[Joseph Fielding Smith]
At the H[istorian's] O[ffice] preparing reply to B H Roberts' paper on the Pre-Adamites.
[Joseph Fielding Smith, Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
115 years ago today - Jan 10, 1906
First Council of Seventy instructs B.H. Roberts to go to Los Angeles for "recuperation" from "a weakness for liquor that had fastened itself upon him." Roberts confessed his problem to the Council in 1901, and its senior president writes in 1908 that he "has been many times much the worse for Liquor in so much that his brethren of the Council have had to take up a labor with him."
[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 - Thursday, Jan 10, 1901
Apostle Reed Smoot ... Referred to some of the fast meetings in Provo last Sunday and said the spirit and power of testimony rested upon the people and the gifts of the gospel were manifested. One brother spoke in tongues to the effect that the impressions given to Pres. Snow of late regarding the redemption of the center stake of Zion and the building of the great temple were from the Lord and such event would transpire much sooner than many supposed.
[Stan Larson (editor), A Ministry of Meetings: The Apostolic diaries of Rudger Clawson, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1993, http://bit.ly/rudgerclawson]
[Stan Larson (editor), A Ministry of Meetings: The Apostolic diaries of Rudger Clawson, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1993, http://bit.ly/rudgerclawson]
175 years ago today - Jan 10, 1846
Two twelve year olds sealed together in Nauvoo Temple each married other spouses in Utah
"On about January 10, 1846, I was privileged to go in the temple… I was sealed to a lovely young girl named Mary, who was about my age, but it was with the understanding that we were not to live together as man and wife until we were 16 years of age. The reason that some were sealed so young was because we knew that we would have to go West and wait many a long time for another temple".
[Mosiah Lyman Hancock Autobiography (1834-1865), typescript, BYU-S; published version by Pioneer Press, Salt Lake City, undated, 20-21; Exploring Mormonism: Polygamy Timeline, http://www.exploringmormonism.com/polygamy-timeline/]
"On about January 10, 1846, I was privileged to go in the temple… I was sealed to a lovely young girl named Mary, who was about my age, but it was with the understanding that we were not to live together as man and wife until we were 16 years of age. The reason that some were sealed so young was because we knew that we would have to go West and wait many a long time for another temple".
[Mosiah Lyman Hancock Autobiography (1834-1865), typescript, BYU-S; published version by Pioneer Press, Salt Lake City, undated, 20-21; Exploring Mormonism: Polygamy Timeline, http://www.exploringmormonism.com/polygamy-timeline/]
180 years ago today - Jan 10, 1841
[Wilford Woodruff]
Sister Redman thinks it is the hand of God to bring her to London to help rool on the work of God in this city. She has tried to find us many days, but no one would tell her. On Saturday night she dreamed if she would go to Goswell Road she would see two women & if she followed them it would lead her to the place of meeting. She did so & herd my voice while I was speaking & came into meeting & communed with us. It was a joyful meeting indeed.
She had a vision a few nights since of being called before her Majesty, the Queen Victoria & confined in London Tower because of her religion.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Sister Redman thinks it is the hand of God to bring her to London to help rool on the work of God in this city. She has tried to find us many days, but no one would tell her. On Saturday night she dreamed if she would go to Goswell Road she would see two women & if she followed them it would lead her to the place of meeting. She did so & herd my voice while I was speaking & came into meeting & communed with us. It was a joyful meeting indeed.
She had a vision a few nights since of being called before her Majesty, the Queen Victoria & confined in London Tower because of her religion.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
190 years ago today - Before Jan 10, 1831
John Corrill, later a convert, visited Kirtland where he said he heard Mormons "speak in tongues unknown to me," and was informed by some non-Mormons who were present "that the tongues were regular Indian dialects, which I was also informed, on inquiry, the persons who spoke had never learned."
[John Corrill, A Brief History of the Church of Christ of Latter Day Saints, (Commonly Called Mormons) . . . (St. Louis: John Corrill, 1839), 9; Dan Vogel and Scott C. Dunn, '"The Tongue of Angels": Glossolalia among Mormonism's Founders,' Journal of Mormon History Vol. 19, No. 2, 1993]
[John Corrill, A Brief History of the Church of Christ of Latter Day Saints, (Commonly Called Mormons) . . . (St. Louis: John Corrill, 1839), 9; Dan Vogel and Scott C. Dunn, '"The Tongue of Angels": Glossolalia among Mormonism's Founders,' Journal of Mormon History Vol. 19, No. 2, 1993]
125 years ago today - Jan 9, 1896
[Marriner W. Merrill]
Thursday. I went to Savage's Art Gallery and paid $6.00 cash for a picture frame for my photo to hang up in the Annex of the Salt Lake Temple, the Twelve Apostles all having their photos there. I went to the President's office to get my over shoes, as President Woodruff had taken them in mistake and left his, which were too small for me. I found he had gone home and worn them, so I had to buy another pair at Z. C. M. I., which cost me $1.50.
[Notes from the Miscellaneous Record Book, 1886-1906: Selected diary notes from the journal books of Marriner Wood Merrill, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Thursday. I went to Savage's Art Gallery and paid $6.00 cash for a picture frame for my photo to hang up in the Annex of the Salt Lake Temple, the Twelve Apostles all having their photos there. I went to the President's office to get my over shoes, as President Woodruff had taken them in mistake and left his, which were too small for me. I found he had gone home and worn them, so I had to buy another pair at Z. C. M. I., which cost me $1.50.
[Notes from the Miscellaneous Record Book, 1886-1906: Selected diary notes from the journal books of Marriner Wood Merrill, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
125 years ago today - Jan 9, 1896
Apostle John W. Taylor is assigned by the Quorum of Twelve to speak to fellow apostle Moses Thatcher "and talk over with him his condition or views on the question of insubordination in regard to running for office without an understanding with his brethren." Three months later Thatcher is dropped from the quorum for refusing to sign the "political manifesto" which requires every leading official to get permission from the proper authorities before accepting any position "political or otherwise." The "political manifesto" was seen as aimed at Moses Thatcher and B. H. Roberts, democrats, who had run for office without first getting permission from the brethren, while leaving certain other church officers free to engage in republican politics.
130 years ago today - Jan 9, 1891
Refutation of falsehoods appearing in the Illustrated American-- also Der Stern 21:97-116 (April 1, 1891).
This document or article is an answer to a series of articles which had appeared in the magazine, Illustrated American. The author of the articles (seemingly unsigned) claimed to be a "Mormon." Wilford Woodruff, as President of the Church, points out the historical inaccuracies and plagiarisms in the articles. The articles and President Woodruff's reply devote considerable space to the Mountain Meadows Massacre.
Salt Lake City, Utah, January 9th, 1891.
Editor Illustrated American:
My attention has been called to articles in your magazine of December 27th and January 3rd concerning the "Mormon" Church. I have neither the time nor the inclination to notice the numerous misstatements and vile aspersions that frequently appear in the public prints in reference to the "Mormons." ...
We do not believe, as stated by the pretended "Mormon," that divulging the secrets of the Endowment House, marital unfaithfulness on the part of the wife, leaving the Mormon Church, are unpardonable, or that "the only atonement that can be made for any of these offences is the atonement of blood." The statement that "this doctrine is part of our duty" is another proof that the writer is not a "Mormon," and that he does not understand, or else that he wilfully misrepresents the faith which he pretends to explain.
The connection drawn between this alleged doctrine and the murders committed at Mountain Meadows, also proves the falsity of the claim that the writer is a "Mormon," and demonstrates his misapprehension of his own subject. The company that fell victims to Indian ferocity and white vengeance and rapacity were not "Mormons." They had revealed no secrets, they had not left the Church, they had done nothing to justify their slaughter, even on the false theory of Blood Atonement copied by the writer in the American from old newspaper fiction. This should be evident even to the casual reader.
... There is no pretext for a collision between the Mormons and the government. The only dispute that has arisen of late years between them was a question of law. That has been settled by the decisions of the Supreme Court of the United States and the action of the Church in general conference. Plural marriage has been judicially decided to be unlawful. The Church has accepted the decision as legally final, and by my official advice as President of the Church has in the most solemn and authoritative manner decided not to enter into any marriages in future that are contrary to the laws of the land. ...
WILFORD WOODRUFF. President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
[Typewritten letter, Church Historian's Library, in Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
This document or article is an answer to a series of articles which had appeared in the magazine, Illustrated American. The author of the articles (seemingly unsigned) claimed to be a "Mormon." Wilford Woodruff, as President of the Church, points out the historical inaccuracies and plagiarisms in the articles. The articles and President Woodruff's reply devote considerable space to the Mountain Meadows Massacre.
Salt Lake City, Utah, January 9th, 1891.
Editor Illustrated American:
My attention has been called to articles in your magazine of December 27th and January 3rd concerning the "Mormon" Church. I have neither the time nor the inclination to notice the numerous misstatements and vile aspersions that frequently appear in the public prints in reference to the "Mormons." ...
We do not believe, as stated by the pretended "Mormon," that divulging the secrets of the Endowment House, marital unfaithfulness on the part of the wife, leaving the Mormon Church, are unpardonable, or that "the only atonement that can be made for any of these offences is the atonement of blood." The statement that "this doctrine is part of our duty" is another proof that the writer is not a "Mormon," and that he does not understand, or else that he wilfully misrepresents the faith which he pretends to explain.
The connection drawn between this alleged doctrine and the murders committed at Mountain Meadows, also proves the falsity of the claim that the writer is a "Mormon," and demonstrates his misapprehension of his own subject. The company that fell victims to Indian ferocity and white vengeance and rapacity were not "Mormons." They had revealed no secrets, they had not left the Church, they had done nothing to justify their slaughter, even on the false theory of Blood Atonement copied by the writer in the American from old newspaper fiction. This should be evident even to the casual reader.
... There is no pretext for a collision between the Mormons and the government. The only dispute that has arisen of late years between them was a question of law. That has been settled by the decisions of the Supreme Court of the United States and the action of the Church in general conference. Plural marriage has been judicially decided to be unlawful. The Church has accepted the decision as legally final, and by my official advice as President of the Church has in the most solemn and authoritative manner decided not to enter into any marriages in future that are contrary to the laws of the land. ...
WILFORD WOODRUFF. President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
[Typewritten letter, Church Historian's Library, in Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
130 years ago today - Jan 9, 1891
[Apostle Marriner W. Merrill]
I received from Samuel Roskelly, Temple Recorder, the yearly bulletin showing the amount of work done in Logan Temple for 1890, which is as follows: Baptisms, 30,788; endowments, 12,748; ordinations, 4,465; sealings, 3,831, children to parents, 1,492; adoptions, 53; second anointings, 207.
[Notes from the Miscellaneous Record Book, 1886-1906: Selected diary notes from the journal books of Marriner Wood Merrill, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
I received from Samuel Roskelly, Temple Recorder, the yearly bulletin showing the amount of work done in Logan Temple for 1890, which is as follows: Baptisms, 30,788; endowments, 12,748; ordinations, 4,465; sealings, 3,831, children to parents, 1,492; adoptions, 53; second anointings, 207.
[Notes from the Miscellaneous Record Book, 1886-1906: Selected diary notes from the journal books of Marriner Wood Merrill, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
170 years ago today - Jan 9, 1851
Salt Lake City was incorporated.
[Richards, Franklin Dewey and Little, James A., Compendium of the Doctrines of the Gospel, Church Chronology, Ch.66, p.306, http://www.amazon.com/Compendium-Doctrines-Gospel-ebook/dp/B002LTY4Z0?ie=UTF8tag=mormonchronic-20link_code=btlcamp=213689creative=392969]
[Richards, Franklin Dewey and Little, James A., Compendium of the Doctrines of the Gospel, Church Chronology, Ch.66, p.306, http://www.amazon.com/Compendium-Doctrines-Gospel-ebook/dp/B002LTY4Z0?ie=UTF8tag=mormonchronic-20link_code=btlcamp=213689creative=392969]
175 years ago today - Jan 9, 1846
[Hosea Stout]
When we came to the Temple some what a considerable number of the guard were assembled and among them was William Hibbard son of the old man Hibbard. He was evidently come as a spy. When I saw him I told Scott that we must "bounce a stone off of his head."to which he agreedwe prepared accordingly & I got an opportunity & hit him on the back of his head which came very near taking his life[.] But few knew any thing about what was the matter he left the ground out of his senses when he came to himself he could not tell what had happened to him &c
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
When we came to the Temple some what a considerable number of the guard were assembled and among them was William Hibbard son of the old man Hibbard. He was evidently come as a spy. When I saw him I told Scott that we must "bounce a stone off of his head."to which he agreedwe prepared accordingly & I got an opportunity & hit him on the back of his head which came very near taking his life[.] But few knew any thing about what was the matter he left the ground out of his senses when he came to himself he could not tell what had happened to him &c
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
175 years ago today - Jan 9, 1846
[Brigham Young]
I observed to the brethren that it was my wish that all dancing and merriment should cease, lest the brethren and sisters be carried away by levity; and that the name of the Deity should be held in reverence, with all the due deference that belongeth to an infinite being of his character.
