A Careful Examination

Highlights from recently leaked documents (2017)

2017-09-27T00:00:00+00:00

No SSA missionaries allowed</h2>
From Jan 8, 2016 Area Council Meeting Minutes</a>:

Same sex attraction of missionaries. It is critical that these issues are known and understood prior to a missionary being called. They don’t stay in the field if we know about them. </blockquote>
An anecdote was advanced suggesting this was recently applied: here</a>. An anecdote from 2006 of someone who served while out of the closet</a> and an undated anecdote</a>.
Apparently Greg Prince just stated on his radio west podcast</a> that SSA missionaries can serve on a mission and that this was a sign of progress.
Worthiness interviews need to be specific and explicit</h2> From Jan 8, 2016 Area Council Meeting Minutes</a>:

Worthiness interviews need to be specific and explicit (emphasis added) </blockquote>
This instruction lends credence to the idea that invasive interviews are not anomalous but rather prescribed. In light of that instruction, consider whether these anecdotes are anomolous or whether Church instruction has some precipitous influence on them:
Bishops may ask very probing questions about sexuality, particularly to those about to serve a mission (example</a>)</li>
Bishops may ask children as young as 8 years old if they touch themselves (example</a>, recording</a>).</li>
Some leaders ask youth and adults about their orgasms and sexual positions as they probe regarding masturbation and past sexual transgressions. testimonials</a></li>
A leader, at their discretion, may ask an individual to reconfess *all past sins to whatever previous point in time they deem relevant (**for example</a>, “‘all transgressions’ committed since your first sealing, even those that have already been resolved by church authorities”)</li>*
Missionaries frequently confess and reconfess all their sins in an effort to become worthy (example</a>)</li>
Bishops may conduct frequent and invasive interviews at their discretion and may use social media to find evidence of indiscretion (example</a> )</li> </ul>
Discipline</h2>
Lawyer 70s sent to assist in high-profile discipline</h3>
From June 10, 2016 Area Seventies Minutes</a>:

Elders Bangerter and McKay will be working with Elder Dewsnup to assist stake presidents with disciplinary situations where the matter may become public or involve media attention. Their involvement can come at the request of a General Authority, Area Seventy or Stake President. Issues may include: same sex marriage, ordained women, transgender issues, or other items that may not be addressed in the Church Handbook. These are not normal disciplinary situations. They will walk through procedures with the stake president and help him design a measured way to deal with the situation. Problems arise when priesthood leaders act in a precipitous way. Your role as Area Seventies is still essential. </blockquote>
Leaders unwilling to address discipline may be released</h3>
From here</a>

Stake presidents and bishops who are unwilling to address disciplinary matters are subject to being released. </blockquote>
Which confirms what Dehlin and Snuffer said about their Stake Presidents.

Both statements on discipline should be contrasted with this Deseret News article</a>:

Each of the [stake] presidents said local decision-making is critical and in fact is a product of what Mormons know as priesthood keys. Stake presidents have priesthood authority for their stakes that no else has, not even the church’s general authorities. </blockquote>

Those priesthood keys give them the divine right to direct inspiration for their stakes and the members in them. All three [stake presidents] said they never have consulted with general authorities about a disciplinary hearing. </blockquote>
And this from the Newsroom</a>:

…local leaders have the responsibility to clarify false teachings and prevent other members from being misled. Decisions are made by local leaders and not directed or coordinated by Church headquarters. </blockquote>
So, the statements are technically correct but at least somewhat misleading.

Asking: What is the complete list of books held in the the vault?

2017-06-12T00:00:00+00:00

Submitted the following to the Church History Library:
https://chl.libraryresearch.info/reft100.aspx?pmi=XWDEKHOHSt

Please state your question </blockquote>
What is the complete list of items, resources, and books held by the Church in its vault? What is the complete list of items, resources, and books not publicly accessible or (to this point) not known to exist by the general public?
If that list cannot be released (for some reason or other), can you provide me with an estimate of the number of books or journals that are currently being held but which are not publicly accessible or currently unknown by the general public?
The Church has recently been pushing for increased transparency, so it seems like this kind of question may now be asked with some hope that it may be answered.
Thank you!

Places already looked </blockquote>
Some googling on the topic, but nothing authoritative could be found :(

I submitted and received the following immediate reply:

Your query, request, comment or information has been logged with our service and will be addressed by the next available staff member. It has been assigned the number CH73849. Please record this number for future reference. </blockquote>

[June 27, 2017]
Response to CH73849
Our response is:
[bwv549],
I apologize for the delay in responding to your request. The question you are asking may not have been answered in the past, not because the department was trying to hide anything, but because there is no easy way to answer it. A report could be run easily enough to produce the numbers of collections currently coded to “open” and the number coded to “closed,” but that would not give you accurate information. There are a few reasons why.

