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BIRTH AND PARENTAGE OF JOSEPH SMITH, THE MORMON PROPHET -- HIS "REMARKABLE VISIONS" -- HIS CONSECRATION TO THE
PRIESTHOOD -- ALLEGED APPEARANCE OF JOHN THE BAPTIST TO JOSEPH AND HIS CONFEDERATES -- THE GOLDEN PLATES OF THE
HILL OF CUMORAH -- THE BOOK OF MORMON -- THE MORMON WITNESSES OF ITS AUTHENTICITY -- THE WITNESSES WHO ASSERT
IT TO BE A FRAUD -- STATEMENTS OF PROFESSOR ANTHON -- THE SPAULDING FAMILY -- MRS. DAVISON AND SIDNEY RIGDON.
IN the year 1825 there lived, in a small village in the United States of America, an
obscure young man -- of little or no education -- of no fortune, and of but indifferent character. That obscure
young man had meditated for five years before this time the establishment of a new religion, In 1830, being then
in the twenty-fifth year of his age, he began to carry his design into effect. In the following year he became the
head of a sect numbering five persons; amongst whom were included his father and three brothers. In the course of a
few
16
THE MORMONS.
weeks, the number of his adherents increased to thirty. At the present time, the sect so established numbers 300,000
people; has its own Bible, and zealous missionaries to preach it in every part of the Christian world, and besides this,
inhabits and possesses a fertile and beautiful territory almost as large as England, and aspires to obtain admission,
on equal terms, as a free State, into the great confederation of American Republics. The name of this young man was Joseph
Smith of his new Bible, the "Book of Mormon" of his sect, the "Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints," or in the
parlance of those not members of it, The Mormons, or Mormonites; and of the state or territory of which they have taken
possession, Utah or Descret, in New California. The Mormons have thriven amid oppression of the most cruel and pertinacious
kind; they have conquered the most astonishing difficulties; they have triumphed over the most vindictive enemies, and
over the most unrelenting persecution ; and from the blood of their martyrs have sprung the courage, the zeal, and the
success of their survivors. They can boast not only an admirable and complete organization, but the possession of worldly
wealth, influence, and power. Their progress within the last seven years has been rapid to a degree unparalleled in the
history of any other sect of religionists. The remarkable career of Joseph Smith, the Prophet of the Mormons, and the
story of the rise of the sect which he founded, is one of the most curious episodes in the modern history of the world.
To trace that history with all its fanaticism, all its zeal, all its genuine and sincere faith, all its folly and all its
virtue, and to carry it through all the touching scenes in the varied and surprising fortunes of the people who believe
in Joseph Smith as the prophet of God, from the day in which the doctrine was first broached amid the hatred and the
derision of a few, to the present day, when the sect is too powerful and too sincere to be derided, is the object of the
following pages.
To avoid the appearance of unfriendliness towards men who whatever the character or views of their former leaders may have
been, or whatever may be thought of their own fanaticism are carrying on a great and remarkable work, but little understood,
or even heard of, in this country, beyond the limits of their own body, we shall whenever it is possible to do so, present
their history in the words of their own writers, appending such statements on the other side as may be necessary for the
exposition of the truth. The following particulars of the origin of the Book of Mormon, of the early life of Joseph Smith,
and of his first appearance in the character of a man divinely inspired to be the new Moses, or Mahomet of his generation
are extracted from the "Remarkable Visions," of Mr. Orson Pratt. This gentleman was formerly their emigrational agent at
Liverpool,
VISIONS OF JOSEPH SMITH.
