[ 2 ]





CONTENTS.
_____

3



SECTION 1. -- THE SCHEME OF REVELATION.

4

5

6

"When somewhere about fourteen or fifteen years old, he began seriously to reflect upon the necessity of being prepared for a future state of existence; but how, or in what way to prepare himself, was a question, as yet, undetermined in his own mind: he perceived that it was a question of infinite importance, and that the salvation of his soul depended upon a correct understanding of the same. He saw, that if he understood not the way. it would be impossible to walk in it, except by chance; and the thought of resting his hopes of eternal life upon chance or uncertainties, was more than he could endure. If he went to the religious denominations to seek information, each one pointed to its particular tenets, saying -- 'This is the way, walk ye in it;' while at the same time, the doctrines of each were, in many respects, in direct opposition to one another. It also occurred to his mind, that God was not the author of but one doctrine, and therefore could not acknowledge but one denomination as his church; and that such denomination must be a people who believe and teach that one doctrine (whatever it may be,) and build upon the same. He then reflected upon the immense number of doctrines now in the world, which had given rise to many hundreds of different denominations. The great question to be decided in his mind, was -- if any one of these denominations be the Church of Christ, which one is it? Until he could become satisfied in relation to this question, he could not rest contented. To trust to the decisions of fallible man, and build his hopes upon the same, without any certainty and knowledge of his own, would not satisfy the anxious desires that pervaded his breast. To decide without any positive and definite evidence on which he could rely, upon a subject involving the future welfare of his soul, was revolting to his feelings. The only alternative that seemed left to him was, to read the scriptures, and endeavour to follow their directions. He Accordingly commenced perusing the sacred pages of the Bible with sincerity, believing the things that he read. His mind soon caught hold of the following passage -- 'If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.' -- James i. 5. From this promise he learned that it was the privilege of all men to ask God for wisdom, with the sure and certain expectation of receiving liberally, without

7

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

8

9

10

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

"Notwithstanding the brightness of the light which previously illuminated the room, 'yet there seemed to be an additional glory surrounding or accompanying this personage, which shone with an increased degree of brilliancy, of which he was in the midst; and though his countenance was as lightning, yet it was of a pleasing, innocent, and glorious appearance; so much so, that every fear was banished from the heart, and nothing but calmness pervaded the soul.

"'The stature of this personage was a little above the common size of men in this age; his garment was perfectly white, and had the appearance of being without seam.'

"This glorious being declared himself to be an angel of God, sent forth by commandment, to communicate to him that his sins were forgiven, and that his prayers were heard; and also to bring the joyful tidings, that the covenant which God made with ancient Israel, concerning their posterity, was at hand to be fulfilled -- that the great preparatory work for the second coming of the Messiah was speedily to commence -- that the time was at hand for the gospel, in its fulness, to be preached in power unto all nations, that a people might be prepared with faith and righteousness for the Millennial reign of universal peace and joy.

"He was informed that he was called and chosen to be an instrument in the hands of God, to bring about some of his marvellous purposes in this glorious dispensation. It was also made manifest to him, that the 'American Indians' were a remnant of Israel; that when they first emigrated to America, they were an enlightened people, possessing a knowledge of the true God, enjoying his favour, and peculiar blessings from his hand; that the prophets and inspired writers among them, were required to keep a sacred history of the most important events transpiring among them, which history was handed down for many generations, till at length they fell into great wickedness. The greatest part of them were destroyed, and the records (by commandment of God to one of the last prophets among them,) were safely deposited to preserve them from the hands of the wicked who sought to destroy

11

them. He was informed that these records contained many sacred revelations pertaining to the gospel of the kingdom, as well as prophecies relating to the great events of the last days ; and that to fulfil his promises to the ancients, who wrote the records, and to accomplish his purposes, in the restitution of their children, &c., they were to come forth to the knowledge of the people. If faithful he was to be the instrument who should be thus highly favoured in bringing these sacred things to light; at the same time being expressly informed, that it must be done with an eye single to the glory of God, that no one could be entrusted with those sacred writings, who should endeavour to aggrandize himself, by converting sacred things to unrighteous and speculative purposes. After giving him many instructions concerning things past and to come, which would be foreign to our purpose to mention here, he disappeared, and the light and glory of God withdrew, leaving his mind in perfect peace, while a calmness and serenity indescribable pervaded the soul. But before morning, the vision was twice renewed, instructing him further and still further concerning the great work of God about to be performed on the earth. In the morning he went to his labour as usual, but soon the vision was renewed -- the angel again appeared, and having been informed by the previous visions of the night, concerning the place where those records were deposited, he was instructed to go immediately and view them.

"Accordingly he repaired to the place, a brief description of which shall be given in the words of a gentleman named Oliver Cowdery, who has visited the spot.

"'As you pass on the mail road from Palmyra, Wayne county, to Canandaigua, Ontario county, New York, before arriving at the little village of Manchester, say from three to four, or about four miles from Palmyra, you pass a large hill on the east side of the road. Why I say large, is because it is as large, perhaps, as any in that country.'

"'The north end rises quite suddenly until it assumes a level with the southerly extremity, and, I think I may say, an elevation higher than at the south a short distance, say half or three-fourths of a mile. As you pass towards Canandaigua it lessens gradually, until the surface assumes its common level, or is broken by other smaller hills or ridges' watercourses and ravines. I think I am justified in saying that this is the highest hill for some distance round, and I am certain that its appearance, as it rises so suddenly from a plain on the north, must attract the notice of the traveller as he passes by.' -- 'The north end, (which has been described as rising suddenly from the plain,) forms a promontory without timber, but covered with grass. As you pass to the south you soon come to scattering timber, the surface having been cleared by art or wind; and a short distance further left, you are surrounded with the common forest of the country. It is necessary to observe, that even the part cleared, was only occupied for pasturage; its steep ascent and narrow summit not admitting the plough of the husbandman with any degree of ease or profit. It was at the second mentioned place, where the record was found to be deposited, on the west side of the hill, not far from the top down its side; and when myself visited the place in

12

the year 1830, there were several trees standing -- enough to cause a shade in summer, but not so much as to prevent the surface being covered with grass, which was also the case when the record was first found.'

