THE WESTERN STAR. 
Vol. ? Liberty, Missouri, August ?, 1838. No. ?
MORMONISM. -- From the following proceedings of a public meeting of the citizens of Ray county, our readers will at once perceive the great excitement which prevails in conquence of the conduct of this extraordinary sect. We will not attempt to give the various rumors afloat, of threats and denunciations, as fulminated by Jo Smith and his council. They can be seen in part, in an oration delivered by Sidney Rigdon, on the last 4th of July, in which he threatens to "carry war and extermination" to the lives and property of every citizen who may dare to oppose their wild career.
The Mormons are at this time in open rebellion against the laws of the land. Armed men, as will be found from the statement of Mr. Black, are parading through Daviess county, compelling every person in any way disaffected towards them, to sign an instrument of writing dictated by themselves; the purport of which we are unable to find out.
Under circumstances so alarming to the tranquility of this upper country, the circuit Judge of this District was called upon to issue his warrant for the apprehension of the ring-leaders, who promptly complied by issuing a warrant against Joseph Smith, jr. and Lyman Wight. For the purpose of executing this warrant, it was placed in the hands of the Sheriff of Daviess county, who repaired to the house of Lyman Wight -- and there found an armed force of from 80 to 100 men, and was told by Wight "that he would not be taken alive -- that the law had never protected him, and he owed them no obedience -- that the whole state of Missouri could not take him," &c. Joseph Smith, jr. professed his willingness to be tried, provided it was done in Caldwell county. Upon these facts being made known, the people of Ray county deputed a committee to Smith and Wight, if possible to prevail upon them to cease their opposition, and peaceably submit to the execution of the laws. That committee, as far as we understand, were unsuccessful in their mission. A second committee was then appointed, from whose proceedings we have not heard one word.
The Mormons can raise from 1000 to 1500 fighting men, well armed. They believe Jo Smith to be a prophet of the Lord and that he holds a communion with him. Hence, any statement given to them by said Smith as a Revelation of the Lord, is to be implicitly complied with. He can embody them as one man -- as exemplified in the late election. Suppose then, this modern Mahomet, backed by such a host of armed bigots and enthusiasts, should take it into his head to resist the execution of the laws, would it not verify the statement of Wight, that, even the "whole state of Missouri could not take him!"
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