Vol. ? New York, July 28, 1836. No. 46 Pine Street.
MORE OF IMPOSTURE.
The recent movement of the Mormons in Ohio -- the new detachments of emigrants which they have again sent forth farther into the great west -- and the opposition which is again kindling into active excitement against them -- have brought them once more before the public, and furnished a fitting occasion for the following article, which has been in our desk several months, and to which we command the attention of our readers. It is long, but contains a large store of curious if not valuable information, on a subject of great and increasing interest. Impositions of all kinds, when combining magnitude and success, afford materials for useful inquiry and reflexion, and almost invariably command deep and general attention. With regard to the Mormon humbug, treated of in the succeeding columns, we have not paid that regard to it, editorially, which we have for some time had it in our ourpose, as well as in our power to give.
We have from time to time shown up many impostures of various qualities, political, medical, moral, physical and religious, but Mr. Joseph Smith and his worthy associate Sidney Rigdon have as yet nit fallen within the sweep of our pen. We are tolerably au fait, however, of them and their doings, and can vouch for the general correctness of the narrative furnished us by our correspondent. We take leave to protest totis viribus against his latitudinarian comparisons of the different theocracies, and his scarcely veiled insinuations against the majesty, and truth, and excellence of christianity; and we also dissent from his viewa of the wrongs and injuries sustained by the Mormons and their claims to sympathy as men persecuted for opinion's sake. They have not been more sinned against than sinning.
In the matter of the Golden or Mormon Bible, too, we are at issue with our correspondent. We have read it, and certainly more stupid, senseless, incoherant and ill-contrived nonsense we never read. It is in truth a singularly felicitous illustration of the perfection which may be attained in transmuting good into bad -- truth into error -- wisdom into absurdity. -- Large portions of it are garbled extracts from the Scriptures, but so mixed up with the vapid and nonsensical platitudes of Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon as to be absolutely melancholy. As for the miracles, they are just so well attested, as the pretended "peepstone" faculty of the soi disant prophet -- and no better. These people have a great establishment at Kirtland, and strange as it may seem, have become so numerous that they talk of controlling the elections -- which we have been credibly informed they are quite able to do in some of the towns.
The following is a description of their temple in Kirtland (Ohio.) It is a large edifice, built of sand-stone, sixty feet by eighty on the ground, and forty-four feet high. It has a steeple, and makes quite an imposing appearance. It has two stories; the first is their place of worship; the second their school-room. In the lower story are eight pulpits, each calculated to seat three persons. Four of these pulpits are between the doors, as you enter the front of the house, and the other four are directly opposite. They are designed for the twelve apostles, as they term their teachers. The slips are so constructed that they can change their position, facing, as occasion requires, the opposite sides of the house where the pulpits are situated. This is done by removing the seat from one side of the slip to the other -- the occupants stepping out into a narrow aisle made for the purpose, while the seats [are] changed. The centre of the house, between the pulpits, is to be divided by a large veil, made of canvas, to extend from the top to the bottom of the room. This is to divide the congregation; the reason why we have not been told. But enough of introduction.
MORMONISM.
Messrs. Editors -- You will perhaps be surprised at the reception of an article on Mormonism, for the New-York Commercial Advertiser. But if you consider that a war has been waged in one of the states of this Union, against an inoffensive people, who have been driven vi et armis from their houses and lands, you will perceive the propriety of recording something for the information of your curious readers -- and it appears to me, moreover, that we are bound in duty to say something to commisserate the sufferings of an unfortunate people, who are thus forced to abandon home and wander as exiles in distant lands.
