by a Utah jury. Nor, whatever may be the president leads off, and bishops, patriarchs, character of the leaders, can we hesitate to and elders are to be seen figuring enthusiastibelieve the almost unanimous testimony of cally, "not," says Colonel Kane, "in your travellers to the general morality of the popu- minutes or other mortuary processions of lation. Indeed, the laborious and successful Gentiles, but in jigs and reels." When the industry which we have described could not temple is completed, these public dances are characterize a debauched and licentious peo- to form a part of the regular worship. ple. We have dwelt at some length on the Mormon polygamy, not only on account of its intrinsic importance, but because its disclosure is so recent that previous writers have been unable to give accurate information on the subject. The ethical teaching of the sect is not distinguished by any other very remarkable peculiarity. The chief duty impressed upon the saints is the punctual payment of their tithes. We can scarcely open a page of their official publications without finding strenuous exhortation to the fulfilment of that indispensable obligation. Next to this cardinal virtue, they seem to rate the merit of abstinence from fermented liquors and tobacco. This, however, is not absolutely insisted on, but only urged as a "precept of wisdom." It was enforced by Joseph, whose practice did not square with his precepts, as he was often drunk himself. But his sagacity perceived that the money squandered by his disciples on gin and cigars must be diverted from the treasury of the Church. But the most remarkable feature in the practical working of Mormonism, considered as a Religion, is the almost entire absence of the devotional element. In the addresses of its teachers, we find no exhortation to the duties of private prayer, of self-examination, or of penitence. In their writings we can trace no aspirations after communion with God, after spirituality of mind, after purification of the affections. All is "of the earth, earthy." One of the ablest writers against Christianity has lately stated it as his chief objection to the Christian System, that it discourages the love of earthly things, and requires its votaries to set their affections on things above. He proposes to amend the precept of Saint John, "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world; the lust of the flesh the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, by simply leaving out the word not. Mormonism seems exactly to realize the ideal of this distinguished controversialist; and, as he does not mention it as one of the phases through which his faith has hitherto passed, we cannot The virtue of patriotism is also a frequent but hope that he may still find among the theme of Mormon eulogy. By publicly en- Latter Day Saints that resting-place which he joining it, they endeavor to refute the charges tells us that he vainly sought among the of treason so often brought against them by Craig-and-Mullerites. ex their enemies. Hence the anniversary of the This mundane character of Mormonism 4th of July (the birthday of American inde- faithfully perpetuates the type impressed on pendence) is celebrated with special jubilation it by its founder. Joseph Smith was " a jolly in the city of Salt Lake, and the tree of liber- fellow," says one of his admirers, and not in ty is duly refreshed with torrents of rhetoric, the least methodistical. "His was a laughterand also with more material libations. The loving, cheerful religion," says Mr. Gunnison. official list of toasts given at one of the last of these festivities, shows that the citizens cling with equal attachment to the "domestic institutions" of Virginia and of Deseret; for the 12th toast is Slavery, and the 13th Polygamy.* The 15th, which we suppose, is meant to point the moral of the other two, is " THE GREAT NATIONAL MOTTO,-"Do unto others as you would have others do unto you." The General Epistles of the "Church emplify the same peculiarity. The Gospel which they proclaim consists of directions for emigration, instructions for the setting up of machinery, she management of iron-works, the manufacture of nails, the spinning of cot ton-yarn, and the breeding of stock. The same undevotional aspect is exhibited by their public worship, at least in Utah; for in Such festive meetings, which are very fre- Europe reserve is used, and their practice asquent, generally conclude with dancing, an similated to that of other sects. The service exercise, the practice of which must be also begins with instrumental music, the band perincluded in the ethical system of Mormonism. forming "anthems, marches, and waltzes; In saltatorial, as in military movements, the "which," says Mr. Gunnison eulogistically, priesthood occupy the foremost place. The "drives away all sombre feelings." An extempore prayer follows, which invokes bless The 13th toast is printed as follows: "Poly-ings on the president, officers, and members Ticks and Poly-Gamy;" a piece of wit which of the Church, and curses upon their enemies. seems to have been highly