[Leonard Arrington]
Annual Comment on the History Division
... I begin by expressing sorrow that we have lost two valiant persons in the division, Bruce Blumell, who left September 1 to go to law school in Canada, and James Allen, who left September 1 to return full time to the History Department in BYU. Both left of their own volition, and both would have stayed if they had thought the future of the History Division was bright. In a way, they both were encouraged to go by pessimistic comments about our future made by Elder G. Homer Durham, managing director of the Historical Department. In addition to these two departures, Glen Leonard was transferred from our division to the Arts and Sites Division to be associate director and Jill Derr will leave the division December 31 to devote more time to her family and to work with the Relief Society and Deseret Book Co. on a history of LDS women. Both of those departures were (are) voluntary, but once again they would have stayed with us if they had thought their future with us was
bright. Neither was (will be) replaced. So we are gradually losing strength. Elder Durham has also told me privately that he does not expect to renew the employment of Carol Madsen, who works for us half time, in the 1981 budget. He expects to "cut her off" at the end of 1980. ...
Elder Durham keeps threatening to move us to BYU, as a special center sponsored by them. For some reason he thinks our work is "academic" and ought to be under university auspices. But the academic freedom at BYU is less than here, I'm sorry to say; Bob Thomas, academic vice president, has no backbone, nor does Ernest Olsen, director of BYU Press. ...
Persons tell us that Elders [Ezra Taft] Benson and [Mark E.] Petersen do not like what we are doing and that if and when President Benson becomes president of the Church we might all be relieved of our positions. It's almost as if the decisions of the bureaucrats were being made, not on the basis of what the Prophet wants, but on the basis of what the next Prophet wants. I refuse to believe that Elder Benson would fire us; I am convinced that we are doing what the Lord wants and that the Lord will not permit such a violent end to our work. I refuse to act on the basis of what might happen if Elder Benson became president. ... My appointment as historian is so disregarded that the First Presidency do not refer letters to me that deal with historical matters. I am not asked to read any manuscripts for historical accuracy, no talks on history are cleared through me. The Mormon Experience, the preparation and publication of which was approved by the First Presidency, could
not be mentioned or reviewed in the Ensign or Church News. Nor could Building the City of God. Building the City of God, The Story of the Latter-day Saints, and The Mormon Experience, among others, may not be cited as references in articles in Church manuals and the Ensign. Not a single general authority (except Elder Durham) has written to express appreciation for any of my articles or books, nor has any called me, nor has any called me into his office to discuss historical matters which have come up. But though I have reason to feel rejected, I feel completely confident that my work is approved by the Lord and that within ten years of my death I will be regarded as one of the "greats" in the field of Church history-by General Authorities as well as by others.
[Confessions of a Mormon historian : the diaries of Leonard J. Arrington, 1971-1997, Gary James Bergera, editor, Signature Books, 2018]
Today In Mormon History-fb
Several curious tidbits that happened on this day in Mormon History
55 years ago today - Jan 1, 1970
LDS Church adopts "Computer Age Finance System," and computerizes records of membership as of May 1. These are functions of church-owned Management Systems Corporation (MSC).
85 years ago today - Jan 01, 1940
Amy Brown Lyman is called as the eighth general president of the Relief Society, with Marcia Knowlton Howells and Donna Durrant Sorensen as counselors.
90 years ago today - Jan 1, 1935
Joseph Fielding Smith: "I firmly believe that there will be some of that generation who were living when this revelation was given who shall be living when this temple is reared.... I have full confidence in the word of the Lord and that it shall not fail"
[Joseph Fielding Smith, The Way to Perfection, Jan. 1, 1935, p. 270; The Last Days and December 1890 2nd Coming of Jesus Christ, y George D. Speer Sr., privately circulated (see 1832 September 22, D&C 84:1-5,31,32)]
[Joseph Fielding Smith, The Way to Perfection, Jan. 1, 1935, p. 270; The Last Days and December 1890 2nd Coming of Jesus Christ, y George D. Speer Sr., privately circulated (see 1832 September 22, D&C 84:1-5,31,32)]
120 years ago today - Jan 1, 1905
The Dr. William H. Groves Latter-day Saints Hospital opened in Salt Lake City and was dedicated three days later, the first in the Church hospital system. In 1975 the Church divested itself of its hospitals and turned them over to a private organization.
[Church News: Historical Chronology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, http://www.ldschurchnewsarchive.com/articles/58765/Historical-chronology-of-The-Church-of-Jesus-Christ-of-Latter-day-Saints.html]
[Church News: Historical Chronology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, http://www.ldschurchnewsarchive.com/articles/58765/Historical-chronology-of-The-Church-of-Jesus-Christ-of-Latter-day-Saints.html]
120 years ago today - Sunday, Jan 1, 1905
[Apostle John Henry Smith]
.... I went over to Giudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico. I found the following Telegram
Mexico City
from T. E. Pomeroy
West Lake [code name for Apostle Matthias F. Cowley] sent for. Cant reach Juarez before Tuesday perhaps Wednesday. ...
[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]
.... I went over to Giudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico. I found the following Telegram
Mexico City
from T. E. Pomeroy
West Lake [code name for Apostle Matthias F. Cowley] sent for. Cant reach Juarez before Tuesday perhaps Wednesday. ...
[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]
125 years ago today - Jan 01, 1900
Martha LaVern Watts (Parmley), later the fifth general president of the Primary Association, is born in Murray, Utah.
135 years ago today - Jan 1, 1890
"For these reasons we have strong objections to the introduction of maps and their circulation among our people which profess to give the location of the Nephite cities and settlements"
There is a tendency, strongly manifested . . . among some of the brethren, to study the geography of the Book of Mormon. . . . We are greatly pleased to notice the . . . interest taken by the Saints in this holy book. . . . But valuable as is the Book of Mormon both in doctrine and history, yet it is possible to put this sacred volume to uses for which it was never intended, uses which are detrimental rather than advantageous to the cause of truth, and consequently to the work of the Lord. . . . The brethren who lecture on the lands of the Nephites or the geography of the Book of Mormon are not united in their conclusions. ... The First Presidency has often been asked to prepare some suggestive map illustrative of Nephite geography, but have never consented to do so. ...
[George Q. Cannon, "Editorial Thoughts: The Book of Mormon Geography," The Juvenile Instructor 25 no. 1 (1 January 1890)), 18-19]
There is a tendency, strongly manifested . . . among some of the brethren, to study the geography of the Book of Mormon. . . . We are greatly pleased to notice the . . . interest taken by the Saints in this holy book. . . . But valuable as is the Book of Mormon both in doctrine and history, yet it is possible to put this sacred volume to uses for which it was never intended, uses which are detrimental rather than advantageous to the cause of truth, and consequently to the work of the Lord. . . . The brethren who lecture on the lands of the Nephites or the geography of the Book of Mormon are not united in their conclusions. ... The First Presidency has often been asked to prepare some suggestive map illustrative of Nephite geography, but have never consented to do so. ...
[George Q. Cannon, "Editorial Thoughts: The Book of Mormon Geography," The Juvenile Instructor 25 no. 1 (1 January 1890)), 18-19]
155 years ago today - Jan 1, 1870
The Salt Lake Tribune began as the result of a movement to oppose the political and economic policies of the Mormon Church. William S. Godbe, Elias L.T. Harrison, Edward W. Tullidge, and William H. Shearman joined forces to publish the Mormon Tribune on 1 January 1870 after the Deseret News urged church members to boycott their Utah Magazine, founded two years earlier.
[Utah History Encyclopedia: Salt Lake Tribune, http://www.uen.org/utah_history_encyclopedia/]
[Utah History Encyclopedia: Salt Lake Tribune, http://www.uen.org/utah_history_encyclopedia/]
180 years ago today - Jan 1, 1845
[William Clayton]
.... The organization of the Kingdom of God on 11th March last is one important event. This organization was called the council of fifty or kingdom of God...
In this council was the plan arranged for supporting president Joseph Smith as a candidate for the presidency of the U.S. Prest. Joseph was the standing chairman of the council and myself the clerk. In this council was also devised the plan of establishing an immigration to Texas and plans laid for the exaltation of a standard and ensign of truths for the nations of the earth. In this council was the plan devised to restore the Ancients to the knowledge of the truth and the restoration of union and peace amongst ourselves. In this council was Prest. Joseph chosen as our prophet, Priest, & King by Hosannas. ...
I have received two companions, received two children and buried one. [...?] I have a good prospect of adding another crown to my family which is a source of great consolation to me. ...
