MORMONISM.

(The following is the "Commandment," referred to in the communication of Mr. Ryder, which was published in the Star of last week.)

"A commandment to Joseph and Sidney, Dec. 7th, 1830, saying: Listen to the voice of the Lord your God, even Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, whose course is an eternal round, the same to-day as yesterday, and forever. I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who was crucified for the sins of the world, even as many as will believe on my name, that they may become the sons of God, even one in me as I am in the Father, as the Father is one in me, that we may be one. Behold, verily, verily I say unto my servant Sidney, I have looked upon thee and thy works; I have heard thy prayers, and have prepared thee for a greater work. Thou art blessed, for thou shalt do great things. Behold thou wast sent forth, even as John, to prepare the way before me, and Elijah, which should come and thou knew it not. --Thou didst baptize by water, unto repentance, but they received not the Holy Ghost; but now I give unto you a commandment, that thou shalt baptize by water, and give the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands, even as the Apostles of old: and it shall come to pass that there shall be a great work in the land, even among the gentiles, for their folly; their abominations shall be made manifest in the eyes of all people, for I am God, and mine arm is not shortened: and I will show miracles, signs, and wonders, unto all those who believe on my name; and whoso shall ask it in my name, in faith, they shall cast out Devils: they shall heal the sick; they shall cause the blind to receive their sight, and the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak, and the lame to walk; and this speedily cometh, the great things are to be shown forth unto the children of men; but without faith shall not any thing be shown forth, except desolation upon Babylon, the same which has made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication; and there are none that doeth good, except they that are ready to receive the fulness of my gospel, which I have sent forth to this generation: wherefore, I have called upon the weak things, they that are unlearned and despised, to thrash the nations by the power of my spirit, and their arm shall be mine arm, and I will be their shield and their buckler; I will gird up their loins and they shall fight manfully for me, and their enemies shall be under their feet, and I will let fall my sword in their behalf, and by the fire of mine indignation will I pursue them; and the poor and the meek shall have the gospel preached unto them, and they shall be looking forth for the time of my coming, for it is nigh at hand, and they shall learn the parable of the fig tree, for even now already summer is nigh, and I have sent forth the fulness of my gospel by the hand of my servant Joseph, and in weakness have I blessed him, and I have given unto him the keys of the mystery of those things which have been sealed, even things which were from the foundation of the world, and the things which shall come from this time to the time of my coming, if he abide in me, and if not, another will I plant in his stead, wherefore, watch over him, that his faith fail not, and it shall be given by the comforter, the Holy Ghost, that knoweth all things. And a commandment I give unto you that thou shalt write for him, and the scriptures shall be given even as they are in mine own bosom, to the salvation of mine own elect, for they will hear my voice and shall see me, and shall not be asleep, and shall abide the day of my coming, for they shall be purified even as I am pure. And now I say unto you, tarry with him, and he shall journey with thee; forsake him not, and surely these things shall be fulfilled. And inasmuch as ye do not write, behold it shall be given unto him to prophecy: and thou shalt preach my gospel, and call on the holy prophets to prove his words as they shall be given him; keep all the commandments and covenants by which ye are bound, and I will cause the heavens to shake for your good, and Satan shall tremble, and Zion shall rejoice upon the hills and flourish, Israel shall be saved in mine own due time, and by the keys which have been given shall they be led, and no more be confounded at all. Lift up your hearts and be glad: your redemption draweth nigh. Fear not, little flock! the kingdom is yours, until I come. Behold I come quickly; even so -- Amen."

                          A true copy.
                                        SYMONDS RYDER.

Note 1: The above text differs in places with the 1833 Book of Commandments text. It is possible that, in some instances, the editor of the Ohio Star may not have followed Ryder's "borrowed" transcript exactly -- or, that the transcript itself was in some places faulty. See H. Michael Marquardt's The Joseph Smith Revelations, pages 95-96 for the Book of Commandments version, with paragraphs.

Note 2: Those writers and critics who do not attribute the wording of this document directly to the God of Israel, generally explain its origin as coming from the mind of Joseph Smith, Jr. If this was indeed the case, the message of the text becomes somewhat problematical where it reads: "if he [Joseph Smith, Jr.] abide in me, and if not, another will I plant in his stead, wherefore, watch over him, that his faith fail not." It must become difficult for any critic to imagine that, at this important juncture in his "prophetic" career, that Smith would have opened up a divinely authorized means by which he himself could be removed from the transcendently important office, of the chosen one who holds "the keys of the mystery of those things which have been sealed." The occurrence of this passage alone should give critics pause who might otherwise seek to place the text's authorship upon the shoulders of Smith. On the other hand, were it conceded that the "revelation" was penned by a certain "power behind the throne," who yet maintained some degree of control over Smith's activities and pronouncements -- then the origin and the purpose of passage take on a different historical coloration and, perhaps, become more explicable.

==> It is a difficult matter, when the columns of a paper have been opened to a controversy, to close them, and do justice and render satisfaction to both the contending parties. The communication of Mr. Rigdon, in the paper, we feel bound to publish, inasmuch as we gave publicity to the preceding articles to which it refers. We hope that Mr. Ryder will think, with us, that a reply is not called for by public feeling, and that the matter may here close.

---

For the Ohio Star.

TO  THE  PUBLIC.

Having a few weeks since, through the medium of the "Ohio Star," invited SIMONS RIDER to meet me and investigate the divine authenticity of the book of Mormon, with which he pretended to have an intimate acquaintance, and which he had pronounced an imposition; willing to acknowledge every man to be honest, and sincere, till I have evidence to the contrary, so I was willing to receive Simons Rider in the character which he claimed; but how far myself or the public are bound to receive him as an honest man, I leave his letter written in reply to my request to testify. If Simons Rider is afraid to have his assertions put to the test, why make them? If he is certain (as he pretends) that the book of Mormon is a "base imposition," why be afraid to come forward and prove it? I say -- where is honesty? -- where is candor? surely not in the heart of such a man. Am I to blame for drawing this conclusion? surely not, for he has forced it upon me. He presented himself before the public as an accusor; he has been called upon before the same public, to support his accusations; and does he come forward and do it? nay, but seeks to hide himself behind a battery of reproach and abuse, and low insinuation. He would fain make the public believe in meeting me to investigate the truth of his accusations, that all the evils of Pandora's box would be poured out on his head. The words of the Savior of the world are verified in this instance. -- "He that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be made manifest," &c.

Simons, like the worker of iniquity, has sought a hiding place. Let the public remember, when he goes forth again to proclaim his anathemas against the book of Mormon, that he has been invited upon honorable principles to investigate its merits, and dare not do it. This is a matter of his own bringing forth; he is at liberty to believe as he pleases, and I am the last one who would treat him unbecomingly on account of it; but Simons was not contented with this privilege, but sought to raise himself at the expense of others, (as his conduct manifests to every man of candor,) he stept forward, and made an attempt to go alone, and thought at the first step to put his heel upon his neighbor's neck; but I have seen proper to set him back again; and let him now seek some one to help him until he learns to ponder the path of his feet.

He who is afraid to have his assertions put to the test, let him cease to make them. He who does not defend his charges gratuitously made against his neighbor's religion when called upon, will do well to set himself down in his own house, and tell the people, if you will bring your preaching to my house I will do it for you -- I will investigate privately, but do not bring me before the public. So is Simons conduct; and there I leave him for the present.

SIDNEY RIGDON.       

Hiram, Portage County, Ohio, Jan. 6, 1832.


Notes: (forthcoming)

SECTARIES AT THE WEST.

