Association of Catholic Communications gives "Gabriel" award to LDS church for "Homefront" public-service advertising which soon receives this award almost yearly.
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
Today In Mormon History-fb
Several curious tidbits that happened on this day in Mormon History
95 years ago today - May 22, 1930
[Heber J. Grant]
Brother B. H. Roberts called, and we discussed the contents of his new book, telling him of the feeling of the brethren of the Twelve that they could not approve of some parts of it. He was determined not to make any change and finally requested that we drop the matter for the time being, as he was leaving for California to attend a stake conference and did not feel like discussing the matter. I feel very sorry to think that Brother Roberts is determined to put in the book some things that I think are problematical and cannot be demonstrated. Inasmuch as the Church has furnished him a stenographer while he was in New York and since he returned, to compile this book, I think that before it is published we must come to an understanding as to what shall go into it, and we object emphatically to his putting anything in it that the Presidency and Apostles cannot approve.
[Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Brother B. H. Roberts called, and we discussed the contents of his new book, telling him of the feeling of the brethren of the Twelve that they could not approve of some parts of it. He was determined not to make any change and finally requested that we drop the matter for the time being, as he was leaving for California to attend a stake conference and did not feel like discussing the matter. I feel very sorry to think that Brother Roberts is determined to put in the book some things that I think are problematical and cannot be demonstrated. Inasmuch as the Church has furnished him a stenographer while he was in New York and since he returned, to compile this book, I think that before it is published we must come to an understanding as to what shall go into it, and we object emphatically to his putting anything in it that the Presidency and Apostles cannot approve.
[Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
100 years ago today - May 22,1925
Deseret News editorializes in favor of new Utah law which legalizes horse racing and pari-mutual betting. Legislature has appointed Brigham F. Grant as chair of Racing Commission. He is manager of Deseret News and brother of church president, Heber J. Grant.
[Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power, Appendix 5, Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1848-1996, http://amzn.to/extensions-power]
[Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power, Appendix 5, Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1848-1996, http://amzn.to/extensions-power]
125 years ago today - May 22, 1900
Have thought much about laying before the Quorum my view on U[nited]. O[rder]. that, on some points and for reasons that, it should begin among this Quorum.
[Brigham Young Jr., Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
[Brigham Young Jr., Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
180 years ago today - May 22, 1845
Brigham Young (aged 43) marriage to Mary Elizabeth Rollins (1818-1910) (aged 26) married to non-Mormon Adam Lightner and plural widow of Joseph Smith, Jr. sealed to Joseph Smith, Jr. for eternity and Young for time; remained living with Lightner
[Wikipedia, List of Brigham Young's Wives, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Brigham_Young%27s_wives]
[Wikipedia, List of Brigham Young's Wives, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Brigham_Young%27s_wives]
190 years ago today - May 22, 1835
[Heber C. Kimball]
"I told him [a baptist preacher] if he did not repent of his sins, and be baptized for the remission of them, he would be damned; which made him mad."
"We then passed on until we came to a pure stream of water, and there cleansed our feet bearing testimony against him, as the Lord commanded."
[Whitney, Helen Mar, Jeni Broberg Holzapfel, and Richard Neitzel Holzapfel, A Woman's View: Helen Mar Whitney's Reminiscences of Early Church History, Provo, UT: Religious Studies Center, Brigham Young University, 1997]
"I told him [a baptist preacher] if he did not repent of his sins, and be baptized for the remission of them, he would be damned; which made him mad."
"We then passed on until we came to a pure stream of water, and there cleansed our feet bearing testimony against him, as the Lord commanded."
[Whitney, Helen Mar, Jeni Broberg Holzapfel, and Richard Neitzel Holzapfel, A Woman's View: Helen Mar Whitney's Reminiscences of Early Church History, Provo, UT: Religious Studies Center, Brigham Young University, 1997]
35 years ago today - May 21, 1990
U.S. Supreme Court rules that direct donations to LDS missionaries are not deductible under U.S. tax laws. Therefore, First Presidency advises church members to make their donations directly to church, while earmarking funds for individual missionaries.
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
50 years ago today - May 21, 1975
[Ezra Taft Benson]
"I had this bad habit—I guess you call it bad," he explained, "of laying things on the line economically just as hard and cold as I could based on the facts, so they'd register with people, and not giving them a lot of soft soap, try and build up good will immediately."
[Ezra Taft Benson, Oral History, Interviewed by Maclyn Burg, May 21, 1975, 23-24, Dwight D. Eisenhower Library, Abilene, Kansas.; Gary James Bergera, '"Rising above Principle": Ezra Taft Benson as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, 1953-61, Part 1', Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought (Fall 2008, v 41)]
"I had this bad habit—I guess you call it bad," he explained, "of laying things on the line economically just as hard and cold as I could based on the facts, so they'd register with people, and not giving them a lot of soft soap, try and build up good will immediately."
