OCR Text |
Show MAY BE ERADICATED. 195 hope that something contained in these chapters may tend to promote the accomplishment of two great ends the removal of a disgrace from the nation, and the enlightenment of an ignorant, deluded people. I will endeavor to explain why I have answered the in terrogatory about the unity of the Mormons as I have. Several times already I have alluded to the masses to their deplorable ignorance, and religious enthusiasm. As a whole, a more honest and conscientious people are not to be found, nor a people so completely controlled by the will of one man. Brigham Young is worshipped as a god, and considered as incapable of error. He tells them they are the chosen peo ple of the Almighty, and that the Mormon Church is ulti mately to cover the face of the whole world. Not only earthly possessions, but celestial glory, await the faithful, and more particularly those who endure the afflictions of the church, in this her hour of trial. They are taught that the Government is the enemy of the church, as are all individu als not within her pale. The people believe it all, and noth ing that the Prophet requires is considered too great a sacri fice; and nothing that the instincts of their nature, and the education of their whole lives teach them to bea crime, is regarded as other than a virtue if enjoined by him. They consider that they are doing God service in murdering help less immigrant women and children, or becoming the assas sin, in the dark hour of night, when their victim is on a mission of mercy. That they so understand their duty is evidenced in a con versation between Mr. Colfax and his companions, and Brigham Young and his associates, on an occasion to which I have once before alluded. The subject of polygamy was being discussed and their irsual argu ments in its defence the practice of the ancient church, and God's revelation to Joseph Smith were advanced. In explanation, one of the saints contended that their under standing of God's will was above all human law, and they understood it to be His will that they should multiply wives. A hypothetical case was then submitted, and the brother |