25 years ago today - Sep 30, 1989
The first General Authorities called to serve for five years are released.
25 years ago today - Sep 30, 1989
Elder Paul H. Dunn, age 65, of the Presidency of the First Quorum of Seventy is given emeritus status "in consideration of factors of age and health." He continues, however, to participate in money-making ventures including tours of major-league baseball parks throughout the United States. [Dunn had been exaggerating stories about himself in talks.]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
105 years ago today - Sep 30, 1909; Thursday
[Evolution] Committee meeting for further consideration of the article on "The Origin of Man". Meeting was held at my office.
[Source: James E. Talmage, Diary]
[Source: James E. Talmage, Diary]
115 years ago today - Sep 30, 1899
Reports that Apostle Franklin D. Richards "is losing his mind, [which] has been known for some time to his own family." First reported instance of mental instability in current general authority. He dies two months after this report.
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
170 years ago today - Sept 30. [1844]
[Brigham Young] ... held a council along with my brethren the Twelve the conclusion of which was, that we were to use our influence to prevent the brethren & Sisters from attending the Ball which was in contemplation to be held at President Marks in the dining room of the mansion house on Wednesday evening.
[Source: Brigham Young Journal # 4 in the handwriting of: William Clayton, Evan Greene, John D. Lee, Willard Richards. First person account kept by others. 'Lieut. Genl Brigham Young's Journal 1844']
[Source: Brigham Young Journal # 4 in the handwriting of: William Clayton, Evan Greene, John D. Lee, Willard Richards. First person account kept by others. 'Lieut. Genl Brigham Young's Journal 1844']
185 years ago today - Sep 30, 1829
In Abner Cole's Palmyra Reflector, he accuses the editor of the anti-Masonic Palmyra Freeman of plagiarizing the Book of Mormon by using the phrase "Beware of SECRET ASSOCIATIONS". Cole notes that "The 'Gold Bible' is fast gaining credit; the rapid spread of Islamism was no touch to it!"
[Source: Wikipedia: Chronology of Mormonism, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chronology_of_Mormonism]
[Source: Wikipedia: Chronology of Mormonism, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chronology_of_Mormonism]
35 years ago today - Sep 29, 1979
A new 2,400-page edition of the King James version of the Bible, with many special features, including a topical guide, a Bible dictionary, and a revolutionary footnote system, was published by the Church.
[Source: Church News: Historical Chronology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, http://www.ldschurchnewsarchive.com/articles/58765/Historical-chronology-of-The-Church-of-Jesus-Christ-of-Latter-day-Saints.html]
[Source: Church News: Historical Chronology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, http://www.ldschurchnewsarchive.com/articles/58765/Historical-chronology-of-The-Church-of-Jesus-Christ-of-Latter-day-Saints.html]
100 years ago today - Sep 29, 1914
Quorum of Twelve learns that mission president has "discovered that 15% of the [missionary] Elders in the Netherlands during the past two years, have been guilty of immoral practices, and that a much greater percentage of Elders have been exposed to these evils."
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
100 years ago today - Sep 29, 1914; Tuesday
We took action in the case of Geo[rge]. W. Tolley of Gridley Cal[ifornia]. who took a plural wife within the past three years, Patriarch John Woolley performing the marriage according to his own confession. He was disfellowshipped.
[Source: George F. Richards, Diary]
[Source: George F. Richards, Diary]
105 years ago today - Sep 29, 1909
Attended a reunion in 19th ward in honor of the widow of W. W. Phelps, a veteran of Missouri persecution times. She spoke in tongues, interpreted by a daughter of Orson Hyde, Sis M. White.
[Source: An Uncommon Common Pioneer: The Journals of James Henry Martineau 1828-1918, edited by Donald G. Godfrey XXX Rebecca S. Martineau-McCarty]
[Source: An Uncommon Common Pioneer: The Journals of James Henry Martineau 1828-1918, edited by Donald G. Godfrey XXX Rebecca S. Martineau-McCarty]
110 years ago today - Sep 29, 1904; Thursday
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes] A meeting of the First Presidency and Apostles was held this morning in the temple as usual.
An informal talk was had upon the subject of the sealing of couples in Arizona and Mexico outside of the temple. President [Joseph F.] Smith remarked that if we allow the idea to prevail that these marriages outside the temple are just as good as those performed in the temple, it would not be very long before our young people of these far-away places would be loath to come to the temple at all, in consequence of the great expense attending the journey, and this would be a blow to the sanctity of temple ordinances. The President then said he would not be averse to Apostles marrying unmarried people, where it may be inconvenient for them to come to a temple; but, he said, it must be distinctly understood that all such marriages are for time only, performed under the laws of the land and known among us as legal marriages, and the contracting parties should so understand it. They should be told that all such marriages have nothing whatever to do with sealing for eternity, and that they must therefore look forward to the time when they must come to the temple and be properly sealed, and have their children sealed to them.
[Source: First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
An informal talk was had upon the subject of the sealing of couples in Arizona and Mexico outside of the temple. President [Joseph F.] Smith remarked that if we allow the idea to prevail that these marriages outside the temple are just as good as those performed in the temple, it would not be very long before our young people of these far-away places would be loath to come to the temple at all, in consequence of the great expense attending the journey, and this would be a blow to the sanctity of temple ordinances. The President then said he would not be averse to Apostles marrying unmarried people, where it may be inconvenient for them to come to a temple; but, he said, it must be distinctly understood that all such marriages are for time only, performed under the laws of the land and known among us as legal marriages, and the contracting parties should so understand it. They should be told that all such marriages have nothing whatever to do with sealing for eternity, and that they must therefore look forward to the time when they must come to the temple and be properly sealed, and have their children sealed to them.
[Source: First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
125 years ago today - Sep 29, 1889
[President Wilford Woodruff] Brigham Henry Roberts spoke one hour upon his imprisionment & 800 others and the Principle upon which they were imprisioned.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
130 years ago today - Sep 29, 1884
[Apostle Heber J. Grant] [After arriving in Salt Lake City] I had no faith when Bro Young and I left Salt Lake for Orderville that anything could be accomplished in uniting the people of that place and getting them to continue to labor in the United Order. I felt in my heart as though the First Presidency were asking us to do something which was almost an impossibility. I have been thankful that our labors were successful. I don't know but what I should say we accomplished our mission without any labor. My heart is full of gratitude to think our Heavenly Father prepared the saints to continue to work unitedly without any counsel on our part.
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
135 years ago today - Sep 29, 1879
I will give what I can from my own knowledge and memory and from what I heard at the time. When Emma Hale eloped with Joseph Smith, the Hale family was greatly exasperated, and perhaps it would not have been safe for Smith to have shown himself at his father-in-lawÂ's house. Emma was, or had been, the idol, or favorite, of the family, and they all still felt a strong attachment for her. Permission to return and reconciliation were effected and accomplished by her and perhaps her sister, Mrs. Wasson, who lived near Bainbridge, New York. The persuasions for Smith to return all came from the other side, not from Mr. Isaac Hale or his family in Harmony, Pa. The statement of Mr. Hale, made under oath before Esquire Dimon, was strictly true. * *
Reuben Hale is but little older than myself, was living with his father at the time of SmithÂ's money-digging, and wrote for Smith when he first began to translate, before [Martin] Harris came to Harmony. It is true that Alva Hale went with his team to Palmyra, N.Y., one hundred miles or more, and moved Smith and wife to Harmony. It was stated by Alva Hale, at the time, that the Â"Gold BibleÂ" was in a barrel of beans in his wagon, and that he (Hale) slept in his wagon to guard that barrel of beans and its treasure. I remember hearing my older brother Joseph tell Alva that if he, Joseph Lewis [Emma's cousin], had been in your place (Alva HaleÂ's) he would have known whether that barrel of beans contained any golden Bible or not, perfectly regardless of SmithÂ's statement that it would be certain death for any one to see the plates. The Hales seemed, for a time, to be kept in awe by SmithÂ's statements, but that awe did not last long. Alva Hale is over eighty and his memory has failed much in a few years past. Some things he remembers distinctly, and some things I have been able to help him to recall; for example, I asked him if he remembered the letter he wrote to Smith and Emma when they eloped. He said no, and had no recollection of writing a letter to them. When told the contents of the letter, which was as follows--Â"My Creed! I believe in love-powder, in gun-powder and hell fire,Â" he replied, I recollect it as plain as if but yesterday. I asked Alva, on one of our late visits, if he remembered weighing the gold Bible; but he did not. My brother Joseph tried to refresh his memory, but in vain. Joseph remembers hearing it stated by Alva that he (Hale) was permitted to weigh the gold Bible in a pillow case, and, according to our memory, it weighed thirteen pounds! There were many persons in Harmony who had from Joe Smith positive promise that they should see the plates and the spectacles, but all say that they never saw them. Alva Hale says he never saw them. I presume he saw that old glass-box that Isaac Hale spoke of, said to contain the plates. SmithÂ's excuse for using his spectacles and hat to translate with, instead of those spectacles, was that he must keep the spectacles concealed; but any and all persons were permitted to inspect the peep-stone; and that he could translate just as well with the stone.
My sister Mrs. E[lizabeth]. L. McKune, says: Â"I worked in the families of Joseph Smith and uncle Isaac Hale for about nine months, during which time Mrs. Emma Smith had a child which was still-born and much deformed. The dwellings of Mr. Hale and Joseph Smith, jr., were near each other. I saw Smith translating his book by the aid of the stone and hat. Reuben Hale, acted as scribe, writing down the words from Joseph SmithÂ's mouth, but after a short time Martin Harris did the writing. I heard Smith tell his wife Emma that he was nearly equal to Jesus Christ, and was as good to her as her Savior. The time when Smith told the story of the bleeding ghost was after the close of the money-digging, after Smith was married and had moved back to Harmony, and had commenced the translation of his book, I think, either before or about the time that Mrs. Harris had abstracted the 130 pages of their manuscript. The date I cannot precisely recall. I have a distinct recollection about that bleeding ghost.Â" Your idea that the first start of the book was a money speculation, not a new church, is perfectly correct. Your general idea of SmithÂ's plates is also correct. He had something which he would permit a select few to handle, as they were done up in a cloth, or in a box, but doubtless the plates were something prepared for the occasion. Among the first of SmithÂ's scribes was one Martin Harris who operated in our immediate neighborhood. His residence was then, I, think, in Palmyra, N.Y. He was a man of some property, and his wife was very strongly opposed to his spending his time and money in SmithÂ's speculation, and once, while Harris was writing for Smith, she came to Harmony township and got hold of some of the manuscript they were making and carried it off, or destroyed it, and caused them considerable trouble. I am able to get near the exact date of SmithÂ's joining the Methodist Episcopal Church. My sister, Elizabeth L. McKune, says she was working in the family of Michael B. Morse the latter part of the winter and spring, and soon after that Joseph Smith, Jr., joined the Church, and while she was working for Mr. Morse he made her a chest and when he painted it put the date, 1828, in red paint on the inside of the chest. She has said chest and date now in her possession. Also my brother Joseph Lewis, from circumstances and business transactions, is able to fix the date to be Harmony, Susquehanna county, Pa., June--1828. The day of the month I am not able to ascertain. We have another witness to SmithÂ's joining the Church, in Elder CadwellÂ's reply to my statement in the Amboy Journal. Yours Truly, HIEL LEWIS.
[Source: Hiel Lewis (cousin to Emma Smith) to [James T. Cobb?], 29 September 1879, Salt Lake City Daily Tribune 18 (17 October 1879): 2., as cited in Dan Vogel, Early Mormon Documents: Hiel Lewis To [James T. Cobb?]]
Reuben Hale is but little older than myself, was living with his father at the time of SmithÂ's money-digging, and wrote for Smith when he first began to translate, before [Martin] Harris came to Harmony. It is true that Alva Hale went with his team to Palmyra, N.Y., one hundred miles or more, and moved Smith and wife to Harmony. It was stated by Alva Hale, at the time, that the Â"Gold BibleÂ" was in a barrel of beans in his wagon, and that he (Hale) slept in his wagon to guard that barrel of beans and its treasure. I remember hearing my older brother Joseph tell Alva that if he, Joseph Lewis [Emma's cousin], had been in your place (Alva HaleÂ's) he would have known whether that barrel of beans contained any golden Bible or not, perfectly regardless of SmithÂ's statement that it would be certain death for any one to see the plates. The Hales seemed, for a time, to be kept in awe by SmithÂ's statements, but that awe did not last long. Alva Hale is over eighty and his memory has failed much in a few years past. Some things he remembers distinctly, and some things I have been able to help him to recall; for example, I asked him if he remembered the letter he wrote to Smith and Emma when they eloped. He said no, and had no recollection of writing a letter to them. When told the contents of the letter, which was as follows--Â"My Creed! I believe in love-powder, in gun-powder and hell fire,Â" he replied, I recollect it as plain as if but yesterday. I asked Alva, on one of our late visits, if he remembered weighing the gold Bible; but he did not. My brother Joseph tried to refresh his memory, but in vain. Joseph remembers hearing it stated by Alva that he (Hale) was permitted to weigh the gold Bible in a pillow case, and, according to our memory, it weighed thirteen pounds! There were many persons in Harmony who had from Joe Smith positive promise that they should see the plates and the spectacles, but all say that they never saw them. Alva Hale says he never saw them. I presume he saw that old glass-box that Isaac Hale spoke of, said to contain the plates. SmithÂ's excuse for using his spectacles and hat to translate with, instead of those spectacles, was that he must keep the spectacles concealed; but any and all persons were permitted to inspect the peep-stone; and that he could translate just as well with the stone.
My sister Mrs. E[lizabeth]. L. McKune, says: Â"I worked in the families of Joseph Smith and uncle Isaac Hale for about nine months, during which time Mrs. Emma Smith had a child which was still-born and much deformed. The dwellings of Mr. Hale and Joseph Smith, jr., were near each other. I saw Smith translating his book by the aid of the stone and hat. Reuben Hale, acted as scribe, writing down the words from Joseph SmithÂ's mouth, but after a short time Martin Harris did the writing. I heard Smith tell his wife Emma that he was nearly equal to Jesus Christ, and was as good to her as her Savior. The time when Smith told the story of the bleeding ghost was after the close of the money-digging, after Smith was married and had moved back to Harmony, and had commenced the translation of his book, I think, either before or about the time that Mrs. Harris had abstracted the 130 pages of their manuscript. The date I cannot precisely recall. I have a distinct recollection about that bleeding ghost.Â" Your idea that the first start of the book was a money speculation, not a new church, is perfectly correct. Your general idea of SmithÂ's plates is also correct. He had something which he would permit a select few to handle, as they were done up in a cloth, or in a box, but doubtless the plates were something prepared for the occasion. Among the first of SmithÂ's scribes was one Martin Harris who operated in our immediate neighborhood. His residence was then, I, think, in Palmyra, N.Y. He was a man of some property, and his wife was very strongly opposed to his spending his time and money in SmithÂ's speculation, and once, while Harris was writing for Smith, she came to Harmony township and got hold of some of the manuscript they were making and carried it off, or destroyed it, and caused them considerable trouble. I am able to get near the exact date of SmithÂ's joining the Methodist Episcopal Church. My sister, Elizabeth L. McKune, says she was working in the family of Michael B. Morse the latter part of the winter and spring, and soon after that Joseph Smith, Jr., joined the Church, and while she was working for Mr. Morse he made her a chest and when he painted it put the date, 1828, in red paint on the inside of the chest. She has said chest and date now in her possession. Also my brother Joseph Lewis, from circumstances and business transactions, is able to fix the date to be Harmony, Susquehanna county, Pa., June--1828. The day of the month I am not able to ascertain. We have another witness to SmithÂ's joining the Church, in Elder CadwellÂ's reply to my statement in the Amboy Journal. Yours Truly, HIEL LEWIS.
