[Hosea Stout]
I want to know who ever heard of a Municipal High Council in Kirtland to try a few barrels of whiskey. They had a Council to try Spiritual things and it may be that barrels of whiskey are spiritual things
There is only one member of the High Council present, he has a right to try cases – cut off - & make whiskey laws. ...
After Council I went and reported to the President the feelings & my opinion of Herring as I considered him unsafe for I verily believe now that he intends to take the life of Br W. Woodruff.
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
180 years ago today - Jan 10, 1842
[Mary Elizabeth Rollins Lightner]
"He [Joseph Smith] preached polygamy and he not only preached it, but he practiced it. I am a living witness to it. It was given to him before he gave it to the Church. An angel came to him and the last time he came with a drawn sword in his hand and told Joseph if he did not go into that principle, he would slay him." Smith says an angel with a sword has visited him three times about polygamy . "Well," said I, "don't you think it was an angel of the devil that told you these things?" Said he, "No, it was an angel of God. God Almighty showed me the difference between an angel of light and Satan's angels. The angel came to me three times between the years of 1834 and 1842 and said I was to obey that principle or he would slay me. "But," said he, "they called me a false and fallen prophet but I am more in favor with my God this day than I ever was in all my life before. I know that I shall be saved in the Kingdom of God. I have the oath of God upon it and God cannot lie; all that he gives me I shall take with me for I have that authority and that power conferred upon me."
[Testimony of Sister Mary Lightner, Address to Brigham Young University, April 14th, 1905, BYU Archives and Manuscripts, see also [3]http://www.ldshistory.net/pc/merlbyu.htm, in Joseph Smith Polygamy Timeline, http://www.i4m.com/think/polygamy/JS_Polygamy_Timeline.htm]
"He [Joseph Smith] preached polygamy and he not only preached it, but he practiced it. I am a living witness to it. It was given to him before he gave it to the Church. An angel came to him and the last time he came with a drawn sword in his hand and told Joseph if he did not go into that principle, he would slay him." Smith says an angel with a sword has visited him three times about polygamy . "Well," said I, "don't you think it was an angel of the devil that told you these things?" Said he, "No, it was an angel of God. God Almighty showed me the difference between an angel of light and Satan's angels. The angel came to me three times between the years of 1834 and 1842 and said I was to obey that principle or he would slay me. "But," said he, "they called me a false and fallen prophet but I am more in favor with my God this day than I ever was in all my life before. I know that I shall be saved in the Kingdom of God. I have the oath of God upon it and God cannot lie; all that he gives me I shall take with me for I have that authority and that power conferred upon me."
[Testimony of Sister Mary Lightner, Address to Brigham Young University, April 14th, 1905, BYU Archives and Manuscripts, see also [3]http://www.ldshistory.net/pc/merlbyu.htm, in Joseph Smith Polygamy Timeline, http://www.i4m.com/think/polygamy/JS_Polygamy_Timeline.htm]
180 years ago today - Jan 10, 1842
Patriarchal Blessing of Lucinda Pace given by Hyrum Smith ... I lay my hands upon your head in the name of Jesus to bless you, and to seal you up unto Eternal Life, as a reward for the integrity of your heart, and for your consolation in the future. ...
[Patriarchal Blessings]
[Patriarchal Blessings]
185 years ago today - 1837 January 10
[Wilford Woodruff]
... I met in the house of the Lord with the quorum of the Seventies. ... We had a spiritual meeting. Elder Brigham Young one of the twelve gave us an interesting exhortation & warned us not to murmer against Moses (or) Joseph or the heads of the Church.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
... I met in the house of the Lord with the quorum of the Seventies. ... We had a spiritual meeting. Elder Brigham Young one of the twelve gave us an interesting exhortation & warned us not to murmer against Moses (or) Joseph or the heads of the Church.
[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 - 1837 January [10]
Grandison Newell, according to one of his employees, began to "drive about the country and buy up all the Mormon money possible, and the next morning go to the bank and obtain the specie," creating a run on the bank which cultimated in the institution's collapse.
[Kenney, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://web.archive.org/web/20120805163534/saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml]
[Kenney, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://web.archive.org/web/20120805163534/saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml]
100 years ago today - Jan 9, 1922
B. H. Roberts writes to Church President Heber J. Grant about his meeting with the Apostles in which he presented his research into Book of Mormon "difficulties". "There was so much said that was utterly irrelevant, and so little said, if anything at all, that was helpful in the matters at issue that I came away from the conference quite disappointed... I cannot be other than painfully conscious of the fact that our means of defense, should we be vigorously attacked along the lines of Mr. Couch's questions, are very inadequate."
115 years ago today - Jan 9, 1907; Wednesday
[George F. Richards]
[C]ounseled the Patriarchs to moderation giving them a key. When the spirit speaks all doubts vanish and there is assurance & reality. This is the Spirit of Prophecy. When men exceed this spirits' promptings i.e. make extravagant promises & statements not inspired of the Lord through his spirit they themselves become embarrassed, the people who by the Spirit know are also embarrased and the Evil one is likely to take possession & advantage of them. Patriarch [Judson] Toleman had promised the Sisters that if they would be faithful they should not lose their children while carrying them neither should their children die. I thought that an extravagant statement.
[George F. Richards, Diary]
[C]ounseled the Patriarchs to moderation giving them a key. When the spirit speaks all doubts vanish and there is assurance & reality. This is the Spirit of Prophecy. When men exceed this spirits' promptings i.e. make extravagant promises & statements not inspired of the Lord through his spirit they themselves become embarrassed, the people who by the Spirit know are also embarrased and the Evil one is likely to take possession & advantage of them. Patriarch [Judson] Toleman had promised the Sisters that if they would be faithful they should not lose their children while carrying them neither should their children die. I thought that an extravagant statement.
[George F. Richards, Diary]
115 years ago today - Jan 9, 1907
Elder B. H. Roberts continued his remarks. ... There was also another question that would have to be considered which is: Can we say that religious or church influence has not been used in politics in Utah and Idaho? That the church authorities had faithfully adhered to their assertion that it is contrary to the principles of the Church to mingle religious influence with civil affairs; that members of the Church are free to act in their own initiative and judgment in politics as other citizens are, and that the departure from such policy would be disastrous to the Church as well as injurious to the State. The speaker did not feel that such denial could truthfully be made. ... In June 1891, about the time of the dissolution of the People's Party, a very strong article was prepared and published in the Salt Lake Times, in which the attitude of the Church in the politics of the State is clearly defined, and the desire to control the members of the Church politically, emphatically denied. ... These expressions bind the authorities in spirit and in fact to this position, [but] are we prepared now to say positively and conclusively that no such interference has been used? ... Elder LeGrand Young speaking of the [Wilford Woodruff] Manifesto stated that we could not be bound by the interpretation of any man contrary to the plain reading of the words. In that document no promise was made that the members would refrain from polygamous marriages. ... So far as the charges of Church influence was concerned, the Church had put itself on record against it! ...
[1907 Committee, Minutes, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
[1907 Committee, Minutes, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
120 years ago today - Thursday, Jan 9, 1902
... Apostle Jno. H. Smith spoke. Topics treated. Dwelt upon the subject of punctuality and suggested that whoever came in first to the meetings, if he be the only one present, should open at the time appointed. ...
Apostle Jno. H. Smith reminded the brethren that the accepted rule of the church is that those connected with secret orders shall not be promoted in the priesthood or recommended to the temple....
Apostle Smoot raised the question as to whether it would be proper for children under eight years, or unbaptized children, to receive their patriarchal blessings. It was decided that this matter should be left to the discretion of the patriarchs....
At this point the tables were prepared and the brethren sat down to the sacrament, which was thoroughly appreciated and enjoyed. Apostle Jno. H. Smith blessed the bread and wine. Pres. Anthon H. Lund offered the benediction.
[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 Jno. H. Smith reminded the brethren that the accepted rule of the church is that those connected with secret orders shall not be promoted in the priesthood or recommended to the temple....
Apostle Smoot raised the question as to whether it would be proper for children under eight years, or unbaptized children, to receive their patriarchal blessings. It was decided that this matter should be left to the discretion of the patriarchs....
At this point the tables were prepared and the brethren sat down to the sacrament, which was thoroughly appreciated and enjoyed. Apostle Jno. H. Smith blessed the bread and wine. Pres. Anthon H. Lund offered the benediction.
[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]
125 years ago today - Jan 9th, 1897
[Joseph F. Smith]
... With reference to Prest. B. Youngs remarks, in a discourse delivered in 1852. with reference to "Adam being the only God with whom we have to do" &c. I will say:---Prest. Young no doubt expressed his personal opinion or views upon the subject. What he said was not given as a revelation or commandment from the Lord. The Doctrine was never submitted to the Councils of the Priesthood nor to the Church for approval or ratification and was never formally or otherwise accepted by the Church. ... It is thought, even if there is truth in it, that the bare mention made my Prest. Young, with out indubitable evidence and authority being given of its truth, was unfortunate to say the least.
... When the inspired head, speaks by the power of the spirit & he is backed up by "thus saith the Lord"--, it becomes a serious matter to reject, or lightly pass it by. There is no such responsibility attached to this statement, made by Prest. Young.
[Letter to the Honorable A. Saxey, Provo, Utah from Joseph F. Smith; d1325/Bk4/fd 1, in Quotations Dealing with the Relationship of Our First Earthly Parents to Our Heavenly Parents (1830-1978)]
... With reference to Prest. B. Youngs remarks, in a discourse delivered in 1852. with reference to "Adam being the only God with whom we have to do" &c. I will say:---Prest. Young no doubt expressed his personal opinion or views upon the subject. What he said was not given as a revelation or commandment from the Lord. The Doctrine was never submitted to the Councils of the Priesthood nor to the Church for approval or ratification and was never formally or otherwise accepted by the Church. ... It is thought, even if there is truth in it, that the bare mention made my Prest. Young, with out indubitable evidence and authority being given of its truth, was unfortunate to say the least.
... When the inspired head, speaks by the power of the spirit & he is backed up by "thus saith the Lord"--, it becomes a serious matter to reject, or lightly pass it by. There is no such responsibility attached to this statement, made by Prest. Young.
[Letter to the Honorable A. Saxey, Provo, Utah from Joseph F. Smith; d1325/Bk4/fd 1, in Quotations Dealing with the Relationship of Our First Earthly Parents to Our Heavenly Parents (1830-1978)]
125 years ago today - Jan 9, 1897
[Joseph F. Smith]
With reference to the 'Manifesto' prohibiting plural marriages, I scarcely need to say more than that you expressed yourself on that matter, Strictly in accord with my own views and in harmony with the views of President [Wilford] Woodruff and the facts. The doctrine is not repealed, the truth is not annulled. The law is right and just, now as ever, but the observance of it is stopped. And as to the future, no man knows, only as it may be revealed to him, and no one is authorized to foretell. We may have opinions, but it may not be wise to express them for by doing so antagonism might be engendered. ...
[Joseph F. Smith, Letter to A. Saxey, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
With reference to the 'Manifesto' prohibiting plural marriages, I scarcely need to say more than that you expressed yourself on that matter, Strictly in accord with my own views and in harmony with the views of President [Wilford] Woodruff and the facts. The doctrine is not repealed, the truth is not annulled. The law is right and just, now as ever, but the observance of it is stopped. And as to the future, no man knows, only as it may be revealed to him, and no one is authorized to foretell. We may have opinions, but it may not be wise to express them for by doing so antagonism might be engendered. ...
[Joseph F. Smith, Letter to A. Saxey, 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 9, 1897
Moses Thatcher called at the Clerk's department of the President's Office today, and asked for an order to cover the amount he claimed as due to him as balance for services as one of the Twelve Apostles under the late practice of giving compensation to leading church officials. He drew the sum of $550.00 to apply it on his last year's tithing account.
[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]
145 years ago today - Jan 09, 1877
The first baptisms for the dead since the Saints had fled Nauvoo thirty years earlier are performed in the St. George Temple.
155 years ago today - 1867 January 9
[Wilford Woodruff]
I met with G. A. Smith & others at the Endowment House and gave {Silas Sanford Smith} his second anointing. W Woodruff officiated. Brother Pace opened by Prayer. Joseph W. Young was mouth, & R. L. Campbell Closed. {George Watt & 3 wives} received his second Anointing at the Endowment House. John {Taylor} officiated.
G A. Smith Conversed with Presidet Young & he told him to take any of the persons on the list to anoint when others notifyed did not Come.