[The Nauvoo Diaries of William Clayton, 1842-1846, Abridged, Digital Edition, Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
.... The organization of the Kingdom of God on 11th March last is one important event. This organization was called the council of fifty or kingdom of God...
In this council was the plan arranged for supporting president Joseph Smith as a candidate for the presidency of the U.S. Prest. Joseph was the standing chairman of the council and myself the clerk. In this council was also devised the plan of establishing an immigration to Texas and plans laid for the exaltation of a standard and ensign of truths for the nations of the earth. In this council was the plan devised to restore the Ancients to the knowledge of the truth and the restoration of union and peace amongst ourselves. In this council was Prest. Joseph chosen as our prophet, Priest, & King by Hosannas. ...
I have received two companions, received two children and buried one. [...?] I have a good prospect of adding another crown to my family which is a source of great consolation to me. ...
[The Nauvoo Diaries of William Clayton, 1842-1846, Abridged, Digital Edition, Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
180 years ago today - 1 January 1845, Wednesday
[William Clayton]
``I have a good prospect of adding another crown [wife] to my family,'' he could say as he looked forward to 1845.
Wednesday 1st ... Reflections
... I was admitted a member of the first quorum and a member of the council of fifty. I have received two companions, received two children and buried one.
[Fillerup, Robert C., compiler; William Clayton Nauvoo Diaries and Personal Writings, A chronological compilation of the personal writings of William Clayton while he was a resident of Nauvoo, Illinois. http://www.boap.org/LDS/Early-Saints/clayton-diaries]
``I have a good prospect of adding another crown [wife] to my family,'' he could say as he looked forward to 1845.
Wednesday 1st ... Reflections
... I was admitted a member of the first quorum and a member of the council of fifty. I have received two companions, received two children and buried one.
[Fillerup, Robert C., compiler; William Clayton Nauvoo Diaries and Personal Writings, A chronological compilation of the personal writings of William Clayton while he was a resident of Nauvoo, Illinois. http://www.boap.org/LDS/Early-Saints/clayton-diaries]
180 years ago today - January 1, 1845. Wednesday.
[William Clayton]
....The organization of the Kingdom of God on 11th March last is one important event. This organization was called the Council of Fifty or Kingdom of God, and was titled by revelation as follows. "Verily thus saith the Lord, this is the name by which you shall be called, the Kingdom of God and his Laws, with the Keys and power thereof, and judgment in the hands of his servants, Ahman Christ." In this Council was the plan arranged for supporting President Joseph Smith as a candidate for the presidency of the U.S. President Joseph was the standing chairman of the Council and myself the Clerk. In this Council was also devised the plan of establishing an emigration to Texas, and plans laid for the exaltation of a standard and ensign of truth for the nations of the earth. In this Council was the plan devised to restore the Ancients to the Knowledge of the truth and the restoration of Union and peace amongst ourselves. In this Council was President Joseph chosen our Prophet, Priest and
King by Hosannas. In this Council was the principles of eternal truth rolled forth to the heavens without reserve and the hearts of the servants of God made to rejoice exceedingly. I was admitted a member of the first quorum and a member of the council of fifty. I have received two companions, received two children and buried one.
[George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://amzn.to/william-clayton]
....The organization of the Kingdom of God on 11th March last is one important event. This organization was called the Council of Fifty or Kingdom of God, and was titled by revelation as follows. "Verily thus saith the Lord, this is the name by which you shall be called, the Kingdom of God and his Laws, with the Keys and power thereof, and judgment in the hands of his servants, Ahman Christ." In this Council was the plan arranged for supporting President Joseph Smith as a candidate for the presidency of the U.S. President Joseph was the standing chairman of the Council and myself the Clerk. In this Council was also devised the plan of establishing an emigration to Texas, and plans laid for the exaltation of a standard and ensign of truth for the nations of the earth. In this Council was the plan devised to restore the Ancients to the Knowledge of the truth and the restoration of Union and peace amongst ourselves. In this Council was President Joseph chosen our Prophet, Priest and
King by Hosannas. In this Council was the principles of eternal truth rolled forth to the heavens without reserve and the hearts of the servants of God made to rejoice exceedingly. I was admitted a member of the first quorum and a member of the council of fifty. I have received two companions, received two children and buried one.
[George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://amzn.to/william-clayton]
185 years ago today - Jan 1, 1840 (Wednesday)
While visiting with brother Joseph in Philadelphia, a very large church was opened for him to preach in, and about three thousand people assembled to hear him. ... brother Joseph arose like a lion about to roar; and being full of the Holy Ghost, spoke in great power, bearing testimony of the visions he had seen, the ministering of angels which he had enjoyed; and how he had found the plates of the Book of Mormon, and translated them by the gift and power of God. He commenced by saying, "If nobody else had the courage to testify of so glorious a message from Heaven, and of the finding of so glorious a record, he felt to do it, in justice to the people, and leave the event with God." The entire congregation was astounded; electrified, as it were, and overwhelmed with the sense of the truth and power by which he spoke, and the wonders which he related. A lasting impression was made; many souls were gathered into the fold. And I bear witness, that he, by his faithful and powerful
testimony, cleared his garments of their blood.
[The Woodland Institute, http://www.woodlandinstitute.com]
testimony, cleared his garments of their blood.
[The Woodland Institute, http://www.woodlandinstitute.com]
25 years ago today - Dec 31, 1999
Jerold Ottley retires from the Mormon Tabernacle Choir after a long and distinguished career as director. He is replaced by Craig Jessop, who had been an assistant director since June 5, 1995.
50 years ago today - Dec 31, 1974-Tuesday
[Leonard Arrington]
Boyd Packer repeated very strongly his concerns to Earl [Olsen] and said that we must find some way of preventing the printing of these things from occurring in the future and said that unless we can come to some agreement on it we would have to change the management. I asked Earl what that meantwhether it meant getting a new Church Historian or getting a new Assistant Managing Director or just what. Earl said he was not sure, but he thought he meant that he would seek to have another advisor rather than Brother Hunter or perhaps another Acting Managing Director rather than Brother Anderson. I said to Earl, "Does that mean that Brother Packer himself wants to be our advisor?" Earl said he thought that was the case.
Earl said something about clearing things through correlation. I said that would be the worst thing that could happen. How can they possibly judge us on what is good history and what is bad history. Earl said that we may be forced to it. I said I thought the Twelve [Apostles] would outvote Brother Packer if he made such a suggestion.
At any rate, it seems clear that Brother Packer is making some kind of crusade out of it and will not be satisfied to leave it in the hands of Elder Hunter and Elder McConkie. Earl said as a minimum we ought to bring it up with our advisors at our next meeting and get their counsel of what if anything we should do. Earl says Brother Packer expects some kind of an answer and we need to raise this with the advisors.
Maureen [Beecher] brought Gene England in yesterday and he wanted to talk with me at considerable length about the reasons for withdrawing Maureen's piece from Dialogue. I told him that in my judgment it would not be wise to make an appeal on this. That I wanted to leave it on an ad hoc basis and not force a situation which would establish some kind of a rule that I would have to follow in the future. Gene is looking for a job here. The University of Utah will not hire any committed Mormon in English. BYU would be willing to create a special slot to employ him but Neal Maxwell does not want to go to the board with a special slot bearing his name on account of his former Dialogue association. ...
Jim Allen and Doug Alder returned late in the afternoon yesterday from the American History Association convention in Chicago. They reported a very successful meeting of [session sponsored by] the Mormon History Association. ... There were some all-night meetings of LDS, RLDS, and non-LDS which included Jim and Doug and also Jan Shipps, Paul Edwards, Bob Flanders, Larry Foster, Larry Hunt and some others I don't recall. These were productive, interesting, and inspiring, according to Jim and Doug. ...
I expect to start on a biography of Brigham Young before the end of the year. ...
[Confessions of a Mormon historian : the diaries of Leonard J. Arrington, 1971-1997, Gary James Bergera, editor, Signature Books, 2018]
Boyd Packer repeated very strongly his concerns to Earl [Olsen] and said that we must find some way of preventing the printing of these things from occurring in the future and said that unless we can come to some agreement on it we would have to change the management. I asked Earl what that meantwhether it meant getting a new Church Historian or getting a new Assistant Managing Director or just what. Earl said he was not sure, but he thought he meant that he would seek to have another advisor rather than Brother Hunter or perhaps another Acting Managing Director rather than Brother Anderson. I said to Earl, "Does that mean that Brother Packer himself wants to be our advisor?" Earl said he thought that was the case.
Earl said something about clearing things through correlation. I said that would be the worst thing that could happen. How can they possibly judge us on what is good history and what is bad history. Earl said that we may be forced to it. I said I thought the Twelve [Apostles] would outvote Brother Packer if he made such a suggestion.