The following enumeration of sects in the West is from the Baptist (Illinois) Pioneer.

Here are Dunkards, known by wearing the beard, by trine [sic - triune?] immersion, universal salvation, and by receiving all persons of good morals, and who profess belief in Jesus Christ, and agree to obey the rules of the Society. They are a harmless people, opposed to war, but in other respects submissive to government.

Here are Quakers, or Friends, distinguished by the drab-colored coat, the broad-brimmed hat, and the plain language of thee and thou, yea and nay. They are also noted for industry, good morals, and a refusal to bear arms, or perform military duty.

Here are Halcyons, pleading for three dispensations of religion, as represented by the 'moon,' the 'sun,' and an 'army with banners;' corresponding to the dispensations of Moses, of Jesus Christ, and the superior dispensation of revelation under them. In other respects their tenets do not differ materially from those of the sect who call themselves Christ-ians. At first kneeling down in much water, and having it poured copiously on the head of the candidate, was their mode of baptising, -- the next was immersion, and finally they now usually dispense with water baptism altogether.

The next are Dependers, as they were formally called, afterwards Disciples, and finally by the name of the Church of Christ. They are a species of Newlights, or Christ-ians, and practice immersion on a profession of faith. In the last particular they are not very strict in examination. A declaration of the candidate that he believes that Jesus Christ is the son of God, and the savior of men, is generally deemed sufficient. -- Their principle preachers are by the name of Wright.

The Christ-ians, Newlights, or as some call them Schismatics, are the next in order to receive notice. They are the same heterogeneous class as in other parts, disclaiming all sects in religion, disallowing all creeds and confessions of faith, except the Bible in its own language, and yet striving to make proselytes to their opinions. -- In respect to their views of Jesus Christ, much latitude of opinion is allowed and professed, as is the case respecting other doctrines. Some deny all original sin, and maintain that it is possible for children to be so trained up as to need no repentance....


Note: The above list of western sects, as compiled by the Rev. Dr. John M. Peck, continues on, including the major Christian denominations of his day that had members scattered as far west as Peck's field of ministry on the banks of the Mississippi in Illinois. The Halcyons and New Lights he mentions were more typical of southern Ohio and northern Kentucky, than of the far western frontier -- so perhaps Peck's definition of "the west" included all the landscape past Cincinatti, or some similar expanse of territory. He oddly neglects to include the Mormons in his list; but perhaps Peck had not been to western Missouri and so had not encountered any by the end of 1831. Within the next two years Peck could not avoid hearing about the new sect in the west, and in 1839 he informed the readers of the newspaper he then edited: "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." Peck's "little tract" must have been one of the very first anti-Mormon publications, but what this lost publication was called and what reflections it may have contained, are today an historical mystery.

MR. BOOTH has sent us for publication a vindication of his character from the attacks made upon it by Mr. Rigdon, during his late visit to this place. Mr. Booth thinks, very naturally, that if those who assert the authenticity of the Book of Mormon, are impostors, there would be no great wisdom in submitting his reputation to the same testimony; as those who are capable of the imposition, might be corrupt enough to traduce his character, right or wrong. We have already expressed an opinion that the controversy in our columns may not end without injustice to either party; and as the admission of Mr. Booth's communication would lay us under obligation to publish a reply, we must respectfully decline its publication.


Notes: (forthcoming)

________________

Miscellaneous.
____________

M O R M O N I S M.

From the Ohio Star.

(reprints from Ohio Star of   Dec. 8, 1831)

Notes: (forthcoming)

CELEBRATION.

The Centennial Anniversary of the birth day of Washington, was celebrated in this village, on the 22d inst.

[among the toasts given was] ...

By S. Preston, Esq. -- The enlightened citizens of Norwalk -- A strong phalanx against the wiles of bigoted Priests and Mormon Impostors...


Notes: (forthcoming)

Origin of the Bible.

Whence came this book? How long has it been in existence? Did it come forth to the world, like the book of Mormon, in the year of our Lord 1830? Did it emerge from the dark ages? Was it indeed written as Paine has asserted, "by some monk in a cell?"... (under construction)


Notes: (forthcoming)

Origin of the Bible.

Again we bring forward the question -- When and where did the Bible originate? --... No impostor, without a miraculous gift of language, can produce a forgery in a language he does not understand, nor in the peculiar style of some other age than his own.

The latter attempt has been made by the writer of the book of Mormon, who has lugged into his production all the haths and dids of King James's day -- but he has made but a sorry business; for his barbarisms and ungrammaticisms correspond with nothing else that ever was written. The production, instead of bearing internal evidence of having been written from 1 to 2000 years ago, as is claimed, bears unequivocal marks of having been written within the past five years -- a miserable attempt at imitation. The writer uses the most ancient English with which he happens to be acquainted; which, however does not reach back far enough for his purpose by 1500 years... The scene of Mormon's tale is laid, some of it, in this country; but its geography corresponds with nothing that was ever known, or heard of...

---

              For the Observer and Telegraph.

TRIUMPHS  OF  THE  MORMON  FAITH.

Several verbal statements agree in establishing the following fact.

That on Saturday night March 24th a number of persons, some say 25 or 30, disguised with colored faces, entered the rooms in Hiram, where the two Mormonite leaders Smith and Rigdon, were sleeping, and took them, together with the pillows on which they slept, carried them a short distance, and after besmearing their bodies with tar, applied the contents of the pillows to the same.

Now Mr. Editor, I call this a base transaction, an unlawful act, a work of darkness, a diabolical trick. But bad as it is, it proves one important truth which every wise man indeed knew before, that is, that Satan has more power than the pretended prophets of Mormon. It is said that they (Smith & Rigdon) had declared, in anticipation of such an event, that it could not be done -- that God would not suffer it; that those who should attempt it, would be miraculously smitten on the spot, and many such like things, which the event proves to be false.


Notes: (forthcoming)

From the Observer and Telegraph.

TRIUMPHS  OF  THE  MORMON  FAITH.

Several verbal statements agree in establishing the following facts.

That on Saturday night, March 24th, a number of persons, some say 25 or 30, disguised with colored faces, entered the rooms in Hiram, where the two Mormonite leaders, Smith and Rigdon were sleeping, and took them, together with the pillows on which they slept, carried them a short distance and after besmearing their bodies with tar, applied the contents of the pillows to the same.

Now Mr. Editor, I call this a base transaction, an unlawful act, a work of darkness, a diabolical trick. But bad as it is, it proves one important truth which every wise man knew before, that is, that Satan has more power than the pretended prophets of Mormon. It is said that they (Smith and Rigdon) had declared, in anticipation of such an event, that it could not be done -- that God would not suffer it; that those who should attempt it, would be miraculously smitten on the spot, and many such like things, which the event proves to be false.


Note 1: This story of the tarring and feathering of Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon was reprinted from the April 5th issue of the Hudson, Ohio Observer and Telegraph. The original article has not yet been located.

Note 2: Although the assault upon Rigdon and Smith was entirely reprehensible, it can be explained as having been something more than simple "persecution" of the Mormons, for their religious beliefs, by the wicked "Gentiles." More than likely the midnight mob consisted mostly of LDS apostates, including members of the John Johnson family, who were enraged at the top Mormon leaders for taking their family farm, etc. into the Church. The only eye witness account of the actual tarring and feathering was provided by Smith himself -- it is not necessarily reliable in all its details. As William H. Whitsitt wrote in his biography of Sidney Rigdon, the attack upon the two Mormon leaders could have a been far worse one, in terms of violence. Its harmful effects upon Rigdon and Smith have probably been exaggerated in the old LDS faith-promoting literature. Also, the Murdock twin in the Johnson house, who died shortly after the attack, was probably not exposed that night to the chilling winter air so long as to have brought on his certain death.

