REV. IRA EDDY:
Dear Sir:-- I received your's of the 2d instant and heartily thank you
for the favor. It revives afresh in my recollection the scenes of past
years, upon the remembrance of which I dwell with a mixture of
pleasurable and painful sensation. I arrived at my home on the 1st of
the present month, having finished my tour to the west, since which time
the scenes and events in the history of my life, for the last few
months, have passed in review before my mind.
You are not, it is probable, ignorant of the designs of my most singular
and romantic undertaking: suffice to say, it was for the purpose of
exploring the promised land -- laying the foundation of the City of
Zion, and placing the corner-stone of the Temple of God. A journey of
1000 miles to the west, has taught me far more abundantly, than I should
probably have learned from any other source. It has taught me quite
beyond my former knowledge, the imbecility of human nature, and
especially my own weakness. It has unfolded in its proper character, a
delusion to which I had fallen a victim, and taught me the humiliating
truth -- that I was exerting the powers both of my mind and body, and
sacrificing my time and property to build up a system of delusion,
almost unparalleled in the annals of the world.
If God be a God of consistency and wisdom, I now know Mormonism to be a
delusion; and this knowledge is built upon the testimony of my senses.
In proclaiming it, I am aware I proclaim my own misfortune -- but in
doing it, I remove a burden from my mind, and discharge a duty as
humbling to myself, as it may be profitable to others. You had heard the
story of my wanderings, and "was induced to believe that I had been
visited with a species of mental derangement," and therefore, you "had
given me up, as one among those friends of early association, who in the
lapse of time, would be as though they had not existed." You had
concluded that the magic charm of delusion and falsehood, had so wrapped
its sable mantle around me, as to exclude the light of truth, and secure
me its devoted slave. But, thanks be to God! the spell is dissipated,
and the "captive exile hasteneth that he may be loosed, and not die in
the pit."
When I embraced Mormonism, I conscientiously believed it to be of God.
The impressions of my mind were deep and powerful, and my feelings were
exerted to a degree to which I had been a stranger. Like a ghost, it
haunted me by night and day, until I was mysteriously hurried, as it
were by a kind of necessity, into the vortex of delusion. At times I was
much elated; but generally, things in prospect were the greatest
stimulants to action.
On our arrival in the western part of the State of Missouri, the place of our destination, we discovered that prophecy and visions had failed, or rather had proved to be false. This fact was so notorious,
and the
evidence so clear that no one could mistake it -- so much so, that Mr.
Rigdon himself said that "Joseph's vision was a bad thing." This was
glossed over, apparently, to the satisfaction of most persons present;
but not fully to my own. It excited a suspicion that some things were
not right, and prepared my mind for the investigation of a variety of
circumstances, which occurred during my residence there, and indeed, to
review the whole subject from its commencement to that time. My
opportunities for a thorough investigation, were far greater than they
could have been, had I remained at home; and therefore I do not regret
that I made that journey, though I sincerely regret the cause of it.
Since my return, I have had several interviews with Messrs. Smith,
Rigdon and Cowdrey, and the various shifts and turns, to which they
resorted, in order to obviate objections and difficulties, produced in
my mind additional evidence, that their's is nothing else than a deeply
laid plan of craft and deception.
The relation in which Smith stands to the church, is that of a Prophet,
Seer, Revelator and Translator; and when he speaks by the Spirit, or
says he knows a thing by the communication of the Spirit, it is received
as coming directly from the mouth of the Lord.--When he says he knows a
thing to be so, thus it must stand without controversy. A question is
agitated between two Elders of the church -- whether or not a bucket of
water will become heavier by putting a living fish into it. Much is said
by each of the disputants; when at length, Smith decides it in the
negative, by saying -- "I know by the Spirit, that it will be no
heavier." Any person who chooses, may easily ascertain by actual
experiment, whether the Prophet was influenced in this decision, by a
true or false Spirit.
It is not my design at this time, to enter into particulars relative to
the evidence, upon which my renunciation of Mormonism is founded. This
evidence is derived from various sources, and is clear and full, and the
conviction which it produces, at least on my mind, is irresistible. You
are not aware of the nature of this deception, and the spirit that
uniformly attends it; nor can you ever know it, unless you yield to its
influence, and by experience learn what it is to fall under its power:
"from which my earnest prayer is, that you may ever, ever escape."
There probably never was a plan better suited to lead astray the sinner
and the conscientious, when in an unguarded hour they listen to its
fatal insinuations. The plan also is so ingeniously contrived, having
for its aim one principal point, viz: the establishment of a society in
Missouri, over which the contrivers of this delusive system, are to
possess the most unlimited and despotic sway. To accomplish this, the
Elders of the Church, by commandment given in Missouri, and of which I
was both an eye and an ear witness, are to go forth to preach Mormonism
to every creature; and now, said Mr. Rigdon -- "The Lord has set us our
stint; no matter how soon we perform it -- for when this is done, he
will make his second appearance."
I do in sincerity, and I trust in humility, return unfeigned gratitude
to the God of infinite mercy, who, in condescension to my weakness, by a
peculiar train of providences, brought me to the light, enabled me to
see the hidden things of darkness, and delivered me from the snare of
the fowler, and from the contagious pestilence which threatened my
entire destruction. The scenes of a past few months, are so different
from all others in my life, that they are in truth to me "as a dream
when one awaketh." Had my fall affected only myself, my reflections
would be far less painful than they now are. But to know -- that
whatever influence I may have possessed, has been exerted to draw others
into a delusion, from which they may not soon be extricated, is to me a
source of sorrow and deep regret. They are at this moment the object of
my greatest anxiety and commiseration. I crave their forgiveness, and
assure them, that they will ever have an interest in my addresses to the
throne of grace. It shall be my endeavor to undo as far as possible,
what I have done in this case, and also to prevent the spread of a
delusion, pernicious in its influence, and destructive in its
consequences to the body and soul -- to the present and eternal
interests of men.
I am, through restoring mercy and grace, as in former years, though
unworthily, yet affectionately your's in Christ. EZRA BOOTH.
(Ohio Star 2 [13 October 1831]:3, Ravenna, Ohio, emphasis omitted)
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[Letter 2 - Ezra Booth to Rev. Ira Eddy]
Nelson, Portage Co. Oct. 2, 1831.
REV. & DEAR SIR --
Were there none but myself interested in the exposition of Mormonism, I
can assure you my time would be otherwise employed than in writing upon
a subject which has heretofore been to me one of deep interest, and at
times has occasioned the most painful anxiety of mind. I could wish, if
possible, to bury it in oblivion; and to remember it no more for ever.
But as this is a thing which cannot be accomplished in a moment, for the
sake of others, who may be exposed to the delusion, from which, through
the mercy of God, I have been recovered, and others who are at present
involved in it; and also in compliance with your request, I will, as far
as I have ability, unfold a system of darkness, fraught with glaring
absurdity, and as deceptive as falsehood itself.
This system, to some, carries the face of plausibility, and appears
under an imposing form. It claims the Bible for its patron, and proffers
the restoration of the apostolic church, with all the gifts and graces
with which the primitive saints were endowed. It is called the fulness
of the Gospel to both Jew and Gentile: and is the test by which every
man's faith is to be tried. Judgments are denounced against the sinners
of this generation; or in other words, all who reject the book of
Mormon, are threatened with eternal damnation. Great promises are made
to such as embrace it; signs and wonders are to attend them, such as
healing the sick, the blind made to see, the lame to walk, &c,; and they
are to receive an everlasting inheritance in "the land of Missouri,"
where the Savior will make his second appearance -- at which place the
foundation of the Temple of God, and the City of Zion, have Recently
been laid, and are soon to be built. It is also to be a city of Refuge,
and a safe asylum when the storms of vengeance shall pour upon the
earth, and those who reject the book of Mormon, shall be swept off as
with the besom of destruction. Then shall the riches of the Gentiles be
consecrated to the Mormonites; they shall have lands and cattle in
abundance, and shall possess the gold and silver, and all the treasures
of their enemies.
The Mormonite preachers go forth, proclaiming repentance and baptism for
the remission of sins, and the laying on of hands for the reception of
the Holy Ghost. The form of baptism is similar to other orders; only it
is prefaced with -- "having authority given me of Jesus Christ;" also,
the laying on of hands -- "In the name of Jesus Christ, receive ye the
Holy Ghost." Many of them have been ordained to the High Priesthood, or
the order of Milchesidec; and profess to be endowed with the same power
as the ancient apostles were. But they have been hitherto unsuccessful
in finding the lame, the halt, and the blind, who had faith sufficient
to become the subjects of their miracles; and it is now concluded that
this work must be postponed until they get to the Missouri; for the Lord
will not show those signs to this wicked and adulterous generation. In
the commandment given to the churches in the state of New-York, to
remove to the state of Ohio, they were assured that these miracles
should be wrought in the state of Ohio; but now they must be deferred
until they are settled in Missouri.