At any rate, it seems clear that Brother Packer is making some kind of crusade out of it and will not be satisfied to leave it in the hands of Elder Hunter and Elder McConkie. Earl said as a minimum we ought to bring it up with our advisors at our next meeting and get their counsel of what if anything we should do. Earl says Brother Packer expects some kind of an answer and we need to raise this with the advisors.
Maureen [Beecher] brought Gene England in yesterday and he wanted to talk with me at considerable length about the reasons for withdrawing Maureen's piece from Dialogue. I told him that in my judgment it would not be wise to make an appeal on this. That I wanted to leave it on an ad hoc basis and not force a situation which would establish some kind of a rule that I would have to follow in the future. Gene is looking for a job here. The University of Utah will not hire any committed Mormon in English. BYU would be willing to create a special slot to employ him but Neal Maxwell does not want to go to the board with a special slot bearing his name on account of his former Dialogue association. ...
Jim Allen and Doug Alder returned late in the afternoon yesterday from the American History Association convention in Chicago. They reported a very successful meeting of [session sponsored by] the Mormon History Association. ... There were some all-night meetings of LDS, RLDS, and non-LDS which included Jim and Doug and also Jan Shipps, Paul Edwards, Bob Flanders, Larry Foster, Larry Hunt and some others I don't recall. These were productive, interesting, and inspiring, according to Jim and Doug. ...
I expect to start on a biography of Brigham Young before the end of the year. ...
[Confessions of a Mormon historian : the diaries of Leonard J. Arrington, 1971-1997, Gary James Bergera, editor, Signature Books, 2018]
70 years ago today - Dec 31, 1954
[David O. McKay diary, Dec. 31, 1954] Held a consultation with Elder Richard L. Evans of the Council of the Twelve. We considered the method of presenting the Temple ceremony, having in mind the audience sitting in the same room instead of going to three different rooms.
[Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
[Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
70 years ago today - Dec 31, 1954
[David O. McKay]
Held a consultation with Elder Richard L. Evans of the Council of the Twelve. We considered the method of presenting the Temple ceremony, having in mind the audience sitting in the same room instead of going to three different rooms.
[David O. McKay diary, Dec. 31, 1954, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
Held a consultation with Elder Richard L. Evans of the Council of the Twelve. We considered the method of presenting the Temple ceremony, having in mind the audience sitting in the same room instead of going to three different rooms.
[David O. McKay diary, Dec. 31, 1954, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
130 years ago today - Dec 31, 1894
[Apostle Heber J. Grant]
Had a chat this morning with Gusta and she says that she fears in case we were to get a large amount of money that it would do the children no good. She would prefer to live as we do rather than to have anything happen that would not be for the best. I am glad that she feels this way.
[Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Had a chat this morning with Gusta and she says that she fears in case we were to get a large amount of money that it would do the children no good. She would prefer to live as we do rather than to have anything happen that would not be for the best. I am glad that she feels this way.
[Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
160 years ago today - Dec 31, 1864
"In the fall of [sic, should be spring of 1832], while Joseph was yet at my father's [John Johnson], a mob of forty or fifty came to his house, a few entered his room in the middle of the night, and Carnot Mason dragged Joseph out of bed by the hair of his head; he was then seized by as many as could get hold of him, and taken about forty rods from the house, stretched on a board, and tantalized in the most insulting and brutal manner; they tore off the few night clothes that he had on, for the purpose of emasculating him, and had Dr. Dennison there to perform the operation; but when the Dr. saw the Prophet stripped and stretched on the plank, his heart failed him, and he refused to operate."
["History of Luke Johnson", Millennial Star 26 (December 31, 1864); Exploring Mormonism: Polygamy Timeline, http://www.exploringmormonism.com/polygamy-timeline/]
["History of Luke Johnson", Millennial Star 26 (December 31, 1864); Exploring Mormonism: Polygamy Timeline, http://www.exploringmormonism.com/polygamy-timeline/]
165 years ago today - Dec 31, 1859
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff]
31 Dec 1859 This is the last day of the Year and we are approaching 1860, a year which has been looked for with much interest since I was a Boy. In my own mind I do not suppose that it will be much different From the years which will follow. We are standing in the midst of a Generation which is full of interesting Events. We are approaching Revolutions & Changes which will shake kingdoms, Thrones & Republics, from the [Earth?] to circumference and lay them in the dust and open the way for the Esstablishment of the kingdom of God and of more freedom and liberty than now Exists upon Earth. The signs of the times show that 1860 may be the Commencement of the desolution of the American Union and of Bloody European wars. But the Lord will guide the destiny of the world in such a manner that his will will be done and the Prophets Fulfilled.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
31 Dec 1859 This is the last day of the Year and we are approaching 1860, a year which has been looked for with much interest since I was a Boy. In my own mind I do not suppose that it will be much different From the years which will follow. We are standing in the midst of a Generation which is full of interesting Events. We are approaching Revolutions & Changes which will shake kingdoms, Thrones & Republics, from the [Earth?] to circumference and lay them in the dust and open the way for the Esstablishment of the kingdom of God and of more freedom and liberty than now Exists upon Earth. The signs of the times show that 1860 may be the Commencement of the desolution of the American Union and of Bloody European wars. But the Lord will guide the destiny of the world in such a manner that his will will be done and the Prophets Fulfilled.
[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 - Before Dec 31, 1844
Martin Harris joins the Shakers and a becomes a follower of Anne Lee.
[Mormon Chronology, N. R. Tidd, http://www.exmormon.org/mhistory.html]
[Mormon Chronology, N. R. Tidd, http://www.exmormon.org/mhistory.html]
180 years ago today - Dec 31, 1844
[Brigham Young]
He also spoke of the relation we held to our Father in Heaven and to our Mother, the Queen. If we are faithful we will come in their presence and learn of our first estate. He also spoke of the children of Promise, what they were, that they were very scarce, there is not two or three at present but we should know more about it when the temple was completed. ... Hence, he said a man who cannot preside over a wife and children, much more over a quorum. Therefore, it was our indispensible duty to set ourselves in order that we might become as saviors unto the children of men, for we were placed in high and responsible positions. ... If we were faithful it would be but a short time before we could come up in the same places that the Twelve are and so on until we were very great men, so therefore, we must treasure up knowledge while it is a good time. He also said that in order for a man to save his dead friends he would have to go through the same ordinances to save himself. Hence, it
was a great thing to come up in such a responsible place. In the work for the dead the man would act as proxy for the male friends and his wife for the females, by so doing they became a king and queen. He concluded that we had done well in building a house to meet in and God would bless us. -- Nauvoo, Illinois
[Joseph G. Hovey Autobiography as 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]
He also spoke of the relation we held to our Father in Heaven and to our Mother, the Queen. If we are faithful we will come in their presence and learn of our first estate. He also spoke of the children of Promise, what they were, that they were very scarce, there is not two or three at present but we should know more about it when the temple was completed. ... Hence, he said a man who cannot preside over a wife and children, much more over a quorum. Therefore, it was our indispensible duty to set ourselves in order that we might become as saviors unto the children of men, for we were placed in high and responsible positions. ... If we were faithful it would be but a short time before we could come up in the same places that the Twelve are and so on until we were very great men, so therefore, we must treasure up knowledge while it is a good time. He also said that in order for a man to save his dead friends he would have to go through the same ordinances to save himself. Hence, it
was a great thing to come up in such a responsible place. In the work for the dead the man would act as proxy for the male friends and his wife for the females, by so doing they became a king and queen. He concluded that we had done well in building a house to meet in and God would bless us. -- Nauvoo, Illinois
[Joseph G. Hovey Autobiography as 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]
125 years ago today - Saturday, Dec 30, 1899
[Apostle Rudger Clawson]
2 p.m. Continuation of the meeting of the brethren on Friday. The principal topic of discussion was the attitude of the brethren when arrested and found guilty of unlawful cohabitation. Would it be proper for them to promise to obey the law—or rather express their intention to do so?
President Snow said, he did not see how we could very well do otherwise, in order to satisfy the honorable people of the nation, who are willing to send their sons into battle for the defense of our country, and when they fall in battle it is looked upon as an honor. They are willing to make this sacrifice for their country. They look upon the United States as the greatest nation on the earth and feel that its laws are supreme—and that when it comes to a question of law, the Latter-day Saints should bow. It is necessary sometimes for the saints to make sacrifices for the good of their fellowmen, that the honorable ones of the earth perchance may be saved. This is one of those times. There are, he said, about 300 plural wives among the saints who are bearing children, as against the body of the church—say 350,000—who are not in polygamy. These 300 women for the good of the nation and of the church should be willing for a time to refrain from having children. They would
lose nothing
by it, for the Lord would reward them abundantly.