Presidet Young Addressed the Assembly in an interesting manner. He was opposed to Commenceing parties so late & Continuing them so late an hour. It was following the Custom of the Gentile & Evil would grow out of it. The people should open their party by Prayer By 5 oclok & Close [By?] 12 oclok.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
I met with G. A. Smith & others at the Endowment House and gave {Silas Sanford Smith} his second anointing. W Woodruff officiated. Brother Pace opened by Prayer. Joseph W. Young was mouth, & R. L. Campbell Closed. {George Watt & 3 wives} received his second Anointing at the Endowment House. John {Taylor} officiated.
G A. Smith Conversed with Presidet Young & he told him to take any of the persons on the list to anoint when others notifyed did not Come.
Presidet Young Addressed the Assembly in an interesting manner. He was opposed to Commenceing parties so late & Continuing them so late an hour. It was following the Custom of the Gentile & Evil would grow out of it. The people should open their party by Prayer By 5 oclok & Close [By?] 12 oclok.
[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 - 1847 January 9
[Wilford Woodruff]
I went to bed, fell asleep, And dreamed some Indians came into my house with Axes with the intent to kill me. I got away from them went into the street And there two men one an Indian Stabed me with Knives in the side. I Hollowed murder and some came to my assistance And I awoke. These dreams mean sum thing. Some person or persons are plotting against my life And I am warned against the plots of my enemies.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
I went to bed, fell asleep, And dreamed some Indians came into my house with Axes with the intent to kill me. I got away from them went into the street And there two men one an Indian Stabed me with Knives in the side. I Hollowed murder and some came to my assistance And I awoke. These dreams mean sum thing. Some person or persons are plotting against my life And I am warned against the plots of my enemies.
[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 9, 1847
[Hosea Stout]
While out I chanced to meet President Young and I gave him a hint of what was in the heart of the Herrings and agreed to see him further about this eveningaccordingly I & my brother went about dark to his house & saw him. ... After this Brigham & Heber went with us, (or we with them) to see Br Woodruff & let him also know what was in the heart of Herring who intended to take his life. ... We went away & Brigham gave him a hint of what was intended against him. Presidents Young & Kimball then went home and I related the particulars to Br Woodruff after which we came home.but had not been here long before Br Isaac C Haight one of the police then on duty, came to my house with Herring who he found had got into a scrape with Br Blazzard & was trying to dirk him & he brought him away, to me after swearing that he would revenge himself on those he was mad athe at length wanted to go to Brighams to get a Bowie knife to kill Br Blazzard.... The police however watched him till he laid down
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
While out I chanced to meet President Young and I gave him a hint of what was in the heart of the Herrings and agreed to see him further about this eveningaccordingly I & my brother went about dark to his house & saw him. ... After this Brigham & Heber went with us, (or we with them) to see Br Woodruff & let him also know what was in the heart of Herring who intended to take his life. ... We went away & Brigham gave him a hint of what was intended against him. Presidents Young & Kimball then went home and I related the particulars to Br Woodruff after which we came home.but had not been here long before Br Isaac C Haight one of the police then on duty, came to my house with Herring who he found had got into a scrape with Br Blazzard & was trying to dirk him & he brought him away, to me after swearing that he would revenge himself on those he was mad athe at length wanted to go to Brighams to get a Bowie knife to kill Br Blazzard.... The police however watched him till he laid down
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
180 years ago today - Jan 9, 1842
Joseph Smith writes that the covered wagon carrying Willard Richards and Lorin Walker, while traveling on icy roads, "slipped and capsized and fell off the side of the bridge, 5 feet descent. Broke the carriage, some on the top and the fore axletree which we soon spliced . . .and agreed that Liburn W. Boggs should pay the damage."
[http://amzn.to/originsofpower The Mormon Hierarchy - Origins of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
[http://amzn.to/originsofpower The Mormon Hierarchy - Origins of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
45 years ago today - Jan 8, 1977
Apostle Boyd K. Packer speaks at an anti-ERA [Equal Rights Amendment] rally in Pocatello, Idaho. He specifically asks that the amendment, originally passed by the Idaho legislature with a two-thirds majority, be rescinded. On the platform with Packer is Allen Larsen, speaker of the Idaho House of Representatives, who was also a stake president. Two weeks later the Idaho Legislature rescinds the ERA vote by a simple majority.
75 years ago today - Jan 8, 1947
The Deseret News publishes John H. Koyle's repudiation of his former claims regarding the "Dream Mine," in which he urges his followers and stockholders to "regard this mine as a business venture without any religious significance." Despite this statement, Koyle is soon excommunicated, due to pressure from Apostle Mark E. Petersen.
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
80 years ago today - Jan 8, 1942
[Marion G. Romney]
... President [J. Reuben] Clark is, in my judgment, in a class by himself, scholarly and wise in every place I have ever seen him. The thing which impressed me about his toast was the statement that civilizations could be known by their ballads, and he contrasted some of the strong ballads of our nation's early history with the crooning of Bing Crosby today. He closed by reading in very impressive manner the stirring ballad, 'Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory of the Coming of the Lord.'
One cannot associate with the presiding brethren and catch a glimpse of their inspiration without knowing that the present civilization of the United States is honeycombed with seeds of its own destruction. Unless we get repentance, which is not likely, we shall suffer a national upheaval which will shake this nation to its center. We will certainly have to be cleansed and I am afraid with much suffering.
[The Diaries of J. Reuben Clark, 1933-1961, Abridged, Digital Edition, Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015, Appendix 2, The Diaries of Marion G. Romney, 1941-1961, Abridged]
... President [J. Reuben] Clark is, in my judgment, in a class by himself, scholarly and wise in every place I have ever seen him. The thing which impressed me about his toast was the statement that civilizations could be known by their ballads, and he contrasted some of the strong ballads of our nation's early history with the crooning of Bing Crosby today. He closed by reading in very impressive manner the stirring ballad, 'Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory of the Coming of the Lord.'
One cannot associate with the presiding brethren and catch a glimpse of their inspiration without knowing that the present civilization of the United States is honeycombed with seeds of its own destruction. Unless we get repentance, which is not likely, we shall suffer a national upheaval which will shake this nation to its center. We will certainly have to be cleansed and I am afraid with much suffering.
[The Diaries of J. Reuben Clark, 1933-1961, Abridged, Digital Edition, Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015, Appendix 2, The Diaries of Marion G. Romney, 1941-1961, Abridged]
80 years ago today - Jan 8, 1942
Among the toasts offered at the first party for all general authorities is Amy Brown Lyman's: "Even the apostles are human." This annual social is henceforth held Tuesday after April general conference. At the 1946 social, the President Bishop LeGrand Richards and Seventy's president Milton R. Hunter perform a comic skit in which these nearly bald general authorities wear outrageous-looking wigs.
[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)]]
85 years ago today - Fri Jan 8, 1937
[David O. McKay Office Journal]
Only one of the Presidency at the office. Heavy mail, and important decisions to render: 1. Question of advisability of urging a Bishop to reconsider refusal to give a recommendation, since the happiness and even the faith of a young girl seemed at stake. Found a satisfactory solution without sacrificing principle.
[McKay, David O., Office Journal]
Only one of the Presidency at the office. Heavy mail, and important decisions to render: 1. Question of advisability of urging a Bishop to reconsider refusal to give a recommendation, since the happiness and even the faith of a young girl seemed at stake. Found a satisfactory solution without sacrificing principle.
[McKay, David O., Office Journal]
120 years ago today - Wednesday, Jan 8, 1902
Apostle Cowley was the first speaker. Topics treated. Dwelt upon the moral conditions among our young people. The spirit actuating them seems in a great measure to be antagonistic to the gospel. Feared that the influence of the district school was hurtful to our children. Spoke against secret combinations; referred to a young man, member of a secret benefit society, who had it in for Brother [Brigham H.] Roberts, because he had spoken in condemnatory terms of secret orders. Brother Cowley thought we ought to use our utmost influence against them. Spoke of Freemasonry as being a counterfeit of the true masonry of the Latter-day Saints. ...
[Rudger Clawson]: Alluded to some remarks that had been made and rejoiced that he, like his brethren, had been wellborn and was deeply impressed by the fact that the brother who had been born into the world through a pure parentage, by marrying a woman who was tainted with the blood of Cain, brought a curse upon his posterity in shutting them out from the blessings of the house of God.
[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]
[Rudger Clawson]: Alluded to some remarks that had been made and rejoiced that he, like his brethren, had been wellborn and was deeply impressed by the fact that the brother who had been born into the world through a pure parentage, by marrying a woman who was tainted with the blood of Cain, brought a curse upon his posterity in shutting them out from the blessings of the house of God.
[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]
125 years ago today - Jan 8, 1897; Friday
Pres[iden]ts. W[ilford]. Woodruff and J[oseph]. F. Smith at their office today, appropriated the sum of $500 in favor of James T. White & Co[mpany]., of New York, in payment of a contract to publish in the Cyclopedia of American Biography, sketches of the lives of the Presidents of the Church, namely Joseph Smith, Brigham Young, John Taylor, and Wilford Woodruff, with their portraits; also pictures of the Nauvoo [Illinois] and Salt Lake Temples and the Tabernacle in S[alt].
L[ake]. City. The sketches of the lives of those Church leaders was made under the direction of the Presidency, by Elder C[harles]. W. Penrose...
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
L[ake]. City. The sketches of the lives of those Church leaders was made under the direction of the Presidency, by Elder C[harles]. W. Penrose...
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
135 years ago today - Jan 8, 1887
Lorenzo Snow is released from prison after serving eleven months of an 18-month sentence. He had been convicted of polygamy but his conviction was overturned by the U.S. Supreme court on the technicality that one charge against him had been separated into three charges.
140 years ago today - Jan 8, 1882
The Assembly Hall on Temple Square in Salt Lake City, completed in 1880 from left-over stones from the Salt Lake Temple construction, was dedicated.
[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]
175 years ago today - Jan 8, 1847
[Hosea Stout]
Joseph Herring was here all day. He was entirely dissatisfied with the Twelve and swore he would take Br. Willford Woodruffs life neither would he go on with us in the Spring but intended to take the team, which was now being raised for him to go after his people with, and leave us and never come back[.] He said also that his brother George was of the same mind that he was. He was about half drunk & spoke what was in his heart. So it appears that all the trouble & expense laid out in them will prove futile because they have not integrity and stability enough be done well by when it is entirely gratis on our part.
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
Joseph Herring was here all day. He was entirely dissatisfied with the Twelve and swore he would take Br. Willford Woodruffs life neither would he go on with us in the Spring but intended to take the team, which was now being raised for him to go after his people with, and leave us and never come back[.] He said also that his brother George was of the same mind that he was. He was about half drunk & spoke what was in his heart. So it appears that all the trouble & expense laid out in them will prove futile because they have not integrity and stability enough be done well by when it is entirely gratis on our part.
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
175 years ago today - Friday, January 8, [1847].
Patty Sessions delivered Loiza, wife of Brigham Young, of a son named Moroni at 1 p.m., also delivered Adeline, wife of Gilbert Belnap, of a son named Gilbert Roswell at half past 3 p.m., also delivered Melissa M., wife of George B. Wallace, of a daughter named Mary Melissa at quarter past 7 p.m.
[Apostle Willard Richards Journal]
[Apostle Willard Richards Journal]
185 years ago today - Jan 8, 1837.
[Willard Richards]
I partook of the sacrament, and was confirmed by Reynolds Cahoon. I received such a measure of the Spirit as to be sensible of the subject of a song of Zion, which was sung by Elder Lyman Sherman, in the gift of tongues, on the coming of Christ.
[Willard Richards Journal]
I partook of the sacrament, and was confirmed by Reynolds Cahoon. I received such a measure of the Spirit as to be sensible of the subject of a song of Zion, which was sung by Elder Lyman Sherman, in the gift of tongues, on the coming of Christ.
[Willard Richards Journal]
120 years ago today - Tuesday, Jan 7, 1902
Quarterly conference of the Twelve. ...
Apostle Jno. H. Smith was the first speaker. ... Spoke in reference to the principle of plural marriage, saying that under that principle men learned the true order of government and obtained invaluable experience; the fathers of all the apostles present had made a fairly good record in the practice of polygamy; a majority of the quorum were the sons of plural wives, namely, Jno. H. Smith, Heber J. Grant, Jno. W. Taylor, Abraham O. Woodruff, Rudger Clawson, Reed Smoot, and Hyrum M. Smith; it has been predicted that the posterity of the wicked should wither and die while the issue of plural marriage should be honored and blessed of the Lord, and I feel that in the quorum of the Twelve is found evidence of the fulfillment of said prediction.
Reed Smoot. ... Referring to the principle of plural marriage, spoke of the success of his father in its practice, which was due in part to the character of his wives, for they were good women; this order of marriage, if universally practiced, would save the world much sorrow and distress; looked for its restoration. ...