[Ezra Taft Benson, Oral History, Interviewed by Maclyn Burg, May 21, 1975, 23-24, Dwight D. Eisenhower Library, Abilene, Kansas.; Gary James Bergera, '"Rising above Principle": Ezra Taft Benson as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, 1953-61, Part 1', Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought (Fall 2008, v 41)]
60 years ago today - May 21, 1965
Priesthood blessings are restored to excommunicated apostle John W. Taylor. His son Raymond Taylor stands proxy as Apostle Joseph Fielding Smith performs the ordinance. His other son Samuel W. Taylor writes: "it is an error to say that my father "apostatized." He never did. He accepted the role of scapegoat for the welfare of the Church, as his reinstatement certifies. And as further evidence, my mother, his third wife, continued to receive her share of his salary as an apostle each month for the remainder of her life. I took the check to the Farmers and Merchants Bank in Provo, with strict orders to deliver it to Brother Olson and nobody else." On the question of reinstatement of Taylor's three post-manifesto plural marriages the decision was "if the Lord should judge Brother Taylor in being justified in his last three marriages, he can adjust it in the realms beyond the grave."
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
80 years ago today - May 21, 1945
[Spencer W. Kimball]
[Regarding the reorganization of the First Presidency:] I was impressed especially by the humble, sweet, soul-searching expressions of the Counselors J. Reuben Clark Jr. and David O. McKay who had been in actual leadership of the Church so long and now voluntarily took their places in order of seniority in the Twelve. To see great men weep and shed tears as they evidence love and devotion to their brethren and a Cause is stirring. All spoke including the Patriarch. ...
Pres. Grant had never been to a meeting in the temple since I had been among the authorities.
[Spencer W. Kimball Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
[Regarding the reorganization of the First Presidency:] I was impressed especially by the humble, sweet, soul-searching expressions of the Counselors J. Reuben Clark Jr. and David O. McKay who had been in actual leadership of the Church so long and now voluntarily took their places in order of seniority in the Twelve. To see great men weep and shed tears as they evidence love and devotion to their brethren and a Cause is stirring. All spoke including the Patriarch. ...
Pres. Grant had never been to a meeting in the temple since I had been among the authorities.
[Spencer W. Kimball Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
80 years ago today - May 21, 1945
Conference sustains George Albert Smith as church president with J. Reuben Clark and David O. McKay as counselors. He is "set apart" (not ordained) by Apostle George F. Richards, who is also a patriarch. Smith is the only unmarried man to become an LDS church president and the only one who has no marital companion during his entire presidency. He remains an unmarried widower the last fourteen years of his life.
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
125 years ago today - May 21, 1900; Monday
[Angus M. Cannon]
I spoke to Bro[ther]. [Charles W.] Penrose about an article he wrote for the [Improvement] Era, calling the woman of Endor a witch. I told him Pres[ident]. John Taylor told me in spring of 1855, that the Prophet Joseph [Smith], said that woman was a prophetess of God, who dwelt in seclusion because of the edict of Sam[ue]l. against any one possessing a fermiliar [sic] spirit. Parley P. Pratt, when I mentioned the same thing to him, in fall of 1856, he said she was one of Samuels wives.
[Angus M. Cannon, Diary]
I spoke to Bro[ther]. [Charles W.] Penrose about an article he wrote for the [Improvement] Era, calling the woman of Endor a witch. I told him Pres[ident]. John Taylor told me in spring of 1855, that the Prophet Joseph [Smith], said that woman was a prophetess of God, who dwelt in seclusion because of the edict of Sam[ue]l. against any one possessing a fermiliar [sic] spirit. Parley P. Pratt, when I mentioned the same thing to him, in fall of 1856, he said she was one of Samuels wives.
[Angus M. Cannon, Diary]
140 years ago today - May 21, 1885 (Thursday)
Elder John P. Ibsen, while preaching the gospel in a private house on Bornholm, Denmark, was arrested and brought to Ronne, where he was tried and imprisoned three days for preaching. Soon afterwards he was sent as a prisoner to Copenhagen.
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
165 years ago today - May 21, 1860
Brigham Young's office journal comments on a letter sent by the Church to President Buchanan: "This was an interesting letter, it commented upon the prostitution which had always attended monogamy, both in the days of the Romans and in all modern nations; also remarking that the Nations who practiced polygamy were to a far greater extent free from Harlots."
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
170 years ago today - May 21, 1855
[Wilford Woodruff]
I got an Indian boy of Brother James Bosnel. He was about a doz years of age. His name was Moroni Eliga Bosnel.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
I got an Indian boy of Brother James Bosnel. He was about a doz years of age. His name was Moroni Eliga Bosnel.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
170 years ago today - May 21, 1855
[Brigham Young]
The Seventies are Apostles, differing a little from the Twelve Apostles in their calling. When the Kingdom is organized more fully upon the earth, a Seventy will not be chosen as a Bishop's counselor, a Bishop, or even as a President of a stake.... ... D.B. Huntington at a meeting of the natives last evening cut off your old Indian chief because he would not work, and appointed a young man as chief in his place, that would work and Kenosha has had to come to it at last. Bro. Kenosha said that we chiefs should work, and when they ceased to work, they ceased to be a chief, as Bro. D. said that our chiefs did work.
[General Church Minutes, quoted in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
The Seventies are Apostles, differing a little from the Twelve Apostles in their calling. When the Kingdom is organized more fully upon the earth, a Seventy will not be chosen as a Bishop's counselor, a Bishop, or even as a President of a stake.... ... D.B. Huntington at a meeting of the natives last evening cut off your old Indian chief because he would not work, and appointed a young man as chief in his place, that would work and Kenosha has had to come to it at last. Bro. Kenosha said that we chiefs should work, and when they ceased to work, they ceased to be a chief, as Bro. D. said that our chiefs did work.