"'How far below the surface these records were' anciently 'placed, I am unable to say; but from the fact that they had been some fourteen hundred yean buried, and that, too, on the side of a bill so steep, one is ready to conclude that they were some feet below, as the earth would naturally wear, more or less, in that length of time. But being placed toward the top of the hill, the ground would not remove as much as at two-thirds, perhaps. Another circumstance would prevent a wearing of the earth; in all probability, as soon as timber had time to grow, the hill was covered, and the roots of the same would hold the surface. However, on this point, I shall leave every man to draw his own conclusion, and form his own speculation.' But, suffice to say, 'a hole of sufficient depth was dug. At the bottom of this was laid a stone of suitable size, the upper surface being smooth. At each edge, was placed a large quantity of cement, and into this cement, at the four edges of this stone, were placed erect four others; their bottom edges resting in the cement, at the outer edges of the first stone. The four last named, when placed erect, formed a box; the corners, or where the edges of the four came in contact, were also cemented so firmly, that the moisture from without was prevented from entering. It is to be observed, also, that the inner surfaces of the four erect or side stones were smooth. This box was sufficiently large to admit a breastplate, such as was used by the ancients to defend the chest, &c., from the arrows and weapons of their enemy. From the bottom of the box, or from the breastplate, arose three small pillars composed of the same description of cement used on the edges; and upon these three pillars were placed the records.' -- 'This box, containing the records, was covered with another stone, the bottom surface being flat, and the upper crowning.' When it was first visited by Mr. Smith, on the morning of the 22nd of September 1823, 'a part of the crowning stone was visible above the surface, while the edges were concealed by the soil and grass.' From which circumstance, it may be seen, 'that however deep this box might have been placed at first, the time had been sufficient to wear the earth, so that it was easily discovered, when once directed, and yet not enough to make a perceivable difference to the passer-by.' -- 'After arriving at the repository, a little exertion in removing the soil from the edges of the top of the box, and a light lever, brought to his natural vision its contents.' While viewing and contemplating this sacred treasure with wonder and astonishment, behold! the angel of the Lord, who bad previously visited him, again stood in his presence, and his soul was again enlightened as it was the evening before, and he was filled with the Holy Spirit, and the heavens were opened, and the glory of the Lord shone round about and rested upon him. While he thus stood gazing and admiring, the angel said, 'Look!' And as he thus spake, he beheld the Prince of Darkness, surrounded by his innumerable train of associates. All this passed before him, and the heavenly messenger said, 'All this is shown, the

13

good and the evil; the holy and impure, the glory of God, and the power of darkness, that you may know hereafter the two powers, and never be influenced or overcome by the wicked one. Behold, whatsoever enticeth and leadeth to good and to do good is of God, and whatsoever doth not is of that wicked one. It is he that filleth the hearts of men with evil, to walk in darkness and blaspheme God; and you may learn from henceforth that his ways are to destruction, but the way of holiness is peace and rest. You cannot at this time obtain this record, for the commandment of God is strict, and if ever these sacred things are obtained, they must be by prayer and faithfulness in obeying the Lord. They are not deposited here for the sake of accumulating gain and wealth for the glory of this world; they were sealed by the prayer of faith, and because of the knowledge which they contain; they are of no worth among the children of men only for their knowledge. On them is contained the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ, as it was given to his people on this land; and when it shall be brought forth by the power of God, it shall be carried to the Gentiles, of whom many will receive it, and after will the seed of Israel be brought into the fold of their Redeemer by obeying it also. Those who kept the commandments of the Lord on this land desired this at his hand, and through the prayer of faith obtained the promise, that if their descendants should transgress and fall away, that a record should be kept, and in the last days come to their children. These things are sacred and must be kept so, for the promise of the Lord concerning them must be fulfilled. No man can obtain them if his heart is impure, because they contain that which is sacred.' * * * 'By them will the Lord work a great and marvellous work; the wisdom of the wise shall become as nought, and the understanding of the prudent shall be hid, and because the power of God shall be displayed, those who profess to know the truth but walk in deceit shall tremble with anger; but with signs and with wonders, with gifts and healings, with the manifestations of the power of God, and with the Holy Ghost, shall the hearts of the faithful be comforted. You have now beheld the power of God manifested and the power of Satan; you see that there is nothing desirable in the works of darkness; that they cannot bring happiness; that those who are overcome therewith are miserable; while, on the other hand, the righteous are blessed with a place in the kingdom of God, where joy unspeakable surrounds them. There they rest beyond the power of the enemy of truth, where no evil can disturb them. The glory of God crowns them, and they continually feast upon his goodness and enjoy his smiles. Behold, notwithstanding you have seen this great display of power, by which you may ever be able to detect the evil one, yet I give unto you another sign, and when it comes to pass then know that the Lord is God, and that he will fulfil his purposes, and that the knowledge which this record contains will go to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people under the whole heaven. This is the sign : when these things begin to be known, that is, when it is known that the Lord has shown you these things, the workers of iniquity will seek your overthrow. They will circulate falsehoods to destroy your refutation, and also will seek

14

to take your life; but remember this, if you are faithful and shall hereafter continue to keep the commandments of the Lord, you shall be preserved to bring these things forth; for in due time he will give you a commandment to come and take them. When they are interpreted, the Lord will give the holy priesthood to some, and they shall begin to proclaim this gospel and baptize by water, and after that they shall have power to give the Holy Ghost by the laying on of their hands. Then will persecution rage more and more; for the iniquities of men shall be revealed, and those who are not built upon the Rock will seek to overthrow the church; but it will increase the more opposed, and spread farther and farther, increasing in knowledge till they shall be sanctified, and receive an inheritance where the glory of God will rest upon them; and when this takes place, and all things are prepared, the ten tribes of Israel will be revealed in the north country, whither they have been for a long season; and when this is fulfilled will be brought to pass that saying of the prophet, -- 'And the Redeemer shall come to Zion, and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob, saith the Lord.' But, notwithstanding the workers of iniquity shall seek your destruction, the arm of the Lord will be extended, and you will be borne off conqueror if you keep all his commandments. Your name shall be known among the nations, for the work which the Lord will perform by your hands shall cause the righteous to rejoice and the wicked to rage; with the one it shall be had in honour, and with the other in reproach; yet with these it shall be a terror, because of the great and marvellous work which shall follow the coming forth of this fulness of the gospel. Now, go thy way, remembering what the Lord hath done for thee, and be diligent in keeping his commandments, and he will deliver thee from temptations and all the arts and devices of the wicked one. Forget not to pray, that thy mind may become strong, that when he shall manifest unto thee thou mayest have power to escape the evil and obtain these precious things.'

"We here remark, that the above quotation is an extract from a letter written by Elder Oliver Cowdery, which was afterwards published in one of the numbers of the 'Latter-day Saints' Messenger and Advocate.'

"Although many more instructions were given by the mouth of the angel to Mr. Smith, which we do not write in this pamphlet, yet the most important items are contained in the foregoing relation. During the period of the four following years, he frequently received instruction from the mouth of the heavenly messenger. And on the morning of the 22nd of September, A.D. 1827, the angel of the Lord delivered the records into his hands.

"These records were engraved on plates, which had the appearance of gold. Each plate was not far from seven by eight inches in width and length, being not quite as thick as common tin. They were filled on both sides with engravings in Egyptian characters, and bound together in a volume as the leaves of a book, and fastened at one edge with three rings running through the whole. This volume was something near six inches in thickness, a part of which was sealed. The characters or letters upon the unsealed part were small and

15

beautifully engraved. The whole book exhibited many marks of antiquity in its construction, as well as much skill in the art of engraving. With the records was found 'a curious instrument, called by the ancients the Urim and Thummim, which consisted of two transparent stones, clear as crystal, set in the two rims of a bow. This was in use in ancient times by persons called seen. It was an instrument, by the use of which they received revelation of things distant, or of things past or future.'

"We here remark, that the above quotation is an extract from a letter written by Elder Oliver Cowdery, which was published in one of the numbers of the 'Latter-day Saints' Messenger and Advocate.'"