As the Mormonite church depends principally upon the commandments, and
as most of them are concealed from the world, it will be necessary to
make some statement respecting them. These commandments come from Smith,
at such times and on such occasions as he feels disposed to speak, and
Rigdon or Cowder[y] to write them. Their exact number I have never taken
pains to ascertain. I have in my possession the "27th commandment to
Emma my daughter in Zion;" and should presume there are betwixt fifty
and a hundred. They received the addition of five or six while in
Missouri; and these are considered a miracle in themselves, sufficient
to convince any rational mind. But none but the strong in faith are
permitted to witness their origin. I had an opportunity of seeing this
wonderful exhibition of the wisdom and power of God, at three different
times; and I must say, it bore striking marks of human weakness and
wickedness. They are received by the church as divinely inspired, and
the name of the Lord is substituted for that of Smith. They are called
"The Commandments of the Lord." They are considered "The mysteries of
the Kingdom;" and to divulge them to the world, is the same as casting
pearls before swine. When they and the Scriptures are at variance, the
scriptures are wrongly translated; and Smith, though totally ignorant of
the original, being a translator or alterator, can easily harmonize
them. Every thing in the church is done by commandment; and yet it is
said to be done by the voice of the church. For instance, Smith gets a
commandment that he shall be the "head of the Church," or that he "shall
rule the Conference," or that the Church shall build him an elegant
house, and give him 1000 dollars. For this the members of the church
must vote, or they will be cast off for rebelling against the
commandments of the Lord.
In addition to the book of Mormon, and the
Commandments, there are Revelations which are not written. In this
department, though Smith is the principal, yet there are others who
profess to receive revelations; but after all, Smith is to decide
whether they come from the Lord or the devil. Some have been so
unfortunate as to have their revelations palmed upon the latter. These
revelations entirely supercede the Bible, and in fact, the Bible is
declared too defective to be trusted in its present form; and it is
designed that it shall undergo a thorough alteration, or as they say,
translation. This work is now in operation. The Gospel by St. Matthew
has already received the purifying touch, and is prepared for the use of
the church. It was intended to have kept this work a profound secret,
and strict commandments were given for that purpose; and even the
salvation of the church was said to depend upon it. The secret is
divulged, but the penalty is not as yet inflicted. Their revelations are
said to be an addition to the Bible. But instead of being an addition,
they destroy its use; for every thing which need be known, whether
present, past or future, they can learn from Smith, for he has declared
to the church, that he "knows all things that will take place from this
time unto the end of the world." If then, placing the Bible under
circumstances which render it entirely useless, is infidelity, Mormonism
is infidelity.
Joseph Smith, Jun., Sidney Rigdon, Oliver Cowdrey, and Martin Harris,
may be considered as the principals in this work; and let Martin Harris
tell the story, and he is the most conspicuous of the four. -- He
informed me, that he went to the place where Joseph resided, and Joseph
had given it up, on account of the opposition of his wife and others:
but he told Joseph. "I have not come down here for nothing, and we will
go on with it." Martin Harris is what may be called a great talker, and
an extravagant boaster; so much so, that he renders himself disagreeable
to many of his society. The money he has expended, and the great things
he has done, form a considerable topic of his conversation; he
understands all prophecies, and knows every thing by the spirit, and he
can silence almost any opposer by talking faster, and louder than he
can: or by telling him, "I know every thing and you know nothing: I am a
wise man and you are a fool;" and in this respect, he stands a fair
sample of many others in the church. Yours affectionately,
E. BOOTH.
REV. I. EDDY.
(Ohio Star 2 [20 October 1831]:3, Ravenna, Ohio, emphasis omitted)
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[Letter 3 - Ezra Booth to Rev. Ira Eddy]
Nelson, Portage Co. Oct. 24, 1831.
REV. & DEAR SIR --
Mormonism has in part changed its character, and assumed a different
dress, from that under which it made its first appearance on the Western
Reserve. Many extraordinary circumstances which then existed, have
vanished out of sight; and the Mormonites desire, not only to forget
them, but wish them blotted out of the memory of others. Those wonders,
which they wish to have forgotten, stand as the principal foundation of
the faith of several hundred of the members of their church.
With the Wonders of Mormonism, or some of them, I design to occupy your
attention in this letter; and I wish you to observe here, and hereafter
remember, that the evidence by which all my statements are supported, is
derived from my own experience and observation, or from testimony of
persons, who still adhere to Mormonism; and I hold myself responsible to
any tribunal, whether on Earth or in Heaven, for the truth of what I
write, or at least, for an intention to write the truth, and nothing but
the truth.
"Being carried away in the spirit" and "I know it to be so by the
spirit," are well known phrases, and in common use in the Mormonite
church. We will first notice the gift of tongues, exercised by some when
carried away in the spirit. These persons were apparently lost to all
surrounding circumstances, and wrapt up in the contemplation of things,
and in communicating with persons not present. -- They articulated
sounds, which but few present professed to understand; and those few,
declared them to be the Indian language. A merchant, who had formerly
been a member of the Methodist society, observed, he had formerly traded
with the Indians, and he knew it to be their dialect. Being myself
present on some of these occasions, a person proffered his services as
my interpreter, and translated these sounds, which to me were
unintelligible, into English language. One individual could read any
chapter of the Old or New-Testament, in several different languages.
This was known to be the case by a person who professed to understand
those languages. In the midst of this delirium, they would, at times,
fancy themselves addressing a congregation of their red brethren; and
mounted upon a stump, or the fence, or from some elevated situation,
would harangue their assembly, until they had convinced and converted
them. They would then lead them into the water, and baptize them, and
pronounce their sins forgiven. In this exercise, some of them actually
went into the water; and in the water, performed the ceremony used in
baptizing. These actors assumed the visage of the savage, and so nearly
imitated him, not only in language, but in gestures and actions, that it
seemed the soul and body were completely metamorphosed into the Indian.
No doubt was then entertained but that this was an extraordinary work of
the Lord, designed to prepare those young men for the Indian mission;
and many who are still leaders of the church, could say, "we know by the
spirit that it is the work of the Lord." And now they can say, "we know
by the spirit that it was it is the work of the Devil." Most of those
who were the principal actors, have since apostatized, and the work is
unanimously discarded by the church. The limits, which my want of time
to write, as well as your want of patience to read, compel me to
prescribe for myself, will allow me only to touch on some of the most
prominent parts of this newly-invented, and heterogeneous system.
A new method for obtaining authority to preach the Gospel was introduced
into the church. One declared he had received a commission, directly
from Heeven [Heaven], written upon parchment. Another, that it was
written upon the palm of his hand, and upon the lid of his Bible, &c.
Three witnesses, and they were formerly considered persons of veracity,
testified, that they saw the parchment, or something like it, when put
into the hands of the candidate. These commissions, when transcribed
upon a piece of paper, were read to the church, and the persons who had
received them, were ordained to the Elder's office, and sent out into
the world to preach. But this also sunk into discredit, and experienced
the fate of the former.
Visions, also, were in high credit, and sounded abroad as an infallible
testimony in favor of Mormonism. The visionary, at times, imagined he
saw the City of New Jerusalem; unlocked its gate, and entered within the
walls; passed through its various apartments, and then returned, locked
the gate, and put the key into his pocket. When this tour was finished,
he would entertain his admiring friends, with a detailed description of
the Heavenly City.
The condition of the ten tribes of Israel since their captivity, unto
the present time, has excited considerable anxiety, and given rise to
much speculation among the learned. But after all the researches which
have been made, the place of their residence has never been
satisfactorily ascertained. But these visionaries have discovered their
place of residence to be contiguous to the north pole; separated from
the rest of the world by impassable mountains of ice and snow. In this
sequestered residence, they enjoy the society of Elijah the Prophet, and
John the Revelator, and perhaps the three immortalized Nephites. -- By
and by, the mountains of ice and snow are to give way, and open a
passage for the return of these tribes, to the land of Palestine.
About this time, the ministration of angels was supposed to be frequent
in the church. The Heavenly visitants made their appearance to certain
individuals: they seldom made any communication, but presented
themselves as spectacles for the beholder to gaze upon, with silent
admiration.
Smith is the only one at present, to my knowledge, who pretends to hold
converse with the inhabitants of the celestial world. It seems from his
statements, that he can have access to them, when and where he pleases.
He does not pretend that he sees them with his natural, but with his
sacred, eyes; and he says he can see them as well with his eyes shut,
as with them open. So also in translating. -- The subject stands before
his eyes in print, but it matters not whether his eyes are open or shut;
he can see as well one way as the other.
You have probably read the testimony of the three witnesses appended to
the Book of Mormon. These witnesses testify, that an angel appeared to
them, and presented them the golden plates, and the voice of God
declared it to be a Divine Record. To this they frequently testify, in
the presence of large congregations. When in Missouri, I had an
opportunity to examine a commandment given to these witnesses, previous
to their seeing the plates. They were informed that they should see and
hear these things by faith, and then they should testify to the world,
as though they had seen and heard, as I see a man, and hear his voice:
but after all, it amounts simply to this; that by faith or imagination,
they saw the plates and the angel, and by faith or imagination, they
heard the voice of the Lord.
