PRINCETON, N. J. Division.... sec. 1 Section *^o'i^^^ I SAe//. Number ..^..}..\ to EXPOSt OF POLYGAMY IN UTAH. A LADY'S LIFE AMONG THE MORMONS. A RECORD OF PERSONAL EXPERIENCE AS ONE OF THE WIVES OF A MORMON ELDER DURING A PERIOD OF MORE THAN TWENTY YEARS. Mrs. T. B. H.^TENHOUSE, OF SALT LAKE CITY. LLUSTRATED BY H. L. STEPHENS, SECOND EDITION. NEW-YORK: AMERICAN NEWS COMPANY, 119 NASSAU STREET. 1S72. ALL RIGHT OF TRANSLATION RESERVED. Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 18T2, by Mrs. T. B. H. STENHOUSE, in the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. S. "W. GuEEN, Printer, 16 and 18 Jacob Street, Ncw-Tork. ^:^- "v r-^ '^^■^/>i /r v^ ** Have ye not read, that He which made them at the beginning made them male and female, and said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife : and they twain shall be one flesh ?" — Matthew 19 : 4-5. ** There shall not any man among you have save it be one wife ; and concubines he shall have nojte.^^ — Book of Mormon, p. 118. " Thou shalt love thy wife with all thy heart, and shalt cleave unto her and none else.'' — Book of Covenants, p. 124. TO THE READER. In presenting this little volume to the public, I trust I may be excused if I give utterance to a few words by way of pre- face. This I think especially needful, as very probably what I have written will fall into the hands of many who are but imperfectly acquainted with Mormon doctrines and Mor- mon practice, and who would thus be at a loss to understand much of my story. It is only right that "I should explain, among other things— what may appear strange to the reader— that is, the poverty and privations which we endured for so many years. It must be fully understood that this poverty was entirely voluntar3^ My husband and myself were both zea- lously devoted to the faith, and when called to missionary labour, we obeyed. We were not only willing to sacrifice cheerfully all the pleasures and comforts of life for the sake of our religion, but we diJso^ and rejoiced that we were counted worthy to suffer. Again, I must here state that, although I am necessarily com- pelled to speak of many circumstances of a personal nature, I have studiously avoided all mention of names or details which might reasonably give the least pain to any of my former friends and acquaintances. Even in the case of Brigham Young and his family, with whom I have been on terms of the most intimate acquaintance, although I felt myself at liberty to speak more freely of him as a public man, I have in no instance betrayed the confidence which any of his wives or members of his household have placed in me. This statement I am assur- ed they will willingly confirm. The following pages are simply what they pretend to be : " What I k/ww about Polygamy ;" and in order to set the whole matter plainly before the reader, I have given a brief ac- 6 TO THE READER. count of my own personal experience — what I myself felt, what I saw and knew. Every statement which I make, I can prove to be strictly correct ; and if I have erred in any thing, it has been in not giving my subjects so high a colouring, or so sensa- tional a character, as perhaps they had in their reality. The women of Utah will bear me witness that every word which I have written is true, although perhaps only a weak picture of the facts as they occurred. I do not wish to apologize for any imperfections in what I have written, although perhaps I might, as a woman, claim a little consideration. This is the first time that I have appear- ed in print, and probably it will be the last. It had been fre- quently suggested to me that I should write a short history of my own life as a Mormon, but I never seriously entertained the idea. Only two or three weeks ago, not a single word was written, or a plan even outlined for a work of any kind. Very recent and unforeseen circumstances, although they found me, in every literary sense, unprepared for such an effort, led to a resolution that I would give to the world, and especially to my sisters in Utah, whose sympathy I feel assured I possess, an account of my own trials, which have been, and in many in- stances still are, their own. At the end of the volume I give an exact copy of the " Reve- lation," that any curiosity felt respecting it may be satisfied, and that my readers may see for themselves what the Mormon women are expected to believe and obey. The few " choice" extracts which follow it are taken from the writings and dis- courses of eminent modern Apostles. They will amply corro- borate every statement which I have made, and prove to the impartial mind that in no instance have I exaggerated or de- viated from the truth — but rather the reverse. I have told a plain story of facts ^ and have endeavoured to present a faith- ful picture of the terrible realities of Mormon Polygamy. Whether I have succeeded or not, let the reader determine. FANNY STENHOUSE. Salt Lake City, Utah. ^<&>.."^., ''<«.^<^ CONTENTS. FAGB Chapter I. Early Life and Experience of the Authoress, . . 13 Chapter II. Seeking after Truth — First Acquaintance with Mormon- ism — Favourable Impressions — I become the Wife of a 16 Chapter III. My Husband leaves for Italy — Experiences as the Wife of a Missionary — Privations and Struggles with Poverty in England — Suspicions of Polygamy — "Privilege" of "washing the Elders' Feet"— Cheering Words in Time of Trouble, 19 Chapter IV. Our Mission to Switzerland — Introducing Mormonism — Terrible Trials of Faith — Geneva — Days without Food — The new Convert — " The Labourer worthy of his Hire" — Timely 'Aid, 26 Chapter V. The " Revelation" on Polygamy — How I received it — Left without Hope — The Doctrine of "plural Marriage" first taught — "Beauties" of the System — My first Con- vert to Polygamy — A Scene — Trials — How Work pro- gressed — Disaster to Swiss Emigration, . . '33 8 CONTENTS. Chapter VI. PAGB We return to England— How Polygamy was taught there— The Girls happy— The Wives miserable— General Ef- fects of the Doctrine — A Runaway Wife — How she acted in Haste and repented at Leisure— A Mother leaves her Babes— A Lady is "counselled" to emigrate with- out her Husband— Follies of certain Elders — Polygamic "Poetry"! 44 Chapter VI L Mormon Life in London—" Counselled" to go to Salt Lake Valley — Sickness and Annoyances — Doubts and Fears — Faith wavering — Loneliness in the great City— The " Dear American Brethren" — Preparations for leaving England, 55 Chapter VIII. We emigrate to America — New York — The Morinon — An " Apostle," two " High-Priests," and a " Seventy," and what they did — Polygamy in New York — The Elders from Utah choose other Wives — Plans disarranged — We set out for " Zion" — Three Months on the Plains — First Glimpse of" the City of the Saints," . . .62 Chapter IX. Life in Salt Lake City — Polygamy in Practice — The first Wife to be " destroyed " unless she consents — Deceptive Teaching about taking a second Wife — The Mormon Plan — " Labouring" with refractory Wives — Elderly Ladies assisting in Courtship — A first Wife's Trials — Anomalies of Polygamic Life, 63 Chapter X. Shocking Effects of Polygamy— Marrying a Half-Sister— A Mother and Daughter married to one Man — Marry- ing three Sisters on one Dav !—" Covenants of Mar- CONTENTS. 9 PAGE riage"— Influence of Elders — A deluded '- Sister" and her Persecutor — Mistaken Ideas of Duty — Another " Sister" betrayed — Men unhappy in Polygamy, . ']^ Chapter XL Illustrations of practical Polygamy — A " Sister" in deep Aflfliction — A Husband's Cruelty — A sad End — ^Various and fearful Results of Polygamy — Broken Hearts and Lunacy — Men " Sparking" in the Ball-Room — Women sitting like Wallflowers ! — Painful Memories — Intro- duced Xo five Wives at once — "Are these all you have got ?" — Matrimonial Felicities, . . . .85 Chapter XIL Going to the " Endowment House" — Wives cruel to other Wives — The Story of a young second Wife — How she came to marry — How she was treated — Neglect of the Husband — Cruelty of the first Wife — Goes to the " Bishop" — How young Girls in Polygamy value the Attentions of their Husbands — The Ways of Mormon Men, 94 Chapter XIII. Fears realized — Meeting an old Friend from Switzerland — The Vicissitudes of himself and Family — How he was "counselled" to take another Wife — Brigham sends for me — My young Charge — "Not feeling well" — My Husband seeking a second Wife — A " painful " Task ! — Striving to submit — My attempts at Friendship with his Fiancee — My Heart not quite subdued, . . . 104 Chapter XIV. The Sacrifice of my Life — I give another Wife to my Hus- band — The Scene in the " Endowment House" — My Day of Trial — It was all over now — Bitter Miseries of Polygamy — Rebellious Thoughts — Retrospect of that Time — The first Wife not alone unhappy — Watchful 10 CONTENTS. PAGH Eyes— A ludicrous Picture — Want of Sympathy— Seek- ing another "Jewel" for his " Corwn" — Enlarging the " Kingdom"— " Stolen Waters"— Love-Letters read in Secret— Reading the " Revelation" a second Time, . 117 Chapter XV. Trouble with the Church— Implicit Obedience demanded— Confidence in the Church Authorities declining— Cling- ing to Faith— Attempting to suppress Doubts— How Inquiry was suggested— Brigham angry— " A Prophet might be mistaken" — Day dawning at last — " Obeying Counsel," and what it cost— An Article on "Pro- gress" — A Scene — We withdraw from the Church— A brutal and scandalous Outrage upon my Husband and myself— Strange Police !— Without redress — Popular Anger — Private Sympathy, . . . . .129 Chapter XVI. Recent Conclusions on Polygamy — Faith in the Doctrine declining — How Women in Utah" feel — False Notions and Statements — Sophistries about Want of Faith — Opi- nions of the young Girls — Better Chances now — Changes operating in Utah — Brigham becomes fashionable — He abandons his own Teachings — How a Man with two Wives cleverly escaped from Utah and Polygamy — Difficulties of Husbands when they leave the Mormon Faith — Effects of the Law of 1862 — Domestic Sympa- thies — Evil Effects of Example upon Boys, . .146 Chapter XVII. An interesting Courtship — Brigham Young seeks an- other Wife— Martha Brotherton tells her Story of the Wooing — Abstract of her History — Difficulties in creat- ing Faith in Polygamy — " Tricks that are Vain" — "Are you ready to take Counsel ?" — Joseph Smith's little Room — "Positivelyno Admittance" — Joseph comes in — He assists Brigham's Courtship— The Prophet a CONTENTS. 1 1 FAGB "proxy" Lover— "A few Questions"— " Lawful and Right"—" The best Man in the World but Me"—" I will have a Kiss anyhow"—" Don't you beheve in me ?" —"If you accept Brigham, you shall be blessed"— " If he turns you off, I will take you on"—" Not exactly, sir" 54 Chapter XVIII. Marriage— The Age for Marrying— Seventy and Seven- teen—Women privileged to choose their own Husbands —Some Women make a Choice— Joseph's Widows— " Serving for seven Years"— Celestial Marriages— Bap- tism and Marriage for the Dead— Saving one's Ances- tors ad inJlnittim—M^iXYying for " Time and for Eter- nity"— The Register at Salt Lake, from which the World shall be judged— Difficulties of "proxy" Mar- riages— " Proxies" for the Empress Josephine and Napoleon I.—" The next best Thing"— Joseph's un- productive Polygamy— Divorce— Woman's solitary Pri- vilege — Divorce for ten Dollars ! — Re-Marrying— Sho'cking instance of self-fulfilling a "Revelation"— Perverted Heroism— " Affinity"—Brother Hyde's Ar- gument The Woman with seven Husbands— Statisti- cal Facts, . . ^^3 Chapter XIX. Domestic Life in Polygamy— Management of Families- Separate Homes— Half-a-dozen Wives under one Roof —Internal Arrangements— The "odd Day" for the first Wife—" Generosity"— How six Wives are visited— The Misery of poor Polygamists— The greater Misery in a wealthy House— "The Kingdom"— The Tale of the Doors and Windows— Fruitless good Intentions- Illustrative Instance of the Effects of Polygamy and Monogamy— An Economical Wife and her Object — Lost for Want of a little good Cooking— Wives in va- rious Places— Utilizing the Services of Wives— A Hus- 12 CONTENTS. FACE band's Difficulties— Brigham Young— His " Homes"— Mrs. Young : Nineteen of her ! — Wives, and "proxy" Wives — The Bee-Hive House — The Lion House — Six other Houses — Domestic Relations — Brigham's Favourite—The Prophet in the Ball-Room — His Proscenium-Box at the Theatre — Delusion of Utah Women — Can this be from God ? . . . .182 Chapter XX. Gentiles in Utah — Mormon Women not allowed to mingle with them — Restrictions and Prejudices — Women and Men kept apart in the Tabernacle and in the Theatre — Keeps a Gentile Boarding-House — Times changed — Mormon Girls marrying Gentile Husbands — Why they prefer the Gentiles — Reasons of Jealousy — The Looks of the Mormon Women — False Notions — The Railway working Changes — An Appeal to Congress — The wisest Course to be adopted — To the Women of Utah, . . 198 APPENDIX. The "Revelation" of Joseph Smith on Polj^gamy, . ,207 ILLUSTRATIONS. His New Wife— The "Wallflowers," " I COULD tear you TO PIECES !" " Labouring " with a Rebellious Wife^ Mother and Daughter Wives to the same Husband, -jy " Are these all you have got ?" Wife at Home— Husband Abroad, The Wealthy Polygamist, . Polygamy in Poverty, Brigham Young at Home, . 