appreciated. (XIV. 566.) Then comes a discussion, in which any one With regard to slavery, it should be observed, that according to Joseph's revelations, the negroes are may speak. This part of the service is usually of an inferior race, and that no person of color a conversation on local business, like that in can be admitted into the Church. (XIV. 472.) an English vestry meeting. The sermon fol lows; but even that is not confined to religious exhortation, but embraces such questions as the discipline of the Legion, the California gold-digging, and the politics of the Territory. The most curious specimen of these discourses which we have discovered is the following, which we take from the official report: Elder George Smith was called upon to preach an iron sermon. He rose, and took into the stand [pulpit] one of the fire-irons, [the first productions of the Utah founderies.] Holding the same over his head, he cried out" Stereotype edition," and descended amid the cheers of the saints. The choir then sung the doxology, and the benediction was pronounced by Lorenzo Snow. (XV. 492.) This kind of religious service would satisfy the aspirations of Mr. Carlyle himself, whose rather lengthy sermons on the text laborare est orare are thus condensed into pantomime by "Elder George Smith." ion different from that which we have here Sacrifice brings forth the blessings of heaven, THE DEEDS OF JOSEPH. Who took the plates the angels showed? The prophet Joseph Smith Who did receive the power to raise The prophet Joseph Smith. Who bore the scorn, the rage, the ire, The prophet Joseph Smith. We must not forget that the whole fabric The Mormon collection of hymns, which which we have hitherto described, both docwe have mentioned at the head of this Arti- trinal, ethical, and liturgical, might be changed cle, might lead to an impression of the relig-president of the Church. The only limitation at once by a new revelation uttered by the given. But when we come to examine it, assent of his followers, which, though not theto his power is the necessity of securing the we find, in the first place, that it is published oretically essential, is practically indispensafor the English congregations; and, secondly, ble. that nine-tenths of the hymns (including all Loss of popularity must of necessity entail dethronement. which possess the slightest merit, devotional served the skill with which the Mormon hieWe have already obor poetical) are stolen from the collections in rarchy is constructed, so as to enlist in its seruse among English Protestants, especially vice all the available talent of the sect, and from the Wesleyan hymn-book. The few thus to guard as far as possible against the original compositions which Mormonism has danger of rebellion. We need not recapitu produced are execrable, both in taste and feeling. In addition to the samples which we have already given, we may add the following: late the long list of names by which its variof some of these give, at first sight, an air of ous grades are designated. The quaintness ridicule to the whole; but, however ludicrous the nomenclature, the organization itself is too skilful to be ridiculous. The supreme authority is nominally in "the Presidency," which consists of the President and his two Councillors. But, in reality, the First President is sole monarch, for his assessors, though they may remonstrate, have no power of resisting his decrees. The President himself, according to Smith's statement (XV. 13.) is, “appointed by revelation," and acknowledged by the voice of the Church." But Brigham Young has modified this declaration, by announcing that, although constituted a Prophet by revelation, he holds the office of President by the choice of the people (XV. 488). And, in fact, a vote that he be sustained in his office is passed at every General Conference. It would seem, therefore, to be theoretically possible that the divinely-appointed “Seer, the Church. But the exact limits which deProphet, and Revelator," might be deposed by fine the powers of the President and Confer ence are left as indeterminate as in the simi- Autob. XV. 206). We have related how, after lar case of Pope and General Council. An- the death of Smith, he supplanted Rigdon, and other change effected under the administra- rose from the chairmanship of the Apostles to tion of Young has been, the assumption by the Presidency, and how wisely he led his folthe Apostolic College of a paramount au- lowers through the wilderness, and planted thority unknown to the original constitution. them in the land of promise. By his appointMany of the apostles, however, are generally ment as governor of the territory of Utah, his absent from head-quarters on missionary jour- character received the stamp of public approneys, and the acting senate is a council of bation from the supreme Government of the twelve, selected from among the high priests. United States; whence he reaped also the The Bishops are financial officers, employed solid advantage of a salary of $2500. Besides in the collection of the tithe. The Patriarchs this official income, he