The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1875-03-10
Communicated.
A Sketch Of Hyreu and his Book

Fred. Hyren, the prophet, accord
ing to bis autobiography, as given in
the book called the "New Dispensa-
tion," was born in Finland, Northern
Russia, in February, 1912. lie then
says be went to st. Petersburgh, Rus
sia, where he entered a school TO learn
languages, under the patronage of the
Russian Government, to prepare youths
for service as Interpreters to Consuls
aud Ambassadors. About 1887, he
went with the Russian Legation to
Constantinople, Turkey. After re-
naming there some time he went to
Ezroom, Turkey. Leaving there, he
proceeded to Athens, Greece; then re-
turned to ST. Petersburgh, from whence
he sailed in a Swedish vessel to New
York. In his book be says his friends
were astonished when he quit the cou-
sular business, which offered brilliant
prospects for the future. 1t is sup
posable that he connects this in his de.
lusive, strange history, with the
Prophet Moses, in bis part of one who
despised riches and honor to assist his
desp:sed countrymen. But this figure
will bear out ffosscomparison, barring
his conversion which he ci,,!.ms was
really oil the voyage, across the ocean,
where-he had his first regular vision.
His really fanatical course did not
commence until he landed in Ameri-
ca. when he set out without scrip or
purse. The general character of his
visions are generally of an earthl y and
material character, as developed by
his book. He does not in bis book
assume such phrases and words az
moreover" "And it came to pass"
"now it so was" &C., peculiar TO the
Mormon Bible in particular, but gives
the kings English right out. He is
fond of referring to his fasts these he
calls miracles. The fast ut Niagara
Co., N. Y, is not properly a fast, al
though it was said to be 40 days; yet
he says there he tasted on honey. He
refers to his fast at Tionesta in Feb,
1855, on the 18th page of of his book,
| believe. This was 2l day concern,
when he was released by order of the
Overseers of the Poor. Some alege
that he must have eaten the candles in
part, (but this theory exasperates him)
while others assert he must have snuf,
fed the smoke. OF his visions, it may
also be remarked they are often with.
out particular point-they teach moth.
ing, whether true or false. His search
after Solomon Coon seems like a ro.
nance; yet when he found him, what
transpired? absolutely nothing this
story all ends in smoke; Sol. and he
"didn't hitch" in their belief. The
book abounds in such phrases as "gen.
GRAFTON of vipcrs," "hypocrites, "sons
Of perdition," "hired clergy" "mer-
chants Of Babylon" &c. 1t is sur
charged with vituperation. The mis-
anthrope is visible on every page. The
visions sound "bogus." The fas:s are
more than dubious. The object of his
return here after 20 years from the
fast, which he calls "a sign" is to es-
tablish The .''N1illenial Church." as he
calls it. The "sign" has been debated
over for 20 years, pro and con. We
have, 1t is certain, strange book and
strange man. a prophet without
followers and some apprehension that
that he might become Borough |
charge; for now he seems to have no
country but the world, is GO years old,
and still insists OH his mission. His |
latest mission has been marked by |
disturbances of religious meetings,
DC. He is, though, rather a subject
of charity than of censure.
To IL n, Until, NJ. uo,,o CrNo.