KIRTLAND MORMONISM, &c.

In the last No. of this paper, I promised an account of my visit to Kirtland, Geauga co., Ohio, a place of considerable notoriety, as being the principal seat of that class of people denominated by themselves `Latter Day Saints' but more familiarly known abroad by the name of Mormons. I will now fulfil my promise, though my limits will not permit me to be very particular. Kirtland is situated nine miles from Chardon, the county seat, and four miles from the lake, on (I believe) the main branch of Chagrine river. The land, like the Western Reserve in general, is rich and fertile. Six years ago, there were but a handful of buildings in the town, farming being the principle employment of the inhabitants in that region. It was about this time, if I mistake not, that the leaders of this sect commenced operations in this place, and made a considerable purchase of land, and have since that time increased to the number of about 4000. They now own most of the land on two square miles, which is laid out into lots and streets in the style of modern cities, and most of the lots sold. Hundreds of dwellings are erected, mostly small frames, but some of them large and quite elegant.

Four years ago, by the commandment of God through the prophet Joseph (as they believe) they commenced the building of a temple of worship, the outside of which is now entirely completed, and also the interior, with the exception of one apartment. It is a splendid edifice, (the dimensions I have forgotten) built of rough stone and handsomely stuccoed, which gives it a very rich appearance. The temple has two principal apartments for meetings, either of which will hold more than a thousand persons. Each of these apartments are capable of being divided into four separate rooms, by means of curtains which are let down from the ceiling above by the help of windlasses. Each apartment contains six pulpits, three at each end, arranged like a flight of stairs. Those at one end of the temple are for the Aaronic Priesthood, and those at the other for the Melchisedec Priesthood. The slips and seats are so constructed that the audience can face either way, as the occasion may require.

The third, or attic story of the temple is divided into 5 rooms for schools, where the various branches of English, Latin, Greek and Hebrew languages are now taught to a large number of students. The actual expense of this building, I believe, is not known, as much of the labor was performed by themselves, without any accurate account. But, when completed, it cannot amount to less than sixty thousand dollars.

The people would undoubtedly be considered superstitious, and, in some respects, I think they are so; yet I have seldom, if ever, been treated with greater kindness by any denomination of Christians, or seen manifested more liberality of sentiment and Christian charity, than by the Latter Day Saints, during my visit among them. They seem to place implicit confidence in the prophesies of Joseph Smith, and the new revelation, and to depend much upon visions, &c., in which I have not the least particle of faith; yet I have the charity to believe that many of them, at least, are sincere in their professions, and I hope that all of them are. I have no doubt that many of them verily believe that this is the commencement of the gathering of the saints of God on the earth, and that the glorious millenium is at hand. It may be so but there is one circumstance that augurs rather unfavorably for such a conclusion. That is, they seem to have too much worldly wisdom connected with their religion -- too great a desire for the perishable riches of this world -- holding out the idea that the kingdom of Christ is to be composed of "real estate, herds, flocks, silver, gold," &c. as well as of human things. But let this pass.

I must not omit to notice that Br. Edson Beals of Cherry Valley, and Dr. James McKelvey of Paris, Ohio, accompanied me to this, somewhat interesting city, looked upon by the citizens as one of the "Stakes of Zion," not the Zion or Holy City itself, for that, the reader should know is to be built at Independence, Mo. at some future day, when the Lord shall enable them to "stretch forth the curtain of their habitations to lengthen their cords and strengthen their stakes."

We had not the pleasure of seeing Joseph Smith Jr. Sidney Rigdon, or O. Cowdery, three leading men of this sect, as they had gone to Michigan on business for their Banking Institution, of which I will not speak at the present. But we were hospitably entertained and kindly treated by Elder Pratt and others, who spent most of their time while we were there, in showing us the "buildings of the temple," and giving us instruction of their new religion and I assure you, dear reader, we so far imitated the Athenians of old, as to spend most of the time in nothing else, but to "hear some new thing." They kindly offered us the use of their Church for an evening meeting, and took it upon themselves to give the information through the town -- and, though the night was dark and rainy, and the mud very deep, a congregation of four or five hundred assembled and gave devout attention to two discourses from Br. McKelvey and myself, which were followed by some remarks from Br. Beales, Elder Pratt taking part in the services.

On the whole, our visit to Kirtland, was a pleasant one, and notwithstanding I am as far from believing their doctrine as any person can be, yet I must say that they manifested a spirit of liberality, and Christianity, which many of their bitterest persecutors would do well to imitate.

S. A. D.