WOMEN UNDER POLYGAMY
maladive influences, and the absence of that uncleanness and licentiousness which distinguish the cities of the civilised world. They boast that if it be an evil they have at least chosen the lesser evil, that they practise openly as a virtue what others do secretly as a sin . . . . ."[1]
Sir Richard Burton refers to the continence of the Mormon men, and compares it to the asceticism of some African tribes.[2] The tie of romantic sentiment seemed less strong than in marriage in England; but Burton was impressed by the "household comfort, affection, circumspect friendship, and domestic discipline" of the Mormon polygamists.
The Mormon woman's point of view regarding plural unions is especially instructive. Mrs. Belinda M. Pratt, writing to a sister, gives her opinions frankly. She refers to the Old Testament sanctions for polygamy and the concubinate, and to the illustrious patriarchs who followed the practice, and "did build the house of Israel." Quite truthfully, this apologist asserts that "polygamy is authorised and approved by the word of God." She commends the custom as an act of obedience to the divine
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