Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1902-10-20

illness. disease and even death. Not until
she had been a member of the Church OF
the Latter Day Saints for almost year
did Miss Dickinson learn the true ana Ter
rible doctrines OF Mormonism, and When
she would have Withdrawn from the
church threats Of vengeance were hurled
at her in the hope of frightening the glri
into remaining a Mormon.
According TO the prophets and elders OF
che Mormon church. Miss Dickinson mas
In anostallzine,. committed a sin for which,
I'm atcnement. her blood should be shed.
Had this young woman lived IN tho
DAYS OF Brigham Young, when the doc
trine Of blood atonement was not only
nreachod. but was said TO have been IN
ectual and summary practice by the Nor
mons. she might well fee for her life.
There is not the slightest doubt that her
action in renouncing the faith would not
only have brought down upon her mead
ERE wrath OF the entire Mormon sect, as
II has done. but would have marked her
as a victim for the destroying hand OF the
'avenging angel"
Since the time Of Joseph Smith, ana
even later. when Brigham Young was
r,ade leader OF the Mormon religion. the
outside world has gained through nuner-
Gus exposes a comparatively clear insight
into the tenets and workings OF the MOT
mon church. and. much as these religious
fanatics desire TO practice so horrible
doctrine as blood atonement. fear OF the
law. At least, impels them to take care
how they deal out punishment.
''AIl the time 1 was away from New
York" said Miss Dickinson when seen at
ter s,srer's home. on East 18th street
L had positive proof that my hiolhg
Mace was known to the Mormons, and,
Notwithstanding the fact that they 10
longer openly threatened me, felt that
nv desertion had not been forgotten. Pun
ishrnent would be melted out to me Whell-
ever the opportunity came.
Il have been back in New York only
few DAYS. and I dare not now go out
alone" she said. shuddering as foot
SEN was heard at the door. II am really
frightened at every sound, and my nerves
have gone to pieces from the strain. II
/ but knew a year ago the awful truths
I know now nothing on earth could nave
induced me TO become a Mormon"
what is your opinion OF the religious
creed OF the Mormons?' was asked.
ssViIeness cIoaE<ed as Religion"
''AIormonism is by no means what peo-
pie think IL is she answered. Little
do they dream OF the vileness and wicked
ness going on under the guise OF religion
Why, . I'm really ashamed 70 think that
fell into their trap so easily, but 4 am
glad now 10 be back among my friends
why did I join the Mormon church,
What were the influences brought 10
bear? A. you don't know anything about
their proselyting methods, then you can
not understand the subtle way in which
they prey upon a persons mind. Ihey
adroitly rsJicule your own church ana
friends, pointing out what they consider
their shortcomings. They represent the
'Gentiles' as narrow and selfish, while
they liken their own religious spirit TO
that OF Christ-tender. loving and mag
unanimous.
with an insidiousness that Is truly
devilish they prey upon your personal
as well as your religious vanity.
IF you are in trouble they comfort you
with a sweetness and a generosity that
are Irresistible. All the while they let
fall promises OF greater worldly and spirit
ual happiness II you accept them and
their creed.
1T happened that at the time 1 first
met some OF the Mormon elders at Mrs
BARS house trouble and discomfort had
begun to manifest itself IN my own
church. Ever since the little Port Morris
Congregational church had opened its
doors 10 members had identified myself
with its different societies. working with
good viii and really enjoying the mental
laoors which often fell TO my lot.
AT the time OF my leaving the Port
Morris church, Mrs. Blair, whom had
known slightly for some time. became ex-
tremely friendly and induced me to join
her home circle. Here. for the first time,
/ met several Of the Mormon elders.
These men are, for the most part, very
attractive personally; they are well bred,
entertaining. young and fond Of holding
social gatherings at the different Mormon
houses. This companionabieness consti-
tutes one Of their strongest destinations,
for. without raising suspicion of their real
motives. in the pleasant friendliness, the
elders appeal TO those persons who are
fond Of gayety.
This state OF affairs continued from
that memorable July. 1901. until tho-spring
OF this year During this time the elders
had been most kind and attentive to me,
more sympathetic than my other friends
had ever been, and very often a number
OF the MormOns would form a merry party
and go of for a days outing. In the
evenings there were always meetings at
some Mormon house. where we usually
had a charming time. You see, the social
element OF the religion appealed strongly
10 me; It was what longed for. and be-
gan to look forward to such gatherings
with as much genuine pleasure as a small
child feels when going 10 a party. This
part OF the religion meant more to me
than I can say.
This is what led to my sudden re-
nounceing of the Mormon faith:
Early last spring grew very weak and
nervous and was really on the verge of
q collapse. I gave up going regularly to
the meetings on Twenty-third street, and
my doctor, who was ignorant of my con-
version 70 MOrmOnism. advised me to take
a journey, either south or west, for the
benefit of my health. Knowing that I
could not afford such a trip, said nothing
about the affair to any one except Nor
mon woman friend.
Instead OF keeping IT secret she confid-
ed my circumstances to the elders, and
through her these men, these pillars of the
church. made a certain proposition to me
so revolving that I could scarcely believe
my ears. Perhaps you can guess what the
import OF it was. Without any effort or
worry on my part the necessary money
for the journey would be forthcoming and
no one would be the wiser.
I'm payment for this bounty 1 was chos-
en- 10 go west to an unknown town as a
missionary. After reaching there, my
friend explained to me. more money would
be given me-mOney that would be a deg
radiation to any decent woman. 1t. was
horrible. horrible! To think that they
could have expected this of me. to have
offered me such a position, and. as they
claimed, at the commands of the church
Il fed from the woman in fear and
trembling At once ! left the church.
never TO return. and publicly renounced
the Mormon faith. Since that Gay have
had nothing whatever to do with any Of