17
and styles himself, in the title page, "One of the twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day
Saints:" --
"Mr. Joseph Smith, jun,." says this friendly narrator, "was born in the town of Sharon, Windsor County, Vermont,
on the 23d December, 1805. When ten years old, his parents, with their family, moved to Palmyra, New York; in the
vicinity of which he resided for about eleven years, the latter part in the town of Manchester. He was a farmer
by occupation. His advantages for acquiring scientific knowledge were exceedingly small, being limited to a slight
acquaintance with two or three of the common branches of learning. He could read without much difficulty, and write
a very imperfect hand; and had a very limited understanding of the ground rules of arithmetic. These were his
highest and only attainments; while the rest of those branches, so universally taught in the common schools
throughout the United States, were entirely unknown to him. When somewhere about fourteen of fifteen years old,
he began seriously to reflect upon the necessity of being prepared for a future state of existence: but how, or
in what way, to prepare himself, was a question, as yet undetermined in his own mind: he perceived that it was a
question of infinite importance, and that the salvation of his soul depended upon a correct understanding of the
same.
He retired to a secret place in a grove, but a short distance from his father's house, and knelt down, and began
to call upon the Lord. At first he was severely tempted by the powers of darkness, which endeavoured to overcome
him; but he continued to seek for deliverance, until darkness gave way from his mind; and he was enabled to pray,
in fervency of the spirit, and in faith; and, while thus pouring out his soul, anxiously desiring an answer from
God, he at length saw a very bright and glorious light in the heavens above; which at first seemed to be at a
considerable distance. He continued praying, while the light appeared to be gradually descending towards him; and,
as it drew nearer, it increased in brightness, and magnitude, so that, by the time that it reached the tops of the
trees the whole wilderness around was illuminated in a most glorious and brilliant manner. He expected to have seen
the leaves and boughs of the trees consumed, as soon as the light came in contact with them; but, perceiving that it
did not produce that effect, he was encouraged with the hopes of being able to endure its presence. It continued
descending, slowly, until it rested upon the earth, and he was enveloped in the midst of it. When it first came
upon him, it produced a peculiar sensation throughout his whole system; and, immediately his mind was caught away,
from the natural objects with which he was surrounded; and he was enwrapped in a heavenly vision, and saw two
glorious personages, who exactly resembled
18
THE MORMONS.
each other in their features or likeness. He was informed that his sins were forgiven. He was also informed upon the
subjects which had for some time previously agitated his mind -- namely, that all the religious denominations were
believing in incorrect doctrines, and consequently that none of them was acknowledged of God as his church and kingdom.
And he was expressly commanded, to go not after them; and he received a promise that the true doctrine, the fulness
of the Gospel, should, at some future time, be made known to him. After which, the vision withdrew, leaving his mind
in a state of calmness and peace, indescribable. Some time after having received this glorious manifestation, being
young, he was again entangled in the vanities of the world, of which he afterwards sincerely and truly repented.
"And it pleased God, on the evening of the 21st of September, A.D. 1823, to again hear his prayer. It seemed as though
the house was filled with consuming fire. This sudden appearance of a light so bright, as must naturally be expected,
occasioned a shock or sensation visible to the extremities of the body. It was, however, followed with a calmness
and serenity of mind, and an overwhelming rapture of joy, that surpassed understanding, and, in a moment, a personage
stood before him.
"Notwithstanding the brightness of the light which previously illuminated the room, yet there seemed to be an additional
glory surrounding or accompanying this Personage, which shone with an increased degree of brilliancy, of which he was
in the midst; and though his countenance was as lightning, yet it was of a pleasing, innocent, and glorious appearance,
so much so, that every fear was banished from the heart, and nothing but calmness pervaded the soul.
"The stature of this Personage was a little above the common size of men in his age; his garment was perfectly white,
and had the appearance of being without seam.
"This glorious being declared himself to be an angel of God, sent forth, by commandment to communicate to him that his
sins were forgiven, and that his prayers were heard; and also to bring the joyful tidings that the covenant which God
made with ancient Israel concerning their posterity was at hand to be fulfilled; that the great preparatory work for
the second coming of the Messiah, was speedily to commence; that the time was at hand for the gospel, in its fulness,
to be preached in power unto all nations; that a people might be prepared with faith and righteousness, for the
Millennial reign of universal peace and joy.