I have been accustomed, from my youth upward, to hear our country extolled as the asylum of religious liberty; and I have joined with my whole heart and soul in the shouts of joy and hymns of praise which on public occasions have been poured forth by the multitudes in honor of the liberty we enjoy. I have always read the history of our puritan fathers with feelings of the highest veneration, on account of the courage they displayed, and the sufferings and privations they endured, in securing religious freedom to themselves and to their posterity; -- and it has ever been a matter of pride that I could trace my ancestors to that band of noble spirits who determined, despite of every danger and privation, to cast off the claims with which the tyrant had endeavored to fetter their consciences and their minds. But alas! as youthful enthusiasm is cooled by additional experience, the illusion is dispelled, and I discover, with pain and mortification, that we are yet very far from the liberty of which we boast.
Our ancestors believed, when they forsook the abodes of civilized men and sought seclusion in the desert wilds of a new world, not only that they should obtain for each individual the liberty of "worshipping the Deity under his own vine and fig-tree, without any one to molest or make them afraid," but also that they should found an empire which would secure the same blessing to their posterity for ages to come. How far the results have corresponded with the expectations, we have but to look about us to discover. It is true that the majority of the people are at liberty to do as they please in matters of religion. They may go to church, or stay at home -- they may worship the Deity or let it alone -- and all this in any way they please, provided they no not encroach upon the rights of their neighbors. -- But the minority are in a very different situation. -- They are permitted to exercise their faith and perform their acts of devotion, only so long as they continue in accordance with public opinion, and escape the notice of the ignorant and prejudiced mob. Many instances might be cited to show the insecurity, not only of religious freedom, but also of property, and even life, to those sects that are not sufficiently numerous to command respect. The case of the Mormons, however, will suffice for this time.
It will be recollected that a portion of these people commenced a settlement, a few years since, in Missouri. They went, like other well-disposed citizens of this free and happy country, into Jackson county, where they purchased lands, effected a settlement, and commenced the cultivation of their farms. Their numbers increasing, they laid the foundation of a city, to be called the City of Zion, established a printing press, and also a depot for trade, called the "Lord's Store-House." They were orderly and industrious, and meddled not in the affairs of their neighbors, except by sending a few missionaries to convert the Gentiles of the forest, and the infidels of Missouri. But this was of no avail. The enthusiasm displayed in their religious assemblies, the zeal of their preachers, and their new and extravagant pretensions, soon excited the intolerant spirit of their ignorant and prejudiced neighbors. A meeting was accordingly held by the citizens of the county, at which it was resolved that the Mormons should be expelled. An attack was accordingly made upon them, the printing press destroyed, the Lord's Store House closed, and, as report goes, several of the leaders were decked out in extra suits of tar and feathers. The histilities thus commenced were prosecuted at intervals with increasing animosity, until several lives were lost on both sides by a resort to arms. The Mormons applied to the government for protection, and to the laws for redress; but not being able to obtain either they were finally obliged to leave the country. The Missourians, in the meantime, were especially careful to secure their [fame?]; and according to the account of the Mormons, they took effectual measures to prevent its being said thereafter that their deeds had not reached the ears of posterity, by falling upon them before their retreat, whipping their wives, and cutting off the ears of their children.
In consequence of this persecution, my sympathies have been ever since strongly excited, and it was with no common interest that I seized upon an opportunity which lately presented itself, to inquire into the history and condition of these people. I have been very much assisted in my inquiries by a work entitled Mormonism Unveiled, which was written by a gentleman who resided in a village of Ohio very near the centre of Mormon operations. -- The case here presented is one admirably fitted to exhibit the workings of the human passions, and the tendencies of the human mind. It shows what monstrous results may be obtained on the moral and religious natures of mankind, without cultivating at the same time the reasoning powers. -- It is true that no new principles are developed; but the same curiosity, marvelousness, and veneration, which in all ages have led men to the formation of religious systems of belief and worship, are seen uniting with other principles of the mind in forming a system suited to the state of science, learning and civilization, of the country in which it appears. -- They are the same principles indeed which impel the untutored savage, who, ashe stands an ignorant spectator of the operations of nature, "sees God in clouds, and hears him in the wind." The same also which enabled the Greeks and Romans to see Jupiter hurl the bolts of the tempest -- Mars lead their armies to battle -- and Neptune heave the troubled ocean, and ingulf the offending mariner. -- And even the same as those which enabled the Jews to see the Deity direct the raging storm, shake the earth in his anger, lead their armies to conquest, and direct the sword in the extermination of nations. -- But the case of the Mormons presents advantages to the philosopher who makes mankind his study, which cannot be presented by all cases of a similar nature. It occurs in our own times, and is within reach of all our inquiries.
