[Leonard Arrington]
[Brother Hartley reported that Legrand Richards said]: "Well, I know one that you probably won't want in your history. President Grant was asked if Rudger Clawson would be the next president of the Church-at the time he was president of the Quorum of the Twelve." President Grant said, "If the Lord wants Brother Clawson to be president of the Church, then it's goodbye Heber." Then he paused, and paused a little longer and then said, "I don't think the Lord wants Rudger Clawson [[Clawson preceded Grant in death by two years, so that George Albert Smith became president in 1945.]] to be president of the Church." LeGrand Richards said, "Now that wouldn't go into a biography of President Grant, would it?"
[Confessions of a Mormon historian : the diaries of Leonard J. Arrington, 1971-1997, Gary James Bergera, editor, Signature Books, 2018]
60 years ago today - 60 years ago - Jan 31, 1960
LDS Vernon Law receives the Cy Young Award for best pitcher in baseball from the Baseball Writers Association of America, and he wins the Lou Gehrig award (1965). Harmon Killebrew is voted the Most Valuable Player of the American League (1969), and Dale Murphy is MVP of the National League (1982, 1983).
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
115 years ago today - January 31-Feb 2, 1905; Tuesday-Thursday
[Rudger Clawson]
I returned to Salt Lake Tuesday, Jan[uary]. 31, and found that the Salt Lake Tribune had published a special dispatch from Logan [Utah] wherein it was charged that Elder [J.] Golden Kimball and myself had defended and advocated the principle of polygamy at the Cache conference. [Because of sensitivities during the Smoot hearings, they publish the notes of the conference in the Deseret News to demonstrate they had not talked about polygamy.]
[Rudger Clawson, Diary]
I returned to Salt Lake Tuesday, Jan[uary]. 31, and found that the Salt Lake Tribune had published a special dispatch from Logan [Utah] wherein it was charged that Elder [J.] Golden Kimball and myself had defended and advocated the principle of polygamy at the Cache conference. [Because of sensitivities during the Smoot hearings, they publish the notes of the conference in the Deseret News to demonstrate they had not talked about polygamy.]
[Rudger Clawson, Diary]
125 years ago today - Jan 31, 1895
[Apostle Francis M. Lyman]
The application of C. R. Savage to ignore his plural wife and to marry another in the Temple was denied after much talk. If he marries a legal wife and casts out his present wife it must be upon his own responsibility.
[Excerpts of Apostle Francis M. Lyman Diaries, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
The application of C. R. Savage to ignore his plural wife and to marry another in the Temple was denied after much talk. If he marries a legal wife and casts out his present wife it must be upon his own responsibility.
[Excerpts of Apostle Francis M. Lyman Diaries, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
130 years ago today - Fri, Jan 31st, 1890
[Abraham H. Cannon]
"At the Gardo Houae the question arose this morning as to whether the face of a woman who has had her endowments should be veiled or not when her coffin is closed on her dead body. Pres. Woodruff did not decide in absence of any written law on the subject, but Bro. Joseph F. thought the face should covered as this was the course pursued in early days of the Church, and it was doubtless done in accordance with some instructions of the Prophet."
[Abraham H. Cannon Journal Excerpts, http://www.amazon.com/Apostles-Record-Journals-Abraham-1889-1896/dp/B000MFD1K4]
"At the Gardo Houae the question arose this morning as to whether the face of a woman who has had her endowments should be veiled or not when her coffin is closed on her dead body. Pres. Woodruff did not decide in absence of any written law on the subject, but Bro. Joseph F. thought the face should covered as this was the course pursued in early days of the Church, and it was doubtless done in accordance with some instructions of the Prophet."
[Abraham H. Cannon Journal Excerpts, http://www.amazon.com/Apostles-Record-Journals-Abraham-1889-1896/dp/B000MFD1K4]
145 years ago today - Jan 31, 1875
[Brigham Young]
... spoke on the '"United Order,'" showing that this was the last dispensation, and the last time that the Lord would establish this Order on the earth, and that it would not prove a failure, only by the perversity of man. -- St. George, Utah
[Deseret News. Also Deseret Evening News, Deseret News Weekly, Deseret News Semi- Weekly, and Deseret News Extra, Salt Lake City; 1850-current. 24:17 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]
... spoke on the '"United Order,'" showing that this was the last dispensation, and the last time that the Lord would establish this Order on the earth, and that it would not prove a failure, only by the perversity of man. -- St. George, Utah
[Deseret News. Also Deseret Evening News, Deseret News Weekly, Deseret News Semi- Weekly, and Deseret News Extra, Salt Lake City; 1850-current. 24:17 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]
Jan 31, 1860
[Brigham Young]
The President said he had never differed with him [Orson] only on points of doctrine, and he never had had any personal feelings, but he was anxious that correct doctrines should be taught for the benefit of the Church and the Nations of the earth. Prest said in one thing he had felt vexed that he did not consult them before he published the M.S. [Millenial Star] writings he got from Mother Smith. about the life of the Prophet. Orson admitted that he had done wrong and he now saw it but did not at the time of his purchasing and publishing it. President observed the brethren would have made it a matter of fellowship. The President said he did not have it in his heart to disfellowship but merely to correct men in their views. Prest also remarked to Orson he had been willing to go on a Mission to any place at the drop of the Hat, and observed you might as well question my authority to send you on a Mission as to dispute my views in doctrine; Bro Orson said he had never felt unwillingness in the discharge of his practical duties. -- Salt Lake City
[Lucy Mack Smith
[Brigham Young Office Journals, Special Collections, Merrill-Cazier Library, Utah State University, Logan.; Archives, Church History Library, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City, Utah.; New Mormon Studies CD-ROM as quoted in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009); 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]
The President said he had never differed with him [Orson] only on points of doctrine, and he never had had any personal feelings, but he was anxious that correct doctrines should be taught for the benefit of the Church and the Nations of the earth. Prest said in one thing he had felt vexed that he did not consult them before he published the M.S. [Millenial Star] writings he got from Mother Smith. about the life of the Prophet. Orson admitted that he had done wrong and he now saw it but did not at the time of his purchasing and publishing it. President observed the brethren would have made it a matter of fellowship. The President said he did not have it in his heart to disfellowship but merely to correct men in their views. Prest also remarked to Orson he had been willing to go on a Mission to any place at the drop of the Hat, and observed you might as well question my authority to send you on a Mission as to dispute my views in doctrine; Bro Orson said he had never felt unwillingness in the discharge of his practical duties. -- Salt Lake City
[Lucy Mack Smith
[Brigham Young Office Journals, Special Collections, Merrill-Cazier Library, Utah State University, Logan.; Archives, Church History Library, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City, Utah.; New Mormon Studies CD-ROM as quoted in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009); 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]
160 years ago today - Jan 31, 1860
[Brigham Young]
The President said he had never differed with him [Orson] only on points of doctrine, and he never had had any personal feelings, but he was anxious that correct doctrines should be taught for the benefit of the Church and the Nations of the earth. Prest said in one thing he had felt vexed that he did not consult them before he published the M.S. [Millenial Star] writings he got from Mother Smith. about the life of the Prophet. Orson admitted that he had done wrong and he now saw it but did not at the time of his purchasing and publishing it. President observed the brethren would have made it a matter of fellowship. The President said he did not have it in his heart to disfellowship but merely to correct men in their views. Prest also remarked to Orson he had been willing to go on a Mission to any place at the drop of the Hat, and observed you might as well question my authority to send you on a Mission as to dispute my views in doctrine; Bro Orson said he had never felt unwillingness in the discharge of his practical duties. -- Salt Lake City
[Lucy Mack Smith
[Brigham Young Office Journals, Special Collections, Merrill-Cazier Library, Utah State University, Logan.; Archives, Church History Library, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City, Utah.; New Mormon Studies CD-ROM as quoted in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009); 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]
The President said he had never differed with him [Orson] only on points of doctrine, and he never had had any personal feelings, but he was anxious that correct doctrines should be taught for the benefit of the Church and the Nations of the earth. Prest said in one thing he had felt vexed that he did not consult them before he published the M.S. [Millenial Star] writings he got from Mother Smith. about the life of the Prophet. Orson admitted that he had done wrong and he now saw it but did not at the time of his purchasing and publishing it. President observed the brethren would have made it a matter of fellowship. The President said he did not have it in his heart to disfellowship but merely to correct men in their views. Prest also remarked to Orson he had been willing to go on a Mission to any place at the drop of the Hat, and observed you might as well question my authority to send you on a Mission as to dispute my views in doctrine; Bro Orson said he had never felt unwillingness in the discharge of his practical duties. -- Salt Lake City
[Lucy Mack Smith
[Brigham Young Office Journals, Special Collections, Merrill-Cazier Library, Utah State University, Logan.; Archives, Church History Library, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City, Utah.; New Mormon Studies CD-ROM as quoted in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009); 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 - Jan 31, 1850
[Minutes of the Quorum of Twelve]
... bro Is Higbee[:] the [Timpanogos] Indians are continually killing our cattle & stealing horses. & they shot at out boys'-we have lost between 50 & 60 head. they cannot sustain themselves there. we drive our cattle down in the morning & bring them up at night'-the Indians fired two guns at our boys'-& they found one ox with 4 arrows'-another with a tomahawk in it'-they say the mormons have no captn'-they want to fight & will live on our cattle. they say they mean to keep our Cattle'-& go & get the other Indians to kill us'
- P. P. P. [Parley P. Pratt:] my own mind is I can only see 3 ways'-the place be abandoned'-& then they wo[ul]d. ransack all the o[the]r. frontiers'-or we have to defend them'-or leave them to destruction.
I. Higbee[:] we can not defend our Cattle unless there is a company of men'-there are 25 /men/ close by'-& 50 or 75 /men/ on the other side of Lake'-
P. P. P.[:] I felt it b/es/t to kill the Indians, but when I saw the instr[ucti]ons I said hold on till you can get instructions'
- I. Higbee[:] every man & boy help up their hand to kill them off'-we have 60 men to bear arms'-they say we are afraid to kill them'
- P. P. P.[:] Walkers men are different Indians to these'-there can be no communication without a settlement at Utah'
- W R [Williard Richards:] my voice is for War, & exterminate them'
- B. Y. [Brigham Young:] I say go & kill them'-(all hands held up) [Brigham] Young, [Heber C.] Kimball, [Willard] Richards, [George A.] Smith, [Ezra T.] Benson. J. [John] Young, D. Spencer'-O[rson] Spencer D[aniel]. H. Wells, Van Cott Higbee & T B'-A[aron]. Farr. I. Higbee'
-We thought we should want help to do it.
B. Y. [Brigham Young] Tell D[imik]. Huntington to go & kill them'-also Barney Ward. let the Women & children live if they will behave themselves'
- P. P. P. I wo[ul]d. take the women & chil[dren]. & clothe them & dictate them & make them do what we want & dont let them prowl about'
- B. Y. We shall have no peace until the men are killed off'-never treat an Indian as your equal there was a cap of 50 men'-get them & take them up with you'-they have strengthened up the past year & they gather men from other tribes to come & steal our cattle & horses'-it is the Western tribe that come & steal in this Valley'- ...
[Minutes, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
... bro Is Higbee[:] the [Timpanogos] Indians are continually killing our cattle & stealing horses. & they shot at out boys'-we have lost between 50 & 60 head. they cannot sustain themselves there. we drive our cattle down in the morning & bring them up at night'-the Indians fired two guns at our boys'-& they found one ox with 4 arrows'-another with a tomahawk in it'-they say the mormons have no captn'-they want to fight & will live on our cattle. they say they mean to keep our Cattle'-& go & get the other Indians to kill us'
- P. P. P. [Parley P. Pratt:] my own mind is I can only see 3 ways'-the place be abandoned'-& then they wo[ul]d. ransack all the o[the]r. frontiers'-or we have to defend them'-or leave them to destruction.
I. Higbee[:] we can not defend our Cattle unless there is a company of men'-there are 25 /men/ close by'-& 50 or 75 /men/ on the other side of Lake'-
P. P. P.[:] I felt it b/es/t to kill the Indians, but when I saw the instr[ucti]ons I said hold on till you can get instructions'
- I. Higbee[:] every man & boy help up their hand to kill them off'-we have 60 men to bear arms'-they say we are afraid to kill them'
- P. P. P.[:] Walkers men are different Indians to these'-there can be no communication without a settlement at Utah'
- W R [Williard Richards:] my voice is for War, & exterminate them'
- B. Y. [Brigham Young:] I say go & kill them'-(all hands held up) [Brigham] Young, [Heber C.] Kimball, [Willard] Richards, [George A.] Smith, [Ezra T.] Benson. J. [John] Young, D. Spencer'-O[rson] Spencer D[aniel]. H. Wells, Van Cott Higbee & T B'-A[aron]. Farr. I. Higbee'
-We thought we should want help to do it.
B. Y. [Brigham Young] Tell D[imik]. Huntington to go & kill them'-also Barney Ward. let the Women & children live if they will behave themselves'
- P. P. P. I wo[ul]d. take the women & chil[dren]. & clothe them & dictate them & make them do what we want & dont let them prowl about'
- B. Y. We shall have no peace until the men are killed off'-never treat an Indian as your equal there was a cap of 50 men'-get them & take them up with you'-they have strengthened up the past year & they gather men from other tribes to come & steal our cattle & horses'-it is the Western tribe that come & steal in this Valley'- ...
[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]
180 years ago today - Jan 31, 1840. Friday.
[William Clayton]
... Brother Burgess' wife and child poorly. I anointed her breasts and prayed with them. ...
[George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://amzn.to/william-clayton]
... Brother Burgess' wife and child poorly. I anointed her breasts and prayed with them. ...
[George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://amzn.to/william-clayton]
45 years ago today - Jan 30, 1975-Thursday
[Leonard Arrington]
Yesterday afternoon Dallin Oaks telephoned and said that he had in his office at the same time Bob Thomas, his academic vice president, and Frank Fox, a young professor of history. We conducted a 20-30 minute conversation over the telephone. In essence Dallin was asking the three of us to serve as a committee to read and critique the portions of the BYU history that deal with the [Ernest L.] Wilkinson and Oaks administrations. The thought was that we were an objective third party group and would be able to assure balance and objective treatment of those administrations. This would protect Ernest Wilkinson and Dallin. This suggestion had been approved by Neal Maxwell-in fact, urged by him. It had been accepted by Ernest Wilkinson with three stipulations: (1) That we accept the view that this is the Lord's church and that BYU is the Lord's university; (2) That we are willing to make a statement for the introduction of volumes two and three that we have read the material and approved it; (3) That we submit to Ernest all of our suggestions so he [would have] had a chance to negotiate with us on any that he disapproves of; (4) We are not to tell anybody that we are doing this.
I accepted the assignment as did the other brethren ...
[Confessions of a Mormon historian : the diaries of Leonard J. Arrington, 1971-1997, Gary James Bergera, editor, Signature Books, 2018]
Yesterday afternoon Dallin Oaks telephoned and said that he had in his office at the same time Bob Thomas, his academic vice president, and Frank Fox, a young professor of history. We conducted a 20-30 minute conversation over the telephone. In essence Dallin was asking the three of us to serve as a committee to read and critique the portions of the BYU history that deal with the [Ernest L.] Wilkinson and Oaks administrations. The thought was that we were an objective third party group and would be able to assure balance and objective treatment of those administrations. This would protect Ernest Wilkinson and Dallin. This suggestion had been approved by Neal Maxwell-in fact, urged by him. It had been accepted by Ernest Wilkinson with three stipulations: (1) That we accept the view that this is the Lord's church and that BYU is the Lord's university; (2) That we are willing to make a statement for the introduction of volumes two and three that we have read the material and approved it; (3) That we submit to Ernest all of our suggestions so he [would have] had a chance to negotiate with us on any that he disapproves of; (4) We are not to tell anybody that we are doing this.
I accepted the assignment as did the other brethren ...
[Confessions of a Mormon historian : the diaries of Leonard J. Arrington, 1971-1997, Gary James Bergera, editor, Signature Books, 2018]
50 years ago today - Jan 30, 1970
First Presidency letter urges Church members to have their sons and daughters attend post-high school institutions of learning near their home, "so that our young can benefit from the influence of the home, especially during their first two years of post-high school education." It also urges leaders and parents to make full use of seminary and institute programs to supplement the home. In addition, the letter says that the Presidency believes the enrollment at BYU should not exceed 25,000.
CHRISTIANITY TODAY article, "Mormons and Blacks", commends the Church for "refusing to let popular protest shape its doctrines." However it says blacks should not feel deprived because they are not eligible for the Mormon priesthood since the Church itself is "tragically misguided."