has the uncontrolled are charged with the special function of pro- management of the ecclesiastical revenues, innouncing benedictions on individuals. Jo- cluding the tithing of his subjects, foreign and seph Smith, senior, the Prophet's father, was domestic. We learn, therefore, without surformerly Patriarch, and, even in the early prise, that he has acquired considerable propdays of Mormon poverty, received for this ser- erty, and that he is able not only to maintain vice ten dollars a week (more than 100l. a a suitable establishment and "princely caryear), and "his expenses found." (XV. 308.) riages" (G. 63), but also to support a family The present chief Patriarch (John Smith, an of forty wives and about a hundred children. uncle of Joseph's) no doubt gets better pay, His prosperity has excited some jealousy and we see that the unhappy old man has among his people; and we find him, in a relately published a solemn affirmation of the cent speech, remonstrating with those who truth of his nephew's miracles. (XIV. 97.) complain of me living upon tithing." (XV. In subordination to these higher officers is 161.) But hitherto he has succeeded in supa great variety of minor functionaries, each of pressing such murmurs by his frank and popuwhom, from the lowest to the highest, has a lar bearing, and by the proofs he has given of direct interest in strengthening the hierarchi- indefatigable zeal for the public interest. The cal government, in which he holds a place, official documents which he publishes from and by which he may mount, as his present time to time, and especially his Messages to superiors have mounted, from poverty to the local legislature, show the illiterate sagacity wealth, and from contempt to power. Thus of the Rusticus abnormis sapiens, and exhibit all work zealously together in maintaining ec- a curious mixture of business-like statement clesiastical discipline, and (to use the words with Yankee bombast. As a specimen of the of one of them) enforce upon the people" the latter, we may take the following description importance of being governed by the Priesthood of the Abolitionist party, from a recent mesin all things." (XIV. 294.) sage: supremacy, seeks to enwrap in sacrilegious flame The fanatical bigot, with the spirit of northern the altar of his country's liberties, offering an unholy sacrifice which, arising in encircling wreaths of dark and turbid columns, emitting in fitful glare the burning lava, betokens erewhile her consummation. (XV. 422.) When opposed, the President is apt to become overbearing and scurrilous. Thus, in his controversy with Judge Brocchus, he tells his correspondent that either he is "either profoundly ignorant or wilfully wicked, one of the two." "You manifest a choice," he adds, "to leave an incensed public in incense [sic] still." And farther :— But whatever may be the merits of such an organization, its success must depend in great measure on the character of its head. The Jesuits would never have reconquered Europe for the Pope, had not the first three or four generals of the Order been men of eminent ability. Mormonism would probably have perished after the death of Smith, had the Apostles shown less sagacity in their selection of their present chief. Brigham Young was the son of a farmer in the Eastern States (XV. 642.), and was brought up to the trade of a carpenter. He joined the sect early, and rose to eminence by his serviceable obedience. He is a man of action, not of speculation; distinguished for coarse strength and toughness, physical and moral; and these qualities have When the spirit of persecution manifests itself been needed for the rough work he has had to in the flippancy of rhetoric for female insult and do. His first important charge was the mis- desecration, is time that I forbear to hold my sion to England in 1837, when he founded the peace, lest the thundering anathemas of nations, British Churches. Shortly before that epoch, born and unborn, should rest upon my head, he was solemnly set apart "to go forth from when the marrow of my bones shall be illy [sic] land to land, and from sea to sea." And we prepared to sustain the threatened blow. (XIV. read that "the blessing of Brigham Young was 402.) that he should be strong in body, that he Yet the President can write better than this, might go forth and gather the elect." (Smith's when he restricts himself to less ambitious prose. His correspondence with Dr. Ad-language, and circulating tracts in defence of ams, for example (Ibid. 213), is a model of their creed; and then sit down to the weary shrewd sense, not unmixed with a touch of hu- task of translating the "Book of Mormon." mor, and shows that he is well able to detect By this process, they have formed churches an impostor. This, indeed, is not surprising, in Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Iceland, Geron the principle of that ancient rule which many, Italy, Switzerland, Malta, Gibraltar, prescribes the agents most serviceable in thiefcatching. Hindostan, Australia, and the Sandwich Islands; and besides these, they have recently Next to the