[Elden J. Watson, ed. Brigham Young Addresses, 1801-1877: A Chronological Compilation of Known Addresses of the Prophet Brigham Young, 6 vols. (Salt Lake City: Privately published, 1971)]
I observed to the brethren that it was my wish that all dancing and merriment should cease, lest the brethren and sisters be carried away by levity; and that the name of the Deity should be held in reverence, with all the due deference that belongeth to an infinite being of his character.
[Elden J. Watson, ed. Brigham Young Addresses, 1801-1877: A Chronological Compilation of Known Addresses of the Prophet Brigham Young, 6 vols. (Salt Lake City: Privately published, 1971)]
185 years ago today - Jan 9, 1836
Saturday, 9th Attended School in the fore noon. At about 11 o'clock received the following note:
Thus saith the voice of the Spirit to me, if try Brother Joseph Smith, J[unio]r will attend the feast at thy house this day (at 12 o'cl[ock]) the poor and lame will rejoice at his presence and also think themselves honored.
Yours in friendship and Love,
N[ewel] K. W[hitney]
[Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1835-36, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
Thus saith the voice of the Spirit to me, if try Brother Joseph Smith, J[unio]r will attend the feast at thy house this day (at 12 o'cl[ock]) the poor and lame will rejoice at his presence and also think themselves honored.
Yours in friendship and Love,
N[ewel] K. W[hitney]
[Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1835-36, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
50 years ago today - Jan 08, 1971
Lenora Taylor, post manifesto plural wife of faithful Apostle Cowley, passes away, officially ending LDS Polygamy. (in U.S., unsure about Mexico).
[Exploring Mormonism: Polygamy Timeline, http://www.exploringmormonism.com/polygamy-timeline/]
[Exploring Mormonism: Polygamy Timeline, http://www.exploringmormonism.com/polygamy-timeline/]
55 years ago today - Jan 8, 1966
In order that there may be no misunderstanding in regard to the matter of the sealing in the temple of children to persons other than natural parents, we are pleased to give you the following information for your guidance. Children who have not been born in the covenant or sealed to their natural parents may be sealed to a natural parent and stepparent. ... Children born in the covenant cannot be sealed to persons other than their natural parents. This rule is not altered by adoption, consent of the natural parents, or request of the child after becoming of age. Illegitimate children may be sealed to their natural mother and the husband to whom she is sealed without the consent of the natural father, and only the natural mother's consent is necessary for illegitimate children to be sealed to foster parents. No sealing of children to persons other than natural parents will be permitted except as set forth above without written authorization of the First Presidency.
[David O. McKay, Hugh B. Brown, N. Eldon Tanner, and Joseph Fielding Smith, circular letter, Jan. 8, 1966, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
[David O. McKay, Hugh B. Brown, N. Eldon Tanner, and Joseph Fielding Smith, circular letter, Jan. 8, 1966, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
65 years ago today - Jan 8, 1956
The first campus wards and stakes in the Church were organized at BYU.
[Church News: Historical Chronology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, http://www.ldschurchnewsarchive.com/articles/58765/Historical-chronology-of-The-Church-of-Jesus-Christ-of-Latter-day-Saints.html]
[Church News: Historical Chronology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, http://www.ldschurchnewsarchive.com/articles/58765/Historical-chronology-of-The-Church-of-Jesus-Christ-of-Latter-day-Saints.html]
120 years ago today - Tuesday, Jan 8, 1901
Apostle Woodruff said that in their trip to Mexico, Pres. J. F. Smith counseled the saints everywhere not to sell to the gentiles.
...Apostle Grant spoke briefly and said he was contemplating a move to start a local life insurance company and would do so, if the idea met with the approval of the First Presidency and Twelve. Said that within the past three years using the property' he now owned, through the providences of the Lord, he had paid and would be able to pay off $100,000 of indebtedness.
[Stan Larson (editor), A Ministry of Meetings: The Apostolic diaries of Rudger Clawson, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1993, http://bit.ly/rudgerclawson]
...Apostle Grant spoke briefly and said he was contemplating a move to start a local life insurance company and would do so, if the idea met with the approval of the First Presidency and Twelve. Said that within the past three years using the property' he now owned, through the providences of the Lord, he had paid and would be able to pay off $100,000 of indebtedness.
[Stan Larson (editor), A Ministry of Meetings: The Apostolic diaries of Rudger Clawson, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1993, http://bit.ly/rudgerclawson]
120 years ago today - Jan 8, 1901
Presidents [Lorenzo] Snow and [Joseph F.] Smith were at the office. The Trustee-in-trust appropriated $102.25 towards assisting Marcus Lowell and a Mrs. Mathews and son to Honolulu [Hawaii]. Mr. Lowell has been experimenting on some of the natives of the Hawaiian Islands who are located at Iosepa Colony, in Tooele county [Utah] and are afflicted with the leprosy. His experiments were unsuccessful, and being without means the Church assisted him to this amount in order that he might go to Hawaii where he expects to benefit the lepers of the Islands. It was decided by the brethren today, that the Pearl of Great Price should be printed as arranged into chapters and paragraphs by Dr. James E. Talmage.
[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]
125 years ago today - Jan 8, 1896
A telegram was sent by the First Presidency to William Thompson of St. George [Utah] in reply to a letter from him in relation to the bath tubs in the St. George Temple. They were getting almost beyond repair but a man of means had promised to donate new ones providing the Church would pay the freight. The offer was accepted.
[Journal History, 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]
[Journal History, 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]
125 years ago today - Jan 8, 1896; Wednesday
Obtained manifesto also the Governor's Message to the Secretary of the Interior for 1890 containing the manifesto so as to correct the error. Traced up the copy of the error to see if it was typographical; found it was in the Governor's type written duplicate. Called the attention of Pres[ident]. G[eorge]. Q. Cannon to the error.
[Charles W. Penrose, Diary]
[Charles W. Penrose, Diary]
125 years ago today - Jan 8, 1896
[Brigham Young Jr.]
Excellent feeling among the Twelve. I believe we are united except Bro[ther] Thatcher who ignores the Counselors of President & most of the Quorum.
[Diary of Apostle Brigham Young Jr., http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Excellent feeling among the Twelve. I believe we are united except Bro[ther] Thatcher who ignores the Counselors of President & most of the Quorum.
[Diary of Apostle Brigham Young Jr., http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
140 years ago today - Jan 8, 1881
John Taylor preaches that "President Brigham Young had adopted the system of asking one-tenth of the property of the new comers in lieu of the surplus spoken of in the [1838] revelation." Taylor says that from now on tithing should be only "one tenth of our interest annually," and says local bishops must bear responsibility for giving temple recommends to non-tithers. A clerk in the Presiding Bishopric's office records that Taylor has a meeting vote to continue previous requirement of "one tenth of the property on entering the church." Thus a new convert is required to pay 1/10th of his/her property, but a new arrival in Utah is not required to repeat lump-sum tithing.
[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)]]
140 years ago today - Jan 8, 1881 (Saturday)
Notwithstanding the fact that Geo. Q. Cannon was elected delegate to Congress with 17,211 majority, Gov. Eli H. Murray issued a certificate of election to the minority candidate, Allen G. Campbell.
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
175 years ago today - Jan 8, 1846
[Hosea Stout]
This evening William Taylor came across the prairie from the North of Carthage & said he saw seven men going from towards Appanoose towards Carthage with a cannon and bearing a large red flag[.] The cannon was drawn by four horses.
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
This evening William Taylor came across the prairie from the North of Carthage & said he saw seven men going from towards Appanoose towards Carthage with a cannon and bearing a large red flag[.] The cannon was drawn by four horses.
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
175 years ago today - Jan 8, 1846
Assembled in President Brigham Young's room, no. 1: President Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Parley P. Pratt, Orson Pratt, John Taylor, Amasa Lyman, Newel K. Whitney, Vilate Kimball, Elizabeth Ann Whitney, Sarah Marinda Pratt, and Leonora Taylor.
Dressed themselves in holy robes.
The hymn, "Now Let Us Rejoice in the Day of Salvation," was sung, and Elder Heber C. Kimball offered prayer at the altar after offering up the signs of the priesthood.
President Brigham Young proceeded to anoint Brother Heber C. Kimball and Vilate, his wife, and pronounced the following blessings, namely:
Brother Heber Chase Kimball, in the name of Jesus Christ we pour upon thine head this holy oil, and we anoint thee a king and a priest unto the most high God, in and over the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and also Israel, in this, the holy temple of the Lord at Nauvoo, the City of Joseph, State of Illinois.
And I seal upon you power to bind on earth and it shall be bound in heaven, and whomsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven; and whomsoever thou shalt curse shall be cursed, and whomsoever thou shalt bless shall be blessed.
I anoint thine head, that it may be sound, and thy brain shall be quick to think and to regulate thy whole body; and thine ears to hear the cries of the poor and needy of thy brethren, who shall come to thee for counsel; and thine eyes, that thou mayest see and understand the things of God, and that thou mayest behold angels; and thy mouth, that thou mayest speak forth the great things of God. And I seal upon you all the blessings of thy progenitors, even Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and even as far back as the priesthood. And I say that thou shalt live to a good old age, even to threescore and ten and longer if thou desire it. And thou shalt have power to redeem thy progenitors, and thou shalt have power over thy posterity and shall save all of them and bring them into thy kingdom.
We also seal upon thee all the power and blessing of the holy resurrection, even to the eternal Godhead; and no blessing that thine heart can conceive will be withheld from you. And in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, amen.
He then anointed Sister Vilate Kimball a queen and priestess unto her husband (Heber C. Kimball), in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and in Israel, and pronounced all the blessings upon her head in common with her husband.
[Book of Anointings (reformatted for readibility)]
Dressed themselves in holy robes.
The hymn, "Now Let Us Rejoice in the Day of Salvation," was sung, and Elder Heber C. Kimball offered prayer at the altar after offering up the signs of the priesthood.
President Brigham Young proceeded to anoint Brother Heber C. Kimball and Vilate, his wife, and pronounced the following blessings, namely:
Brother Heber Chase Kimball, in the name of Jesus Christ we pour upon thine head this holy oil, and we anoint thee a king and a priest unto the most high God, in and over the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and also Israel, in this, the holy temple of the Lord at Nauvoo, the City of Joseph, State of Illinois.
And I seal upon you power to bind on earth and it shall be bound in heaven, and whomsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven; and whomsoever thou shalt curse shall be cursed, and whomsoever thou shalt bless shall be blessed.
I anoint thine head, that it may be sound, and thy brain shall be quick to think and to regulate thy whole body; and thine ears to hear the cries of the poor and needy of thy brethren, who shall come to thee for counsel; and thine eyes, that thou mayest see and understand the things of God, and that thou mayest behold angels; and thy mouth, that thou mayest speak forth the great things of God. And I seal upon you all the blessings of thy progenitors, even Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and even as far back as the priesthood. And I say that thou shalt live to a good old age, even to threescore and ten and longer if thou desire it. And thou shalt have power to redeem thy progenitors, and thou shalt have power over thy posterity and shall save all of them and bring them into thy kingdom.
We also seal upon thee all the power and blessing of the holy resurrection, even to the eternal Godhead; and no blessing that thine heart can conceive will be withheld from you. And in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, amen.
He then anointed Sister Vilate Kimball a queen and priestess unto her husband (Heber C. Kimball), in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and in Israel, and pronounced all the blessings upon her head in common with her husband.