"He was informed that he was called and chosen to be an instrument in the hands of God, to bring about some of his
marvellous purposes
VISIONS OF JOSEPH SMITH.
19
in this glorious dispensation. It was also made manifest to him, that the 'American Indians' were a remnant of
Israel; that when they first emigrated to America, they were an enlightened people, possessing a knowledge of the
true God, enjoying his favour and peculiar blessings from his hand; that the prophets, and inspired writers among
them were required to keep a sacred history of the most important events transpiring among them, which history was
handed down for many generations, till at length they fell into great wickedness. The greatest part of them were
destroyed, and the records were safely deposited, to preserve them from the hands of the wicked, who sought to
destroy them. He was informed that these records contained many sacred revelations pertaining to the Gospel of the
kingdom, as well as prophecies relating to the great events of the last days; and that to fulfill his promises to
the ancients, who wrote the records, and to accomplish his purposes in the restitution of their children, they were
to come forth to the knowledge of the people. If faithful, he was to be the instrument who should be thus highly
favoured in bringing these sacred writings before the world. After giving him many instructions concerning things
past and to come, he disappeared, and the light and glory of God withdrew, leaving his mind in perfect peace, while
a calmness and serenity indescribable pervaded the soul. But before morning the vision was twice renewed, instructing
him further and still further concerning the great work of God about to be performed on the earth. In the morning, he
went out to his labour as usual, but soon the vision was renewed -- the angel again appeared, and having been informed
by the previous visions of the night, concerning the place where those records were deposited, he was instructed to go
immediately and view them.
"Accordingly, he repaired to the place, a brief description of which shall be given in the words of a gentleman named
Oliver Cowdery, who has visited the spot:--
"'As you pass on the mail-road, from Palmyra, Wayne county, to Canandaigua, Ontario county, New York, before arriving
at the little village of Manchester, say from three to four, or about four miles from Palmyra, you pass a large hill
in the east side of the road
"'It was at the second-mentioned place, where the record was found to be deposited, on the west side of the hill,
not far from the top down its side; and when myself visited the place in the year 1830 there were several trees
standing -- enough to cause a shade in summer, but not so much as to prevent the surface being covered with grass --
which was also the case when the record was first found.
"'How far below the surface these records were placed, I am unable to say; but from the fact, that they had been
some fourteen hundred
20
THE MORMONS.
years buried, and that, too, on the side of a hill so steep, one is ready to conclude that they were some feet below,
as the earth would naturally wear, more or less, in that length of time. But being placed towards the top of the hill,
the ground would not remove as much as at two-thirds, perhaps. Another circumstance would prevent a wearing of the
earth -- in all probability, as soon as timber had time to grow, the hill was covered, and the roots of the same would
hold the surface.
"'However, on this point, I shall leave every man to draw his own conclusion, and form his own speculation: but suffice
to say, a hole of sufficient depth was dug. At the bottom of this was laid a stone of suitable size, the upper surface
being smooth. As each edge was placed a large quantity of cement, and into this cement, at the four edges of this stone,
were placed erect four others; their bottom edges resting in the cement, at the outer edges of the first stone. The four
last named when placed erect, formed a box; the corners, or where the edges of the four came into contact, were also
cemented so firmly, that the moisture from without was prevented from entering. It is to be observed also that the inner
surfaces of the four erect or side stones were smooth. This box was sufficiently large to admit a breastplate such as
was used by the ancients to defend the chest from the arrows and weapons of their enemy. From the bottom of the box, or
from the breastplate, arose three small pillars, composed of the same description of cement used on the edges; and upon
these three pillars were placed the records. 'This box containing the records was covered with another stone, the bottom
surface being flat, and the upper crowning.'