Smith describes an angel, as having the appearance of "a tall, slim,
well built, handsome man, with a bright pillar upon his head." The Devil
once, he says, appeared to him in the same form, excepting upon his head
he had a "black pillar," and by this mark, he was able to distinguish
him from the former.
It passes for a current fact in the Mormonite church, that there are
immense treasures in the earth, especially in those places in the State
of N. Y. from whence many of the Mormonites emigrated last spring: and
when they become sufficiently purified, these treasures are to be poured
into the lap of their church; and then, to use their own language, they
are to be the richest people in the world. These treasures were
discovered several years since, by means of the dark glass, the same
with which Smith says he translated most of the Book of Mormon. --
Several of those persons, together with Smith, who were formerly
unsuccessfully engaged in digging and searching for these treasures, now
reside in this county, and from themselves I received this information.
Yours, affectionately,
EZRA BOOTH.
REV. I. EDDY
(Ohio Star 2 [27 October 1831]:3, Ravenna, Ohio, emphasis omitted)
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[Letter 4 - Ezra Booth to Rev. Ira Eddy]
Nelson, Portage Co. Oct. 31, 1831.
REV. & DEAR SIR --
From the time that Mormonism first made its appearance upon the stage,
until the grand tour to the Missouri, an expectation universally
pervaded the Church, that the time was not far distant, when the deaf,
the dumb, the maimed, the blind, &c. would become the subjects of the
miraculous power of God, so that every defect in their systems would be
entirely removed.
This expectation originated from, and was grounded upon a variety of
premises, included in a number of commandments, or verbal revelations
from Smith, or, as he is styled "the head of the Church." As the 4th of
June last, was appointed for the sessions of the conference, it was
ascertained, that that was the time specified, when the great and mighty
work was to commence, and such was the confidence of some, that
knowledge superceded their faith, and they did not hesitate to declare
themselves perfectly assured, that the work of miracles would commence
at the ensuing conference. With such strong assurances, and with the
most elevated expectations, the conference assembled at the time
appointed. To give, if possible, additional energy to expectation,
Smith, the day previous to the conference, professing to be filled with
the spirit of Prophecy, declared, that "not three days should pass away,
before some should see their Savior, face to face." Soon after the
session commenced, Smith arose to harangue the conference. He reminded
those present of the Prophecy, which he said "was given by the spirit
yesterday." He wished them not to be overcome with surprise, when that
event ushered in. He continued until by long speaking, himself and some
others became much excited. He then laid his hands on the head of Elder
Wite [Wight], who had participated largely in the warm feeling of his
leader, and ordained him to the High Priesthood. He was set apart for
the service of the Indians, and was ordained to the gift of tongues,
healing the sick, casting out Devils, and discerning spirits; and in
like manner he ordained several others; and then called upon Wite
[Wight] to take the floor. Wite [Wight] arose, and presented a pale
countenance, a fierce look, with his arms extended, and his hands
cramped backward, the whole system agitated, and a very unpleasant
object to gaze upon. He exhibited himself as an instance of the great
power of God, and called upon those around him, "if you want to see a
sign, look at me." He then stept [stepped] upon a bench, and declared,
with a loud voice, he saw the Savior: and thereby, for the time being,
rescued Smith's prophecy from merited contempt. -- It, however, procured
Wite [Wight] the authority to ordain the rest. So said the spirit, and
so said Smith. The spirit in Smith selected those to be ordained, and
the spirit in Wite [Wight] ordained them. But the spirit in Wite [Wight]
proved an erring, and forgetful dictator; so much so, that some of the
candidates felt the weight of his hands thrice, before the work was
rightly done. Another Elder, who had been ordained to the same office as
Wite [Wight], at the bidding of Smith stept [stepped] upon the floor.
Then ensued a scene, of which you can form no adequate conception; and
which, I would forbear relating, did not the truth require it. This
Elder moved upon the floor, his legs inclining to a bend; one shoulder
elevated above the other, upon which the head seemed disposed to
recline, his arms partly extended; his hands partly half clenched; his
mouth half open, and contracted in the shape of an italic O; his eyes
assumed a wild and ferocious cast, and his whole appearance presented a
frightful object to the view of the beholder. "Speak, Brother Harvey"
said Smith. But Harvey intimated by signs, that his power of
articulation was in a state of suspense, and that he was unable to
speak. Some conjectured that Harvey was possessed of the Devil, but
Smith said, "The Lord binds in order to set at liberty." After different
opinions had been given, and there had been much confusion, Smith learnt
by the spirit, that Harvey was under a diabolical influence, and that
Satan had bound him; and he commanded the unclean spirit to come out of
him.
It now became clearly manifest, that "the man of sin was revealed," for
the express purpose that the Elders should become acquainted with the
devices of Satan; and after that they would possess knowledge sufficient
to manage him. This, Smith declared to be a miracle, and his success in
this case, encouraged him to work other, and different miracles. Taking
the hand of one of the Elders in his own, a hand, which by accident had
been rendered defective, he said, "Brother Mordock [Murdock], I command
you in the name of Jesus Christ, to straighten your hand;" in the mean
while, endeavoring to accomplish the work by using his own hand, to open
the hand of the other. The effort proved unsuccessful; but he again
articulated the same commandment, in a more authoritative and louder
tone of voice; and while uttering with his tongue, his hands were at
work; but after all the exertion of his power, both natural and
supernatural, the deficient hand returned to its former position, where
it still remains. But ill success in this case, did not discourage him
from undertaking another. One of the Elders, who was decrepid [decrepit]
in one of his legs, was set upon the floor, and commanded, in the name
of Jesus Christ, to walk. He walked a step or two, his faith failed, and
he was again compelled to have recourse to his former assistant, and he
has had occasion to use it ever since.
A dead body, which had been retained above ground two or three days,
under the expectation that the dead would be raised, was insensible to
the voice of those who commanded it to wake into life, and is destined
to sleep in the grave, till the last trump shall sound, and the power of
God easily accomplish the work, which frustrated the attempts, and bid
defiance to the puny efforts of the Mormonites.
Under these discouraging circumstances, the horizon of Mormonism
gathered darkness; and a storm seemed to hang impending over the church.
The gloom of disappointed expectation, overspread the countenances of
many, while they labored to investigate the cause of this failure. To
add, if possible, to their mortification, a larger assembly collected on
the Sabbath, in order to hear preaching. In the midst of the meeting,
the congregation was dismissed by Rigdon, and the people sent to their
homes. He was directed to do this, he said, by the spirit. But it was
generally believed, that he was directed solely by fear; and that he had
mistaken the spirit of cowardice, for the spirit of the Lord. Several of
the Elders said that they "felt the spirit to preach" to the
congregation: and Rigdon felt the spirit to send the people home: such
was the unity, which then prevailed among them.
You will doubtless say, can it be possible that the minds of men, and
men who possess the appearance of honesty, can be so strangely
infatuated, as still to adhere to a system, after it had occasioned so
much agitation, and so much disappointment. One reason which can be
assigned for this, is, the adherents are generally inclined to consider
the system so perfect, as to admit of no suspicion; and the confusion,
and disappointment, are attributed to some other cause. Another, and
principal reason is, delusion always effects the mind with a species of
delirium, and this delirium arises in a degree, proportionate to the
magnitude of the delusion. These men, upon other subjects, will converse
like other men: but when their favorite system is brought into view, its
inconsistencies and contradictions, are resolved into inexplicable
mystery; and this will not only apply to the delusions now under
consideration, but in my view, to every delusion from the highest to the
lowest; and it matters not whether it carries the stamp of popularity,
or its opposite. Yours, affectionately,
EZRA BOOTH.
REV. I. EDDY
(Ohio Star 2 [3 November 1831]:3, Ravenna, Ohio, emphasis omitted)
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[Letter 5 - Ezra Booth to Rev. Ira Eddy]
Nelson, Portage Co. Nov. 7, 1831.
REV. & DEAR SIR --
In my last letter I gave you a faint representation of the event which
transpired, and the circumstances which attended the meeting of the
Mormonite Conference. Though many stumbled, yet none irrecoverably fell.
Another grand object was presented, and the attention was somewhat
diverted from those scenes of disappointment, through which we had
recently passed. The tour to Missouri revived the sinking expectations,
and gave new energy to faith and hope. In that distant region,
anticipation was to be realized in full, and the objects of faith, and
hope, were to become the objects of knowledge and fruition. A
commandment was received, and Elders were directed to take their journey
for the "promised land." They were commanded to go two by two, with the
exception of Smith, Rigdon, Harris, and Partridge; and it was designed
that these should find an easier method of transporting themselves, than
to travel that distance on foot. They were careful to make suitable
provision for themselves, both in money and other articles, that while
on their journey, they might carry the appearance of gentlemen filling
some important stations in life: while many, who were destined to travel
on foot with packs upon their backs, were so fired with the ardor of
enthusiasm, that they supposed they could travel to Missouri, with but
little or no money. These carried the appearance, and were justly
entitled to the character of beggars, for when the little money they
took with them was expended, they subsisted by begging, until they
arrived to their journey's end.