[Source: Hiel Lewis (cousin to Emma Smith) to [James T. Cobb?], 29 September 1879, Salt Lake City Daily Tribune 18 (17 October 1879): 2., as cited in Dan Vogel, Early Mormon Documents: Hiel Lewis To [James T. Cobb?]]
170 years ago today - Sep 29, 1844
Brigham Young in a Sunday service sermon endorsed the Sisters' penny subscription fund for procuring glass and nails for the Temple.
[Source: Brown, Lisle (compiler), Chronology of the Construction, Destruction and Reconstruction of the Nauvoo Temple]
[Source: Brown, Lisle (compiler), Chronology of the Construction, Destruction and Reconstruction of the Nauvoo Temple]
170 years ago today - 1844 29 Sep.
Young vacates the First Quorum of the Seventy by ordaining its 63 members as presidents of local quorums. This removes a quorum specified in the 1835 revelation as "equal in authority" with the Twelve.
[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 7: Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 7: Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
175 years ago today - Sep 29, 1839
[Joseph Smith Sermon] ...Explained concerning the coming of the Son of Man &c that all will be raised to meet him, but the righteous will remain with him in the cloud whilst all the proud and all that do wickedly will have to return to the earth and suffer his vengeance which he will take upon them this is the second death &c &c
... Yet many of the righteous shall fall a prey to disease to pestilence &c by reason of the weakness of the flesh and yet be saved in the Kingdom of God So that it is an unhallowed principle to say that such and such have transgressed because they have been preyed upon by disease or death for all flesh is subject to death and the Saviour has said--"Judge not" lest ye be judged."
[Source: Joseph Smith Diary, by James Mulholland as quoted in The Words of Joseph Smith by Joseph Smith by Andrew F. Ehat and Lyndon W. Cook]
... Yet many of the righteous shall fall a prey to disease to pestilence &c by reason of the weakness of the flesh and yet be saved in the Kingdom of God So that it is an unhallowed principle to say that such and such have transgressed because they have been preyed upon by disease or death for all flesh is subject to death and the Saviour has said--"Judge not" lest ye be judged."
[Source: Joseph Smith Diary, by James Mulholland as quoted in The Words of Joseph Smith by Joseph Smith by Andrew F. Ehat and Lyndon W. Cook]
190 years ago today - Sep 29, 1824
Joseph Smith, Sr. runs an add in the Wayne Sentinel for six weeks, announcing that he had exhumed Alvin's body, and that it was undisturbed. It also runs 6, 13, 20, 27 October and 3 November. (Anderson 2001, chronology)
[Source: Wikipedia: Chronology of Mormonism, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chronology_of_Mormonism]
[Source: Wikipedia: Chronology of Mormonism, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chronology_of_Mormonism]
75 years ago today - Sep 28, 1939
Membership in the Salt Lake Tabernacle Choir was so important that Bishops and Stake Presidents are asked not to call members to additional Church duties unless such duties will not interfere with Choir duties. ". . . membership in the Tabernacle Choir will take precedence over any other assignment." {1939-September 28-Original circular letter, L.D.S.}
[Source: Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
[Source: Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
100 years ago today - Sep 28, 1914; Monday
[James E. Talmage] Was called to an important interview at the office of the First Presidency at which Dr. Fred J. Pack, my successor to the Professorship of Geology at the University of Utah, was present. We listened to Dr. Pack's statement of his views concerning the evolution hypothesis.
[Source: James E. Talmage, Diary]
[Source: James E. Talmage, Diary]
115 years ago today - Thursday, Sep 28, 1899
[Apostle Rudger Clawson] I made remarks with reference to the object of the meeting, urging the necessity of collecting in the means due Brigham Young Monument Fund. I read a letter from the First Presidency, similar to the one read at Logan. Hoped the brethren would be united in whatever action should be taken.
Elder Jos. W. McMurrin made brief remarks on the same line. Pres. Parkinson spoke briefly, dwelling upon the life and character of Brigham Young and the great blessings that had come down to us through his administration. Explained the status of the fund in the Oneida Stake by saying that the apportionment was $835.00, amount already paid $234.95, amount due $600.05. He then read the apportionment as it was made to the wards and which was again accepted by unanimous vote, and the bishops expressed their intention of getting the means in at once.
[Source: Stan Larson (editor), A Ministry of Meetings: The Apostolic diaries of Rudger Clawson, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1993, http://bit.ly/rudgerclawson]
Elder Jos. W. McMurrin made brief remarks on the same line. Pres. Parkinson spoke briefly, dwelling upon the life and character of Brigham Young and the great blessings that had come down to us through his administration. Explained the status of the fund in the Oneida Stake by saying that the apportionment was $835.00, amount already paid $234.95, amount due $600.05. He then read the apportionment as it was made to the wards and which was again accepted by unanimous vote, and the bishops expressed their intention of getting the means in at once.
[Source: Stan Larson (editor), A Ministry of Meetings: The Apostolic diaries of Rudger Clawson, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1993, http://bit.ly/rudgerclawson]
145 years ago today - Sep 28, 1869
DESERET NEWS advertises sale of BOOK OF MORMON "In Phonetics." Apostle Orson Pratt reports he translated it into the Deseret Alphabet in "four months of continuous labor."
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
170 years ago today - Sep 28, 1844
Brigham Young affirms to William [Smith, Joseph's only surviving brother] that the patriarchal right "rests upon your head" although he suggests "you can bestow it upon Uncle John or Uncle Asael."
[Source: Anderson, Lavina Fielding, Editor, Lucy's Book: A Critical Edition of Lucy Mack Smith's Family Memoir, 2001, Signature Books, http://bit.ly/lucys-book]
[Source: Anderson, Lavina Fielding, Editor, Lucy's Book: A Critical Edition of Lucy Mack Smith's Family Memoir, 2001, Signature Books, http://bit.ly/lucys-book]
170 years ago today - Sep 28, 1844
[Apostle Amasa Mason Lyman] Amasa Mason Lyman: Sealed to Eliza Maria Partridge Smith [plural wife of Joseph Smith] for time 28 September 1844. Five children: Don Carlos, Platte Dealton, Carlie Eliza, Joseph Alvin, and Lucy Zina.
[Source: Cook, Lyndon W., The Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith: A Historical and Biographical Commentary of the Doctrine and Covenants, Seventy's Mission Bookstore, Provo UT, 1985, http://amzn.to/RevelationsofJosephSmith]
[Source: Cook, Lyndon W., The Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith: A Historical and Biographical Commentary of the Doctrine and Covenants, Seventy's Mission Bookstore, Provo UT, 1985, http://amzn.to/RevelationsofJosephSmith]
105 years ago today - Monday, Sep 27, 1909
[Apostle John Henry Smith] [Some of the apostles and First Presidency] met and heard read an Article on the Godhead by the Presidency but it was refered to some of the brethren to examine as to the questions of Developement. [Note: Talmage notes this was "to consider a proposed article by the First Presidency on 'The Origin of Man'"].
Bros. A. W. Ivins, Geo. F. Richards and I talked over the question with Dr. Jas. E. Talmage of the purchase of his Copyright of his new book, The Apostasy. Our Committee recommended to the Presidency that we pay him $3,000.00 for it.
[Source: Jean Bickmore White (editor), Church, State, and Politics: The Diaries of John Henry Smith, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1990, http://bit.ly/johnhenrysmith]
Bros. A. W. Ivins, Geo. F. Richards and I talked over the question with Dr. Jas. E. Talmage of the purchase of his Copyright of his new book, The Apostasy. Our Committee recommended to the Presidency that we pay him $3,000.00 for it.
[Source: Jean Bickmore White (editor), Church, State, and Politics: The Diaries of John Henry Smith, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1990, http://bit.ly/johnhenrysmith]
120 years ago today - Sep 27, 1894
[Apostle Francis M. Lyman] I had much talk with Pres[iden]ts Cannon and Smith upon the advisability of Apostles, Presidents of Stakes, B[isho]ps and their counselors taking part in political questions. They thought it all right in relation to Constitutional convention matters, but ordinary politics they will do better to keep out of ... Pres[ident] Woodruff was home sick. A proclamation of Amnesty was sent in to us from Pres[ident] Grover Cleveland. It relieves all of disabilities who have kept the law in accordance with the proclamation of Benjamin Harrison. It will do some good but is not all that we wish. We did not conclude we could vote under it as we have kept the law of God instead of the law of the land and will not desert our families.
[Source: Excerpts of Apostle Francis M. Lyman Diaries, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Excerpts of Apostle Francis M. Lyman Diaries, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
125 years ago today - Sep 27, 1889
Missionary certificates were issued to Bro[ther] Fred W. Taylor & Bro[ther] Elias S. Wright to go to study medicine & surgery & preach the gospel in the state of New York. Also to Bro[ther] Cha[rle]s M. Cannon to study dentistry & in the state of New York; also to Bro[ther] John M. Cannon to study law &c in the state of Michigan, also to Bro[ther] M. B. Shipp, Jr to study medicine & surgery &c in the state of Pennsylvania.
[Source: First Presidency Office Journal, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
[Source: First Presidency Office Journal, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
150 years ago today - Sep 27, 1864
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff] I Called upon F. D. Richards to speak. He was quite sick & did not feel able. I felt moved upon by the spirit of God to lay hands upon him which I did with G A Smith & He was healed & got up & spoke in the spirit & power of God & was followed by G A Smith & W. Woodruff.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
170 years ago today - Sep 27, 1844 (Friday)
Gov. Thos. Ford visited Nauvoo with about five hundred troops and three pieces of artillery, ostensibly for the purpose of bringing the murderers of Joseph and Hyrum Smith to justice.
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
190 years ago today - Sept 27, 1824
In Palmyra revival breaks out among the Methodists when four are converted and the next day seven make profession at a prayer meeting at the home of Dr. Durfee Chase, son of the active Methodist family whose farm adjoined the Joseph Smith homestead. Among the seven converted is 19-year-old Lucy Stoddard, relative of the Stoddard who had been the principal workman in building the Smith home. This 1824-25 revival is described in Joseph Smith's History in the Pearl of Great Price but is misdated to 1820.
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
15 years ago today - Sep 26, 1999
Residents of Utah preview Lee Groberg's American Prophet: The Story of Joseph Smith, which is narrated by Gregory Peck and includes the voice talent of Megan Follows as Emma Smith. The film later premiers nationally on PBS on November 26.
105 years ago today - Sep 26, 1909
U.S. President William Howard Taft visited Salt Lake City en route to California and spoke in the Tabernacle.
[Source: Church News: Historical Chronology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, http://www.ldschurchnewsarchive.com/articles/58765/Historical-chronology-of-The-Church-of-Jesus-Christ-of-Latter-day-Saints.html]
[Source: Church News: Historical Chronology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, http://www.ldschurchnewsarchive.com/articles/58765/Historical-chronology-of-The-Church-of-Jesus-Christ-of-Latter-day-Saints.html]
110 years ago today - Sep 26, 1904
The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve decide to withdraw the authority that "President Woodruff and President Snow, each in his time, authorized some of the Apostles, and perhaps others to perform sealings for time and eternity" in places other than the temples. This leads to President Joseph F. Smith's so-called "Second Manifesto."
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
120 years ago today - Sep 26, 1894
[Apostle Heber J. Grant] Augusta and I went to the Temple this A.M. and she had her second anointings. Prest. Lorenzo Snow officiated. He married her father and mother on the plains as they were coming to Utah and I was pleased to have him officiate in giving Gusta her anointings. Bro. Jno. R. Winder & John Nicholson were present.
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
125 years ago today - Sep 26, 1889
[Apostle Heber J. Grant] Spent the morning attending to business this afternnon [sic] attended a meeting of the apostles at the Gardo House. After we had had a Prayer Circle there was a long chat as to the parties that the brethren would like to fill the three places in the Quorum of the Apostles. Prest. Wilford Woodruff said that he would like all of the brethren to hand him a list of the names that they would like for the vacancies. The matter had been talked of at the last meeting and some of the brethren had handed him a list. I was away and had had no knowledge on the matter and had therefore not handed the list of those that I would like to the President. I said that the first man of all those that I knew that I would like to see a member of the Quorum was Orson F. Whitney if it was thought that he was sound in his doctrine and if there was no fears as to his keeping theWords of Wisdom, but on account of my having doubts in these regards I did not care to name him, at the same time if the word of the Lord came through the President that he was the man I should be very glad to accept him. I handed in the names of Anthon H. Lund, Abraham H. Cannon, and Richard W. Young. These three I could endorse without the least reserve. I had never so much as thought of brother Lund until the President read the lists that had been handed to him and his name was on all of them. The minute I heard his name I felt that he was my first choice. Whitney, Young and Cannon or B.H. Roberts were the names that I had thought of. I was solid on Young and Cannon in my feelings but had doubts as to the third man. The minute that Lund's name was mentioned there was no doubt in my mind that he was the right man. I hope that Young will be selected, but I may be disappointed. He is one of my dearest if not my dearest friend and that may have something to do with my thinking that he is the proper man for a position in the Quorum. Sometimes our judgment is not good when a near and dear friend is the one in question. There were remarks made by a number of the brethren as to their knowledge of some of the ideas of Bro. Whitney. I am sure that he would have been the first choice of every man in the Apostles if there were not doubts as to how he kept the Words of Wisdom and as to the position that he took on a number of different doctrines. Jn. W. Taylor said that he had been to his band of horses to get a team and he picked out the two horses that he liked the best but he found that one of them had something the matter with its gamble joint and he therefore was under the necessity of taking another horse that did not please him so well. He said that in as much as there were men that we could select for Apostles that there was no questions in our minds as to their fitness that he did not think that we should think of taking a person that we were in the least doubt about. He said that his first choice was brother Whitney but he felt that he would prefer to take some one that he did not need to ask any questions about. He had turned his defective horse out for a year and hoped that he would be all right in that time, and in that case he could have the team he wanted. He felt that we had better wait awhile before selecting brother Whitney.
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
125 years ago today - Sep 26, 1889
[Apostle Brigham Young Jr.] Decided to appeal to the Governor in behalf of Lamanites who are being thrust out from the fields by white men. Met at 2 p.m. in circle Brethren handed in names to fill vacancy in Quorum of Twelve. It was general feeling that the men chosen ought to have obeyed the Celestial law of marriage full in faith, and obedient to the priesthood, other things being equal. My opinion was Antoine Lund of Sanpete; Abraham H. Cannon S.L.C.; Richard W. Young. do. & Helemen Pratt Mexll were submitted to the Presidency for their decision.
[Source: Diary of Apostle Brigham Young Jr., http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Diary of Apostle Brigham Young Jr., http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
170 years ago today - Sep 26, 1844
[Nauvoo Temple] During the month Ira T. Miles, who had sided with Lyman Wight against the Twelve's leadership, arrived in Nauvoo. Rumors spread that he had come to burn the lumber needed for the Temple. Because of this threat to the building, the Twelve and the Temple Committee appointed four night watchmen on the temple walls. The guards were used until the Saints abandoned the building in 1846.
[Source: Brown, Lisle (compiler), Chronology of the Construction, Destruction and Reconstruction of the Nauvoo Temple]
[Source: Brown, Lisle (compiler), Chronology of the Construction, Destruction and Reconstruction of the Nauvoo Temple]
30 years ago today - Sep 25, 1984
Richard Miller, a twenty-year FBI counter-intelligence veteran, is called into his Los Angeles field office subjected to polygraph tests, fired, then arrested and charged with espionage. Miller is described by his stepfather-in-law as an "active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints" who "served well" in a variety of positions, including Sunday School instructor and home teacher. However, LDS church headquarters confirms Miller was excommunicated previous summer for reasons unnamed. The national press reports Miller was engaged in a "sexual affair" with Soviet spy and KGB "major" Svetlana Ogordnikov. Miller had asked for $65,000 in cash and gold in exchange for classified information. twenty-one months later Miller, a BYU graduate and returned missionary, is convicted of expionage and bribery and is sentenced to two consecutive life terms. He is the only (former) FBI agent ever convicted of espionage. In 1989 his conviction is overturned when the admission of polygraph results is deemed an error. A third trial is held and Miller is convicted again and sentenced to 20 years. He is released in 1994 following a reduction of his sentence by a federal judge.
