Mormon History
Uneducated Gullible Mormons - 1843
Joseph Smith's lack of knowledge about the Greek language.
Warsaw Message – November 15, 1843
THE MORMON PROPHET AND
THE GREEK PSALTER.
We lately heard a story, which while it may
make us mourn over the depravity of Human Nature, serves to show, among many
similar facts, the low artifices and cunning tricks, to which the Mormon Prophet
will resort, in order to impose upon the gullibility of his followers. The story
is in this wise; and can be substantiated by respectable witnesses.
Some time since, Professor Caswell, late of Kemper College, near St. Louis, an
Episcopal Clergyman of reputation, being about to leave this country for
England, paid a visit to Smith and the Saints, in order that he might be better
able to represent the imposture to the British people. It so happened that the
Professor had in his possession a Greek Psalter, of great age -- one that had
been in the family for several hundred years. This book, as a relic of
antiquity, was a curiosity to any one -- but to some of the Saints, who happened
to see it, it was a marvel and wonder. Supposing its origin to have been as
ancient, at least, as the Prophet's Egyptian Mummy, and not knowing but the
Professor had dug it from the bowels of the same sacred hill in Western New York
whence sprung the holy Book of Mormon, they importuned him to allow 'brother
Joseph' an opportunity of translating it!
The Professor reluctantly assented to the proposal; and accompanied by a number
of the anxious brethren, repaired to the residence of the Prophet. The
remarkable book was handed him. Joe took it -- examined its old and worn leaves
-- and turned over its musty pages. Expectation was now upon tip-toe. The
brethren looked at one another -- at the book -- then at the Prophet. It was a
most
interesting scene!
Presently the spirit of prophecy began to arise within him; and he opened his
mouth and spoke. That wonderful power, which enables him to see as far through a
mill-stone as could Moses or Elijah of old, had already in the twinkling of an
eye, made those rough and uncouth characters as plain to him as the nose on the
face of the Professor. 'This Book,' said he, 'I pronounce to be a Dictionary
of Ancient Egyptian Hieroglyphics!'
The brethren present were greatly astonished at this exhibition of their
Prophet's power of revealing hidden things. After their exaltation had somewhat
subsided, the Professor coolly told them that their Prophet was a base impostor!
-- and that the book before them was but a plain Greek Psalter! -- Joe 'stepped
out.'
Such is the manner in which this arrant knave imposes upon his followers! and
such is the manner in which his knavery is sometimes exposed! Yet, strange that
people continue to believe him!
Professor Caswell, since his sojourn in England, has published a work entitled 'Three
Days at Nauvoo,' in which this rich scene is represented in an engraving.