"When it was first visited by Mr Smith, on the morning of the 22d of September 1823, 'a part of the crowning stone was
visible above the surface, while the edges were concealed by the soil and grass.' From which circumstance, it may be
seen, 'that however deep this box might have been placed at first, the time had been sufficient to wear the earth,
so that it was easily discovered, when once directed, and yet, not enough to make a perceivable difference to the
passer-by.' 'After arriving at the repository, a little exertion in removing the soil from the edges of the top of the
box, and a light lever, brought to his natural vision its contents.' While viewing and contemplating this sacred
treasure, with wonder and astonishment -- behold! the angel of the Lord, who had previously visited him, again stood
in his presence, and his soul was again enlightened as it was the evening before, and he was filled with the Holy Spirit,
and the heavens were opened, and the glory of the Lord shone round about and rested upon him. While he thus stood gazing
and admiring the angel said, 'Look!' And as he thus spake, he beheld the Prince of Darkness, surrounded by his
VISIONS OF JOSEPH SMITH.
21
innumerable train of associates. All this passed before him, and the heavenly messenger said, 'And all this is shown,
the good and the evil, the holy and impure, the glory of God, and the power of darkness, that you may know hereafter
the two powers, and never be influenced or overcome by that wicked one. You cannot at this time obtain this record,
for the commandment of God is strict, and if ever these sacred things are obtained, they must be by prayer and
faithfulness in obeying the Lord. They are not deposited here for the sake of accumulating gain and wealth for the
glory of this world; they were sealed by the prayer of faith, and because of a knowledge which they contain, they
are of no worth among the children of men, only for their knowledge. On them is contained the fulness of the gospel
of Jesus Christ, as it was given to his people on this land; and when it shall be brought forth by the power of God,
it shall be carried to the Gentiles, of whom many will receive it, and after will the seed of Israel be brought into
the field of their Redeemer by obeying it also...
(pages 21-29 under construction)
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THE MORMONS.
having fallen in battle, in the fourth or fifth century, one of their prophets, whose name was Mormon,
saw fit to make an abridgment of their history, their prophcies, and their doctrine, which he engraved
on plates, and afterwards, being slain, the record fell into the hands of his son Moroni, who, being
hunted by his enemies, was directed to deposit the record safely in the earth, with a promise from God
that it should be preserved, and should be brought to light in the latter days by means of a Gentile
nation, who should possess the land. The deposit was made about the year 420, on a hill then called
Cumora, now in Ontario county, where it was preserved in safety until it was brought to light by no
less than the ministry of angels, and translated by inspiration. And the great Jehovah bore record of
the same to chosen witnesses, who declare
it to the world."
The question will be asked, could Joseph Smith, a notoriously illiterate, though clever man, really write the Book
of Mormon? Without pretending to state positively that Joseph Smith was not the sole author of the volume, or that
he was not aided by other persons in its composition, we present the following short history, which the American
opponents of Mormonism consider to be a true statement of its origin.
It is stated by them that, in the year 1809, a man of the name of Solomon Spaulding, who had formerly been a clergyman,
failed in business at a place called Cherry Valley, in the State of New York. Being a person of literary tastes, and
his attention having been directed to the notion which at thaf time excited some interest and discussion, namely, that
the North American Indians were the descendants of the lost ten tribes of Israel, it struck him that the idea afforded
a good groundwork for a religious tale, history, or novel. For three years he labored upon this work, which he
entitled The Manuscript Found. "Mormon" and his son "Moroni," who act so large a part in Joseph Smith's
Book of Mormon, were two of the principal characters in it. In 1812 the MS. was presented to a printer or
bookseller, named Patterson, reiding at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with a view to its publication. Before any
satisfactory arrangement could be made, the author died, and the manuscript remained in the possession of Mr.
