THE THE COMETARY WORLD. HE wonderful characteristics which mark the flight of comets through space; the suddenness with which they blaze forth; their exceeding velocity, and their terrific appearance; their eccentric motions, sweeping towards the sun from all regions and in all directions; have rendered these bodies objects of terror and dread in all ages of the world. While the planets pursue an undeviating course round the sun, in its orbits nearly circular, and almost coincident with the plane of the earth's orbit, all revolving harmoniously in the same direction, the comets perform their revolutions in orbits of every possible eccentricity, confined to no particular plane, and moving indifferently in accordance will; the discovery of its law of action would give to the mind the power of penetrating the darkest recesses of nature, and of rising to a knowledge of the profoundest secrets of the universe. Such is the nature of the investigation propounded to the powerful intellect of Newton. This eminent philosopher, justly regarded as the most extraordinary genius that ever lived, neither originated the question which he undertook to discuss, nor divined the law of force which he proposed to demonstrate. When Kepler had closed the investigations which led to the discovery of his three great laws, his sagacity at once suggested to his mind the existence of some central force, by whose power the planetary movements were controlled. He had watched the moon circling around the earth, he had scrutinized the ocean tide, whose crested wave seemed to rise and follow the movements of the moon, until he boldly announced that some invisible bond, some inscrutable power, united the one to the other. He even reached the conclusion, that this unknown force resided in the moon; that by its power the waters were heaved from their beds, and caused to follow the moon and imitate its motions. Doubtless the solid earth itself felt this mysterious power, and swayed to its influence; but in consequence of the immobility of its THE HISTORY OF MORMONISM. 63 and as I could occasionally overhear a word, I suppose it was to know whether it was best to kill me. They returned after a while, when I learned that they had concluded not to kill me, but pound and scratch me well, tear off my shirt and drawers, and leave me naked. One cried,Simmonds, Simmonds, where's the tar bucket?' 'I don't know,' answered one, where 'tis, Eli's left it.' They ran back, and fetched the bucket of tar, when one exclaimed, Let us tar up his mouth' and they tried to force the tar-paddle into my mouth; I twisted my head around, so that they could not; and they then tried to force a phial into my mouth, and broke it in my teeth. All my clothes were torn off me except my shirt collar; and one man fell on me and scratched my body with his nails like a mad cat. "They then left me and I attempted to rise, but fell again; I pulled the tar away from my lips, &c., so that I could breathe more freely, and JOURNEY OF THE PROPHET INTO MISSOURI-THE LAMANITE SKELETONTHE SHOWER OF METEORS-FINAL REMOVAL OF JOSEPH FROM KIRTLAND, OHIO-PERSECUTIONS IN MISSOURI-MASSACRE AT HAUN'S MILL -THE DANITE BAND-EXPULSION FROM MISSOURI. THERM HE public authorities of the State of Missouri, and, indeed, all the principal people, except those of Jackson county, were scandalized at these lawless proceedings, and sympathised with the efforts made by the Mormon leaders to obtain redress. The Attorney-General of the State wrote to say that if the Mormons desired to be re-established in their possessions, an adequate public force would be sent for their protection. He also advised that the Mormons should remain in the State, and organize themselves into a regular company of militia, in which case they should be supplied with public arms. The "Prophet," having by this time returned to Kirtland, wrote to his people in NATIONAL ILLUSTRATED LIBRARY. WORKS ALREADY PUBLISHED. BOSWELL'S LIFE OF DR. JOHNSON, (VOLS. I. AND II.), comprehending an account of his studies and numerous works, in chronological order; a series of his epistolary correspondence and conversations with many Eminent Persons; and various original pieces of his composition; the whole exhibiting a view of Literature and Literary Men in Great Britain, for nearly half a century, during which he flourished. Elucidated by copious Notes. Illustrated with numerous Portraits, Views, and Characteristic Designs, engraved from authentic sources. VINEVEH:-THE BURIED CITY OF THE EAST. and Khorsabad; with descriptions of the exhumed Sculptures, and particulars of the early History of the Ancient Ninevite Kingdom. Illustrated with One Hundred Engravings, principally copied from the Assyrian remains. THE BOOK OF ENGLISH SONGS, FROM THE 16TH TO THE Songs, Convivial Songs, Moral and Satirical Songs, Sea Songs, Patriotic and THE ORBS OF HEAVEN; OR, THE PLANETARY and theories of Modern Astronomy. Illustrated with the Nebula, Portraits, Views, Diagrams, &c. THE MORMONS; OR, LATTER DAY SAINTS: An Account of the Rise and Progress of this New Religious Sect; with Memoirs of the Life and Death of Joseph Smith, the American Mahomet. Illustrated with Forty Engravings from original sources. On August 1st, will be published BOSWELL'S LIFE OF JOHNSON. Volumes III. and IV. completing this standard work. To be followed by RAVELS IN TARTARY AND CHINA, TRA During the years 1844, 1845, and 1846. By MM. Huc and GABET, Missionaries of the Congregation of St. Lazarus. With Illustrations from Daguerreotypes and Drawings by Native Artists, ME EMOIRS OF EXTRAORDINARY POPULAR DELUSIONS. By CHARLES MACKAY, LL.D. With Illustrations from scarce Prints, and other authentic sources. |