The New York herald., 1844-09-12


ehting, as developing the present political and re
gious condition OF that people-their future pros
poets and the probable destination Of their votes
this fall
The most important document, which we pub
lsh, take from their journal, and is the epslle
of 'the Twelve" as it is called, signed by the
chief Of the apostles Itappears by this document
that the Mormons have no further election orseIec-
tion of prophet as head of the church-that the
succession to Joe Smith is given to a band of
twelve men, whom they call the apostles, who are
appointed to preach to the Mormon people through
out Europe and America. These religious enthu-
siasts appear 10 go TO work with a great deal of
coolness and calculation, and it is Interesting to
observe with what pertinacity they adhere to the
practices by which the original christian church
was established in the Roman Empire From the
position of political parties in the Roman Empire,
the christian sects were enabled in period of two
or three centuries to WELD the balance Of power
between the contending imperial factions, and af-
ierwards to give their religion and laith to the En-
plre itself The early christians also declared them
selves an exclusive sect or party both social and po
lltical. They acted against all the Pagan sects and
religions which prevailed at that time So do the
Mormons in the present day declare themselves
against the christian sects And from the singuarpo
stion OF political parties in this country, and the
currence, the end Of every four years. Of general
election, the Mormons may be destined to WELD an
influence OF which few may at present dream. 1t
will be seen that they take very quiet but deli
berate position with respect to the Presidential
test, and according to the indications we have
seen, it would appear that they are going for Polk
and the Democracy In this case, they may decide
the result in the State of Illinois, and most likely,
il it shouldb close throughout the country, may
be the means of determining who will be Presi-
dent.
In this curious position of things. the Mormons
occupy precisely the same ground, and may ac-
complish similar results as the early Christians
when they gave the Roman purple to Constantine.
We also annex reply to the recent singular do
cument which we published, signed by one Jack
son, developing the morals of Joe Smith and his
associates. This reply is signed by one :" Elder
Adams,'' and his disclosures respecting Jackson
take away all credibllity from the statements of
that individual. On the whole, we suppose that
the Mormons are just like all other people-they
have their virtues and their vices-and are neither
so good as they themselves alege, nor so bad as
their enemies and prosecutors represent them.
AN EPIsTLE OF THE TwELvE.
To the Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, in
Naupoo and aH the 0orid- Greeting
BELOVED BRETHREN-For as much as the Saints have
been called to suffer deep affection and persecution, and
also the loss OF beloved Prophet and also
Patriarch who have suffered cruel martyrdom for the
testimony Of Jesus have voluntarily yielded themselves
to cruel derer who had sworn 70 take their lives
for the sheep therefore becomes necessary for ad
dress at this time several important subjects
You are now without prophet present with you in
do h nat tt.,n
who hold the keys of power TO seal earth that which
shall be sealed in Heaven and to preside ali the a
direction of the God, and being dictated by the
same spirit, having the same manifestations OF the
Holy Ghos: ~ to- dictate erd all the s;,a sars m Of the
dom upon the foundation that the Prophet Joseph has laid
who still holds the keys Of this last dspensaon and will
hold them to all eternity, as king and priest unto the
high God, ministering in heaven earth among
the spirits Of the departed dead seemeth good him
Let no man presume for moment that his place will
be filled by another for remember he stands in his
place. and always will; and the Twelve Apostles of this
dspensation stand in their own place and always WILL
both in time and in eternity to minister preside and regu
late the affairs Of the whole church.
How vain the magnations Of the children of men,
to presume for that the slaughter one two
hundred Of the leaders of this church. could destroy
organization SO perfect in itself and SO harmonously
arranged that it will stand while member Of il is LEFT
alive upon the earth Brethren be not alarmed Tor the
Twelve should be taken stll there powers and
offices in existence which will bear the kingdom OF God
triumphantly victorious in all the world. This church
may prophets many and apostles many but they
al to Sna ii Gs %s en- vbe e
On the subject OF the gathering let be distinctly
destood that the City OF Nauvoo and the Temple Of
Lord continue to be built up according to the pat
tern which has been commenced and hich has progress
cd with such rapidity thus far.
The city must be built up and supported by the gather
ing Of those who have capital and willing lay it
for the erection ofevery branch Industry and
facture which necessary for the employment and sup
port Of the poor OF those who depend wholly their
labor while farmers who have capital must come and
purchase farms in the adjoining country and improve
and cultivate the In this way all may enjoy plenty
hundred fold aud unless this done it is
impossible for the gathering to progress because those
who have other dependence cannot live together with
out industry and employment.
Therefore let capitalists hasten here; and they may be
assured have nerves sinews fingers skill and ingenu
ty sufficient in midst to carry all the necessary
branches Of industry.
The Temple must be completed by regular system OF
tithing according to the Commandments of the Lord
which he has given law unto this church, by the
mouth Of his servant Joseph.
Therefore, as the Twelve have proceeded to a
full and complete OF the branches abroad lie
every member proceed Immediately to tithe himself or
herself tenth Of all their property and money and pay
II into the hands of the Twelve into the hands Of
Bishops have been shall be appointed by them to
receive the same, tor the building Of the Temple the
support OF the priesthood according to the scriptures and
the revelations of God and then let them continue TO pay
in tenth Of their income from that time forth for this is
a law unto this church much binding on their con-
sciences any other law ordinance And let this law
ordinance be henceforh taught to all who present
for admission into this church that they may
know the sacrifice and tthing which the Lord requres
and perform else not the church with mock
membership, as many have done heretofore. This will
furnish asteady public fund for all sacred purposes and
save the -ndsrs from constant debt and embarrassment
and the members then employ the remainder Of their
capital in every branch Of industry enterprise and char
ty, as seemeth them good; only holding themselves In
readiness to be advised in such shall be for the
good of themselves and the whole society; thus all
things in harmony. and for the general benefit
and satisfaction Of all concerned.
The United states md adjoining provinces will be i'm
medatey organized by the Twelve into proper districts
In q similar manner they have already done In Eng
land ana scotland and high priests will be appointed over
y conferences for the regulation and rsprese
the branches included in the and for the further
Of the gospe and also to take for yearly
representation in general conference This will
the trouble and confusion OF the running to and fro OF ell
ders detect false doctrine and false teachers and make
every elder abroad the which
he may happen to labor Rshops will also be appointed