Truth Never Changes Volume 10, Number 4

TRUTH NEVER CHANGES

A PUBLICATION IN THE SPIRIT AND TRADITON OF TRUTH MAGAZINE

SPRING CONFERENCE EDITION

Y VOLUME 10                APRIL   2006                     NUMBER 04 Y

mormon women on plural marriage

(The Relief Society Presidency, along with 1500 other LDS Sisters protested the Ladies Engaged in the Anti-Polygamy Crusade, led by the First Lady, Mrs. R. B. Hayes, on November 16, 1878, Salt Lake City, Utah.  Here are a few excerpts from those speeches given in defense of the Principle on that day.)

IN THIS ISSUE:

MORMON WOMEN ON PLURAL

MARRIGE………………………………..…134

A FAITH-PROMOTING STORY………….143

A MATTER OF FORGIVENESS—

PERHAPS A MORE CHRIST-LIKE WAY..145

WHY WAS THE MANIFESTO ISSUED?…147

COMPETENT PHYSICIANS?………..……149

IF FOR WIVES……………………………..151

EXPRESSIONS OF A PLURAL WIFE…….153

WORDS OF THE SISTERS……..………….154

BEFORE YOU CONDEMN POLYGAMY,

REALIZE THIS……………………………..157

CONSPIRIACY AT NAUVOO (Cont’d.).…158

GUEST EDITORIAL……………………….163

EDITORIAL……………………………...…165

 

Mrs. Eliza R. Snow

Beloved Sisters and Friends:

It now becomes my duty as president over this assembly, to state the object of this meeting.  As Saints of the living God, who have been persecuted and driven from our homes from place to place, and now located in the valleys of these mountains, having been misrepresented from time to time, we claim the privilege today, of representing ourselves.  As true and loyal American citizens, we claim the right of protection by that government under which we live, and the free exercise of our religious rights.  It is for the sake of our religion that we are located here; and inasmuch as we, the veritable women of Utah—those who came here when this land and soil belonged to Mexico, and who, through our faith and prayers and indefatigable labors, have assisted in reclaiming it—making it habitable and beautiful—we claim that we have, under God and the glorious Constitution of our country, which has been bequeathed to us by our forefathers, and which we believe to have given by the inspiration of God through our noble progenitors, the sacred right to believe as we please—to listen to the voice of God when He speaks—to obey Him by keeping those commandments which He has delivered unto us; knowing that He has spoken in these last days by His own voice, by the voice of His beloved Son, and by the voice of angels to Him whom He raised up prophet and seer—that He has gathered His people together from the four quarters of the earth, that He is establishing a government upon the principles of purity, peace and righteousness.

We feel that it is our right to worship God according to the dictates of our own consciences, without fear or molestation, under the protection of that government which guarantees unto us the right of conscience.  And inasmuch as one of the most important principles which God has revealed and which He requires of His children to practice has been assailed, we have met to mutually express our views upon this subject.

Before the principle of plurality of wives was known to be practiced by the Latter-day Saints, we were driven, our prophet and patriarch were vilely massacred, and not one of the perpetrators of the atrocious deed has ever been brought to justice.  We have suffered oppression, privation, hardships and misrepresentation; and now we feel that it is our right, and duty demands of us, to express our sentiments.

I am proud to state before this large and honorable assembly, that I believe in the Principle of Plural Marriage just as sacredly, as I believe in any other institution which God has revealed.  I believe it to be necessary for the redemption of the human family from the low state of corruption into which it has sunken.  And I truly believe that a Congress composed of polygamic men who are true to their wives, would confer a far higher honor upon a nation, and would perform better service to their country than a congress composed of monogamic, unreliable husbands.

Virtue is the foundation of the prosperity of any nation; and this sacred principle of plural marriage tends to virtue, purity and holiness.  Those who represent the women of Utah as ignorant and degraded, are either aiming to bring evil upon us, or they know not what they are doing.  Although I deprecate the false and odious representations of our condition, and the vilification of our characters, I view with pity and commiseration those who have banded together in our midst, to work up a crusade that is calculated and designed to subvert and to sever the most sacred ties existing between man and woman—to separate husbands and wives, to put the reproach of bastardy (sic) upon their children, and trample upon the holiest affections of the human heart.  I say I look upon them with sympathy and commiseration.

They are trying to measure arms with the Almighty—they know not what they do.  Do I feel a spirit of revenge towards them?  No, my sisters, I do not.  They are in the hands of God; we are in the hands of God, and to Him we submit all these matters.  Yet it is our duty, as far as we have the privilege, to plead our own cause, realizing fully that it is better to represent ourselves than to be misrepresented, and leave vengeance unto God who has said, “Vengeance is mine, and I will repay”.  For this purpose, my sisters, we have met together to express our feelings and to plead our own cause.

Mrs. Bathsheba Smith

It is somewhat surprising that we, who are the true representatives of the women of Utah, having, in connection with our husbands, assisted in redeeming these once desert valleys, should be called to assemble to vindicate ourselves against misrepresentations made by our Christian sisters, those who have arrived here at so late a date, and for so different an object.  We were driven from our homes to seek refuge somewhere else, for the testimony of Jesus and the word of God.  They know why they are here.  We came because we loved God and the principles of righteousness, “counting all things as dross for the excellency of the knowledge of God”, who had revealed Himself in our day; hoping that far away from a professed Christianity we might live in peace and worship Him who had so highly favored us, and live in accordance with those principles which alone lead to endless lives.

As a legal citizen of this great republic, I enter my most fervent protest against this unlawful, and unhallowed crusade founded upon misrepresentations.  Congress has no right to interfere with our most sacred religion.  As well might that honorable body legislate against baptism by immersion as against plurality of wives.  God has revealed these principles and they must be sustained.  With our own free consent our husbands take more wives and when children crown our joy, around our sacred family altars we bow the knee and supplicate our Heavenly Father’s blessing on our household, and rejoice in His divine favor as legitimate wives with honorable children.  We regard our husbands as men of true virtue and integrity, who take upon themselves so great a responsibility in honoring the laws of God, and we bear them up in our faith and secret prayers.  Let our sisters in the United States know this, and instead of seeking special legislation to infringe upon our liberties, let them rather take the honorable part and protect us in our rights and thus make for themselves a nobler record.

 

Mrs. Zina D. Young

The ladies of Utah, whose intelligent faces I now look upon!  Could I have had a vision of so grand a spectacle forty years ago, when as a Church, few in numbers, we were struggling for an existence on the earth, I question whether I then could have believed my eyes, nor could I then have thought that God had prepared so great a blessing; that I should behold so goodly a number of intelligent ladies who have had the privilege of being baptized unto Christ, of putting on Christ, counting it no robbery with God to be heirs and joint heirs with His Son Jesus.

It was for this purpose you and I found a resting place in these valleys of the mountains, which, as has been remarked, was not then United States soil.  The incidents of our coming here in the manner we did—the fatigue, the suffering from cold and hunger—as well as the heart-rending scenes through which we passed, have often been penned.

But Oh!  None can realize them, or appreciate fully our feelings when contemplating those early experiences, but those who passed through them.  Those scenes have passed; but we are sometimes reminded of them, especially when croppings of the same spirit are witnessed in those who oppose us in our rights which prompted those who forced upon us our suffering.

The principle of our holy religion that is assailed is one that lies deep in my heart.  Could I ask the heavens to listen!  Could I beseech the earth to be still, and the brave men who possess the spirit of a Washington to hear what I am about to say!  I am the daughter of a Master Mason; I am the widow of a Master Mason, who, when leaping from the windows of Carthage Jail, pierced with bullets, made the Masonic sign of distress; but, gentlemen (addressing the representatives of the press that were present), those signs were not heeded, except by the God of heaven!  That man, the prophet of the Almighty, massacred without mercy!  He is now with those who are crying, “Wait a little longer, until the blood of your brethren, the martyrs, is shed.”

(Applause)

Sisters, this is the first time in my life that I have dared to give utterance to this fact, but I thought I could trust my soul to say it on this occasion, and I say it now in the fear of Israel’s God, and I say it now in the presence of these gentlemen, and I wish my voice could be heard by the whole brotherhood of Masons throughout our proud land.

That institution I honor.  If its principles were practiced and strictly adhered to, would there be a trespass upon virtue?  No indeed.  Would the honorable wife or daughter be intruded on with impunity?  Nay, verily.  Would the ladies of America, with the honorable Mrs. Hayes at the head of the Congress of the United States, the law-makers of our nation, could produce a balm for the many evils which exist in our land through the abuse of virtue, or could so legislate that virtue could be protected and cherished as the life which heaven has given us!  We in common with many a woman throughout our broad land, would hail with joy the approach of such deliverance, for such as the deliverance woman needs.

The principle of plural marriage is honorable, it is a principle of the Gods—it is heaven-born.  God revealed it to us, among other things, as a saving principle; we have accepted it as such and we know it is of Him, for the fruits of it are holy.  Worthy men and women of old practiced it, even the Savior Himself traces His lineage back to polygamic parents.  We are proud of the principle because we understand its true worth, and we want our children to practice it, that through us a race of men and women may grow up, possessing sound minds in sound bodies, who shall “live to the age of a tree.”

Some of the ladies who have so recently come among us have thought fit to band together, for what?  If they truly want to benefit and bless their sex, let them direct their labors among the many unfortunate women of the towns, and cities from whence they came.  They cannot help us.  God alone can do that; and we are already blessed with comfortable and happy homes, which rights and privileges which they can neither give nor take from us; and we are blessed with husbands whom we have confidence in, and we honor them as they honor their God.

And let me tell you, my sisters, there are many good and intelligent women in our land today who wish their husbands were as honorable as ours, and that they could tie to theirs as we can ours.  We love our husbands, we love our children, and we love our religion, and there is abundance of proof in what we have done that we are sincere.

 

Mrs. Hannah T. King

I heard in my youth of the perfect freedom and the glorious liberty of America; of the uncounted wealth of her citizens: that there were no poor in America; that fraternity and equality walked hand in hand; that her Constitution was the most faultless thing on earth; that the finger of God was palpable in its formation; that the country produced almost spontaneously, its prospects grand and glorious; that her hills were mountains and her rivers seas; that the worship of the great Creator was free and unbiased to all, without any restrictions, even though it were absurd, or thought to be so, still it was free, and all respected!

