John W. Gunnison
(1815-1853)
The Mormons (1860 ed.)
(Philadelphia, Lippincott, etc., 1852, 60)

Contents  |  Part One  |  Part Two

  • Part 1  Chapter 4   pp. 039-051
  • Part 1  Chapter 5   pp. 052-063
  • Part 1  Chapter 6   pp. 064-077
  • Part 1  Chapter 7   pp. 078-087


  • Part 2  Chapter 1   pp. 088-103
  • Part 2  Chapter 2   pp. 104-107
  • Part 2  Chapter 3   pp. 108-114
  • Part 2  Chapter 4   pp. 115-120
  • Part 2  Chapter 5   pp. 121-129
  • Part 2  Chapter 6   pp. 130-139
  • Part 2  Chapter 7   pp. 140-153
  • Part 2  Chapter 8   pp. 154-168


    •




    Salt Lake Valley "Hieroglyphics"
    from page 63 of the text



     

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    CHAPTER IV.
     
    LATTER-DAY  SAINTS'  FAITH.

    "WE believe in God the eternal Father' and his son Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.

    We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam's transgressions.

    We believe that through the atonement of Christ all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.

    We believe that these ordinances are -- 1st. Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ: 2d. Repentance: 3d. Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins: 4th. Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Spirit: 5th. The Lord's Supper.

    We believe that men must be called of God by inspiration, and by laying on of hands from those who are duly commissioned to preach the Gospel, and administer in the ordinances thereof.

    We believe in the same organization that existed in the primitive church, viz: apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, &c.

    We believe in the powers and gifts of the everlasting gospel, viz: the gift of faith, discerning of spirits, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, tongues, and the interpretation of tongues, wisdom, charily, brotherly love, &c.

    We believe the word of God recorded in the Bible, we also believe the word of God recorded in the Book of Mormon, and in all other good books.

    We believe all that God has revealed, all that he does now reveal, and we believe that he will reveal many more great and important things pertaining to the kingdom of God and Messiah's second coming.


     


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    We believe in the literal gathering of Israel, and in the restoration of the tea tribes, that Zion will be established upon the western continent, that Christ will reign personally upon the earth a thousand years, and that the earth will be renewed, and receive its paradisaical glory.

    We believe in the literal resurrection of the body, and that the rest of the dead live not again until the thousand years are expired.

    We claim the privilege of worshipping Almighty God according to the dictates of our conscience, unmolested, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how or where they may.

    We believe in being subject to kings, queens, presidents, rulers, and magistrates; in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.

    We believe in being honest, true, chaste, temperate, benevolent, virtuous, and upright, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul, we "believe all things," we "hope all things," we have endured very many things, and hope to be able to "endure all things." Every thing lowly, virtuous, praiseworthy, and of good report, we seek after, looking forward "to the recompense of reward." But an idle or lazy person cannot be a Christian, neither have salvation. He is a drone, and destined to be stung to death and tumbled out of the hive."

    The books regarded as authoritative with them, and which give a fuller illustration are -- The Book of Mormon -- Doctrines and Covenants -- Voice of Warning -- The Gospel Reflector -- The Times and Seasons, edited under the eye of the Prophet -- The Millennial Star -- and the writings of Joseph the Seer and Parley P. Pratt, wherever found; and the " General Epistles of the Presidency in Deseret."

    We will not take up this seriatim, but remark, that it is only when we come to the definition of terms, that the peculiarities of belief will appear in their theology. They believe in the sacred character of the Bible, but what interpretations do they give to its


     


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    pages ? -- they believe in God, but what is the character assigned to the Deity? -- they adopt the Sacraments, but of what efficacy and application to Salvation?

    Of the Bible it is taught, that in the main we have a correct translation of that given by Inspiration in the version called King James; -- but that there have been many interpolations by design of the corrupters of Christianity, and many misunderstandings of several passages. Those have all been corrected by Joseph the Seer, to whom was given "the key of all languages," -- or as he says in The Last Sermon, the one he preached at Nauvoo, and which was reported by some one and printed after his death, "I know more than all the world put together, and the Holy Ghost within me comprehends more than all the world, and I will associate with it," -- and thus having direct inspiration to do this work, the emendated book is prepared and is soon to be printed. As a specimen of the alterations on this vital subject, we quote from the same paper as above; "I will make a comment on the very first sentence of the history of the creation in the Bible. It first read, 'The head one of the Gods brought forth the Gods.' If you do not believe it, you do not believe the learned man of God. And in further explanation it is observed that it means, The Head God called together the Gods, and sat in grand council. The grand counselors sat in yonder heavens, and contemplated the worlds that were created at that time.' The Bible is therefore held to be the foundation book, but instead of taking it in the usual sense, there must be a certain change of meaning in the most important point, which will be elaborated when we speak concerning the Deity. But when it is read, it is to be taken in its most literal sense and they most pointedly condemn those who spiritualize its contents, saying that God is honest when he speaks with man, and uses words in their literal acceptation and 'never palters in a double sense.'" But the Word of God is held to be not confined to this one Book, and, of others in existence, they take of equal authority the Book of Mormon, and "Doctrines and Covenants." The latter is composed of a lecture on Faith in six sections, written by Rigdon, though published in the name of the Prophet, and several


     


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    Revelations to the Seer and Revelator; and these books are claimed to be a "three-fold cord" agreeing in sentiment and purpose, and unfolding the dealings of God toward man and the church. Additional revelations are made from day to day according to the exigencies of the people and church; and this is assigned as the reason why they are so far in advance of the Christian world in spiritual, heavenly knowledge, and causes them to sneer upon all who adhere alone to the old revelations, and to pity them for their blindness and ignorance. "A flood of light has poured into their souls and raised them to a view of the glorious things above" -- and Development may be called the distinguishing feature of their church. The Rock on which the church is founded is by them declared to be Revelation. And it was on what "had been revealed to Peter" that the church was to rest: -- in other words we may state their doctrine to be, that Revelation, which is now with them, is the Rock of the Church of Christ.

    "Thus saith the Lord * * * * * my son thou art blessed henceforth, that bear the keys of the kingdom given unto you" -- "verily I say unto you, the keys of this kingdom shall never be taken from you, while thou art in the world" -- " And * * I give unto you a commandment, that you continue in the ministry and Presidency, and when you have finished the translation of the prophets you shall from henceforth preside over the affairs of the church and the schools, and from time to time, as shall be manifest from the Comforter, receive revelations to unfold the mysteries of the kingdom, and set in order, and study and learn and become acquainted with all good books, and with languages, tongues, and people." This extract from the Revelation given in 1833 and found in the Book of Covenants, page 309, is here inserted to show the character of such heavenly communications and authority for my statements. They will allow that their Revelations are contradictory to each other, but that is explained by the different "circumstances" under which they are given; "heaven's government is conducted on the principle of adapting revelation to the varied circumstances of the children of the kingdom."


     


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    Let us now return to the consideration of the article first named in the Latter-Day Saints' Faith concerning the Deity. The Supreme Hierarchy that is worshipped and invoked is a Trinity or rather a duality of Persons.

    "God the Father," is held to be a man perfected: but so far advanced in the attributes of his nature, his faith, intelligence and power, that in comparison with us, He may be called The Infinite.

    The "Son, Jesus (Christ," is the offspring of the Father by the Virgin Mary. The eternal Father came to the earth, and wooed and won her to be the wife of his bosom. He sent his herald angel Gabriel to announce espousals of marriage, and the Bridegroom and bride met on the plains of Palestine, and the Holy Babe that was born was the "tabernacle" prepared for and assumed by the Spirit-Son, and that now constitutes a God.

    "The Holy Ghost" is the concomitant will of both The Father and The Son; the one mind possessed and acting in each, which produces universal harmony of thought, wisdom, and being, throughout their dominions. The Spirit differs from the Father and Son, in being merely a Spiritual Soul or Existence, which has never taken a tabernacle, that is, a material body as the Gods have, and has not therefore died, after passing the period of probation, and thence through the Resurrection to perfection.

    In this statement I have endeavored to give their true teaching, and do not intend to criticize or explain any apparent contradictions. The authority for the first two propositions is found in the Last Sermon of their great prophet, which relieves me, in a measure from the pain of stating them, -- but facts and principles are here involved on which the candor and judgment of the reader must be exercised. What is influencing the life-philosophy of hundreds of thousands is not a thing of slight importance, or to be misstated with impunity.

    "First, God himself, who sits enthroned in yonder heavens, is a man like unto one of yourselves, that is the great secret. If the vail was rent to-day, and the great God who holds this world in its orbit, and upholds all things by his power, if you were to


     


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    see him to-day, you would see him in all the person, image, and very form as a man; for Adam was created in the very fashion and image of God, Adam received instruction, walked, talked. and conversed with him, as one man talks and communes with another." * * * "I am going to tell you how God came to be God. God himself, the Father of us all, dwelt on an earth, the same as Jesus Christ himself did, and I will show it from the Bible. Jesus said, as the Father hath power in himself, even so hath the Son power; to do what? why, what the Father did, that answer is obvious: in a manner to lay down his body and take it up again. Jesus, what are you going to do ? -- To lay down my life as my Father did, and take it up again."

    There is a quotation extant from the author of the "Voice of Warning," to the effect that "we worship a God who hath both body and parts; who has eyes, mouth, and ears, and who speaks when, and to whom he pleases -- who is just as good at mechanical inventions as at any other business."

    But we are referred by their teachers to the Apocalypse, where it is written of the redeemer: "And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father ;" and to the Apostle that said, "there are gods many and lords many," to prove that the Father had "his Father," and they talk boldly of the grandfather, great-grandfather of God, thus tracing back almost ad infinitum to the "Head God, that called the grand council together when the worlds came rolling into existence." We, however, have only to limit our worship, and obey our Heavenly Father and His Son, who are revealed to us by the Spirit; and "when we know how to come to him, he is ready to come to us and unfold the heavens to our knowledge." The Son (when a spirit) took of the unformed "chaotic matter; element which had an existence from the time God had, and in which dwells all the glory," and formed our earth and the planetary world, peopled, and has redeemed it. He is to be worshipped as Lord of all, and heir of the Father in power, creation, and dominion. "What did Jesus do? -- why, I do the things that I saw my Father do when worlds came rolling into existence -- I saw my Father work out his kingdom with


     


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    fear and trembling, and I must do the same." (Last Sermon, p. 61.)