DEATH OF A MORMON PREACHER. -- Died in Pomfret, Vt. on Saturday 7th ult. Joseph H. Brackenbury, a Mormon Preacher. ----- He recently came to this town from Ohio, in company with one or two individuals of the same society. They preached, exhorted, and with great zeal and apparent humility, attempted to propagate their doctrines. Two or three embraced their sentiments so far as to be baptized -- one a Free Will Baptist, the others Presbyterians.

In confirmation of their doctrine and divine mission, they professed to have power to heal the sick, and raise the dead. It is credibly reported that they attempted twice without effect, to heal a Miss Nancy Johnson, made a cripple by falling from a horse. She was not healed for lack of faith; but started for Ohio with the Mormons to obtain more. The company of Brackenbury attempted also to heal him, and since his decease to raise him from the dead.
                            Vermont paper.


Note 1: This report was probably copied from the Mar. 23, 1832 issue of the Burlington Sentinel. Note: That paper, in turn, took its information from an issue of the New York Fredonia Censor printed shortly after Elder Brackenbury's death in nearby Pomfret, New York, on Jan. 7, 1831. The Burlington Sentinel added the faulty information saying that Brackenbury's death occurred in Pomfret, Vermont. The Palmyra Wayne Sentinel of Apr. 11, 1832 passed the garbled report from the Burlington Sentinel, as did Lewis L. Rice's Ohio Star of Apr. 12, 1832. The reprint by the Wayne Sentinel is particularly unjustifiable -- since the same newspaper had already printed the correct version of the story on Feb. 14, 1832.

Note 2: Brackenbury's death was the first known passing of a Mormon missionary in the field. His body was nearly expropriated by medical students, seeking a cadaver for dissection practice. This event, along with the early LDS belief in raising faithful members from the dead, led to hushed reports that Elder Brackenbury had been briefly resuscitated from the jaws of death. The rumors of this miracle remained so strong among the Saints that, years later, LDS Historian and Apostle George A. Smith questioned the man's surviving relatives as to the possible truth of the resurrection story.

Mormonism. -- Proposals are issued at Independence, Mo. for publishing a paper entitled "The Evening and Morning Star," to support the principles of Mormonism.

Notes: (forthcoming)

MORMONISM.

We have received a prospectus of "The Evening and Morning Star," a paper to be published at Independence, Jackson county, Missouri. It is issued under the name of W. W. Phelps, late editor of the Ontario Phoenix, who left that paper in consequence of his conversion to the Mormon faith. Mr. Phelps is a man of respectable talents and keen wit; and we are sorry to see him carried away by this fanatical delusion. We should wish to have his talents engaged in the cause of truth rather than lost in [furor?] and fanaticism. -- To gratify the curious, we annex a few extracts from the prospectus before us; they are full of "the sublime and the ridiculous" -- bearing evident marks of madness. -- AntiMasonic Intelligencer.

---

The Book of Mormon, having already gone to the world, being the fulness of the gospel to the Gentile according to the promises of the old, we know that the blessing of Joseph is near at hand. For his glory, the firstling of his bullock, and his horns, the horns of unicorns: with them he shall push the people together from the ends of the earth, to the place of the name of the Lord of hosts, the mount Zion: For in this mountain shall the Lord of hosts make unto all people a feast of fat things, a feast of wines on the lees, of fat things full of marrow, of wines on the lees well refined. And he will destroy in this mountain the face of the covering cast over all people, and the vail that is spread over all nations; wherefore it is now made known and published to the world, by the authority of the beloved Saviour, that the gathering of the house of Israel hath commenced upon the land of Zion, and that the church which is called the church of Christ, is an Ensign to all nations, that the children of God are returning from their long dispersion, to possess the land of their inheritance, & reign with Christ a thousand years while Satan is bound. To a man of God, who looks upon the world as it now is, with nation against nation; kingdom against kingdom; rumor against rumor; revolution against revolution; war against war; robber against robber; persecutor against persecutor; sharper against sharper; society against society; sect against sect; and one against another over the face of the earth -- the fear of judgement will rest upon him, and while he is silent as Heaven, he will hear the groans of eternity over the corruptions of the world, and with a thrill of compassion which might jar the earth from the sides to the centre, he will watch the angels receive the great command -- Go reap down the earth!

The Evening and Morning Star, besides the secret of the Lord, which is now with them that fear him, and the everlasting gospel, which must go to all nations, before the Holy One shall stand upon the Mount of Olivet, and upon the mighty ocean, even the great deep, and upon the Islands of the sea, and upon the land of Zion, to destroy the wicked with the brightness of his coming -- will also contain whatever of truth or information that can benefit the children of God temporally or spiritually in these last days, whether in prose or poetry, without interfering with politics, broils, or the gainsayings of the world. While some may say this paper is opposed to all combinations under whatsoever plausible, others will know, that it is for an eternal union whose maker and supporter is God. Thus all may be as they are, inasmuch as they that plow iniquity, and sow wickedness. must reap the same -- but wisdom is justified of her children.

==> From this press also, may be expected as soon as wisdom directs, many sacred records, which have slept for ages.

==> Terms. -- The Star will be issued monthly on a royal sheet quarto, at one $1 a year, till it shall be deemed proper to publish it oftener. (A supplement will be published weekly, if required, containing the advertisements of Jackson county, &c.) Letters to the editor must be paid -- and subscriptions, in specie or United States Bills."
                                     W. W. PHELPS.
February 22, 1832.


Note: The Anti-Masonic Intelligencer was published in Connecticut. It was only one of many anti-Masonic papers that took notice of W. W. Phelps' publishing venture with the Mormons. Similar reports and/or prospectus reprints appeared in the Apr. 17, 1832 issue of the Painesville Telegraph and the May 1, 1832 issue of the Geauga Gazette.

A Mormonite newspaper has been established at Independence, Missouri, by W. W. Phelps, called "The Evening and Morning Star." In a postscript he says: "From this press may be expected, as soon as wisdom directs, many sacred records which have slept for ages."


Notes: (forthcoming)

Outrage. -- On the night of the 24th ult., 25 or 30 persons in disguise entered the apartments of Smith and Rigdon, leaders of Mormonism in Geauga county, carried them from their beds and tarred and feathered them.


Notes: (forthcoming)

Outrage. -- On the night of the 24th ult. twenty-five or thirty persons in disguise, entered the apartment of Smith and Rigdon, leaders of Mormonism in Cayuga [sic] county, Ohio, carried them from their beds, and tarred and feathered them. -- Newark Gazette.

Notes: (forthcoming)

A Mormonite newspaper has been established at Independence, Missouri by W. W. Phelps, called "The Evening and Morning Star." In a postscript he says, "From this press may be expected, as soon as wisdom directs, many sacred records which have slept for ages."


Notes: (forthcoming)

MORMONISM. -- Two preachers of this sect have lately visited Boston and soon made 15 converts to their strange doctrines, some of whom are respectable persons -- 5 also had joined at Lynn. Certain of these converts have cast considerable sums of money into the stock, and all were about to depart for the "promised," land in Jackson county, Missouri -- the precious spot having been lately discovered,


Note: This report was probably reprinted from the Sept. 8, 1832 issue of Niles' Weekly Register. The two Mormon missionaries then operating in New England were Elders Orson Hyde and Samuel H. Smith. Among their converts in Boston was Augusta Adams Cobb, a future plural wife of Brigham Young.