Being myself one of the number selected to perform the journey by land,
and not being much accustomed to travel on foot, I hesitated for a
while; but believing it to be the will of God, I resolved on an
unreserved surrender of myself to the work, and on the 15th of June, in
company with the one appointed to travel with me, took up my line of
march for Missouri. I do not design to trouble you with a relation of
particulars, but will observe, that after I left the north part of the
State of Ohio, I made a speedy and a prosperous journey to Missouri. I
preached twice in Ohio, thrice in Indiana, once in Illinois, and once in
Missouri. We were commanded to preach by the spirit, and my impressions
were, that farther to the westward, I should enjoy more of the spirit's
influence; and though I travelled one thousand miles to the west, my
anticipations, in this respect, were never realized. I seldom ever
proclaimed Mormonism with that liberty, which I enjoyed in my public
exercises, while a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. I supposed
that at some future time, the spirit would endow me with the power to
preach with an unusual degree of liberty. That period has never arrived,
and I am persuaded it never will, and I now sincerely desire the spirit
of truth to direct my pen, while I endeavor to expose the errors and
absurdities of the system I then advocated.
When we arrived at the place to which our mission destined us, we
perceived, to our mortification, that disappointment, instead of being
confined to the State of Ohio, had journeyed thither, and had arrived
before us. We would gladly here have avoided an interview with this, our
old companion; but this was impossible, she met us, and stared us in the
face which way soever we turned, nor was it possible to look her out of
countenance, or put the blush upon her pallid features, or expel her
from our society. Some were for making the best of her they could; but
for myself, I resolved that she should be expelled, or at any rate, that
her visits should be less frequent, or I would abandon the habitation
entirely.
When we commenced our journey for Missouri, we expected an "effectual
door" would be opened, to proclaim the new system of faith, in that
region; and that those who were ordained to the gift of tongues, would
have an opportunity to display their supernatural talent, in
communicating to the Indians, in their own dialect. Some who were
ordained to this office, absolutely knew that through this medium, they
should gain access to the Natives, and I will venture to say, I know,
that their success will be similar to that of their predecessor, Oliver
Cowdrey, who stated that he was endowed with the same foreknowledge. But
the event has proved his presumption false. For more than two weeks,
while I remained there, the disposition of the Elders appeared to be
averse to preaching, either to the white or red people, and indeed,
adverse circumstances prevented it.
We expected to assemble together in conference, according to
commandment, and the Lord would signally display his power, for the
confirmation of our faith; but we commenced our journey home, before
most of the Elders arrived. It is true, a conference was held, but it
was considered so unimportant, that myself and another man were
permitted to be absent, for the purpose of procuring the means of
conveyance down the river. We expected to find a large Church, which
Smith said, was revealed to him in a vision, Oliver had raised up there.
This large Church was found to consist of three or four females.
We expected to witness the exercise of those miraculous gifts, to which
some were ordained while in the State of Ohio. But the same difficulty,
the same want of faith among the people, which counteracted them here,
prevailed there; consequently, no miracles could be wrought. We expected
to see the foundation of the City and Temple laid; and this we were
permitted to see, and it was in fact a curiosity, but not worth going to
Missouri to witness. The honor of consecrating the land, &c. was
conferred on Mr. Rigdon. The commandment reads thus: "let my servant
Sidney consecrate and dedicate the land, and the spot for the Temple" --
again, "Behold I give unto my servant Sidney a commandment, that he
shall write a description of the land of Zion, and a statement of the
will of God, as it shall be made known to him by the spirit, and a
subscription to be presented to the Churches, to obtain money to
purchase lands, for an inheritance for the children of God: for behold
the Lord willeth that his Disciples, and the children of men should open
their hearts, to purchase this whole region of country, lest they
receive none inheritance, save it be by the shedding of blood." The
childish exultation of the Mormonite leaders, while they echoed and
re-echoed, "the Lord has given us this whole region of country;" "this
whole region of country is ours;" when it was manifest, agreeable to the
commandment, that the gift was only to be obtained, by purchasing it
with money at a dear rate, and that, in order to save themselves the
trouble of "the shedding of blood," would, under other circumstances,
have been truly diverting. But when viewing it as an instance of a
deep-laid scheme, and the cunning artifice of crafty impostors, designed
to allure the credulous and the unsuspecting, into a state of
unqualified vassalage, it presented a melancholy picture of the direful
depravity of the human heart, while destitute of those virtues,
inculcated in the Gospel of the blessed Redeemer.
It was conjectured by the inhabitants of Jackson County, that the
Mormonites, as a body are wealthy, and many of them entertain fears,
that next December, when the list of the land is exposed for sale, they
will out-bid others, and establish themselves as the most powerful body
in the County. But they may dismiss their fears in this respect; for the
Mormonites as a body, are comparatively poor, and destined so to remain,
until they pursue a different course as it relates to economy and
industry, from what they have hitherto pursued. There were ten families,
which came by water, landed there the day on which I arrived; and all
the land which the Bishop said they had means to purchase, was less than
thirty acres to the family; and thirty acres in that country, is little
enough for wood and timber land; as fifteen acres upon an average here,
are worth thirty there. Neither need they fear that the Mormonites, were
they so disposed, will obtain the possession of their lands "by shedding
of blood," until the spirit selects more courageous leaders than Smith
and Rigdon.
Yours affectionately,
EZRA BOOTH.
REV. I. EDDY.
(Ohio Star 2 [11 November 1831]:3, Ravenna, Ohio, emphasis omitted)
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[Letter 6 - Ezra Booth to Rev. Ira Eddy]
Nelson, Portage Co. Nov. 14, 1831.
REV. & DEAR SIR --
It is well known that the ostensible design of the Mormonites in
settling in the western part of Missouri, is to convert the Indians to
the faith of Mormonism. In this, the leaders appear to have in view, as
a mode, the Jesuits of the 16th century, who established themselves in
South America, by gaining an entire ascendancy over the hearts and
consciences of the natives, and thereby became their masters. As
Independence is the place of general rendezvous, and head-quarters of
the Mormonites, it may not be amiss to notice it. It is a new Town,
containing a courthouse built of brick, two or three merchant stores,
and fifteen or twenty dwelling houses, built mostly of logs hewed on
both sides; and is situated on a handsome rise of ground, about three
miles south of the Missouri river, and about twelve miles east of the
dividing line between the U. S. and the Indian Reserve, and is the
County seat of Jackson County. In this place, it is designed to
establish the Lord's printing press, of which Wm. W. Phelps and O.
Cowdery, are to have the management; and also, the Lord's storehouse,
committed in charge to S. Gilbert. By the means of these two grand
engines, they expect to make the wicked feel the weight of their
tremendous power. West of the line lies the territory, selected by the
Government of the U. S. for the future residence of the Indians; to
which place, a number of tribes have recently emigrated. The question is
frequently asked, do the Indians seem disposed to receive Mormonism; or
have any of them as yet embraced it? To which question, I have heard
some of the leaders reply, "O yes," when the truth is, not an individual
had embraced it when I left that place, nor is there any prospect they
will embrace it. It is true, that some of the Indians appear to listen
with a degree of attention, while the Mormonite teacher pretends to
disclose to them the secrets of their origin, the history of their
ancestors, and that the Great Spirit designs, in this generation, to
restore them to the possession of their lands, now occupied by the
whites; and the Indians shall go forth among the white people, "as a
lion among the beasts of the forests, and as a young lion, among the
flocks of sheep, who, if he goeth through, both treadeth down and
teareth to pieces, and no man can deliver. Thy hand shall be lifted upon
their adversaries, (the whites,) and all their enemies (the whites)
shall be cut off." Here you have a fair specimen of the method adopted
in the Book of Mormon, and preached by the Mormonite teachers, for the
purpose of enlisting the feelings, and ingratiating themselves with the
Indians; and should success attend their endeavors; and the minds of the
Indians become inflamed with that enthusiastic spirit which Mormonism
inspires, they may be inclined to try the experiment, whether "by the
shedding of blood," they can expel the white inhabitants, or reduce them
to a state of servitude; and by this means, regain the possession of the
lands occupied by their forefathers.
The laying of the foundation of Zion was attended with considerable
parade, and an ostentatious display of talents, both by Rigdon and
Cowdery. The place being designated as the site where the city was to
commence, on the day appointed we repaired to the spot, not only as
spectators, but each one to act the part assigned him in the great work
of laying the foundation of the "glorious City of the New-Jerusalem."
Rigdon consecrated the ground, by an address in the first place to the
God whom the Mormons profess to worship; and then making some remarks
respecting the extraordinary purpose for which we were assembled,
prepared the way for administering the oath of allegiance, to those who,
were then to receive their "everlasting inheritance" in that City. He
laid them under the most solemn obligations, to constantly obey all the
commandments of Smith. He enjoined it upon them to express a great
degree of gratitude for the free donation, and then, as the Lord's
Vicegerent, he gratuitously bestowed upon them, that for which they had
paid an exorbitant price in money. These preliminaries being ended, a
shrub oak, about ten inches in diameter at the butt, the best that could
be obtained near at hand, was prostrated, trimmed, and cut off at a
suitable length; and twelve men answering to the twelve Apostles, by
means of handspikes, conveyed it to the place. Cowdery craved the
privilege of laying the corner-stone. He selected a small rough stone,
the best he could find, carried it in one hand to the spot, removed the
surface of the earth to prepare a place for its reception, and then
displayed his oratorical power, in delivering an address, suited to the
important occasion. The stone being placed, one end of the shrub oak
stick was laid upon it; and there was laid down the first stone and
stick, which are to form an essential part of the splendid City of Zion.