Before any item can be opened to the public, it needs to be reviewed for content that is considered sacred, private, or confidential (SPC). (For more information about that, click here</a>.) You’ll find that any archival institution around the country has similar policies. In decades past, the cataloging practice with any newly acquired item was to do just the bare bones cataloging (author, title, a few subject headings, etc.) so it could be searchable in the catalog, but then to close it to the public until a more thorough review of content could be done. Usually those items just remained closed to the public indefinitely until someone requested access to them. At that point, the review was done and the item was either opened to the public or remained closed because some form of SPC was found. There are still a lot of items in our collection that are coded as “closed”, not because there is any issue with them, but because they simply have not been reviewed and completely processed. We are still working through those as we receive requests for them.</li>
In the past, if an item was coded as “closed” because SPC was found during the review process, the entire collection would have to be closed because there was no way for us to make only portions of it available. For example, lets say someone donated a collection containing correspondence, journals, photographs, etc. of their great-great grandfather and in one of the journals, he dedicated a half a page to giving a detailed description of one of the temple ordinances. Because the items were all cataloged as a single collection, in any report we run, that collection is going to show up as closed, even though the journal is the only thing that we would restrict. We have similar issues to collections on microfilm only. If a single item on the film has an issue, everything on the film has to be closed. It’s been a real issue until the last several years. Recently, our developers have given us the ability to redact specific portions which has alleviate the problem. Now we can go in and digitize that entire collection, redact the few sentences that talk about the temple and open the entire rest of the collection to the public online. There are a lot of items in our collection like that. We simply have not gotten to the digitization and redaction process for all of them.</li>
Sometimes items are closed only for a certain period of time. For example, when we do oral histories or collect personal journals occasionally the donor will ask us to restrict the item for ten years until after his/her death. It is not our choice, there is no SPC content, but we have to honor the donor’s wishes. We don’t yet have a systematic way of changing the coding for those items those restrictions expire. We change them as we come across them or as they are brought to our attention because a patron is requesting access to them. Having said all that, even if an item has been reviewed, and the record is up to date and it is still closed to the public, we still allow people to request access to items that we have determined should be closed indefinitely. They need to explain why they need access and what they are going to do with the information, and of course, sometimes the answer is still ‘no’, depending on what it is, but more often than you would think, permission is granted in one way or another.</li> </ol>
So, I could run a report and give you the raw numbers, but those numbers would be such a wildly inaccurate representation of how much of our collections are truly accessible to the public that I’m not going to do that. However, if there is anything in our collection that you are interested in specifically, and you are having difficulty accessing it, please let us know. We can explain the reason for the restriction, determine if that restriction is still valid, make adjustments, if necessary, and do everything we can to get you the information you need.
I hope that helps.
Sincerely,
[Librarian's Name] Reference Librarian Church History Library </code></pre>
Never love your wives one hair's breadth further than they adorn the Gospel 1856-06-15T00:00:00+00:00 Journal of Discourses vol 3, pg 360–361</a> A Discourse by President Brigham Young, Delivered in the Bowery, Great Salt Lake City, June 15, 1856. I will speak a little more upon placing your affections on beings who are not worthy of them. Take a Prophet, an Apostle, a man of God, one who is just as good in his calling and capacity as Jesus Christ was in his, a man who has adorned the doctrine of his profession, until he is sealed up unto eternal lives by the power of the Priesthood, one who is sure of a glorious resurrection, and let him desire to have a wife. Now suppose that he gains the affection of a lovely woman and marries her, how much shall that righteous man love that woman? Shall he say, “I love this woman to such a degree that I will go to hell rather than not have her, I will do even this rather than lose my wife?” No, for you ought to love a woman only so far as she adorns the doctrine you profess; so far as she adorns that doctrine, just so far let your love extend to her. When will she be worthy of the full extent of your affection? When she has lived long enough to secure to herself a glorious resurrection and an eternal exaltation as your companion, and never until then. Elders, never love your wives one hair’s breadth further than they adorn the Gospel, never love them so but that you can leave them at a moment’s warning without shedding a tear. Should you love a child any more than this? No. Here are Apostles and Prophets who are destined to be exalted with the Gods, to become rulers in the kingdoms of our Father, to become