The minds of the people are in a condition of slavery. Independent thought there is none, and consequently free speech cannot exist. This is clearly proved, when we call to mind one of the brightest spectacles in the history of Utah. It was in 1869, when Henry Lawrence and his associates boldly stood up in the "School of the Prophets" and raised their voices in favor of free speech and free thought. A noble act of heroism that was--a stand for a righteous principle--a deed which should gain for them immortal fame, when we consider the real manhood it required for them to face such a powerful and tyrannical hierarchy. A noble fight it was on their part, but a losing fight; for they were at once expelled from the Church, branded with the stigma of apostates, their business was ruined, and they and their families were completely ostracized. That act of expulsion by the Mormon leaders is a clear proof of the fact that they are the bitter opponents of mental freedom. Who ever knew of any proposition being debated in their conferences, or any nomination voted down by the people? Who ever knew of any matter of interest being left to the people to act upon freely and unrestrainedly? _The leaders do the thinking._ They arrange all things. _The people must acquiesce and think as they do._ IS THAT LIBERTY? Milton says: "This is true liberty, when free-born men, Having to advise the public, may speak free." But free thought and free speech are not the prerogatives of the Mormons. They are MENTAL SLAVES. CHAPTER IX. THE SOCIAL PUZZLE (_continued_). Moral Bondage of the Mormons--Implicit obedience to the priesthood enjoined--_Crimes committed_ at their command--Murders--The Mountain Meadows Massacre--Lee's confession--A Mormon carpenter's confession--Theft--Falsehood--Perjury--Why was polygamy promulgated?--Why is polygamy practised? Deplorable as the condition of the Mormon is, as already depicted in the preceding chapter, that is not the worst that is to be said of their social condition. They are not only in personal and mental slavery; far worse than this, they are in MORAL BONDAGE. Sad to relate, their souls, their consciences, are enslaved, and consequently their condition is far worse than that of the negroes of the South before the Civil War. The central thought running through all the discourses of the leaders is obedience to the priesthood, and the consequences of refusing to obey counsel. It matters not how absurd the doctrine may be, or how much it outrages common-sense, if it is the declaration of the inspired priesthood, it must be obeyed; and most of the people are so steeped in superstition and ignorance that they obey without question all orders from their chiefs, and even kiss the hand that rivets the chains that bind them.