CHRISTIANITY TODAY article, "Mormons and Blacks", commends the Church for "refusing to let popular protest shape its doctrines." However it says blacks should not feel deprived because they are not eligible for the Mormon priesthood since the Church itself is "tragically misguided."
130 years ago today - Jan 30, 1890
[Patriarchal Blessing of Susan E. J. Martineau]
... before the earth was thou didst shout hosanna that it would be thy privilege to come forth in this dispensation to assist in bringing forth and establishing Zion preparatory to a reign of peace upon the earth. To this end the Father blessed thee and sent thee as with a crown of glory upon thy head, that through thee mighty men and women should live upon the earth to be prophets, seers and mighty men ...
Thou has earnestly sought to fulfill the Law of Sarah ... of the mothers and matrons of Zion thou shalt stand among those who are the most honored, because of the words of wisdom and comfort that as rubies shall fall from thy lips. ... when the meek shall flee unto Zion in the great day of tribulation, thou shalt feed the hungry, clothe the naked and give shelter to the homeless...
And when because of wickedness the cities of the land shall become desolate, thou, together with thy husband and all thy family shall go forth to inhabit the cities that are desolate, and to inhabit the waste places. ... his angels shall camp around thee, to be as thy companions. His arms shall sustain thee, his hand shall lead thee. His spirit shall fill thy heart with consolation and joy continually, while the visions of heaven shall be opened unto thee, to rebuke aff[l]iction, to command the Destroyer that no power shall invade thy habitation to destroy thy peace or take away thy loved ones.
Years shall be multiplied upon thy head, and thou shalt live even to the fullness of thy desires; and it is thy privilege to assist in the work both for the living and the dead, in the holy temple that shall be reared in Zion; to strike hands with the Son of Man when He shall descend to his holy temple ... Thy inheritance shall be forever in Zion, which thou shalt receive with thy companion and family when the Ancient of Days shall sit. ...
[Patriarchal Blessing of Susan E. J. Martineau by Benjamin F. Johnson on January 30, 1890]
... before the earth was thou didst shout hosanna that it would be thy privilege to come forth in this dispensation to assist in bringing forth and establishing Zion preparatory to a reign of peace upon the earth. To this end the Father blessed thee and sent thee as with a crown of glory upon thy head, that through thee mighty men and women should live upon the earth to be prophets, seers and mighty men ...
Thou has earnestly sought to fulfill the Law of Sarah ... of the mothers and matrons of Zion thou shalt stand among those who are the most honored, because of the words of wisdom and comfort that as rubies shall fall from thy lips. ... when the meek shall flee unto Zion in the great day of tribulation, thou shalt feed the hungry, clothe the naked and give shelter to the homeless...
And when because of wickedness the cities of the land shall become desolate, thou, together with thy husband and all thy family shall go forth to inhabit the cities that are desolate, and to inhabit the waste places. ... his angels shall camp around thee, to be as thy companions. His arms shall sustain thee, his hand shall lead thee. His spirit shall fill thy heart with consolation and joy continually, while the visions of heaven shall be opened unto thee, to rebuke aff[l]iction, to command the Destroyer that no power shall invade thy habitation to destroy thy peace or take away thy loved ones.
Years shall be multiplied upon thy head, and thou shalt live even to the fullness of thy desires; and it is thy privilege to assist in the work both for the living and the dead, in the holy temple that shall be reared in Zion; to strike hands with the Son of Man when He shall descend to his holy temple ... Thy inheritance shall be forever in Zion, which thou shalt receive with thy companion and family when the Ancient of Days shall sit. ...
[Patriarchal Blessing of Susan E. J. Martineau by Benjamin F. Johnson on January 30, 1890]
130 years ago today - Jan 30, 1890
[Patriarchal Blessing of S. Elvira M. Johnson ]
... for thou shalt see the holy temple reared in Zion, shall strike hands with the Son of Man when He shall descent to the earth, and shall minister therein when His glory shall fill its courts.
... The angels shall camp around thee, if thou wilt be admonished to call upon the name of the Lord ... thou art among the most favored of the daughters of Abraham, and entitled to every privilege that belongs to the wives, the mothers and the matrons in Zion, to stand in thy place as a counsellor to admonish, to teach, and to cultivate the younger of thy sex; and all who hear thy voice shall cleave unto thee and love thee; and all thy kindred shall rejoice in thee because of the wisdom and spirit of consolation and blessing which shall drop as pearls from thy lips ...
[Patriarchal Blessing of S. Elvira M. by Johnson F. Johnson on January 30, 1890]
... for thou shalt see the holy temple reared in Zion, shall strike hands with the Son of Man when He shall descent to the earth, and shall minister therein when His glory shall fill its courts.
... The angels shall camp around thee, if thou wilt be admonished to call upon the name of the Lord ... thou art among the most favored of the daughters of Abraham, and entitled to every privilege that belongs to the wives, the mothers and the matrons in Zion, to stand in thy place as a counsellor to admonish, to teach, and to cultivate the younger of thy sex; and all who hear thy voice shall cleave unto thee and love thee; and all thy kindred shall rejoice in thee because of the wisdom and spirit of consolation and blessing which shall drop as pearls from thy lips ...
[Patriarchal Blessing of S. Elvira M. by Johnson F. Johnson on January 30, 1890]
130 years ago today - Jan 30, 1890
[Patriarchal Blessing of James Henry Martineau]
... And from the days of thy birth His angel had charge concerning thee ... thou shalt become a Prince and a Patriarch, a Prophet and a Seer: and thou and thy Sons shall be an arm of power, even to be as the horns of Ephraim in assisting to push together the people, and to establish them upon the land of their inheritance. And when the cities of the Gentiles are waste, behold thou shalt go forth with thy children and they children's children to redeem the waste places ... they shall rise up and call thee blessed all the days of thy life, and carry thy name and thy fame in honor throughout all generations of Time.
The treasures of the earth shall be unto thee in great fullness, whereby thou shalt be able to assist in bringing to pass the redemption of Zion, the rearing of His holy temple ... it is even thy privilege to live to see the holy temple reared in Zion, and the glory of the Lord resting upon its towers, and to minister therein ...
[Patriarchal Blessing of James Henry Martineau by Benjamin F. Johnson on January 30, 1890]
... And from the days of thy birth His angel had charge concerning thee ... thou shalt become a Prince and a Patriarch, a Prophet and a Seer: and thou and thy Sons shall be an arm of power, even to be as the horns of Ephraim in assisting to push together the people, and to establish them upon the land of their inheritance. And when the cities of the Gentiles are waste, behold thou shalt go forth with thy children and they children's children to redeem the waste places ... they shall rise up and call thee blessed all the days of thy life, and carry thy name and thy fame in honor throughout all generations of Time.
The treasures of the earth shall be unto thee in great fullness, whereby thou shalt be able to assist in bringing to pass the redemption of Zion, the rearing of His holy temple ... it is even thy privilege to live to see the holy temple reared in Zion, and the glory of the Lord resting upon its towers, and to minister therein ...
[Patriarchal Blessing of James Henry Martineau by Benjamin F. Johnson on January 30, 1890]
135 years ago today - Jan 30, 1885
[Wilford Woodruff]
I was sealed for 24 Couple of Dead friends & had 10 Adoptions to me. I sealed 1 Couple.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
I was sealed for 24 Couple of Dead friends & had 10 Adoptions to me. I sealed 1 Couple.
[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 - Jan 30, 1845
[Anointed Quorum]
Thursday prayer circle meeting; anointing and endowment for Joseph B. Noble, Zina D. Huntington (Jacobs, Smith, Young), and--probably also on this date--Mary Elizabeth Rollins (Lightner, Smith) . Between 30 January and 20 March, Sylvia P. Sessions (Lyon, Smith, Kimball), Harriet Page Wheeler (Decker), and Mary A. Be(a)man (Noble) were anointed and endowed. [Half of those involved in these early anointings were plural wives of Joseph Smith]
[Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Signature Books, 1994, Appendex: Meetings and Initiations of the Anointed Quorum, 1842-45, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
Thursday prayer circle meeting; anointing and endowment for Joseph B. Noble, Zina D. Huntington (Jacobs, Smith, Young), and--probably also on this date--Mary Elizabeth Rollins (Lightner, Smith) . Between 30 January and 20 March, Sylvia P. Sessions (Lyon, Smith, Kimball), Harriet Page Wheeler (Decker), and Mary A. Be(a)man (Noble) were anointed and endowed. [Half of those involved in these early anointings were plural wives of Joseph Smith]
[Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Signature Books, 1994, Appendex: Meetings and Initiations of the Anointed Quorum, 1842-45, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
180 years ago today - Jan 30, 1840
About this time, Joseph leaves Philadelphia for Washington with Orrin Porter Rockwell, Judge Higbee, and Dr. Foster, having left Sidney Rigdon sick in Philadelphia. During his stay in Philadelphia, Joseph had met with some of the Twelve on their way to England, and had held a conference wherein he "arose like a lion about to roar; and being full of the Holy Ghost, spoke in great power. . . . The entire congregation were astounded; electrified, as it were, and overwhelmed with the sense of the truth and power by which he spoke, and the wonders which he related. . . . Multitudes were baptized in Philadelphia and in the regions around."
[Parley Parker Pratt, Autobiography of Parley Parker Pratt 297-99 as quoted in Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
[Parley Parker Pratt, Autobiography of Parley Parker Pratt 297-99 as quoted in Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
120 years ago today - Monday, Jan 29, 1900
[Apostle John Henry Smith]
Washington, D.C.
It is very cold. President Win. McKinley is 57 years old today. In company with Senator Geo. L. Shoup of Idaho, Bp. H. B. Clawson and I spent thirty minutes with the President. We had a pleasant talk on Utah affairs. I made some explanations as to family matters and the decadence [decrease] of plural relations and told him the Mormon people had kept faith. ...
[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]
Washington, D.C.
It is very cold. President Win. McKinley is 57 years old today. In company with Senator Geo. L. Shoup of Idaho, Bp. H. B. Clawson and I spent thirty minutes with the President. We had a pleasant talk on Utah affairs. I made some explanations as to family matters and the decadence [decrease] of plural relations and told him the Mormon people had kept faith. ...
[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]
150 years ago today - Jan 29, 1870
Salt Lake City School of the Prophets "turn[s] into a caucus meeting, for the purpose of nominating our City officers, preparatory to the forthcoming Election."
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
160 years ago today - Jan 29, 1860
Orson Pratt publishes in the Deseret News: "At the time I expressed these views, I did most sincerely believe that they were in accordance with the word of God. I did most sincerely suppose that I was justifying the truth. But I have since learned from my brethren that some of the doctrines I had advanced in The Seer at Washington were incorrect. Naturally being of a stubborn disposition and having a kind of self-will about me; and moreover supposing really and sincerely that I did understand what true doctrine was in relation to those points, I did not feel to yield to the judgment of my brethren, but believed they were in error."
"I do not know that I shall be able to carry out these views; but these are my present determinations. I pray that I may have the grace and strength to perform this. I feel exceedingly weak in regard to these matters."
Wilford Woodruff records:
"Orson Pratt was in the stand and Quite unexpected to his Brethren he arose before his Brethren and made a vary humble full Confession Before the whole assembly for his oposition to President Young and his Brethren and He said he wished all the Church was present to hear it. He quoted Joseph Smiths revelation to prove that President Brigham Young was right and that all was under obligation to follow the Leader of the Church. I never herd Orson Pratt speak better or more to the satisfaction of the People than on this occasion. He would not partake of the sacrament untill he had made a Confession. Then he partook of it."
[Deseret News; Orson Pratt; July 25, 1860. (See also Feb 22, 1860 and Jan 29, 1860 as quoted in Quotations Dealing with the Relationship of Our First Earthy Parents to Our Heavenly Parents (1830-1978);Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
"I do not know that I shall be able to carry out these views; but these are my present determinations. I pray that I may have the grace and strength to perform this. I feel exceedingly weak in regard to these matters."
Wilford Woodruff records:
"Orson Pratt was in the stand and Quite unexpected to his Brethren he arose before his Brethren and made a vary humble full Confession Before the whole assembly for his oposition to President Young and his Brethren and He said he wished all the Church was present to hear it. He quoted Joseph Smiths revelation to prove that President Brigham Young was right and that all was under obligation to follow the Leader of the Church. I never herd Orson Pratt speak better or more to the satisfaction of the People than on this occasion. He would not partake of the sacrament untill he had made a Confession. Then he partook of it."
[Deseret News; Orson Pratt; July 25, 1860. (See also Feb 22, 1860 and Jan 29, 1860 as quoted in Quotations Dealing with the Relationship of Our First Earthy Parents to Our Heavenly Parents (1830-1978);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 - Jan 29, 1845
[Heber C. Kimball diary]
A Revlation given by B. Young. Verly thus saith the Lord the Lad shall be great like unto his Father even a Prophet Seer and Revalater from his youth on whom the Preasthood shall rest from his burth to all Eternity. Even so Amen. My wife was delivered of this son January the 29 quater past 12 in the morning. I gave him the following name Brigham Willard Kimball. A child of promis.
[Kimball, Stanley B. ed, On the Potter's Wheel: The Diaries of Heber C. Kimball]
A Revlation given by B. Young. Verly thus saith the Lord the Lad shall be great like unto his Father even a Prophet Seer and Revalater from his youth on whom the Preasthood shall rest from his burth to all Eternity. Even so Amen. My wife was delivered of this son January the 29 quater past 12 in the morning. I gave him the following name Brigham Willard Kimball. A child of promis.
[Kimball, Stanley B. ed, On the Potter's Wheel: The Diaries of Heber C. Kimball]
175 years ago today - 1845 29 Jan.
The Quorum of Twelve votes to exempt apostles, two general bishops, and the Nauvoo Temple Committee from the obligation to pay tithing.
[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]
[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]
70 years ago today - 70 years ago - Jan 28, 1950
Missionaries Stanley E. Abbott and C. Aldon Johnson are arrested by secret police in Communist Czechoslovakia, interrogated for three days as suspected spies, and then each is placed in solitary confinement for twenty-four days. meanwhile most LDS missionaries are expelled from the country, and the remainder leave shortly after the release of the two from prison.
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
105 years ago today - 105 years ago - Jan 28, 1915
The subject of the erection of a Sunday School building in Ogden [Utah] for the Deaf Mutes was briefly considered, plans for the proposed building by the architect having been submitted, to cost $20,000., and its furniture to cost $1500. The proposition to erect this building was referred to a committee consisting of Pres[iden]t. Lyman, George Albert Smith and David O. McKay. ... A lengthy communication read from the Presidencies of the three Ogden [Utah] Stakes, giving a brief history of the erection of the Thomas D. D. Memorial Hospital in Ogden, and stating that the Thomas D. Dee Memorial Association are unable any longer to carry the institution. The three Stake Presidencies propose to have the Hospital turned over to them, if the Church can make an appropriation of $15,000. towards meeting indebtedness of the hospital, amounting in all to $20,000 they to raise the balance of $5000., and as the annual deficit of the institution has amounted to $2000., they expressed the opinion that this amount, should they fail to make the hospital self-supporting, might be raised through public subscription. On motion of Bro[ther]. Grant, it was decided to refer the proposition contained in this communication to the same committee appointed to consider the erection of the Sunday School building for the deaf mutes, namely, Pres[iden]t. Lyman, George Albert Smith and David O. McKay, with the Presiding Bishopric added, who are to investigate and report with recommendations later. ...
[Journal History, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
[Journal History, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
175 years ago today - 175 years ago - Jan 28, 1845
In 1843 women in Nauvoo, led by sisters Mercy Fielding Thompson and Mary Fielding Smith, organized a fund-raising effort for the construction of the Nauvoo temple. In her autobiography, Mercy recalled that while pondering how she could contribute to the temple, she received spiritual inspiration: "Try to get the Sisters to subscribe one cent per week for the purpose of buying glass and nails for the Temple." Joseph Smith endorsed the plan and Hyrum Smith, a member of the temple building committee and husband of Mary Fielding Smith, "was much plea[s]ed and did all in his power to encourage and help by speaking to the Sisters on the subject in private and public promising them that they should receive their blessings in that Temple." While the penny subscription effort was not an official project of the Relief Society in Nauvoo, it primarily involved Relief Society members and is an example of the public efforts of women in Nauvoo....
Church members in Boston also learned about the penny subscription drive and organized the Boston Female Penny and Sewing Society on July 16, 1844. ...
