote, has treated it largely in his Christian Philosopher, Philosophy of religion, and of a future state.

They say, God does nothing in vain; nor does he act like a child building up and destroying its own works; but argue that he goes on creating, renovating and purifying his works in endless succession -- that whilst the inhabitants of one planet attain such a state of purity as to be introduced through the resurrection into a higher state of glorious existance, those of another are progressing towards the same, and those of a third may be in the infancy of their existence -- hence the necessity of a continued existence of a prison to reward every inhabitant of those other planets and other systems according to their several deserts.

They believe no person can enter the Celestial kingdom without baptism by immersion, administered by one who has received the priesthood in regular order from God, an angel of celestial order, or another priest of the order of Melchisedec, (Christ,) and who has received the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands, who confers the power of prophecing, working moracles, etc., etc. The only exception (Acts x:44) was absolutely necessary to convince Peter that the Gospel blessings were intended for Gentiles as well as Jews.

The great whore, (Rev. xvii:1, etc.,) they say, signifies the church of Rome; and the harlots, the Protestant denominations; and taken together they compose the great city Babylon, the mother of harlots, etc., Rev. xvii:5, composed of fifteen kings, (verses 10, 12,) nations, peoples, multitudes and tongues, (15;) she sitteth upon seven mountains, (9,) and upon many waters, (1.) For, say they, Bablyon signifies confusion, and who will deny that confusion reigns among them all?

They say certain signs, which are enumerated by Christ: Mark xxvi:17, 18, and by Paul, 1 Cor. xii:8,9,10, should follow those who believed the apostles' testimony, which are not only not found among the sects in our day, but all denominations, except the latter day Saints and the Irvingites of England, deny that any such signs do, or ever will follow believers again; though they did follow the apostles, those who believed the preaching of the apostles, (Acts x:46, and xix:1,2,3,4,5,6,) and the seventym (Luke x:17,) and the gift has never been recalled by the Giver. These signs following believers, say they, is the testimony of Jesus. (Rev. xix:10,) and constitutes the power of godliness; and all who deny it have nothing left but the form, (2 Tim. iii:5,) which has no better foundation than tradition, which can never constitute knowledge, whatever may be the evidence upon which it rests. This power, they say, was lost soon after the apostle's time, when the Gospel began to be adulterated with heathen traditions; but is now measurably restored to the latter day Saints, and will be exercised in its pristine splendor so soon as they attain a greater degree of faith and holiness. They are already able to heal their sick, and are in constant intercourse with the celestial world, having the spirit of prophecy, of visions, of discerning spirits, of speaking with tongues, and of interpretation, etc.

With regard to our planet, they believe there will be millenium of a thousand years duration, (Rev. xx:4,5,) which will commence in 1847, by the building of Jerusalem, etc. At the commencement, the devil (they believe in a personal devil) will be cast into the bottomless pit, (verses 2, 3,) and during its continuance those high wrought descriptions of Isaiah (xi, and xii,) will be literally and exactly fulfilled. But before the ushering in of this long looked for period, nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; and, aided by the plagues described in the Apocalypse, will destroy one another till only one third (Zech. xii:8) of all the inhabitants of the earth remain. Then will this remnant make war against the latter day Saints, who have remained spectators, and they (the Saints) will arise, aided by the Israelites, consisting of the descendants of Ephraim and Manasseh, (who were the sons of Joseph,) namely, our Indians, and the ten tribes inhabiting the north polar region, who will all have been converted by the Gospel: and one of this army shall chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight, (Josh. xxiii:10; Deit. xxxii:30,) before their commander Christ Jesus riding the white horse, (Rev. xix:11); and the prophecies (Rev. xiv:20; xix:21; Isa. xiv:2) and a great number of others, which never have been, shall then be literally fulfilled. From these dreadful calamities the latter day Saints are desirous of saving us. This last paragraph I have inferred from hints dropped in conversation, and from my friend's quotations; it may therefore not be exactly stated as he believes it, as he declined stating minutely.

Their prophecies prohibit the latter day Saints from making war, but if assailed they are commanded to offer peace to their enemies three times; and if still persecuted, they must cinsult God before they defend themselves. Then revelations enjoin a peaceable and quoet conduct, good morals and kindness towards all men. They are very strenuous advocates for the pursuit of knowledge. And instead of being persecuted and put to death, as some infamous fanatics have done, they should be treated as friends belonging to the great human family.