It appears that Mormonism owes its origin to an individual named Solomon Spalding, who wrote the historical part of the Book of Mormon, or, as it is sometimes called, the Mormon Bible. But it was done more than twenty years ago and without the least intention, on the part of the author, of framing a system of delusion for his fellow men. This Solomon Spalding was a native of Ashford in Connecticut, where he was distinguished, at an early age, for his devotion to study, and for the superiority of his success over that of his schoolmates. At a proper age, he received an academic education at Plainfield, and afterward commenced the study of law at Windham. But his mind becoming inclined to religious subjects, he abandoned the study of law, and went to Dartmouth college for the purpose of preparing himself for the ministry. After receiving the degree of A. M., he was regularly ordained, and continued in the ministry for about three years; but for some reason not known, he abandoned that profession and established himself as a merchant at Cherry Valley, in the state of New York. Failing in trade, he removed to Conneaut, in the state of Ohio, where he built a forge; but again failed, and was reduced to great poverty. While in this condition he endeavored to turn his education to account, by writing a book, the sale of which he hoped would enable him to pay his debts and support his family.
The subject selected for this purpose was one well suited to his education. The work was to be a historical novel, containing a history of the aborigines of America, who, according to the notion of those who refer all questions of history, science, and morals to the scriptures, were supposed to be descended from the Jews.
The title adopted was "The Manuscript Found;" and the history commenced with one Lehi, who lived in the reign of Zedekiah, King of Judea, six hundred years before the Christian era. Lehi, being warned by God of the dreadful calamities that were impending over Jerusalem, abandoned his possessions and fled with his family to the wilderness. After wandering about the desert for a considerable time, they arrived upon the border of the Red Sea and embarked on board a vessel. In this they floated about a long time on the ocean, but at last reached America and landed upon the shores of Darien. From the different branches of this family were made to spring up the various aboriginal nations of the continent. From time to time they rose to high degrees of civilization; but desolating wars arose in turn, by which nations were overthrown and reduced again to barbarism. -- In this way the condition of the Indians, at the time of Columbus's discovery, was accounted for; and the ancient mounds, fortifications, temples, and other vestiges of former civilization, found in North and South America, were explained. The governments of these nations were represented to be theocratic, like that of the Jews from whom they descended, and their national transactions were consequently regulated by their prophets and priests, who received their commands directly from the deity. In order, therefore, that the style of the romance might be suited to the subject, and to the popular notions of the people, the author of The Manuscript Found, adopted that of the Bible -- the old English style of James the First.
When the work was ready for the press, Spalding endeavored to get the pecuniary assistance necessary for its publication; but his affairs were in so low a condition that he could not succeed. He then removed to Pittsburgh, and afterward to Amity in Pennsylvania, where he died. The widow of Spalding, states that while at Pittsburgh, she believes the manuscript was carried to the printing house of Peterson [sic] and Lambdin; but how it afterwards fell into the hands of Joseph Smith, Junr., by whom the Golden Bible was published, cannot be positively proved. Circumstances, however, have been traced, sufficiently strong to convince any one that this occurred through the agency of one Sidney Rigdon, who was one of the first preachers of Mormon faith. The manner, however, in which this occurred is of little importance. It has been positively proved, since the Mormon Bible began to attract attention, that the historical part, which is the frame work of the whole scheme, is the same as that contained in The Manuscript Found of Solomon Spalding. Among the many respectable witnesses who have certified to this fact, are a brother and also a sister-in-law of the author.