    So of each man, whose spirit hath the same Father -- by obedience and faith he may be perfected, and attain to the power of forming a planet, peopling and redeeming it, over which he may reign forever. And all who do not obey the revelations now sent to them, and properly fulfill their probation, will only succeed to an inferior glory and be permitted to act as servants, "hewers of wood and drawers of water," in some one of the King Saints' Kingdoms; just fitted to the "glory" they have lived for, or such as their vicious lives will allow. In reply to the question, what will you do for us? -- they will say, we may make you bootblack or kitchen scullion, or if you behave pretty well and not molest the saints, you may be raised to butler or baker, and carry the train, on state occasions, of our queens in paradise. Things on earth, and customs and ceremonies, are patterned after things in heaven, and will be continued in the spirit world and future abodes of the gods. Their prophet thus instructs the faithful -- "You have got to learn to be gods yourselves; to be kings and priests to God; the same as all the gods have done, by going from one small degree to another, from grace to grace, from exaltation to exaltation, until you are able to sit in glory, as cloth those who sit enthroned in everlasting power." And in seeking for a place in the eternal worlds, we are informed that there are four different glories to strive for; the celestial, or highest, the telestial, the terrestrial, and lake of fire -- of the sun, of the stars, of the earth, and the burning caldron.


    SACRAMENTS.

    The Book of Covenants teaches that baptism is duly administered by being fully immersed in the water, and that any other manner of applying the element is a vain ceremony. Baptism, legally partaken of, is for remission of sins; sins only forgiven in baptism. The further peculiarity of the subject consists in a vicarious immersion of living persons for their dead friends, who


     


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    have never had the opportunity, or neglected it when living. this is called "Baptism for the Dead." There being, according to their view, a probationary state in the spiritual world, while the on earth exists, so that by proxy one can fulfill all "righteousness," by submitting to all prescribed rites, of which baptism is one -- it is presumed that those gone before have repented, and are now desirous of baptistic benefits; and hence it is enjoined that the "greatest responsibility that God has laid on us is to look after our dead;" and ordered, that a man be baptized for deceased relatives, tracing back the line to one that held the priesthood among his progenitors, who, being a saint, will then take up the place of sponsor, and relieve him of further responsibility. All those who are thus admitted to salvation will be added to the household of the baptized person at the resurrection, who will then prefer his claim, or do as our Lord did at the grave of Lazarus, and call them forth in the name of Jesus; over whom he, as the most distinguished of the line, will reign as patriarch for ever; and his rank and power among kingly saints will be in proportion to the number of his retinue.

    The authority for this application of the rite is grounded o the interrogatory of the Apostle: "Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?" -- and Joseph observes in his sermon, "Every man who has got a friend in the eternal world can save him, unless he has committed the unpardonable sin, you can see how far you can be a Savior;" the Apostle say " they without us cannot be made perfect."

    The child begins its accountability at eight years of age; up that time the parents are responsible, but then they must have baptized into the church, and infant baptism is held to be a abomination and a sin. Regeneration is begun in baptism, and perfected by the laying on of hands, by which the recipient is baptized by the Holy Ghost through the Melchisedek priesthood.

    The Sacrament of the Communion is done, for a "remembrance of the body and blood of The Son," that they may. always remember him and keep his commandments, and that "they may


     


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    have his Spirit to be with them." This is according to the Book of Mormon, and bread and wine are to be used as the symbols. But by a revelation it is forbidden to use the wine made by the Gentiles, and until they can procure the pure juice of the grape from their own cultivation, they use water in place of it, for "it mattereth not what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, when ye partake of the Sacrament, if it so be that ye do it with an eye single to my glory; -- wherefore ye shall partake of none (wine) except it be made new among you;" and the bread and a pail with a tin or glass vessel to dip the water is carried around among the congregation on their seats, by the bishops, and offered to young and old who generally partake; and this is to be done on every Lord's Day.

    After sufficient time has elapsed to build a temple at "Zion" or any appointed stake, "and at Jerusalem, no other places are allowed for the baptisms for the dead." A font will be constructed in the house of the Lord, for these baptisms which were instituted before the foundation of the world -- "and elsewhere, saith the Lord your God, they cannot be acceptable unto me, for therein are the keys of the Holy Priesthood ordained, that you may receive honor and glory." (Book of Cov. prophets' Rev.)

    The sixth General Epistle instructs the Saints throughout the world to gather home, and pay all tithing dues, that a Temple may be soon completed for the Baptisms of living and dead. It says; "To be prepared for a celestial heaven, they want the blessings of The Terrestrial Temple -- and if any pass the temple ordinances without having paid all tithe dues, Jesus will at last declare they are thieves and robbers who have climbed up some other than the appointed way; the ordinances of the temple are as necessary for a full salvation as baptism is for a partial salvation; -- the voice of the Good Shepherd is, come home," all ye saints.


    FAITH.

    The teaching upon this article is rather abstruse -- but we may perhaps convey its import in a few words, mostly gleaned from


     


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    the book of Covenants. It seems to be considered an exercise of the will in intelligent beings on matters of belief for acquiring celestial glory, and accomplishing holy purposes and works. It is "the assurance that men have in the existence of unseen things, and the principle of action in all intelligent beings; without it, both mind and body would be in a state of inactivity " -- and, "by faith we receive all temporal and spiritual blessings." But it is not only the principle of action, but of power, in heaven or in earth; for we find that by faith, God created the worlds -- (Heb. xi. 3.) and by this we understand it to be the principle of power in the bosom of God by which he works: -- "and, take this principle or attribute away from the Deity, he would cease to exist." (See Book of Cov. first chapters.)

    "God spake, chaos heard, and worlds came into order by reason of the Faith that was in him" -- he had "element and the principles of element, which can never be destroyed, to organize it out of; -- and as these aeon atoms are "intelligent on a self-existent principle, which God himself could not create," we must class the aggregate, or bodies of matter, with life and knowledge capable of exercising faith; which view is sustained, in the language of one of the Presidency, namely; -- "for all creation is alive, even the earth itself and the minerals and metals and every other thing connected with it;" -- and the first lecture on faith has these words in the last paragraph: "Faith, then, is the great governing principle, which has power, dominion, and authority over all things."


    THE  EVERLASTING  GOSPEL.

    In the seventh article of Belief this phrase occurs. By it we may understand, according to their interpretation, the same thing as the Laws of Nature, or whatever name is used to express the arrangement of the universal order of things sprung out of the "two self-existent principles of Intelligence and Element, or matter;" and it is The Law under which the primordial Gods came into being. The prophet has not left on record, to my knowledge the manner in which the Head God originated. But be says


     


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    "God himself could not create himself," and "intelligence consists upon a self-existent principle: it is a spirit from age to age, and there is no creation about it." In conversation with the more philosophical ones, this question of origin came up frequently, and the explanation elicited was one of opinion merely, and deduced by the reason from the principles already taught by authority. It was, that in the far eternity, two of the elementary particles of matter met in consultation and compared intelligences, and then called in a third Atom to the council, and, united in one will, they became the first power, to which no other could attain as they had the priority; and by uniting more atoms or exercising the power which the combination gave, would thenceforth progress for ever. Under this union arose the plenitude of power, to make and enforce a Law to govern itself and all things. Thus was the Everlasting Gospel constituted the law of nature. And out of this Intelligence, according to the Law, a God was begotten, not made, and the other Gods sprung from him as children. By the law of universal order, sex was made to exist, coeternally with all moral existence and life, and not only the Kings, but the Queens of heaven derive their origin equally under its mandates. These are the mothers of our spirits and the gods, and of all spiritual existences also; each of which is confined to its proper sphere and in its own order: and these are called and sent as heralds or ministers from one planetary system to another, or to the different orbs in the same system of worlds. A portion of this order, or Law, is what is called the everlasting gospel in the Revelation of St. John, which was in the hand of the angel "flying in the midst of heaven" to proclaim again on earth concerning the Church of Christ; that angel was Moroni, who brought the gospel in its fulness to "Joseph the Seer," and is now preached to men, with the "signs following" that were promised to the Apostles of the Lord.

    To the spirits begotten by the Father, (for the mind of man is not created, "God never did have power to create the spirit of man at all -- the very idea lessens man in my estimation -- I know better;" Last Sermon, p. 62.) a choice is given, either to remain as they are, or to take a material body and "descend below all


     


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    things," in order to rise above all things, whereby they can obtain a greater glory than they now enjoy, even to the celestial. This explains why we are here in this earthly tabernacle. Each spirit chose to make "the probation," and thus ignoring all of its past existence, is attempting to work out a salvation of immense worth, and attaining to perfection in the attributes of power, dominion, and happiness.

    When the spirit takes possession of its tabernacle, which is probably at the quickening of the embryon, the man is, or becomes a living soul. Man is therefore a duality. The elements of his composition are gross matter, called the body, and spirit. The latter is also matter, but more refined or elementary, and so constituted as to permeate the former, control and verity it. It is not visible to mortal eyes without a miracle, nor is it ponderable; it passes through the body as the electric fluid through the earth -- it is in reality more substantial than the body, for it cannot be changed or destroyed, it "existed co-equal with God," and could have no beginning, for then it would be possible to have an end -- it is as immortal as God himself." (Sermon, p. 62.) The union or fusion of these makes "the living soul," as related by Moses in the creation of Adam -- death separates them for a useful purpose, but then the Spirit watches over every particle of its beloved tabernacle, until the fiat of the resurrection is given, when the body shall again "be clothed upon," and perfect man be the result in an eternal soul.

    Death was introduced into humanity by the fall or disobedience of Adam, who is the great patriarch, and is he whom the Scripture calls Michael, The Ancient of Days, with hair like wool. But, in their technical phrase, "Adam fell that men might be," and ate the apple under full knowledge of the consequences, and the "Fall" was a matter of previous arrangement in the economy of probation. That is, he fell that man, or a mortal body, might be born of woman, and tabernacles fitted up for the spirits, as fast as they chose to undertake their probations. And when a spirit does not answer its true intent in one probation, but forfeits its inheritance by sin and evil conduct, then it will have a


     


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    lower one assigned it at death, and if disobedient still, another, and another, until it shall be brought to the proper subjection, and, yielding to the gospel law, be allowed to retrace its course back in the successive stages to splendor and angelhood.