equal with the Father and the Son, and will you let your affections be unduly placed on anything this side that kingdom and glory? If you do, you disgrace your calling and Priesthood. The very moment that persons in this Church suffer their affections to be immoderately placed upon an object this side the celestial kingdom, they disgrace their profession and calling. When you love your wives and children, are fond of your horses, your carriages, your fine houses, your goods and chattels, or anything of an earthly nature, before your affections become too strong, wait until you and your family are sealed up unto eternal lives, and you know they are yours from that time henceforth and forever. I will now ask the sisters, do you believe that you are worthy of any greater love than you bestow upon your children? Do you believe that you should be beloved by your husbands and parents any further than you acknowledge and practice the principle of eternal lives? Every person who understands this principle would answer in a moment, “Let no being’s affections be placed upon me any further than mine are on eternal principles—principles that are calculated to endure and exalt me, and bring me up to be an heir of God and a joint heir with Jesus Christ.” This is what every person who has a correct understanding would say. Owing to the weaknesses of human nature you often see a mother mourn upon the death of her child, the tears of bitterness are found upon her cheeks, her pillow is wet with the dews of sorrow, anguish, and mourning for her child, and she exclaims, “O that my infant were restored to me,” and weeps day and night. To me such conduct is unwise, for until that child returned to its Father, was it worthy of your fullest love? No, for it was imperfect, but now it is secure in the bosom of the Father, to dwell there to all eternity; now it is in a condition where it is worthy of your perfect love, and your anxiety and effort should be that you may enter at the same gate to immortality. When the wife secures to herself a glorious resurrection, she is worthy of the full measure of the love of the faithful husband, but never before. And when a man has passed through the veil, and secured to himself an eternal exaltation, he is then worthy of the love of his wife and children, and not until then, unless he has received the promise of and is sealed up unto eternal lives. Then he may be an object fully worthy of their affections and love on the earth, and not before. I will now briefly call your minds to the principle of being one. Do you not comprehend that you ought to have your affections concentrated in the kingdom of God on the earth? As I observed here last Sabbath, I do not reflect much whether I have friends or foes, or care one groat about it. I do not care whether you take my counsel or not, provided you take the counsel of the Almighty. I do not care what the people do, if they will only serve God and build up this kingdom. I do not care what become of the things of this world, of the gold, of the silver, of the houses and of the lands, so we have power to gather the house of Israel, redeem Zion, and establish the kingdom of God on the earth. I would not give a cent for all the rest. True, these things which the Lord bestows upon us are for our comfort, for our happiness and convenience, but everything must be devoted to the building up of the kingdom of God on the earth. I may say that this Gospel is to spread to the nations of the earth, Israel is to be gathered, Zion redeemed, and the land of Joseph, which is the land of Zion, is to be in the possession of the Saints, if the Lord Almighty lets me live; and if I go behind the veil somebody else must see to it. My brethren must bear it off shoulder to shoulder. We must be of one heart and one mind and roll forth this kingdom; and when we get the first Presidency, the Twelve, and so on, shoulder to shoulder to forward the kingdom, wives and children, what are you going to do? Will you pull another way? No, but let your affections, faith, and all your works be with your husbands, and be obedient to them as unto the Lord. And husbands, serve the Lord with all your hearts, and then we shall be a blessed people, and be of one heart and mind, and the Lord will withhold no good thing from us, but we shall put down the power of Satan, walk triumphantly through the world, preach the Gospel and gather the Saints. I say then, let us be faithful, and may God bless you. Amen. Millenial Star - Who is the Liar? 1850-01-15T00:00:00+00:00 Millenial Star Vo. 12, 1850</a> no. 2</li> pg 29-31 (standalone PDF)</a></li> </ul> Note that Elizabeth Brotherton (“Martha Brotherton’s sister” who “sent a letter, stating that Marth was a liar”) by this time (1850) had been married polygamously to Parley P. Pratt for about 6.5 years</a>. January 1, 1850 (emphasis added) WHO IS THE LIAR? … 12th Lie.—Joseph Smith taught a system of polygamy. 12th Refutation.—The Revelations given through Joseph Smith, state the following:—“If any commit adultery, they shall be dealt with according to the law of God.” Page 127.—“He that looketh upon a woman to lust after her; or, if any commit adultery in their hearts, they shall not have the Spirit.” Page 150.—“Thou shalt love they wife, and shalt cleave unto her, and none else.” Page 124.—“We believe that one man should have one wife.” Doctrine and Covenants, page 331. 13th Lie.—That Joseph Smith tried to seduce Martha Brotherton. 13th Refutation.—Mr. Bowes knows that Martha Brotherton’s sister sent a letter, stating that Martha was a liar; William Clayton did the same. Both are published in the Millenial Star, Vol. 3, pages 73, 74. … Time and Seasons May 1, 1845 'Mormonism Unveiled' 1845-05-01T00:00:00+00:00 Times and Seasons Vol 6 (at BYU)</a> no 8.