brothers and sisters, while each mother apparently mani fests as much kindness and tender regard for the children of the others as for her own."-(Seer, i. 42.)

This last result of the system is so unquestionably miraculous, that it is almost sufficient of itself to convert an unbelieving world. Notwithstanding such evidence, however, the Gentile Gunnison presumes to speak unfavourably of the effects of this sacred ordinance. He thinks that it leads to the depression of women, and tells us that they are disrespectfully treated by the "saints," as an inferior order of beings :-" Gentile gallantry" (says he) "is declared by the Mormons to have reversed the natural position of the sexes. give the post of honour or of comfort to the lady is absurd. If there is but one seat they say it of right belongs to the gentleman, and it is the duty and place of a man to lead the way, and let his fair partner enter the room behind him."-(G. 157.)

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He also speaks of polygamy as "the great cause of disruption in families," and affirms that the children are "the most lawless and profane of all that have come under his observation."

We have already spoken of the legal and political consequences which may probably arise from this custom. We may add, that it can scarcely fail to contain the seeds of internal discontent. For the industrious inhabitants of Utah must find out before long that by the toil of their own sinews they are maintaining the sumptuous harems of their chiefs. Nor is it possible that in a new colony the female population can be suffi

ciently abundant to allow this Eastern luxury to the powerful without compelling many of the poor to remain unwedded. Already, indeed, one of the toasts at a recent public dinner in Utah-" Wanted immediately more ladies !"-seems to indicate dissatisfaction.

We cannot leave this part of our subject without mentioning that a graver charge than that of polygamy has been brought against the Mormon leaders. The depositions published by their opponents at Nauvoo accused them, not of openly adding to their domestic establishment, but of secretly corrupting female virtue, under the pretext of spiritual marriage. An affidavit made by one Martha Brotherton details very circumstantially an attempt made by Brigham Young to seduce her under this pretence. We are inclined to believe her statement, because she explicitly refers to Joseph's "new revelation," which was at that time carefully concealed from all but the initiated. Nor are there wanting intimations in the documents already published by the Church that something more is behind. Thus the first revelation on polygamy concludes with the following promise: "As pertaining unto this law, verily I say unto you, I will reveal more unto you hereafter." -(XV. 8.) And so we read in the "Star" (XV. 91), "Ours is a progressive system, and we must progress with it, or be left behind. If you are found obedient to counsel, nothing will stumble you, neither spiritual wifeism, nor any thing else."

Nevertheless, if such secret privileges are permitted to the Mormon chiefs, they must be used with extreme

caution. Even the sacred character of an Apostle would hardly save him from the vengeance of an injured husband, accustomed to the summary proceedings of Lynchian jurisprudence. Last year a Mormon of the name of Egan was brought to trial for murdering the seducer of his wife, and (though admitting the fact) was acquitted by a Utah jury. Nor, whatever may be the character of the leaders, can we hesitate to believe the almost unanimous testimony of travellers to the general morality of the population. Indeed, the laborious and successful industry which we have described could not characterize a debauched and licentious people.

We have dwelt at some length on the Mormon polygamy, not only on account of its intrinsic importance, but because its disclosure is so recent that previous writers have been unable to give accurate information on the subject. The ethical teaching of the sect is not distinguished by any other very remarkable peculiarity. The chief duty impressed upon the saints is the punctual payment of their tithes. We can scarcely open a page of their official publications without finding strenuous exhortation to the fulfilment of that indispensable obligation. Next to this cardinal virtue, they seem to rate the merit of abstinence from fermented liquors and tobacco. This, however, is not absolutely insisted on, but only urged as a "precept of wisdom." It was enforced by Joseph, whose practice did not square with his precepts, as he was often drunk himself. But his sagacity perceived that the money squandered by his

disciples on gin and cigars must be diverted from the treasury of the Church.

The virtue of patriotism is also a frequent theme of Mormon eulogy. By publicly enjoining it, they endeavour to refute the charges of treason so often brought against them by their enemies. Hence the anniversary of the 4th of July (the birthday of American independence) is celebrated with special jubilation in the city of Salt Lake, and the tree of liberty is duly refreshed with torrents of rhetoric, and also with more material libations. The official list of toasts given at one of the last of these festivities, shows that the citizens cling with equal attachment to the "domestic institutions of Virginia and of Deseret; for the 12th toast is Slavery, and the 13th Polygamy.* The 15th, which, we suppose, is meant to point the moral of the other two, is "THE GREAT NATIONAL MOTTO,- Do unto others as you would have others do unto you?"

Such festive meetings, which are very frequent, generally conclude with dancing, an exercise, the practice of which must be also included in the ethical system of Mormonism. In saltatorial, as in military movements, the priesthood occupy the foremost place. The president leads off, and bishops, patriarchs, and elders are to be seen figuring enthusiastically, "not"

*The 13th toast is printed as follows: "Poly-Ticks and PolyGamy;" a piece of wit which seems to have been highly appreciated. —(XIV. 566.) With regard to slavery, it should be observed that according to Joseph's revelations, the negroes are of an inferior race, and that no person of colour can be admitted into the Church. -(XIV. 472.)

says Colonel Kane, "in your minuets or other mortuary "processions of Gentles, but in jigs and reels." When the temple is completed, these public dances are to form a part of the regular worship.

But the most remarkable feature in the practical working of Mormonism, considered as a Religion, is the almost entire absence of the devotional element. In the addresses of its teachers, we find no exhortation to the duties of private prayer, of self-examination, or of penitence. In their writings we can trace no aspirations after communion with God, after spirituality of mind, after purification of the affections. All is of the earth, carthy. One of the ablest writers against Christianity has lately stated it as his chief objection to the Christian System, that it discourages the love of earthly things, and requires its votaries to set their affections on things above. He proposes to amend the precept of Saint John-"Love not the world, and the things that are in the world; the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life"-by simply leaving out the word not. Mormonism seems exactly to realize the ideal of this distinguished controversialist; and, as he does not mention it as one of the phases through which his faith has hitherto passed, we cannot but hope that he may still find among the Latter Day Saints that resting-place which he tells us that he vainly sought among the Craig-and-Mullerites.

This mundane character of Mormonism faithfully perpetuates the type impressed on it by its founder. Joseph Smith was a "jolly fellow," says one of his