16

17

"In the mean time the inhabitants of that vicinity, having been informed that Mr. Smith had seen heavenly visions, and that he had discovered sacred records, began to ridicule and mock at those things. And after having obtained those sacred things, while proceeding home through the wilderness and fields, he was waylaid by two ruffians, who had secreted themselves for the purpose of robbing him of the records. One of them struck him with a club before he perceived them: but being a strong man and Urge in stature, with great exertion he cleared

18

himself from them and ran towards home, being closely pursued until he came near his father's house, when his pursuers, for fear of being detected, turned and fled the other way.

"Soon the news of his discoveries spread abroad throughout all those parts. False reports, misrepresentations, and base slanders, flew as if upon the wings of the wind in every direction. The house was frequently beset by mobs and evil designing persons. Several times he was shot at and very narrowly escaped. Every device was used to get the plates away from him. And being continually in danger of his life from a gang of abandoned wretches he at length concluded to leave the place and go to Pennsylvania; and, accordingly, packed up his goods, putting the plates into a barrel of beans, and proceeded upon his journey. He had not gone far before he was overtaken by an officer with a search-warrant, who flattered himself with the idea that he should surely obtain the plates; after searching very diligently, he was sadly disappointed at not finding them. Mr. Smith then drove on, but before he got to his journey's end he was again overtaken by an officer on the same business, and after ransacking the waggon very carefully, he went his way as much chagrined as the first, at not being able to discover the object of his research. Without further molestation he pursued his journey until he came into the northern part of Pennsylvania, near the Susquehannah river, in which part his father-in-law resided.

"Having provided himself with a home, he commenced translating the record, by the gift and power of God, through the means of the Urim and Thummim; and being a poor writer, he was under the necessity of employing a scribe, to write the translation as it came from his mouth.

"In the mean time a few of the original characters were accurately transcribed and translated by Mr. Smith, which, with the translation, were taken by a gentleman by the name of Martin Harris to the city of New York, where they were presented to a learned gentleman of the name of Anthon, who professed to be extensively acquainted with many languages, both ancient and modern. He examined them; but was unable to decipher them correctly; but he presumed that if the original records could be brought, he could assist in translating them.

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

19

20

21

22



SECTION 2. THE PRIESTHOOD.

23

24

25



SECTION 3. -- THE APOSTOLATE.

26

27

28

29



SECTION 4. -- BAPTISM FOR REMISSION OF SINS.

30

"We believe that that there has been a general and awful apostacy from the religion of the New Testament, so that all the known world have been left for centuries without the Church of Christ among them; without a priesthood authorized of God to administer ordinances; that every one of the churches has perverted the gospel; some in one way and some in another. For instance, almost every church has done away 'immersion for remission of sins.' Those few who have practised it for remission of sins, have done away the ordinance of the 'laying on of hands' upon baptized believers for the gift of the Holy Ghost. Again, the few who have practised the last ordinance have perverted the first, or have done away the ancient gifts, powers, and blessings which flow from the Holy Spirit, or have said to inspired apostles and prophets, we have no need of you in the body in these days. Those few, again, who have believed in, and contended for the miraculous gifts and powers of the Holy Spirit, have perverted the ordinances or done them away. Thus, all the churches preach false doctrines and pervert the gospel, and instead of having authority from God to administer its ordinances, they are under the curse of God for perverting it. Paul says, Gal. i. 8, 'Though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.'

31

"The gospel in the 'Book of Mormon,' is the same as that in the New Testament, and is revealed in great plainness, so that no one that reads it can misunderstand its principles. It has been revealed by the angel, to be preached as a witness to all nations, first to the Gentiles, and then to the Jews, then cometh the downfall of Babylon. Thus fulfilling the vision of John, which he beheld on the Isle of Patmos Rev. liv. 6, 7, 8, 'And I saw,' says John, 'another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, saying, with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him, for the hoar of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters. And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.'"

32

33

34

35



SECTION 5. -- HISTORY OF MORMONISM.

36

"Mr. Joseph Smith jun., who made the following important discovery, was born in the town of Sharon, Windsor county, Vermont, on the 23rd of December, A. D. 1805. When ten years old, his parents with their family, moved to Palmyra, New York, in the vicinity of which he resided for about eleven years, the latter part in the town of Manchester. He was a farmer by occupation. His advantages for

37

acquiring scientific knowledge were exceedingly small, being limited to a slight acquaintance with two or three of the common branches of learning. lie could read without much difficulty, and write a very imperfect hand; and had a very limited understanding of the elementary rules of arithmetic. These were his highest and only attainments; while the rest of those branches, so universally taught in the common schools throughout the United States, were entirely unknown to him."

38

"There is a class of people in the United States, to which the following pages refer, who style themselves 'Mormons.' This is a word, which belongs to no language living or dead, save that called 'gibberish;' it was coined by a Presbyterian preacher, and bestowed upon one of his fictitious characters in a novel he wrote for his own amusement, during a chronic malady with which he was for sometime affected. This fiction he termed the Book of Mormon. It is said, he never intended to publish it; but lent the manuscript to a friend in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States, through whom it fell into the hands of a bookseller there, who either had a copy of it written, or retained the original manuscript. The preacher died. In process of time afterwards, the manuscript appeared in print, professing to be the translation of certain Golden Plates, exhumed from the earth in the state of New York. These plates were stated to have been revealed to one "Joe," of the universal family of Smiths; a fellow of no parts, but of that soft, or semi-daft, and impressible, nature, by which he was admirably fitted for the tool of abler, and more ingenious knaves. He was made to pretend that an angel had appeared to him, and revealed the existence, and whereabouts of the plates; which were alleged to be engraved in a very ancient character. When urged to produce these valuable gold plates, a fiction was invented to the effect, that the angel had only promised Joe (who never knew any other than his own vernacular, and that very imperfectly,) to make a translation, which, he pretended, he was enabled to do by inspiration. This was published as the Book of Mormon, and offered to the people of the United States as a Revelation from the author of the Holy Scriptures.

"At first, like the fictions of Mahommed, the contemptible absurdities of Joe Smith's book found but few gullible, or knaves enough in his particular craft, to pretend to believe them. They made but little noise at first; but in process of tune a man went over to them, named Sidney Rigdon. This person was once a Baptist preacher, but leaving this denomination, he connected himself very intimately with Mr. Alexander Campbell of Bethany, Brooke Co., Virginia. While associated with him, he made himself perfectly acquainted with his views; and was quite a popular advocate of them. For some reason he separated from Mr. Campbell, and joined Joe Smith and his company. Joe's book was their confession of faith, which, however was but charily used in the beginning. Like others of this class, he professed to respect the Bible and to preach it; but the new creed, with the collateral revelations invented to suit the occasion, were the real 'rule of faith and practice' in the case. I have seen a hand-book of Joe's revelations, which is found chiefly in the possession of the initiated. It was in the hands of a Mormon elder, fresh from Nauvoo, that I saw it, while I was residing in Illinois. Joe Smith came out publicly as a prophet, and Sidney Rigdon the advocate of the imposture. They did not preach from Joe's Book, but read a chapter in the Bible, and then discoursed in the words and sentiments of Mr. Campbell. In those days, he advocated the pre-millennial advent of Jesus in power and great glory in 1847; and proclaimed baptism for the remission uf sins. Accordingly, Sidney Rigdon and his coadjutors made these

39

these things conspicuous in their preachings. But the Advent, and Baptism for Remission, are no part of the original traditions of Joe Smith's book; they were merely grafted upon them, and presented in the foreground as bait to catch the unwary. When they had made Campbellites of them in effect, they were then introduced to "the Mysteries" which were reserved for the initiated, and they were converted into Mormons. They obtain the name from this cause They received the Book of Mormon as a revelation from God and Joe Smith as his prophet, and therefore received the name of Mormon.