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
105 years ago today - Sep 25, 1909
[Evolution] University Council met at 8 p.m. Prayer by President [George H.] Brimhall. 13 present. President Brimhall reported that he had been invited to a meeting of the First Presidency and Apostles to listen to an article prepared by Apostle O[rson]. F. Whitney under instruction from the First Presidency on the origi[ne] of the physical man. The purpose of the meeting of the Council was to discuss this topic as he desired the views of the council upon it. Each member present gave expression to his views.
[Source: Brigham Young University Faculty Minutes, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
[Source: Brigham Young University Faculty Minutes, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
140 years ago today - Sep 25, 1874
DESERET NEWS editorial about "immortal seven" Mormons who are excused form grand jury in Beaver because they cannot conscientiously indict anyone for polygamy.
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
Sep 25, 1824
The body of Alvin Smith is exhumed from its grave to quell rumors that the body had been removed. Joseph Smith had said that the Angel Moroni instructed him to bring his brother Alvin to obtain the plates but Alvin had died before the Sept 22, 1824 date set by the angel. Four days later the Wayne Sentinal publishes a notice by Joseph Smith Sr. that, contrary to the rumors, the body had not been removed from the grave or disturbed.
[Joseph Smith, Sr. also runs the add on the 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th of October and 3rd November.]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Joseph Smith, Sr. also runs the add on the 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th of October and 3rd November.]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
170 years ago today - 170 years ago - 24 September 1844, Tuesday
[Nauvoo Temple] On Wednesday, the 25th, as the brethern were beginning to raise one of the capitals, having neglected to fasten the guys, the crane fell over with a tremendous crash, breaking it considerably. As soon as it was perceived that the crane was falling, the hands fled to get out of the way. One of the brethern, Thomas Jaap, running directly in the course of the falling crane, barely escaped being killed. The crane struck the ground and was within a foot of striking his head. This circumstance hindered the workmen some; but in a few days the crane was mended, reared, and the brethern again went to work on it.
...Jacob Morris ... stated that Miles had come with the intention of setting fire to the lumber, that the building might be hindered, as Lyman Wight had said the temple never would be built.
Whether this was the intention of Brother Miles or not we could not learn satisfactorily. However, enough was known to induce the authorities of the Church to advise the committee to have some of the old police guard the lumber and the temple night and day. The police have continued to guard it to this time. There has since been many threats thrown out from the Rigdonites and other sources that the temple never should be built, and no doubt an attempt would have been made to set fire to it if it had not been well guarded all the time.
[Source: Fillerup, Robert C., compiler; William Clayton Nauvoo Diaries and Personal Writings, A chronological compilation of the personal writings of William Clayton while he was a resident of Nauvoo, Illinois. http://www.boap.org/LDS/Early-Saints/clayton-diaries]
...Jacob Morris ... stated that Miles had come with the intention of setting fire to the lumber, that the building might be hindered, as Lyman Wight had said the temple never would be built.
Whether this was the intention of Brother Miles or not we could not learn satisfactorily. However, enough was known to induce the authorities of the Church to advise the committee to have some of the old police guard the lumber and the temple night and day. The police have continued to guard it to this time. There has since been many threats thrown out from the Rigdonites and other sources that the temple never should be built, and no doubt an attempt would have been made to set fire to it if it had not been well guarded all the time.
[Source: Fillerup, Robert C., compiler; William Clayton Nauvoo Diaries and Personal Writings, A chronological compilation of the personal writings of William Clayton while he was a resident of Nauvoo, Illinois. http://www.boap.org/LDS/Early-Saints/clayton-diaries]
60 years ago today - Sep 24, 1954
CBS television's Edward R. Murrow program features Apostle Ezra Taft Benson's family having "LDS Home Night." At this time Benson is also Secretary of Agriculture under President Eisenhower.
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
85 years ago today - Sep 24, 1929
Heber J Grant writes: "I am free to confess that I am disappointed with the Yosemite valley. It seems only about one-half as grand as the American Fork canyon" of Utah.
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
130 years ago today - Sep 24, 1884
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff] I ... attended the Council & prayer Circle. We discussed a Number of Questions. What shall be done with those who send their Children to school to our Enemies? Not Permit them to partake of the sacrament or ordinances of the Temple.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
150 years ago today - 1864. September 24
(Annie Clark Tanner) : Born in Farmington, Utah. Baptized in 1873, Annie Clark was rebaptized a year later during a reformation movement. She remembered, "We raised our right hand and promised not to trade with outsiders. Also, as children, we promised never to touch tea, coffee, or tobacco. To take the Lord's name in vain was a great offense. The punishment for disregard of high moral standards among young people was severe indeed. The young people who transgressed were required to make an acknowledgement of their sin in a public meeting and ask the forgiveness of the Saints."
[Source: Van Wagoner, Richard and Walker, Steven C., A Book of Mormons, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Van Wagoner, Richard and Walker, Steven C., A Book of Mormons, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
170 years ago today - Sep 24, 1844
[Heber C. Kimball] We selected Seventy Presidints to preside over the Seventies, as it takes seven Presentice [presidents] to preside over Each seventy. We selected fifty High Preas to Preside over different sections of the Country. I went on the Hill to Br. Rolce. Sealled them to gether fore time and Eternity
[Source: Kimball, Stanley B. ed, On the Potter's Wheel: The Diaries of Heber C. Kimball]
[Source: Kimball, Stanley B. ed, On the Potter's Wheel: The Diaries of Heber C. Kimball]
180 years ago today - Sep 24, 1834
The high council again tries to publish the Book of Commandments (which was being published when the press was destroyed on July 20, 1833).
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
180 years ago today - Sep 24, 1834
Article on Marriage read at General Assembly stating that "...one man should have one wife, except for death."
[Source: Mormon Chronology, N. R. Tidd, http://www.exmormon.org/mhistory.html]
[Source: Mormon Chronology, N. R. Tidd, http://www.exmormon.org/mhistory.html]
80 years ago today - Sep 23, 1934
[President Heber J. Grant] [After learning of the Death of his cousin and counselor, Anthony W. Ivins] ... From the time we were little children we have been as intimate as if we had been own brothers. I never knew two sisters who were so congenial and had such unbounded love for each other as Tone and myself.
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
105 years ago today - Sep 23, 1909
[Thomas A. Clawson Diary] "After meeting Prest F M Lyman ask (Sic) Bishops Tingey Woolley Iverson and myself to remain and he said that inasmuch as elder (Sic) John W. Taylor and Mathias Cowley had been requested not to be talking in public If when they happened to come into our wards we did not invite them to talk it would save them some embarassment &c."
[Source: Diary Excerpts of Thomas A. Clawson, Signature Books Library, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Diary Excerpts of Thomas A. Clawson, Signature Books Library, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
115 years ago today - Sep 23, 1899; Saturday
President Snow and family moved into the Beehive house today.
[Source: First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
[Source: First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
120 years ago today - Sep 23, 1894
[Apostle Francis M. Lyman] [Beaver] I then spoke of Statehood, politics and plural marriages. I announced to the Saints that plural marriage is true and though by law we are prevented from practicing it we may believe in the doctrine. If a man cast off his family here he will have none hereafter.
[Source: Excerpts of Apostle Francis M. Lyman Diaries, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Excerpts of Apostle Francis M. Lyman Diaries, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
125 years ago today - Sep 23, 1889
First Presidency Secretary L. John Nuttall records in his journal: "Prest. Joseph F. Smith had some very plain talk with Bro. Angus M. Cannon in regard to his persistent claim to the land known as the Barn Lot, west of the Lion House, which Bro. Cannon claims he purchased, bonafide. While Pres. Smith claims (it) was only in trust for its safety to the church. Pres. M. Thatcher and Bp. Wm. B. Preston held the same views as Bro. Smith and repudiated Bro. Cannon's claim. No decision was arrived at."
130 years ago today - Sep 23, 1884
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff] I attended the Lecture on Monday night 22 delivered in the Theater by John Nichelson upon the Massacree of the Mormon Elders in Tennessee and proved that Gov Murry, The Tribune and the Conspiritors ring in this City was in a great measure the Cause of the death of those Men. I do not think there were Ever as many people before in that building since it was built.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
130 years ago today - Sep 23, 1884
[Apostle Heber J. Grant] The great majority of the people who spoke yesterday and today were decidedly in favor of continuing to labor in the United Order but most of them did not wish to do so unless the present system was changed and more responsibility was placed upon the individual members. ... At our evening meeting we had some spirited remarks. We had an excellent spirit present. I can't recall attending a meeting where I felt that more of the kind and peacful [sic] influences of the good spirit was present than I did this evening. It was decided by a unanimous vote to continue working in the United Order under the system of Stewardship, as found in the Doctrine and Covenants.
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
170 years ago today - Sep 23, 1844
[Nauvoo Temple] The first sunstone capital stone was placed on the temple walls. Each stone weighed about two tons and cost some $300. Each capital was composed of five stones: the base stone; the sunstone with the sun raising above the clouds; the trumpet stone with two hands holding trumpets; and two cap stones on the top. Benjamin T. Mitchell cut the first sunstone to be placed.
[Source: Brown, Lisle (compiler), Chronology of the Construction, Destruction and Reconstruction of the Nauvoo Temple]
[Source: Brown, Lisle (compiler), Chronology of the Construction, Destruction and Reconstruction of the Nauvoo Temple]
185 years ago today - Sep 23, 1829
In Abner Cole's Palmyra Reflector, he writes, "We understand that the Anti-Masons have declared war against the Gold Bible-O! how impious! / The number of Gold Bible Apostles is said to be complete. Jo Smith, Jr. is about to assign to each, a mission to the heathen. We understand that Abraham Chaddock intends to build the first house in Harris' New-Jerusalem.... / Some few evenings since, a man in the town of Mendon, had a loud call to go and preach the doctrines contained in the Gold Bible, under heavy denunciations." (May refer to Calvin Stoddard, who had a "loud call" according to Tucker (1867).)
[Source: Wikipedia: Chronology of Mormonism, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chronology_of_Mormonism]
[Source: Wikipedia: Chronology of Mormonism, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chronology_of_Mormonism]
85 years ago today - Sep 22, 1929
Senior Seventy's president and assistant church historian Brigham H. Roberts tells congregation in Salt Lake Tabernacle that "the Latter-day Saints are conscious of receding from that zenith [of early Mormonism] in that they are no longer flooded with revelation." On Oct. 3 combined meeting of First Presidency, Quorum of Twelve, and Seventy's presidents condemns his statement. He apologizes to them.
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
100 years ago today - Sep 22, 1914
Apostle James E. Talmage reads an article from Church magazine "The Improvement Era" to the First Presidency. The article, by non-mormon writer J. C. Homans (two years earlier Homans, writing under the name of "Dr. R. C. Webb, PhD," had published articles and a book attempting to defend the Book of Abraham against dismissals by leading Egyptologists) attempts to refute evolution. First Counselor Anthon H. Lund comments that it does not strike him as particularly logical in its assertions.
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
125 years ago today - Sep 22, 1889 (Sunday)
Salim Inzil and Pharez Randure were baptized below the Egyptian colony, Yaffa, Palestine, by Elder C.U. Locander. They were confirmed the same day, the first named by Elder J.M. Sjodahl and the latter by Elder Locander. These were the first Arabs who joined the Church in Palestine. A few Germans had previously been baptized.
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
130 years ago today - Sept 22nd 1884
... President John Taylor
Sir
Duty imperatively demands that as I am about to withdraw from the Church over which you preside I make known to you and to all whom it may concern the reasons which have compelled me to take this step.
... I joined your Church on the 20th of May 1879 and during the first 2 years of my membership I faithfully adhered to it and would have given my life to defend it, during all this time I never heard of Adam being God, never heard of Blood Atonement, never heard of polygamy being required of all men before they could attain to highest glory. Never dreamed that Brigham Young or any one else cooly threw the Bible overboard and preached whatever they pleased which I was bound to accept as the revelations of God. I do not and cannot accuse these men of having told my anything absolutely false, but they certainly withheld the horrible I was in the Church some five years before I heard or knew anything about these things--doctrines against which my soul revolts. ...
Judge my horror and amazement when I found that he [Albert Carrington] constantly used language which I had only heard from the lips of the lowest blackguards and that his conduct generally was something disgraceful. I saw him myself in the presence of several hundred witnesses on board a tugboat in Liverpool conduct himself so disgracefully with a young girl, then a servant in the Mission House, that every Elder present held his head down with shame. ...
Brigham Young teaches I quote his words, "When our Father Adam came into the Garden of Eden, he came into it with a celestial body and brought Eve one of his wives with him. He is our Father and our God and the ONLY God with whom we have to do." At first I could not bring myself to believe that this doctrine was accepted by the Church, but on careful enquiry found to my horror and astonishment that it was really so. It is true a great many know nothing about it and are simply in ignorance....
Then there is the Doctrine of Blood atonement which to me is simply a doctrine of murder. Brigham Young says "I could refer you to plenty of instances where men have been righteously slain in order to atone for their sins." Again he says, "I have seen scores and hundreds of people for whom there would have been a chance if their lives had been taken and their blood spilt upon the ground as a smoking incense to the Almighty." ...
If he has no wife or wives (and you teach that he must have at least three or he cannot have the highest glory) God (Adam) is utterly unable to help him You have the keys and he must wait your leisure and pleasure. ...
Joseph F. Smith during last conference told the Priesthood meeting that to obey the higher law they must have at least three living wives at one and the same time, and that anything to the contrary was a damned lie. You yourself in the Ogden Tabernacle speaking of what the Gentiles were trying to do said "Who the Devil cares." Surely you do not think I can believe such language from the Holy Spirit of God.
I now request you to erase my name from your books, and only add in conclusion that I have had no quarrel...
Yours respectfully,
Scott Anderson
[Source: Letter to Pres. John Taylor from Scott Anderson; Salt Lake City; Sept 22nd 1884 as quoted in Quotations Dealing with the Relationship of Our First Earthy Parents to Our Heavenly Parents (1830-1978)]
Sir
Duty imperatively demands that as I am about to withdraw from the Church over which you preside I make known to you and to all whom it may concern the reasons which have compelled me to take this step.
... I joined your Church on the 20th of May 1879 and during the first 2 years of my membership I faithfully adhered to it and would have given my life to defend it, during all this time I never heard of Adam being God, never heard of Blood Atonement, never heard of polygamy being required of all men before they could attain to highest glory. Never dreamed that Brigham Young or any one else cooly threw the Bible overboard and preached whatever they pleased which I was bound to accept as the revelations of God. I do not and cannot accuse these men of having told my anything absolutely false, but they certainly withheld the horrible I was in the Church some five years before I heard or knew anything about these things--doctrines against which my soul revolts. ...
Judge my horror and amazement when I found that he [Albert Carrington] constantly used language which I had only heard from the lips of the lowest blackguards and that his conduct generally was something disgraceful. I saw him myself in the presence of several hundred witnesses on board a tugboat in Liverpool conduct himself so disgracefully with a young girl, then a servant in the Mission House, that every Elder present held his head down with shame. ...
Brigham Young teaches I quote his words, "When our Father Adam came into the Garden of Eden, he came into it with a celestial body and brought Eve one of his wives with him. He is our Father and our God and the ONLY God with whom we have to do." At first I could not bring myself to believe that this doctrine was accepted by the Church, but on careful enquiry found to my horror and astonishment that it was really so. It is true a great many know nothing about it and are simply in ignorance....