["Boston Female Penny and Sewing Society," Prophet (New York, NY), Feb. 8, 1845, vol. 1, no. 38, p. [2]., January 28, 1845, as quoted in Matthew J. Grow, Jill Derr, Carol Madsen, and Kate Holbrook, editors, The First Fifty Years of Relief Society: Key Documents in Latter-day Saint Women's History, The Church Historian's Press, 2016, https://churchhistorianspress.org/the-first-fifty-years-of-relief-society/]
Church members in Boston also learned about the penny subscription drive and organized the Boston Female Penny and Sewing Society on July 16, 1844. ...
["Boston Female Penny and Sewing Society," Prophet (New York, NY), Feb. 8, 1845, vol. 1, no. 38, p. [2]., January 28, 1845, as quoted in Matthew J. Grow, Jill Derr, Carol Madsen, and Kate Holbrook, editors, The First Fifty Years of Relief Society: Key Documents in Latter-day Saint Women's History, The Church Historian's Press, 2016, https://churchhistorianspress.org/the-first-fifty-years-of-relief-society/]
60 years ago today - By 28 Jan
[Utah]
Presidency decides against requiring McConkie to make public apology because "it might lessen his influence" as general authority. In 1966 year after his father-in-law becomes assistant counselor to First Presidency, McConkie publishes second edition of Mormon Doctrine. It corrects only a few of first edition "errors" cited by First Presidency and apostles in 1960. Book becomes best seller among Latter-day Saints. McConkie becomes member of Quorum of Twelve Apostles to fill vacancy which his father-in-law's death creates in 1972.
[Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power, Appendix 5, Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1848-1996, http://amzn.to/extensions-power]
Presidency decides against requiring McConkie to make public apology because "it might lessen his influence" as general authority. In 1966 year after his father-in-law becomes assistant counselor to First Presidency, McConkie publishes second edition of Mormon Doctrine. It corrects only a few of first edition "errors" cited by First Presidency and apostles in 1960. Book becomes best seller among Latter-day Saints. McConkie becomes member of Quorum of Twelve Apostles to fill vacancy which his father-in-law's death creates in 1972.
[Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power, Appendix 5, Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1848-1996, http://amzn.to/extensions-power]
60 years ago today - Thu Jan 28, 1960
[David O. McKay Office Journal]
8:30 to 9 a.m. Bruce R. McConkie's book. Was engaged in the meeting of the First Presidency. I reported to my counselors that I had talked with President Joseph Fielding Smith about the decision that the book "Mormon Doctrine" should not be republished and about handling the matter to avoid undermining Elder McConkie's influence. President Smith agreed that the book should not be republished, and said that he would talk with Brother McConkie. It was decided that the First Presidency should inform Brother McConkie before he learns of our decision from some other source, so Brother McConkie was asked to come into our meeting this morning. When he arrived I informed him of the desire of the First Presidency with reference to his book not being republished, to which he agreed. The recommendation was also made that he answer inquiries on the subject with care. Brother McConkie said, "I am amenable to whatever you Brethren want. I will do exactly what you want. I will be as discreet and as wise as I can." In answering letters he said that he would express no views contrary to views which the First Presidency has expressed. He said that he would conform in every respect.
10 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Was engaged in the meeting of the First Presidency and Council of the Twelve in the Salt Lake Temple. At Council meeting I reported to the Brethren our decision regarding Elder Bruce R. McConkie's book "Mormon Doctrine," statine that it had caused considerable comment throughout the Church, and that it has been a source of concern to the Brethren ever since it was published. I said that this book had not been presented to anyone for consideration or approval until after its publication. I further said that the First Presidency have given it very careful consideration, as undoubtedly have some of the Brethren of the Twelve also, and that the First Presidency now recommend that the book not be republished; that it be not republished even in corrected form, even though Brother McConkie mentions in the book that he takes all responsibility for it; and that it be not recognized as an authoritative book. I said further that the question has arisen as to whether a public correction should be made and an addendum given emphasizing the parts which are unwisely presented or misquoted or incorrect; but it is felt that that would not be wise because Brother McConkie is one of the General Authorities, and it might lessen his influence. The First Presicdency recommend that the situation be left as it is, and whenever a question about it arises, we can answer that it is unauthoritative, that it was issued by Brother McConkie on his own responsibility, and he must answer for it. I reported that the First Presidency had talked with Brother McConkie this morning, and he said he will do whatever the Brethren want him to do. He will not attempt to republish the book, nor to say anything by letter, and if he answers letters or inquiries that he will answer them in accordance with the suggestions made by the Brethren, and not advocate those things concerning which question has been raised as contained in the book. The Brethren unanimously approved of this. I then said that the First Presidency further recommend that when any member of the General Authorities desires to write a book, that the Brethren of the Twelve or the First Presidency be consulted regarding it. While the author need not get the approval of these Brethren, they should know before it is published that a member of the General Authorities wants to publish a book. I said it may seem all right for the writer of the book to say, "_I_ _only_ am responsible for it," but I said "you cannot separate your position from your individuality, and we should like the authors to present their books to the Twelve or a Committee appointed." I asked the Brethren of the Twelve to convey this information to the other General Authorities. On motion this became the consensus of the Council.
[McKay, David O., Office Journal]
8:30 to 9 a.m. Bruce R. McConkie's book. Was engaged in the meeting of the First Presidency. I reported to my counselors that I had talked with President Joseph Fielding Smith about the decision that the book "Mormon Doctrine" should not be republished and about handling the matter to avoid undermining Elder McConkie's influence. President Smith agreed that the book should not be republished, and said that he would talk with Brother McConkie. It was decided that the First Presidency should inform Brother McConkie before he learns of our decision from some other source, so Brother McConkie was asked to come into our meeting this morning. When he arrived I informed him of the desire of the First Presidency with reference to his book not being republished, to which he agreed. The recommendation was also made that he answer inquiries on the subject with care. Brother McConkie said, "I am amenable to whatever you Brethren want. I will do exactly what you want. I will be as discreet and as wise as I can." In answering letters he said that he would express no views contrary to views which the First Presidency has expressed. He said that he would conform in every respect.
10 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Was engaged in the meeting of the First Presidency and Council of the Twelve in the Salt Lake Temple. At Council meeting I reported to the Brethren our decision regarding Elder Bruce R. McConkie's book "Mormon Doctrine," statine that it had caused considerable comment throughout the Church, and that it has been a source of concern to the Brethren ever since it was published. I said that this book had not been presented to anyone for consideration or approval until after its publication. I further said that the First Presidency have given it very careful consideration, as undoubtedly have some of the Brethren of the Twelve also, and that the First Presidency now recommend that the book not be republished; that it be not republished even in corrected form, even though Brother McConkie mentions in the book that he takes all responsibility for it; and that it be not recognized as an authoritative book. I said further that the question has arisen as to whether a public correction should be made and an addendum given emphasizing the parts which are unwisely presented or misquoted or incorrect; but it is felt that that would not be wise because Brother McConkie is one of the General Authorities, and it might lessen his influence. The First Presicdency recommend that the situation be left as it is, and whenever a question about it arises, we can answer that it is unauthoritative, that it was issued by Brother McConkie on his own responsibility, and he must answer for it. I reported that the First Presidency had talked with Brother McConkie this morning, and he said he will do whatever the Brethren want him to do. He will not attempt to republish the book, nor to say anything by letter, and if he answers letters or inquiries that he will answer them in accordance with the suggestions made by the Brethren, and not advocate those things concerning which question has been raised as contained in the book. The Brethren unanimously approved of this. I then said that the First Presidency further recommend that when any member of the General Authorities desires to write a book, that the Brethren of the Twelve or the First Presidency be consulted regarding it. While the author need not get the approval of these Brethren, they should know before it is published that a member of the General Authorities wants to publish a book. I said it may seem all right for the writer of the book to say, "_I_ _only_ am responsible for it," but I said "you cannot separate your position from your individuality, and we should like the authors to present their books to the Twelve or a Committee appointed." I asked the Brethren of the Twelve to convey this information to the other General Authorities. On motion this became the consensus of the Council.
[McKay, David O., Office Journal]
135 years ago today - Jan 28, 1885
[Lorenzo Saunders]
Dear Sir. I received your note ready at hand and will try (to) answer the best I can and give all the information I can as respecting Mormonism and the first origin. ... I was cutting corn for Lawrence and went to dinner and he took dinner with us and when dinner was over they went into another room and I didn't see him again till he came to Palmyra to preach. You want to know how Smith acted about it. The next morning after he claimed to have got (the) plates he came to our house and said he had got the plates and what a struggle he had in getting home with them. Two men tackled him and he fought and knocked them both down and made his escape and secured the plates and had them safe and secure. He showed his thumb where he bruised it in fighting those men. ... The time he claimed to have taken the plates from the hill was on the 22 day of September, in 1827, and I went on the next Sunday following with five or six other ones and we hunted the side hill by course and could not find no place where the ground had been broke. There was a large hole where the money diggers had dug a year or two before, but no fresh dirt. There never was such a hole; there never was any plates taken out of that hill nor any other hill in that county, was [or?] in Wayne county. It is all a lie. No, sir, I never saw the plates nor no one else. He had an old glass box with a tile (spelling doubtful, C.A.S.) in it, about 7x8 inches, and that was the gold plates and Martin Harris didn't know a gold plate from a brick at this time. ... He had a peep stone he pretended to see in. He could see all the hidden treasures in the ground and all the stolen property. ...
[Lorenzo Saunders Letter, in Charles A. Shook, The True Origin of the Book of Mormon (Cincinnati, Ohio: Standard Publishing Co., [1914]), 134-35., as cited in Dan Vogel, Early Mormon Documents: Lorenzo Saunders To Thomas Gregg]
Dear Sir. I received your note ready at hand and will try (to) answer the best I can and give all the information I can as respecting Mormonism and the first origin. ... I was cutting corn for Lawrence and went to dinner and he took dinner with us and when dinner was over they went into another room and I didn't see him again till he came to Palmyra to preach. You want to know how Smith acted about it. The next morning after he claimed to have got (the) plates he came to our house and said he had got the plates and what a struggle he had in getting home with them. Two men tackled him and he fought and knocked them both down and made his escape and secured the plates and had them safe and secure. He showed his thumb where he bruised it in fighting those men. ... The time he claimed to have taken the plates from the hill was on the 22 day of September, in 1827, and I went on the next Sunday following with five or six other ones and we hunted the side hill by course and could not find no place where the ground had been broke. There was a large hole where the money diggers had dug a year or two before, but no fresh dirt. There never was such a hole; there never was any plates taken out of that hill nor any other hill in that county, was [or?] in Wayne county. It is all a lie. No, sir, I never saw the plates nor no one else. He had an old glass box with a tile (spelling doubtful, C.A.S.) in it, about 7x8 inches, and that was the gold plates and Martin Harris didn't know a gold plate from a brick at this time. ... He had a peep stone he pretended to see in. He could see all the hidden treasures in the ground and all the stolen property. ...
[Lorenzo Saunders Letter, in Charles A. Shook, The True Origin of the Book of Mormon (Cincinnati, Ohio: Standard Publishing Co., [1914]), 134-35., as cited in Dan Vogel, Early Mormon Documents: Lorenzo Saunders To Thomas Gregg]
140 years ago today - Jan 28, 1880
Elder Ebenezer Robinson testified that Hyrum Smith "instructed me in Nov or Dec 1843 to make a selection of some young woman and he would seal her to me, and I should take her home," he recalled, "and if she should have an offspring give out word that she had a husband, an Elder, who had gone on a foreign mission."
[Ebenezer Robinson to Jason W. Briggs, Jan. 28, 1880, LDS archives as quoted at Exploring Mormonism: Polygamy Timeline, http://www.exploringmormonism.com/polygamy-timeline/]
[Ebenezer Robinson to Jason W. Briggs, Jan. 28, 1880, LDS archives as quoted at Exploring Mormonism: Polygamy Timeline, http://www.exploringmormonism.com/polygamy-timeline/]
140 years ago today - Jan 28, 1880
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff]
I was again wrapped in vision during a good part of the night concerning the destiny of our nation and of Zion. It was strongly manifest to me the duty of the Apostles and Elders to go into our holy places & Temples and wash our feet and bear testimony to God & heavenly hosts against the wickedness of this nation. My pillow was wet with the fountain of tears that flowed as I beheld the judgments of God upon the wicked.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, Appendix]
I was again wrapped in vision during a good part of the night concerning the destiny of our nation and of Zion. It was strongly manifest to me the duty of the Apostles and Elders to go into our holy places & Temples and wash our feet and bear testimony to God & heavenly hosts against the wickedness of this nation. My pillow was wet with the fountain of tears that flowed as I beheld the judgments of God upon the wicked.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, Appendix]
160 years ago today - January 28th 1860
Elder Orson Pratt called upon the President in relation to last evenings proceedings [a debate between Orson Pratt and Brigham Young on the character of God], Bro Orson admitted he was excited; and for the future would omit such points of doctrine in his discourses that related to the Plurality of Gods. &c but would confine himself to the first principles of the Gospel ...
The President remarked to Bro Orson that much false doctrine arose out of arguing upon false premises, such as supposing something that does not exist, as a God without his attributes, as they cannot exist apart. Bro Orson replied "that many of his doctrinal arguments had been advanced while he was in England in answer to the numerous enquiries that were made of him by reasoning men. The President remarked when questions have been put to me, by opposers, who did not want to hear the simple Gospel Message. he would not answer them and asked Orson why he was not as careful to observe the revelations given to preach in plainness and simplicity as to so strenuously observe the doctrines in other revelations.
[Brigham Young (Office) Diary as quoted in Quotations Dealing with the Relationship of Our First Earthy Parents to Our Heavenly Parents (1830-1978)]
The President remarked to Bro Orson that much false doctrine arose out of arguing upon false premises, such as supposing something that does not exist, as a God without his attributes, as they cannot exist apart. Bro Orson replied "that many of his doctrinal arguments had been advanced while he was in England in answer to the numerous enquiries that were made of him by reasoning men. The President remarked when questions have been put to me, by opposers, who did not want to hear the simple Gospel Message. he would not answer them and asked Orson why he was not as careful to observe the revelations given to preach in plainness and simplicity as to so strenuously observe the doctrines in other revelations.
[Brigham Young (Office) Diary as quoted in Quotations Dealing with the Relationship of Our First Earthy Parents to Our Heavenly Parents (1830-1978)]
165 years ago today - Jan 28, 1855
[Chief Wakara]
In May, Young and several other Mormon Church leaders and their families went on a tour of southern Mormon settlements. Presents were sent to Wakara and arrangements made for him and other Ute leaders to meet Young and his party at Chicken Creek. The issue of Mormon occupation of Ute lands was not settled; however, Wakara agreed to peace. The treaty was never formalized by federal government action, but Wakara kept his word. He died of pneumonia on 28 January 1855. The story of his body being buried with his goods, including horses and young Indian slaves, has become the stuff of legend.
[Utah History Encyclopedia: Chief Wakara, http://www.uen.org/utah_history_encyclopedia/]
In May, Young and several other Mormon Church leaders and their families went on a tour of southern Mormon settlements. Presents were sent to Wakara and arrangements made for him and other Ute leaders to meet Young and his party at Chicken Creek. The issue of Mormon occupation of Ute lands was not settled; however, Wakara agreed to peace. The treaty was never formalized by federal government action, but Wakara kept his word. He died of pneumonia on 28 January 1855. The story of his body being buried with his goods, including horses and young Indian slaves, has become the stuff of legend.
[Utah History Encyclopedia: Chief Wakara, http://www.uen.org/utah_history_encyclopedia/]
10 years ago today - 1/27/2010
California Watch blog reveals and reports on memos between Andy Pugno, BYU Professor Lynn Wardle, and several LDS General Authorities discussing what language is best suited for Prop 22 and why the matter should be addressed earlier rather than later. A Stipulation in the matter of whether the LDS Church reported non-monetary contributions on time during the 2008 election has been completed and will be submitted for final action on June 10th. The Stipulation fines the Church $5,539.00. This is equal to 15% of the amount of money deemed to have been reported late. The 13 separate counts at issue totaled $36,928.00. The stipulation notes the dates and amounts of the late-reported donations. A Church press release backgrounder identifies the non-monetary contributions as: "In response to a complaint filed by a member of the public, the FPPC initiated an investigation into how the Church publicly reported its support of the Yes on 8 campaign. The complaint alleged that the Church had failed
[Mormons for Marriage: A Prop 8 Timeline, http://mormonsformarriage.com/?page_id=68]
[Mormons for Marriage: A Prop 8 Timeline, http://mormonsformarriage.com/?page_id=68]
35 years ago today - Jan 27, 1985
Church members in the U.S. and Canada hold a special fast and donate more than $6.5 million to aid famine victims in Africa. Lacking its own relief network in Africa, the LDS church distributes this money primarily to Catholic Relief Services.