    This it is said of their chief Apostle, at present a president of a stake, and a distinguished writer in both politics and their theology, that he fell into doubt as to the truth of the system, and contemplated apostacy. He was saved by the ministry of angels. A heavenly messenger appeared before him and warned him of the danger, and then pronounced upon him the doom of being soon obliged to take a negro tabernacle, unless he should repent and become zealous for the faith delivered to the Latter Day Saints. This was effectual in frightening him back to duty, for they hold the "Negro is cursed as to the priesthood, and must always be a servant wherever his lot is cast, and therefore shall never attain to anything above a dim shining glory. This part of the human race is the lowest grade. A first descending probation would be that of the Indian -- for the red men have been cursed only as to color and indolent habits, and through repentance and obedience, and acceptance of the newly proclaimed gospel, they can be restored to pristine rights and beauty, and become again "a fair and delightsome people," worthy of their origin from the Jews of Palestine. When these grades have not been effectual in subduing the rebellious spirit, a third one would be assigned into the brute species, and a choice taken among them; and when we are tormented by a refractory horse or obstinate ass, it may not be amiss to reflect that they are actuated by an apostate soul, and exemplifying a few of the "human infirmities." However, it is not our purpose here to draw inferences or reconcile any contradictions which may appear in the Mormon teaching.

    Man, in the usual acceptation, is a compound being, with a physical, intellectual, and spiritual nature -- but in the view taken above, he is a duality of elements. The intellectual is absorbed into either of the others, according to convenience, though usually confounded with the spiritual; and the chain of reasoning terminates in exalting the physical nature above the other two.





     

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    CHAPTER V.

    SAME SUBJECT -- MASONRY- -- HIEROGLYPHICS.

    OF the introduction of sin, and rise and progress of Satan, we have heard this account given and "proved by their scriptures."

    After Adam had fallen from his first estates a council was held in Heaven, and all the members were present. Among them was He who is emphatically called The Son, and likewise Lucifer, the elder brother, the Son of the Morning, the bright star in glory, and leader of heavenly hosts. The proposition was laid before the council "how man should be saved or redeemed from the state of evil" -- and each one called upon to give his method of salvation. When Lucifer was appealed to, he declared that "he would save him in his sins" -- but Christ answered, "I will save him from his sins."

    The latter was deemed the true way by the Father, and accepted; whereupon the Son of the Morning took offense and rebelled, with the legions he managed to corrupt, and was therefore cast out of the planetary abode of the Father, and became the great leader of evil spirits, under the name of Satan -- but he brought with him many of the noble qualities he ever possessed is still Milton's "Archangel ruined and a perfect gentleman."

    All the meaner temptations and evil arts are practiced only by the baser sort of imps, hence some people are very uncharitable in charging all blame upon the "head devil," as they often call him.

    The idea they entertain of the personal agency of this "fine gentleman," may be gathered from the anecdotes rife among them of his doings with Sidney Rigdon, who, from being the next in rank to the prophet Joseph, apostatized, through the love of good cheer, and ambition to be head. He had received a great many visits from his angel, as he supposed, and many revelations -- but


     


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    one night while asleep, he was aroused by so mighty a shake, that he was made aware that no ordinary hand was upon him. Indeed, his satanic majesty was fully confessed, for he proceeded to tilt up the bed and handle Sidney most roughly; and then, taking him by the legs, trundled him down the stairs as one would drag a wheelbarrow behind him, without mercy upon the grey head as it thumped every step; and, finally, landing the sufferer in the street, disappeared "like smoke." This treatment was repeated several times, but 'twere of no use to suggest that some human agency, in the shape of a lusty Mormon, had a hand in the work -- for they took the precaution to inquire the color of the hair, the cast of countenance, and other unmistakable marks, by which Joseph had taught them to detect the real Beelzebub, whenever he appeared as an angel of light, or in propria persona.


    TONGUES.

    This is not the ancient gift, whereby one addressing a people speaking a different language from himself, was enabled to talk in their own words. It is, that persons among themselves, in their enthusiastic meetings, shall be "moved by the spirit" to utter any set of sounds in imitation of words, and, it may be, words belonging to some Indian or other language. The speaker is to know nothing of the ideas expressed, but another, with the "gift of interpretation of tongues," can explain to the astonished audience all that has been said. Any sounds, of course then are a language known to the Lord. If one feels a desire to speak, and has difficulty to bring forth the thoughts of his heart, or what the spirit is about to reveal through him, he must rise on his feet, lean in faith on 'Christ, and open his lips, utter a song in such cadence as he chooses, and the spirit of the Lord will give an interpreter, and make it a language."


    THE  RESURRECTION.

    Their peculiar notions of this cannot be appreciated without knowing their views of the Restoration or restitution of all things


     


    54                            FAITH  OF  THE  MORMONS.                              



    spoken of by Isaiah. When God created the living earth, he gave the command that the waters gather to one place, and the dry land appear; and hence it is inferred that "there was one vast ocean, rolling around one immense body of land, unbroken as to continents and islands; it was one beautiful plain, interspersed with gently rising hills and sloping vales; its climate delightfully varied with heat and cold, wet and dry, crowning the year with productions grateful to men and animals; "while from the flowery plain or spicy grove sweet odors were wafted on every breeze, and all the vast creation of animated being breathed naught but health, peace, and joy."* Over this creation, residing in a well-watered and delicious garden, "Man reigned, and talked face to face with the Supreme, with only a dimming veil between."

    But Adam fell, and the earth partook of the curse that followed, and in pain and sorrow sympathized with the disobedient pair, under its load of thorns and thistles -- and sin accumulated its guilty deeds in the actions of men, until the Lord comes out in vengeance and cleanses all by water. After the Noachian deluge, in the days of Peleg, "the earth was divided." Not among families was the surface distributed -- but a mighty revolution that brought the sea from its place in the north, to interpose between portions of the land rent asunder; and earthquakes and commotions have since separated it into islands and fragments.

    The American continent, as the Book of Mormon informs, was shaken to its foundation at the time of the crucifixion; and cities, towns, mountains, and lakes, buried and formed when "the earth writhed in the convulsive throes of agonizing nature."

    Men have degenerated since then as well as the earth; -- the ancients were worthy to converse with the Lord and angels, and lessons given "to enlarge the heart and expand the soul to its uttermost capacity" -- far above the smattering of the present worldly wisdom.

    But the restoration of all things is at hand; for "he shall send Jesus Christ, whom the heavens must receive, until the times of

    __________
    *Voice of Warning.


     


                               FAITH  OF  THE  MORMONS.                               55



    restitution of all things " -- and "the voice of one crying in the wilderness -- Every valley shall be exalted and every hill be made low, -- and mighty revolutions shall begin to restore the face of the earth to its former beauty." (See Voice of Warning.)

    In Rev. vi. we find, "every island and mountain were moved out of their places;" in Isaiah, that "the earth shall move out of her place and be like a chased roe" -- but after that, "thou shalt no more be termed forsaken, neither shalt thy land any more be termed desolate; but thou shalt be called Hepzibah, and thy land Beulah; for the Lord delighteth in thee and thy land shall be married." And from the whole and varied scriptures, we learn that the continents and islands shall be united in one, as they were in the morn of creation, and the sea shall retire and assemble in its own place as before; and all these scenes shall take place, about the time of the coming of the Lord." The earth restored, and the inhabitants purified, both man and beast, so that they hurt not, nor destroy -- and the knowledge of the Lord covering the earth, as the waters the sea," then comes the first resurrection of the body, to reign on this delightful paradise with the Savior a thousand years.

    The peculiarity of this resurrection consists in this; the body is the same as before, "except the blood." That will be left out. The Apostle Pratt (from whom we have been quoting,) says that Jesus was the exact pattern of our resurrection. "And Jesus Christ came forth triumphant from the mansions of the dead, possessing the same body which had been born of a woman, which was crucified; but no blood flowed in his veins; for blood was the natural life in which were the principles of mortality; and a man restored to flesh and blood would be mortal, which was not the case with our Savior:" and he was substantial, for he told his disciples to handle him and know that he had "Flesh and bones;" which will be the constitution of all resurrected bodies.

    All the seed of Israel are to be raised from the dead, and brought to the land of Judea; the saints of other peoples, gathered to the fair American division, and the Zion by one, and New Jerusalem


     


    56                            FAITH  OF  THE  MORMONS.                              



    by the other saints, will be built with fine stones, and the beauty of all precious things.

    One more change only will be necessary to fit the earth for man's eternal inheritance, which will take place at the end of the thousand years, the great Sabbath of rest and enjoyment. The earth will be celestialized through the baptism of fire -- the two cities will be caught up, literally, into heaven, to descend with the Lord God for its light and its temple, and remain for ever on the "new earth" under the bright canopy of the new heavens."


    PROPHECIES  AND  PROPHETIC  TIMES.

    There is something ingenious, as well as fanciful, in the method of determining prophetic time. For want of the true key, the commentators have hitherto failed in their interpretations of days and years, and the time for the fulfillment of foretold events.

    Now God, our Father, dwells on his planet (Kolob) and measures time by its revolutions; one of those revolutions begins and terminates a day, which is equal to one thousand of our years; the authority for which will readily occur to any Sabbath-school scholar or scripture reader.

    Being finite, he employs agents to bring and communicate information through his worlds; and all the material agents of light, electricity, and sound, or attributes, are employed in this thing. When an angel is commissioned a messenger to earth, he is taken from the chief planet perhaps, or quite as likely, from some other that circles around it. But an angel in speaking of the time of events, would of course speak of the days and years, or weeks, that are measured by the revolution of his own abode.

    These angels are sent to the Seer to communicate what pertains to the interest or the government of the church, or the orders for individuals to act under the direction of the Seer, as missionaries or otherwise. These communications are registered, to be promulgated at the proper moment, according as the members can bear them, for many "would be offended and turn back" if the whole truth was "dashed down in a mass before them."


     


                               FAITH  OF  THE  MORMONS.                               57



    Individuals receive revelations regarding their own matters, on proper subjects; these are to be obtained "by prayer in mighty faith," but only when natural sagacity, improved by diligence and study, would fail to suggest the desired information, or point out the required course of action; -- where God has appointed means, he will not work by miracles.

    At baptism the true believer may ask in faith for some particular "spirit," as, for instance, the spirit whereby one can perceive between true and false doctrines; and intuitively divine it when propounded by those who have the authority to speak, yet may have become darkened through unbelief or evil practice, or brought to them by "the false and seducing spirits," which are to abound in the last days, and such a spirit will be given them to guide and direct.

    These attendant angels, however, cannot prevent the approach and insinuations of evil spirits, and thus the two kinds are on the right hand and on the left -- which accounts for the crooked paths some pretty good men among them often mark out.


    PRIESTHOOD.

    It is stoutly maintained that the priesthood is necessary to the being, as well as the perfection of a church; and so long as the Aaronic branch is not exercised by the tribe of Levi through unbelief, their Melchisedek order being the greater, have the right to officiate in the lesser offices, and will do so when the proper temple is built; that is, in the animal sacrifices for daily sins of the people. The priestly order receives tithes of all one possesses on entering the church; and the members pay a tenth of all income, and devote a tenth part of their time to the temple and other public worlds, ever after.