The next day the ground for the Temple was consecrated, and Smith
claimed the honor of laying the corner-stone himself. Should the
inhabitants of Independence, feel a desire to visit this place, destined
at some future time to become celebrated, they will have only to walk
one half of a mile out of the Town, to a rise of ground, a short
distance south of the road. They will be able to ascertain the spot, by
the means of a sappling [sapling], distinguished from others by the bark
being taken off on the north and on the east side. -- On the south side
of the sappling [sapling] will be found the letter, T, which stands for
Temple; and on the east side ZOM for Zomar; which Smith says is the
original word for Zion. Near the foot of the sappling [sapling], they
will find a small stone, covered over with bushes, which were cut for
that purpose. This is the corner-stone for the Temple. They can there
have the privilege of beholding the mighty work, accomplished by about
thirty men, who left their homes, traveled 1000 miles, most of them on
foot, and expended more than one thousand dollars in cash.
Having completed the work, or rather, finding but little or no business
for us to accomplish in Missouri, most of us became anxious to return
home. And none appeared to be more so than Smith and Rigdon, whose plans
for future subsistence were considerably frustrated. They expected to
find a country abounding with the necessaries and comforts of life. But
the prospect appeared somewhat gloomy, and will probably remain so for
years to come. That they were disappointed, is evident from the change
which appeared in their calculations. Before they went to Missouri,
their language was, "we shall winter in Ohio but one winter more;" and
when in Missouri, "it will be many years before we come here for the
Lord has a great work for us to do in Ohio," and the great work is, to
make a thorough alteration of the Bible, and invent new revelations, and
these are to be sent to Missouri, in order to be printed. This economy
to save the expense of postage, is parallel with their other
calculations. But no matter for that, it will save them the difficulties
and hardships incident to settling a new country; and also the dangers
to which they would be exposed, in case the Indians should commence
hostilities upon the whites; and moreover, they have an easy method to
supply themselves with cash at any time when occasion requires. The
authority of a commandment, will easily untie the purse-strings, of
those whose consciences are under their control; and they find it much
easier, and better suited to their dispositions, to write commandments,
than to gain a livelihood by the sweat of their brow; and indeed, Smith
has commanded himself not to labor, and by his mandate, has enjoined it
upon the Church to support him. The Bishop, when we were in Missouri,
intimated, that he and others were too much inclined to indolence. He
replied, "I am commanded not to labor."
Yours affectionately,
EZRA BOOTH.
REV. I. EDDY.
(Ohio Star 2 [17 November 1831]:3, Ravenna, Ohio, emphasis omitted)
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[Letter 7 - Ezra Booth to Rev. Ira Eddy]
Nelson, Portage Co. Nov. 21, 1831.
REV. & DEAR SIR --
The following, with but a little variation, is the copy of a letter
which was written to the Bishop of the Mormonite Church, who, by
commandment, has received his station, and now resides in Missouri. His
business is to superintend the secular concerns of the Church. He holds
a deed of the lands, and the members receive a writing from him,
signifying, that they are to possess and occupy the land as their own,
so long as they are obedient to Smith's commandments. The Bishop is, in
reality, the Vice-gerent of Smith, and those in collusion with him; and
holds his office during their will and pleasure. I think him to be an
honest man as yet, but there is a point beyond which he cannot go,
unless he prostrates his honor as in the dust, and prostitutes his
conscience to the vilest of purposes. He has frequently staggered and
been ready to fall. The Conference last year gave him a tremendous
shock, from which, with difficulty, he recovered. The law of the Church
enjoins, that no debts with the world shall be contracted. But a
thousand acres of land in the town of Thompson, could be purchased for
one half its value, and he was commanded to secure it; and in order to
do it, he was under the necessity to contract a debt to the world, to
the amount of several hundred dollars. He hesitated, but the command was
repeated, "you must secure the land." He was one of the number, who was
ordained to the gift of discerning spirits; and in a commandment, a
pattern was given by which the good spirit might be distinguished from
the bad, which rendered the gift of sacred discernment useless: for
the division was to be made from external appearances, and not from any
thing discovered internally. - He saw the impropriety and it shook his
faith. I am suspicious that the time is not far distant, when, by
commandment, this office will be bestowed upon a more trusty and
confidential person; perhaps Smith's brother or father, or some one who
has been disciplined in the State of New-York. Then it will become his
business, to make over the property, by deed of conveyance, to the
person appointed by the commandment to supercede him. The Mormonites
will tell you, that business of this nature is done by the voice of the
Church. It is like this: a Sovereign issues his decrees, and then says
to his subjects, hold up your right hands, in favor of my decrees being
carried into effect. Should any refuse, they are sure to be hung for
rebellion.
SEPT. 20, 1831.
MR. PARTRIDGE --
Sir: -- From a sense of duty, I take up my pen, to communicate to you
the present impressions of my mind, which originated from facts, which
occurred during my stay there, and while returning home. I arrived
safely at my home on the 1st inst. after having passed through a variety
of scenes, some of which, I design to disclose to you in this letter.
You will probably be surprised, when you learn, that I am no longer a
member of the Mormonite Church. The circumstances which led to this are
numerous, and of such a character, that I should have been compelled to
sacrifice every principle of honesty, or cease to support a system,
which I conceive to be grossly inconsistent, and in opposition to the
best interests of human society. The first thing that materially
affected my mind, so as to weaken my confidence, was the falsehood of
Joseph's vision. You know perfectly well, that Joseph had, or said he
had, a vision, or revelation, in which it was made known to him by the
spirit, that Oliver had raised up a great church in Missouri. This was
so confidently believed, previous to our leaving Ohio, that while
calculating the number in the Church, several hundred were added,
supposed to be in Missouri. The great Church was found to consist of
three or four females. The night we took lodgings in the school-house,
and the morning which succeeded it, presented circumstances which I had
not anticipated. When you intimated to Joseph that the land which he and
Oliver had selected, was inferior in point of quality to other lands
adjoining, had you seen the same spirit manifested in me, which you saw
in him, would you not have concluded me to be under the influence of
violent passion, bordering on madness, rather than the meek and gentle
spirit which the Gospel inculcates? When you complained that he had
abused you, and you observed to him, "I wish you not to tell us any
more, that you know these by the spirit when you do not; you told us,
that Oliver had raised up a large Church here, and there is no such
thing;" he replied, "I see it, and it will be so." This appeared to me,
to be a shift, better suited to an impostor, than a true Prophet of the
Lord. And from that time I resolved, to weigh well every circumstance;
and I can assure you, that no one that has any bearing on the subject,
escaped my notice. But the spirit considered your insolence to Joseph,
too intolerable, too [to] be passed over unnoticed. Hence the
commandment: "if he repent not of his sins, which is unbelief and
blindness of heart, let him take heed lest he fall. Behold his mission
is given unto him, and it shall not be given again." You are to be
careful, to submit patiently to all the abuse which Joseph sees fit to
pour upon you; and to swallow passively, all the spurious visions, and
false prophecies, that he in his clemency thinks proper to bestow upon
you, lest you fall from your Bishoprick, never to regain it. These men,
under whose influence you act, were entire strangers to you, until you
embraced this new system of faith. Now, permit me to inquire; have you
not frequently observed in Joseph, a want of that sobriety, prudence,
and stability, which are some of the most prominent traits in the
christian character? Have you not often discovered in him, a spirit of
lightness and levity, a temper of mind easily irritated, and an habitual
proneness to jesting and joking? Have you not repeatedly proved to your
own satisfaction, that he says he knows things to be so by the spirit,
when they are not so? You most certainly have. Have you not reason then
to believe, or at least to suspect, that the revelations which come from
him, are something short of infallible, and instead of being the
production of divine wisdom, emanate from his own weak mind? Some
suppose his weakness, nay, his wickedness, can form no reasonable
objection to his revelations; and "were he to get another man's wife,
and seek to kill her husband, it could be no reason why we should not
believe revelations through him, for David did the same." So Sidney
asserted, and many others concurred with him in sentiment. The
commandment we received to purchase, or make a water craft, directed us
to proceed down the river in it as far as St. Louis, and from thence,
with the exception of Joseph and his two scribes, we were to proceed on
our journey home two by two. The means of conveyance being procured, we
embarked for St. Louis, but unpropitious events rolled on, superceded
the commandment, frustrated our plans, and we had separated before we
had accomplished one half of the voyage. The cause which produced this
disastrous result, was a spirit of animosity and discord, which made its
appearance on board, the morning after we left Independence. The conduct
of some of the Elders became highly displeasing to Oliver, who, in the
greatness of his power, uttered this malediction; "as the Lord God
liveth, if you do not behave better, some accident will befall you." The
manner in which this was handed out, evinced it to be the ebullition of
a spirit, similar to that which influenced Joseph in the school-house.