For this very freedom of the Mayflower bore her precious freight of souls across the might Atlantic.  Yes, the one grand idea, that here they may worship God according to the dictates of their own individual creed and conscience.  I was born free, and was an earnest, deep-thinking girl, and the glory of this description became daguerreotyped (photographed) on my young mind till the dream of youth became a desire to visit this El Dorado, and see for myself this glorious, young America!  This far-renowned republic.  But years passed, and the way did not open.  I was married early in life, and peace and plenty surrounded my habitation. My cup became full to overflowing, and good things when I heard of a people who had risen up in this land which I had so poetized in my own mind, and that they were called Latter-day Saints.  My mind was brought to focus upon the principles they advanced; I consulted no one but my God.  I took my Bible, and compared them with the teachings of Jesus, and found they corresponded in every particular.  The elders told me that an angel had come and restored the everlasting gospel in its purity again to the earth; that revelations had been given for the reorganization of God’s church upon the earth, the door being that by which Christ, Himself entered when He was baptized by John the Baptist, before entering upon His mission, etc., etc.  I listened and obeyed; there were no inducements held out of ecclesiastical honors, or of a high position in society.  No!  But that probably my name would be cast out as evil when I took upon myself the name of a disciple of Jesus, whose life was suffering and obedience!  The love of truth and the Spirit of God showed me that this Church was according to the pattern, in every particular, that Christ had laid down and established by His own example; I embraced it, passing through the door of baptism for the remission of my sins.  And now the way was open for me to realize the dream of my youth and become an inhabitant of this free and glorious country, that I had so often heard spoken of as the refuge of the destitute and the land of the free!

Then came the astounding news that Joseph Smith, the Prophet, Seer and Revelator of the Church of Christ, had been massacred for his principles, as also hi brother Hyrum with him.  It came like a thunderbolt!  What, in America?  The land of religious freedom?  That land whose Constitution guaranteed to all of every clime among her people “Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness!”  It could not be!  I exclaimed.  Alas!  I awakened from my early dream!!  My eyes were opened and I saw and knew that light had come into the world, but darkness was preferred.  To me, it acted only as a testimony that this was indeed the Church of Jesus Christ, reestablished upon the earth, and hence the persecution.

Gathering was and is one of our principles and I had the spirit of it as soon as I had been baptized; my good and beautiful children embraced it also, and we rose and left our beloved home, laying all upon the altar, if need be, for the gospel in its fulness; and embracing all its principles and of course plurality among the rest.  I had been educated in the strictest principles of morality and refinement, yet when I heard that this was one of the tenets of the church, given by revelation, I was by no means staggered, but pondered it in my heart like Mary of old!  I knew it was the order of the ancient Saints, and great blessings had been conferred upon the human family by obeying it, even the Savior coming to earth through that lineage.  Viewing it also philosophically, I felt that its laws coincided with the laws of my nature; my daughters entered into the order with all their youth and beauty—educated as they had been in all the refinements of the world, and have ever honored it, and been an honor to it, and to the Church, whose principles they left their home and all its attractions to obey; and if my husband did not enter into it he was of course free to follow his own mind.  He was a man of the purest, most refined morals and I never heard him say or hint one word against the order, even when his young daughters entered into it.

Verily, “To the pure, all things are pure.”  I have now been in the Church 28 years, and my path has not been one of roses by any means, but I have no regrets; I would not return to former things for Queen Victoria’s crown and all its appendages.  The Lord being my helper, I will live and die where I have cast my lot.  Its principles will feed and sustain all who desire to live them and are full of glory and immortality.  This is, indeed, a mere synopsis of my Church history, but a hint to the wise and good is sufficient for them.  I would like to have an interview with the first lady of our country at the present time; I have heard much of her goodness, her love of honesty and truth, and should love to see her take steps to investigate our principles, and us as a people; we court investigation, and never feel afraid.  For perfect love casteth out fear.

We love the honest, the wise and the good of every land and clime, for one touch of the gospel makes the whole world kin, when they embrace it.  If there are any strangers present I would respectfully ask them to investigate our principles—not the characters of men and women indiscriminately, the truth of God is not dependent on human action or human judgement.  Among what churches on earth are there no imperfect ones?  We must first be perfect ourselves before we throw down the gauntlet.  This is a probation, and imperfection is at present the law of our being; by this “we make the whips that scourge us”, and by this we get our schooling and increase in knowledge, wisdom and understanding, and then we can make all things work for our good in time and eternity.

 

Mrs. Margaret T. Smoot

I am thankful, am proud of the privilege of standing before my sisters in the new and everlasting covenant, many of whom know me and have known me for many years.  I have been a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for 40 years; I have trodden paths strewn with thorns, and have trodden paths strewn with roses.  I have enjoyed my life and my religion all the days I have spent in it.  I know for myself that we are engaged in the work of the living God, and that I am numbered among His people.

With regard to the principle of plural marriage, I wish to say, that I have had experience in its practice over thirty years.  I am the wife of a polygamist, I believe in the principle, and I know it to be pure and chaste; and I know that those who practice it in the spirit of the Gospel of which it is a part, are pure and virtuous.  And I know, too, that purer men and women do not live upon God’s footstool than those who live in this order of marriage.

I have seen the Prophet Joseph through whom this principle was revealed; I have listened to his teachings, I have known for myself of his virtue, of his purity, and his goodness of his desire to elevate and bless the human family, and what I say, many of you, my sisters, can bear witness of.  I know, too, that virtue, and goodness, and purity, is the watchword of our brethren; I say I know: I do not say I believe it but I do know for myself that what I say is true.  I know it by the revelations of the Spirit of the living God—the Comforter that was promised by the Savior, and it is confirmed by my long experience.  I have lived now nearly 70 years on this earth, and 44 of them have been spent serving God in this new and everlasting covenant.

My husband, as I have intimated, is a polygamist; and his other wives and his children by those are just as much a part of his family as me and mine, I being his first wife, and his other wives are just as lawful and honorable in the sight of God as I am, and his children I consider to be just as lawful and honorable as any children born in wedlock.  These are not only my feelings, but I know them to be the feelings of many others who occupy a position like that which I occupy, and I believe them to be the feelings of this whole community, who would, if they had the privilege, speak in their own defense.

We are not a degraded community; and we are not in abject slavery.  We have our privileges and rights—just as many as I want, and as many as I know how to use.  Let me repeat—we are not “degraded”, neither are our children.  We have the noblest of children and the happiest of homes.  I would be willing to compare my husband’s family with anybody’s family, to see what defect could be found in them.  Our sisters, ladies of other persuasions, have spoken of us as being “degraded”.  They do not know us, we are not understood, our principles are not understood, neither are our motives known.  We have never attempted to interfere with any of their privileges.  On the contrary, we have made them welcome to our land, after making it what it is.

We are they who came here when the place was a desert wilderness; who have subdued the arid soil, built the cities and planted the gardens and vineyards, and made the place beautiful and desirable.  We, I say, have done this; under the blessings of Almighty God, for without his blessings upon our labors we could not have endured the toil.  But let me say that as far as our situation is concerned, we are in the hands of God, and, as has often been said, so I say, if this work is of God it will stand despite all efforts to the contrary; and if of man, it must fall.  But I do not use the word “if” as though in doubt about it, because I know and you know, my sisters, that it is of God; and we know, too, of the purity, the virtues and the integrity that fill the bosoms of our sisters belonging to this church.  We do not profess to be perfect, but we can say that those who live the religion we profess, who live up to all the privileges, are blessed and owned of God.  We are in His hands and He will take care of His people.

Dr. Romania B. Pratt

Mrs. President, Ladies and Gentlemen:

To get the proper understanding of a subject about which there is a difference of opinion, and especially in an element where right and wrong are so intricately intermingled—wrong displacing right at ever presented opportunity, we must eliminate the facts, which are the stern and indisputable rounds in the ladder of ascent by which we climb slowly, but surely, to the true solution of the difficulty.

Suddenly there has arisen in our midst a new variety of opposition, the object is to tread into the dust, without stint or distinction, that which we hold most sacred.  It is an element that, in the search for evil, has skimmed from the surface the floating ills with which (magnified and recolored by their own perverted imagination into misrepresentation) they have sought to rouse in the public mind sentiments as bitter as their own, with this object—that we may be swept out of existence without our cause being investigated or considered.  They have entirely overlooked the fact that truth is heavy and often lies hidden in the depths of unspoken words and deeds.

The first question in the process of analysis of this matter is, Who are these opposers?  And second, Who are the opposed?  The latter are they who, by glancing back through the vista of 30 years, may be seen in their westward journey as a little handful of husbands, wives and children, slowly wending their way toward the wilderness, with the cheerful hope, treasured deeply in their hearts, that there, buried in its depths, they might worship God according as He revealed His will and commandments.  Thus the weary miles were crept over, patiently overcoming obstacles of nature, braving dangers from wild men and beasts, until the Lord whispered to His anointed prophet, “Here in the barren valley of the Great Salt Lake, is the resting place of my people.”

Diligently the pitching of tents went on, followed by busy preparations for the approaching untried winter, without a single misgiving as to the result, for their hearts were filled with the sustaining and glowing influence of the Holy Spirit, inspiring them with the assurance that God was near.  As the fruits of indomitable energy, perseverance and patient labor, the wild sagebrush vanished, the rocky and arid soil, through the power of the life-giving streams of water, softened the forbidden face of nature into smiling fields and gardens.  With this glad doctrine, He made it manifest to me as plainly as I could have wished, that it was of Him, and that it came as a principle of salvation to the women of this generation.  If I am proud of anything in this world it is that I accepted the principle of plural marriage, and remained among the people called “Mormons”, and am numbered with them today.

I am acquainted with their doctrines, and I declare to this large congregation, and I would that I could do so to the whole world, that they teach the principles of truth and righteousness, of virtue and purity.  Such principles will harm no one.  Then why are we so persecuted?  To answer briefly, because these principles are of God, who has set His hand again to establish His name in the earth, by introducing these very principles, which the adversary cannot and will never overthrow.  And those who persecute this principle will suffer for it, sure.  I can say, truly, that I am satisfied for one—and I don’t guess at it, nor is it because someone has told me—but it is because the Spirit of God has borne testimony to me of the truth of this work, and of its truthfulness I am a witness.  Then why are people opposed to it?  It is because they do not know it, and because they do not seek to know it.

There is but one way that anybody can find out the truth of our doctrines, and that is by going to God, the Author of them, in all humility and honesty of heart, asking Him in the name of Jesus, whether they are of Him of man.