    The bishops have charge of the tithe labor, and receive the contributions (or a commutation for labor and produce,) and put the proceeds of industry in the public store-houses; in fine, this order of priests have charge of the temporal matters under the direction of the Presidency.


     


    58                            FAITH  OF  THE  MORMONS.                              



    The hierarchy of the Mormon Church has many grades of offices and gifts. The first is the Presidency of three persons, which, we were led to understand, answered or corresponded to the Trinity in Heaven, but more particularly to Peter, James, and John, the first presidents of the gospel church.

    Next in order is the traveling High Apostolic College of twelve apostles, after the primitive church model, who have the right to preside over the stakes in any foreign country, according to seniority; then the high-priests -- priests, elders, bishops, teachers, and deacons -- together with evangelists or missionaries of the " three seventies." Each order constitutes a full quorum for the discipline of its members, and transacting business belonging to its action; but appeals lie to higher orders, and the whole church is the final appellate court assembled in general council.

    Their Prophets arise out of every grade, and a Patriarch resides at head quarters to bless particular members, after the manner of Jacob and his sons, and that of Israel towards Esau and his brother.

    A High Council is selected out of the high-priests, and consists of twelve members, which is in perpetual session to advise the Presidency; in which each is free to give and argue his opinion. The President sums up the matter and gives the decision, perhaps in opposition to a great majority, but to which all must yield implicit obedience; and probably there has never been known, under the present head, a dissent when the awful nod" has been given, for it is the " stamp of fate and sanction of a god."

    This council is eye, ear, and hand to the President -- the members are the spies over all matters in the field or the temple, in the social party or the domestic circle. Is any novel opinion broached in conversation, it is brought before the council by any member cognizant of, or who has heard of it, and measures are taken to ferret it out, that the man who uttered it, if he is not sound to the core, may be marked and pounced upon before he is even aware that he is suspected. No wonder that many among them, who are not well advised of the means of acquiring the knowledge, wonder that Brigham is so well "posted up" in what


     


                               FAITH  OF  THE  MORMONS.                               59



    relates to the private history of the numerous persons around him.

    In the early arrangement of the affairs of the Mormon church, and when they were accused of raising up a society and people to be governed independent of the state -- there was inserted in the Book of Covenants, the following item of belief: "We do not believe it just to mingle religious influence with civil government, whereby one religious society is fostered, and another proscribed in its spiritual privileges, and the individual rights of its members, as citizens, denied."

    Yet it is taught that the priesthood is supreme in the state -- not in the sense that all human law springs from the standard of right and wrong contained in the revealed word of God, but that this order has the control of the state, and ought to make the civil regulations, because it receives revelations from day to day, and can therefore keep both the temporal and spiritual from clashing, and fulfill the scripture that "the officers shall be peace and exactors righteousness." And in the selection of officers by ballot, the elective franchise is made subservient to a vote for the nominee of the Presidency.

    It was related to us in conversation that a delegate was chosen and commissioned for Congress, at a time when it was desirable that he should start suddenly for the seat of government; and that the people were summoned to vote when he was far on the way to the states -- his credentials either in his pocket, or sent to him by mail afterward.

    They gloried in this conge d'elire, and it was averred by prominent men that to vote against any one proposed by the highest authority would be the height of folly. For the council knew what was wanted to be done, and of course what persons were the most suitable to accomplish the work.

    But to return to the subject of the priesthood; we are informed they have working signs, and that Masonry was originally of the church, and one of its favored institutions, to advance the members in their spiritual functions. It had become perverted from its designs, and was restored to its true Work by Joseph, who gave


     


    60                            FAITH  OF  THE  MORMONS.                              



    again, by angelic assistance, the key-words of the several degrees that had been lost; and when he entered the lodges of Illinois, he could work right ahead of the most promoted; for which, through envy, the Nauvoo lodge was excommunicated, or cut off by the Grand Lodge, on account of its own ignorance of the greatest truths and benefits of Masonry.

    The priesthood having the different degrees, preferment in them depends on the faithfulness of the aspirant, as judged by those already promoted, and one of the merits is the paying up of all tithe dues. Any one in arrears on this, will find himself blocked materially when the proper buildings for "working" are constructed. Diligence and obedience are thus held out as things to ensure a reward in knowledge and promotions.

    Until the great temple is built, much has to be left undone -- that structure has to be arranged with regard to this and other institutions of the priestly orders; and the wants of the church at the time will determine the manner, which will be given by direct revelation.

    There will be bathing apartments distinct for the priests and priestesses, for the women are to have a part of this office, and are admitted to certain degrees in Masonry as a consequence. Particular ablutions are to be attended to, before appearing to officiate at the altars, and many observances in the manner of offering worship and praise, and performing symbolical rites, will have the conveniences fitted up for them and diligently kept in practice.

    And we may close this notice of "peculiar doctrines" and special teachings, by a reference to their assertions, that revelations of God's will in His moral teachings, have been made at various times to all nations; and, through tradition, the truth has been transmitted down, so that there is no people, even the heathen, who have not some correct doctrines and moral notions. Therefore we are not to be surprised to find that they have points in common with every belief under heaven, for being guided by the spirit into all truth, they have sifted it out from the mass of error that obscures it; and whatever has been vouchsafed to man, may be considered in their possession.


     


                               FAITH  OF  THE  MORMONS.                               61



    On this account they claim an advantage over all proselytes of other creeds, in being able to commence with what is agreeable to both parties, and then extend gradually the teaching upon other matters, from the least objectionable topics up to those fully opposed to previous ideas and habits. Thus, with the Eastern nations and South Sea Islanders, they are not called upon to renounce all but one partner; the animal sacrificer will be told he can retain that practice, and so on to the end of the chapter.


    SOURCES OF DOCTRINES.

    The ecclesiastical student will not fail to remark that Mormonism is an eclectic religious philosophy, drawn from Brahmin mysticism in the dependence of God, the Platonic and Gnostic notion of Eons, or a moving principle in element; Mahomedan sensualism, and the fanaticism of the sects of the early church; and there is the good and evil of Ahrimaism, with the convenient idea of the transmigration of souls, from the Persian.

    Nor has its founder altogether confined his attention to the ancient Christian theories or pagan superstitions; and his followers have fallen in with the spiritual philosophy of the day, and added the doctrine of affinities of minds and the sympathy of souls -- he has told us that the spirits of the departed dead are angels that return and converse with those who are congenial to them, or they have the privilege, on account of their purity, to receive communications from ghostly realms -- and, taking the antithesis of the dicta, that God is perfect man, he makes every perfect man a god -- and by tracing the parallel at our leisure, we may discover that the speculations of modern times have here been more or less modified and adopted, those reveries of ingenious but morbid imaginations, given to the speculative world in mellifluous language, and sensuous, captivating descriptions of enjoyments in the existence that succeeds to this, of, too frequently, self-made misery.

    Between the school of mental delight, and the school of the Mormon, there is this difference; the latter acts now upon his theories and materializes them to present use, while the former


     


    62                            FAITH  OF  THE  MORMONS.                              



    revels alone in intellectual sensuality, putting off to the future the feast of the palate, the charms for the eye, or absorption in the delights of affianced love -- we leave both to reconcile the differences between themselves and the school of moral obedience and true revelation. By sensuality used in this connection, we mean that application of the senses in a lawful manner for procuring desiderated enjoyment, which education and conscience allows to those of any adopted creed.

    In Mormonism we recognize an intuition of Transcendentalism -- intuitive, we say, for its founder was no scholar in the idealistic philosophy. He trampled under foot creeds and formulas, and soared away for perpetual inspiration from the good; and by the will, which he calls faith, he won the realms of truth, beauty, and happiness. Such things can only he safely confided to the strong and pure-minded, and even they must isolate themselves in self-idolatry, and be "alone with the alone," and seek converse with the spirit of man's spirit.

    But this prophet was educated by passion, and sought to be social with the weak; he therefore baptized spirituality in the waters of materialism. Instead of evolving the godlike nature of the human spirit, he endeavored to prove that humanity was already divinity, by investing Deity with what is manlike. Men were to be like gods by making gods men.

    Various coincidences have occurred, which strikingly keep alive in the mountain brethren their idea of being the chosen of the Lord -- and confirm them in the belief of the inspiration of the Book of Mormon. Among other things are the marks and hieroglyphical characters found engraved on the precipitous cliffs of southern Utah, which are faintly imitated by the present Indians. Those who were associated with Joseph as amanuenses pretend to have acquired sufficient knowledge of similar things to be enabled to decipher their signification, and have translated enough to confirm, in the most wonderful manner, the Nephite records.

    The following is a specimen taken from the cliff in Sa[n] Pete valleys at the city of Manti.


     


                                        HIEROGLYPHICS.                                        63




    Translation by one of the Regents; "I Mahanti, the 2nd King of the Lamanites, in five valleys in the mountains, make this record in the 12 hundredth year since we came out of Jerusalem -- And I have three sons gone to the South country to live by hunting antelope and deer." 

    Another specimen is taken from those in little Salt Lake Valley: they are reduced from three feet figures, preserving proportion


     

    [ 64 ]






    CHAPTER VI.
     
    SOCIAL  CONDITION  OF  THE  MORMONS.

    IT may be reasonably expected that we should make some reference to the practical workings of this stupendous and complicated system on the present theatre of its application, in regard to their dealings with strangers and the state of morals among themselves.

    During the sojourn of the party sent by the government to survey the region around the Great Lake, and ascertain its commercial and agricultural capabilities, the greatest kindness was shown to the members individually, and facilities given to prosecute the work. This was done, however, after it was ascertained that the advantages of the exploration would accrue to themselves, and that it was not for the purpose of seizing their lands, to bring them into market -- the "let severely alone" policy was to have been adopted, if the character of the work had been to annoy them, which would have effectually paralyzed the operations.

    A report that military men were coming to superintend a survey of their lands for the market, and interfere with their occupancy, had preceded the party. This occasioned it to be received with coldness, and among the more ignorant the prejudice was scarcely removed for the whole year. So that any interference with the triangulation stations, which was seldom. or any evasive answers to questions, were to be set down to ignorance more than to malice, and it is probable such a work could not have been conducted any where else with so little annoyance.

    A large branch of the great emigration overland to California passed through the Mormon settlements, which is the best route across the country.


     


                      MORMON  DEALING  WITH  EMIGRANTS.                      65



    Of the parties organized in the States to cross the plains, there was hardly one that did not break into several fragments, and the division of property caused a great deal of difficulty. Many of these litigants applied to the courts of Deseret for redress of grievances, and there was every appearance of impartiality and strict justice done to all parties. Of course, there would be dissatisfaction when the right was declared to belong to one side alone; and the losers circulated letters far and near, of the oppression of the Mormons. These would sometimes rebel against the equity decisions, and then they were made to feel the full majesty of the civil power. For contempt of court they were most severely fined, and in the end found it a losing game to indulge in vituperation of the court, or make remarks derogatory to the high functionaries.

