Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1856-12-17
A SKETCH OF JOE SMITH,
THE MORMON PRoPH

Thirty years ago there lived near Palmyra,
Wayne county, NewYork, an obscure individ-
ual, whose name has since become familiar to
the world. That individual was Joseph Smith,
the Mormon prophet. A sketch OF this per-
sons life is interesting, not because we find
anything in his character to admire, bat be-
cause it presents to our view the origin OF
Mormonism-one of the most extravagant
humbugs that the world has ever wltnessed.-
The idea of a new religion originating in per-
son possessing less than ordinary abilities,
and rapidly increasing in number till both the
Old and New World contain multitudes ofpro-
selytes, is subject of much interest. TO
give the reader idea Of the origin of this
sect is the object Of the present essay.
The family of which Joseph was member
was large, remarkable for neither intelligence
nor industry. His father possessed visiona-
ry mind, and cherished the notion that pro-
phet would arise out of his family it is hard
to say why he should arrive at this conclusion.
| yet the means of accomplishing his wishes
were evidently in his own power, for it was
soon announced to the world that brother of
Joseph was the expected prophet. 1t is evil
dent that this appointment was made by Di-
vine authority, else SO serious mistake could
not have occurred, for the prophet suddenly
| died of surfeit-of eating too much raw turnipi
| The hopes of the ambitious father were not to
| be blasted By this unfortunate occurrence;
for it was soon known to the people of Stafford
street, where they resided, that Joseph was
the successor of his brother.
In order to obtain clear idea of the pro-
phet's career, it will be necessary to refer 10
his early years. The boyhood OF Joseph was
passed the farm with his father. During
the winter months he attended the district
schools where he acquired the little knowledge
which he possessed. He is remembered by
his school-mates as being idle, and somewhat
vicious, and was regarded by all as 4 very dull
scholar. AS young man his prospects We're
| anything but cheering He was engaged in
no steady employment, and might often have
been found lounging around the bar-rooms OF
Palmyra in company with persons as worthless
and idle as himself. This was the general
character of Joseph Smith up to the time of
his prophetic career, and no one would have
surmised that he was to become the founder
of a new religion, an inglorious martyr at
| Nauvoo.
JoSeph's prophetic powers were first direc-
! ted to the acquisition of wealth money-dig-
ing soon engaged the attention of the family,
and part of the neighberhood. Night after
night these fanatics labored urged on by Wis
ions of untold wealth. Excavations were
made in hillside and valley, but Fortune, the
fickle goddess, refused to smile upon them
| .ba
phecy was false.
At this state of affairs circumstance occur-
red which retrieved the waning hopes of the
prophet, and gave direction to his gen.
ius. This the discovery Of the Book OF
Mormon, or Mormon Bible. This event pro-
we'd to be the. e.origIn of Mormonism-the lee
bic germ which produced the tree of giant
proportions, whose branches have extended
over large part of the known world. 1t
was pretended by the prophet that this re-
cord was found on a hill, below the surface of
the ground written on plates of gold. This
being transcribed by mysterious process, be-
came the work now known as the Mormon
Bible. This is the fabulous account of its or
ign. Its authentic history is as follows 1t
was written by Vermont clergyman named
Spaldng. II was intended merely as a work
of fiction, and was entitled .sThc Manuscript
Found.'' The author died before its circula-
tion and, after various fortunes, it fell into the
hands of Joe Smith, who at once made it nee
essary to his ambitious schemes.
1t It's probable that this book owes its origin
to that sentiment which prompts us to vener-
ate old manuscripts which contain account
of men and times long since passed away. 1t
professed TO be the history of people which
had its origin at the time of the confusion of
tongues, and whose prophets name was Nor
mon. The style of the book is in limitation
of the Holy Bible, but in point of beauty of die
ton, sublilnity of character, and divinity OF
its Author, it holds no comparison. The only
work with which the Mormon Bible can be
compared is the Koran. Each is the oracle
of false religion, ana the author of each was
an imposter.
Well may Mormonsm blush at its parent
age. The life of its founder exhibits no feat
urc worthy of limitation, and his character is
associated with all that is vicious and immor-
al. Mormonism itself is but specious hum
bug, whose vital principle is poygamy.-
Such is the man-such the religion of which
he was the founder
OUR Democratic Friends are exceedingly
well dressed. about these times, and sport any
quantity of new suits, hats, boots, &C., won
no, the election. Out in Indiana Hon. c. l.