Editore: New York: [1910?], Thomas Whittaker, 1910
Da: Alec R. Allenson, Inc., Westville, FL, U.S.A.
Prima edizione
Hardcover. 3rd impression. vii, 498 p.; 2 pl. (frontis., facing p. 238); 21.5 cm. (Flake, Mormon bibliography 9061, for 1st edition of 1906) From ch. XII. The Mormons (p. 304-57): `Much has been written about the "Endowment House." A plain two-story building of adobe, it stood,in my day, near the Tabernacle, and not far from the Temple, which was in process of building. It has always been felt that the secrets, oaths, obligations, and sanctionings, centering there, were the very heart of the strength and shame of Mormonism. My correspondent was confirmed by me in 1877, and still lives in Utah. "December 6, 1893. I consider that an oath forced upon a girl of fourteen has no binding quality. These oaths were of the direst nature; they included decapitation and disembowelment as threatened penalties for the divulging of the secrets of the Endowment. Here were taken the oaths of vengeance against the `murderers' of the `martyrs, Joseph and Hyrum'. That day I did not see the `Sealing Room,' but since, I have been in it twice with friends who have been married there. Brigham Young sat on an elevated seat at one end.I have had an account of a plural marriage.Brigham Young turned to Mrs.____ and asked: `Are you willing that this man shall take this woman to be his lawful wife?' The customary answer is `Yes'.but on this occasion the answer came clear and cold, `No!' A long pause followed. Every one,Brigham Young the prophet ofthe Lord included,was in consternation. When Young had collected the shattered remnants of his outraged authority he sternly demanded: `What then are you here for?' The woman answered: `To do the will of my husband.' The ceremony was then completed, whereby the man sacrificed the love of his youth."' (p. 314-20) Fair ex-lib. spotted purple cloth, eps taped at hinges. Sl. penc.