    Again, the fields in the valley are imperfectly fenced, and the emigrants' cattle often trespassed upon the crops. For this, a good remuneration was demanded, and the value being so enormously greater than in the States, it looked to the stranger as an imposition and injustice to ask so large a price. A protest would usually be made, the case then taken before the bishop, and the costs be added to the original demand. Such as these, were the instances of terrible oppression that have been industriously circulated as unjust acts of heartless Mormons, upon the gold emigration.

    But provisions were sold at very reasonable prices, and their many deeds of charity to the sick and broken-down gold-seekers, all speak loudly in their favor, and must eventually redound to their praise. Such kindness, and apparently brotherly good-will among themselves, had its effect in converting more than one to their faith, and the proselytes deserted the search for golden ore, supposing they found there pearls of greater price.

    Could the history of the overland emigrants, for the first two seasons after it commenced, be obtained and written, it would give us a volume of surpassing interest. Men thrown together and dependent on each other, would feel that very necessity of harmony an intolerable burthen, and selfishness, heartless and cruel; was developed to a frightful extent. There were instances


     


    66                         CHARACTER  OF  THE  MORMONS.                           



    of nobleness and good feeling, but the great mass of testimony goes to show much of the contrary.

    There were many curious exercises of the feelings, and novel ways of proceeding. One sturdy German had well-nigh immortalized himself under the name of the "wheelbarrow man." His all was thus packed, and he trundled his wheelbarrow along as rapidly as the teams advanced, and had the prospect of reaching the end of his two thousand miles in safety. But alas! for the chances of human ambition -- the Weber River in the mountains was swollen by the melting snows, and he was forced to cross on the raft with teams -- the raft foundered in the swift current, and the wheelbarrow, with "his all," was swept down into the boiling kanyon below, and lost beyond redemption.

    Resuming our theme, we may say that there were acts of individual churlishness, shown in the mountains, that call for reprobation, but they should not be charged upon the community; and, still more, it should not be thought that such actions were sanctioned by the chiefs of the people.

    The homogeneousness of this sect consists in their obedience to counsel; but as the great majority is of course made up, like other communities, of all sorts of dispositions, they vary in habits and thinking according to individual character.

    Thus they allow that mistakes have been made by individuals in carrying out their doctrines; for instance, many have supposed that the time was come when they should take possession of the property of the Gentiles, and that it would be no theft to secure cattle and grain from neighboring pastures and fields, thus "spoiling the Egyptians," and we are told by themselves that such conduct had to be forbidden from the public desk. This instance of wrong application of the dogma that they are "the stewards of the Lord, and the inheritance of the earth belongs to the saints," shows that some foundation exists for the charges against them, on the score of insecurity of property in Illinois and Missouri -- and that abuses can easily arise from their principles, when residing near people of other religious views.

    There is a casuistic view taken of the right to make a distinction


     


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    between what is publicly proclaimed by the Seer, or under his approbation from the desk, and what may be called floating opinion, and practice also, arising from his private promulgations to certain members. On this they say that it is proper to deny certain things to exist as doctrine, which may be quite universally held and acted upon among them, because it has not been publicly proclaimed -- and also to deny any thing offensive to the Christian world at large, especially when the affirmative would do others no good, and themselves harm; from which has arisen the opinion that they preach one thing abroad, and practice quite differently at home.

    For to the initiated only is it given to know the "mysteries of the kingdom" and they hesitate not to rebuke the impertinent curiosity of the Mormonish at home, and the tares among the wheat -- and meet the outsiders with a flat denial of what, to a true believers would be readily admitted as correct. It is to them the pleading of guilty or not guilty of a court of justice.

    Their casuistry makes this perfectly proper to their own minds, and it often turns on the meaning of certain words which convey a peculiar sense to each party. This can be made more plain by reference to the subject of "plurality of wives."


    POLYGAMY.

    It has been constantly denied that it is a doctrine of theirs to have "spiritual wives."

    An intelligent lady informed me that she had considered it right, when asked by her friends, while on an eastern visit, to say that "it is no doctrine of ours to have spiritual wives;" and this, although the interrogators may have had in their minds nothing more than plurality and its supposed abuses.

    That many have a large number of wives in Deseret, is perfectly manifest to any one residing long among them, and, indeed, the subject begins to be more openly discussed than formerly, and it is announced that a treatise is in preparations to prove by the scriptures the right of plurality by all Christians, if not to declare their own practice of the same.


     


    68                  POLYGAMY  AMONG  THE  MORMONS.                     



    The revelation of Joseph on the subject of polygamy has probably never been printed, or publicly circulated. When he declared to the council the revelation, it was made known that he, like the saints of old, David, Solomon, and Jacob, and those he thought faithful, should be privileged to have as many wives as they could manage to take care of, to raise up a holy household for the service of the Lord. Immediately rumors were spread that the wives of many of the people were re-married to the Ieaders and high-priests, and subject to them, which they declared to be a slander; and maintain that the relation existing among them is a pure and holy one, and that their doctrine is, that every man shall have one wife, and every woman only one husband as is laid down in the Book of Covenants by revelation.

    Yet they affirm that this allows to the man a plurality, as the phrase is peculiarly worded; -- the only applying to the female alone. They go so far as to say that our Savior had three wives, Mary and Martha and the other Mary whom Jesus loved, all married at the wedding in Cana of Galilee.*

    Again, they teach that the use and foundation of matrimony is to raise up a peculiar, holy people for the Kingdom of God the Son, that at the Millennium they may be resurrected to reign with him, and the glory of the man will be in proportion to the size of his household of children, wives, and servants, -- but that those

    __________
    *Since writing the above, their teaching on this point is given by Orson Hyde, chief of the Apostles, in the Guardian of Dec. 26th, 1851. "If in Christ himself were fulfilled the words of Isaiah, He shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand, the Christian world are not mistaken in their opinion. But how were they fulfilled? If, at the marriage of Cana of Galilee, Jesus was the bridegroom and took unto him Mary, Martha, and the other Mary whom Jesus loved, it shocks not our nerves.

    If there were not an attachment and familiarity between our Savior and these women highly improper, only in the relation of husband and wife, then we have no sense of propriety, or of the characteristics of good and refined society. Wisely then was it concealed; but when the Savior poured out his soul unto death, when nailed to the cross, he saw his seed of children, but who shall declare his generation? No one,


     


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    eligible to the priesthood have only a right to marry at all.† It is to be a pure and holy state; and religious motives or a sense of duty, should alone guide; and that for sensual gratifications it is an abomination.

    Infidelity and licentiousness are held up for abhorrence; and when the "plurality" law shall be promulgated, they will be punished by the decapitation of the offender and the severest chastity inculcated upon one sex, and rigid continence on the other during the gestation and nursing of children. Thus the time of weaning will again become a feast of joy, next to the celebration of the nuptial rite, and patriarchal times return.

    Quoting the Scripture that "the man is not without the woman, nor the woman without the man," they affirm that it is the duty of every man to marry at least once, and that a woman cannot enter into the heavenly kingdoms without a husband to introduce her as belonging to himself.

    And it has been said that some women, distrusting the title of their spouses to enter at all, have been desirous to take hold of the skirt of an apostle or high-priest with superior credentials; how far correct we are not sufficiently informed to state positively, and can only speak of such rumors as existing, and beg pardon for mentioning the scandal.

    The addition of wives, after the first, to a man's family, is called a "sealing to him."

    This constitutes a relation with all the rights and sanctions of

    __________
    if he kind none to be declared. Notwithstanding this, which to many is a new and strange feature in Christianity, are we not disposed to mod at it, neither to regret salvation through the Virgin's son.

    † On the 24th July last, the orator said: "Here let the sacred rights of matrimony, like the pure love of God 'spread undivided and operate unspent,' until the children of Abraham become as numerous as the stars above, or the sands below, that from the resurrection, the joint heirs of Jesus Christ may do the works that their Father did, till each in the centre of his own glory may reign in his own Eternity a God." "Let it be a sacred motto, -- The woman that marries out of the priesthood, marries for hell."


     


    70                  POLYGAMY  AMONG  THE  MORMONS.                     



    matrimony; -- and as they claim to have the only true priesthood, which alone can bind the parties in the holy state and make them "one flesh," it follows that they have the only true marriages now existing upon earth.

    Thus guarded in the motive, and denounced as sin for other consideration than divine, the practical working of the system, so far as now extended, has every appearance of decorum. The romantic notion of a single love is derided, and met by calling attention to the case of parental affection; where the father's good will is bestowed alike on each of his many children; and they pretend to see a more rational application of a generous soul in loving more than one wife, than in the bigotry of a partial adhesion. The Seer alone has the power, which he can use by delegation, of granting the privilege of increasing the number of wives: the rule of primitive ages is applied in the case, and the suitor must first have the consent of the parents, then consult the lady, and the Seer.

    Every unmarried woman has a right to demand a man in marriage, if she is neglected, on the ground of the privilege of salvation; and the President who receives the petition must provide for her; and he has the authority to command any man he deems competent to support her, "to seal her" to himself in marriage; and the man so ordered must show just cause and impediment why it should not be done, if he dislikes the union; or else be considered contumacious and "in danger of the council."

    The Seer sometimes has to exercise his judgment in preventing incongruous sealings from unworthy motives, and to tell such that what they now esteem a privilege, will turn out soon to be a burden.

    This interference with the kingdom of Cupid calls for most judicious measures on his part, for in that court his decisions, guided by reason, are apt to be demurred to by passion. But, as he can join, so too can he annul the contract, and dissolve the relationship of the parties, when, after he has counseled them and given them a proper probation, they still find an incompatibility to exist. Out of this matter grows an immense power, based upon


     


                      POLYGAMY  AMONG  THE  MORMONS.                      71



    his knowledge of all the domestic relations in the colony; -- such delicate confidence begets a reverence and fear, and while things proceed harmoniously, a love to him as their adviser and friend. And as the peace of the society depends materially on that of families, he watches over this part of the prerogative with great solicitude, and keeps the parties, so far as practicable, up to their engagements.

    In some instances several wives occupy the same house and the same room, as their dwellings have generally only one apartment, but it is usual to board out the extra ones, who most frequently "pay their own way," by sewing, and other female employments. It is but fairness to add that they hold the time near at hand predicted by Isaiah'" when seven women shall take hold of the skirt of one man and say, we will eat our own bread, but let us be called by thy name:" -- which gives the assurance that plurality is foretold and correctly practiced by them.

