MORMONISM.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXI, Issue 209, 3 September 1900, Page 2

MORMONISM.

(To the Editor.)

Sir,—The credulity of "Mormon" in reference to America's petty Mahomet (Joseph Smith) is simply pathetic. The admission, however, of political ambition in this religious fanatic explains a great deal of his imposture. The admission, too, of the perplexity of the American Government in dealing, with it, goipg so far as an appeal to the British and other nations against a lawless propaganda, casts light upon the system. But the actual attempt made again to apologise for plurality of wives reveals the old cloven foot of the sensual sinner, under the guise of a latter day spiritual saint. America's shrewd satirist—Charles Browne—viz., "Artemus Ward among tfie Mormons" was as powerful as the American judge against a Vila system that concealed the utter degradation of woman, under the wretched cant of 'spiritual healing" and 'spiritual wives.' But the homes broken up and hearts desolated by old rascals under the guise of saintly elders no pen can describe. In view of this the wit of Browne seems out of place. "Your readers should consult "The Encyclopaedia Americana" to di_«. cover the result of Anti-Christian conduct on Brigham Young. Trekking in vain to Mexico to uphold polygamy—like the Boers beyond the Van) to uphold slaveryhe became a perfect heathen; exalted •-himself to the level of deity. Some .seventeen spiritual wiv«_ and upwards t of 50 hatural children could not fail to turn" the head of this modern high priest of-im-purity. Charming pictures of Utah's fine streets and temples, so captivating to the ignorant, and specially to the Maori mind, should not be permitted to conceal this heathenish system under Christian and saintly professions. Mormonism is indeed, to use a Mormon simile, a bad egg with a fair shell. Mr Rimmer may not be always -wise Iri his opposition, but he has truth and righteousness on his side.—l am,- etc., ; ANTI-HUMBUG. '