[Book of Anointings (reformatted for readibility)]
175 years ago today - Jan 8, 1846
Young anoints Kimball and his wife Vilate as the first couple to receive the second anointing in a temple, in which they are ordained as eternal "king and queen, priest and priestess unto God."
[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]
190 years ago today - After Jan 8, 1831
Joseph Smith leaves for Ohio by sleigh, bringing a wagon of goods and copies of the Book of Mormon. Many of his companions hurry to Kirtland on horseback.
[Mark Lyman Staker, Hearken, O Ye People: The Historical Setting of Joseph Smith's Ohio Revelations: A Selective Chronology of Significant Events in Ohio's LDS History]
[Mark Lyman Staker, Hearken, O Ye People: The Historical Setting of Joseph Smith's Ohio Revelations: A Selective Chronology of Significant Events in Ohio's LDS History]
45 years ago today - Jan 07, 1976
The Religious Studies Center at Brigham Young University is established to publish scholarly work dealing with topics of interest to Latter-day Saints.
90 years ago today - Jan 7, 1931
B. H. Roberts defends his position which favors the theory of evolution and the existence of "preadamites" before a council of the Twelve Apostles. In a letter to Church President Heber J. Grant Roberts had previously criticized a dogmatic anti-evolution pronouncement by Apostle Joseph Fielding Smith: "If Elder Smith is merely putting forth his own position I call in question his competency to utter such dogmatism either as scholar or as an apostle. I am sure he is not competent to speak in such a manner from general learning or special research work on the subject; nor as an Apostle as in that case he would be in conflict with the plain implication of the scriptures, both ancient and modern and with the teaching of a more experienced and learned and earlier apostle [Orson Hyde], and a contemporary of the prophet Joseph Smith-whose public discourse on the subject appears in the Journal of Discourses and was publicly endorsed by president Brigham Young, all of which would have more weight in setting forth doctrine than this last dictum of Elder Smith." Two weeks later Joseph Fielding Smith presents his view, a defense of scriptural literalism: "The doctrine of organic evolution which pervades the modern day sciences proclaiming the edict that man has evolved from the lower forms of life through the Java skull, the Heidelberg jaw, the Piltdown man, the Neanderthal skull and last but not least the Peiping man who lived millions of years ago is as false as their author who lives in hell." The Apostles referred the matter back to the First Presidency noting only Roberts' language is "very offensive . . . failing to show the deference due from one brother to another brother of higher rank in the priesthood.- The First Presidency decides that "Neither side of the controversy has been accepted as a doctrine at all" but cautions that general authorities should be more careful when speaking publicly on controversial topics.
115 years ago today - Ca. Jan 7, 1906
[Apostle/Senator Reed smoot to President Joseph F. Smith]
... it was agreed that I should see President [Theodore] Roosevelt on my return to Washington [D.C.] and tell him that the quorum of Apostles had investigated [John W.] Taylor and [Matthias F.] Cowley's case and they had admitted taking plural wives since the Manifesto but it was done not in this country and they never considered the Manifesto applied to any place outside the US. To tend their resignations and ask his advise as to making them public and tell him the reason of the delay. ... The more I studied it and followed the action taken to its logical conclusion the more I became convinced I am either wrong in my conclusions of the Brethren were at home agreeing upon the policy adopted. I could not help but think if I went to President Roosevelt and told him Taylor and Cowley had admitted their guilt, the President in his blunt, honest, and personal way would immediately ask me whether they had been excommunicated, and if not, why not; that the action agreed upon would not have the desired result, but just the opposite. A mere resignation just before the resuming of the case would be looked upon as a mere subterfuge and worthy of the severest condemnation. ... The fact that they had admitted their guilt and the church knowing it and not excommunicating them would be proof positive of our undoing. ... I decided in my own mind rather than go to President R[oosevelt] I would first talk with George Sutherland and [bind] him to secrecy. I knew if I spoke to the President [he] would have to act and perhaps he would be displeased with our action in the matter.
[Reed Smoot, Draft of letter to Joseph F. Smith, 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]
... it was agreed that I should see President [Theodore] Roosevelt on my return to Washington [D.C.] and tell him that the quorum of Apostles had investigated [John W.] Taylor and [Matthias F.] Cowley's case and they had admitted taking plural wives since the Manifesto but it was done not in this country and they never considered the Manifesto applied to any place outside the US. To tend their resignations and ask his advise as to making them public and tell him the reason of the delay. ... The more I studied it and followed the action taken to its logical conclusion the more I became convinced I am either wrong in my conclusions of the Brethren were at home agreeing upon the policy adopted. I could not help but think if I went to President Roosevelt and told him Taylor and Cowley had admitted their guilt, the President in his blunt, honest, and personal way would immediately ask me whether they had been excommunicated, and if not, why not; that the action agreed upon would not have the desired result, but just the opposite. A mere resignation just before the resuming of the case would be looked upon as a mere subterfuge and worthy of the severest condemnation. ... The fact that they had admitted their guilt and the church knowing it and not excommunicating them would be proof positive of our undoing. ... I decided in my own mind rather than go to President R[oosevelt] I would first talk with George Sutherland and [bind] him to secrecy. I knew if I spoke to the President [he] would have to act and perhaps he would be displeased with our action in the matter.
[Reed Smoot, Draft of letter to Joseph F. Smith, 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]
125 years ago today - Jan 7, 1896; Tuesday
Elder C[harles]. W. Penrose called the attention of the Presidency to a prediction concerning Statehood made by President Brigham Young forty years ago, and suggested its publication, as a refutation of assertions made by several persons that President Young had declared that Utah would never be a State in the Union. It was accordingly published in the Deseret Evening News of this date. ....
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
135 years ago today - Jan 7, 1886
U.S. Supreme Court sustains Utah judges' definition of "cohabitation" as not requiring proof of sexual intercourse but rather of marital relationship. Justices Miller and Field dissent on grounds that Congress intended law to prohibit "unlawful habitual sexual intercourse" with more than one woman. Justice Field is on a secret payroll of the First Presidency.
[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)]]
175 years ago today - Jan 7, 1846
[Nauvoo Temple]
The first sealings of husbands and wives administered. Sealings were performed for living, as well as for the dead, but only where one spouse was living and the other was deceased.
[Brown, Lisle (compiler), Chronology of the Construction, Destruction and Reconstruction of the Nauvoo Temple]
The first sealings of husbands and wives administered. Sealings were performed for living, as well as for the dead, but only where one spouse was living and the other was deceased.
[Brown, Lisle (compiler), Chronology of the Construction, Destruction and Reconstruction of the Nauvoo Temple]
175 years ago today - Jan 7, 1846. Wednesday.
This morning there was an immense crowd at the reception room waiting for admission into the washing and anointing rooms. The brethren as they came along bearing Baskets, Pails and other vessels filled with all kinds of provisions, for the use of those who are attending on the ordinances of the Lord's House. The supply is much greater than the consumption . . .
This afternoon and evening the new altar was used, for the first time, and four individuals and their wives were sealed. The altar is about 2 1/2 feet high, and 2 1/2 feet long, and about one foot wide, rising from a platform about 8 or 9 inches high and extending out on all sides about a foot, forming a convenient place to kneel upon. The top of the altar and the kneeling place are covered with cusions of scarlet damask cloth. The sides of the upright part, or body of the altar are covered with white linen.
[George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://bit.ly/WilliamClayton]
This afternoon and evening the new altar was used, for the first time, and four individuals and their wives were sealed. The altar is about 2 1/2 feet high, and 2 1/2 feet long, and about one foot wide, rising from a platform about 8 or 9 inches high and extending out on all sides about a foot, forming a convenient place to kneel upon. The top of the altar and the kneeling place are covered with cusions of scarlet damask cloth. The sides of the upright part, or body of the altar are covered with white linen.
[George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://bit.ly/WilliamClayton]
175 years ago today - 7 [Jan 1846]
[Brigham Young]
Spent this day also in assisting about the alter which completed & arranged my room. In the evening the council met after sing & prayers we put on our robes & proceeded to dedicate the alter and I pronounced the following dedication prayer, 7 Jan. 1846 Bro. H. C. K. and others received the ordinances according to the law of the Lord upon the alter followed by John Taylor and N. K. Whitney. [Taylor was married to his wife Leonora, and Whitney was married to multiple women].
[Brigham Young Journal # 4 in the handwriting of: William Clayton, Evan Greene, John D. Lee, Willard Richards. First person account kept by others. 'Lieut. Genl Brigham Young's Journal 1844']
Spent this day also in assisting about the alter which completed & arranged my room. In the evening the council met after sing & prayers we put on our robes & proceeded to dedicate the alter and I pronounced the following dedication prayer, 7 Jan. 1846 Bro. H. C. K. and others received the ordinances according to the law of the Lord upon the alter followed by John Taylor and N. K. Whitney. [Taylor was married to his wife Leonora, and Whitney was married to multiple women].
[Brigham Young Journal # 4 in the handwriting of: William Clayton, Evan Greene, John D. Lee, Willard Richards. First person account kept by others. 'Lieut. Genl Brigham Young's Journal 1844']
180 years ago today - Jan 7, 1841
[Wilford Woodruff]
DREAM I fell asleep. Soon found myself in the wilderness of wild pair trees which were bending with wild pairs which were the most beautiful of all fruit I ever saw. I tasted of it & found it delicious, & while I was gazing with wonder & admiration upon it evry pare instantly turned into a nice fat dressed sheep hung on the limbs head downwards. I awoke & the spirit said this is a token of fruit among the Lamanites.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
DREAM I fell asleep. Soon found myself in the wilderness of wild pair trees which were bending with wild pairs which were the most beautiful of all fruit I ever saw. I tasted of it & found it delicious, & while I was gazing with wonder & admiration upon it evry pare instantly turned into a nice fat dressed sheep hung on the limbs head downwards. I awoke & the spirit said this is a token of fruit among the Lamanites.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
15 years ago today - 2006-01-06
Founding of the Exponent Blog (http://www.the-exponent.com/2006/01/06/the-exponent-ii-blog-begins)//Building on the tradition of "The Woman's Exponent" and "Exponent II," Mormon feminists Caroline Kline, Jana Remy, and Deborah Kris start the blog to create an online presence for Mormon feminism.
[Mormon Women's History Timeline, http://www1.chapman.edu/~remy/MoFem/mormonwomen.html]
[Mormon Women's History Timeline, http://www1.chapman.edu/~remy/MoFem/mormonwomen.html]
50 years ago today - Jan 6, 1971
Any temples now manufacturing ceremonial clothing or other items of clothing for temple wear are requested to discontinue doing so. Sewing rooms in temples should be maintained only for the repair or reconditioning of clothing.
[Joseph Fielding Smith, Harold B. Lee, and N. Eldon Tanner to temple presidents, Jan. 6, 1971, copy in Buerger Papers, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
[Joseph Fielding Smith, Harold B. Lee, and N. Eldon Tanner to temple presidents, Jan. 6, 1971, copy in Buerger Papers, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
95 years ago today - Jan 6, 1926
[Heber J. Grant]
Brother Adam Bennion called and we had a long confidential talk regarding the situation of the Church Schools. Brother Bennion is rather inclined to think that we should discontinue all church school education that is duplicated by the state. ... It is worthy of the greatest consideration whether we ought not to discontinue the Brigham Young University, Brigham Young College, and Latter Day Saints University in this city, and devote our entire educational work to having seminaries established in the vicinity of all the high schools and also in the vicinity of the University of Utah and the Utah Agricultural College. Brother Bennion feels that in the very near future we cannot maintain our present educational system short of a million dollars of Church funds each year, to say nothing of the tuition paid by the Saints who patronize the Church schools.
[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
Brother Adam Bennion called and we had a long confidential talk regarding the situation of the Church Schools. Brother Bennion is rather inclined to think that we should discontinue all church school education that is duplicated by the state. ... It is worthy of the greatest consideration whether we ought not to discontinue the Brigham Young University, Brigham Young College, and Latter Day Saints University in this city, and devote our entire educational work to having seminaries established in the vicinity of all the high schools and also in the vicinity of the University of Utah and the Utah Agricultural College. Brother Bennion feels that in the very near future we cannot maintain our present educational system short of a million dollars of Church funds each year, to say nothing of the tuition paid by the Saints who patronize the Church schools.