To those who have come among us, and who are endeavoring to put down the principle of plural marriage, I would say, that for one, I thank you for your good intentions in trying to suppress what you think is wrong, but let me say to you, and I now speak the sentiments of by far the largest part of this congregation, bestow your sympathy upon those who need it; go to the large cities of our land and reclaim your poor fallen sisters; they need it, we don’t, and we ask to be let alone.  We are perfectly able to stand on our own foundation by the help of our Heavenly Father; and let me tell you that He is at the helm.  He will safely see us through, and will bless all those who seek to honor and protect virtue; and those who do it not will meet justice.  Beware, then, you injure not the innocent, for justice awaits all that shall be found guilty of doing so, as sure as God lives.

Mrs. E. B. Wells

Mrs. President and Ladies and Gentlemen:

I am very much pleased to meet with so many of my sisters on this momentous occasion.  I love woman; it is one of my sentiments.  And I am proud to say that among the Latter-day Saints there are as true and noble women as can be found anywhere else in the world, with aims and desires as lofty and as pure; although we are charged with nearly everything that it is possible for our sex to be accused of, yet we feel we have those motives within us that buoy us up and bears us above the trials we have to endure.

I intended to have written an address for this meeting, but have been ill and unable to do so.  Yet I thought I could not let this opportunity pass without offering a few words.

I feel that we are in earnest, that the time has come when we can no longer be silent, as we are assailed, and that, too, by our own sex, who, it seems, would, if possible, deprive us of the claim to wifehood and motherhood, by destroying our most sacred relations, and crushing our most holy affections.  But they know not what they do.  Were they conscious of the consequences were their undertaking to be successful, they would cease their efforts and shrink from the task.

The Lord is with this people; this fact has been plainly manifest.  None, I think, who are possessed of reason can question that, whether our principles are true or not.  We have already proclaimed our wrongs and sufferings, brought about through persecution, to the world; but now we feel that we are called upon to do so in a manner different perhaps from that we have heretofore employed; and that, too, because we have been attacked in a way we never anticipated; I never thought that woman would rise up against woman.  Such thoughts were far indeed from my mind, and I believe from the minds of the women of Utah.  Though I cherish no ill feeling towards those who have arrayed themselves against this principle of our faith, “plural marriage”, yet as they oppose it, we must meet it and we intend to meet it with all the energy that we possess, and it will be “diamond cut diamond”, I assure you.  Proposing, of course, all measures of peace and harmony, and strictly adhering to the Constitution of our country; but let it be known that we intend to defend our institutions and represent our own cause, both at home and abroad, and let the world know how much truth there is in those oft-told tales of woe about the “down-trodden Mormon” woman.  Thank God there are a few honorable people in the world who are not afraid to publish the truth for the outcast and despised “women of Utah”.

A Faith-Promoting Story

By Athlene Mills Allred

(Truth, 10:215-216)

I was asked to give a faith-promoting story this morning, and during the week I have read many remarkable experiences from the lives of Church members during the early years of Church history.  But as the circumstances surrounding these incidents were very similar to the situation we have been placed in recently, I decided to use this opportunity to tell of a personal experience which happened a short while ago.

Sworn officers of the law have entered our homes and without due process of law, have confiscated personal properties, and in many instances acted most ungentlemanly; however, we have not as yet been placed in the position to endure such extreme privations as the early Saints, and for this we should be very thankful.

Since the F. B. I. and the State officers had appeared at the door on that eventful day of March 7^th, 1944, my mind had been in a constant whirl of thoughts concerning the welfare of this group of Saints.

After the State officers had taken the twins (Melba and Mabel) and the FBI had unlawfully entered and searched our home—carrying away many personal possessions, lovely and sweet to us, and taken Rulon (our husband) away, my heart was heavy and the feelings of bewilderment and anxiety began to enter my heart as I knew not their fate and whether or not we would ever see them again was a question.

About three days after the arrests were made on the 7^th and 8^th of March (Myrtle, Leona and I were arrested on the 8^th) I retired after earnestly praying to God that if it was His will, we as a people might be spared much of the persecution that was being waged against us.

Early in the morning, I became conscious of dreaming a most glorious dream:

This group of people seemed to be mingling together (here in this valley) and associating very closely in their pursual of daily life, when all of a sudden we noticed a storm sweeping towards the valley from the mouth of one of the canyons in the northeast.

The storm became worse as it approached and appeared much like a tornado, destroying everything in its wake.  Lives, homes, gardens, all manner of vegetation were demolished as it swept through the valley.

We were directly in its path and seemed to know that nothing short of a miracle could save us from its intense ferocity.  We ran from our homes (we seemed to be living much closer together than we are now) and gathered together outside and began praying most fervently to God to spare us from the ravages of the approaching storm that we might not be destroyed and swept away.

The storm’s fury increased as it came closer, but as it reached us, it lifted above our heads just enough to miss us.  We could, however, feel the force of it blow against us and we drew closer together for protection.  We sensed the terror of its might as it passed over our heads and then returned to the earth to continue on its way directly behind us.  We turned and watched it pursue its destructive course on down the valley.

Such rejoicing!  Our lives had been spared!  We shouted, laughed and shook hands, wept, and praised God and gave exultant thanks to Him who had so graciously saved us from destruction.

Suddenly, we noticed that the valley was no longer bare of vegetation, but the flowers were blooming in gorgeous profusion.  The trees were of a more beautiful green and much heavier with leaves.  The mountains were covered with beautiful shrubbery and growth.  We looked at our homes and noted they had a new appearance—more stately and lovely—not different as to pattern, but more hallowed and peaceful, radiating a heavenly spirit.  The experience we had just passed through served to strengthen the bonds of love and appreciation between us as brethren and sisters and the spirit that glowed from one another was one of unspeakable joy, happiness, understanding and charity.

At breakfast the next morning, when I related my experience to the family, our husband said it must surely mean that much of the horrible prosecution which now awaits us will be averted if we unitedly seek our blessings from God.

Throughout the dream, I was impressed that the key to our rescue was that we were united in heart and soul in our supplications to God to preserve and protect us.  This is my constant hope and prayer—to be united and gain our exaltation together in God’s Kingdom.

A Matter of Forgiveness—Perhaps A More Christ-Like Way

(Truth Never Changes, 9:183-185)

“I can forgive, but I cannot forget,” is only another way of saying, “I will not forgive.”  Henry Ward Beecher said, “Forgiveness ought to be like a cancelled note—torn in two, and burned up, so that it never can be shown against one.”

Forgiveness, when it is real and genuine and complete is forgotten.

Forgiveness, when it is partial, or half-hearted, or entered into as a duty, is not effective.

Your forgiveness should be forgotten, as well as the wrong which was forgiven.  Forgiveness which is remembered, and dwelt upon, re-infects our souls.  If you are too proud of your forgiveness, or remember it too much, you are way apt to feel that the other person owes you something for forgiving him.  You forgive him one debt, but in doing so, he incurs another, much like the operators of small loan companies, who cancel one note and make out a new one ever two weeks.

Therapeutic forgiveness or “healing” forgiveness as I would call it, cuts out, eradicates, cancels, makes the wrong as if it had never been.  Healing forgiveness is like surgery.  All would be better healed if all would give up grudges as you would a gangrenous arm.

First, the “wrong”—and particularly our own feelings of condemnation of it—must be seen as a desirable thing.  Before a man can agree within himself to have his arm amputated, he must cease to see his arm as a desirable thing to be retained, but as an undesirable, damaging and threatening thing to be given up.

You can forgive if you’re willing.  Healing forgiveness is not difficult.  The only difficulty is to secure your willingness to cancel out the debt, with no mental reservations.

We find it difficult to forgive only because we like our sense of condemnation.  We get a perverse and morbid enjoyment out of nursing our wounds.  As long as we can condemn another, we can feel superior to him.

No one can deny that there is also a perverse sense of satisfaction in feeling sorry for one’s self.  Our reasons for forgiveness are important.  In healing forgiveness, we cancel out the debt of the other person, not because we have decided to be generous or do him a favor, or because we are a morally superior person.  We cancel the debt, mark it “null and void,” not because we have come to recognize that the debt itself is not valid.  True forgiveness comes only when we are able to see, and emotionally accept that there is and was nothing for us to forgive.  We should not have condemned or hated the other person in the first place.

In the case of the adulterous woman (whom I believe was in fact Jesus’ wife) whom Jesus forgave in particular, I would like to point out the following: Nowhere in the narrative are the words, “forgive” or “forgiveness” used or even hinted at.  We are told merely that after her accusers had left, Jesus asked the woman, “Hath no man condemned thee?”  When she answered, no, He said, “Neither do I condemn thee—go and sin no more.”

According to Strong’s Concordance, “condemn” means to damn.  I for one do not want the responsibility for damning someone.  You cannot forgive a person unless you have first condemned him, or might I say, sentenced him.  Jesus never condemned the woman in the first place—so there was nothing for Him to forgive.  He recognized her sin, or her mistake, but did not feel called upon to hate her for it.  He was able to see, before the fact, what you and I must see after the fact in practicing forgiveness: That we, ourselves, err when we hate a person because of his mistakes or when we condemn him, or classify him as a certain type of person, confusing his person with his behavior, or when we mentally incur a debt that the other person must “pay” before being restored to our good graces, and our emotional acceptance.

Many people, rather than “cut out” or eradicate these old wounds of forgiveness, apply various kinds of salve or balm to old emotional wounds, but this simply does not work.  They may self-righteously forego overt and physical revenge, yet “take it out” or “get even” in many subtle ways.

An example is the wife who discovers her husband’s infidelity.  Upon the advice of her minister, her parents, whomever, she agrees she should “forgive” him.  Accordingly, she does not kill him.  She does not leave him.  In all overt behavior, she is a “dutiful wife.”  She keeps his house neatly, she prepares his meals well, and so on.  But she makes his life hell on earth in many subtle ways, by the coldness of her heart and by flaunting her moral superiority.  When he complains, she answers, “Well, dear, I did forgive you, but I cannot forget.”

Her very “forgiveness” becomes a thorn in his side, because she is conscious of the fact that it is proof of her moral superiority.  She would have been more kind to him, and been happier herself, had she refused this type of “forgiveness” and left him.

Let us all strive for the true miracle of forgiveness.  Remembering always Him who bore all our sins.  He, whose right it is to forgive all!  The only one with the right to cast the first stone, but did not. 

________________________________________________________________________

Why was the Manifesto Issued?