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
60 years ago today - Wed Jan 27, 1960
[David O. McKay]
Conference with Pres. Joseph Fielding Smith re: Bruce R. McConkie's book, "Mormon Doctrine." At the request of the First Presidency, I called President Joseph Fielding Smith, and told him that we are a unit in disapproving of Brother Bruce R. McConkie's book, "Mormon Doctrine," as an authoritative exposition of the principles of the gospel. I then said, "Now, Brother Smith, hs is a General Authority, and we do not want to give him a public rebuke that would be embarrassing to him and lessen his influence with the members of the Church, so we shall speak to the Twelve at our meetingt in the Temple tomorrow, and tell them that Brother McConkie's book is not approved as an authoritative book, and that it should not be republished, even if the errors (some 1,067 of them) are corrected." Brother Smith agreed with this suggestion to report to the Twelve, and said, "That is the best thing to do." I then said that Brother McConkie is advocating by letter some of the principles as printed in his book in answer to letters he receives. Brother Smith said, "I will speak to him about that." I then mentioned that he is also speaking on these subjects, and Brother Smith said, "I will speak to him about that also." I also said that the First Presidency had decided that General Authorities of the Church should not publish books without submitting them to some member of the General Authorities, and President Smith agreed to this as being wise.
[McKay, David O., Office Journal]
Conference with Pres. Joseph Fielding Smith re: Bruce R. McConkie's book, "Mormon Doctrine." At the request of the First Presidency, I called President Joseph Fielding Smith, and told him that we are a unit in disapproving of Brother Bruce R. McConkie's book, "Mormon Doctrine," as an authoritative exposition of the principles of the gospel. I then said, "Now, Brother Smith, hs is a General Authority, and we do not want to give him a public rebuke that would be embarrassing to him and lessen his influence with the members of the Church, so we shall speak to the Twelve at our meetingt in the Temple tomorrow, and tell them that Brother McConkie's book is not approved as an authoritative book, and that it should not be republished, even if the errors (some 1,067 of them) are corrected." Brother Smith agreed with this suggestion to report to the Twelve, and said, "That is the best thing to do." I then said that Brother McConkie is advocating by letter some of the principles as printed in his book in answer to letters he receives. Brother Smith said, "I will speak to him about that." I then mentioned that he is also speaking on these subjects, and Brother Smith said, "I will speak to him about that also." I also said that the First Presidency had decided that General Authorities of the Church should not publish books without submitting them to some member of the General Authorities, and President Smith agreed to this as being wise.
[McKay, David O., Office Journal]
120 years ago today - Jan 27, 1900
John Steele writes, "I have worked in the Science [of astrology] for the last 40 years." He casts astrological charts before performing priesthood ordinances for the sick. He also inscribes paper charms against thieves and witches, and wax dolls to injure his enemies. Steele has been a Seventy since 1845, a member of the Mormon Battalion, marshal and mayor of Parowan, a stake presidency counselor, a participant in the Mountain Meadows Massacre, a probate judge, and a justice of the peace.
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
135 years ago today - Jan 27, 1885
The DESERET NEWS editorializes concerning Mormons who, when arrested and tried for polygamy, agree to obey the law and stop practicing polygamy: "A premium is placed on perfidy and heartless villainy, by offering amnesty to polygamists who will throw their manhood to the dogs and enter the ranks of the debased by discarding their helpless and dependent wives and children, an alternative that death itself would not induce a true Latter-day Saint to accept."
140 years ago today - Jan 27, 1880
[Wilford Woodruff's wilderness Revelation]
I arose in the morning after the vision of the night with my heart filled with joy and gratitude for the manifestations of the spirit of God unto me. I have written the revelation of God unto me as it was given by the inspiration of the Holy Ghost. I had read the revelation in the Doctrine and Covenants and prayed earnestly unto the Lord to show me his mind and will concerning myself and my brethren of the Apostles and the Lord gave me that revelation in answer to my prayers.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
I arose in the morning after the vision of the night with my heart filled with joy and gratitude for the manifestations of the spirit of God unto me. I have written the revelation of God unto me as it was given by the inspiration of the Holy Ghost. I had read the revelation in the Doctrine and Covenants and prayed earnestly unto the Lord to show me his mind and will concerning myself and my brethren of the Apostles and the Lord gave me that revelation in answer to my prayers.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
160 years ago today - Jan 27, 1860
[Minutes, Quorum of the Twelve]
Quorum of the Twelve investigates Apostle Orson Pratt for rejecting Brigham Young's Adam-God teachings. This repeats a similar trial in Mar. 1858, and apostles vote to drop Pratt. Young intercedes to prevent the Twelve from disfellowshipping or excommunicating Pratt, but apostles do not restore him to full fellowship until the 5th of April. On 25th of July the Deseret News publishes a confession as the Twelve require Pratt to revise it.:
... President Young stated the object of the Meeting was to Convers upon Doctrinal Points to see if we see alike & think alike. ... He read it before the Company a peace prepared for the press written by Orson Pratt upon the Godhead. He Claimed that it was the atributes of God that He worshiped and not the person & that He worshiped those Atributes whether he found them in God, Jesus Christ Adam, Moses, The Apostles Joseph, Brigham or in any body Els. After the document was read President Young then Called upon the Twelve to express their feelings upon the subject. He called upon O Hyde to speak & he called upon J Taylor to speak. He spoke a short time. No one knew at the time (except the President & Carrington) who was the author of the document read.
Brother Taylor said he did not see it in that light. He worshiped a personage and not the Atributes. He thought God was Located and Could not worship the Atributes in any body.
President Young then Called a vote of the assembly and said if you understand this to be a Correct doctrin as here written I wish you [to] manifest it by saying yes. No one spoke.
President Young then said do I worship Atributes or the Dispencer of those atributes? I worship the Dispencer of those atributes and Not the Atributes. This is O Pratts Sermon prepared for the Press. I do not want to have it published if it is not right. Brother Orson Worships the Atributes of God but not God. I worship not the Atributes but that God who holds and dispenses. If Eternity was full of atributes and No one to dispens them they would not be worth a feather.
... Joseph Said to us I am a God to you. This was true and upon the same principles I am a God to this people & so is any man who is appointed to lead Israel or the Kingdom of God. ...
You might say I am your Counciller Dictator or your God. Either would be Correct. And they should obey your Just & righteous Command. Yet they should not worship you for this would be sin.
Orson Pratt has differed from me in many things, But this is a great principle & I do not wish to say you shall do so and so. I do not know of a man who has a mathamatical turn of mind but what goes to Far. The trouble between Orson Pratt & me is I do not know Enough & he knows to much. ...
Orson Pratt said I will speak upon this subject. ... In order to worship this God I said that I adored the atributes wharever I found them. I was honest in this matter. ... I must have sumthing more than a declaration of President Young to Convince me. I must have Evidence. I am willing to take President Young as a guide in most things but not in all. President Young does not profess to have revelations in all things. I am not to loose my agency. I have said many things which President Young says is Fals. ... When Joseph teaches one thing & Brigham seems to teach another Contrary to Joseph (I say seems to) I believe them as Joseph has spoken them and as the Apostle speaks of them.
... President Young said I ought to make a Confession But Orson Pratt is not a man to make a Confession of that I do not Believe. I am not going to Crawl to Brigham Young and act the Hypocrite and Confess what I do not Believe. I will be a free man. President Young Condemns my doctrin to be fals. I do not believe them to be fals. I believe President Young to be sincere in sayin that my doctrin is fals.
... If I had thought while in England that President Young worshiped a God without attributes I would not have written what I did. (The above remark was an unkind Cut in Orson Pratt he should not have said.") But I do not believe it yet I will not act the Hypocrite. It may Cost me my fellowship But I will stick to it if I die tonight I would say O Lord God Almighty I believe what I say.
...President Young said Orson Pratt has started out upon false premises to argue upon. His foundation has been a fals one all the time and I will prove it false. You have been like a mad stoubern Mule, and have taken a fals position in order to accuse me. You have accused me of worshiping a stalk or Stone or a dead Body without life or attributes. You never herd such a doctrin taught by me or any leader of the Church. It is as false as Hell and you will not hear the last of it soon. You know it is false. ...
President Young said Michael was a resurrected Being and he left Eloheem and Came to this Earth & with an im[mor]tal Body & continued so till he partook of Earthly food and begat Children who were mortal. (Keep this to yourselves). Then they died.
President H C Kimball Followed President Young and said Brother Orson Pratt has withstood Joseph and he has withstood Brother Brigham many times and he has done it to night and it made my Blood Chill. It is not for you to lead but to be led by him. You have not the power to dictate but to be dictated.
You say you are honest in the Course you are pursueing. I wish to ask you if you was honest when you said that if you had known that President Young worshiped a God without life or Attributes that you would not have written what you did. (O Pratt said I will recall that.) It was an insult to President Young and the Holy Priesthood which he holds. Evry man in this room who has a particle of the spirit of God knows that President Young is a Prophet of God and that God sustains him and He has the Holy Spirit and his doctrins are true. ...
But Brother Orson I have seen the day when you was in sorrow. It was when you was Cast out of your Quorum and out of the Church and that to in Consequence of pursueing the Same Course you are this evening. Then you Could both see feel & understand. Then argument Could reach you when you saw your glory and Crown departing from you. I beg of you to reflect and not let your will Carry you to Far in these things....
[Brigham Young] I once was ashamed of one thing which I did while in Missouri in Zions Camp. I got a revelation that God excepted our offering. I had the same thing revealed to me twice & that we should not go into Jackson Co. I named this to some of the Brethren a day or two before Joseph got a Revelation upon the same subject. I felt ashamed that I named it first. I knew whare we were going and I now know that when we go to Jackson County we shall go from the west. ...
I told Brother Joseph that he had given us revelation enough to last us 20 years. When that time is out I can give as good revelation as their is in the Doctrins & Covenants.
...It may be thought strange by the Brethren that I will still fellowship Elder Pratt after what He has said but I shall do it. I am determined to whip Brother Pratt into it and make him work in the harvest.
Orson Pratt said if I gratifyed my feelings I had rather go into the Canyon than to Preach. I have got to go to Tooele to get wood for my family.
Presidet Young said I will give you a mission in Tooele to preach & send word to the Bishop to get some man & draw up his wood. Brother Pratt has no business in the Canyon. The Lord does not want him there. F D Richard Dismissed the meeting.
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]; Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Quorum of the Twelve investigates Apostle Orson Pratt for rejecting Brigham Young's Adam-God teachings. This repeats a similar trial in Mar. 1858, and apostles vote to drop Pratt. Young intercedes to prevent the Twelve from disfellowshipping or excommunicating Pratt, but apostles do not restore him to full fellowship until the 5th of April. On 25th of July the Deseret News publishes a confession as the Twelve require Pratt to revise it.:
... President Young stated the object of the Meeting was to Convers upon Doctrinal Points to see if we see alike & think alike. ... He read it before the Company a peace prepared for the press written by Orson Pratt upon the Godhead. He Claimed that it was the atributes of God that He worshiped and not the person & that He worshiped those Atributes whether he found them in God, Jesus Christ Adam, Moses, The Apostles Joseph, Brigham or in any body Els. After the document was read President Young then Called upon the Twelve to express their feelings upon the subject. He called upon O Hyde to speak & he called upon J Taylor to speak. He spoke a short time. No one knew at the time (except the President & Carrington) who was the author of the document read.
Brother Taylor said he did not see it in that light. He worshiped a personage and not the Atributes. He thought God was Located and Could not worship the Atributes in any body.
President Young then Called a vote of the assembly and said if you understand this to be a Correct doctrin as here written I wish you [to] manifest it by saying yes. No one spoke.
President Young then said do I worship Atributes or the Dispencer of those atributes? I worship the Dispencer of those atributes and Not the Atributes. This is O Pratts Sermon prepared for the Press. I do not want to have it published if it is not right. Brother Orson Worships the Atributes of God but not God. I worship not the Atributes but that God who holds and dispenses. If Eternity was full of atributes and No one to dispens them they would not be worth a feather.
... Joseph Said to us I am a God to you. This was true and upon the same principles I am a God to this people & so is any man who is appointed to lead Israel or the Kingdom of God. ...
You might say I am your Counciller Dictator or your God. Either would be Correct. And they should obey your Just & righteous Command. Yet they should not worship you for this would be sin.
Orson Pratt has differed from me in many things, But this is a great principle & I do not wish to say you shall do so and so. I do not know of a man who has a mathamatical turn of mind but what goes to Far. The trouble between Orson Pratt & me is I do not know Enough & he knows to much. ...
Orson Pratt said I will speak upon this subject. ... In order to worship this God I said that I adored the atributes wharever I found them. I was honest in this matter. ... I must have sumthing more than a declaration of President Young to Convince me. I must have Evidence. I am willing to take President Young as a guide in most things but not in all. President Young does not profess to have revelations in all things. I am not to loose my agency. I have said many things which President Young says is Fals. ... When Joseph teaches one thing & Brigham seems to teach another Contrary to Joseph (I say seems to) I believe them as Joseph has spoken them and as the Apostle speaks of them.
... President Young said I ought to make a Confession But Orson Pratt is not a man to make a Confession of that I do not Believe. I am not going to Crawl to Brigham Young and act the Hypocrite and Confess what I do not Believe. I will be a free man. President Young Condemns my doctrin to be fals. I do not believe them to be fals. I believe President Young to be sincere in sayin that my doctrin is fals.
... If I had thought while in England that President Young worshiped a God without attributes I would not have written what I did. (The above remark was an unkind Cut in Orson Pratt he should not have said.") But I do not believe it yet I will not act the Hypocrite. It may Cost me my fellowship But I will stick to it if I die tonight I would say O Lord God Almighty I believe what I say.
...President Young said Orson Pratt has started out upon false premises to argue upon. His foundation has been a fals one all the time and I will prove it false. You have been like a mad stoubern Mule, and have taken a fals position in order to accuse me. You have accused me of worshiping a stalk or Stone or a dead Body without life or attributes. You never herd such a doctrin taught by me or any leader of the Church. It is as false as Hell and you will not hear the last of it soon. You know it is false. ...
President Young said Michael was a resurrected Being and he left Eloheem and Came to this Earth & with an im[mor]tal Body & continued so till he partook of Earthly food and begat Children who were mortal. (Keep this to yourselves). Then they died.
President H C Kimball Followed President Young and said Brother Orson Pratt has withstood Joseph and he has withstood Brother Brigham many times and he has done it to night and it made my Blood Chill. It is not for you to lead but to be led by him. You have not the power to dictate but to be dictated.
You say you are honest in the Course you are pursueing. I wish to ask you if you was honest when you said that if you had known that President Young worshiped a God without life or Attributes that you would not have written what you did. (O Pratt said I will recall that.) It was an insult to President Young and the Holy Priesthood which he holds. Evry man in this room who has a particle of the spirit of God knows that President Young is a Prophet of God and that God sustains him and He has the Holy Spirit and his doctrins are true. ...
But Brother Orson I have seen the day when you was in sorrow. It was when you was Cast out of your Quorum and out of the Church and that to in Consequence of pursueing the Same Course you are this evening. Then you Could both see feel & understand. Then argument Could reach you when you saw your glory and Crown departing from you. I beg of you to reflect and not let your will Carry you to Far in these things....
[Brigham Young] I once was ashamed of one thing which I did while in Missouri in Zions Camp. I got a revelation that God excepted our offering. I had the same thing revealed to me twice & that we should not go into Jackson Co. I named this to some of the Brethren a day or two before Joseph got a Revelation upon the same subject. I felt ashamed that I named it first. I knew whare we were going and I now know that when we go to Jackson County we shall go from the west. ...
I told Brother Joseph that he had given us revelation enough to last us 20 years. When that time is out I can give as good revelation as their is in the Doctrins & Covenants.
...It may be thought strange by the Brethren that I will still fellowship Elder Pratt after what He has said but I shall do it. I am determined to whip Brother Pratt into it and make him work in the harvest.
Orson Pratt said if I gratifyed my feelings I had rather go into the Canyon than to Preach. I have got to go to Tooele to get wood for my family.
Presidet Young said I will give you a mission in Tooele to preach & send word to the Bishop to get some man & draw up his wood. Brother Pratt has no business in the Canyon. The Lord does not want him there. F D Richard Dismissed the meeting.
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]; 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 - 1845 27 Jan.