[General Church Minutes, quoted in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
180 years ago today - May 21, 1845
Trial begins in Carthage, Illinois of five men charged with the murder of Joseph Smith. All are acquitted.
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
45 years ago today - May 20, 1980-Tuesday
[Leonard Arrington]
.... Gary thinks officers of the Church, particularly General Authorities, need to know something about the history of the position of the patriarch and his activities and functions. Gary several times has emphasized that he has absolutely no interest in having the position of patriarch or succeeding his father. He knows he never will. He has had a divorce, for one thing. But his interest is on the same order, I suppose, as that of a son or daughter who wants to see his/her father's history written.
Received a telephone call this afternoon from John Ullman, a member of the Church in Southern California who talked with me after my address at USC in April. He wants me to send him a copy of the study we do on Adam- God doctrine when it is made available. He is worried about it because of a pamphlet distributed during the LA area conference on Adam-God which quotes from my Charles C. Rich book and from Elder [Mark E.] Petersen's book on Adam-God.70 Brother Ullman's address is 4505 Temple City Boulevard, Temple City, CA, 91780.
[Confessions of a Mormon historian : the diaries of Leonard J. Arrington, 1971-1997, Gary James Bergera, editor, Signature Books, 2018]
.... Gary thinks officers of the Church, particularly General Authorities, need to know something about the history of the position of the patriarch and his activities and functions. Gary several times has emphasized that he has absolutely no interest in having the position of patriarch or succeeding his father. He knows he never will. He has had a divorce, for one thing. But his interest is on the same order, I suppose, as that of a son or daughter who wants to see his/her father's history written.
Received a telephone call this afternoon from John Ullman, a member of the Church in Southern California who talked with me after my address at USC in April. He wants me to send him a copy of the study we do on Adam- God doctrine when it is made available. He is worried about it because of a pamphlet distributed during the LA area conference on Adam-God which quotes from my Charles C. Rich book and from Elder [Mark E.] Petersen's book on Adam-God.70 Brother Ullman's address is 4505 Temple City Boulevard, Temple City, CA, 91780.
[Confessions of a Mormon historian : the diaries of Leonard J. Arrington, 1971-1997, Gary James Bergera, editor, Signature Books, 2018]
85 years ago today - May 20, 1940
[J. Reuben Clark]
Pres McKay: 830 a.m. Talked about the war: found him so pro-ally he is ready to go to war, almost,'probably no so much pro-ally as anti-Hitler. ...
[The Diaries of J. Reuben Clark, 1933-1961, Abridged, Digital Edition, Salt Lake City, Utah 2015]
Pres McKay: 830 a.m. Talked about the war: found him so pro-ally he is ready to go to war, almost,'probably no so much pro-ally as anti-Hitler. ...
[The Diaries of J. Reuben Clark, 1933-1961, Abridged, Digital Edition, Salt Lake City, Utah 2015]
135 years ago today - Tuesday, May 20, 1890
[Apostle John Henry Smith]
The morning papers announce that the Supreme Court has decided to confiscate our Church property, Fuller, Lamar & Field Dissenting.
[Jean Bickmore White (editor), Church, State, and Politics: The Diaries of John Henry Smith, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1990, http://bit.ly/johnhenrysmith]
The morning papers announce that the Supreme Court has decided to confiscate our Church property, Fuller, Lamar & Field Dissenting.
[Jean Bickmore White (editor), Church, State, and Politics: The Diaries of John Henry Smith, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1990, http://bit.ly/johnhenrysmith]
140 years ago today - May 20, 1885
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff]
20 I receivd 2 letter from Sarah & Mary & wrote 3 Letters to Sarah Newton & Mary. I looked over my sealing record & found I had sealed 1,095 Couple up to Jan 1885. W Woodruff had sealed to him of his dead relatives {336}.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
20 I receivd 2 letter from Sarah & Mary & wrote 3 Letters to Sarah Newton & Mary. I looked over my sealing record & found I had sealed 1,095 Couple up to Jan 1885. W Woodruff had sealed to him of his dead relatives {336}.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
170 years ago today - May 20, 1855
"Elder E[zra] T. Benson exhibited part of an ancient sword which had been dug up about 10 ft. under ground while excavating for a well, which called forth a few remarks from him."
60 years ago today - May 19, 1965
By authorization of First Presidency, ex-apostle John W. Taylor is baptized into LDS church. On May 21 Apostle Joseph Fielding Smith performs proxy ordinance of restoring all priesthood blessings to the deceased apostle.
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
110 years ago today - May 19, 1915
President Charles W. Penrose of the First Presidency dedicates the cornerstone of the new Church Office Building (later known as the Church Administration Building) at 45 East South Temple in Salt Lake City, Utah.