The next principal character in the humbug of Mormonism, is Joseph Smith, Junr., the great high priest, prophet and founder of the religion. -- Joseph Smith, the father of the prophet, emigrated from Royalton in Vermont with his family, about the year 1820, and settled in Manchester in the state of New York. Young Joseph was at this time 16 years of age. The family appears to have been very little respected by its neighbours, and superstitious. They believed firmly in the appearance of ghosts, the power of witches, and telling of fortunes. -- And from time to time they were engaged, in conformity with dreams and other signs and wonders, in digging in solitary places for treasures, supposed to have been hidden by Kidd or the Spaniards. -- Young Joseph became by degrees very much skilled in the arts of necromancy and juggling. He had the power of using the diving rod and of discovering wonders in a peep-stone; and having had the address to collect about him a gang of idle and credulous young men, he employed them in digging for hidden treasures. It was afterward pretended that in one of the excavations thus made, the mysterious plates, from which the Golden Bible were copied were found. About the year 1825, it was said by the family that Joseph began to have communication with angels and spirits by which he learned many things which were hidden to the senses and understandings of ordinary men. Among other things, he was informed by an angel of certain plates of unspeakable value, and of the manner in which they might be obtained. But, as is usual in such cases, he was opposed and thwarted for a long time by an evil spirit, and it was not until 1827 that they were finally obtained. The discovery was then noised about the neighborhood by the family, who said that the plates contained a history of the aborigines of this country, written in "reformed Egyptian characters," which could not be read by any one of the present day except by the power of God. Many proselytes were made among the credulous; but none of them were permitted at that time, to see the plates, for it was said by the prophet that no one could look upon them and live. The translation was commenced by the prophet himself, who was enabled to read the "reformed Egyptian" by the aid of the "peep-stone." This was done by putting the stone in a hat or box, and then by applying his face the prophet was enabled to read one word at a time, which he pronounced aloud to an amanuensis. After continuing in this manner for some time, said he was commanded by God to remove into Pennsylvania, for the purpose of escaping from certain evil minded men who were instigated by the devil to destroy him. There the translation was completed. and the plates were buried again in the earth, by the command of the Lord, in some place unknown to all.
In 1830, the Golden Bible, containing about 600 pages, appeared in print, having appended to it the testimony of eleven witnesses to prove its divine origin. The three most important of these witnesses are Martin Harris, Oliver Cowdery, and David Whitman [sic]; the first two of whom acted as amanuenses of Smith. These men declare upon oath that the golden plates from which the Mormon Bible has been translated, were shown to them by an angel and that they know the translation to have been made by the power of God, because it was so declared to them by the deity himself. Of the eight remaining witnesses, four were brothers of Whitman and three of the family of Smith.
The Mormon Bible, as has been already stated, professes to furnish a history of part of the Jewish nation. It is pretended that Lehi, who escaped from Jerusalem 600 years before the Christian era, took with him the plates which contained an engraved record of his tribe; and that these plates being transmitted from father to son, the records of the people were continued, until the fifth century, when the tribe being nearly exterminated, the plates were sealed up and hidden in the earth, where they were afterward found by Joseph the prophet.
According to these records, prophets and generals arose from time to time of great renown among the people; and the various events which commonly took place in the progress of nations occurred in their regular order. By the prophets the most prominent coming events were foretold, especially the coming and crucifixion of Christ, the early condition of the Christian church, the reformation, and the coming of the prophet Joseph in later times. A great many miracles were wrought, of course, to prove the divine authority of the prophecies. The generals had occupation enough in the various wars which arose among the nations descended from the family of Lehi. In one of their military expeditions an army was led into a distant country, which they found entirely desolated by the ravages of war, and filled with the bones of men and beasts. Here, among the ruins, they found some golden plates, containing a record of the people of Jared, who had escaped the confusion at Babel, and had been conducted by the Lord through Asia to the sea, and finally to America. These people having been entirely exterminated in wars, their records were preserved and sealed up with the records of the people of Lehi.