President in importance, though sent missionaries to Siam, Ceylon, China, the not in official rank,stands the apostle Orson Pratt. West Indies, Guiana, and Chili. The "Book As Young in action, so Pratt in speculation, is of Mormon" has been published in French, the leader of the sect. Like so many intelligent German, Italian, Danish, Polynesian, and and half-educated men, he has greedily re- Welsh. Besides various tracts which are circeived the teaching of the modern Pantheistic culated by these missionaries, they have estabphilosophy, from its popular interpreters, Amer-lished regular periodicals in French, Welsh, ican and English. From such sources he and Dainsh. We should observe, however, has compounded that strange jumble of in- that of the missions above enumerated, the first congruous dogmas which we have before at- and last (those to Denmark and the Sandwich tempted to describe. Thus he probably hopes Islands) have alone been really successful. In to enlist some recruits from the party of Denmark, at the beginning of 1853, they pos"Young America," who may be induced to sessed 1400 baptized converts, and had also deswallow the absurdities of Mormonism in a spatched 297 more to Utah. In the Sandwich non-natural sense, washed down with a lubri- Islands they had baptized 589, before their cating dose of mysticism. He has himself sub-mission had been established twelve months. stantial reasons for his allegiance to the cause. These proselytes were all previously ChrisHe holds the pleasantest appointment which tians, converted from heathenism by Amerihis Church can bestow upon an intelligent can missionaries. The other foreign missions man, being its resident agent at Washington. have as yet only succeeded in making a very His official duty (according to the tenor of his small number of proselytes. The accounts diploma) is "to write and publish periodicals published by their founders are often exceedand books illustrative of the principles and ingly absurd. Among the most grotesque is doctrines of the Church;" and it is his pre- the record of the Italian mission, by the aposrogative "to receive and collect tithing of the tle, Lorenzo Snow. He begins by informing saints throughout all his field of labor." (XV. us that he sailed from Southampton to a place 42). called "Avre de grace." In due time he His elder brother, Parley Pratt, though in- reached the valley of the Waldenses, "who dividually less prominent than Orson, repre- have received many privileges from the Sarsents an element of Mormonism far more es-dinian Government." With him were three sential to its success. He may be considered other Mormons-the first, an Americo-Sicias chief of the Mormon missionaries. The lian; the second, an Englishman; and the zeal and activity of these emissaries, though it third, a Scotchman. The four met on a hill has been much exaggerated, is still remarka- in Piedmont, which they named Mount Brigble. The Governors of the sect are good ham. They record their proceedings in the judges of character; and it is their plan to style of a Yankee public meeting, as folselect the restless and enterprising spirits, lows:who, perhaps, may threaten disturbance at home, and to utilize their fanaticism, while they flatter their vanity, by sending them as representatives of the Church to distant fields of labor. Their method of establishing a mission is a foreign country is as follows. Amongst their converts, taken at random from the mixed population of the Union, Moved by Elder Snow.-That Elder Stenhouse there are natives to be found of every nation be Secretary of the Church in Italy. Seconded in Europe. They select a native of the coun- and carried. try which they wish to attack, and join him Latter Day Saints be now organized in Italy. Moved by Elder Stenhouse-That Elder Snow, of the quorum of twelve apostles, be sustained President of the Church in Italy. Seconded and carried. as interpreter to the other emissaries whom Thus was formed the "Church of Italy," which they are about to despatch to the land of his contained at the time of its formation not a birth. On arriving at their destination, the single Italian member. Its founders boast, missionaries are supported by the funds of the Namely, 'Le Reflecteur,' published monthly Church, till they can maintain themselves out at Lausanne; the Udgorn Seion,' weekly, at Merof the offerings of their proselytes. Mean- thyr; and the Skandinaviens Sterne, twice a while, they employ themselves in learning the month, at Copenhagen. Because the pleasure is as great however, that they have contrived to deceive only an illustration of the Hudibrastic maxthe Roman Catholic authorities, by publishing im :— a Tract under the title of "The Voice of Joseph," with a woodcut of a Nun for frontispiece, and a vignette of the Cross upon the title-page. Under these false colors, they hope soon to win their way. " In religion, Joseph Smith has had many predecessors, no less successful than himself. But Great Britain is the true theatre of The German Anabaptists, who resembled him Mormon triumph. An official census is pub- both in their pretensions to inspiration, and in lished half-yearly, whence we learn that in their practice of polygamy, held temporary July 1853, the British Saints amounted to sway over cities larger than Nauvoo. Not 30,690, and contained 40 "Seventies, 10 many years are past since Joanna Southcote High Priests, 2578 Elders, 1854 Priests, 1416 persuaded thousands to accept her as a New Teachers, and 834 Deacons.