"I have heard a very fair discourse from one of their Nauvoo elders, on Eph. iv. 7-12, in which no Mormonism could be detected until near the end. 'You must be,' said he, 'baptized for the remission of your sins; but your immersion will do you no good unless it is administered by an apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, or teacher. No church is a true church unless it have these inspired officers; and no church but ours (the Mormon, without mentioning the name) is in possession of them. Much is said against the Mormons, because of the bad characters they had among them, but you do not condemn other sects on this ground, neither ought you to condemn the Mormons on this account, for they are not fellowshipped by us.' Now in the United States, Joe Smith, the ostensible leader of the sect, was a proverbial scoundrel: therefore, I inquired, rising in the midst of an audience of about 200, 'Do you fellowship Joe Smith?' He said 'he did not stand there to answer questions; but if I would call upon him at his lodgings on the morrow, he would talk to me.' I replied, that I did not ask for my own information, but for that of the audience. I knew what kind their morality was of, but I wanted it demonstrated from his own lips, by the only answer be dared give to my question, if he said anything, namely, that they did fellowship and glory in Joe Smith as their prophet, who was known to be one of the worst of characters in the 'United States.' This Mormon elder, formerly a Baptist preacher, was brought to my house next day by the Universalist preacher, who said it was the earnest desire of the people that I should debate the subject of Mormonism with this advocate of it. After trying for some time to persuade him to dispute with him, as he seemed so desirous for a debate, I very reluctantly consented. I happened to have in possession the Book of Mormon. I criticised its wretched English, and comparing its assertions with the Bible, pointed out uts flat contradictions of its truths. He heaped upon me the most opprobrious epithets, calling me atheist, devil, mad, &c. &c.; and withal fought shy of Joe's Book as dangerous ground to tread on. At last, after a day's exhibition of Mormon depravity, he fell subdued before the rod that smote him. He begged pardon for his abuse; and humbly prayed that I would make a collection for him to enable him to return to Nauvoo. It being a principle with me to return good for evil, I consented to see what the people would give him. Out of 500 persons, I collected for him 75 cents and an old button, so highly did the citizens of St. Charles, about 100 miles from Nauvoo, estimate the traditions of the Mormon sect.

When Rigdon and his prophet began to make proselytes, Mr.

40

Alexander Campbell gave a thorough exposure of the imposture in his Millennial Harbinger, about the year 1833; information also appeared in the papers on the alleged authority of the Presbyterian preacher's widow as to her husband being the real author of the Book of Mormon under the circumstances previously stated.

"The author's scheme is elaborated from the most gratuitous fiction. He supposes a family to emigrate from Jerusalem in the time of the Babylonish Captivity, taking their direction through Arabia towards the Indian Ocean. On the route, they dwell in tents, and are commanded to offer sacrifice, though such a thing in any other place than the temple, was contrary to the law. Many absurd things are alleged to be done for them in the way of miracle; and among the rest, a sort of wheel is made to roll on before them of itself as their guide in the way they were to go. When they arrived at the sea, they built a ship, and with a miraculous compass put out they know not where. At length they arrive in South America. They settle there, and about the time of Christ have peopled the continent. This conceit is introduced in order to make out the theory of the American Indians being the 'Ten Lost Tribes.' When Jesus ascended he is supposed to have descended afterwards in America; and to have made known to Mormon descendants what happened to him among their countrymen in Judaea. That he then selected Twelve Indian Apostles to go and preach the gospel to them, and told one of them that 'he should not die.' This one, the Mormons in America say, is still alive. He, wherever he may be is the reviver of the Indian-apostolic doctrine preached by Joe and his fraternity! Having instructed the Mormon Indians, Jesus ascended again, but with the assurance that he will visit that country again, because it is the true Land of Promise, where the new Jerusalem is to be built, and he is to reign over the world. Hence, the foundation of the City of Nauvoo and its Temple as the seat of the government of the Indo-Judaean Empire under the Messiah.

"Such is an outline from memory of the Author's absurd and impious fiction. It is probable that the filling in has been modified to suit the imposture; for the Indians are ordered to 'repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus for the remission of sins,' which a Presbyterian preacher would be the last to recommend. Sidney Rigdon's hand appears in this. I do not know what may be in the English edition of the book, I only speak of what I read in an early American one.

"Those who regard the Bible as testifying the truth can have no faith in the Book of Mormon. It says, that Jesus was born in Jerusalem; whereas the Bible testifies that he was to be born in Bethlehem Ephratah, and that he was accordingly born in Bethlehem of Judaea. That the Mormon Bible and Joe's convenient revelations were their rule of faith and practice the following facts will show."

"The Mormons say they are saints of the Latter-day. Hence they are called 'Latter-day Saints' as well as Mormons. Truly, 'Latter-day' they are; for with the Early-day Saints they have not the least affinity. In their character then of Latter-day Saints, who are to 'inherit the earth,' they set out for the confines of Missouri, to convert

41

the Indians to their schemes. If they could have succeeded in this they would have put at MIS in their hands, and by their aid have tried to subdue as much of the earth for their inheritance as they could in anticipation of the 'good time coming' when they would get it all! But on the Missouri frontier they found a squad of stiff-necked un« believers in the pay of the United States, who were stationed there by government to keep the Indians at peace among themselves, and to protect the settlers against their incursions. When the commander of these troops came to comprehend the object of their visitation, he very promptly ordered them off to the interior. They found no scope for disputation with the men of the sword upon the merits of Joe Smith and his Indian schemes. The commander had trouble enough to keep the Indians in order, which would be rendered impossible, if he permitted a band of unprincipled fanatics to get in among them; whose object it was to persuade them that they were the Ten Lost Tribes of the Great Spirit's peculiar people, and that they were destined under the conduct of Joe Smith and his Mormons, aided by the still living, but invisible, Indian apostle John, to recover their country, the true Promised Land, from the pale faces who had robbed them of it. Without any more ado, then, they had to move to the right about, and take a settlement at a distance from the frontier.

"Having effected this in the interior of Missouri, they began to multiply. They proclaimed themselves to be the Saints; that the earth was the Lord's and the fulness thereof, and that all things were the Saints.' Being grouped together in one locality, they became formidable to the surrounding fanners. Their saintship was not to be disputed. They declared it upon the word of their prophet Joe, and awaited only his authorization to usher in the Millennium, when the taints might take what they pleased to lay their hands on 'with French leave.' This time was not long in coming. The good time actually arrived, and they helped themselves to their neighbours' hogs, and to whatever else they coveted; and woe be to the unhappy owner who ventured in among them to identify and claim his own. But, such a state of things as this could not last long in the heart of a population that were neither Communists nor Socialists; for Mormonism is after all but a modification of these. The day of reckoning arrived, and the Missourians rose upon the robbers, and expelled them from the State.