They are guided in all their important pursuits by direct revelations, (as they believe,) have visions, see signs in the heavens, such as armies on horseback, the appearance of blood, etc., etc., surprised at our not seeing the same. In all of which I believe they are sincere. Those who are best acquainted with the history of the human mind, know best how greatly a person, whose mind has long been occupoed with such contemplations, may be deceived. Volumes might be filled with such instances. The history of Baron Van Swedenborg alone, is sufficient to convince any one of the fact. Nor do I doubt that they have often succeeded in curing certain forms of sickness among their adherents. The body is very much under the influence of the mind, and every well informed physician knows of what importance it is to secure even a share of his patient's confidence. How much greater, then, the effect where faith is stronger than death? The metallic tractors of by gone years, and the infinitesmal doeses of Haneman's medicine have cured thousands on this principle. But when the dead are raised, where faith can have no influence, we are bound to acknowledge the interposition of Almighty Power.     H. R. Schetterly.

P. S. Mr. Hiram J. Brown has been separated from his brethren without knowing where to address any of them; if this should meet their eye, they will confer a favor by addressing -- "Utica, Macomb county, Mich."


Note 1: The Hiram J. Brown mentioned in the above letter was evidently the father of the Hiram J. Brown who married Jessie Alice Lambert and who was living in Otsego County, Michigan during the 1880s. Neither should not be confused with Elder Hiram P. Brown (1825-1889) who was an early Mormon and a notable member of the RLDS Church. The Feb. 1, 1844 issue of the Times and Seasons carried this notice: "As we have lately been credibly informed, that an Elder of the Church of Jesus Christ, of Latter day Saints, by the name of Hiram Brown, has been preaching Polygamy, and other false and corrupt doctrines, in the county of Lapeer, state of Michigan.... he has been cut off from the church, for his iniquity." Wilford Woodruff's Journal entry for June 4, 1844 gives his name as "Elder Hiram J Brown," of Jacksonburg, Michigan, "who had been cut of from the church in Nauvoo by an accusation presented by Elder Elsworth." Woodruff also says: "He was still preaching. We talked with him. He said he would harken to council & do what we told him to, manifested a good spirit & wished to be restored. Said that Elsworth misrepresented him. We gave him liberty to teach."

Note 2: The following is taken from the Autobiography of Allen Russell: "In the year 1840, Hiram Brown an Elder in the Mormon Church, who lived in Macomb Co., about 30 or 40 miles distance, came to our house in Lapeer County, and asked permission to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, as he called it, to the people in that vicinity. Father told him that he could if he wished, notice was circulated around the neighborhood, that there would be a meeting at Father's house on Sunday. The next day the neighbors came in and listened to the preaching of Elder Brown. It being something new, quite a number came and about filled the house. At the close of the meeting, he gave out another appointment in 3 weeks. Elder Brown made his home at Father's house when he visited our vicinity. In the evening, he and father had a long talk. Father of course thought that he could wind him right up on the scriptures without any trouble. But when Elder Brown began questioning him of his spiritualizing the Bible, he soon found out that he had no foundation to work upon, all his foundation was knocked out from under him, and he began to think that he did not know it all. So during the next 3 weeks until the next meeting that was appointed, Father had something to think about that he had never thought of before. When Elder Brown came again, they had another argument on the scriptures which cooled father down considerable. Some of the neighbors thought it had to be a strange doctrine after he had preached the second time. Elder Brown continued coming about every 3 or 4 weeks. He brought another Elder with him named Race, who assisted him in his preaching. After a few meetings, Father and one of the neighbors named Olmstead, believed the doctrine and were baptized on July 26, 1840 by Hiram Brown. My brother Martin was very much opposed to Elder Brown's preaching, also my brother Lyman as they had been to hear them several times and were much opposed to the new doctrine. As there was not a suitable place, except on my brother Martin's land, they got his consent and they baptized father and Moses Olmstead. While they were being baptized, my brother Martin said, 'O Foolish Galations, who hath bewitched you?' My self and others who stood by, thought it a very foolish move."

THE  MORMONS  AND  THE  INDIANS.

I feel some delicacy in introducing this subject -- because I believe the Mormons to have been grievously injured and persecuted by the State of Missouri, and to be quite sufficiently unpopular among all denominations, without my adding to the amount of public disfavor by my remarks; and also, because the subject is not altogether one becoming our columns as a wholly religious paper. But if my fears are well founded, the subject is so all-important to the union at large, and to the western frontier in particular, that it demands some notice at my hands.

