Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1886-01-29
A MORMON ExCoMMUNICATED.
Ono of the Twelve Apostles ID lven
From the Church.

From, NE >7It LaEs Herdld
Nothing that has occurred in the career
of the Mormon church during late years
has created more Of a sensation both in
and out of this community than viii fol-
low the announcement Of the evening OF
NOV. 10 last, that the quorum Of
Apostles had communicated from the
church one of their number, Albert Car
rmgtOn, for the Ofenses Of "lewd and
lasciYious conduct and adultery" our
reporter was only successful in learning
that the otleuses charged were committed
some years ago in England; rumOr stated
That they had also been continued here,
but that they had not come under the
notice OF the church authorities until re-
cent date. 1t has been an open secret for
some time, however, that Mr.. Darlington
mad no active part in the administration
OF church affairs.
In church circles there Will be almost
universal sorrow and Tegret--nOt so much
because Elder Darlington has been cut
on but that he has been guilty OF oftens, .
demanding his expulsion. Very FEW men
have stood higher IN the church than ne,
and not many have been regarded Win
more reverence and affection. During "A
generation ne has held the apOstieship; ne
mas stood close to the First Presidency
during the past and present adminlstra-
tiOns and, being an educated and intelec-
( tually able man, has commanded respect
and confidence. The man who, without
knowledge of the tact had
charged sdch grave ohenses at
{ the door OF the Elder would
have found no believers for his tale, and
been regarded as a malicious scandal r
monger. such supreme confidence had the
people in the moral purity and faithful re-
gard for church law OF the gentleman.
/ Hence the sensation that this affair Will
occasion, aud the grteYous sorrow that IL
viii bring to the thousands OF his late
brethren and sisters.
At the same time there will be among
them but one opinion as to the wisdom,
/ the pr0priety, the necessity Of the order of
/ communication. The MOrmOns AL the
time he under the charge OF being lcen-
tOus aud seXually immoral people, but
those at all acquainted with them know
/ that this accusation Is wlckedly false and
malIclousiy cruel and unjust. There Is
no religious sect on earth that processes
or maintains a higher regard for marital
vows than the MormOns, and sexual
crimes are regarded bv them as the most
heinous of Oflenses both in religious the
DRY and religious life. One who has lived
among them, has heard their preaching,
and is acquainted with their sentiments,
ideas. and beliefs, viii not attempt to
deny the truth Of the above declaration.
The Darlington expulsion from the church
itself, as other cases have done, furnishes
the strongest possible proof OF the correct
ness OF the assertion that the MormOns
look with adherence on sexual Otlenses.
The crime could not be overlooked and tor
given IN him who stood so high IN author
itv any more than in the common plOdder
who's name and fame are unknown be-
yOnd his own ward.
Ia the eyes Of some who understand the
fun spiritual force and meaning oil an eX-
communication from the Mormon church
Elder CarringtOn's punishment will seem
severe, yet its severity is not more ter
rible N the mind Of the deYOut and faith
tut saint than the euOrmiJy Of his sim
/ Mug demands. Whatever may be the
! opinion regarding the Ohense, the Apostles
| WHO have thus cut adrift one OF their num-
/ her whom they found 10 be unelean have
shown themselves to be consistent with
/ their religious professions, and faithful in
I their practice as in their belief the ac-
/ ton cannot fail to command the approval
/ and respect Of fair and unpreiudlced men
/ outside the Mormon church, as IT certain
" will receive the Endorsement Of the
masses in the church. 1t shows a degree
Of moral courage and taithfulness to
principle under trying circumstances
that would be herOism in the political
world, but is integrity and uprIghtness
in the religious. People other than Nor
mons who know Albert Darlington will
regret his downfall and grieye over his
disgrace.