Then there is the Doctrine of Blood atonement which to me is simply a doctrine of murder. Brigham Young says "I could refer you to plenty of instances where men have been righteously slain in order to atone for their sins." Again he says, "I have seen scores and hundreds of people for whom there would have been a chance if their lives had been taken and their blood spilt upon the ground as a smoking incense to the Almighty." ...
If he has no wife or wives (and you teach that he must have at least three or he cannot have the highest glory) God (Adam) is utterly unable to help him You have the keys and he must wait your leisure and pleasure. ...
Joseph F. Smith during last conference told the Priesthood meeting that to obey the higher law they must have at least three living wives at one and the same time, and that anything to the contrary was a damned lie. You yourself in the Ogden Tabernacle speaking of what the Gentiles were trying to do said "Who the Devil cares." Surely you do not think I can believe such language from the Holy Spirit of God.
I now request you to erase my name from your books, and only add in conclusion that I have had no quarrel...
Yours respectfully,
Scott Anderson
[Source: Letter to Pres. John Taylor from Scott Anderson; Salt Lake City; Sept 22nd 1884 as quoted in Quotations Dealing with the Relationship of Our First Earthy Parents to Our Heavenly Parents (1830-1978)]
160 years ago today - Sep 22, 1854
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff] The Snake Indians fought the Utahs & killed 6 & brought in the Indian scalps on poles through our streets & had a war dans.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
175 years ago today - Sep 22, 1839
[Joseph Smith Sermon] Attended & presided at meeting--Spoke concerning the other Comforter &c &c &c. [Joseph Smith Diary, by James Mulholland]
[Source: The Words of Joseph Smith by Joseph Smith by Andrew F. Ehat and Lyndon W. Cook]
[Source: The Words of Joseph Smith by Joseph Smith by Andrew F. Ehat and Lyndon W. Cook]
185 years ago today - Sep 22, 1829
The Painesville Telegraph publishes an article headlined "Golden Bible" that circulates in the Kirtland area. Although it apparently has no effect, it may have instigated negative perceptions among some of Sidney Rigdon's congregants.
[Source: Mark Lyman Staker, Hearken, O Ye People: The Historical Setting of Joseph Smith's Ohio Revelations: A Selective Chronology of Significant Events in Ohio's LDS History]
[Source: Mark Lyman Staker, Hearken, O Ye People: The Historical Setting of Joseph Smith's Ohio Revelations: A Selective Chronology of Significant Events in Ohio's LDS History]
190 years ago today - Sep 22, 1824
Joseph Jr. returns to the Manchester hill (without Alvin) and fails to get the plates . According to some sources, Joseph was instructed to bring Samuel Lawrence with him on his next annual visit , but other sources say that he was instructed to bring his future wife, whom he had not yet met . It is likely that no future visits were planned at this time and that Samuel Lawrence and Emma Hale are retrospective insertions into the story.
[Source: Vogel, Dan, Early Mormon Documents, Appendix B: Chronology, 1771-1831, http://amzn.to/T5nY8w]
[Source: Vogel, Dan, Early Mormon Documents, Appendix B: Chronology, 1771-1831, http://amzn.to/T5nY8w]
10 years ago today - Sep 21, 2004
Associated Press reports: "Gov. Janet Napolitano [D -- Arizona] plans to visit Salt Lake City this week to meet with leaders of the Mormon Church to learn more about the faith shared by hundreds of thousands of Arizonans." A spokesman for Governor Napolitano said, " the trip evolved from Napolitano's realization over the summer that she didn't know much about the church and its structure and activities in Arizona." Subsequent discussions within the Governor's Office "having to do with the fact that we have so many people in Arizona who are members of the faith" led to phone calls between church officials and the governor's office. "No meetings are planned with Utah state officials, this is all church-related."
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
55 years ago today - Sep 21, 1959
Mormon Tabernacle Choir's recording of "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" enters Top 40. It remains in Top 40 (and on popular radio stations throughout nation) for eleven weeks, during which it reaches its highest ranking of thirteen. National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences awards Tabernacle Choir a "Grammy" for best Choral Performance that year. Other Mormon singers to win individual awards are Donny and Marie Osmond who receive American Music Association award as vocal duo (1976), Marie Osmond who shares vocal duo award from Country Music Association (1986), and Hans Choi who receives Russia's Tchaikovsky Prize (1990).
65 years ago today - Sep 21, 1949
First Counselor J. Reuben Clark writes that "the General Authorities of the Church get precious little from the tithing of the Church. They are not paid as much as a first-class, stenographic secretary of some of the men who run industry."
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
70 years ago today - Sep 21, 1944
[Spencer W. Kimball] Quince Kimball came in to convince me I was wrong in my attitude toward Polygamy. I told him I would always follow the program of God as revealed thru His Church and His leaders.
[Source: Spencer W. Kimball Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
[Source: Spencer W. Kimball Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
75 years ago today - Sep 21, 1939
[President Heber J. Grant] I attended the regular weekly meeting of the Council at ten o'clock and remained there until 12:15. A long letter was read from President Wilford Woodruff which was written to me just before the death of President John Taylor. Some comments were made by me in detail which will probably be recorded in our minutes. Brother Rudger Clawson also made some comments regarding the administration of President Lorenzo Snow. It was wonderful that Brother Snow was able to go into the Presidency at a time when the church was in debt a couple of million dollars and a guarantee in addition of a million and a half and that he accomplished in three years as much as most men accomplish in a lifetime.
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
170 years ago today - Sep 21, 1844
Already-married Esther Dutcher Smith bore a son she named "Joseph" on 21 September 1844, sometime after she was "sealed to Joseph the Prophet in the days of Nauvoo, before he died. Joseph's martyrdom on 27 June 1844 occurred when she was six-months pregnant. Daniel H. Wells wrote that Esther "nearly broke his heart by telling him [her legal husband] of it, and expressing her intention of adhering to that relationship" with Joseph Smith. This showed that she was sealed at Nauvoo without the knowledge of her legal husband, a faithful Mormon there. Even though Esther's husband eventually "got to feeling better over it"--seven years after Joseph's death --and "had her sealed to him, and to himself for time,"
[Source: "Daniel H. Wells, Letter to Joseph F. Smith, June 25, 1888, MS 1325, Box 16, fd. 9, LDS Church History Library, in Turley, Selected Collections, Vol. 1, DVD #29", referenced in "Evidence For The Sexual Side of Joseph Smith's Polygamy," Comments by D. Michael Quinn on Session #2A "Reconsidering Joseph Smith's Marital Practices," Mormon History Association's Annual Conference, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, 29 June 2012 (unabbreviated version, revised during July)]
[Source: "Daniel H. Wells, Letter to Joseph F. Smith, June 25, 1888, MS 1325, Box 16, fd. 9, LDS Church History Library, in Turley, Selected Collections, Vol. 1, DVD #29", referenced in "Evidence For The Sexual Side of Joseph Smith's Polygamy," Comments by D. Michael Quinn on Session #2A "Reconsidering Joseph Smith's Marital Practices," Mormon History Association's Annual Conference, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, 29 June 2012 (unabbreviated version, revised during July)]
130 years ago today - Sep 20, 1884
Lorenzo Saunders was first interviewed by William H. Kelley [RLDS] on 17 September 1884 [regarding Joseph Smith in Palmyra, see http://bit.ly/ZwQNU5]. But Kelley evidently returned on 20 September with a different version of the interview, which rearranged and deleted a number of the questions and answers, but retained nearly identical wording. Following his brother's instructions, Kelley read this version to Saunders and had him sign it before a notary public.
[Source: Lorenzo Saunders, Interviewed by William H. Kelley, 20 September 1884, 1-7, "Miscellany," RLDS Church Library-Archives, Independence, Missouri., as cited in Dan Vogel, Early Mormon Documents: Lorenzo Saunders Interview]
[Source: Lorenzo Saunders, Interviewed by William H. Kelley, 20 September 1884, 1-7, "Miscellany," RLDS Church Library-Archives, Independence, Missouri., as cited in Dan Vogel, Early Mormon Documents: Lorenzo Saunders Interview]
140 years ago today - Sep 20, 1874
Orson Pratt preached: “Joseph Smith…was a boy about fourteen years of ageat the time the Lord first revealed himself…to him…he saw nothing excepting the light and two glorious personages…One of these personages, pointing to the other, saidâ€"’Behold my beloved Son, hear ye him.’
After this, power was given to Mr. Smith to speak, and…he said that he desired to know which was the true Church…immediately after receiving it, he began to relate it to some of his nearest friends, and he was told by some of the ministers who came to him to enquire about it, that there was no such thing as the visitation of heavenly messengers, that God gave no new revelation…he knew that he had seen this light, that he had beheldthese two personages, and that he had heard the voice of one of them…and he continued to testifythat God had made himself manifest to him…â€(“Journal of Discoursesâ€, Vol. 17, pp.278-280)
[Source: A Documented History of Joseph Smith’s First Vision, http://beggarsbread.org/2013/04/01/a-documented-history-of-joseph-smiths-first-vision/]
After this, power was given to Mr. Smith to speak, and…he said that he desired to know which was the true Church…immediately after receiving it, he began to relate it to some of his nearest friends, and he was told by some of the ministers who came to him to enquire about it, that there was no such thing as the visitation of heavenly messengers, that God gave no new revelation…he knew that he had seen this light, that he had beheldthese two personages, and that he had heard the voice of one of them…and he continued to testifythat God had made himself manifest to him…â€(“Journal of Discoursesâ€, Vol. 17, pp.278-280)
[Source: A Documented History of Joseph Smith’s First Vision, http://beggarsbread.org/2013/04/01/a-documented-history-of-joseph-smiths-first-vision/]
150 years ago today - Sep 20, 1864
President Young ... said "we are in the Land of Zion. It is known why we are in this land. This Country was not much known untill we Came into it. Since that time much has been known. Who printed the first Paper in the west, planted the first fruit trees, Penetrated the western wiles, Printed the first paper in the Rocky Mountains? The Latter Day Saints done all these things.
Most people thought that we should go to vancouvers Island. We were urged to go to Calafornia. Had we have gone there we should not have staid but a short time. We Could not have Staid there. The Emigration would have overwhelmed us. But we intend to Fill these mountains....
When we go to the Centre Stake of Zion we shall not have 600 Acres of Land Each to run over. No we shall have a small spot. There will not be a Chicken pig Cow horse or any animal in the City.
If you put in one Acre to grapes as it should be you Could take $5,000 for the use of it. Again tobacco. If you must use it raise it yourselfes. You Can raise 1,000 lbs on an Acre. At $2 per lb. itwould fetch $2,000. You have welth in the Soil here.... You do nothave so many foul spirits to Contend with as we doin the North, both from the Living & the dead."
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Most people thought that we should go to vancouvers Island. We were urged to go to Calafornia. Had we have gone there we should not have staid but a short time. We Could not have Staid there. The Emigration would have overwhelmed us. But we intend to Fill these mountains....
When we go to the Centre Stake of Zion we shall not have 600 Acres of Land Each to run over. No we shall have a small spot. There will not be a Chicken pig Cow horse or any animal in the City.
If you put in one Acre to grapes as it should be you Could take $5,000 for the use of it. Again tobacco. If you must use it raise it yourselfes. You Can raise 1,000 lbs on an Acre. At $2 per lb. itwould fetch $2,000. You have welth in the Soil here.... You do nothave so many foul spirits to Contend with as we doin the North, both from the Living & the dead."
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
170 years ago today - 20 September 1844, Friday
[William Clayton] The works of the temple moved on with astonishing rapidity, and on the 23rd of September the first capital was put up.
The stone weighed about two tons and when the stone was at its hight, and the men were attempting to draw it to the wall, the crane gave way at the foot of the wing or angle, which circumstance caused considerable danger. By great care the stone was safely landed and set without any further accident.
[Source: Fillerup, Robert C., compiler; William Clayton Nauvoo Diaries and Personal Writings, A chronological compilation of the personal writings of William Clayton while he was a resident of Nauvoo, Illinois. http://www.boap.org/LDS/Early-Saints/clayton-diaries]
The stone weighed about two tons and when the stone was at its hight, and the men were attempting to draw it to the wall, the crane gave way at the foot of the wing or angle, which circumstance caused considerable danger. By great care the stone was safely landed and set without any further accident.
[Source: Fillerup, Robert C., compiler; William Clayton Nauvoo Diaries and Personal Writings, A chronological compilation of the personal writings of William Clayton while he was a resident of Nauvoo, Illinois. http://www.boap.org/LDS/Early-Saints/clayton-diaries]
170 years ago today - Sep 20, 1844
Heber C. Kimball tells William Clayton that he "shall yet have Sarah Crooks." Clayton had fallen in love with Crooks while on a mission in England. Clayton was married so did not pursue the relationship. Joseph Smith encouraged Clayton to send for Crooks after revealing plural marriage to him. Crooks arrived in Nauvoo but did not agree with polygamy or Joseph Smith and had already married another man by this date.
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
170 years ago today - Sep 20, 1844
[Brigham Young] went to the temple cauld at Sister Evens seald hir up to hir husban Horres hir oldest son stod as proxy lad hands on sister Durly the Lord is with me continuly
[Source: Brigham Young Journal (1801-1877) Journal #2 July, 1837- Mar. 1845]
[Source: Brigham Young Journal (1801-1877) Journal #2 July, 1837- Mar. 1845]
80 years ago today - Sep 19, 1934
[President Heber J. Grant] I was delighted to find that the Associated Press cut out only the three articles of our faith and broadcast my talk made at the University chapel in Chicago. To get publicity of this kind in the newspapers is something new. The Associated Press as nearly as I can judge now is our friend.
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
115 years ago today - Sep 19, 1899; Tuesday
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes] ...The matter of printing, for Sunday School purposes, the Lord's prayer as proposed at the Council of the First Presidency and the Apostles, held on the third day of last August, was brought up and considered by Presidents Snow and Cannon with Brothers Anthon H. Lund, Rudger Clawson and Heber J. Grant. The question considered was, which version of the prayer should be used, the one given by the Prophet Joseph Smith, or the one contained in St. Matthew's Gospel, the Council having postponed consideration of the matter, owing to the absence of President Cannon, whose opinion, as General Superintendent of the Deseret Sunday School Union, President Snow wished to have, before the question was decided. President Cannon now stated that while he favored the Prophet Joseph's version, from the sound point of doctrine, he thought it better to adhere to the scriptural version in the Sunday schools, for the reason that this version appears in the Book of Mormon, and if the new version were adopted, questions might arise that would be confusing to the minds of the children. If the Scriptural version were used, proper explanation could be made, and the wisdom of the Prophet's rendering of the prayer would be appreciated upon comparison. President Snow acquiesced.
[Source: First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
[Source: First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
130 years ago today - Sep 19, 1884
By direction of President [John] Taylor I return herewith the request of Brother David B. Ott without the signature of the president who directs me to say that in regard to the second anointings it used to be usual for others to appoint and designate who should receive them. They now seem to come wrong end first. By this I infer that the president desires to designate the parties who should receive these ordinances without the application of the parties or other persons in their behalf. There may be some instruction given upon this matter at some of our meetings during the coming conference.
[Source: L. John Nuttall to John D. T. McAllister, Sept. 19, 1884 as quoted in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
[Source: L. John Nuttall to John D. T. McAllister, Sept. 19, 1884 as quoted in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
150 years ago today - Sep 19, 1864
[Brigham Young Sermon] ... When we read of the History of the City of the Zion of Enoch we find it a beautiful City So will it be with the Zion of God in the last days which we are called to build up. It will be 1500 mile's square and if this was the case it would reach nearly to the pacific Ocean
...I don't want to have the Elders testify that I am Joseph successor for all Earth and Hell knows it and it does not require any proof; ...