</li> pgs 893-895 (standalone PDF)</a> </li> </ul> Note that John Taylor had four wives</a> when he published and endorsed this letter as editor of the Times and Seasons. May 1, 1845 (emboldening is mine, all other emphasis is in original) From the Kalamazoo (Mich.) Gazette. MORMONISM UNVEILED. Dear Sir:—To condemn unheard, any man or set of men or their principles, on the strength of popular rumor, or the testimony of enemies, would be gross injustice. An impartial investigation should always precede condemnation. The Latter-day Saints are charged by their enemies, with the blackest crimes. Treason, murder, theft, polygamy, and adultery, are among the many crimes laid to their charge.—The press reiterates and gives publicity to these charges. Under these circumstances, it is but right, that they should be heard in their defence. I shall, therefore, in this communication, briefly examine and refute a few of the charges, for it would need a legion of writers to answer all the lies told about us. Most of the stories against the Mormons have been propagated by apostates and traitors. (who have generally been cut off from the church for their crimes.) They publish their lies, and straightway they are believed, and hawked about as awful disclosures, and received by community with trembling and holy horror. Signey Rigdon, I see by the papers, as made an exposition of Mormonism, charging Joseph Smith and the Mormons with polygamy, &c. It does not require a very sagacious mind to fathom Mr. Rigdon’s motive for so doing. Soon after the murder of the Smiths, he declared in a public address in Nauvoo that Joseph Smith died approved of God—that the Latter-day Saints were a blessed people, &c. His toneis now changed, and why? Because he sought to be presiding elder, and on account of his corruption, was rejected. On the 10th of September, last he was tried before the church and excommunicated as a schismatic. If he knew such enormities to exist among the Mormons, why did he call them a blessed people, and endeavor to place himself at the head of their church? Mr. Ridgon’s spiritual wife system was never known till it was hatched by John C. Bennett who was cut off from the church for seduction. As to the charge of polygamy, I will quote from the Book of Doctrine and Covenants, which is the subscribed faith of the church and is strictly enforced. Article Marriage, sec. 91, par. 4 says, “Insasmuch as this church of Christ has been reproached with the crime of fornication and polygamy, we declare that we believe that one man should have BUT ONE WIFE and one woman but one husband except in case of death when either is at liberty to marry again.” Sec. 13, par. 7. Thou shalt love they wife with all thy heart and shall cleave unto her and NONE ELSE.“ In ancient days the church was troubled with traitors, and always will be till God cleanses the earth, and restores the government of his Son. Paul says he was in perils among false brethren; again he says, “know this that, in the last days perilous times shall come, for men shall be TRAITORS, FALSE ACCUSERS, INCONTINENT, fierce despiser of those that are good.” No wonder then that apostates rage, or that the fulness of truth revealed again should bring a storm of persecution. … Yours, &c., E. M. WEBB Time and Seasons November 15, 1844 - An Old Man of Israel 1844-11-15T00:00:00+00:00 Times and Seasons Vol 5 (at BYU)</a> no 21.</li> pg 715 (standalone PDF)</a> </li> </ul> Note that on pg. 711</a> , John Taylor, editor of the Times and Seasons, certifies the letter from the Old Man of Israel: For the communication of an “Old man of Israel,” and the letter of Elder Addison Pratt from the islands of the Pacific Ocean, we bespeak a hearty welcome. They are genuine. </blockquote> Also note that John Taylor had four wives</a> when he published and endorsed this letter as editor of the Times and Seasons. November 15, 1844 (emphasis added) To the Editor of the Times and Seasons: THE APOSTLES AND APOSTATES … The saints of the last days have witnessed the outgoings and incomings of so many apostates that nothing but truth has any effect upon them. In the present instance, after the sham quotations of Sidney and his clique, from the Bible, Book of Mormon, and Doctrine and Covenants, to skulk off, under the “dreadful splendor” of “spiritual wifery,” which is brought into the account as graciously as if the law of the land allowed a man a plurality of wives, is fiendish, and like the rest of Sidney’s revelation, just because he wanted “to go to Pittsburg and live.” Wo to the man or men who will thus wilfully lie to injure an innocent people! The law of the land and the rules of the church do not allow one man to have more than one wife alive at once, but if any man’s wife die, he has a right to marry another, and to be sealed to both for eternity; to the living and the dead! there is no law of God or man against it! This is all the spiritual wife system that was ever tolerated in the church, and they know it. … AN OLD MAN OF ISRAEL Address of the Prophet: His Testimony Against the Dissenters at Nauvoo. 1844-05-26T00:00:00+00:00 Copied from History of the Church, vol. 6 ch. 19</a> hosted at BYU studies.</li> Slight more context and explanatory footnotes can be found in The Words of Joseph Smith: The Contemporary Accounts of the Nauvoo Discourses of the Prophet Joseph, 26 May 1844 (Sunday Morning)</a>. In particular this note about provenance: The report of this discourse published in History of the Church was made by Thomas Bullock, but has either been lost or misplaced. The brief accounts by Willard Richards (Joseph Smith Diary) and Thomas Bullock (personal diary) are here published for the first time. </blockquote> Joseph Smith Diary, by Willard Richards: “10 A M. preached at the stand about Joseph Jackson and the Mobocrats.”