Apostle Jno. W. Taylor. ... He sometimes felt that it would be proper for the church to issue a manifesto against secret societies—the Catholic church, seeing the danger in them, has done so. ...
Apostle Clawson said that he felt that in selecting sisters for officers of importance in the church, they should be interrogated as to their views and feelings, as were the brethren, for some who have been chosen, it seems, have no faith whatever in the principle of plural marriage, and even talk against it.
[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 Jno. H. Smith was the first speaker. ... Spoke in reference to the principle of plural marriage, saying that under that principle men learned the true order of government and obtained invaluable experience; the fathers of all the apostles present had made a fairly good record in the practice of polygamy; a majority of the quorum were the sons of plural wives, namely, Jno. H. Smith, Heber J. Grant, Jno. W. Taylor, Abraham O. Woodruff, Rudger Clawson, Reed Smoot, and Hyrum M. Smith; it has been predicted that the posterity of the wicked should wither and die while the issue of plural marriage should be honored and blessed of the Lord, and I feel that in the quorum of the Twelve is found evidence of the fulfillment of said prediction.
Reed Smoot. ... Referring to the principle of plural marriage, spoke of the success of his father in its practice, which was due in part to the character of his wives, for they were good women; this order of marriage, if universally practiced, would save the world much sorrow and distress; looked for its restoration. ...
Apostle Jno. W. Taylor. ... He sometimes felt that it would be proper for the church to issue a manifesto against secret societies—the Catholic church, seeing the danger in them, has done so. ...
Apostle Clawson said that he felt that in selecting sisters for officers of importance in the church, they should be interrogated as to their views and feelings, as were the brethren, for some who have been chosen, it seems, have no faith whatever in the principle of plural marriage, and even talk against it.
[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]
130 years ago today - Thursday, Jan 7, 1892
[Abraham H. Cannon]
At two o'clock I attended the meeting of my quorum at the President's office, where all the Presidency were present as well as F. D. Richards, Francis M. Lyman, John W. Taylor and myself; George Gibbs, clerk. The manner of clothing the dead sisters who have had their endowments, was first considered. It was agreed that when the coffin is closed containing the body of a sister who has been through the temple, her veil should be placed so as to hide her face, so that when her husband meets her on the other side he may lift the same from her countenance. This is in accordance with the instructions which President Young gave during his life. The carelessness of the Saints in regard to their Temple clothing was talked about, and it was voted that instructions be sent to each Temple that those who receive the ordinances of the House of God be told especially to be careful not to expose their clothing to the public gaze. This clothing is as sacred as the ordinances themselves.
[Abraham H. Cannon Journal Excerpts, http://www.amazon.com/Apostles-Record-Journals-Abraham-1889-1896/dp/B000MFD1K4]
At two o'clock I attended the meeting of my quorum at the President's office, where all the Presidency were present as well as F. D. Richards, Francis M. Lyman, John W. Taylor and myself; George Gibbs, clerk. The manner of clothing the dead sisters who have had their endowments, was first considered. It was agreed that when the coffin is closed containing the body of a sister who has been through the temple, her veil should be placed so as to hide her face, so that when her husband meets her on the other side he may lift the same from her countenance. This is in accordance with the instructions which President Young gave during his life. The carelessness of the Saints in regard to their Temple clothing was talked about, and it was voted that instructions be sent to each Temple that those who receive the ordinances of the House of God be told especially to be careful not to expose their clothing to the public gaze. This clothing is as sacred as the ordinances themselves.
[Abraham H. Cannon Journal Excerpts, http://www.amazon.com/Apostles-Record-Journals-Abraham-1889-1896/dp/B000MFD1K4]
135 years ago today - Jan 7, 1887
[William Law]
... you speak of "swapping wives," and state that you have it from one who knows. Now let me say to you that I never heard of it till I read it in your book. Your informant must have been deceived or willfully lied to you. Joseph Smith never proposed anything of the kind to me or to my wife; both he and Emma knew our sentiments in relation to spiritual wives and polygamy; knew that we were immoveably [sic] opposed to polygamy in any and every form; that we were so subsequent events proved. The story may have grown out of the fact that Joseph offered to furnish his wife, Emma, with a substitute for him, by way of compensation for his neglect of her, on condition that she would forever stop her opposition to polygamy and permit him to enjoy his young wives in peace and keep some of them in her house and to be well treated, etc.
["The Mormons in Nauvoo: Three Letters from William Law on Mormonism" as published in the Daily Tribune (Salt Lake Tribune) Tuesday, July 3, 1887 provided by Dr. Wly]
... you speak of "swapping wives," and state that you have it from one who knows. Now let me say to you that I never heard of it till I read it in your book. Your informant must have been deceived or willfully lied to you. Joseph Smith never proposed anything of the kind to me or to my wife; both he and Emma knew our sentiments in relation to spiritual wives and polygamy; knew that we were immoveably [sic] opposed to polygamy in any and every form; that we were so subsequent events proved. The story may have grown out of the fact that Joseph offered to furnish his wife, Emma, with a substitute for him, by way of compensation for his neglect of her, on condition that she would forever stop her opposition to polygamy and permit him to enjoy his young wives in peace and keep some of them in her house and to be well treated, etc.
["The Mormons in Nauvoo: Three Letters from William Law on Mormonism" as published in the Daily Tribune (Salt Lake Tribune) Tuesday, July 3, 1887 provided by Dr. Wly]
140 years ago today - Jan 7,1882
Apostle Francis M Lyman's diary begins recording month-long nervous breakdown of Heber J Grant, his successor as Tooele Stake President. Physician diagnoses Grant's condition as "nervous convulsions" and warns that condition could lead to "softening of the brain," if Grant continues his stressful pace of activity. Grant becomes apostle ten months later and is first LDS leader with diagnosed history of emotional illness.
[Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power, Appendix 5, Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1848-1996, http://amzn.to/extensions-power]
[Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power, Appendix 5, Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1848-1996, http://amzn.to/extensions-power]
160 years ago today - Jan 7, 1862?
[Heber C. Kimball]
In the Evning of the 7 of Januy the Lord told me the United Stats would make war on this people soon to test the people to see if they would stand by Him.
["H. C. Kimball Memorandum" book, On the Potters Wheel: The Diaries of Heber C. Kimball, Stanley B. Kimball, editor, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
In the Evning of the 7 of Januy the Lord told me the United Stats would make war on this people soon to test the people to see if they would stand by Him.
["H. C. Kimball Memorandum" book, On the Potters Wheel: The Diaries of Heber C. Kimball, Stanley B. Kimball, editor, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
190 years ago today - Jan 7, 1832
Joseph B. Brackenbury is the first Mormon to die on a proselytizing mission and the first martyr (poisoned by anti-Mormons). Mormons also make an unsuccessful effort to raise Brackenbury from the dead. Church historian and apostle George A. Smith later calls this an "attempted resurrection."
[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]
40 years ago today - Jan 6, 1982
BYU's DAILY UNIVERSE announces that the Office of University Standards has instituted what it termed a "silent referral system," establishing unidentified checkpoints at certain cashier windows and ticket offices where employees were asked to watch for dress and grooming violations and "silently refer" violators to Standards officials. As part of the silent referral system, students are encouraged to report known violations of the Code of Honor, without being required to divulge their identity
50 years ago today - Jan 6, 1972
The church releases apostle Howard W. Hunter as Church Historian. N. Eldon Tanner of the First Presidency meets with Leonard J. Arrington and calls him to the office of Church Historian, assigning him Alvin R. Dyer as an advisor. Dyer had been a member of the First Presidency under David O. McKay.
[Chronology, in Confessions of a Mormon historian : the diaries of Leonard J. Arrington, 1971-1997, Gary James Bergera, editor, chronology by Joseph Geisner, and Lavina Fielding Anderson]
[Chronology, in Confessions of a Mormon historian : the diaries of Leonard J. Arrington, 1971-1997, Gary James Bergera, editor, chronology by Joseph Geisner, and Lavina Fielding Anderson]
100 years ago today - Jan 6, 1922
[George Albert Smith]
"...and met with the Presidency & Bro BH Roberts on matters pertaining (over) to the Book of Mormon reconsiling [sic] the fault found in it as a result of so called scientific analysis Etc."
[Journals of George Albert Smith]
"...and met with the Presidency & Bro BH Roberts on matters pertaining (over) to the Book of Mormon reconsiling [sic] the fault found in it as a result of so called scientific analysis Etc."
[Journals of George Albert Smith]
110 years ago today - Jan 6, 1912
On receiving notification that a large number of copies of Liahona were being printed and circulated containing what is known as the King Follett sermon, as it has since been corrected and interpolated, with notes added, we sent the following telegram: ... when the sermon was first published it did not receive the revision or sanction of the Prophet Joseph [Smith], who preached it, and it was reported from the impressions obtained by for different persons who heard it, neither of whom was a shorthand writer.
There are some points in the sermon which appear to be in direct conflict with revelations accepted by the Church as divine. Some portions of the original report have been expunged from the version which appears in Liahona; there are some interpolations also which have been made without authority. Then there are footnotes added introducing ideas not warranted by the text, which state plainly that the original report is evidently incorrect in some particulars. Such a doubtful production we think is not proper to publish as authentic. For these reasons we sent you the dispatch referred to.
[First Presidency, Letter to Samuel O. Bennion and Joseph A. McRae, 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]
There are some points in the sermon which appear to be in direct conflict with revelations accepted by the Church as divine. Some portions of the original report have been expunged from the version which appears in Liahona; there are some interpolations also which have been made without authority. Then there are footnotes added introducing ideas not warranted by the text, which state plainly that the original report is evidently incorrect in some particulars. Such a doubtful production we think is not proper to publish as authentic. For these reasons we sent you the dispatch referred to.
[First Presidency, Letter to Samuel O. Bennion and Joseph A. McRae, 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]
110 years ago today - Jan 6, 1912
[Judson Tolman speaking:] I suppose I am the one who is more to blame than anyone. Brother [Marriner Wood] Merrill came to me in the first place and said he wanted me to marry this girl and I told him what Brother [Joseph H.] Grant had said and he said that was alright. ... Tolman: As I have told you before, Brother Merrill married me and the children of this woman were sealed to me in the Salt Lake Temple after I had spoken to Brother Madsen who consulted with President [John R.] Winder. Brothers Grant and Stoker advised me not to tell my first wife that I had married the Williams woman as I might cause trouble. ...
[Minutes, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
[Minutes, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
160 years ago today - 1862 January 6
[Wilford Woodruff]
There is a good deal said about the Govornor [Dawson] getting badly whiped [including a partial casteration] at Ephraim Hanks in the mountain by a set of Rowdies.
This is one of the most important days in the last dispensation. The inhabitants of this City met in a Mass meeting for the purpose of appointing 9 men to meet in Convention with others from this Territory to frame a Constitution and organize a State Governmet to Elect our own Governor Judges & peace officers and to ask Congress to be admitted into the Union. And if they will not admit us we will go on independant of them as our Fathers did in the Begining & God will sustain us in it.
The Tabernacle was filled with men the Bone & sinnew of these mountains. It was the Highest Tribunal among men upon Earth. It was not ownly an assembly of the people from whence Emanates all power, Law authority and Government among freemen But it was an assembly of Prophets Apostles Priests & Saints of the Most High God who are inspired and Appointed to build up the Kingdom of God upon the Earth.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
There is a good deal said about the Govornor [Dawson] getting badly whiped [including a partial casteration] at Ephraim Hanks in the mountain by a set of Rowdies.
This is one of the most important days in the last dispensation. The inhabitants of this City met in a Mass meeting for the purpose of appointing 9 men to meet in Convention with others from this Territory to frame a Constitution and organize a State Governmet to Elect our own Governor Judges & peace officers and to ask Congress to be admitted into the Union. And if they will not admit us we will go on independant of them as our Fathers did in the Begining & God will sustain us in it.
The Tabernacle was filled with men the Bone & sinnew of these mountains. It was the Highest Tribunal among men upon Earth. It was not ownly an assembly of the people from whence Emanates all power, Law authority and Government among freemen But it was an assembly of Prophets Apostles Priests & Saints of the Most High God who are inspired and Appointed to build up the Kingdom of God upon the Earth.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
180 years ago today - Jan 6, 1842
JS recorded "the God of heaven has begun to restore the ancient order of his kingdom"
[Homer, Michael W., Joseph's Temples: The Dynamic Relationship between Freemasonry and Mormonism, Chronology]
[Homer, Michael W., Joseph's Temples: The Dynamic Relationship between Freemasonry and Mormonism, Chronology]
180 years ago today - Jan 6, 1842
Agnes Moulton Coolbrith (single, age 31) marriage to Joseph Smith
Widow of Smith's brother Don Carlos. (1808-1876) She had been married to Don Carlos Smith, Joseph's younger brother. After Don Carlos died in 1841, Coolbrith married Joseph in 1842. Coolbrith was the mother of Ina Coolbrith, who became the first poet laureate of California.