[Source: Leonard J. Arrington Papers, Special Collections, Merrill-Cazier Library, Utah State University, Logan.. (A reference reading LJA 12-55-5, 10, means LJA Series 12, Box 55, Folder 5, page 10.) 12-56-2, 17 as quoted in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
...I don't want to have the Elders testify that I am Joseph successor for all Earth and Hell knows it and it does not require any proof; ...
[Source: Leonard J. Arrington Papers, Special Collections, Merrill-Cazier Library, Utah State University, Logan.. (A reference reading LJA 12-55-5, 10, means LJA Series 12, Box 55, Folder 5, page 10.) 12-56-2, 17 as quoted in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
170 years ago today - Sep 19, 1844
[Heber C. Kimball marriage] wife #5. Sylvia Porter Sessions (Lyon Smith Kimball Clark), 1818-1882 [former wife of Joseph Smith]. Apparent separation from HCK, time only.
[Source: Hatch, Charles M. and Compton, Todd M. editors, 'A Widow's Tale: 1884-1896 Diary of Helen Mar Kimball Whitney' p. 37]
[Source: Hatch, Charles M. and Compton, Todd M. editors, 'A Widow's Tale: 1884-1896 Diary of Helen Mar Kimball Whitney' p. 37]
170 years ago today - Sep 19, 1844
Brigham Young (aged 43) marriage to Louisa Beaman (1815-1850) (aged 29) plural widow of Joseph Smith, Jr. sealed to Joseph Smith, Jr. for eternity and Young for life; 5 children
[Source: Wikipedia, List of Brigham Young's Wives, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Brigham_Young%27s_wives]
[Source: Wikipedia, List of Brigham Young's Wives, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Brigham_Young%27s_wives]
170 years ago today - 1844 19 Sept.
Young begins marrying some of Joseph Smith's polygamous widows as his own wives.
[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 7: Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 7: Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
65 years ago today - Sep 18, 1949
CHURCH NEWS reports that Ute Indian Albert Harris has been "recently chosen to represent his race and Church on the Roosevelt Stake High Council."
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
120 years ago today - Sep 18, 1894
[Francis M. Lyman] [Summit] I proclaimed against us entertaining our political faith as our religion as some are doing.
[Source: Excerpts of Apostle Francis M. Lyman Diaries, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Excerpts of Apostle Francis M. Lyman Diaries, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
150 years ago today - Sep 18, 1864
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff ] ... I Caught a scorpean between my finger & the stone and he stung me in the middle Joint of my fore finger which gave me a shook through my whole system. It was a small one & I mashed him to peaces in lifting the stone. This alarmed me somewhat as the Sting of a scorpeon is Considered vary dangerous with us as some have died with it. I soon got some tobaco & bound on which took the poison out & I received no material injury from it.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
170 years ago today - Sep 18, 1844
[Nauvoo Neighbor] ... Reprinted Story: Extermination Order is a Good Idea -- The New York--Republic -- States that the extermination of the Church would be "...a work of Philanthropy."
- Reprinted Story: "The Mormon Tragedy Again" - Refusal to retract the Murder Verdict -- The Allen Telegram -- Discusses the Warsaw Signal's persistence in asking this paper to retract their statement that the death of Joseph Smith was murder.
- Announcement: "City Proceedings" - O.P. Rockwell's Arrest -- Editorial -- Describes the arrest of O.P. Rockwell for Assault, as well as another arrest...
[Source: http://boap.org/LDS/Nauvoo-Neighbor]
- Reprinted Story: "The Mormon Tragedy Again" - Refusal to retract the Murder Verdict -- The Allen Telegram -- Discusses the Warsaw Signal's persistence in asking this paper to retract their statement that the death of Joseph Smith was murder.
- Announcement: "City Proceedings" - O.P. Rockwell's Arrest -- Editorial -- Describes the arrest of O.P. Rockwell for Assault, as well as another arrest...
[Source: http://boap.org/LDS/Nauvoo-Neighbor]
120 years ago today - Sep 17, 1894
[Apostle Heber J. Grant Diary] I called on Apostle Franklin D. Richars this A.M. and explained a conversation that I had had Saturday with Bro. Chas Penrose in which I had been informed that hte Presidency of the Church had told him, Brother Franklin D. Richards, that there was no objections to any of the brethren doing any political work that they might think best. In other words that they had said that all were at perfect liberty to do what they pleased as to making speeches for either party. That the same word was afterwards given to Bro. Penrose. I told Bro. Franklin that I should not have made any talk at the theatre Saturday evening [in favor of Rawlins] had it not been for my conversation with Bro. Penrose and asked to know from him just waht the Presidency had said in the premises. I learned that they fel that all shold be free but that it would be wise for the members of the Apostles not to make any speeches. I was sorry this exception had been made seeing that I made a talk Saturday and I hope that the First Presidency will not feel annoyed because I did so. ...
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
125 years ago today - Sep 17, 1889
[President Wilford Woodruff] Brother [George Q.] Cannon had an attack of the paralisis on the left side of his face which was vary painful to him. [Stroke]
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
130 years ago today - Sep 17, 1884
[Lorenzo Saunders Interview] ... Q. Was you ever acquainted with young Joe Smith?
A. The first time I ever went to Sabbath School I went with young Joe Smith at the old Presbyterian Church.
Q. What kind of person was the old man Smith ?
A. Oh! he would go to Turky Shoots and get drunk; pretend to enchant their guns so that they could not kill the Turky. would blow in Q. How would he do that?
A. He would blow in the gun and feel around the lock then tell them it was charmed and they could not kill the turky.
Q. Did you ever see Joe's peep stone? A. Yes. It looked like a babies foot. The old man and Joe came into our barn <<their cooper shop>> one day when it was rainy; and I asked young Joe if he would not look and see if he could not see look something <<into futurity?>> Joe said he could not look into any holy thing. The old man had on the dirtyest and raggedest shirt I ever--saw all full of holes--and he <<said he>> cannot look into my shirt then.
...Q. How come you to go over to Smiths to eat sugar?
A. The Smiths were great sugar makers; they had a large bush and sugared off every day at their house and they wanted me to go over come over and eat sugar. They made seven thousand lbs. [pounds] one year and took the bounty in the County--of $50.00. They were pretty good fellows in their way, but they were shiftless and money diggers were in the money digging business.
Q. Did you ever see the Smiths dig yourself or [others?] for money?
A. I never saw them digging for money. I saw them dig in a hill, said to be for that purpose; that young Joe could look in his peep stone and see a man sitting in a gold chair. Old Joe said he was king i.e. the man in the chair; a king of one of the Nephites or Lamanites <<tribes>> who was shut in there in the time of one of their big battles. This digging was a mile from Smiths. Don't know as there was ever anything in the cave. The cave was on our place. This was in 1826. The cave had a door to it. We tore it off and sunk it in a pit of water where they got dirt to cover a cole [coal] pit. ...
Q. Did you ever hear Joe give an account of finding the plates?
A. Yes. He made the statement in gave the account in my father's house. He said he was in the woods at prayer and the angel touched him on the shoulders and he arose, and the angel told him where the plates were and he could take his oldest Brother with him in a year from that time and go and get them. But his oldest Brother died before the year was out. At the end of the time he went to the place to get the plates the angel asked where his Brother was. I told him he was dead. The angel told him there would be an other appointed. Joseph chose Samuel Lawrence. But he did not go.
Q. What kind of a woman was Joseph's wife?
A. Joseph's wife was a pretty woman; as pretty a woman as I ever saw. When she came to the Smiths she was very much disappointed and used to come to our house and sit down and cry. Said she was deceived and got into a hard place. Joe said in our house to my mother, the angel said he must get married him a wife and take her and go and and get the plates. Sam Lawrence took him over into Pennsylvania and introduced him to Emma Hale. I dont know as Joe had ever been in Pennsylvania before, but him and Sam Lawrence was had been deviling around--no telling where they had gone. Joe told Sam Lawrence that there was a silver mine over in Pennsylvania--told him if he would he might share in it with him; but behold he wanted an introduction to Emma Hale is the way it turned out. Sam Lawrence told me so.
After he was married and brought his wife home, the angel told him he must procure a black horse to go and get the plates. He come one night to get my Brothers black horse and went off and said he got the plates. He borrowed the horse. ...
[Source: Lorenzo Saunders, Interviewed by William H. Kelley, 17 September 1884, 1-18, E. L. Kelley Papers, RLDS Church Library-Archives, Independence, Missouri., as cited in Dan Vogel, Early Mormon Documents: Lorenzo Saunders Interview]
A. The first time I ever went to Sabbath School I went with young Joe Smith at the old Presbyterian Church.
Q. What kind of person was the old man Smith ?
A. Oh! he would go to Turky Shoots and get drunk; pretend to enchant their guns so that they could not kill the Turky. would blow in Q. How would he do that?
A. He would blow in the gun and feel around the lock then tell them it was charmed and they could not kill the turky.
Q. Did you ever see Joe's peep stone? A. Yes. It looked like a babies foot. The old man and Joe came into our barn <<their cooper shop>> one day when it was rainy; and I asked young Joe if he would not look and see if he could not see look something <<into futurity?>> Joe said he could not look into any holy thing. The old man had on the dirtyest and raggedest shirt I ever--saw all full of holes--and he <<said he>> cannot look into my shirt then.
...Q. How come you to go over to Smiths to eat sugar?
A. The Smiths were great sugar makers; they had a large bush and sugared off every day at their house and they wanted me to go over come over and eat sugar. They made seven thousand lbs. [pounds] one year and took the bounty in the County--of $50.00. They were pretty good fellows in their way, but they were shiftless and money diggers were in the money digging business.
Q. Did you ever see the Smiths dig yourself or [others?] for money?
A. I never saw them digging for money. I saw them dig in a hill, said to be for that purpose; that young Joe could look in his peep stone and see a man sitting in a gold chair. Old Joe said he was king i.e. the man in the chair; a king of one of the Nephites or Lamanites <<tribes>> who was shut in there in the time of one of their big battles. This digging was a mile from Smiths. Don't know as there was ever anything in the cave. The cave was on our place. This was in 1826. The cave had a door to it. We tore it off and sunk it in a pit of water where they got dirt to cover a cole [coal] pit. ...
Q. Did you ever hear Joe give an account of finding the plates?
A. Yes. He made the statement in gave the account in my father's house. He said he was in the woods at prayer and the angel touched him on the shoulders and he arose, and the angel told him where the plates were and he could take his oldest Brother with him in a year from that time and go and get them. But his oldest Brother died before the year was out. At the end of the time he went to the place to get the plates the angel asked where his Brother was. I told him he was dead. The angel told him there would be an other appointed. Joseph chose Samuel Lawrence. But he did not go.
Q. What kind of a woman was Joseph's wife?
A. Joseph's wife was a pretty woman; as pretty a woman as I ever saw. When she came to the Smiths she was very much disappointed and used to come to our house and sit down and cry. Said she was deceived and got into a hard place. Joe said in our house to my mother, the angel said he must get married him a wife and take her and go and and get the plates. Sam Lawrence took him over into Pennsylvania and introduced him to Emma Hale. I dont know as Joe had ever been in Pennsylvania before, but him and Sam Lawrence was had been deviling around--no telling where they had gone. Joe told Sam Lawrence that there was a silver mine over in Pennsylvania--told him if he would he might share in it with him; but behold he wanted an introduction to Emma Hale is the way it turned out. Sam Lawrence told me so.
After he was married and brought his wife home, the angel told him he must procure a black horse to go and get the plates. He come one night to get my Brothers black horse and went off and said he got the plates. He borrowed the horse. ...
[Source: Lorenzo Saunders, Interviewed by William H. Kelley, 17 September 1884, 1-18, E. L. Kelley Papers, RLDS Church Library-Archives, Independence, Missouri., as cited in Dan Vogel, Early Mormon Documents: Lorenzo Saunders Interview]
160 years ago today - Sep 17, 1854
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff ] 17th President Young preached this afternoon & spoke upon the Law of consecration & had an interesting conversation in our Prayer Circle. The subject of Elder Orson Pratt publishing the seer & the doctrin it contained was brought up in conversation. President Young said He ought not to have published the marriage cerimony. It was sacred & one of the last cerimonies attended to in the Endowments & ought not to have been given to the world.
Brother Pratt said that He thought it was no harm as the Plurality of wives & its doctrins was to be published to the world. He said He should not have done it if He had thought there had been the least harm in it.
President Young said He was satisfied that He intended no wrong in it. He said that the doctrin taught in the Seer that God had arived at that State whareby He could not advans any further in knowledge power & Glory was a fals doctrin & not true that there never will be a time to all Eternity when all the Gods of Eternity will scease advancing in power knowledge experience & Glory for if this was the case Eternity wood seease to be & the glory of God would come to an End. But all of celestial beings will continue to advance in knowledge & power worlds without end. Joseph would always be a head of us. We should never ketch up with him in all Eternity nor He with his leaders.
Brother Pratt Also thought that Adam was made of the dust of the Earth. Could not believe that Adam was our God or the Father of Jesus Christ. President Young said that He was that He came from another world & made this. Brought Eve with him partook of the fruits of the Earth begat Children & they were Earthly & had mortal bodies & if we were Faithful we should become Gods as He was. He told Brother Pratt to lay aside his Philosofioal reasoning & get Revelation from God to Govern him & Enlighten his mind more & it would be a great Blessing to him to lay aside his books & go into the canyons as some of the rest of us was doing & it would be better for him. He said his Phylosophy injured him in a measure.
Many good things wer said by President Young. That we should grow up in Revelation so that principle would govern evry act of our lives. He had never found any difficulty in leading this people since Josephs death.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Brother Pratt said that He thought it was no harm as the Plurality of wives & its doctrins was to be published to the world. He said He should not have done it if He had thought there had been the least harm in it.
President Young said He was satisfied that He intended no wrong in it. He said that the doctrin taught in the Seer that God had arived at that State whareby He could not advans any further in knowledge power & Glory was a fals doctrin & not true that there never will be a time to all Eternity when all the Gods of Eternity will scease advancing in power knowledge experience & Glory for if this was the case Eternity wood seease to be & the glory of God would come to an End. But all of celestial beings will continue to advance in knowledge & power worlds without end. Joseph would always be a head of us. We should never ketch up with him in all Eternity nor He with his leaders.
Brother Pratt Also thought that Adam was made of the dust of the Earth. Could not believe that Adam was our God or the Father of Jesus Christ. President Young said that He was that He came from another world & made this. Brought Eve with him partook of the fruits of the Earth begat Children & they were Earthly & had mortal bodies & if we were Faithful we should become Gods as He was. He told Brother Pratt to lay aside his Philosofioal reasoning & get Revelation from God to Govern him & Enlighten his mind more & it would be a great Blessing to him to lay aside his books & go into the canyons as some of the rest of us was doing & it would be better for him. He said his Phylosophy injured him in a measure.
Many good things wer said by President Young. That we should grow up in Revelation so that principle would govern evry act of our lives. He had never found any difficulty in leading this people since Josephs death.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
170 years ago today - Sep 17, 1844
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff ] 17th Left Detroit in the morning. Sail well through the day and evening untill 12 oclk at night a strong wind arose. The Lake was rough. The boat rocked badly and in the midst of it opposite the Cleveland lighthouse at midnight the cry of fire, fire, fire, was rung through the boat by the watch on duty.
We immediately leaped from our beds in our night Cloths and each one Caught a bucket the best he Could. I Caught a bucket about half full of water and run as I was barefoot to the stern of the boat looking for the fire while some was runing up stares I leaped into the engine room And saw the fire in one Cornor of the stern of the boat. I run over the pile of Coal and dashed my water into the fire which was not larger than a half bushel measure. At the same time a bucket of water flung by Capt Davis struck the fire and it was instantly extinguished.
