Had it been we would never have set out for Utah." "It is a well-established fact," replied Edward; "and it is well known also that they conceal this doctrine from those whom they wish to catch in their net; to them they exalt the Bible and Christ; but when the poor dupes reach their promised paradise, and are unable to escape, they find the Bible kicked into a corner, the book of Mormon substituted for it, and Joe Smith exalted above the Lord Jesus Christ." "Dreadful!" exclaimed Christine.
Alma too looked greatly shocked.
"But women may remain single if they choose ?" she said, inquiringly.
"No, indeed!" replied Edward; "Mormon theology teaches that those who are faithful Mormons, living up to their privileges, and having a plurality of wives will be kings in the celestial world, and their wives queens; while those who have but one wife--though they will reach heaven, if they are faithful to the priesthood and in paying tithes--will not have a place of honor there; and those who are not married at all will be slaves to the polygamists.
"For this reason, among others, they desire to have many wives, and will have them, willing or unwilling.
"They send their missionaries abroad to recruit the Mormon ranks and supply wives for those who want them.
"The missionaries procure photographs of the single women whom they have persuaded to embrace Mormonism, and these are sent on in advance of the parties of emigrants.

The Mormon men who want wives are then invited to look at the photographs and select for themselves.
"They do so, and when the train comes in, bringing the originals of the pictures, they are there to meet it; each man seizes the girl he has chosen by photograph, and drags her away, often shrieking for help, which no one gives.

I have this on the testimony of an eyewitness, a minister of the Presbyterian Church, who has lived for years in Utah." Alma grasped her sister's arm, her cheek paling, her eyes wild with affright.
"Oh, Christine! you know he has our likenesses; you know we gave them to him, suspecting no harm.

Oh, what shall we do ?" "Be calm, sister; God has preserved us from that dreadful fate," said Christine, with quivering lips.

"I know not what is to become of us, penniless in a strange land, but we will never go there; no not if we starve to death." "You need not do that," exclaimed Zoe; "no one who is willing to work need starve in this good land; and my husband and I will befriend you, and find you employment." "Oh, thanks, dear lady!" cried the sisters in a breath; "it is all we ask; we are able and willing to work." "What can you do ?" asked Edward; "what were you expecting to do in Utah ?" "We were to have some land," said Christine; that was the promise, and we thought to raise vegetables and fruits; fowls, too, and perhaps bees; but we can cook, wash the clothes, keep the house clean, spin, and weave, and sew." "Oh," said Zoe, "if you know how to do all those things well, there will be no trouble in finding employment for you." "But where, dear lady ?" Christine asked with hesitation.