Before the publication of the Mormon Bible, many ignorant and credulous persons had been prepared to receive it, by the wonderful stories related by Smith. It was accordingly received as soon as it issued from the press, by a sufficient number to form the nucleus of a new community of devotees. The arguments principally relied upon at first to increase the number of proselytes, were the internal evidence of the book itself, and the striking exhibitions of the will and power of God through Joseph Smith. In addition to the extraordinary condescension of the deity in sending angels and spirits to hold communication with him, it seemed marvelous in the eyes of the people, that a man who could not read or write, and who was consequently unacquainted with the science and literature of the world, should be able to produce such a work -- a work wonderful in itself, and still more so for having been translated from a language no longer understood by the world, and found engraved on plates which had been buried for centuries in the earth. Smith is represented as a man exceedingly well fitted for the task he had to perform. For, although ignorant, he possessed strong natural powers of mind, an inventive genius, easy address, fascinating manners, a mild and sober exterior, and was withal an excellent judge of human feelings and passions. Soon after the Mormon Bible was published, a member of the congregation of fanatics in Ohio, called Campbellites, happened to be travelling in the State of New York, where he heard of the golden plates. Urged by curiosity he called upon Smith to make inquires, and was converted to the new faith. On his return he was accompanied by missionaries who had been commissioned by Smith to convert the Indians. And on arriving in Ohio, the new religion, its missionaries, and its wonders, were presented to the Campbellites. These people having been for a long time under the dominion of enthusiasm, and having fancied that the millenium or some other grand event was about to happen, were in the right condition to receive the new revelation. A great many of them were converted, and with them, Sidney Rigdon, their preacher -- a man of powerful eloquence and of great popularity among them.
Mormonism was thus successfully introduced and spread like wild fire in Geauga county. The impulse given by the eloquence of Rigdon soon led to scenes of the most wild, frantic, horrible fanaticism. The Holy Ghost was communicated to the to the converts by the laying on of hands, the effect of which was at first, to cause a prostration of mind and body by which many fell upon the floor, and remained apparently lifeless for a long time. Occasionally they were taken with fits of rolling about, making ridiculous grimaces and contortions of body, creeping upon their hands and feet, and exhibiting the various feats of Indian warfare, such as knocking down, scalping, ripping open, and tearing out the bowels. Sometimes they would run through the fields, get upon stumps, and preach to imaginary congregations; entering at the same time into the water, and baptising their imaginary converts. Some were seized with fits of speaking the different Indian dialects, which, though not understood, were believed to be genuine. Some of the young men were seen, even at midnight, running through the fields in pursuit of lights and balls of fire, which they saw floating in the atmosphere.
On the arrival of Smith at Kirtland, the principal scene of these excesses, he was astonished at the extent to which they had been carried; and having as he pretended, inquired of the Lord, he was informed that they were the works of the devil. The ravings ceased, but enthusiasm still prevailed. Most of the males who became converted were called to preach, received their commissions directly from heaven, attended by signs and wonders, and spread themselves through the country to extend the new faith and reclaim the people from their sins. These never exercised, or pretended to exercise the power of healing the sick, discovering spirits, or casting out devils. And notwithstanding that the prophet had previously declared that such excesses were the work of the devil, their enthusiasm soon carried them so far that the gift of tongues was again received. On this occasion they were countenanced by the example and permission of the prophet. Astonishing effects were produced by these exhibitions, and hundreds were converted by what they believed to be manifestations of divine power. The process was this: -- An elder would call upon one of his brethren to rise and speak with tongues, telling him at the same time that if his faith was sufficiently strong he might receive the gift. The brother would rise, but if, in consequence of weakness of faith, he hesitated or faltered, the elder would tell him to proceed by making such sounds as he listed, and that the Lord would make them a language. The language thus produced, though beyond the power of men to understand, would be interpreted by the elder, or some other brother especially inspired for that purpose. In this way wonderful revelations were made, and prophecies given to the people. It was through the prophet, however, that revelations were principally made. By him all controversies were settled, and all difficult questions in matters of faith explained. In a case of importance, the decision was made by revelation,