Though no formal vote was taken the brethren generally seemed to endorse the views of President Snow. Meeting adjourned sine die.
[Stan Larson (editor), A Ministry of Meetings: The Apostolic diaries of Rudger Clawson, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1993, http://bit.ly/rudgerclawson]
2 p.m. Continuation of the meeting of the brethren on Friday. The principal topic of discussion was the attitude of the brethren when arrested and found guilty of unlawful cohabitation. Would it be proper for them to promise to obey the law—or rather express their intention to do so?
President Snow said, he did not see how we could very well do otherwise, in order to satisfy the honorable people of the nation, who are willing to send their sons into battle for the defense of our country, and when they fall in battle it is looked upon as an honor. They are willing to make this sacrifice for their country. They look upon the United States as the greatest nation on the earth and feel that its laws are supreme—and that when it comes to a question of law, the Latter-day Saints should bow. It is necessary sometimes for the saints to make sacrifices for the good of their fellowmen, that the honorable ones of the earth perchance may be saved. This is one of those times. There are, he said, about 300 plural wives among the saints who are bearing children, as against the body of the church—say 350,000—who are not in polygamy. These 300 women for the good of the nation and of the church should be willing for a time to refrain from having children. They would
lose nothing
by it, for the Lord would reward them abundantly.
Though no formal vote was taken the brethren generally seemed to endorse the views of President Snow. Meeting adjourned sine die.
[Stan Larson (editor), A Ministry of Meetings: The Apostolic diaries of Rudger Clawson, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1993, http://bit.ly/rudgerclawson]
125 years ago today - Dec 30, 1899; Saturday
[Apostle Brigham Young Jr.]
Meeting of Pres[idency]. & 12 Bishoprick. Question shall we when bro[ugh]t. to the or before the Court promise to obey the law. Unanimous decision that we must acknowledge its suprem[ac]y. Brethren must not have children born to them by their wives here in this state. ...
[Brigham Young Jr., Diary]
Meeting of Pres[idency]. & 12 Bishoprick. Question shall we when bro[ugh]t. to the or before the Court promise to obey the law. Unanimous decision that we must acknowledge its suprem[ac]y. Brethren must not have children born to them by their wives here in this state. ...
[Brigham Young Jr., Diary]
125 years ago today - Dec 30, 1899
[Abraham Owen Woodruff]
Pres[iden]t. [Lorenzo] Snow gave me about the most complete sitting down I ever got in my life because he misunderstood me.
[Abraham Owen Woodruff 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]
Pres[iden]t. [Lorenzo] Snow gave me about the most complete sitting down I ever got in my life because he misunderstood me.
[Abraham Owen Woodruff 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]
170 years ago today - Dec 30, 1854
Colonel Steptoe, who had been offered the governorship of Utah by Pres. Pierce but declined, along with leading officials and business men of SLC signed a petition and sent it to Washington recommending Pres. Pierce reappoint Brigham Young as Governor of Utah Territory.
[Hale, Van, Mormon Miscellaneous, Utah War Chronology, http://www.mormonmiscellaneous.com/utahwar/id2.html]
[Hale, Van, Mormon Miscellaneous, Utah War Chronology, http://www.mormonmiscellaneous.com/utahwar/id2.html]
180 years ago today - Dec 30, 1844
[Wilford Woodruff]
I was in dreams nearly all of last night. Saw A large fire, A field of green corn, repaird old tubs to hold water, ground grain for the Saints Among other things I had an interview with the Patriarch Hyrum Smith who was martered. He wished me to get a plain gold ring made of fine gold set a stone in it & put some of his hair in it & wear it, & also some of Joseph Hair. ...
[Wilford Woodruff Dreams and Visions, Saints Without Halos, Scott Kenney (http://web.archive.org/web/20120805163534/saintswithouthalos.com/n/dreams_ww.phtml)]
I was in dreams nearly all of last night. Saw A large fire, A field of green corn, repaird old tubs to hold water, ground grain for the Saints Among other things I had an interview with the Patriarch Hyrum Smith who was martered. He wished me to get a plain gold ring made of fine gold set a stone in it & put some of his hair in it & wear it, & also some of Joseph Hair. ...
[Wilford Woodruff Dreams and Visions, Saints Without Halos, Scott Kenney (http://web.archive.org/web/20120805163534/saintswithouthalos.com/n/dreams_ww.phtml)]
180 years ago today - Dec 30, 1844
[Wilford Woodruff]
A dream on the night of the 30th Dec 1844 (WWJ 2:492): Behold and lo in a dream I was in Council with the Martered Prophet & Patriarch & the quorum of the Twelve Apostles in America. I thought we had all got to be ordained for some purpose. I was called upon by Br Young & another person to assist in administering the ordinances. In the midst of the Council, Sidney Rigdon Came in & was objected to by Hyrum Smith.
I awoke & again fell asleep & dreamed of being in council with the Twelve & others. I made an address to them. John E. Page arose to address the meeting but was stoped by some female & was followed by Elder Willard Snow
I have recorded this dream yet I Pay but little attention to dreams that I have on ship board for I am nearly all the while in some dream while asleep on board of the ship.
[Wilford Woodruff Dreams and Visions, Saints Without Halos, Scott Kenney (http://web.archive.org/web/20120805163534/saintswithouthalos.com/n/dreams_ww.phtml)]
A dream on the night of the 30th Dec 1844 (WWJ 2:492): Behold and lo in a dream I was in Council with the Martered Prophet & Patriarch & the quorum of the Twelve Apostles in America. I thought we had all got to be ordained for some purpose. I was called upon by Br Young & another person to assist in administering the ordinances. In the midst of the Council, Sidney Rigdon Came in & was objected to by Hyrum Smith.
I awoke & again fell asleep & dreamed of being in council with the Twelve & others. I made an address to them. John E. Page arose to address the meeting but was stoped by some female & was followed by Elder Willard Snow
I have recorded this dream yet I Pay but little attention to dreams that I have on ship board for I am nearly all the while in some dream while asleep on board of the ship.
[Wilford Woodruff Dreams and Visions, Saints Without Halos, Scott Kenney (http://web.archive.org/web/20120805163534/saintswithouthalos.com/n/dreams_ww.phtml)]
180 years ago today - About Dec 30, 1844
[Wilford Woodruff]
.... Joseph Smith visited me a great deal after his death, and taught me many important principles. The last time he visited me was going on my last mission to preside in England. My companions were Brother Leonard W. Hardy, Brother Milton Holmes, Brother Dan Jones, and another brother, and my wife and two other women. ...
We had been traveling three days and nights in a heavy gale, and were being driven backwards. Finally I asked my companions to come into the cabin with me, and I told them to pray that the Lord would change the wind. I had no fears of being lost; but I did not like the idea of being driven back to New York, as I wanted to go on my journey. We all offered the same prayer, both men and women; and when we got through we stepped on to the deck and in less than a minute it was as though a man had taken a sword and cut that gale through, and you might have thrown a muslin handkerchief out and it would not have moved it.
... Joseph and Hyrum visited me, and the Prophet laid before me a great many things. Among other things, he told me to get the Spirit of God; that all of us needed it. He also told me what the Twelve Apostles would be called to go through on the earth before the coming of the Son of Man, and what the reward of their labors would be; but all that was taken from me, for some reason. Nevertheless I know it was most glorious, although much would be required at our hands.
Joseph Smith continued visiting myself and others up to a certain time, and then it stopped. The last time I saw him was in heaven. In the night vision I saw him at the door of the temple in heaven. He came and spoke to me. He said he could not stop to talk with me because he was in a hurry. The next man I met was Father Smith; he could not talk with me because he was in a hurry. I met half a dozen brethren who had held high positions on earth, and none of them could could stop to talk with me because they were in a hurry. I was much astonished.
By and by I saw the Prophet again, and I got the privilege to ask him a question, "Now," said I, "I want to know why you are in a hurry. I have been in a hurry all through my life; but I expected my hurry would be over when I got into the kingdom of heaven, if I ever did."
Joseph said:
I will tell you, Brother Woodruff. Every dispensation that has had the Priesthood on the earth and has gone into the celestial kingdom, has had a certain amount of work to do to prepare to go to the earth with the Savior when He goes to reign on the earth. Each dispensation has had ample time to do this work. We have not. We are the last dispensation, and so much work has to be done, and we need to be in a hurry in order to accomplish it.
Of couse, that was satisfactory to me, but it was new doctrine to me.