Mormonism.. -- We are in receipt of the second number of a Mormonite newspaper, published at Independence, Missouri, the settlement of that most absurd and singular sect. It is called the 'Evening and the Morning Star' -- and is handsomely printed in the form [and style] of our largest bibles. The first page is devoted to the revelations from the Prophet Mormon, and Extracts from the laws for the Government of the church. -- The second and third contain the pompous vision of 'Joseph and Sidney,' who, 'being in the Spirit on the 16th of February,' saw the glories of the Celestial, Terrestrial and also the Telestial worlds. This view, the editor says, is the greatest news that ever was published to man -- showing the economy of God in preparing mansions for man.' An address to the elders who preach good tidings, cautions them to reason from the bible. Illustrated by the book of Mormon. Upwards of four hundred have joined the faith, 'since the work of the gathering commenced.' Fifteen converts were recently made to this strange delusion in Boston. The money of the members goes into a general fund. The editor advises brethren not to come to 'the land of Zion,' too fast -- as provisions are scarce, in consequence of the Indians -- 'the remains of Joseph -- being sent to the west, by the Government, where they must be fed in these last days.' -- Providence Jour.


Notes: (forthcoming).

Mormonism. -- The Boston Traveller says two Mormonite preachers have recently visited this city, and made about 15 converts to their strange doctrine, who have been baptised and joined to the Mormon church.

It is stated in one of the papers that these persons contemplated 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 hither for safety," in Jackson county Missouri. Two females who have gone, had acquired by industry, one 1500, and the other 800 dollars, which they had given up to go into the general stock. The others possess between 3000 and 4000 dollars, which they are going to put into the general fund, and which they can never draw out again. "Thus are the people swindled of their property, and drawn from their comfortable homes, by ignorant fanatics."

The Providence Journal adds, -- We have been told that these strolling fanatics have visited this state and made some converts to their "damnable heresy."


Note 1: The first part of this article was previously reported in the Sept. 27, 1832 issue of the Ohio Star. Compare the remainder of the report to what Rev. Joshua V. Himes had to say in his Aug. 1832 Boston pamphlet, reprinting Campbell's "Delusions" article: "However strange to relate, about fifteen persons, in this city have been led away by these false doctrines, have been baptised and joined the Mormon church. And some of these persons have set out for the promised land, the place of refuge for the house of Israel, and for all the Gentile world, who will take warning and flee thither for safety (This place is situated in Jackson county, Missouri, ten miles from the town of Independence). Two individuals who have gone, are defenceless females. They had acquired by their hard industry $2300, one of them having $800, the other $1500, which they have given up to go into the general stock. One of these females was in a consumption, and her friends thought she would not live to reach her destined place. Her afflicted sister told me, that if she had been buried here, before she had been led away by these errors, and had left satisfactory evidence that she was prepared to die, her grief would have been far less than it is now. The remaining persons who were baptised and joined the church, and contemplate going to the west, possess between $3000 and $4000, which they also are going to put with the general fund, and which they can never draw out again, should they get sick of Mormonism and wish to return home to their friends."

THE  MORMONS.

We have perused a pretty long and probably true account of this singular people, and their location in Mount Zion, contained in a letter published in the Christian Watchman from B. Pixley, and dated Independence, Jackson county, Mo. October 12th, 1832, the very seat of the New Jerusalem. His account of their situation and prospects is not very flattering. About 4 or 500 Mormons -- men, women and children, have collected at Zion. -- Their possessions are small compared with their numbers, being only about four Sections of land. Twenty acres is the portion assigned for each family to improve, but they are to hold no property should they leave the community. Mt. Zion is not elevated, and the settlement resembles "new beginnings" generally in the west. They are represented as already suffering for the necessities of life, and by [squalid] poverty preparing for the reception of their expected Saviour. Their creed appears to have undergone but little change. Originally members of almost every sect, they now cordially unite in detesting all, save Mormons. They all pretend to the gift of miracles, of tongues, of healing the sick, visions, &c. though, like all other modern miracles, often told, but never seen. Their Prophet, Smith, is now busy in restoring the present Bible to its primitive purity, and in adding some lost books of great importance. A new Revelation is also forthcoming. -- Elder Rigdon, pretty well known in this vicinity as an arch apostate, is now the first, best, and greatest preacher in Mount Zion. The Mormons still profess to talk with angels, visit the third heaven, and converse with Christ face to face. -- Their form of baptism is changed to "I, John the Messenger, baptize thee" &c. The gift of imparting the Holy Ghost is yet professed.

They pretend to have discovered where the Ark of the Covenant, Aaron's rod, the pot of Manna, &c., &c., now remain hid. At no distant period, they expect Christ will re-appear to live and reign on the earth a thousand years.

Such are the present Mormons, and such is their New Jerusalem. We believe their society numbers something more than 100 souls in this County, many of whom intend removing to Mount Zion in the Spring. With Mormonism and its history in this County, we are not strangers. It was introduced by a few illiterate disciples of Joseph Smith, in the Summer of 1831, a time when religious excitements were the order of the day. A sort of revival enthusiasm pervaded many neighborhoods, and wherever Mormonism obtained a footing, it spread like wild fire. -- Scores were awakened, converted, baptized, and endowed with the Holy Ghost in a few hours at a single meeting, in the midst of shoutings, wailings, fallings, contortions, trances, visions, speaking in unknown tongues, and prophesyings, that require the pen of a Trollope to describe. The timid were frightened, the credulous believed, and we were frequently eyewitnesses to scenes of strange and unnatural conduct of Mormons professedly under the influence of the spirit, that staggered the disbelief of the most stable and incredulous. But the storm passed, a calm followed -- reason triumphed -- and Mormonism waned.

As a curiosity, we have carefully examined the Golden Bible, and pronounce it not even "a cunningly devised fable," Every page bears the impress of its human authorship. Though free from vulgar obscenities, it is an absurd collection of dull, stupid and foolishly improbable stories, which no person, unless under the influence of powerfully excited feelings can mistake for truth and inspiration. -- With its authors, the Book of Mormon cannot survive this generation. The next will remember it, only to smile at the credulity of the present.


Note 1: This article contains a mixture of local information from Lorain county, Ohio and other information derived from the reports of Rev. Benton Pixley of Independence, Missouri, whose first letter on the Mormons was published in the Boston Christian Watchman of Dec. 12, 1832. A condensed reprint of the Ohio Atlas article was published in the Newark (Ohio) Advocate of Apr. 13, 1833 and the Indiana Democrat of May 4, 1833.

Note 2: For more Pixley's letters and news reports derived from his letters, see: the Missouri Intelligencer of Apr. 13, 1833, the Dayton (Ohio) Journal & Advertiser of Apr. 23, 1833 and the Cincinnati Journal of Dec. 20, 1833.

Ain't he a "H-----r?" -- A Mormon preacher at Marietta, Ohio, has published a pamphlet in which he announces that he is the Comet!!!

Note 1: The comet referred to in this report was not Halley's Comet, which appeared in 1835. Instead, this was the "Comet of 1832." The heavenly visitor inspired a French song-writer to pen these words in 1832: "God is sending a comet against us. -- We shall not escape this great impact. -- I feel our planet crumbling already." There is no Mormon "pamphlet" known to date from as early as 1832, (with or without a mention of divinely dispatched comets).

Note 2: See the Nov. 17, 1832 issue of the NYC Working Man's Advocate for further details on the human "comet" of Marietta, Ohio.