Some of the missionaries who had been sent to convert the Indians having returned with flattering accounts from the western part of Missouri, a revelation was soon promulgated, which required a great many of the elders and principal men to repair to that country. Many of them left their families and their fields covered with crops behind, and proceeding two by two, as they were commanded, by different routes, they advanced toward Missouri and preached the new faith by the way. When they reached the country of their destination they all assembled at Independence, in Jackson county, where they purchased lands, and laid the foundation of a city, which they named the city of Zion. This city, according to the revelations which were made on the occasion, was soon to arise to astonishing magnificence. It was to be adorned with temples, its streets were to be paved with gold, and it was to be an eternal inheritance of the true believers. The prophet, having directed some to remain at Zion and others to preach in the region round about, returned to Ohio, where he caused many to sell their possessions and remove. The new settlement, however, did not flourish. The difficulties to be overcome in building up a city in the wilderness, were greater than their heated imaginations had allowed them to anticipate. And moreover, as has been already related, the people of the adjoining country became incensed against them, and were concerting measures for the purpose of effecting their ejection. The Mormons in the new settlement, amounting to not more than 1200 in number, felt themselves unable to cope with their enemies, and sent forthwith to the prophet at Kirtland a despatch, containing an account of their exposed condition.
This was a state of things requiring extraordinary measures. Accordingly a revelation came forth, calling upon the true believers to rescue Zion from the oppressions of the infidels. A crusade was instituted, the young and brave volunteered their services, the old and infirm contributed their funds, and even poor females gave their mites toward the prosecution of a vigorous and holy war. Arms, provisions, and baggage wagons, having been prepared, the prophet assembled his forces, opened to them the brilliant prospects of the faithful, expatiated upon the rewards which awaited those who were willing to lay down their lives in the cause of Zion, and harangued them to deeds of valor. The march was finally commenced, and the little army was found to amount to two hundred and twenty men.
Various opportunities occurred on the route for the prophet to test the faith of his followers, and on several occasions, his ingenuity was not a little puzzled to find means to keep things in order. He seems, however, to have acted the Moses with astonishing success. They marched rapidly onward, believing they were led by the spirit, and receiving from time to time a revelation from heaven through the prophet. On one occasion, however, after they had crossed the Mississippi, and were marching in the enemy's country, they arrived, just before sunset, on the border of a prairie; and it became a question, whether they should proceed and thus expose themselves to an attack and to the necessity of encamping without wood and water for the night, or whether they should encamp where they were. -- Opinions were divided, and a warm contest arose among the leaders, which detained the army a considerable time. At last the prophet exclaimed -- "Thus saith the Lord God -- March on!" The whole body moved onward without farther hesitation or complaint.
I doubt whether the history of any theocracy that ever existed, can furnish a better instance than this, to show the despotism to which the human mind may be subjected when reason is dethroned.
On arriving within twelve miles of Liberty, the principal seat of Mormonism in Clay county, the army was met by a deputation from the citizens of an adjoining county, which had been sent for the purpose of ascertaining the objects of the expedition. -- The Mormons denied the intention of disturbing the peace, which had been attributed to them, but professed a determination to defend their brethren in Jackson county against any attempt to divest them of their rights. The deputation advised them to leave the affairs of the county to be settled by the inhabitants themselves; and notified them of the determination of the people in all the adjoining counties to suffer no interference from abroad. The Mormons, in the mean time, had been expelled from Jackson county, and had settled in the country round about. Under such circumstances, it would have been madness to proceed. The prophet yielded, accordingly, to the necessities of the case, and entered into stipulations, by which he agreed to disband his army; and abandon the project of establishing Zion in Jackson county. The little band of crusaders was accordingly dispersed. Some settled in Clay county; but the greater part of them found their way back to Ohio, preaching and begging by the way.