92 112 183 185 194 WHAT I KNOW ABOUT POLYGAMY^,^ CHAPTER I. Early Life and Experience of the Authoress. I WAS once a Mormon woman, and for over twenty years I have lived among* Mormons. Their faith was once mine as truly as any words can express ; their thoughts were the same as mine ; their hopes were my hopes ; their religious opinions were in sympathy with my own. But that was in the time past. It seems long past, and yet it was, as I may say, only a little while ago — a few months, which I might almost count upon my fingers. Yet now all this is changed, and I have learned to see matters in another light. When I first listened to the preaching of the Mor- mon elders, I endeavored to judge impartially of their doctrines. I thought then that they were right. To me, at the time, they zvere right. But other views, which I now believe to be purer, better, and more truthful, have dawned upon my soul, and I can, I think, fairly say that I am a free woman — free from the bondage of superstition ; and as I write this, I feel the pleasure of the captive who shakes himself free from his chains. 14 WHAT I KNOW ABOUT POLYGAMY. It has been suggested to me that I should, from my own personal experience, write the story of a Mor- mon woman living in the midst of Mormonism. I shall endeavour, in the following pages, to do so impar- tially and truthfully. But I wish to tell my story as simply as I can. Others, who are but partially in- formed, may write critically of what they have seen or heard ; but I shall give a record of what I myself have known 2iX\difelt. Whatever opinion the reader may form of my life, past or present, is to me of little moment, and to him it can not be of much consequence. Personally, I have no claims to the attention and consideration of the world, nor do I desire that it should be other- wise. But as no woman's experience in Utah, who has been associated with Mormonism and seen its polygamic life, could be very different from my own, the facts set forth in this little work will enable the reader to comprehend the operation of the order of " celestial marriage." To answer the inquiry, how any woman can sub- mit to the practice of polygamy, I must of necessity give a brief history of my early life. From what I shall there state, the reader will see how I was led on, little by little, from total ignorance of that doc- trine, to a firm faith that it was a revelation from God, necessary to salvation. However strange what I relate may appear to those who are unacquainted with life in Utah, my story is but a shadow of the truth, although my expe- rience was, probably, the same as that of nine tenths of the Mormon women. WHAT I KNOW ABOUT POLYGAMY. 15 My first recollections of life were in St. Helier's, Jersey, one of the islands in the English Channel, where I was born. Through the preferences of my parents, my religious education and associations were with the Baptist denomination, my own disposition and feelings making this connection very agreeable, as I had, probably, for a girl of my age, a more than ordinary interest in religious observances. When fifteen years of age, I went to Brittany, in France, and entered into a Roman Catholic school as a teacher of English. While there, I had, of course, to conform to the rules of the school, and attend church with the pupils at all times when required to do so.. Much as I respected the people with whom I was associated, for their kindness, I could not con- scientiously join with them in their devotions. I always took my Bible with me, and read it during the service ; and frequently in my loneliness and anxiety for some living religious truth, I would say, " Oh ! if there were only a prophet ministering noiv on earth, that I might go to him and ask, ' What shall I do to be saved }' and thus receive an answer which would satisfy the craving of my soul." I remained in France six years, and then I obtained two months' vacation, for the purpose of visiting my parents, who had now removed from the island of Jersey to Southampton, (England.) CHAPTER IT. Seeking the Truth— First Acquaintance with Mormonism— Favourable Impressions— I become the Wife of a' Mormon Elder. On visiting my birthplace, in the summer of 1849, I went to the house of my brother-in-law, who was an "apostate" Mormon. During my stay in his house, he spoke to me about the Mormons in not very flattering terms. At the same time, he told me that my father, mother, and, in fact, all my family, had adopted that faith. As I knew my parents, particularly my mother, to be sincere and devoted Christians, I began to think that Mormonism must be something different from what he represented it to be, or they never would have accepted it. I there- fore determined to investigate this religion, for the purpose of exposing its errors to my parents, for whom I entertained the deepest affection. I attended my first Mormon meeting at St. Helier's, Jersey. With what I heard that afternoon I could find no fault, although I was very much prejudiced against the new religion. On arriving the following week at my father's home in Southampton, I began to observe very closely every thing that was said and done, to see if I could detect any change in the life of my parents and sisters. I could see no difference in my father and mother ; but I certainly saw a change in my sisters, who now forsook all amuse- ments suitable to their age, and thought of nothing WHAT I KNOW ABOUT POLYGAMY. 1 7 but going to church and making clothing for the missionaries who were to be sent out " without purse or scrip." All this interested me very much ; and, at my sis- ters' request, I went one Sunday morning to their place of worship. The sermon that I then heard per- fectly fascinated me. It was delivered by an elo- quent and enthusiastic young Mormon " Elder," who felt, or thought he felt, that he was "a servant of God," sent to preach deliverance to the people. He said that '' an angel of God had appeared to Joseph Smith, and had revealed to him the everlast- ing Gospel." " There were now," he said, " living apostles ordained by the angels., the same as in days of old." At first I thought, " This is indeed glorious news ; but can it be true V The reflection then came that what the Lord had done already He cou/d certainly do again. We were urged to be "baptized for the remission of our sins," with the promise that " we should receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, to witness unto us that we had done what the Lord had com- manded." I knew that all this was according to Scripture, and I dared not reject it. Indeed, I had no desire to do so. I received it gladly. It was life to my soul. It was that which I had been desiring for years ; and I firmly believed that the Lord, in His mercy, had answered my prayers. I concluded to be baptized ; and I had no sooner made up my mind to do so, than I wanted it done. Two weeks after my arrival in England, I became formally a member of the Mormon Church. l8 WHAT I KNOW ABOUT POLYGAMY. I felt that I had obeyed the commands of God, and was entitled to His blessing ; indeed, I felt that I was blessed, for my heart was full of joy and grati- tude. This the elders taught me was the Spirit of God. I now believe it was simply the answer of my conscience, which every sincere person enjoys in all religions. I had been taught, and I obeyed. I felt so happy and satisfied that I was in the right path that I could not make up my mind to return to France and the isolation which I felt there. I there- fore determined to resign my position, and make my home among the " Saints." A few months later, I was married to that same young Mormon Elder ; and then, in the joint prose- cution of our missionary labours, my troubles began. Some of my friends thought I was risking a great deal by becoming the wife of a man whose life was devoted to the Mormon ministry ; while others thought that I was highly honoured in getting a husband who held such a prominent position in the church. I was, however, satisfied, and willingly en- tered upon my new sphere as a missionary's wife, feeling sure that there were no obstacles so great that I could not overcome them. How little could I imagine then the life that was before me ! CHAPTER III. My Husband leaves for Italy — Experiences as the Wife of a Mission- ary — Privations and Struggles with Poverty in England — Suspicions of Polygamy — The " Privilege" of " Washing the Elders' Feet" — Cheerful Words in Time of Trouble. I HAD been married about four months when my husband was called to go on a mission to Italy. What terrible news this was to me, for I was to be left behind ! In my grief I exclaimed, " Ah ! why could they not have selected some one else .?" Then I remembered how that, in my first joy and gratitude after being baptized into the church, I had said that I would do any thing that the Lord required of me ; and now I felt that He was going to put me to the test. Thus it was that, when asked by one of the " Twelve Apostles" if I were willing that my husband should go, I answered " Yes," although even at the time I thought that my very heart would break. As Mormon elders receive no salary, nor any re- muneration whatever, my husband was very much troubled about leaving me dependent on others, not being sure how I might be provided for, and knowing better than I did what want I should probably be exposed to. At his request, an old and valued friend was appointed his successor ; Mr. S. believing that in doing so I should be provided for and watched over ! In June, 1850, Mr. S. went on his mission, in com- pany with Lorenzo Snow, one of the '' Twelve Apos- 20 WHAT I KNOW ABOUT POa^YGAMV, tics." Though terribly grieved at his departure, I felt some pride in the fact that my husband was the first of the elders in Britain who was sent on a foreign mission. For the first few weeks after his departure, my friends gathered around me and provided me with all that I needed. Before long, however, most of the " Saints" with whom I had been on intimate terms began to prepare for emigration to Utah. I soon saw that I should be obliged to break up my home, and be contented with one room. This I did cheer- fully ; for, after the great trial of separating from my husband for three years — as I then thought — this was comparatively nothing. I got but little assistance from the church, and the question which now presented itself to my mind most imperatively was, " JV/iai can I do .'*" The reply, mentally returned, was, " Nothing !" I could only teach English. But to whom could I teach English in England ? Still, I was not altogether useless or helpless. I could sew very well ; but I had as yet no confidence in myself, never having done any thing of the kind before as a matter of business. I was in the greatest trouble. I had neither food nor fire. I could not venture to write to my husband about this, for fear of unfitting him for carrying out fully his mission, which I then believed would be a sin. I then resolved that I would go round and visit some of my lady acquaintances, who had frequently invited me to come to their houses. I wished, it possible, to see whether, through their influence and introduction, T could do any thing to earn a little WHAT I KNOW ABOUT POLYGAMY. 21 money. Besides which I had another reason : I thought that possibly some one would ask me to dine with them. I was hungry enough, but I walked about the city, afraid to carry out my resolution, until I was quite worn out ; for I feared in my pride that they might suspect that I came purposely for something to eat. Of this I was perfectly ashamed. No one who has not personally passed through such an ordeal can have any idea of what my feelings were. The shame I felt was only equalled by my necessi- ties, innocent as I was of any fault which could have placed me in this position. I was utterly miserable, and did not venture to call upon any one, but turned my steps toward my dreary home — only to flist and pray. The fasting, however, was not in my pro- gramme at that time. I had no inclination for it, although I was utterly unable to prevent it. I then earnestly prayed to the Lord to help me, and at the same time I thanked Him that I was counted worthy to suffer for His sake. The time was fast approaching when I knew that I should be compelled to have fire and other necessa- ries ; but where to get them I knew not. One evening I was asked to dine at the house of a friend where some of the elders from Salt Lake were visiting, and I accepted the invitation with a great deal of pleasure, for more than one reason. It was thought a great privilege at that time to meet with American elders. Some of these gentlemen assumed such authority that they impressed the " Saints" with the idea that they were little gods. JVe had not tJien seen them at Jiome ! -22 WHAT I KNOW ABOUT POLYGAMY. I went to dine with these brethren, and as it is a Mormon woman's " privilege" [?] to sit and " listen" to the " lords of creation," without joining in .the con- versation at all, I had then, of course, that same privi- lege of listening while dinner was preparing. I can not tell the horror of what I then heard. They were talking among themselves about Polyga- my, but in such a covert way that it was evident that they thought I could not understand what was said. Neither should I have understood it had it not been that I had heard some whisperings of this kind once, before my husband went away, though then I did not believe it. I had asked him about the new doctrine, and he had reassured me by stating that there was " no truth in it ;" that it was a slander, promulgated by some evil-tongued people to injure " the cause." I heard, however, something that day which troubled me very much, and I resolved to ask these " brethren" now present to tell me the honest truth — whether Polygamy really existed in Utah, or did not. They positively denied its existence, and though I did believe then that what they said was true, I afterwards discovered much which troubled and wor- ried me, and being constantly anxious to learn the truth, there was not much that escaped my notice. I became wretchedly suspicious. At times, I even fancied that my husband had deceived me ; and that thought was to me madness. I said — whatever other men may do, my husband will not deceive me. O dear ! no. That I could not believe. I now felt more inclined for fasting than for pray- ing. In fact, just then it would have been utterly WHAT I KNOW ABOUT POLYGAMY. 