125 years ago today - May 19, 1900; Saturday
.... Mr. John W. Rigdon, son of the late Sidney Rigdon, called and met President Snow this morning in the Beehive House, and afterwards met Presidents Cannon and Smith in the office. The President reported that he had a very pleasant conversation with Mr. Rigdon who talked freely to him. During the conversation Mr. Rigdon admitted that he once had doubts concerning the authenticity of the Book of Mormon; but after talking with his father on his deathbed those doubts were removed partially, and his investigations and reflections since then had tended fully to confirm in his mind the truthfulness of his father's dying testimony. He, in talking with his father during his last hours said, "Father, you are now an old man, and I want you to tell me if you still believe the Book of Mormon to be what it represents to be, and if Joseph Smith always maintained that it was true and a genuine record?" His father answered in the most solemn manner that it was a true and genuine record, and that
Joseph Smith always maintained its genuineness, and that he translated it by the gift and power of God from the gold plates shown to him by the angel. Mr. Rigdon said that for the last six years he had believed the Book of Mormon to be what it represents to be, but he said he was sorry to say his wife and children not only disbelieve it, but regard the Mormons as enemies, that they spoke very harshly of them, and they would sometimes talk against his own father, but which however, they had ceased to do in his presence. He said his father died an unhappy man, but in hopes and assurance of a glorious resurrection.
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
Joseph Smith always maintained its genuineness, and that he translated it by the gift and power of God from the gold plates shown to him by the angel. Mr. Rigdon said that for the last six years he had believed the Book of Mormon to be what it represents to be, but he said he was sorry to say his wife and children not only disbelieve it, but regard the Mormons as enemies, that they spoke very harshly of them, and they would sometimes talk against his own father, but which however, they had ceased to do in his presence. He said his father died an unhappy man, but in hopes and assurance of a glorious resurrection.
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
135 years ago today - May 19, 1890
[Wilford Woodruff]
The Supreme Court of the United States Decided to day Against the Church of Jesus Christ of latter Day Saints. They Decided to Escheat all the Church Property Real & Personal. This is turning the Last that will seal the Condemnation of this Nation.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
The Supreme Court of the United States Decided to day Against the Church of Jesus Christ of latter Day Saints. They Decided to Escheat all the Church Property Real & Personal. This is turning the Last that will seal the Condemnation of this Nation.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
135 years ago today - May 19, 1890
U.S. Supreme Court upholds the Edmunds-Tucker Act and confiscation of LDS properties ruling that the LDS church had engaged in illegal activities; committee of U.S. Senate recommends disfranchisement bill.
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
165 years ago today - May 19, 1860
Brigham Young remarks "while talking over the untimely deaths of Brewer & Johnson, [two men found shot to death two days previously in Salt Lake City] that he was much gratified that the time had come when mormons could not be insulted mobbed and destroyed as they once were." Wilford Woodruff referred to Brewer and Johnson as "both Desperate wicked men."
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
175 years ago today - May 19, 1850
[Brigham Young]
President Young explained the law of property tithing. He said, suppose a man owes a hundred thousand dollars when he comes into the church. He pays 10,000 which is his property tithing in full. Then suppose that a man takes his family and effects to come on to the church and trades and exchanges on the way and clears 20,000 dollars besides paying his expenses. He then owes 2,000 dollars tithing which is all the property tithing due etc. -- Salt Lake City
[Brigham Young Office Journals, quoted in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
President Young explained the law of property tithing. He said, suppose a man owes a hundred thousand dollars when he comes into the church. He pays 10,000 which is his property tithing in full. Then suppose that a man takes his family and effects to come on to the church and trades and exchanges on the way and clears 20,000 dollars besides paying his expenses. He then owes 2,000 dollars tithing which is all the property tithing due etc. -- Salt Lake City
[Brigham Young Office Journals, quoted in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
180 years ago today - May 19, 1845
The trial of five men accused of the murder of Joseph Smith begins in Carthage, Illinois. Judge Richard M. Young begins by empanelling a 23-man Grand Jury which contains nine Mormons including the foreman Daniel Spencer. He then empanels two "petit juries" of 24 men each. The first contains ten Mormons and the second eleven. Upon defense motion the juries are discharged and new juries chosen from men present at the trial. Since Mormon leaders instructed them to keep away from the trial there are only four Mormons among the 96 potential jurors and no Mormons on the final twelve-man jury.
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
40 years ago today - May 18, 1985
[East German Secret Police report]
"In the May 18, 1985, political-operational report of Department XX … regarding the political-ideological orientation of the US-American Mormons, it was determined that they are to be classified as representatives of the right wing of American conservatism. There are close connections between their leadership and ruling circles within the government [at that time the Reagan administration]. Relationships also exist between persons and institutions of the church and the American secret service."
[Karlheinz Leonhardt, Die Ersten Hundert Jahre, 358 (1985 internal report by Stasi, the East German secret police) as referenced in Gregory A. Prince and Wm. Robert Write, David O. McKay and the Rise of Modern Mormonism. Salt Lake City: University of Utah Press (2005)]
"In the May 18, 1985, political-operational report of Department XX … regarding the political-ideological orientation of the US-American Mormons, it was determined that they are to be classified as representatives of the right wing of American conservatism. There are close connections between their leadership and ruling circles within the government [at that time the Reagan administration]. Relationships also exist between persons and institutions of the church and the American secret service."
[Karlheinz Leonhardt, Die Ersten Hundert Jahre, 358 (1985 internal report by Stasi, the East German secret police) as referenced in Gregory A. Prince and Wm. Robert Write, David O. McKay and the Rise of Modern Mormonism. Salt Lake City: University of Utah Press (2005)]
75 years ago today - May 18, 1950
First Presidency letter to make 30 percent increase in living allowances for general authorities.