In our last was an article from Dr. H. R. Shetterly, of Utica, Macomb county, Mich., an intelligent and candid man, giving probably as full and correct a statement of the opinions of the Mormons as has ever appeared in any of our periodicals. There is in that account one paragraph which I here republish, because I wish attention drawn to it very particularly.

With regard to our planet, they believe there will be millenium of a thousand years duration, (Rev. xx:4,5,) which will commence in 1847, by the building of Jerusalem, etc. At the commencement, the devil (they believe in a personal devil) will be cast into the bottomless pit, (verses 2, 3,) and during its continuance those high wrought descriptions of Isaiah (xi, and xii,) will be literally and exactly fulfilled. But before the ushering in of this long looked for period, nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; and, aided by the plagues described in the Apocalypse, will destroy one another till only one third (Zech. xii:8) of all the inhabitants of the earth remain. Then will this remnant make war against the latter day Saints, who have remained spectators, and they (the Saints) will arise, aided by the Israelites, consisting of the descendants of Ephraim and Manasseh, (who were the sons of Joseph,) namely, our Indians, and the ten tribes inhabiting the north polar region, who will all have been converted by the Gospel: and one of this army shall chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight, (Josh. xxiii:10; Deit. xxxii:30,) before their commander Christ Jesus riding the white horse, (Rev. xix:11); and the prophecies (Rev. xiv:20; xix:21; Isa. xiv:2) and a great number of others, which never have been, shall then be literally fulfilled. From these dreadful calamities the latter day Saints are desirous of saving us. This last paragraph I have inferred from hints dropped in conversation, and from my friend's quotations; it may therefore not be exactly stated as he believes it, as he declined stating minutely.

Mr. Catlin, in his most valuable and intensely interesting remarks, made while exhibiting his wonderfull collection of Indian portraits, curiosities, etc., in this city, two years ago, said that the Indians on our entire western frontier could bring 30,000 warriors into the field, if they ever combined their forces for that purpose. Thirty thousand Indian warriors, led by a talented and crafty chieftain, whether a red or a white man, would be a formidable -- an almost irresistible force in their first inset. For, if they combined and prepared for the war secretly, as they probably would do, they could at once overpower all our military force at the West, paralyze the defenceless and unsuspecting inhabitants with the war cry of havoc, the murders, fires and desolation which they would spread on either hand as they rushed forward, and so might succeed in making one black desert of fire and gore from the western confines of our white settlements, eastward to the Mississippi at the South, and its upper tributaries at the North. For the whites being taken by surprise, would scarcely be able to act in sufficient concert, and with requisite coolness, until thus driven together by their merciless foes.

Now comes the question which has, for some time, agotated my mind. May not these Mormon leaders, (some of whom are undoubted men of particular talent and influence,) attempt to carry out their faith as developed in the above extract, even before the Indians are converted to Mormonism? They feel themselves onjured by our popular denominations, as the Indians do by our nation. The Indians, too, have a strong inclination to superstition and fanaticism, which these Mormon leaders might easily get hold of, and work up into a patriotic and religious frenzy. And if such a union can be effected, as the Mormons affect to believe will take place, must not the consequences be terrible to our western country?

The Mormons have their civil and religious rights, and those rights should be respected, most strictly, by our National and State governments. The violation of this duty by a sister State is already likely to cost us much. Let the future witness a better performance of it than the past. But while the Mormons are thus protected in the exercise of their clear and undoubted rights, the United States should be constantly on the watch, to see if any clouds are arising in the west, and to prepare forces sufficient to meet and disperse them when the proper season arrives. Let those who live in the vicinity of Mormons, watch closely their doctrines and their movements, and report truly any causes of complaint to the proper authorities, that every thing may be done that can be done constitutionally, legally and righteously, to frustrate any improper designs which they may manifest -- and there will be no danger.
                          A. B. G.


Notes: (forthcoming)

Mormonism. -- As we anticipated, the troubles in which the Mormons have involved themselves at the West, have contributed much to their advantage. In the pity which the story about their persecutions has excited, many have been led to look with favor upon their tenets; and, it cannot be doubted that some will, from the same cause, be carried away with that strange delusion.

We have noticed a number of articles in different papers lately, sympathizing with this deluded people, in such a way, as to leave no room to doubt, as to what the effect will be on many minds.