[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
120 years ago today - Jan 6, 1901; Sunday
[Fast meeting in the temple:] ...--Rev[e]l[a]t[ion]. on Plural Marriage--And as a servant of God I warn you not rej[ec]t this princ[i]p[le] or you will be damned & Jno. [John] Taylor has told me own lips that Jos[eph Smith] com[mande]d me to entd [enter] into plur[al marriage.]
As God is true as Christ is true as Jos[eph Smith] the prophet is true this principle is true--I warn u [you] not to rej[ec]t this princ[i]p[le]--if you do as God loves He will reject u [you]. Geo[rge] A Smith told me P[rophe]t Joseph [Smith] seemed to be impelled to ins[is]t this principle before his death--What God is doing in this world is not childs play. ...
Those women that God show[e]d the P[rophe]t that He had res[er]v[e]d to be his--Will be his through out all eternity & infamous to teach every man to have his mate & absurd to seal for time & eternity only to be dissolved in eternity.
--Sister Bathsheba [Smith] told that Jos[eph] P[rophe]t. said we were mated before we came into this temple.
[Heber J. Grant, Diary]
As God is true as Christ is true as Jos[eph Smith] the prophet is true this principle is true--I warn u [you] not to rej[ec]t this princ[i]p[le]--if you do as God loves He will reject u [you]. Geo[rge] A Smith told me P[rophe]t Joseph [Smith] seemed to be impelled to ins[is]t this principle before his death--What God is doing in this world is not childs play. ...
Those women that God show[e]d the P[rophe]t that He had res[er]v[e]d to be his--Will be his through out all eternity & infamous to teach every man to have his mate & absurd to seal for time & eternity only to be dissolved in eternity.
--Sister Bathsheba [Smith] told that Jos[eph] P[rophe]t. said we were mated before we came into this temple.
[Heber J. Grant, Diary]
120 years ago today - Jan 6, 1901; Sunday
Elder John W. Taylor said: some strong minded women say every woman will have her own husband to herself which was the doctrine of Devils.
Elder H[eber]. J. Grant spoke feelingly of his motehr. A[nthon]. H. Lund bore testimony to the truth.
M[atthias]. F. Cowley & A[braham]. O[wen]. Woodruff each spoke also Rudger Clawson, of the Twelve. Pres[ident]. Jos[eph]. F. Smith bore a powerful testimony of Celestial Marriage and that any one rejecting it God will reject.
[Angus M. Cannon, Diary]
Elder H[eber]. J. Grant spoke feelingly of his motehr. A[nthon]. H. Lund bore testimony to the truth.
M[atthias]. F. Cowley & A[braham]. O[wen]. Woodruff each spoke also Rudger Clawson, of the Twelve. Pres[ident]. Jos[eph]. F. Smith bore a powerful testimony of Celestial Marriage and that any one rejecting it God will reject.
[Angus M. Cannon, Diary]
120 years ago today - Jan 6, 1901
Went to the Temple fast meeting at 10 a.m. Pres[iden]t. Jos[eph]. F. Smith and John W. Taylor denounced the doctrine that in Eternity one man will have but one wife [as] a 'Doctrine of Devils.' Elder John W. Taylor said: some strong minded women say every woman will have her own husband to herself which was the doctrine of Devils. ... Jos[eph]. F. Smith bore a powerful testimony of Celestial Marriage and that any one rejecting it God will reject.
[Abraham Owen Woodruff Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
[Abraham Owen Woodruff Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
125 years ago today - Jan 6, 1896
Apostle Brigham Young Jr. notes in his diary concerning Governor Heber M. Wells' inaugural address: "Polygamy was cuffed about too much in it and in my heart I said Can I take an oath to support a Constitution and men in office who stamp upon that sacred principle to support which I would give my life-at least I think so. That spirit does not harmonize with mine."
125 years ago today - Jan 6, 1896; Monday
President Woodruff was heartily congratulated today by Non-Mormons as well as Mormons, as the oldest living pioneer, in having lived to see and participate in the ceremonies of this glorious day. On leaving the office he said to those present, "Brethren I am happy, my cares do not worry me at all today".
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
160 years ago today - Jan 6, 1861
Bro. Brigham ... Said when our spirits came on this earth they were pure as the Gods and as the angels of heaven, but by reason of the fall we were subject to the weakness of the flesh; but it was for us to overcome and to bring our bodies in subjection to the will of the spirit and to have our whole soul, mind and will swallowed up in the will of Christ.
[Diary of Charles Lowell Walker, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
[Diary of Charles Lowell Walker, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
165 years ago today - Jan 6, 1856
President Young spoke to the people ... if a man had the exact glory that Jesus had he would have to die in the same way & if a man passed through this world without passing through the dregs of poverty he would have to pass through it hereafter before he could be exhalted to Eternal riches in their fulness.
Their is no other way for men to get an exhaltation but to follow their file Leader. The Twelve have no right to ask the Presidency why they do this or that or why they tell the Twelve to do this or that ownly go & do as they are told & this same principle should go through evry quorum in the Church & kingdom of God on Earth & when this rule is observed then the kingdom will be ours.
...Lorenzo Snow spoke to the people first & was followed by president Young. Brother Snow spoke upon the subject of obeying Council & following their leaders without inquiring why they are called to do it.
...He was followed by J. C. Wright. ... He spoke of the Law of God. A woman was under the Law of her husband & no other. If she obeyed his Law she was under no transgression because her husband was her head & evry man & woman had a head. The Presidency of the church is the head of the Church on Earth & if we obey them we shall be saved.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Their is no other way for men to get an exhaltation but to follow their file Leader. The Twelve have no right to ask the Presidency why they do this or that or why they tell the Twelve to do this or that ownly go & do as they are told & this same principle should go through evry quorum in the Church & kingdom of God on Earth & when this rule is observed then the kingdom will be ours.
...Lorenzo Snow spoke to the people first & was followed by president Young. Brother Snow spoke upon the subject of obeying Council & following their leaders without inquiring why they are called to do it.
...He was followed by J. C. Wright. ... He spoke of the Law of God. A woman was under the Law of her husband & no other. If she obeyed his Law she was under no transgression because her husband was her head & evry man & woman had a head. The Presidency of the church is the head of the Church on Earth & if we obey them we shall be saved.
[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 6, 1846. Tuesday.
...Elder H. C. Kimball came into the temple at 5 minutes before 11 o clock and in a few moments called upon all the others of the Twelve to unite with him in consecrating some oil for the anointing. ...
At 20 minutes past 11, President Young came in with Mrs. Young, his health not very good, but being quite comfortable. He slept at home and dreamed the same dream three times in the course of the night.
Elder Babbitt came in at 15 minutes before 12, bringing a letter, written by Gov. Thomas Ford, to J. B. Backenstos, dated Springfield, Dec. 29, in which he refers, among other matters to the probability that the U.S. Government would send a military force to Nauvoo to assist in arresting the Twelve, who are charged with counterfeiting...
The Quorum of Seventies, met in room No. 9 clothed, and offered up prayers for the preservation of the Twelve and all the different quorums, and for the continuation of the blessings of the endowment.
After the business of the day was over the brethren and Sisters, indulged in a dance. ... After dancing two figures, Joseph Young addressed the party at considerable length, and made a prayer in which all joined after which the music and dancing was continued to a late hour, say 12 o clock.
President B. Young returned to the Temple a few minutes after 10, and took part in the exercises. By his directions, Lucian R. Foster and Ann Maria, his wife, and Stephen Markham and his wife, danced a French four. This was the first time that L. R. Foster and his wife danced together.
[George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://bit.ly/WilliamClayton]
At 20 minutes past 11, President Young came in with Mrs. Young, his health not very good, but being quite comfortable. He slept at home and dreamed the same dream three times in the course of the night.
Elder Babbitt came in at 15 minutes before 12, bringing a letter, written by Gov. Thomas Ford, to J. B. Backenstos, dated Springfield, Dec. 29, in which he refers, among other matters to the probability that the U.S. Government would send a military force to Nauvoo to assist in arresting the Twelve, who are charged with counterfeiting...
The Quorum of Seventies, met in room No. 9 clothed, and offered up prayers for the preservation of the Twelve and all the different quorums, and for the continuation of the blessings of the endowment.
After the business of the day was over the brethren and Sisters, indulged in a dance. ... After dancing two figures, Joseph Young addressed the party at considerable length, and made a prayer in which all joined after which the music and dancing was continued to a late hour, say 12 o clock.
President B. Young returned to the Temple a few minutes after 10, and took part in the exercises. By his directions, Lucian R. Foster and Ann Maria, his wife, and Stephen Markham and his wife, danced a French four. This was the first time that L. R. Foster and his wife danced together.
[George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://bit.ly/WilliamClayton]
175 years ago today - Jan 6 [1846]
[Brigham Young]
1846 This morning I came to the Temple with my wife spent the day in assisting her about preparing the alter. In the evening met the council.
[Brigham Young Journal # 4 in the handwriting of: William Clayton, Evan Greene, John D. Lee, Willard Richards. First person account kept by others. 'Lieut. Genl Brigham Young's Journal 1844']
1846 This morning I came to the Temple with my wife spent the day in assisting her about preparing the alter. In the evening met the council.
[Brigham Young Journal # 4 in the handwriting of: William Clayton, Evan Greene, John D. Lee, Willard Richards. First person account kept by others. 'Lieut. Genl Brigham Young's Journal 1844']
180 years ago today - Jan 6, 1841
[Heber C. Kimball]
In the evning we went to Deacons Spencers, and preached and was apposed by one Mr. Cammon a Minister, perssessed [possessed] with the devle.
[Kimball, Stanley B. ed, On the Potter's Wheel: The Diaries of Heber C. Kimball]
In the evning we went to Deacons Spencers, and preached and was apposed by one Mr. Cammon a Minister, perssessed [possessed] with the devle.
[Kimball, Stanley B. ed, On the Potter's Wheel: The Diaries of Heber C. Kimball]
180 years ago today - Jan 6, 1841
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff]
... we cannot go to teach in the City of London but what the Devil comes also to oppose us. This accounts for my dreams about serpents.
I returned home fell asleep & again dreamed of vast Serpents both dead & alive. Some were of Antique turned into stone, & many were alive about 20 feet long & Pitched at me like Draggons & I fled from them & arose into the air & sailed a great distance with the greatest ease & delight singing Victory. I also saw large fruit. Tasted of it & it was good, & a man tried to set his dog on me, but he soon repented of his conduct. ...
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
... we cannot go to teach in the City of London but what the Devil comes also to oppose us. This accounts for my dreams about serpents.
I returned home fell asleep & again dreamed of vast Serpents both dead & alive. Some were of Antique turned into stone, & many were alive about 20 feet long & Pitched at me like Draggons & I fled from them & arose into the air & sailed a great distance with the greatest ease & delight singing Victory. I also saw large fruit. Tasted of it & it was good, & a man tried to set his dog on me, but he soon repented of his conduct. ...
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
185 years ago today - Jan 6, 1836
Joshua Seixas, author of "Manual of Hebrew Grammar for the Use of Beginners" (1833, second edition 1834) and former Hebrew instructor of Lorenzo Snow, is "hired" for a term of seven weeks, to teach "forty scholars," beginning in about fifteen days. It is reported that he will "give us sufficient knowledge during this term to start us in reading and translating the language." He does not actually arrive in Kirtland until Jan 26.
190 years ago today - Jan 6, 1831
The Palmyra Reflector writes of "Legends, or traditions respecting hidden treasures, with the SPIRIT, to whom ignorance has formerly given them in charge."