The Illinois legislature repeals Nauvoo's city charter. Young responds on 7 Apr. by renaming the community "The City of Joseph." On 16 Apr. he uses the general incorporation law of Illinois to protect the temple, Nauvoo House, and other public buildings by creating a one-mile-square Town of Nauvoo.
[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]
[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 - Jan 27, 1845
[Minutes of the Seventies]
... Pres Jos. Young then took the stand and spoke upon the wisdom and economy of the Members of this church, he brought up for example, the teaching of A certain Elder a Pres of one of these quorums, which was dangerous in its effects, telling the People that he considered the Twelve to be god to us, endangering the lives of these men by their imprudences the same things were said of Jos. and the reply of the Mob was well, if Jo. Smith is their god, come we will kill their god. & so they did, and just so it will be with the Twelve. ...
Pres Brigham Young arrose and said that he would speak on the principle of Salvation. When men have come into our midst who were as corrupt as the devil himself, many have supposed it would have been better to have cut their throats with a feather and exposed their sink of corruption, and let them go to hell where they belonged, than to have borne with them as Brother Joseph Smith did; but this course would meet with a conflicting argument. To stop a man in his career would be taking away his agency. Cain was permitted to live, peradventure, he might repent of his wickedness, and redeem a portion of his time, and thereby obtain a glory and salvation, though not a full salvation; and this is the reason that Brother Joseph bore so long with Jackson and others, that peradventure they might, notwithstanding they had been guilty of murder and robbery, come to the waters of baptism through repentance, and redeem a part of their allotted time. If they were cut off from the earth they might with propriety come up in the day of judgment and say we took away their agency, which if we had let alone, they would have repented of their sins and redeemed a part of their time.
[Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015, Appendix 1: Minutes of the Seventies, 1837-1933, Excerpts]
... Pres Jos. Young then took the stand and spoke upon the wisdom and economy of the Members of this church, he brought up for example, the teaching of A certain Elder a Pres of one of these quorums, which was dangerous in its effects, telling the People that he considered the Twelve to be god to us, endangering the lives of these men by their imprudences the same things were said of Jos. and the reply of the Mob was well, if Jo. Smith is their god, come we will kill their god. & so they did, and just so it will be with the Twelve. ...
Pres Brigham Young arrose and said that he would speak on the principle of Salvation. When men have come into our midst who were as corrupt as the devil himself, many have supposed it would have been better to have cut their throats with a feather and exposed their sink of corruption, and let them go to hell where they belonged, than to have borne with them as Brother Joseph Smith did; but this course would meet with a conflicting argument. To stop a man in his career would be taking away his agency. Cain was permitted to live, peradventure, he might repent of his wickedness, and redeem a portion of his time, and thereby obtain a glory and salvation, though not a full salvation; and this is the reason that Brother Joseph bore so long with Jackson and others, that peradventure they might, notwithstanding they had been guilty of murder and robbery, come to the waters of baptism through repentance, and redeem a part of their allotted time. If they were cut off from the earth they might with propriety come up in the day of judgment and say we took away their agency, which if we had let alone, they would have repented of their sins and redeemed a part of their time.
[Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015, Appendix 1: Minutes of the Seventies, 1837-1933, Excerpts]
115 years ago today - 115 years ago - Jan 26, 1905
[James E. Talmage journal]
Certain members of the [Senate] Committee (Burrows who is the Chairman, and Dubois) have tried persistently to obtain from witnesses a description of the temple or endowment ceremonies. One J. H. Wallis . . . and a few other apostates from the Church have professed to give details as to these sacred ceremonies, but have presented their evidence in so garbled and false a form as to disprove itself. Particular attention has been given to alleged 'oaths' and prescribed penalties for divulging the same. Reed Smoot has been virtually lost sight of in the case, it is the Church that is assailed. The opinion of the attorneys for Smoot is that their 'case' is in good condition. I am not so confident as to the outcome.
[Chronology of the Life and Work of James E. Talmage, J. Trevor Antley, https://docs.google.com/document/d/1MJsHY83JZL_n6CjWq11y1trT_CVXMMXAx2uYOWAwn0c/edit#heading=h.2zfdaoa]
Certain members of the [Senate] Committee (Burrows who is the Chairman, and Dubois) have tried persistently to obtain from witnesses a description of the temple or endowment ceremonies. One J. H. Wallis . . . and a few other apostates from the Church have professed to give details as to these sacred ceremonies, but have presented their evidence in so garbled and false a form as to disprove itself. Particular attention has been given to alleged 'oaths' and prescribed penalties for divulging the same. Reed Smoot has been virtually lost sight of in the case, it is the Church that is assailed. The opinion of the attorneys for Smoot is that their 'case' is in good condition. I am not so confident as to the outcome.
[Chronology of the Life and Work of James E. Talmage, J. Trevor Antley, https://docs.google.com/document/d/1MJsHY83JZL_n6CjWq11y1trT_CVXMMXAx2uYOWAwn0c/edit#heading=h.2zfdaoa]
170 years ago today - 170 years ago - Jan 26, 1850
[Minutes of Twelve Apostles]
... Conversation on O[rson]. Hyde'paying debts for bogus venders, & horse thieves
... H[eber]. C. K[imball]. came in' Conversation then took place about Joseph's [i.e., Joseph Smith's] last Sermon on the house top before 7000 of N[auvoo]. Legion besides many others' W[illard] R[ichards] said that the last Sunday, Joseph was jumping with a Stick'& his last jump the Stick broke in two prices & he fell flat on his back'he then got up & went into Court when the trial commenced'
Joseph often said Hyrum [Smith] if ever we go again to Carthage [Illinois] & the mob get hold of us'we are both dead men'
E[zra]. T. B[enson]. It is believed by some there are men in fellowship in this Ch[urch]. who are under condemnation for what they did'
B[righam]. Y[oung]. I know what you mean'but dont believe it'Hyrum believed that Masonry wo[ul]d. save them'but it was masonry that killed them'you will find in the sequel that the Lord has ordered it so'
D[aniel]. H. W[ells]. It was a whirlwind of events that carried him out of the world' W[illard] R[ichards]. Josephs feelings were hurt by Emma [Smith] throwing up in his teeth, that Jos[ep]h. said he wo[ul]d. never leave nor forsake the Saints'...
[Minutes, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
... Conversation on O[rson]. Hyde'paying debts for bogus venders, & horse thieves
... H[eber]. C. K[imball]. came in' Conversation then took place about Joseph's [i.e., Joseph Smith's] last Sermon on the house top before 7000 of N[auvoo]. Legion besides many others' W[illard] R[ichards] said that the last Sunday, Joseph was jumping with a Stick'& his last jump the Stick broke in two prices & he fell flat on his back'he then got up & went into Court when the trial commenced'
Joseph often said Hyrum [Smith] if ever we go again to Carthage [Illinois] & the mob get hold of us'we are both dead men'
E[zra]. T. B[enson]. It is believed by some there are men in fellowship in this Ch[urch]. who are under condemnation for what they did'
B[righam]. Y[oung]. I know what you mean'but dont believe it'Hyrum believed that Masonry wo[ul]d. save them'but it was masonry that killed them'you will find in the sequel that the Lord has ordered it so'
D[aniel]. H. W[ells]. It was a whirlwind of events that carried him out of the world' W[illard] R[ichards]. Josephs feelings were hurt by Emma [Smith] throwing up in his teeth, that Jos[ep]h. said he wo[ul]d. never leave nor forsake the Saints'...
[Minutes, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
170 years ago today - 170 years ago - Saturday, Jan 26, 1850
... William Smith sent a Remonstrance to the Congress of the United States against the admission of Deseret into the Union. Mr. [John] Wentworth, on presenting the same in the House of Representatives said, it was written by William Smith the only surviving brother of Joseph Smith and his only successor, and set forth that he, the said William Smith[,] was unlawfully compelled to leave Nauvoo by the armed assassins of Brigham Young, who is a fugitive from justice-that Orson Hyde burnt the Nauvoo Temple- that his ([William] Smith's) premises had been entered in 1845 and $3,000 in property extracted therefrom-that he was acquainted with the persons whose names were appended to the Constitution of Deseret and knew them to be enemies of the United States, and had heard them declare that when they got to the valley of the Salt Lake, they would rob and plunder United States' citizens until they regained all the property that had been taken from them in Missouri and Illinois. And said Smith further expressed his belief that a large portion of the murders of emigrants charged to the Indians were committed by the Salt Lake Mormons-that Brigham Young was crowned King
[Jedediah S. Rogers (editor), The Council of Fifty: A Documentary History, Signature Books (2014)]
[Jedediah S. Rogers (editor), The Council of Fifty: A Documentary History, Signature Books (2014)]
170 years ago today - 170 years ago - Saturday, Jan 26, 1850
[Council of Fifty]
Mormons believe in a kingly government and the government of Moses-that they have a plurality of wives and live in adultery, and otherwise outrage the laws of virtue and civilization. Mr. Wentworth moved that the Remonstrance be referred to the Committee on Military affairs. Mr. [Armistead] Burt objected and the matter was laid over. As governor of the Provisional State of Deseret I [Brigham Young] approved of Ordinances providing for the organization of the judiciary: Concerning Revenue: Offering Bounty for killing Wolves: For taking [water] out [of] the river Jordan: Also Big Cottonwood and other creeks for irrigating and other purposes: Providing for State and County Commissioners on roads: Authorizing the location of state roads: And Providing for the location of Counties and Precincts.
[Historian's Office history, as quoted in Jedediah S. Rogers (editor), The Council of Fifty: A Documentary History, Signature Books (2014)]
Mormons believe in a kingly government and the government of Moses-that they have a plurality of wives and live in adultery, and otherwise outrage the laws of virtue and civilization. Mr. Wentworth moved that the Remonstrance be referred to the Committee on Military affairs. Mr. [Armistead] Burt objected and the matter was laid over. As governor of the Provisional State of Deseret I [Brigham Young] approved of Ordinances providing for the organization of the judiciary: Concerning Revenue: Offering Bounty for killing Wolves: For taking [water] out [of] the river Jordan: Also Big Cottonwood and other creeks for irrigating and other purposes: Providing for State and County Commissioners on roads: Authorizing the location of state roads: And Providing for the location of Counties and Precincts.
[Historian's Office history, as quoted in Jedediah S. Rogers (editor), The Council of Fifty: A Documentary History, Signature Books (2014)]
175 years ago today - 175 years ago - Sunday, January 26, 1845
[Anointed Quorum]
Evening met with the quorum. John E. Page & J[oseph]. C. Kingsbury were received[;] also Sara Ann Whitney, Hellen M. Kimball, Eliza R. Snow, [Mary] Page, [Mary Ann] Pratt, Olive G. Frost, Lucy [Decker] Seeley, Louisa Beaman.
[Note: some, possibly all of these women had been sealed to Joseph Smith, which would explain their early admission to the Quorum of Anointed under Brigham Young's leadership.]
[William Clayton, Diary, as quoted in Joseph Smith's Quorum of the Anointed 1842-1845 A Documentary History edited by Devery S. Anderson and Gary James Bergera]
Evening met with the quorum. John E. Page & J[oseph]. C. Kingsbury were received[;] also Sara Ann Whitney, Hellen M. Kimball, Eliza R. Snow, [Mary] Page, [Mary Ann] Pratt, Olive G. Frost, Lucy [Decker] Seeley, Louisa Beaman.
[Note: some, possibly all of these women had been sealed to Joseph Smith, which would explain their early admission to the Quorum of Anointed under Brigham Young's leadership.]
[William Clayton, Diary, as quoted in Joseph Smith's Quorum of the Anointed 1842-1845 A Documentary History edited by Devery S. Anderson and Gary James Bergera]
50 years ago today - Jan 26, 1970
SPORTS ILLUSTRATED article "Other Side of the Y: Attitude Toward Negroes of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints," recounts the gathering wave of protest leveled against a recent statement by the First Presidency that it expected no change in the practice of denying priesthood to blacks. It then quoted several non-Mormon athletes at B.Y.U. who expressed similar dissatisfaction. The author contended that no one would be happier to see the Church change its policy on blacks than BYU's athletic department.
130 years ago today - Jan 26, 1890
[Apostle Marriner W. Merrill]
Closed the Temple for one week on account of coal for fuel not on hand.
[Notes from the Miscellaneous Record Book, 1886-1906: Selected diary notes from the journal books of Marriner Wood Merrill, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Closed the Temple for one week on account of coal for fuel not on hand.
[Notes from the Miscellaneous Record Book, 1886-1906: Selected diary notes from the journal books of Marriner Wood Merrill, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
140 years ago today - Jan 26, 1880
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff]
... I Prayed the Lord to give me his Holy Spirit and light and truth. I went to bed filled with Prayer and Meditation. I fell asleep and slept untill about midnight. I awoke [and] the Lord poured out his spirit upon me and opened the vision of my mind so I could comprehend in a good measure the mind and will of God and his purposes concerning our Nation and the inhabitants of Zion and when the vision of my mind was open to comprehend the situation of our Nation, their wickedness, Abominations & Corruption and the Judgments of God and destruction which awaited them ... my head became a fountain of tears and my Pillow was wet as with dews of heaven and sleep departed from me and the Lord revealed unto me our duty even the duty of the Twelve Apostles ... the following is a portion of the will of the Lord made manifest to me while dwelling in a shepherds tent in the wilderness surrounded by the drifting snows of the mountains while wrapped in the visions of the night.
A Revelation given to Wilford Woodruff in the wilderness of San Francisco Moon lain in Arizona on the 26 day of Jan 1880
Thus saith the Lord unto my servant Wilford Woodruff. I have heard thy Prayers, and Will answer thy Petitions. I will make known unto thee my will concerning the Nation who encumbers and land of promise and also concerning Zion and her inhabitants. ...
Thus saith the Lord unto my servant John Taylor and my servant Wilford Woodruff and my servant Orson Pratt and to all the residue of mine Apostles.
... go ye alone by your selves whether in heat or in cold and clens your feet with water pure water, it matters not whether it be by the running streams or in your closets but bear their testimonies before the Lord and the Heavenly Hosts
And when you have all done this then gather yourselves together in your Holy places and cloth yourselves in the Robes of the Holy Priesthood and there offer up your Prayers according to my Holy Law Let him who Presides be mouth and kneel upon the Holy Alter and there let mine Apostles bring all their testimonies before my face and before the heavenly Hosts and before the justified spirits made perfect and thus saith the Lord unto you mine Apostles when you bring these testimonies before me, let them by presented by Name as far as the spirit shall present them unto you. The Presidents of the United States, the Supreme Court, the Cabinet, the Senate & House of Congress of the United States, the Governors of the States and Territories, the Judges & officers sent unto you and all men & persons who have taken any part in persecuting your or bringing distress upon you or your lives or sought to hinder you from keeping my commandments or from enjoying the rights which the Constitution of Law of the Land guarantee unto you.
And what I the Lord say unto you mine Apostles I say unto my servants the Seventies, the High Priests, the Elders, and the Priests And all my servants who are pure in heart and who have born testimony unto this Nation Let them go forth & cleans their feet in pure water and bear testimony of it unto your Father who is in heaven
And thus saith the Lord unto mine Apostls and mine Elders when you do these things with Purity of heart & the Lord will hear your Prayers and am bound by oath and covenant to defend you and fight your battles as I have said in a former commandment ...
And I say again wo unto that Nation or house or people who seek to hinder my People from obeying the Patriarchal Law of Abraham which leadeth to a Celestial Glory which has been revealed unto my Saints through the mouth of my servant Joseph for whosoever doeth those things shall be damned ............
A Prayer written By Wilford Woodruff By request of President John Taylor to be Presented at the Altar
....... Now O Lord our God we present before thee, the God of Israel and thy son Jesus Christ and Before the heavenly hosts, and Before Abraham Isaac & Jacob, And all the Justified spirits made perfect And Before the Altar the following names:
/This list of Names are in print & I omit recording them here./ * * * * x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
O Lord our God these Classes of Men whether living or dead have made war against Thee and thy kingdom and thine anointed ones. Some have shed the blood of thy Prophets and Apostles. Others have Consented unto their death and have persecuted the Saints of God and have driven them from place to Place and finally driven them into these mountains of Israel and barren deserts and many of our Nation their Presidents Governors and judges still seek our destruction and still wish to pass laws to prevent us from Building up thy Kingdom and keeping thy Commandments and from redeeming our dead and performing the work which thou has Commanded us to do and to deprive us of our freedom as men and our rights as Citizens ......