I am about to take a position in answering this important question which I feel sure will incite ninety-nine out of every hundred women who will read this with a feeling of strong denial.  But my hundred sisters, one and all, if I am right in my position, no amount of opposition on your part will make me wrong.  There has been a good deal said about this question, and yet I think some of the most important things have not yet been uttered by anyone.  Granted that this nation bears the heavy burden of responsibility in regard to this matter, which we all readily acknowledge, yet there remains the fact that those who live in Zion and who are usually called Saints will surely have to render an account of responsibility which is their own.

We all know there are two sides to every question, and rarely it is that a wrong is done, especially in the nature of a curtailing of vested rights and privileges, whether in the family or in the nation, where each party is not more or less to blame.  We have not injured the United States, but we have, I solemnly believe, so weakened the power of the Spirit in our midst by our own acts, that the might Spirit was not able to help us as we might have wished.

Now, I suppose most of you, my women readers, will say, as I have heard multitudes of women say in the last two years, “Well I know who is to blame; the men have not dealt righteously with their wives, and have sought their own selfish pleasure instead of the feelings of their wives.”

I love truth so well that I will allow you to say, and I agree with you in saying, that in some and perhaps in too many instances, this has been the case.  Granted, then that the men have been at fault in the matter of not being sufficiently unselfish.  Granted also, without argument, that some men did not properly appreciate the glorious principle, and have neglected and slighted their opportunities.  But, my dear and always loved sisters, I have a serious charge to bring against you and against myself in this matter, and I ask your kind and indulgent attention.

To begin with, don’t say that I am not in a position to talk on this matter, because of my not having the privilege of entering into that order.  Right is right, and principle is principle, whether it is spoken by an old maid or a woman in polygamy.  Therefore, I ask you listen and then prayerfully ask yourselves if I have spoken by the divine Spirit of Truth or by some false and delusive spirit.  I say that in all sad frankness that we the women of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, have a grievous sin to answer for in that we have too many of us treated this sacred and holy principle with neglect, sneers, mocking abuse and even cursing and railing.  Is that so?

Do you know of any women who have said they would never consent to marry a man who had another wife?  Do you know of any women who have said they would not marry a man who would not promise them never to go into that order?  Do you know of any women who have put every conceivable block in the way of their husband entering into that order?  Do you know of any women who have tortured their husbands almost to death of the Spirit of their cruel and unjust complaints, uttered in season and out of season, in private and in public?  Do you know of any women who have thought only of themselves, have worked only for themselves, have wept only for themselves, have prayed only for themselves?

Do you know of any woman who has brought up her tender children in an atmosphere of loud and bitter complaint against her father, and against his every act?  Do you know of any women who have insiduously taught their children to hate the principle that gave them birth?  Do you know of any woman who has said openly or privately that not one of her daughters should enter into that order with her consent?  Do you know of any women who have said they would rather see their children dead than in that order?  Do you know of any women who openly rejoiced when the manifesto was issued, and who held many and joyous jubilees with their daughters over the prospect?

Do you know of any women who have demanded the last farthing from their husbands, and denied the right of other women who were his wives to one cent?  Do you know of any women who say or feel that their husbands have never suffered one trial in this order?  Ask all these questions, and then I can leave you to answer them all, and I will venture to say that the answers will lead you to some startling conclusions.  Talk about the suffering in that order being borne by women only?

I thank God and one woman for the revelation I had on that subject.  I have often heard her words quoted to me, and I quote them again.  Said she: “A woman doesn’t have half the trouble in plurality that a man does.  Why?  She has only herself to please, and he has two or a dozen as the case may be.”

Her words came like a flash of light to me, and since then God has given me experiences, which I have fastened that truth upon my mind with never-ending power.  Don’t tell me all the suffering of that order and the terrible sufferings caused by the separations made necessary by the manifesto have been endured by the women. 

I wouldn’t marry a man and try to bear the burdens and trials he must needs bear, if he has any conscience in his bosom, in living that order for all this world could give.  One man told me in simple burning words something of his trials, before and since the manifesto.  Of how he struggled with two selfish and determined women, each determined to claim him and all he had, and each with families of growing children.  Of how he crept out some nights into his cornfield, and in the agony of his soul had torn up the ground with his nails to relieve the pain in his heart.  Did he love them both?  With the devotion of a lover, else he would not have suffered so keenly. 

“Why?” said Apostle Moses Thatcher to me once, in talking upon this subject, “Do you think Abraham suffered most because of his own pain, or because he saw the pain he was inflicting upon his only son?  Do you as a mother,” he continued, “not see the day when you would give your life to spare pain and the pangs of death to the beloved child who is dying before your eyes?  Which is the greatest suffering, to bear the pain yourself, or to see the one you love best on earth bearing pain, and for your sake, too, which you cannot prevent, and which you can only witness and suffer in longing, awful sympathy?”

That was another revelation to me.  And then let me ask how many of our sisters have sat idly by and allowed their husbands to waste the precious opportunity that is now taken away, and they have simply let the matter go on, inwardly rejoicing that their heart strings were not going to be tested.  Do you know, have you ever read what Christ said?

If you are not willing to leave you father and mother, houses and lands, you are not worthy of Him.  We are not asked to leave our husbands, but only to test our devotion to God and His Kingdom, or whether we love man and our own ease best.  Sisters, I stand appalled at the magnitude of my sin and yours!  (Susa Young Gates, Young Women’s Journal, Volume 4, pp275-278)

Competent Physicians?

(Truth Never Changes, 4:166-170)

I was listening to President Hinckley’s talk last October 1998.  I agreed with the answer to Question Number Three: “What is your position on abortion?”  Answer: “What has happened to our regard for human life?  How can women and men deny the great and precious gift of life, which is divine in its origin and nature?  How wonderful a thing is a child.  How beautiful is a newborn babe.  There is no greater miracle than the creation of human life.

Abortion is an ugly thing, a debasing thing—a thing which, inevitably brings remorse and sorrow and regret.”

Oh, yes—yes I agreed with this!  The Lord has blessed me with nine choice spirits, each one with a precious gift of life!  Never have I regretted bearing any of my children—children are a gift of God.

I continued listening to President Hinckley’s talk, and oh! how disappointed I was to listen to the other words!

“While we denounce it (abortion), we make allowances in such circumstances as when pregnancy is the result of incest or rape, when the life or health of the mother is judged by competent medical authority, to be in serious jeopardy, or when the fetus is known by competent medical authority to have serious defects that will not allow the baby to survive beyond birth.”

President Hinckley’s words kept ringing in my ears, while we denounce it, we make allowances…we make allowances…we make allowances…when the life or health of the mother is judged by competent medical authority to be in serious jeopardy?

When the fetus is known by competent medical authority to have serious defects?  I felt numb as I heard those words, and my thoughts drifted back to the beginning of 1983.  How excited I was as I was sitting in the lobby of a medical clinic; excited because I was expecting my eighth child.  I stood up as my name was called—my turn for a pre-natal check-up.  I went through the routine: weight, temperature, blood pressure, pulse, urinalysis, blood- test.

Following the standard procedures, I was guided into a small, quiet room, where sat a medical examination table, a chair and a stool for the doctor.  The doctor made his entrance after about a half-hour of waiting, wearing eyeglasses, a white smock, a stethoscope around his neck, holding my medical chart.  He greeted me and sat upon the stool, studying my chart for a few minutes, then looked up at me with a grave look upon his face, “Mrs. ______, there’s a possibility that this baby may be born with birth defects because you’re over 35 years old.”

Here was competent medical authority, warning me that my baby could have birth defects because I was 38 years old.  I was not negligent in regards to my health; I didn’t abuse my body with harmful substances—I ate fresh fruits, vegetables, proteins, consumed a lot of water and exercised regularly.  I looked at him just as seriously as he had looked at me and said, “Doctor, I don’t believe that!”

Then, something unusual happened: that serious face of his cracked a smile, then a laugh, “I don’t believe that either,” he chuckled, “but by law we have to say this.”

I continued to reflect as I listened to President Hinckley’s words that, “In these circumstances, those who face the question are asked to consult with their local ecclesiastical leaders and to pray in great earnestness, receiving a confirmation through prayer before proceeding.”

Proceed to do what?  To destroy a human life?  To destroy the precious gift of life, a babe before it is born?  Pray before proceeding to destroy that wondrous miracle, that creation of human life?  To proceed to destroy because some competent medical authority advises because that baby might have serious defects?  And receive confirmation from whom?  Surely not from the Spirit of the Lord!  “Thou shalt not kill.”  “The Lord giveth; the Lord taketh away.”

During this time, while expecting my eighth child, my husband changed jobs, therefore, our medical benefits discontinued.  I was 28 weeks into my pregnancy and desperately searching for a midwife to assist me with a home birth.  Not able to locate a midwife, I went to the state for assistance, and to this day, I regret having done so—being subjected to humiliating treatment from competent medical authority, “Mrs. _______, you could have had an abortion five months along!”

“NO!” I protectively exclaimed, “I want this baby!”

Their argument was that I was over 35 years old and for that reason, I would surely bring forth a defective baby.  Competent medical authority?  As their criticism continued, I actually began to fear for the life of my baby.  My baby was born on July 15, 1983, a healthy, beautiful, seven pounds, 13-ounce baby boy.  What a wonderful gift of God—a precious child!  I’m so grateful that “allowances” did not proceed forth on the advice of competent medical authority.

“Abortion is an ugly thing, a debasing thing, which inevitably brings remorse, sorrow and regret.”  I whole-heartedly agree with that phrase, and how I wish he would not have added, “While we denounce it, we make allowances.”  Had I have listened to the advice of competent medical authority, I would not have experienced the continuing joy of my last two children!

How wonderful, how great my excitement was in March of 1986—I was expecting my ninth child!  I began my pre-natal care, this time, with another team of physicians, and new medical benefits through my husband’s job.  One of the physicians, a Gynecologist/Obstetrician, the other a Pediatrician, both very competent physicians.  During the 22^nd week of my pregnancy, I experienced profuse hemorrhaging, while at home.  I elevated my feet in bed and my husband gave me a Priesthood blessing.  The advice of the physician, was for me to remain in bed throughout the remainder of my pregnancy, but on the ninth day of this dilemma, I knew the Lord had heard our prayers and I felt healed.

Again, the doctors wanted a private consultation in their offices, again explaining that my life and health were in jeopardy, and that if I went through the birth without any maternal complications, there weren’t any promises on behalf of the baby being well.  “Your life, or the baby’s, or both,” they warned, “the baby may have serious birth defects—mental defects.  You’re 43 years old and you’ve had placenta previa—too many children.”

By their explanations, I realized that they had come to a decision of abortion.  An abortion would resolve all of these risks, they insisted.

