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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d426fca --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #50535 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/50535) diff --git a/old/50535-h.zip b/old/50535-h.zip Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index fb0a6dc..0000000 --- a/old/50535-h.zip +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/50535-h/50535-h.htm b/old/50535-h/50535-h.htm deleted file mode 100644 index 5082a7f..0000000 --- a/old/50535-h/50535-h.htm +++ /dev/null @@ -1,4851 +0,0 @@ -<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN"> -<html> -<head> -<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=ISO-8859-1"> -<title>Blood Atonement and the Origin of Plural Marriage, by Elder Joseph F. Smith, Jr.</title> -<link rel="coverpage" href="images/cover.jpg"> -<style TYPE="text/css"> -body { color: Black; background: White; margin-right: 10%; margin-left: 10%; - font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; text-align: justify } -h1 { text-align: center } -h2 { text-align: center; padding-top: 10%; } -h3 { text-align: center } -h4 { text-align: center } -p.chapterHeading { margin-right: 20%; margin-left: 20%} -img {display: block; margin-left: auto; - margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 1%; margin-right: auto; } -.pagenum { position: absolute; left: 1%; font-size: 95%; text-align: left; text-indent: 0; - font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; font-variant: normal; } -.centered {text-align: center} -.right {text-align: right} -sup { font-size: 60%} -.sidenote { right: 0%; font-size: 80%; text-align: right; text-indent: 0%; width: 17%; - float: right; clear: right; padding-right: 0%; padding-left: 1%; padding-top: 1%; - padding-bottom: 1%; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; font-variant: normal; } -</style> -</head> -<body> - - -<pre> - -The Project Gutenberg EBook of Blood Atonement and the Origin of Plural -Marriage, by Joseph Fielding Smith, Jr. - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: Blood Atonement and the Origin of Plural Marriage - A Discussion - -Author: Joseph Fielding Smith, Jr. - -Release Date: November 22, 2015 [EBook #50535] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BLOOD ATONEMENT, ORIGIN PLURAL MARRIAGE *** - - - - -Produced by Tyler Garrett, Mormon Texts Project Intern -(http://mormontextsproject.org) - - - - - - -</pre> - - -<h1>Blood Atonement and the Origin of Plural Marriage<br><br> -<small>A DISCUSSION</small></h1> - -<p class="centered">Correspondence between ELDER JOSEPH F. SMITH, JR. of the Church of -Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints</p> - -<p class="centered">AND</p> - -<p class="centered">MR. RICHARD G. EVANS, Second Counselor in the Presidency of the -"Reorganized" Church<br><br><br></p> - -<p class="centered">"To correct misrepresentation, we adopt self representation."</p> - -<p class="centered">—John Taylor.<br><br><br></p> - -<p class="centered">Correspondence between ELDER JOSEPH F. SMITH, (JR.,) of the Church of -Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and MR. RICHARD C. EVANS, second -counselor (1905) in the Presidency of the "Reorganized" Church. A -conclusive refutation of the false charges persistently made by -ministers of the "Reorganized" Church against the Latter-day Saints and -their belief. Also a supplement containing a number of affidavits and -other matters bearing on the subjects.</p> - - -<p class="centered">SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH</p> - -<p class="centered">PRINTED IN U.S.A.</p> - - -<h2>INTRODUCTION</h2> - -<p>The correspondence in this pamphlet was brought about through the -wilful misrepresentation of the doctrines of the Latter-day Saints and -the unwarranted abuse of the authorities of the Church by Mr. Richard -C. Evans, in an interview which appeared in the Toronto (Canada) <i>Daily -Star</i> of January 28, 1905. A copy of the interview was placed in the -hands of the writer, who, on February 19th following, replied to Mr. -Evans in an open letter which was published in the Toronto Star on or -about the 25th of the month.<sup><a name=1.1text></a><a href="#1.1">[1]</a></sup> This open letter was answered by Mr. -Evans in a personal letter, and on the 23rd of May, a rejoinder to his -reply was sent to Mr. Evans at his home in London, Ontario, Canada. -In all, four communications—including the interview—have passed -between us, and all of these four communications are here reproduced -<i>in full</i>. A copy of the open letter which appeared in the <i>Star</i>, -was also sent to Mr. Evans who acknowledged its receipt. Nothing more -was done in regard to this correspondence until August 17th and 24th, -when an article containing a portion of it appeared in the <i>Zion's -Ensign</i>, published by the "Reorganized" church at Independence, Jackson -County, Missouri, under the title: "Statements Authenticated," in which -it was made to appear that the full and complete communications were -reproduced. But this, however, was not the case.</p> - -<p>In a letter from Mr. Evans to the editor of the <i>Ensign</i> which -accompanied the above mentioned article, he said:</p> - -<p>Believing that good will be accomplished by the publication of the -entire matter, I herewith mail you the referred to matter.</p> - -<p>From this it would naturally be supposed that the <i>complete</i> -correspondence would be given. However I was not surprised to see that -Mr. Evans' side of the controversy was <i>in full</i>, while a large portion -of my first communication had been purposely suppressed; and that -my second letter <i>did not appear at all</i>! And thus was the "<i>entire -matter</i>" given to the readers of the <i>Ensign</i> that "good" might be -"accomplished." (?)</p> - -<p>The parts that were purposely left out of my communication by Mr. -Evans, were most vital to the subject and have been indicated as they -appear in the body of this work by being placed in italics, excepting -a few minor matters which he omitted that I have not mentioned, -nevertheless matters that throw light upon the subject.</p> - -<p>One of these quotations was in relation to two articles in the first -volume of the <i>Saints' Herald</i> which were important, coming, as they -did from the "enemy's" camp. Here is the omitted part:</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p> If you believe your statement to be true, will you kindly explain - the following passage in the <i>Saints' Herald</i>, your official organ, - volume I, page 9,—it would be well for you to read the entire - chapter, which is entitled "Polygamy." The quotation is as follows:</p> - -<p> "The death of the Prophet is one fact that has been realized, - although he abhorred and repented of this iniquity (meaning - "polygamy") before his death. This branch of the subject we shall - leave to some of our brethren, who are qualified to explain it - satisfactorily."</p> - -<p> In the same volume, page 27, what is meant by the following: "He, - (Joseph Smith) caused the revelation on the subject (polygamy) to - be burned, and when he voluntarily came to Nauvoo and resigned - himself into the arms of his enemies he said that he was going to - Carthage to die. At that time he also said that if it had not been - for that accursed spiritual wife doctrine he would not have come to - that." Kindly read the context.</p> - -<p> There is more evidence that can be produced, but if you will - explain this it may suffice.</p> - -</blockquote> - -<p>The first half of the succeeding paragraph was quoted but the second -half was omitted. I quote in full with the part suppressed in italics:</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p> In the light of the knowledge I have received and the evidence - at my command, I know that the Prophet Joseph Smith made no such - statement as the above, and that he did not have the revelation - burned. <i>There is, however, value in the above statements from your - "Herald," for they bear witness to the origin and introduction of - the principle of plural marriage and revelation concerning the - same</i>.</p> - -</blockquote> - -<p>It is easy to perceive that Mr. Evans felt "that good will be -accomplished by the publication of the 'entire matter'"; and for -that reason he omitted this evidence which the leaders of the -"Reorganization" have been trying so successfully to destroy for lo -these many years. The two articles in the <i>Saints' Herald</i> have caused -the leaders of that sect no end of trouble, and today they are in -the same fix in regard to plural marriage that the first editor of -that paper was when he wrote, for they cannot explain the Prophet's -connection with the principle "satisfactorily," and never will be able -to until they acknowledge the truth.</p> - -<p>Another of Mr. Evans' ommissions that "good" might be "accomplished" -(?) is the following paragraph in reference to President Brigham Young:</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p> It is true that President Young was elected president at - Kanesville; but on what grounds do you charge him with holding - the office in trust for the "dead president's son?" Do you not - know that such a statement —contrary to the written word—was - antagonistic to the teachings of President Young, as recorded in - the <i>Times and Seasons</i>, as well as since that time?</p> - -<p> Will you please explain on what grounds you charge President Young - with being "under suspicion at the time of Joseph Smith's death?" - Am I to infer by this that you mean to convey the idea that Brigham - Young was in any way responsible for the death of Joseph Smith? The - Prophet never had a truer friend. You know that at the time of the - martyrdom Brigham Young was on a mission away from home. If this is - the inference you wish to convey, it is not only contemptible but - viciously false.</p> - -</blockquote> - -<p>It appears from the actions of many of those who fight the Latter-day -Saints, that they fully realize their inability to successfully oppose -the doctrines of the Church with truth as a weapon of attack, and, -therefore, resort to falsehood, vilification and abuse, attempting to -blind those who are not acquainted with the facts. The doctrine of -the Church has survived all such onslaughts and continues to spread -throughout the earth, as a witness against those who have adopted such -base methods for its overthrow. It will continue to spread, bless -mankind and prepare all who accept it, and follow its teachings in -righteousness, for an inheritance in the kingdom of God.</p> - -<p>The Reorganite ministers are generally in the front rank among those -who oppose the Church and resort to tactics of a doubtful character. -They travel from place to place, never losing an opportunity in -private, on the rostrum or through the press, to "explain the radical -difference" between their organization and that of the Church of Jesus -Christ of Latter-day Saints, and in denouncing "the Utah Mormon and his -iniquities." On such occasions they will quote garbled and isolated -extracts from sermons and from writings by Elders of the Church, taking -particular pains to cover up the context in order to prejudice the -uninformed mind. In this way many a harmless, inoffensive passage has -been made to do great execution in some quarters and among a certain -class. Nor is this all. Nearly every crime that was committed within a -thousand miles of Utah in early days and many that were invented out of -whole cloth, are brought to bear against the "dreadful Mormons," the -Church and the Gospel, that they may be stigmatized and made to appear -vile and hateful before the world. So much of their time is spent in -this way that they can surely have but little left in which to tell the -world what they themselves believe.</p> - -<p>No reason except that of misrepresentation and jealousy can be assigned -for actions of this kind. These men oppose the truth in a spirit -of jealousy and to cover up their own false position, and by such -an attitude prove that they are ashamed of their own faith, being -conscious of its weakness.</p> - -<p>The supplement following the correspondence is composed of a number -of affidavits and other testimony bearing on the subjects under -discussion, which, it is hoped, will be of interest and perhaps of -value to the reader.</p> - -<p class="right">JOSEPH F. SMITH, JR.</p> - -<p>Salt Lake City, Utah, September 5, 1905.</p> - - -<h4>Footnotes</h4> - -<p><a name="1.1"></a><a href="#1.1text">1.</a> As I did not receive a copy of the <i>Toronto Star</i> I cannot -positively say that my article appeared in full, but if it did not Mr. -Evans is still without excuse for not considering the <i>entire matter</i> -for he received personally a duplicate copy of the article sent the -<i>Star</i> which contained those portions he has failed to include in his -"entire matter" in the <i>Zion's Ensign</i>.</p> - - - -<h2>MR. R. C. EVANS' INTERVIEW IN THE TORONTO, CANADA, "DAILY STAR," JAN. 28, 1905</h2> - -<p>LATTER-DAY SAINT VISITING TORONTO—MR. R. C. EVANS, WHO IS -PROMOTING THE GROWTH OF HIS CHURCH IN CANADA, NOT A BELIEVER IN -POLYGAMY—DENOUNCES THE UTAH MORMONS.</p> - -<p>The name Mormon does not please Toronto's six hundred baptized -Latter-day Saints, not to mention the fifty thousand others scattered -over the globe.</p> - -<p>This fact was emphasized today, when R. C. Evans, one of the three -members of the Presidency, explained the radical difference between the -two denominations. Mr. Evans, who reached Toronto a few days ago to -spend a month here, denounces the "Utah Mormon and his iniquities."</p> - -<p>"We do not believe in polygamy, blood atonement, and kindred evils," -he said to the <i>Star</i> last night at 142 Peter street, where he is -visiting, "They are an abomination to the Lord. The term Mormon is -offensive to us, because it is associated in the public mind with the -practices that I have specified. The other night, while I was holding a -service here, four Utah Elders came to me. I referred to polygamy, and -they defended it. 'We endorse it,' they told me, 'but we don't practice -it.' Three women were with them, and I said to one, 'Do you believe in -polygamy?' 'I do,' she replied, 'and I know that God will punish the -United States for prohibiting it.' I understand that there are five -Utah elders in Toronto at the present time, and in addresses here I -will expose polygamy and blood atonement."</p> - - -<h3>BORN NEAR MONTREAL</h3> - -<p>Mr. Evans is forty-three years old, but doesn't look his age. He is -rather below medium height, strongly built, wears his black hair short, -and his round, slightly olive face is clean shaven. He is animated in -manner, and though his English is occasionally at fault, he speaks -fluently and well. He was born at St. Andrew's near Montreal, but his -ancestry is not confined to any one country, Irish, Welsh and German -blood flows in his veins and his somewhat nasal voice is typically -American.</p> - -<p>"I was baptized in 1876," he said, "ordained a priest in 1882, became -an elder in 1884, entered the quorum of seventy in 1886, was chosen -one of the twelve apostles in 1897; and in 1902, was selected one of -President Joseph Smith's two counselors, the other being his eldest -son, Frederick M. Smith. I was the pastor of the London, Ontario, -church from 1882 to 1886, and have given particular attention to -Canada. We occupy a rented church on the corner of Sumac and St. David -streets, a new church on Camden street, and another at Humber Bay, -practically three congregations in Toronto."</p> - -<p>The Latter-day Saints and the Utah Mormons, according to Mr. Evans, are -frequently confused, greatly to his regret.</p> - - -<h3>TROUBLES OF THE SECT</h3> - -<p>"My President Joseph Smith," he explained, "is the oldest son of Joseph -Smith, who, when a boy of fifteen, was directed to the mound wherein he -found the golden plates from which he compiled the Book of Mormon.</p> - -<p>"He organized his church in 1830, when 25 years old, and between -1830 and 1844 his following numbered 200,000. In 1844 he was shot -and killed for his anti-slavery sympathies,<sup><a name=2.1text></a><a href="#2.1">[1]</a></sup> and with him died his -brother Hyrum. John Taylor, a Toronto convert of 1838, was wounded, but -recovered. Joseph Smith's city of Nauvoo, Illinois, was wrecked, and in -1847, at Kanesville, Iowa, Brigham Young was elected president, though -he still professed to hold the office in trust for the dead president's -eldest son, also, Joseph, whom the father had consecrated as his -successor.<sup><a name=2.2text></a><a href="#2.2">[2]</a></sup> Brigham Young reorganized<sup><a name=2.3text></a><a href="#2.3">[3]</a></sup> the church, rebaptized every -member, including himself, and in 1848 (1847) he reached Salt Lake -City. With him went the widow and children of Hyrum Smith, whose son -Joseph F., is now president of the Utah church. The widow of the first -president had refused to follow Young, and her boy Joseph was brought -up in his father's footsteps, hating polygamy and other impurities. -'Young Joseph,' as he was called, connected himself with the Saints, -who had rejected Brigham Young, and was elected their president. He -was then 28 years old. In 1872 he was called to Washington, a report -having reached the Government that Mormonism had again sprung up in -Illinois. He disproved the charge of polygamy and blood atonement, -and demonstrated that Latter-day Saintism was in keeping with the law -and supported by the Bible. Incorporation was granted, and we have -prospered.</p> - - -<h3>UPHELD DEATH</h3> - -<p>"Brigham Young, who had been under suspicion at Joseph Smith's death, -introduced polygamy and blood atonement at Salt Lake City. Blood -atonement meant death to anyone who left his church. Brigham Young's -argument was that the apostate whose throat was cut from ear to ear, -the favorite way, saved his soul, but his object was to keep his people -under his iron heel. Young was a shrewd, bad man.</p> - -<p>"I spent a day and a half with Joseph F. Smith at Salt Lake City three -years ago, and he gave me a group photo of himself, his surviving five -wives, and thirty-six children. His first wife was dead. She died -broken-hearted and insane. Personally, Joseph F. Smith is a genial, -kindly man, but he and I differed on Polygamy. I told him it was vile -and wicked, always had been, and always would be. In appearance he -resembles his cousin, my own president."</p> - -<p>Mr. Evans is married, and has two children. The three faces look at -you from his watch case. He has recently returned from the northwest. -His faith has several thriving churches there, he says, while the Utah -Mormons are settled in one part of Alberta.</p> - - -<h4>Footnotes</h4> - -<p><a name="2.1"></a><a href="#2.1text">1.</a> Mr. Evans' declaration that the Prophet was killed for his anti- -slavery sympathies is rather surprising, when we consider that he was -in one of the anti-slave states, and the mob at Carthage was largely -composed of men with very strong "anti-slavery sympathies." The fact -is he and his brother Hyrum were martyred for their religion of which -Celestial Marriage, (including Plural Marriage) formed a part. One of -the charges made against them was that of teaching "polygamy."</p> - -<p><a name="2.2"></a><a href="#2.2text">2.</a> In proof that the Prophet did not ordain or consecrate his son as -his successor, the reader is referred to the affidavits of John W. -Rigdon and Bathsheba W. Smith.</p> - -<p><a name="2.3"></a><a href="#2.3text">3.</a> As the Church was never disorganized, it could not be reorganized. -Mr. Evans has made a mistake. It was the Quorum of the First -Presidency that was disorganized at the Prophet's death and which was -<i>reorganized</i> when Brigham Young was elected President, and not the -Church.</p> - - - -<h2>REPLY TO R. C. EVANS</h2> - -<p>The following letter was published in the Toronto <i>Daily Star</i> in -answer to the false charges which appeared in Mr. Evans' interview.</p> - -<p>Salt Lake City, Feb. 19, 1905.</p> - -<p><i>Mr. R. C. Evans</i>,</p> - -<p><i>Counselor in Presidency of Reorganized Church</i>.</p> - -<p>Sir:—I have before me a copy of the Toronto <i>Daily Star</i>, bearing date -of January 28, last, in which there is a column on the front page, -purporting to be an interview, by a representative of that paper with -you, in which I desire to call your attention.</p> - -<p>In doing so I desire to be fair and dispassionate, and also candid, and -I would like it if you would receive and reply to this communication in -the same spirit and manner to me personally.</p> - -<p>You are reported as not being "pleased," nor Toronto's six hundred -baptized members, with the name "Mormon." "This fact," says the <i>Star</i>, -"was emphasized today when R. C. Evans, one of the three members -of the Presidency explained the radical difference between the two -denominations. Mr. Evans * * * denounced the Utah Mormon and his -iniquities." Then you are made to say: "The term Mormon is offensive -to us, because it is associated in the public mind with the practices -that I have specified." That is, the alleged practices of the Utah -"Mormons," namely, "polygamy and blood atonement."</p> - -<p>Did you know that "the term Mormon" has always been applied to the -Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints? That the name attached -to the Church with the publication and promulgation of the Book of -Mormon? That it was first applied by the enemies of the Church as an -opprobrium; but that during the lifetime of Joseph Smith the Martyr, -and ever since it has been a term accepted by the Church because of -popular custom, as an appellation?