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
75 years ago today - May 18, 1950
A First Presidency letter to make a 30 percent increase in the living allowances for general authorities.
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
80 years ago today - May 18, 1945
[Spencer W. Kimball]
It [i.e., Heber J. Grant's funeral] was most impressive and inspiring to me when [Senior member] Pres. George Albert Smith stood at the pulpit, called the meeting to order and announced that PRESIDENT J. REUBEN CLARK, Counselor to Pres. Grant would conduct the services. Then when Pres. Clark announced the speakers he said 'President' George Albert Smith will now address us etc' then 'ELDER DAVID O. MCKAY OF THE COUNCIL OF THE TWELVE APOSTLES will address you' then 'ELDER J. REUBEN CLARK JR. OF THE COUNCIL OF THE TWELVE APOSTLES will address you' Such humility!!! Such power!!! Such honor!!! (Most any where else in the world that I know if, there would have been evidence of ambition, envy, jealousy, ill felling) It is the work of the Lord. These are truly great and inspired and 'called' men of God who have been leading the Church through the declining days and months and years of Pres. Grants presidency.
[Spencer W. Kimball Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
It [i.e., Heber J. Grant's funeral] was most impressive and inspiring to me when [Senior member] Pres. George Albert Smith stood at the pulpit, called the meeting to order and announced that PRESIDENT J. REUBEN CLARK, Counselor to Pres. Grant would conduct the services. Then when Pres. Clark announced the speakers he said 'President' George Albert Smith will now address us etc' then 'ELDER DAVID O. MCKAY OF THE COUNCIL OF THE TWELVE APOSTLES will address you' then 'ELDER J. REUBEN CLARK JR. OF THE COUNCIL OF THE TWELVE APOSTLES will address you' Such humility!!! Such power!!! Such honor!!! (Most any where else in the world that I know if, there would have been evidence of ambition, envy, jealousy, ill felling) It is the work of the Lord. These are truly great and inspired and 'called' men of God who have been leading the Church through the declining days and months and years of Pres. Grants presidency.
[Spencer W. Kimball Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
140 years ago today - Monday, May 18, 1885
[John Henry Smith]
Bros. Francis C. Gunnell myself and five other brethren went over to Lyman [Idaho] and held meeting. I presented Bp. Weeks to the Saints to be sustained. 14 voted in his favor and 18 against. He resigned and his resignation was accepted. The people voted unanimously to sustain Bro. George Arnold as a presiding priest.
[Jean Bickmore White (editor), Church, State, and Politics: The Diaries of John Henry Smith, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1990, http://bit.ly/johnhenrysmith]
Bros. Francis C. Gunnell myself and five other brethren went over to Lyman [Idaho] and held meeting. I presented Bp. Weeks to the Saints to be sustained. 14 voted in his favor and 18 against. He resigned and his resignation was accepted. The people voted unanimously to sustain Bro. George Arnold as a presiding priest.
[Jean Bickmore White (editor), Church, State, and Politics: The Diaries of John Henry Smith, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1990, http://bit.ly/johnhenrysmith]
140 years ago today - May 18, 1885
John Taylor tells Abraham H. Cannon, "It seems that some so-called Saints in various parts of the country are beginning to weaken and talk of compromise. Some of the leading men in Idaho are even in this frame of mind. Such talk is an evidence to me of utter lack of faith in God and His promises." Five years later WIlford Woodruff issues the Manifesto.
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
185 years ago today - May 18, 1840
Mary Pitt had not walked except on crutches for 11 years. Was healed by laying on of hands.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
60 years ago today - May 17, 1965
Ezra Taft Benson wrote to FBI director Edgar Hoover with a plea. "Word has come to me, not yet fully confirmed, that some of our liberal 'soft-on-communist' groups are planning to put pressure on you to come out with a statement against the John Birch Society." He urged Hoover not to do so. "It is my conviction that this organization is the most effective non-church group in America against creeping socialism and godless communism," Benson wrote.
Hoover, however, in response to a question at a news conference soon thereafter, said he had little respect for the society or its founder, Robert Welch.
After Hoover's disavowal of Welch, Benson decided to meet with Hoover to explain his support of the society and how Welch's writings had convinced him that Eisenhower aided communism.
Files show that Hoover's aides twice told Benson that he was unavailable for such a meeting — as memos had advised them to do. So Benson wrote Hoover the sensitive "personal-confidential" letter of May 28, 1965, outlining his conclusions about Eisenhower.
Benson also soon sent a book by Welch titled The Politician, noting it was what led him to his conclusions about Eisenhower.
In the book, Welch argues that Eisenhower was either ignorant, a politician blinded by opportunism or was "consciously aiding the communist conspiracy" — and said it really didn't matter because "they all come to the same end … namely tragedy."
Benson wrote Hoover that he inscribed the following words on the flyleaf of the book after he first read it:
"Have just finished this shocking volume. ... While I do not agree with all or the extent of some of the author's conclusions, one must agree that the documented record makes the thesis of the book most convincing.
"How can a man [Eisenhower] who seems to be so strong for Christian principles and base American concepts be so effectively used as a tool to serve the communist conspiracy?
"I believe the answer is found in the fact that these godless communist conspirators and their fellow travelers are masters of deceit — who deceived the very elect. How our people need to be alerted and informed."