Patterson, apparently unnoticed and uncared for. The printer also died in 1826, having previously lent the manuscript
to one Sidney Rigdon, a compositor in his employ, who was at the time a preacher in connection with some Christian
sect, which the proper designation is not very clearly stated. This Rigdon afterwards became, next to Joseph Smith
himself, the principal leader of the Mormons. How Joseph Smith and this person became connected is not known, and
which of the two originated the idea of making a new Bible of Solomon Spaulding's novel is equally uncertain. The
wife, the partner, several
VISIONS OF JOSEPH SMITH.
31
friends, and the brother of Solomon Spaulding, affirmed, however, the identity of the principal portions of the
Book of Mormon with the novel of The Manuscript Found, which the author had from time to time, and
in separate portions, read over to them. John Spaulding, brother to Solomon, declared upon oath that his brother's
book was an historical romance of the first settlers in America, endeavoring to show that the American Indians are
the descendants of Jews, or the lost ten tribes. He stated that it gave a detailed account of their journey from
Jerusalem by land and by sea, till they arrived in America under the command of Nephi and Lehi; and that it also
mentioned the Lamanites. He added that "he had recently read the Book of Mormon, and, to his great surprlse,
he found nearly the same historical matter and names as in his brother's writings. To the best of his recollection
and belief, it was the same that his brother Solomon wrote, with the exception of the religious matter."
The widow of Solomon Spaulding afterwards married a Mr. Davison; and a statement, purporting to have been made by
her in the following words, was published in a Boston newspaper in May, 1839: --
"As the Book of Mormon, or Golden Bible (as it was origlnally called) has excited much
attention, and is deemed by a certain new sect of equal authority the Sacred Scriptures, I think
it a duty which I owe to the public to state what I know touching its origin.
"That its claims to a divine origin are wholly unfounded needs no proof to a mind unperverted
by the grossest delusions. That any sane person should rank it higher than any other merely human
composition is a matter of the greatest astonishment; yet it is received as divine by some who
dwell in enlightened New England, and even by those who have sustained the character of devoted
Christians. Learning recently that Mormonism had found its way into a church in Massachusetts,
and has impregnated some with its gross delusions, so that excommunication has been necessary,
I am determined to delay no longer doing what I can to strip the mask from this monster of sin,
and to lay open this pit of abominations.
"Solomon Spaulding, to whom I was united in marriage in early life, was a graduate of Dartmouth
College, and was distinguished for a lively imagination, and a great fondness for history. At
the time of our marriage he resided in Cherry Valley, New York. From this place we removed to
New Salem, Ashtabula County, Ohio, sometimes called Conneaut, as it is situated on Conneaut
Creek. Shortly after our removal to this place, his health sunk, and he was laid aside from
active labors. In the town of New Salem there were numerous mounds and forts supposed by many
to be the dilapidated dwellings and fortifications of a race now extinct. These ancient relics
arrest the attention of the new settlers, and become objects of research for the curious. Numerous
implements were found, and other articles evincing great skill in the
32
THE MORMONS.
arts. Mr. Spaulding being an educated man, and passionately fond of history, took a lively interest in these
developments of antiquity; and in order to beguile the hours of retirement and furnish employment for his lively
imagination, he conceived the idea of giving an historical sketch of this long lost race. Their extreme antiquity
led him to write in the most ancient style, and as the Old Testament is the most ancient book in the world, he
imitated its style as nearly as possible. His sole object in writing this historical romance was to amuse himself
and neighbors. This was about the year 1812. Hull's surrender at Detroit occurred near the same time, and I
recollect the date well from that circumstance. As he progressed in his narrative the neighbors would come in
from time to time to hear portions read, and a great interest in the work was excited among them. It claimed
to have been written by one of the lost nation, and to have been recovered from the earth, and assumed the title
of 'Manuscript found.' The neighbors would often inquire how Mr. Spaulding progressed in deciphering the
manuscript; and when he had sufficient portion prepared, he would inform them, and they would assemble to hear
it read. He was enabled from his acquaintance with the classics and ancient history, to introduce many singular
names, which were particularly noticed by the people, and could be easily recognized by them. Mr. Solomon
Spaulding had a brother, Mr. John Spaulding, residing in the place at the time, who was perfectly familiar with
the work, and repeatedly heard the whole of it read. From New Salem we removed to Pittsburgh, in Pennsylvania.