MORMONISM.

Many of our readers will be surprised to learn that this fanatical sect is making considerable progress in this city and its vicinity. Their success here shows, conclusively, that we have a class of community, who from their ignorance and degradation offer an easy prey to those who lie in wait to deceive. We had hoped, when Mormonism first broke out among us, that its converts would not exceed some half a dozen who might as well be one thing as another. But our expectations have been disappointed. We have placed too high an estimate on the moral intelligence of the community. We had not appreciated the influence which a few artful indefatigable men can exert upon the unsuspecting and credulous. Probably one hundred may now be numbered among the Mormon converts. Almost without exception they are ignorant and fanatical.


Notes: (forthcoming)

From Col. RAVEN, of Youngstown, we have received the following communication, with a request to give it publicity. We cheerfully insert it and would suggest to our brother editors the propriety of extending its circulation as widely as possible.

          FREEDOM, Cattaraugus Co., Feb. 23, 1833.

Dear Sir:
  There is now in this vicinity with Heman Hyde, Esq., a young woman apparently about 20 years old; light complexion, light hair, large eyes, coarse, or rather large features, hair short, with a light thin dress of calico, and no bonnet. She is apparently insane, yet modest and rather taciturn. She conceals or has forgotten her own name and place of residence, though she often speaks of Youngstown, of Elder Benton, and has mentioned Rigdon. She is a good reader and has the appearance of having come from a good family, and having been accustomed to good society. Her friends, if she has any, doubtless are now lamenting her unpleasant situation and untimely elopement, and would deem it an act of humanity to be notified where she may be found. She is now in a good family and will meet with no other than humane treatment while she is pleased to remain under their hospitable roof. I hope, sir, you will make such inquiry as you shall deem most proper. If you know not the person of whom I write, would it not be well to give the above facts some publicity in your vicinity, your county, adjoining counties and your State?
                  Yours Respectfully,
                          W. A. COWDERY, P. M.
                          Freedom, Cattaraugus, Co., N. Y.
WM. RAVEN, Esq.


Note 1: This curious communication (also published in the Ohio Star) appears almost inexplicable at first look. However, the insertion of Elder Bentley, for Elder Benton, helps clear up the mystery. Adamson Bentley was a Campbellite minister in Warren, near Youngstown and the "apparently insane" "young woman" was evidently one of his parishioners, neighbors or acquaintances from Trumbull Co., Ohio. The "Rigdon" here referred to was perhaps the Rev. Sidney Rigdon, one of Elder Bentley's brothers-in-law. Rigdon and Bentley had not been on speaking terms since Rigdon's defection to the Mormon cause, about 27 months earlier. But the wandering woman may have recalled Bentley and Rigdon being in close connection from a time before Rigdon's Mormon baptism on Oct. 8, 1830.

Note 2: The above reproduced communication is evidently one passed between the Postmaster of Freedom, New York and the Postmaster of Youngstown, Ohio. Warren A. Cowdery, the writer, had a brother, Erastus Cowdery, then living near Youngstown, but Erastus is not mentioned in the letter. Perhaps Warren sent a separate letter to his brother and could get no satisfactory answer. It is also worth mentioning that Sidney Rigdon lived near Erastus Cowdery, just north of Youngstown, 13 years before this notice appeared. The wandering girl may have been one of Rigdon's (or Bentley's) Baptist parishioners from the 1820s, (but, by 1833 both the Rigdon and Bentley families were living in Geauga Co., Ohio, rather than in the Warren area).

Note 3: Heman Hyde, Sr. (1788-1869) lived very near Warren Cowdery (1788–1851) in Freedom twp, Cattaraugus Co., NY. He was baptized a Mormon on Mar. 11, 1834 by Parley P. Pratt and Joseph Smith, Jr., about a year after this notice was published. In 1833 his neighbor, Warren A. Cowdery, was already a Mormon, having been baptized in Nov. 1831 (see Lyndon Cook's 1981 book, Revelations of Joseph Smith, pp. 214-15). By March of 1832 Warren would have obviously known that Sidney Rigdon was a high LDS leader, living in Kirtland Ohio. Since Warren does not mention Sidney by name, it is possible that the "Rigdon" he speaks of in his letter was one of Sidney's cousins -- who, in 1833, were Campbellite ministers in Ohio, and who were then still on good terms with their co-religionist, Rev. Adamson Bentley.

Note 4: It is unlikely that the term "elopement" in the article refers to anything other than "disappearance." Civil records show that the Heman Hyde, Jr. ("Heman Tilton Hyde") was married to another woman, Eunice Sawyer, two years later. His father had long been married to Polly Wyman Tilton Hyde. No other records indicate the mysterious young woman's identity; evidently she found her way home again.

                       (By Request.)

The writer of the following is a clergy man of the Baptist church, and his statements may be relied upon as certainly correct. We would commend his letter to the special attention of those Mormonites in this city who expect soon to start for Mount Zion. Before they give up their property, and tear themselves from their homes, would it not be well to inquire into whose hands they are likely to fall?

From the Christian Watchman.

MORMONISM.

SIR, -- Dwelling as I do among a people called Mormonites, and on the very land which they sometimes call Mount Zion, at other times the New Jerusalem; and where, at no distant period, they expect the re-appearing of the Lord Jesus to live and reign with them on earth a thousand years, -- I have thought that it might be a part of duty, to inform those who may feel interested in relation of this subject, that although there has, from first to last, four or five hundred Mormonites in all -- men, women, and children -- arrived at this place, yet there is no appearance here different from that of other wicked places. The people eat and drink, and some get drunk, suffer pain and disease, live and die like other people, the Mormons themselves not excepted. They declare there can be no true church, where the gift of miracles, of tongues, of healing, &c. are not exhibited and continued. -- Several of them, however, have died; yet none of them have been raised from the dead. And the sick, unhappily, seem not to have faith to be healed of their diseases. One woman, I am told, declared in her sickness, with much confidence, that she should not die, but here live and reign with Christ a thousand years; but unfortunately she died, like other people, three days after. They tell indeed of working miracles, healing the sick, &c. &c. -- These things, however, are not seen to be done, but only said to be done. People, therefore who set their faces for the Mount Zion of the West, (which by the by is on a [site] of ground not much elevated,) must calculate on being disappointed, if they believe all that is said of the place, or expect much above what is common in any new country of the West.

They profess to hold frequent converse with angels; some go, if we may believe what they say, as far as the third heaven, and converse with the Lord Jesus face to face. They baptize, saying, 'I, John, the Messenger, baptize thee,' &c.

More secretly, they are said to impart to their converts the gift of the Holy Ghost. They profess to know where the ark of the covenant, Aaron's rod, the pot of manna, &c. now remain hid. They who can believe all this, will no doubt expect a Saviour soon, and without hesitation will worship the first object that may be proclaimed and presented to them for that purpose.

The last preaching I heard of theirs was a most labored discourse; its object was to prove that this place here, fixed upon by the Mormons as their location, is the very Mount Zion so often mentioned in Scripture. This alone, it should seem, would be a sufficient index to the head or the heart of the preacher, and the belief of it a sufficient index to the reading and understanding of the hearers.

Their possessions here are small, very small compared with their numbers; something less, I believe, than four sections of land, which would cost but little more than three thousand dollars. -- Twenty acres is the portion assigned for each family to use and improve while they continue members of the society; but if they leave, they are to go out empty. Some in comfortable circumstances at the East have spent or given to the society their little all in coming to this land of promise, and now find themselves in no very enviable circumstances, looking here and there for labor, and women going to wash for their neighbors of the world, to supply themselves with the necessaries of life.