"Not knowing, or not believing, that they were thieves, but supposing that the Mormons were a persecuted set, which, in the United States, is quite enough to create a sympathy, no matter how impious or demoniac their opinions may be, looking at them simply as men, and not as religionists -- the people of Illinois, permitted them to buy land and settle among them. They selected a section, or so, which was bounded on the west by the Mississippi, which divided them from Missouri. They commenced a town, which was afterwards incorporated by the Illinois Legislature as a City, to which they gave the gibberish name of Nauvoo. The lesson they had received in Missouri taught them the necessity of proceeding more cautiously. By preaching the Indo-American Advent in Bible language; baptism for the remission of sins; and community of goods at Nauvoo, in England and the United

42

States, they made many proselytes; so that the population of their city in its most prosperous time, is said to have amounted to 15,000. They erected the Temple referred to in the following pages, and organized a government of their own; and even succeeded in getting Nauvoo appointed as a depot for a portion of the State's military materiel, which was entrusted to a quack doctor of their 'church' whom I have often seen in Louisville, Ky., since their break up, with the commission of 'General' but whether the patent was from the Governor, or Joe Smith, I am not able to say.

"The people of this country may be surprised at the circumstance of a band of fanatic thieves, with a drivelling fellow at their head, calling himself a prophet, and pretending to revelations from heaven, coming to be regarded as respectable, and even influencing the policy of an independent state, constituted of Governor, vice-Governor, Council, and Assembly, with a population of all kinds of rival religionists! But the astonishment will subside when the nature of things in the popular sovereignties of the Far West is understood. Illinois during the four years I resided there, did not contain more than 400,000, which was scattered over a range of country extending from the Mississippi to the Wabash, and from the Ohio to Lake Michigan and Wisconsin. The population was made up of people from the free states, the greater proportion of whom, were rude and uncultivated; the 'bone and sinew,' but not the intelligence of the States. If you were to inquire, 'What sort of a man is so and so?' you might be told, 'Oh, he is a proper Illinois man!' which is equivalent to his being but little more refined than the oxen he drives. Things however, have greatly improved within a few years; but, when the Mormons gained a temporary ascendancy they were as described.

"In such a population, politics are more controlling than religious principles; indeed, the latter is mere matter of worldly calculation, and he is the 'smartest' man who can 'shave' the keenest, short of falling into the clutches of the law. Politics, and the 'Almighty Dollar,' as it is styled in the States, are the ruling passions of the Far West. The contest between the political factions is for these dollars upon the principle that 'to the victors belong the spoils' of office; and if it be only a question of doctrinal truth that demands a pause in this unhallowed race, it is scoffed on one side (yes and in Britain too,) as a mere vaporous speculation, unworthy of a sober thought. In one of the contests between Whig and Locofoco, the factions were thought to be pretty nearly equal; at all events, the man, or set of men, who could help either party to the smallest favours in the matter of votes, was courted and puffed in the most approved newspaper fashion. The election of Governor Ford, the Locofoco candidate, is a case in point. It occurred I think in 1842, or thereabout. At that time, it was thought, that the Nauvoo Mormons could give about 2000 votes, which might have decided the fate of the candidate; so that the election of the Governor might be regarded as in their hands. The Mormon policy was to declare for neither party, but to observe events, and to vote for the party that would do their behests when in power. The consequence was that the Chicago Democrat, whose editor is

43

known by the soubriquet of "Long John," being much over sit feet, and a representative in Congress; a man whose want of principle admirably adapted him to the constituency he illustrated -- the journal be conducted became the special flatterer of the Nauvoo Prophet; indeed, it was jocosely remarked that 'Long John was about to become a deacon in the Mormon church!' But, John Wentworth had no such idea. He was only coquetting with Mormon knavery and impiety for the sake of the 2000 Mormon votes. The Mormon elder, taken under Universalist patronage to bother me, because having converted two out of three of their trustees into friends, I was enabled to use their meeting house, sorely against the preacher's will, as long as I pleased, to lecture in; this elder who made such a disgraceful retreat, was a special hero of the Chicago Democrat. He was dubbed 'Reverend,' and puffed off to admiration. The result of the matter was that the Mormon Votes contributed to the election of the Locofoco candidate, an Illinois lawyer, who afterwards became the agent of their discomfiture. In this way many religious sects may become 'respectable' and powerful in the United States. The politicians, (and the vast majority are politicians,) care nothing about Bible principles: but if a number of people rally round those principles, and become numerous, and therefore influential, they will bow sown and even profess to worship them for the sake of their votes. It would be the same with the absurdities of the Koran. They would proclaim Mohammed to be as good a prophet as Jesus, and certainly much more suited to their taste, if they thought it would give them a victory over their rivals, it being a political maxim, that 'all things are fair in polities' (but truth) because, I presume, the Devil reigns political Chief of their domain. Upon the same principle, the Irish, and the adherents of 'the False Prophet,' now at Gaeta, are courted by Whig and Locofocos; and nothing is allowed to appear in the leading papers, about the time of election especially, which would tend to bring their principles into disrepute. I know this by experience. I sent a communication to the New York Tribune, but Horace Greely, the editor, would not insert it, because it might offend the Papists, and prejudice the Whig prospects, as the election was at hand. But with politicians the world over, it is self and faction, lucre and power; and by what means attained imports not, though truth and righteousness be rooted out of the earth.

"Can the reader marvel any more that the Mormon imposture should grow so rapidly in such a soil as this? Joe Smithism was to the Illinois men what Popery was to the Goths, and is now to the poor deluded creatures, who sprinkle themselves with 'Holy Water,' and count their beads. Joe announced himself as the Prophet of God; the Gaeta Exile also affirms that he is God's Prophet; for he claims to be the Vicar of Jesus and Vicegerent of God upon earth. The Mormon is not one whit more deluded than the Papist; the essential difference between them is, that Popery is the more ancient imposture, and its adherents more numerous, but not one whit more enlightened. I make this remark that Englishmen may not puff themselves up against Illinoians; for if we come to the question of relative

44

scriptural intelligence, it is extremely probable, that neither would have any just ground to boast of their illumination over the other. Any community where Popery is deemed respectable, is reprobate to the 'wisdom which is from above, which is first pure, and then peaceable * * * full of mercy and of good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy:' and shaded by the wisdom from beneath, which is 'earthly, sensual, and devilish.' Let my remarks then be received as impartial; for, as far as Protestant nationalities are concerned, I have as much faith in one as in the other; they are certainly more moral and orderly than purely Romish communities; but viewed in the light of God's word, they are one and all blind, ill-favoured, and lighter than vanity itself.