Their is nothing more terrible or alarming than the cry of fire on board of a ship or steem boat at Sea or on any water out of reach of Land. It is far more terrible than a storm or wreck, for when fire gets the Control under such circumstances all hope is lost, and persons will plunge into the deep to escape its fury. But in this case the fire was out and the alarm over in the term of a minute.
On my return to the cabin I found one woman flung into convulsions with alarm. Mrs Woodruff was holding her in her arms. She did not get over it untill the next day.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
We immediately leaped from our beds in our night Cloths and each one Caught a bucket the best he Could. I Caught a bucket about half full of water and run as I was barefoot to the stern of the boat looking for the fire while some was runing up stares I leaped into the engine room And saw the fire in one Cornor of the stern of the boat. I run over the pile of Coal and dashed my water into the fire which was not larger than a half bushel measure. At the same time a bucket of water flung by Capt Davis struck the fire and it was instantly extinguished.
Their is nothing more terrible or alarming than the cry of fire on board of a ship or steem boat at Sea or on any water out of reach of Land. It is far more terrible than a storm or wreck, for when fire gets the Control under such circumstances all hope is lost, and persons will plunge into the deep to escape its fury. But in this case the fire was out and the alarm over in the term of a minute.
On my return to the cabin I found one woman flung into convulsions with alarm. Mrs Woodruff was holding her in her arms. She did not get over it untill the next day.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
75 years ago today - Sep 16, 1939
[President Heber J. Grant ] ... we went to the Paris store, where there was an exhibition of television. I was one of the speakers, speaking about a couple of minutes.... I intdnded (sic), in my remarks, to make reference to Philo Farnsworth's work for television, but learning from Mr. Dreyfous they were not going to mention any names of the men connected with the invention, I decided not to refer to Mr. Farnsworth. I did, however, refer to Harvey Fletcher in my brief talk, as one of the greatest scientists, so acknowledged, working in the laboratory of the great Bell Telephone System.
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
75 years ago today - Sep 16, 1939
[President Heber J. Grant ] I had a chat with Brother B.S. Hinckley and John A. Widtsoe regarding some matters arranged to be published by the Council of the Twelve, in which it states that the Twelve have the right to nominate the successor to the President of the Church in case of his death. I told them that the Twelve had no such right, and that that would have to be eliminated when the long manuscript of several hundred pages is to be printed. Wilford Woodruff wrote me a letter from St. George to the effect that the day would never come when the President of the Twelve would not succeed to the Presidency of the Church unless he, the President of the Twelve, received a revelation naming somebody else. I asked that that letter be filed among Church papers, handing it to Brother Anthon H. Lund just after the death of President Joseph F. Smith. There was also a statement that Brother Woodruff had announced that the Presidency should be reorganized at once when a President died. If there were ever any such statement made I never heard of it, but I do know that at the death of Brother Woodruff, at the first meeting of the Twelve after his death, on the suggestion of Francis M. Lyman the Presidency was reorganized at once. President Snow requested each of the brethren to express themselves and they all expressed themselves as desiring that the Presidency be organized immediately, and then Brother Snow told us that when he got the telegram telling of the death of Brother Woodruff he dressed himself in his temple robes and went into the celestial room in the temple (He was sleeping in the temple at the time), offered up the signs of the Preisthood (sic), and prayed to the Lord telling him that as He knew, he, Brother Snow, had often prayed that he might be called home to his final reward, in his advanced years, before Brother Woodruff passed on, and now that this burden had come to him he asked the Lord to direct him what to do; and the Lord told him to organize the First Presidency at once, and he was wondering how this could be done, seeing there had been several years before John Taylor had succeeded President Young, and several years elapsed after the death of Brother Taylor before Brother Woodruff succeeded him. And it was very gratifying to him to have all of the brethren express the opinion that the Presidency should be organized at once. All of the brethren expressed themselves as having known that Brother Snow was absolutely entitled to be the President of the Church. Today there is no man living, except myself, who was at this meeting, as when the Presidency was organized Brother Lorenzo Snow chose Rudger Clawson as an apostle, and he is now the President of the Twelve.
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
115 years ago today - Saturday, Sep 16, 1899
[Apostle John Henry Smith ] Salt Lake City
I returned home and I spent the entire day trying to secure the Pardon of Frank Farr from the Penitentiary.
The Pardoning board took matter under advisement.
[Source: Jean Bickmore White (editor), Church, State, and Politics: The Diaries of John Henry Smith, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1990, http://bit.ly/johnhenrysmith]
I returned home and I spent the entire day trying to secure the Pardon of Frank Farr from the Penitentiary.
The Pardoning board took matter under advisement.
[Source: Jean Bickmore White (editor), Church, State, and Politics: The Diaries of John Henry Smith, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1990, http://bit.ly/johnhenrysmith]
170 years ago today - Sep 16, 1844
At six a.m. Pres. Brigham Young, accompanied by Elder Heber C. Kimball, Gen. Charles C. Rich, Jonathan Dunham and other officers of the [Nauvoo] Legion, went to the ground secured for the arsenal, near the Temple in Nauvoo. They uncovered their heads and lifted their hands to heaven and Pres. Young dedicated the ground, by prayer, to the God of the armies of Israel. He took the spade and broke the ground for the cellar. -- Nauvoo, Illinois
[Source: Journal History of the Church, Selected Collections from the Archives of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints DVD 2 (2002) as quoted in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
[Source: Journal History of the Church, Selected Collections from the Archives of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints DVD 2 (2002) as quoted in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
185 years ago today - Sep 16, 1829
In Abner Cole's Palmyra Reflector, he writes, "The Book of Mormon is expected to be ready for delivery in the course of one year - Great and marvellous things will "come to pass" about those days."
[Source: Wikipedia: Chronology of Mormonism, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chronology_of_Mormonism]
[Source: Wikipedia: Chronology of Mormonism, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chronology_of_Mormonism]
80 years ago today - Sep 15, 1934
[President Heber J. Grant] [At Chicago] I called on a Mr. Roderick Grant at the Associated Press. I was introduced to him by a Chicago Northwestern official. I tried to get him to insert the statement by the Presidency about the book 'Holy Murder' as a press dispatch. I gave him a copy of the document but I doubt that he will put it in.
["Holy Murder" was a book about Porter Rockwell written by Charles Kelly & Hoffman Birney]
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
["Holy Murder" was a book about Porter Rockwell written by Charles Kelly & Hoffman Birney]
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
120 years ago today - Sep 15, 1894 (Saturday)
The Democratic convention, held in Salt Lake City, nominated Joseph L. Rawlins for Congress.
[Heber J. Grant is called to speak, and endorses Rawlins].
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Heber J. Grant is called to speak, and endorses Rawlins].
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
130 years ago today - Sep 15, 1884
Eliza R. Snow writes in EXPONENT, and LDS women's journal, of women blessing one another through laying on of hands and washing and anointing: "Any and all sisters who honor their holy endowments, not only have the right, but should feel it a duty, whenever called upon to administer to our sisters in these ordinances, which God had graciously committed to His daughters as well as to His sons; and we testify that when administered and received in faith and humility they are accompanied with all mighty power. . . . thousands can testify that God has sanctioned the administration of these ordinances [of healing the sick] by our sisters with the manifestation of His healing influence."
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
130 years ago today - Sep 15, 1884 (Monday)
Wm. C.A. Smoot, jun., missionary in Germany, was arrested in Kiel, for baptising a woman. He was held a prisoner until Oct. 7th, when he was acquitted, but nevertheless banished from the city.
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
160 years ago today - Sep 15, 1854
[Hosea Stout] Friday 15 Sept 1854. To day the 2 indians Longhair & Antelope were executed, according to the sentence of the Court on the first instant.
They were hung some two miles below the Jordain bridge on the other side of the river. There was not a very large company of spectators present from the fact that the place of their execution was kept secret untill the procession started with the two Indians. Col Steptoe & a company of the U. S. Dragoons by request of the Marshal were present.
Nothing of importance took place on the occasion more than is common[.] This is the first execution ever had in the Territory of Utah
[Source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
They were hung some two miles below the Jordain bridge on the other side of the river. There was not a very large company of spectators present from the fact that the place of their execution was kept secret untill the procession started with the two Indians. Col Steptoe & a company of the U. S. Dragoons by request of the Marshal were present.
Nothing of importance took place on the occasion more than is common[.] This is the first execution ever had in the Territory of Utah
[Source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
185 years ago today - Sep 15, 1829
Prophet George Rapp of the Rappites or New Harmonists, predicts (14 miles south of Harmony, PA) that the three and one half years of the Sun Woman would end and Christ would begin his reign on earth.
[Source: Brooke, John L. The Refiner's Fire: The Making of Mormon Cosmology, 1644-1844. Cambridge: Cambridge UP, 1994. p.282]
[Source: Brooke, John L. The Refiner's Fire: The Making of Mormon Cosmology, 1644-1844. Cambridge: Cambridge UP, 1994. p.282]
190 years ago today - Sep 15, 1824
WAYNE SENTINAL (Palmyra, N.Y.) reports "A reformation is going on in this town to a great extent. The love of God has been shed abroad in the hearts of many, and the outpouring of the Spirit seems to have taken a strong hold. About twenty-five have recently obtained a hope in the Lord, and joined the Methodist Church, and many more are desirous of becoming members."
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
10 years ago today - Sep 14, 2004
ACLU files brief with the Tenth Circuit Court.
[Source: The Main Street Plaza Time Line: http://www.mormonlawyers.com/2008/07/main-st-plaza-mormons-1-aclu-0.html]
[Source: The Main Street Plaza Time Line: http://www.mormonlawyers.com/2008/07/main-st-plaza-mormons-1-aclu-0.html]
35 years ago today - Sep 14, 1979
The WASHINGTON POST devotes the entire top of a page to a photograph of the banner flown by the tow plane over the neighborhood where and LDS area conference is being held: "Mother in Heaven Loves Mormons for ERA." This is the only mention of the conference in the newspaper.
Mark Hofmann and Doralee Olds are sealed for time and eternity in the Salt Lake Temple.
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
Mark Hofmann and Doralee Olds are sealed for time and eternity in the Salt Lake Temple.
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
100 years ago today - Sep 14, 1914; Monday
During the school periods 1904-1905, and 1905-1906, I delivered a series of lectures entitled, "Jesus the Christ", under the auspices of the University Sunday School. The sessions were held during Sunday forenoons in Barratt hall. I received written appointment from the First Presidency to embody the lectures in a book to be published for the use of the Church in general. Work on this appointment has been suspended from time to time owing to other duties being imposed upon me. Lately, however, I have been asked to prepare the matter for the book with as little delay as possible. Experiences demonstrated that neither in my comfortable office nor in the convenient study room at home can I be free from visits and telephone calls, in consequence of this condition, and in view of the importance of the work, I have been directed to occupy a room in the Temple where I will be free from interruption. I began the work in the Temple today and hope that I shall be able to devote necessary time thereto.
[Source: James E. Talmage, Diary]
[Source: James E. Talmage, Diary]
120 years ago today - Sep 14, 1894
[Franklin D. Richards] At 11-30 met Apostle Moses Thatcher & deliberated, then we went to Pres[iden]ts. Office. I asked the 3 Pres[iden]ts if they would grant me Moses, J[ohn]. T. Caine, C[harles]. W. Penrose & one of my sons F[ranklin] S R[ichards], or C[harles] C R[ichards] an interview & if so when. Reply call at 2 P.M. & get answer.
At 2 p.m. declined an interview W[ilford]. W[oodruff]. & J[oseph]. F. S[mith]. willing the brethren should make all proper efforts on both sides to carry their parties only not to slander, throw dirt, & be mean each other. About 3 p.m. I met M[oses] T]hatcher]. F[ranklin] S R[ichards]. C[harles] C R[ichards], & C[harles] W. Penrose at F[ranklin] S R[ichards] office & reported.
Pres[iden]t. W[ilford]. W[oodruff]. approved F[ranklin] S R[ichards], C[harles] C R[ichards] in their courses as proper & right. J[oseph] F S[mith] rather the celebration was now partisan.
[Source: Franklin D. Richards Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
At 2 p.m. declined an interview W[ilford]. W[oodruff]. & J[oseph]. F. S[mith]. willing the brethren should make all proper efforts on both sides to carry their parties only not to slander, throw dirt, & be mean each other. About 3 p.m. I met M[oses] T]hatcher]. F[ranklin] S R[ichards]. C[harles] C R[ichards], & C[harles] W. Penrose at F[ranklin] S R[ichards] office & reported.
Pres[iden]t. W[ilford]. W[oodruff]. approved F[ranklin] S R[ichards], C[harles] C R[ichards] in their courses as proper & right. J[oseph] F S[mith] rather the celebration was now partisan.
[Source: Franklin D. Richards Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
150 years ago today - Sep 14, 1864
[Brigham Young Sermon] President Said He should Call up the Cases of those who had been Called to go to the Cotton Country & had not gone but neglected their mission & that if he was to give a revelation Concerning them it would be that they should be Cut off from the Church. -- St. George, Utah
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal. 9 Vols. Scott G. Kenney, ed. Salt Lake City: Signature Books, 1983-85. 6:187 as quoted in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal. 9 Vols. Scott G. Kenney, ed. Salt Lake City: Signature Books, 1983-85. 6:187 as quoted in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
165 years ago today - Sep 14, 1849
[Brigham Young Sermon] ... it is a great mystery to the world that the LDS are so attached to each other and forsaking fathers, mothers, wives, and children, goods and chattels and every thing calculated to bind men to earth - this is a marvel to all - in the days of the Apostles and in the latter times, when the kingdom should be on the face of the earth, this spirit binds the hearts of its adherents together and every woman will forsake their husbands even for the gospels sake and this is verified in this our day - strange as it is - and cleave to those who love the gospel - and we cannot help it - if my father, mother, brothers, and sisters reject the gospel, farewell father mother brothers and sisters. I am for the kingdom of heaven.
... thousands are crying by day and night to the Lord that they may get to this place - I am for raising a perpetual fund for the benefit of the poor - we have appointed a company to collect means
... the heavens have been opened to my views and I know as well as old Peter did - its for me to tell you what the Lord wants you to do today - I just know that the Lord requires this - and we have got to put it to usury, or it will canker our souls - and we have to prepare ourselves for the coming of the Son of Man pestilence worse than the cholera, distress and dismay will cover the earth. -- Cottonwood, Utah
[Source: Thomas Bullock Minutes, LJA; Thomas Bullock—LDS Church Reporter, 1844-56.C, Archives, Church History Library, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City, Utah.; GCM, Archives, Church History Library, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City, Utah..; Leonard J. Arrington Papers, Special Collections, Merrill-Cazier Library, Utah State University, Logan.. (A reference reading LJA 12-55-5, 10, means LJA Series 12, Box 55, Folder 5, page 10.) 9-12-5, 25-27 as quoted in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
... thousands are crying by day and night to the Lord that they may get to this place - I am for raising a perpetual fund for the benefit of the poor - we have appointed a company to collect means
... the heavens have been opened to my views and I know as well as old Peter did - its for me to tell you what the Lord wants you to do today - I just know that the Lord requires this - and we have got to put it to usury, or it will canker our souls - and we have to prepare ourselves for the coming of the Son of Man pestilence worse than the cholera, distress and dismay will cover the earth. -- Cottonwood, Utah
[Source: Thomas Bullock Minutes, LJA; Thomas Bullock—LDS Church Reporter, 1844-56.C, Archives, Church History Library, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City, Utah.; GCM, Archives, Church History Library, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City, Utah..; Leonard J. Arrington Papers, Special Collections, Merrill-Cazier Library, Utah State University, Logan.. (A reference reading LJA 12-55-5, 10, means LJA Series 12, Box 55, Folder 5, page 10.) 9-12-5, 25-27 as quoted in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
175 years ago today - Sep 14, 1839
Joseph Smith, Sr., died Nauvoo, age 69.