</li> Thomas Bullock Diary: “At the Stand recording J. Smith’s sermon. —26 May 1844”</li> </ul> </li> FairMormon’s contextualization</a></li> </ul> (emphasis added) May 26, 1844 Sunday, 26.–At 10 A.M. I preached at the Stand. The following synopsis was reported by Mr. Thos. Bullock, clerk of the steamer, Maid of Iowa. Address of the Prophet–His Testimony Against the Dissenters at Nauvoo.</h4> President Joseph Smith read the 11th Chap. 2 Corinthians. My object is to let you know that I am right here on the spot where I intend to stay. I, like Paul, have been in perils, and oftener than anyone in this generation. As Paul boasted, I have suffered more than Paul did. I should be like a fish out of water, if I were out of persecutions. Perhaps my brethren think it requires all this to keep me humble. The Lord has constituted me so curiously that I glory in persecution. I am not nearly so humble as if I were not persecuted. If oppression will make a wise man mad, much more a fool. If they want a beardless boy to whip all the world, I will get on the top of a mountain and crow like a rooster; I shall always beat them. When facts are proved, truth and innocence will prevail at last. My enemies are no philosophers: they think that when they have my spoke under, they will keep me down–but for the fools, I will hold on and fly over them. God is in the still small voice. In all these affidavits, indictments, it is all of the devil–all corruption. Come on! ye prosecutors! ye false swearers! All hell, boil over! Ye burning mountains, roll down your lava! for I will come out on the top at last. I have more to boast of than ever any man had. I am the only man that has ever been able to keep a whole church together since the days of Adam. A large majority of the whole have stood by me. Neither Paul, John, Peter, nor Jesus ever did it. I boast that no man ever did such a work as I. The followers of Jesus ran away from Him; but the Latter-day Saints never ran away from me yet. You know my daily walk and conversation. I am in the bosom of a virtuous and good people. How I do love to hear the wolves howl! When they can get rid of me, the devil will also go. For the last three years I have a record of all my acts and proceedings, for I have kept several good, faithful, and efficient clerks in constant employ: they have accompanied me everywhere, and carefully kept my history, and they have written down what I have done, where I have been, and what I have said; therefore my enemies cannot charge me with any day, time, or place, but what I have written testimony to prove my actions; and my enemies cannot prove anything against me. They have got wonderful things in the land of Ham. I think the grand jury have strained at a gnat and swallowed the camel. [Page 409] A man named Simpson says I made an affidavit against him, &c. Mr. Simpson says I arrested him. I never arrested Mr. Simpson in my life. He says I made an affidavit against him, I never made an affidavit against him in my life. I will prove it in court. I will tell you how it was: Last winter I got ready with my children to go to the farm to kill hogs. Orrin P. Rockwell was going to drive. An Englishman came in and wanted a private conversation with me. I told him I did not want any private conversations. “I demand one of you!” Such a one I am bound to obey anyhow. Said he–“I want a warrant against the man who stabbed Brother Badham. He said it was a man who boarded at Davis’. He said it was Mr. Simpson–it answered his description. I said I had no jurisdiction out of the city. He said–“The man must be arrested, or else he will go away.” I told him–“You must go to Squire Wells, Johnson, or Foster.” Mr. Lytle stepped up and said–“I am a policeman.” I jumped into my carriage, and away I went. When I came back I met Mr. Jackson. He said–“You did wrong in arresting Mr. Simpson.” I told him I did not do it. I went over and sat down, and related the circumstances. He turned round and said–“Mr. Smith, I have nothing against you; I am satisfied.” He went and supped with me. He declared in the presence of witnesses, that he had nothing against me. I then said–I will go over to Esquire Johnson, and testify what the Englishman told me.“ I told him not to make out that I believe he is the man, but that I believe he is innocent. I don’t want to swear that he is the man. Messrs. Coolidge, Rockwell, Hatfield, and Hawes were present. Mr. Johnson made one [a complaint] out in due form: and as I sat down in a bustle the same as I do when one of the clerks brings a deed for me to sign. Johnson read it. I said–“I can’t swear to that affidavit; I don’t believe it, tear up that paper.” Mr. Simpson agreed to come before Badham and make it up. I did not swear to it [i. e. to the complaint.] [Page 410] After a while, Dr. Foster and others came in. They called me up to testify. I told it all the same as I do here. Mr. Simpson rose up, and asked–“Do you believe now that I am the man who stabbed Mr. Badham?” I replied–“No sir, I do not now, nor ever did: the magistrate says I did not swear to it.” He considered, and made a public declaration that he was satisfied with me. Aaron Johnson went before the grand jury and swore I did not swear to it. when Dr. Foster goes and swears that I swore to it, and that he was in the room when he was not in. Chauncey wanted me to stay and have a conversation. Dr. Foster asked Aaron Johnson for the writ and affidavit. He handed them to Dr. Foster, who read them, and then threw