    It is only a little in anticipation of the time when "the battles of the Lord" are to begin, and then, as the women are far more pure than the men, the females will greatly outnumber the males, for the latter, will be swept off by sword and pestilence, and the other reserved to increase the retinue of the saints, and many women will thus be compelled to choose the same man, in order to secure a temporal home and temporal salvation, as also to obtain eternal right to a terrestrial or celestial queenship.

    It is further maintained that there is great disparity of numbers between the sexes, and that the predominance of the female is more than can be accounted for from war, the dangers of the sea and other perils, and therefore nature indicates the propriety of plurality, as "marriage is honorable to all;" but the decision of this question can safely be intrusted to the relative numbers of the sexes, as exhibited in our census returns.

    They also assure us that this system is the preventive and cure for the awful licentiousness -- the moral and physical degradation in the world: and they make it both a religious and a social custom, a point of personal honour for a man whose wife, daughter, or sister has been led astray, to kill the seducer; and considering


     


    72                  POLYGAMY  AMONG  THE  MORMONS.                     



    this as "common mountain law," based on the Mosaic code, a jury will acquit the murderer at all hazards.*

    That the wives find the relation often a lonesome and burdensome one, is certain; though usually the surface of society wears a smiling countenance, and to all who consent from a sense of duty or enthusiasm the yoke is easy.

    The wife of the prophet Joseph rebelled against it, and declared if he persisted she would desert for another, but the only satisfaction she received was "that a prophet must obey the Lord." When such wives rebel, the proceedings are very summary, and public opinion sustains the cause against the woman. A very exemplary lady in the valley is looked upon as having broken her vows for deserting the "Sealed one" and marrying another, and therefore is not invited into social parties.

    An instance of summary proceeding came directly before us at Bear River. A Socialist emigrant from Monsieur Cabet's community at Nauvoo, passed the winter at Salt Lake City, and in the spring started on his journey to California. He had in his train a woman with a child about two years old, who had applied to him for transportation to the land of gold, and represented that the dignitary to whom she had been "sealed" had not visited or provided for her for three years, and that a young man was betrothed to her who was in California, and if she could join him they should marry according to the laws of the land. The socialist's heart was touched, and he kindly offered her the means of proceeding, and they had come about one hundred miles when a posse overtook them, and demanded that the young woman should return to her legal or sealed husband. He consulted us whether to give up his charge -- but the power precluded remonstrance, and the lady reluctantly retraced her steps.

    __________
    *In the trial of Egan at Great Salt Lake City for killing in cool blood the seducer of the wife during the husband's absence it was declared that civil damages marked the rottenness of other governments, and that "The principle, the only one that beats and throbs through the heart of the entire inhabitants of this territory is simply this: The man who seduces his neighbour's wife, must die, and her nearest relative must kill him."


     


                      POLYGAMY  AMONG  THE  MORMONS.                      73



    Some other instances came under our notice, of like character, from which we must conclude that the regulation of the new "plurality" has not yet become perfect, and that the virtues claimed as pertaining to it are not in complete vigor, but we may add that the community had every appearance of good morals, so that any equal number of persons in the States can scarcely exhibit greater decorum.

    Another method of increasing the household and adding to the glory of the chiefs is by "adoption." This consists in taking whole families and adopting them as part and parcel of the family of the chief, and arises out of the humility of the person so proposing to attach himself to the sacred character of some great dignitary of the church. There were pointed out to me, several who held this relationship to the Seers. The man is called, for instance, "Son of Brigham by adoption," and lives with him, or near by, and acts for him as a child does for his parent, and receives his subsistence, clothing, and living conjointly with the family.

    This patriarchal stewardship method increases the authority of the presidency, and is intended to extend into the other world after the resurrection. It certainly speaks well for the kindness on the side of the patriarch, and for the belief in his holiness, and of truth in his teachings, in the estimation of those who attach themselves to the destinies of a fellow-man; while, at the same time, it shows how fanaticism can overcome the strongest feeling of independence.

    Much has been said of the Mormon profanity, in the pulpit and out of it. But what is considered profanity by the world, is not thus considered with them -- for they take their vain oaths without taking the name of the Supreme in connection with the words.

    They curse or condemn with man's curses whenever they please, and such rough language sounds gratingly in refined ears, when it becomes usual in ordinary conversation -- how they have learned to consider it innocent, we cannot imagine.

    The using of the name of God is allowed only on judicial occasions, when a curse is laid upon some individual, as that of


     


    74                        COARSENESS  OF  LANGUAGE.                          



    Joseph upon Governor Boggs, who had one fulminated against him' accompanied by the prophecy that he should become a vagabond afflicted with a scab, and be loathsome to himself and all his former friends, wishing for death, without dying, for a long time.

    When, therefore, we hear that their apostles and prophets have outraged decency in their temple language, let us bear in mind their education and instruction is to make a distinction between the most denunciatory words applied as expressions of dissent or emphasis, and taking the name of Jehovah in connection with the epithets, whereby they become blasphemy, and subject to severe civil penalty.

    Like other new sects, they have their peculiar phraseology and terms of technical signification, which is "considered wisdom" in them; and, without knowing their import, a grievous misconception might be made.

    Sometimes a ludicrous scene occurs in their meetings, arising from overwrought enthusiasm. One is related of a woman who sprang up and spoke "in tongues" as follows -- "Melai, Meli, Melee," which was immediately translated into the vernacular by a waggish young man, who first observed that he felt "the gift of interpretation of tongues" sorely pressing upon him, and that she said in unknown words to herself, "my leg, my thigh, my knee." For this he was called before the council; but he stoutly persisted in his "interpretation" being by "the spirit," and they let him off with admonition.

    In social parties and lively meetings the Mormons are preeminent, and their hospitality would be more readily extended to strangers, had they suitable dwellings to invite them into.

    The adobe or sun-dried brick is now furnishing material, and the one-room log buildings are being replaced by spacious and commodious houses.

    In their social gatherings and evening parties, patronized by the presence of the prophets and apostles, it is not unusual to open the ball by prayer, asking the blessing of God upon their amusements, as well as upon any other engagement -- and then will


     


                                MORMON  PHRASEOLOGY.                             75



    follow the most sprightly dancing, in which all join with hearty good-will, from the highest dignitary to the humblest individual; and this exercise is to become part of the temple worship, to "praise God in songs and dances."

    These private balls and soirees are frequently extended beyond the time of cock-crowing by the younger members, and the remains of the evening repast furnishes the breakfast for the jovial guests.

    The cheerful, happy faces -- the self-satisfied countenances -- the cordial salutation of brother or sister on all occasions of address -- the lively strains of music pouring forth from merry hearts in every domicile, as women and children sing their "songs of Zion," while plying the domestic tasks, give an impression of a happy society in the vales of Deseret.

    The influence of their nomenclature of "brethren and sisters" is apparent in their actions, and creates the bond of affection among those who are more frequently thrown together. It is impressed on infantile minds by the constant repetition, and induces the feeling of family relationship. A little boy was asked the usual question, "whose son are you?" and he very naively replied, "I am brother Pack's son; " a small circumstance truly, but one that stamps the true mark of the Mormon society. The welfare of the order becomes therefore paramount to individual interest; and the union of hearts causes the hands to unite in all that pertains to the glory of the State; and hence we see growing up and prospering, the most enterprising people of the age -- combining the advantages of communism, placed on the basis of religious duty and obedience to what they call the law of the gospel -- transcending the notion of socialistic philosophers, that human regulations can improve and perfect society, irrespective of the revealed word and will of God.

    Right or wrong, in the development of the principle and in its application, they have seized upon the most permanent element of the human mind in its social relations -- not yielding fully to the doctrines of earnestness and universal intention, making man his own regenerator, as the fountain-head of truth, and passing thence


     


    76                           WIDOWS  AND  WIDOWERS                            



    into mysticism, pantheism, and atheism; neither endeavoring to cure the ills of society by political notions of trade and commerce, or by educating in the sentiment of honor, and by poetical inculcation of high thoughts and noble images, independent of being "born of the water and the spirit." We may use the words of one of their learned and most sincere men, to exhibit their view of obtaining the aggregate result of single efforts' which are these: "Our polity, I think, may be summed up in these few words -- each person to operate at what and where he can do the best, and with all his might; being subject to the counsel of those above him."

    To take that counsel is sometimes a bitter pill, and hundreds disobeyed it, and left sober earnings at home for the prospect of fortunes in the gold mines of California. The President and Council opposed emigration, though receiving abundance from the tithes by their superintendent there; and often declared that it would be a great calamity to discover mines in their own regions; for people would desert their farms and preparations for comfortable dwellings, for unsatisfying dross. Counsel on matrimonial matters is better obeyed. Bishop J---- was adding an apartment to a commodious house, and, having a small family, it caused a remark or question, why he thus extended his domicile." Ah!" was the ready reply, "did you not know that he is obliged to take his brother's widow to wife, and the proper time is nearly arrived?" We remembered the case of the wife of seven brothers; and moreover, being only an humble layman, presumed not further to interrogate the acts of a bishop of that Melchisedek priesthood.

    The subject of widows and widowers introduces some nice questions of rank and precedence in the future patriarchal courts. A lady of superior abilities and great enthusiasm, sealed later than the first wife, whose modest talents are thereby cast into the shade, may aspire to the place of first queen, TO BE: and thus an affectionate rivalry can be raised, of which the expectant king reaps the sole benefit. The widow of several husbands must have doubts to which she shall owe her elevation, unless she fortunately loved one supremely -- and the wife finds a rival in the brother's


     


                                     CURIOSlTY OF A LADY.                                  77



    widow, from the tie of consanguinity. The troubles of the high Chieftain are said to arise from still another cause.

    He had a wife dearly beloved before becoming a Mormon, who died out of his church; but she can be saved by substituted baptism, and his next partner has become exceedingly anxious to know whether her predecessor will be resurrected to be the chief of the queens, or if that important station is reserved for herself, who has partaken of so "much tribulation." Why the question is not categorically answered we cannot opine -- but, if women ever do tease, we may suppose such a subject likely to call out all their resources to gratify curiosity.






     

    [ 78 ]






    CHAPTER VII.
     
    THE  PRIESTHOOD,  SCHOOLS,  ETC.

