The star of the north. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1849-1866, 1857-07-22
A Mormon Parallel Three Centuries ago.

| A Mormon Parallel Three Centuries ego.
Strange religious fanatcams are not con-
fined 10 any county nor limited to any era
of The worlds history. The Anti Christian
world witnessed as strong delusiens as have
sprung up since the advent of the Redeemer.
"A writer in the Providence Post, recalls some
interesting particulars concerning strange
sect, which about The year 1880, arose in
Germany, and, from their foul practices and
the prelences of their leaders 10 special reve-
lations, bearing a striking resemblance TO the
Momons; the name also by which they ulti-
mately became known, and are known at
the present day, Mennonites, is not very dis.
similar 10 that of their successors in depravity,
the Mormonites. They were called Anabap.
lists, for the reason that they condemned the
baptism of infants and re.bapised all whom
they admitted into their society. To this
peculiar notion concerning baptism, they ad.
ded other principles Of most enthusiastic as
we'll as dangerous nature, among which was
this, which The Mormors of the present day
hold in common with them: That as neither
the laws of nature nor the precepls OF the
Testament had imposed any restraints upon
men with regard 10 the number of wives
which they might marry, they should use
that liberty which God himself had granled
10 the palriarchs. Two of their prophets,
John Matthias, baker of Harlaem, and John
Boccold, journeyman tailor Of Leyden, fixed
their residence at Munster. Not wanting in
talent or resolution, and affecting The appear.
ance OF sanc,iiy, bold prelensions 10 inspira-
lions, and confident aud plausible manner
of discoursing, they soon gained many con.
verts, among which we're some of influence
and eminence. Emboldened by succe ss
they surprised and took possession of the city
of Munster, and set about modelling the gov.
eminent according 10 their own wild IDEAS
The proceedings were all directed by Mathi.
as, who, in the style and with The authority
of prophet, uttered his commands, which it
was instan, death TO disobey their enlhusi.
asic passions were KEEP, from subslding by
perpetual succession of exhorlations, revela-
tions and prophesles. Upon the death Of
Matthias, John Boccold succeeded 10 the su.
preme rule he appointed twelve judges, az
cording TO the number of tribes in Israel, TO
preside in all affairs. He at length took upon
himself the title Of King OF Sion, assumed the
pomp OF royalty, wearing crown OF gold
and clad in the richest aud most sumptuous
garments. Having now attained the height
of power, Boccold began 10 discover passions
which he had hitherto restrained. AS The
excesses of enthusiasm have been observed
in every age 10 lead to sensual qualifications,
the same constitution that is susceptible OF
the former being remarkably prone 10 The
latter, he instructed The prophets and teachers
10 hsrangue the people concerning the law
fulness, and oven necessity, of taking more
wives than one, which they asserted to be
one OF the privileges granted 10 the saints -
He set them an example Of using what he
called their Christian liberty, by marrying at
once three wives. AS he was aured by
beauty or the love of variety, he gradually
added 10 the number of his wives until they
announced 10 fourteen. After The example o
their prophet, the multitude gave themselves
up 10 The most licentous and uncontrolled
qualification of their desires. No man re.
mained satisfied with single wife. Togeth.
er with polygamy, freedom of divorce, its
inseparable attendant, was introduced. Ev.
| cry excess was committed OF which The pas.
sions of men are capable when restrained
| neither by the authority Of laws nor the sense
of decency volupluousness was engraited on
religion, and dssolute riot accompanied the
| auslerilies of fanalcal devotion. About fif-
teen months after the Anabapiists had estab.
lished their dominion in Munster, they were
overcome and the city re-conquered By an
army in the service of the Bishop of Mum
sler. Boccold, the King, was taken prisoner
loaded with chains, and carried from city e
city as a spectacle 10 crafty The curiosity o.
the people. Alter this he was brought back
10 Munster and put 10 death. With its mon
arch, the kingdom of the Anabap'is,s came
10 an end. Their principles having taker
deep root in the Low Countries, the party
still subsisls there. under the name of Men
noniles but by very singular revolution
this sect, SO mu,inous ard sanguinary al it
first origin, hath become altogether nnocen
and pacific. A small number OF this sec
which is settled in England, retain its pecu
liar lenes concerning baptism, but withou
any dangerous mixture Of enthusiasm.