</p> - -<p>If, then, the name is so distasteful to you and your fellows in -Canada and throughout the world, although it be on the grounds you -have named, why do you not discard the Book of Mormon, from whence -the name is derived, as well as the name. Is not the term <i>Book of -Mormon</i> as closely associated in the public mind with "polygamy and -blood atonement," as is the <i>name</i> of the Book? How are you going to -disassociate the book itself from the name as commonly applied to -the Church, since this name has been attached to the Church from the -beginning, and before the alleged "practices" of the "Utah Mormon" -gained such publicity? <i>Really, I think it would be quite proper for -those holding the view which you are said to have expressed, not only -to renounce the name "Mormon" as applied to the Church but also the -Book itself</i>.<sup><a name=3.1text></a><a href="#3.1">[1]</a></sup></p> - -<p>You do not believe in blood atonement. Is not this the more reason why -you should discard the Book of Mormon? Are you not at issue with the -teachings not only of that book, but also with those of the Bible on -this matter? If so, why not discard the Bible, and while you are about -it, the Book of Doctrine and Covenants also? Both of these, as well as -the Book of Mormon, teach the doctrine of "blood atonement," and they -are all "associated in the public mind" with the alleged "practices" of -the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.</p> - -<p>Let us consider this subject of "blood atonement."</p> - -<p>Book of Mormon:</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p> Mosiah 3:11.—His blood atoneth for the sins of those who have - fallen by the transgression of Adam. Verse 15.—And understood not - that the law of Moses availeth nothing except it were through the - atonement of his blood. Verse 16.—Even so the blood of Christ - atoneth for their sins.</p> - -<p> Alma 21:9.—Now Aaron began to open the Scriptures unto them - concerning the coming of Christ, and also concerning the - resurrection of the dead, and that there could be no redemption for - mankind, save it was through the death and suffering of Christ, and - the atonement of his blood.</p> - -<p> I Nephi 12:10.—Their garments are made white in his blood.</p> - -<p> II Nephi 9:7.—And if so, (not an infinite atonement) this flesh - must have laid down to rot and to crumble to its mother earth, to - rise no more.</p> - -</blockquote> - -<p>From the Bible:</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p> Mark 14:22-25.—And as they did eat, Jesus took bread and blessed - and brake it, and gave to them, and said: Take, eat; this is my - body.</p> - -<p> And he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to - them: and they all drank of it.</p> - -<p> And he said unto them, This is my blood of the new testament which - is shed for many.</p> - -<p> Verily I say unto you, I will drink no more of the fruit of the - vine, until that day that I drink it new in the Kingdom of God.</p> - -</blockquote> - -<p>From the Doctrine and Covenants:</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p> Section 45:4.—(Utah edition) Saying, Father, behold the sufferings - and death of him who did no sin, in whom thou wast well pleased; - behold the blood of thy Son which was shed—the blood of him whom - thou gavest that thyself might be glorified.</p> - -<p> Section 74:7.—But little children are holy, being sanctified - through the atonement of Jesus Christ, and this is what the - scriptures mean.</p> - -<p> Section 76:39-41.—For all the rest shall be brought forth by the - resurrection of the dead, through the triumph and the glory of the - Lamb, who was slain, who was in the bosom of the Father before the - worlds were made. And this is the gospel, the glad tidings which - the voice out of the heavens bore record unto us. That he came into - the world, even Jesus, to be crucified for the world, and to bear - the sins of the world, and to sanctify the world, and to cleanse it - from all unrighteousness.</p> - -<p> Section 29:1.—Listen to the voice of Jesus Christ, your Redeemer, - the Great I AM, whose arm of mercy hath atoned for your sins. Verse - 17.—And it shall come to pass, because of the wickedness of the - world, that I will take vengeance upon the wicked, for they will - not repent; for the cup of mine indignation is full; for behold, my - blood shall not cleanse them if they hear me not.</p> - -</blockquote> - - -<h3>STATEMENT OF AN ENEMY</h3> - -<p>But the report says: "This doctrine was introduced by Brigham Young" -and that it meant "death to anyone who left the Church * * * that -the apostate whose throat was cut from ear to ear * * * saved his -soul." Why you made this statement you best know; but were you not -aware that it was but the repetition of the ravings of enemies of the -Church, without one grain of truth? Did you not know that not a single -individual was ever "blood atoned," as you are pleased to call it, for -apostasy or any other cause? Were you not aware, in repeating this -false charge, that it was made by the most bitter enemies of the Church -before the death of the Prophet Joseph Smith? Do you know of anyone -whose blood was ever shed by the command of the Church, or members -thereof, to "save his soul?" Did you not know that you were embittering -the people against the "Mormon" Elders, and that just such malicious -charges and false insinuations have made martyrs for the Church, whose -blood does not "cease to come up into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth?"</p> - -<p>Never in the history of this people can the time be pointed to when -the Church ever attempted to pass judgment on, or execute an apostate -as per your statement. There are men living in Utah today who left the -Church in the earliest history of our State who feel as secure, and are -just as secure and free from molestation from their former associates -as you or any other man could be.</p> - - -<h3>EFFICACY OF THE BLOOD OF CHRIST</h3> - -<p>The Latter-day Saints believe in the efficacy of the blood of Christ. -They believe that through obedience to the laws and ordinances of the -Gospel they obtain a remission of sins; but this could not be if Christ -had not died for <i>them</i>. If you did believe in blood atonement, I might -ask you why the blood of Christ was shed? and <i>in whose stead was it -shed</i>? I might ask you to explain the words of Paul: "Without shedding -of blood is no remission."</p> - - -<h3>UNPARDONABLE SINS</h3> - -<p>Are you aware that there are certain sins that man may commit for which -the atoning blood of Christ does not avail? Do you not know, too, that -this doctrine is taught in the Book of Mormon? And is not this further -reason why you should discard the Book as well as the name? Is it not -safe for us to rely upon the scriptures for the solution of problems of -this kind? Let me quote:</p> - -<p>From the Book of Mormon:</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p> II Nephi 9:35.—Wo unto the murderer who deliberately killeth, for - he shall die.</p> - -<p> Alma 1:13, 14.—And thou hast shed the blood of a righteous man, - yea, a man who has done much good among this people; and were we to - spare thee, his blood would come upon us for vengeance.</p> - -<p> Alma 42:19.—Now, if there were no law given—if a man murdered he - should die, would he be afraid he would die if he should murder?</p> - -</blockquote> - -<p>From the Bible:</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p> Genesis 9:12, 13.—And whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his - blood be shed; for man shall not shed the blood of man.</p> - -<p> For a commandment I give, that every man's brother shall preserve - the life of man, for in mine own image have I made man. (Inspired - translation.)</p> - -<p> Luke 11:50.—That the blood of all the prophets, which was - shed from the foundation of the world, may be required of this - generation.</p> - -<p> Hebrews 9:22.—And almost all things are by the law purged with - blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.</p> - -<p> Hebrews 10:26-29.—For if we sin wilfully, after that we have - received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more - sacrifice for sins.</p> - -<center><p>* * * *</p></center> - -<p> He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three - witnesses;</p> - -<p> Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought - worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath - counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an - unholy thing.</p> - -<p> (I commend to you the careful reading of these two chapters:)</p> - -<p> I John 3:15.—No murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.</p> - -<p> I John 5:16.—If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not - unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that - sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he - shall pray for it.</p> - -</blockquote> - -<p>From the Doctrine and Covenants:</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p> Section 87:7.—That the cry of the saints, and of the blood of - the saints, shall cease to come up into the ears of the Lord of - Sabbath, from the earth, to be avenged of their enemies.</p> - -<p> Section 101:80.—And for this purpose have I established the - constitution of this land, by the hands of wise men, whom I raised - up unto this very purpose, and redeemed the land by the shedding of - blood.</p> - -<p> Section 42:18, 19.—And now, behold, I speak unto the church. Thou - shalt not kill; and he that kills shall not have forgiveness in - this world, nor in the world to come.</p> - -<p> And again, I say, thou shalt not kill; but he that killeth shall - die.</p> - -<p> Verse 79.—And it shall come to pass, that if any persons among you - shall kill, they shall be delivered up and dealt with according to - the laws of the land; for remember that he hath no forgiveness, and - it shall be proved according to the laws of the land.</p> - -</blockquote> - - -<h3>THE LAW OF CAPITAL PUNISHMENT</h3> - -<p>In pursuance of, and in harmony with this scriptural doctrine, which -has been the righteous law from the days of Adam to the present -time, the founders of Utah incorporated in the laws of the Territory -provisions for the capital punishment of those who wilfully shed the -blood of their fellow man. This law, which is now the law of the State, -granted unto the condemned murderer the privilege of choosing for -himself whether he die by hanging, or whether he be shot, and thus have -his blood shed in harmony with the law of God; and thus atone, so far -as it is in his power to atone, for the death of his victim. Almost -without exception the condemned party chooses the latter death. This -is by the authority of the law of the land, not that of the Church. -This law was placed on the statutes through the efforts of the "Mormon" -legislators, and grants to the accused the right of jury trial. It is -from this that the vile charge, which you are pleased to repeat, has -been maliciously misconstrued by the enemies of the Church, who prefer -to believe a lie. When men accuse the Church of practicing "blood -atonement" on those who deny the faith, or, for that matter, on any -living creature, they know that they bear false witness, and they shall -stand condemned before the judgment seat of God.</p> - - -<h3>PLURAL MARRIAGE</h3> - -<p>Since the action taken by the United States government, and also by the -Church, in regard to plural marriage, I shall not discuss its virtues -nor answer arguments in opposition to that principle as a principle of -our faith. As you, however, are reported to have said that "Brigham -Young introduced" that doctrine "in Salt Lake City," I would be pleased -if you would explain, as a matter of history, why Sidney Rigdon, before -"President Young introduced" the doctrine, declared that the principle -of plural marriage was introduced, to his knowledge, by Joseph Smith -the Prophet, and that he, Sidney Rigdon, rejected that doctrine and -"warned Joseph Smith and his family" that it would bring ruin upon -them. You will find this in the <i>Messenger and Advocate</i>, published -in June, 1846, volume 2, page 475, number 6. Will you kindly explain -why this same Sidney Rigdon practiced polygamy, which he so fervently -condemns? Will you kindly explain why Lyman Wight, James J. Strang, -Gladden Bishop, William Smith, and others, none of whom had much love -for President Young and did not follow him, also taught and practiced -polygamy <i>before plural marriage was "introduced by President Young</i>." -If you doubt this, I will gladly furnish you with the proof. Indeed, -you may find a great deal of it in the third volume of your church -history.</p> - - -<h3>THE "SAINTS' HERALD" AS A WITNESS</h3> - -<p>If you believe your statement to be true, will you kindly explain the -following paragraph in the <i>Saints Herald</i>, your official organ, volume -1, page 9. It would be well for you to read the entire chapter, which -is entitled "polygamy." The quotation is:</p> - -<p>"<i>The death of the prophet is one fact that has been realized, although -he abhorred and repented of this iniquity (meaning 'polygamy,') before -his death. This branch of the subject we shall leave to some of our -brethren, who are qualified to explain it satisfactorily</i>."</p> - -<p>In the same volume, page 27, what is meant by the following?</p> - -<p>"<i>He (Joseph Smith) caused the revelation on the subject ('polygamy') -to be burned, and when he voluntarily came to Nauvoo and resigned -himself into the arms of his enemies he said that he was going to -Carthage to die. At that time he also said that if it had not been for -that accursed spiritual wife doctrine, he would not have come to that." -Kindly read the context</i>.</p> - -<p><i>There is more evidence that can be produced, but if you will explain -this it may suffice</i>.</p> - -<p>In the light of the knowledge I have received and the evidence at my -command, I know that the Prophet Joseph Smith made no such statement -as the above, and that he did not have the revelation burned. <i>There -is, however, value in the above statements from your "Herald," for they -bear witness to the origin and introduction of the principle of plural -marriage, and the revelation concerning the same</i>.<sup><a name=3.2text></a><a href="#3.2">[2]</a></sup></p> - - -<h3>THE UTAH VISIT</h3> - -<p>In connection with this, let me call your attention to your visit to -Salt Lake City some three years ago. At that time you met President -Lorenzo Snow, a man whose veracity cannot justly be questioned; you -heard him bear his testimony to the effect that he was taught that -principle by the Prophet Joseph Smith, and that the Prophet declared -to Lorenzo Snow that he had married his sister, Eliza R. Snow. You -met and conversed with Lucy Walker Smith, and she told you that she -was married to the Prophet Joseph Smith on the first day of May, -1843, in Nauvoo, Elder William Clayton performing the ceremony. You -met Catherine Phillips Smith, who told you she was married in August, -1843, in Nauvoo, to the Patriarch Hyrum Smith, his brother Joseph the -Prophet officiating in that ceremony. You will remember that the first -wives of both these men were living at the time. I hardly think these -testimonies have passed from your memory in so brief a time. I am -personally acquainted with these women, and know that they are truthful -and honest—honorable women, whose testimonies should be believed.</p> - -<p>In the face of all this evidence, do you think it fair and consistent -for you and your fellow believers to constantly lay at the door of -President Young the responsibility for the "introduction of plural -marriage" and the "authorship" of the above mentioned revelation?</p> - -<p>My letter is already long, but I desire to briefly mention another item -or two.</p> - - -<h3>PRESIDENT SMITH'S DENIAL</h3> - -<p>In the interview you are made to say that while on your visit to Salt -Lake City, you spent a day and a half with Joseph F. Smith; that you -and he "differed on polygamy," and that you "told him it was vile and -wicked, always had been, and always would be." I took occasion to ask -my father if you and he had discussed polygamy at that time and if -you had uttered that above expression or any other of like nature. He -replied that he had no discussion with you on that subject; that you -did not say one word to him in relation to polygamy, either favorable -or otherwise; that your visit was a social one, and friendly, and -was not occupied by the discussion of any differences which may have -existed.</p> - -<p><i>It is true that President Young was elected president at Kanesville, -but on what grounds do you charge him with holding the office in -trust for the "dead president's son?" Do you not know that such a -statement—contrary to the written word—was antagonistic to the -teachings of President Young, as recorded in the "Times and Seasons," -as well as since that Time</i>?</p> - - -<h3>PRESIDENT YOUNG THE PROPHET'S FRIEND</h3> - -<p><i>Will you please explain on what grounds you charge President Young as -being "under suspicion at the time of Joseph Smith's death?" Am I to -infer by this that you mean to convey the idea that Brigham Young was -in any way responsible for the death of Joseph Smith? The Prophet never -had a truer friend. You know that at the time of the martyrdom Brigham -Young was on a mission away from home. If this is the inference you -wish to convey, it is not only contemptible but viciously false</i>.<sup><a name=3.3text></a><a href="#3.3">[3]</a></sup></p> - -<p>With reference to my father's first wife, you say she died "broken -hearted and insane." If you mean to insinuate that this condition, if -true, was the result of any act whatever on the part of my father, it -is also scandalously false. I have good reason to believe that she died -neither broken hearted nor insane. If it were true, I would still think -that you, as a professed minister of the Gospel, might employ your time -to better advantage than as an aspersor or a scandal-monger.</p> - -<p class="right">Respectfully, - -<br>Joseph F. Smith, Jr.</p> - - -<h4>Footnotes</h4> - -<p><a name="3.1"></a><a href="#3.1text">1.</a> This sentence in italics was omitted in Mr. Evans' publication of -the <i>entire matter</i> in the <i>Zion's Ensign</i>, August 17th, 1905.</p> - -<p><a name="3.2"></a><a href="#3.2text">2.</a> The quotations from the <i>Saints' Herald</i> which are in Italics were -purposely omitted from Mr. Evans' "publication of the entire matter," -as it appeared in the <i>Zion's Ensign</i> of August 7, 1905. The reason for -the suppression of this evidence is easy to discern. The authorities of -the "Reorganization" have tried to destroy the evidence, that it could -not be circulated among their church members, therefore very few copies -of this particular <i>Herald</i> can today be found.</p> - -<p><a name="3.3"></a><a href="#3.3text">3.</a> These paragraphs in italics were also omitted from Mr. Evans' -"publication of the entire matter," as it appeared in the <i>Zion's -Ensign</i> August 17, 1905.</p> - - - -<h2>MR. EVANS' LETTER</h2> - -<p><i>Mr. Joseph F. Smith, Jr.:</i></p> - -<p>Sir:—Your open letter published in the Toronto <i>Star</i> for February 25, -is before me. You say: "I desire to be fair, dispassionate and also -candid." Those who read your letter will see plainly that you have -mispresented the interview, my faith and the facts concerning my visit -to Salt Lake, and that you are guilty of a labored effort to cover up -the <i>true facts</i> regarding "blood atonement," "polygamy," etc., and my -faith in the Book of Mormon. So much for those desires.</p> - -<p>My position with regard to the Book of Mormon, and the name "Mormon," -is too well known for you to blind the people concerning it. The -interview shows plainly in what sense "the term 'Mormon' is offensive -to us." Read it again, sir: "Because it is associated in the public -mind with the practices that I have specified." The abominations of -<i>Brighamism</i>; namely, polygamy, blood atonement, Adam-God,<sup><a name=4.1text></a><a href="#4.1">[1]</a></sup> and other -evils that have disgraced the name throughout civilization.</p> - -<p>The true Church never has adopted the name "Mormon" as being the -proper name of the church. The Latter-day Saints were sometimes called -"Mormons" in derision, as you admit, because they believed in the -divine authenticity of the Book of Mormon, and some church members may -have been willing to be called "Mormon"; yet you "candidly (?) fairly, -dispassionately" ask me, "Why do you not discard the Book of Mormon -from whence the name is derived?" Now, sir, I profess to believe in the -divine authenticity of the Holy Bible; as well call me a Bible, because -I believe in the Bible,<sup><a name=4.2text></a><a href="#4.2">[2]</a></sup> as call me a Mormon because I believe in the -Book of Mormon.</p> - -<p>The church that I have the honor to represent is incorporated under the -laws of the United States as "The Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of -Latter Day Saints."</p> - - -<h3>BLOOD ATONEMENT</h3> - -<p>There is not an honest thinking person on earth who is acquainted with -the faith of the church regarding the atonement of Jesus Christ but -that will say your attempt to misrepresent my faith in this regard is -diametrically opposite to your stated desire to be "fair, dispassionate -and candid." You know that a prominent article in the Epitome of -the Faith and Doctrine of the <i>true church</i> reads as follows: "We -believe that through the atonement of Christ, all men may be saved by -obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel." You know that the -true church believes in the atoning blood of Christ as stated in the -scriptures you cite in your letter, and yet you try to make out that -because we do not believe in the doctrine of blood atonement as taught -by Brigham Young and his successors in "Utah Mormonism," that we do not -believe in the atonement of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.