The solution of the "_Mormon Puzzle_" to which we have arrived is given forth with the firm conviction that it is practicable, and if carried out in its various parts would peaceably overcome all the bad qualities belonging to Mormonism, which are the sole cause of the puzzle now before the people of our country. Nevertheless, we do not anticipate for our views the indorsement of the extremists on either side; but we believe they will commend themselves to the fair-minded people of our land; at least, it is hoped that all minds open to conviction may find something in these pages worthy of their serious thought. We only ask that the reader may adopt the precept of Bacon: "Read not to contradict and confute; nor to believe and take for granted; but to weigh and consider." THE AUTHOR. PRESBYTERIAN PARSONAGE, ELKTON, MD. TABLE OF CONTENTS. INTRODUCTORY REMARKS. PART I. HISTORY OF MORMONISM. CHAPTER I. PAGE Alleged Origin of Mormonism--Joseph Smith's Early Life--Finding the Peek-stone--Visited by an Angel--Received the Golden Plates-- Was Smith a Swindler or an Enthusiast?--"Book of Mormon" Published, and Mormon Church Established--Smith's First Alleged Miracle--Rigdon Joins the Mormons--Mormonism Compared to Mohammedanism 25 CHAPTER II. HISTORY OF MORMONISM (_continued_). _The First Hegira_ from Palmyra to Kirtland--The First Temple-- Rapid Growth of the Mormon Church--Brigham Young and other Missionaries Sent to Foreign Lands--The Name "Latter-day Saints" Adopted--Smith and Rigdon Compelled to Flee from Kirtland--_The Second Hegira_--The "Danites" Organized--Rapid Increase of the Mormons in Missouri--Jealousy of the Missourians--Mormons Driven across the Missouri River by a Mob--Their Property Confiscated-- Their Leaders Imprisoned 38 CHAPTER III. HISTORY OF MORMONISM (_continued_). _The Third Hegira_--Sufferings of the Mormons during their Journey into Illinois--An Account of the Murder of Mormons-- Influence of this Persecution on the Minds of Mormons at the Present Time--_Nauvoo_--Its Location--Its Growth--The Second Mormon Temple Begun--Other Public Buildings--Laziness Whittled out of Nauvoo--Internal Dissensions Among the Mormons--Political Troubles--Smith Nominated for President of the United States-- Warrants Issued against the Mormon Leaders--Constable Driven out of Nauvoo--Civil War Threatened--Smith Asked to Submit to Trial-- Murder of Joseph Smith and his Brother--Rigdon Excommunicated, and Brigham Young Made Leader--Consecration of the "Pride of the Valley" 45 CHAPTER IV. HISTORY OF MORMONISM (_concluded_).