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
... I Prayed the Lord to give me his Holy Spirit and light and truth. I went to bed filled with Prayer and Meditation. I fell asleep and slept untill about midnight. I awoke [and] the Lord poured out his spirit upon me and opened the vision of my mind so I could comprehend in a good measure the mind and will of God and his purposes concerning our Nation and the inhabitants of Zion and when the vision of my mind was open to comprehend the situation of our Nation, their wickedness, Abominations & Corruption and the Judgments of God and destruction which awaited them ... my head became a fountain of tears and my Pillow was wet as with dews of heaven and sleep departed from me and the Lord revealed unto me our duty even the duty of the Twelve Apostles ... the following is a portion of the will of the Lord made manifest to me while dwelling in a shepherds tent in the wilderness surrounded by the drifting snows of the mountains while wrapped in the visions of the night.
A Revelation given to Wilford Woodruff in the wilderness of San Francisco Moon lain in Arizona on the 26 day of Jan 1880
Thus saith the Lord unto my servant Wilford Woodruff. I have heard thy Prayers, and Will answer thy Petitions. I will make known unto thee my will concerning the Nation who encumbers and land of promise and also concerning Zion and her inhabitants. ...
Thus saith the Lord unto my servant John Taylor and my servant Wilford Woodruff and my servant Orson Pratt and to all the residue of mine Apostles.
... go ye alone by your selves whether in heat or in cold and clens your feet with water pure water, it matters not whether it be by the running streams or in your closets but bear their testimonies before the Lord and the Heavenly Hosts
And when you have all done this then gather yourselves together in your Holy places and cloth yourselves in the Robes of the Holy Priesthood and there offer up your Prayers according to my Holy Law Let him who Presides be mouth and kneel upon the Holy Alter and there let mine Apostles bring all their testimonies before my face and before the heavenly Hosts and before the justified spirits made perfect and thus saith the Lord unto you mine Apostles when you bring these testimonies before me, let them by presented by Name as far as the spirit shall present them unto you. The Presidents of the United States, the Supreme Court, the Cabinet, the Senate & House of Congress of the United States, the Governors of the States and Territories, the Judges & officers sent unto you and all men & persons who have taken any part in persecuting your or bringing distress upon you or your lives or sought to hinder you from keeping my commandments or from enjoying the rights which the Constitution of Law of the Land guarantee unto you.
And what I the Lord say unto you mine Apostles I say unto my servants the Seventies, the High Priests, the Elders, and the Priests And all my servants who are pure in heart and who have born testimony unto this Nation Let them go forth & cleans their feet in pure water and bear testimony of it unto your Father who is in heaven
And thus saith the Lord unto mine Apostls and mine Elders when you do these things with Purity of heart & the Lord will hear your Prayers and am bound by oath and covenant to defend you and fight your battles as I have said in a former commandment ...
And I say again wo unto that Nation or house or people who seek to hinder my People from obeying the Patriarchal Law of Abraham which leadeth to a Celestial Glory which has been revealed unto my Saints through the mouth of my servant Joseph for whosoever doeth those things shall be damned ............
A Prayer written By Wilford Woodruff By request of President John Taylor to be Presented at the Altar
....... Now O Lord our God we present before thee, the God of Israel and thy son Jesus Christ and Before the heavenly hosts, and Before Abraham Isaac & Jacob, And all the Justified spirits made perfect And Before the Altar the following names:
/This list of Names are in print & I omit recording them here./ * * * * x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
O Lord our God these Classes of Men whether living or dead have made war against Thee and thy kingdom and thine anointed ones. Some have shed the blood of thy Prophets and Apostles. Others have Consented unto their death and have persecuted the Saints of God and have driven them from place to Place and finally driven them into these mountains of Israel and barren deserts and many of our Nation their Presidents Governors and judges still seek our destruction and still wish to pass laws to prevent us from Building up thy Kingdom and keeping thy Commandments and from redeeming our dead and performing the work which thou has Commanded us to do and to deprive us of our freedom as men and our rights as Citizens ......
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
155 years ago today - Jan 26, 1865
Church agent Francis A. Hammond, under the direction of President Brigham Young, agrees to purchase a six-thousand-acre plantation in Laie on the Hawaiian island of Oahu for $14,000. Later, the Church establishes the Church College of Hawaii (later known as BYU—Hawaii), the Polynesian Cultural Center, and the Laie Hawaii Temple at the site.
160 years ago today - Jan 26, 1860
Brigham Young's office journal records: " Pres[ident] Young observed to W. C. Staines he had read an article of this weeks 'Valley Tan' Jan. 25, 1860. which branded the whole Mormon Hierarchy as murderers and observed the Pres[ident] I wonder how the brethren submit to be tamely [or namely] insulted by the Editor of the Tan Mr. De Wolf. In course of the day Br[other] W. C. Staines informed us he had seen De Wolf, and told him, he would kick his arse and cow hide him if he ever inserted another article against this people".
170 years ago today - Jan 26, 1850
[Minutes of Quorum of Twelve]
... Conversation then took place about Joseph's [i.e., Joseph Smith's] last Sermon on the house top before 7000 of N[auvoo]. Legion besides many others'- W[illard] R[ichards] said that the last Sunday, Joseph was jumping with a Stick'-& his last jump the Stick broke in two prices & he fell flat on his back'-he then got up & went into Court when the trial commenced'-Joseph often said Hyrum [Smith] if ever we go again to Carthage [Illinois] & the mob get hold of us'-we are both dead men'- ... Hyrum believed that Masonry wo[ul]d. save them'-but it was masonry that killed them'-you will find in the sequel that the Lord has ordered it so'- D[aniel]. H. W[ells].
[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]
... Conversation then took place about Joseph's [i.e., Joseph Smith's] last Sermon on the house top before 7000 of N[auvoo]. Legion besides many others'- W[illard] R[ichards] said that the last Sunday, Joseph was jumping with a Stick'-& his last jump the Stick broke in two prices & he fell flat on his back'-he then got up & went into Court when the trial commenced'-Joseph often said Hyrum [Smith] if ever we go again to Carthage [Illinois] & the mob get hold of us'-we are both dead men'- ... Hyrum believed that Masonry wo[ul]d. save them'-but it was masonry that killed them'-you will find in the sequel that the Lord has ordered it so'- D[aniel]. H. W[ells].
[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]
175 years ago today - Jan 26, 1845
Brigham Young tells High Priests, "There are certain branches of the endowment that must be done in an upper room."
180 years ago today - Jan 26, 1840
[Wilford Woodruff]
A worthy Sister wished to wash my feet. I gave her an oppertunity & she did so. I had the spirit of prophecy concerning her & delivered it unto her. <She should stand and soon would be the wife of an elder, have sons and daughters Her sons should be the priests of God and live in the millenium. She is of the blood of Ephraim and will remain until the coming of Christ and many additional things the spirit made manifest concerning her.>
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
A worthy Sister wished to wash my feet. I gave her an oppertunity & she did so. I had the spirit of prophecy concerning her & delivered it unto her. <She should stand and soon would be the wife of an elder, have sons and daughters Her sons should be the priests of God and live in the millenium. She is of the blood of Ephraim and will remain until the coming of Christ and many additional things the spirit made manifest concerning her.>
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
70 years ago today - Jan 25, 1950
First counselor J. Reuben Clark advises the Relief Society presidency not to oppose "the bill for equal rights for women" because "there will be some of the women who will think it is a fine thing." This day the U.S. Senate approves the proposed Equal Rights Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. It fails to receive the vote of the U.S. House.
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
80 years ago today - Jan 25, 1940
Minutes of the Council of the Twelve and of the First Presidency: Attention was called to a postscript on a letter from President Roscoc C. Cox of the Hawaiian Mission, calling attention to a recommendation he had received for ordination of two boys to the office of Deacon, the mother of these boys having some Negro blood in her veins.
President [J. Reuben] Clark explained that this matter has come up at various times in the past, that is the question of what should be done with those people who are faithful in the Church who are supposed to have some Negro blood in their veins.
President Clark said at his request the clerk of the Council had copied from the old records of the Council discussions that have been had in the past on this subject. He said that he was positive that it was impossible with reference to the Brazilians to tell those who have Negro blood and those who have not, and we are baptizing these people into the Church. The question also arises pertaining to the people in South Africa where we are doing missionary work, and in the Southern States, also in the islands of the Pacific.
President Clark suggested that this matter be referred to the Twelve who might appoint a sub-committee to go into the matter with great care and make some ruling or re-affirm whatever ruling has been made on this question in the past as to whether or not one drop of negro blood deprives a man of the right to receive the priesthood.
Brother [John A.] Widtsoe moved the adoption of President Clark's suggestion.
Motion seconded and unanimously approved.
[George Albert Smith Papers, Manuscripts Division, Marriott Library, University of Utah, Excerpts From Minutes of the Council of the Twelve and of the First Presidency, 1879-1947 as quoted at Marquardt, H. Michael, Mormon Central, http://www.xmission.com/~research/central/chorg2.htm]
President [J. Reuben] Clark explained that this matter has come up at various times in the past, that is the question of what should be done with those people who are faithful in the Church who are supposed to have some Negro blood in their veins.
President Clark said at his request the clerk of the Council had copied from the old records of the Council discussions that have been had in the past on this subject. He said that he was positive that it was impossible with reference to the Brazilians to tell those who have Negro blood and those who have not, and we are baptizing these people into the Church. The question also arises pertaining to the people in South Africa where we are doing missionary work, and in the Southern States, also in the islands of the Pacific.
President Clark suggested that this matter be referred to the Twelve who might appoint a sub-committee to go into the matter with great care and make some ruling or re-affirm whatever ruling has been made on this question in the past as to whether or not one drop of negro blood deprives a man of the right to receive the priesthood.
Brother [John A.] Widtsoe moved the adoption of President Clark's suggestion.
Motion seconded and unanimously approved.
[George Albert Smith Papers, Manuscripts Division, Marriott Library, University of Utah, Excerpts From Minutes of the Council of the Twelve and of the First Presidency, 1879-1947 as quoted at Marquardt, H. Michael, Mormon Central, http://www.xmission.com/~research/central/chorg2.htm]
120 years ago today - Jan 25, 1900
After this Temple was completed and Pres[iden]t Young was organizing the Endowments, he could see the anxiety on the countenance of President Young that everything should be done properly. Every part of this building was set apart and made holy.
[Temple Minute Book, St. George, Jan. 25, 1900 as quoted in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
[Temple Minute Book, St. George, Jan. 25, 1900 as quoted in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
175 years ago today - Jan 25, 1845
[Heber C. Kimball revelation]
25 January the 25, 1845. In the Evning fore persons, females recieved thare Anointing [including?] Hellen Kimball. The same Evning I sat down in my hous in the presents of my wife and inquired of the Lord by the [divining] Rod as follows, If we should finish the Temple, it was verly yes, that my sins ware fore given and that I should over come, and get my Apointment of my inheritence while in the probation and that the Temple commity ware not Enimes to the Twelve Apostles.
[Kimball, Stanley B. ed, On the Potter's Wheel: The Diaries of Heber C. Kimball]
25 January the 25, 1845. In the Evning fore persons, females recieved thare Anointing [including?] Hellen Kimball. The same Evning I sat down in my hous in the presents of my wife and inquired of the Lord by the [divining] Rod as follows, If we should finish the Temple, it was verly yes, that my sins ware fore given and that I should over come, and get my Apointment of my inheritence while in the probation and that the Temple commity ware not Enimes to the Twelve Apostles.
[Kimball, Stanley B. ed, On the Potter's Wheel: The Diaries of Heber C. Kimball]
195 years ago today - Jan 25, 1825
Rev. George Lane presents a detailed account of the Palmyra-area revival's progress focusing on how youth were especially affected: "From Catharine I went to Ontario circuit, where the Lord had already begun a gracious work in Palmyra. . . . About this time it appeared to break out afresh. Monday evening, after the quarterly meeting, there were four converted, and on the following evening, at a prayer meeting at Dr. Chase's, there were seven. Among these was a young woman by the name of Lucy Stoddard." Lucy Stoddard's brother Calvin later marries Joseph Smith's sister Sophronia. Calvin joins the Baptists but is later cut off when he affiliates with Mormonism. Lane, according to Joseph Smith's brother William, was the one who suggested the text from James ("If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God") to Joseph Smith when Joseph was unsure of which church to join. Lane began his service in the Palmyra area the year before.
85 years ago today - Jan 24, 1935
[David O. McKay]
One reason why more urgent steps have not been taken to replenish quorums is the fact that we are now just passing through a transition period in regard to the ordaining of Seventies. As you no doubt understand, all worthy Priests, after having completed a two-year course, are now ordained Elders with a view to receiving two years training as such. At the conclusion of this training worthy Elders who are prepared will be called upon missions, and will be ordained Seventies. When this plan becomes operative you will readily see that Seventies quorums will be replenished by the young returning missionaries.
In the meantime, however, if you need Seventies to carry on your local missionary work, Elders who have already fulfilled missions, and who are fitted for this home service, may be properly recommended and ordained to the office of Seventy.
[David O. McKay, Letter to Peter A. Hard, 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]
One reason why more urgent steps have not been taken to replenish quorums is the fact that we are now just passing through a transition period in regard to the ordaining of Seventies. As you no doubt understand, all worthy Priests, after having completed a two-year course, are now ordained Elders with a view to receiving two years training as such. At the conclusion of this training worthy Elders who are prepared will be called upon missions, and will be ordained Seventies. When this plan becomes operative you will readily see that Seventies quorums will be replenished by the young returning missionaries.
In the meantime, however, if you need Seventies to carry on your local missionary work, Elders who have already fulfilled missions, and who are fitted for this home service, may be properly recommended and ordained to the office of Seventy.
[David O. McKay, Letter to Peter A. Hard, 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]
85 years ago today - Jan 24, 1935
[Joseph Fielding Smith]
When the plan of salvation was presented to the spirits of men, or intelligences spoken of by the Lord to Abraham, Lucifer, a spirit in authority, refused to accept the plan and projected one of his own into the discussion. When his plan was rejected he rebelled and drew away with him one third of the spirits, and these became fallen angels, or the devil and his servants, who are also spoken of as devils. ... These evil spirits became sons of Perdition. Cain, because of his rebellion against the light, became Perdition. All who receive the Gospel and enjoy the blessings of the Holy Ghost and to that extent that they 'know' the power of God, and then with the understanding that they are taking a course in opposition to Jesus Christ, and figuratively crucify him again so far as they are concerned, are left without forgiveness and they too become sons of Perdition. ... The Lord plainly told Cain that Satan, the devil who was cast out of heaven, desired to have him, yet if Cain would do well he should be acceptable before the Lord. Cain loved darkness and rather than hearken to the voice of the Lord he chose to do the will of Satan knowing fully that by doing so he should have dominion over Satan and become the father of his lies. What Cain did he did with his full understanding and hence he became Perdition. This power seemed to please Cain and therefore he hearkened not to the Lord and refused to keep his commandments.
[Joseph Fielding Smith, Letter to Everett Woodie, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
When the plan of salvation was presented to the spirits of men, or intelligences spoken of by the Lord to Abraham, Lucifer, a spirit in authority, refused to accept the plan and projected one of his own into the discussion. When his plan was rejected he rebelled and drew away with him one third of the spirits, and these became fallen angels, or the devil and his servants, who are also spoken of as devils. ... These evil spirits became sons of Perdition. Cain, because of his rebellion against the light, became Perdition. All who receive the Gospel and enjoy the blessings of the Holy Ghost and to that extent that they 'know' the power of God, and then with the understanding that they are taking a course in opposition to Jesus Christ, and figuratively crucify him again so far as they are concerned, are left without forgiveness and they too become sons of Perdition. ... The Lord plainly told Cain that Satan, the devil who was cast out of heaven, desired to have him, yet if Cain would do well he should be acceptable before the Lord. Cain loved darkness and rather than hearken to the voice of the Lord he chose to do the will of Satan knowing fully that by doing so he should have dominion over Satan and become the father of his lies. What Cain did he did with his full understanding and hence he became Perdition. This power seemed to please Cain and therefore he hearkened not to the Lord and refused to keep his commandments.
[Joseph Fielding Smith, Letter to Everett Woodie, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
85 years ago today - Jan 24, 1935
[David O. McKay]
You ask whether a person having negro blood in his or hr veins might receive a blessing from a Patriarch. The answer is Yes. A Patriarch may pronounce upon anybody's head the blessing to which that person may be entitled. The privileges, as you know, thus far accorded to negroes are limit in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
[David O. McKay, Letter to Henry H. Hoff, 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]
You ask whether a person having negro blood in his or hr veins might receive a blessing from a Patriarch. The answer is Yes. A Patriarch may pronounce upon anybody's head the blessing to which that person may be entitled. The privileges, as you know, thus far accorded to negroes are limit in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
[David O. McKay, Letter to Henry H. Hoff, 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]
100 years ago today - Jan. 24, Mon. [1920]
[James E. Talmage]
We were engaged from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Book of Mormon hearing, with a noon intermission. Elder Anthony W. Ivins of the Council of the Twelve presented his views and suggestions, indicating that the Book of Mormon lands embraced mainly Yucatan and Mexico. There being none others who had expressed a desire to be heard by the committee, this meeting was regarded as the closing session of the present stage of the investigation.