[Wikipedia: List of the Wives of Joseph Smith, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_the_wives_of_Joseph_Smith]
Widow of Smith's brother Don Carlos. (1808-1876) She had been married to Don Carlos Smith, Joseph's younger brother. After Don Carlos died in 1841, Coolbrith married Joseph in 1842. Coolbrith was the mother of Ina Coolbrith, who became the first poet laureate of California.
[Wikipedia: List of the Wives of Joseph Smith, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_the_wives_of_Joseph_Smith]
180 years ago today - January 6th, 1842
Brigham records Joseph Smith's plural marriage to Agness Coolbrith in Royal Arch Masonic Cypher: "I WAS TAKEN INTO THE LODGE = J SMITH W[edded]A[nd]S[ealed] AGNESS"
[Brigham Young Diary]
[Brigham Young Diary]
185 years ago today - 1837 January 6
[Wilford Woodruff]
Priest Willey had much of the Spirit of God in Preaching to the Church after breaking bread Elder Sherman Sung in the gift of tongues & pro claimed great & marvelous things while clothed upon by the power & spirit of God. ...
I spent the evening with Priest Turpin at Bishop Whitney's. Had a vary happy time in speaking Singing hearing & interpeting tongues & in prayer with the family.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Priest Willey had much of the Spirit of God in Preaching to the Church after breaking bread Elder Sherman Sung in the gift of tongues & pro claimed great & marvelous things while clothed upon by the power & spirit of God. ...
I spent the evening with Priest Turpin at Bishop Whitney's. Had a vary happy time in speaking Singing hearing & interpeting tongues & in prayer with the family.
[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 - 1837 January 6
[Wilford Woodruff]
I visited the office of the Kirtland Safety Society & saw the first money that was issued by the Treasurer or Society. It was given to Brother Bump (in exchange for other notes) who was the first to Circulate it.
I also herd President Joseph Smith jr. declare in the presence of F Williams, D. Whitmer, S. Smith, W. Parrish, & others in the Deposit Office that he had receieved that morning the Word of the Lord upon the Subject of the Kirtland Safety Society. He was alone in a room by himself & he had not ownly the voice of the Spirit upon the Subject but even an audable voice. He did not tell us at that time what the LORD said upon the subject but remarked that if we would give heed to the Commandments the Lord had given this morning all would be well.
May the Lord bless Brother Joseph with all the Saints & support the above named institution & Protect it so that every weapen formed against it may be broaken & come to nought while the Kirtland Safety Society shall become the greatest of all institutions on EARTH.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
I visited the office of the Kirtland Safety Society & saw the first money that was issued by the Treasurer or Society. It was given to Brother Bump (in exchange for other notes) who was the first to Circulate it.
I also herd President Joseph Smith jr. declare in the presence of F Williams, D. Whitmer, S. Smith, W. Parrish, & others in the Deposit Office that he had receieved that morning the Word of the Lord upon the Subject of the Kirtland Safety Society. He was alone in a room by himself & he had not ownly the voice of the Spirit upon the Subject but even an audable voice. He did not tell us at that time what the LORD said upon the subject but remarked that if we would give heed to the Commandments the Lord had given this morning all would be well.
May the Lord bless Brother Joseph with all the Saints & support the above named institution & Protect it so that every weapen formed against it may be broaken & come to nought while the Kirtland Safety Society shall become the greatest of all institutions on EARTH.
[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, 1837
[Patriarchal Blessings]
Patriarchal Blessing of John Lyons given by Joseph Smith, Sr. ... if expedient thou shalt have power over the violence of fire, and shalt speak in the name of the Lord and it shall obey thee. Thou shalt have power over water and shalt smite the waves if expedient and they shall be divided and thou shalt go over on dry land: the waves also shall be dried up at thy command.
Thou shalt bring many into the kingdom. yea thy thousands and thy tens of thousands ... Thou art forty and one years old and thou shalt live forty and four years more, if faithful and shall stand upon the earth in the last days and see it cleansed from wickedness and shall see the saviour come to Zion with power and great glory.
[Patriarchal Blessing Book 1:100-101, in Early Patriarchal Blessings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Joseph Smith Sr. (Author), H. Michael Marquardt (Editor), http://amzn.to/rCBHVe]
Patriarchal Blessing of John Lyons given by Joseph Smith, Sr. ... if expedient thou shalt have power over the violence of fire, and shalt speak in the name of the Lord and it shall obey thee. Thou shalt have power over water and shalt smite the waves if expedient and they shall be divided and thou shalt go over on dry land: the waves also shall be dried up at thy command.
Thou shalt bring many into the kingdom. yea thy thousands and thy tens of thousands ... Thou art forty and one years old and thou shalt live forty and four years more, if faithful and shall stand upon the earth in the last days and see it cleansed from wickedness and shall see the saviour come to Zion with power and great glory.
[Patriarchal Blessing Book 1:100-101, in Early Patriarchal Blessings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Joseph Smith Sr. (Author), H. Michael Marquardt (Editor), http://amzn.to/rCBHVe]
40 years ago today - Jan 5, 1982
First Presidency repeats its 1978 instructions for "interviewing married person," but adds: "The First Presidency has interpreted oral sex as constituting an unnatural, impure, or unholy practice."
[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 - Sunday, Jan 5, 1902
[Rudger Clawson]
R. Clawson [spoke]. Topics treated. ... Related an instance where a young man was barred the privilege and blessing of the house of the Lord because he was tainted with the blood of Cain—his mother was one-fourth negro. He could not bridge the gulf and get into the house of God.
[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]
R. Clawson [spoke]. Topics treated. ... Related an instance where a young man was barred the privilege and blessing of the house of the Lord because he was tainted with the blood of Cain—his mother was one-fourth negro. He could not bridge the gulf and get into the house of God.
[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 5, 1902
[Joseph F. Smith, John R. Winder & Anthon H. Lund]
It is not in order for people to ask for recommends for second blessings. They should be chosen through the Stake Presidency because of their faithfulness, fitness and worthiness to receive this higher ordinance of the house of the Lord. It is understood of course that you have received second anointings yourself, otherwise you had better refrain from recommending for the present. We may say however that second blessings are not administered to single individuals of either sex, but to men and their wives.
[Joseph F. Smith, John R. Winder, and Anthon H. Lund to Thomas E. Bassett, Jan. 5, 1902, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
It is not in order for people to ask for recommends for second blessings. They should be chosen through the Stake Presidency because of their faithfulness, fitness and worthiness to receive this higher ordinance of the house of the Lord. It is understood of course that you have received second anointings yourself, otherwise you had better refrain from recommending for the present. We may say however that second blessings are not administered to single individuals of either sex, but to men and their wives.
[Joseph F. Smith, John R. Winder, and Anthon H. Lund to Thomas E. Bassett, Jan. 5, 1902, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
125 years ago today - Jan 5, 1897
[Heber J. Grant] Spoke about his own trials ... Bro[ther] Teasdale followed. In regard to Heber [whose sons had died] he prophesied that he will still have sons to perpetuate his name. [HJG makes no mention of this prophecy in his lengthy journal entry that day.]
[Diary of Apostle Anthon H. Lund, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Diary of Apostle Anthon H. Lund, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
170 years ago today - Jan 5, 1852
[Brigham Young]
"Any man having one drop of the seed of Cane in him Cannot hold the priesthood ... I will say it now in the name of Jesus Christ. I know it is true & they know it. The Negro cannot hold one particle of Government ... if any man mingles his seed with the seed of Cane the only way he Could get rid of it or have salvation would be to Come forward & have his head Cut off & spill his Blood upon the ground. It would also take the life of his Children."
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal, Vol. 4, p. 97, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
"Any man having one drop of the seed of Cane in him Cannot hold the priesthood ... I will say it now in the name of Jesus Christ. I know it is true & they know it. The Negro cannot hold one particle of Government ... if any man mingles his seed with the seed of Cane the only way he Could get rid of it or have salvation would be to Come forward & have his head Cut off & spill his Blood upon the ground. It would also take the life of his Children."
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal, Vol. 4, p. 97, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
170 years ago today - Jan 5, 1852
[Brigham Young]
"Remarks on Slavery"
... inasmuch as we believe in the Bible, inasmuch as we believe in the ordinances of God, in the Priesthood and order and decrees of God, we must believe in slavery. This colored race have been subjected to severe curses, which they have in their families and their classes and in their various capacities brought upon themselves. And until the curse is removed by Him who placed it upon them, they must suffer under its consequences; I am not authorized to remove it. I am a firm believer in slavery.
... The African enjoys the right of receiving the first principles of the Gospel... of being baptized for the remission of sins and of receiving the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands... But they cannot share in the Priesthood; they cannot bear rule; they cannot bear rule in any place until the curse is removed from them; they are a "servant of servants." ...
... there should be a law made to have the slaves serve their masters, because they are not capable of ruling themselves.
When the Lord God cursed old Cain, He said, "Until the last drop of Abel's blood receives the Priesthood, and enjoys the blessings of the same, Cain shall bear the curse;" then Cain is calculated to have his share next and not until then; consequently, I am firm in the belief that they ought to dwell in servitude.
[The Teachings of President Brigham Young, Vol. 3, 1852-1854. Fred Collier, ed. Collier's Publishing, 1987. 41-48, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
"Remarks on Slavery"
... inasmuch as we believe in the Bible, inasmuch as we believe in the ordinances of God, in the Priesthood and order and decrees of God, we must believe in slavery. This colored race have been subjected to severe curses, which they have in their families and their classes and in their various capacities brought upon themselves. And until the curse is removed by Him who placed it upon them, they must suffer under its consequences; I am not authorized to remove it. I am a firm believer in slavery.
... The African enjoys the right of receiving the first principles of the Gospel... of being baptized for the remission of sins and of receiving the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands... But they cannot share in the Priesthood; they cannot bear rule; they cannot bear rule in any place until the curse is removed from them; they are a "servant of servants." ...
... there should be a law made to have the slaves serve their masters, because they are not capable of ruling themselves.
When the Lord God cursed old Cain, He said, "Until the last drop of Abel's blood receives the Priesthood, and enjoys the blessings of the same, Cain shall bear the curse;" then Cain is calculated to have his share next and not until then; consequently, I am firm in the belief that they ought to dwell in servitude.
[The Teachings of President Brigham Young, Vol. 3, 1852-1854. Fred Collier, ed. Collier's Publishing, 1987. 41-48, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
180 years ago today - early 1842
[Heber C. Kimball marriage]
wife #2. Sarah Peak (Noon), 1811-1873; 4 children, none living to maturity.
[Hatch, Charles M. and Compton, Todd M. editors, 'A Widow's Tale: 1884-1896 Diary of Helen Mar Kimball Whitney' p. 37]
wife #2. Sarah Peak (Noon), 1811-1873; 4 children, none living to maturity.
[Hatch, Charles M. and Compton, Todd M. editors, 'A Widow's Tale: 1884-1896 Diary of Helen Mar Kimball Whitney' p. 37]
180 years ago today - Early 1842
When Heber C. Kimball was hesitant about entering into polygamy, Joseph Smith 'inquired of the Lord; His answer was: "Tell him to go and do as he has been commanded, and if I see that there is any danger of his apostatizing, I will take him to myself."'
[Helen Mar Kimball Smith Whitney, Woman's Exponent, vol. 10, no. 10, 15 October 1881, p. 74.]
[Helen Mar Kimball Smith Whitney, Woman's Exponent, vol. 10, no. 10, 15 October 1881, p. 74.]
180 years ago today - Jan 5, 1842
Joseph opens his new store on Water Street. He works all day behind the counter serving the Saints. By March he ceases his active involvement in the store, but in his office on the second floor he translates, receives revelations, organizes the Relief Society, and introduces temple endowments.
[Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
[Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
185 years ago today - 1837 January 5
[Wilford Woodruff]
5th I repaired to the house of the Lord for a Prayer meeting at 2 oclock PM. We had a good time. One man gave us an account of the general gathering of Israel in the gift of tongues. I interpreted the Substance of the same.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
5th I repaired to the house of the Lord for a Prayer meeting at 2 oclock PM. We had a good time. One man gave us an account of the general gathering of Israel in the gift of tongues. I interpreted the Substance of the same.
[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 5, 1837
This date is the first day for which salaries are paid to bank officials.
[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]
185 years ago today - (Thr) Jan 5, 1837
The [Kirtland Saftey Society] issued its first bank notes, probably to an initial amount between $10,000 and $15,000.