“No, No—I don’t want an abortion!”  I exclaimed, “Only God knows what will take place!”

I was angry with them.  How little of them, so easy to want to terminate my baby—and the horror I think of now—what if I would have listened to their competent medical advice?

With God’s help and mercy, I had an easy birth and a darling nine pounds, six-ounce baby girl.  It is such a joy to be a mother; how privileged, how blessed I feel!

What if I had made “an allowance” at the quick advice of these competent medical authorities to terminate the life of my son and daughter?  I would most certainly be deeply feeling remorse, sorrow and regret.  I thank God I did not.

IF FOR WIVES!

If you can trust the man that is your husband,

Depend on him when he is never there,

Present to him a sweet and cheerful countenance

When heart is torn to bleeding shreds with care;

If you can always say, “I love thy counsel”,

And rather die, than utter a complaint,

And lay your woman’s heart upon his altar

Where his rebuke may burn without restraint;

If you can long with all your soul for comfort,

Receiving but chastisement in its place—

Bear alone the burden of two parents

And keep a patient smile upon your face;

If you can defend this Priesthood bearer

When others sympathize with your despair,

And rather take the blame for all the trouble

When you are weak and those you love are there;

If you can represent before your children

Their father as a nearly perfect man,

Yet never try to justify your weaknesses

And always do the very best you can;

If you can bare your soul in pure forgiveness

When he should come to you with contrite heart,

And never have a feeling that’s self-righteous

But of the trouble take your rightful part;

Then you’ll have conquered woman’s worst tradition,

You’ll purify your earth stains, never fear.

You’ll win femininity’s most vicious battle,

And what is more—You’ll be a Queen, my dear.

—Alyne Jessop

EXPRESSIONS OF A PLURAL WIFE

I am a plural wife.  I have been living the law of celestial marriage according to my religious beliefs for nearly six years.  I was born in the “Mormon” Church and am a thorough believer of its saving doctrines.

I am extremely happy, for I know that the convictions of my religious faith, coupled with the love that exists among the members of our family is something that comes from heaven.

I know the integrity and strength of the women who live this principle.  I know their family history and background.  In nearly all cases, they come from the purest strains of the highly intelligent in the Mormon Church.  They are lovely and gracious, clean and moral. T heir standards are, in nearly all aspects, higher than that of the average woman.  They have ideals and hopes, dreams and ambitions beyond that of average realm.

We endeavor with all our hearts to overcome the mortal, instinctive weaknesses that are common to womankind.

Naturally enough, we all desire to accomplish good and develop our talents as much as possible, but when someone has a talent already greatly developed, we are not jealous of her—merely hopeful that some day we, too, might develop ours to that same degree.  Jealousy is indeed a rare thing.

We cooperate together, caring for each others’ children and for each other in times of illness and need.  We do nearly all of our own sewing, all our own cooking and housework.  We are busy and that is another factor that leads to our happiness.  In our spare moments, we crochet, knit, embroider, write, play the piano, sing—any number of things which make us feel gay and cheerful.

We are proud of our beautiful, intelligent children and our loving and faithful husband.  (Our husbands are more faithful to several wives than more husbands are to one.)  We are proud of our associate sisters in this Gospel.  We are ashamed of nothing but our own weaknesses and try diligently to be charitable and kind to each other in those weaknesses.

There is a great deal more to the law of celestial marriage than just plurality of wives.  It embodies all the saving virtues of every religion—humbleness, gentleness, kindness, love, charity, self-sacrifice, devotion to God.

We admit our failings and do not profess to be perfect, so, kind reader, do not judge us too harshly.  We are still human and, as such, subject to human frailties, but our zeal in serving God is true and real and unshakable.   (Truth, 10:69)

Words of The Sisters

“My beloved daughter—are you ready to take your turn on earth?  To be tried and tested to see if you will obey all my laws that one day you may stand before me clean and perfect?”

“Yes, Father.  I’m ready to leave thy presence for a short time, that I may be tried and tested and fulfill my mission.”

“There will be many tests and many trials along the way to perfection.  Your life will be filled with trials, but they will make you strong and teach you to be courageous and to trust in me.  Among the many things I want you to do is to live the principle of Celestial Plural Marriage.  There are so many worthy daughters, but a third part of my sons rebelled, and now the worthy sons that remain must take care of my daughters and be saviors unto them.  This will try the very nature of my daughters, but it will refine them, as pure gold, if they endure.  Are you willing to do this to return to me?”

“Is there no other way?”

“No, my daughter, there is no other way to gain exaltation in my kingdom.  You must be tried in all my laws.”

I was ten or eleven when I first knew that I would live the Principle.  My friends all wanted to be a first wife.  They asked me what I wanted to be.  I

even thought I wanted to be a first wife, but I knew in my heart that I would not be.

My mother’s experience in living the Principle the first time was very difficult.  It hurt me to watch my mom suffer, but it taught me a lot.  A dear friend asked me if I still wanted to live the laws after my mom’s experience.  I said, “Of course I do.”

I knew it was right and that I had covenanted before I came here, to live it.  It is people who mess up the Principle—not the Principle that messes up the people.  When I was younger, I had an experience that not only strengthened my testimony that Father hears and answers prayers and to trust Him as a judge and witness and not yourself or your heart’s desires.

It was a very painful process for me and in a way, I felt I had given up my chance to live the Principle, even though I knew I was not to be a part of this young man’s family.  I thought I had lost hope then.

It was at this time I received a letter from my future husband and I later became a second wife.  A plural wife.   It has been challenging in many ways, but I wouldn’t trade it for monogamy for any thing.  The Principle has many advantages: When our husband is away on business, we have each other, my baby, and even though he is my first child, he already has siblings.  I love the Principle of Plural Marriage, and feel that of every other woman living the law, I have the best husband and sisterwife that anyone could ask for.

*  *  *

I’d like to give my testimony of the Principle of Plural Celestial Marriage.  I know this is a law of God.  Before I was married I gained this testimony and knew that I had to live this way in order to gain the highest degree of glory.  Having entered the Principle, I can say that it is beautiful.  It takes work and determination on all sides to maintain it and one can’t expect it to be perfect, but it is beautiful.  When we are united in prayer and purpose it is wonderful and Heavenly.

I truly love my husband.  I am so grateful that he loves God and wants to have a Celestial family.  It cannot be attained without this Eternal Principle and I am sure that it is a trial for him also, sometimes.  I believe it must take a strong man to live this Principle, to take care of more than one family and learn to govern them as well as himself. I love my husband even more because of his choice to enter the Principle.

I love my sisterwife, who does so much for me.  She loves my children and I have no doubt of it.  I know she loves me as a sister and as a friend.  Our ties are even closer because we share a husband.  Our own children are brothers and sisters and I know that they will have a close bond.  I think sometimes it is hard to express the love I feel for my sisterwife to her, but I believe she knows.  I deeply appreciate all that she does.

My children are so blessed because they have more family to love and each member loves them.  I love my sisterwife’s child and she loves mine.  Who could not love the offspring of their own husband?

I also had wonderful examples of the Principle.  My parents entered into this law when I was about nine or ten.  It wasn’t perfect, but I knew my father loved his other wife and I know he still loves her children.  They would call him, “Daddy,” and when we came to visit, they were so excited.  We had many enjoyable times together and those times I treasure.  My own mother was always kind and sometimes I could see that she had struggles, but she never denied her testimony of it.  She never became bitter—even when my father’s plural wife didn’t want anything to do with my father, they didn’t give up on the Principle, and they now live it again with as much conviction as ever.

Yes, this is a Principle of God.  This is Celestial Marriage and God lives this law.  Jesus lived this law when He was upon the earth.  It is an Eternal Principle and I know without a shadow of a doubt that it is to be lived in this life.

I say this in the name of Jesus Christ.  Amen.

*  *  *

I’d like to take this opportunity to testify of the Love of God.

John 1:11-13: He came to his own and his own received him not.  But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believed his name: Which were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh, nor the will of man, but of God.

In seeking other testimonies of United order, of Celestial Marriage of Authority and Keys, this first knowledge has been most important to me of “The Love of God.”  For as I seek His will more than that of any person—or their approval—then I feel the Spirit that testifies truth and then does He witness His love for me that I seek and receive Him.

Also, how any of it is possible opens in my mind when I am confident in His love, I look around me of all that choose differently than myself and in their presence, I am nothing.  It can be so intimidating to know how little support or friendship you may have with others—yet stand to personal knowledge at one time, when I did not know another person in the world who approved of choices I’d made, I stood alone as if in a sea of people at Sacrament Meeting and someone I did not usually talk to, I knew her by name, but had little acquaintance—turned around during the Sacrament hymn to tell me, “The Lord wants you to know how much He loves you!”  Then she turned back around.  I felt a confirmation in my heart.

Through personal study and prayer and experiences with peace of the Holy Ghost in confirmation, I have gained each testimony.  Listening to individuals or famous writers only helps where I apply it to personal inquiry and gain that peace.

The Scriptures give such hints of wisdom as seeking men and women had form their experiences that brought them to God.  Only His inspiration to each of us truly gives each of us the power to act out these examples ourselves.

Speaking of living Celestial Marriage—a man who has turned away said, “No man can be expected to take on the burden of so many women and children.”  Yet I find having a family in the first place is faith in God.

D&C 83:2 states that a woman has claim on her husband for her maintenance and children upon their parents.  Together through faith in God, fulfilling the things that in God’s wisdom builds families because they know it is possible to fulfill God’s commandments.  “The Lord commanded Nephi to go and get the plates…” 

While a virtuous woman is described in the New Testament—never slacking in the desire to serve and comfort.  The Lord promises the faithful wife He will be her protector and comforter and provider when her husband is not there.  A blessing to Him as well, because he has in his heart and does indeed do all he can to cherish and love her to the best of his ability—he can rely on the Father (God) to take care of his concerns; he would if he honestly could—he also serves to the best of his ability.  So God increases human ability as we acknowledge Him.  (See 3 Nephi, Chapter 22).

Then truest blessings given all God has he gives to those who establish His principles and they have a righteous heritage to do His work and continually praise Him.

Before you Condemn Polygamy, Realize This

(A newspaper clipping—source unknown)

Before you ask me to give up my lifestyle, show me that yours works.  Show me that a monogamist marriage is sacred, that it works for at least a lifetime.  Currently, more than 60 percent don’t.  Show me children who don’t fret and worry about “if” and “when” their family will be torn apart.

