1842-07-American Biblical Repository-Critical Notices

Revision as of 23:53, 16 October 2012

Critical Notices

The American Biblical Repository, Devoted to Biblical and General Literature, Theological Discuss…, v9 n3, Jul 1842, p. 243-??

…

31.—Mormonism in all Ages: or the Rise, Progress and Causes of Mormonism, with the Biography of its Author and Founder, Joseph Smith, Jr. By Professor J. B. Turner, Illinois College, Jacksonville, Illinois. New York: Platt & Peters. London: Wiley & Putnam. Liverpool: Hyde & Peters, 1842. pp. 304.

This work, it has been well remarked, might better have been denominated an Antidote to Mormonism. It exposes with a bold and fearless hadn the monstrous deceptions practiced by Smith and his associates upon their deluded followers, of whom they profess to number 100,000 in this country, and more than 10,000 in Great Britain, where their faith is making rapid conquests. This book is not only a history of Mormonism, but contains a copious and very instructive illustration of its spirit and tendencies drawn from the history of similar fanaticisms in all ages. It is written with considerable ability and research, and the author has enjoyed the best opportunities of personal acquaintance with the doctrines and polity of the community of which he treats. It is well adapted to be useful, not only in neighborhoods where Mormon lecturers are attracting attention, but also wherever there exists a tendency of fanaticism of any kind. We recommend it to ministers and others who would arm themselves with facts and principles suited to such a condition of things, which, unhappily, is neither rare nor uncommon in our country.