[Broadhurst, Dale R., Mormon Chronology, http://olivercowdery.com/history/morchrn2.htm]
[Broadhurst, Dale R., Mormon Chronology, http://olivercowdery.com/history/morchrn2.htm]
50 years ago today - Jan 4, 1972
Formation of the Department of Internal Communications with J. Thomas Fyans to head the department which was formally approved by the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve nine days later. Its goal was to design a basic curriculum that could be easily translated into the languages of the world's nations. This department took over these responsibilities in the former All-Church Coordinating Council and the Executive Correlation Committee; its name was later changed to simply the Correlation Department. The primary responsibility of the new Correlation Department was to preserve doctrinal purity. Ultimately all writing in Church publications would have to pass through correlation before being published and distributed to the Church members.
[Correlation Timeline, Compiled by Lisle Brown]
[Correlation Timeline, Compiled by Lisle Brown]
100 years ago today - Jan 4,1922
From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Brigham H. Roberts presents detailed summary of textual and historical problems in Book of Mormon to combined meeting of First Presidency, apostles, and Seventy's presidents. He recommends that these problems should be researched and publicly discussed.
[Roberts finds the General Authorities "not in a studious mood."]
[Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power, Appendix 5, Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1848-1996, http://amzn.to/extensions-power]
[Roberts finds the General Authorities "not in a studious mood."]
[Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power, Appendix 5, Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1848-1996, http://amzn.to/extensions-power]
115 years ago today - Jan 4, 1907
[Joseph Fielding Smith]
Most of the day I was in committee meetings of a special committee appointed yesterday by the Fist Presidency for special purposes, to prepare data for a defense of the Church against assaults made upon it by its enemies. The members of the Committee were: Orson F. Whitney, David O. McKay, B. H. Roberts, Richard W. Young, Nephi L. Morris, James E. Talmage, Franklin S. Richards, Legrande Young, and myself.
[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]
Most of the day I was in committee meetings of a special committee appointed yesterday by the Fist Presidency for special purposes, to prepare data for a defense of the Church against assaults made upon it by its enemies. The members of the Committee were: Orson F. Whitney, David O. McKay, B. H. Roberts, Richard W. Young, Nephi L. Morris, James E. Talmage, Franklin S. Richards, Legrande Young, and myself.
[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 4, 1907
The tense situation in the Reed Smoot case in the first seven weeks of 1907 is thus described by B. H. Roberts, who it will be noted was a member of the eight-man committee appointed by the First Presidency (as given below) to review the speeches being made on the floor of the United States Senate as the Reed Smoot case reached a final "showdown."
"The case was called up in the senate on the 13th of December, 1906, when Senator Dubois, of Idaho, made an exhaustive speech supporting the resolution of the committee, viz: 'that Reed Smoot was not entitled to a seat as a senator of the United States from the state of Utah. And from thence to the time that the vote was taken upon the resolution-20th of February, 190"-many senators made speeches upon the subject, and Utah affairs were fully discussed through all that timeÃÂ. '
"Had the vote been taken in the senate upon this resolution in that form, a majority voting would have determined the question. But an amendment was offered by Senator Hopkins of Illinois, making the resolution read: "Two-thirds of the senators present concurring therein,' and on the resolution so amended the vote stood; yeas 28; nays 42; not voting 20. 'So the resolution was rejected, two-thirds of the senators present not voting therefore' and Mr. Smoot retained his seat."
[1907-January 4-Original letter. Reed Smoot collection, in Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
"The case was called up in the senate on the 13th of December, 1906, when Senator Dubois, of Idaho, made an exhaustive speech supporting the resolution of the committee, viz: 'that Reed Smoot was not entitled to a seat as a senator of the United States from the state of Utah. And from thence to the time that the vote was taken upon the resolution-20th of February, 190"-many senators made speeches upon the subject, and Utah affairs were fully discussed through all that timeÃÂ. '
"Had the vote been taken in the senate upon this resolution in that form, a majority voting would have determined the question. But an amendment was offered by Senator Hopkins of Illinois, making the resolution read: "Two-thirds of the senators present concurring therein,' and on the resolution so amended the vote stood; yeas 28; nays 42; not voting 20. 'So the resolution was rejected, two-thirds of the senators present not voting therefore' and Mr. Smoot retained his seat."
[1907-January 4-Original letter. Reed Smoot collection, in Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
115 years ago today - Jan 4, 1907
Salt Lake City, Utah, January 4th, 1907. Senator Reed Smoot, Washington, D.C.
Dear Senator:
This in part is an answer to a telegram received from you, going to show the inaccuracy of the statement of Senator Burrows to the effect that a Mormon ecclesiastic's asking permission to run for public office is tantamount to his winning at the polls.
Apostle Anthon H. Lund ran for the Legislature as a Republican in 1891, and was beaten by his Democratic opponent, Peter Greaves. Both lived in the same town of Ephraim.
Ed. Callister undertook to supply you with two other cases which he thought would cover the whole ground. He is not in town today, will be home tomorrow when I will remind him of this.
Yours, &c., GEO. F. GIBBS
P. S. There are no doubt many other cases, but I have no means of ascertaining them.
[1907-January 4-Original letter. Reed Smoot collection, in Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
Dear Senator:
This in part is an answer to a telegram received from you, going to show the inaccuracy of the statement of Senator Burrows to the effect that a Mormon ecclesiastic's asking permission to run for public office is tantamount to his winning at the polls.
Apostle Anthon H. Lund ran for the Legislature as a Republican in 1891, and was beaten by his Democratic opponent, Peter Greaves. Both lived in the same town of Ephraim.
Ed. Callister undertook to supply you with two other cases which he thought would cover the whole ground. He is not in town today, will be home tomorrow when I will remind him of this.
Yours, &c., GEO. F. GIBBS
P. S. There are no doubt many other cases, but I have no means of ascertaining them.
[1907-January 4-Original letter. Reed Smoot collection, in Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
120 years ago today - Saturday, Jan 4, 1902
[Rudger Clawson]
Milford, Utah. ... I came into the priesthood meeting a little late, and Elder Reinhard Maeser was talking. I followed him. Topics treated. Gave some reasons why the sisters (and there were a number present) were interested in priesthood meetings. ... Dwelt upon the authority of the priesthood. [Elder Clawson was followed by wilford Woodruff.]
[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]
Milford, Utah. ... I came into the priesthood meeting a little late, and Elder Reinhard Maeser was talking. I followed him. Topics treated. Gave some reasons why the sisters (and there were a number present) were interested in priesthood meetings. ... Dwelt upon the authority of the priesthood. [Elder Clawson was followed by wilford Woodruff.]
[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]
130 years ago today - Jan 04, 1892
President George Q. Cannon of the First Presidency dedicates the Brigham Young Academy Building at Provo, Utah, and installs Benjamin Cluff Jr. as the successor to Principal Karl G. Maeser. President Woodruff noted "It is the finest building in Utah Erected for the Education of the Children. It will Cost when finished about $80 or $100,000."
140 years ago today - 1882 January 4
[Wilford Woodruff]
The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles expressed themselves vary Strongly opposed to setting an example by opening a Door for any man in the Church Presidet or Apostle, to draw funds from the Church without limit for their own use or any other purpose. Their should be fixed sum for Every man.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles expressed themselves vary Strongly opposed to setting an example by opening a Door for any man in the Church Presidet or Apostle, to draw funds from the Church without limit for their own use or any other purpose. Their should be fixed sum for Every man.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
140 years ago today - Wednesday, Jan 4, 1882
[John Henry Smith]
President Taylor had his article on the Gardo House read again and with slight changes it was approved. Bro. Taylor then went for those who had spoken against his article the day before and he showed much feeling. The item was that at a meeting of the Twelve some years ago a resolution had been passed which gave to the President $2,500 a year according to J. F. Smith's statement but the minutes of that meeting showed that the Resolution gave to President J. Taylor the power to draw from the tithing without limit. J. F. Smith, Wilford Woodruff, F. D. Richards and Moses Thatcher spoke against any such power being placed in the hands of one man and that they wanted that Resolution rescinded when the men who passed it got together. President Taylor said he was in favor of it being withdrawn. Lyman and myself did not speak on that matter because it was an action taken before we were ordained apostles but I will not vote for the President to have an unlimited draw at the tithing.
Some mutual explanations were made and all felt well. When the party of brethren can be got together that Resolution must be taken under consideration. I was somewhat surprised to see the president attempt to bull down the Council after giving them the utmost liberty to speak and he will find such talk will never hold the present Council in awe.
[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]
President Taylor had his article on the Gardo House read again and with slight changes it was approved. Bro. Taylor then went for those who had spoken against his article the day before and he showed much feeling. The item was that at a meeting of the Twelve some years ago a resolution had been passed which gave to the President $2,500 a year according to J. F. Smith's statement but the minutes of that meeting showed that the Resolution gave to President J. Taylor the power to draw from the tithing without limit. J. F. Smith, Wilford Woodruff, F. D. Richards and Moses Thatcher spoke against any such power being placed in the hands of one man and that they wanted that Resolution rescinded when the men who passed it got together. President Taylor said he was in favor of it being withdrawn. Lyman and myself did not speak on that matter because it was an action taken before we were ordained apostles but I will not vote for the President to have an unlimited draw at the tithing.
Some mutual explanations were made and all felt well. When the party of brethren can be got together that Resolution must be taken under consideration. I was somewhat surprised to see the president attempt to bull down the Council after giving them the utmost liberty to speak and he will find such talk will never hold the present Council in awe.
[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]
145 years ago today - Jan 4,1877
Joseph Smith's last born child David is committed to Illinois Hospital for the Insane. Proclaimed by Brigham Young in 1866 as rightful heir of LDS presidency, he has served as counselor on RLDS presidency since 1873. He dies in asylum in 1904.
[Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power, Appendix 5, Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1848-1996, http://amzn.to/extensions-power]
[Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power, Appendix 5, Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1848-1996, http://amzn.to/extensions-power]
155 years ago today - 1867 January 4
[Wilford Woodruff]
{Joseph Fielding Smith & his two wives} Received their Second Anointing. Joseph F Smith was the son of Hyram Smith. He has the spirit of his Father & uncle Joseph & Hyram Smith who was martered for the gospels sake. W Woodruff was mouth at the Altar. Presidet B. Young officiated at the Anointing.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
{Joseph Fielding Smith & his two wives} Received their Second Anointing. Joseph F Smith was the son of Hyram Smith. He has the spirit of his Father & uncle Joseph & Hyram Smith who was martered for the gospels sake. W Woodruff was mouth at the Altar. Presidet B. Young officiated at the Anointing.
[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 4, 1862
[Heber C. Kimball Revelations]
Word to me HCK
Janu[a]ry the 4, 1862
It was revealed to me that the United Stats would make war with this people the Saints with in three years from this time.
["H. C. Kimball Memorandum" book, On the Potters Wheel: The Diaries of Heber C. Kimball, Stanley B. Kimball, editor, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Word to me HCK
Janu[a]ry the 4, 1862
It was revealed to me that the United Stats would make war with this people the Saints with in three years from this time.
["H. C. Kimball Memorandum" book, On the Potters Wheel: The Diaries of Heber C. Kimball, Stanley B. Kimball, editor, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
180 years ago today - Jan 4, 1842 - Tuesday
... Joseph prophesied in the name of the Lord. that the first thing toward building up Warsaw was to break it down, to break down them that are there, and that it never would be built up till it was broken down, and after that keep them entirely in the dark concerning our movements; and it is best to let Sharpe [Thomas Sharp] publish what he pleases and go to the Devil. and the more lies he prints, the sooner he will get through;45 not buy him out or hinder him; and after they have been in the dark long enough, let a certain set of men go there who will do as I tell them, a certain kind of men. some of those capitalists from the eastern states, say from Pensylvania ; wise men who will take the lead of business, and go ahead of those that are there before they know what we are about. and the place will prosper, and not till then-
[Joseph Smith, Journal, Dec. 1841–Dec. 1842 in "The Book of the Law of the Lord," Record Book, 1841–1845]
[Joseph Smith, Journal, Dec. 1841–Dec. 1842 in "The Book of the Law of the Lord," Record Book, 1841–1845]
155 years ago today - Jan 3, 1867
[Brigham Young Jr.]
Went to the Endowment House at 12 where I received my second anointing under the hands of my father, he ordaining me to [be] a King & Priest to the Most High God.
[Brigham Young Jr. diary, Jan. 3, 1867, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
Went to the Endowment House at 12 where I received my second anointing under the hands of my father, he ordaining me to [be] a King & Priest to the Most High God.