[Source: Ludlow, Daniel H. editor, Encyclopedia of Mormonism, Macmillan Publishing, Encyclopedia of Mormonism, Vol. 4, Appendix 2: A Chronology of Church History, http://amzn.to/eG0DIp]
[Source: Ludlow, Daniel H. editor, Encyclopedia of Mormonism, Macmillan Publishing, Encyclopedia of Mormonism, Vol. 4, Appendix 2: A Chronology of Church History, http://amzn.to/eG0DIp]
175 years ago today - Sep 14, 1839
[Brigham Young] I started from Montrose on my mission to England. My health was so poor I was unable to go thirty rods to the river without assistance.
After I had crossed the river I got Israel Barlow to carry me on his horse, behind him, to Heber C. Kimball's, where I remained sick till the 18th. I left my wife sick, with a babe only ten days old, and all my children sick and unable to wait upon each other.
[Source: Manuscript History of Brigham Young, 1801-1844, ed. Elden Jay Watson (Salt Lake City: Smith Secretarial Service, 1968).]
After I had crossed the river I got Israel Barlow to carry me on his horse, behind him, to Heber C. Kimball's, where I remained sick till the 18th. I left my wife sick, with a babe only ten days old, and all my children sick and unable to wait upon each other.
[Source: Manuscript History of Brigham Young, 1801-1844, ed. Elden Jay Watson (Salt Lake City: Smith Secretarial Service, 1968).]
70 years ago today - Sep 13, 1944
[Because of the war] The attendance at the Conference (115th Semiannual) because of increasing difficulty in transportation, both by automobile and by railroad train, will be limited.
[Source: 1944-September 13-Original circular letter, L.D.S. as quoted in Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
[Source: 1944-September 13-Original circular letter, L.D.S. as quoted in Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
130 years ago today - Sep 13, 1884
Our Bishops and Presidents of Stakes cannot be too particular in giving [temple] recommends to parties, so that those who are unworthy may not have the privileges and blessings which are to be had in the house of the Lord. It is desirable that all recommends for sea ings, adoptions and other anointings shall first be sent to the City for my signature as has been heretofore set forth in instructions given on those points.
[Source: John Taylor to John D. T. McAllister and David H. Cannon, Sept. 13, 1884 as quoted in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
[Source: John Taylor to John D. T. McAllister and David H. Cannon, Sept. 13, 1884 as quoted in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
175 years ago today - 13-Sep 14, 1839
[Lucy Mack Smith] Joseph Jr. visits William Smith at Plymouth. His sister Lucy is healed at the sound of his voice downstairs.
[Source: Anderson, Lavina Fielding, Editor, Lucy's Book: A Critical Edition of Lucy Mack Smith's Family Memoir, 2001, Signature Books, http://bit.ly/lucys-book]
[Source: Anderson, Lavina Fielding, Editor, Lucy's Book: A Critical Edition of Lucy Mack Smith's Family Memoir, 2001, Signature Books, http://bit.ly/lucys-book]
40 years ago today - Sep 12, 1974
Elder Gordon B. Hinckley offers an invocation at the U.S. Congress.
45 years ago today - Sep 12, 1969
President [N. Eldon] Tanner said that President [O. Leslie] Stone of the Salt Lake Temple had called to his attention the large number of marriages in the Temple and the problems involved in requiring members of families who wish to witness the marriages to remove their street shoes and wear white shoes. President Stone mentions the confusion that often develops, that shoes become misplaced and in some cases people take shoes that are not their own, etc. He wonders if this custom could not be changed and permit those who come to witness the ceremony to wear their street shoes. The brethren felt that we should continue the present rule that street shoes should not be worn.
[Source: David O. McKay diary, Sept. 12, 1969 as quoted in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
[Source: David O. McKay diary, Sept. 12, 1969 as quoted in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
110 years ago today - Sep 12, 1904
You have seen the scheme of [Idaho Senator Fred T.] Dubois. He wants to disfrancise all the Mormons, and hopes to buil[d] up an anti-mormon party in Idaho that will carry him back to the Senate. He is one of the most cunning and unscrupulous men found. Pres[ident]. [Joseph F.] Smith said that when he was at Washington [D.C.] Dubois had just been brought out of a brothel, and could hardly talk to make himself understood until he got over the effects of his revelry, and yet the temperance women and the virtuous school marms hold him up as a defender of the purity of the home! ... There are hundred of apostates who would like to empty themselves of venom, and it will go before the nation as evidence [that the church was still sanctioning plural marriages]. Pres[ident]. Smith's position before the committee [that plural marriages had ceased] has made a good impression. Pres[ident]. [Theodore] Roosevelt said he honored him for taking it and if it can be proved that what he said about the Church is true he will be our friend, but if he should find that the Church has broken its promises, he will be against us. ...
[Note: plural marriages continued by at least two apostles after the April 1904 2nd Manifesto. They would later be removed from the quorum of Twelve because of this.]
[Source: Anthon H. Lund, Letter to Heber J. Grant, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
[Note: plural marriages continued by at least two apostles after the April 1904 2nd Manifesto. They would later be removed from the quorum of Twelve because of this.]
[Source: Anthon H. Lund, Letter to Heber J. Grant, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
120 years ago today - Sep 12, 1894
Pres[iden]t [Lorenzo] Snow informed me he had not been able to obtain information why women were required to vail their faces when at prayer in the Temple.
[Source: Samuel W. Richards diary, Sept. 12, 1894 as quoted in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
[Source: Samuel W. Richards diary, Sept. 12, 1894 as quoted in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
165 years ago today - Sep 12, 1849
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff ] Sister Baldwin was attacked at our house this morning with sum thing like the Cholera. We laid Hands upon her & rebuked the desease & she was healed almost instantly. Got up dressed herself eat breakfast & went in to Boston.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
10 years ago today - Sep 11, 2004
[Joseph Smith Papers project] The Deseret News reports that "[t]he first volumes of the comprehensive compilation of Smith's writings is scheduled for 2005."
[Source: Joseph Smith Papers Timeline: History of the Joseph Smith Papers Project, MormonWasp Blog (defunct)]
[Source: Joseph Smith Papers Timeline: History of the Joseph Smith Papers Project, MormonWasp Blog (defunct)]
15 years ago today - Sep 11, 1999
Gordon B. Hinckley, President of the LDS Church, dedicates a new monument to the victims of the 1857 massacre. He says, “[The past] cannot be changed. It is time to leave the entire matter to God.â€
[Source: Exploring Mormonism: Mountain Meadows Massacre Timeline, http://www.exploringmormonism.com/mountain-meadows-massacre-timeline/]
[Source: Exploring Mormonism: Mountain Meadows Massacre Timeline, http://www.exploringmormonism.com/mountain-meadows-massacre-timeline/]
75 years ago today - Sep 11, 1939
[President Heber J. Grant Diary] The First Presidency were together awhile and I told them I thought maybe I ought to go away for a week or two and have a rest and call on the Twentieth Century-Fox Film people and make sure they were not going to use anything from the book written by Vardis Fisher. I asked Brother John A. Widtsoe to mark a lot of passages that I ought to read in the book, which he did. I requested Brother Harold B. Lee to call on Parker P. Robison and inquire about our Segolite Soap business. ...
Tonight I read a number of passages in the book 'Children of God' which Brother Widtsoe has marked for me. I am thoroughly disgusted with what a dirty, miserable, contemptible book it is. There ought to be a law that such a book would not be permitted to go through the mail.
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Tonight I read a number of passages in the book 'Children of God' which Brother Widtsoe has marked for me. I am thoroughly disgusted with what a dirty, miserable, contemptible book it is. There ought to be a law that such a book would not be permitted to go through the mail.
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
130 years ago today - Sep 11, 1884
Harvey Fletcher, later an internationally recognized research scientist and the "father of the stereophonic sound," is born in Provo, Utah.
130 years ago today - Sep 11, 1884
A letter from former Mormon and Godbeite Henry Lawrence appears in the DESERET NEWS explaining the Liberal party's reason for opposing raising property taxes to build a new public school in Salt Lake City's Eighth Latter-day Saint Ward (until 1890 school districts in the city coincided with Mormon church ward boundaries).
"[First] Utah schools are not free from sectarian biases and influences, not withstanding the statements of the Church party to the contrary.
[Second] a large proportion of the present Territorial school fund is derived from a tax on the property of non-Mormons, who educate their children outside of the district schools. Members of the Liberal Party, and non-Mormons in general, send their children to private schools, not public ones.
[Third] When the time shall come that the school teachers are selected with more regard for their ability for teaching than for their allegiance to a certain creed, then, no doubt, the Liberals will not only send their children to the district schools, but contribute freely for their support."
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
"[First] Utah schools are not free from sectarian biases and influences, not withstanding the statements of the Church party to the contrary.
[Second] a large proportion of the present Territorial school fund is derived from a tax on the property of non-Mormons, who educate their children outside of the district schools. Members of the Liberal Party, and non-Mormons in general, send their children to private schools, not public ones.
[Third] When the time shall come that the school teachers are selected with more regard for their ability for teaching than for their allegiance to a certain creed, then, no doubt, the Liberals will not only send their children to the district schools, but contribute freely for their support."
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
170 years ago today - Sep 11, 1844
[Nauvoo Neighbor] Story: "A Warning to Tobacco Chewers" -- Editorial -- Humorous account of a tobacco chewer falling asleep with it in his mouth, swallowing it, and dying. It states, "When will men give up the use of this licentious and poisonous weed?"
... - Story: "Trial of Elder Rigdon" -- Editorial -- Describes Elder Rigdon's trial for unchristian like conduct, by his alleged desire to divide the church with false prophecy. Announces his disfellowshipment, along with others....
[Source: http://boap.org/LDS/Nauvoo-Neighbor]
... - Story: "Trial of Elder Rigdon" -- Editorial -- Describes Elder Rigdon's trial for unchristian like conduct, by his alleged desire to divide the church with false prophecy. Announces his disfellowshipment, along with others....
[Source: http://boap.org/LDS/Nauvoo-Neighbor]
170 years ago today - Sep 10, 1844
ONE HUNDRED YEARS HENCE. 1945.
God, through his servants the prophets, has given all men a clue to the future. In view of this, we were cogitating upon our bed the other night, what would be the state of the world a hundred years hence. In quick succession the events and periods which have filled up nearly six thousand years passed before our mind's eyes, together with the accompanying, " Thus saith the Lord, I will destroy the earth with a flood, after one hundred and twenty years. There shall be seven years of plenty and seven years of famine in Egypt. Israel shall be held captive in Babylon till the land enjoys her Sabbath's seventy years;" and then came Daniel's numbers; and the exact time when the Saviour should be was born, his crucifixion, and second coming.
While thus looking over the "has beens," we fell into a deep sleep, and the angel of our presence came to the bedside and gently said, "Arise" Now, it mattereth not whether we were in the body or out of it; asleep or awake ; on earth or in heaven ; or upon the water or in the air; the sum of the matter is like this:â€"Our guide, for such we shall call the angel or being that conveyed us, soon brought us in sight of a beautiful city.
As we were nearing the place, a "pillar of fire," seemingly over the most splendid building, lit the city and country for a great distance around, and as we came by, The Temple Of The Lord In Zion, in letters of a pure language, and sparkling like diamonds, disclosed where we were. Our guide went round the city in order to give ns s chance to "count the towers;" and, as it was nearly sunrise, he conducted us into one, that we might have a fair chance to view the glory of Zion by daylight. We seemed to be swallowed up in sublimity. The "pillar of fire" as the sun rose majestically mellowing into a "white cloud," as a shade for the city from heat. The dwellings, so brilliant by night, had the appearance of "precious stones," and the streets glittered like gold, and we marvelled. "Marvel not," said our guide, " this is the fulfilment of the words of Isaiah:â€"' For brass I will bring gold, and for iron I will bring silver, and for wood brass, and for stones iron: I will also make thine officers peace, and thine exactors righteousness.' "
Now the eyes of our understanding began to be quickened, and we learned that we were one hundred years ahead of "common life," and we glorified. The "veil" that hides our view from the glory of the upper deep had been taken away, and all things appeared to us as to the Lord. The great earthquake mentioned by John, and other prophets before him, had levelled the mountains over the whole earth:â€"the "sea" had rolled back as it was in the beginning, the crooked was mode straight, and the rough places plain. The earth yielded her "increase," and the knowledge of God exalted man to the society of resurrected beings. The melody and prayers of the morning in Zion, showed that the "Lord was there," and truly Lo ; for, after breakfast the chariot of Jesus Christ was made ready for a pleasure ride; and the chariots of his "hundred and forty-four thousand" glittered in the retinue of " earth's greatest and best," so gloriously, that the show exhibited the splendour of gods, whose Father's name they bore on the front of their crowns)
Our curiosity excited us to inquire, what day they celebrated? To which the guide replied, "This is the Feast-day of the Lord to Joseph And Hyrum Smith, for being martyred for the truth, held yearly on the 7th day of the fourth month, throughout all the tribes of Israel!"
Flesh and blood cannot comprehend the greatness of the scene; the worthy of the earth, with Adam at their head; the martyrs of the different dispensations, with Abel at their head; and honourable men from other worlds composed an assemblage of majesty, dignity, and divinity so much above the little pageantry of man in his self-made greatness, that we almost forgot that mortals ever enjoyed anything more than misery, in all the pomp and circumstance of maris power over man ! This was a feast-day for truth! This was the reward of integrity â€"This was the triumph of " kings and priests" unto God, and was a holiday of eternity! Who could be happier than he that was among the holy throng ? No one; and away we rode out of Zion among her stakes.
At the first city out, we found the Bame spiritâ€"All Were One. While there, the following news, by post, came from the east. It was read from one of the papers just published that morning.
ONE HUNDRED YEARS HENCE.
"In digging for the foundation of our new Temple in the 124th city of Joseph, near where it is supposed the city of New York once stood, a large square stone was taken from the ruins of some building, which, by a seam in it, indicated more than mere stone. The seam being opened, disclosed a lead box about six by eight inches square. This box was soon found to contain several daily papers of its time, together with some coin of the old government of the United States. It will be recollected that all the inhabitants of this city, which were spared from calamity, were 'slung out when the earth was turned upside down,' some forty or fifty years ago for their wickedness."
The account of "fires" in one of these papers was truly lamentable, destroying, as the paper said, more than twenty-Five millions worth of property in about three months. Each contained a large number of murders, suicides, riots, robberies, and hints of war expected, with columns of divisions among the sectarian churches about "slavery, Onderdonking, and the right way." The Archer of Paradise remarked, as these horrors of "old tiroes" were being read, that "all that was transacted in the last days of Babylon, before Satan was bound." Joseph Smith said, "Lord, we will put those papers and coin in the repository of relics and curiosities of Satan's kingdom of the old world which was agreed to by all, after exhibiting the coin. The Silver coin contained the words "United States of America," and "half dollar," round the image of an eagle on one side, and a woman sitting upon the word "Liberty," and holding up a night cap, between thirteen stars over " 1845," on the other.
The only idea that could be gathered from all this was, that the government had fallen from the splendour of an eagle to the pleasure of women, and was holding up the night cap, as a token that the only liberty enjoyed then, was star-light liberty, because their deeds were evil.
Another coin had the appearance of gold, with "fire dollars" upon it, but upon close examination it was found to be nothing but fine brass.
While this was going on, the Lord said, "beware of the leven of old.â€"Let us enjoy our day."
In a moment this band of brethren were off, and what could equal the view? No veil, no voice; the heavens were in their glory, and the angels were ascending and descending. The earth was in its beauty; the wolves and sheep; the calves and lions; the behemoth and the buffalo; the child and the serpent, enjoyed life without fear, and all men were one.