"Favoured by the ignorance and perverseness of mankind, the Mormon speculation prospered at Nauvoo. Joe Smith, through his 'peep-stone' in the bottom of his hat, obtained revelations as occasion seemed to require. At length the good time came again, when the Saints were to help themselves to their neighbours' property according to their need. Men that will tell lies in God's name will steal, murder, or anything else, where they think it can be done without hazard; or with impunity. The thievish propensities of the Mormons, however, became at length so practical, that the indignation of the 'Illinois men,' whose sensibilities were untouched by the Mormon depredations upon their Missouri neighbours, was roused to a high pitch. When 'the poor persecuted Mormons' proceeded to carry out their principles in stealing Illinois hogs, calves, &c., a marvellous ch.mge came over the dream of the lllinoian, and he saw nothing but thieves and scoundrels in the Nauvooans. So it is. Put your hand into a man's pocket, or invade the rights of meum et tuum, and it is astonishing, how readily some can discern that the religious thieves are nothing but disorganizers, and social pests; but, if it he merely a question of truth and righteousness, or of the dishonour done to the Word and Name of God and his institutions, by impious impostors, and the sufferers be remote in time or distance, all sympathy is with the transgressors. 'I do not condemn you for making Bogus,' said an Illinois justice to a counterfeiter, 'but for making it badly.' Such is an illustration of Far West morality. You cannot create public opinion in a popular sovereignty like this, or, among the 'bone and sinew,' of the Near East, in favour of divine principles; but if they are to be moved to co-operate in checking a moral pestilence, the appeal must be to the pockets, or stomachs, and not to the conscience of the mass. The Mormons were the agents of their own deserved punishment in this respect. By committing depredations on the people, and protecting their thievish brethren in the den at Nauvoo with the State arms, they brought such a storm upon them that again dispersed them to the four winds. Their friend. Governor Ford, was compelled to call out the militia, or volunteers, to put them down. The arms intrusted to them by the State, supplied them with weapons to carry on the war. Joe Smith, Lieutenant General and Mormon Prophet of Nauvoo, was by no means a contemptible imitation of Mohammed, camel driver to Cadijah, Prophet of Mecca, and Star of the Bottomless Pit. Joe's generalship, whatever his prophetship

45

might be, was far from rivaling that of his more successful prototype. Joe was certainly 'born out of due time.' He doubtless belonged to the seventh century, and should have flourished in the desert. He might then have astonished the world, and lived in the remembrance of all future time as Lieutenant Commander of all faithful Moslems. But, unhappy Joe! No victorious laurel wreathed his brow. He fell into the hands of the 'infidels;' and was carried with other chief robbers to the town of Alton [sic] on the left bank of the Mississippi, there to be kept in 'durance vile,' until further orders. But Joe by no means relished this disposition of his person. He determined therefore to escape. Had he been a real prophet he would not have tried it; for he would have known that the attempt would fail. But judicially deluded, he undertook it, and in the trial was shot by the sentinel and 'died as the fool dieth.'

"The result of 'the Mormon War' was the capitulation of the Nauvooans. They were disarmed, and spared from further punishment, on condition of moving off from Illinois. Time was granted them to sell their property in Church and State; but on no account would the citizens permit such militant and thievish saints to reign in the Nauvoo Jerusalem, under pain of a prompt visitation from the myrmidons of Judge Lynch.

"This vial of popular indignation having been poured out on Nauvoo these Latter-Day Saints commenced their progress towards Oregon. Numbers died before they reached their destination, and rest from their iniquity under the prairie sod. The Mexican war breaking out, opened a new field of enterprise to the survivors, better suited to their principles and propensities. A Mormon band was raised, and marched into California. The rest is known. The war being ended, they 'stuck their stakes' in the aureous sand of the Sacramento. They are now better employed in washing for gold than in stealing their neighbours' hogs and cattle; though it all be true which is narrated of the people there, there is still congenial scope for the practice of their profession. Take, and keep who can, is the orthodox Californian creed; which, from past experience, we may truly say, is highly palatable to the Saints of the Latter-day.

"We have published this narrative at the particular instance of several in this country, where, we are sorry to hear, this imposture is making considerable progress. This brief history of Joe Smithism will do more, probably, to open the eyes of the public than a grave, or formal, refutation of their principles. No good thing can come out of such a system; and, I can only account for people turning Mormons in England, on the ground of their ignorance of its nature and history. Honestly disposed people can only become Mormons from not knowing the Scriptures. This is the remedy for all similar cases -- an understanding of the Word of the Kingdom of God. Let this be understood, and there need be no fear of men stultifying their intellects by turning Papists, Sectarians, Socialists, or Mormons. They will be proof against 'the cunning craftiness of men whereby they lie in wait to deceive;' the 'winds of doctrine,' which blow from Wittemburg, Geneva, Oxford, Westminster, Canterbury, or Rome, will pass by

46

them as 'the idle wind which they respect not;' to the 'doctrines concerning demons' they will give no heed; but 'built upon the foundation of Apostles and Prophets' they will 'grow into a Holy Temple in the Lord; builded together in him for a Habitation of God through the Spirit.'"

"The rapid sale of the first edition of 3000 copies of this pamphlet, and a continual demand for more, have induced the proprietor to publish a second in an improved form. Though Mormons are said to be springing up like dragon's teeth in some places, it is gratifying to know that in others where this pamphlet has appeared, their foolishness has received 'a heavy blow, and great discouragement.' In Edinburgh, 'Joe Smith's Disciples' were stirred up mightily against it. They placarded the streets of Auld Reekie, announcing to the modern Athenians, that it was 'all lies.' But unfortunately for them circumstances were untoward. The spirit of divination with which they are filled, failed to glorify their assertion. It had prompted them to declare the pamphlet untrue, and thus exposed them to confusion of face by the counter-testimony of a former disciple, or 'prophet of their own.' This was a very unkind cut of the Mormon spirit! The least it could have done would have been to suggest that they should show their wisdom, if they had any, in holding their peace. But no! Instead of 'guiding them into all truth,' it precipitated them upon an assertion characteristic of their creed, which evoked the indignation of a Mr. Hebern, formerly a Mormon in America, who averred in public assembly, that the account was 'all true.'"

47

"There are some forms of error too palpably ridiculous to admit of grave examination. Mormonism is one of these, and Joanna Southcoteism another. The proprietor being convinced of this presents the present edition of the pamphlet in an illustrated form. The woodcuts are sketches of the 'Mysteries,' as described by Van Dusen. The designer has thrown a good deal of character into the faces and attributes of the figures, which cannot fail of imprinting Joe Smithians with a celebrity unrivalled in the annals of tomfoolery. There is but one step from the sublime to the ridiculous, which will be duly appreciated in the Mormon Mysteries of Van Dusen, in the tub, and his greasing with the Temple oil!"

"This grand structure was commenced in 1841, under the following circumstances: --

"Joseph Smith issued a Proclamation to all his followers in Nauvoo, and in all parts of the earth where they were, that God commanded them, through him, to build him a house, wherein he, the Lord, might reveal through his prophet Joseph, ordinances essential to their salvation, which had been hidden from the Church from the foundation of the world; and the conditions of his followers receiving those ordinances and blessings were, that they were to appropriate one-tenth of their time and property in building the same. The building of the house

48

continued three years; at which time, Smith was killed under circumstances already known to the public; By which unexpected circumstance, the whole body of Mormons were thrown into confusion, supposing the object for which the house was built, had vanished with Smith, their prophet. Consequently it was not long before there arose a hot contest between Sidney Rigdon and some more of the ambitious ones, which should be great as was the prophet Joseph. Finally, a man by the name of Brigham Young (now heading thousands off to the remote part of the earth, to their literal ruin in many instances) -- he being more crafty than the rest -- succeeded in getting Smith's place. After which he commenced his stratagem to carry out and prosecute (as he says) Smith's measure in secret. Accordingly, after a secret preparation in the temple, of a few individuals selected for that purpose, with closed doors, unknown to the main body of the people, we are called in, by two at a time, male and female, and are initiated into the following mysteries -- and bound, at the expense of life, not to tell another -- not even a Mormon."

