Newark evening star and Newark advertiser. [volume] (Newark, N.J.) 1909-1916, 1914-04-01
EXPLAINS START
OF MORMON|SM
Madison Speaker Says Its
Founder Adopted PoIygamy
as a Convenience.

MADISON, April -"Mormonism"
was discussed in all it's phases yes
terday at the fifth of the inter de-
nominational mission lectures held in
James's Hall by Rev. James b. Hal
sci. pastor for several years in ST
Marks Cathedral in Salt Lake City,
Utah. Mrs. James A. Webb, jr
presided. Mrs. w. W. Davis presided
at the piano. A scripture lesson was
read by Rev. Henry A. Buttz, presi-
dent emeritus of Drew Theological
Seminary.
The speaker stated that pofygamy
is one of the smallest parts of the
Mormon doctrine. 1t is no longer
privilege in this doctrine, although
it may exist. He stated that not ten
per cent. Of the male population of
Salt Lake City is addicted to polyg-
amy. Thel eaders, however, are all
po1ygamists. 1t was his opinion that
this doctrine could best be abolished
in the United States by the Christian
churches acquiring the Mormon's
point of view instead of ridiculing
them. In starting, the speaker gave
brief sketch of the formation of
the Mormon religion
Beginning of Norm onis,n.
1T is a remarkable thing" he said,
that in the nineteenth century this
doctrine should spring up in this
country. But, when one considers
that at that time there were SO many
fanatics on religion, all of whom could
get following, it does not seem so
surprising. We are always in danger
from religious fanaticism, but 1t is
Kept down by civilization. The Nor
mon doctrine was promulgated in 1920
and in 1880. Joseph Smith, jr, be-
came the leader of the movement.
Smith was crystal gazer and was
somewhat enileptic. He later became
an ego-maniac and announced his
candidacy for President of the United
States.
THE book of Mormon treats with
the revelations of the leaders of the
movement. The story tells of two
migrations to this country. One at
the time of the confusion of the
tongues OF Babel and again about 500
years before the coming of Christ.
They fought and, so the story states,
the true doctrine was revealed to the
chosen people and was recorded on
golden plates, which were hid at that
time to be recovered on the early part
of the nineteenth century in New York
State by Smith. The writing on the
plates was in Egyptian and yet Smith
could read them through a pair of
prismatic glasses. He translated
them from behind a pair of curtains
and his translation became the Nor
mon doctrine.
Smith started the emigration west
ward and got into trouble in every
State in which he stopped. Finally, a
jail in which he was locked up was
raided and Smith was shot. This
gave him the halo Of martyrdom.
Polygamy Not in Doctrine.
'Polgamy is not found in the book
of the Mormon. but became part of
their doctrine through one of Smiths
revelations, which he could have at
any time he found 1t convenient. It
was especially convenient at this
time. as it got him on tot scrape.
Polygamy was promulgated in 1852
and was enjoyed as a divine right
and privilege until 1890. when the
law compelled Brigham Young to
put stop TO 1t.
THE man Brigham Young was a
remarkable man. His feat of bring
ing the Mormons across the plains
fol over 1850 miles is reckoned as
enc of the remarkable things in his
tory The Mormons are noted for
their colonization. Their missionary
az tivities put the Christian world to
shame. They have on an average of
1000 missionaries in this and foreign
lands at al times. These young men
are educated with this In view, and
go as missionaries for two and three
years at their own expense"
The speaker showed how once one
vas entangled in this doctrine he
could not go back to his own religion.
When a man is losing faith in Nor
monism he is made to commit polyg-
amy in order that h ecannot leave
their domain, he declared He spoke
of the work being done by the Chris
tan churches in that land. The
Presbyterian Church leads, he said.
They receive annual subscriptions of
$4,000 for ministerial wants and $780,
0G0 for schools.