    THE powers of the priesthood are thus stated in the Guardian; the "gift of faith, discerning of spirits, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, tongues, and the interpretation of tongues, wisdom, charity, brotherly love." Pre-eminent in all these is the head man of the priestly order; supposed to be, and looked up to as, the Lord's peculiar prophet, with ability to read the hearts of men, his spiritual authority is complete, and having so large a share of the wealth of the people at his command, and their entire will submissive to his behests, the President of the Latter-Day Saints is the most autocratic ruler in the world. But his great authority has thus far been made subservient to the public interests, and his attention never diverted from alleviating individual distress -- therefore it is no wonder that his sanctity is believed above reproach, and his least wish abjectly complied with by almost all over whom he presides with unlimited sway.

    Yet it is more the office than the man that carries such a prestige of command with those intimately connected with the source of power, or with the mass at a distance -- there is not the usual manworship found in the admirers of splendid abilities and achievements of the founders of religious sects. The people are mostly composed of those converted in foreign lands, whose necks have been bent to force, instead of yielding obedience by choice; and their present condition is one of greater freedom and elevation of character than while groaning under civil despotism. Taught to regard themselves as the chosen of the Lord, soon to act on a theatre of renown and glory, with angels and saints to look on, and cheer them with celestial applause for noble deeds, they cheerfully await the signal of heaven to march under its banner;


     


                         ADHERENCE  TO  FIRST  PRINCIPLES.                        79



    and they lend their means to bring up to their rendezvous all who will fraternize with them, and listen to the voice of their shepherd, wherever wandering in the wastes of the moral world, and so soon as its tones are heard, gladly turn to the green pastures of truth in the mountains, and come out to strengthen the cords of the "Stake of Zion."

    A cardinal point being an unshaken belief in the inspiration of Joseph the Seer, and that the prophetic mantle has fallen on his successor Brigham, the new church Elijah and Elisha; any reflections derogatory to the character of either, based on suspicion, innuendo, or hearsay, is an insult of the darkest dye to them. But this adoration is not universal; nor must we look upon all as ignorant and blindfolded, guided along the ditch of enthusiasm by self-deluded leaders. Indeed, almost every man is a priest, or eligible to the office, and ready armed for the controversial warfare, his creed is his idol; and while among the best proselytes we class many that are least versed in literary attainments, still, among them we find liberally educated men, and those who have been ministers in other denominations -- in fact there seems to be as fair a sample of intelligence, moral probity, and good citizenship, as can be found in any nominal Christian community.

    Sincerity and simplicity of purpose mark the masses, which virtues have been amply proved by the sacrifices and sufferings endured. And among that people, so submissive to counsel, are those who watch with eagle eye that first principles are adhered to, and stand ready to proclaim apostacy in chief or in layman; and scrutinizing all revelations to discover whether they are from the Lord, or given through his permission by Satan, to test the fidelity and watchfulness of the disciples of truth.

    It was in conformity with this watchful and scrutinizing spirit on the part of those determined to adhere strictly to first principles, that the volumes presented by Gladden Bishop, the revelations of Rigdon and others, were pronounced to have a demon character; and the pretensions of William Smith and J. J. Strang, the Beaver Island "King," declared to be spurious, and they, with their followers, were solemnly excommunicated.


     


    80                     ARRANGEMENTS  FOR  EDUCATION,                      



    EDUCATION.

    In Utah or Deseret, the arrangements for the cause of education are upon an extensive scale.

    Hitherto all exertion has necessarily been bestowed on obtaining the means of living; to fence fields, build houses, and tended their crops and herds. But as soon as this pressure slackened, we find them appropriating liberally for a university, which shall be eminently practical in its character, and designed to teach the useful branches thoroughly, first, to all, and allow those who have the leisure and the means, to acquire the ornamental afterwards.

    The selected grounds for the university buildings are beautifully located on the first broad terrace, in the north part of the temple city, and overlook the dwellings of the town. City Creek has excavated a deep channel through this table-land, as it bursts out from the mountains, and its waters are to be taken at the requisite elevation in the hills, and conducted to the college plat, and made to beautify the scenery in jets, and water the groves, walks, and botanical gardens; and a part used for health, in extensive bath and swimming houses.

    A large square is to be allotted and fitted to athletic and equestrian exercises; an observatory for practical astronomy, and the instruments already collected are to be freely used to instruct on the ground, in the several departments of engineering, mechanics, and surveying -- the agricultural department liberally patronized; and the living, spoken languages of all peoples thoroughly taught to the proper students.

    A peculiar feature in their instruction is the introduction of a "Parent's school" for the heads of families; and, at the time of the organization, the President is said to have avowed his intention of attending it as a scholar, which is gladly mentioned as a thing redounding to his praise, and showing his strength of character; as also calculated to show others of his people that the time for acquiring knowledge is during the whole life of man. It is too often that the school-room is deserted in early life, or the idea acted upon, that, if our youthful days have not acquired the


     


                                EXALTED  ANTICIPATIONS.                             81



    elementary branches, it is of no use afterwards to try to remedy the deficiency.

    The Parents' school, patronized by the Presidency and Regents of the University, with the members of the High Council, must have an immense influence in refining, elevating, and ennobling the mind of the public generally. Primary schools, opened under the direction of the chancellor, and inspected by the Regents, are well attended by the children; but the whole system is now like chaos being reduced to order. Their philosophers already aspire to something more than has yet been accomplished; and they assert that they shall soon revolutionize the kingdom of science, and surpass the most learned in mathematics, philosophy, and the sciences of observation.

    The geologist and chemist must directly come to them to learn the wonders developed from below, and in the mineral kingdoms; and the botanist and naturalist to study the arcane of the principle of life, elaborated in the vegetable and animal. For, having "sought first the kingdom of Heaven," they look now for the promise of having all other things and knowledge added; but they sensibly add, that the Lord helps those who help themselves, and that their minds will only be quickened to perceive by the most intense industry.*

    __________
    * From one of the Regents, speaking of the university. -- Phelps' 24th July Oration, 1851. -- "Beseeching the whole church to pray the Lord our Heavenly Father, to send down some of the Regents from the great University of Perfection as he did to Noah Moses and others to unfold unto his servants the principles of wisdom philosophy and science which are truth." -- " But what with all the precious things of time the inventions of man the records from Japhet in the ark to Jonathan in Congress, embracing the wit and the gist the fashions and the folly which so methodically grammatically and transcendentally grace the libraries of the elite of nations ready be worth to a saint when our Father sends down his regents the angels from the grand library of Zion above with a copy of the History of Eternal Lives; the records of worlds; the Genealogy of the Gods; the philosophy of truth; the names of our spirits from the Lamb's Book of Life; and the songs of the sanctified?" -- It must be recollected that things on earth are but patterns of those in the celestial planet, according to Mormonism.


     


    82                            MORMON  EDUCATION.                              



    The greatest change will be made in astronomy -- the system of the world will be modified in the number, arrangement, and relations of the and any curious to anticipate what is to burst upon us, may discover an inkling in the Book of Abraham, which was brought to Nauvoo with some Egyptian mummies; of which Joseph translated a portion written by the faithful patriarchs, when he sojourned on the banks of the Nile, which relates to the planetary world, diving to the centre of the universe, and exhibiting the great orb Kolob, which revolves on its axis once in a thousand of our years, and around which all else that relates to man is supposed to wheel in endless lines.

    Their most profound mathematician, while in England, put forth a feeler essay, by which the Newtonian theories of gravitations attraction, and repulsions are overthrown; and all the effects usually attributed to them put upon the intelligence of element; and the motions of the universal atoms, either single or combined in mass, referred to the circumscribing and infusing power and presence of the Holy Spirit, acting directly upon, and through all things. We have not time and perhaps patience would fail to follow the data and the Argument used to prove this, -- and we may safely trust all developments of this kind to their practical hands, and rely upon experiment to furnish them with facts that shall bring them into physical truth, and hope that their researches will contribute something to the cause of science, and that their admirable theory of education, when fully carried out, will aid and enrich our literary treasures.

    It is understood that the Saxon and Celtic classics, from which four-fifths of our spoken words are derived, will have a prominent place and comparative attention, and stand side by side in barbaric native strength with the more polished Greek and Latin. The sciences of observation, just taking a perfect form, and which meet more nearly the demand of the age in the educational market; which are spread before the eye of every one that walks the field, tills the grounds or observes nature's curious ways in the house, the shop, the study, or under open skies, are those that will be pursued with the greatest ardor.


     


                             ADMINISTRATION  OF JUSTICE.                            83



    By the liberality of the last Congress, the derogate from Utah was furnished the means to select a fine library, and this munificence will greatly aid the cause of education at their Zion University. "To search for wisdom in all good books" was the behest of their great prophet, and the sentiment is fully inculcated on all.

    This people are jealous of their rights, and feel themselves entitled to enforce order by their own laws, and severely punish contempt of them.

    The administration of justice is of the most simple kind, and based on equity and the merits of the question, without reference to the precedents and technicalities, referring to the rules of the Mosaic code, and its manner of punishment, when applicable.

    Witnesses are seldom put on oath in the lower courts, and there is nothing known of the "law's decay," and the quibbles whereby the ends of truth and justice may be defeated. But they have a criminal code called "The Laws of The Lord," which has been given by revelation, and not yet promulgated; the people not being able quite to bear it, or the organization still too imperfect. It is to be put in force, however, before longs and when in vogues all grave crimes will be punished and atoned for, by cutting off the head of the offender. This regulation arises from the fact, that "without shedding of blood there is no remission" -- and is intended as an act of mercy to the criminal, who, when he has unwisely or through Satanic wiles, [jeoparded] his salvation by evil acts, can, by willingly offering his neck to the block, atone for all his sins, and enter on the "untried state of being" absolved from guilt, through the sacrifice of his own blood, and obedience to this "law of the Lord."


    LOYALTY.

    Though this people fled to a foreign country to enjoy the liberty that persecution denied them in the states, as soon as they found their adopted land had come under the jurisdiction of the stripes and stars -- which their own valor had helped to win in the army of the Pacific against Mexico, -- they embraced the earliest opportunity of declaring their adherence to the great charter of liberty


     


    84                          DESTINY  OF  MORMONISM.                              



    and national glory, and announced to the world that was given to our patriot fathers by divine inspiration, and that they will uphold and defend it, though all the original parties shall secede and trample it under foot.

    "They will make no law forbidden by the sacred constitution of the United States," and predict that the day is not far distant when they shall be solicited by patriotic American citizens, to descend from their rocky fastnesses, to enforce its sanctions upon those led astray by frantic political delusion and anarchy.

