New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1852-08-21

adopting them as part and parcel of the family OF
the chief. and arises out Of the humility OF ths
person so proposing to attach himself to the sa-
cred character OF some great dignitary of the
Church. The man Is called, for instance Son OF
Brigham by adoption and lives with him, or near
by and acts for him child does Tor his parent,
and receives his Subsistence, clothing, AID living
conformity with the family"
With the prevalence OF polygamy, woman, of
course is placed in position OF relative nferiOH-
". The Difference to female excellence, which
marks refined state Of society, is stig natsed by
the Mormons as Gentle gal antry and fashion,
To give the post Of honor Of comfort 20 the Ia
dy, in the csce Of" Latter Day etiquette is reck
ontd an absurdty. II there Is bat ODE seat, it be-
longs OF right to the gentleman who ia bound to
lead the way, and let the MJrmon dame enter the
house or room behind him.
In social parties AID lively meetings the Nor
mons are preemnent, and their hospitality would
be mole readily extended to strangers had they
suitable dwellings to oyite them mo.
"The adobe or sun. dried brick is aow furnishing
material, and the oIe-room log buildings Ire being
replaced by spacious and commodiOus houses.
"ln their soc al gatherings and evening parties,
patronzed by the presence of the prophets and
apostles, it is not unusual to open tie ball by
prayer asking the blessing of God upon their
amusements, as well upon any other engage
ment-and thea will follow the most sprightly
dancing, in which all join with hearty good. will,
from the highest dignitary to the humblest indi-
yidusl and this exercise is to become part Of the
temple worship, to praise God in songs and
dances
"These private balls and soirees are FIRE Iuently
extended beyond the time Of cock.crewing by the
younger members, and the remains of the evening
repast furnishes the breakfast for the osia guests.
i" The cheerful, happy faces-the sef.satisfed
CONFERENCE.-The cordial salutaton of brother or
sister all occasions of address-the lively strains
of music pouring forth from merry hearts in every
domicil women and children sing their songs
Of Zion while plying the domestic tasks, give an
impression Of happy society in the wales Of Desc
ret
1.-THE dignity Of labor is held sacred by the
Mormons, and exemphfed in their organization
and requirements. A lazy person is either
cursed, or likely to be usefulness is their motto
and those who will net keep themselves, or
try their best, are left to starye into industry.
This is inculcated in their creed though the
prophet Joseph was excused from physical labor
at Kirkland, his attention being sufficiently occu
pied with the government. Every one is expect
ed to work and bring in his tithes, and the Presi
dent sets the example in the valley, by working at
his trade Of carpenter, on his mills in the kan
yon. 1t is weu-deyised scheme, and the moro
hourishng the laborers the greater is the income
OF the priests. This income is expended on pub
lie works, the temple, the bridges, and public
chanty, and support Of the families Of those en-
| missionary duty.
4" The labor for support Of oneself and family is
taught to be OF as divine a character, as public
worship and PRAYER. In practice their views
unite them so as to procure all the benefits of 80
cial Chrs tanity without running INTO Commun-
ism. The priest and the bishop make it their
boast that, LIKE Paul the tentmaker, they earn
their bread sy the sweat Of their brow aud teach
byexample on the week day, what they preach on
the Sabbath, concerning the virtue Of industry.
On the pulpit stand they dispense the word OF the
gospel, and coTk harder than when they plant,
SOW or reap in the field, or team for wood in the
LaDy on, or ply the spade the trowel, or the ham
mer This brings III orders together, and makes
them acquainted where no art or cOnceament Of
feeling is practiced and destroys that distinction
OF pastor and layman by the difference Of dress
and de- meanor, which keeps them strangers to
each others real sentiments. And it gives the
priest the advantage Of knowing the turns Of
thought, the doubts on doctrines, and degree Of
enlightenment Of those who are to be his auditors
and be can adapt his discourse accordingly, and
make an impression"
The most offensive feature in the Mormon econ
omy as descr bed in tins volume, is doubtless the
custom Of polygamy. Destroy ing, as it does, all
freedom OF affection in woman degrading her to
the rank Of cy pher in society and converting the
most sacred relation of lie into a state of abect
de penoence, IL must soon become az Intolerabe to
the Mormon community, as i. is odious to the
civilized world. Many the frontiers have al
ready deserted the "sealed" relation and married
half.breeds and Potawatamies, prcferring life of
reciprocal privileges in the cabins of Mel raska to
the subsection and ennui Of Mormon seraglio.
The young men also are indignant at the nva-
sion Of their rishts when daughter rejects their
suit in obedience to a mothers ambition which
aims at an alliance with or an apostle in
order to obtain celestial queenship in the world
10 come.
The theology of the Mormons is evidently a
tissue Of contradictions and gross absurdities.
Connected, however, with the pretsnsion to MIRA
cuous gifts it viii 10 doubt continue TO appeal to
the elements Of superstition aud fnsticism, which
abound in every transitional age like the present.
Ia negative point Of view, the phenomena OF |
MOrmopsm are Of great significance. They show
the decay of traditional faith among the masses,
as well as among the educated and rejecting or
ders of society. As necessary elements in the |
general chaos, they !. ad the hopeful aud the be-
leving to look forward to the better time, when
faith shall be renstated on the basis Of humanity