It should be said, in justice to the people of Missouri, that at the same time that they expelled the Mormons from their settlement at Zion, they offered to make them a very liberal compensation: even proposing to pay them twice the amount of a valuation to be made by disinterested persons. They did not think fit to accept, however, but made a proposition, in their turn, to purchase all the lands in the county which they did not already possess. Neither proposition was accepted. Nor does it appear that the Mormons ever received any compensation. They first applied to the governor to protect them against the citizens, who had risen in arms against them. But the governor did not see fit to do his duty, at the risk of losing his popularity. They then appealed to the laws, for the purpose of obtaining indemnification for the losses they had borne; but no courts or juries could be properly constituted for the purpose of hearing their cause, because the whole population was implicated in the proceedings against them.
The ill success which attended the establishment of Zion, checked, for a time, the progress of the new religion, The faith of many converts was staggered at the failure of so many prophecies which related to its prosperity. But the effect was momentary. The prophet extricated himself very dexterously from this dilemma, by having a new revelation, by which, it appeared, that in consequence of their manifold sins and wickedness, and for the purpose of trying their faith, the Lord had determined to bring these afflictions upon them; but being satisfied with their constancy and devotion to his cause, he had stayed his anger.
Thus were the hopes and energy of the Mormons restored, and they have continued to increase and prosper to the present time. I have no data by which to estimate their number, but according to the best authority that can be obtained they appear to be numerous. They have a printing press at Kirtland in Ohio where the prophet has established his head quarters; and it is said in the counties of Geauga and Ashtabula in the north eastern part of that state, their number is great. They have societies also in Illinois, Missouri, and the western part of New York. It is even said that a society has been formed at Northampton, Massachusetts. So much for the boasted intelligence and education of eastern people. But after all, I don't know that we have any thing to fear from their increase. The unkind expressions indulged in by the newspaper editors and the intolerant spirit excited against them appear to me not only uncharitable but undeserved. I have lately had an opportunity of conversing with persons of undoubted integrity who resided in the midst of them in Ohio. They agreed in representing them to be an honest and industrious people, regularly organized into religious societies, by which churches were built and preachers established. Their mode of worship was represented as not differing very much from that observed by some of the more enthusiastic denominations of christians. -- Their Bible, it is true, contains many things that would be rejected by other people, but it contains at the same time the whole code of morals, interwoven with their religious system. And in addition to the excellent precepts of the christian religion, it contains a few others, which correspond to the more enlightened views and greater civilization of modern times. As for instance, the precept against the use of intoxicating liquors; and also the one against the holding of slaves
The Mormon system, like that of the Mahometans, embraces the christian religion; and is the last branch which has sprung from the religion of the ancient Jews. So long as the Mormons continue to conduct themselves as good citizens, they are not only entitled to the protection of the laws but to our respect. If they are weak enough to believe that the moon is made of green cheese, or that Joe Smith is the channel through which the deity makes known his law to his creatures, it is a matter of their own concern, and of little importance to society.
HABITATOR MONTIUM.
West Point, N. Y., 1836.
Note 1: The above article first appeared in one or moe issues of the Spectator' daily sister paper, the New York Commercial Advertiser. Although excerpts from the lengthy article were reprinted by a few other newspapers, the entire Advertiser text seems to have not been otherwise republished.
Note 2: "Habitator Montium" apepars to have taken practically all of his information from contemporary publications. These he seemingly read and accepted with an uncritical eye. The paraphrase of E. D. Howe's book on the Mormons, as offered by "Habitator Montium," was almost certainly the first exposure most New Yorkers had to the report saying that the Book of Mormon was derived from the writings of Solomon Spalding. It is not known whether this article induced any other readers to write in with their own reports on Mormon activities. For more notes on this article see the Advertiser for a few days previous.
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