[Wilford Woodruff Dreams and Visions, Saints Without Halos, Scott Kenney (http://web.archive.org/web/20120805163534/saintswithouthalos.com/n/dreams_ww.phtml)]
.... Joseph Smith visited me a great deal after his death, and taught me many important principles. The last time he visited me was going on my last mission to preside in England. My companions were Brother Leonard W. Hardy, Brother Milton Holmes, Brother Dan Jones, and another brother, and my wife and two other women. ...
We had been traveling three days and nights in a heavy gale, and were being driven backwards. Finally I asked my companions to come into the cabin with me, and I told them to pray that the Lord would change the wind. I had no fears of being lost; but I did not like the idea of being driven back to New York, as I wanted to go on my journey. We all offered the same prayer, both men and women; and when we got through we stepped on to the deck and in less than a minute it was as though a man had taken a sword and cut that gale through, and you might have thrown a muslin handkerchief out and it would not have moved it.
... Joseph and Hyrum visited me, and the Prophet laid before me a great many things. Among other things, he told me to get the Spirit of God; that all of us needed it. He also told me what the Twelve Apostles would be called to go through on the earth before the coming of the Son of Man, and what the reward of their labors would be; but all that was taken from me, for some reason. Nevertheless I know it was most glorious, although much would be required at our hands.
Joseph Smith continued visiting myself and others up to a certain time, and then it stopped. The last time I saw him was in heaven. In the night vision I saw him at the door of the temple in heaven. He came and spoke to me. He said he could not stop to talk with me because he was in a hurry. The next man I met was Father Smith; he could not talk with me because he was in a hurry. I met half a dozen brethren who had held high positions on earth, and none of them could could stop to talk with me because they were in a hurry. I was much astonished.
By and by I saw the Prophet again, and I got the privilege to ask him a question, "Now," said I, "I want to know why you are in a hurry. I have been in a hurry all through my life; but I expected my hurry would be over when I got into the kingdom of heaven, if I ever did."
Joseph said:
I will tell you, Brother Woodruff. Every dispensation that has had the Priesthood on the earth and has gone into the celestial kingdom, has had a certain amount of work to do to prepare to go to the earth with the Savior when He goes to reign on the earth. Each dispensation has had ample time to do this work. We have not. We are the last dispensation, and so much work has to be done, and we need to be in a hurry in order to accomplish it.
Of couse, that was satisfactory to me, but it was new doctrine to me.
[Wilford Woodruff Dreams and Visions, Saints Without Halos, Scott Kenney (http://web.archive.org/web/20120805163534/saintswithouthalos.com/n/dreams_ww.phtml)]
195 years ago today - Dec 30, 1829
Ethan Smith offers opening prayers and heads a committee at the three-day Antimasonic State Convention of Massachusetts. The committee was appointed "to inquire how far Free Masonry and French Illuminism [the Illuminati] are connected." Their report finds a '"two-fold ... horrid scheme" to destroy Christian government and religion "... they soon began to boast among themselves of the power of secret societies ... and Speculative Masonry ... as a most fit cover for [Illuminism's] occult operations."' Ethan Smith feels Voltaire's goal was to destroy Christianity through philosophy.
A Mr. Bowman suggests "secret and selfish combinations, with the spirit and principles of Masonry, had existed in all ages."(Moses 5:31, 35; Alma 37:30-31; Ether 8:19, 22; 14:8, 10; 9:1; 13:18; 2 Ne. 9:9; 26:22; Hel. 3:23; 3 Ne. 4:29; Morm. 8:27; D&C 42:64)
[Grunder, Rick, Mormon Parallels: A Bibliographic Source]
A Mr. Bowman suggests "secret and selfish combinations, with the spirit and principles of Masonry, had existed in all ages."(Moses 5:31, 35; Alma 37:30-31; Ether 8:19, 22; 14:8, 10; 9:1; 13:18; 2 Ne. 9:9; 26:22; Hel. 3:23; 3 Ne. 4:29; Morm. 8:27; D&C 42:64)
[Grunder, Rick, Mormon Parallels: A Bibliographic Source]
125 years ago today - 115 years - Dec 29, 1899
[Minutes of the Apostles]
Bro[ther]. John Henry Smith was asked to explain the object of the meeting. He said there was a scheme on foot to disfranchise the Mormon people through an amendment to the Constitution. ...
Bro[ther]. John Henry Smith again remarked that the effect upon the people would be of extreme moment, that is, upon those liable to arrest. ... He closed by saying that it was his unqualified opinion that the church should not directly nor indirectly be found bearing the burdens of polygamists; and as for himself, he was willing to declare to a tabernacle congregation that he held himself amenable to the laws of this country, and that every man should bear his own burden, and that the fact of himself and other polygamists having lived with an maintained their plural families should not in any sense affect the liberties of the people who are not polygamists.
... Pres[iden]t. [George Q.] Cannon now remarked that he was impressed witho ne things, that is the sentiment of the brethren who had spoken could be discerned in his politics. (Bro[ther]. Grant here took exceptions to this remark.) Pres[iden]t. Cannon thought there was a question deeper than anything yet touched upon, that is, the policy the church was going to pursue in regard to our marital relations; that is, whether we should take the course suggested by Bro[ther]. John Henry, and eat humble pie; whether we will obey the law, or go on as we are now going and defend violations of the law. He thought it was bad ground for us to occupy to justify ourselves in having children by our plural wives; he thought it right and proper however for us to have children by them, but did not think it wise for us to claim the right to do so when the laws of the state were against it. Plural wives bearing children should, he thought, be placed beyond the power of the law. He
believed that public feelings would be placated if we were not called upon to defend violations of the law, but regard such cases as sporadic cases. The speaker said he was satisfied that we should not come out and say we are not going to have children by our plural wives, and that nation would not expect this at our hands; and he did nto think that anything would have such a tendency to quiet public feeling so much as for men to go into court and promise to obey the law and not equivocate. He said that from the beginning he his mind was clear on this point, that we should not show the least feeling of defying the law. While we feel keenly the justice of our cause, in Washington [D.C.] that feature figures but little. Prejudice has weight. He did not think it would be a good thing for Bro[ther]. John Henry to make the public utterance suggested by him; but he did think that a course might be taken to placate the leading men of the nation. He differed from some of the speakers that
we could not be disfranchised without a constitutional amendment. We were given statehood on certain conditions; and he believed prejudices could be worked up to such a pitch as to cause Congress to act by a short cut. It must be admitted by all that we have disappointed the Republican party. They admitted us with the idea that we would be at least part fo the time a Republican state. By giving the women the franchise destroyed the Republican chances in the State. Pres[iden]t. Cannon closed by saying that there certain was an impression abroad that the News was a Democratic paper, and President Snow's name as its publisher, has been used to the injury of the Republican party.
Adjourned until tomorrow.
[Minutes, 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]
Bro[ther]. John Henry Smith was asked to explain the object of the meeting. He said there was a scheme on foot to disfranchise the Mormon people through an amendment to the Constitution. ...
Bro[ther]. John Henry Smith again remarked that the effect upon the people would be of extreme moment, that is, upon those liable to arrest. ... He closed by saying that it was his unqualified opinion that the church should not directly nor indirectly be found bearing the burdens of polygamists; and as for himself, he was willing to declare to a tabernacle congregation that he held himself amenable to the laws of this country, and that every man should bear his own burden, and that the fact of himself and other polygamists having lived with an maintained their plural families should not in any sense affect the liberties of the people who are not polygamists.
... Pres[iden]t. [George Q.] Cannon now remarked that he was impressed witho ne things, that is the sentiment of the brethren who had spoken could be discerned in his politics. (Bro[ther]. Grant here took exceptions to this remark.) Pres[iden]t. Cannon thought there was a question deeper than anything yet touched upon, that is, the policy the church was going to pursue in regard to our marital relations; that is, whether we should take the course suggested by Bro[ther]. John Henry, and eat humble pie; whether we will obey the law, or go on as we are now going and defend violations of the law. He thought it was bad ground for us to occupy to justify ourselves in having children by our plural wives; he thought it right and proper however for us to have children by them, but did not think it wise for us to claim the right to do so when the laws of the state were against it. Plural wives bearing children should, he thought, be placed beyond the power of the law. He
believed that public feelings would be placated if we were not called upon to defend violations of the law, but regard such cases as sporadic cases. The speaker said he was satisfied that we should not come out and say we are not going to have children by our plural wives, and that nation would not expect this at our hands; and he did nto think that anything would have such a tendency to quiet public feeling so much as for men to go into court and promise to obey the law and not equivocate. He said that from the beginning he his mind was clear on this point, that we should not show the least feeling of defying the law. While we feel keenly the justice of our cause, in Washington [D.C.] that feature figures but little. Prejudice has weight. He did not think it would be a good thing for Bro[ther]. John Henry to make the public utterance suggested by him; but he did think that a course might be taken to placate the leading men of the nation. He differed from some of the speakers that
we could not be disfranchised without a constitutional amendment. We were given statehood on certain conditions; and he believed prejudices could be worked up to such a pitch as to cause Congress to act by a short cut. It must be admitted by all that we have disappointed the Republican party. They admitted us with the idea that we would be at least part fo the time a Republican state. By giving the women the franchise destroyed the Republican chances in the State. Pres[iden]t. Cannon closed by saying that there certain was an impression abroad that the News was a Democratic paper, and President Snow's name as its publisher, has been used to the injury of the Republican party.