</p> - -<p>The doctrine of the atonement of Christ is far above the doctrine of -blood atonement as taught by Brighamism. To prove this, I submit the -statements as made by Brigham Young and other leading members of the -Utah Church, as found in their sermons, printed by your church:</p> - -<p>Brigham Young said, October 9, 1852: "What shall be done with the sheep -that stink the flock so? We will take them, I was going to say, and -cut off their tails two inches behind their ears; however I will use a -milder term, and say cut off their ears."—Journal of Discourses, vol. -1:213.</p> - -<p>Brigham said again, March 27, 1853: "I say, rather than that apostates -should flourish here, I will unsheath my bowie knife, and conquer or -die. (Great commotion in the congregation and a simultaneous burst -of feeling, assenting to the declaration.) Now, you nasty apostates, -clear out, or judgment will be put to the line and righteousness to -the plummet. (Voices generally, 'Go it, go it.') If you say it is all -right, raise your hands (all hands up). Let us call upon the Lord to -assist us in this and every good work."—Journal of Discourses, vol. -1:83.</p> - -<p>Echoing what Brigham said, P. P. Pratt said, on March 27, 1853, "My -feelings are with those who have spoken, decidedly and firmly so. * * -* I need not repeat their doom, it has been told here today, they have -been faithfully warned. * * * It is too late in the day for <i>us</i> to -stop and inquire whether such an outcast has the truth."—Journal of -Discourses, vol. 1, pp. 84, 86.</p> - -<p>Elder Orson Hyde said April 9, 1853: "Suppose the shepherd should -discover a wolf approaching the flock, what would he be likely to do? -Why, we would suppose, if the wolf was within proper distance, that he -would kill him at once * * * kill him on the spot. * * * It would have -a tendency to place a terror on those who leave these parts, that may -prove their salvation when they see the heads of thieves taken off, or -shot down before the public."—Journal of Discourses, vol. 1:72, 73.</p> - -<p>President Brigham Young preached, February 8, 1857, as follows "All -mankind love themselves; and let these principles be known by an -individual and he would be glad to have his blood shed. That would be -loving themselves even to an eternal exaltation. Will you love your -brothers and sisters likewise when they have committed a sin that -cannot be atoned for without the shedding of blood? That is what Jesus -Christ meant. He never told a man or woman to love their enemies in -their wickedness. He never intended any such thing.</p> - -<p>"I could refer you to plenty of instances where men have been -righteously slain in order to atone for their sins. I have seen scores -and hundreds of people for whom there would have been a chance in the -last resurrection if their lives had been taken and their blood spilled -upon the ground, as a smoking incense to the Almighty, but who are now -angels to the devil, until our elder brother, Jesus Christ, raises them -up, conquers death, hell and the grave.<sup><a name=4.3text></a><a href="#4.3">[3]</a></sup> I have known a great many -men who have left this church, for whom there is no chance whatever for -exaltation; but if their blood had been spilt it would have been better -for them. The wickedness and ignorance of the nations forbid this -principle being in full force, but the time will come when the law of -God will be in full force.</p> - -<p>"This is loving our neighbor as ourselves; if he needs help, help -him; and if he wants salvation and it is necessary to spill his blood -upon the ground in order that he may be saved, spill it."—Journal of -Discourses, vol. 4, p. 220, or Deseret News, vol. 6, p. 397.</p> - -<p>President J. M. Grant said, September 21, 1856: "I say there are men -and women here that I would advise to go to the president immediately, -and ask him to appoint a committee to attend to their case, and -then let a place be selected, and let that committee shed their -blood."—<i>Deseret News</i>, vol. 6, p. 235.</p> - -<p>President Heber C. Kimball said; July 19, 1854: "It is believed in the -world that our females are all common women. Well, in one sense they -are common—that is, they are like all other women, I suppose, but they -are not unclean, for we wipe all unclean ones out of our midst; we not -only wipe them from our streets, but we wipe them out of existence. And -if the world wants to practice uncleanness, and bring their prostitutes -here, if they do not repent and forsake their sins, we will wipe the -evil out. We will not have them in this valley unless they repent, for -so help me God, while I live I will lend my hand to wipe such persons -out, and I know this people will."—<i>Deseret News</i>, August 16, 1854, -and <i>Millennial Star</i>, vol. 16, pages 738-9.</p> - -<p>The above statements speak for themselves, and these were what I read -to the reporter. You ask, "Do you <i>know</i> of anyone whose blood was -ever shed by the command of the church or members thereof to save his -soul?" To <i>know</i> by hearing such a command given, or seeing a murder -committed, is one thing, to believe the evidence of many who have -testified is another. No sir, I was never present when such a command -was given, nor when murder was committed; but I have read that which -leads me to believe that under Brighamism, Utah was for years a land -of assassination and a field of blood. What of the Mountain Meadow -massacre—the destruction of the Aiken party; the dying confession of -Bishop J. D. Lee; the Hickman butcheries; the Danties? Alfred Henry -Lewis, writing in <i>Collier's Weekly</i> for March 26, 1904, states: -"Brigham Young invented his destroying angels, placed himself at their -head, and when a man rebelled, <i>he had him murdered</i>, if one fled the -fold he was pursued and slain."</p> - -<p>The world has recently read the testimony of persons under oath, in -Washington, who testified concerning the endowment oaths, so I will -forbear any further remarks on this subject.</p> - - -<h3>POLYGAMY</h3> - -<p>Speaking of "plural marriage," you say, "I shall not discuss its -<i>virtues</i>." Surely that is kind. Let civilization give ear, Mr. Smith -calls that a virtue which wrecks the happiness of every woman who is -enslaved by it, that doctrine which permits Brighamites to live in what -they call marriage with three sisters at one time, with mother and -daughter at the same time. Your father, Joseph F. Smith, married and is -now living with <i>two sisters as wives</i>. I refer to Julina Lambson and -Edna Lambson, both bearing children to him; yet you call that system a -<i>virtue</i>.</p> - -<p>I have no evidence that those men you refer to, as having practiced -polygamy <i>before Young was guilty, as stated by you</i>. But the following -evidence shows clearly that Brigham Young was under suspicion before -Joseph's death, and that he has since admitted that he had a revelation -on polygamy before the church knew anything of the doctrine:</p> - -<p>In a speech of Brigham Young on June 21, 1874, (see <i>Deseret News</i> of -July 1, 1874), we read the following statement relative to the origin -of this doctrine of polygamy:</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p> While we were in England (in 1839 and 1840, I think) the Lord - manifested to me by vision and His Spirit, things that I did not - then understand. I never opened my mouth to anyone concerning them, - until I returned to Nauvoo; <i>Joseph had never mentioned this; there - had never been a thought of it in the church</i> that I ever knew - anything about at that time;—but I had this for myself and kept it - for myself.—The Messenger, volume 1, page 29.</p> - -</blockquote> - -<p>Well, no one need blame Joseph any more, Brigham is the self-confessed -channel through which polygamy was given to his people.</p> - -<p>I here submit the testimony of Brigham Young's legal wife, who left him -after he was untrue to her. Testimony of Major Thomas Wanless, given to -R. C. Evans, his nephew, in the presence of Mrs. Wanless, Mrs. Evans -and her daughter, in St. Louis, Missouri, September 7, 1904:</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p> I met Brigham Young's first and legal wife and her daughter in the - winter of 1860 and 1861, at Central City, Colorado; she told me - that Joseph Smith had nothing to do with polygamy; that he did not - teach, practice, or in any way endorse the doctrine of polygamy, - that he had nothing to do with the so-called revelation on - celestial marriage; that he had but one wife. My husband, Brigham - Young, Orson Pratt (she gave the name of another man whose name I - have forgotten) made up the revelation on celestial marriage.</p> - -<p> Before they left Illinois some of them practiced polygamy. Brigham - Young went to Utah to reorganize the church and publicly introduced - polygamy, or to reorganize the Church on a polygamous basis.</p> - -<p> She left Brigham Young, finally obtained a divorce from him, and - was then living with her daughter. Brigham sent the daughter money - according to an agreement. She told me they ought to have shot - Brigham Young in place of Joseph Smith.</p> - -</blockquote> - -<p>This statement of Major Wanless that she was Brigham's first wife is -a mistake. Brigham married Miriam Works, October 8, 1824; she died -September 8, 1832. In February, 1834, he married May Ann Angel; she -was his <i>legal wife</i>, and perhaps is the one referred to by the Major. -It is quite pardonable in Major Wanless in getting Brigham's wives -mixed up. We opine poor Brigham was at his wit's end to keep the family -record correct himself.</p> - -<p>Chambers' encyclopedia, volume 8, students' edition, confirms Mrs. -Young's statement, in part. It says, speaking of the practice of -polygamy: "Young, Pratt and Hyde are its true originators. Emma, wife -and widow of the prophet, stoutly denied that her husband had any wife -but herself. Young's revelation she declared to be a fraud."</p> - -<p>From a host of other witnesses who testify that Brigham Young was the -man that introduced polygamy in the Church, I submit the statement of -another broken-hearted woman from the ranks of Brigham's Church. Fanny -Stenhouse says: "Polygamy was unheard of among the (English) Saints in -1849." (pages 45, 47, 48) "Tell It All," by Fanny Stenhouse. "In June -1850, I heard the first whisper of polygamy. In January, 1853, I first -saw the revelation on Polygamy; it was published in the <i>Millennial -Star</i>," (page 132).</p> - -<p>"Out of thirty thousand Saints in England in 1853, 1776 had been -excommunicated for apostasy through polygamy, the president of the -conference was cut off," (page 160). When speaking regarding polygamy -she says: "They know that the only source of all their revelations is -the man BRIGHAM YOUNG," (page 190).</p> - -<p>"Brigham has outraged decency and driven asunder the most sacred ties, -by his shameless introduction of polygamy," (page 273).</p> - -<p>"There have been many apostates from the teachings of Joseph Smith in -early days, but of all apostates, Bro. Brigham is the chief," (page -614).</p> - -<p>It is reported by Fanny Stenhouse, and many others, that Joseph Smith -said, "If ever the Church had the misfortune to be led by Bro. Brigham, -he would lead it to hell," (page 268).</p> - -<p>Why did Joseph Smith a short time prior to his death make the above -and similar statements regarding the man Brigham Young? The reason is -plain. He too had doubtless heard some rumors as to his conduct and -secret teachings, and the evidence would seem to indicate that just -before his death he made a move to bring the guilty to judgment. We -will let William Marks, who was president of the Nauvoo Stake at the -time of Joseph Smith's death testify:</p> - -<p>"A few days after this occurrence, I met with Bro. Joseph, he said -that he wanted to converse with me on the affairs of the Church, and -we retired by ourselves; I will give his words <i>verbatim</i> for they are -indelibly stamped upon my mind. He said he had desired for a long time -to have a talk with me on the subject of polygamy. He said it would -eventually prove the overthrow of the Church, and we should soon be -obliged to leave the United States, unless it could be speedily put -down. He was satisfied that it was a cursed doctrine, and that there -must be every exertion to put it down. He said that he would go before -the congregation and proclaim against it, and I must go into the High -Council, and he would prefer charges against those in transgression, -and I must sever them from the Church unless they made ample -satisfaction. There was much more said, but this was the substance. The -mob commenced to gather about Carthage in a few days after, therefore -there was nothing done concerning it." (<i>Saints' Herald</i>, vol. 1, pp. -22, 23.)</p> - -<p>President Marks, after Joseph Smith's death, made mention of the above -conversation; it was soon rumored that he was about to apostatize, and -that his statement was a tissue of lies." (See <i>Saints' Herald</i>, vol. -1, pp. 22, 23.)</p> - -<p>Speaking of the revelation on polygamy, Marks said, "I never heard of -it during Joseph's life. It was evidently gotten up by Brigham Young -and some of the Twelve, after Joseph's death." (Briggs' Autobiography; -<i>Herald</i> 1901.)</p> - -<p>Now I propose to produce evidence showing that Joseph Smith and the -Church during his lifetime condemned polygamy in the strongest terms. -First, I submit the testimony of thirty-one witnesses as published by -the Church on October the 1st, 1842. We deem this sufficient to show -you where Joseph and Hyrum Smith stood on this question of polygamy.</p> - -<p>"We, the undersigned members of the Church of Jesus Christ of -Latter-day Saints, and residents of the city of Nauvoo, persons of -families, do hereby certify and declare, that we know of no other -rule or system of marriage than the one published from the Book of -Covenants, and we give this certificate to show that Dr. John C. -Bennett's secret wife system is a creature of his own make, as we know -of no such society in this place, nor never did."</p> - -<p>This is signed by a number of the leading men of the Church, some of -the Twelve Apostles, some of the First Presidency of the Utah Church, -and a number of the leading men of the Church. A similar document is -signed by Emma Smith the wife of Joseph Smith, and a number of the -leading women of the Church, thirty-one witnesses in all.</p> - -<p>Now I submit for your consideration a statement made by Joseph Smith -and his Brother Hyrum just a few months prior to their assassination. -They learned that a man up here in the state of Michigan was teaching -polygamy, and this is what they said about it: "As we have lately -been credibly informed that a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of -Latter-day Saints, a man by the name of Hyrum Brown, has been teaching -polygamy and other false and corrupt doctrines, in the county of -Lapeer, state of Michigan, this is to notify him and the Church in -general that he has been cut off from the Church for his iniquity." -Signed, Joseph Smith, Hyrum Smith, Presidents of the Church.</p> - -<p>This was given in February, 1844. Joseph was killed four months after -that. Here he declares that polygamy is a crime, and the man was -excommunicated from the Church for preaching it. Now I want to give -you the testimony of George Q. Cannon, whom I met in Salt Lake City, -as one of the presidency of the Salt Lake Mormon Church: "A prevalent -idea has been that this prejudice against us owes its origin and -continuation to our belief in a plurality of wives. * * * Joseph and -Hyrum Smith were slain in the Carthage Jail, and hundreds of persons -were persecuted to death previous to the Church having any knowledge of -this doctrine."—<i>Journal of Discourses</i>, vol. 14, pages 165, 166.<sup><a name=4.4text></a><a href="#4.4">[4]</a></sup></p> - -<p>This being true, Joseph Smith was not guilty of the practice of -polygamy; he was killed before the people knew anything about polygamy. -This is the statement of George Q. Cannon. Let me strengthen this now -by the son-in-law of Brigham Young, H. B. Clawson:</p> - -<p>"Polygamy at that time (that is at the time of Joseph Smith's death) -was not known among those of the Mormon faith. * * * The doctrine of -polygamy was not promulgated until they got to Salt Lake; not, in -fact, until some little time after they had arrived there." Salt Lake -<i>Herald</i>, February 9, 1882.<sup><a name=4.5text></a><a href="#4.5">[5]</a></sup></p> - -<p>Joseph Smith was killed in 1844. They arrived in Salt Lake the 24th of -July, 1847, and he says not until some little time after that was it -introduced. The little time was the 29th of August, 1852, eight years -and two months after the assassination of Joseph Smith.</p> - -<p>We have Brigham Young himself on this. He being interviewed by -Senator Trumbull in 1869, said: "It (polygamy) was adopted by us as a -<i>necessity</i> after we came here." Ah, there never was a greater truth -told in all the world than that. Polygamy was not an original tenet -of the Church, and Brigham Young says it was adopted as a <i>necessity</i> -after "we came here." The real facts are, Brigham Young, as I will show -from their own evidence, and a few other Elders were living vile lives -secretly, and to cover up the consequences of their bad conduct, as he -truthfully says in this "as a necessity"; yea, as a necessity polygamy -was introduced. But who will dare to blame Joseph Smith for their -introducing polygamy eight years after his death?</p> - -<p>I have been careful to take these clippings right from their own -papers, so that they cannot say that we have changed the words or -anything of that kind. Here is another statement; this is found from -Elder Ephraim Jenson:</p> - -<p>"Polygamy was not practiced by the Mormons prior to and at the time of -the execution of Joseph Smith, who was executed at Nauvoo, Illinois. -* * * Fourth, that only three per cent of the Mormon men practiced -polygamy, a proof itself that it was not essential to the creed."—<i>The -Yeoman's Shield.</i></p> - -<p>Here is another one:</p> -<blockquote> -<p>"Go back to the foundation of our Church, April 6, 1830, there was no -polygamy practiced or taught in Mormon literature until five years -after that band of persecuted Saints reached Utah." <i>New York Herald</i>, -January 8, 1900.<sup><a name=4.6text></a><a href="#4.6">[6]</a></sup></p> -</blockquote> -<p>This is by Elder Whitaker, who knew who <i>did</i> introduce this polygamy. -Now I might introduce dozens and dozens of witnesses to prove that -Joseph Smith had nothing to do with it. Well, who did it? Here is -what the Apostle's wife says of it: "How then, asked the reader, did -polygamy originate? It was born in the vile and lustful brain of -Brigham Young, and was grafted on the faith to gratify his sensual -bestiality."<sup><a name=4.7text></a><a href="#4.7">[7]</a></sup> (Mysteries of Mormonism, pp. 16, 17.)</p> - -<p>One of the Mormon wives said that, and she ought to know whereof she -affirms.</p> - -<p>We have learned from the above statements that polygamy was not taught -or practiced by Joseph Smith, but was introduced into an apostate -branch of the church, after his death, as is admitted by Brigham Young -and others of his followers.</p> - -<p>Having read the works of the church for over a quarter of a century. I -confidently affirm that there is not a single word, in a single sermon, -lecture, statement, newspaper or church publication printed during the -lifetime of the Prophet Joseph Smith wherever he, by word, has endorsed -the doctrine of plurality of wives; not a single statement; and there -is no Salt Lake Mormon breathing who can produce one and prove its -authenticity.</p> - -<p>But suppose you could prove that Joseph Smith secretly taught and -practiced polygamy, that would not make it a Christian doctrine. If -Joseph Smith secretly taught, practiced, or endorsed the doctrine of -polygamy, he did it contrary to all the revelations given for the -government of the church in the Bible, Book of Mormon, and Doctrine and -Covenants; contrary to all his sermons, speeches, and public teachings; -and he was a criminal before the law of his country, a base hypocrite -before the God whom he openly worshiped, a despicable traitor to the -woman whom he claimed to love and cherish as his wife, and was untrue -to all the sacred principles of fidelity and integrity which he evinced -in all his public utterances and conduct.</p> - -<p>In the face of all this, the wife and children of Joseph Smith, -together with thousands of people who knew him in life, refuse to -believe the contradictory statements of Brigham Young and others who -are wallowing in the mire of polygamy.</p> - - -<h3>MY VISIT TO UTAH</h3> - -<p>If your father denies that he and I discussed the doctrine of polygamy, -all I have to say about it is, that what he states is untrue. Here are -a few points that may help him to remember what was said and done: -When talking with Joseph F. Smith in Salt Lake City two years ago, -he brought up a number of witnesses and I examined them—that is, he -repeated the testimony of some who had testified. He finally said, "I -can produce a living woman who will testify that Joseph Smith was a -polygamist, and she knew it." I said, "Bring her along here and let -us examine her." Well, I met "Aunt Lucy" Walker Kimball, to whom you -refer, and we talked the matter over, and here is the one point to -which I want to draw your attention, to show how these poor dupes of -Brigham Young may be led. Coming to the testimony of Emma Smith, I -said, "You were personally acquainted with Emma Smith?" "Yes." "What -have you to say as to her integrity, as to her fidelity and honor?" The -old woman looked me fair in the face and said, "Emma Smith was one of -God's noble women—she was truth personified; and anything that Emma -Smith may say you can bank on it until the day of your death." "Well," -I said, "she testifies that her husband never had any wife but her; she -testifies that she never heard of that revelation on polygamy until you -folks had gone to Salt Lake; she testifies she never saw it, and she -testifies that it is an unmitigated falsehood manufactured by Brigham -Young; that he stated that she had the revelation and burned it. Now -what have you to say to that?" I said. She looked me fair in the face -and said, "You can afford to build on anything that Emma Smith has to -say." "Thank you," said I.