The idea of equality is held forth; but time will show that some take deeds of property in their own name, and those too of the most zealous and forward in the cause and prosperity of the society. -- And perhaps they do not pretend, like Annanias and Sapphira, to have given all to the society; yet it is a point of duty they most rigidly enjoin on all their proselytes to cast their all into the common stock. Under these circumstances, it needs no prophetic eye to foresee that there will soon be a murmuring of the Greeks against the Hebrews. Indeed there already begins to be some feeling and some defection arising from this subject. There is much reason to believe they cannot hold together long. With Theudas, it is more than probable they will soon be scattered and brought to naught.

The very materials of which the society is composed must at length produce an explosion. Yet judging from the past, and from what our Saviour has told us of the future, that there should be false Christs and false Prophets, showing signs and wonders so as to deceive, if it were possible, the very elect, we may well look on this new sect as ominous of the latter day approaching, & calling upon all to watch and pray, and to give good heed to the word of our Saviour, where he says, 'Go ye not after them, nor follow them.'   Yours, &c.
                                                B. PIXLEY.
               Independence, Jackson co. Mo.
               Oct. 12, 1832.

STILL LATER FROM MOUNT ZION.

After the above was in type, we received by mail, the subjoined letter from brother Pixley. -- We thank him for his communication. It may open the eyes of some worthy, but deluded persons, before they take a step hard to recall. As it is said some thousands in the United States, have embraced Mormonism, and as 50 or 60 of these are in our immediate vicinity we shall be excused for paying so much attention to this subject.

Independence, Jackson co., Mo.,
          March 4th, 1833.

To the Editor of the Cincinnati Journal.

SIR. -- As I noticed not long since the success of the Mormons in obtaining converts in your city; it might not perhaps be uninteresting to your readers, and especially to the Brotherhood, to know how they prosper here. Last Friday we had a novel case. A member of the Mormon communion sued the Bishop in order to recover certain moneys sent to him, the said Bishop, from Ohio, by the plaintiff, for certain objects, which the plaintiff said, had not been fulfilled. It appeared in evidence that the plaintiff had subscribed & paid on a certain subscription paper fifty dollars, 'to purchase an inheritance for himself and for the saints of God in Zion in these last days.' The Bishop, as evidence in proof that he had faithfully discharged his trust, produced deeds, and certificates; showing that he had bought lands as had been expected, but unhappily in his own name, to his heirs and assigns, and to those who had paid their money to buy these lands, no possession was given, except to occupy some little portion of these grounds, (generally about 20 acres to the family) while they should behave themselves well and conform to the regulations of their church. But if they ceased to do this, the poor privilege of living on the lands would be denied them, and they would be ejected from their tenements, empty and destitute. Such an inheritance the plaintiff seems not to have been well pleased with, and I scarce need tell you the Jury brought in a verdict in his favor. I understand several others on this decision stand ready to make similar demands on the Bishop. So you see our Zion is like to be turned to a Babel, and all their miracles & speaking with tongues, to result in Babel confusion. Tho', by the by, we have no miracles wrought here. They were all done in Ohio. And in Ohio, I suppose, it is understood they are all done here. But for those who are determined to join this sect at all hazard, and come to this place, I have only this piece of advice; that while they give of their property to the Bishop 'to purchase an inheritance for the saints of God in Zion in these last days,' that they be sure and keep back enough to purchase and possess a little home of their own, independent of the Bishop, for their own heirs and not for his, and that they receive also enough to purchase at least one year's provision. By doing this, much suffering and many evils will be avoided, which others have already experienced.
                                                B. PIXLEY.



Note 1: No original of the above Journal article has been located to confirm its date. The text was taken primarily from its reprint in the Batavia, Ohio Chronicle of the Times, of Mar. 30, 1833. The first letter in the article was initially published in the Boston Christian Watchman about the middle of November, 1832. The Rev. Benton Pixley was a well known Baptist missionary who spent several years with the Osage Indians along the shores of the Missouri. He was living in Jackson Co., Missouri in 1832-34 when the Mormons were gathering to that area and experiencing various difficulties there. Pixley wrote several informative letters regarding the Mormons, to various newspapers during the early 1830s. Pixley's two letters (his first and third from Missouri) were published in the Cincinnati Journal on either March 15th or 22nd -- probably March 22nd is the correct date

Note 2: The following section of text (found in some reprints of Pixley's first letter, to the Christian Watchman) was left out the Cincinnati Journal's reprint (or at least left out of its copy in the Batavia paper): "Of the Mormons as a sect, I am prepared to say little, except that they seem to be made up of people of every sect and kind, Shakers, Baptists, Methodists, Presbyterians and Campbellites, and some have been two or three of these different sects before they became Mormonites. Their best prerequisite for the reception of their expected Saviour, it should seem for the most part, is their poverty. There is no doubt but that some suffer for want of the necessaries of life, and in this respect not a little imitate the good Lazarus. But they have no fellowship for Temperance societies, Bible Societies, Tract Societies, or Sunday school societies. Their first, best, great and celebrated preacher, Elder Rigdon, tells us the Epistles are not and were not given for our instruction, but for the instruction of people of another age and country, far removed from ours, of different manners and habits, and needing different teaching; and that it is altogether inconsistent for us to take the Epistles written for that people, at that age of the world, as containing suitable instruction for this people, at this age of the world. The gospels, too, we are given by them to understand, are so mutilated and altered, as to convey little of the instruction which they should convey. Hence we are told a new revelation is to be sought; is to be expected; indeed is coming forthwith. Our present Bible is to be altered and restored to its primitive purity, by Smith, the present prophet of the Lord, and some books to be added of great importance, which have been lost.

Note 3: Some other papers publishing part or all of Pixley's first (Oct. 12, 1832) letter include: the Boston Independent Messenger of Nov. 29, 1832 and the Missouri Intelligencer of Apr. 13, 1833. Shortened versions of Pixley's first letter were published in papers like the Apr. 23, 1833 issue of the Westfield, NY American Eagle.

Note 4: Rev. Pixley wrote a second letter (late in 1832) to the Baptist Weekly Journal, which was featured in that paper under the title, "Mormonites." A reprint of this letter was published in the Boston Christian Register of Apr. 6, 1833. Pixley wrote a final letter regarding the Mormons, on Nov. 7, 1833, to the New York Observer. This fourth letter was reprinted in the Christian Register of Dec. 21, 1833.

(reprints Cincinnati Journal article (above) with Pixley letters.)

Notes: (forthcoming)

         From the Saturday Courier.

THE  MORMONITES.

The Mormonites, though occupying now less of the public attention then they excited in the earlier stages of their establishment, are still objects of considerable interest. The gross absurdity of their doctrines, and the tenacity with which they cling to them, make it [a] matter of curious speculation, whether knavery or folly is the predominant feeling of their teachers; and the numbers, who have joined their societies furnish conclusive proof that superstition and fanaticism are even yet powerful agents in influencing human affairs. As this sect is still increasing, it is gratifying to know that their habits and customs are peaceable and orderly, and that though bad christians, they are in some places at least good citizens.

The following extracts from a letter, written by an intelligent correspondent, at Liberty, Missouri, will repay perusal: --

This singular people own a large portion of the land in the adjacent county, (Jackson), and have made thereon some neat and comfortable improvements. Their conduct, as citizens, appears to be as unexpectionable as that of any class of our community. They are peaceable, unoffending, industrious, frugal, and honest: always giving a fair price for what they buy, and asking only a similar price for that which they may have to sell. Their little buildings and farms exhibit the most systematic neatness and order, and they appear to be accumulating wealth faster than their neighbors in similar circumstances.

