249.WHAT IS A MORMON?
A Mormon is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The name Mormonism, which is commonly used in speaking of this religion, comes from the use of the Book of Mormon as one of the works of scripture in this church.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints was formally organized by Joseph Smith in Fayette, New York, on April 6, 1830. Because of the persecution to which Joseph Smith and his followers were subjected, some moved westward to Ohio, some to Missouri, and finally, to Nauvoo, Illinois where they established their first permanent settlement. In 1844, Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum were killed by a mob even though they were in the Carthage, Illinois, jail for protection from the mob.
248.WHAT ARE DRUGS?
Many people think of the word “drug” as meaning a habit-forming sum stance that is taken to relieve pain or to produce sleep. Actually, a drug is any substance or mixture of substances used as a medicine.
The mixing of such substances, the art of healing with “drugs,” is a very ancient one. In fact, the first step forward in the treatment of diseases came about through the knowledge that priests and teachers had of plant products and their healing power. The ancient Greeks used plant products as drugs thousands of years ago.
247.HOW DID WEDDINGS START?
Marriage, as a custom, goes back to the very earliest history of man. It has passed through three stages. The first was marriage by capture. Primitive man simply stole the woman he wanted for his wife.
Then came marriage by contract or purchase. A bride was bought by a man. Finally came the marriage based on mutual love. But even today we still have traces of the first two stages. “Giving the bride away” is a relic of the time when the bride was really sold. The “best man” at weddings today probably goes back to the strong-armed warrior who helped primitive man carry off his captured bride. And the honeymoon itself symbolizes the period during which the bridegroom was forced to hide his captured bride until her kinsmen grew tired of searching for her!