    The great "eagle of America is now perched on her mountain eyrie, watching the unsafe wanderings of her brood, and, ready to stretch her pinions for the flight, will soon collect them together again, and bear them on her wings to a place of safety." Firmly cherishing the belief of their divine mission to revolutionize the world, and that events are even now shaped to expedite their return to the promised land Zion, they note the crimes, the follies and turmoils in every place, and a record of them is kept and filed away with the archives of their church and state. These are held up as portents to demonstrate that the wrath of heaven is already being poured out, and the madness of political factions, the bitter strifes of different religions, -- the wars of nations, and of peoples against their governments, together with the ravages of the cholera plague, all are declared to show the beginning of the end, and to herald the ultimate triumph of Mormonism.

    The books they keep are to be some of those at the great judgment, when "the books are opened" -- their prophet has told them to keep a faithful record; and their scribes are busy in forwarding the awful accounts that shall condemn this generation.

    They enter into the dark alleys of crowded cities, and ferret out the practices of secret associations in the dens of pollution, and the details equal all the imagination can picture of the sins of Sodom and Gomorrha. They note down the aberrations from rectitude of the men entrusted with making and executing our laws, or who minister at the altars of divine worship in this and other countries, until their criminal calendar of nations smells rank to heaven, and causes their members to regard themselves,


     


                                  MORMON  ARGUMENTS.                                 85



    in point of purity, in comparison, as clothed with the resplendent white robe of righteousness.

    And the listener to the eulogiums of Mormonism is pointed to the success that has attended their efforts -- and they proudly challenge him to parallel the fact, that, without "scrip or purse," an obscure individual, in the open light of the age which should be styled the most intelligent, from having the accumulated knowledge of those gone before to add to its own wisdom, should set on foot a scheme by which the deep mystery of a continent, peopled by two different races, is solved; the one swept off ere history began their record, save on the broken column and fallen arches of crumbling granite; the other without tradition of its origin, fast following its predecessor to oblivion, but now taught how to redeem its remnant, and knowing whence it came, regain pristine favor with heaven, in the path of duty well marked out -- and which, in twenty years, has multiplied its devotees from six individuals to three hundred thousand -- founded a state in the far off wilderness, and compelled a mighty nation to recognize them a separate people, with the right of self-government -- proclaimed its mission on all the grand divisions of the earth, and taken converts from the patriarchal states of Rome, and the pagan isles of the ocean; all this, too, while the fiercest persecution was chasing them from one refuge to another, and, under the ban of obloquy, impeaching their motives and the purity of their lives, as well as the scope of their doctrines.

    But what we predicate of their teachings and of their doctrines to-day, may not be the truth of either to-morrow. For by the doctrine of development, and having revelations according with the exigencies of the church, they may be bidden to change their policy, and suspend those commands found to be inapplicable to their condition, and the faith of the saints.

    Such suspension and withdrawal of privileges have already become precedents -- and it should not strike us with surprise to hear that matrimony is confined again to a single pair, on the plea that it has fulfilled the intention of its founder, and the word is


     


    86                                     THE  SAINTS.                                        



    prevailing fast enough to built up the faith on the earth, ready for the Lord's coming.

    The present Seer has cautioned his people to be faithful, and they may hope any hour to receive a deputation from the "lost ten tries of Israel," which shall confirm them, and signal the conversion of their red brethren, when "a nation shall be born in a day." These lost tribes are supposed to be on a fragmentary part of the earth, which is either in space revolving with its parent planet, and called, as it is placed there "The North Country," or on some insular land, to which no vessel has ever been permitted to sail and return to publish the place of abode. And there are four witnesses to the truth of the Gospel who have never tasted death; these are, St. John the Evangelist, who was to tarry till the Lord came, if he so willed it; and three others of the church founded in America by Christ, who begged the like privilege and had it granted to them, as may be seen by consulting the Book of Mormon.

    These saints continue in perpetual manhood, and travel over the earth, assuming the language and costume of the country they happen to be in, and have visited some of the brethren of the Latter-Day Church, according to their own belief in receiving some remarkable strangers: they look anxiously for their appearance, to proclaim boldly their character and instruct the people from the temple pulpit; but this too will depend upon their faithful obedience to spiritual counsel.

    The Lord will not come till the Temple of Reception is built; the temple will rise only by the efforts of a people specially organized in the faith; and this generation may fail and be rejected, but another may be raised up to do the work appointed, who will obey the revelation; so is it taught and written.

    Thus have we endeavored to draw a true picture of the mountain Mormons; -- the view was taken before ever seeing any history of their doctrines or polity by others; -- it is the result of observation and listening to their teachings, and reading a few of their own accredited books; and, as far as possible, we have endeavored to make them sketch their own portrait.


     


                         POLICY  TOWARDS  THE  MORMONS.                        87



    The policy of our own government in giving them rulers selected from themselves, is so just to them in their present condition, and so well calculated to allay their irritated feelings, aroused by the injustice and oppression of the mobs, which were left unrebuked if not sanctioned by state authorities, that it cannot be too much commended.

    It has caused a revulsion of feeling, and taught them to make a distinction between the lawless acts of congregated individuals, and the governors of the state, and the sense of gratitude and kindness is shown by their lately selecting a site for a city in the beautiful Parvan valley, in the county of Millard, to be called Fillmore, which shall be the civil Capital of the territory, as the Temple City is the head quarters and Capital for the higher spiritual power. The magnanimity of a peoples far separated from all others, is thus appealed to, instead of wounding their prides -- it is the field on which the freedom of conscience is to be tried; -- it is the cause of political liberty, successfully contended for by the revolutionary fathers, in the estimation of that portion of American citizens; and under the permanent law of Congress, they ask for self-government to test their fealty as a matter of right and justice.

    Therefore, we may be permitted to say, that this course of judicious action may secure a law-abiding people; and soon we may expect to see a thriving, peaceful state added to the extending Union under the name of Deseret -- The Land of the Honey Bee.

     

    [ 88 ]






    PART  SECOND. --  HISTORY.

    CHAPTER I.
     
    EARLY  PERIOD  OF  MORMONISM.

    IN what has preceded, we have aimed more to give a view of the people of Utah, the Mormons, as they delineate themselves, than to criticize their creed, or controvert their pretensions. During a year's residence among them, there was an opportunity of observing them impartially, and having no knowledge of their doctrines in advance, their whole system became one of study, unuttered by prejudice. Since leaving them, curiosity has led me to investigate the motives of the opposition which they have encountered, both in regard to their religious opinions and political actions.

    We find that they are regarded by many as dangerous to the state, and subverters of our holy religion. The system is held up as the result of impudent imposture, and interested knavery. Their miracles, which had so much to do in its early success, are accounted for in the same manner as those of the Mesmeric philosopher, or those of a monkish priesthood: -- the performers of them perhaps deceived themselves and the lookers-on, duped by a deceiving imagination, and led astray by a deluding superstition. They call up historical facts, and exhibit before us similar fanaticism in all ages of the church, in which whole countries and communities have been overwhelmed for a time, and which passing away, are the wonder of after ages; and we come to the melancholy conclusion that nothing is too absurd when it assumes the name of religion, to have its thousands of votaries.

    By this rule of historical evidence, -- by the facts contemporaneous with the development of Mormonism, are we called upon to


     


                            THE   BOOK  OF  MORMON.                            89



    test the truth of its origin in heavenly revelation or successful human derivation.

    The addition to the Sacred Record, The Book of Mormon, is at the foundation of the scheme, and we will first see how it is proved to be the work of one of sufficient genius to produce it; and then show how it has been made to lay so firm a hold on many minds. Its style and literary merits are not parts of the question at all -- we have only to observe that it is the most successful attempt ever made to imitate the Scriptures, not in its composition, but in its pretension to be an inspired text.

    There have been several versions of the story, but, after the most mature investigation we have been enabled to give to the subject, the following seems most consistent with the facts yet published. All is established on the most positive testimony of individuals under oath, which is essential to the point at issue. As this will controvert the statements of the "Prophet," Joseph Smith, and his father's family, we ask the opinion of their neighbors whether their assertions are entitled to unquestioned credit. Fifty-one gentlemen of Palmyra, New York, and eleven of Manchester, and several persons who lived near the family residence, and often labored for days in company with them, all testify to the same effect -- "that they consider them destitute of that moral character, which ought to entitle them to the confidence of any community -- and particularly that the senior and junior Joseph; were entirely unworthy of belief in such matters; and addicted to vicious habits." They were visionary men, and believed that hidden treasures were in the vicinity, and often employed themselves in digging for them and money. They used what in Scotland are denominated "Seerstones," through which persons, born under peculiar circumstances, can see things at a distance, or future events passing before their eyes, or things buried in the earth.* Such a stone was dug from a well by one Willard Chase, which was loaned to the prophet Joseph, and retained by him, and with which some of the family declared he read in the Golden Bible.

    __________
    * Like the Mediaeval Crystallomancy.


     


    90                       JOSEPH  SMITH  AND  HIS  FAMILY.                       



    In after times, he said that he used two stones, set in the two rims of a bow, the Urim and Thummim of the ancients; and probably this seer-stone gave rise to the idea that it would be a sure way of gaining belief. These stones are those spoken of in the Book of Mormon, as the ones touched by the finger of God for the use of Jared in his barges, when he crossed the Pacific to settle America. They became shining lights in his dark vessel. The family also used peach and witch-hazel rods, to detect and drive off evil spirits, when digging for money; and such branches are supposed by many to point out streams of running water beneath the surface; and are used by miners frequently to find the lodes of mineral, for the currents of water are presumed to run parallel with the veins. They take a forked stick, and hold a prong in each hand, the stem pointing upward, and walk about the field; -- if there are any underground springs, the stick will turn downward toward it in spite of the holder. Tales of such discoveries are told among this people, and firmly believed at present, not alone by them, but by persons in every part of the country.

    It has already been mentioned that in 1823, under the preaching of a Methodist elder, the "prophet," as we shall continue to call Joseph, and his father's family, were converted or excited, in a "revival of religion." This resulted in giving a portion to the Presbyterians, but leaving the prophet greatly perplexed among the rival sects, who were striving to enlist the converts under some particular banner. In viewing "this struggle for the spoils of victory," his original mind took the idea that there was but little to choose between them, and that all matters wrangled upon were mere opinions. Yet he could see that there was a religious element in the human character, which was apt to be swayed by the circumstances surrounding the individual. On that little theatre were shown the scenes attending the preaching of Peter the Hermit, the enthusiasm of the disciples of Matthias of Munster, on a diminished scale; but enough to exhibit the tendency of fanaticism and mystic feeling in a multitude. And he did not fail to observe that a permanent influence remained when the exciting causes were over -- that some would continue


     


                            THE   BOOK  OF  MORMON.                            91



    their course, and search out reasons to substantiate their notions instead of testing them in cool judgment, their pride or their vanity being enlisted -- others, feeling a depression of spirits, would unite in social gathe