Here Mr. Spaulding found a friend and acquaintance, in the person of Mr. Patterson, an editor of a newspaper.
He exhibited his manuscript to Mr. Patterson, who was very much pleased with it, and borrowed it for perusal.
He retained it for a long time, and informed Mr. Spaulding that if he would make out a title-page and preface,
he would publish it, and it might be a source of profit. This Mr. Spaulding refused to do. Sidney Rigdon, who
has figured so largely in the history of the Mormons, was at that time connected with the printing-office of Mr.
Patterson, as is well known in that region, and as Rigdon himself has frequently stated, became acquainted with
Mr. Spaulding's manuscript, and copied it. It was a matter of notoriety and interest to all connected with the
printing establishment.
At length the manuscript was returned to its author, and soon after we removed to Amity, Washington County, &c.,
where Mr. Spaulding deceased in 1816. The manuscript then fell into my hands, and was carefully preserved. It has
frequently been examined by my daughter, Mrs. M'Kenstry, of Monson, Massachusetts, with whom I now reside, and by
other friends.
"After the book of Mormon came out, a copy of it was taken to New Salem, the place of Mr. Spaulding's former
residence, and the very place where the Manuscript found was written. A woman-preacher appointed a meeting there;
and in the meeting read and repeated copious extracts from the book of Mormon. The historical part was immediately
recognized by all the older inhabitants as the identical work of Mr. Spaulding, in which they had all been so
deeply interested years before. Mr. John Spaulding was present and recognized perfectly the work of his brother.
He was amazed and afflicted that
VISIONS OF JOSEPH SMITH.
33
it should have been perverted to so wicked a purpose. His grief found vent in a flood of
tears, and arose on the spot, and expressed in the meeting his sorrow and regret that the
writings of his deceased brother should be used for a purpose so vile and shocking. The
excitement in New Salem became so great, that the inhabitants had a meeting, and deputed
Dr. Philastus Hurlbut, one of their number, to repair to this place and to obtain from
me the original manuscript of Mr. Spaulding, for the purpose of comparing it with the
Mormon Bible, to satisfy their own minds, and to prevent their friends from embracing an
error so delusive. This was in the year 1834. Dr. Hurlbut brought with him an introduction
and request for the manuscript, which was signed by Messrs. Henry Lake, Aaron Wright, and
others, with all of whom I was acquainted, as they were my neighbors when I resided at
New Salem. I am sure that nothing would grieve my husband more, were he living, than the
use which has been made of his work. The air of antiquity which was thrown about the
composition, doubtless suggested the idea of converting it to the purposes of delusion.
Thus, an historical romance, with the addition of a few pious expressions, and extracts
from the sacred Scriptures, has been construed into a new Bible, and palmed off upon a
company of poor deluded fanatics as Divine. I have given the previous brief narration, that
this work of deep deception and wickedness may be searched to the foundation and the authors
exposed to the contempt and execration they so justly deserve.
"MATILDA DAVISON."
The Dr. Hurlbut mentioned in Mrs. Davison's statement was once a believer in Joseph Smith, and a member of the
church. According to his own account, he seceded, because his eyes were opened to the
imposture and delusion of which he had been the victim. According to the Mormon account, he was expelled
for adultry and other immorality. With this preface, the following coarse denial of Mrs. Davison's statement, and
fierce denunciation of Dr. Hurlbut, will be intelligible. The denial was made by Sidney Rigdon, who was himself
accused of being the principal agent of the fraud, and was addressed, on the 27th of May, 1839, to the editors of
the Boston Journal. It will be seen from the tone and spirit, no less than from the grammatical construction
of the letter, that Sidney Rigdon, although a compositor, was by no means so well educated as the bulk of his
fellow-workmen in that intellectual branch of mechanical industry, and that his literary abilities were of the
meanest order: --
"Commerce, May 27, 1839.