A communication appeared recently in the Boston Mercantile Journal, of this kind, and we perceive it has been copied into the Massachusetts Spy, and probably other papers also, which, if it were not written by a real Mormon, is evidently from one who is not far from embracing that impious imposture. The writer is at the West, and professes to give his "first impressions," on attending one of their meetings in Illinois, where he heard one of the Mormon leaders preach. The writer seems to have been very favorably impressed with regard to Mormonism, and represents the speaker as saying --

"He did not come to make war on other denominations but he came in the spirit of peace and good will, and he loved the gospel of Jesus, the Son of God."

But if that preacher expressed himself in this way, he did not preach Mormonism. We have heard a number of their pretended prophets. -- We heard one of them a year or two since utter some of the most bitter denunciations against every denomination in Christendom, who did not embrace the Mormon faith. And this is according to the spirit and letter of their pretended inspired books. In one of them called the "Doctrine and Covenants," they affirm the Mormons to be "The only true and living church upon the face of the whole earth." And in the same book they threaten ETERNAL DAMNATION to all who reject the Mormon nonsense.

The put the following blasphemous language into the mouth of God, and make him address the Mormons, thus:--

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, they who believe not on your word, and are not baptized with water, &c., shall be damned. And this revelation is in force from this very hour."

And in the "Book of Mormon," they say: -- "He that shall deny these things, let him be accursed,"

Hence, it is clear, that if any of these deluded men do not now think it proper to denounce and curse the different denominations of Christians, they do not preach the whole of Mormonism.

That they may have been persecuted and wronged we do not doubt, nor have we any doubt but their sentiments have a direct tendency to bring about a civil commotion wherever they obtain.

More than a year ago we published extracts drom the Mormon writings, by which we fully proved that Mormonism was a bloody system -- a system which authorises and encourages its victims to war and bloodshed.

For instance: -- The "Book of Mormon" p. 399, has the following:

"Let us resist evil; and whatsoever evil we cannot resist with our word, yea, such as rebellions and dissentions, LET US RESIST WITH THE SWORD.."

Again: -- "Whosoever should lay their hands upon you by violence, ye shall command to be smitten, in my name, and behold, I will smite them, according to your words, in mine own due time."

Such is the language which this wicked system puts into the mouth of the infinite God.

Indeed, from the time we first became acquainted with this imposition, we have been of the opinion, that its legitimate tendencies would be to civil tumult and bloodshed. It is an article of the Mormon faith that they are the only true church, and that they are yet to subdue and conquer the whole earth. And it is much to be regretted that any people in this country should be the means of giving an influence to this delusion, by which its dupes must be increased, and error and civil discord spread through the nation. --  Zion's Watchman


Note 1: The New York City Zion's Watchman was edited by the fiery Methodist minister, the Rev. LaRoy Sunderland. The paper carried numerous articles directed against the Mormons. See Parley P. Pratt's 1838 reply to Sunderland's earlier articles on "Mormonism."

Note 2: The correspondence in the 1839 Boston Journal, sympathetic to the Mormons, appears similar to the June 16, 1839 letter penned by LDS Elder Benjamin Dobson, to the Peoria, Illinois Register and Gazetteer. Dobson did not disclose his Mormon identity when writing this and other letters to editors, defending the Mormons and their religion.

The Mormons. -- The West Chester Village Record says -- "The Mormons are holding a protracted meeting at the National Seminary, in this county. We understand that about forty members have been baptized in all."


Notes: (forthcoming)

For the Magazine and Advocate.

THE  MORMONS.

Under this head an article appeared in the Magazine of the 6th ult., written by H. R. Schetterly, of Utica, Mich. The author's design is to give an explanation of "the religious opinions" of the Mormons, or as they now very modestly designate themselves, "the Latter day Saints." His information was derived, we are informed, "from an attentive perusal of some of their publications, and more especially, from a protracted and friendly conversation with one of their Elders."

As I, too, have had some considerable conversation with a Mormon Elder, both of a friendly and an unfriendly character, and as I have attentively perused some Mormon writings, and believe that I have some knowledge concerning bith the faith and character of the Mormons, I have thought proper to follow the example of Dr. S., by penning a short article on this subject.

Dr. S. says, "The Latter day Saints are Restorationists to the fullest extent." And after noticing their pretensions in regard to the working of miracles, and having "direct revelations," and "visions," and seeing wonderful "signs in the heavens," he observes, "on all of which I believe they are sincere." Concerning these two particulars, I have arrived at a very different conclusion. I do not believe these people are Restorationists in any sense, much less "to the fullest extent." Neither can I award them the meed of sincerity in their absurd and wicked pretensions.

