The native American. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1840, 1839-05-25
THE MORMON BIBLE.

the ioHoWlng singular development OF the Orlgl
and history Of the Mormon Bible. 1t account
most satisfactorily for the existence Of the book
fact which heretofore it has been difficult to ex
plain. 1t was difficult to imagine how worl
containing SO many indications of being the pro
duction OF cultivated mind should be connecte.
with knavery SO impudent and superstition s.
gross as that which must have characterized tn
founders of this pretended religious sect. TIL
present narrative, which, independently of tn
attestations annexed, appears to be by no mean
improbable, was procured from the writer by tn
Rev. Mr.. Stow, of Holliston, who remarks tn;
he has chad occasion to come in contact wit
Mormonism in its grossest forms" 1t was com
municated by him for publication in the Record
er.---Boston Duly Advertiser.
As this book has excited much attention, an
has been put, by certain new sect, in the plac
Of the sacred Scriptures, deem it duty whic
l owe 70 the Public to state what know touchin ,
it's origin. That its claims to divine origin ar
wholly unfounded, needs no proof to a mind un
perverted by the grossest decisions. That an,
sane person should rank it higher than any othe
merely human composition, is matter of tn
greatest establishment; yet it is received as divin
by some who dwell in enlightened New England
and even by those who have sustained the char
acter Of devoted Christians. Learning recent,
that Mormonism has found its way into churc!
in Massachusetts, and has impregnated some
its members with its gross decisions, so that ex
communication has become necessary, am de-
termined to delay no longer doing what can t.
strip the mask from this monster Of sin, and to
lay open this pit Of denominations.
Rev. Solomon Spaulding, to whom was uni
fod in, mo in parIv VIC Urodn
Dartmouth College, and was distinguished for
lively Imagination and great fondness for histo-
fy. AT the time of our marriage, he resided in
Cherry Valley, New York. From this place we
removed to New Salem, Ashtabula county, Ohio;
sometimes called Conneaut, as it is situated upon
COnneaut creek. Shortly after our removal to
this place, his health sunk, and he was laid aside
from active labors. In the town of New Salem,
there are numerous mounds and forts, supposed
by many to be the dilapidated dwellings and for
tifcations of race now extinct. These ancient
relics arrest the attention of the settlers and
became objects of research for the curious. Nu-
Inerous implements were found and other articles,
evincing great skill in the arts Mr.. Spaulding
being an educated man, and passionately fond Of
history, took lively interest in these develop
ments of antiquity; and in order to beguile the
heurs of retirement, and furnish employment for
his lively imagination, he conceived the idea of
giving historical sketch Of THIS long lost race.
Their extreme antiquity of course would lead
him to write in the most ancient style, and as the
Old Testament is the most ancient book in the
world he initiated its style as nearly as possible.
His sole object in writing this acknowledgements
was to amuse himself and his neighbors. This
was about the year 1912. Hull's surrender at
Detroit occurred near the same time, and / re-
~ f.o, hat A.,
he progressed in his narrative, the neighbors
would come in from time to time to hear portions
read, and great interest in the work was excited
among them. 1t claimed to have been written by
one of the lost nation and to have been recovered
from the earth, and assumed the title of 'tManu-
script Found" The neighbors would often in
quire how Mr.. S. progressed in deciphering ''the
manuscript" and when he had sufficient por-
4ion prepared he would inform them, and they
would assemble to hear thread. He was enabled,
from his acquaintance with the classics and an
cient history, to introduce many singular names,
which were particularly noticed by the people,
and could be easily recognised by them. Mr..
Solomon Spaulding had a brother, Mr.. John
Spaading, residing in the place at the time, who
was perfectly familiar with this work, and repeat
eddy heard the whole Of it read.
From New Salem we removed to Pittsburgh,
Pa. Here Mr.. s. found an acquaintance and
friend in the person of Mr.. Patterson, an editor
Of a newspaper. He exhibited his manuscript to
{ III. F.'whoswas very much pleased with it, and
borrowed it for perusal. He retained it long
time, and informed Mr.. S. that if he would make
out title-page and preface, he would publish it,
and.it might be source Of profit. This Mr.. s.
refused to do. for reasons which cannot now
STATE. Sidney Rgdon,* who has figured SO
Largely in the history Of the Mormons was at this
time connected with the printing office of Mr..
PasaSfson, as is well known in that region, and as
Rikdon himself has frequently stated. Here he
had ample opportunity to become acquainted with
Mr. Epanlding's manuscript, and to copy it if he
chose. It was matter Of notoriety and interest
to all who were connected with the printing esta-
blishment. Atlength the manuscript was return
ed 70 Its author, and soon after we removed to
Amity, Washington county, Pa, where Mr.. S.
deceased in 1916. The manuscript then fell into
my hands, and was carefully preserved. 1t has
frequently been examined by my daughter Mrs.
McKenstry, Of Monsoon, Mass, with whom
nOw reside, and by other friends. After the Book
of Mormon came out copy Of it was taken to
New Salem, the place of Mr.. Spauiding's former
residence, and the very place where the .Manu-
script Found" was written. A woman-preacher
al ~