The information I am about to communicate, in relation to the particular tenets which distinguish this singular sect from others, was derived from two discourses, which I heard delivered in this place, during the last winter, by two of their most influential members. They were both possessed of a considerable degree of science and historical information, and advocated their peculiar doctrines with as much zeal and [------uity], as are common in preachers of other denominations. They commenced by saying that they yielded the most implicit ascent to the Old and New Testament, and said that their Book of Mormon was, in fact, but a part of those Scriptures.

To sustain this important position they asserted that, at the confusion of tongues, which occurred at the Tower of Babel, the Deity, by his irresistible [will], dispersed the different nations into [all the] different habitable parts of the [globe?], and that, after they were so dispersed, they remained ignorant of each other, as the art of navigation was not then sufficiently known to afford them the means of intercourse. They contended that in this way alone they could we rationally account for the fact that the New World and all the South Sea Islands were inhabited by human beings when first discovered by Columbus, Cook, and other navigators. They further urged that different revelations of the will of God were necessary for different ages; that the revelation made to Moses on Mount Sinai was sufficient for the generation then existing, but that subsequent revelations were necessary, in the nature of things, for succeeding generations of men; that the revelations which were made after the dispersion of the human race were made concurrently to the people of every continent; that, for instance, when the Angel revealed the birth of Our Saviour to the shepherds in Asia, the same fact was communicated to the people then inhabiting America. -- They referred to the relics of ancient structures which are to be found in many parts of our country to prove the fact that this continent was long since inhabited by a race of men acquainted with many of the arts of civilized life. They said that the pious men of those by-gone days had made records of the revelations of Jehovah as they occurred, some of which were engraved upon gold plates and deposited in the earth, and found by Joseph Smith in 1827, who was favoured with a special inspiration for the purpose of translating the same.

To prove that many of the Books of the Old Testament have been lost, they made quotations from passages referring to books that could not be found in our present translation; and said that their Book of Mormon was one of those books which had been lost in the Old World, but preserved in the New. In their mode of using prophecy, they profess to follow the example of the Apostles, as recorded somewhere in Acts, where they had all things in common, and appointed some individuals to administer in temporal things. During the delivery of their sermons, they frequently came over the phrase, "in these last days." If I understood them correctly, they profess to know more in relation to the particular time, when that date of political and religious amelioration, called the Millennium, shall arrive, than can be learned from the Old and New Testament.

I have merely given you the principal outlines of the creed of this strange people, as the limits of a letter would not contain any thing more. Since their settlement in Jackson county, several of our own citizens have joined them but have subsequently backed out. A suit was, not long since, instituted by an individual to recover the sum of fifty dollars, which he had paid for the purpose of procuring an interest "in Zion in these last days," and the Court, thinking that the recipient of the cash had no interest in Zion of a disposable kind, adjudged the original contract void, for want of consideration, and consequently the plaintiff recovered. It is said, that others intend instituting similar sects. -- As yet, however, they get along better than could be anticipated, from the absurdity of their doctrine.
                           P. H. B.


Note: This article evidently first appeared in an early April issue of Philadelphia Saturday Courier. The identity of Mr. "P. H. B." of Liberty, Missouri remains unknown. This correspondent's report may be agreeably compared to near contemporary accounts from the Revs. Benton Pixley and Isaac McCoy, all of whom were residents on the Missouri frontier.

Mormonism.

We perceive by a letter from Independence, Missouri, to the editor of the Cincinnati Journal, that difficulties have already begun in the Mormon community, at Mount Zion, in that quarter; one of the members having sued the Bishop in a Court of Justice, for fifty dollars, which had been sent by plaintiff to said Bishop, from Ohio, "to purchase an inheritance for himself in Zion in these last days." This was certainly a most impious act, but "nevertheless and notwithstanding," the jury found for the plaintiff; it appearing that though the good bishop had indeed appropriated the money "to the purchase of an inheritance," yet he had, unthoughtedly no doubt, procured the deed to be drawn in his own name, to his heirs, &c. and no one else in Zion nor out of it. The writer states that on this decision several other members are ready to make similar demands on the good bishop. Wonder if this is one of the bishop's miracles? It appears from another letter, that since their settlement at Mount Zion, 4 or 500 have joined them.


Note: This is a summary of Rev. Pixley's letter of March 4th, to the editors of the Cincinnati Journal.

From the Christian Advocate and Journal.

MORMONISM.

Messrs. Editors: -- I have not observed in any religious periodical, a notice of the progress of Mormonism in this quarter. It is now about two years since Joseph Smith, its founder, who, by the by, was an illiterate, indolent, though artful young man, announced the intelligence, that in the town of Palmyra, Wayne County, New York, he had discovered a book of golden leaves, written in strange characters, which when interpreted, was a new revelation to mankind, that he was divinely inspired, or qualified to open the book, and to make interpretation thereof. This being effected, a book of about three hundred pages, octavo, appeared before the public, written in the style of Chronicles, consisting of dull stories and senseless discourses between and concerning individuals [of] strange names, among which was 'Mormon.' On almost every page of the work, the King's English was terribly mangled and murdered, in the hands of the author, and it was quite apparent to the reader that whatever else Joseph Smith was inspired to do, he was not qualified to make revelations in his own mother tongue.

Soon after the appearance of the Book, Smith and his associates went to Ohio, where it is well known that some hundreds of disciples were soon gathered. Among the new revelations which the leader of the body were in the daily habit of announcing, were certain injunctions to do those deeds, in which the Christian Scriptures were denominated filthiness and abominable wickedness. In short, their conduct was such that the citizens of the surrounding country interfered and abated their establishment as a public nuisance.

The good people of western New York flattered themselves that an imposture so ridiculous in itself, and so clumsily got up, could never gain currency in the prophet's own country. But alas! such oracles will never cease. Within three months [past], Mormonism has made rapid advances, even in this goodly land, where Providence seems to have set down his choicest blessings, and where the lights of science and religion have been diffused in every hamlet. Only four miles from where I now write, a band of forty or fifty has sprung up, within a few weeks. Immersions of converts are almost daily taking place, and the work, whatever it be, is still progressing.

Among the peculiarities of their creed are the following: --

1. The book of Mormon is a part of divine revelation, agreeing with, confirming, and being confirmed by the bible.

2. There is a land of promise, called Sion, west of the Mississippi, where the faithful will be assembled when God will destroy the Atlantic and middle states.

3. The miraculous gift of tongues is again restored to the church, with power to communicate the Holy Ghost by laying on of hands.

4. Most of their leaders are endowed, not only with the gift of prophecy, but have power to work miracles, heal the sick, &c., &c.

It is indeed, melancholy to reflect, that in the 19th century, and in a land made luminous ny learning and religion, that so dark a cloud should pass over [us,] refuting our boast of intellectual and moral improvement, and demonstrating the truth that nothing but the goodness and power of God, can save man from delusion and destruction.   Western Traveller.
March 4, 1833.


Note: This article originally appeared in the NYC Christian Advocate and Journal and Zion's Herald for March 22, 1833.

Mormonism. -- The citizens of this place, for the past two weeks, have had an opportunity of hearing this new religion fully explained. Curiosity attracted many respectable congregations to hear them, and the majority were willing to give them a chance to prove their faith, but we have not heard that they brought conviction to any mind of a single individual. The only effect their preaching has had is, a tendency to confirm the sceptical, after hearing such glaring absurdities to be proved by the Bible.-- Missouri Rep.