[Brigham Young Jr. diary, Jan. 3, 1867, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
165 years ago today - 1857 January 3
[Wilford Woodruff]
H[eber] C. Kimball ... said that He did not Believe in this custom of Adoption that had been practiced in this Church. No man should give his Birthright to another but should keep his birthright in the linage of his Fathers & go to & unite the link through the whole linage of their fathers untill they come up to a man in the Linage who held the priesthood...
I attended the High Priest Meetings in the evening. ... Snow. The spirit of God rested upon us in power & the vision of our minds was open upon the priesthood & its power & Blessings. I told the people that they did not prize the priesthood as they should & spoke of the great work which we had to perform who bore the priesthood in preparing this generation for salvation or damnation in redeeming our dead &c. We had about the best meeting we have had since the refermation.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
H[eber] C. Kimball ... said that He did not Believe in this custom of Adoption that had been practiced in this Church. No man should give his Birthright to another but should keep his birthright in the linage of his Fathers & go to & unite the link through the whole linage of their fathers untill they come up to a man in the Linage who held the priesthood...
I attended the High Priest Meetings in the evening. ... Snow. The spirit of God rested upon us in power & the vision of our minds was open upon the priesthood & its power & Blessings. I told the people that they did not prize the priesthood as they should & spoke of the great work which we had to perform who bore the priesthood in preparing this generation for salvation or damnation in redeeming our dead &c. We had about the best meeting we have had since the refermation.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
165 years ago today - Jan 3, 1857
[Brigham Young to George A. Smith]
We are the More anxious to terminate our Teritorial form of Government on account of the appointing power vested in the President which enables him to fill our Offices with man of his own selection. ... We find with very few exceptions, that nonresident appointees have always been of that character whose chief delight and business is and has been to Stir up strife between us and the General Government by their foul and false Statements. ...
[Letters of Brigham Young--Excerpts, 1856-1866, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
We are the More anxious to terminate our Teritorial form of Government on account of the appointing power vested in the President which enables him to fill our Offices with man of his own selection. ... We find with very few exceptions, that nonresident appointees have always been of that character whose chief delight and business is and has been to Stir up strife between us and the General Government by their foul and false Statements. ...
[Letters of Brigham Young--Excerpts, 1856-1866, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
185 years ago today - 1837 January 3
[Wilford Woodruff]
President Z. Coltrin ordained me as a member of the first Seventy & Pronounced great blessings upon my head by the Spirit of Prophecy & Revelation. Some of them I will mention which are as follows: THAT my enemies may Confine me in Prisions & Chains & that I would rend the Prisions & Chains in twain in the name of JESUS CHRIST & that the Lord would give me great Power, Knowledg, & wisdom & faith so that I should heal the sick caus the Blind to see the lame to leap as an heart, the Deaf to hear Stop the mouths of Lions & rase the dead to life & waft myself (as did Philip) from River to river from Sea to sea & from Continant to Continant for the Purpose of Preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ & that I should stand before Kings & Princes & that they would send for me to receieve Wisdom Knowledge & instruction at my mouth because they Considered me wiser than themselves in like manner as the Egyptians sought wisdom at the hand of JOSepH. And that God would give me a multiplicity of Blessings that I should Preach to the nations of the earth & to the inhabitants upon the Islands of the Sea & that I should then return & stand upon Mount Zion in the flesh even in Jackson County Missouri at the Cumming of Christ & that I should be cought up to meet him in the Clouds of heaven for he said this was the word of God unto me & Also that I should visit COLUB [Kolob] & Preach to the spirits in Prision & that I should bring all of my friends or relatives forth from the Terrestrial Kingdom (who had died) by the Power of the gospel. These & many other Blessings were Pronounced upon my head, & further Said that I should be annointed & my life sealed unto me & that their would be still greater blessing Pronounced upon my head. I felt much of the Power of God rest upon me in this ordinance & Bear witness of the truth of the above PROCLAMTION.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
President Z. Coltrin ordained me as a member of the first Seventy & Pronounced great blessings upon my head by the Spirit of Prophecy & Revelation. Some of them I will mention which are as follows: THAT my enemies may Confine me in Prisions & Chains & that I would rend the Prisions & Chains in twain in the name of JESUS CHRIST & that the Lord would give me great Power, Knowledg, & wisdom & faith so that I should heal the sick caus the Blind to see the lame to leap as an heart, the Deaf to hear Stop the mouths of Lions & rase the dead to life & waft myself (as did Philip) from River to river from Sea to sea & from Continant to Continant for the Purpose of Preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ & that I should stand before Kings & Princes & that they would send for me to receieve Wisdom Knowledge & instruction at my mouth because they Considered me wiser than themselves in like manner as the Egyptians sought wisdom at the hand of JOSepH. And that God would give me a multiplicity of Blessings that I should Preach to the nations of the earth & to the inhabitants upon the Islands of the Sea & that I should then return & stand upon Mount Zion in the flesh even in Jackson County Missouri at the Cumming of Christ & that I should be cought up to meet him in the Clouds of heaven for he said this was the word of God unto me & Also that I should visit COLUB [Kolob] & Preach to the spirits in Prision & that I should bring all of my friends or relatives forth from the Terrestrial Kingdom (who had died) by the Power of the gospel. These & many other Blessings were Pronounced upon my head, & further Said that I should be annointed & my life sealed unto me & that their would be still greater blessing Pronounced upon my head. I felt much of the Power of God rest upon me in this ordinance & Bear witness of the truth of the above PROCLAMTION.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
120 years ago today - Thursday, Jan 2, 1902
Minutes of the Council of the Twelve and of the First Presidency: Brother [Rudger] Clawson reporting his visit to Sevier Stake said that while at Richfield he learned that a young man had married a woman who Was one-quarter negro,and now that one of his sons is about to marry, his intended wife wanted to know if the fact of his having inherited negro blood would be a bar to his receiving the priesthood and endowments.
President [Joseph F.] Smith in replying to this question said that presidents [Brigham] Young and [John] Taylor were emphatic in denying to any person receiving the priesthood or endowments who had negro blood in their veins, and he further said that a man named Abel, an octoroon, and who had married a quadroon, applied to President Young for his endowments, he having been ordained a Seventy and received his patriarchal blessing in the days of the Prophet Joseph [Smith], but President Young put him off, and that Brother Abel failed to get his wish gratified by the President. It appeared that a promise was made to him in his patriarchal blessing to the effect that he should be the welding link between the black and white races, and that he should hold the initiative authority by which his race should be redeemed. He renewed his application to receive his endowments time after time to President Taylor, who at last submitted it to this Council, resulting in a decision unfavorable to Brother Abel. After his [John Taylor's] death the wife of Isaac James (known as Aunt Jane) asked to receive her own endowments and to be sealed; but President Woodruff, Cannon, and Smith decided that this could not be done, but decided that she might be adopted into the family of the Prophet Joseph Smith as a servant, which was done, a special ceremony having been prepared for the purpose. But Aunt Jane was not satisfied with this, and as a mark of her dissatisfaction she applied again after this for sealing blessings, but of course in vain.
Brother John Henry Smith remarked that it seemed to him that persons in whose veins the white blood predominated should not be barred from the temple.
President Smith, replying to this, referred to the doctrine taught by President Young which he (the speaker) said he believed in himself, to the effect that the children of Gentile parents, in whose veins may exist a single drop of the blood of Ephraim, might be all pure-blooded Gentiles excepting one, and that one might extract all the blood of Ephraim from his parents' veins, and be actually a full-blooded Ephra[i]mite. He also referred to the case of a man named Billingsby, whose ancestor away back married an Indian woman, and whose descendants in every branch of his family were pure whites, with one exception, and that exception was one pure blooded Indian in every branch of the family. The speaker said he mentioned this case because it was in line with President Young's doctrine on the subject; and the same had been found to be the case with stockmen engaged in the improvement of breeds. Assuming therefore this doctrine to be sound, while the children of a man in whose veins may exist a single drop of negro blood, might be entirely white, yet one of his descendants might turn out to be a pronounced negro. And the question in President Smith's mind was, when shall we get light enought [enough] to determine each case on its merits? He gave it as his opinion that in all cases where the blood of Cain showed itself, however slight, the line should be drawn there; but where children of tainted parents were found to be pure Ephraimites, they might be admitted to the temple. This was only an opinion, however, the subject would no doubt be considered later.
Brother Clawson regar[d]ed this as an answer to the question and expressed himself satisfied with it.
[George Albert Smith Papers, Manuscripts Division, Marriott Library, University of Utah, at Marquardt, H. Michael, Mormon Central: Excerpts From Minutes of the Council of the Twelve and of the First Presidency, 1879-1947 http://www.xmission.com/~research/central/chorg2.htm]
President [Joseph F.] Smith in replying to this question said that presidents [Brigham] Young and [John] Taylor were emphatic in denying to any person receiving the priesthood or endowments who had negro blood in their veins, and he further said that a man named Abel, an octoroon, and who had married a quadroon, applied to President Young for his endowments, he having been ordained a Seventy and received his patriarchal blessing in the days of the Prophet Joseph [Smith], but President Young put him off, and that Brother Abel failed to get his wish gratified by the President. It appeared that a promise was made to him in his patriarchal blessing to the effect that he should be the welding link between the black and white races, and that he should hold the initiative authority by which his race should be redeemed. He renewed his application to receive his endowments time after time to President Taylor, who at last submitted it to this Council, resulting in a decision unfavorable to Brother Abel. After his [John Taylor's] death the wife of Isaac James (known as Aunt Jane) asked to receive her own endowments and to be sealed; but President Woodruff, Cannon, and Smith decided that this could not be done, but decided that she might be adopted into the family of the Prophet Joseph Smith as a servant, which was done, a special ceremony having been prepared for the purpose. But Aunt Jane was not satisfied with this, and as a mark of her dissatisfaction she applied again after this for sealing blessings, but of course in vain.
Brother John Henry Smith remarked that it seemed to him that persons in whose veins the white blood predominated should not be barred from the temple.
President Smith, replying to this, referred to the doctrine taught by President Young which he (the speaker) said he believed in himself, to the effect that the children of Gentile parents, in whose veins may exist a single drop of the blood of Ephraim, might be all pure-blooded Gentiles excepting one, and that one might extract all the blood of Ephraim from his parents' veins, and be actually a full-blooded Ephra[i]mite. He also referred to the case of a man named Billingsby, whose ancestor away back married an Indian woman, and whose descendants in every branch of his family were pure whites, with one exception, and that exception was one pure blooded Indian in every branch of the family. The speaker said he mentioned this case because it was in line with President Young's doctrine on the subject; and the same had been found to be the case with stockmen engaged in the improvement of breeds. Assuming therefore this doctrine to be sound, while the children of a man in whose veins may exist a single drop of negro blood, might be entirely white, yet one of his descendants might turn out to be a pronounced negro. And the question in President Smith's mind was, when shall we get light enought [enough] to determine each case on its merits? He gave it as his opinion that in all cases where the blood of Cain showed itself, however slight, the line should be drawn there; but where children of tainted parents were found to be pure Ephraimites, they might be admitted to the temple. This was only an opinion, however, the subject would no doubt be considered later.
Brother Clawson regar[d]ed this as an answer to the question and expressed himself satisfied with it.
[George Albert Smith Papers, Manuscripts Division, Marriott Library, University of Utah, at Marquardt, H. Michael, Mormon Central: Excerpts From Minutes of the Council of the Twelve and of the First Presidency, 1879-1947 http://www.xmission.com/~research/central/chorg2.htm]
120 years ago today - Thursday, Jan 2, 1902
... Hull, who had been appointed by the Y.M.M.I.A. board to investigate the propriety and wisdom of erecting a monument to the memory of Joseph Smith, the prophet, the same to be dedicated on the centennial of his birth in 1905. The report was read, received with thanks, and laid on the table for further consideration. The committee suggested that either a statue or memorial building be adopted as the form of the memorial. ... Remarks were made by Apostles Teasdale, Jno. H. Smith, Reed Smoot, and myself favoring a memorial building. Apostle Jno. H. Smith felt that such a building would eventually become the "Westminster Abbey" of the church. Apostle Clawson said that the report did not fully cover the views of the committee in respect to a memorial building. They thought that said building should be provided with a rotunda where a statue of the prophet in marble might be placed and that the building should be used for office purposes by the First Presidency, the Twelve, the Seven Presidents of Seventies, and the Presiding Bishopric, with an apartment set apart for a library.
Pres. Smith spoke at some length and very interestingly upon the subject. He favored a memorial building and thought it should be provided with a rotunda for the placing of a statue of the prophet, or perhaps the "martyrs"; niches should also be provided for statues of the presidents of the church, also paintings of our leading men; ...