Benson added that he hoped the $1 book would be made available widely.
"This story must be told even at the risk of destroying the influence of men who are widely respected and loved by the American people. The stakes are high. Freedom and survival are the issues," he had written in his copy of the book.
Benson also wrote of Eisenhower: "I presume I will never know in this life why he did some of the things he did which gave help to the [communist] conspiracy. It is not my divine prerogative to know the motives of men. It is easier, however, to judge the consequences of man's actions."
["Ike and the Birch Society," Lee Davidson, Salt Lake Tribune, November 16, 2010]
Hoover, however, in response to a question at a news conference soon thereafter, said he had little respect for the society or its founder, Robert Welch.
After Hoover's disavowal of Welch, Benson decided to meet with Hoover to explain his support of the society and how Welch's writings had convinced him that Eisenhower aided communism.
Files show that Hoover's aides twice told Benson that he was unavailable for such a meeting — as memos had advised them to do. So Benson wrote Hoover the sensitive "personal-confidential" letter of May 28, 1965, outlining his conclusions about Eisenhower.
Benson also soon sent a book by Welch titled The Politician, noting it was what led him to his conclusions about Eisenhower.
In the book, Welch argues that Eisenhower was either ignorant, a politician blinded by opportunism or was "consciously aiding the communist conspiracy" — and said it really didn't matter because "they all come to the same end … namely tragedy."
Benson wrote Hoover that he inscribed the following words on the flyleaf of the book after he first read it:
"Have just finished this shocking volume. ... While I do not agree with all or the extent of some of the author's conclusions, one must agree that the documented record makes the thesis of the book most convincing.
"How can a man [Eisenhower] who seems to be so strong for Christian principles and base American concepts be so effectively used as a tool to serve the communist conspiracy?
"I believe the answer is found in the fact that these godless communist conspirators and their fellow travelers are masters of deceit — who deceived the very elect. How our people need to be alerted and informed."
Benson added that he hoped the $1 book would be made available widely.
"This story must be told even at the risk of destroying the influence of men who are widely respected and loved by the American people. The stakes are high. Freedom and survival are the issues," he had written in his copy of the book.
Benson also wrote of Eisenhower: "I presume I will never know in this life why he did some of the things he did which gave help to the [communist] conspiracy. It is not my divine prerogative to know the motives of men. It is easier, however, to judge the consequences of man's actions."
["Ike and the Birch Society," Lee Davidson, Salt Lake Tribune, November 16, 2010]
85 years ago today - May 17, 1940
[President Heber J. Grant]
They have re-elected me as a director of the Union Pacific Railroad, also of the Oregon Short Line Railroad, and the Salt Lake Los Angeles Railroad.
[Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
They have re-elected me as a director of the Union Pacific Railroad, also of the Oregon Short Line Railroad, and the Salt Lake Los Angeles Railroad.
[Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
95 years ago today - May 17, 1930
International Hygiene exposition at Dresden, Germany, includes LDS exhibit on Word of Wisdom. This is church's first formal participation in national or international exposition. In 1933, church has exhibit which includes sculptures by Avard Fairbanks in Hall of Religion at Century of Progress Exposition in Chicago. In 1935 church has its first exhibit building at California-Pacific International Exposition in San Diego.
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
95 years ago today - May 17, 1930
The International Hygiene Exposition at Dresden, Germany, includes an LDS exhibit on the Word of Wisdom. This is the church's first formal participation in a national or international exposition. In 1933, the church as an exhibit which includes sculptures by Avard Fairbanks in the Hall of Religion at the Century of Progress Exposition in Chicago. In 1935 the church has its first exhibit building at the California-Pacific International Exposition in San Diego.
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
125 years ago today - May 17, 1900; Thursday
[Lorenzo Snow and George Q. Cannon, letter to Bishop George W. Bramwell]
We have just had a conversation with Brother Grant Geddes, in regard to your decision in the case of Sister Margaret Geddes [who had confessed to an adulterous affair, but refused to give the name of the man to protect his reputation. He was actually her post-manifesto husband - David Eccles], and have decided that it would be right and proper in this case that you accept of her confession and forgive her transgression without any further requirement.
[See Today in Mormon History, May 16, 1900]
[Lorenzo Snow and George Q. Cannon, letter to George W. Bramwell, typed excerpt in Quinn Papers, original in LDS Archives]
We have just had a conversation with Brother Grant Geddes, in regard to your decision in the case of Sister Margaret Geddes [who had confessed to an adulterous affair, but refused to give the name of the man to protect his reputation. He was actually her post-manifesto husband - David Eccles], and have decided that it would be right and proper in this case that you accept of her confession and forgive her transgression without any further requirement.
[See Today in Mormon History, May 16, 1900]
[Lorenzo Snow and George Q. Cannon, letter to George W. Bramwell, typed excerpt in Quinn Papers, original in LDS Archives]
125 years ago today - May 17, 1900
Apostle George Teasdale (sixty-eight years of age) marries twenty-three-year-old Letitia Dolly Thomas in the Logan Temple. Teasdale had lost four of his five wives through death. He formally divorces the fifth, (after a marriage of 24 years) just prior to this marriage charging that she was unable to have sexual intercourse, an impediment he discovered "immediately after said marriage took place." Teasdale had taken a post-Manfesto plural wife, Marion E. Scoles, three years previously but she had died in childbirth. After Apostle Teasdale's death Letitia married one of his sons (by a previous wife) George Washington Teasdale and thus became her own step-mother-in-law
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
135 years ago today - May 17, 1890
LDS political newspaper SALT LAKE HERALD condemns "the scheme of the conspirators to consummate the political debauchery of making Utah a Republican state."