Show me the strength and support of families.  Show me homes filled with the wisdom of the aged, not institutions littered with the lonely and the heartbroken, or show me hallways of hospitals lined with family and friends to celebrate glad tidings or to walk with sorrows.  Show me places of safety where I can educate my children, not schoolyards of the alienated and the abandoned.  Show me children raised in the stability of family, not the sterility of daycare.

Show me heroes made of sterner stuff than what it takes to dunk a basketball or throw a touchdown.  Show me the nightly news without a rundown on the latest from a society obsessed with who is cheating on whom or a marriage commitment that is measured in hours.

Show me women who are not yearning after an illusion created by Hollywood—who are not anxious about the natural progression of life, who don’t fear that change or wrinkle is a marker of possible abandonment.  Show me a society so happy with its choices and fulfilled from living those choices that it hasn’t medicated itself for depression and struggles with addiction.

Show me minds honed by principle and hearts enlarged by love.  Show me that your society is willing to love more that its own—that children are not referred to as “stepchildren” or “accidents”.  Show me children who are loved and nurtured from the moment of conception, instead of the 40 million choices of murder.

Show me a society where motherhood is honored and a woman does not have (to) do what it takes to be “picked” by a male concerned with the façade of her face than the content of her character.  Show me a society that does not abandon its daughters to a singles’ ward with the futile admonition of “Be patient and fill your lives with other things.”

Show me a society where religion provides an unalterable standard and Truth is not for sale of bartered for political expediency—where the words and life of the Savior and other wise men are not just glib recitations but the work of a life eager for the changes and growth wrought by their words upon the soul.  Show me a religion that appeals to my intellect and provides the answers to the haunting question of humanity:

   Why am I here?  Where did I come from?  Where am I going?

Show me a society that is willing to allow people the liberties and inalienable rights endowed by our Creator to worship Him at the dictates of our conscience—my conscience sees the works of Fathers Abraham, Jacob, and Moses—rather than a society that commands in the place of our freedoms the Roman’s mandate of monogamy.  Contrary to the efforts of some individuals today, neither man nor woman converts a belief at the sword point of compulsion.

Show me these things so that I may worry less about you and that I may know you have some of the joys I have known.  As for the principles I strive to live by, I love how the living of them invites me to live on a higher plane.  If I were to abandon them, how would I greet Mother Sarah or Father Abraham, the Prophet Joseph Smith and countless others?  How can I betray my God?  (From a sister in Centennial Park, AZ)

CONSPIRACY OF NAUVOO

(Continued from page 114)      

And with great difficulty some of the more cautious ones succeeded in quieting those whose anger and excitement prevented them from weighing well what they were on the verge of committing, and considering the consequences that would inevitably follow.  Thus, the instantaneous death of the boys was prevented, while the crowd retired to the further end of the room and consulted earnestly together, in so low a tone, however, that the boys could not hear what they said.  It was evident, however, that they were nearly equally divided in their views of the feasibility of putting the boys to death.  Some appeared to be enraged and fully determined to shed their blood, while others were equally resolved to prevent the cruel deed.  During the discussion the boys distinctly heard one of them say, “The boys’ parents very likely know where they are, and if they do not return home, strong suspicions will be aroused, and they may institute a search that would be very dangerous to us.  It is already late, and time that the boys were home.”

This was a very important consideration, as well as a very unexpected circumstance in favor of the boys.  Hope rose high in their breast as the discussion continued, and one by one of the more excited conspirators was silenced, if not convinced, until at length the tide turned in favor of the boys, and it was decided that they should be released.  Some openly, and many in their feelings, opposed this resolution, as they considered it as unsafe to liberate the boys to reveal all their plans, as to kill them and get them out of the way.

A strong guard was provided to escort them to a proper distance lest some of the gang might kill them before they made their escape.  They placed a strict injunction upon the boys not to reveal anything they had seen or heard in these meetings, and declared if they did any member of the conspiracy would kill them at first sight.  This caution and threat were repeated several times in a way that gave the boys to understand that they meant all they said, and would just as leave slay them as not if they suspected anything had been revealed by them.

Everything being ready, the boys started off in charge of the guard.  Right glad were they to once more gain the open air with so good a prospect for their lives, and they breathed a sigh of relief and satisfaction when they were out of sight of the house in which they had endured such great peril.  They took an unfrequented road down toward the Mississippi River which runs around one side of Nauvoo.  Some of the guard were very much dissatisfied with the way the tables had turned, and, when they had got a safe distance from the house, they halted to consider if it would not be best to slay the boys one their own responsibility.  They would gladly have murdered them if they could have done so with any hopes of having the deed remain undiscovered; but, after some discussion, they contended themselves by reiterating the cautions and threats that had been given to the boys before starting.  They continued their march until within a few rods of the river, when they halted and one of the guards said, “Well, I guess we have gone about far enough, and had better turn back.”

Then, turning to the boys, he continued, “Boys, if you ever open your mouths concerning anything you have seen or heard in any of our meetings, we will kill you by night or by day wherever we find you, and consider it our duty.”

“Oh don’t fear on that account,” replied the boys, anxious to allay their uneasiness, lest they still might take a notion to slay them and cast their bodies into the river, “we can see that it is greatly to our advantage and necessary to your peace and safety to keep silent concerning these things.”

“I’m glad you’ve got the sense enough to see it in that light,” was the rejoinder in a tone that indicated his mind was somewhat delivered.

During this conversation, one of the boys looked towards the river, to his great surprise, saw a hand rise into view from behind the bank and beckon for them to come that way.  The guards, after admonishing them once more to be silent, and telling them their lives depended upon their keeping the secret, turned to retrace their steps just as one of the boys, anxious to put them at ease as much as possible, said to his companion, “Let’s go down to the river.”

“Yes,” returned the guard, evidently pleased with that arrangement, “you had better go down to the river.”

The reader will readily understand that the meeting had lasted until a late hour in the afternoon and the conspirators had already detained the boys so long that they were afraid their parents and friends, some of whom perhaps knew where the boys had gone, would become anxious and begin to suspect foul play, and might institute a search which would prove exceedingly disadvantageous to the conspiracy.  The boys, therefore, very adroitly proposed to go to the river, so if they were found there, it would be sufficient explanation for their long absence.  The guards perceived the idea instantly, and it pleased them, for it indicated to them that the boys wished to keep the secret, and avoid being questioned too closely.

The boys started off on a run toward the river, but, lest the guards should watch them, and discover the presence of Joseph, whose hand it was they had seen above the bank, they directed their course to a point about a quarter of a mile beyond where Joseph was, knowing that he would follow them.  On reaching the river, they stepped down the bank and there awaited the arrival of the Prophet, while the guards returned to the meeting.

It seems that Joseph, knowing the danger into which the boys had gone, had become so uneasy at their long absence that he could no longer remain at home, so he and one of his bodyguards, John Scott, who was the brother of Robert, started out to see if they could discover what had become of them.  Perhaps they suspected the boys had been murdered, and that their bodies would be thrown into the stream, as William Law’s house, where the meeting was held, was but a short distance from the river.  At all events they were there under the bank when the boys were liberated, and now, and now glided around close to the water’s edge to the point where the boys were waiting for them.

It was a joyful meeting; Joseph seemed delighted to see that the boys had escaped with their lives.  The party walked on to a point nearly opposite Joseph’s store, where a board fence came down to the edge of the river, forming together with orchard trees and shrubbery, a suitable retreat where they could converse without any danger of being seen or heard.

“Let us sit down here,” said Joseph.

All four of them entered the secluded retreat, and when they were seated he continued, “Boys, we saw your danger and were afraid you would not get out alive, but we are thankful that you got off safely.  Now relate to me all that you have witnessed.”

The boys gave them a complete account of all they had witnessed, and passed through; repeated to him the oath they had seen and heard administered to some two hundred individuals separately; gave him the names of all they knew that had taken the oath; in short, they gave him a most accurate recital of all they had seen and heard.

Joseph and his companion listened very attentively, and, as the boys proceeded, a very grave expression crept over the countenance of the former, showing that a deep anxiety was preying upon his mind.  When the recital was finished a pause of some length ensued.  Joseph was very much moved, and at length burst out, “O, brethren, you do not know what this will terminate in!” 

But proceeded no further, for his feelings were so strong that he burst into tears.

In great agitation, Brother John Scott, who was an intimate and trusted friend of Joseph, sprang forward and throwing his arms around the Prophet’s neck exclaimed, “O, Brother Joseph!  Do you think they are going to kill you?”

And they fell on each other’s necks and wept bitterly.  The scene is difficult to describe.  The thought of losing their friend and Prophet by the hands of such a bloodthirsty mob was sufficient to wring their hearts, and those brave men who but a few moments before had fearlessly faced death, and scorned the proffered conditions on which their lives might be spared, now wept like children and mingled their tears with those of their leader.

Joseph was the first to master his feelings, and, raising Brother John’s arms from off his neck, he said, in a deep and sorrowful tone, “I fully comprehend it!”

He then relaxed into a solemn study, while his brethren anxiously watched the changes of his countenance as if they would read the thoughts and feelings that were preying upon his heart.  The scene was painful and impressive.  Each moment they expected to hear him say that his work on earth was done and that he would have to be slain to seal his testimony.

After a long silence he finally continued, “Brethren, I am going to leave you.  I shall not be with you long; it will not be many months until I have to go.”

This remark still left them in doubt as to his future fate, but had such significance that Brother Scott again anxiously inquired, “Brother Joseph, are you going to be slain?”

Joseph, for some reason, evaded a direct reply, but continued in a tone that told too plainly of the sorrow he felt, “I am going away and will not be known among this people for twenty years or more.  I shall go to rest for a season.”

This reply was clear away their doubts were more than the former one, but it was evident he intended to leave the people and keep hid more closely than he ever had done, or else, with prophetic vision, he discerned the final outcome of his enemies’ efforts, and, through compassion, forebore to crush the spirits of his brethren by telling them plainly the whole truth.

Subsequently events leave us still in doubt as to the real purport of his words.  The dark clouds of persecution from his enemies without, fearfully augmented by traitors from within, grew so threatening toward the close of the Prophet’s life, that he saw something must be done for the safety of himself and the people.  He therefore conceived the idea of moving the Saints once more, and this time far beyond the cruel blasts of persecution, and seek shelter behind the barriers of the Rocky Mountains.  He called for a company of volunteers to explore the great West and find the most suitable place for the Saints to settle.  Quite a number volunteered and began to make preparations for the journey.

