Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1899-12-04


AND WHAT THEY PRACTICE.
According to announcement, Elder
John NJ Whitaker, of Utah, delivered
his lecture on .Mormonism" yesterday
afternoon at 2:30. Notwithstanding
union of Elks' memorial service,
there was a good sized audience in the
Arion Hall, and for over an hour those
assembled paid the closest attention to
an explanation of the tenets of the
Mormons, and were much surprised to
learn that Mormonism was so widely
misunderstood, and that polygamy
was not the cause of the many perse-
cutions to which that much maligned
people have been subjected. The argu-
ment was clear, the points well estab-
lished, and after the meeting many
commented freely that Mormonism was
such refined and practical religion.
As Elder Whitaker closed his re-
marks, man said to be a Josephite,
arose and asked for an explanation of
the differences between Josephites and
MormonS, which the Elder at once ex-
planned to the satisfaction of all, and
after the melting, Mormon literature
was distributed and considerable ear
nest conversations, questions and state
ments were had
The meeting was called to order by
Elder Jasper A. Bird, one OF the presi-
dents of the North West Virginia Con-
ference, who, after a brief prayer, was
followed by Elder Whitaker, who spoke
for something over an hour, making
clear many points of interest heretofore
unknown concerning Mormonism and
especially on the point of polygamy as
not being the cause of all the persecu-
tons of the Mormons, nor the cause
of the great uprising throughout the
nation. Very many had heretofore be-
lieved that Mormonism was synon-
omous with polygamy, but the fact was
made clear that polygamy was not a
necessary part of salvation, and now.
as the hIder claimed, had been placed
beyond the further solemnizing of such
unions, the real cause of all the past
animus, as is the cause of the present
crusade, is made very apparent. In
answer to some questions he clearly
pointed out the unjust position of his
church in being made to appear as re-
sponsible for the Mountain Meadow
Massacre the doctrine of "blood
atonement" and the DANTE phantom,
and said ''as well might any church be
made responsible for the crime of one
individual member thereof as that the
Mormons should carry the odium which
attaches to the foul deed of John ID.
Lee, and few Indians" After a thor
ough trial by the United States courts,
John ID. Lee paid the penalty by being
shot, and in Sumner Towards charge,
the Mormons were absolutely exhonor-
ated as knowing nothing of that ter
rible crime until after its occurrence.
Those who listened to the lecture could
not help but feel that the Mormons
had been greatly misrepresented and
cruelty treated, and the appeal he made
for religious federation and free speech
should not be necessary in a land of
freedom
In dealing with the history of the
Mormons, he pointed out how they had
been cruelty driven; many suffered
violence and even death. That the
term Mormon" was applied to people
whose right name is Latter Day Saints;
that the word Mormon was derived
from book by that name called the
Mormon Bible" or Book of Mormon.
which gives an account of the rise.
progress, civilization and education of
once mighty race, whose descendants
are now called American Indians, and
the relics of that once mighty people
now found in the buried cities and
great temples now being unearthed.
The church of Jesus Christ of Latter
Day Saints was organized on the 9Th
day of April, 1880, by direct command
of God to the Prophet Joseph Smith.
It's organization is the same as the ear
ly Christian church. It's officers are
endowed with like powers; the same
blessings are being realized; the same
unity exists, and the Elders preach
the Gospel in all the world without
purse or scrip, as Christ commanded
His apostles aneiently.
Elder Whitaker then discussed in
clear manner the doctrines Of the Nor
mon church, of which the following is
a summary:
l. we believe in God the Eternal Father,
and in His Son Jesus Christ, and in the
Holy Ghost
2. we believe that men will be punished
for their own sins, and not for Adams
transgreSsiOn.
3. We believe that. through the atone