South Canterbury Times, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 1882.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2771, 9 February 1882, Page 2

South Canterbury Times, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 1882.

The strenuous efforts of Mormon apostles to gain proselytes to their faith, are forcing themselves upon the attention of the civilized world. A few years ago the missionaries attracted little notice, but now that Mormonism is widening the sphere of its operations and becoming a great movement, we must perforce regard it with anxious curiosity, and indulge in some speculation as to the probable consequences of its taking root in the midst of our nineteenth century civilization. The system as originally promulgated was no doubt the outcome of fanaticism tempered with nastiness and imposture, but the administrative talent of its early chiefs, and especially the conspicuous ability of Brigham Young, raised the apparently obscure sect to a position of power and influence in the American Continent,and latterly to some prominence among the civilized nations in general. It appears probable that the unlooked-for success of the faith, the prosperity of the Mormon community, and the vista of future greatness which ratist be constantly opening up before the eyes of the Latter Day Saints—inspire the “ faithful ” with a widening ambition. Thus Mormonism bat fulfils the general law of sects ; and on this account alone its progress would attract no unusual attention. But when we remember that in countenancing polygamy it aims a blow at one of the fundamental principles of the morality that has grown up under the fostering care of Christianity; and that the spread of the doctrine of polygamy is subversive of the very law upon which our social superstructure most depends, which is indeed the key-stone of its arch, we are forced to examine the invading doctrine very narrowly. That the Mormon authorities are determined to advance their standard is evident. Their missionaries are everywhere, and everyone works as zealously as a Roman missionary; while at home Utah is defying the United States laws, and consolidating her own power by every possible means. We have been assured by a Mormon Elder, with whom (for the purpose of hearing all sides of the question) we once conversed, that the Mormon Government has drawn into its communion the Redraen of the forest, so that in the event of hostilities between Utah and the Union troops, the Saints might count upon all the support the Indians could offer, and the knowledge of this, the Saints believe, is sufficient to keep the troops of the Union from their walls long enongh at least to allow of their gaining so much ground as to become in a few years immoveable. At any rate it is evident enough to any observer that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is making steady progress in the world, and therefore that the doctrine of polygamy is being more extensively embraced. Of the condition of woman in polygamous marriage all our eminent travellers speak in tones of pity and disgust. Hepworth Dixon finds them repressed and morally stunted, and other records of impressions are to the same effect. Physiologically, socially, and politically regarded, the practice of polygamy cannot be favorably thought of ; its fruits must be disastrous to individuals and nations. The successes now being achieved by Mormon apostles, in the way of gaining proselytes, is by the inducement that Mormonism seems to offer to a certain class of “ gentiles,” It is worth our while in the interest of society to consider the question fairly. There is no doubt that in too many (may we not say in the vast majority of) cases married life is not so happy as might be expected or desired. Life for a woman is scarcely bearable under marital tyranny, especially if that life has to be borne in straitened circumstances. The dull routine of domestic labor, coupled as it too often is, with abuse, neglect, and ill treatment, becomes at length insupportable. And where there is no positive brutality, incompatibility of temper renders life on both sides a mere drudgery. The lives, too, of half the unmarried female population in the Old World have but little sunshine. To earn a bare subsistence, “in poverty, hunger, and dirt ” with the physical weakness always clogging the wheels of industry, with no outlook save such as may be purchased by infamy, to possess loving hearts and the capacity for enjoyment without an object to love or enjoy, is cheerless enough, God knows. To such as these the Mormon missionary’s programme has some attraction. Forbidden by cruel fate to occupy the honored position of wife and mother, they may at least secure immunity from actual drudgery, and, if their early dreams are not to be realised, they may at least be freed from the cold grasp of poverty, by joining the Mormon community. Thus many hundreds nerve themselves to endure that which (though a terrible trial to the feelings of a true woman) Is preferable to their former state. Thus Mormonism recruits its ranks from the female population, and, so long as the conditions of life remain what they are; the saints are not likely to suffer from lack of female society. Besides, tnere are plenty of men to whom polygamy appears an excellent thing, and thus, the one party being anxious, and the other compelled, to seek enjoyment and solace from it, polygamy may be found harder to kill than might be expected. We cannot bnt regret its spread, but we recognize it as an evil that will only yield to the influence of improved conditions of human life.