Dallas herald. [volume] (Dallas, Tex.) 1849-1873, 1873-02-22
MOBBING THE M0RM0NS.
Persecution of the Saints in Ontario
Temple of osborne Destroyed
From III. London tontarIol Free Press.

/
| From the London (0ntario) Free Press.
For some years past the followers OF
that illiterate enthusiast, Joseph Smith,
have been quietly promulgating the doc
| trines of the Mormon faith in various
parts of Western Ontario, and have
sueeceded in several localities in
leading weak minded people 70 join them,
and, as consequence, to renounce the
faith of their forefathers. Especially is
this the case in the township of More in
the county Of Lambton, where a large
number of Welsh people have settled, and
where there are but few family circles who
cannot say that one Of the household has
Gone and Joined the Mormons,
The gay and festive Mormons." !.
There d tabernacle has been dedicated
to their chosen system of worship, and
services are regu larly performed therein,
in conformity with the doctrines enjoined
by their spiritual head, Brigham Young,
Their mode of life is similar TO that in
vogue in Salt Lake City, with the excep'
tion tn at polygamy Is not pracIiced. One
or more of the head elders visit once
wear the great head of the sect, and re-
ceive instruction for the spiritual guild
ance of the flock under their charge.
Revivals are of freqHent occurrence,
and the members of both sexes worship
devoutly from the stand poiut taken by
their leaders. The presence Of these peo-
pie in that part of the township has had
the effect Of drawing to their sect increas-
ed membership, and at the present time 1t
is stated that their numbers may be count
ed by hundreds. In tho township Of
Plympton. also, Brigham had numerous
followers; but they have within tho past
three or four years emigrated to the valley
and become exemplary adherents and dis
ciples of Joe Smiths band of LatterDay
Saints. A few facts in connecsion with
the spread of the baneful and pernicious
doc ctrines of these misguided people comes
to us from the township of osborne, HUI
ron county, adjoining Biddulph.
During the past year the inhabitants Of
portion OF that township have been visit
ed at different times by leading IL empers
of the Larter.day Saints, with view oil
scattering the grain Of mustard seed to
the people, among the sect counted numer-
Gus friends, who gave these men every aid
and countenance in the PRONUNCIATION and
diffusion Of, .the peculiarities connected
with their form of worship. The majority
of the residents of their locality, how
ever, were decidedly averse to these i'm
posters planting their stakes in their
midst, conceiving that their doctrines that
they held were, if not subversive to law
and order, at least a mockery on the pure
and holy religion they protested. In
cited by bitter fcclingc, and with deter
mination to get rid of these individuals
who had taken prominent part in The
spread of what they pleased to term the
"naked truth" as revealed to the heads OF
their denomination. numerous party
some weeks since met and organized
vigilance committee, whose duties were
prescribed.
:" The Latter-Day Saints, were warned
to leeve the settlement quietly and save
trouble; but they did not heed the gentle
persuasion, and persisted in continuing
their work of grace despite the admonl-
tions of the committee, who, up to this
time, had used no violence toward one of
the sect The members of the Vigilance
Committee became exasperated at the con-
duct Of the tribe, and determined to get
rid Of the inpostors, Us they termed them,
at all hazards. Accordingly, about two
weeks ago, the chosen few, who had been
deputed by the residents of the neghbor
hood to clear them out, come what may
afterward, assembled and proceeded after
ward to the place where the ''saints" were
holding forth. The latter, however, were
made acquainted with the intentions of
their opponents, and had the doors of the
temple securely barred against intruders
The vigilants in consequence failed to
secure admission and could not carry out
their intentions. With a determination
not to be foiled in their undertaking, they
again assembled on Thursday evening,
the 9th of January and, Notwithstanding
the inclemency of the wather, patiently
awaited the return of the pilgrims from
their house of worship and, seiLiug upon
them, had them inlo sleigh, which was
in readiness to receive the saints, and
then drove off to thickly wooded forest,
a few miles distant, where plentiful
supply of tar and feathers had been pre-
viously supplied.
On tho road to the bush the captives
made night hideous with their piteous cries
and entreaties for mercy at the hands OF
their captors, but the vigilants turned
deaf ear to their supplications, and were
about to present them with coat OF tar,
when council of war was suggested, and
at which it was agreed to cease host.litits
provided an assurance was given that
they would cease their infdel teachings
and leave for Nauvoo or some other place
with as little delay as possible. This guar
antee "saints" concluded to give, assuring
the prosecutors las they called the COM
mittee) that they would not in the future
annoy the inhabitants of the district. And,
our correspondent adds, in conclusion,
"the assembluge then quietly dispersed to
their respective homes"