23 impossible for me to pray, I was so wretched. Doubts and fears had begun to creep into my mind, and it appeared to me (if I may say so) that the Lord, like a hard task-master, was exacting from me more than I had bargained to do or suffer when I embraced Mormonism. These troubled thoughts were not calcu- lated to make me feel happy in my relations with the church, and I tried to overcome my feelings, and attain to a better state of mind, trusting sincerely in God that all would yet be well. But to return to my difficulty in earning a living. After some time I finally got a little plain sewing to do. This enabled me to win my daily bread and to pay the rent of my room, as well as to make a few scanty preparations for the little stranger which I now daily expected. The reader may suppose that it was, after all, a very hard struggle. Now began the arduous task of endeavouring to support myself and my babe. In this dear little one there was to me another strong incentive to exertion. But how and where I was to get work, and what I was to do— and, in fact, what I could do— I did not know. There was nothing for me as far as I could see. I was willing to do any work, if only I could get it to do— that was now the difficulty. Yet I determined not to be foiled. I managed to live ; but how .? Sometimes, for two weeks together, I had nothing but dry bread. I became pale and thin, and so weak that I could scarcely walk. I now became better acquainted with Mormonism, as I was able to go more among the Saints. But I lost confidence in the missionary brethren when I 24 WHAT 1 KNOW ABOUT POLYGAMY. saw how familiarly they conducted themselves with the young " sisters ;" for I knew that the elders I allude to were married men. They taught the " sisters," both married and single, that it was their Privilege to wash the elders' feet, and to comb their hair, and hi fact to wait on them in every way imaginable. This I mean literally. There was nothing symboli- cal about it, and many of our silly girls liked nothing better. I saw even then that this was not right, and it annoyed me greatly. With the President of the London Conference and his family I was well acquainted, and I knew that this man came down from London to the Southamp- ton Conference about every two or three weeks, to court a young "sister." He supplied her with money, and otherwise acted in a way which appeared to me almost scandalous. His conduct shook the faith of some of the older Saints. In these days the elders would take young girls to the theatres and other places of amusement, while their own wives remained at home. I sincerely believe now that many of these men taught Polygamy to the girls, while they denied it to the public. I felt lonely, wretched, and disappointed in my re- ligion, though I still believed it. Yet I dared not ask my husband to abandon his mission and come home. I resolved that I would try to endure to the end. Then, too, I knew that even at the worst he would return some time, and all my troubles, I felt, would then be ended ; for I believed that he would be able to explain all to me — yes, every thing. About this time I learned that Lorenzo Snow (the WHAT I KNOW ABOUT POLYGAMY. 2$ " Apostle" in whose company Mr. S. went to Italy) was on his way to England. This intelligence made me very happy, as may be supposed. I waited anx- iously to see him. On his arrival, he came directly to my house. He seemed very much shocked to see the change in my appearance, and said that he would send for my husband to come home immediately. CHAPTER IV. Our Mission to Switzei land— Introducing Mormonism— Terrible Trials of Faith — Geneva — Days without Food — The new Convert — "The Labourer worthy of his Hire" — Timely Aid. After about a year's absence, Mr. S. returned to England, and we were invited to attend a conference of the Saints, which was to be held in London, in June, 185 1. During this conference, the "Apostle" Snow expressed his great indignation at the manner in which I had been neglected, and said that I should no longer remain in connexion with the Southampton Conference. It was decided that my husband should go on a mission to Switzerland ; that I should go with him, and that we should begin our missionary labours in Geneva. One great incentive to this re- solution was, that I could speak the French language fluently. It was, therefore, thought that I should be of great service in assisting Mr. S. with bis work. I was ready to do any thing that might be required ot me, if only I could be with him. Mr. S. had once more silenced my fears about Poly- gamy, and I was again happy. We started on our journey — Mr. S., myself, and our dear little Clara, who was then only six months old. How much I loved that little child, no tongue can tell ! Had she not been my sole companion through so many weary days and nights of sorro\y ? WHAT I KNOW ABOUT POLYGAMY. 2/ On our arrival at Geneva, we commenced our mis- sionary labours immediately ; but we made very little progress, as Mr. S. was not much acquainted with the French language, and the Genevese do not readily receive strangers. We had but a small sum of money left when we reached our destination, and we econo- mized as much as we possibly could, hoping to make what we had last until some one should join the church, who might be able to assist the mission. We had full faith and confidence that the Lord would raise up friends to aid us in the work. But time rolled on, and we had laboured faithfully for several months with apparently little success. My whole soul was in my mission, and I was re- solved to fulfil it, as far as human power, aided by the grace of God, could do so. I sought every opportu- nity of introducing among the ladies the Mormon faith ; and I tried in every way to live in such a manner as to be an example to those who might be converted and join the church, or who might be in- clined to do so. We kept " The Word of Wisdom" * strictly, and never took tea, coffee, wine, or warm drinks of any kind for years. Mr. S. studied early and late to acquire a knowledge of the French language, hoping soon to be able to make some impression upon the people. One day he received a letter from an " infidel," who lived in a neighbouring canton, asking him to come and see him, in order that they might talk over Mor- monism, for he had heard of us and our doctrine. We * A " Revelation" of Joseph Smith, which all good Mormons observed. 28 WHAT I KNOW ABOUT POLYGAMY. were very much pleased at this invitation, for if seemed now that the Lord was about to do something, Mr. S. accordingly went to see this man. He stayed with him several days, convinced him of the truth of the new faith, and, finally, baptized him. He then returned home. Our money was now nearly gone, and I was very weak from lack of proper nourishment, and dispirited by continual anxiety. I caught a severe cold, and was confined to my bed for a time. My courage at last entirely failed me. Weak and sick as I was, not a soul came to my room. In fact, who should come '^. I had no friend there. The very knowledge that we had come to set forth a strange and unpopular reli- gion, made every one avoid me. My husband was sad and very anxious. Nor need this excite wonder when it is considered that there was nothing to make life pleasant to either of us, ex- cept the thought that we were both the servants of God, and had dedicated our lives to His service. About a month after the return of Mr. S. from the house of the gentleman whom he had baptized, we received a letter from him. As it was opened, a piece of gold fell on the table. It afterward appeared that this new convert, although he " suspected it might be useful," did not like to offer money to Mr. S. But when he had gone, he determined to send a trifle, saying, at the same time, that " the labourer is worthy of his hire." Never was a Scripture phrase more truthful and welcome in its application. We were very grateful indeed for this timely help, small as it WHAT I KNOW ABOUT POLYGAMY. 29 was, for it seemed to us like a recognition of our work. How great are trifles to the hopeful mind ! There were dark clouds on every side, and in mo- ments of despondency we almost feared that they would never clear away. Yet in all this trouble, our faith remained unshaken ; and even in the darkest hour of trial, we felt happy in the belief in the divi- nity of Mormonism. With all our faith, one question was, perforce, ever uppermost in our minds, how to obtain the necessary means of subsistence ? This was an unanswerable difficulty. With the very greatest economy, the time came at last when our money was all gone. We had not a coin, or any representative of money, and we had no reason to hope for any. We were in a strange country, among strangers, and in the depth of winter, without fire and without food. What was to be done ? In the anguish of my soul, I exclaimed, with bitter tears, " Look down, O God ! in Thy mercy, upon my innocent little one, who is now suffering from cold and hunger, while we, her parents, are devoting our lives, our all, to Thy service." In this trying hour we were speechless. We both felt our helplessness, but neither dared to speak to the other about that which weighed so heavily upon our hearts. It was only our belief in the divinity of our mission that sustained us. Incredible as it may appear, for nearly one week all that we had to exist upon was about a pint of corn flour or maize, and that was principally reserved for our child. Up to this time, but two persons had joined the church in Geneva. They were poor men, and their 30 WHAT I KNOW ABOUT POLYGAMY. wives were very much opposed to the step which they had taken in embracing Mormonism, and thus there was very little to expect from them. We were living in a furnished room, and my little daughter was a great favourite with the family in whose house we were. I was not sorry for this ; for in the time of our greatest distress, I used often quietly to open my door at their meal times, and the child would make her way to the dining-room, and get something to eat. Humiliating as this was to me, I felt satisfied for a while, at least, that she was not suffering from hunger as much as we ourselves were. At the end of that week, when it seemed that we could not exist another day without some nourish- ment, Mr. S. went to the house of one of the newly converted brethren, whom I have mentioned, with the intention of telling him of our peculiarly distress- ing circumstances ; but when he arrived there, he really had not courage to do so, and he returne ' again without saying any thing of the matter. My heart sank within me, for I entered into his thoughts, al- though he did not speak. My little one was then reposing in my arms. She had cried herself to sleep, hungry and cold. I could not say any thing to my husband when he came home ; for I felt instinctively that he had been unsuccessful, and I was almost choking with emotion, which I attempted to suppress. As we sat there silently in the twilight, neither of us venturing to speak to the other, I mentally prayed to the Lord, (if it was His will,) that rather than see my darling wake up again to hunger and suffering, she might WHAT I KNOW ABOUT POLYGAMY. 