[Abner Cole, "Gold Bible," Reflector, (Palmyra, NY), 6 January 1831, as quoted in A Topical Guide of Treasure-Seeking Rituals From the American Northeast during the 18th and 19th Centuries, Compiled by Joseph T. Antley (2010)]
[Abner Cole, "Gold Bible," Reflector, (Palmyra, NY), 6 January 1831, as quoted in A Topical Guide of Treasure-Seeking Rituals From the American Northeast during the 18th and 19th Centuries, Compiled by Joseph T. Antley (2010)]
190 years ago today - Jan 6, 1831
Joseph Smith accused of using the sacrament to administer a visionary substance (Jan. 6, 1831 edition of the Palmyra Reflector)
[Kirtland Timeline – Kirtland Safety Society, the Bank of Monroe, Temple Dedication, Consecration, and significant historical events related, http://www.exploringmormonism.com/kirtland-timeline-kirtland-safety-society-the-bank-of-monroe-temple-dedication-consecration-and-significant-historical-events-related/]
[Kirtland Timeline – Kirtland Safety Society, the Bank of Monroe, Temple Dedication, Consecration, and significant historical events related, http://www.exploringmormonism.com/kirtland-timeline-kirtland-safety-society-the-bank-of-monroe-temple-dedication-consecration-and-significant-historical-events-related/]
110 years ago today - Jan 5, 1911; Thursday
Pres[iden]t. Lund reported that on Sunday the First Presidency met in the Beehive House, on which occasion Sister Emmeline B. Wells was set apart as President of the Relief Society, with Sisters Clarissa Williams and Julina L. Smith as first and second counselors. Sister Wells was set apart by President Smith, Sister Williams by President Lund, and Sister Smith by President John Henry Smith.
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
115 years ago today - Jan 5, 1906
[Heber J. Grant to Joseph F. Smith]
... A Tribune came to the office the other day and never have I read anything like the vile attack on you and the charge that you are the one responsible for all the crime in Salt Lake. Your remark 'I am sorry for two of the brethren' [Apostles Cowley and Taylor] etc. has caused me a great amount of thought and much anxiety. When I wake up in the night I have thought of these brethren and your statement 'I scarcely see how they can escape,' has worried me. ... With all my heart I plead for these two brethren that they may be protected no matter what the enemy may ask. What they have done I also have done or intended to do, and in so doing I would have done what I thought had the approval of my brethren. ... But for my mission I had intended to get another wife and was going to ask no questions. Your Sec[re]t[ar]y. Gave me to understand that I was a fool, having no sons and with the great city of Liverpool [England] in which to hide a wife, if I did not get one. I had just come home from a mission and took it for granted he knew what he was talking about. One of the Apostles, old enough to be my father told [Abraham] Owen [Woodruff] and me in the Temple that we should not fail in laying the foundation of our Kingdom in this life. Before I went to Japan my President intimated that I had better take the action needed to increase my family. ... John W. [Taylor] stopped me and as an Apostle in the name of our Master promised that the Lord would deliver me from my financial troubles and that I would make money so rapidly I should be amazed. My tithing in four months was 4,650 dollars nearly 1,200 dollars a month.'the tithing alone being more than I had been making for years. It is no wonder I love John when I think of the blessings he has been the instrument in God's hands of bestowing upon me. It is very tiresome to write as I doing and I do not want to weary you, but from the bottom of my heart I plead for my brethren even if Reed [Smoot] has to resign, if that would do any good in their case. You are on the ground and I trust and sustain you fully in all you have done or may do, but with my love for my brethren I feel I would be untrue to my own heart if I failed to admit my debt to them, and also acknowledge that they have done no more than I intended to do.
[Heber J. Grant, Letter to Joseph F. Smith, 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]
... A Tribune came to the office the other day and never have I read anything like the vile attack on you and the charge that you are the one responsible for all the crime in Salt Lake. Your remark 'I am sorry for two of the brethren' [Apostles Cowley and Taylor] etc. has caused me a great amount of thought and much anxiety. When I wake up in the night I have thought of these brethren and your statement 'I scarcely see how they can escape,' has worried me. ... With all my heart I plead for these two brethren that they may be protected no matter what the enemy may ask. What they have done I also have done or intended to do, and in so doing I would have done what I thought had the approval of my brethren. ... But for my mission I had intended to get another wife and was going to ask no questions. Your Sec[re]t[ar]y. Gave me to understand that I was a fool, having no sons and with the great city of Liverpool [England] in which to hide a wife, if I did not get one. I had just come home from a mission and took it for granted he knew what he was talking about. One of the Apostles, old enough to be my father told [Abraham] Owen [Woodruff] and me in the Temple that we should not fail in laying the foundation of our Kingdom in this life. Before I went to Japan my President intimated that I had better take the action needed to increase my family. ... John W. [Taylor] stopped me and as an Apostle in the name of our Master promised that the Lord would deliver me from my financial troubles and that I would make money so rapidly I should be amazed. My tithing in four months was 4,650 dollars nearly 1,200 dollars a month.'the tithing alone being more than I had been making for years. It is no wonder I love John when I think of the blessings he has been the instrument in God's hands of bestowing upon me. It is very tiresome to write as I doing and I do not want to weary you, but from the bottom of my heart I plead for my brethren even if Reed [Smoot] has to resign, if that would do any good in their case. You are on the ground and I trust and sustain you fully in all you have done or may do, but with my love for my brethren I feel I would be untrue to my own heart if I failed to admit my debt to them, and also acknowledge that they have done no more than I intended to do.
[Heber J. Grant, Letter to Joseph F. Smith, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
140 years ago today - Wednesday, Jan 5, 1881
Prest. John Taylor gave us some excellent advice in regard to the liberties of other men not of our faith and that we should protect them and theirs as our own. We should not find fault with other religions and from the pulpit rail out at public men, treat all with curtesey and Justice kindness and friendship.
[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]
[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]
140 years ago today - Jan 5, 1881
[Franklin D. Richards]
Council at 2'-John Henry Smith opened & F[ranklin]. D. R[ichards]. prayed at alter. Form for prayer & list of names of our persecutors read & considered with view to washing of Feet & presenting before the Lord according to Rev[elation]. ... Pr[e]s[iden]t. W[ilford]. Woodruff dedicated N[orth]. E[ast]. corner room for Council room of the 12 Apostles. I also attend[ed] the dedication of the council chamber of the Twelve. President [Wilford] Woodruff offered the dedicatory prayer and I read the 123 Section of the Doctrine and Covenants new edition.
[Franklin D. Richards Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
Council at 2'-John Henry Smith opened & F[ranklin]. D. R[ichards]. prayed at alter. Form for prayer & list of names of our persecutors read & considered with view to washing of Feet & presenting before the Lord according to Rev[elation]. ... Pr[e]s[iden]t. W[ilford]. Woodruff dedicated N[orth]. E[ast]. corner room for Council room of the 12 Apostles. I also attend[ed] the dedication of the council chamber of the Twelve. President [Wilford] Woodruff offered the dedicatory prayer and I read the 123 Section of the Doctrine and Covenants new edition.
[Franklin D. Richards Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
160 years ago today - Jan 5, 1861
He [Heber C. Kimball] said He had some wives who had never been subjet to his Council & will. Yet He took good Care of them & treated them kindly. <He had one woman that had committed adultery yet he fed her and took care of her but did not sleep with her as a wife.>
[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]
175 years ago today - Jan 5, 1846. Monday.
This was a pleasant morning, and many persons were early at the Temple to receive their washings and anointings. ... After the labors of the day were over, which was soon after nine o clock P.M. the violin and flute, played by brothers Hanson and Averett, in the east room, enlivened the spirits of the saints that were present, and they soon joined in the dance. ... Efforts were made to induce Brother George W. Harris to join in it also, but his great gravity and superior wisdom forbade him to do so, and he thought that as he had not yet danced in his life, he would not begin at the present time. After continuing the dance until about 12 o clock, all retired except the few who generally remain over night. ...
[George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://bit.ly/WilliamClayton]
[George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://bit.ly/WilliamClayton]
180 years ago today - 5Jan41
[Joseph Smith]
Description of Paul the Apostle
Public Speaking
World and Earth
Earth Formed from other Planets
Phrenology - Revelation
No Beginning No End Axiom - Ring Illustration
Eternal Principles are from God
Spirit of Man Eternal-Book of Abraham
Create = Formed
Father has a Body - Resurrected
First Step in Salvation
Grand Council
Purpose of Earth Life
Devil Wants a Body - Obey to Keep Devil at Bay
Earth Will Go Back to God
[The Parallel Joseph, http://www.boap.org/LDS/Parallel/]
Description of Paul the Apostle
Public Speaking
World and Earth
Earth Formed from other Planets
Phrenology - Revelation
No Beginning No End Axiom - Ring Illustration
Eternal Principles are from God
Spirit of Man Eternal-Book of Abraham
Create = Formed
Father has a Body - Resurrected
First Step in Salvation
Grand Council
Purpose of Earth Life
Devil Wants a Body - Obey to Keep Devil at Bay
Earth Will Go Back to God
[The Parallel Joseph, http://www.boap.org/LDS/Parallel/]
180 years ago today - Jan 5, 1841
Joseph Smith organizes the Nauvoo Lyceum where men could give presentations on theology "for the benefit of the Elders who are calculated to proclaim the Gospel to this Generation." He also announces a revelation against phrenology, text unavailable. He also gives a description of the Apostle Paul: "He is about 5 foot high; very dark hair; dark complection; dark skin; large Roman nose; sharp face; small black eyes, penetrating as eternity; round shoulders; a whining voice, except when elevated and then it almost resembles the roaring of a Lion. He was a good orator, but Doctor [John C.] Bennett is a superior orator, and like Paul is active and diligent, always employing himself in doing good to his fellow men."
185 years ago today - Jan 5, 1836
Joseph Smith writes in his diary: "Attended Hebrew School [and] divided them into classes. Had some debate with Elder Orson Pratt. He manifested a stub[b]ourn spirit, which I was much grieved at." The next day he writes, "Spent most of the fore noon in set[t]ling the unple[a]sant feelings that existed in the breast of ElderO Pratt. After much controversy, he confessed his fault and asked the forgiv[e]ness of the whol[e] school and was forgiven by all."
190 years ago today - Jan 5, 1831 (Wednesday)
Oliver Cowdery and fellow-missionaries arrived in Jackson County, Missouri, where they commenced their mission among the Lamanites on its western border.
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
85 years ago today - 1936 January 4
In a letter the First Presidency requested that local Priesthood and Auxiliary leaders reserve one day a month when no Church duties would be required of the members, so families could spend the time together.
[Correlation Timeline, Compiled by Lisle Brown]
[Correlation Timeline, Compiled by Lisle Brown]
125 years ago today - Jan 4, 1896
Article 3 Section 1 [of the Utah State constitution]: The following ordinance shall be irrevocable without the consent of the United States and the people of this State: First: -- Perfect toleration of religious sentiment is guaranteed. No inhabitant of this State shall ever be molested in person or property on account of his or her mode of religious worship; but polygamous or plural marriages are forever prohibited. (Utah Constitution art. III sec. 1)
[Tungate, Mel, Mormon Polygamy, http://www.tungate.com/polygamy.htm]
[Tungate, Mel, Mormon Polygamy, http://www.tungate.com/polygamy.htm]
125 years ago today - Jan 4, 1896
Democratic president Grover Cleveland proclaims Utah as a state. Only two members of U.S. House of Representatives voted against enabling act in 1893. It caps the end of a long struggle which included a federal occupation, crushing statutes, imprisonment of Church leaders, alteration of a Church doctrine and marital pattern, and the reformation of a party system. At about mid-day, Salt Lake City erupted into an enthusiastic celebration. A shotgun fired in front of the Western Union Telegraph office signaled that word had arrived from Washington, D.C., that President Cleveland had signed the proclamation making Utah the forty-fifth state. This set off a deafening clamor of shouts, fireworks, bells, and cannon salutes. A gigantic steam whistle especially provided for the occasion sounded incessantly for two hours from the tower of the Salt Lake City and County Building. The streets were thronged with people heartily congratulating each other.
125 years ago today - Jan 4, 1896
[Francis M. Lyman]
... President Grover Cleveland signed the proclamation giving Statehood to Utah. This is a glorious event which the People of Utah have been seeking for 45 years or more. ... There has been in the minds of many a feeling that we never would be admitted. That Pres[ident] Kimball or someone else had so prophesied. If such had been the case certainly Pres[ident] Woodruff and all the Apostles from the days of Pres[ident] Kimball would have remembered it was well as any others. Important prophesies have generally been written down. Nothing of that kind has been recorded in sermons or otherwise. ...
