Blood Atonement for Miserable Scoundrels

Journal of Discourses 2:311; “To diverge a little, in regard to those who have persecuted this people and driven them to the mountains, I intend to meet them on their own grounds. It was asked this morning how we could obtain redress for our wrongs; I will tell you how it could be done, we could take the same law they have taken, viz., mobocracy, and if any miserable scoundrels come here, cut their throats. (All the people said, Amen.)” – Brigham Young, Salt Lake City, July 8, 1855

Romans 12:17-19; “Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. 18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.”

The ramping up of the Mormon Reformation was underway when Brigham delivered this not so godly sermon. 

Between 1855 to 1857 the Church called for an all hands on deck tour where they were found delivering sermons that people better shape up or else. Mormons were expected to obey the gospel and obey their leaders. When/if someone went traipsing through ‘their territory’ and didn’t comply, they paid for it with their very lives as did the Baker-Fancher Party. 

Scenes like Mountain Meadows didn’t just happen in a vacuum – years of rhetoric and vitriol being spewed from the pulpits worked people up into a frenzied like state of mind where they blindly did what they were told by their leaders.