The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1853-12-07
mormon Polygamy.


have glanced over the rules Of Mormon
m atrimony, which have been extensively
published OF late in the papers. with the
same disgust as ourselves. The fact is
now undeniable-polygamy is recognize
cd and systematzed thing in one Of the
territories of this Union. ssInasmuch,"
says the Mormon code, "as the saints in
Utah consider it moral, virtuous, and
Scriptural, 10 practice the plurality sys-
tenn, they should seek by every means to
eradicate, not only from their own minds,
butfrom the minds Of their children, every
erroneous, improper prejudice which they
have formerly imbibed, by their associa
tons with the nations ofmodern Christen
DOM" And parents are urged to instruct
their daughters, that il is as honorable in
them to marry "good man who is ready
husband as one who is SINGLE" The
sixteen "rules" which follow this introduc-
given by Pious Mohamedans 10 their chill
dren. No. l requires that the man intend
ing to marry should first become truly re-.
ligious. No. advises him to select his
soipes not for their beauty alj grace Nero
ly. but for their virtue, modssty, industry
and cleanliness. No. reminds him that
his ,cires are the weaker vessels, and that
he must, therefore, instruct and advise
them in the duties Of family government,
No. 4 enjoins it upon him to regard the Sc.
crsts Of each wife as sacred trust, by NO
meansto be impaired to the others. No
5f0rbids him TO speak Of the imperfections
of one wife TO another. No. condemn.
hastiness and fault finding. No. com
mands the husband to govern his house
hold impartially. No. 8 forbids him te
encourage complaints OF one wife agains
another. No. 6 requires him frequently
TO call all his wives together, and instruc
them in their duties to God, TO their hus
band, and oone another. No. 10 recon
snends him to pray much for heavenly wis
dom, that he may govern his family Alright
No. IL commands women to submit i'm
pl,cisly to their husbands authority. No
i2 enjoins that wives should seek 10 rails
In their husbands esteem by good behav
ior,. not by disparaging the merits Of hi
other wives. No. IS advises wives to us
gentle and persuasive language. No. /
forbids wives to speak disrespectfu,ly c
their husband in his absence. No. rs re
quires that each wife should do all in he
power to help and please the other. Nc
10 we will copy en,ire:-s.Let each moth
or correct her own children. and see tbs
they do not dispute and quarrel with eac
other, nor with any others; let her not col
rect the children of The others without lib
eriy so to do, lest it give offense. Th
husband should see that each mother m ain
tains wise and proper discipline owe
her children, especially in their younge
years; and it is his duty 10 see that all hi
children are obsdient to himself and I
their respective mothers. And it is ais
his duty to see that the children of one wi
ere not allowed to quarrel and abuse tho,
oi the others. neither to be disrespectful
irnpudent to any branch OF his family
Such are the matrimonial rules of Uia
Snch is the code by which, in territoi
Of the United States, the fairer and bett
halfot the community are reduced 10 Egy
tiaD slavery, TO Mohamedan nonenity!-
And in propaga.ing such system, mi
sionaries are zealously and most success
fully sngaged at this moment, in; near
every civilized country on earth. Ut,
win be. ere long, knocking at the door
the Union for admitance as sovereil
State. Will she be invited to enter9 Pro
ably not. We apprehend that a great de
Of curious and striking history will be e
acted in and abou. this Persian Utah
ours. The black cloud in the south-we
no bigger. tilirecently, than a mans han
begins TO assume imposing dimension
and to utter ominous sounds. Jou
nal.