From the Boston (Mass.) Bee

Mr. Editor, Sir-As you have (in justice) given the Mormons a chance to defend their principles from the attacts [attacks] of those who are ignorant of its true tendency, and some who from self interest, or what is worse, join in the cry of the hounds and huntsmen against the flying and defenceless [defenseless] stag-for no other reason under heaven than because they see others do it. I think if they reflect for an instant on the unmanly, despotic and unjust principle of persecuting the innocent, without knowing the 'why and wherefore'-I say if our calumniators reflect, they will say you have done what justice and honor requires of man-given us a weapon to defend (what is dearer to us than life) 'the immortal part of man,' our reputation.

I thought myself (three weeks ago) an unchangeable infidel, and lived with a family that some of its members were of the Mormon faith. I had an opportunity of witnessing their private meetings, and every thing connected with them. I have heard General Bennett's lectures, and left not a stone unturned to find its character. I have argued with their elders on the truth of the Bible, and ridiculed their belief with every argument of science, philosophy and convictions of common sense, and accounted for their revelations and miracles as common effect, from a common cause-the works of 'a mind diseased.' Yet I have always given them credit for honesty, from the very fact of their suffering for principle's sake. Show me a christian denomination in existence that are so liberal in their principles as the 'poor deluded Mormons.' They believe that every honest man, who acts up to the principle of reflection, and obeys those dictates of conscience that show him wrong from right, will be saved, no matter what his belief-whether Turk, Jew or Heathen. And surely if God is just, he will not condemn a man for his belief, when he thinks from his heart he acts right.

The Mormons do not want persons to believe all that they do, as is falsely affirmed-they do not want to ram Joe Smith or revelation down people's throats, without their knowing for themselves: all they want is to obey the words of Christ for the remission of sin. They want to terrify no man into belief. They do not say it is sinful to read Shakspeare [Shakespeare] or Byron or any book that you get an exalted idea from, as your judgment (if you have any) will point out the good from the bad. Let those who contend that the writings of these giants of genius have an immortal tendency, remember there never yet was a general good without a partial evil.

We are charged with advocating a plurality of wives, and common property. Now this is as false as the many other ridiculous charges which are brought against us. No sect have a greater reverence for the laws of matrimony, or the rights of private property, and we do what others do not, practice what we preach.

A conversation I had with a friend, soon after joining the Mormons, will strongly illustrate public opinion, and show in what light men ought to be held, who condemn without knowing for what, and have only the same reason to offer as Bardolph had for running away-'faith I ran when I saw others run.'

'Mr. R-, why did you join the Mormons?'

'Because I thought they were right.'

'Well, I never thought you were a fool until now.'

'And why do you think I am a fool now?'

'Because you joined the Mormons.'

'How does that prove me a fool?'

'Because none but fools would join them.''

'Why do you think so?'

'Because every one says so.'

'Do you know any of their principles?'

'No-but I know they cannot be good.'

'How do you know?'

'Because every one says so.'

'Do you think I am dishonest?'

'I know you are not.'

'Well, before I was a Mormon, I did not believe in God or devil; yet I was considered an upright man-and now as I believe as you do, in Christ and the remission of sins, you call me a fool; do you not think I can judge for myself?'

'I know you can.'

'Why then do you blame me for using my judgment.'

'Because every one says they are humbugs, and they are scouted out of every place.'

'Then your reason is this: because you see a dog running down the street, with an appendage

to his tail, and people shouting and pelting him with stones, you pick up a stone also and pelt and shout after the poor animal; and you call me a fool, because I know the master of the ill-treated dog, and strive to remove the appendage, and protect the poor brute from such treatment.'

It is thus we are condemned without a hearing, and persecuted without a cause.

As a parting word, I would suggest a sentence which no sophistry can refute; and let our calumniators remember they are the words of Christ. 'Judge not, lest ye be judged.'

I remain, sir, your obliged servant, H. R.