</p> - -<p>It is true that she told me she was married to Joseph Smith May 1, -1843; but when I showed her that the so-called revelation permitting a -plurality of wives was dated July 12, 1843, and referred to her former -testimony as given in the <i>Historical Record</i>, and that given under -oath in the Temple Lot suit, she was confounded. I felt sorry for the -old lady as she sat silent and confounded.</p> - -<p>It is true that I saw a very old lady in your father's parlor, as -she came slowly in for prayers. Your father said, "This is Catherine -Phillips Smith. She was married to my father, Hyrum Smith, and she has -never married since. I am not sure that the old lady heard a word. It -is certain that <i>she did not testify to me</i>, but it was your father who -made the statement, and at once called us to prayer, thus preventing me -from speaking to the old lady.</p> - -<p>Lorenzo Snow did testify to me, as stated; but then and there, in -the presence of Joseph F. Smith and George Q. Cannon, I showed <i>his -testimony to be false, by his own evidence</i>, when given <i>under oath</i>, -and <i>by his sister's statement signed in 1842</i>. At this, Snow, Cannon -and Smith were all much annoyed. So much for your father's statement, -which says "you did not say one word to him in relation to polygamy."</p> - - -<h3>YOUR FATHER'S FIRST WIFE</h3> - -<p>You seem to feel sore over the statement that your father's "first wife -died broken hearted and insane"; and you add, "If you mean to insinuate -that this condition, if true, was the result of any act whatever on -the part of my father, it is also slanderously false." I insinuate -nothing; let the public judge the facts. Your father's first wife was -his cousin; she refused to consent to additional wives, and when he -persisted in marrying the Lambson sisters, she obtained a divorce in -California. Julina and Edna Lambson were sisters and were married to -Joseph F. Smith on the same day.<sup><a name=4.8text></a><a href="#4.8">[8]</a></sup></p> - -<p>Number of wives married to Joseph F. Smith since 1865: 6</p> - -<p>Number of children born to him in 38 years: 42</p> - -<p>Number of children born since plural marriage was prohibited in 1890: 13</p> - -<p>Children of Julina Lambson Smith: 2</p> - -<p>Children of Sarah Richards Smith: 2</p> - -<p>Children of Edna Lambson Smith: 2</p> - -<p>Children of Alice Kimball Smith: 3</p> - -<p>Children of Mary Schwartz Smith: 4</p> - -<p>Estimated income available for supporting five establishments: $75,000</p> - -<p>Corporations, banks and factories of which Joseph F. Smith is a -director: 20</p> - -<p>The only Mormon Apostle who surpasses the record of President -Smith is M. W. Merrill, with 8 wives, 45 children, and 156 -grandchildren.—<i>Collier's</i> for March 26, 1894 [1904].</p> - -<center><p>* * * * *</p></center> - -<p>While in Utah I was informed that your father's first wife died broken -hearted and insane. God and civilization know that a woman who loved -her husband from youth up has enough to break her heart and send her -insane when her husband will marry two other women, both sisters, in -one day.</p> - -<p>Perhaps you will be assisted to view the matter as I do, should you -read the following in the Book of Mormon, Jacob 2:6, 7. Here it is -stated, in consequence of polygamy, "ye have broken the hearts of -your tender wives." Does this make the prophet an asperser or a -scandalmonger?</p> - -<p>I have answered your letter as it appeared in the Toronto <i>Star</i> as -fully as space would permit.</p> - -<p class="right">Respectfully, -<br>R. C. Evans.</p> - -<p>Toronto, Ontario, March 1, 1905.<sup><a name=4.9text></a><a href="#4.9">[9]</a></sup></p> - - -<h4>Footnotes</h4> - -<p><a name="4.1"></a><a href="#4.1text">1.</a> The teachings of the Latter-day Saints in relation to the doctrine -of the Godhead are clearly set forth in Elder B. H. Roberts' valuable -work, "Mormon Doctrine of Deity." For the belief of the "Mormon" people -regarding Adam and his place in the universe, attention is called -especially to chapters one, five and six of that work; also to Doctrine -and Covenants, sec. 78:15-18, sec. 107:53-57 and Daniel 7:9-14. In -relation to this matter I quote the following from the remarks of -President Anthon H. Lund delivered at the General Conference, October -6, 1902.</p> - -<p>"Some there are who follow our Elders, and after they have preached the -principles of salvation, these men get up and charge that the Elders -do not believe in God, but that they believe in Adam as their God, -and they will bring up a few passages from sermons delivered by this -or that man in the Church to substantiate this charge. Now, we are -not ashamed of the glorious doctrine of eternal progression, that man -may attain the position of those to whom came the word of God, that -is gods. When Jesus was preaching unto the Jews on one occasion they -stoned Him, and He wanted to know if they stoned Him for the good works -He had been doing. Oh, no, they say, 'for the good work we stone thee -not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest -thyself God.'"</p> - -<p>He quoted the 33rd to 37th verses of the 10th chapter of the Gospel of -St. John, and said:</p> - -<p>"We believe that there are gods as the Savior quoted. He repeated what -was written in the law, and he did not say that it was wrong, but used -it as an argument against them (The Jews.) While, however, we believe -as the scripture states, that there are more gods, to us there is but -one God. We worship the God that created the heavens and the earth. -We worship the same God that came to our first parents in the Garden -of Eden. In the revelation contained in section 116 of the Book of -Doctrine and Covenants the Lord speaks concerning Adam-ondi-Ahman, 'the -place where Adam shall come to visit his people, or the ancient of days -shall sit, as spoken of by Daniel the Prophet.' In the 107th section -the Lord speaks of Adam as Michael, the Prince, the Archangel, and -says that he shall be a prince over the nations forever. We may with -perfect propriety call him Prince, the Ancient of Days, or even God in -the meaning of the words of Christ, which I have just quoted. When our -missionaries are met with these sophistries and with isolated extracts -from sermons we say to them anything that is a tenet of our religion -must come through revelation and be sustained by the Church, and they -need not do battle for anything outside of the works, that have been -accepted by the Church as a body."</p> - -<p><a name="4.2"></a><a href="#4.2text">2.</a> If popular custom had designated the true believers of the Bible as -"Bibles" as a term of distinction from other worshippers, there is no -reason why a true believer should be offended even at that appellation -but rather honored. Mr. Evans, without doubt, is not ashamed of the -name "Christian," yet this term, like that of "Mormon" was first -applied to the followers of Christ in derision, "because it was -associated in the public mind with the practices" of the early Saints, -which practices in that day were looked on as "abominations."</p> - -<p><a name="4.3"></a><a href="#4.3text">3.</a> This is a misquotation, it should be: "I could refer you to plenty -of instances where men have been righteously slain, in order to atone -for their sins. I have seen scores and hundreds of people for whom -there would have been a chance (in the last resurrection there will be) -if their lives had been taken and their blood spilled on the ground as -a smoking incense to the Almighty, but who are now angels to the devil, -until our elder brother Jesus Christ raises them up—conquers death, -hell and the grave."</p> - -<p>In that same discourse President Young declares that those who were -"righteously slain" were the wicked that the "Lord had to slay" in -ancient Israel. There is not one word in that discourse to indicate -that those who were slain to "atone for their sins" were killed in -Utah; but to the contrary they were ancient inhabitants of the earth, -viz., the antediluvians who perished in the flood, the inhabitants -of Sodom and Gomorrah, of Jericho and the cities destroyed by the -Israelites; the prophets of Baal whom Elijah slew (I Kings 18:40) and -a host of others of that class and the class to whom the one belonged -of whom the Savior said: "It were better for him that a millstone -were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of -the sea." President Young's remarks agree with those of Peter when he -declared that the Jews who were guilty of assenting to the crucifixion -of Christ could not be baptized nor have their "sins blotted out" until -the "times of refreshing shall come," which was at the time of the -"restitution of all things."—Acts 3:19-21.</p> - -<p><a name="4.4"></a><a href="#4.4text">4.</a> In extreme haste here to make a point, Mr. Evans left in the -middle of a sentence and hurried on to the next page to complete the -expression he desired to convey. This is what President Cannon said: -"A prevalent idea has been that this prejudice against us owes its -origin and continuation to our belief in a plurality of wives; but when -it is recollected that the mobbings, drivings, and expulsions from -cities, counties and states which we have endured, and our exodus to -these mountains all took place before the revelation of that doctrine -was PUBLICLY known, it will be seen at once that our belief in it has -not been the cause of persecution." Now, I ask, is it not plain to -see why his quotation stopped in the middle of a sentence? The Saints -all know that President George Q. Cannon was always faithful to his -testimony that plural marriage was introduced by the Prophet Joseph -Smith. Latter-day Saints generally declare that this doctrine was not -<i>publicly</i> known in the days of Joseph the Seer, but that it was taught -by him to his trusted friends. When this fact is known the alleged -quotations which follow, purported to be from H. B. Clawson, Ephraim -Jensen and "Elder Whitaker" lose their force.</p> - -<p><a name="4.5"></a><a href="#4.5text">5.</a> This is not in the Salt Lake Herald of February 9, 1852.</p> - -<p><a name="4.6"></a><a href="#4.6text">6.</a> The following is the Brooklyn <i>Citizen's</i> report of that same -discourse from which Mr. Evans quotes his passage as given in the New -York <i>Herald</i>: Elder Whitaker said: "The people of the East have been -led to believe that polygamy was alone responsible for all the troubles -of the Mormons, but the fact remains, that as the fight was waged -against Jesus Christ, against his followers, and against all great men -for declaring the truth, so the same spirit is manifest now; but the -Mormons will humbly seek those willing to accept the truths inspired -of God, leaving the justice of their cause to be vindicated by honest -investigation and time. The fight is directed against the doctrine of -the Mormon Church, though polygamy has done such yeoman service in -arousing public sentiment, to attain certain ends unworthy of honest -men. The crusaders have kept the public mind from the real cause of -the attack. From the time the Church was organized in 1830-47, when -the people, after many previous drivings, persecutions, mobbings and -cruel mockings, were driven to Utah, the cry of polygamy was never made -a cause of their persecutions; indeed, that subject was not committed -in writing until 1843, never published to the world until 1852, and -was abandoned by the issuance of the 'Manifesto' of President Wilford -Woodruff, in 1890, since which time not one polygamous marriage has -been solemnized; but those having wives at that time were never asked, -and it was never expected they would abandon them, and when death -brings such relations to a close, there will be no polygamy among the -Mormons." The Brooklyn <i>Citizen</i>, Monday, January 8, 1900.</p> - -<p>Why Mr. Evans accepted the brief extract from the New York <i>Herald</i> in -preference to the full account in the Brooklyn <i>Citizen</i> will require -no comment, but it certainly does appear that Elder Whitaker <i>did</i> know -who introduced "polygamy."</p> - -<p>As I do not have the Yeoman's <i>Shield</i> and am not in communication -with Elder Ephraim Jenson, I cannot vouch for his remarks, but feel -safe in saying that if the whole report were published, his testimony -would agree with that of Elder Whitaker as published in the Brooklyn -<i>Citizen</i>.</p> - -<p><a name="4.7"></a><a href="#4.7text">7.</a> In quoting from "The Mysteries of Mormonism, by an Apostle's -Wife," Mr. Evans reveals the character of his "dozens and dozens of -witnesses." The reader will perceive that he depends largely on the -most bitter anti-"Mormons" and apostates for his "evidence," but in -quoting from "The Mysteries of Mormonism, by an Apostle's Wife," he -certainly reaches the climax of this base testimony. This work was -published in 1882, by Richard K. Fox, proprietor of the notorious -<i>Police Gazette</i>. The author of these "Mysteries," undoubtedly a -man, assumes the title of "An Apostle's Wife," in order to hide his -perfidy. The work is one of the vilest and most contemptible of all -anti-"Mormon" publications, and is most bitter in its denunciation of -the Prophet Joseph Smith. In it he is called a "lusty toper," "the -worst of a bad breed," "an ignorant, brutal loafer," "immoral, false -and fraudulent," and the author says, "<i>this</i> is the man who founded -what he dared to call a faith, and grafted on the United States the -religion of licentiousness and bodily lust known as Mormonism." An -apology is perhaps due for even referring to this matter, but since Mr. -Evans makes this work one of the chief of his "dozens and dozens of -witnesses," I feel that he should be exposed. He professes to believe -in the divine mission of Joseph Smith, and yet calls upon us to accept -the wicked falsehoods of this disreputable witness, whom he declares -"<i>ought to know whereof she affirms</i>." Shame upon the man who draws his -inspiration from such a source!</p> - -<p><a name="4.8"></a><a href="#4.8text">8.</a> This whole statement is absolutely false, and there was not the -least shadow of reason for uttering it. President Smith's first wife -did not refuse to consent to additional wives. He did not marry two -sisters on the same day. In depending on the unreliable Alfred Henry -Lewis for his argument, Mr. Evans shows the desperate weakness of his -position. It would be a hard matter to squeeze more falsehoods in the -space occupied by the article of A. H. Lewis, from which Mr. Evans -quotes so faithfully.</p> - -<p><a name="4.9"></a><a href="#4.9text">9.</a> This letter is dated March 1, 1905, but was not written until -sometime after April 19, 1905, for on the latter date Mr. Evans wrote: -"You may look for reply to your letter as it appeared in the Toronto -<i>Star</i>, as soon as I have time to reply thereto." This reply was -received May 5, 1905.</p> - - - -<h2>A REJOINDER TO MR. R. C. EVANS' LETTER</h2> - -<p class="right">Salt Lake City, May 23, 1905.</p> - -<p><i>Mr. R. C. Evans</i>,</p> - -<p><i>Counselor in Presidency of Reorganized Church</i>.</p> - -<p>Sir:—Your reply to my open letter of February 17 was received May -5. Whether I was "fair, dispassionate and also candid" in my letter, -or, as you seem to think, "guilty of a labored effort to cover up the -true facts regarding 'blood atonement, polygamy, etc.'" and "your -faith"—which was not discussed—I am perfectly willing to leave to the -judgment of "those who read" the same in the Toronto <i>Star</i>. So on this -point we may both rest satisfied.</p> - - -<h3>BLOOD ATONEMENT</h3> - -<p>I will now consider your "labored effort to cover up the <i>true facts</i> -regarding blood atonement."</p> - -<p>In my letter I candidly placed the true belief and teachings of the -Latter-day Saints in relation to this doctrine before you. This fact -appears to be displeasing to you, as it overturns your conclusions -and accusations against our people. If you desire to know the correct -position of the Church on this doctrine, I would recommend a careful -study of John Taylor's <i>Meditation and Atonement</i> and Charles W. -Penrose's <i>Blood Atonement</i>, which was published in answer to such -wicked misrepresentations as I claim you have made in relation to this -principle and our belief in relation thereto. There is no reason for -any person to misunderstand our position, unless he desires to do so. -I claim, too, that we are in a better position to teach that which -we believe than is the stranger who attempts to present our case, -especially if he is antagonistic or unfriendly.</p> - -<p>If you do not believe the doctrine of blood atonement as that doctrine -is taught by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which -church you are pleased to call "Utah Mormonism," then I say that you -<i>do not</i> believe in the atonement of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. -To this I will refer later.</p> - -<p>You delight—as all anti-"Mormons" do—in referring to statements -made by President Brigham Young, Jedediah M. Grant and others during -the troublous times preceding the advent of Johnston's army into -Utah. I see, too, that like many others, you place your own <i>desired</i> -interpretation on their remarks, place them before the public in a -garbled state, taking care to give the darkest interpretation possible -from which the public may gather false conclusions. You take great -pains to cover up the conditions prevailing which called forth such -extreme and in some instances unwise remarks. Conditions in some -respects akin to those surrounding the Saints in Missouri in 1838-39 -when other unwise remarks were made by members of the leading quorums -of the Church, but in a sense justifiable and which should be condoned -under the trying circumstances that called them forth.<sup><a name=5.1text></a><a href="#5.1">[1]</a></sup></p> - - -<h3>THE CHURCH JUDGED FROM ITS ACCEPTED STANDARDS</h3> - -<p>Writing on this subject Elder B. H. Roberts, in his criticism on Harry -Leon Wilson's plagarisms in his <i>Lions of the Lord</i>, declares the -position taken by members of the Church and all fair-minded men in -these words:</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p> "The justice of Burke's assertion has never been questioned, and - without any wresting whatever it may be applied to "Mormon" leaders - who sometimes spoke and acted under the recollection of rank - injustice perpetrated against themselves and their people; or to - rebuke rising evils against which their souls revolted."</p> - -</blockquote> - -<p>Even the president of the Reorganized Church recognized this fact in -his answer to <i>The American Baptist</i>, wherein he said:</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p> "Whoever counseled or did evil in those times (in Missouri) are - responsible, personally, therefor; but the church, as such is no - more responsible for it than were the early Christians for Peter's - attempt to kill the high priest's servant when he cut off his - ear with his sword. The church, as such, should be judged by its - authorized doctrines and deeds, and not by the unauthorized sayings - or doings of some or many of its members or ministers.</p> - -<p> It is not to be wondered at that in those times when the embryo - authors and abettors of the "Border Ruffianism" that reigned in - Missouri and Kansas from 1854 to 1865 had matters all their own - way, that some of the Saints, vexed, confused and excited, should - have done many things unwisely and wrongfully, and contrary to the - law of God."—<i>Saints' Herald</i>, 37:51.</p> - -</blockquote> - -<p>With this I heartily agree.</p> - -<p>Now, when the statements were made, which you in a garbled manner both -quote and misquote, there was in Utah a class of individuals who spent -the greater part of their time in circulating wicked and malicious -reports about the Saints, threatening their lives, committing crimes -and attempting to make the Saints their scape-goats. The officers of -the law were General Government officials appointed by the President -of the United States, and I am sorry to say, some of these were among -the chief villifiers of the people. The most damnable and bloodthirsty -falsehoods were concocted and served up to the people of the United -States to stir them up to anger against the "despised Mormons." Almost -every crime that was committed within a thousand miles of Salt Lake -City was charged to the leaders of the "Mormon" people and became the -foundation of a multitude of anti-"Mormon" publications that still -flood the world. Because of these false and highly colored tales, in -1857—one year later than the time that most of the utterances were -given on which you so delight to dwell—the Government of the United -States sent an army to suppress in Utah a rebellion that never existed, -and forced the Saints to defend themselves. When the Government found -out how it had blundered it was humiliated.