them into the fire. I said–“Doctor, you ought not to have burned it; it was my paper.” Dr. Foster goes to the grand jury and swears he did not burn only one; but I say he burnt both. This is a fair sample of the swearing that is going on against me. The last discharge was the 40th; now the 41st, 42nd, 43rd; all through falsehood. Matters of fact are as profitable as the Gospel, and which I can prove. You will then know who are liars, and who speak the truth I want to retain your friendship on holy grounds. Another indictment has been got up against me. It appears a holy prophet has arisen up, and he has testified against me; the reason is, he is so holy. The Lord knows I do not care how many churches are in the world. As many as believe me, may. If the doctrine that I preach is true, the tree must be good. I have prophesied things that have come to pass, and can still. Inasmuch as there is a new church, this must be old, and of course we ought to be set down as orthodox. From henceforth let all the churches now no longer persecute orthodoxy. I never built upon any other man’s ground. I never told the old Catholic that he was a fallen true prophet God knows, then, that the charges against me are false. I had not been married scarcely five minutes, and made one proclamation of the Gospel, before it was reported that I had seven wives. I mean to live and proclaim the truth as long as I can. This new holy prophet [William Law] has gone to Carthage and swore that I had told him that I was guilty of adultery. This spiritual wifeism! Why, a man dares not speak or wink, for fear of being accused of this. William Law testified before forty policemen, and the assembly room full of witnesses, that he testified under oath that he never had heard or seen or knew anything immoral or criminal against me. He testified under oath that he was my friend, and not the “Brutus.” There was a cogitation who was the “Brutus.” I had not prophesied against William Law. He swore under oath that he was satisfied that he was ready to lay down his life for me, and he swears that I have committed adultery. [Page 411] I wish the grand jury would tell me who they are–whether it will be a curse or blessing to me. I am quite tired of the fools asking me. A man asked me whether the commandment was given that a man may have seven wives; and now the new prophet has charged me with adultery. I never had any fuss with these men until that Female Relief Society brought out the paper against adulterers and adulteresses. Dr. Goforth was invited into the Laws’ clique, and Dr. Foster and the clique were dissatisfied with that document, and they rush away and leave the Church, and conspire to take away my life; and because I will not countenance such wickedness, they proclaim that I have been a true prophet, but that I am now a fallen prophet. Jackson has committed murder, robbery, and perjury; and I can prove it by half-a-dozen witnesses. Jackson got up and said–“By God, he is innocent,” and now swears that I am guilty. He threatened my life. There is another Law, not the prophet, who was cashiered for dishonesty and robbing the government. Wilson Law also swears that I told him I was guilty of adultery. Brother Jonathan Dunham can swear to the contrary. I have been chained. I have rattled chains before in a dungeon for the truth’s sake. I am innocent of all these charges, and you can bear witness of my innocence, for you know me yourselves. When I love the poor, I ask no favors of the rich. I can go to the cross–I can lay down my life; but don’t forsake me. I want the friendship of my brethren.–Let us teach the things of Jesus Christ. Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a downfall. Be meek and lowly, upright and pure; render good for evil. If you bring on yourselves your own destruction, I will complain. It is not right for a man to bare down his neck to the oppressor always. Be humble and patient in all circumstances of life; we shall then triumph more gloriously. What a thing it is for a man to be accused of committing adultery, and having seven wives, when I can only find one. I am the same man, and as innocent as I was fourteen years ago; and I can prove them all perjurers. I labored with these apostates myself until I was out of all manner of patience; and then I sent my brother Hyrum, whom they virtually kicked out of doors. I then sent Mr. Backenstos, when they declared that they were my enemies. I told Mr. Backenstos that he might tell the Laws, if they had any cause against me I would go before the Church, and confess it to the world. He [Wm. Law] was summoned time and again, but refused to come. Dr. Bernhisel and Elder Rigdon know that I speak the truth. I cite you to Captain Dunham, Esquires Johnson and Wells, Brother Hatfield and others, for the truth of what I have said. I have said this to let my friends know that I am right. [Page 412] As I grow older, my heart grows tenderer for you. I am at all times willing to give up everything that is wrong, for I wish this people to have a virtuous leader, I have set your minds at liberty by letting you know the things of Christ Jesus. When I shrink not from your defense will you throw me away for a new man who slanders you? I love you for your reception of me. Have I asked you for your money? No; you know better. I appeal to the poor. I say, Cursed be that man or woman who says that I have taken of your money unjustly. Brother Babbitt will address you. I have nothing in my heart but good feelings. I rode out in the afternoon. On my return, my lawyers, Col. Richardson and Almon W. Babbitt, called upon me on the subject of the writs which were out against me. Time and Seasons March 15, 1844 1844-03-15T00:00:00+00:00 Times and Seasons Vol 5 (at BYU)</a> no 6.