|
Preston Chronicle
18 August 1838
Mormonism
To The Public
While I rejoice to see such abundant means provided for the religious instruction of the population of this town, I cannot, without deep regret, witness the counteracting influence of certain heresies and dogmas which are now so industriously propagated, chiefly among the more illiterate portion of the inhabitants. So long as the commonly received doctrines and precepts of christianity are adhered to - whatever difference of opinion may exist as to the non-essential points - the excellent principle laid down by the Apostle Paul in his Epistle to the Phillippians, (chap. 1, verse 18th,) may be safely applied. "What then," says he, "notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence or in truth, Christ is preached, and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice." But when doctrines are advanced in direct violation of truth and common sense, and calculated also to seduce the simple-minded and the ignorant into the source of error and delusion, it is high time for an enlightened public to speak out - to express their abhorrence of such procedure, and endeavour to arrest its progress. This remark bears upon the newly-formed systems of Owenism and Mormonism, but more especially upon the latter. As to the Owenites they honestly declare themselves to be what in reality they are - viz., downright infidels from principle. On the other hand, the Mormonites introduce themselves under the specious pretence of superior sanctity and religious knowledge, and by this means artfully contrive to pass off a base counterfeit for genuine christianity. From what motive certain individuals professing to partizanship in the Mormon heresy, choose to afford them encouragement, by allowing them the use of the Cock-pit for holding their meetings, is not easily to be imagined. The mischief produced by such facilities being furnished is incalculable. To afford such accommodations from the idea of showing fair play, is something like giving an opportunity to a maniac to practice his freaks without hesitation. The uproarious scenes exhibited last Sunday evening at the above-named place, were such as to excite feelings of disgust in every sober mind. The pamphlet just printed by Mr. J. Livesey, from America, as an exposure of the blasphemous system of Mormonism, containing statements which rest upon the most satisfactory evidence was introduced to the audience. An attempt was made to refute the factstherein stated, but a more complete failure was surely never witnessed; not a single fact was disproved - the whole of the pretended refutation could be considered as nothing more than a mere animadversion or a verbal denial of facts which defy all contradiction - the scene that followed was disgraceful in any point of view - but in connection with a professed religious service, it was intolerable. Angry words, threatenings, and uproar, were nearly succeeded by blows, and the whole spectacle was one of confusion and spite. I know not by whose sufferance these ultra "Saints" are permitted to hold their meetings in the Cock-pit, but it is to be hoped that the parties owning the place, from a conviction of the pernicious effects resulting from such meetings, will see the propriety of discharging them forthwith.
AN IMPARTIAL OBSERVER
Preston, August 16th, 1838.
_________________
Mel
Searching for lost relatives? Win the Lottery!
|
Login
Register
FAQ
Search