Messrs. Bartlett and Sullivan: -- In your paper of the 18th instant, I see a letter
signed my somebody calling herself Matilda Davison, pretending to give the origin of
Mormonism, as she is pleased to call it, by relating a moonshine story about a certain
Solomon Spaulding, a creature with the knowledge of whose earthly existence I am entirely
indebted to this production;
34
THE MORMONS.
for, surely, until Dr. Philastus Hurlbut informed me that such a being lived, at some
former period, I had not the most distant knowledge of his existence; and all I now know
about his character is, the opinion I form from what is attributed to his wife, in
obtruding my name upon the public in the manner in which she is said to have done, by
trying to make the public believe that I had knowledge of the ignorant, and, according
to her own testimony, the lying scribblings of her deceased husband; for if her testimony
is to be credited, her pious husband, in his lifetime, wrote a bundle of lies for the
righteous purpose of getting money. How many lies he had told for the same purpose, while
he was preaching, she has not so kindly informed us; but we are at liberty to draw our
own conclusions, for he that would write lies to get money, would also preach lies for
the same object. This being the only information which I have, or ever had, of the said
Rev. Solomon Spaulding, I, of necessity, have but a very light opinion of him as a
gentleman, a scholar, or a man of piety, for had he been either, he certainly would have
taught his pious wife not to lie, nor unite herself with adulterers, liars, and the
basest of mankind.
"It is only necessary to say, in relation to the whole story about Spaulding's writings
being in the hands of Mr. Patterson, who was in Pittsburgh, and who is said to have kept
a printing office, and my saying that I was concerned in the said office, &c., &c., is
the most base of lies, without even the shadow of truth. There was no man by the name of
Patterson, during my residence at Pittsburgh, who had a printing office; what might have
been before I lived there I know not. Mr. Robert Patterson, I was told, had owned a
printing office before I lived in that city, but had been unfortunate in business, and
failed before my residence there. This Mr. Patterson, who was a Presbyterian preacher,
I had a very slight acquaintance with during my residence in Pittsburgh. He was then
acting under an agency, in the book and stationery business, and was the owner of no
property of any kind, printing office or anything else, during the time I resided in the
city.
"If I were to say that I ever heard of the Rev. Solomon Spalding and his
hopeful wife until Dr. P. Hurlbut wrote his lie about me, I should be a liar like unto
themselves. Why was not the testimony of Mr. Patterson obtained to give force to this
shameful tale of lies? The only reason is, that he was not a fit tool for them to work
with; he would not lie for them, for, if he were
called on, he would testify to what I have here said.
"Let me here, Gentlemen, give a history of this Dr. P. Hurlbut and his
associates, who aided in getting up and propagating this batch of lies.
"I have seen and heard, at one time and another, by the persecutors and haters of the truth,
a great deal said about the eminent physician, Doctor Hurlbut. I never thought the matter
worthy of notice, nor probably ever should, had it not made, its appearance in your paper,
or some one of equal respectability. And I believe, Gentlemen, had you known the whole
history of this budget of lies, it would never have found a place in your paper. But to
my history:
"This said Doctor was never a physician at any time, nor anything else but
VISIONS OF JOSEPH SMITH.
35
a base ruffian. He was the seventh son, and his parents called him Doctor: it
was his name, and not the title of his profession.
"He once belonged to the Methodist Church, and was excluded for immoralities. He
afterwards imposed himself on the Church of Latter-Day Saints, and was excluded
for using obscene language to a young lady, a member of said Church, who resented
his insult with indignation, which became both her character and profession.