3 1 quietly sleep her sweet young life away. As I now write, the recollection of that time comes back so vividly that my eyes fill with tears. While sitting in this fearful gloom, which afterward seemed to me the most solemn hour of my life, I heard a step in the hall, and something whispered to me, " Help is coming." A moment after, the brother whom Mr. Stenhouse had called upon entered the room with some provisions, and he slipped a five-franc piece into my hand. Mr. S. had said nothing to him ; but after he had left the house, this brother said that from my husband's manner, he felt convinced that we were suffering, as he knew that as missionaries we had no means of subsistence, and that according to the usual custom among the Mormons, we had to preach " without purse or scrip." The assistance thus received was a relief from pre- sent want, but the future seemed like a dark cloud to hang over my path. I was now in worse circum- stances than I had been at the birth of my first child ; for I was among strangers, and had absolutely no- thing but what the few brethren were kind enough to bring to us from time to time. I again found, as I had previously experienced at many other periods of my life, the truth of the old verse : " Behind a frowning providence, God hides a smiling face." The " smiling face" this time took once more the form of the " Apostle" Snow. Oh ! how glad I was to see him. He had, as I have related, brought me joy and gladness once before when I was in great 32 WHAT- I KNOW ABOUT POLYGAMY. trouble, and I almost looked upon him as my good genius. After all, I was not so very much mistaken ; for he gave me a little money to provide for our pre- sent necessities, and told Mr. Stenhouse that after a while he should return to England, and raise what- ever funds might be needful to enable us to carry out our mission ; for he plainly saw that, however endur- ing faith might be, no one could live without money. In fact, the American elders, as I afterward discov- ered, did not themselves try, under similar circum- stances, to work unaided, although they had no objec- tion to the British elders doing so. After the birth of my second child, we went to Lausanne,Canton de Vaud ; for Mr. Stenhouse thought it would be better for me to remain there during his absence in England, as he had, in addition to this " infidel," whom he had baptized, made the acquain- tance of a very good man of very excellent family. In this gentleman's house I engaged apartments, ex- pecting to pay for them, but he never permitted me to do so ; and from that day, I never suffered in Switzer- land from want of the necessaries of life. I lived very quietly and comfortably for three months, during the absence of Mr. S. in England. I had not much, it is true ; but then a very little sufficed for my wants. I had that, and I was satisfied and happy ; for this Mr. B. and his family were very kind indeed to me, and even now, as I review the past, I can say, with all truthfulness, that from the com- mencement of my missionary life — now over twenty years ago— till I left Mormonism, that brief period in Switzerland was the only happy time I ever knew. ' i'lMW-' CHAPTER V. The " Revelation" on Polygamy — Howl received it — Left without Hope— The Doctrine firsttaught— "Beauties" of the System— My first Convert to Polygamy — A Scene — How Work progressed — Dis- aster to Swiss emigration. Mr. S. returned from England, and, after a while, began in conversation to introduce — gently and enig- matically, I thought— the subject of Polygamy, at the same time teUing me that he ^' did not know''' that it was true, but that he had heard that there had been a revelation given about it. He dreaded to tell me the truth ; but I had heard enough, and determined not to accept the doctrine. Still, at times, I tried to hide my feelings from him ; for I hoped that, after all, the intelligence might even now not prove true. Vain hope ! for very soon the " revelation" was sent from " Zion," with instructions to make no secret of it. A printed copy of the " revelation" was given to me to read. I was just about to sit down to the breakfast-table. There were present a Protestant minister, whom Mr. S. had baptized, and two Mor- mon elders. The minister knew nothing of the " re- velation ;" but my husband and the two elders looked at me, to watch the effect produced upon my mind by its perusal, with an interest and solemnity as if they were breaking to me cautiously the news of my mother's death. 34 WHAT I KNOW ABOUT POLYGAMY. I immediately left the room and sought the retire- ment of my own apartment, where, after locking the door, I began to read the document ; but before I had got through one half I threw it aside, feeling al- together rebellious against God. I now began to feel perfectly reckless, and even willing to throw aside my religion, and take " my chance of salvation," ra- ther than submit to Polygamy ; for I felt that that new doctrine was a degradation to womankind. I asked myself, " Why did the Lord wish to humiliate my sex in this manner ?" though at the same time I believed, as I was told, that the " revelation" was in- deed sent from God. Perhaps if I had kept calm, and had I read it through very carefully and allowed my own judgment to be exercised upon it, I might have detected there and then that there was no di- vinity in it, as I afterwards discovered, to my satis- faction, when I read it a second time, after the lapse of many years. After some time I began to feel a little more calm, and was able to reason with myself about Polygamy. If, said I, this " revelation" is of God, (and of course it is,) then I ought not to oppose it. It never once entered my mind that any man would dare to give a revelation to the world as coming from God except it was tr-ue. Then, I thought, if the Lord requires me to submit, it must be for some good purpose ; for " He doeth all things well." I must, therefore, try to sub- due this wicked and rebellious nature of mine, and submit to His divine will, and surely He will aid and bless me. After these reflections and constant prayer, I managed to subdue my disobedient heart WHAT I KNOW ABOUT POLYGAMY. 35 sufficiently to make my appearance again among the brethren in the breakfast-room. But, oh ! that was indeed a wretched day for me ; and every day after was more wretched than the previous one. Polygamy was the last thing I thought of at night, and the first thing in the morning. It was with me in my waking hours and in the dead of the night. It haunted me like a spectre. It was like a fearful blight that had fallen upon me and was withering my soul. One thought was ever present in my mind — that thought, Polygamy ! How should I be ever able *to bear it } In a mo- ment, every thing in life appeared to have lost its charm for me, except my darling children, and they seemed now to be dearer than ever ; for I felt that i/ief were indeed my own, and that no one could take them away from me. But how I mourned over my little daughter ; for I felt that she, perhaps, would some day suffer as I did. Oh! I exclaimed, may heaven forbid it ! She is to-day a polygamic wife, and the mother of two children ! I would not have my readers think that I bore all my troubles in the introduction of Polygamy meekly, like a saint. Indeed I did not ; and I firmly believe that I was a sore trial to my husband. I was wicked and rebellious at times, and said very bitter things of " the Prophet of the Lord," and all his sex, my hus- band included ; for I began to hate the very name of "man." I am afraid that Mr. S. was very much shocked indeed, for he was then a devoted Mormon. He often told me that I was a great clog to him,^Tad 36 WHAT I KNOW ABOUT POLYGAMY. more than once he said he could not enjoy the Spirit of God and live with me. But I was not always so rebellious. There were days when I was full of sorrow and regret for what I deemed my wicked thoughts about " celestial mar- riage," and then I would fast and pray, and seek for- giveness from the Lord and from my husband. But even in my best moments, I could never bear to hear him speak about Polygamy ; and whenever the elders came to our house, the painful topic was sure to be discussed. As soon a§ I heard it, all my angry ex- citement returned, and I instantly felt a spirit of re- bellion stirring within me. I could not help it. I felt that womankind was insulted whenever the sub- ject was mentioned, and I never got over the feeling. Oh ! I thought, how shall I ever " get salvation" with such an offending heart as mine } It was necessary, however, for me to do something ; for I was told by my husband, and the other elders who were present at the time, that it devolved on me to teach the hateful doctrine to the women of Switz- erland. That was to be my mission, and I, poor, de- luded thing that I was, believed it to be so. I con- cealed my feelings as best I could, for I was obliged to nerve myself to the task, and prepare to perform my duty, trusting in God to assist me. How fearful a task this was ! My sorrow concerning the introduction of Polygamy was not like any other grief, for it was utterly with- out hope. Had its teachings been for this life only, I could have borne it with more fortitude, and should have endeavoured to resign myself to my fate. But WHAT I KNOW ABOUT POLYGAMY. 37 we were taught that it was to be "for time and for eternity." When I thought that some time my hfe must end, and that then earthly sorrows would cease, this brought me no comfort ; for the cause of my grief was still to exist beyond the grave. Polygamy was to be practised in heaven as well as on the earth. The only possible hope that remained to me was that there— in another world— I might perhaps be so changed as not to know myself or any one else ; or that my feelings might be so greatly altered from what they were in this world that I should not real- ize any pain from what we were taught were the matrimonial arrangements in heaven. Feeling, as I did, so acutely myself, how was I to break the intelligence of this new and terrible " reve- lation" to those honest, loving women with whom I was acquainted .? I shrank from the task of inflict- ing so much pain. Their own husbands had not courage to tell them, and I am sure that I had not. But I had already been instructed in the manner in which I was to endeavour to impart to them a know- ledge of the doctrine. I had also myself been taught respecting the beauties of the "system," so that I might be able to introduce it in a proper manner. It is needless to say that I failed to see those " beauties." It was soon settled which of the sisters was to be the first victim. She was one whom we all dreaded most, although for rather peculiar reasons. She was a good woman ; but, like myself, possessed the weak- ness of being too fond of her husband. She was pos- sessed also of a very high spirit, and was indeed a completely spoiled child. 38 WHAT I KNOW ABOUT POLYGAMY. It was told her that I had some new principle to communicate to her from " Zion," and she was sent to my apartment to hear it. " No, I have nothing to tell you," I said. " Yes, you have," she replied ; " for your husband and mine said so." " No," I answered ; " if there was any thing, I can not now remember what it might be." The truth was, my courage had all left me. I stood there, pale and trembUng, even though she was my intimate friend. She noticed it, and feared that I was ill. I was ill — worse than she thought or could yet imagine. However, I presently regained composure enough to commence telling her, and she listened quietly for a while, when suddenly she sprang up, and, with great emotion, cried, " O mo7i Dieu ! Qiielle religion des a7iimaux ! And your husband to come to us Swiss with such a religion as that !" She perfectly scared me. She nearly annihilated me with her looks. What a commencement to my mission ! I did not attempt to stop her or get away, say what she liked, for I knew from my own experience what she suffered. I believed, however, that there was no other way for her to " obtain salvation," and my heart ached for her. After she had spent her wrath, she came and sat by me and said, " Does my husband believe this ?" "Yes,", I replied, "he does." Then followed another outburst of grief and rage fearful to witness. I tried to soothe her, but it was useless. She was one of those gushing, impulsive WHAT I KNOW ABOUT POLYGAMY. 39 women, who give way to passions of grief, and I saw that it was" best to leave her alone. When she be- came more calm, we talked over it and wept together, and together knelt and prayed. I was almost going to add, we swore together in the same breath ! This, of course, we did not do. It was something else ! Finally, we came to the conclusion that we would both of us fight against the doctrine, and that we would likewise teach all the sisters to do so. This was certainly a pretty state of affairs ! After she had left the room, I began to feel ashamed of myself, that I, a missionary's wife, should have thus given way. Here, I thought, is all my work to do over again. However, she repented, and I repented ; and we now agreed to talk to the other sisters about it, and see how they would take it. I felt a little better, now that I had a companion in misery who could sympathize with me ; and we con- soled each other, neither of us believing that Young, WHAT I KNOW ABOUT POLYGAMY. 1 93 ** sealed" to Brigham, but I myself know personally no more than the above named. Brigham's first home in Utah was in a little cot- tage called " The White House," which every visitor to Salt Lake will notice on the hill-side, north of " The- Eagle Gate." In that house Mrs. Young, the first, is domiciled. She is much loved by her chil- dren, and with their attention and affection, this good old lady probably long ago became indifferent to the additions that have been made to her husband's do- minions. She is much beloved by the people for her own worth. In the " Bee-Hive House," the official residence of Governor Young, adjoining his office on the east, there is but one lady occupant — Mrs. Lucy Decker Young. There is a privacy about this dwelling that no one invades. It is here that the Prophet has his own private bed-room, and at this house he breakfasts — when he has been at home over night. In the " Lion House" — a very long, narrow build- ing on the west of the business ofHce — the larger num- ber of his wives reside. The basement floor is used for kitchen, dining-room, pantry, and a general re- ceptacle for the odds and ends of a large family. The first floor has a passage up the centre, where proba- bly half a dozen of the wives with small families have their rooms on the right-hand side. On the left, at the entrance, is the parlour, and the other rooms on that side are occupied by mothers with larger fami- lies, and ladies who have a little more than ordinary attention. The upper floor is divided into twenty square bed-rooms. 