</li> pg 474 (standalone PDF)</a> </li> </ul> Hyrum Smith had two polygamous wives by this time</a> (see pgs 25-27). Nauvoo March 15, 1844. To the brethren of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints living on China Creek, in Hancock County, Greeting:—Whereas Brother Richard Hewitt has called on me to-day, to know my views concerning some doctrines that are preached in your place, and states to me that some of your elders say, that a man having a certain priesthood, may have as many wives as he pleases, and that doctrine is taught here: I say unto you that that man teaches false doctrine, for there is no such doctrine taught here; neither is there any such thing practised here. And any man that is found teaching privately or publicly any such doctrine, is culpable, and will stand a chance to be brought before the High Council, and lose his license and membership also: therefore he had better beware what he is about. … In the bonds of the everlasting covenant, I am Your obedient servant, HYRUM SMITH Time and Seasons February 1, 1844 Notice 1844-02-01T00:00:00+00:00 Times and Seasons Vol 5 (at BYU)</a> no 3.</li> pg 423 (standalone PDF)</a> </li> </ul> February 1, 1844 NOTICE As we have lately been credibly informed, that an Elder of the Church of Jesus Christ, of Latter-day Saints, by the name of Hiram Brown, has been preaching Polygamy, and other false and corrupt doctrines, in the county of Lapeer state of Michigan. This is to notify him and the Church in general, that he has been cut off from the church, for his iniquity; and he is further notified to appear at the Special Conference, on the 6th of April next, to make answer to these charges. JOSEPH SMITH, HYRUM SMITH, Presidents of said Church. Letter to editor from 'H. R.' - Times and Seasons, 15 March 1843 1843-03-15T00:00:00+00:00 Times and Seasons Vol 4. (at BYU)</a> No. 9</li> pg 143 (standalone PDF)</a></li> </ul> John Taylor was editor of the Times and Seasons</a>, was in Joseph’s inner circle</a>, and had likely been taught about polygamy by this time</a>. Taylor would take his first polygamous wife by the end of the 1843</a>. March 15, 1843 Mr. Editor, SIR— … We are charged with advocating a plurality of wives, and common property. Now this is as false as the many other ridiculous charges which are brought against us. No sect have a greater reverence for the laws of matrimony, or the rights of private property, and we do what others do not, practice what we preach … … I remain, sir, your obliged servant, H. R. On Marriage - 1842 Times and Seasons vol 3, no 23 1842-10-01T00:00:00+00:00 Times and Seasons Vol 3 (at BYU)</a> no 23,</li> pg 939 (standalone PDF)</a></li> </ul> October 1, 1842 According to the custom of all civilized nations, marriage is regulated by laws and ceremonies: therefore we believe, that all marriages in this church of Christ of Latter Day Saints, should be solemnized in a public meeting, or feast, prepared for that purpose: and that the solemnization should be performed by a presiding high priest, high priest, bishop, elder, or priest, not even prohibiting those persons who are desirous to get married, of being married by other authority.-We believe that it is not right to prohibit members of this church from marrying out of the church, if it be their determination so to do, but such persons will be considered weak in the faith of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Marriage should be celebrated with prayer and thanksgiving; and at the solemnization, the persons to be married, standing together, the man on the right, and the woman on the left, shall be addressed, by the person officiating, as he shall be directed by the holy Spirit; and if there be no legal objections, he shall say, calling each by their names: “You both mutually agree to be each other’s companion, husband and wife, observing the legal rights belonging to this condition; that is, keeping yourselves wholly for each other, and from all others, during your lives.” And when they have answered “Yes,” he shall pronounce them “husband and wife” in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and by virtue of the laws of the country and authority vested in him: “may God add his blessings and keep you to fulfil [fulfill] your covenants from henceforth and forever. Amen.” The clerk of every church should keep a record of all marriages, solemnized in his branch. All legal contracts of marriage made before a person is baptized into this church, should be held sacred and fulfilled. Inasmuch as this church of Christ has been reproached with the crime of fornication, and polygamy: we declare that we believe, that one man should have one wife; and one woman, but one husband, except in case of death, when either is at liberty to marry again. It is not right to persuade a woman to be baptized contrary to the will of her husband, neither is it lawful to influence her to leave her husband. All children are bound by law to obey their parents; and to influence them to embrace any religious faith, or be baptized, or leave their parents without their consent, is unlawful and unjust. We believe that husbands, parents and masters who exercise control over their wives, children, and servants and prevent them from embracing the truth, will have to answer for that sin. We have given the above rule of marriage as the only one practiced in this church, to show that Dr. J. C. Bennett’s “secret wife system” is a matter of his own manufacture; and further to disabuse the public ear, and shew [show] that the said Bennett and his misanthropic friend Origen Bachelor, are perpetrating a foul and infamous