"In this room, when thus assembled, are all the Mysteries of the Kingdom taught, such as what is called the Spiritual Wife Doctrine. The women are here instructed by this Leader, through his roundabout stratagem, that they are no more under obligations to their husband, if they have one (if he or his associates take a notion to her,) and it is their privilege to leave their lawful husband, and take another; and it is the privilege of some kings to have scores, yes, hundreds of queens, especially the King of kings, Brigham Young, the present Mormon God in California -- (or devil, I should say, for I have reason to believe he is the wickedest man now on the face of the earth); and, farther, as we are all made kings and queens by this secret farce the foundation for a kingdom is laid, also. And here is the secret of the Spiritual-Wife Doctrine: -- Their kingdom is to consist in their own

49

posterity, and the more wives the greater his opportunity of getting a large kingdom, of course; so it is an object to one that holds this doctrine sacred, as thousands do, to get all the women he can, consequently, it subjects that portion of the female sex which he has influence over, eventually to literal ruin.

"I might write a volume on this principle, of facts, as taught by this leader, but I forbear, fearing it will be considered as persecution, and the object that I intended will not be accomplished; that is, giving to the world this bare Temple Ceremony, from the fact, that it is kept a secret from most of their own people, and that it tends to evil.

"The question has been frequently asked me, by those who have not read this work, if you have bound yourself by an oath to keep this a secret, where is the propriety of your revealing it? My answer to such questions, is, the man that conducted us through this farce, did it by cunning intrigue and usurped authority, and is himself, with the farce, an imposition on the Mormon Church, and their original principles, let them be what they may. For instance, they have it recorded on their Church Record, that a man shall have but one wife, &c.; here he says we may have more, but makes us swear not to tell it at the expense of life. Again: previous to my going through this farce, I knew not what they would require of me. All this came on unexpected and new, from the beginning; consequently, for the reasons above, and many more that might be given, I feel under no obligation to keep it; but a duty to publish it, that all who are or may come under this leader's influence, may be warned against what will prove their ruin, if his principles are carried out."

As we have hinted "Van Dusen" and his "Wife" being Mormons, at one time, were initiated, i.e. they went regularly through their "Degrees" in the "Temple Mysteries."

Although Van Dusen appears to have given a very straightforward account of what his eyes saw and his hands had handled of Mormonism we certainly cannot think him very well qualified to judge as to what is true or false in religion. We cease to wonder how such a man could ever have been deluded by Mormonism when we hear his concluding remark as follows: --

"I am frequently asked, what do you believe? In answer, I would say, for the benefit of such, that I believe what I please. There are many things concerning this Fraternity that I as fully believe in as I did when I first went with them, and always shall, from the fact that they are true; but at the same time I have seceded, and I am free to say, that I am set against the proceedings of the Mormons at Nauvoo, and am in the full belief that as that body existed there, they were abominably corrupt, and are now cursed of God; and according to Smith's last letter (that is said to be written by him,) it shows that if ever he was a good man, he died in consequence of sin. My apology for writing this temple secret, is, that it tends to evil in the

50

highest degree; and as I know many consequences of enormous magnitude, I have, after much reflection, written it out and published it, to prevent others going after it."

"Now the man that led twelve or fifteen thousand through this farce has gone with the main body of the Mormons, to California, with the express understanding to my certain knowledge, of carrying out these principles among the Western Indians, and all whom he has influence over. He told others that were at Nauvoo, those who were not let into these Temple Mysteries (for all did not go in for want of time and opportunity,) that when they get to California, there would be a tent pitched in the wilderness for the Indians' benefit and all others that had not an opportunity at the Temple of Nauvoo. The idea is, if they had not been driven from Nauvoo, all the Mormons in all the world would have gone there in their turn, and received their great anticipated blessing, which I have described in these few pages to the very letter, in substance particularly for the benefit of those who are under the wicked leader's influence."

"After Smith's death, he issued his proclamation to the Mormons in the United States, that they must come forthwith to Nauvoo, and the Lord would tell them what to do after obeying those orders. He takes us in the Temple in secret, and says, this is the Lord's will, that you are to cease preaching to these United States, and go to other nations. This is the reason why none are preaching here. (Hence the remark -- 'I think they are about broken up.') I know thousands of young and able-bodied men, who had all this secret instruction with me in Nauvoo the winter before they left, and are now actively engaged in making converts in foreign nations and the islands of the sea, and are instructed to go west after this Brigham Young, the wickedest man probably now on the earth. While I am writing this, let no one lay it is persecution or fiction. I would not say one word on the subject, if I did not know the awful consequences of carrying out that aspiring man's principles. Look for one moment at its awful effects. He has issued his proclamation to all the Mormons in all the world where they are, to now centre at California, and build another city. There are some of them already there with access to some of the most secluded and powerful tribes of Indians in the world. Now suppose his principles are carried out (as I am certain they will be,) who cannot see but there will be great trouble and loss of thousands of the lives of innocent men, women, and children? Now if there was no deception in this Almighty Machine and Engine of Death (this secret farce,) I would say nothing. But how can I hold my peace when I know the foundation of a scheme that cannot fail of the literal ruin of my fellow men? Oh, if I was in possession of sufficient eloquence, I would here write a true picture of consequences, that would make the hair rise on the reader's head.

"Only contemplate for one moment: -- A few thousands are already

51

at their destined home [borne?], between the Rocky Mountains and the west sea, with good reasons, as they suppose, for forming this conspiracy against the government. Thousands already, under their influence, all calculating to go to that place, with an inducement that the Lord has, in the Nauvoo Temple, and will reveal great secrets, essential to their salvation. Now this is all brought on by degrees, and stratagem covered over with sanctimony and religious costume, &c., giving powerful impressions on the mind which cannot be realized by the reader in these limited remarks.

"Now, if Black Hawk and others could take so much trouble with the Western whites without any particular premeditation or secret organization, or plan, what can the Indians do headed by a cunning, designing white man, such as the one I have named? The Mormon Bible claims to be the Indian's record; and they are told this American land is legally theirs; that the whites have an unlawful possession, and the Indians are finally to drive off the whites and possess their father's land. We are here told that this ceremony is the commencement of the Law of God and the laws of the land are no more binding on us, but we must at present submit for want of strength and power; but after strengthening ourselves and getting our own people, the American Indians, with us, by the same initiation, we shall have power eventually to effect the final overthrow of this whole nation by this secret stratagem.

"But I must close this subject, for my mind is weary with contemplating the awful consequences of this Temple farce, which I believe, at least as far as a part of it is concerned, is a cunningly devised fable of a few designing wicked men, and is in magnitude in keeping only with other enterprises of this advanced age of the world. If any think the Mormons are dying away, they can, with the same propriety say, it will never rain any more, because a great shower has just passed, and there are no clouds to be seen now. But oh, readers, can you reason on this subject with half the propriety? Is there not a cloud in the west already as big as a man's hand to be seen? I think there is."