In the Mormon Bible, a work which Mormons consider a key to the Old and New Testaments, without the aid of which their mysteries can not be unlocked, or their teachings understood, (a work, too, containing mant expressions which every intelligent Universalist must pronounce ridiculous and blasphemous in the extreme,) we find the sentence of "eternal damnation" virtually pronounced upon all who reject its wretched and absurd teachings. And this phrase, "eternal damnation," is evidently employed in the popular sense, and understood by Mormons as significant of endless wretchedness. Surely there is not much Restorationism about this. One Elder Brown might have told Dr. S. that he was a "Restorationist to the fullest extent;" and he might have been perfectly honest in so doing, for aught I know to the contrary. So, also, however, did one Elder Winchester tell me precisely the same thing in substance; but he afterwards, in my presence, publicly denied not only this sentiment, but that he had ever told me he believed it.

From all that I can learn of these people, their faith is somewhat like a weather-cock, continually shifting its position. When partaking of the bounty of a Universalist, they are "Restorationists to the fullest extent." When quartering with the Baptists, there is a perfect agreement between them in sentiment. But when associating with the enemies of Universalism or the doctrines of the Baptist church, these are the most absurd things in existence.

Elder Winchester, a preacher who has been remarkably successful among a certain class of people, called at my house some months ago to solicit the use of the church of which I have control, for an evening lecture. During our interview, which lasted some hours, he gave ,e to understand that according to his belief, mankind universally will finally be saved. He stated, however, that there had been a universal falling away from the primitive church -- that all religious sects were in error but their own -- and that the Mormons, who were the only true believers, were appointed by, and inspired of, God to restore the church to its primitive purity. He said that none were true believers but those who could show the signs which Jesus declared should follow faith, and they were the only people who could show those signs; and much more such nonsense, too tedious to repeat, he gave me as the belief of the "Latter day Saints."

Being willing that this man should be heard by the people, I granted him the use of our church, and circulated a notice if his meeting. The evening came, and the house was filled in every part. Having heard that the Baptists would constitute the larger portion of this congregation, he so contrived as to convince them that he was a real, genuine Baptist, and they one and all hailed him as a true Gospel preacher. His sermon, if so it can be called, was pointedly directed against the very sentiment which he assured me was one of the principal items of his faith; and for more than an hour he continued to pour out a stream of the most bitter invective against Universalism -- sending all who believe it to hell -- and repeatedly defying any one to disprove his foolish positions and gratuitous assumptions. In answer to his repeated challenges, I made a few remarks when he had closed, which so aroused the old man within him, that he was worked up into a fury, and before he left us, he gave us substantial reason to believe that his inspiration partook more of the spirit of the devil, than of the Master whom he professed to follow.

Shortly afterward, this same man preached in a village some miles distant from here, where the Baptists are but few in number, and his discourse resulted in a controversy between him and the Baptist clergyman, while the Universalists were convinced that he was full in their faith. On one occasion, I attended a meeting where a controversy was to be held between this Mormon on the one hand, and a Methodist and Baptist preacher on the other. Finding that these men were not likely to accomplish much, from the fact that they were as ignirant of the true meaning of the Bible as the person they opposed, I arose, and with their mutual consent took the stand they were occupying against the Mormon. I attempted, and believe successfully, to show that in nearly all his scriptural quotations, he had disregard[ed] the connection; that in some instances he had been guilty of the most palpable perversion, and that the sentiments he had advanced were opposed to the plainest declarations of the written Word. The reply I received was an appeal against myself to the prejudices of the people in favor of endless misery. he warned his hearers against what I had said, in substance as follows: "You should reme,ber that the person who has just addressed you is a Universalist, and if his exposition of the passages I have cited and he has examined, be correct, Universalism is true, and none can refute it: and surely this no Christian will admit." Here is a very fair specimen of "Restorationism to its fullest extent."