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
100 years ago today - May 16, 1925
[President Heber J. Grant]
At 9:30 tonight I was called on the phone and learned that President Penrose had just died. It was after midnight before I was able to go to sleep, thinking of the life and labors of President Penrose and who to choose as a successor to him in the Presidency. I shall ask Brother Ivins to be my first counselor and whoever I choose to fill the vacancy in the presidency to be my second counselor. While I naturally would have some personal preferences, I hope and pray to select the man that will be most useful and who will be pleasing to our Heavenly Father.
[Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
At 9:30 tonight I was called on the phone and learned that President Penrose had just died. It was after midnight before I was able to go to sleep, thinking of the life and labors of President Penrose and who to choose as a successor to him in the Presidency. I shall ask Brother Ivins to be my first counselor and whoever I choose to fill the vacancy in the presidency to be my second counselor. While I naturally would have some personal preferences, I hope and pray to select the man that will be most useful and who will be pleasing to our Heavenly Father.
[Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
125 years ago today - May 16, 1900; Wednesday
Bro[ther]. Grant Geddes had a talk with President [Lorenzo Snow]. It appears that his deceased brother's wife (Margaret) who is a widow, has confessed to the a charge of adultery in the Bishop's court, and that the court had given her time to reveal the name of the man [i.e., David Eccles] in transgression with her. This she had refused to do on the grounds that he was a man of family, respected in the community, and to do so would do no good, but only bring reproach upon his family, and add to her mortificaiton. She was willing to make a public confession and ask forgiveness, and desired that she may be permitted to do this in order to retain her standing in the Church. The court held however that she must obey its requirement, and Bro[ther]. Geddes' business was to consult the Presidency in regard to the matter.
[Office Journal of the First Presidency]
[Office Journal of the First Presidency]
125 years ago today - May 16, 1900; Wednesday
Elder Anthon H. Lund called and had a talk this morning with Presidents Snow and Cannon in relation to the employment of Brigham H. Roberts as editor of the proposed history of the Church, Elder John Henry Smith was also present. Brother Lund reported that Elder Roberts, while drawing $1200. a year as compensation for church services, wanted another $2,500. for doing this work, making $3,700 a year. Presidents Snow and Cannon thought this was too much, especially in view of the fact that the work to be done did not require the ability of an author. The names of Elders James E. Talmage and Joseph M. Tanner were mentioned for the honor ... in consequence of a remark of one of the brethren that perhaps President Cannon might be able to do this work, at least so far as supervising it was concerned... President Snow then asked President Cannon if he felt that his physical condition would permit him to undertake the task. President Cannon answered that if this was the mind of President
Snow and the committee, he had no other alternative than to place himself at their services, and this he did freely and willingly, promising to give the publication of the work his best attention. Elder Lyman expressed himself more than satisfied at the turn things had taken, and withdrew saying he would seek an interview with Elder B. H. Roberts at once and inform him of it.
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
Snow and the committee, he had no other alternative than to place himself at their services, and this he did freely and willingly, promising to give the publication of the work his best attention. Elder Lyman expressed himself more than satisfied at the turn things had taken, and withdrew saying he would seek an interview with Elder B. H. Roberts at once and inform him of it.
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
125 years ago today - Wednesday, May 16, 1900
[Apostle John Henry Smith]
Salt Lake City
I rebaptized and re-confirmed John Henry Evans, he having been guilty of fornication. It was attended to at the Hot spring bath house.
[Jean Bickmore White (editor), Church, State, and Politics: The Diaries of John Henry Smith, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1990, http://bit.ly/johnhenrysmith]
Salt Lake City
I rebaptized and re-confirmed John Henry Evans, he having been guilty of fornication. It was attended to at the Hot spring bath house.
[Jean Bickmore White (editor), Church, State, and Politics: The Diaries of John Henry Smith, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1990, http://bit.ly/johnhenrysmith]
135 years ago today - May 16, 1890
New Canadian law prohibiting polygamy goes into effect. This law closes an existing loophole: previously it had been illegal only to take an additional wife while already married. However a Mormon had publicly pointed out that marrying two wives simultaneously was therefore legal under the existing law.
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
165 years ago today - May 16, 1860
Testimony of Jeremiah Stokes and William Green
"I was setting up with the Corpse of Elder John W. Brown about 3 oclok in the morning (Friday May the 4th 1860) When I beheld a vary bright light hovering near the door which Fronts to the west. Near the top of the door on the left side was a Crown shineing Brilliantly below was a Circle of 12 stars also vary bright and Beautiful. On the left was a representation of Br Browns Coffin. On the right lower down was a large Stone the Express image of the one that killed Brother Brown. This light remained without Changing its position one hour and a half. There were two Candles burning in the room but the light far surpassed there Brilliancy.