Adjourned until tomorrow.
[Minutes, 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]
125 years ago today - 115 years - Dec 29, 1899; Friday
[First Presidency and Quorum of Twelve minutes]
Brother Richard M. Robinson, of Grantsville [Utah], called, having just returned from a mission to Florida. He exhibited a gold coin, a little larger though a little thinner than our ten cent silver coin, and containing well marked characters. He stated that this coin had been found by Brother I. N. Carlton of Casey Settlement, Camden County, Georgia, while plowing in his field at that place. It was situated on the St. Mary River, which divides Georgia from Florida. The coin was plowed up last spring, and was given to Brother Robinson in the latter part of August. He now presented it to President Snow, as head of the Church, hoping that it might be found useful in helping to establish the authenticity of the Book of Mormon, or for some other sacred purpose.
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
Brother Richard M. Robinson, of Grantsville [Utah], called, having just returned from a mission to Florida. He exhibited a gold coin, a little larger though a little thinner than our ten cent silver coin, and containing well marked characters. He stated that this coin had been found by Brother I. N. Carlton of Casey Settlement, Camden County, Georgia, while plowing in his field at that place. It was situated on the St. Mary River, which divides Georgia from Florida. The coin was plowed up last spring, and was given to Brother Robinson in the latter part of August. He now presented it to President Snow, as head of the Church, hoping that it might be found useful in helping to establish the authenticity of the Book of Mormon, or for some other sacred purpose.
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
130 years ago today - 120 years - Dec 29, 1894
[Apostle Heber J. Grant]
And now that the prospects are thin I am going to make some money I feel as desirous of the wisdom as ever, and I only want the success with the wisdom and I pray for failure with all my heart if success is not for the best in the sight of my Father in Heaven, but I will indeed be thankful if He is willing to bless me with some means. I would also be thankful if He is willing to have my brother make enough to free himself from debt.
[Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
And now that the prospects are thin I am going to make some money I feel as desirous of the wisdom as ever, and I only want the success with the wisdom and I pray for failure with all my heart if success is not for the best in the sight of my Father in Heaven, but I will indeed be thankful if He is willing to bless me with some means. I would also be thankful if He is willing to have my brother make enough to free himself from debt.
[Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
170 years ago today - 160 years - Dec 29, 1854
[Hosea Stout]
This evening at 6 I attended a social party at Br Lorenzo Snows[.] He has a Hall spendidly fitted up for the purpose of social entertainment where his friends assemble about once a week.
The Evening from 6 to 10 is spent in music, public speaking songs, Essays & the like in all well calculated to elevate the mind & promote a high toned feeling in society.
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
This evening at 6 I attended a social party at Br Lorenzo Snows[.] He has a Hall spendidly fitted up for the purpose of social entertainment where his friends assemble about once a week.
The Evening from 6 to 10 is spent in music, public speaking songs, Essays & the like in all well calculated to elevate the mind & promote a high toned feeling in society.
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
180 years ago today - Dec 29, 1844
[Brigham Young]
Now concerning the organization of the kingdom of God that is brought to pass. The Savior told his disciples, as he has seen the Father do so does he, and as Joseph Smith seen Jesus Christ do so does he, and as I have seen Joseph do so do I. Then follow me and I will lead you into the kingdom and if I do not then I'll give my soul for yours. All I want you to do is to obey my council and do what I tell you. ...
Before God and Jesus was the first born, or begotten of the Father, and we were sent here upon this earth to choose bodies and dwell in the flesh as our Father who is in heaven. God sent Adam first and Eve. ...
But the devil being one of the organization of the heavenly body, third in power, prince of the air, he had a spirit like Cain. He saw that Jesus was the most acceptable before the Father; he loved righteousness and hated iniquity. This gave a jealousy to him and he began to accuse the brethren which soon hurled him. Adam and Eve then being sent to this earth, Satan then went forth and told Eve that she should know good and evil if she eat of it. And she did so, for he told her many truth and some lies. ...
And now we are to be saviors of men of our brethren to redeem our dead friends and the friends of those who will not save their own friends, to exalt ourselves until we are all linked together again. ...
Then we shall have power to create worlds ourselves and rule them as Jesus did. ...
I will now give an account of the cause of the power of Satan reigning in the hearts of the children of men. They do not understand that he is the prince and power of the air. Therefore he is continually going about to seek to destroy the peace of the righteous and to gain them into his kingdom to reign with him, for if any man gives place or cause for him he will enter into him until that man or woman spews him out and casts him away from them, for Satan is a disembodied spirit who was cast out of heaven because of accusing their brethren. ...
And he gets into beasts and all because they have no bodies. No, nor never will get bodies to be exalted because they kept not the first, or their first estate. Now we see if there are any possessed with devils they will froth and foam and cut themselves for they do not know what aileth them, for these spirits strive against one another trying to see who will be the greatest of them for they have no order nor organization that can reign in peace or order. Now the office of the Holy Ghost concerning the speaking in tongues and prophesying we know these things are brought to us to know that there is such a thing but we cannot tell how we know or whence they came for it is utterly impossible for us to speak these in our natural tongue. But they can be uttered by the spirit and also the interpretation is given in the same way.
[George Laub Journal as 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]
Now concerning the organization of the kingdom of God that is brought to pass. The Savior told his disciples, as he has seen the Father do so does he, and as Joseph Smith seen Jesus Christ do so does he, and as I have seen Joseph do so do I. Then follow me and I will lead you into the kingdom and if I do not then I'll give my soul for yours. All I want you to do is to obey my council and do what I tell you. ...
Before God and Jesus was the first born, or begotten of the Father, and we were sent here upon this earth to choose bodies and dwell in the flesh as our Father who is in heaven. God sent Adam first and Eve. ...
But the devil being one of the organization of the heavenly body, third in power, prince of the air, he had a spirit like Cain. He saw that Jesus was the most acceptable before the Father; he loved righteousness and hated iniquity. This gave a jealousy to him and he began to accuse the brethren which soon hurled him. Adam and Eve then being sent to this earth, Satan then went forth and told Eve that she should know good and evil if she eat of it. And she did so, for he told her many truth and some lies. ...
And now we are to be saviors of men of our brethren to redeem our dead friends and the friends of those who will not save their own friends, to exalt ourselves until we are all linked together again. ...
Then we shall have power to create worlds ourselves and rule them as Jesus did. ...
I will now give an account of the cause of the power of Satan reigning in the hearts of the children of men. They do not understand that he is the prince and power of the air. Therefore he is continually going about to seek to destroy the peace of the righteous and to gain them into his kingdom to reign with him, for if any man gives place or cause for him he will enter into him until that man or woman spews him out and casts him away from them, for Satan is a disembodied spirit who was cast out of heaven because of accusing their brethren. ...
And he gets into beasts and all because they have no bodies. No, nor never will get bodies to be exalted because they kept not the first, or their first estate. Now we see if there are any possessed with devils they will froth and foam and cut themselves for they do not know what aileth them, for these spirits strive against one another trying to see who will be the greatest of them for they have no order nor organization that can reign in peace or order. Now the office of the Holy Ghost concerning the speaking in tongues and prophesying we know these things are brought to us to know that there is such a thing but we cannot tell how we know or whence they came for it is utterly impossible for us to speak these in our natural tongue. But they can be uttered by the spirit and also the interpretation is given in the same way.
[George Laub Journal as 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]
185 years ago today - Dec 29, 1839
The Nauvoo high council votes to print 10,000 copies of a new hymnbook and a new edition of the Book of Mormon.
[Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
[Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
195 years ago today - Winter 1829
Smith received revelation via his seer stone to sell copyright of the Book of Mormon. When effort fail, Smith declares revelation was not from God.