At another time, after hearing this man deliver a lengthy discourse, in which he very freely and charitably denounced all but the Mormons as ignoramuses or impostors, and as enemies of God and of the truth, upon whom he pronounced, without mercy or measure, the vengeance of Heaven and the torments of the damned, I inquired of him particularly if any others than the Mormins would be saved? He answered unhesitatingly, No! and cited in proof, "he that believeth not shall be damned." I asked him if he supposed God would damn the heathen for not believing that which they never had an opportunity to believe? "No!" was the reply, "none will be damned but those who, having heard the Gospel preached, persist in rejecting it. You were safe yourself, before you heard me preach, for you never before had heard the Gospel; but as you have now heard, if you do not believe and embrace what I have told you, (it was the most perfect nonsense I had ever listened to,) and if you are not baptized by immersion, and have hands laid upon you for the reception of the Holy Ghost, you will be damned." If this be true, Mormonism is the greatest curse ever sent into the world; and he is the most unfortunate of all human beings, who happens to hear a Mormon preach without embracing his preposterous tenets; and he is the greatest philanthropist who does the most toward arresting the progress or preventing the proclamation of those tenets. -- If I understand Mormonism correctly, it maintains that none but genuine believers, viz., Mormons, will finally be saved -- unbelievers who have never heard Mormonism, will be destroyed ir annihilated, and thise who have heard and rejected Mormonism, will be damned forever.

And as to the sincerity of Mormon preachers, were they ignorant and deluded fanatics and enthusiasts, there would be some ground for the supposition that they are sincere in their wild vagaries and marvellous pretensions. But such is not the case. They are a cool, deliberate, calculating set of men; and are capable of resorting to the lowest cunning, and of practicing almost every species of trickery to impose their absurdities upon the ignorant, and make proselytes to their faith. The man who can believe these persons sincere, must possess a faith capable of stretching farther than mine is wont to reach. Their pretensions are of that nature, that it is not possible for them to be deceived in relation to them. And either they do see wonderful signs in the heavens -- they do receive special visitations from God -- they do see and converse with angels -- they are divinely inspired -- and do actually work miracles -- or they are base impostors and hypocritical deceivers. And certain it is, that the evidence in favor of the latter position amounts almost to a demonstration. The pretend that Joseph Smith, their leader, found in a rock, or somewhere else, the golden plates of a Bible, deposited there by Divine authority, and brought to light by Divine assistance, and yet they have never seen these plates. They pretend to believe all this, upon the authority of Smith and several of his associates, men who were once notorious for their immorality, and who have never given any substantial evidence of their reformation. That Smith, Harris, Rigdon, and Co., are impostors in passing off their book as a revelation from God, and in affirming that angels appeared to them, testifying that it was such a revelation, is evident to every Universalist, from the simple fact, that the book itself contains doctrines diametrically opposed to the teachings of the Sacred Record. The author of Smith's book was unquestionably a believer in all the prominent items of the Partialist creed; and was a Trinitarian in the strictest sense of the word. Hence he makes his Bible not only teach the doctrine of endless misery, but also of the Trunity, in language as plain if not plainer, than that used by the professions of these sentiments when endeavoring to enforce them. Mormon preachers pretend too, that they are divinely inspired, as was the apostles of our Lord, and yet they know that they are as irritable and passionate, as ignorant and worldly minded, as their uninspired neighbors. They pretend to see wonderful signs in the heavens, but can never show those signs to others. They pretend they can work miracles, but none but a Mormon ever saw a miracle worked by one of them.

If these men are sincere in their pretensions, they are the most cruel hearted and wicked men living. They profess to believe that men are going to an endless hell because of their unbelief, and although they have the power to convince them of their error, and make believers of them, and thus save them from destruction, still they will not exercise that power. I requested -- nay, entreated Elder W. to show me one sign -- to work one miracle, assuring him that I would believe at once, if he would do so; but no, he would rather see me go to hell, and be miserable there forever, than grant me this little favor. I have so much charity for him as to believe he could not.

My principal object in writing this article, is to warn our brethren against the impositions which Mormons are practicing upon them in different parts of our country. They neither regard our sentiments nor ourselves any further than they can make them subserve their own interests.

They are Partialists in the strictest sense of that word -- Partialists both in faith and practice -- and more bigoted and exclusive than any other sect of Partialists with which I am acquianted. Let us be careful, therefore, lest we lay hands upon them too suddenly. They may be no credit to us. So long as they retain Smith's Bible as a portion of their faith, they are neither Restorationists nor Universalists, whatever they may say to the contrary. And when they reject the book of Mormon, and make less lofty pretensions, it will be time enough for us to hail them as brethren in faith, and extend to them the right hand of Christian fellowship.     J. H. Gihon.
Hightstown, N. J., September 19, 1839.


Notes: (forthcoming)