The Jeffersonian. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1853-1911, 1854-05-25
q Defence of PolygamY.

A wife of one of the Mormons now
member of the Utah Legislature, named
Pratt, writing to her sister in Nashua,
n. f., holds the following argument in
favor of polygamy. The letter is so well
composed that we are inclined to think
that a woman, capable of expressing her
self in the smooth style in which it is
written, could never consent to allow such
mind to lower itself into the indulgence
of the animal socalities and sensual graft
fcations necessarily consequent upon u
life of polygamy. If Mrs. Pratt dictated
this letter to her sister, she must belong
to that school of women who Solomon en-
couutered "Whose heart is sn arcs, and
nets, and her hands as bands. The SIN
ner shall be taken by her."
Here are the extracts -
For instance, l have (as you see, In
all good conscience, founded on the word
of God } formed family and kindered ties,
which are inexpressly dear to me, and
which can nevor bring my feelings to.
consent to dissolve.
II have good aad virtuous husband,
which | love. We have four little chill
dren which are mutually and inexpressi-
bly, dear to u.s. And besides this, my
husband has seven other living wives ,and
one who has departed to better world
EIo has in all upwards of twenty five,
children. All these mothers and children
are endeared to me by kindered ties-by
mutual affection-by acquaintance and
association; and the mothers in particu
lar by mutual aud long continued exer-
cises Of toll, patience, ong-suffering, and
sisterly kindness. We all have our i'm
perfections III this life; but | know that
these are good and worthy women, and
that my husband is good and worthy
man: one who keeps the commandments
of Juses Christ, and presides in his f0 mi
Ily Ike an Abraham. He seeks to pro
vide for them with all diligence; he loves
them all, and seeks to comfort them and
make them happy. He teaches them the
commandments of Jesus Christ, and
gathers them about him in the family cir
Gle to call upon his God, both morning
and evening.
"Uo and his family have the confidence,
esteem, good will and fellowship of this
entire Territory, and of a wide circle OF
acquaintance in Europe and America.
He Is practical teacher of moral3
and religion; promoter of general edu-
cation; and at present occupies al honor
able seat in the Legislative Council Of
this Territory.
Now, as to visiting my kindred in
New Hampshire, l would be pleased to
do so, were it the will of God. But first,
the laws of that State must be so moditi-
ed by enlightened legislation, and the
customsand conscicnccs Of its inhabitants,
and Of my kindered, so altered, that N y
husband can accompany me, with all
his wives and children, and be as much
respected and bonored in his family or
gsDization, and in his holy calling, as
be is at home, or in the same manner as
the patriarch Jacob would have been re-
spccted had he, with his wives and chill
dreu, paid visit to his kindred.
Gas my husband is yet in bis youth,
as well as myself, | fondly hope we shall
! live to see that day.
For already the star Of Jacob is in
, the ascendency; the House of Israel is a
bout to be restored; while Mystery Bah
ylon," with all her institutions awaits her
own overthrow.
:, "With sentiments of the deepest aGec-
tion and kindred feeling, I remain, dear
sister, your atfectionate sister,
BELINDA MARDEN PRATT
"Mrs. Lydia Kimball, Nashua, n. H.
"P. S. Ny kind love to your husband.
and all inquiring friends