[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]
Pres. Smith spoke at some length and very interestingly upon the subject. He favored a memorial building and thought it should be provided with a rotunda for the placing of a statue of the prophet, or perhaps the "martyrs"; niches should also be provided for statues of the presidents of the church, also paintings of our leading men; ...
[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]
130 years ago today - Jan 2, 1892 (Saturday)
In the U.S. District Court at Boise City, Idaho, indictments against nearly a hundred "Mormons," accused of violating the election laws by registering and voting in 1888, were dismissed.
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
135 years ago today - Jan 2, 1887
We arrived at David Whitmers and was welcombed. ... he relates seeing a messenger while plowing who said Blessed is the name of the Lord and they who keep his Commandments soon after Joseph Smith & O[liver]. Cowdry came along David tied his team to the fense the 3 were about 40 40 rods from his Fathers while sitting on a log an Angle apeared in the midst of a brightness that preceded him on a table in front of him was the Ball or Compas, used by Lehi in the Wilderness[,] Sword of Laban[,] Urim & Thumim or Interpreters also the Plates which was shown to them and they were commanded to bear testamony of these things & he said as he lived those things ere true he fired up with zeal he is 82 years old the 7th day of this month. he said that 1st of June he received a letter from the Prophet looks into the seer stone told names of each stopping place forgetting names on return O[liver]. Cowdry who mad[e] notes for every one just as the Prophet related ... --on their way from Palmyra they saw a strange looking man, with a knapsac on his back the strap crossing his breast he came up alongside of the wagon David asked him to ride, no I am going over to Cumorah & suddenly disappeared by request of the Brethren Joseph asked the Lord who this mysterious stranger was, who said it was one of the 3 Nephites. with the Plates. David said he had see[n] him after near his Father's house & that his mother also had see[n] him. & he had shown the plates to her.
[Edward Stevenson, Journal, LDS Church Archives, Salt Lake City, Utah, as cited in Dan Vogel, Early Mormon Documents: David Whitmer Interview With Edward Stevenson]
[Edward Stevenson, Journal, LDS Church Archives, Salt Lake City, Utah, as cited in Dan Vogel, Early Mormon Documents: David Whitmer Interview With Edward Stevenson]
140 years ago today - Jan 2, 1882 (Monday)
Pres. John Taylor moved into the Gardo House, Salt Lake City. A public reception was given, in which over two thousand people participated.
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
150 years ago today - 1872 January 2
At about 11 oclok A.M. Patrrick the United States Marshall Came to Presidents Youngs office & Served an Inditement upon him for Murders. ... Fitch & Hemstead appeared as his Council & asked for Bail. Bates the Prosicuting Attorney also Asked for Bail & Put the Sum at $500,000. MCKean the Judge Refused Bail But put Presidet Young into the Hands of the Marshall to be Confined in one of Presidet Youngs own Homes. Then Presidet Young returned to his own house in Company with the Marshall. [He remained under house arrest until April 25.]
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
155 years ago today - 1867 January 2
[Wilford Woodruff]
Presidt Brigham Young gave his Son {Joseph A Young} his second anointing.
It was decided by Presidet Young that we dress & offer up the signs of the Holy Priesthood before we give the 2d Anointing & ownly Anoint one man & his wives in one day at one place.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Presidt Brigham Young gave his Son {Joseph A Young} his second anointing.
It was decided by Presidet Young that we dress & offer up the signs of the Holy Priesthood before we give the 2d Anointing & ownly Anoint one man & his wives in one day at one place.
[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 2, 1837
Kirtland Saftey Society opens for business. -Anti- and -ing- were engraved before and after -Bank- -in smaller typeface- on the printing plates Cowdery had previously purchased in Philadelphia. Sidney Rigdon served as the chairman and president; Warren Parrish as signatory, secretary and teller; Joseph Smith was cashier. Its organizers launched, instead, a gigantic company capitalized at four million dollars when the entire capitalization of all the banks in the state of Ohio was only nine and one third million. Warren Parrish is secretary at the meeting. He is the banks' first teller and maintains the ledger book.
[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/]
185 years ago today - (Mon) Jan 2, 1837
Joseph Smith obtained a loan from the Bank of Geauga in Painesville, for $3,018.99. This may have been to provide specie and financial backing for the new [Kirtland Saftey Society].
[Broadhurst, Dale R., Mormon Chronology, http://olivercowdery.com/history/morchrn2.htm]
[Broadhurst, Dale R., Mormon Chronology, http://olivercowdery.com/history/morchrn2.htm]
10 years ago today - 2012-01-01
Feminist Mormon Housewives started a private Facebook group, as opposed to the public blog. By February 1, 2012, it had 755 members. As of May 28, 2013, there are 2268 members of this active group.
[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]
45 years ago today - Jan 1, 1977
The First Presidency announced a new format for General Conferences. General sessions would be held on the first Sunday of each April and October and the preceding Saturday. Regional representative seminars would be held on the preceding Friday. It was no longer necessarily to meet on 6 April, the birthday of the Church. This shortened the conferences from three to two days.
[Correlation Timeline, Compiled by Lisle Brown]
[Correlation Timeline, Compiled by Lisle Brown]
120 years ago today - Jan 1, 1902
[Heber J. Grant, Letter to wife Lucy Grant]
Answering your question as to whether our Church now allows plural marriages I will say No. If it did I would get another wife and get her as soon as I possibly could. Let those laugh as they please about this matter, but I am thankful that you have learned that plural marriage is a law of God and the proper way for men and women to live, and some time the Lord may allow men to have more wives... We cannot always tell everything, and you must not let a thing of this kind try your faith. ... Pres[iden]t. [Lorenzo] Snow did stop plural marriage as near as I could find out, or I think I should have had some words of affection to say to the lady who is with you [i.e., missionary companion, Fanny Woolley]. I had made up my mind to give her a chance to say yes or no, but Pres[iden]t Snow was so positive that there was no chance for me even if I went to Mexico or was to marry a girl and leave her in Mexico that I dropped the matter. ...
[Heber J. Grant, Letter to Lucy Grant, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
Answering your question as to whether our Church now allows plural marriages I will say No. If it did I would get another wife and get her as soon as I possibly could. Let those laugh as they please about this matter, but I am thankful that you have learned that plural marriage is a law of God and the proper way for men and women to live, and some time the Lord may allow men to have more wives... We cannot always tell everything, and you must not let a thing of this kind try your faith. ... Pres[iden]t. [Lorenzo] Snow did stop plural marriage as near as I could find out, or I think I should have had some words of affection to say to the lady who is with you [i.e., missionary companion, Fanny Woolley]. I had made up my mind to give her a chance to say yes or no, but Pres[iden]t Snow was so positive that there was no chance for me even if I went to Mexico or was to marry a girl and leave her in Mexico that I dropped the matter. ...
[Heber J. Grant, Letter to Lucy Grant, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
120 years ago today - Jan 1, 1902
The Children's Friend, the official magazine of the Primary Association is first published on this day.
[Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, United Kingdom, "On This Day," https://www.lds.org.uk/show_oda.php]
[Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, United Kingdom, "On This Day," https://www.lds.org.uk/show_oda.php]
130 years ago today - Jan 1, 1892
[Abraham H. Cannon]
(at a stake conference at Brigham City) President Snow reported that on one occasion Joseph Smith was once asked who he was: "The Prophet smiled kindly upon his interlocutor and replied, "Noah came before the flood; I have come before the fire."
[Abraham H. Cannon Journal Excerpts, http://www.amazon.com/Apostles-Record-Journals-Abraham-1889-1896/dp/B000MFD1K4]
(at a stake conference at Brigham City) President Snow reported that on one occasion Joseph Smith was once asked who he was: "The Prophet smiled kindly upon his interlocutor and replied, "Noah came before the flood; I have come before the fire."
[Abraham H. Cannon Journal Excerpts, http://www.amazon.com/Apostles-Record-Journals-Abraham-1889-1896/dp/B000MFD1K4]
145 years ago today - Jan 1, 1877
Apostle Wilford Woodruff gives first reading of dedicatory prayer for Utah's first temple (at St. George), and temple ordinances begin. He prays that Brigham Young will live to see the United States "broken in pieces like a potter's vessel and swept from off the face of the Earth" because this nation "shed the Blood of Prophets and Saints which cry unto God day and night for vengence."
[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)]]
145 years ago today - Jan 1, 1877
[Brigham Young Jr.]
[St. George] Temple dedication. People assembled in the font room and basement rooms] Bro[ther] Wilford Woodruff kneeled near the top of west steps, and read a lengthy prayer time 24 minutes. He expressed a hope that it would not weaken the faith of any to hear or see him read his prayer from manuscript. All very good, and Satisfactory. [adjourned to main upper room, Bro[ther]s Woodruff, Snow and I sat on lower Melchisideck [Melchizedek] stand in front of which B[righam] Y[oung] sat, and L. Snow read his prayer. Thereafter B[righam] Y[oung] Jr read the dedicatory prayer for B[righam] Y[oung].] Returned to main room-- Bro[ther]s W[oodruff] and S[now] spoke a few words. Pres[iden]t B[righam] Y[oung] leaning on his cane and one crutch [came into the lower Melch. stand] He said, the saints may be satisfied with this dedication & [?] it was good, But he would never be satisfied until he had whipped the devils and driven them off this earth, bringing his cane down on the Stand front making three dents which will remain as long as the board remains ...
[Diary of Apostle Brigham Young Jr., http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[St. George] Temple dedication. People assembled in the font room and basement rooms] Bro[ther] Wilford Woodruff kneeled near the top of west steps, and read a lengthy prayer time 24 minutes. He expressed a hope that it would not weaken the faith of any to hear or see him read his prayer from manuscript. All very good, and Satisfactory. [adjourned to main upper room, Bro[ther]s Woodruff, Snow and I sat on lower Melchisideck [Melchizedek] stand in front of which B[righam] Y[oung] sat, and L. Snow read his prayer. Thereafter B[righam] Y[oung] Jr read the dedicatory prayer for B[righam] Y[oung].] Returned to main room-- Bro[ther]s W[oodruff] and S[now] spoke a few words. Pres[iden]t B[righam] Y[oung] leaning on his cane and one crutch [came into the lower Melch. stand] He said, the saints may be satisfied with this dedication & [?] it was good, But he would never be satisfied until he had whipped the devils and driven them off this earth, bringing his cane down on the Stand front making three dents which will remain as long as the board remains ...
[Diary of Apostle Brigham Young Jr., http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
155 years ago today - 1867 January 1
[Wilford Woodruff]
Jan 1 The year 1867 is before us. Every year grows more and more important in the great Events of the Last days as we Approach nearer and nearer the Coming of the Son of Man. The Events of the last days will be awful for the wicked, and Blessed for the righteous. The Lord hath Commenced a controversy with the Nations and he will never Cease untill that Consumption decreed will be fulfilled upon all the wicked. What 1867 will bring to pass time must determine. It will hasten the downfall of our Nation, and Bring distress upon other Nations....
We then went to the Endowments House. The Presidency & 8 of the Twelve were present. {George Quail Cannon & 3 wives} obtained their second Anointing Presidet Young being mouth. I spent the Evening at home.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Jan 1 The year 1867 is before us. Every year grows more and more important in the great Events of the Last days as we Approach nearer and nearer the Coming of the Son of Man. The Events of the last days will be awful for the wicked, and Blessed for the righteous. The Lord hath Commenced a controversy with the Nations and he will never Cease untill that Consumption decreed will be fulfilled upon all the wicked. What 1867 will bring to pass time must determine. It will hasten the downfall of our Nation, and Bring distress upon other Nations....
We then went to the Endowments House. The Presidency & 8 of the Twelve were present. {George Quail Cannon & 3 wives} obtained their second Anointing Presidet Young being mouth. I spent the Evening at home.
[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 - 1862 January 1
[Wilford Woodruff]
1860 & 61 have been two vary important years in the History of the united States but 1862 will be more so. The war will be more severe. The people will be more inspired to shed Blood....
The Lord will visit the people with other Judgments besides war, great Calamities await the wicked this year. There will be wars in foreign lands and a great want of Bread in the Earth. Ther will be pestilence, tempests, Floods Earth quakes and whirl winds and Hail stormes which will destroy many of the lives of men and the Crops of the Earth.
And the Lord will Continue to weaken this Nation untill they are broaken to peaces and Cast down to rise no more forever. ...
The foundation of the Temple has been uncovered and it is the intention to Commence building it this season. ...
D. B. Huntington Called into the office and gave us the following report: He said that when the Govornor got up to Ephraim Hanks wh[are?] Wood Reynolds had Changed the Horses to go on as the Govornor John W. Dawson Came to get in Wood Reynolds knocked Him down. He ran into the House. Reynolds followed him in & there beat him almost to death and drove off & left him in his gore. He done this because of his insult to Mrs William also insulting the women at Emphraim Hanks.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
1860 & 61 have been two vary important years in the History of the united States but 1862 will be more so. The war will be more severe. The people will be more inspired to shed Blood....