194 WHAT I KNOW ABOUT POLYGAMY. There is no extravagance in the furniture of the homes of these wives, but they are comfortable and kept neat aud clean. It is in this " Lion House" where he usually dines at three p.m. Mrs. Twiss Young is housekeeper, and excellently fitted for the duties of that position. At three punctually the bell rings, and the mothers, with their children, move down to the dining-room, and all are seated at a very long table, that has had to be lengthened by turning round at the end of the room. Each mother has her children around her. Brigham sits at the head of the table, with his fa- vourite — when in the house — vis-a-vis, or on his left, and any visitor sits on his right hand. The repast is frugal, but ample. Brigham is a sober and exceed- ingly economical man. This is the first time he sees his family. In the evening, at seven o'clock, the bell again rings, and the mothers and the children fill the sides and ends of the parlour. When they are all seated, the Patriarch enters, takes his seat by the parlour table, and chats quietly with those who may go in with him to prayers. When all the members of the family are assembled, the door is closed ; they kneel, and he prays for all — for Zion, and for the " King- dom." That is the last they see of him, unless they seek him privately. Outside of the wall that surrounds these houses he has wives occupying six other houses. One other wife is far down South, another is at the farm, and one " proxy" wife lives with her son-in-law. The wives of Brigham have all good homes, have WHAT I KNOW ABOUT POLYGAMY. 1 95 the necessaries of life, and are comfortably, respect- ably, and neatly dressed. With the exception of the one who is called his " favourite," and her growino^ rival, there is no indication of extravagance among them. Up to an addition of late years, the community heard nothing of his family but what was pleasant and creditable to them. His wives are kind and faithful mothers, seeking to. live the religion they have been taught, and ambitious to increase the glory of their " lord." They are women who would be regarded with respect in the most moral commu- nity of any country ; and are as far from resembling the Sultanas of an Eastern harem as one thing can be different from another. Most of them are women of devout faith. I know them all personally— some of them intimately ; and, while I have heard from some, with heavy hearts, of their difficulties in bear- ing " the cross" which all Mormon women have to carry, they have tried, I know, to be submissive, and I think it is due to them that I should make the pre- sent recognition of their goodness of disposition and purity of soul. With his family he is said to be kind ; but it is supposed to be more the awe which his position as Prophet inspires, than the love which they bear him as a man, which renders him successful in managing them. At the same time, that sweet familiarity is destroyed which should exist between husband and wife, father and children. He aims to be looked upon more as a ruler than as the head of a family. With such a number of wives, he cannot possibly 196 WHAT I KNOW ABOUT POLYGAMY. wait upon them in visiting, frequenting the ball-room, or places of public entertainment. With the excep- tion of his reigning favourite, whoever she may hap- pen for the time to be, no one expects his attentions. At the theatre, which is his own, a full number of seats are reserved, and his wives attend when they please or they remain at home. They sit in the body of the parquette, among the rest of the people ; but one of the two proscenium boxes is reserved for him, and beside him is a chair for the favourite Amelia. When he goes to the ball-room, the same special attention is manifest. He dances first with the fa- vourite, and, if half a dozen more of his wives have accompanied them, he will dance with each of them once in the course of the evening ; but with the fa- vourite he dances as frequently as any youth in the ball-room with his first maiden love. The Apostles and leading men of the community, who dance atten- dance upon him and desire his favour, are sure to seek the pleasure of her hand and place her in the same cotillion with Brigham, who is thus able all the evening to enjoy her company. This favouritism is ill-looked upon by the Saints, and, in their estimation, savours more of Turkey than of the " Celestial Kingdom." Were there greater devotion, or greater virtue in her, the people might find some argument for his defence ; but the cir- cumstance, whenever alluded to in society, is gene- rally answered with a smile or a shrug of the shoul- ders. Some Apostles look with pain upon this boyishness of the Prophet, and deplore it. Most of them are WHAT I KNOW ABOUT POLYGAMY. 1 9/ attached to their first wives, and have shown to them consideration and attention which has not always pleased Brigham. I have heard more than one of them express the wish that Brother Brigham's devo- tion to the fair sex had more direction toward his first wife. It is but just to the reigning favourite to state that she has not been wanting in kindness and respect to Mrs. Young. Brigham has had his favourites before ; and, if he were to live many years longer, with the privilege hitherto enjoyed by him of doing just what he jDleased, he doubtless would lose his fancy for his present toy and seek another. One of his recent wives is a very handsome lady, and his attentions in that direction are already very marked. As I write, the thought comes over me, — What in- fatuated beings the women of Utah have been, with all these evidences of human weakness and passion exhibited by the " Priesthood " continually before their eyes, that they should ever believe that there is even a shadow of divinity in Polygamy ! How could they imagine for an instant that it was possible for such a doctrine to emanate from God, or from that Adorable Being who looked upon woman with the sweetest tenderness that humanity could express ! What a terrible infatuation ! It is fearful to con- template ! CHAPTER XX. Gentiles in Utah — Mormon Women not allowed to mingle with them — Restrictions and Prejudices — Women and Men kept apart in the Tabernacle and the Theatre — Keeping a Gentile Boarding- House — Times changed — ^Mormon Girls marrying Gentile Hus- bands — Why they prefer the Gentiles — Reasons of Jealousy — The Looks of Mormon Women — False Notions — The Railway working Changes — An Appeal to Congress — The wisest Course to be adopted — To the Women of Utah. For many years there were very few Gentiles in Utah. Most of these were merchants and their clerks, and teamsters. There were also two or three Federal officials. Although they were but few, their influence was always dreaded by the Mormon lea- ders ; and the Tabernacle and Meeting-Houses re- sounded with something disparaging to the Gentiles. Some of them doubtless commanded very little re- spect. But it mattered not how much others might be respected elsewhere, how pure and blameless their lives, it was enough that they were Gentiles, and a worse thing still to be a gentlemanly or edu- cated Gentile. The pleasant manners of a cultivated life were set down as the wiles of the Evil One to seduce the simple and trusting maidens of the flock, and rendered the gentleman an object of suspicion and distrust. The rough and uncultivated could be easily guarded against and easily exposed. No young woman could possibly accept any atten- WHAT I KNOW ABOUT POLYGAMY. 1 99 tions from a Gentile without being disgraced — it was an unpardonable sin, and she was certain to be de- nounced and abused in the Ward meetings. It was a risk of reputation for any woman to be seen talking to a Gentile. It mattered not where they might have met before — at the store, or at a friend's house, or even before they had gone to Utah — to recognize a Gentile in the street was to avow an intimacy which was associated with a suspicion of the vilest conduct. For any family to entertain gentlemen who brought letters of introduction from friends abroad was not impossible, it is true; but the less they had of this kind of thing the better. If these gentlemen were simply passing through Salt Lake City, an invitation to the theatre might be accepted by any member of the family ; but they would be very thankful when it was over, knowing well that all eyes were upon them. But if this friend hap- pened to prolong his visit, and should chance to give a second invitation for the theatre or a carriage-drive, some falsehood had to be conjured up as an excuse for declining. Some toleration was extended in the case of my husband, as he was an editor, and necessarily had many visitors whom he took pleasure in entertain- ing ; but it was considered by many pious friends that we had more of that kind of association than was beneficial. At the present time, I have little doubt that our leaving the church is attributed to this cause. I would not have permitted my daughters, had they had such a desire, to have accepted any atten- 200 WHAT I KNOW ABOUT POLYGAMY. tions from a Gentile. Not that I believed it was wrong — I knew better — but I was afraid of the bit- ter tongue of scandal, which I knew was ready to wag. A very sweet little girl who lived near us, and who had associated with my daughter while growing up, became acquainted with Gentile ladies and visit- ed them at home. There, naturally, she became ac- quainted with Gentile gentlemen ; and as she was very good-looking she received attentions which were to her agreeable, particularly in her lonely situation. Of course, the acquaintance with my daughter had to be stopped, although I believed this little girl pure and spotless. The scandal against her as she grew up became of the very vilest character, and her of- fence was simply associating with the Gentiles. Had her faith in the Mormon Church been unshaken, she would certainly not have formed such acquaintances ; but the poor girl was disgusted with the wretched phases of Polygamy constantly before her eyes — her mother could have told an awful tale of sorrow. Another very beautiful young Mormon lady, the daughter of a gentleman who, when living, was one of the highest dignitaries of the church, was once chosen for her handsome appearance to represent the goddess of liberty in a Fourth of July proces- sion. When Brigham heard it, the committee were rebuked and the young lady insulted by their after- wards refusing to accept her, although she had been specially invited — her unfitness being that she kept Gentile society. These young ladies are now married to very re- spectable Gentiles. WHAT I KNOW ABOUT POLYGAMV. 201 When the United States army went to Utah in 1858, one half of the old Tabernacle was appropriat- ed to the sisters, and the other half to the brethren. The centre of the new Tabernacle is now devoted ex- clusively to the sisters — no husband or brother sits near them. When Brigham built the theatre it was also specially partitioned off. The Mormon families occupied the parquette, and the Gentiles had the first circle. Of course, the poorer classes had no souls to contaminate, were less cared for, and Gen- tiles and Mormons sat together in the second and third circles. At one time, the Saints were not permitted to keep Gentile boarders and retain good standing in the church. Some persons would persist in doing so ; but it was a source of great scandal, and they subjected themselves to attacks in the sermons. It was told them that Gentile society would bring a per- nicious influence into their families. But what a change has come over the affairs of Utah ! One of Brigham Young's own wives, the one who was once the reigning favourite, now keeps Gentile boarders. Not long ago, I made some remarks about the incon- sistency of this to a very good sister, who by-the- by was doing the same thing herself, and was also one of the persons most opposed to our receiving Gentile company. She replied that the times had changed, and that Brigham Young could not be re- sponsible for what his wives did ; they would do as they pleased. This excuse was worse than none ; for every one in Salt Lake City knows that none of Brigham Young's wives would do any such thing 202 WHAT I KNOW ABOUT POLYGAMY. without his permission. The wife alluded to is as obedient as any he has got, and a very excellent lady with a large family. It enables her probably with her numerous children to procure many things which they might otherwise have to dispense with, and as long as "there is money in it," and his treasury is saved, Brigham will " wink at it," as he says the Lord does at certain things among the Saints. I could mention Mormons who have had a very bad name for years for keeping Gentile boarders. They will doubtless now feel better since it has become respectable and no longer renders them liable to " damnation." Notwithstanding the vigilance of the priesthood, several young ladies of highly respectable families have preferred Gentile husbands, and have left the Territory. These have invariably been traduced, and every rumour of misfortune occurring to them afterwards was a sweet morsel to be retailed with very ill-disguised gratification. For any lady to be spoken of with respect or as holding a good posi- tion after leaving the church is particularly obnoxious to the devoted Mormons, and any evil which may befall such a person is regarded as a judgment from heaven. Kind-hearted and fraternal as the people are, the rulers seem to rejoice in nothing so much as the misery or ill-fortune of any one who has left the church. It is not strange that spirited, proper-feeling girls should find the society of Gentiles acceptable. There need be no mystery about it. The Mormon boys and young men have heard so much of polygamic preach- ing, and have had so much of its practice before their WHAT I KNOW ABOUT POLYGAMY. 