</p> - -<p>Now, in brief, these were the conditions at the time, and is it any -wonder that unwise and even harsh things were said? The wonder is -that the people bore it as patiently as they did. The officers were -non-"Mormons," the Territory was under Federal control and contained -many Gentiles, many of whom were most bitter in their feelings and -ever ready to accuse the Saints of crime. The government was strong -enough to enforce the law if broken. Now, I ask you if you believe the -horrors, as they have been pictured, could have existed under such -conditions?</p> - -<p>Such a state of affairs would have been a reproach and a shame to the -American government. And no such state of affairs existed.</p> - -<p>The conditions at the time led Jacob Forney, superintendent of Indian -affairs in Utah, to declare in 1869:</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p> I fear, and I regret to say it, that with certain parties here - there is a greater anxiety to connect Brigham Young and other - Church dignitaries with every criminal offense than dilgent - endeavor to punish the actual perpetrators of crime.</p> - -<p> Bancroft's History of Utah, p. 561.</p> - -<p> Whitney's History of Utah, p. 108, vol. 1.</p> - -</blockquote> - -<p>Mr. Forney was a Gentile official and the truth of this statement can -be relied upon.</p> - -<p>This being the case, Brigham Young and the "Mormon" people could not -have engaged in the crimes charged against them.</p> - -<p>In connection with this let me quote from Bancroft:</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p> It is not true that Mormons are not good citizens, lawabiding - and patriotic. Even when hunted down, and robbed and butchered - by the enemies to their faith, they have not retaliated. On this - score they are naturally very sore. When deprived of those sacred - rights given to them in common with all American citizens, when - disfranchised, their homes broken up, their families scattered, - their husband and father seized, fined and imprisoned, they have - not defended themselves by violence but have left their cause to - God and their country.—History of Utah, pp. 390-392.</p> - -</blockquote> - -<p>Again, I repeat, that the presence in Utah of apostates and -anti-"Mormons" from the beginning and "that there are men living in -Utah today who left the Church in the earliest history of our State, -who feel as secure and are just as secure and free from molestation -from their former associates as you or any other man could be," proves -the falseness of the malicious accusation that "Utah was for years a -land of assassination and a field of blood."</p> - - -<h3>MR. EVANS' FALSE QUOTATIONS</h3> - -<blockquote> - -<p> "What shall be done with the sheep that stink the flock so? We will - take them, I was going to say, and cut off their tails two inches - behind their ears; however I will use a milder term, and say cut - off their ears."</p> - -</blockquote> - -<p>Your conclusion is most certainly far fetched. Had you continued the -quotation your attempt would have appeared even more ridiculous. The -next sentence is:</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p> "But instead of doing this, we will try to cleanse them; and will - wash them with soap; that will come nigh taking off the skin; we - will then apply a little Scotch snuff, and a little tobacco, and - wash them again until we make them clean."</p> - -</blockquote> - -<p>And you try to make this appear as threatening life! It is apparent -that your sense of humor has been sadly neglected. This whole passage -is humorous and you make yourself ridiculous by not having discovered -it.</p> - -<p>Again from Parley P. Pratt, you quote:</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p> "My feelings are with those who have spoken, decidedly and firmly - so."</p> - -</blockquote> - -<p>This from page 84. Then you skip to page 86 and add:</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p> "I need not repeat their doom, it has been told here today, they - have been faithfully warned."</p> - -</blockquote> - -<p>Then three paragraphs off, the following:</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p> "It is too late in the day for us to stop and inquire whether such - an outcast has the truth."</p> - -</blockquote> - -<p>This method of proving things reminds me of the reason why you should -be hanged:</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p> And Judas "went out and hanged himself."</p> - -<p> "Go thou and do likewise."</p> - -</blockquote> - -<p>Now let me quote some extracts from this discourse which you purposely -left out.</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p> "Sooner than be subjected to a repetition of these wrongs, <i>I - for one</i>, would rather march out today and be shot down. These - are my feelings, and have been for some time. Talk about liberty - of conscience! Have not men liberty of conscience here? Yes. The - Presbyterian, Methodists, Quakers, etc., have <i>here</i> the liberty to - worship God in their own way, and so has every man in the world. - People have the privilege of apostatizing from this Church and - worshiping devils, snakes, toads, or geese, if they please, and - only let their neighbors alone. But they have not the privilege - to disturb the peace, nor to endanger life or liberty; that is - the idea. If they will take that privilege, <i>I need not repeat - their doom, it has been told here today, they have been faithfully - warned</i>."</p> - -</blockquote> - -<p>Again:</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p> "He (Gladden Bishop) was disfellowshiped, and received on his - professions of repentance, so often, that the Church at length - refused to admit him any more as a member. These apostates talk of - proof. Have we not proved Joseph Smith to be a prophet, a restorer, - standing at the head of this dispensation? Have we not proved the - priesthood which he placed upon others by the command of God?</p> - -<p> "I see no ground, then, to prove or to investigate the calling of - an apostate, who has always been trying to impose upon this people. - <i>It is too late in the day for us to stop and inquire whether such - an outcast has the truth</i>.</p> - -<p> "We have truths already developed, unfulfilled by us—unacted upon. - There are more truths poured out from the eternal fountain, already - than our minds can contain, or that we have places or preparations - to carry out. And yet we are called upon to prove—what? <i>Whether - an egg that was known to be rotten fifteen years ago, has really - improved by reason of age</i>!</p> - -<p> "'<i>You are going to be destroyed</i>,' say they. '<i>Destruction awaits - this city</i>.' Well! what if we are? We are as able to be destroyed - as any people living. What care we whether we are destroyed or not? - These old tabernacles will die of themselves, if left alone.</p> - -<p> "We have nothing to fear on that head, for we are as well prepared - to die as to live. One thing we have heard today, and I am glad - to hear it. We shall not be destroyed in the old way—as we have - been heretofore. We shall have a change in the manner, at least. - We shall probably be destroyed <i>standing, this time</i>, and not in - a <i>sitting</i>, or <i>lying position</i>. We can die as well as others - who are not as well prepared! I am glad that while we do live we - shall not submit to be yoked or saddled like a dumb ass. We shall - not stand still to see men, women, and children murdered, robbed, - plundered, and driven any more, as in the States heretofore. Nor - does God require it at our hands. That is the best news we have - heard today. * * *</p> - -<p> "It is the policy not to wait till you are killed, but act on - the defensive while you still live. I have said enough on this - subject."—pp. 86-87.</p> - -</blockquote> - -<p>The vicious malignancy of a depraved mind is made so apparent in this -contrast between your garbled quotations and the whole truth, that it -scarcely deserves further comment.</p> - -<p>I have quoted quite extensively in order to show the reason for these -remarks of which you quote such brief and disjointed extracts. You -should remember that the Saints had but a short time before being -driven from their homes at the cannon's mouth, and were forced to -traverse a desert under the most trying circumstances to find a new -abode where they could rest in peace and call their souls their own. -When followed, as they were, by a miserable class that were determined -to again have them driven, where heaven only knows, in their might -and righteous indignation they firmly took their stand for home and -liberty. I for one, say that they were justified in this course, the -protection of their liberty, honor and lives. Had the threats of -their enemies here in Utah been carried out as they boasted that they -would be, and as they were carried out in Missouri and Illinois, then -Brigham Young and his people would have been as thoroughly justified in -unsheathing the bowie knife, to conquer or die, as were the patriots at -Lexington and Bunker Hill!</p> - -<p>Home and liberty and life, with the right to worship God, are just as -dear to a "Mormon" as to members of any other denomination or even an -apostate "Mormon," and when the "Mormons" are persecuted, driven and -slain and forced to seek a home in the savage wilds, would any honest -man blame them if they declined to move again?</p> - -<p>Why is it worse for "Utah Mormons" to defend themselves than for -"Mormons" at Crooked river and Nauvoo? Even the noble Prophet Joseph -Smith, when dragged from home and persecuted by wicked men, solemnly -demurred. Said he to the Saints at Nauvoo on the 30th day of June, -1843, after his escape from Missourian assassins:</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p> "Before I will be dragged away again among my enemies for trial, - <i>I will spill the last drop of blood in my veins and will see all - my enemies in hell</i>! To bear it any longer would be a sin, and I - will not bear it any longer. Shall we bear it any longer? (one - universal, No! ran through all the vast assembly like a loud peal - of thunder.) * * * If mobs come upon you any more here, dung your - gardens with them. We don't want any excitement; but after we have - done all, we will rise up Washington-like and break off the hellish - yoke that oppresses us, and will not be mobbed!"</p> - -</blockquote> - -<p>I have copied this from the manuscript history of the Prophet Joseph -Smith, as it was recorded at the time. I have learned also that it is -corroborated by the journal of Wilford Woodruff of the same date—June -30th, 1843.</p> - - -<h3>UTAH NOT A FIELD OF BLOOD</h3> - -<p>You say, "I have read that which leads me to believe that under -Brighamism"—as you slurringly remark—"Utah was for years a land of -assassination and a field of blood," and then you ask me, "what of -the Mountain Meadows massacre,—the destruction of the Aiken party; -the dying confession of Bishop J. D. Lee; the Hickman butcheries; the -Danties?"</p> - -<p>Well, that which you have read counts for but little when the source is -considered. Your case is most certainly desperate when you are forced -to accept the statements of murderers.</p> - -<p>It's a strange thing that you and many of your elders accept all the -blood-curdling tales from Beadle, Stenhouse and other apostate sources -<i>when</i> they happen to refer to Brigham Young and "Utah Mormons," -and denounce the same sources when they refer to the Prophet Joseph -Smith. Yet, I repeat, the same class of charges—in many respects -identical—that you charge against Brigham Young, of murder, bloodshed, -adultery, and even Danties, were first made by bitter enemies of the -Church before the death of the Prophet Joseph Smith, and that just such -falsehoods brought about the bitterness that resulted in his death.</p> - -<p>You resort to sources that even the editor of your official paper -denounces as "Idle and vicious stories gathered from the awful files -of terrible tales told about the Mormons, by those at enmity with -them."—<i>Saints Herald</i> 52:2.</p> - -<p>If you desire to know the character of Christ do you accept the -statements of the Roman guard at the sepulchre? the Jew with -blood-stained hands who rejoices in his death? and the anti-Christian? -Wherein then, is your consistency in asking me to accept the testimony -of those whose hands are imbrued in blood, apostates and bitter enemies -of my people?</p> - -<p>Very well then, I return your question. What about them? Pray tell, -what about the Mountain Meadows massacre? the Aiken party? the -confessions of Lee? (by the way, the fact that you call him a "Bishop" -proves the source of your information); what about Hickman and above -all, the Danties?</p> - -<p>When Alfred Henry Lewis, in <i>Collier's Weekly</i> of March 26, 1964, -stated, "Brigham Young invented his destroying angels, placed himself -at their head, and when a man rebelled had him murdered, if one fled -the fold, he was pursued and slain," he repeated one of the most -colossal falsehoods ever uttered. Nor is that the only falsehood in his -article you are pleased to quote.</p> - -<p>Brigham Young was <i>not</i> a man of blood. The "Mormon" people were <i>not</i> -guilty of the Mountain Meadows massacre.<sup><a name=5.2text></a><a href="#5.2">[2]</a></sup> There was no destruction -of an Aiken party. Hickman and Lee are not worth the mention; and the -Danties! Had you not better read Church history of 1838? In Utah there -never were destroying angels or Danties, except in the imagination of -bitter anti-"Mormons" and I am satisfied that Mr. R. C. Evans knows -that fact.</p> - - -<h3>CHARACTER OF THE "MORMONS"</h3> - -<p>In answer to your many charges about Utah and the "Mormons," I desire -to refer to credible references from witnesses who understood the truth -and were bold enough to express it.</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p> Last winter there was a census taken of the Utah Penitentiary - and the Salt Lake City and county prisons with the following - result:—In Salt Lake City there are about 75 Mormons to 25 - non-Mormons; in Salt Lake County there are about 80 Mormons to - 20 non-Mormons; yet in the city prison there were 29 convicts, - all non-Mormons. In the county prison there were 6 convicts all - non-Mormons. The jailer stated that the county convicts for the - five years past were all anti-Mormons except <i>three</i>! * * *</p> - -<p> Out of the 200 saloon, billiard, bowling alley and pool table - keepers not over a dozen even profess to be Mormons. All of - the bagnios and other disreputable concerns in the territory - are run and sustained by non-Mormons. Ninety-eight per cent of - the gamblers in Utah are of the same element. * * * Of the 250 - towns and villages in Utah, over 200 have no "gaudy sepulchre of - departed virtue," and these two hundred and odd towns are almost - exclusively Mormon in population. Of the suicides committed in Utah - ninety odd per cent are non-Mormons, and of the Utah homicides and - infanticides over 80 per cent are perpetrated by the 17 per cent of - "outsiders."—Phil Robinson, in <i>Sinners and Saints</i>, p. 72.</p> - -<p> The Logan police force is a good-tempered looking young man. - There is another to help him, but if they had not something - else to do they would either have to keep arresting each other, - in order to pass the time, or else combine to hunt gophers and - chipmunks.—<i>Sinners and Saints</i>, p. 142.</p> - -<p> Whence have the public derived their opinions about Mormonism? - From <i>anti-Mormons</i> only. I have ransacked the literature of the - subject, and yet I really could not tell any one where to go for - an impartial book about Mormonism, later in date than Burton's - "City of the Saints," published in 1862. * * * But put Burton on - one side and I think I can defy any one to name another book about - the Mormons worthy of honest respect. From that truly <i>awful</i> - book, "The History of the Saints," published by one Bennet (even - an anti-Mormon has styled him "the greatest rascal that ever came - to the west") in 1842, down to Stenhouse's in 1873, there is not, - to my knowledge a single Gentile work before the public that is - not utterly unreliable from distortion of facts. Yet it is from - these books—for there are no others—that the American public has - acquired nearly all its ideas about the people of Utah.—<i>Sinners - and Saints</i>, p. 245.</p> - -<p> And in relation to opposing evidence, almost every book that has - been put forth respecting the people of Utah by one not a Mormon, - is full of calumny, each author apparently endeavoring to surpass - his predecessor in the libertinism of abuse. Most of these are - written in a sensational style, and for the purpose of deriving - profit by pandering to a vitiated public taste, and are wholly - unreliable as to facts.—<i>Bancroft's History of Utah</i>, preface page - 7.</p> - -<p> It is only fair to state that no Gentile, even the unprejudiced, - who are rare aves, however long he may live or intimately he may - be connected with Mormons, can expect to see anything but the - superficies. * * *</p> - -<p> The Mormons have been represented, and are generally believed to - be, an intolerant race. I found the reverse far nearer the fact. - The best proof of this is that there is hardly one anti-Mormon - publication, however untruthful, violent, or scandalous, which - I did not find in Great Salt Lake City.—Burton's <i>City of the - Saints</i>, p. 203.</p> - -<p> I have not yet heard the single charge against them as a community, - against their habitual purity of life, their integrity of dealing, - their toleration of religious differences in opinion, their regard - for the laws, or their devotion to the Constitutional government - under which we live, that I do not from my own observation, or the - testimony of others know to be unfounded.—General Thomas L. Kane, - U. S. A., <i>The Mormons</i>, p. 83.</p> - -<p> The Mormons are sober, industrious and thrifty.—Bishop Spaulding, - of the Episcopalian Church, in the <i>Forum</i>, March, 1887.</p> - -<p> Had the Mormons been a low, corrupt or shiftless people they never - would or could have done what they did in Utah. * * * When they - controlled their own city of Salt Lake it contained no saloons, - gambling houses or places of ill repute, and when the town had - grown to be a goodly city order was kept by two constables. If by - their fruits we may know them, the Mormons deserve our confidence - and praise.—<i>The Brooklyn Eagle</i>, editorial of Aug. 12, 1897.</p> - -<p> I shall not arraign the Mormon people as wanting in comparison with - other people in religious devotion, virtue, honesty, sobriety, - industry, and the graces and qualities that adorn, beautify - and bless life.—Caleb W. West, Governor of Utah (and a strong - anti-Mormon) in report to Secretary of the Interior for 1888.</p> - -<p> I know the people of the east have judged the Mormons unjustly. - They have many traits worthy of admiration. I know them to be - honest, faithful, prayerful workers.—D. S. Tuttle, Bishop - Episcopalian Church.</p> - -<p> I never met a people so free from sensualism and immorality of - every kind as the Mormons are. Their habits of life are a thousand - per cent superior to those who denounce them so bitterly.—Mrs. - Olive N. Robinson. (I recommend this to you.)</p> - -</blockquote> - -<p>I assure you there are many others of equal force but this should be -sufficient to prove the scandalous effusions false that you profess to -believe true.</p> - - -<h3>GAGGING AT A KNAT</h3> - -<p>I am glad you profess to believe the Bible. There is one other -thing which appears strange to me, that is, why you are continually -denouncing Brigham Young and "Utah Mormonism," and calling Utah a -"land of assassination and a field of blood," because vile men without -conscientious scruples have accused the people of many false and lurid -tales of blood, and at the same time with sanctimonious countenance and -upturned eyes you swallow the following without a gulp:</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p> "Thus saith the Lord of hosts. * * * Now go up and smite Amalek, - and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not; but - slay both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel - and ass." I Samuel 15:3 (I. T.)</p> - -</blockquote> - -<p>Haven't you swallowed the camel and gagged at his tail?</p> - - -<h3>THE DOCTRINE OF BLOOD ATONEMENT</h3> - -<p>Just a word or two now, on the subject of blood atonement. <i>What -is that doctrine</i>? Unadulterated if you please, laying aside the -pernicious insinuations and lying charges that have so often been -made. It is simply this: Through the atonement of Christ all mankind -may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel. -This salvation is two-fold; General,—that which comes to all men -irrespective of a belief in Christ—and Individual,—that which man -merits through his own acts through life and by obedience to the laws -and ordinances of the Gospel. But man may commit certain grievous -sins—according to his light and knowledge—that will place him beyond -the reach of the atoning blood of Christ. If then he would be saved -he must make sacrifice of his own life to atone—so far as in his -power lies—for that sin, for the blood of Christ alone under certain -circumstances will not avail.</p> - -<p>Do you believe this doctrine? If not, then I do say you do not believe -in the true doctrine of the atonement of Christ! This is the doctrine -you are pleased to call the "blood atonement of <i>Brighamism</i>." This is -the doctrine of Christ our <i>Redeemer</i>, who died for us. This is the -doctrine of Joseph Smith, and I accept it.</p> - -<p>In whose stead did Christ die? I wish your church members could be fair -enough to discuss this subject on <i>its merits</i>.</p> - -<p>I again recommend you to a careful reading of the quotations in my -open letter. You will find them as follows: Book of Mormon,—II Nephi -9:35. Alma 1:13, 14, and 42:19. Bible,—Genesis 9:12, 13, (I. T.) Luke -11:50. Hebrews 9:22 and 10:26-29. I John 3:15 and 5:16. Doctrine and -Covenants,—87:7. 