* Thus one-fifth Messiah. Nay even now the Agapemone of of the whole number are invested with some Bridgewater is full of crazy fanatics, who mainofficial function. We may add, that 25,000 tain an impostor more blasphemous than Brigcopies of the "Millennial Star," the Mormon organ, are sold weekly. To explain the causes of this success, gained by the preachers of a superstition so preposterous, is a most important part of our task. Yet it needs no long investigation, for these causes are not difficult to detect. In the first place, it may be laid down as an axiom that every impostor may at once obtain a body of disciples large enough to form the nucleus of a sect, provided he be endowed with sufficient impudence. This is true not only of religious empirics, but of all speculators on human credulity. What quack ever failed to sell his pills, if he mixed them with the proper quantum of mendacity? The homeopathist, the spirit-rapper, and the phrenologist, each attracts his clique of believers. All this is ham, in a state as princely as that of the President of Utah. The weakness of credulity in some, the strength of madness in others, ensures to every fraudulent pretender the fulcrum which he needs. The latter cause, indeed, has no doubt contributed the cornerstone to many Mormon churches besides that of Hamburg; the founder of which ingenuously confesses, "the woman whom I baptized first here was in the madhouse for a long time. She was possessed by an evil spirit for fourteen years." Thus a heap of materials lies ever ready for the torch of the religious incendiary. But in general the straw and stubble burns out as quickly as it kindles; and even if a few ashes continue to smoulder (as, for instance, there are still a few Southcotians), yet the flame has died away. But Mormonism has already out*The most numerous Church in England is that lived this ephemeral stage of sectarian existof Manchester, which contains 3166 members; the encce, and after twenty years of growth, is next is that of Glamorganshire, which contains now more vigorous than ever. The first and 2338, mostly at Merthyr." In the very valuable and authentic report on religious worship, by Mr. Horace most important cause of its permanent power, Mann, which has lately appeared under the auspi- is its claim to possess a living prophet and a ces of Mr. Graham, the Registrar General, as super- continuons inspiration. Its votaries tell us intendent of the Census, there is an account of the that they are not left, like other men, in anxMormons, p. cvi.-cxii., from which we extract the ious uncertainty, but are guided in every step following passage: In England and Wales there were, in 1851, reported by the Census officers, as by the audible voice and visible hand of God. many as 222 places of worship belonging to this In every age there are multitudes who would body: most of them, however, being merely rooms. gladly suffer the moral problems of life to be The number of sittings in these places (making an solved for them by an outward authority. allowance for 53, the accommodation in which was not returned), was 30,783. The attendance on the And an age remarkable for religious earnestCensus Sunday (making an estimated addition for ness will be especially exposed to the seduc9 chapels from which no intelligence on this point tions of those who pretend to reveal to it with was received) was-morning, 7,517; afternoon, 11,- definite accuracy the will of Heaven. The most 481; evening, 16,628. The preachers, it appears, are far from unsuccessful in their efforts to obtain conspicuous example of this in our days has disciples;—the surprising confidence and zeal with been the conversion of so many truth-seeking which they promulgate their creed, the prom- men to the Church of Rome. We have all inence they give to the exciting topics of the heard their enthusiastic description of their speedy coming of the Saviour, and his personal present happiness contrasted with their formillennial reign and the attractiveness to many minds of the idea of an infallible church,-relying mer distress. Once they were compelled to for its evidences and its guidance upon revelations grope their way in darkness, or only lighted made perpetually to its rulers, these, with other by the dim lamp of duty, and the disputed influences, have combined to give the Mormon precepts of Scripture. Now they have emergmovement a position and importance with the ed into the clear sunshine of heavenly day, working classes, which, perhaps, should draw to it much more than it has yet received of the atten- and have only to obey, at every turn, the tion of our public teachers.' voice which cries so clearly, "this is the way, |