203 eyes, that many of them never can visit the Mormon girls without speaking of it. I have frequently heard sensitive young maidens relate that boys, when visit- ing, were in the habit of speaking of their " privi- leges ;" telling what they would do when they got married ; how they thought that they would take two wives at once, to begin with ; how they would live with them afterwards, etc. Girls of the slightest feeling and intelligence are naturally shocked at this kind of talk, even though it has no practical effect on them. Polygamy is dis- agreeable enough in any form, but when made a sub- ject of boasting by silly boys and ignorant men, it is doubly offensive. In Gentile society, the girls are at least spared conversation on such subjects ; and, when they are by themselves, they do not fail to re- mark it to each other. In polygamic Mormonism, woman is a convenience ; in a proper Gentile home, woman is a companion, and this comparison is really more apprehended than any immoral conduct. A polygamous wife, who is one of many, who sees her husband only occasionally, and that generally as a favour, cannot well see a Gentile lady at home with- out comparing situations. It makes them unhappy, and that in a great measure is why the Mormons have been taught to avoid Gentile society. Writers upon Utah have said that the Mormon women were extremely homely and coarse-looking. This is very unjust, for, doubtless, nowhere is there to be found — taking them as a whole — a more fresh, happy, and good-looking set of girls than among the Mormons. It is only after marriage that many of 204 WHAT I KNOW ABOUT POLYGAMY. them lose their elasticity of step, their joyous, happy looks, and that animation of countenance which makes even a homely face look beautiful at times. On some of their faces may be detected a deep melancholy ; but, if they can be diverted from their sad thoughts for ever so short a time, they become animated, and even, it may be, beautiful. Add to this secret sorrow which casts a gloom upon their countenances, the little opportunity which they have of cultivating their taste for dress, and it will not be wondered at if the Mormon women are not always very beautiful to a man who is captivated by outward appearances. Many of these women are taught to be satisfied with simple clothing, and it is constantly drummed into their ears that love of dress is a sin in the sisjht of God. Thus this love of the beautiful, which is a part of woman's nature, has to be crushed out en- tirely, and that, too frequently, by her own husband, whose example is entirely opposed to his teaching ; for a Mormon, if he can afford it, is very scrupulous in his own dress. Those very men who are most severely economical with their wives, and who think that they should be satisfied with homespun and sun- bonnets, are they who are the soonest captivated by an elegantly-dressed and fashionable woman, and often become perfectly infatuated about her. This has been a cause of much discontent among the women of Utah ; for they very justly feel that if they had as fine feathers, they might make just as handsome birds. I remember, at one of the parties, a lady was very nicely dressed, and one of the principal authorities of WHAT I KNOW ABOUT POLYGAMY. 205 the Church said to her, " Sister, don't you think that you spend too much time and thought on your * dress ?" She answered, " Do you think so ? After all, a person looks a great deal better when they give a little attention to their dress. You, Brother Kim- ball, look a great deal better since you have worn a coat of broadcloth, cut in the fashionable style." Pie simply answered that it was not his wish to wear other clothes than what he used to, but that his wives insisted upon his doing so. Men in Utah are not guilty of following the advice of their wives, except it be in this one particular ; for Brigham himself has said that " it is a disgrace in the sight of heaven for a man to follow his wife." In Utah, as well as elsewhere, there are certainly women to be found who never had any good looks to lose, or a sensitive nature to contend with ; but it is not true to assert this as a characteristic of the whole community. The women of Utah are like women of their class everywhere. The construction of the Pacific Railroad, the dis- covery of the great wealth in the mountains of Utah, and the free expression of the sentiments of thinking men who have outlived and abandoned Mormonism, have given the death-blow to Polygamy. Were there none but Mormons in the Territory, it might have lived on so long as they were wiUing to remain in poverty ; but with prosperity, and the changed cir- cumstances v/hich are ever certain to follow wealth, Polygamy is a doomed institution. Whatever, in the providence of God, may be the 206 WHAT I KNOW ABOUT POLYGAMY. action of Congress toward Utah, if the word of a feeble woman can be listened to, let me respectfully ask the Honourable Senators and Representatives of the United States that, in the abolition of Polygamy, if such should be the decree of the nation, let no com- promise be made where subtilty can bind the woman now living in Polygamy to remain in that condition. Legalize, if Congress will, the marriages that have been made, and legitimatize the children born in that wedlock, if such can be done, for the women and chil- dren are innocent ; but let one proviso ever remain, that any wife living in Polygamy, at the time of the passage of that Act of Congress, shall be then and ever afterwards free to abandon that relationship when her conscience shall so dictate, without legal hindrance, and that she and her children shall be provided for as if she had been his first and legal wife whom the courts oi law had separated " for cause." I have now completed my task, and am about to lay down my pen. I shall, I know, be condemned by those hymn-singing, devotional women, who, child- less and husbandless here, dream of the glories of the world to come, while they never knew the duties, the obligations, the sweet and hallowed sympathies of the world in which they live. In their eyes, I have doubtless committed the " unpardonable sin." I have written for the suffering and sorrowing women in Polygamy. They will understand me, and to them I appeal. Before the Great Tribunal I will cheerfully meet their verdict. APPENDIX The Revelation on Polygamy is a curious document to the unbeliever. To him it bears every mark of imposture. To the Saints it is as sacred a document as the decalogue given to Moses upon Mount Sinai. To a person who has once believed it from the teachings of the Mormon priest- hood, and who has lived under its threatenings, but who has finally outgrown the whole religion, the Revelation reads like a strained effort, on the part of Joseph Smith, to justify, under the sanction of a commandment, the leadings of his own passions. Whatever its origin, whoever its author, no document was ever given to any community that caused so much misery and accomplished so little good. There is no evidence of God in it. From beginning to end, it is man, and weak man only. In glancing over it, the intelligent reader will be rather astonished to find that it entirely escaped the notice of " the Lord," that the Patriarch Isaac was not a Polygamist. There are also many other statements which no one but a true believer would be apt to receive with implicit faith. But the reader will be able to form his own judgment from the document itself, w^hich I shall now place before him. CELESTIAL MARRIAGE: A REVELATION ON THE PATRIARCHAL ORDER OF MATRIMONY, OR PLURALITY OK WIVES. Given to Joseph Smithy the Seer, in Nauvoo, Jtdy i2ih, 1843. I. Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you, my servant Jo- seph, that inasmuch as vdu have inquired of my hand, to 208 APPENDIX. know and understand wherein I, the Lord, justified my ser- vants, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob ; as also Moses, David, and Solomon, my servants, as touching the principle and doctrine of their having many wives and concubines : Be- hold ! and lo, I am the Lord thy God, and will answer thee as touching this matter : Therefore, prepare thy heart to receive and obey the instructions which I am about to give unto you ; for all those who have this law revealed unto them must obey the same ; for behold ! I reveal unto you Jl new and an everlasting covenant, and if ye abide not that covenant, then are ye damned ; for no one can reject this covenant, and be permitted to enter into my glory ; for all who will have a blessing at my hands shall abide the law which was appointed for that blessing, and the conditions thereof, as was instituted from before the foundations of the world : and as pertaining to the new and everlasting cove- nant, it was instituted for the fulness of my glory ; and he that receiveth a fulness thereof^ must and shall abide the law, or he shall be damned, saith the Lord God, 2. And verily I say unto you, that the conditions of this law are these : All covenants, contracts, bonds, obligations, oaths, vows, performances, connections, associations, or ex- pectations, that are not made and entered into, and sealed, by the Holy Spirit of promise, of him who is anointed, both as well for time and for all eternity, and that too most holy, by revelation and commandment, through the medium of mine anointed, whom I have appointed on the earth to hold this power, (and I have appointed unto my servant Joseph to hold this power in the last days, and there is never but one on the earth at a time, on whom this power and the keys of the priesthood are conferred,) are of no efficacy, virtue, or force, in and after the resurrection from the dead : for all contracts that are not made unto this end, have an end when men are dead. 3. Behold! mine house is a house of order, saith the Lord God, and not a house of confusion. Will I accept of an offering, saith the Lord, that is not made in my name ! Or, will I receive at your hands, that which I have not ap- pointed ! And will I appoint unto you, saith the Lord, ex- cept it be by law, even as I and my Father ordained unto you, before the world was ! I am the Lord thy God, and APPENDIX. 209 I give unto you this commandment, that no man shall come unto the Father but by me, or by my word which is my law, saith the Lord ; and every thing that is in the world, whether it be ordained of men, by thrones, or prin- cipalities, or powers, or things of name, whatsoever they may be, that are not by me, or by my word, saith the Lord, shall be thrown down, and shall not remain after men are dead, neither in nor after the resurrection, saith the Lord your God : for whatsoever things remaineth are by me ; and whatsoever things are not by me shall be shaken and destroyed. 4. Therefore, if a man marry him a wife in the world, and he marry her not by me, nor by my word ; and he covenant with her so long as he is in the world, and she with him, their covenant and marriage is not of force when they are dead, and when they are out of the world ; there- fore, they are not bound by any law when they are out of the world ; therefore, when they are out of the world, they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are appointed angels in heaven, which angels are ministering servants, to minister for those who are worthy of a far more, and an ex- ceeding, and an eternal weight of glory ; for these angels did not abide my law, therefore they cannot be enlarged, but remain separately and singly, without exaltation, in their saved condition, to all eternity, and from henceforth are not Gods, but are angels of God for ever and ever. 5. And again, verily I say unto you, if a man marry a wife, and make a covenant with her for time, and for all eternity, if that covenant is not by me, or by my word, which is my law, and is not sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise, through him whom I have anointed and appointed unto this power, then it is not valid, neither of force, when they are out of the world, because they are not joined by me, saith the Lord, neither by my word ; when they are out of the world, it cannot be received there, because the angels and the Gods are appointed there, by whom they cannot pass ; they cannot, therefore, inherit my glory, for my house is a house of order, saith the Lord God. 6. And again, verily I say unto you, if a man marry a wife by my word, which is my law, and by the new and everlasting covenant, and it is sealed unto them by the 210 APPENDIX. Holy Spirit of promise, by him who is anointed, unto whom I have appointed this power, and the keys of this priest- hood, and it shall be said unto them. Ye shall come forth in the first resurrection ; and if it be after the first resurrection, in the next resurrection; and shall inherit thrones, king- doms, principalities, and powers, dominions, all heights and depths, then shall it be wMtten in the Lamb's Book of Life; that he shall commit no murder whereby to shed innocent blood ; and if ye abide in my covenant, and commit no murder whereby to shed innocent blood, it shall be done unto them in all things whatsoever my servant hath put upon them, in time, and through all eternity, and shall be of full force when they are out of the world ; and they shall pass by the angels, and the Gods, which are set there, to their exaltation and glory in all things, as hath been sealed upon their heads, which glory shall be a fulness and a con- tinuation of the seeds for ever and ever. 7. Then shall they be Gods, because they have no end; therefore shall they be from everlasting to everlasting, be- cause they continue ; then shall they be above all, because all things are subject unto them. Then shall they be Gods, because they have all power, and the angels are subject unto them. 8. Verily, verily I say unto you, except ye abide my law, ye cannot attain to this glory ; for strait is the gate, and narrow the way that leadeth unto the exaltation and continuation of the lives, and few there be that find it, be- cause ye receive me not in the world, neither do ye know me. But if ye receive me in the world, then shall ye know me, and shall receive your exaltation, that where I am, ye shall be also. This is eternal lives, to know the only wise and true God, and Jesus Christ whom he hath sent. I am He. Receive ye, therefore, my law. Broad is the gate, and wide the way that leadeth to the death ; and many there are that go in thereat ; because they receive me not, neither do they abide in my law. 9. Verily, verily I say unto you, if a man marry a wife according to my word, and they are sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise, according to mine appointment, and he or she shall commit any sin or transgression of the new and everlasting covenant whatever, and all manner of blasphe- APPENDIX. 