Brother William Green was also present and testified that the above is Correct and Adds "I saw the light before Brother Stokes and previous to seeing the light on the door I saw on the lid of the Coffin two small looking glasses vary Clear & bright set in Stone. In a moment more I saw Brother John Brown standing on the opposite side of the Coffin. He looked as he did when found after his death. He soon disappeared and then I saw the light on the door.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
"I was setting up with the Corpse of Elder John W. Brown about 3 oclok in the morning (Friday May the 4th 1860) When I beheld a vary bright light hovering near the door which Fronts to the west. Near the top of the door on the left side was a Crown shineing Brilliantly below was a Circle of 12 stars also vary bright and Beautiful. On the left was a representation of Br Browns Coffin. On the right lower down was a large Stone the Express image of the one that killed Brother Brown. This light remained without Changing its position one hour and a half. There were two Candles burning in the room but the light far surpassed there Brilliancy.
Brother William Green was also present and testified that the above is Correct and Adds "I saw the light before Brother Stokes and previous to seeing the light on the door I saw on the lid of the Coffin two small looking glasses vary Clear & bright set in Stone. In a moment more I saw Brother John Brown standing on the opposite side of the Coffin. He looked as he did when found after his death. He soon disappeared and then I saw the light on the door.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
155 years ago today - May 16, 1870
[Wilford Woodruff]
16, 17 & 18 I Fought Grasshoppers.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
16, 17 & 18 I Fought Grasshoppers.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
180 years ago today - May 16, 1845
[Wilford Woodruff]
16th + I left my family & friends in Liverpool & took the Steemer Victorie for Carlisle at 4 oclock in the afternoon. As soon as we went out of the dock I discoverd the boat was newly Painted so that one could not sit down in any place from the stem to the stern of the boat without carrying the paint with him the whole bigness of the place he sat in or touched. And as the sea began to be rough I found it necessary to get some place to lie down & as the last & ownly resort I paid 2/ shillings for the use of a bunk among the sailors on the fore castle over the bow for the night.
I went below to take my bed among the Sailors which was a small confined place. I had no sooner gone below than I was inveloped in a Stench the most Horrid of any thing I ever experianced. It arose from the cargo which consisted of goano A kind of dung dug out of the earth brought to this country to put on to land. It is supposed to have origionally been birds dung but the worst die pot I ever saw was plesant in comparrison to this stench. I lay down but my stomach was immediately so filled with the stench that it made me as sick as Death.
I immediately commenced vomiting which continued for five hours. At times I gaged upon an empty stomach untill I strained myself to such a degree that blood run out of my nose almost a stream. I suffered much through the night & the sailors smoked their pipes & filled the hole with tobaco smoke. Though this was nacious to me it was much better than the stink that arose from the cargo. And in addition to this the seas were breaking fore & aft over the boat & the boat pitching badly. This with breathing the sent of the paint guano & tobaco smoke made me vomit to that degree that my sufferings were great & I thought it the most horrid night I ever spent on the water.
In the morning I crawled out into the air on deck but felt vary week & feeble. Could scarcely walk. Distance to Port Carlisle 190 miles.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
16th + I left my family & friends in Liverpool & took the Steemer Victorie for Carlisle at 4 oclock in the afternoon. As soon as we went out of the dock I discoverd the boat was newly Painted so that one could not sit down in any place from the stem to the stern of the boat without carrying the paint with him the whole bigness of the place he sat in or touched. And as the sea began to be rough I found it necessary to get some place to lie down & as the last & ownly resort I paid 2/ shillings for the use of a bunk among the sailors on the fore castle over the bow for the night.
I went below to take my bed among the Sailors which was a small confined place. I had no sooner gone below than I was inveloped in a Stench the most Horrid of any thing I ever experianced. It arose from the cargo which consisted of goano A kind of dung dug out of the earth brought to this country to put on to land. It is supposed to have origionally been birds dung but the worst die pot I ever saw was plesant in comparrison to this stench. I lay down but my stomach was immediately so filled with the stench that it made me as sick as Death.
I immediately commenced vomiting which continued for five hours. At times I gaged upon an empty stomach untill I strained myself to such a degree that blood run out of my nose almost a stream. I suffered much through the night & the sailors smoked their pipes & filled the hole with tobaco smoke. Though this was nacious to me it was much better than the stink that arose from the cargo. And in addition to this the seas were breaking fore & aft over the boat & the boat pitching badly. This with breathing the sent of the paint guano & tobaco smoke made me vomit to that degree that my sufferings were great & I thought it the most horrid night I ever spent on the water.
In the morning I crawled out into the air on deck but felt vary week & feeble. Could scarcely walk. Distance to Port Carlisle 190 miles.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
180 years ago today - May 16, 1845
[Patriarchal Blessing of Israel Barlow by John Smith]
.... Thou shalt have the ministering of Angels. Thou shalt converse with them face to face as with thy familiar friends. This will enable thee to escape all dangers. Thou shalt gather thy thousands & lead them to Zion with much riches. ... Thou shalt live to see the end of this Gentile race ...
[Patriarchal Blessings]
.... Thou shalt have the ministering of Angels. Thou shalt converse with them face to face as with thy familiar friends. This will enable thee to escape all dangers. Thou shalt gather thy thousands & lead them to Zion with much riches. ... Thou shalt live to see the end of this Gentile race ...
[Patriarchal Blessings]
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)