No accident however befel[l] them, until Joseph in the afternoon of the
third day, assumed the direction of affairs on board of that canoe,
which, with other matters of difference, together with Oliver's curse,
increased the irritation of the crew, who, in time of danger, refused to
exert their physical powers, in consequence of which, they ran foul of a
sawyer, and were in danger of upsetting . This was sufficient to flutter
the timid spirit of the Prophet and his scribe, who had accompanied him
on board that canoe, and like the sea-tossed mariner, when threatened
with the horrors of a watery grave, they unanimously desired, to set
their feet once more upon something more firm than a liquid surface:
therefore, by the persuasion of Joseph, we landed before sunset,
intending to pass the night upon the bank of the river. Preparations
were made to spend the night as comfortably as existing circumstances
would admit, and then an attempt was made, to affect a reconciliation
betwixt the contending parties. The business of settlement commenced,
which elicited much conversation, and excited considerable feeling on
both sides. Oliver's denunciation was brought into view; his conduct and
equipage, were compared to "a fop of a sportsman;" he and Joseph were
represented, as highly imperious and quite dictatorial; and Joseph and
Sidney, were reprimanded for their excessive cowardice. Joseph seemed
inclined to arm himself according to his usual custom, in case of
opposition, with the judgments of God, for the purpose of pouring them,
like a thunder bolt upon the rebellious Elders; but one or two retorted,
"none of your threats:" which completely disarmed him, and he reserved
his judgment for a more suitable occasion. Finding myself but little
interested in the settlement, believing the principles of discord too
deeply rooted to be easily eradicated, I laid myself down upon the
ground, and in silence, contemplated awhile the events of the evening,
as they passed before me. These are the men to whom the Lord has
intrusted the mysteries, and the keys of his kingdom; whom he has
authorized to bind or loose on earth, and their decision shall be
ratified in Heaven. These are the men sent forth, to promulgate a new
revelation, and to usher in a new dispensation -- at whose presence the
"Heavens are to shake, the hills tremble, the mountains quake, and the
earth open and swallow up their enemies." -- These are the leaders of
the Church, and the only Church on earth the Lord beholds with
approbation. Surely, I never witnessed so much confusion and discord,
among the Elders of any other Church; nevertheless they are all doomed
to a perpetual curse, except they receive the doctrines and precepts
which Mormonism inculcates, and place themselves under the tuition of
men, more ignorant and unholy than themselves. In the midst of
meditations like these, I sunk into the arms of sleep, but was awakened
at a late hour, to witness and consent to a reconciliation, between the
parties. The next morning, Joseph manifested an aversion to risk his
person any more, upon the rough and rapid current of the Missouri, and
in fact, upon any other river; and he again had recourse to his usual
method, of freeing himself from the embarrassment[s of a former
commandment, by] obtaining another in opposition to it. He succeeded
according to his desires. A new commandment was issued, in which a great
curse was pronounced against the waters; navigating them, was to be
attended with extreme danger; and all the saints in general, were
prohibited journeying upon them to the promised land. From this
circumstance, the Missouri river was named the river of Destruction. It
was decreed, that we should proceed on our journey by land, and preach
by the way as we passed along. Joseph, Sidney and Oliver, were to press
their way forward with all possible speed, and to preach only in
Cincinnati; and there they were to lift up their voices, and proclaim
against the whole of that wicked City. The method by which Joseph and
Co. designed to proceed home, it was discovered, would be very
expensive. "The Lord don't care how much money it takes to get us home,"
said Sidney. Not satisfied with the money they received from you, they
used their best endeavors to exact money from others, who had but
little, compared with what they had; telling them in substance, "you can
beg your passage, on foot, but as we are to travel in the stage, we must
have money." You will find, sir, that the expense of these three men,
was one hundred dollars more than three of our company expended, while
on our journey home; and for the sake of truth and honesty, let these
men never again open their mouths, to insult the common-sense of
mankind, by contending for equality, and the community of goods in
society, until there is a thorough alteration in their method of
proceeding. It seems, however, they had drained their pockets, when they
arrived at Cincinnati, for they were there under the necessity of
pawning their trunk, in order to continue their journey home. Here they
violated the commandment, by not preaching; and when an inquiry was made
respecting the cause of that neglect, at one time they said, they could
get no house to preach in; at another time they stated, that they could
have had the court-house, had they staid [stayed] a day or two longer,
but the Lord made it known to them, that they should go on; and other
similar excuses, involving like contradictions. Thus they turn and twist
the commandments, to suit their whims, and they violate them when they
please with perfect impunity. They can at any time obtain a commandment
suited to their desires, and as their desires fluctuate and become
reversed, they get a new one to supercede the other, and hence the
contradictions which abound in this species of revelation. The next day
after we were cast upon the shore, and had commenced our journey by
land, myself and three others went on board of a canoe, and re-commenced
our voyage down the river. From this time a constant gale of prosperity
wafted us forward, and not an event transpired, but what tended to our
advance, until we arrived at our much-desired homes. At St. Louis we
took passage in a steam-boat, and came to Wellsville; and from thence in
the stage home. We travelled about eight hundred miles farther than the
three who took their passage in the stage, and arrived at our homes but
a few days later. It is true we violated the commandment by not
preaching by the way, and so did they by not preaching in Cincinnati.
But it seems that none of us considered the commandment worthy of much
notice.
In this voyage upon the waters, we demonstrated that the great dangers
existed only in imagination, and the commandment to be the offspring of
a pusillanimous spirit. The spirit also revealed to Joseph, that "on the
steam-boats, plots were already laid for our destruction." This too we
proved to be false. While descending the Missouri river, Peter and
Frederick, two of my company, divulged a secret respecting Oliver, which
placed his conduct on a parallel with Ziba's; for which Ziba was
deprived of his Elder and Apostleship: "Let that which was bestowed upon
Ziba, be taken from him, and let him stand as a member in the Church,
and let him labor with his own hands with the brethren." And thus by
commandment, poor Ziba, one of the twelve Apostles, is thrust down;
while Oliver the scribe, also an Apostle, who had been guilty of similar
conduct, is set on high, to prepare work for the press; and no
commandment touches him, only to exalt him higher. -- These two persons
stated, that had they known previous to their journey to Missouri, what
they then knew, they never should have accompanied Oliver thither.
Sidney, since his return, has written a description of the land of Zion.
But it differs essentially from that which you wrote; so much so, that
either yours or his must be false. Knowing him to be constitutionally
inclined to exaggerate, and suspecting that this habit would be as
likely to preponderate, in his written, as in his oral communications,
you cautioned him against it. "What I write will be written by the most
infallible inspiration of the Holy spirit," said he with an air of
contempt. You must be careful sir, or it will again sound in your ears,
"if he repent not" for giving a false description of the land of Zion,
let him take heed lest he fall from his office. This, Sidney said, was
one reason why you were not permitted to return to the State of Ohio.
The want of time and paper notify me to bring this letter to a close.
And now permit me to intreat [entreat] you, to candidly view the whole
subject, from the commencement unto the present time. Look at it with
your eyes, and no longer suffer these strangers to blind you, and daub
you with their untempared [untempered] mortar. Think how often you have
been stumbled by those discordant revelations, false visions, and lying
prophecies. Put into practice the resolutions you expressed to me the
morning after the collision in the school-house, that you would go home,
and attend to your own business. Transfer the lands you hold in your
hands, to the persons whose money paid for it. Place yourself from under
the influence of the men who have deceived you; burst the bands of
delusion; and fly for your life, fly from the habitations haunted by
impostors; and having done this, you most surely will be glad and
rejoice, and prove to your own satisfaction, as I have done, the falsity
of Joseph's prophetic declaration, "if you turn against us you will
enjoy no more satisfaction in the world." E. B.
Some things are intimated in the foregoing letter, which more properly
belongs to Cowdery's mission to the Indians; and when I come to notice
that mission, those things will, probably, be more fully exhibited.
It is also indirectly stated, that Rigdon has acquired the habit of
exaggeration. The truth of this statement, I presume, will be doubted
but by few, who have been long acquainted with him. Most of his
communications carry the appearance of high and false coloring; and I am
persuaded, that truth by his embellishing touch, often degenerates into
fiction. I have heard him several different times, give a representation
of the interview between himself, and to use his own phraseology, "the
far-famed Alexander Campbell." This man's wonted shrewdness and presence
of mind, forsook him when in the presence of this gigantic Mormonite; so
much so, that "he was quite confused and silly." I will give you a
specimen of the language, with which Rigdon said he assailed him: "You
have lied Alexander. Alexander you have lied. If you do not receive the
Book of Mormon you will be damned." With such like [arguments he
brow-beat his antagonist, until he had silenced and set him down, like
the pusillanimous cur,] at the feet of his chastising master. "You are a
liar, you are a child of the Devil, you are an enemy to all
righteousness, the spirit of the Devil is in you," and the like, is
dealt out profusely against an obstinate opponent, and especially, one
whom they are pleased to nickname apostate. I regret the necessity I am
under of making such statements, and could wish there had been no
occasion for them. But truth compels me to it, and the good of society
demands it.
