Handbook on Mormonism (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1882 Excerpt: ...be horrified at polygamy and church rule, the moment that anything is proposed which threatens to be a real blow at either, the cry is raised that force, violence or harsh means never were effective in influencing men's religious convictions, and never can be. They ignore the fact that the Mormon church is merely a gross political machine; that it is changed, expanded or contracted, at any time, to suit its leaders; that kindness and conoiliation are lost upon Its members; that their purpose is perpetually aegressive; that they mean to destroy free government in the United States, and reproduce in this country such u state of affairs as rules in Mohammedan countries; and that there is but one thing they respect, which is irresistible power. The masses of the Mormon people are kept so poor, and their minds are so enslaved with the teachings of their leaders, that they cannot be reached by the usual means of enlightenment, except in a most limited degree. The great mass can not read English books or newspapers; they would not if they could. Out of the slums of Europe they have been brought to a land which supplies them with fresh vegetables, meats, and comfortable clothing, and the change to them seems so nearly a miracle that they do not wish to question its genuineness. So steeped are they in superstition and ignorance that they obey without question all orders from the heads of the organization. But for the steady influx of foreigners--low, base-born foreigners, hereditary bondsmen--the two dreadful features of the Mormon church, polygamy and the exalting of the church over the State would din out in America in two generations. As it is, not half of the daughters of Mormons, who have grown up amid a large population of Gentiles, will ever enter into polyga...