211 mies, and if they commit no murder, wherein they shed in- nocent blood — yet they shall come forth in the first resurrec- tion, and enter into their exaltation, but they shall be de- stroyed in the flesh, and shall be delivered unto the buffet- in gs of Satan, unto the day of redemption, saith the Lord God. 10. The blasphemy against the Holy Ghost, which shall not be forgiven in the world, nor out of the world, is in that ye commit murder, wherein ye shed innocent blood, and assent unto my death, after ye have received my new and everlasting covenant, saith the Lord God ; and he that abideth not this law can in nowise enter into my glory, but shall be damned, saith the Lord. 11. I am the Lord thy God, and will give unto thee the law of my Holy Priesthood, as was ordained by me, and my Father, before the world was. Abraham received all things, whatsoever he received, by revelation and command- ment, by my word, saith the Lord, and hath entered into his exaltation, and sitteth upon his throne. 12. Abraham received promises concerning his seed, and of the fruit of his loins — from whose loins ye are, namely, my servant Joseph — which were to continue, so long as they were in the world ; and as touching Abraham and his seed, out of the world, they should continue ; both in the world and out of the world should they continue as innumerable as the stars ; or, if ye were to count the sand upon the sea- shore, ye could not number them. This promise is yours also, because ye are of Abraham, and the promise was made unto Abraham ; and by this law are the continuation of the works of my Father, wherein He glorifieth himself. Go ye, therefore, and do the works of Abraham ; enter ye into my law, and ye shall be saved. But if ye enter not into my law, ye can not receive the promises of my Father, which He made unto Abraham. 13. God commanded Abraham, and Sarah gave Hagar to Abraham, to wife. And why did she do it ? Because this was the law, and from Hagar sprang many people. This, therefore, was fulfilling, among other things, the pro- mises. Was Abraham, therefore, under condemnation ? Verily, I say unto you. Nay y for I, the Lord, commanded it. Abraham was commanded to offer his son Isaac ; 212 APPENDIX. nevertheless, it was written, Thou shalt not kill. Abraham, however, did not refuse, and it was accounted unto him for righteousness. 14. Abraham received concubines, and they bare him children, and it was accounted unto him for righteous- ness, because they were given unto him, and he abode in my law : as Isaac also, and Jacob did none other things than that which they were commanded; and be- cause they did none other things than that which they weie commanded, they have entered into their exaltation, ac- cording to the promises, and sit upon thrones ; and are not angels, but are Gods. David also received many wives and concubines, as also Solomon, and Moses my servant; as also many others of my servants, from the beginning of creation until this time ; and in nothing did they sin, save in those things which they received not of me. 15. David's wives and concubines were given unto him, of me, by the hand of Nathan, my servant, and others of the prophets who had the keys of this power ; and in none of these things did he sin against me, save in the case of Uriah and his wife ; and therefore, he hath fallen from his exaltation, and received his portion ; and he shall not inhe- rit them out of the world ; for I gave them unto another, saith the Lord. 16. I am the Lord thy God, and I gave unto thee, my servant Joseph, an appointment, and restore all things ; ask what ye will, and it shall be given unto you, according to my word ; and as ye have asked concerning adultery, verily, verily I say unto you, if a man receiveth a wife in the new and everlasting covenant, and if she be with another man, and I have not appointed unto her by the holy anointing, she hath committed adultery, and shall be destroyed. If she be not in the new and everlasting covenant, and she be with another man, she has committed adultery ; and if her husband be with another woman, and he was under a vow, he hath broken his vow, and hath committed adultery; and if she hath not committed adultery, but is innocent, and hath not broken her vow, and she knoweth it, and I reveal it unto you, my servant Joseph, then shall you have power, by the power of my Holy Priesthood, to take her, and give her unto him that hath not committed adultery, APPENDIX. 213 but hath been faithful, for he shall be made ruler over many ; for I have conferred upon you the keys and power of the priesthood, wherein I restore all things, and make known unto you all things, in due time. 17. And verily, verily I say unto you, that whatsoever you seal on earth shall be sealed in heaven ; and whatso- ever you bind on earth, in my name, and by my word, saith the Lord, it shall be eternally bound in the heavens ; and whosesoever sins you remit on earth shall be remitted eter- nally in the heavens ; and whosesoever sins you retain on earth shall be retained in heaven. 18. And again, verily I say, whomsoever you bless I will bless; and whomsoever you curse I will curse, saith the Lord ; for I, the Lord, am thy God. 19. And again, verily I say unto you, my servant Joseph, that whatsoever you give on earth, and to whomsoever you give any one on earth, by my word, and according to my law, it shall be visited with blessings, and not cursings, and with my power, saith the Lord, and shall be without condemnation on earth, and in heaven ; for I am the Lord thy God, and will be with thee even unto the end of the world, and through all eternity : for verily I seal upon you your exaltation, and prepare a throne for you in the king- dom of my Father, with Abraham, your father. Behold, I have seen your sacrifices, and will forgive all your sins ; I have seen your sacrifices, in obedience to that v/hich I have told you : go, therefore, and I make a way for your escape, as I accepted the offering of Abraham, of his son Isaac. 20. Verily I say unto you, a commandment I give unto mine handmaid, Emma Smith, your wife, whom I have given unto you, that she stay herself, and partake not of that which I commanded you to offer unto her : for I did it, saith the Lord, to prove you all, as I did Abraham ; and that I might require an offering at your hand, by covenant and sacrifice: and let mine handmaid, Emma Smith, re- ceive all those that have been given unto my servant Joseph, and who are virtuous and pure before me ; and those who are not pure, and have said they were pure, shall be de- stroyed, saith the Lord God ! for I am the Lord thy God, and ye shall obey my voice ; and I give unto my servant Joseph, that he shall be made ruler over many things, for he 214 APPENDIX. hath been faithful over a few things, and from henceforth I will strengthen him. 21. And I command mine handmaid, Emma Smith, to abide and cleave unto my servant Joseph, and to none else. But if she will not abide this commandment, she shall be destroyed, saith the Lord ; for I am the Lord thy God, and will destroy her if she abide not in my law ; but if she will not abide this commandment, then shall my servant Joseph do all things for her, even as he hath said ; and I will bless him, and multiply him, and give unto him an hundred fold in this world, of fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters, houses and lands, wives and children, and crowns of eternal lives in the eternal worlds. And again, verily I say, let mine handmaid forgive my servant Joseph his trespasses, and then shall she be forgiven her trespasses, wherein she has trespassed against me ; and I, the Lord thy God, will bless her, and multiply her, and make her heart to rejoice. 2 2. And again, I say, let not my servant Joseph put his property out of his hands, lest an enemy come and destroy him, for Satan seeketh to destroy ; for I am the Lord thy God, and he is my servant ; and behold ! and lo, I am with him, as I was with Abraham, thy father, even unto his exal- tation and glory. 23. Now as touching the law of the priesthood, there are many things pertaining thereunto. Verily; if a man be called of my Father, as was Aaron, by mine own voice, and by the voice of him that sent me, and I have endowed him with the keys of the power of this priesthood, if he do any thing in my name, and according to my law, and by my word, he will not commit sin, and I will justify him. Let no one, therefore, set on my servant Joseph ; for I will jus- tify him ; for he shall do the sacrifice which I require at his hands, for his transgressions, saith the Lord your God. 24. And again, as pertaining to the law of the priest- hood : If any man espouse a virgin, and desire to espouse another, and the first give her consent ; and if he espouse the second, and they are virgins, and have vowed to no other man, then is he justified ; he cannot commit adul- tery, for they are given unto him ; for he cannot commit adultery, with that that belongeth unto him, and to none else ; and if he have ten virgins given unto him by this law, APPENDIX. 215 he cannot commit adultery, for they belong to him ; and they are given unto him— therefore is he justified. But if one or either of the ten virgins, after she is espoused, shal be with another man, she has committed adultery, and shall be destroyed; for they are given unto him to multiply and replenish the earth, according to my commandment, and to fulfil the promise which was given by my Father be- fore the foundation of the world ; and for their exaltation m the eternal worlds, that they may bear the souls of men; for herein is the work of my Father continued, that He may be glorified. 2K. And again, verily, verily I say unto you, if any man have a wife who holds the keys of this power, and he teaches unto her the law of my priesthood, as pertaining to these things; then shall she believe, and admimster unto him, or she shall be destroyed, saith the Lord your God ; for I will destroy her; for I will magnify my name upon a those who receive and abide in my law. Therefore, it shall be lawful in me, if she receive not this law, for him to re- ceive all things whatsoever I, the Lord his God, wih give unto him, because she did not beUeve and admimster unto him, according to my word ; and she then becomes the transgressor, and he is exempt from the law of Sarah who administered unto Abraham according to the law, when i commanded Abraham to take Hagar to wife. And now as pertaining to this law : Verily, verily I say unto you, I will reveal more unto you, hereafter ; therefore, let this suf- fice for the present. Behold, I am Alpha and Omega. Amen. The three sons of Joseph Smith, who, it should be remem- bered, still cling to the original doctrines of Mormonism, have for years valiantly combated the charge of Polygamy made against the Prophet; but in the face of so much testimony against him, it appears difficult for them to fully satisfy themselves that there was not something wrong in his ideas of marriage. It must be extremely unpleasant for them to make such an avowal, but it would be the easiest way of getting out of the difficulty. In collating mattei 2l6 APPENDIX. for this appendix, I met the following, from the pen of Alexander H. Smith, the second son of the Prophet : " The stories about that article [the revelation] are so numerous, and so conflicting, that I do not believe that he ever received a revelation from God on the matter. The very fact that so much strong testimony had been pro- duced, and did exist, as we have shown from the Book of Mormon, and Doctrine and Covenants, satisfies me that it is folly for any sane man to think that Joseph Smith needed to ask God concerning a matter that His will was so plainly manifest on as the one in hand. There are those who say that the revelation ' was received over a five-gallon keg of whiskey.' There are those who say ' the original \vas burned ; '* but strange to say, they all say ' that it was burned,' and all seem to agree that one person burned it. It is evident that a supposed copy of the revelation has been palmed off upon the people, by a designing set of men, who have certainly lost the priesthood they once held, and have made money and women their only pleasure, that they might gratify to the fullest extent their lustful desires and wicked purposes." The reader will see from the concluding sentence, which is rather more forcible than polite, the opinion which the sons of the Prophet entertain for their father's successors. Italicizing the word " God " in the above was the work of Mr. Smith, and evidently intended by him as a reluctant admission that liis father had possibly something to do with it. The further allusion to the " keg of whiskey" is also a partial admission of alleged occasional habits of the Prophet. But the revelation to Joseph is too shrewdly worded, and looks too much like the results of a battle between him and the " Elect Lady" — his wife, Emma, to have owed its inspiration to the " keg." Besides this, the subde way in which the priesthood therein entwines its authority around the woman, threatening her at one moment with damna- * INIrs. Emma Smith is understood to have thrown it into the fire. APPENDIX. 