It is a well-known fact that just previous to surrendering himself to be taken to Carthage, Joseph got into a boat and started across the river, evidently to evade his enemies.  He intended to keep out of their hands until this company had procured a suitable outfit for such an undertaking, when he would have accompanied them.  Some of his brethren, however, begged him not to desert the people in such a time of trouble and danger, and at their importunity he returned to Nauvoo, and we all know the result.  He was induced to surrender himself to the officers of the law, was cast into prison, and there, cruelly murdered by a bloodthirsty mob.

Perhaps in reply to Brother Scott’s question, Joseph was revolving these plans in his mind and looking forward to the time when he and the Saints would be beyond the reach of persecution; it is now impossible to tell, but the events which followed rather indicate that he foresaw his death.  However, he continued in great earnestness:

“They accuse me of polygamy, and of being a false Prophet, and many other things which I do not now remember, but I am no false Prophet; I am no impostor; I have had no dark revelations from the devil; I made up no revelations, I have got nothing up of myself.  The same God that has thus far dictated me and directed me and strengthened me in this work, gave me this revelation and commandment on celestial and plural marriage, and the same God commanded me to obey it.  He said to me that unless I accepted it and introduced it, and practiced it, I, together with my people, would be damned and cut off from this time henceforth.  And they say if I do so, they will kill me!  Oh, what shall I do?  If I do not practice it, I shall be damned with my people.  If I do teach it, and practice it, and urge it, they say they will kill me, and I know they will.

“But, we have got to observe it.  It is an eternal principle and was given by way of commandment and not by way of instruction.”

It will be seen from these outbursts of his soul what a conflict was going on in his mind, and the agony that he endured can only be imagined by those who knew his sensitive and generous spirit.  Persecution and imprisonment from the hand of an enemy would be passed by almost unnoticed when compared with these murderous thrusts from the daggers  of alienated friends.  Death, to a man who was so familiar with the unseen world and the happiness to be enjoyed there, was stripping of its terrors.  His fear of simply losing his life caused him little anxiety.  But his whole soul was in the work which the Lord had given him to do, and such bloodthirsty opposition to a commandment of God among his brethren caused the greatest anxiety and grief.  His greatest trials are not doubt hid deepest from our view.

The consultation lasted for a long time before they separated to their homes, and impressions were made on the minds of our two young heroes that will last forever.  They got an insight into the life of the Prophet and the nature of the work he had to perform, that he never before entered their imaginations.  Their love for him and the cause in which he was laboring was increased, and gladly, they would have laid down their lives to have saved his.

Before separating, however, Joseph placed a seal upon the boys’ lips and made them promise that they would not reveal what had transpired that day to a living soul—not even to their own fathers, for at least twenty years.  The object of placing this injunction upon them no doubt was for their own safety, as their lives would probably have been taken if any of the conspirators should ever find but that any of their proceedings had been revealed.  The boys kept their promise, and now, after a lapse of so many years, these important facts, which throw light upon many of the acts and sayings of Joseph Smith, which his brethren could never before fully understand, are revealed and placed with other important records in the archives of the Church.

The muse of history, too often blind to true glory, has handed down to posterity many a warrior, the destroyer of thousands of his fellowmen, and left us ignorant of the valorous deeds of real heroes, whose lot chanced to be more humbly cast; but in that day, when all men’s actions will be revealed upon the housetops, we shall no doubt see the names of Denison L. Harris and Robert Scott among the world’s greatest heroes as stars of no small magnitude.

“Fact is stranger than fiction,” and in value, they cannot be compared.  I respectfully submit the above narrative, which is a true recital of events that actually transpired.  The manuscript has been carefully scrutinized by proper authorities who are satisfied of its authenticity and have approved its publication, as an important and accurate item of history connected with the Church.  (Horace Cummings, The Contributor 5:251-260

Guest Editorial

Why do I believe in Plural Marriage?  The answer is simple: The Spirit of the Lord has testified it to my soul. 

“But behold I say unto you that you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right.”  (D&C 9:8)

Was my testimony of the Principle of Plural Marriage obtained overnight? 

No, it wasn’t. 

“Why not?”  You might ask.

I was completely absorbed in most of the world’s monogamous traditions, but was also absorbed in my own negative feelings.  What was the first step I needed to proceed in order to obtain a belief in Plural Marriage?

Did I want to obtain truth?

Yes, I did, but again, my negative feelings of anger, fear; of my husband’s rejection—these were barriers, stumbling blocks that I needed to overcome.  I felt a yearning for a “change of heart;” a softening.

How was I going to obtain this change of concept?

First, came the understanding within me that I needed to overcome those negative obstacles.  I needed that “softening of heart,” in order to obtain knowledge of the Lord’s truth.

Much, much fasting and praying—and praying—please understand that this was to overcome my stubbornness—muy mula. 

I didn’t know until later that my husband had also prayed and fasted for me much.  I give credit to the Lord, for He granted us an answer to our prayers and my heart was “softened.”

Not all women are like Vilate Kimball—that noble pioneer woman of Mormondom of the 1800’s.  Heber, her husband, was troubled when commanded to take another wife, and not to divulge this to anyone.  Vilate noticed a change in his manner and appearance and when she inquired the cause, he tried to evade her questions.  His looks became anxious and haggard.  It was impossible to control his feelings because of his unbearable misery.  He became sick in body; he was unable to sleep—instead, he would walk the floor.  The agony was so great that he beseeched the Lord to be merciful and reveal to her this Principle, for he himself could not break his vow of secrecy.  Helen, daughter of Heber and Vilate, wrote about her mother’s experience, as her mother also poured out her soul in prayer.

“Before her was illustrated the order of celestial marriage, in all its beauty and glory, together with the great exaltation and honor it would confer upon her in that immortal and celestial sphere, if she would accept it and stand in her place by her husband’s side.  She also saw the woman he had taken to wife, and contemplated with joy, the vast and boundless love and union which this order would bring about, as well as the increase of her husband’s kingdoms, and the power and glory extending throughout the eternities, worlds without end.

“With a countenance beaming with joy she was filled with the Spirit of the Lord.  She returned to my father, saying, ‘Heber, what you kept from me, the Lord has shown me.’ ”  She told me she never saw so happy a man as father was when she described the vision and told him she was satisfied and knew it was from God.  (Life of Heber Kimball)

I have a testimony that this is an eternal law and that it is the order of Heaven.  Effort in study, prayer and fasting is essential in order to obtain a testimony of this eternal law, our God is not a monogamous being.  In conjunction with all of God’s commandments, laws, and ordinances, the Law of Celestial Plural Marriage is a requirement in order to obtain a residence with God.  In the celestial glory, there are three heavens, or degrees; and in order to obtain the highest, a man must enter into this order of the Priesthood (meaning the New & Everlasting Covenant of Marriage), and if he does not, he cannot obtain it.  He may enter into the lesser kingdoms, but that is the end of his kingdom; he cannot have an increase.  (D&C 131).

Plural Marriage is referred to in the Doctrine and Covenants, as the law of the Holy Priesthood.

“I am the Lord, thy God, and will give unto thee the law of my Holy Priesthood, as was ordained by me and my Father before the world was.”  (D&C 132)

Note that this law was ordained by Christ and His Father.  How can our Savior and His Father give a commandment and they be excluded from living the law of the Holy Priesthood?  Abraham was called in the Scriptures, “a friend of God.”  Abraham and all those Holy men lived Celestial Marriage, the Law of the Holy Priesthood, or Plural Marriage. The Lord covenanted with Abram that his seed would be as the dust of the earth (GEN 13:14). Abram was faithful and fully trusted God that the promises made to him in regards to Abram'’ posterity being numerous, would be fulfilled.  The word of the Lord came to Abraham in a vision and was reminded that the blessing given to him by Melchizedek would be fulfilled.  Abraham, concerned, answered the Lord that his only heir was Eliezer, the steward of Abraham’s house—and a righteous man.  Abraham asked, “Lord God, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless, behold to me thou hast given no seed.  The Lord answered and said, This (referring to Eliezer) shalt not be thine heir, but he that shalt come out of thine own bowels shall be thine heir.”  (GEN 15:6)

The Lord made a covenant with Abram when He took him to “tell the stars if thou be able to number them.”  GEN 15:8).  And he said unto him, “So shall thy seed be.”  Abraham trusted God and had faith that those promises would be granted unto him.  He was glad and his soul found rest, and he believed in the Lord, and the Lord counted it unto him for righteousness.  (GEN 15:12)

Now Sarai, Abram’s wife, bore him no children, and she had a handmaid, an Egyptian, whose name was Hagar.  Sarai gave Hagar to her husband to be his wife  (GEN 16).  And why did she do it?  Because this was the law (D&C 132:34). 

Why do I believe in Plural Marriage?  Because it is God’s law from before this creation—worlds without end.

Qadosh L’Adonai

E   D   I   T   O   R   I   A   L

Some time ago, I received the following letter from a dear brother, with whom I had discussed certain aspects of the resurrection and also the fate of the sons of perdition.  While I disagreed—in part—on these subjects, his treatise was very effectively presented.  I felt it would be a good addition to TRUTH NEVER CHANGES, and would cause the Saints to exercise some thought on the subject.

The subject of the sons of perdition is best left alone, except those few teachings in Scripture and by men of God in this dispensation.  There is very little known about them, since their exact fate is kept hidden from all, except the partakers thereof.  We are cautioned not to delve too deeply into this subject, but a cursory overview will help us to better understand principles of the resurrection.  Other thoughts on this subject will be forthcoming in the next volume of TRUTH NEVER CHANGES.  It is hoped that these presentations will enliven our thoughts and open our minds to greater truth in our search for exaltation.                                        —The Editor—

June 28, 2005

Dear Brother ___:

Last Sunday we were having a discussion after Sunday School on the subject of the resurrection of the Sons of Perdition.  As we have discussed the topic of resurrection a number of times over the past couple of years, and have never seemed to be able (to) agree on certain aspects, I have decided to write down a few Scriptures, which have given me the understanding that I have accepted on the subject.

Here let me remind you of our conversation and the specific points in which we differed.  Last Sunday, as we spoke, your position was that there will be no final judgement after the resurrection, that the Sons of Perdition will not be resurrected, and that the resurrection of the unjust refers to someone other than the Sons of Perdition.  My position was that the Sons of Perdition will be resurrected and that the resurrection of the unjust refers specifically to the Sons of Perdition.

