Discourse Chapter 2 Hymns like songs and martial music convey a special meaning to the minds of those preoccupied in any given direction. The devotee, the minstrel or the soldier is greatly affected thereby and no other charm may be considered equal to those soul enraptured strains. Mark an army going into battle from whence they may never return but heedless of consequences while the heart beats with pride and ambition they still listen to the familiar sounds and see their colors waving. So it is in every phase of society the Mormons not excepted. They had special hymns suitable for certain occasions such as “We’ll Sing the Songs of Zion Though Now in Distant Lands,” “I Long to Breathe the Mountain Air,” etc, etc,. No doubt many inducements appeared in sight to those who became convinced that not only was a change of heart necessary for their well being but hidden treasures of a material nature awaited them in the far off promised land. The whole Mormon propaganda considered in this light furnishes the student of human nature with all the material necessary for a thorough analytical diagnosis of the subject herein treated. Who shall be considered competent to judge of these matters if not those who were closely connected and immediately concerned in the movement?
The Mormons themselves may have met in many instances due to overzealousness bitter disappointments and charged it up in the general account to the Church. It has been common talk that to join the Mormon Church was equivalent to dissolving the most sacred ties of modem civilization. That is a broad assertion but is it true? A thorough investigation may demonstrate facts to the contrary although it is admitted that there may have been a few isolated instances where husbands have left their wives and wives their husbands but more frequently has it been the case that grown children have been sent forward with the understanding that they should assist their parents to follow as speedily as means could be secured for that purpose. By simply crossing the ocean it does not change the character of a person neither will time or distance change virtue into vice hence we draw the line there by presuming that those conditions were prearranged for mutual benefit. Many people have acted unwisely in that matter and no doubt have suffered for their folly but it is a well known fact that thousands, yes tens of thousands have associated with the Mormon people without becoming contaminated with any species of immorality and justice claims honor where honor is due. It is claimed that bigotry and superstition were main features of Mormonism which certainly was a characteristic frequently encountered in every religious association in those days of profound ignorance. It is charged that a certain Mr. Davis went to Utah with the avowed purpose of marrying a number of wives which proved to be a true statement but he forgot to state when he returned disappointed that when he made application he was told to go home and treat his first wife with proper respect. Such incidents may have occurred in what has been termed “early days” or prior to 1870 since which date more light has shown where darkness once held sway. I am somewhat indebted to impartial friends for a few items here narrated but it is safe to assert that we are within the bounds of reason--my own observation justifies this assertion.
Various reasons have been assigned and as many opinions expressed why those who enlisted in the ranks of the new order should appear to be so anxious to leave their native lands with all those kindred ties that cling to the human heart. Especially was this conjecture indulged in when there appeared to be no other motive than pure sacrifice to prompt the extraordinary action.
Mr. Charles Bradshaw the great iconoclast and secularist exponent tersely explained his views of the matter thus “either Mormon, Jew or Gentile is perfectly justified in seeking a land most congenial to their moral social and educational development.” Do my readers acquiesce in those sentiments? If the answer is in the affirmative we may at least consider one objection removed. The question was asked by many if there was not some sinister motive on the part of missionaries from Utah to allure the unwary from their homes and if so was such action sanctioned by the heads of the Mormon Church. That was a query that suggests an undercurrent of thought which might be attributed to ignorance imagination or both. What then in all candor was the cause or causes that induced so many thousands of rational beings to voluntarily forsake all former connections and journey thousands of miles by sea and land to cast their lot among strangers in what was then a barren wilderness? The answer to this as given by the people themselves is that it was to fulfill a divine command and who may controvert their assertion. It is admitted that many touching scenes were witnessed as parts of families bid adieu to loved ones remaining, hence the odious epithet “Mormon Fanaticism” but we will throw a veil over the picture and proceed with the following colloquy as indicating the curiosity and animosity then extant.