217 tion, and the next attracting her with promises of glory, evinces too much system and calculation for such an origin. The true story is the best — Joseph had himself entered into practical Polygamy, and a revelation was necessary to appease his wife, Emma, and to satisfy his brother, Hyrum, who had some "conscientious scruples." Mr. Smith, however, continues : " Should we admit the truth of this so-called revelation, there is not a mail on earth, neither has there been^ since the death of the martyr, who holds the keys to administer the ordinances of celestial marriage according to the reve- lation itself, for it is stated emphatically that ' there is never but one on the eartli at a time on whom this power and the keys of this priesthood are conferred.' So by their own witness they are condemned. For Brigham has time and again said he was not a ' prophet nor the son of a prophet/ and none but a prophet can hold the keys of this priest- hood. I give one more feature of the beautiful document : " ' Verily, verily, I say unto you, if a man marry a wife according to my word, and they are sealed by the Holy Spirit of proniise accord- ing to mine appointment, and he or she shall commit any sin or transgression of the new and everlasting covenant whatever, and all manner of blasphemies, and if they commit no murder whereby they shed innocmt blood, yet sliall they come forth in the first resurrec- tion and enter into their exaltation.' " Here is licence given to any one who enters this system of things to lie, steal, bear false witness, use the name of God in vain, blaspheme at will, and do all manner of wickedness except the shedding of ' innocent blood,' and by them taught, if a man be a Gentile and unconverted his blood is not innocent, he is a sinner, consequently there is no crime in killing him ; provided, that you have a wife or two sealed to you by the holy celestial knot. This clause alone should reveal its origin." In conclusion he adds : '• Now may God save this people from this great plague spot that cankers and corrodes the soul, alienates it from God, and fits it only for Satan's kingdom." — Polygamy : was it an original tmet of the Church? pp. 7, 8, 9. CHOICE EXTRACTS FROM MODERN APOSTLES. FROM THE FIRST SERMON PREACHED ON POLYGAMY IN THE TABERNACLE, SALT LAKE CITY, BY THE APOSTLE ORSON PRATT, August 29TH, 1852. " The Lord ordained marriage between male and female as a law through which spirits should come here and enter into the second state of existence." * * * " Then is it not reasonable and consistent that the Lord should say unto His faithful and chosen servants, that "had proved themselves before Him all the day long; that had been ready and willing to do whatsoever His will required them to perform — take unto yourselves more wives, like unto the patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, of old — like those who lived in ancient times, who walked in my footsteps, and kept my commands ?"*****" What will become of those individuals who have this law taught unto them in plainness, if they reject it ? [A voice in the stand, ' They will be damned.'] I will tell you : they will be DAMNED, sat^/i the Lord God Almighty^ — journal oj Discourses, vol. i. pp. 58, 6^,, 64. " We are created for the express purpose of increase." — y. of£>., vol. i. p. 93. " Suppose that I had the privilege of having only one wife, I should have had only three sons, for those are all that my first wife bore ; whereas I now have buried five sons, and have thirteen living. It is obvious that I could not have been blessed Avith such a family if I had been restricted to one wife; but by the introduction of this law I can be the instrument in preparing tabernacles for those APPENDIX. 219 spirits which have to come in this dispensation."*— i?;7>- ham Youn^, J. of D,, vol. iii. p. 264. " The fleshly body of Jesus required a Mother as well as a Father. Therefore the Father and Mother of Jesus, ac- cording to the flesh, must have been associated together in the capacity of Husband and Wife; hence the Virgin Mary must have been, for the time being, the lawful \^\i^ pi God the Father : we use the term lawful Wife, because it would be blasphemous in the highest degree to say that He over- shadowed her or begat the Saviour unlawfully. * * It was also lawful in Him, after having thus dealt with Mary, to give her to Joseph her espoused husband. Whether God the Father gave Mary to Joseph for time only, or for time and eternity, we are not informed. Inasmuch as God was the first Husband to her, it may be that He only gave her to be the wife of Joseph while in this mortal state, and that he intended after the resurrection to again take her as one of His own wives to raise up immortal spirits in eternity." " One thing is certain, that there were several holy wo- men that gready loved Jesus— such as Mary, and Martha her sister, and Mary Magdalene. If all the acts of 'Jesus were written, we, no doubt, should learn that these beloved Avomen were his wives." — Orson Pratt, Seer, pp. 158-9. ^ " The grand reason of the burst of public sentiment in anathemas upon Christ and his disciples, causing His cruci- fixion, was evidently based upon Polygamy, according to the testimony of the philosophers who rose in that age. A belief in the doctrine of a plurality of wives caused the per- secution of Jesus and His followers. We might almost * It seems never to have occurred to Brigham Young that if all the wives whom he had married each had had a husband to_ hersxlf, the spirit immigration of which he speaks so much, and m_ which he professes so deep an interest, would have found ten times niore facility for earthly existence. His monopoly, therefore, ot from titty to a hundred wives, instead of carrying out the purpose of/ the Lord " has only hindered it. He seems to have thought nothing ot the women fulfilhng the "full measure" of their creation. Ithas been with him all the time only " I." " When I labour in the king- lom of God, I labor for my cnvn dear self I have only self constantly Wore me; the object of my ptirsint is to benefit my indivtdnal person, md this is the case with every person who ever was or ever will be exalted." That is exactly Brigham's portrait, drawn by his own (land, August 8th, 1870. 220 - APPENDIX. think they were ' Mormons.' " — £/der yedediah M. Grafit^ Counsellor to Brigham Young, J^. of Z>., vol. i. p. 346. " Jesus was the bridegroom at the marriage of Cana of Gahlee." "Now there was actually a marriage; and if Jesus was not the bridegroom on that occasion, please tell who was." " We say it was Jesus Christ who was married, to be brought into the relation whereby he could ' see his seed' before he was crucified." "I shall say here, that be- fore the Saviour died, he looked upon his own natural chil- dren, as we look upon ours; he saw his seed, and immedi- ately after that he was cut off from the earth." — Orson Hyde, President of the Apostles, y. of £>., vol. ii. pp. 79. 80, 81, 82. " The woman who marries out of this priesthood marries for hell."— a H. HOW THEY SAID IT WAS. " Instead of a plurality of wives being a cause of sorrow to females, it is one of the greatest blessings of the last dis- pensation ; it gives them the great privilege of being united to a righteous man, and of rearing a family according to the order of heaven ; instead of being compelled to remain single, or marry a wicked man who will ruin her and her offspring, she can enter a family where peace and salvation reign ; where righteousness abounds ; where the head of the family stands forth as a patriarch, a prince, and a saviour, to his whole household ; where blessings u?ispeakable and eternal are sealed upon them and their generations after them ; her gloty is eternal, and her joy is full. Rejoice, then, ye daughters of Zion, that you live in this glorious era r HOW 'IT REALLY WAS. Jedediah M. Grant, in the Salt Lake Bowery, September, 1856, uttered the following: " We have vromen here who like any thing but the Celes- tial Law of God, and if they could break asunder the cable of the Church of Christ,*' there is scarcely a itiother in Israel but ivould do it this day. And they talk it to their husbands, to their daughters, and to their neighbours, and they say they have not seen a iveek's happiness since they be- * Polygamy the cable of the Church of Christ! APPENDIX. 221 came acquainted with that law, or since their husbands took a second wifey In a sermon published in the Deseret News, October ist, 1856, Brigham Young tells the story. "Men will say — 'My wife, though a most excellent woman, has not seen a happy day since I took my second wife.' < No, not a happy day for a year/ says one ; and another has not seen a happy day for five years." " I am going to set every woman at liberty, and say to them, Now go your way — my women with the rest; go your way. And my wives have got to do one of tAvo things : "Either round up their shoulders to endure the afflic- tions of this world, and live their religion, or they must leave ; for I will not have them about me. I will go mto heaven alone rather than have them scratching and fighting around me. I will set all at liberty. ' What, first wife too ? ' Yes, I will liberate you all. I know that there is no cessa- tion to the everlasting whinings of many of the women m this territory ; I am satisfied that this is the case ; and if the women will turn from the commandments of God, and con- tinue to despise the order of Heaven, [Polygamy,] 7 will pray that the curse of the Almighty may he close to their heels, and that it may be folloiving them all the day long. And those that enter into it (the celestial law) and are faithful, I will promise them that they shall be queens m heaven and rulers to all eternity." . " Now if any of you will deny the plurality of wives and continue to do so, I promise that you will be damned:' — y. of D., vol. iii. p. 266. This hardly comports with the Apostle Pratt's picture of a family, " ^N\1QX& peace and salvation reign," and it is not a litde amusing to read of the promises from his pen of " this glorious era," when the women were to " rejoice" because of the high honours and privileges conferred upon them ; " the glorious prospects" which were opening before them, and the " freedom" in the dales of Utah. Polygamy in Utah is the martyrdom of civilized, Christian womanhood, and the enslavement of every noble instinct in man. TVi// he ready shortly ; profusely illustrated. THE MORMON SAINTS. THEIR HISTORY FOR FIFTY YEARS, Their political, social, domestic, and theological relat'ons and influences ; the coloni- zation of the Rocky Mountain region ; the development of Utah Territory, its great mineral wealth ; AND THE FACTS OF POLYGAMY BY T. B. H. STENHOUSE, Formerly an Elder afid Missionary in the Mormon Church, and Editor and Proprietor of tJie Salt Lake Daily Telegraph. This work, which is now nearly ready for the press, is the result not only of many years' practical experience of Mormonism, but also of long and patient historical re- search. The author, from the prominent position which he occupied for twenty-five years, enjoyed unusual advantages and the very best of opportunities for obtaining a true insight into the inner life and mysteries of "the Saints," such as no observer, however acute, if not of that faith, could have commanded. Among other noticeable features of this work may be mentioned : I. Its Completeness as a History. Without being tedious or too minute, it gives in graphic language a perfect resum^ of Mormon chronology', from the earliest days of Joseph Smith to the present time. Nothing that the student or truth-seeker could desire has been omitted, while all needless digression is studiously avoided. II. Its Impartiality. The student of history' is only too well aware how very rare it is to find a writer who can so far divest his works of self as to make them reliable and without the shadow of party or individual bias. In the present work it will be discovered that the author entirely negatives himself and all his preconceived views and opinions, and writes rather as a looker-on than as one who has himself been so earnestly engaged in the contest. III. Its Statistical Value. As a book of information and reference it is invaluable, not only as regards dates, documents, and authorities, but also in respect to the Mining interests of Utah, which are treated of exhaustively. IV. Its Value as the only true Picture of Mormonism, Past and Pre- sent, EVER Published. It treats of public acts and solemn revelations, of prophets, apostles, and presi- dents, of their lives, doctrines, and vaticinations. All are weighed fairly in the balance. And above all, that which possibly may have most interest with the general public, is its complete exposition of the origin of the doctrine and the practice of polygamy in all its bearings, with its baneful effects upon both men and women in Utah at th« present day. Date Due ■ ■ : - ■;. If "T ilii iimi ' t ' ^ I