[Chronology of Mormon History, http://followtheprophets.com/chronology-of-mormon-history/]
[Chronology of Mormon History, http://followtheprophets.com/chronology-of-mormon-history/]
45 years ago today - Winter 1979-80.
A survey of Exponent II readers shows that 66 percent rate themselves "very active" with an additional 18 percent reporting themselves as "above average" in activity; 43 percent are employed; 95 percent have attended college; 95 percent subscribe to the Ensign, 35 percent subscribe to Dialogue, and 22 percent subscribe to Sunstone. They average 3. children.
[Anderson, Lavina Fielding, "The LDS Intellectual Community and Church Leadership: A Contemporary Chronology," Dialogue, Vol.26, No.1]
[Anderson, Lavina Fielding, "The LDS Intellectual Community and Church Leadership: A Contemporary Chronology," Dialogue, Vol.26, No.1]
90 years ago today - Dec 28, 1934
[Heber J. Grant letter]
Musser and Broadbent, to whom you refer in your letter of December 19, have both been excommunicated from the Church for conduct in violation of the teachings of the Church pertaining to plural marriage.
At the time when polygamy was taught by the leaders of the Church and members of the Church entered into that relationship in honor and good faith, the Government saw fit to send many of our people to the penitentiary for cohabiting with more than one wife, but the officers of the law seem to pay no attention whatever to men who are committing adultery. My only hope of crushing this pretended plural marriage activity is for the law to send some of these people to the penitentiary.
[Heber J. Grant, Letter to Alonzo A. Hinckley, 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]
Musser and Broadbent, to whom you refer in your letter of December 19, have both been excommunicated from the Church for conduct in violation of the teachings of the Church pertaining to plural marriage.
At the time when polygamy was taught by the leaders of the Church and members of the Church entered into that relationship in honor and good faith, the Government saw fit to send many of our people to the penitentiary for cohabiting with more than one wife, but the officers of the law seem to pay no attention whatever to men who are committing adultery. My only hope of crushing this pretended plural marriage activity is for the law to send some of these people to the penitentiary.
[Heber J. Grant, Letter to Alonzo A. Hinckley, 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]
130 years ago today - Dec 28, 1894
[President Wilford Woodruff]
At 3 oclock I Attended the Dedication of the Joint City & County Building. I Offered the Dedicatory Prayer. We had an interesting day.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
At 3 oclock I Attended the Dedication of the Joint City & County Building. I Offered the Dedicatory Prayer. We had an interesting day.
[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 - Dec 28, 1889
[Apostle Heber J. Grant]
I called at the Gardo and the brethren were anxious that I should get up a letter from the business men endorsing the [Blood Atonement] Manifesto of the Apostles.
[Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
I called at the Gardo and the brethren were anxious that I should get up a letter from the business men endorsing the [Blood Atonement] Manifesto of the Apostles.
[Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
165 years ago today - Dec 28, 1859
Brother Carrington read a Letter to us From Capt Hooper who said "This union will be disolved within 18 month." He also read the message of the Govornor of Missippi whos recommendation to his state is that they Call a state Convention and Call upon all the Slave holding State to Form a Southern Union and seced from the North if their was a Republican President Elected in the United States.
[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]
195 years ago today - Dec 28, 1829
[Oliver Cowdery to Joseph Smith]
.... Your great anxiety will probably be to know of the progress of the work in the which we are <<so deeply>> engaged and possibly our souls wellfare all of which Father can make known unto you[.] it may [-] look rather strange to you to find that I have so soon become a printer ...
{Editorial Note:
... Cowdery's letter followed the discovery earlier in the month of Abner Cole's plan to publish extracts from the Book of Mormon in his Palmyra Reflector. Cowdery's mention that Joseph Sr. was planning to go "directly" to Harmony for the purpose of bringing Joseph Jr. to Palmyra/Manchester to settle the matter with Cole... Joseph Sr.'s trip, however, must have been delayed because Cole continued to publish extracts in his paper ...
[Oliver Cowdery to Joseph Smith, 28 December 1829, Joseph Smith Letterbook, 1:4-5, Joseph Smith Papers, LDS Church Archives, Salt Lake City, Utah., as cited in Dan Vogel, Early Mormon Documents: Oliver Cowdery To Joseph Smith]
.... Your great anxiety will probably be to know of the progress of the work in the which we are <<so deeply>> engaged and possibly our souls wellfare all of which Father can make known unto you[.] it may [-] look rather strange to you to find that I have so soon become a printer ...
{Editorial Note:
... Cowdery's letter followed the discovery earlier in the month of Abner Cole's plan to publish extracts from the Book of Mormon in his Palmyra Reflector. Cowdery's mention that Joseph Sr. was planning to go "directly" to Harmony for the purpose of bringing Joseph Jr. to Palmyra/Manchester to settle the matter with Cole... Joseph Sr.'s trip, however, must have been delayed because Cole continued to publish extracts in his paper ...
[Oliver Cowdery to Joseph Smith, 28 December 1829, Joseph Smith Letterbook, 1:4-5, Joseph Smith Papers, LDS Church Archives, Salt Lake City, Utah., as cited in Dan Vogel, Early Mormon Documents: Oliver Cowdery To Joseph Smith]
125 years ago today - Dec 27, 1899
When Salt Lake temple worker Joseph H. Dean visits President Snow at home, he "brot me a glass of wine also and some cake."
[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 - Wednesday, Dec 27, 1899
[Apostle John Henry Smith]
Francis M. Lyman and I spent the evening at the residence of H. B. Clawson with chief Justice Bartch. We had a long talk over the situation at Washington. Bartch says an effort will be made to disfranchise all of the Mormon people.
[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]
Francis M. Lyman and I spent the evening at the residence of H. B. Clawson with chief Justice Bartch. We had a long talk over the situation at Washington. Bartch says an effort will be made to disfranchise all of the Mormon people.
[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]
145 years ago today - Dec 27,1879
Apostle Wilford Woodruff tells stake conference in Snowflake, Arizona, "There will be no United States in the year 1890."
[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]
150 years ago today - Dec 27, 1874
[Brigham Young Jr.]
Spent the evening with Father [Brigham Young][.] Had a splendid time. He seems to feel well and talked over the plan for [the] next temple which he proposes building somewhere in Sanpete; and the next one in Logan[.] He says the next plan will be more expressly adapted to the labors of sealing men to men; men to women, baptisms, anointings, washings and other ordinances.
[Brigham Young Jr. diary, Dec. 27, 1874 as quoted in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
Spent the evening with Father [Brigham Young][.] Had a splendid time. He seems to feel well and talked over the plan for [the] next temple which he proposes building somewhere in Sanpete; and the next one in Logan[.] He says the next plan will be more expressly adapted to the labors of sealing men to men; men to women, baptisms, anointings, washings and other ordinances.
[Brigham Young Jr. diary, Dec. 27, 1874 as quoted in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
160 years ago today - December 27, 1864
[Heber C. Kimball Revelations]
[Dec] the 27 1864ÂTusday
I was told by the Lord that those that had Saught my hurt and had caused me to be cast off by His Servent Brigham should see sorrow and be removed out of their place. Daniel H. Wells, Albert Carrington, Joseph A. Young and others and they should be spoiled in all there Evil designs.
["H. C. Kimball Memorandum" book, On the Potters Wheel: The Diaries of Heber C. Kimball, Stanley B. Kimball, editor, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Dec] the 27 1864ÂTusday
I was told by the Lord that those that had Saught my hurt and had caused me to be cast off by His Servent Brigham should see sorrow and be removed out of their place. Daniel H. Wells, Albert Carrington, Joseph A. Young and others and they should be spoiled in all there Evil designs.