As evidence to support your position that the Sons of Perdition shall not be resurrected, you referred to D&C 76:31-39.  Specifically, you mentioned verses 37 – 39, referring to the Sons of Perdition, that they are:

…the only ones on whom the second death shall have any power; Yea, verily, the only ones who shall not be redeemed in the due time of the Lord, after the sufferings of his wrath.  For all the rest shall be brought forth by the resurrection of the dead…

You inferred that the line which reads, For all the rest shall be brought forth by the resurrection of the dead…suggests that the Sons of Perdition shall not be brought forth by the resurrection of the dead.  If that were where that sentence ended, it would sound as if the statement were absolute, and I might have to agree with your position.  However, if you finish reading the sentence, you will find that further clarity is added.  The sentence continues:

…For all the rest shall be brought forth by the resurrection of the dead, through the triumph and the glory of the Lamb…

My position is that the line, through the triumph and the glory of the Lamb, should be understood to mean that they shall be saved through the atonement.  I understand it to mean that all shall be resurrected, but the Sons of Perdition are the only ones who shall not be saved after the resurrection.  It is reasonable to understand that all shall partake of the power of God and have him revealed to them at the event of the final judgement—if not sooner.  To support my position, I will first use D&C 76:41-44, specifically where it says that he

…saves all the works of his hands, except those sons of perdition who deny the Son after the Father has revealed him.

The revelation then goes on to explain the condition into which they shall be cast.

…Wherefore, he saves all except them—they shall go away into everlasting punishment, which is endless punishment, which is eternal punishment, to reign with the devil and his angels in the eternity, where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched, which is their torment…

Realizing that the Sons of Perdition are the only ones on whom the second death shall have any power, it ma be important to have some understanding of what that death consists of.  By understanding what the second death consists of, we may discover other passages in Scripture that could lead us to understand whether or not the Sons of Perdition suffer in a resurrected state, or in some other state of being.  From the above quotation, we learn that in part, the second death consists of a place, where the Sons of Perdition are sent, where they “reign with the devil;” a place in which they receive eternal punishment, which is described in part as:

…their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched, which is their torment…

In D&C 76:36, this place is also described as a lake of fire and brimstone.  So although we may never fully understand this place, we can derive from the Scriptures some basic understanding of what it is like.  It is a place where the inhabitants experience an eternal punishment and they suffer:

1)      Torment of fire, which is never quenched

2)      Torment where their worm dieth not.

3)      No forgiveness

4)      Wrath of God.

5)      Complete separation from God the Father & remaining in outer darkness.

6)      Company with the devil and his angels.

7)      Becoming sons of the devil himself, who is called perdition.

8)      Constant regret for having ever been born.

9)      Knowing they shall not be saved in this world, nor in the next.

10)  Hopelessness.

They receive this punishment because:

1)      They defy the power of God after having known it and partaken of it.

2)      They deny the truth.

3)      They deny the Holy Ghost after having first received it.

4)      They have murdered innocent blood.

5)      They have put Christ to an open shame.

6)      They love to do evil.

7)      They reject the atonement, crucifying the Son unto themselves.

From the above lists, it is clear to see who the Sons of Perdition are, judging by the things that they do and condemnation that they suffer.  By understanding the character and final condition of the Sons of Perdition, we may broaden our search of the Scriptures for more understanding on the subject.

As I have already stated your position that the Sons of Perdition will not be resurrected, and that the final judgement does not take place after the resurrection, here let me put forth my position and view on this subject.  Below is my attempt to outline a sketch of my understanding of the process through which we must pass after leaving our preexistence.

My view of our existence from birth to our eternal reward:

            Mortal life:

                       

A)    After we pass through the veil from our preexistence, we come into this mortal life.

B)    Here, we are cut off from the presence of the Lord.  We are in a condition of suffering the first death, as a result of Adam’s transgression.

C)    We accept, by baptism, or reject the offer of the atonement.

D)    We pass through tests to see if we will actually keep our end of the agreement to obey all of God’s commandments.

E)     We die, separating ourselves from our mortal bodies, a continuation of the result of Adam’s Transgression.  (Those who die without a knowledge are judged accordingly.)

Space between death and resurrection:

A)    As our bodies decay, we remain in a state of the first death.  We continue our existence as spirit beings in either a state of peace or in a state of torment.  In this condition, we still have the opportunity to accept the atonement through work for the dead and become justified.

1)      State of Torment

a)      With the unjust, we suffer in outer darkness until we are either redeemed through the atonement and the work for the dead, or until we are resurrected.

2)      State of Peace

a)      If we do not reject the atonement, we must meet our Lord and review our lives.

b)      We judge ourselves concerning the life we have lived.

c)      We continue our progression and learning from Kingdom to Kingdom, from exaltation to exaltation (telestial > terrestrial > celestial) as depicted in the temple, until we become justified and are prepared for the resurrection.

Resurrection:

A)    Immediately after our resurrection, we stand before God to face our final judgement, where we will either be pronounced just or we will be pronounced unjust.

1)      Just

a)      We then receive our eternal reward according to the judgements of God.

2)      Unjust

a)      We are cast into outer darkness and partake of the second death, which is both temporal and spiritual.

In D&C 76:37 it reads that the Sons of Perdition are the only ones that the second death will have power over.  If we accept this statement, it seems logical that wherever the second death is mentioned in Scripture, it is concerning the Sons of Perdition.  With this view in mind, let us examine some Scriptural references from the Book of Mormon to see if the above outline is consistent with Scripture.

The following passages set forth that the final judgement shall take place after the resurrection and that all (even the wicked, who will partake of the second death) shall come forth in the resurrection.  They reveal that after the death of our mortal bodies, all shall arise and the bodies of both the righteous and the wicked (even those, the Sons of Perdition, who suffer the second death) shall be restored to their perfect frame and that the spirit and body shall never be divided again.  It is presented that in this resurrected state, both the righteous and wicked shall be judged, and that after this final judgement, in our resurrected bodies, we shall receive our eternal reward, either to eternal life or eternal damnation.  The process which leads to the final state of the wicked is apparently such that after they die, they shall be resurrected > judged > cast into a lake of fire (2^nd Death).

2 Nephi 9:11-16

…this death (first death) which I have spoken, which is temporal, shall deliver up its dead; which death is the grave.  And this death of which I have spoken, which is the spiritual death, shall deliver up its dead; which spiritual death is hell; wherefore, death and hell must deliver up their dead, and hell must deliver up its captive spirits, and the grave must deliver up its captive bodies, and the bodies and the spirits of men will be restored one to the other; and it is by the power of the resurrection of the Holy One of Israel…And it shall come to pass that when all men shall have passed from this first death unto life, insomuch as they have become immortal, they must appear before the judgement seat of the Holy One of Israel; and then cometh the judgement, and then must they be judged according to the holy judgements of God...and they who are filthy shall be filthy still; wherefore, they who are filthy are the devil and his angels; and they shall go away into everlasting fire; prepared for them; and their torment is as a lake of fire and brimstone, whose flames ascendeth up forever and ever and has no end.

            Alma 11:41-45

Therefore the wicked remain as though there had been no redemption made, except it be the loosing of the bands of death; for behold; the day cometh that all shall rise from the dead and stand before God, and be judged according to their works.  Now, there is a death which is called a temporal death; and the death of Christ shall loose the bands of this temporal death, that all shall be raised from this temporal death.  The spirit and the body shall be reunited again in its perfect form…even as we now are at this time; and we shall be brought to stand before God…

Now, this restoration shall come to all, both old and young, both bond and free, both male and female, both the wicked and the righteous…in the body, and shall be brought and be arraigned before the bar of Christ the Son, and God the Father, and the Holy Spirit, which is one Eternal God, to be judged according to their works, whether they be good or whether they be evil.  Now, behold, I have spoken unto you concerning the death of the mortal body, and also concerning the resurrection of the mortal body, that is from death, even from the first death unto life, that they can die no more; their spirits uniting with their bodies, never to be divided; thus the whole becoming spiritual and immortal, that they can no more see corruption.

            Alma 12:12-18

And Amulek hath spoken plainly concerning death and being raised from this mortality to a state of immortality, and being brought before the bar of God, to be judged according to our works…in this awful state we shall not dare to look up to our God; and we would fain be glad if we could command the rocks and the mountains to fall upon us to hide us from his presence.  But this cannot be; we must come forth and stand before him…and acknowledge to our everlasting shame that all his judgements are just…then cometh a death, even a second death, which is a spiritual death…Then, I say unto you, they shall be as though there had been no redemption made; for they cannot be redeemed according to God’s justice; and they cannot die, seeing there is no more corruption.

            Alma 32:22

…He shall rise again from the dead, which shall bring to pass the resurrection that all men shall stand before him, to be judged at the last and judgement day, according to their works.

3 Nephi 26:5

If they be good, to the resurrection of everlasting life; and if they be evil, to the resurrection of damnation…

Helaman 14:16-19

Yea, behold, this death bringeth to pass the resurrection and redeemeth all mankind from the first death—that spiritual death; for all mankind by the fall of Adam being cut off from the presence of the Lord, are considered as dead, both as to things temporal and to things spiritual.  But behold, the resurrection of Christ redeemeth mankind, yea, even all mankind, and bringeth them back into the presence of the Lord.  Yea, and it bringeth to pass the condition of repentance, that whosoever repenteth the same is not hewn down and cast into the fire; but whosoever repenteth not  is hewn down and cast into the fire; and there cometh upon them again a spiritual death, yea a second death…

Mormon 7:6

And he bringeth to pass the resurrection of the dead, whereby man must be raised to stand before his judgement seat.

Mosiah 16:10-12

Even this mortal shall put on immortality…to stand before the bar of God, to be judged of him…if they be evil, to the resurrection of endless damnation…

            Alma 40 then explains that the wicked are cast out after the temporal death (first death) and then they are resurrected and finally judged.  Those who are filthy still will again be cast out (second death).

            Alma 41 goes on to explain that all must be restored in body before they can be judged, otherwise God would not be just in His judgement.  After judgement in this resurrected condition, we shall receive our reward of eternal life or a second death.

            I could find more, but since I am short of time in this writing I will end here.  I believe I have presented enough information to conclude that the Book of Mormon, in connection with the Doctrine & Covenants, teaches that a final judgement will take place after the resurrection and that the Sons of Perdition will be resurrected and receive their final condemnation as resurrected beings.  I look forward to your response.

Sincerely,

________ ________

Holiness to the Lord

Y

TRUTH NEVER CHANGES

VOLUME 10, NUMBER 4

APRIL, 2006

“Truth Never Changes—nor falters.”