slander upon an innocent people, and need but be known to be hated and despise. In support of this position, we present the following certificates:- We the undersigned members of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and residents of the city of Nauvoo, persons of families do hereby certify and declare that we know of no other rule or system of marriage than the one published from the Book of Doctrine and Covenants, and we give this certificate to show that Dr. J. C. Bennett’s “secret wife system” is a creature of his own make as we know of no such society in this place nor never did. S. Bennett, N. K. Whitney, George Miller, Albert Pettey, Alpheus Cutler, Elias Higbee, Reynolds Cahoon, John Taylor, Wilson Law, E. Robinson, W. Woodruff, Aaron Johnson. </code></pre> We the undersigned members of the ladies’ relief society, and married females do certify and declare that we know of no system of marriage being practised [practiced] in the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints save the one contained in the Book of Doctrine and Covenants, and we give this certificate to the public to show that J. C. Bennett’s “secret wife system” is a disclosure of his own make. Emma Smith, President, Elizabeth Ann Whitney, Counsellor [Counselor], Sarah M. Cleveland, Counsellor [Counselor], Eliza R. Snow, Secretary, Mary C. Miller, Catharine Pettey, Lois Cutler, Sarah Higbee, Thirza Cahoon, Phebe Woodruff Ann Hunter, Leonora Taylor, Jane Law, Sarah Hillman, Sophia R. Marks, Rosannah Marks, Polly Z. Johnson, Angeline Robinson, Abigail Works. </code></pre> Time and Seasons Sept 1842 Notice 1842-09-01T00:00:00+00:00 Times and Seasons Vol 3 (at BYU)</a> no 21.</li> pg 909 (standalone PDF)</a></li> </ul> September 1, 1842 Inasmuch as the public mind has been unjustly abused through the fallacy of Dr. Bennett’s letters, we make an extract on the subject of marriage, showing the rule of the church on this important matter. The extract is from the Book of Doctrine and Covenants, and is the only rule allowed by the church. “All legal contracts of marriage made before a person is baptized into this church, should be held sacred and fulfilled. Inasmuch as this church of Christ has been reproached with the crime of fornication, and polygamy: we declare that we believe, that one man should have one wife; and one woman, but one husband, except in case of death, when either is at liberty to marry again. It is not right to persuade a woman to be baptized contrary to the will of her husband neither is it lawful to influence her to leave her husband.” Conference Minutes from April 6, 1842 1842-04-15T00:00:00+00:00 Times and Seasons April 15, 1842 (at BYU)</a></li> pg. 763 (standalone PDF)</a></li> </ul> Conference Minutes from April 6, 1842 … </blockquote> He [Hyrum Smith] then spoke in contradiction of a report in circulation about Elder Kimball, B. Young, himself, and others of the Twelve, alledging that a sister had been shut in a room for several days, and that they had endeavored to induce her to believe in having two wives… </blockquote> Pres’t. J. Smith spoke upon the subject of the stories respecting Elder Kimball and others, showing the folly and inconsistency of spending any time in conversing about such stories or hearkening to them, for there is no person that is acquainted with our principles would believe such lies, except Sharp the editor of the “Warsaw Signal.” </blockquote> … </blockquote> The Prophet's Answers to Sundry Questions 1838-05-08T00:00:00+00:00 Context from Joseph Smith’s Journal 8th May 1838</a> (recorded by George W. Robinson): Tuesday 8th This day Presidents, J. Smith Jr. & S[idney] Rigdon spent the day with Elder Cohoon [Reynolds Cahoon] in visiting the place he had selected, to live, also in some private buisness of their own, also in the after part of the day, in answering the questions proposed in the Elders Journal. Vol. 1st No. 2nd Pages 28th, & 29th </blockquote> Elder’s Journal, July 1838, page 43 (pdf 11)</a>: … </blockquote> Question 7th. Do the Mormons believe in having more wives than one. </blockquote> Answer. No, not at the same time. But they believe, that if their companion dies, they have a right to marry again. But we do disapprove of the custom which has gained in the world, and has been practised among us, to our great mortification, of marrying in five or six weeks, or even in two or three months after the death of their companion. </blockquote> We believe that due respect ought to be had, to the memory of the dead, and the feelings of both friends and children. </blockquote> … </blockquote> The following is how this has been recorded in History of the Church vol 3, ch 3</a> May 5, 1838 </blockquote> Tuesday, 8.–I spent the day with Elder Rigdon in visiting Elder Cahoon at the place he had selected for his residence, and in attending to some of our private, personal affairs; also in the afternoon I answered the questions which were frequently asked me, while on my last journey but one from Kirtland to Missouri, as printed in the Elders’ Journal, vol. I, Number 2, pages 28 and 29, as follows: </blockquote> … </blockquote> Seventh–“Do the Mormons believe in having more wives than one?” </blockquote> “No, not at the same time. But they believe that if their companion dies, they have a right to marry again. But we do disapprove of the custom, which has gained in the world, and has been practiced among us, to our great mortification, in marrying in five or six weeks, or even in two or three months, after the death of their companion. We believe that due respect ought to be had to the memory of the dead, and the feelings of both friends and children. </blockquote> … </blockquote>