["H. C. Kimball Memorandum" book, On the Potters Wheel: The Diaries of Heber C. Kimball, Stanley B. Kimball, editor, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
165 years ago today - Dec 27, 1859
Had a discussion with the Pres. [Brigham Young] upon the organization of the world. President alluded to the doctrine of the resurrection. The resurrection would bring particles of our bodies together; however much they might be scattered. The Almighty could speak the word and these scattered particles of our bodies would come together. Pres. observed that naturalists have divided the kingdom into parts. This is not so, as the human species are linked to the animal and the creation to all one according to its several gradations. It is the design of the Father to continually protect us through numerous gradations to increase the intelligence of the human family for their enjoyment, even all those who yield to the teachings of the spirit and obey the law of their probation. Those who deny the Holy Ghost will return to native element and lose their identity. -- Salt Lake City
[Brigham Young Office Journals, Special Collections, Merrill-Cazier Library, Utah State University, Logan.; Archives, Church History Library, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City, Utah.; New Mormon Studies CD-ROM as quoted in Brigham Young Office Journals, Special Collections, Merrill-Cazier Library, Utah State University, Logan.; Archives, Church History Library, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City, Utah.; New Mormon Studies CD-ROM], in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
[Brigham Young Office Journals, Special Collections, Merrill-Cazier Library, Utah State University, Logan.; Archives, Church History Library, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City, Utah.; New Mormon Studies CD-ROM as quoted in Brigham Young Office Journals, Special Collections, Merrill-Cazier Library, Utah State University, Logan.; Archives, Church History Library, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City, Utah.; New Mormon Studies CD-ROM], in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
165 years ago today - Dec 27, 1859
[Brigham Young]
Had a discussion with the Pres. upon the organization of the world. President alluded to the doctrine of the resurrection. The resurrection would bring particles of our bodies together; however much they might be scattered. The Almighty could speak the word and these scattered particles of our bodies would come together. Pres. observed that naturalists have divided the kingdom into parts. This is not so, as the human species are linked to the animal and the creation to all one according to its several gradations. It is the design of the Father to continually protect us through numerous gradations to increase the intelligence of the human family for their enjoyment, even all those who yield to the teachings of the spirit and obey the law of their probation. Those who deny the Holy Ghost will return to native element and lose their identity. -- Salt Lake City
[Brigham Young Office Journals, Special Collections, Merrill-Cazier Library, Utah State University, Logan.; Archives, Church History Library, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City, Utah.; New Mormon Studies CD-ROM as quoted in Brigham Young Office Journals, Special Collections, Merrill-Cazier Library, Utah State University, Logan.; Archives, Church History Library, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City, Utah.; New Mormon Studies CD-ROM], in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
Had a discussion with the Pres. upon the organization of the world. President alluded to the doctrine of the resurrection. The resurrection would bring particles of our bodies together; however much they might be scattered. The Almighty could speak the word and these scattered particles of our bodies would come together. Pres. observed that naturalists have divided the kingdom into parts. This is not so, as the human species are linked to the animal and the creation to all one according to its several gradations. It is the design of the Father to continually protect us through numerous gradations to increase the intelligence of the human family for their enjoyment, even all those who yield to the teachings of the spirit and obey the law of their probation. Those who deny the Holy Ghost will return to native element and lose their identity. -- Salt Lake City
[Brigham Young Office Journals, Special Collections, Merrill-Cazier Library, Utah State University, Logan.; Archives, Church History Library, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City, Utah.; New Mormon Studies CD-ROM as quoted in Brigham Young Office Journals, Special Collections, Merrill-Cazier Library, Utah State University, Logan.; Archives, Church History Library, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City, Utah.; New Mormon Studies CD-ROM], 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 - Dec 27, 1844. Friday.
[William Clayton]
....After meeting I asked Brother [Winslow] Farr if he had come to a conclusion and he gave assent to my request [to marry his daughter Diantha] and seemed to feel well.
[George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://amzn.to/william-clayton]
....After meeting I asked Brother [Winslow] Farr if he had come to a conclusion and he gave assent to my request [to marry his daughter Diantha] and seemed to feel well.
[George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://amzn.to/william-clayton]
195 years ago today - 185 years - Circa Dec 27, 1829
Hyrum Smith and Oliver Cowdery discover Abner Cole in Grandin's print shop on a Sunday planning to publish extracts from the Book of Mormon . It is decided that Joseph Sr. should go to Harmony to get Joseph Jr. . This event occurred before Cowdery wrote his letter of 28 December , and, at the earliest, on 6 December when Cole set the type for the 9 December issue of the Reflector, in which he promised to publish excerpt from the Book of Mormon. Cole published two issues of his paper before including a Book of Mormon extract (1 Nephi 1:1-2:3) in the 2 January issue. He probably set the type for this issue on Sunday, 27 December, which is the most likely date of his confrontation with Hyrum. Extracts from the Book of Mormon continued to appear in the Reflector on 13 and 22 January 1830.
[Vogel, Dan, Early Mormon Documents, Appendix B: Chronology, 1771-1831, http://amzn.to/T5nY8w]
[Vogel, Dan, Early Mormon Documents, Appendix B: Chronology, 1771-1831, http://amzn.to/T5nY8w]
20 years ago today - Dec 26, 2004
President Gordon B. Hinckley appears a fourth time on ―Larry King Live.
[Sherry Baker: Mormon Media History Timeline: 1827-2007, http://byustudies.byu.edu/showTitle.aspx?title=7984]
[Sherry Baker: Mormon Media History Timeline: 1827-2007, http://byustudies.byu.edu/showTitle.aspx?title=7984]
70 years ago today - Dec 26, 1954
Hugh B. Brown delivers the first of five testimonial addresses ―Whom say ye that I am? on the divinity of Christ over KSL radio (last broadcast is on January 30, 1955).
[Sherry Baker: Mormon Media History Timeline: 1827-2007, http://byustudies.byu.edu/showTitle.aspx?title=7984]
[Sherry Baker: Mormon Media History Timeline: 1827-2007, http://byustudies.byu.edu/showTitle.aspx?title=7984]
110 years ago today - Dec 26, 1914; Saturday
[Apostle Anthony Ivins]
Tooele. In Australia recruits were asked to take the oath. No one [had] a bible. One of our church members w[ho] had enlisted had a Book of Mormon, which was used.
[Anderson, Elizabeth Oberdick, editor, Cowboy Apostle: The Diaries of Anthony W. Ivins: 1875-1932, Signature Books, Salt Lake City in association with the Smith-Pettit Foundation (2013) - http://bit.ly/AnthonyIvins]
Tooele. In Australia recruits were asked to take the oath. No one [had] a bible. One of our church members w[ho] had enlisted had a Book of Mormon, which was used.
[Anderson, Elizabeth Oberdick, editor, Cowboy Apostle: The Diaries of Anthony W. Ivins: 1875-1932, Signature Books, Salt Lake City in association with the Smith-Pettit Foundation (2013) - http://bit.ly/AnthonyIvins]
120 years ago today - Dec 26, 1904
[Joseph Eckersley]
Bro[ther]. G. S. Bastian came to our house at night. We lunched and talked about the Lord's work until a late hour. He told me before I was called into the Presidency of the Stake, Pres[iden]t. Robison wrote to the First Presidency in regard to the matter, they sent apostle [Matthias F.] Cowley to our Conference. And the purpose of the latter's talk with me was was on the subject of polygamy, was to inform me of the feeling of the authorities respecting the '[Wilford] Woodruff Manifesto,' and that Apostle [Francis M.] Lyman stood alone on his construction of its meaning and was not in harmony with the rest of the Apostles upon that subject.
[Joseph Eckersley, Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
Bro[ther]. G. S. Bastian came to our house at night. We lunched and talked about the Lord's work until a late hour. He told me before I was called into the Presidency of the Stake, Pres[iden]t. Robison wrote to the First Presidency in regard to the matter, they sent apostle [Matthias F.] Cowley to our Conference. And the purpose of the latter's talk with me was was on the subject of polygamy, was to inform me of the feeling of the authorities respecting the '[Wilford] Woodruff Manifesto,' and that Apostle [Francis M.] Lyman stood alone on his construction of its meaning and was not in harmony with the rest of the Apostles upon that subject.
[Joseph Eckersley, 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 - Dec 26, 1844
In "A Voice From the Prophet. 'Come to Me,'" recently-slain Joseph Smith beckons Latter-day Saints to join him in heaven (compsed by William W. Phelps for the dedication of the Seventies Hall at Nauvoo where they were sung by a choir on the day after Christmas, 1844). Compare to "O My Father," composed several months later, and to the Adam-God doctrine.
Come to me, here are Adam and Eve at the head
Of a multitude quicken'd and rais'd from the dead:
Here's the knowledge that was, or that is, or will be
In the gen'ral assembly of worlds: Come to me.
Come to me; here's the myst'ry that man hath not seen;
Here's our Father in heaven, and Mother, the Queen,
Here are worlds that have been, and the worlds yet to be,
Here's eternity,—endless; amen: Come to me.
[Grunder, Rick, Mormon Parallels: A Bibliographic Source]
Come to me, here are Adam and Eve at the head
Of a multitude quicken'd and rais'd from the dead:
Here's the knowledge that was, or that is, or will be
In the gen'ral assembly of worlds: Come to me.
Come to me; here's the myst'ry that man hath not seen;
Here's our Father in heaven, and Mother, the Queen,
Here are worlds that have been, and the worlds yet to be,
Here's eternity,—endless; amen: Come to me.
[Grunder, Rick, Mormon Parallels: A Bibliographic Source]
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