MORMONISM  AS  A  DELUSION.
________

W. R. F. TREAT.

The Mormon system is in part a caricature of the Abrahamic covenant and laws concerning lands and genealogies. Consequently, and of necessity, at all times, and in all places, except where the leaders suppress their sentiments for a purpose, it is a political machine. And by its failure to get beyond the control of the United States, an unexpected end has been brought to its polygamous marriages, except as they shall be secretly authorized to save the souls of their women. However, at this juncture, we may expect the Josephites, or anti-polygamists, so-called, to make some capital out of their vigorous applause over the recent rebuff to polygamy given by the United States Congress. But if stress of circumstances should compel the suppression of polygamy in Utah, as it has already, in fact caused the Josephites to abandon this practice, their great system of fraud and deception in the name of religion will still continue its work, unless it is impeached by its own witnesses. So that any refutation of Mormonism, to be successful, must deal with the system in its more popular teachings. Whatever falls to swamp Brighamite and Josephite alike is insufficient: nor will it avail much to array these twin heresies against each other. There must be enough left from the winding-sheet of one to make a shroud for the other, and they must be buried in the same grave.

Having made Mormonism a study some years ago, I draw upon the material which proved to be unanswerable in my debate with Mark. H. Forscutt, who was represented at that time to be third in the presidency of the Josephites.

So far as honesty exists among these self-styled "Latter-day Saints," they have been, and are, deceived by a diabolical perversion of the word "faith." And it is possible that, to some extent, the prophet Joseph, and his theologian, Sidney Rigdon, were themselves deceived in themselves by this unlettered handling of the word of God. In fact, this is the only presumption on which any man can accord one scintilla of honesty to the founders of Mormonism.

The  Mormon-Christian  War.

Meade E. Dutt, Fargo. Mich., steps to the front in this fight with a ringing article in a secular paper. The Mormons are filling the air with threats, but he moves right on undismayed.

W. H. Swayze, Welland, Ont., writes for tracts, saying: "The Mormon elders are here preaching and turning some to Mormonism. They belong to the non-polygamous wing."

Clement Few, Paris, Tex., writes: "I am deeply interested in your work, I watch the Standard from week to week, and eagerly read every article. Your battle against Mormonism is a very important work, as is the mountain mission. Our C. E. has a large number of anti-Mormon tracts, which we will send to the Indian Territory, where the Mormons are operating. May God vless you, and the brethren stand by you."

J. K. Hester, Angola, Ind., writes: "I thank and congratulate you for your articles in the Standard, and the tracts you are putting out against the Mormons." It is chiefly the "Josephites" with whom Bro. Hester has to contend in his field. He wants and needs tracts to distribute in his ravels and labors. Some of the churches where he goes will "lift collections" to aid. "One brother said he would contribute $5, as he feels that you are doing a much-needed good work." In this way only, the preachers enlighting the churches, can this tract battle with the elders be carried on as it should be.

Sister Sarah G. Bell, Sherwin Junction, Kan., sends for a few tracts, and $2 with the words: "The rest of the money is to help you in the good cause."

I now need aid to get out new tracts, as well as to scatter abroad those I have on hand. This note is as "clear as a bell" as to how to aid.     R. B. NEAL.
Grayson, Ky.