As we were passing to another city, amid all this perfection of the reign of Jesus before his ancients gloriously, we discovered the fragment of a hewn stone, of a lightish blue colour, with an abbreviated word " Mo," and the figures "1838" upon it. To which the "Lion of the Lord" exclaimed, "The wicked are turned into hell, and forgotten, but the righteous reign with God in glory," and it seemed as if the echo came from a redeemed worldâ€""glory."
At about two, after five hours' ride among the cities and stakes of Zion, we returned to the capital, to partake of the feast, of the martyrs.
The preparation was perfect. A table through the grove of Zion, for more than three hundred thousand saints, where Jesus Christ sat at the head of the fathers and mothers, sons and daughters of Israel, was a sight which the world, even Babylon in its best days, never witnessed. Says Jesus, as every eye turned upon him,
"Our Father, and thine, Bless me and mine. Amen."
After the feast (the sentiments, words of wisdom, and other touching matters were to be published in Zo-ma-rah, or Pure News, and are omitted) we stepped into the News Room, and the first article in the Pure News, which attracted our attention, was, the Minutes of the General Conference, held in Zion, on the 14th day of the first month, A. D., 1945, when it was motioned by Joseph Smith, and seconded by John the Revelator, " That/forty-eight new cities be laid out and built, this year, in accordance with the prophets which have said, 'who can number Israel? who can count the dust of Jacob? Let him fill the earth with cities.
'Carried unanimously."
Twelve of these cities to be laid out beyond eighteen degrees north, for the tribes of Reuben, Judah and Levi. Twelve on the east, at the same distance, for the tribes of Joseph, Benjamin, and Dan. Twelve on the south, at the same distance, for the tribes of Simeon, Issacher, and Zebulon; and twelve on the west, at the same distance, for the tribes of Gad, Asher, and Napthali.
The paper contained a notice for the half yearly conference, as follows:
"The general half yearly conference will be held at Jerusalem, on the 14th day of the seventh month, alternately with the yearly conference in Zion.
" It is proposed that the high way cast up between the two cities of our God, be decorated with fruit and shade trees between the cities and Villages, (which are only eighty furlongs apart), for the accommodation of wayfaring men of Israel. Gabriel has brought from paradise some seeds of fruit and grain which were originally in the Garden of Eden, and will greatly add to the comfort and convenience of man."
While we were engaged in reading, a strain of music from some of the "sweet singers of Israel,†came so mellowly over our sensations for a moment, that we hardly knew whether the angels or saints of the millenium, were chanting a vesper to their Saviour. We were so delighted with the performance as we saw the "musical chariot" pass, filled with young men and maidens, all in white robes, that we only remember the following verses •â€"
"Death and Satan being banish'd; And the ' veil' for ever vanish'd; All the earth's again replenished, And in beauty appears: So we'll sing hallelujah’s; While we worship our Saviour, And fill the world with cities Through the “great thousand years.'"
Our eye next caught a map showing the earth as it was and is. We were delighted with the earth as it is. Four rivers headed a little south of Zion, for Zion, is situated in "the side of the north." The first river is called "Passon," and runs west. The second is called "Giau," and runs south. The third is called "Haudakal," and runs north; and the fourth is called "The Fraters," and runs east. These four rivers divide the earth into four quarters, as it were in the days of Adam, and with their tributaries give an uninterrupted water communication over the face of the world, for in the beginning the earth was not called "finished" till it was "very good," for every thing.
By the paper we were reading, we learned that rain was expected in the beginning of the seventh month, according to the law of the Lord, for the promise is, "it shall rain moderately in the first and seventh month, that the ploughman may overtake the reaper."
Contemplating the greatness of the earth in its glory, with Jesus Christ for her king, president, and lawgiver, with such wise counsellors as Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Elijah, Peter, and Joseph, we were imperceptibly led to exclaim, "Great is the wisdom, great is the glory, and great is the power of man with his Maker"â€"when on a sudden our guide came in and said, "you must drink wine with the Lord in his kingdom and then return." This we did, and many things which we saw are not lawful to utter, and can only be known as we learned them, by the assistance of a guardian angel.
When we were ready to return, our guide observed, "perhaps you would like to look through the urim and thummim of God, upon the abominations of the world in the day of its sin." "Yes," was our reply, and he handed us the "holy instrument." One look, and the soul sickened. Eye hath not seen, ear hath not heard, neither hath it entered into the heart of man what folly, corruptions, and abominations are wrought among men to gratify the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the cunning of the devil. But they shall come. We returned, and awoke, perfectly enamoured with the beauty and glory of Zion to be, as well us the splendour and harmony of the "feast of the martyrs;" determining in our mind, at some future day to give a sketch of the Temple wherein Jesus sat and reigned with the righteous, when there was "not a Canaanite in the land," nor anything to hurt or destroy in all the holy mountainâ€"when the earth should be full of the knowledge of God as the waters cover the sea. In short, the heavenly reality of one hundred years hence.
[Source: "ONE HUNDRED YEARS HENCE. 1945" authored by John Taylor, Parley P. Pratt or W. W. Phelps -- as reprinted in the Millennial Star (originally in the Nauvoo Neighbor).]
God, through his servants the prophets, has given all men a clue to the future. In view of this, we were cogitating upon our bed the other night, what would be the state of the world a hundred years hence. In quick succession the events and periods which have filled up nearly six thousand years passed before our mind's eyes, together with the accompanying, " Thus saith the Lord, I will destroy the earth with a flood, after one hundred and twenty years. There shall be seven years of plenty and seven years of famine in Egypt. Israel shall be held captive in Babylon till the land enjoys her Sabbath's seventy years;" and then came Daniel's numbers; and the exact time when the Saviour should be was born, his crucifixion, and second coming.
While thus looking over the "has beens," we fell into a deep sleep, and the angel of our presence came to the bedside and gently said, "Arise" Now, it mattereth not whether we were in the body or out of it; asleep or awake ; on earth or in heaven ; or upon the water or in the air; the sum of the matter is like this:â€"Our guide, for such we shall call the angel or being that conveyed us, soon brought us in sight of a beautiful city.
As we were nearing the place, a "pillar of fire," seemingly over the most splendid building, lit the city and country for a great distance around, and as we came by, The Temple Of The Lord In Zion, in letters of a pure language, and sparkling like diamonds, disclosed where we were. Our guide went round the city in order to give ns s chance to "count the towers;" and, as it was nearly sunrise, he conducted us into one, that we might have a fair chance to view the glory of Zion by daylight. We seemed to be swallowed up in sublimity. The "pillar of fire" as the sun rose majestically mellowing into a "white cloud," as a shade for the city from heat. The dwellings, so brilliant by night, had the appearance of "precious stones," and the streets glittered like gold, and we marvelled. "Marvel not," said our guide, " this is the fulfilment of the words of Isaiah:â€"' For brass I will bring gold, and for iron I will bring silver, and for wood brass, and for stones iron: I will also make thine officers peace, and thine exactors righteousness.' "
Now the eyes of our understanding began to be quickened, and we learned that we were one hundred years ahead of "common life," and we glorified. The "veil" that hides our view from the glory of the upper deep had been taken away, and all things appeared to us as to the Lord. The great earthquake mentioned by John, and other prophets before him, had levelled the mountains over the whole earth:â€"the "sea" had rolled back as it was in the beginning, the crooked was mode straight, and the rough places plain. The earth yielded her "increase," and the knowledge of God exalted man to the society of resurrected beings. The melody and prayers of the morning in Zion, showed that the "Lord was there," and truly Lo ; for, after breakfast the chariot of Jesus Christ was made ready for a pleasure ride; and the chariots of his "hundred and forty-four thousand" glittered in the retinue of " earth's greatest and best," so gloriously, that the show exhibited the splendour of gods, whose Father's name they bore on the front of their crowns)
Our curiosity excited us to inquire, what day they celebrated? To which the guide replied, "This is the Feast-day of the Lord to Joseph And Hyrum Smith, for being martyred for the truth, held yearly on the 7th day of the fourth month, throughout all the tribes of Israel!"
Flesh and blood cannot comprehend the greatness of the scene; the worthy of the earth, with Adam at their head; the martyrs of the different dispensations, with Abel at their head; and honourable men from other worlds composed an assemblage of majesty, dignity, and divinity so much above the little pageantry of man in his self-made greatness, that we almost forgot that mortals ever enjoyed anything more than misery, in all the pomp and circumstance of maris power over man ! This was a feast-day for truth! This was the reward of integrity â€"This was the triumph of " kings and priests" unto God, and was a holiday of eternity! Who could be happier than he that was among the holy throng ? No one; and away we rode out of Zion among her stakes.
At the first city out, we found the Bame spiritâ€"All Were One. While there, the following news, by post, came from the east. It was read from one of the papers just published that morning.
ONE HUNDRED YEARS HENCE.
"In digging for the foundation of our new Temple in the 124th city of Joseph, near where it is supposed the city of New York once stood, a large square stone was taken from the ruins of some building, which, by a seam in it, indicated more than mere stone. The seam being opened, disclosed a lead box about six by eight inches square. This box was soon found to contain several daily papers of its time, together with some coin of the old government of the United States. It will be recollected that all the inhabitants of this city, which were spared from calamity, were 'slung out when the earth was turned upside down,' some forty or fifty years ago for their wickedness."
The account of "fires" in one of these papers was truly lamentable, destroying, as the paper said, more than twenty-Five millions worth of property in about three months. Each contained a large number of murders, suicides, riots, robberies, and hints of war expected, with columns of divisions among the sectarian churches about "slavery, Onderdonking, and the right way." The Archer of Paradise remarked, as these horrors of "old tiroes" were being read, that "all that was transacted in the last days of Babylon, before Satan was bound." Joseph Smith said, "Lord, we will put those papers and coin in the repository of relics and curiosities of Satan's kingdom of the old world which was agreed to by all, after exhibiting the coin. The Silver coin contained the words "United States of America," and "half dollar," round the image of an eagle on one side, and a woman sitting upon the word "Liberty," and holding up a night cap, between thirteen stars over " 1845," on the other.
The only idea that could be gathered from all this was, that the government had fallen from the splendour of an eagle to the pleasure of women, and was holding up the night cap, as a token that the only liberty enjoyed then, was star-light liberty, because their deeds were evil.
Another coin had the appearance of gold, with "fire dollars" upon it, but upon close examination it was found to be nothing but fine brass.
While this was going on, the Lord said, "beware of the leven of old.â€"Let us enjoy our day."
In a moment this band of brethren were off, and what could equal the view? No veil, no voice; the heavens were in their glory, and the angels were ascending and descending. The earth was in its beauty; the wolves and sheep; the calves and lions; the behemoth and the buffalo; the child and the serpent, enjoyed life without fear, and all men were one.
As we were passing to another city, amid all this perfection of the reign of Jesus before his ancients gloriously, we discovered the fragment of a hewn stone, of a lightish blue colour, with an abbreviated word " Mo," and the figures "1838" upon it. To which the "Lion of the Lord" exclaimed, "The wicked are turned into hell, and forgotten, but the righteous reign with God in glory," and it seemed as if the echo came from a redeemed worldâ€""glory."
At about two, after five hours' ride among the cities and stakes of Zion, we returned to the capital, to partake of the feast, of the martyrs.
The preparation was perfect. A table through the grove of Zion, for more than three hundred thousand saints, where Jesus Christ sat at the head of the fathers and mothers, sons and daughters of Israel, was a sight which the world, even Babylon in its best days, never witnessed. Says Jesus, as every eye turned upon him,
"Our Father, and thine, Bless me and mine. Amen."
After the feast (the sentiments, words of wisdom, and other touching matters were to be published in Zo-ma-rah, or Pure News, and are omitted) we stepped into the News Room, and the first article in the Pure News, which attracted our attention, was, the Minutes of the General Conference, held in Zion, on the 14th day of the first month, A. D., 1945, when it was motioned by Joseph Smith, and seconded by John the Revelator, " That/forty-eight new cities be laid out and built, this year, in accordance with the prophets which have said, 'who can number Israel? who can count the dust of Jacob? Let him fill the earth with cities.
'Carried unanimously."
Twelve of these cities to be laid out beyond eighteen degrees north, for the tribes of Reuben, Judah and Levi. Twelve on the east, at the same distance, for the tribes of Joseph, Benjamin, and Dan. Twelve on the south, at the same distance, for the tribes of Simeon, Issacher, and Zebulon; and twelve on the west, at the same distance, for the tribes of Gad, Asher, and Napthali.
The paper contained a notice for the half yearly conference, as follows:
"The general half yearly conference will be held at Jerusalem, on the 14th day of the seventh month, alternately with the yearly conference in Zion.
" It is proposed that the high way cast up between the two cities of our God, be decorated with fruit and shade trees between the cities and Villages, (which are only eighty furlongs apart), for the accommodation of wayfaring men of Israel. Gabriel has brought from paradise some seeds of fruit and grain which were originally in the Garden of Eden, and will greatly add to the comfort and convenience of man."
While we were engaged in reading, a strain of music from some of the "sweet singers of Israel,†came so mellowly over our sensations for a moment, that we hardly knew whether the angels or saints of the millenium, were chanting a vesper to their Saviour. We were so delighted with the performance as we saw the "musical chariot" pass, filled with young men and maidens, all in white robes, that we only remember the following verses •â€"
"Death and Satan being banish'd; And the ' veil' for ever vanish'd; All the earth's again replenished, And in beauty appears: So we'll sing hallelujah’s; While we worship our Saviour, And fill the world with cities Through the “great thousand years.'"
Our eye next caught a map showing the earth as it was and is. We were delighted with the earth as it is. Four rivers headed a little south of Zion, for Zion, is situated in "the side of the north." The first river is called "Passon," and runs west. The second is called "Giau," and runs south. The third is called "Haudakal," and runs north; and the fourth is called "The Fraters," and runs east. These four rivers divide the earth into four quarters, as it were in the days of Adam, and with their tributaries give an uninterrupted water communication over the face of the world, for in the beginning the earth was not called "finished" till it was "very good," for every thing.
By the paper we were reading, we learned that rain was expected in the beginning of the seventh month, according to the law of the Lord, for the promise is, "it shall rain moderately in the first and seventh month, that the ploughman may overtake the reaper."
Contemplating the greatness of the earth in its glory, with Jesus Christ for her king, president, and lawgiver, with such wise counsellors as Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Elijah, Peter, and Joseph, we were imperceptibly led to exclaim, "Great is the wisdom, great is the glory, and great is the power of man with his Maker"â€"when on a sudden our guide came in and said, "you must drink wine with the Lord in his kingdom and then return." This we did, and many things which we saw are not lawful to utter, and can only be known as we learned them, by the assistance of a guardian angel.
When we were ready to return, our guide observed, "perhaps you would like to look through the urim and thummim of God, upon the abominations of the world in the day of its sin." "Yes," was our reply, and he handed us the "holy instrument." One look, and the soul sickened. Eye hath not seen, ear hath not heard, neither hath it entered into the heart of man what folly, corruptions, and abominations are wrought among men to gratify the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the cunning of the devil. But they shall come. We returned, and awoke, perfectly enamoured with the beauty and glory of Zion to be, as well us the splendour and harmony of the "feast of the martyrs;" determining in our mind, at some future day to give a sketch of the Temple wherein Jesus sat and reigned with the righteous, when there was "not a Canaanite in the land," nor anything to hurt or destroy in all the holy mountainâ€"when the earth should be full of the knowledge of God as the waters cover the sea. In short, the heavenly reality of one hundred years hence.
[Source: "ONE HUNDRED YEARS HENCE. 1945" authored by John Taylor, Parley P. Pratt or W. W. Phelps -- as reprinted in the Millennial Star (originally in the Nauvoo Neighbor).]
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