101:80. 42:18, 19, 79. (Utah edition.)</p> - -<p>To these I will add:</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p> "Whoso killeth any person, the murderer shall be put to death by - the mouth of witnesses; but one witness shall not testify against - any person to cause him to die.</p> - -<p> Moreover ye shall take no satisfaction for the life of a murderer, - which is guilty of death; but he shall be surely put to death.</p> - -<p> So ye shall not pollute the land wherein ye are; for blood - it defileth the land; and the land cannot be cleansed of the - blood that is shed therein, but by the blood of him that shed - it."—Numbers 35:30, 31, 33. (I. T.)<sup><a name=5.3text></a><a href="#5.3">[3]</a></sup></p> - -</blockquote> - -<p>Do you want a few references of where men were righteously slain to -atone for their sins? What about the death of Nehor? (Alma 1:15) -Zemnariah and his followers (III Nephi 4:27-28). What about Er and -Onan, whom the Lord slew? (Gen. 38:7, 10), of Nadab and Abihu? (Lev. -10:2) and the death of Achan? (Joshua 7:25.)</p> - -<p>Were not these righteously slain to atone for their sins? And it was of -this class of cases that President Young referred in his discourse you -misquote (<i>Journal of Discourses</i> 4:220). He tells us so, in the same -discourse in the portion which you <i>did not quote</i>. It is:</p> - -<p>"Now take the wicked, and I can refer you to where the Lord had to slay -every soul of the Israelites that went out of Egypt except Caleb and -Joshua. He slew them by the hand of their enemies, by the plague and -by the sword. Why? Because he loved them and promised Abraham he would -save them."</p> - - -<h3>POLYGAMY</h3> - -<p>In using the term "polygamy" in reference to the principle that was -taught and practiced by the Saints, I desire it distinctly understood -that I use it in the sense of a man having more than one wife. -Polygamy, in the sense of plurality of husbands and of wives never was -practiced in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Utah or -elsewhere; but Celestial marriage—including a plurality of wives—was -introduced by the Prophet Joseph Smith and was practiced more generally -by the saints under the administration of President Brigham Young.</p> - -<p>You say that you have no evidence that those men, <i>viz</i>. Lyman Wight, -James J. Strang, Gladden Bishop, William Smith and others that I -mentioned to you "practiced <i>polygamy</i>" before plural marriage was -"introduced" (as claimed by you) by Brigham Young. You said polygamy -was "introduced" eight years after the Prophet's death by Brigham -Young. If so, then why did these men practice it before that time? I -was satisfied that you would not exert yourself in seeking for this -knowledge and tried to help you find the information.</p> - - -<h3>POLYGAMY IN THE "FACTIONS"</h3> - -<p>In a letter written by the President of the Reorganized church by Mr. -Joseph Davis of Wales, dated Lamonia, Oct. 13, 1899, I read:</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p> "Nearly all the factions into which the church broke had plural - marriage in some form. None in the form instituted by President - Young. Sidney Rigdon had one form practiced by but a few, and that - spasmodically, as an outburst of religious fervor rather than as a - settled practice. William Smith had a sort of Priestess Lodge, in - which it was alleged there was a manifestation of licentiousness. - This he denied, and I never had actual proof of it. Gladden Bishop - taught something like it, but I believe he was himself the only - practioner. James J. Strang had a system something like Mohamet, - four I think, being allowed the king. Lyman Wight had a system but - it had no very extended range. President Young's system you may - know of."</p> - -</blockquote> - -<p>It is true that William Smith denied that he taught "polygamy" but that -he practiced plural marriage he cannot deny. Jason W. Briggs said he -(William) did, and that is why Mr. Briggs left his church. Plaintiff's -Abstract, Temple Lot suit, p. 395. Hist. of Reorg. Ch. vol. 3:200 and -<i>The Messenger</i>, vol. 2. William entered into plural marriage in the -Prophet's day and his wives lived here in Utah. They are Precilla M. -Smith, Sarah Libby and Hannah Libby. One of these is still living.</p> - -<p>The third volume of your church history says of Lyman Wight:</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p> "Lyman Wight lived and died an honorable man, respected well by - those who knew him best. The only thing that can be urged against - his character is that about 1845 or 1846 he entered into the - practice of polygamy, but we have seen no record of any teaching of - his upon the subject."</p> - -</blockquote> - -<p>The fact is that Lyman Wight entered into that relation before the time -here mentioned. Affidavits in this regard can be produced but it will -be unnecessary.</p> - -<p>That John E. Page practiced "polygamy" I have the testimony of his -wife, Mrs. Mary Eaton of Independence, who told me and others, in -August 1904, that she <i>gave her husband</i>, John E. Page, other wives.</p> - -<p>These men did not follow Brigham Young, but denounced him, yet they -practiced plural marriage and did not get that doctrine from him.</p> - - -<h3>THE TESTIMONY OF A BOGUS WIFE</h3> - -<p>The "testimony" you submit from President Young's "legal wife" is -spurious. It matters not if you did receive the "information" from -your uncle. The poor man was tricked and deceived. Bogus "wives" and -"daughters" of President Young have "worked" the public before. Mary -Ann Angel Young, President Young's legal wife, was not in Colorado in -1860 and 1861. She never was divorced and died in this city true to -her husband, his family and the faith, on the 27th day of June, 1882. -(<i>News</i>, July 5, 1882.) So much for this "bogus" testimony.</p> - - -<h3>TESTIMONY IMPEACHED</h3> - -<p>The testimony of T. B. H. and Fanny Stenhouse is sufficiently impeached -in the <i>Saints' Herald</i>, vol. 52, p. 2; 20, p. 602, and <i>Sinners and -Saints</i>, p. 245. The woman's bitterness would condemn her writings. -However I will mention one statement—you make Mrs. Stenhouse say: -"It is reported by Fanny Stenhouse and many others, that Joseph -Smith said, 'If ever the Church had the misfortune to be led by Bro. -Brigham, he would lead it to hell.'" She gives this as a rumor that is -"reported," so do the "many others" who are mostly from your church. -Oh, yes, I have heard of this before. But do you know where the report -originated? It originated with the apostate and would-be assassin, -Robert D. Foster, who threatened the Prophet Joseph's life in 1844, -and who was one of the incorporators and advocates of the notorious -<i>Nauvoo Expositor</i>, and one of the chief actors in bringing about the -martyrdom, June 27, 1844. In a toadying letter to your president, dated -February 14, 1874, he said the prophet "remarked, in the presence of -Mr. Law, Bishop Knight, John P. Greene, Reynolds Cahoon, and some -others, that if ever Brigham Young became the leader of the Church, he -would lead them down to hell."</p> - - -<h3>MARVELOUS GROWTH OF THE CHURCH</h3> - -<p>I decline to accept the statements of such a character; besides, -President Young did not lead the Church to hell, but preserved -it, and under his direction it grew, expanded, and accomplished a -wonderful, even a miraculous work. In the reclamation of the arid -west, the permanent establishment of prosperous communities in the -desert wilds, and for their unity, strength, and industrial and -temporal independence, the "Mormon" people are today the marvel, if -not the admiration of the thinking world. They came here with nothing -but the good will of God. They began in poverty, and "having almost -nothing to invest," says Mr. William E. Symthe in <i>The Conquest of -Arid America</i>, "except the labor of their hands and brains, and that -all they have expended in a period of fifty years for all classes of -improvements—from the first shanty to the last turret of the last -temple—came primarily from the soil."</p> - -<p>Again he says in the same work:</p> - - -<h3>TESTIMONY OF MR. SMYTHE</h3> - -<blockquote> - -<p> Nowhere else has the common prosperity been reared upon firmer - foundations. Nowhere else are institutions more firmly buttressed - or better capable of resisting violent economic revolutions. The - thunder cloud that passed over the land in 1893, leaving a path of - commercial ruin from the Atlantic to the Pacific, was powerless to - close the door of a single Mormon store, factory or bank. Strong - in prosperity, the co-operative industrial and commercial system - stood immovable in the hour of widespread disaster. The solvency - of these industries is scarcely more striking than the solvency - of the farmers from whom they draw their strength. No other - governor, either in the West or in the East, is able to say what - the Honorable Heber M. Wells said in assuming the chief magistracy - of the new state in January, 1896, "We have in Utah," said the - young governor. "19,816 farms, and 17,584 of them are absolutely - free from incumbrance." A higher percentage in school attendance - and lower percentage of illiterates than even in the State of - Massachusetts, is another of Utah's proud records. P. 71.</p> - -</blockquote> - - -<h3>THE GUIDANCE OF JEHOVAH</h3> - -<p>Without the divine guidance and the constant watchcare of Jehovah -over the destinies of the "Mormon" pioneers, with Brigham Young at -their head, the West today would be but a barren wilderness. Under the -leadership of Brigham Young the "Mormon" people prospered, and he left -them in a better condition temporally and physically, and spiritually -more united and more firmly established in the faith than they ever -were before. Where among the so-called "factions" can you point to -one that has accomplished the hundredth part of what the followers of -Brigham Young have accomplished? They have all practically disappeared -but one—gone to their destruction. And the one that remains will -dissolve and disappear as surely as the sun shines. You cannot fight -the work of God and prosper.</p> - - -<h3>WILLIAM MARKS</h3> - -<p>The testimony of William Marks—a man who was out of harmony with the -Prophet before the latter's death! This testimony of William Marks -sounds too suspicious, given as it was, when it was, and describing an -alleged conversation which never could have taken place. "The reader -will please notice," said David Whitmer in his <i>Address</i> (p. 41), "this -fact in regard to William Marks' statement; and that is, the time when -Brother Joseph told him that polygamy must be put down in the Church." -That time was a "few days" before the Prophet's death.</p> - -<p>True, the Prophet was no "fool" (<i>Herald</i> 51:74), and such a -"conversation" as this related by William Marks would have stamped him -"foolish, irrational and a moral suicide," <i>because</i> he could not bring -a charge against others for that for which he was himself responsible. -The Prophet had plural wives, and had officiated in the ceremony of the -sealing of plural wives to others. I have conversed with the principals -in these cases, and know that they told the truth. Furthermore, Mr. -Marks' testimony condemns itself. He proves—if he proves anything at -all—that the Prophet was responsible for this doctrine. This thought -is in harmony with the early teachings of the original elders of the -Reorganization, for the time was when even your elders acknowledged -that the Prophet received the revelation on celestial (including -plural) marriage. On this point David Whitmer says:</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p> As time rolled on, many of the Reorganization saw that to - <i>continue</i> to acknowledge that Brother Joseph received the - revelation would bring bitter persecution upon themselves, as the - public feeling at that time was very bitter. * * * The leaders - of the Reorganized church, after a time, began to suppress their - opinions concerning this matter. They would answer the question - when asked about it "<i>I do not know whether Joseph Smith received - the revelation or not</i>."</p> - -</blockquote> - - -<h3>THE "SAINTS' HERALD" A WITNESS OF "POLYGAMY"</h3> - -<p>Now, if it is true—and I claim it is—that the leaders of the -Reorganized church acknowledged that the Prophet received the -revelation and practiced that principle, there must be some proof. Turn -to the first volume of the <i>True L.D.S. Herald</i> and read the editorial -on pages 6 to 11. It is on polygamy. After trying to explain the reason -why the Prophet taught and practiced this doctrine, the editor said:</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p> And if the prophet be deceived when he hath spoken a thing, I, the - Lord, have deceived the prophet, and I will stretch out my hand - upon him and will destroy him from the midst of my people Israel. * - * * We have here the facts as they have transpired and as they will - continue to transpire in relation to this subject. The death of the - prophet is one fact that has been realized, although he abhorred - and repented of this iniquity before his death. Page 9.</p> - -</blockquote> - -<p>And on page 27:</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p> He (Joseph Smith) caused the Revelation to be burned, and when - he voluntarily came to Nauvoo and resigned himself into the arms - of his enemies, he said that he was going to Carthage to die. At - that time he also said that if it had not been for that accursed - spiritual wife doctrine, he would not have come to that. By his - conduct at that time he proved the sincerity of his repentance, - and of his profession as a prophet. If Abraham<sup><a name=5.4text></a><a href="#5.4">[4]</a></sup> and Jacob, by - repentance, can obtain salvation and exaltation, so can Joseph - Smith.</p> - -</blockquote> - -<p>Mark you, we have the evidence of the revelation from your own side and -you well remember that but <i>one</i> could and did receive revelations. I -do not accept the apology of your editor; I do not believe that the -Prophet had the revelation burned, or called the doctrine accursed. My -faith in Joseph Smith is such that if he had the revelation—which your -witnesses declare he did—that it was from God as much as any other -revelation he received!</p> - - -<h3>TESTIMONY OF JASON BRIGGS</h3> - -<p>Jason W. Briggs, one of the founders of your church, in the Temple Lot -suit, said:</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p> I heard something about a revelation on polygamy, or plural - marriage, when I was in Nauvoo, in 1842. I heard there was one: - there was talk going on about it at that time, and continued to be; - but it was not called plural marriage; it was called sealing.</p> - -<p> You ask me what I understood this sealing to be, at the time the - talk was going on. What I understood it to be was sealing a woman - to a man to be his wife, to be his wife hereafter, his wife in the - spirit world.</p> - -<p> I was asked in my direct examination if I did not hear of the - doctrine of polygamy, etc., and I answered that I talked with - members with reference to sealing, and I understood that the - doctrine of sealing, was for eternity; it was sealing a man's wife - to him for eternity, or wives, either. Record pp. 349, 431, 505.</p> - -</blockquote> - - -<h3>TESTIMONY OF JAMES WHITEHEAD</h3> - -<p>James Whitehead said:</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p> There was an ordinance in the Church for sealing, as early as 1842 - or 1843.</p> - -<p> They would be married according to the law of God, not only for - time but for eternity as well.</p> - -</blockquote> - -<p>These men were among the founders of your church.</p> - - -<h3>SIDNEY RIGDON'S TESTIMONY</h3> - -<p>Sidney Rigdon, in a lengthy letter to his official paper, <i>The -Messenger and Advocate</i>, in 1845 declared that the Prophet was -responsible for the plural marriage doctrine, and said:</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p> This system was introduced by the Smiths some time before their - death, and was the thing which put them in the power of their - enemies, and was the immediate cause of their death. P. 475, vol. 2.</p> - -</blockquote> - -<p>He says he "warned Joseph Smith and his family," and told them that -destruction would come upon them if they continued in their course.</p> - - -<h3>ORIGINAL RECORDS OF PLURALITY OF WIVES</h3> - -<p>You "confidently affirm that there is not a single word in a single -sermon, lecture, statement, newspaper or Church publication <i>printed</i> -during the life of Joseph Smith, wherein he by word has endorsed the -doctrine of plurality of wives, not a single statement." Whether any -such statement was ever <i>printed</i> in his lifetime or not I am not -prepared to say. But I do know of such evidence being recorded during -his lifetime, for I have seen it.</p> - -<p>I have copied the following from the Prophet's manuscript record of -Oct. 5, 1843, and know it is genuine:</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p> "Gave instructions to try those persons who were preaching, - teaching or practicing the doctrine of plurality of wives; for - according to the law, I hold the keys of this power in the last - days; for there is never but one on earth at a time on whom this - power and its keys are conferred; and I have constantly said no - man shall have but one wife at a time unless the Lord directs - otherwise."</p> - -</blockquote> - -<p>There is also at the Historian's office in this city, a Bible, which -I have before me, containing the record of the marriage of Melissa -Lott to the Prophet Joseph Smith, which was recorded at the time, -September 20, 1843. This Bible also contains the record of the sealing -of Cornelius P. and Parmelia Lott, parents of Melissa, which was -done by Patriarch Hyrum Smith in the Prophet's presence and with his -"seal" or sanction. The president of your church has seen this record, -and it matters not what he may say <i>now</i> he <i>then</i> acknowledged the -genuineness of the record.</p> - -<p>The following is also copied from the journal of William Clayton which -is in the Historian's office:</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p> May 1st, (1843) A.M. At the Temple. At 10 married Joseph to Lucy - Walker. P.M. at Prest. Joseph's; he has gone out with Woodsworth.</p> - -</blockquote> - -<p>This is the same William Clayton who wrote the revelation at the -direction and from the dictation of the Prophet July 12, 1843. However, -this principle was first revealed to the Prophet several years before -that time, as you learned in your conversation with President Lorenzo -Snow, when you were in his office.</p> - - -<h3>MORE EVIDENCE CONSIDERED</h3> - -<p>Right here we will consider the "evidence" you produce to show that -"Joseph Smith and the Church during his lifetime condemned polygamy -in the strongest terms." The testimony of the thirty-one witnesses -you "produce" was against the "secret wife system" of the vile John -C. Bennett who was excommunicated for betraying female virtue. This -Bennett system had nothing to do with the system of celestial marriage -introduced by the Prophet Joseph Smith, and was no more like the -Prophet's doctrine than darkness is like daylight. The certificate -of these parties that you mention was given in October 1842 (T. & S. -3:939), nearly one year before the revelation on celestial marriage -was recorded. At that time the law of marriage in the Church was -that adopted in 1835, and was binding on all who had accepted the -higher law, and they were few in number.<sup><a name=5.5text></a><a href="#5.5">[5]</a></sup> The best proof that these -"witnesses" did not condemn the celestial marriage doctrine of the -prophet in this communication, is that out of the thirty-one, at least -sixteen have testified that the Prophet introduced that system. One of -this number of witnesses became the Prophet's wife, one performed a -marriage ceremony in which the Prophet was married to a plural wife, -and one other was a witness to such a marriage ceremony. At least six -testify that the Prophet taught them the principle of plural marriage -and the others, so far as I know, are not on record. That these -witnesses were the dupes of Brigham Young cannot truthfully be said, -for three of them left the Church and never followed Brigham Young, yet -they testify of these things.</p> - -<p>The action of Joseph and Hyrum Smith, as recorded in the <i>Times -and Seasons</i> (5:3), wherein Hyrum Brown was cut off the Church for -preaching polygamy and other false doctrines, was just and timely. The -same action would have been taken at any other period of the existence -of the Church. Polygamy never was a doctrine of the Church, and the -system introduced by the Prophet Joseph Smith was not called by that -name in his day. Nor was the system of the Prophet the same as that of -Hyrum Brown; and if it had been, the ruling of the Prophet of October -5, 1843, would have cost Brown his standing in the Church, the polygamy -of Brown and John C. Bennett was of their own make. In relation to this -subject, I will quote from the <i>Life of John Taylor</i>, pages 223-224:</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p> The polygamy and gross sensuality charged by Bennett and repeated - by those ministers in France, had no resemblance to celestial or - patriarchal marriage which Elder Taylor knew existed at Nauvoo, and - which he had obeyed. Hence in denying the false charges of Bennett, - he did not deny the existence of that system of marriage that God - had revealed; no more than a man would be guilty of denying the - legal, genuine currency of the country by denying the genuineness - and denouncing what he knew to be a mere counterfeit of it.