"After his exclusion he. swore -- for he was vilely profane -- that he would
have revenge, and commenced his work. He soon found assistance; a pious old deacon
of the Campbellite church, by the name, of Onis [sic - Orris?] Clapp, and his two
sons, Thomas J. Clapp and Matthew S. Clapp, both Campbellite preachers, abetted and
assisted by another Campbellite preacher, by the name of Adamson Bentley. Hurlbut
went to work, catering lies for the company. Before Hurlbut got through, his conduct
became so scandalous that the company utterly refused to let his name go out with
the lies he had collected, and he and his associates had made, they therefore
substituted the name of E. D. Howe. The change, however, was not much better. There
were scandalous immoralities about the Howe family of so black a character, that they
had nothing to lose, and became good tools for this holy company to work with. A man
of character would never have put his name to a work which Hurlbut was concerned in.
But while Hurlbut was busily employed in the service of the company, old Deacon Clapp
was employed in taking care of his wife. How many others of the company aided in this
business must be left to futurity to disclose. At a certain time, Hurlbut being out
till a late hour in the night, returned to his house, and in going to his bed-room
where his wife was, behold and lo! there was the pious old deacon, either in bed with
his wife or at the side of it. He had a five-dollar bank note in his hand, and his
dress was rather light to suit the doctor's taste; for he was not quite as well off
as was Aaron when he offered sacrifice, not even having on a pair of 'linen breeches.'
Hurlbut laid hold of him, and called for help, which soon came to his assistance. The
pious old deacon was arraigned before a justice of the peace, and was on the eve of
being bound over for his appearance to the county court, when, to put an end to the
evils which might result from his pious care of Mrs. Hurlbut, he kindly offered a
yoke of oxen and a hundred dollars. This was accepted. Hurlbut took his wife and left
the county forthwith; and the pious old deacon and his sons, and the good Mr. Bentley,
are left to wear out the shame of their great effort to destroy the character of
innocent men whom they never dared to meet in argument. The tale in your paper is one
hatched up by this gang before the time of their explosion.
"It has always been a source of no ordinary satisfaction to me to know, that my enemies
have no better weapon to use against me, or the cause in which I am engaged, than lies;
for if they had any better they would certainly use them. I must confess, however, that
there is some consistency in our persecutors; for, as truth never can destroy truth, it
would be in vain for our persecutors to use truth against us, for this would only build
us up; this they seem to know; and lay hold of the only available means they have, which
36
THE MORMONS.
are lies; and this, indeed is the only weapon which can be, or ever has been, used
against the truth. As our persecutors are endeavoring to stop the progress of
truth, I must confess that they act with a degree of consistency in the choice of
means, namely, lies; but if truth would do it, they would surely not have
recourse to lies.
"In order to give character to their lies, they dress them up with a great deal of
piety; for a pious lie, you know, has a good deal more influence with an
ignorant people than a profane one. Hence their lies came signed by the pious
wife of a pious deceased priest. However, his last act of piety seems to have
been to write a bundle of lies, themselves being witnesses; but then his great
piety sanctifies them, and lies become holy things in the hands of such
excessive piety, particularly when they are graced with a few Reverends; but
the days have gone by when people are to be deceived by these false glossings
of Reverend's sanctions; the intelligent part of the communities of all parts
of the country, know that Reverends are not more notorious for truth than
their neighbours.
"The only reason why I am assailed by lies is, that my opposers dare not
venture on argument, knowing that if they do they fall. They try, therefore,
to keep the public from investigating, by publishing and circulating
falsehoods. This I consider a high encomium on both myself and the cause I
defend. Respectfully,
"S. RIGDON."
We believe that upon this evidence, the question authorship of the original romance on which the Book of Mormon
was founded will be decided by the reader in favor of Solomon Spaulding. As regards the Book of Mormon itself,
Joseph Smith and the vulgar and abusive Sidney Rigdon seem to have acted in concert in its concoction from materials
thus provided for them...
(pages 36-37 under construction)
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