[Excerpts of Apostle Francis M. Lyman Diaries, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
... President Grover Cleveland signed the proclamation giving Statehood to Utah. This is a glorious event which the People of Utah have been seeking for 45 years or more. ... There has been in the minds of many a feeling that we never would be admitted. That Pres[ident] Kimball or someone else had so prophesied. If such had been the case certainly Pres[ident] Woodruff and all the Apostles from the days of Pres[ident] Kimball would have remembered it was well as any others. Important prophesies have generally been written down. Nothing of that kind has been recorded in sermons or otherwise. ...
[Excerpts of Apostle Francis M. Lyman Diaries, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
140 years ago today - Tuesday, Jan 4, 1881
[John Henry Smith]
In the evening I went to the City Council. ... After regular business we agreed by vote to sustain Justice Pyper in being more severe on our prostitutes and saloons by punishing by imprisonment as well as fine.
[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]
In the evening I went to the City Council. ... After regular business we agreed by vote to sustain Justice Pyper in being more severe on our prostitutes and saloons by punishing by imprisonment as well as fine.
[Jean Bickmore White (editor), Church, State, and Politics: The Diaries of John Henry Smith, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1990, http://bit.ly/johnhenrysmith]
170 years ago today - Jan 4, 1851
Attended County Court to day[.] The cases of Henry Shenk as principal and Phillip George as accessary before & after the fact in a charge for Larceny was taken up. ... This is the first indictment ever submitted to a jury in the State of Deseret
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
175 years ago today - Jan 4, 1846
[Joseph Fielding]
1846, January 4. Since the death of Joseph and Hyrum, the building of the [Nauvoo] temple has gone on rapidly and contrary to the expectation and prophecy of Sidney Rigdon and others. The roof has been put on, the spire put up and beautifully ornamented. The temple is indeed a noble structure, and I suppose the architects of our day know not of what order to call it, Gothic, Doric, Corinthian or what. I call it heavenly. The upper room is finished and about the beginning of December it was dedicated and the Twelve began to give to the Saints their endowment.
[Joseph Fielding, Diary (1843-1846), Church Archives in "They Might Have Known That He Was Not a Fallen Prophet"--The Nauvoo Journal of Joseph Fielding," transcribed and edited by Andrew F. Ehat, BYU Studies 19 (Winter 1979), http://www.boap.org/LDS/Early-Saints/JFielding.html]
1846, January 4. Since the death of Joseph and Hyrum, the building of the [Nauvoo] temple has gone on rapidly and contrary to the expectation and prophecy of Sidney Rigdon and others. The roof has been put on, the spire put up and beautifully ornamented. The temple is indeed a noble structure, and I suppose the architects of our day know not of what order to call it, Gothic, Doric, Corinthian or what. I call it heavenly. The upper room is finished and about the beginning of December it was dedicated and the Twelve began to give to the Saints their endowment.
[Joseph Fielding, Diary (1843-1846), Church Archives in "They Might Have Known That He Was Not a Fallen Prophet"--The Nauvoo Journal of Joseph Fielding," transcribed and edited by Andrew F. Ehat, BYU Studies 19 (Winter 1979), http://www.boap.org/LDS/Early-Saints/JFielding.html]
175 years ago today - Jan 4, 1846. Sunday.
No public meeting was held in the Temple this day, on account of the floor being not stiff enough to support so large a company as would have come in, without swaying too much.
...Sisters Mary Ann Young, Viiate Kimball, Elizabeth Ann Whitney, Eliza R. Snow, Mary Smith, Mercy R. Thompson, and Sarah Ann Kingsbury were employed most of the day in working at the cushions for the new Altar.
[George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://bit.ly/WilliamClayton]
...Sisters Mary Ann Young, Viiate Kimball, Elizabeth Ann Whitney, Eliza R. Snow, Mary Smith, Mercy R. Thompson, and Sarah Ann Kingsbury were employed most of the day in working at the cushions for the new Altar.
[George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://bit.ly/WilliamClayton]
185 years ago today - Jan 4, 1836
Joseph Smith and associates begin their first day of "Hebrew School." However they receive a message from the teacher they had hired, Doctor Piexotto, that he will not be able to give his first lecture for two days. The school votes to drop Piexotto and to hire a new teacher. Joshua Seixas is hired two days later for "the term of 7 weeks for $320.00" to teach 40 students. Joseph Smith writes of Seixas, "He is highly celebrated as a Hebrew Schollar and proposes to give us sufficient knowledge in the above term of time to read and translate the language."
45 years ago today - Jan 03, 1976
Because of increasing numbers of missions, those called to foreign-language missions begin reporting directly to the Language Training Mission in Provo, Utah, instead of going to the Mission Home in Salt Lake City, Utah.
110 years ago today - Jan 3, 1911; Tuesday
[Heber J. Grant]
As plural marriage had been preached with much energy for ten years just before the Manifesto he was not at all surprised that there had been a few violations of the Manifesto.
[Heber J. Grant, Diary]
As plural marriage had been preached with much energy for ten years just before the Manifesto he was not at all surprised that there had been a few violations of the Manifesto.
[Heber J. Grant, Diary]
120 years ago today - Jan 3, 1901; Thursday
[Apostle Brigham Young Jr.]
I ought to obey the word of wisdom more carefully if I desire more perfect health. God help me to put away all my weaknesses. I joke to[o] much.
[Brigham Young Jr., Diary]
I ought to obey the word of wisdom more carefully if I desire more perfect health. God help me to put away all my weaknesses. I joke to[o] much.
[Brigham Young Jr., Diary]
130 years ago today - Jan 3, 1891
In early 1891, Charles Lowell Walker of St. George wrote, "Some say and have written that great things are to happen . . . in this year 1891. Yea, dire and dreadful things are to transpire. Some even declare that Christ will come and the Millennial Reign inaugurated."
…Future apostle Franklin D. Richards, present in Nauvoo, recorded: "He is therefore now 37 years old last Dec, which leaves 48 years yet to transpire until the time of Promise that Joseph should see Christ."
[Charles Lowell Walker, Diary, Bottom of page 21,22 Needs transcribed, as quoted in The Last Days and December 1890 2nd Coming of Jesus Christ, y George D. Speer Sr., privately circulated]
…Future apostle Franklin D. Richards, present in Nauvoo, recorded: "He is therefore now 37 years old last Dec, which leaves 48 years yet to transpire until the time of Promise that Joseph should see Christ."
[Charles Lowell Walker, Diary, Bottom of page 21,22 Needs transcribed, as quoted in The Last Days and December 1890 2nd Coming of Jesus Christ, y George D. Speer Sr., privately circulated]
140 years ago today - Jan 3, 1881
Patriarchal Blessing of George Albert Smith given by John L. Smith ...
George Albert, in the authority of the Patriarchal priesthood, I place my hands upon thy head ... Thy guardian angel hath and will watch over thee and whisper to thee the way in which thou shouldest walk in the right enabling thee to shun every trap and snare set for thy feet. The priesthood in fulness shall ere long be sealed upon thee with all the gifts, powers, and blessings pertaining thereto. The Lord hath in store for thee a mighty work to perform for thy kindred and friends. So speedy and important shall be thy mission that thou shalt travel as upon the wings of the wind. No miracle shall be too hard for thee to perform. ... The winds and the waves shall obey thy voice. The dead shall be raised at thy command if it be necessary for the prosperity of Israel. .
[Patriarchal Blessings]
George Albert, in the authority of the Patriarchal priesthood, I place my hands upon thy head ... Thy guardian angel hath and will watch over thee and whisper to thee the way in which thou shouldest walk in the right enabling thee to shun every trap and snare set for thy feet. The priesthood in fulness shall ere long be sealed upon thee with all the gifts, powers, and blessings pertaining thereto. The Lord hath in store for thee a mighty work to perform for thy kindred and friends. So speedy and important shall be thy mission that thou shalt travel as upon the wings of the wind. No miracle shall be too hard for thee to perform. ... The winds and the waves shall obey thy voice. The dead shall be raised at thy command if it be necessary for the prosperity of Israel. .
[Patriarchal Blessings]
145 years ago today - Jan 03, 1876
Warren N. Dusenberry begins his term as the first principal (president) of Brigham Young Academy, the predecessor of Brigham Young University.
170 years ago today - Jan 3, 1851 (Friday)
The first criminal trial by jury took place in the Provisional State of Deseret, in G.S.L. City.
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
90 years ago today - Jan 2, 1931
[James E. Talmage]
Attended a 9:30 a.m. meeting of the Council of the Twelve hld in President Rudger Clawson's office. The purpose of this gathering was to consider a protest made by Elder Brigham H. Roberts, senior president of the First Council of Seventy against a discourse delivered by Elder Joseph Fielding Smith of the Council of the Twelve at a genealogical conference held in April last. The main point at issue is the affirmation by Elder Smith that prior to the Fall there was no death of either plants or animals upon the earth. At today's meeting Elder Roberts responded to an invitation and made an oral and extemporaneous address, supporting his protest. It should be said that what is herein called a 'protest' was simply a letter addressed to the First Presidency, later referred by them to the Twelve, asking whether the utterances of Elder Smith were to be considered as expressions of personal opinion or as authoritative statements sustained by the First Presidency and Twelve. By common consent and agreement Brother Roberts is to present his views in writing.
[James E. Talmage Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
Attended a 9:30 a.m. meeting of the Council of the Twelve hld in President Rudger Clawson's office. The purpose of this gathering was to consider a protest made by Elder Brigham H. Roberts, senior president of the First Council of Seventy against a discourse delivered by Elder Joseph Fielding Smith of the Council of the Twelve at a genealogical conference held in April last. The main point at issue is the affirmation by Elder Smith that prior to the Fall there was no death of either plants or animals upon the earth. At today's meeting Elder Roberts responded to an invitation and made an oral and extemporaneous address, supporting his protest. It should be said that what is herein called a 'protest' was simply a letter addressed to the First Presidency, later referred by them to the Twelve, asking whether the utterances of Elder Smith were to be considered as expressions of personal opinion or as authoritative statements sustained by the First Presidency and Twelve. By common consent and agreement Brother Roberts is to present his views in writing.
[James E. Talmage Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
120 years ago today - Wednesday, Jan 2, 1901
[John Henry Smith]
Salt Lake City
I had sealed to me today in the Salt Lake Temple by Adolph P. Madsen Emma Louise Robbins, born May 27th, 1850 at San Francisco California. Ellen Louise Barrett Summerhays was proxy.
I sealed Emma Ray Riggs to David Oman McKay. In the evening a reception was held and all had an enjoyable time.
Emma L. Robbins was the wife of O. H. Riggs, who himself secured a divorce from her in the East. He has gone out of the church. She on her dying had requested to be sealed to me.
[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]
Salt Lake City
I had sealed to me today in the Salt Lake Temple by Adolph P. Madsen Emma Louise Robbins, born May 27th, 1850 at San Francisco California. Ellen Louise Barrett Summerhays was proxy.
I sealed Emma Ray Riggs to David Oman McKay. In the evening a reception was held and all had an enjoyable time.
Emma L. Robbins was the wife of O. H. Riggs, who himself secured a divorce from her in the East. He has gone out of the church. She on her dying had requested to be sealed to me.
[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]
125 years ago today - Jan 2, 1896
[Apostle Francis M. Lyman]
[In council] Then bro[ther] Geo[rge] C. Parkinson [regarding false doctrine concerning baby resurrection] case for going through Southern Utah in the interest of Trumbo for Senator was considered and he was censured. Then came on for consideration bro[ther] Moses Thatchers case. It was made to appear to our satisfaction that his sickness and trouble is caused by the use of coffee, tobacco and opium. He is now a confirmed friend of all those things and it at most must be but a question of a brief time when he will collapse. We felt that the true cause of his trouble should be made clear before the Saints, that no injury should come from wrong ideas about him in the mind of the brethren and Saints. At our coming quorum meeting the question will likely receive attention by the full council.
[Excerpts of Apostle Francis M. Lyman Diaries, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[In council] Then bro[ther] Geo[rge] C. Parkinson [regarding false doctrine concerning baby resurrection] case for going through Southern Utah in the interest of Trumbo for Senator was considered and he was censured. Then came on for consideration bro[ther] Moses Thatchers case. It was made to appear to our satisfaction that his sickness and trouble is caused by the use of coffee, tobacco and opium. He is now a confirmed friend of all those things and it at most must be but a question of a brief time when he will collapse. We felt that the true cause of his trouble should be made clear before the Saints, that no injury should come from wrong ideas about him in the mind of the brethren and Saints. At our coming quorum meeting the question will likely receive attention by the full council.
