1842-05-31-Centinel of Freedom-Mormonism

Mormonism

Source: Centinel of Freedom, v45 n48, 31 May 1842, p. 3.

Mormonism

Mormonism—The spread of this singular delusion is one of the most remarkable signs of the times. What the sign may denote, beyond an extensive degree of credulity in poor human nature, it is not for us to say. The extension of this sect is proceeding rapidly not only in the West, but in the very centre also of the most populous and educated portion of New England. In Boston, it is stated, a church was established in March last numbering thirty converts; it is now filled with a large congregation. From this point they have radiated throughout the neighboring towns. In Chelsea, Medfield, Medway, and Salem, the foundations of Mormonism have been laid. In the last named town, nearly seventy have been baptised into that faith. They have extended themselves into New Hampshire. At Peterborough twelve were baptized in one day, and the church in that place numbers over one hundred members.

The great head establishment of this sect is, at Nauvoo, in the State of Illinois. They have there laid out the plan of a city on a vast scale, and are proceeding in the erection of a magnificent temple. From what we can learn of their system of operations in their settlement, it appears to be marked by orderly arrangement and persevering effort. A strong military organization is one prominent feature of their policy; and with this the elements of religious and municipal government are intimately united. We saw it stated recently that the martial force of Nauvoo consisted of two thousand men, fully equipped and well disciplined. Whether this statement be exaggerated or not we cannot tell—but so it goes.

Of the religious tenents of the Mormons we cannot speak from accurate knowledge. They profess to receive the Bible; both the Old and New Testaments, but claim also to have an additional revelation. This, it is declared, came into the hands of Joe Smith, their chief prophet, in the form of a book with golden leaves which he affirms that he found in some retired place. From this book, styled the Book of Mormon, the sect takes its name. They, however, call themselves the "Latter Day Saints." It appears that Joe has lately taken the benefit of the Bankrupt Law; but whether the debts from which he seeks to be discharged are due to his own people, or to the surrounding strangers, we do not know. If all accounts are true he has practised the grossest impositions upon the faithful with a degree of imperturable coolness which none but a prophet could hope to imitate.—Balt. Amer.