</p> - -<p> Another illustration: Jesus took Peter, James and John into the - mountain, and there met with Moses and Elias, and the glory of God - shone about them, and these two angels talked with Jesus, and the - voice of God was heard proclaiming Him to be the Son of God. After - the glorious vision, as Jesus and His companions were descending - the mountain, the former said: "Tell the vision to no man, until - the Son of Man be risen from the dead." Suppose one of these - apostles had turned from the truth before the Son of Man was risen - from the dead and under the influence of wicked, lying spirit, - should charge that Jesus and some of his favorite apostles went up - into a mountain, and there met Moses and Elias,—or some persons - pretending to represent them—together with a group of voluptuos - courtesans, with whom they spent the day in licentious pleasure. - If the other apostles denounced that as an infamous falsehood, - would they be untruthful? No; they would not. Or would they be - under any obligations when denying the falsehoods of the apostate - to break the commandments the Lord had given them by relating - just what had happened in the mountain? No; it would have been a - breach of the Master's strict commandment for them to do that. So - with Elder Taylor. While he was perfectly right and truthful in - denying the infamous charges repeated by his oponents, he was under - no obligation and had no right to announce to the world, at that - time the doctrine of celestial marriage. It was not the law of the - Church, or even the law of the Priesthood of the Church; the body - thereof at the time knew little or nothing of it, though it had - been revealed to the Prophet and made known to some of his most - trusted followers. But today, now that the revelation on celestial - marriage is published to the world, if the slanderous charges - contained in the writings of John C. Bennett should be repeated, - every Elder in the Church could truthfully and consistently do just - what Elder Taylor did in France—he could deny their existence."</p> - -</blockquote> - - -<h3>THAT UTAH VISIT</h3> - -<p>After receiving your letter, I requested of my father that he give me -a written statement in answer to your charge that he "discussed" the -doctrine of "polygamy" with you, and received the following:</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p> <i>Joseph F. Smith, Jr</i>.</p> - -<p> Dear Son:—You have submitted to me some statements made by Mr. - R. C. Evans of the Reorganized church, and desire to know what I - have to say about them. He says: "If your father denies that he - and I discussed the doctrine of polygamy, all I have to say about - it is, that what he states is untrue." Perhaps I could dismiss - this statement precisely in the same way he has. I could certainly - do so far more truthfully. He and I did not discuss the doctrine - of "polygamy" at all. It is true I did introduce him to President - Lorenzo Snow, to Aunt Lucy W. Smith, to Aunt Catherine P. Smith, to - Heber J. Grant and a few others. Whatever "discussion" he had on - the "doctrine of polygamy" may have been with these parties, but - not with me. While in my company he was my guest by introduction - from my cousin Joseph Smith, president of the Reorganized church, - and I carefully avoided any discussion with him upon any and all - differences of opinion which existed between us, the discussion of - which could only have resulted in ill feeling and perhaps extreme - bitterness. I treated him as any gentleman should treat another, - not as an antagonist but as a stranger within my gates, indeed, - as my guest; and when we parted it was with mutual good feelings - and interchange of kindly wishes, without the slightest breath - or suspicion of unpleasantness, which must have existed had we - indulged in a "discussion of the doctrine of polygamy," or any - other points of difference.</p> - -<p> Aunt Catherine P. Smith was making us a short visit at the time, - and I introduced her to Mr. Evans as the wife of my father, Hyrum - Smith. They had some conversation, in which I took no part, and - to the best of my recollection he drew out from her the fact that - she was married to Hyrum Smith, by Joseph Smith the Prophet, in - August 1843, in the brick office of Hyrum Smith, at Nauvoo, in the - presence of her mother, Sarah Godshall Phillips, Mrs. Julia Stone - and her daughter Hettie.</p> - -<p> Mr. Evans attempted to cross-question her on her statement, but she - stoutly and unequivocally affirmed the truth of what she had said. - Mrs. Lizzie Wilcox, your mother and two or three other members of - the family were present and heard what was said.</p> - -<p> With reference to Mr. Evans' alleged interview with Aunt Lucy W. - Smith at the Theatre, I need only say I occupied a seat adjoining - them, and heard the conversation between them, and I have not the - slightest recollection of the statement he has made about that - interview. The strong point which he attempts to make is the fact - that Lucy was married to the Prophet Joseph Smith, on May 1, 1843, - while the revelation on plural marriage was dated "July 12, 1843," - and her consequent embarrassment, was far-fetched; for no one knew - better than she did that the revelation was given as far back as - 1834, and was first reduced to writing in 1843. And on one could - have been better prepared to state that fact than Aunt Lucy W. - Smith. There could not be, therefore, any cause for embarrassment - on her part on that score, and I apprehend she would have been one - of the last persons to "sit silent and confused" under such an - implied impeachment.</p> - -<p> That she bore testimony to the good character of Aunt Emma Smith - with reference to other matters than plural marriage is true; - but not to her conduct toward that principle. Aunt Lucy is still - living, and sound mentally and physically. She can, and no doubt - will, fully clear away any sophistry and falsehood of Mr. Evans' - statement of the alleged interview.</p> - -<p> Referring to the interview with President Snow, Mr. Evans says: - "Lorenzo Snow did testify to me as stated. But then and there, in - the presence of Joseph F. Smith and George Q. Cannon, I showed - his testimony to be false by his own evidence when given under - oath, and his sister's statement signed in 1842. At this, Snow, - Cannon and Smith were much annoyed. So much for your father's - statement, which says 'you did not say one word to him in relation - to polygamy.'" The fact is, President Snow gave Mr. Evans, in my - presence and hearing, a plain, simple narration of the instructions - he received from Joseph Smith in regard to the doctrine of plural - marriage, including almost word for word the statement he had - previously made under oath, and testified that Joseph informed - him that his sister Eliza R. Snow had been sealed to him as his - wife. This much and more in this line I distinctly heard and as - distinctly remember, but I did not hear the alleged arraignment - of President Snow's testimony by Mr. Evans, nor did I witness or - experience any "annoyance" on the part of myself or anyone present - because of the said arraignment. Indeed, I am prepared to affirm - that Mr. Evans did not "then and there" in my presence and that of - Geo. Q. Cannon, nor in the presence of any one there, "show his - (Snow's) testimony to be false," either "by his own evidence when - given under oath," or "by his sister's statement signed in 1842," - or at any other time.</p> - -<p> I am here constrained to say that Mr. Evans was treated by - President Snow, as also by President George Q. Cannon and - myself, in the most courteous and respectful manner, and so - far as I observed his demeanor towards us was reciprocal and - gentlemanly—and not one word was said to him by anyone nor by - him to anyone in my presence that was in any degree discourteous, - contentious or embarrassing.</p> - -<p> I conclude, therefore, that the foregoing statements made by - Mr. Evans, were after thoughts uttered by him with a view to - misrepresent the truth and the facts, on the lines of the bitter - and relentless opposition of himself and associates to the Church - of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in general, and the doctrine - of plural marriage in particular, as revealed, taught and practiced - by Joseph Smith himself, from whom Brigham Young and many others - received it. On these matters they are so surcharged with animus - that they will not receive, admit, or tell the truth.</p> - -<p> With reference to Mr. Evans' allusion to my first wife I will - simply say: She was most intimately acquainted from her childhood - with the young lady who became my second wife, and it was with - their full knowledge and consent that I entered into plural - marriage, my first wife being present as a witness when I took my - second wife, and freely gave her consent thereto. Our associations - as a family were pleasant and harmonious.</p> - -<p> It was not until long after the second marriage that my first wife - was drawn away from us, not on account of domestic troubles, but - for other causes which I do not care to mention. In eight years of - wedded life we had no children. She constantly complained of ill - health and was as constantly under a doctor's care. She concluded - to go to California for her health and before going procured a - separation. This all occurred previous to 1867. On March 1, 1868 - I married Sarah E. Richards, and January 1, 1870, I married Edna - Lambson, from one to three years after my first wife separated - from me, and had become a resident of California. She subsequently - returned to Utah and later went to St. Louis where she died.</p> - -</blockquote> - -<p>Your self-exaltation in classing yourself with Jacob is most -stupendous, to say the least. He was above accepting idle rumors, from -such sources as those given by the writer of the article of <i>Collier's</i> -which you quote, and which are false. Jacob was no aspersor.</p> - -<p>Aunt Catherine Phillips Smith also declares that she did testify to you -in regard to her marriage and that you questioned her quite closely. -My mother declares the same for she was present at the conversation. -Presidents Snow and Cannon are not here to speak in their defense, but -I am satisfied that they would bear witness to the foregoing letter. -Aunt Lucy may testify for herself.</p> - - -<h3>TESTIMONY OF LUCY W. SMITH</h3> - -<p>The day I received a copy of the <i>Ensign</i> containing your discourse -from which you give extracts in your "reply," in relation to your -"conversation" with Aunt Lucy W. Smith, I sent her a copy of your -remarks with the request that she tell me if you had correctly reported -her testimony. In the course of a few days I received this:</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p> My Dear Boy: I very much regret not feeling able to answer your - request at an earlier date. I am, however, much improved in health - since coming to Logan, and take pleasure in declaring to you that - the infamous discourse delivered 16th Feb. 1905 (the date of the - <i>Ensign</i>) at St. Louis, Missouri, by Mr. Evans, is a fabrication of - falsehoods and misrepresentations. I confess that I was not only - surprised, but shocked beyond measure. Now one of the presidency - of the Reorganized church, just think of it! And at the time he - came to Salt Lake City three years ago, he claimed to be one of - "young Joseph's apostles; came with a letter of introduction from - cousin Joseph to his cousin Joseph F., saying that any courtesy - shown him would be appreciated. Accordingly, Mr. Evans was shown - every consideration. He accepted the generous hospitality of our - President and his model family. Having expressed a desire to meet - Mrs. Lucy W. Kimball, who was engaged that afternoon, arrangements - were made to meet at the theatre, as he had to leave next day. - He asked me many questions which I answered frankly—some very - offensive hearsay questions that aroused my indignation, but I - bore the ordeal as a martyr should. And from this opportunity - sprang the wonderful discourse of wicked falsehood and malicious - misrepresentation. O, shame! Where canst thou hide thy brazen face! - How dare he resort to such infamy unless to satiate a morbid desire - for notoriety among sensation-mongers, who seek not for light or - truth! If so he only gratified the cravings of the basest and - lowest caste.</p> - -<p> I cannot believe that the once highly and beloved Emma who was so - loyal and true to her husband in all the early trials and hardships - to which he was subject, when in chains and bondage, when he was - dragged from his bed, tarred and feathered, imprisoned and mocked - and scoffed at, ridiculed and abused, and his life threatened by - infuriated mobs and she stood by him and comforted him in all of - his afflictions—I cannot believe after enduring all this for - his sake, that Emma Smith ever denied seeing the revelation on - celestial marriage after receiving it in good faith and accepting - it as a command from God, <i>knowing</i> as I do, that she taught it - to Eliza and Emily Partridge, Maria and Sarah Lawrence, and urged - them to accept it by being sealed to her husband. She treated them - kindly and considerately and knew they were associated with him as - his wives. She was then a happy woman, until the tempter came in - human form, and she partook of the apostate spirit so rife in those - days. She could not deny these facts without sinning against her - husband, sinning against his wives, against the truth, and against - her God!</p> - -<p> If her son insists that this denial was her last testimony he - fastens a stigma on her once noble character in the estimation of - her former friends and associates, who were familiar with the facts - of the period referred to. This misguided son, young and without - experience, was surrounded by his father's most wicked enemies who - had betrayed his father, and had been instrumental in taking his - life; and who, after they had accomplished this foul act, through - sinister policies, determined to destroy the work his father was - commanded to do, and had laid a permanent foundation on which to - build up his church—the Church of Christ. They sought to influence - his son against the teachings of his father, call him forth as a - "leader" with promises of success, and good backing. Poor boy was - flattered and led on and on, by crafty men, until he became an - unbeliever of the principles his father had taught; and I cannot - but believe that through such influences his mother has been - misrepresented. I am unwilling to believe otherwise.</p> - -<p> I expressed regrets to Mr. Evans in relation to the course taken - by "young Joseph" through the influence of the bitter opponents of - his father. I said he had closed his eyes to anything that would - cast a ray of light on the vexed question: "Did my father have - more [other] wives than my mother?" I answered truthfully without - hesitation. Afterwards he went to Lehi, called on Melissa Lott, - with whom he had been associated from early childhood and asked: - "Will you answer me one question, I come to you knowing you will - tell me the truth, were you my father's wife?" "Yes, Joseph, I - was." "Where is your proof?" She stepped to the stand and took the - family Bible opened to the family record, placed it on his knee and - asked: "Do you recognize the handwriting?" "Certainly that is your - father's (Cornelius P. Lott's) handwriting, know it as well as my - own." Then read the marriage certificate of the Prophet Joseph and - Melissa Lott.</p> - -<p> Oliver Huntington who is still living testifies that they were very - intimate as boys, and when together had often talked the matter - over.</p> - -<p> Referring to Mr. Evans again. I said: "Does this prove him (Joseph) - an honest man?" Now does this cover the ground of your inquiry? I - have so often been interrupted by callers, that I may not have been - explicit enough. My personal testimony you already have, if not you - can get it by referring to "Reminiscences of Latter-day Saints," - by L. O. Littlefield, which you will find at the President's - (Historian's) office.</p> - -</blockquote> - -<p>Does this read much like she had been correctly represented?</p> - - -<h3>BRIGHAM YOUNG UPHELD BY THE LORD</h3> - -<p>In reference to the wicked charge you make in your discourse mentioned -in Aunt Lucy's letter, against President Young of practicing gross -immorality while on his mission in England in 1840 and winter of 1841, -a sufficient answer will be found in the revelation of January 19, -1841, wherein the Lord, by revelation through the Prophet Joseph Smith -declares:</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p> I give to you <i>my servant</i> Brigham Young, to be a President over - the Twelve traveling Council,</p> - -<p> Which Twelve hold the keys to open up the authority of my kingdom - upon the four corners of the earth, and after that to send my word - to every creature.</p> - -</blockquote> - -<p>And the revelation of July 9, 1841, given after his return from England:</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p> * * * Verily thus saith the Lord unto you, my servant Brigham, it - is no more required at your hand to leave your family as in times - past, for your offering is acceptable to me.</p> - -</blockquote> - -<p>In this abusive charge against President Young you are striking at -Jehovah, and accusing Him, either of condoning such a grievous sin, or -failing to discover it. Such a charge as that is ridiculously absurd, -I feel safe in accepting the word of the Lord in preference to the -ribald, indecent statements of those who speak forth the vulgar desires -of their own minds.</p> - -<p class="right">Respectfully, <br> -Joseph F. Smith, Jr.</p> - - -<h4>Footnotes</h4> - -<p><a name="5.1"></a><a href="#5.1text">1.</a> I am not so blind in my admiration of the "Mormon" people or so -bigoted in my devotion to the "Mormon" faith as to think there are -no individuals in the Church chargeable with fanaticism, folly, -intemperate speech, and wickedness; nor am I blind to the fact that -some in their over-zeal have lacked judgment; and that in times of -excitement, under stress of special provocation, even "Mormon" leaders -have given utterances to ideas that are indefensible. But I have yet to -learn that it is just in a writer of history, or of "purpose fiction," -that "speak truly," to make a collection of these things and represent -them as the essence of that faith against which said writer draws an -indictment.</p> - -<p>"No one would measure the belief of 'Christians,'" says a truly great -writer, "by certain statements in the Fathers, nor judge the moral -principles of Roman Catholics by prurient quotations from the Casuist; -nor yet estimate Lutherans by the utterances and deeds of the early -successors of Luther, nor Calvinists by the burning of Servetus. In all -such cases the general standpoint of the times has to be first taken -into account."—Edeshiem's Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah, preface -p. 8.</p> - -<p>A long time ago the great Edmund Burke in his defense of the rashness -expressed in both speech and action of some of our patriots of the -American revolution period said: "It is not fair to judge of the temper -of the disposition of any man or any set of men when they are composed -and at rest from their conduct or their expressions in a state of -disturbance and irritation."</p> - -<p><a name="5.2"></a><a href="#5.2text">2.</a> Writing of the Mormon Meadows massacre Hubert H. Bancroft, in his -History of Utah, page 544 says: "Indeed it may well be understood at -the outset that this horrible crime, so often and so persistently -charged upon the Mormon church and its leaders, was the crime of an -individual, the crime of a fanatic of the worst stamp, one who was a -member of the Mormon church, but of whose intentions the church knew -nothing, and whose bloody acts the members of the church, high and -low, regard with as much abhorrence as any out of the church. Indeed, -the blow fell upon the brotherhood with threefold force and damage. -There was the cruelty of it, which wrung their hearts; there was the -odium attending its performance in their midst; and there was the -strength it lent their enemies further to malign and molest them. The -Mormons denounce the Mountain Meadows massacre, and every act connected -therewith, as earnestly and as honestly as any in the outside world. -This is abundantly proved, and may be accepted as a historical fact."</p> - -<p><a name="5.3"></a><a href="#5.3text">3.</a> See also Doctrine and Covenants section 101:80, on this point.</p> - -<p><a name="5.4"></a><a href="#5.4text">4.</a> A polygamist the friend of God, whose praise you sing, and the man -you are <i>glad</i> to call the father of the faithful.—<i>Saints' Herald</i> -52:437.</p> - -<p><a name="5.5"></a><a href="#5.5text">5.</a> Those thirty-one witnesses were: S. Bennett, George Miller, Alpheus -Cutler, Reynolds Cahoon, Wilson Law, Wilford Woodruff, Newel K. -Whitney, Albert Petty, Elias Higbee, John Taylor, Ebenezer Robinson, -Aaron Johnson, Emma Smith, Elizabeth A. Whitney, Sarah M. Cleveland, -Eliza R. Snow, Mary C. Miller, Lois Cutler, Thirza Cahoon, Ann Hunter, -Jane Law, Sophia Marks, Polly Z. Johnson, Abagail Works, Catharine -Petty, Sarah Higbee, Phebe Woodruff, Leonora Taylor, Sarah Hillman, -Rosanna Marks, and Angeline Robinson.</p> - - - -<h2>THE SAINTS' HERALD ON THE ORIGIN OF PLURAL MARRIAGE</h2> - -<p>In both replies to Mr. Evans, mention is made of two articles in the -<i>Saints' Herald</i>, volume one, that were written by Isaac Sheen, the -first editor of that paper. These references were ignored by Mr. Evans -in his publication of a portion of the foregoing correspondence. It -would occupy too much space to copy these articles in full as they -are quite lengthy, but I feel that the gist of the matter should be -presented in more detail than it is given in the replies.