1842-05-20-Christian Secretary-Mormonism
Mormonism
Christian Secretary, v5 n10, 20 May 1842, p. 3
Mormonism.—The absurdities and wickedness of this delusive heresy have been frequently alluded to in this paper, but there is one fact connected with Jo Smith's manner of managing pecuniary matters at Nauvoo which we have not seen noticed, which shows the knavery of the leaders in Mormonism. The circumstance was related to us by a member of the Baptist denomination who visited the section of country near Nauvoo about one year since. It seems that the Mormons are not overstocked with provisions, and in order to keep his followers together, Jo hit upon an easy method to supply their wants. Hold-?e the doctrine that "the cattle upon a thousand hills are the Lord's, " he appointed an officer with the dignified title of "The Lord's butcher," whose business was to reconnoitre the prairies and select the best cattle he could find, kill them and send them in to the hungry disciples of the Mormon prophet. A sufficient number of men are placed under the control of this fellow, and the cattle belonging to the settlers for many miles around are taken to feed these lattter day saints.
Our attention was directed to this subject from the circumstance of one of Jo Smith's preachers having lately visited this city. He left the following notice in the office adjoining ours for the purpose of having it printed in hand-bill form. What success he met with in making proselytes we did not learn, but judging from his notice, we presume they were scarce. It is well known that these Mormon preachers claim the 'gift of tongues' or the power of speaking in unknown langugages. Of the extent of this 'gift' in the preacher in question, the notice will afford sufficient proof. Mormonism appears to be a compound of knavery and ignorance.
A number of Lectors will beheld at the Washington hall commencing on Saturday night at half past Seven and on Sunday at ten am. and again at three oh clock pm, bye Elder Simeon Carter.