[James E. Talmage Journal, Transcription reproduced by Trevor Antley, Special Collections, Harold B. Lee Library, Brigham Young University]
We were engaged from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Book of Mormon hearing, with a noon intermission. Elder Anthony W. Ivins of the Council of the Twelve presented his views and suggestions, indicating that the Book of Mormon lands embraced mainly Yucatan and Mexico. There being none others who had expressed a desire to be heard by the committee, this meeting was regarded as the closing session of the present stage of the investigation.
[James E. Talmage Journal, Transcription reproduced by Trevor Antley, Special Collections, Harold B. Lee Library, Brigham Young University]
125 years ago today - Jan 24, 1895
First Presidency and apostles decide unanimously to ordain all bishops as well as set them apart. Woodruff writes "it had been the Custom in Cache valley by M Thatcher & others to ordain a High Priest then Set him apart for a Bishop. I decided that was wrong. No man had a right to officiate in any office of the Priesthood without being ordained to that office."
175 years ago today - Jan 24, 1845
The Illinois legislature repeals the powerful Nauvoo Charter, disincorporating the city as well as the Nauvoo Legion. The vote is nearly two to one, making it clear that the Mormons have little political support in the state.
175 years ago today - Jan 24, 1845
[Patriarchal Blessing of James Newberry]
... when you receive your annointing [sic] and endowment in the house of the lord whatsoever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven and whatsoever you lose on earth shall be loosed in heaven ... thou shalt have riches for inasmuch as thou art liberal God shall be liberal with the[e]...
[Patriarchal Blessings]
... when you receive your annointing [sic] and endowment in the house of the lord whatsoever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven and whatsoever you lose on earth shall be loosed in heaven ... thou shalt have riches for inasmuch as thou art liberal God shall be liberal with the[e]...
[Patriarchal Blessings]
175 years ago today - Jan 24, 1845
[Heber C. Kimball]
24 Jan, 1845. N. K. Whitney, B. Young, and my self met at B. Young. Spent the after noon in washing and inointing [anointing] our bodies, and fore prair. The Lord was with us.
[Kimball, Stanley B. ed, On the Potter's Wheel: The Diaries of Heber C. Kimball]
24 Jan, 1845. N. K. Whitney, B. Young, and my self met at B. Young. Spent the after noon in washing and inointing [anointing] our bodies, and fore prair. The Lord was with us.
[Kimball, Stanley B. ed, On the Potter's Wheel: The Diaries of Heber C. Kimball]
175 years ago today - Jan 24, 1845
[Brigham Young]
Frida 24th 1845 Brs H. C. Kimball and N. K. Whitney was at my house we washed and anointed and Praid had a good time. I inquired of the Lord whether we should stay here and finish the temple the ansure was we should
[Brigham Young Journal (1801-1877) Journal #2 July, 1837- Mar. 1845]
Frida 24th 1845 Brs H. C. Kimball and N. K. Whitney was at my house we washed and anointed and Praid had a good time. I inquired of the Lord whether we should stay here and finish the temple the ansure was we should
[Brigham Young Journal (1801-1877) Journal #2 July, 1837- Mar. 1845]
190 years ago today - Circa 24 January-February 1830
Joseph Smith receives a revelation directing Oliver Cowdery and Hiram Page to sell the Book of Mormon copyright in Canada. Page says that he, Cowdery, Joseph Knight, and Josiah Stowell made the trip to Kingston, Canada, but were unsuccessful in their mission. David Whitmer remembered that Joseph Jr. was at the Whitmer residence in Fayette when the group returned . According to another source, the men left "early in 1830" and "went over on ice" . Because Page said the revelation was received in Manchester, it was probably dictated during Smith's January 1830 visit.
[Vogel, Dan, Early Mormon Documents, Appendix B: Chronology, 1771-1831, http://amzn.to/T5nY8w]
[Vogel, Dan, Early Mormon Documents, Appendix B: Chronology, 1771-1831, http://amzn.to/T5nY8w]
45 years ago today - Jan 23, 1975-Thursday
[Leonard Arrington]
In the meeting with Elder [Howard W.] Hunter and Elder [Bruce R.] McConkie on Tuesday [January 21], I sought their reaction on the letter I had written asking for their opinion on the book [proposal] concerning the practice of plural marriage of the Latter-day Saints. They both said they supported the idea and said they would take it to the Quorum of the Twelve and try to obtain their support for the task. If given approval I would plan to publish the book under my name but have chapters written by various members of our staff, and I would indicate by a footnote notation on the first page of each chapter who it was written by. ... It would be aimed for members of the Church as well as for the general public.
The two brethren brought up the criticisms of our work made by Elder [Boyd K.] Packer. They asked me to make an oral statement justifying our work. I did so, and at their suggestion, I did so at some length. I explained the reasons why we had followed the policy we had and why we felt it desirable to include some things that Elder Packer had objected to. After I had completed this statement, both Elder Hunter and Elder McConkie said they accepted this statement; they felt I was justified; they supported what I had done. They suggested that I ask for an interview with Brother Packer and attempt to explain to him the same thing. They said he will try to indoctrinate me, but I should attempt to explain in as clear and logical and persuasive a manner as possible the point of view of historians on this and related matters. ...
[Confessions of a Mormon historian : the diaries of Leonard J. Arrington, 1971-1997, Gary James Bergera, editor, Signature Books, 2018]
In the meeting with Elder [Howard W.] Hunter and Elder [Bruce R.] McConkie on Tuesday [January 21], I sought their reaction on the letter I had written asking for their opinion on the book [proposal] concerning the practice of plural marriage of the Latter-day Saints. They both said they supported the idea and said they would take it to the Quorum of the Twelve and try to obtain their support for the task. If given approval I would plan to publish the book under my name but have chapters written by various members of our staff, and I would indicate by a footnote notation on the first page of each chapter who it was written by. ... It would be aimed for members of the Church as well as for the general public.
The two brethren brought up the criticisms of our work made by Elder [Boyd K.] Packer. They asked me to make an oral statement justifying our work. I did so, and at their suggestion, I did so at some length. I explained the reasons why we had followed the policy we had and why we felt it desirable to include some things that Elder Packer had objected to. After I had completed this statement, both Elder Hunter and Elder McConkie said they accepted this statement; they felt I was justified; they supported what I had done. They suggested that I ask for an interview with Brother Packer and attempt to explain to him the same thing. They said he will try to indoctrinate me, but I should attempt to explain in as clear and logical and persuasive a manner as possible the point of view of historians on this and related matters. ...
[Confessions of a Mormon historian : the diaries of Leonard J. Arrington, 1971-1997, Gary James Bergera, editor, Signature Books, 2018]
50 years ago today - Jan 23, 1970
The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles ordains Joseph Fielding Smith as church president. Some apostles considered by-passing this ninety-three-year-old apostle for the vigorous Harold B. Lee. Smith promised to make Lee his first counselor if he would support the automatic succession of the elderly apostle. Both keep their promises, and N. Eldon Tanner remains second counselor. Smith is the oldest man to become the LDS church president.
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
120 years ago today - Jan 23, 1900
U.S. House of Representatives excludes B. H. Roberts because he is a polygamist.
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
155 years ago today - Jan 23, 1865
The Lieut Govornor H. C. Kimball made a verbal speech. He said we are as free as we ever shall be. The Lord will soon Come to reign on the Earth and we are preparing for it. I say to this Assembly be of good Cheer. You shall never be hurt. God will be our friend [and] deliver us. Our Enemies shall feel the power of God upon them. This is the kingdom of God, & when we ask the United States to be admitted into there Union it looks to me like asking alms of the devil.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
155 years ago today - Jan 23, 1865
[Brigham Young]
I say the Congress of the United States have no more right to Legislate for us than we have to Legislate for them... The doom of the United States is sealed their die is cast I have run my legs off almost to try to save the Nation. I have warned them of the troubles which are now upon them and they will come to pass until the end. The president of the United States in his message stepped from the Colorado to Nevada, and did not name Utah and I was very glad of it. We shall have to Legislate for ourselves or nobody will do it for us... I don't think the Lord was pleased with us this last time. If we had taken Gen Connor and cut him and bound him out to a gimlet maker and sent the soldiers back to California I think the Lord would have been much better pleased with us than he is now. If Gen Connor crosses my path I will kill him so help me God. He must keep out of my path. ... He wishes to kill the Saints, take our grain and destroy our Daughters and this I will not permit him to do.
[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.) 12-55-5, 1 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 say the Congress of the United States have no more right to Legislate for us than we have to Legislate for them... The doom of the United States is sealed their die is cast I have run my legs off almost to try to save the Nation. I have warned them of the troubles which are now upon them and they will come to pass until the end. The president of the United States in his message stepped from the Colorado to Nevada, and did not name Utah and I was very glad of it. We shall have to Legislate for ourselves or nobody will do it for us... I don't think the Lord was pleased with us this last time. If we had taken Gen Connor and cut him and bound him out to a gimlet maker and sent the soldiers back to California I think the Lord would have been much better pleased with us than he is now. If Gen Connor crosses my path I will kill him so help me God. He must keep out of my path. ... He wishes to kill the Saints, take our grain and destroy our Daughters and this I will not permit him to do.
[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.) 12-55-5, 1 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]
160 years ago today - Jan 23, 1860
[Brigham Young]
President Young made a few remarks to some brethren on the subject of jealousy which existed with some men in regard to their filling Offices. He observed a man might be able to fill the Office of Bishop; and be unfit for a President; Yet the Bishop might feel he was fully qualified for the position President; the same darkness in his mind which disqualified him for the Office of President; also prevented him from discerning his incapability for wisely filling that office. -- Salt Lake City
[Brigham Young Office Journals, Special Collections, Merrill-Cazier Library, Utah State University, Logan.; Archives, Church History Library, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City, Utah.; New Mormon Studies CD-ROM as quoted in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
President Young made a few remarks to some brethren on the subject of jealousy which existed with some men in regard to their filling Offices. He observed a man might be able to fill the Office of Bishop; and be unfit for a President; Yet the Bishop might feel he was fully qualified for the position President; the same darkness in his mind which disqualified him for the Office of President; also prevented him from discerning his incapability for wisely filling that office. -- Salt Lake City
[Brigham Young Office Journals, Special Collections, Merrill-Cazier Library, Utah State University, Logan.; Archives, Church History Library, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City, Utah.; New Mormon Studies CD-ROM as quoted in 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 - 1845 23 Jan.
Young and Taylor supervise the construction of a woodcut for the "seal of the Twelve." It has a phrygian crown over an all-seeing eye, surrounded by nine stars, not twelve as one would expect in a symbol of the apostles. Rather than an original design, the "seal of the Twelve" is based on an illustration from Jacob Boehme's Theosophical Works, favored by Rosicrucians and Christian Kabbalists for two hundred years. The only part of this seal that would be familiar to Mormons of every background is the inscription, "Holiness to the Lord," which was also on the main magic-parchment ("Lamen") in Hyrum Smith's home at his death.
[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]
[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 - Jan 23, 1845
[Brigham Young]
Br Aaron Smith had jest returned from Apanos he said Wilson was up there lecturd to the mob he told them they must drive the mormons from Nauvoo before the temple was don or they never could
[Brigham Young Journal (1801-1877) Journal #2 July, 1837- Mar. 1845]
Br Aaron Smith had jest returned from Apanos he said Wilson was up there lecturd to the mob he told them they must drive the mormons from Nauvoo before the temple was don or they never could
[Brigham Young Journal (1801-1877) Journal #2 July, 1837- Mar. 1845]
40 years ago today - Jan 22, 1980-Tuesday
[Leonard Arrington]
George [Tanner] said he was always running into people who had problems with the Church of one type or another, and this was worse in Salt Lake City than other places, probably because they expected to find a paradise when they came here and were disillusioned to find it was not paradisiacal. His [ward] high priests group leader, George said, had a son in Canada who came to Salt Lake City and heard that the rate of pregnancy among teenage LDS girls was the highest in the country. This was disturbing, but when he explained that it meant that our young people were not using contraceptives and because they didn't practice abortion, obviously the rate would be higher even if the initial conception rate was not.
George said he wanted to express appreciation for the work we have done and are doing, and said he thought we were going as far as he [we] could in relation to telling the truth and writing quality history.
[Confessions of a Mormon historian : the diaries of Leonard J. Arrington, 1971-1997, Gary James Bergera, editor, Signature Books, 2018]
George [Tanner] said he was always running into people who had problems with the Church of one type or another, and this was worse in Salt Lake City than other places, probably because they expected to find a paradise when they came here and were disillusioned to find it was not paradisiacal. His [ward] high priests group leader, George said, had a son in Canada who came to Salt Lake City and heard that the rate of pregnancy among teenage LDS girls was the highest in the country. This was disturbing, but when he explained that it meant that our young people were not using contraceptives and because they didn't practice abortion, obviously the rate would be higher even if the initial conception rate was not.
George said he wanted to express appreciation for the work we have done and are doing, and said he thought we were going as far as he [we] could in relation to telling the truth and writing quality history.
[Confessions of a Mormon historian : the diaries of Leonard J. Arrington, 1971-1997, Gary James Bergera, editor, Signature Books, 2018]
100 years ago today - Jan. 22, Sat. [1920]
[James E. Talmage]
The Book of Mormon committee sat during both forenoon and afternoon. Elder Joel Ricks occupied part of the morning session, and the rest of that meeting, together with the whole of the afternoon session was given over to Elder Willard Young, who claims that most of the Book of Mormon scenes were laid in Guatemala, and Honduras.
[James E. Talmage Journal, Transcription reproduced by Trevor Antley, Special Collections, Harold B. Lee Library, Brigham Young University]
The Book of Mormon committee sat during both forenoon and afternoon. Elder Joel Ricks occupied part of the morning session, and the rest of that meeting, together with the whole of the afternoon session was given over to Elder Willard Young, who claims that most of the Book of Mormon scenes were laid in Guatemala, and Honduras.
[James E. Talmage Journal, Transcription reproduced by Trevor Antley, Special Collections, Harold B. Lee Library, Brigham Young University]
120 years ago today - Jan 22, 1900
[Post-Manifesto plural marriage]
Nolan Decature Kartchner, born at Beaver, Utah, May 24, 1863
Ellen Bodella Mortensen, born at Moancoppy, Arizona, April 29, 1877
Married at Colonia Diaz, January 22, 1900
Henry Eyring and W. Derby Johnson, Jr., witnesses
[Stanley Ivins typewritten copy of Anthony Ivins "Record Book of Marriages" [Plural] performed in Mexican colonies, Anderson, Elizabeth Oberdick, editor, Cowboy Apostle: The Diaries of Anthony W. Ivins: 1875-1932, Signature Books, Salt Lake City in association with the Smith-Pettit Foundation (2013), Appendix A]
Nolan Decature Kartchner, born at Beaver, Utah, May 24, 1863
Ellen Bodella Mortensen, born at Moancoppy, Arizona, April 29, 1877
Married at Colonia Diaz, January 22, 1900
Henry Eyring and W. Derby Johnson, Jr., witnesses
[Stanley Ivins typewritten copy of Anthony Ivins "Record Book of Marriages" [Plural] performed in Mexican colonies, Anderson, Elizabeth Oberdick, editor, Cowboy Apostle: The Diaries of Anthony W. Ivins: 1875-1932, Signature Books, Salt Lake City in association with the Smith-Pettit Foundation (2013), Appendix A]
120 years ago today - Jan 22, 1900; Monday
Presidents [Lorenzo] Snow, [George Q.] Cannon and [Joseph F.] Smith were at the office. The question arose today whether or not the temples should be opened to perform marriages on behalf of couples who had previously had their endowments. It was thought once since the closing of the Temples that this might be done, but the Presidency decided today that it would be best not to make this exception, but to close them for all purposes until the danger of the smallpox contagion is passed.