Yours affectionately,
EZRA BOOTH.
REV. I. EDDY.
(Ohio Star 2 [24 November 1831]:3, Ravenna, Ohio, emphasis omitted)
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[Letter 8 - Ezra Booth to Rev. Ira Eddy]
Nelson, Portage Co. Nov. 29, 1831.
REV. & DEAR SIR --
The origin of the aborigines of this country, and their history before
the introduction of eastern literature into the western hemisphere, has
afforded a subject for much speculation, and deep research among the
learned; and has occasioned considerable curiosity among various classes
of people. But the subject still remains in impenetrable obscurity; and
will so remain, unless He who has the power to speak, "let there be
light," "and light shall break forth out of obscurity." But as this is a
subject better calculated to gratify the speculative inquirer, than to
purify the heart, by rectifying wrong principles in the mind, or to
increase that kind of knowledge intimately connected with, and essential
to practical improvements, either in civil or religious society, we may
reasonably doubt, whether the Great Jehovah will soon, if ever,
condescend to clear away the darkness, by giving a revelation, merely to
gratify the desires of persons, who delight to wander in the region of
conjecture and speculation. But he has already done it, cries the
Mormonite Herald. The Book of Mormon which I hold in my hands, is a
Divine Revelation, and the very thing we need, to burst the cloud and
remove the darkness, which has long surrounded the mysterious and
degraded aborigines. We now know that the Natives who inhabit the
forests of America, are a "branch of the House of Israel;" and by the
means of this blessed book, they are soon, even in this generation, to
be restored to the knowledge, and the true worship of the God of Israel.
-- Among them is to be built, the "glorious City of the New-Jerusalem,"
in the midst of which is to stand, the splendid and magnificent Temple,
dedicated to the Most High God, and "Oliver being called and commanded
of the Lord God, to go forth among the Lamanites, to proclaim glad
tidings of great joy unto them, by presenting unto them, the fulness of
the Gospel of the only begotten son of God," &c. The grand enterprise of
introducing this new dispensation, or the fulness of the Gospel, among
the Indian tribes, who have recently received the appellation of
Lamanites, was committed in charge to Oliver Cowdery, a young man of
high fame among the Mormonites. -- His credentials, and the credentials
of the three others associated with him in the mission, will be found in
the following revelations, which I transcribe for your perusal, and also
for some future remarks, which I design to offer.
A REVELATION UNTO OLIVER, GIVEN SEPTEMBER, 1830.
Behold, I say unto you Oliver, that it shall be given thee, that thou
shalt be heard by the Church in all things whatsoever thou shalt teach
them by the comforter, concerning the revelations and commandments which
I have given. But verily, verily, I say unto you, no one shall be
appointed to receive commandments and revelations in the Church,
excepting my servant Joseph, for he receiveth them even as Moses, and
thou shalt be obedient unto the things which I shall give unto him, even
as Aaron, to declare faithfully the commandments and the revelations,
with power and authority unto the Church. And if thou art led at any
time by the comforter to speak or teach, or at all times by the way of
commandment unto the Church, thou may'st do it; but shalt not write by
the way of commandment, but by wisdom: and thou shalt not command him
who is at thy head, and at the head of the Church; for I have given him
the keys of the mysteries of the revelations which are sealed, until I
shall appoint unto him another in his stead. -- And now behold I say
unto you, that thou shalt go unto the Lamanites, and preach my Gospel
unto them, and cause my Church to be established among them; and thou
shalt have revelations, but write them not by way of commandment. And
now I say unto you, that it is not revealed, and no man knoweth where
the City shall be built, but it shall be given hereafter. Behold, I say
unto you, that it shall be among the Lamanites. Thou shalt not leave
this place until after the Conference, and my servant Joseph shall be
appointed to rule the Conference, by the voice of it: and what he saith
unto thee that thou shalt tell. And again, thou shalt take thy brother
Hiram between him and thee alone, and tell him that those things which
he hath written from that stone are not of me, and that Satan hath
deceived him, for these things have not been appointed unto him, neither
shall any thing be appointed to any in this Church, contrary to the
Church Covenant, for all things must be done in order, and by
commandment, by the prayer of faith, and thou shalt settle all, these
things, before thou shalt take thy journey among the Lamanites; and it
shall be given from to time, that thou shalt go, until the time that
thou shalt return, what thou shalt do; and thou must open thy mouth at
all times, declaring my Gospel with the sound of rejoicing. -- Amen.
MANCHESTER, Oct. 17, 1830.
I, Oliver, being commanded of the Lord God, to go forth unto the
Lamanites, to proclaim glad tidings of great joy unto them, by
presenting unto them the fullness of the Gospel, of the only begotten
son of God; and also, to rear up a pillar as a witness where the Temple
of God shall be built, in the glorious New-Jerusalem; and having certain
brothers with me, who are called of God to assist me, whose names are
Parley, Peter and Ziba, do therefore most solemnly covenant before God,
that I will walk humbly before him, and do this business, and this
glorious work according as he shall direct me by the Holy Ghost; ever
praying for mine and their prosperity, and deliverance from bonds, and
from imprisonments, and whatsoever may befal[l] us, with all patience
and faith. -- Amen. OLIVER COWDERY.
We, the undersigned, being called and commanded of the Lord God, to
accompany our Brother Oliver Cowdery, to go to the Lamanites, and to
assist in the above mentioned glorious work and business. We do,
therefore, most solemnly covenant before God, that we will assist him
faithfully in this thing, by giving heed unto all his words and advice,
which is, or shall be given him by the spirit of truth, ever praying
with all prayer and supplication, for our and his prosperity, and our
deliverance from bonds, and imprisonments, and whatsoever may come upon
us, with all patience and faith. -- Amen.
Signed in presence of
JOSEPH SMITH, Jun.
DAVID WHITMER,
P. P. PRATT,
ZIBA PETERSON,
PETER WHITMER.
In the preceding revelation, the principal thing which claims your
attention, is the mission to the Indians; for with that mission many
circumstances are connected, which clearly evince, that it originated
from human imbecility, and diabolical depravity. -- There are also some
other things, the meaning of which, you will not be likely to apprehend,
without some explanation. In this, as well as several of the
commandments, it is clearly and explicitly stated, that the right of
delivering written commandments, and revelations, belong exclusively to
Smith, and no other person can interfere, without being guilty of
sacrilege. In this office he is to stand, until another is appointed in
his place, and no other person can be appointed in his stead, unless he
falls through transgression; and in such a case, he himself is
authorized to appoint his successor. But how is he to be detected,
should he become guilty of transgression. The commandment makes
provision for this. His guilt will become manifest by his inability to
utter any more revelations, and should he presume "to get another man's
wife," and commit adultery; and "by the shedding of blood, seek to kill
her husband," if he retains the use of his tongue, so as to be able to
utter his jargon, he can continue as long as he pleases in the bed of
adultery, and wrap himself with garments stained with blood, shed by his
own hands, and still retain the spotless innocence of the holiest among
mortals; and must be continued in the office of revelator, and head of
the Church. Some others, and especially Cowdery, have earnestly desired
to relieve Smith of some part of his burden. Cowdery's desires for this
work were so keen and excessive, as, to use his own language, it "was
unto me a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with
forebearing, and I could forbear no longer;" and he did in fact, issue
some productions, which he said bore the Divine impress; but Smith fixed
upon them the stamp of devilish. But it seems, in order to compromise
the matter, that Cowdery was permitted to "speak or to teach, at all
times, by way of commandment unto the Church: but not to write them by
the way of commandment;" thus Cowdery is authorized to give verbal
commandments to the Church, by the inspiration of the spirit, which, if
he afterwards writes, ceases to be inspiration; therefore, a commandment
delivered orally, may be divinely inspired; but the same communicated,
written verbatim, so far loses its former character, that it degenerates
into a production of an infernal stamp. Here is a mystery, for aught I
know, peculiar to Mormonism; and none but Mormonites, I presume, will
attempt to unravel it. But it finds its parallel in the following. Smith
assures his followers, that what he speaks by the spirit, and is
written, is infallible in operation, but if it is not written, he may
sometimes be mistaken. -- He tells them, that the right to deliver
written revelations, belongs exclusively to himself, and no other person
shall interfer in the business; and if he transgresses, he will
graciously condescend to appoint another in his stead, and the only
proof produced for the support of such assertions, is barely his word
upon which they implicitly rely, and become entirely resigned to place
their person and property under his control, and even risk the salvation
of their souls upon his say-so. Such glaring duplicity on the one hand,
and unaccountable credulity on the other, seldom have a parallel in the
annals of man.