[Excerpts of Apostle Francis M. Lyman Diaries, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
175 years ago today - Jan 2, 1846
In a meeting in the [Nauvoo] Temple Brigham Young stated, "We can't stay in this house but a little while. We got to build another house. It will be a larger house than this, and a more glorious one, and we shall build a great many houses...and build houses all over the continent of N[orth] America."
[Brown, Lisle (compiler), Chronology of the Construction, Destruction and Reconstruction of the Nauvoo Temple]
[Brown, Lisle (compiler), Chronology of the Construction, Destruction and Reconstruction of the Nauvoo Temple]
175 years ago today - Jan 2, 1846
[Brigham Young]
He alluded to the privilege which we now have of meeting in this house and said that we could worship God in the dance, as well as in other ways. He alluded to the ordinances of the endowment, and said they must always be attended to in an upper room, when we see a temple built right, there will be places for the Priests to enter and put on their robes, and offer up sacrifices, first for themselves, and then for the people.
The way for us to grow & thrive is for us to serve the Lord in all we do.--and as we have called upon the different quorums to meet together once a day, so it will eventually be with the whole church. There will be houses for them to meet in....
Now as to dancing in this house--There are thousands of brethren, and sisters that have labored hard to build these walls and put on this roof, and they are shut out from any opportunity of enjoying any amusement among the wicked--or in the world--and shall they have any recreation? Yes! Where? Why in the Temple of the Lord. That is the very place where they can have liberty--and we will enjoy it this winter and then leave it. ... And we will leave this wicked nation, to themselves, for they have rejected the gospel, and I hope and pray that the wicked will kill one another & save us the trouble of doing it. ...
The U.S. Government says if we let the Mormons go out from this nation they will give us trouble--well perhaps their fears will come upon them--Where is there a city of refuge, on the face of the earth but this. They have tried to break us up. ...
-And now brethren will it hurt your feelings any if we dance a little. We need a little recreation--My mind is continually upon the stretch, because I know that this church must be saved. ...
I mean that there shall not be a fiddle in this church but what has holiness to the Lord upon it--nor a flute; nor a trumpet, nor any other instrument of music--and if they will not make music exclusively for the Lord's house, they shall not play at all.
[Nauvoo Temple - Heber C. Kimball Journal, Mss, in Elden J. Watson, ed. Brigham Young Addresses, 1801-1877: A Chronological Compilation of Known Addresses of the Prophet Brigham Young, 6 vols. (Salt Lake City: Privately published, 1971)]
He alluded to the privilege which we now have of meeting in this house and said that we could worship God in the dance, as well as in other ways. He alluded to the ordinances of the endowment, and said they must always be attended to in an upper room, when we see a temple built right, there will be places for the Priests to enter and put on their robes, and offer up sacrifices, first for themselves, and then for the people.
The way for us to grow & thrive is for us to serve the Lord in all we do.--and as we have called upon the different quorums to meet together once a day, so it will eventually be with the whole church. There will be houses for them to meet in....
Now as to dancing in this house--There are thousands of brethren, and sisters that have labored hard to build these walls and put on this roof, and they are shut out from any opportunity of enjoying any amusement among the wicked--or in the world--and shall they have any recreation? Yes! Where? Why in the Temple of the Lord. That is the very place where they can have liberty--and we will enjoy it this winter and then leave it. ... And we will leave this wicked nation, to themselves, for they have rejected the gospel, and I hope and pray that the wicked will kill one another & save us the trouble of doing it. ...
The U.S. Government says if we let the Mormons go out from this nation they will give us trouble--well perhaps their fears will come upon them--Where is there a city of refuge, on the face of the earth but this. They have tried to break us up. ...
-And now brethren will it hurt your feelings any if we dance a little. We need a little recreation--My mind is continually upon the stretch, because I know that this church must be saved. ...
I mean that there shall not be a fiddle in this church but what has holiness to the Lord upon it--nor a flute; nor a trumpet, nor any other instrument of music--and if they will not make music exclusively for the Lord's house, they shall not play at all.
[Nauvoo Temple - Heber C. Kimball Journal, Mss, in Elden J. Watson, ed. Brigham Young Addresses, 1801-1877: A Chronological Compilation of Known Addresses of the Prophet Brigham Young, 6 vols. (Salt Lake City: Privately published, 1971)]
190 years ago today - Jan 2, 1831
Joseph Smith receives revelation about going to Ohio in front of members questioning the move. Some people were reluctant to leave farms and comfortable circumstances for the uncertainties of the Western Reserve in Ohio. There was the prospect that many would lose money and some might even be unable to sell their property. -Newel Knight said that this entailed the sacrifice of their property. Newel sold 60 acres, Freeborn DeMille 61 acres, Aaron Culver 100 acres, and Father Knight 140 acres, with -two Dwelling Houses, a good barn, and a fine orchard.' Led by Newel, sixty-two Knight kin moved to Ohio as part of the first gathering. Lord says the land is:
[A] land of promise, a land flowing with milk and honey, upon which there shall be no curse when the Lord cometh; And I will give it unto you for the land of your inheritance, if you seek it with all your hearts. And this shall be my covenant with you, ye shall have it for the land of your inheritance, and for the inheritance of your children forever, while the earth shall stand- let every man esteem his brother as himself- I will give unto you my law; and there you shall be endowed with power from on high- go ye out from among the wicked. Save yourselves (D&C 38)
[Kirtland Timeline – Kirtland Safety Society, the Bank of Monroe, Temple Dedication, Consecration, and significant historical events related, http://www.exploringmormonism.com/kirtland-timeline-kirtland-safety-society-the-bank-of-monroe-temple-dedication-consecration-and-significant-historical-events-related/; William G. Hartley. The Knight Family: Ever Faithful to the Prophet. Ensign, Jan. 1989, 46]
[A] land of promise, a land flowing with milk and honey, upon which there shall be no curse when the Lord cometh; And I will give it unto you for the land of your inheritance, if you seek it with all your hearts. And this shall be my covenant with you, ye shall have it for the land of your inheritance, and for the inheritance of your children forever, while the earth shall stand- let every man esteem his brother as himself- I will give unto you my law; and there you shall be endowed with power from on high- go ye out from among the wicked. Save yourselves (D&C 38)
[Kirtland Timeline – Kirtland Safety Society, the Bank of Monroe, Temple Dedication, Consecration, and significant historical events related, http://www.exploringmormonism.com/kirtland-timeline-kirtland-safety-society-the-bank-of-monroe-temple-dedication-consecration-and-significant-historical-events-related/; William G. Hartley. The Knight Family: Ever Faithful to the Prophet. Ensign, Jan. 1989, 46]
30 years ago today - Jan 1, 1991
Church headquarters standardizes monthly support for full-time missionaries throughout the world at $350 (or 400 Canadian dollars). This equalizes financial burden for U.S. and Canadian families who struggle to support missionaries in cities or countries with far higher cost-of-living than missionary's family. LDS church funds continue to supplement of fully pay for support of 1/3 of LDS missionaries whose families live outside of the U.S. and Canada.
[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 1, 1976
LDS church has float in California's Rose Parade, first time in fifty years that invitation is extend to any church by parade organizers.
50 years ago today - 1971-01-01
"The Relief Society Magazine" is discontinued in favor of "The Ensign"
[Mormon Women's History Timeline, http://www1.chapman.edu/~remy/MoFem/mormonwomen.html]
[Mormon Women's History Timeline, http://www1.chapman.edu/~remy/MoFem/mormonwomen.html]
130 years ago today - Jan 1, 1891
[President Wilford Woodruff]
Jan 1, 1891 This is New Years day And the year that has been looked upon by many as one of the most important years of the world. There is a Combination of all the wicked Men & Devels through the press and pulpit to destroy the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day [Saints] from off the Earth. Wickedness of Every kind is increasing throughout the World.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Jan 1, 1891 This is New Years day And the year that has been looked upon by many as one of the most important years of the world. There is a Combination of all the wicked Men & Devels through the press and pulpit to destroy the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day [Saints] from off the Earth. Wickedness of Every kind is increasing throughout the World.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
135 years ago today - Jan 1, 1886
The persecution of the Government against the Latter Day Saints has Commenced in the year 1885 And there is a prosper of its being vary severe during 1886. It seems as if the whole government had turned Mob including the Presidet the Supreme Court the Cabinet & Congress all seem determind to mob & rob the Latter Day Saints under the form of Law But we still maintain that God Reigns & will untill He puts all Enemies under his feet, and He will fight the battles of his saints and He will bring Judgment upon our Enemies & destroy them in his own due time. This is the Testimony of Wilford Woodruff.
[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]
150 years ago today - Jan 1, 1871
[Wilford Woodruff]
I refered to the various periods & years which we had looked forward to with interest. I refered to 1831, the great Eclips upon the Sun, Also 1860, the great division in the United States the 4 years war the Earth deluged in Blood Before 1866. This war was Prophesied of By Joseph Smith some 25 years before it took place. I spoke of 1870, and we had now approached a period when Evry year was big with Events. The fullfillment of Prophesy & Revelation was at our doors. Zion was destined to arise, the Kingdom of God to be Esstablished, Great Babylon to Fall, the Plagues & Judgmets of God to be poured out upon the Christian world, the Jews to be gathered home to Zion Jerusalem to rebuild their City & Temple The Ten tribes to return from the North Country & the rivers to be turned to Blood as John the Revelator saw them & the way prepared for the Coming of the Son of Man. I Bore my Testimony of the Calling of Joseph Smith & Brigham Young & the Prophets & Apostles in the latter days. The spirit of God rested upon me.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
I refered to the various periods & years which we had looked forward to with interest. I refered to 1831, the great Eclips upon the Sun, Also 1860, the great division in the United States the 4 years war the Earth deluged in Blood Before 1866. This war was Prophesied of By Joseph Smith some 25 years before it took place. I spoke of 1870, and we had now approached a period when Evry year was big with Events. The fullfillment of Prophesy & Revelation was at our doors. Zion was destined to arise, the Kingdom of God to be Esstablished, Great Babylon to Fall, the Plagues & Judgmets of God to be poured out upon the Christian world, the Jews to be gathered home to Zion Jerusalem to rebuild their City & Temple The Ten tribes to return from the North Country & the rivers to be turned to Blood as John the Revelator saw them & the way prepared for the Coming of the Son of Man. I Bore my Testimony of the Calling of Joseph Smith & Brigham Young & the Prophets & Apostles in the latter days. The spirit of God rested upon me.
[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 1, 1866
[Wilford Woodruff]
Brother Kimball blessed us & prophesied upon our heads. He told Br Orson Hyde that He should overcome all things & come out with a clean sheet in the End without spot or Blemish, & should be Crowned in Glory in the presence of God & his Brethren as Joseph saw him 30 years ago. And I pronounce the Same Blessing upon all the Quorum of the Twelve & any man who attempts to ride you will be rode himself & any man who opposes you will fall & I say to you Brother Franklin that you shall Come off Clear in the End. You have passed through trials as well as the rests of us. And I will say Concerning Sehyler Colfax who is trying to go into the Presidential Chair on the down fall of the Latter day Saints I will say in the name of the Lord that He shall go under as Douglass did & the Curs of God shall rest upon our Enemies who seek our destruction.
He blessed us all & prophesid much good upon Israel & Evil upon her Enemies.
...I spent the Evening at the Historians Office writing the procedings of the day & listening to G. A. Smith giving his views of the dividing the Earth in the days of Peleg & the kind of Barges the Jaredites made to Cross the ocian in to the Land of America & many items of the History of the Jaredites Nephites & Lamanites.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Brother Kimball blessed us & prophesied upon our heads. He told Br Orson Hyde that He should overcome all things & come out with a clean sheet in the End without spot or Blemish, & should be Crowned in Glory in the presence of God & his Brethren as Joseph saw him 30 years ago. And I pronounce the Same Blessing upon all the Quorum of the Twelve & any man who attempts to ride you will be rode himself & any man who opposes you will fall & I say to you Brother Franklin that you shall Come off Clear in the End. You have passed through trials as well as the rests of us. And I will say Concerning Sehyler Colfax who is trying to go into the Presidential Chair on the down fall of the Latter day Saints I will say in the name of the Lord that He shall go under as Douglass did & the Curs of God shall rest upon our Enemies who seek our destruction.
