Life In Utah – The Mysteries & Crimes of Mormonism eBook

Life In Utah – The Mysteries & Crimes of Mormonism was written in 1870 by J. H. Beadle as a full and authentic history of polygamy and the Mormon sect from its origin to the present time (1870). Mr. Beadle was the editor of the Salt Lake Reporter, and Utah Correspondent of the Cincinnati Commercial.

From the Preface:

Having leaders at once sagacious and unscrupulous, they have long managed to avoid whatever contact would weaken their organization. We have seen them, from small and obscure beginnings, rise to a strength sufficient to create a local rebellion in Missouri; transplanted thence to Illinois, rise to a threatening power; transplanted again, flourish rapidly for a while, and though now evidently on the decline, yet strong enough to create a difficult and delicate political problem, and like the Bohon Upas, overshadow a whole Territory with a deadly influence.

Scattered through the nation Mormonism would be the weakest of all religions; collected into one Territory, and ruling there with almost absolute power, they present a painfully interesting problem. Comparatively, their numbers are trifling; locally, they are of great importance.

In the light of the principles here enunciated, and with perfect confidence in their correctness, this work has been prepared; with a view to the better enlightenment of the American public on this question and if possible, to make the duty of Government and people more plain, to set forth the most salient points in the progress of religious imposture, and to draw attention to a Territory rich in natural resources. It is believed that the work contains most of the material facts of interest in regard to Utah and the Mormons; whether of the climate and resources of the former, or the history, theology and peculiar social practices of the latter.

The history of the sect is drawn from many sources: from their own works, from personal records of several who have spent many years among them, from evidence published by the State of Missouri, from official documents of States or the General Government, from previous compilations and other accredited sources.

Of charges against the Mormons, not fully proved, the statements for and against them have been equally presented. The same rules of evidence have been applied in summing up their history, as are held applicable in courts of justice. The author’s opportunities for personal observation will be seen in the course of the work.

The author is well aware of the many imperfections of the work, but does not seek to disarm criticism by a prefaced apology; it is given as a compilation of testimony, on which the reader has the same privilege of passing judgment as the author has exercised on those before him. Whatever may be thought of the style in which they are presented, I trust many of the facts will be found interesting, and if the work should excite an intelligent interest among the American people, in regard to the affairs of Utah, it will have accomplished the dearest wish of the author.

Product Details

Format: eBook, PDF
Language: English
Publisher: National Publishing Company
Pages: 556

Life In Utah – The Mysteries & Crimes of Mormonism eBook:

• Item Price: $9.95
• Listed On: April 18, 2012