Never was there a despot more jealous of his prerogative than Smith; and
never was a fortress guarded with more vigilance and ardor, against
every invading foe, than he guards these. Smith apprehended a revival in
the department of written inspiration, from another quarter, and hence
Cowdery was commissioned to commence an attack, and suppress the enemy,
before he had acquired sufficient stability and strength, so as to
become formidable. "Thou shalt take thy brother Hiram between him and
thee alone, and tell him the things he hath written from that stone,"
&c. Hiram Page, one of the eight witnesses, and also one of the "money
diggers," found a smooth stone, upon which there appeared to be writing,
which when transcribed upon paper, disappeared from the stone, and
another impression appeared in its place. This when copied, vanished as
the former had done, and so it continued alternately appearing and
disappearing; in the meanwhile, he continued to write, until he had
written over considerable paper. It bore striking marks of a Mormonite
revelation, and was received as an authentic document by most of the
Mormonites, till Smith, by his superior sagacity, discovered it to be a
Satanic fraud.
A female, professing to be a prophetess, made her appearance in
Kirtland, and so ingratiated herself into the esteem and favor of some
of the Elders, that they received her, as a person commissioned to act a
conspicuous part in Mormonizing the world. Rigdon, and some others, gave
her the right hand of fellowship, and literally saluted her with what
they called the kiss of charity. But Smith viewing her as an encroaching
upon his sacred premises, declared her an impostor, and she returned to
the place from whence she came. Her visit, however, made a deep
impression on the minds of many, and the barbed arrow which she left in
the hearts of some, is not yet eradicated. Yours affectionately,
REV. I. EDDY. EZRA BOOTH.
(Ohio Star 2 [8 December 1831]:1, Ravenna, Ohio, emphasis omitted)
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[Letter 9 - Ezra Booth to Rev. Ira Eddy]
Nelson, Portage Co. Dec. 6, 1831.
REV. & DEAR SIR --
In this letter the mission to the Indians will be brought into view, and
with it, are connected circumstances and facts, sufficient, one would
suppose, to convince every honest and unprejudiced Mormonite, of the
fallacy and deception of Mormonism. But a Mormonite of the highest
grade, is invulnerable by facts the most notorious, and evidence as
glaring as the noon-day sun; for they affirm, they know by the spirit
that Mormonism is what it pretends to be; and should Smith acknowledge
it to be a fabrication, they would not believe him. This forms the
highest climax in Mormonism, and but few have attained to it. After
Cowdery, and his three associates had left the state of N. Y. while
bending their course to the west, he was directed by the spirit to
Kirtland, for the special purpose of enlisting Rigdon in the Mormonite
cause. I have since learned, that the spirit which directed in this
enterprize, was no other than Pratt, who had previously become
acquainted with Rigdon, and had been proselyted by him into what is
called the Campbellite faith. This new system appears to have been
particularly suited to Rigdon's taste, and calculated to make an
impression on his mind. But before he could fully embrace it, he must
"receive a testimony from God." In order to this, he labored as he was
directed by his Preceptor, almost incessantly and earnestly in praying,
till at length, his mind was wrapped up in a vision; and to use his own
language, "to my astonishment I saw the different orders of professing
Christians passing before my eyes, with their hearts exposed to view,
and they were as corrupt as corruption itself. That society to which I
belonged also passed before my eyes, and to my astonishment, it was as
corrupt as the others. Last of all that little man who brought me the
Book of Mormon, passed before my eyes with his heart open, and it was as
pure as an angel: and this was a testimony from God, that the Book of
Mormon was a Divine Revelation." Rigdon is one who has ascended to the
summit of Mormonism; and [t]his vision stands as the foundation of his
knowledge. He frequently affirms, that these things are not a matter of
faith with him, but of absolute knowledge. He has been favored with many
extraordinary visions, in some of which he saw Kirtland with the
surrounding country, consecrated as the promised land, and the Churches
in the state of N. Y. expected to receive their everlasting inheritance
in the state of Ohio, and this expectation was grounded upon Rigdon's
visions, while he was in the state of N. Y. These visions are considered
by the Church as entitled to no credit, and laid aside as mere rubbish.
As it relates to the purity of the heart of "that little man," if a pure
and pleasant fountain can send forth corrupt and bitter streams, then
may the heart of that man be pure, who enters into a matrimonial
contract with a young lady, and obtains the consent of her parents; but
as soon as his back is turned upon her, he violates his engagements, and
prostitutes his honor by becoming the gallant of another, and resolves
in his heart, and expresses resolutions to marry her. But as the
practice of a man will ever stand as a general criterion by which the
principles of the heart are to be tested, we say, that the heart of such
a man is the reverse of purity.
From Kirtland, Cowdery & Co. were directed by the spirit to Sandusky,
where they contemplated opening their mission, and proselyting the
Indians residing at that place. But neither Cowdery, nor the spirit
which directed him, was able to open the way to, or make any impressions
upon their minds. Being frustrated in this, his first attempt to convert
the Natives, he turned his attention and course to Missouri, and when
near the eastern line of that state, he halted for several days, for the
purpose of obtaining, by inquiry, information respecting the Indians,
still further to the West. It appears that he was fearful that his
infallible guide, (the spirit,) was incapable to direct him, while
proceeding further to the west; consequently, he applied to men more
capable of giving instruction than the spirit, by which he was
influenced. When he arrived at the western line of Missouri, he passed
it into the Indian territory, where he continued but a short time,
before he was notified by the U. S. agent, that he must either re-pass
the line, or be compelled to take his residence in the garrison, forty
miles up the Arkansas river. As there was no other alternative, the
former seemed to him the most expedient; and he never possessed courage
sufficient to pass the line, or visit the residence of the Indians
since. Thus you behold a man, "called and commanded of the Lord God, to
go forth unto the Lamanites," and establish his Church among them; but
no sooner is he set down in the field of his mission, and surrounded by
his anticipated converts, than he is driven by a comparative nothing,
from the field, and obliged to relinquish his contemplated harvest. --
This is the person commissioned by the Lord to proceed the western
wilds, and as he himself stated, "to the place where the foot of a white
man never trod," ["]to rear up a pillar for a witness, where the Temple
of God shall be built in the glorious New-Jerusalem." But alas! he was
arrested by man in his course, and by the breath of man the mighty
undertaking was blown into the air, and Cowdery was thrown back among
the Gentiles, to wait for the spirit to devise some new plans in the
place of those which had been frustrated. But as a City and a Temple
must be built, as every avenue leading to the Indians was closed against
the Mormonites, it was thought that they should be built among the
Gentiles, which is in direct opposition to the original plan -- as
foreign from the design of the spirit, expressed in several
commandments, as it would have been, had the Directors, who were
appointed to build the Court-house in Ravenna, buil[t] it in Trumbull
county, foreign from the design of those who entrusted them with the
business.
Though their plans had hitherto failed, they were unwilling to abandon
the Indian enterprize; and in a commandment it was stated, that Cowdery
and others should receive a written recommendation, signed by the
Elders, for the purpose of presenting it to the Indian agent, in order
to obtain permission from him, to visit the Indians in their
settlements. The recommendation was written according to commandment,
and frequent opportunities occurred in which it might have been
presented to the agent, but it never was presented, and of course was
useless, he was censured by some for not presenting it, but I suppose
the spirit directed him not to do it.
Another method has been invented, in order to remove obstacles which
hitherto have proved insurmountable. "The Lord's store-house," is to be
furnished with goods suited to the Indian trade, and persons are to
obtain license from the government to dispose of them to the Indians in
their own territory; at the same time, they are to disseminate the
principles of Mormonism among them. From this smug[g]ling method of
preaching to the Indians, they anticipate a favorable result. In
addition to this, and to co-operate with it, it has been made known by
revelation, that it will be pleasing to the Lord, should they form a
matrimonial alliance with the Natives; and by this means the Elders, who
comply with the thing so pleasing to the Lord, and for which the Lord
has promised to bless those who do it abundantly, gain a residence in
the Indian territory, independent of the agent. It has been made known
to one, who has left his wife in the state of N. Y. that he is entirely
free from his wife, and he is at liberty to take him a wife from among
the Lamanites. It was easily perceived that this permission, was
perfectly suited to his desires. I have frequently heard him state, that
the Lord has made it known to him, that he is as free from his wife as
from any other woman; and the only crime that I have ever heard alleged
against her is, she is violently opposed to Mormonism. But before this
contemplated marriage can be carried into effect, he must return to the
State of N. Y. and settle his business, for fear, should he return,
after that affair had taken place, the civil authority would apprehend
him as a criminal.
It is with pleasure I close this exposition, having in part
accomplished, what I intended when I commenced it. The employment has
been an unpleasant one to me, and from the first, I should have gladly
avoided it, could I have done it, and maintained a conscience void of
offence, towards God and man. -- But should an individual by this
exposition, be extricated or prevented from falling into the delusion,
which has been the subject of consideration, I shall be amply
compensated, for the painful task which I have performed. Yours
affectionately,
REV. I. EDDY. EZRA BOOTH.
(Ohio Star 2 [8 December 1831]:1, Ravenna, Ohio, emphasis omitted)
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