180 years ago today - Jul 27, 1842

Joseph Smith receives a revelation giving the words of a polygamous marriage ceremony. The words were used by Newel K. Whitney to seal his 17-year-old daughter Sarah Ann to Joseph Smith the same day. Newell is promised that the marriage will bring eternal life to his household, including his posterity. Sarah is given to Joseph, but Joseph is not given to Sarah. The same practice occurs in sealing ceremonies in the temple today. The ceremony invokes ancient priesthood lines, which will "concentrate" through their posterity. The mention of posterity indicates the marriage was to produce children. The ceremony concludes sealing eternal life on Joseph and Sarah.