1833-07-13-Evangelical Magazine and Gospel Advocate-Mormonism

Mormonism

Source: Evangelical Magazine and Gospel Advocate, v4 n28, 13 July 1833, pg. 224

From the American Eagle.

MORMONISM.

The sect which has lately arisen in this country, distinguished by the name of Mormons, are rapidly incresing in different parts; and even Westfield is favored with a society of this order.

A curious circumstance, however, of no little importance to them, has recently transpired among the Mormons at Westfield, Chataque county.

It is well known that they profess to have the gift of tongues, the discerning of spirits, the gift of healing, the gift of prophecy, &c.; and they have for a considerable time spoken, as they allege, unknown tongues, as did the apostles in the day of pentecost, and they have attracted crowds to their meetings. It happened, however, that an individual joined himself to them who had not very great faith. This individual, as he states, was an earnest seeker after light; and he was determined, if possible, to satisfy himself whether Mormonism was, or was not true. He was accordingly baptized. He went on with the "brethren" in full fellowship, and in the course of a few days was confirmed by the laying on of hands, and received the gift of tongues. He accordingly spoke with tongues, and others, as is their custom, gave the interpretation. He himself, also, was favored with the interpretation of tongues when that gift was bestowed upon some other one: in fine, he was becoming one of the brightest ornaments of the church, and it was declared by the high priest that he had the Spirit of the Lord, and spoke as he was moved by the Holy Ghost. Last Thursday, however, this man (Mr. Robinson) completely analyzed his gift of tongues. The circumstances are these:

The preacher delivered a discourse as usual, and according to the custom, called upon the brethren to use their privilege and speak if they had aught to say.

Accordingly a young man arose,and after a short exhortation in the English language, broke out vehemently in an unknown tongue, as it was called. When he had concluded, the preacher called upon any brother who might have the interpretation to rise and declare it. The member before spoken of, (Mr. Robinson) was favored with the interpretation. He declared that the young man had cited the people to him as one that had somewhat to say unto them; that he had declared thro' him, (Robinson) they would receive great light, and that his testimony would be true, and that they were admonished to give heed to it. To this the preacher, Mr. Gould, assented, saying that Mr. R. had given the substance of the young man's talk. Mr. R. then received the Spirit and spoke with tongues, and the interpretation was given to Mr. G. the preacher and leader. He declared that Mr. R. had spoken an unknown tongue, and that the interpretation was thus and thus. One of the spectators then asked leave to be inquisitive as Nicodemus was, relative to the new birth, and inquired of Mr. R. whether Mr. G. had given the true interpretation of his language. Mr. R. accordingly related the circumstances by which he became connected with the Mormons, and how he obtained the gift of tongues, &c.

He said that for some days after his baptism, he had no other impressions than he had formerly had; he thought as he had before thought, and he had felt as he had before felt. At a certain time, however, he was in company with some of the brethren, and they declared to him that he might have the gift of tongues if he chose; asking him if he had not a humming in his mind for days past, and told him to sing in an unknown tongue; he declared himself no singer and declined; but shortly he was induced to make the attempt, and did sing in an unknown tongue; still his feelings remained the same; he perceived no change in his mind; the Spirit did not come upon him like a rushing mighty wind and fill all the house; neither was it like the still small voice heard by Elijah, when the wind and the earthquake had ceased. And now, said he, I testify to you before God and these witnesses, that I never had any impressions or exercises different from that of other times since I joined the Mormons; that the tongues spoken of by me are of my own invention, and that as far as my knowledge extends, the whole is a farce, and may my fate be like that of Annanias and Sapphira if I do not speak the truth honestly before God.

As may be inferred, the above scene produced a strong sensation in the house; and it was strongly urged by spectators that his testimony corroborated and substantiated as it has been, by the gift of tongues, as it is called, must be received, at least by the Mormons. And, indeed, it makes a strong case:

1st. He received the gifts, and had the testimony of those who think themselves capable of discerning spirits, which was, that he had the Spirit of God.

2d. He had the testimony of a miraculous gift—an unknown tongue—that the testimony he was about to give would be true, and that the people were obliged to give heed to it.

3d. The testimony which he did give, was, that Mormonism was a delusion—an imposition; and the people do give credit to his testimony.