Notes: (forthcoming)

MORMONISM.

We are in receipt of the second number of a Mormonite newspaper, published at Independence, Missouri, the settlement of that most [absurd] and singular sect. It is called 'The Evening and the Morning Star' -- and is handsomely printed, in the form and style of our largest bibles. The first page is devoted to the revelations of the laws for the Government of the church. The second and third contain the pompous vision of "Joseph & Sidney," who being in the spirit on the sixteenth of February," saw the glories of the Celestial, Terrestrial, and also the Telestial worlds. This vision, the editor says, "Is the greatest news that was ever published to man," showing the economy of God in preparing mansions for men. An address to the elders who preach good tidings, cautions them to reason from the bible, illustrated by the book of Mormon. Upwards of four hundred have joined the faith, 'since the work of the gathering commenced.' Fifteen converts were recently made to this strange delusion in Boston. The money of the members goes into a general fund. The editor advises brethren not to come to 'the land of Zion,' too fast -- as provisions are scarce, in consequence of the Indians -- 'the remains of Joseph -- being sent to the west, by the Government, where they must be fed in these last days.'


Note: This piece was evidently first published in the Providence Journal. The quip about "the remains of Joseph -- being sent to the west" reflects the Mormons doctrine of the American Indians being the seed of the biblical patriarch, Joseph the son of Jacob. A couple of years later, at Kirtland, the Mormon leadership would claim to have recovered Joseph's mummy. As the biblical record has the bones of this patriarch being carried by the Israelites to the promised land in Canaan, it does not require much imagination to speculate that the LDS leaders intended to carry his bones to the Missouri promised land -- where they temporarily relocated their Chandler mummies in 1838.

We perceive by a letter from Independence, Missouri, to the editor of the Cincinnati Journal, that difficulties have already begun in the Mormon community, at Mount Zion, in that quarter; one of the members having sued the Bishop in a Court of Justice, for fifty dollars, which had been sent by plaintiff to said Bishop, from Ohio, "to purchase an inheritance for himself in Zion in these last days." This was certainly a most impious act, but "nevertheless and notwithstanding," the jury found for the plaintiff; it appearing that though the good bishop had indeed appropriated the money "to the purchase of an inheritance," yet he had, unthoughtedly no doubt, procured the deed to be drawn in his own name, to his heirs, &c. and no one else in Zion nor out of it. The writer states that on this decision several other members are ready to make similar demands on the good bishop. Wonder if this is one of the bishop's miracles? It appears from another letter, that since their settlement at Mount Zion, 4 or 500 have joined them.


Note: This article was reprinted from the Ohio Republican of April 27, 1833.

MORMONISM  IN  THE  FAR OFF WEST.

The Pioneer, (printed at Rock Spring, Ill.) under date of April 26th, contains a long account of that modern sect of fanatics, the Mormonites. Making due allowance for the editor of the Pioneer, for it is evident that he is an alarmist, there is no doubt that Mormonism is rapidly spreading in certain districts. He states that there are now between 2 and 300 Mormon preachers in the field; that so far as they preach from our Bible, their doctrine is sound; that they maintain with great force the truth of their new bible, (the book of Mormon,) they rail against missionaries and preachers of the gospel who work for pay; and positively affirm that the present generation will not pass away, before all the human family who do not obey God will be destroyed; and that Mount Zion, in America, (on the western borders of Missouri,) and Jerusalem, in Palestine, are the places for gathering together. The government of the new ecclesiastical combination, is thoroughly despicable. It assumes to control property, personal service and the mind. Several thousands in Missouri and Illinois have already adopted the Mormon creed. In Jackson county, Missouri, there are 1000. -- Cincinnati Chronicle.


Note 1: Dr. John M. Peck's Rock Spring Pioneer later became the Louisville Western Pioneer and Baptist Standard-Bearer. The issue of April 26, 1833 is not extant, but a series of articles Peck ran on the Mormons that same year may be partly preserved in reprints in other newspapers. One Pioneer article on the Mormons (from May 1832) was preserved in the pages of the Painesville Telegraph; another (from March 1835) may be found reprinted in the Exter, NH, Christian Journal.

Note 2: In an early June, 1839 issue of the Western Pioneer and Baptist Standard-Bearer, Dr. Peck says: "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.... 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..." This Peck pamphlet -- which evidently predated E. D. Howe's 1834 anti-Mormon book -- has not survived in any known collection of early Mormon related publications. See also Peck's 1852 article on the Mormons.

Note 3: The above article remains unknown was copied into the Wayne Sentinel of Aug. 16, 1833. The same article was also reprinted in the Albion, New York Orleans American of Aug. 7, 1833.

MORMONISM AND THE SMALL POX. -- There having been several cases of small pox in the village of Jamestown, Chautauqua County, a committee of citizens was appointed to take measures to prevent its spreading. In their report the committee state that their efforts to prevent the spread of the disease have been hindered by a sect calling themselves Mormonites, who profess to believe that the disorder will not attack them, neither would they spread it, although they might come in contact with others not protected, even if the small pox matter covered them. Notwithstanding their belief, one of the Mormons had been seized with the disease, and it was feared that this sect would be the means of scattering the infection through the country.   Rochester Daily Adv.


Notes: (forthcoming)

Mormonism and the small pox. -- There having been several cases of small-pox in the village of Jamestown, Chautauqua county, a committee of citizens was appointed to take measures to prevent its spreading. In their report the committee state that their efforts to prevent the spread of the disease have been hindered by a sect calling themselves Mormonites, who profess to believe that the disorder will not attack them, neither would they spread it, although they might come in contact with others not protected, even if the [small pox] matter covered them. Notwithstanding their belief, one of the Mormons had been seized with the disease, and it was feared that this sect would be the means of scattering the infection through the country. -- Rochester Daily Adv.


Note: This article originally appeared in and early May issue of the Rochester Daily Advertiser; from there it was reproduced in that daily's sister weekly newspaper, the Rochester Republican, on May 14, 1833. Various other publications carried the story, including the New York Observer for June 1, 1833 and the Family Magazine for June 15th.

Mormonism and the Small Pox. -- There having been several cases of small-pox in the village of Jamestown, Chautauqua county, a committee of citizens was appointed to take measures to prevent its spreading. In their report the committee state that their efforts to prevent the spread of the disease have been hindered by a sect calling themselves Mormonites, who profess to believe that the disorder will not attack them, neither would they spread it, although they might come in contact with others not protected, even if the small pox matter covered them. Notwithstanding their belief, one of the Mormons had been seized with the disease, and it was feared that this sect would be the means of scattering the infection through the country. -- Rochester Adv.


Notes: (forthcoming)

Mormonism and the Small Pox.

There having been several cases of small pox in the village of Jamestown, Chautauque County, a committee of citizens was appointed to take measures to prevent its spreading. In their report the committee state that their efforts to prevent the spread of the disease have been hindered by a sect calling themselves mormonites, who profess to believe that the disorder will not attack them, neither would they spread it, although they might come in contact with others not protected, even if the small pox matter covered them. Notwithstanding their belief, one of the Mormons had been seized with the disease, and it was feared that this sect would be the means of scattering the infection through the country. Rochester D. Advertiser.


Notes: (forthcoming)

The Mormons. -- We have the last number of the 'Evening and Morning Star,' printed at Mount Zion; by the Mormons, before us. It [represents] the society as flourishing abundantly 'in these last days.' It gives several commandments recently revealed to the prophets. Its style is affected