The Lord will visit the people with other Judgments besides war, great Calamities await the wicked this year. There will be wars in foreign lands and a great want of Bread in the Earth. Ther will be pestilence, tempests, Floods Earth quakes and whirl winds and Hail stormes which will destroy many of the lives of men and the Crops of the Earth.
And the Lord will Continue to weaken this Nation untill they are broaken to peaces and Cast down to rise no more forever. ...
The foundation of the Temple has been uncovered and it is the intention to Commence building it this season. ...
D. B. Huntington Called into the office and gave us the following report: He said that when the Govornor got up to Ephraim Hanks wh[are?] Wood Reynolds had Changed the Horses to go on as the Govornor John W. Dawson Came to get in Wood Reynolds knocked Him down. He ran into the House. Reynolds followed him in & there beat him almost to death and drove off & left him in his gore. He done this because of his insult to Mrs William also insulting the women at Emphraim Hanks.
[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, 1862
Deseret News reports that Governer John W. Dawson hurriedly left Salt Lake City yesterday at 2 p.m. after "offering a gross insult to a respectable lady of this city." News claims governor hired as his bodyguards Lot Huntington, Jason Luce, William Luce, and Moroni Clawson to protect against "his being killed or becoming qualified for the office of chamberlain [castrated eunuch] in the king's palace." Although it is evening newspaper, Deseret News does not report what happened to Dawson the previous night at Ephraim Hank's coach station at Mountain Dell. The so-called bodyguards beat Dawson "nearly to death" and then stripped him of his clothes and valuables. governor recovers well enough to write the News on 7. Jan.: "Any report stating that I hired these desperadoes to escort me over the mountains, is also untrue." Dawson says he asked for the protection of Ephraim Hanks, who instead sent the others to escort the governor out of the territory. Dawson continues his journey back to his home in Indiana, where he dies of natural causes sixteen years later. His official biography claims he never fully recovers from the beating in Utah.
[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)]]
170 years ago today - 1852 January 1
Jan 1st 1852 Govornor B. Young Had made a proclamation of thanksgiving for the inhabitants of the Territory of Utah to set apart the 1st day of Jan for the purpose of thanksgiving & prayer. The following is a portion of the proclamation:
"... That they rise Early in the morning of the first day of the New Year and wash their bodies with pure water. That all men attend to their flocks & herds with carefulness & see that no creature in their care is Hungry thirsty or Cold while the women are preparing the best of food for their Housholds & their Children [are] ready to receive it in Cleanliness & with cheerfulness. ...
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
"... That they rise Early in the morning of the first day of the New Year and wash their bodies with pure water. That all men attend to their flocks & herds with carefulness & see that no creature in their care is Hungry thirsty or Cold while the women are preparing the best of food for their Housholds & their Children [are] ready to receive it in Cleanliness & with cheerfulness. ...
[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, 1847
Eliza R. Snow's diary mentions receiving a blessing "thro' our belov'd mother Chase and sis[ter] Clarissa [Decker] by the gift of tongues," adding: "To describe the scene . . . would be beyond my power
180 years ago today - 1842 Early
[Helen Mar Kimball]
In Nauvoo the Prophet's life was in constant jeopardy, not only from outside influences and enemies, who were seeking some plea to take him back to Missouri, but from false brethren, who had crept into his bosom and then betrayed him. Therefore, when he told my father [Heber C. Kimball] to take a second wife, he requested him to keep it a secret and not divulge it even to my mother, for fear that she would not receive the principle. Father realized the situation fully, and the love and reverence he felt for the Prophet was so great that he would rather have laid down his own life than have betrayed him. This was the greatest test of his faith he had ever experienced.
When first hearing the principle taught, believing that he would be called upon to enter into it, he thought of the two Sisters Pitkin, who, as they were both elderly ladies and great friends of my mother's, he believed would cause her little if any unhappiness. The woman he was commanded to take, however, was an English lady nearer my mother's age, who came over with her husband and two little girls with a company of Saints in the same ship in which President Brigham Young and my father were returning from their second mission to Europe. ...
... but the thought of deceiving the kind and faithful wife of his youth, whom he loved with all his heart, and who with him had borne so patiently their separation and all the trials and sacrifices they had been called to endure, was more than he felt able to bear. He realized not only the addition of trouble and perplexities that such a step must bring upon him, but his sorrow and misery were increased by the thought of my mother hearing of it from some other source, which would no doubt separate them forever, and he shrank from the thought of such a thing, or of causing her any unhappiness. Finally he was so tried that he went to Joseph and told him how he felt—that he was fearful if he took such a step he could not stand, but would be overcome. The Prophet went and inquired of the Lord; His answer was: "Tell him to go and do as he has been commanded, and if I see that there is any danger of his apostatizing, I will take him to myself."
Father was heard many a time to say that he had shed bushels of tears over this order, the order of "celestial or plural marriage."
The Prophet told him the third time before he obeyed the command. This shows that the trial must have been extraordinary, for he was a man who from the first had yielded implicit obedience to every requirement of the Prophet.
My mother had noticed a change in his looks and appearance, and when she enquired the cause he tried to evade her question, saying it was only her imagination, or that he was not feeling well, etc. But it so worked upon his mind that his anxious and haggard looks betrayed him daily and hourly, and finally his misery became so unbearable that it was impossible to control his feelings. He became sick in body, but his mental wretchedness was too great to allow of his retiring at night, and instead of going to bed he would walk the floor; and the agony of his mind was so terrible that he would wring his hands and weep, beseeching the Lord with his whole soul to be merciful and reveal to his wife the cause of his great sorrow, for he himself could not break his vow of secrecy. His anguish, and my mother's, were indescribable, and when unable to endure it longer, she retired to her room, where, with a broken and contrite heart she poured out her grief to Him who hath said: "If any lack wisdom let him ask of God, who giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not." "Seek and ye shall find, knock and it shall be opened unto you."
My father's heart was raised at the same time in supplication, and while pleading as one would plead for life, the vision of her mind was opened, and as darkness fleeth before the morning sun, so did her sorrow and the groveling things of earth vanish away, and before her she saw the principle of celestial marriage illustrated in all its beauty and glory, together with the great exaltation and honor it would confer upon her in that immortal and celestial sphere if she would but accept it and stand in her place by her husband's side. She was also shown the woman he had taken to wife, and contemplated with joy the vast and boundless love and union which this order would bring about, as well as the increase of kingdoms, power and glory extending throughout the eternities, worlds without end.
Her soul was satisfied and filled with the Spirit of God. With a countenance beaming with joy she returned to my father, saying, "Heber, what you kept from me the Lord has shown to me."
She related the scene to me and to many others, and told me she never saw so happy a man as father was, when she described the vision and told him she was satisfied and knew that it was from God. She covenanted to stand by him and honor the principle, which covenant she faithfully kept, and though her trials were often heavy and grievous to bear, her integrity was unflinching to the end.
[Whitney, Helen Mar, Jeni Broberg Holzapfel, and Richard Neitzel Holzapfel, A Woman's View: Helen Mar Whitney's Reminiscences of Early Church History, Provo, UT: Religious Studies Center, Brigham Young University, 1997]
In Nauvoo the Prophet's life was in constant jeopardy, not only from outside influences and enemies, who were seeking some plea to take him back to Missouri, but from false brethren, who had crept into his bosom and then betrayed him. Therefore, when he told my father [Heber C. Kimball] to take a second wife, he requested him to keep it a secret and not divulge it even to my mother, for fear that she would not receive the principle. Father realized the situation fully, and the love and reverence he felt for the Prophet was so great that he would rather have laid down his own life than have betrayed him. This was the greatest test of his faith he had ever experienced.
When first hearing the principle taught, believing that he would be called upon to enter into it, he thought of the two Sisters Pitkin, who, as they were both elderly ladies and great friends of my mother's, he believed would cause her little if any unhappiness. The woman he was commanded to take, however, was an English lady nearer my mother's age, who came over with her husband and two little girls with a company of Saints in the same ship in which President Brigham Young and my father were returning from their second mission to Europe. ...
... but the thought of deceiving the kind and faithful wife of his youth, whom he loved with all his heart, and who with him had borne so patiently their separation and all the trials and sacrifices they had been called to endure, was more than he felt able to bear. He realized not only the addition of trouble and perplexities that such a step must bring upon him, but his sorrow and misery were increased by the thought of my mother hearing of it from some other source, which would no doubt separate them forever, and he shrank from the thought of such a thing, or of causing her any unhappiness. Finally he was so tried that he went to Joseph and told him how he felt—that he was fearful if he took such a step he could not stand, but would be overcome. The Prophet went and inquired of the Lord; His answer was: "Tell him to go and do as he has been commanded, and if I see that there is any danger of his apostatizing, I will take him to myself."
Father was heard many a time to say that he had shed bushels of tears over this order, the order of "celestial or plural marriage."
The Prophet told him the third time before he obeyed the command. This shows that the trial must have been extraordinary, for he was a man who from the first had yielded implicit obedience to every requirement of the Prophet.
My mother had noticed a change in his looks and appearance, and when she enquired the cause he tried to evade her question, saying it was only her imagination, or that he was not feeling well, etc. But it so worked upon his mind that his anxious and haggard looks betrayed him daily and hourly, and finally his misery became so unbearable that it was impossible to control his feelings. He became sick in body, but his mental wretchedness was too great to allow of his retiring at night, and instead of going to bed he would walk the floor; and the agony of his mind was so terrible that he would wring his hands and weep, beseeching the Lord with his whole soul to be merciful and reveal to his wife the cause of his great sorrow, for he himself could not break his vow of secrecy. His anguish, and my mother's, were indescribable, and when unable to endure it longer, she retired to her room, where, with a broken and contrite heart she poured out her grief to Him who hath said: "If any lack wisdom let him ask of God, who giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not." "Seek and ye shall find, knock and it shall be opened unto you."
My father's heart was raised at the same time in supplication, and while pleading as one would plead for life, the vision of her mind was opened, and as darkness fleeth before the morning sun, so did her sorrow and the groveling things of earth vanish away, and before her she saw the principle of celestial marriage illustrated in all its beauty and glory, together with the great exaltation and honor it would confer upon her in that immortal and celestial sphere if she would but accept it and stand in her place by her husband's side. She was also shown the woman he had taken to wife, and contemplated with joy the vast and boundless love and union which this order would bring about, as well as the increase of kingdoms, power and glory extending throughout the eternities, worlds without end.
Her soul was satisfied and filled with the Spirit of God. With a countenance beaming with joy she returned to my father, saying, "Heber, what you kept from me the Lord has shown to me."
She related the scene to me and to many others, and told me she never saw so happy a man as father was, when she described the vision and told him she was satisfied and knew that it was from God. She covenanted to stand by him and honor the principle, which covenant she faithfully kept, and though her trials were often heavy and grievous to bear, her integrity was unflinching to the end.
[Whitney, Helen Mar, Jeni Broberg Holzapfel, and Richard Neitzel Holzapfel, A Woman's View: Helen Mar Whitney's Reminiscences of Early Church History, Provo, UT: Religious Studies Center, Brigham Young University, 1997]
185 years ago today - Jan 1, 1837
Lyman Sherman sings in tongues and Willard understands. Eliza R. Snow resumes teaching school for young ladies and boards with the Smith family.
[Kenney, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://web.archive.org/web/20120805163534/saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml]
[Kenney, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://web.archive.org/web/20120805163534/saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml]
185 years ago today - Jan 1, 1837
Oliver Cowdery returns to Kirtland with the printing plates he has purchased in Philadelphia. At the same time, Orson Hyde returns from Columbus, Ohio, with the disappointing news that the bank charter has been rejected by the state legislature. Joseph records that the charter was denied "because we were 'Mormons.'" However, at this time the antibanking wing of the Democratic Party has just won control of the state legislature, and those in power are turning down all bank applications.
Because so little hard cash is necessary to buy notes with such a high face value (for instance $52.50 would buy notes with a face value of $10,000), many begin to foolishly believe that they have made their fortune. City lots jump from $150 to $500-$1000. In the ensuing weeks and months, the spirit of speculation spreads through Kirtland.
[Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
Because so little hard cash is necessary to buy notes with such a high face value (for instance $52.50 would buy notes with a face value of $10,000), many begin to foolishly believe that they have made their fortune. City lots jump from $150 to $500-$1000. In the ensuing weeks and months, the spirit of speculation spreads through Kirtland.
[Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)