1844-09-16-New York Herald-Mormon Lecture on Restitution of All Things
Mormon Lecture on the Restitution of all Things.
New York Herald,
September 16, 1844
Mormon Lecture on the Restitution of all Things
Yesterday there was a display of Mormom talent on this subject at the National Hall, Canal street, by elder G. J. Adams. The service was commenced by Elder W. Smith, the only surviving brother of the Mormon prophet, offering up prayer; this was succeeded by Mr. T. A. Lyne reading the 26th chapter of the Acts of the Apostles, in a somewhat novel style. Elder Adams then proceeded to address those assembled, taking for his text verses 20 and 21 of Acts III, I Cor v. 21, and the Revekation of John, c. 21, v. 4 & 5. The gentleman then proceeded to treat on the immortality of the soul, the fall of man, the curse of the earth, the plan of redemption, the reign of peace over the earth, &c. &c. &c., to which he broached some truly original ideas, and contended that the millennium was to exist on this earth, and that hell, fire and brimstone, was only to frighten old women of the present day to follow the steps of a hireling and hypocritical priesthood, who were ten times worse than the Pharisees of old, who taught doctrines they knew were repugnant to truth for their own sordid interest and aggrandizement; and that it was not until the people opened their eyes to this fact, could the reign of the Lord commence. The gentleman, in the course of his argument, proceeded to show that man only consisted of body and soul, or spirit, not, as generally thought, body, soul, and spirit; and went to show the materiality of body and the eternity of spirit, while the former minbgled with the dyst from whence it came, and the latter returned to him who gave it; and future punishment was all moonshine. and that all spirits would enjoy eternal happiness sooner or later, and that new heavens and new earth would be the final inheritance of the saints. The gentleman then proceeded to say that he had been for a long time trying to get a place to preach in this city without success, and could only get the present for that evening, and hoped that all had got the worth of their money, which was charged to cover expenses; but hoped that in a short time he would be able to get other accomodations, and give lectures on the doctrines of the Mormons, and show that they were the only true religionists.
The gentleman having concluded his address, proceeded in company with Elder Smith to confirm two females by the laying on of hands, to what they termed the true church. The parties in question appeared to be about 18 and 20 years of age, and of an interesting appearance. Afterwards, Elder Smith offered up prayer, and the assemblage was dismissed.
There were not more than from 50 to 70 persons present during the service, so that the price of admission, 12 1/2 cents, would not cover the expense of rent of room, printing, &c. There might have been a larger audience if the admission had been free. Certainly, the novelity of the subject and delivery would have commanded it.
