The weekly Ottumwa courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1857-1872, 1858-03-18
origin Of s1ormcnism.


t|a
The New York Journal Of Commerce OBJ
serves that the calamity of Mormonism has
come upon us as one Of the results of that ex-
cessive freedom in the exercise Of which we
throw opeu the gates Of our empire to all man.
ner Of immigrations from the Old World--for
the anomalous Mormon population is chiefly
recruited from Europe. As this disgusting
compound Of sensuality, despotism, and feroci-
CUISINES is continually thrusting itself upon pub
lie attention, it may interest some Of our read
ers to recall the circumstances in which it
originated. We accordingly subjoin the fol-
lowing account of its origin, which we find in
the journal alluded to: ~
"Rev. Solomon Spaulding, graduate of
Dartmouth College, was distinguished for a
lively Imagination, and love for history. He
lived in part Of Ohio, abounding in mounds
and ruins of old forts, and took much interest
in the study Of antiquities. To beguile his
hours Of retirement, he conceived the idea Of
giving historical sketch Of the lost race,
about which there was so much mystery.
ssIt was::of course fanciful undertaking, Civ.
ing wide scope for the exercise of imagination,
and tempting him to indulge in an antique style
while describing ancient things. The Old
Testament containing the most ancient books
in the world, he found it convenient to initiate
its style. He therefore launched out at will
into the region Of free historical romance
This was in 1912. His neighbors, hearing Of
| thA oeh hiS
to his house, ard hear portions Of it read. II
claimed to have been written by one Of the
lost nation, to have been recovered from the
earth, and was christened with the title Of
Manuscript Found" This self amusing gem
tleman pretended to be decirhering the mys-
teries OF the disinterred manuscript, and regu-
larly reported progress to his neighbors.--
From the classics and from ancient history he
introduced many uncouth and unaccustomed
names. which awakened curiosity. Mr.. 8. re-
moved to Pittsburg, and found friend 10 the
person of an editor, to whom he showed his
manuscript. The editor was pleased, borrow
ed it, kept it, and offered to print it, If Mr. s.
would make out suitable title page. Mr.. 8.
declined any such use of it.
"Svdney Rigdon who has since figured so
largely among the Mormons. was then employ.
ed in the EDITORS printing Office; he inspected
the manuscript, and had an opportunity to
copy it. 1t was returned to the author wao
died il 1916. But the influence he had unwit-
tingly originated did not die with him. There
is no doubt that Rigdon took copy Of the
whole or part of the manuscript. He ap-
pearec in Palmyra N. Y, IN 1928, working at
his trade. About this time there began to be
talk Of certain mysterious "plates" being found
in that region. They had been discovered, il
was said by Joseph Smith Jr., in the bank Of
the Fire Canal, near Palmyra. Here Smith
and Rigdon conspired TO start the fraud.
"Smith was man OF low cunning, vulgar
and sensual in his habits, fitting accomplice
for Rigdon. both being ready to execute any
falsehood. Joe was to set up as a leader. and
to aesume the title Of prophet. 1t was given
ont that Joe was engaged in translating the
plates. This was In 1929 Some followers
were obtained, chiefly the ignorant and vicious
and the dishonest, who had no character to
lose. They called themselves the church Of
the Latter Day Saints, who issued an edition
Of 200 copies OF the ssBook Of Mormons'' at
Palmyra. Some three or four seemingly re-
spectacle men Of that region joined them
which attracted much attention. Smith and
his followers selected Kirkland, Ohio, as their
"City Of Refuge;" by inspiration, as blasphem-
ers said-the Lord intending and directing
that the Temple should be built there. Two
hundred composed the first settlement. They
called their book the "Golden Bible.o Smith
founded bogus bank, which Of course, failed,
and he found il necessary to move farther
West. Thither has been the disastrous pro-
gress OF the miserable imposture, whose sub
sequent history is known to the world. II
would seem as If there was no form of folly
or impiety which some human being will not
embrace. Poiygamy, blasphery, rebellion,
murder, are the natural fruits Of this wretched
conspiracy which is troubling the whole land.
Smith was overtaken with the judgment OF
God, and died miserable death. Young is
probably destined for similar end.o