"Declaration on Oath of the truth of the foregoing account: --

United States of America, Southern District, N.Y.   I. M'Gee Van Dusen and Maria Van Dusen his wife, being duly sworn, do depose and say that the matters set forth in the pamphlet entitled the 'Sublime and Ridiculous Blended,' by them published are true, and that they themselves have passed through the initiatory ceremony by which thousands have been and are now being formed into a secret conspiracy against this nation.

I. M'GEE VAN DUSEN.    
MARIA VAN DUSEN.    

Sworn this 13th day of December, 1847, before me,

DAVID L. GARDINER, U.S. Commissioner."    

52

"We believe that there are a few sincere, honest, and humble persons who are striving to do according to the best of their understanding; but, in many respects, they err in doctrine because of false teachers and the precepts of men, and that they will receive the fulness of the gospel with gladness as soon as they hear it."

"Many revelations and prophecies have been given to this church since its rise, which have been printed and sent forth to the world. These also contain the gospel in great plainness, and instructions of infinite importance to the Saints. They also unfold the great events that await this generation; the terrible judgments to be poured forth upon the wicked, and the blessings and glories to be given to the righteous. We believe that God will continue to give revelations by visions, by the ministry of angels, and by the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, until the saints are guided unto all truth, that is, until they come in possession of all the truth there is in existence, and are made perfect in knowledge. So long, therefore, as they are ignorant of anything past, present, or to come, so long, we believe, they will enjoy the gift of revelation. And when, in their immortal and perfect state -- when they enjoy 'the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ' -- when they are made perfect in one, and become like their Saviour, then they will be in possession of all knowledge, wisdom, and intelligence; then all things will be theirs, whether principalities or powers, thrones or dominions; and, in short, then they will be filled with all the fulness of God. And what more can they learn? What more can they know? What more can they enjoy? Then they will no longer need revelation. "We believe that wherever the people enjoy the religion of the New Testament, there they enjoy visions, revelations, the ministry of angels, &c. And that wherever these blessings cease to be enjoyed, there they also cease to enjoy the religion of the New Testament.

"We believe that God has raised up this church, in order to prepare a people for his second coming in the clouds of heaven, in power, and great glory; and that then the saints who are asleep in their graves will be raised, and reign with him on earth a thousand years.

"We believe that great and terrible judgments await the nations of the wicked, and, that after the message has been sufficiently sounded

53

in their ears, if they reject it, they will be overthrown and wasted away until the earth shall no longer be encumbered with them. New and unheard of plagues will sweep through the nations, baffling the skill of the most experienced and learned physicians, depopulating whole cities and towns, and carrying off millions of wretched beings in every quarter of our globe. Nations, no longer restrained by the Spirit of God which will cease striving in them, will rise against nations till the whole earth, comparatively speaking, shall be filled with blood and carnage. Thrones and empires shall be cast down -- new governments will be erected but to meet with the same fate. Peace shall be taken from among the nations, and it shall happen as with the Papists, so with the Protestants, as with their ministers so with the people whom they have deceived -- they shall all fall into the ditch and perish together because they reject the voice of the Lord from the heavens, and the voice of his servants whom he hath sent to testify against their wickedness, and prepare the way of the Lord for his second coming.

"But the righteous shall escape, for the Lord will gather them from a11 nations unto a land of peace, and his arms shall be stretched out over them, and his glory shall be upon them for a defence, and 'they shall be the only people under heaven that shall not be at war one with another,' for thus hath the Lord spoken.

"We believe that in this generation a house of the Lord shall be built by the saints upon Mount Zion, and a cloud of glory shall rest upon it by day and the shining of a flaming fire by night, and that the face of the Lord will be unveiled, and the pure in heart shall see him and live. O Zion, how glorious are thy habitations, and how blessed are thy children! Many people shall come unto thee to be taught in the ways of the Lord and instructed in his paths; for out of thee shall proceed forth a perfect law which shall establish righteousness in the earth.

"We believe that the ten tribes of Israel, with the dispersed of Judah shall soon be restored to their own lands, according to the covenants which God made with their ancient fathers, and that when this great work of restitution shall take place, the power of God shall be made manifest in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds, far exceeding anything that took place in their exodus from Egypt. Jerusalem will be rebuilt, together with a glorious temple, and the Lord shall visit them also, as well as his saints in Zion. In that day, the name of the Lord shall become great unto the ends of the earth, and all nations shall serve and obey him, for the wicked shall have perished out of the earth.

"We believe that all persons who wish to escape the judgments of great Babylon, must come out from among both the Papists and Protestants, for they are the whore of all the earth, and have made the nations drunk with their abominations, and are to be burned by fire; therefore, wo unto that man or woman that shall stand in connexion with them, for the hour of their judgment is at hand.

"And we now bear testimony to all, both small and great, that the Lord of Hosts hath sent us with a message of glad tidings -- the everlasting gospel, to cry repentance to the nations, and prepare the way of his second coming. Therefore repent, O ye nations, both

54

Gentiles and Jews, and cease from all your evil deeds, and come forth with broken hearts and contrite spirits, and be baptized in water, in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, for remission of sins, and ye shall receive the Gift of the Holy Spirit, by laying on of the hands of the Apostles or Elders of this church; and signs shall follow them that believe, and if they continue faithful to the end they shall be saved. But wo unto them who hearken not to the message which God has now sent, for the day of vengeance and burning is at hand, and they shall not escape. Therefore, REMEMBER, O reader, and perish not!

"Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;

"But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.

"But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:

"In whom the God of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

"For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.

"For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

"But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us."

"And now, while you are making preparations to gather yourselves, do not forget the poor among your brethren, whom you are leaving behind. If you can do so without materially injuring your own emigration,

55

contribute liberally to the Perpetual Emigration Fund, and the Lord will bless you for it; and, if you continue faithful, He will controul the winds and waves for your benefit, and stay the hand of the destroyer in your midst, whilst journeying to the land of the Saints' rest.

"I am glad to see that the Saints in some of the conferences have taken hold of the subject of the Perpetual Emigration Fund with the proper zeal, and hope soon to hear that the good work is rolling on with accelerating speed in other conferences. It is to be feared that many of the more able among the Saints, both in this land and in the land of America, have been deceiving themselves for years with respect to their desire to gather to Zion; and that they have been, almost unconsciously, weighing the blessings of heaven in the balances against the god of this world -- gold; and that, most unfortunately, the side containing the yellow deity has preponderated. It is more than probable that there is no faithful Latter-day Saint who is not conscious that his opportunities for the acquisition of knowledge, pertaining to the things of God, will be greatly multiplied when he gets to Zion. It is an old saying, and a true one, that knowledge is power; and the apostle says, 'to know God is life eternal.' If we are faithful, the greater our facilities for the acquisition of knowledge, -- the more rapid will be our approximation to that degree of intelligence, power, and glory that will, ultimately, enable us to live and dwell eternally in the presence of God. Hence, wo unto him that is at ease, either in Zion or out of it, for he shall suffer loss."

56

57

58

59

[ 60 ]














CARLISLE:
PRINTED BY I. F. WHITRIDGE.

Transcriber's Comments

(under construction)