He blessed us all & prophesid much good upon Israel & Evil upon her Enemies.
...I spent the Evening at the Historians Office writing the procedings of the day & listening to G. A. Smith giving his views of the dividing the Earth in the days of Peleg & the kind of Barges the Jaredites made to Cross the ocian in to the Land of America & many items of the History of the Jaredites Nephites & Lamanites.
[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 1, 1866
The first edition of the Juvenile Instructor, the official organ of the Sunday School, was published. Its name was changed to the Instructor in 1930, and it continued publication until 1970.
[Church News: Historical Chronology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, http://www.ldschurchnewsarchive.com/articles/58765/Historical-chronology-of-The-Church-of-Jesus-Christ-of-Latter-day-Saints.html]
[Church News: Historical Chronology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, http://www.ldschurchnewsarchive.com/articles/58765/Historical-chronology-of-The-Church-of-Jesus-Christ-of-Latter-day-Saints.html]
160 years ago today - Jan 1, 1861
[Wilford Woodruff]
Joseph Smith the Prophet said whoever lived to see 1860 would live to see the foundation laid for some most awful bloody wars and whoever lived to see those two figures Come together 1866 would live to see a day when the Earth would be deluged in blood in many places & there would be such awful distress & Calamity that it would be a vexation to hear the report of it. We may prepare ourselves for an awful time in the United States. The hand writing has been seen upon the wall And our Nations is doomed to destruction. The United States will be visited this year with much affliction more than they have ever seen since they have been a Free Government and it will increase yearly untill they are destroyed.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Joseph Smith the Prophet said whoever lived to see 1860 would live to see the foundation laid for some most awful bloody wars and whoever lived to see those two figures Come together 1866 would live to see a day when the Earth would be deluged in blood in many places & there would be such awful distress & Calamity that it would be a vexation to hear the report of it. We may prepare ourselves for an awful time in the United States. The hand writing has been seen upon the wall And our Nations is doomed to destruction. The United States will be visited this year with much affliction more than they have ever seen since they have been a Free Government and it will increase yearly untill they are destroyed.
[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 1, 1861 (Afternoon)
[Brigham Young]
He spoke of Drunkenness and said if a man must drink to buy his liquor and shut himself up and get drunk alone and not curse anybody or Commit sin when you are drunk. Always bless those around you and not curse them but it is better not to get drunk at all. -- SLC 13th Ward
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal. 9 Vols. Scott G. Kenney, ed. Salt Lake City: Signature Books, 1983-85. 5:537, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
He spoke of Drunkenness and said if a man must drink to buy his liquor and shut himself up and get drunk alone and not curse anybody or Commit sin when you are drunk. Always bless those around you and not curse them but it is better not to get drunk at all. -- SLC 13th Ward
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal. 9 Vols. Scott G. Kenney, ed. Salt Lake City: Signature Books, 1983-85. 5:537, 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 - Jan 1, 1846
[Wilford Woodruff]
Jan 1st I wrote Elder Samuel Downs A letter And sent him as A New years gift some Hair from the Heads of Joseph Smith the Prophet And all the Smith family of Male members also Mother Smith And from most all the quorum of the Twelve Also A peace of Joseph Smith Handkerchief.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Jan 1st I wrote Elder Samuel Downs A letter And sent him as A New years gift some Hair from the Heads of Joseph Smith the Prophet And all the Smith family of Male members also Mother Smith And from most all the quorum of the Twelve Also A peace of Joseph Smith Handkerchief.
[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 1, 1846. Thursday.
At 10 minutes past 3 o clock P.M. in President Brigham Young's room No. 1 in the Attic Story of the Lord's House, Truman Leonard Jun[io]r and Ortensia White were united in the bonds of matrimony, by President Brigham Young, and were sealed for time and for eternity, in the presence of George A. Smith, and Parley P. Pratt, as Witnesses. [This is the first "time and eternity sealing in the Nauvoo temple]
...After a little time had elapsed, the whole company were assembled together in the east room, in number about fifty and all kneeled down upon the carpet and united with Elder H. C. Kimball .. that God would bless our wives and give unto them strength of body, that they might live and administer to the servants of God that they might see three score years and ten, and behold the kingdom of God established in the earth. ...
William G. Young and Adelia C. Clark were then married by President Brigham Young, in the following order, viz; chairs were placed for them near the west side of the room by Phineas H. Young in which they were seated, and Brigham H. Young and Cedenia O. Clark officiated as Groomsman and Bridesmaid. President Young then asked the Groom if it was the understanding that they were to be married for time and for eternity and receiving an answer in the affirmative, asked the Bride the same question, and received the same answer. He then asked Hazen Kimball and his wife if the Bride's parents understood their intentions and approved of them and received the same answer. He also asked the Bride how old she was, and was answered that she would be 20 years old the 28th of this month. These questions having all been satisfactorily answered, he requested them to stand up, and they did so, and by his direction joined their right hands together. He then said nearly as follows, William G. Young, you take Adelia C. Clark by the right hand to be your lawful wedded wife, and promise, in the presence of God and Angels, and these witnesses to observe all the laws and obligations and duties pertaining or belonging to this order of the Priesthood, do You? to which the Groom answered Yes Sir. He then asked the same question or nearly so of the Bride, and received a like answer. He then pronounced them Husband and Wife, and sealed them together as such for time and for all eternity, and also sealed them up to eternal life, against all sins, except the sin of the Holy Ghost, which is the shedding of innocent blood, and pronounced various blessings upon them, and when he had done, told William to kiss his wife.
Two or three songs were then sung, and President Young invited the company to supper, which had been prepared in another part of the hall, viz; the garden. Bishop N. K. Whitney and his wife led the way, and were followed by about half the company, the table not being extensive enough to accommodate more than that number. Supper was soon ended and the sound of Hanson's violin and Brother Averett's flute in the east room gave notice that business of a different nature would soon be attended to. The floor was cleared of chairs and tables, and filled up with two sets of dancers, one on each side of the stove. ...
The question was then put, the President invited all those who were willing to covenant that they would keep themselves from mingling with the wicked to rise upon their feet, whereupon all rose up. ...
The Spirit of the Lord was present, and the spirit of meekness and humility and gratitude to God, for the great privileges we enjoy, that tears came into the eyes of many of those present. Love and union, peace and harmony prevailed, the utmost decorum was observed, not a loud laugh, nor a rude jest saluted the ear. All were in the most perfect subjection to the word of the President, and when he told them at about half past 2 o clock that it was time to quit and seek repose the whole company assented without a murmur, although many would have been glad to have continued the exercise longer.
The sisters retired to the side rooms, and the brethren stretched themselves on the floor, or on the sofas and all were soon in the embraces of "tired nature's sweet restorer, balmy sleep," with the exception of the Bridegroom and Bride, and a few of their friends who, being unable to close their eyes in sleep, from the abundance of their joy, passed the short hours of the morning, in agreeable conversation, in the office . . .
[George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://bit.ly/WilliamClayton]
...After a little time had elapsed, the whole company were assembled together in the east room, in number about fifty and all kneeled down upon the carpet and united with Elder H. C. Kimball .. that God would bless our wives and give unto them strength of body, that they might live and administer to the servants of God that they might see three score years and ten, and behold the kingdom of God established in the earth. ...
William G. Young and Adelia C. Clark were then married by President Brigham Young, in the following order, viz; chairs were placed for them near the west side of the room by Phineas H. Young in which they were seated, and Brigham H. Young and Cedenia O. Clark officiated as Groomsman and Bridesmaid. President Young then asked the Groom if it was the understanding that they were to be married for time and for eternity and receiving an answer in the affirmative, asked the Bride the same question, and received the same answer. He then asked Hazen Kimball and his wife if the Bride's parents understood their intentions and approved of them and received the same answer. He also asked the Bride how old she was, and was answered that she would be 20 years old the 28th of this month. These questions having all been satisfactorily answered, he requested them to stand up, and they did so, and by his direction joined their right hands together. He then said nearly as follows, William G. Young, you take Adelia C. Clark by the right hand to be your lawful wedded wife, and promise, in the presence of God and Angels, and these witnesses to observe all the laws and obligations and duties pertaining or belonging to this order of the Priesthood, do You? to which the Groom answered Yes Sir. He then asked the same question or nearly so of the Bride, and received a like answer. He then pronounced them Husband and Wife, and sealed them together as such for time and for all eternity, and also sealed them up to eternal life, against all sins, except the sin of the Holy Ghost, which is the shedding of innocent blood, and pronounced various blessings upon them, and when he had done, told William to kiss his wife.
Two or three songs were then sung, and President Young invited the company to supper, which had been prepared in another part of the hall, viz; the garden. Bishop N. K. Whitney and his wife led the way, and were followed by about half the company, the table not being extensive enough to accommodate more than that number. Supper was soon ended and the sound of Hanson's violin and Brother Averett's flute in the east room gave notice that business of a different nature would soon be attended to. The floor was cleared of chairs and tables, and filled up with two sets of dancers, one on each side of the stove. ...
The question was then put, the President invited all those who were willing to covenant that they would keep themselves from mingling with the wicked to rise upon their feet, whereupon all rose up. ...
The Spirit of the Lord was present, and the spirit of meekness and humility and gratitude to God, for the great privileges we enjoy, that tears came into the eyes of many of those present. Love and union, peace and harmony prevailed, the utmost decorum was observed, not a loud laugh, nor a rude jest saluted the ear. All were in the most perfect subjection to the word of the President, and when he told them at about half past 2 o clock that it was time to quit and seek repose the whole company assented without a murmur, although many would have been glad to have continued the exercise longer.
The sisters retired to the side rooms, and the brethren stretched themselves on the floor, or on the sofas and all were soon in the embraces of "tired nature's sweet restorer, balmy sleep," with the exception of the Bridegroom and Bride, and a few of their friends who, being unable to close their eyes in sleep, from the abundance of their joy, passed the short hours of the morning, in agreeable conversation, in the office . . .
[George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://bit.ly/WilliamClayton]
175 years ago today - Jan 1, 1846
[Brigham Young]
Verily thus saith the voice of the Spirit to you: This is mine holy house which I have caused to be built in my holy name. Therefore let no person go forth in the dance unless they will covenant to separate themselves from the world and never again mingle in their society nor participate in their mirth or amusements from this time forth and for ever. I have sent children here and should they transcend these bounds they may expect to meet the frowns of an affectionate Father that holds the Keys of the Priesthood. Mirth and recreation belong to the people of God. It does not belong to the unbelievers and they participate in them they usurp that privilege or prerogative that belongs to the saints alone. Now dance and enjoy yourselves but first learn to reverence and advance the Name of the most high in all your devotions and recreation.
[Seventies Record Minutes, B 177, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
Verily thus saith the voice of the Spirit to you: This is mine holy house which I have caused to be built in my holy name. Therefore let no person go forth in the dance unless they will covenant to separate themselves from the world and never again mingle in their society nor participate in their mirth or amusements from this time forth and for ever. I have sent children here and should they transcend these bounds they may expect to meet the frowns of an affectionate Father that holds the Keys of the Priesthood. Mirth and recreation belong to the people of God. It does not belong to the unbelievers and they participate in them they usurp that privilege or prerogative that belongs to the saints alone. Now dance and enjoy yourselves but first learn to reverence and advance the Name of the most high in all your devotions and recreation.
[Seventies Record Minutes, B 177, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
185 years ago today - Jan 1, 1836
The Smith family meets with Martin Harris to help reconcile the differences between Joseph and William. Joseph Smith, Sr., opens with a powerful prayer. William confesses his faults and asks for Joseph's forgiveness. Joseph asks for forgiveness from William. The women are then called in and they all promise to support and uphold each other. "While gratitude swelled our bosoms, tears flowed from our eyes." Joseph closes the meeting with prayer. The men then unitedly lay their hands on the head of George A. Smith, and he is immediately healed of a very painful rheumatic infection that covered his body.
[Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology; History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (7 volumes) 2:353-54.]
[Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology; History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (7 volumes) 2:353-54.]
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