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
135 years ago today - Jan 22, 1885
18 persons dead were adopted to W. Woodruff & 1 to Aphek Woodruff. Thomas Draper & Nathan Wanslee & family 18 person adopted to Wilford Woodruff. Esther Lyman Woodruff Adopted [to] Aphek Woodruff. Wilford Woodruff was sealed for 45 of his dead Relatives. Emma Co[ll/tt?]on Thompson acted for the female portion of the family.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
140 years ago today - Thursday, Jan. 22nd 1880
[T]he paper published in Mannheim has a piece saying, that the 'Mormons' are going to leave Utah and emigrate to Mexico, and that they have sent Moses Thatcher there to buy land for them; and this to escape the persecution we are receiving in the United States. Bro. Thatcher is in Mexico, but it is only for the purpose of preaching the Gospel.
[Abraham H. Cannon Mission Journal]
[Abraham H. Cannon Mission Journal]
160 years ago today - Jan 22, 1860
President Young said while we are in the flesh, we have to Contend against evil spirits and Devils in a way which will be hid from us in the Spirit World.
... What is spoken in a prayer Circle should never be Named out of the Circle not [to] a wife or any body Els. If there is any thing to be said I will say it. I Could preach all about the Endowments in Public and the world know Nothing about it. I Could preach all about Masonry & None but a mason know any thing about it. And the mane part of Masonry is to keep a secret. ...
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
... What is spoken in a prayer Circle should never be Named out of the Circle not [to] a wife or any body Els. If there is any thing to be said I will say it. I Could preach all about the Endowments in Public and the world know Nothing about it. I Could preach all about Masonry & None but a mason know any thing about it. And the mane part of Masonry is to keep a secret. ...
[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 - January 22, 1845. Wednesday.
[William Clayton]
...Bought two rings and gave one to S[ara] A[nn] Whitney for painting [temple?] aprons.
[George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://amzn.to/william-clayton]
...Bought two rings and gave one to S[ara] A[nn] Whitney for painting [temple?] aprons.
[George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://amzn.to/william-clayton]
190 years ago today - Jan 22, 1830
Before the publication of the Book of Mormon, Abner Cole's weekly Palmyra Reflector, prints an extract from the Book of Alma, chapter 20.
[Wikipedia: Chronology of Mormonism, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chronology_of_Mormonism]
[Wikipedia: Chronology of Mormonism, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chronology_of_Mormonism]
30 years ago today - Jan 21, 1990
The appointment of David Hsiao Hsi Chen, native of Chinese mainland and professor at BYU-Hawaii, to serve as the First Presidency's "traveling elder" for People's Republic of China.
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
45 years ago today - Jan 21, 1975-Tuesday
[Leonard Arrington]
Ernest Wilkinson telephoned yesterday to say that he had received a letter from Dallin Oaks suggesting that a formal reading committee be set up to read the second and third volumes of the BYU history which will deal with the administrations of Franklin Harris,6 Ernest Wilkinson, and President Oaks. I have no doubt that this was brought about by the feeling on the part of Boyd Packer and perhaps Neal Maxwell that President Wilkinson might be over-zealous in defending his own point of view on certain issues that confronted the [LDS] Church Board of Education under his administration. Elder Maxwell and President Oaks had conferred with Dr. Wilkinson ... They had suggested that someone ought to read what he writes, but Dr. Wilkinson reminded them that they had promised him that nobody would censor his work if he undertook it. Of course, Dr. Wilkinson on his own has been sending chapters to me and President Oaks and Neal Maxwell know this...
[Confessions of a Mormon historian : the diaries of Leonard J. Arrington, 1971-1997, Gary James Bergera, editor, Signature Books, 2018]
Ernest Wilkinson telephoned yesterday to say that he had received a letter from Dallin Oaks suggesting that a formal reading committee be set up to read the second and third volumes of the BYU history which will deal with the administrations of Franklin Harris,6 Ernest Wilkinson, and President Oaks. I have no doubt that this was brought about by the feeling on the part of Boyd Packer and perhaps Neal Maxwell that President Wilkinson might be over-zealous in defending his own point of view on certain issues that confronted the [LDS] Church Board of Education under his administration. Elder Maxwell and President Oaks had conferred with Dr. Wilkinson ... They had suggested that someone ought to read what he writes, but Dr. Wilkinson reminded them that they had promised him that nobody would censor his work if he undertook it. Of course, Dr. Wilkinson on his own has been sending chapters to me and President Oaks and Neal Maxwell know this...
[Confessions of a Mormon historian : the diaries of Leonard J. Arrington, 1971-1997, Gary James Bergera, editor, Signature Books, 2018]
85 years ago today - Jan 21, 1935
[Heber J. Grant]
I know as I know that I live that statements that Brigham Young had men killed so that he could get their money is one of the vilest and most wicked lies ever perpetrated. There is not a Latter-day Saint living but what believes that the murderer has not eternal life, and to hire somebody to murder is just as bad as committing murder yourself. Brigham Young was a man of God, whom I knew from the time I was a little child. I attended family prayers in his home, as I lived just across the street. One of his boys was my nearest and dearest friend. When listening to Brigham Young pray, I, as a little child, have actually opened my eyes and turned around to see if the Lord were not standing there'it seemed like he was talking to Him. The reputation of the Savior was so bad they crucified him. Our reputation has not been quite that bad, because some of us are still alive, but the character of Joseph Smith, Brigham Young, and every man that has presided over the Church have been above reproach, and I know it.
[Heber J. Grant, Letter to J. C. Christensen, 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]
I know as I know that I live that statements that Brigham Young had men killed so that he could get their money is one of the vilest and most wicked lies ever perpetrated. There is not a Latter-day Saint living but what believes that the murderer has not eternal life, and to hire somebody to murder is just as bad as committing murder yourself. Brigham Young was a man of God, whom I knew from the time I was a little child. I attended family prayers in his home, as I lived just across the street. One of his boys was my nearest and dearest friend. When listening to Brigham Young pray, I, as a little child, have actually opened my eyes and turned around to see if the Lord were not standing there'it seemed like he was talking to Him. The reputation of the Savior was so bad they crucified him. Our reputation has not been quite that bad, because some of us are still alive, but the character of Joseph Smith, Brigham Young, and every man that has presided over the Church have been above reproach, and I know it.
[Heber J. Grant, Letter to J. C. Christensen, 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]
85 years ago today - Jan 21, 1935
[David O McKay]
In the absence of President Grant, who is attending to duties in Los Angeles, I am requested to give such information as advisable in regard to the questions you ask in your letter of January 11th.
All that we feel justified in saying is that the health of a mother demands that there be a reasonable space between the birth of babies, and this should be accomplished in a proper manner with mutual understanding between the husband and wife. Due consideration and regard for the health of the wife should prompt the husband to refrain from intimate relations with her for at least three months after the birth of a child.
I would advise that you consult a responsible physician in regard to this and let him advise you relative to the necessity of preserving your health and strength, that your life may be pronged to take care of the children with whom God has blessed you.
[David O. McKay, Letter to Mrs. Jesse Gale, 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]
In the absence of President Grant, who is attending to duties in Los Angeles, I am requested to give such information as advisable in regard to the questions you ask in your letter of January 11th.
All that we feel justified in saying is that the health of a mother demands that there be a reasonable space between the birth of babies, and this should be accomplished in a proper manner with mutual understanding between the husband and wife. Due consideration and regard for the health of the wife should prompt the husband to refrain from intimate relations with her for at least three months after the birth of a child.
I would advise that you consult a responsible physician in regard to this and let him advise you relative to the necessity of preserving your health and strength, that your life may be pronged to take care of the children with whom God has blessed you.
[David O. McKay, Letter to Mrs. Jesse Gale, 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]
95 years ago today - Jan 21,1925
Mason Grand Lodge of Utah officially prohibits Mormons from membership in any of its Masonic lodges and provides for expulsion of any Mormons who are current members of any Utah lodge. Utah is the only state with formal Masonic restriction against religious group or denomination. Some Mormons (primarily converts) affiliate or preside in Masonic lodges outside Utah after 1925.
[Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power, Appendix 5, Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1848-1996, http://amzn.to/extensions-power]
[Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power, Appendix 5, Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1848-1996, http://amzn.to/extensions-power]
125 years ago today - Jan 21, 1895
[President Wilford Woodruff]
21 I went to the Office. Samuel Cates from Ogden Called upon me And asked me to Fill a Carr with 20,000 lbs of flour to take to the starving people of Nebraskia. Cash Valley furnished 6,500 lbs. I ordered 1 br[ought?] Bishop Preston 14,000 lbs. to fill the Cars at Richmond making 20,500 lbs which we donate as a Church for that suffering People. I received a Letter from Asahel.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
21 I went to the Office. Samuel Cates from Ogden Called upon me And asked me to Fill a Carr with 20,000 lbs of flour to take to the starving people of Nebraskia. Cash Valley furnished 6,500 lbs. I ordered 1 br[ought?] Bishop Preston 14,000 lbs. to fill the Cars at Richmond making 20,500 lbs which we donate as a Church for that suffering People. I received a Letter from Asahel.
[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 - Jan 21, 1890
[James E. Talmage]
Talmage delivers a lecture regarding evolution at the University of Deseret.
[Chronology of the Life and Work of James E. Talmage, J. Trevor Antley, https://docs.google.com/document/d/1MJsHY83JZL_n6CjWq11y1trT_CVXMMXAx2uYOWAwn0c/edit#heading=h.2zfdaoa]
Talmage delivers a lecture regarding evolution at the University of Deseret.
[Chronology of the Life and Work of James E. Talmage, J. Trevor Antley, https://docs.google.com/document/d/1MJsHY83JZL_n6CjWq11y1trT_CVXMMXAx2uYOWAwn0c/edit#heading=h.2zfdaoa]
175 years ago today - Jan 21, 1845
Brigham Young writes for "the saints in Kirtland to come to Nauvoo, that all who have faith in the latter-day work may be united with us in building the Temple." He also writes to "Elder Jedediah M. Grant, Philadelphia, counseling him to forward all the young men and other available help he could to build the Temple."
180 years ago today - Jan 21, 1840. Tuesday.
[William Clayton]
... Brother Woodruff laid hands on my head and spoke to this effect. Dear Brother Wm. I lay my hands upon thy head. [Six illegible lines.] Brother, thou art of the blood of Ephraim. Thou art one of the house of Joseph. Thou art one of those who will stand upon the mount Zion with the 144,000. God shall give thee great wisdom. ... Thy life has been hid up with Christ in God and thou hast known it not, and I seal thee up with eternal life and while thou remainst faithful no power shall prevail against thee nor be able to take thy life. ...
[George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://amzn.to/william-clayton]
... Brother Woodruff laid hands on my head and spoke to this effect. Dear Brother Wm. I lay my hands upon thy head. [Six illegible lines.] Brother, thou art of the blood of Ephraim. Thou art one of the house of Joseph. Thou art one of those who will stand upon the mount Zion with the 144,000. God shall give thee great wisdom. ... Thy life has been hid up with Christ in God and thou hast known it not, and I seal thee up with eternal life and while thou remainst faithful no power shall prevail against thee nor be able to take thy life. ...
[George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://amzn.to/william-clayton]
180 years ago today - 1840: 21 January
[Patriarchal Blessing of Martha Jane Knowlton, given by Joseph Smith Sen.]
... ere long thou shalt be filled with spirit of prophecy, gift of Tongues, and instruct the Lamanites in needle work; for the spirit testifies, these things were predicted at thy confirmation; and if faithful shall abide until Christ shall come. God shall bless thee all the way through life. Thou shalt not marry a Gentile for this is contrary to the order of heaven. ... I seal thee against the powers of darkness, and say, in the name of the Lord Jesus thou shalt not die, but shalt be changed in the twinkling of an eye and shalt be caught up to meet Him in the air. And I seal thee up unto Eternal Life, Even so Amen."
[Howard Coray autobiography, LDS Archives as quoted in Selected LDS Patriarchal Blessings, New Mormon Studies CD ROM, Signature Book, 2009, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
... ere long thou shalt be filled with spirit of prophecy, gift of Tongues, and instruct the Lamanites in needle work; for the spirit testifies, these things were predicted at thy confirmation; and if faithful shall abide until Christ shall come. God shall bless thee all the way through life. Thou shalt not marry a Gentile for this is contrary to the order of heaven. ... I seal thee against the powers of darkness, and say, in the name of the Lord Jesus thou shalt not die, but shalt be changed in the twinkling of an eye and shalt be caught up to meet Him in the air. And I seal thee up unto Eternal Life, Even so Amen."
[Howard Coray autobiography, LDS Archives as quoted in Selected LDS Patriarchal Blessings, New Mormon Studies CD ROM, Signature Book, 2009, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
35 years ago today - Jan 20, 1985
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints becomes the fifth-largest denomination in the United States.
105 years ago today - Jan 20, 1915
Office of The First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Prest. Serge F. Ballif, Logan
Dear Brother:
We are greatly in need of lady missionaries in the United States Missions, and would be pleased to receive from you the names of sisters who are physically and financially able to perform missions, and whom you can recommend.
Care should be exercised in selecting lady missionaries. They should be good, steady, representative women, not too young, with a good education and knowledge of the Gospel, and who have had experience in the auxiliary organizations of the Church.
We are especially in need of a few stenographers, and hope you will also be able to suggest sisters qualified for this labor. Your brethren, JOSEPH F. SMITH, ANTHON H. LUND, CHARLES W. PENROSE, First Presidency.
[1915-January 20-Original letter. Church Historian's Library, as quoted in Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
Dear Brother:
We are greatly in need of lady missionaries in the United States Missions, and would be pleased to receive from you the names of sisters who are physically and financially able to perform missions, and whom you can recommend.
Care should be exercised in selecting lady missionaries. They should be good, steady, representative women, not too young, with a good education and knowledge of the Gospel, and who have had experience in the auxiliary organizations of the Church.
We are especially in need of a few stenographers, and hope you will also be able to suggest sisters qualified for this labor. Your brethren, JOSEPH F. SMITH, ANTHON H. LUND, CHARLES W. PENROSE, First Presidency.
[1915-January 20-Original letter. Church Historian's Library, as quoted in Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
130 years ago today - Jan 20, 1890
Utah Supreme Court rules that polygamous children cannot inherit from their father, even though the Utah law since 1852 guaranteed: "Illegitimate children and their mothers inherit in like manner from the father, whether acknowledged by him or not."
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
160 years ago today - Jan 20, 1860
I went to the office in the morning. I there learned that Joseph Rhodes was killed by Jason Luce last evening in Butchers House whare William Hickman lay. [Hickman was recovering from wounds from an earlier gunfight.] Rhodes Came to the House and said he wanted to see Hickman. Luce said he could not. Rhodes swore he would or die on the spot and drew two pistols one Cocked in Each hand and presented them at Luce. Luce drew his knife and sprung at Rhodes and struck him in the Right Breast & the knife went through his body. Ormas Bates sprung at the same time and Caught hold of Each pistol and turned the muzzles up. Luce Continued to thrust the knife into Rhodes and he soon fell and as he began to Fall He snaped the both pistols but the hammer struck Bates Hand and did not go off. Luce Continued to stab him untill he had Eleven gashes through his body.
I went down to see the Corps. It had been washed and laid on a Board Naked. I never saw a Body so Cut up. The poliece took the body From Hickman to the City Hall whare I saw the Body. Luce gave himself up to the Poliece.
I spent the day in the office. Luce had his trial in the evening and was acquited upon the plea of self Defense.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
I went down to see the Corps. It had been washed and laid on a Board Naked. I never saw a Body so Cut up. The poliece took the body From Hickman to the City Hall whare I saw the Body. Luce gave himself up to the Poliece.
I spent the day in the office. Luce had his trial in the evening and was acquited upon the plea of self Defense.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
160 years ago today - Jan 20, 1860
[Brigham Young]
Brother Pyper called upon the President in relation to a family affliction. His first wife was a sufferer from a disease of the heart which was attended with such distressing feeling that she committed suicide. The President remarked to him she had done wrong but by no means had committed the unpardonable sin and in course of time a proxy could be appointed who could be baptized for her. -- Salt Lake City
[Brigham Young Office Journals, Special Collections, Merrill-Cazier Library, Utah State University, Logan.; Archives, Church History Library, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City, Utah.; New Mormon Studies CD-ROM as quoted in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
Brother Pyper called upon the President in relation to a family affliction. His first wife was a sufferer from a disease of the heart which was attended with such distressing feeling that she committed suicide. The President remarked to him she had done wrong but by no means had committed the unpardonable sin and in course of time a proxy could be appointed who could be baptized for her. -- Salt Lake City
[Brigham Young Office Journals, Special Collections, Merrill-Cazier Library, Utah State University, Logan.; Archives, Church History Library, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City, Utah.; New Mormon Studies CD-ROM as quoted in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)