</p> - -<p>Mr. Sheen's argument is that the Saints at Nauvoo "set up their idols -in their heart," and went to the Prophet Joseph Smith and asked him to -inquire of the Lord and ascertain from Him if it would not be proper -for them to practice plural marriage. This the Prophet Joseph did and -in answer the Lord gave him the revelation on celestial marriage, -granting the practice of plural marriage, and then, after giving this -revelation the Lord smote the Prophet for his 'iniquity' in asking for -the revelation, and poured out wrath and indignation upon the Saints -for their participation in what he calls "abominations."</p> - -<p>Reference is also made to the prophecies of Ezekiel, Balaam and Micaiah -to substantiate his theory which Mr. Sheen admits he is unable to -"satisfactorily explain." An extensive quotation from the first article -follows, which will give an idea of the position in which the members -of the Reorganized church regard the Prophet Joseph Smith and the -culmination of his most glorious mission.</p> - - -<h3>STATEMENT OF ISAAC SHEEN</h3> - -<blockquote> - -<p> We might call your attention to many prophecies in the Bible which - these backsliders<sup><a name=6.1text></a><a href="#6.1">[1]</a></sup> have fulfilled by their abominations. Ezekiel - appears to have had a very clear manifestation of the wickedness of - these men and the plan pursued by them, by which they embark into - polygamy. In Ezekiel 14 c. 1, 5, v, the prophet says, "Then came - certain elders of Israel unto me, saying, Son of man, these men - have set up their idols in their heart and put the stumblingblock - of their iniquity before their face: should I be inquired of at all - by them? Therefore speak unto them, and say unto them, Thus saith - the Lord God; Every man of the house of Israel that setteth up his - idols in his heart, and putteth the stumblingblock of his iniquity - before his face, and cometh to the prophet; I the Lord, will - answer him that cometh according to the multitude of his idols; - that I may take the house of Israel in their own heart, because - they are all estranged from me through their idols." We have shown - you that God gave a revelation unto us in which he commanded that - every man should "cleave unto his wife and none else," and that - he commanded us saying, "Repent and remember the Book of Mormon - and the former commandments which I have given them, not only to - say, but to do according to that which I have written," and that - in that book there is much testimony against polygamy. All these - instructions were sufficient for our guidance, but "men have set - up their idols in their hearts, and put the stumblingblock of - their iniquity before their faces." This adulterous spirit had - captivated their hearts and they desired a license from God to - lead away captive the fair daughters of His people, and in this - state of mind they came to the Prophet Joseph. Could the Lord do - anything more or less than what Ezekiel hath prophesied? The Lord - hath declared by Ezekiel what kind of an answer he would give them, - therefore he answered them according to the multitude of their - idols. Paul had also prophesied that "for this cause God shall send - them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie; that they - all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure - in unrighteousness." Both these prophecies agree. In Ezekiel's - prophecy the Lord also says, "I will set my face against that - man, and will make him a sign and a proverb, and I will cut him - off from the midst of my people; and ye shall know that I am the - Lord. And if the prophet be deceived when he hath spoken a thing, I - the Lord have deceived that prophet,<sup><a name=6.2text></a><a href="#6.2">[2]</a></sup> and I will stretch out my - hand upon him and I will destroy him from the midst of my people - Israel. And they shall bear the punishment of their iniquity; - the punishment of the prophet shall be even as the punishment of - him that seeketh unto him; that the house of Israel may go no - more astray from me, neither be polluted any more with all their - transgression; but that they may be my people, and I may be their - God, saith the Lord God," 8c., 11 v. We have here the facts as they - have transpired and as they will continue to transpire in relation - to this subject. The death of the prophet is one fact that has - been realized although he abhorred and repented of this iniquity - before his death. This branch of the subject we shall leave to some - of our brethren, who are qualified to explain it satisfactorily. - Those who have practiced these abominations have become "a sign - and a proverb" among men in accordance with this prophecy. These - are the "false teachers" prophesied of by Peter, of whom he said - "many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way - of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall - they with feigned words make merchandise of you; whose judgment - now of a long time lingereth not, and their abomination slumbereth - not." The reason why the Lord destroyed the prophet and made those - who "set up their idols in their heart," a sign and a proverb, - made them bear the punishment of their iniquity is worthy of our - earnest attention. We are informed that the reason why the Lord - would perform all these things was this, "that the house of Israel - may go no more astray from me, neither be polluted any more with - all their transgressions; but that they may be my people, and I - may be their God." Here is positive evidence that this prophecy - was to be fulfilled in the last days, for there has only been a - small part of the house of Israel (at any time since this prophecy - was given) that were obedient to the Lord. The time is not fully - come when Israel shall "go no more astray," and not "be polluted - any more with all their transgressions," therefore the punishment - of these men who have committed these sins must continue until - that happy day shall come. But as the Lord says in this prophecy, - "repent and turn yourselves from your idols; and turn away your - faces from your abominations, so say we, and return unto the fold - from whence you have strayed." As some may yet doubt whether God - would act in this way toward men who set up their idols in their - heart, we will see how God dealt with Balaam. In Numbers 22 c. we - are informed that Balak, king of the Moabites, sent the elders of - Moab and Midian unto Balaam with the rewards of divination in their - hands to entreat him that he would curse Israel, but God said unto - Balaam, "Thou shalt not go with them; thou shalt not curse the - people, for they are blessed." And Balaam rose up in the morning, - and said unto the Princes of Balak, "Get you unto your land; for - the Lord refuseth to give me leave to go with you." And Balak - sent yet again princes, more, and more honorable than they. And - they came to Balaam and said to him, "Thus sayeth Balak, the son - of Zippor, let nothing, I pray thee, hinder thee from coming unto - me: For I will promote thee unto very great honor, and I will do - whatsoever thou sayest unto me; come, therefore, I pray thee, curse - me this people." Now although the Lord had said unto Balaam, "Thou - shalt not go with them; thou shalt not curse the people, for they - are blessed," yet the great honor that was offered him, allured - him, and he inquired of the Lord again, and said unto the princes, - "Tarry ye also here this night, that I may know what the Lord will - say unto me more." And God came unto Balaam at night, and said unto - him, "If the men come to call thee, rise up and go with them: but - yet the word which I shall say unto thee, that shalt thou do." And - Balaam rose up in the morning and saddled his ass, and went with - the princes of Moab. And God's anger was kindled because he went; - and the angel of the Lord stood in the way for an adversary against - him. So we find that the Lord told him not to go, but afterwards, - having "set up his idol in his heart" he inquired of the Lord - again whether he might not go and curse Israel and God's anger was - kindled against him because he did so, although God had commanded - him to go. This is, therefore, a parallel case with Ezekiel's - prophecy.<sup><a name=6.3text></a><a href="#6.3">[3]</a></sup></p> - -<p> In I Kings, 22 c. we are informed that the King of Israel wanted - Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, to go up with him to Ramoth-Gilead - to battle, and there were four hundred prophets who said "Go up, - for the Lord shall deliver it into the hands of the king." And - Jehoshaphat said, "Is there not here a prophet of the Lord besides, - that we might inquire of him?" And the king of Israel said unto - Jehoshapat, "There is yet one, Micaiah, the son of Imlah, by - whom we may inquire of the Lord; but I hate him, for he doth not - prophesy good concerning me, but evil." And Jehoshaphat said, "Let - not the king say so." So he was sent for. The messenger that was - gone to call Micaiah spake unto him, saying, "Behold now the words - of the prophets declare good unto the king with one mouth: let thy - word, I pray thee, be like the word of one of them, and speak that - which is good." And Micaiah said, "As the Lord liveth, what the - Lord saith unto me, that will I speak." We are then informed that - Micaiah prophesied like the false prophets,<sup><a name=6.4text></a><a href="#6.4">[4]</a></sup> and then against - them. And he said, "I saw the Lord sitting on his throne, and all - the hosts of heaven standing by him on his right hand and on his - left. And the Lord said, Who shall persuade Ahab that he may go up - and fall at Ramoth-Gilead? And one said on this matter, and another - said on that manner. And there came forth a spirit and stood before - the Lord and said, I will persuade him. And the Lord said unto him - wherewith? And he said, I will go forth, and I will be a lying - spirit in the mouth of all his prophets. And he said, thou shalt - persuade him, and prevail also; go forth and do so. Now therefore - behold the Lord hath put a lying spirit in the mouth of all these - thy prophets, and the Lord hath spoken evil concerning thee." This - doctrine was extensively preached in the Church before iniquity - overthrew the Church, and by this doctrine the Church might have - been saved, if men had not "set up their idols in their heart."</p> - -</blockquote> - - -<h4>Footnotes</h4> - -<p><a name="6.1"></a><a href="#6.1text">1.</a> The Prophet Joseph Smith, Brigham Young and the Saints.</p> - -<p><a name="6.2"></a><a href="#6.2text">2.</a> The inspired translation reads: "I the Lord have not deceived that -prophet."</p> - -<p><a name="6.3"></a><a href="#6.3text">3.</a> Mr. Sheen forgets that the Lord said, "Thou shalt not curse the -people, for they are blessed," which command Balaam hearkened to.</p> - -<p><a name="6.4"></a><a href="#6.4text">4.</a> The prophecy was; "Go and prosper; for the Lord shall deliver it -into the hands of the king," v. 15. This was uttered in mockery, if not -why did the king reply: "How many times shall I adjure thee that thou -tell me nothing but that which is true in the name of the Lord," v. 16. -<i>Then</i> Micaiah told the king that he should fall at Ramoth-Gilead, so -the king acted with full knowledge of the word of the Lord concerning -his death when he went forth to battle. Therefore the Lord did not -deceive Ahab in this matter.</p> - - - -<h2>INTRODUCTION OF CELESTIAL AND PLURAL MARRIAGE</h2> - -<p>Additional testimony of a few out of the multitude<sup><a name=7.1text></a><a href="#7.1">[1]</a></sup> of witnesses who -were taught these principles by the Prophet Joseph Smith, and who knew -that he received the revelation known as section 132 in the Book of -Doctrine and Covenants.</p> - - -<h3>AFFIDAVIT OF PRESIDENT LORENZO SNOW</h3> - -<p>In the month of April, 1843, I returned from my European mission. A -few days after my arrival at Nauvoo, when at President Joseph Smith's -house, he said he wished to have some private talk with me, and -requested me to walk out with him. It was toward evening. We walked a -little distance and sat down on a large log that lay near the bank of -the river. He there and then explained to me the doctrine of plurality -of wives; he said that the Lord had revealed it unto him, and commanded -him to have women sealed to him as wives; that he foresaw the trouble -that would follow, and sought to turn away from the commandment; that -an angel from heaven then appeared before him with a drawn sword, -threatening him with destruction unless he went forward and obeyed the -commandment.</p> - -<p>He further said that my sister Eliza R. Snow had been sealed to him as -his wife for time and eternity. He told me that the Lord would open the -way, and I should have women sealed to me as wives. This conversation -was prolonged, I think one hour or more, in which he told me many -important things.</p> - -<p>I solemnly declare before God and holy angels, and as I hope to come -forth in the morning of the resurrection, that the above statement is -true.</p> - -<p class="right">Lorenzo Snow.</p> - -<p>Territory of Utah, Box Elder County. ss.</p> - -<p>Personally came before me J. C. Wright, Clerk of the County and Probate -Courts in and for the County and Territory aforesaid, Lorenzo Snow, and -who being duly sworn deposeth and says that the foregoing statement by -him subscribed is true of his own certain knowledge.</p> - -<p>Witness my hand and seal of Court, at my office in Brigham City, Box -Elder County, Utah Territory, this 28th day of August, A.D. 1869.</p> - -<p>[Seal.]</p> - -<p class="right">J. C. Wright, Clerk.</p> - - -<h3>AFFIDAVIT OF LUCY WALKER</h3> - -<p>United States of America,</p> - -<p>State of Utah.</p> - -<p>County of Salt Lake.</p> - -<p>Lucy Walker Smith Kimball, being first duly sworn, says:</p> - -<p>I was a plural wife of the Prophet Joseph Smith, and was married for -time and eternity in Nauvoo, State of Illinois, on the first day of -May, 1843, by Elder William Clayton. The Prophet was then living with -his first wife, Emma Smith, and I know that she gave her consent to the -marriage of at least four women to her husband as plural wives, and she -was well aware that he associated and cohabited with them as wives. The -names of these women are Eliza and Emily Partridge, and Maria and Sarah -Lawrence, all of whom knew that I too was his wife.</p> - -<p>When the Prophet Joseph Smith mentioned the principle of plural -marriage to me I felt indignant, and so expressed myself to him, -because my feelings and education were averse to anything of that -nature. But he assured me that this doctrine had been revealed to him -of the Lord, and that I was entitled to receive a testimony of its -divine origin for myself. He counseled me to pray to the Lord, which -I did, and thereupon received from Him a powerful and irresistible -testimony of the truthfulness and divinity of plural marriage, which -testimony has abided with me ever since.</p> - -<p>On the 8th day of February, 1845, I was married for <i>time</i> to President -Heber C. Kimball, and bore to him nine children. And in this connection -allow me to say to his everlasting credit that during the whole of my -married life with him he never failed to regard me as the wife for -eternity of his devoted friend, the Prophet Joseph Smith.</p> - -<p class="right">Lucy Walker Smith Kimball.</p> - -<p>Subscribed and sworn to before me, this 17th day of December, 1902.</p> - -<p>[Seal.]</p> - -<p class="right">James Jack, Notary Public.</p> - - -<h3>AFFIDAVIT OF CATHERINE PHILLIPS SMITH</h3> - -<p>United States of America,</p> - -<p>State of Utah.</p> - -<p>County of Salt Lake.</p> - -<p>Catherine Phillips Smith,<sup><a name=7.2text></a><a href="#7.2">[2]</a></sup> being first sworn, says:</p> - -<p>I am the daughter of Thomas Denner and Sarah Godshall Phillips, and -was born in Philadelphia, State of Pennsylvania, on the first day of -August, 1819. My present residence is East Jordan, Salt Lake County, -Utah.</p> - -<p>I was married to Hyrum Smith, brother of the Prophet Joseph Smith, -as his plural wife, and lived with him as his wife. The sealing was -performed by the Prophet Joseph Smith himself, in Nauvoo, State of -Illinois, in August, 1843, in the brick office belonging to my husband, -and occupied at the time as a dwelling by Brother and Sister Robert -and Julia Stone, and was witnessed by my mother, Sister Stone and her -daughter Hettie.</p> - -<p>In consequence of the strong feeling manifested at the time against -plural marriage and those suspected of having entered into it, I, with -my mother, moved to St. Louis near the close of the year, where I was -living when the Prophet Joseph and my husband were martyred.</p> - -<p>The purpose of this affidavit is that my testimony to the truthfulness -and divinity of plural marriage may live after I shall have passed -away; and in this spirit I commend it to all to whom it may come.</p> - -<p class="right">Catherine Phillips Smith.</p> - -<p>Subscribed and sworn to before me, this 28th day of January, 1903.</p> - -<p>[Seal]</p> - -<p class="right">L. John Nuttall, Notary Public.</p> - - -<h3>AFFIDAVIT OF ALMIRA W. JOHNSON SMITH BARTON</h3> - -<p>Territory of Utah, County of Iron. ss.</p> - -<p>Be it remembered on this first day of August A.D. 1883, personally -appeared before me John W. Brown a notary public in and for said -county, Almira W. Johnson Smith Barton, who was by me sworn in due -form of law, and upon her oath says: I am a citizen in the Territory -of Utah, over the age of twenty-one years, and I am the daughter of -Ezekiel Johnson and Julia Hills Johnson his wife; that I was born at -Westford, in the State of Vermont on the 22nd day of October A.D. 1813; -that I had nine brothers who were named respectfully Joel H., Seth, -David, Benjamin F., Joseph E., Elmer, George W., William D., and Amos; -and six sisters named respectfully Nancy, Dulcena, Julia, Susan, Mary -and Esther, all of whom, with myself, were baptized into the Church of -Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with the exception of Elmer, who died -in infancy.</p> - -<p>Deponent further says, that in the years 1842 and 1843, I resided most -of the time at Macedonia, in the County of Hancock, State of Illinois, -sometimes with my sister who was the wife of Almon W. Babbitt, and -sometimes with my brother Benjamin F. Johnson. During that time the -Prophet Joseph Smith taught me the principle of celestial marriage -including plurality of wives and asked me to become his wife. He first -spoke to me on this subject at the house of my brother Benjamin F. I -also lived a portion of the time at Brother Joseph Smith's in Nauvoo, -when many conversations passed between him and myself on this subject. -On a certain occasion in the spring of the year 1843, the exact date of -which I do not now recollect, I went from Macedonia to Nauvoo to visit -another of my sisters, the one who was the widow of Lyman R. Sherman, -deceased, at which time I was sealed to the Prophet Joseph Smith. At -the time this took place Hyrum Smith, Joseph's brother, came to me and -said I need not be afraid. I had been fearing and doubting about the -principle and so had he, but he now knew it was true. After this time -I lived with the Prophet Joseph as his wife, and he visited me at the -home of my brother Benjamin F. at Macedonia.</p> - -<p>Deponent further says that I had many conversations with Eliza Beaman -who was also a wife of Joseph Smith, and who was present when I was -sealed to him, on the subject of plurality of wives, both before and -after the performance of that ceremony. And also that since the death -of the Prophet Joseph Smith I was married for time to Reuben Barton of -Nauvoo, Hancock Co., Ill., by whom I have had five daughters, one only -of whom is now living.</p> - -<p class="right">Almira W. Johnson Smith Barton.</p> - -<p>Subscribed and sworn to by the said Almira W. Johnson Smith Barton the -day and year first above written.</p> - -<p>[Seal.]</p> - -<p class="right">John W. Brown, Notary Public.</p> - - -<h3>AFFIDAVIT OF MARTHA McBRIDE KIMBALL</h3> - -<p>Territory of Utah, County of Millard. ss.</p> - -<p>Be it remembered that on this eighth day of July, A.D. 1869, personally -appeared before me Edward Partridge, Probate Judge in and for said -county, Martha McBride Kimball, who was by me sworn in due form of law, -and upon her oath saith that sometime in the summer of the year 1842, -at the city of Nauvoo, county of Hancock, state of Illinois, she was -married or sealed to Joseph Smith, President of the Church of Jesus -Christ of Latter-day Saints, by Heber C. Kimball, one of the Twelve -Apostles in said Church, according to the laws of the same regulating -marriage.</p> - -<p class="right">Martha McBride Kimball.</p> - -<p>Subscribed and sworn to by said Martha McBride Kimball the day and year -first above written.</p> - -<p>[Seal.]</p> - -<p class="right">Edward Partridge, Probate Judge.</p> - - -<h3>AFFIDAVIT OF MELISSA LOTT WILLES</h3> - -<p>Territory of Utah, County of Salt Lake. ss.</p> - -<p>Be it remembered that on this twentieth day of May, A.D. 1869, -personally appeared before me, James Jack a notary public in and for -said county, Melissa Lott Willes, who was by me sworn in due form of -law, and upon her oath saith that on the twentieth day of September, -A.D. 1843, at the city of Nauvoo, county of Hancock, state of Illinois, -she was married or sealed to Joseph Smith, President of the Church of -Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, by Hyrum Smith, Presiding Patriarch -of said Church, according to laws of the same, regulating marriage, in -the presence of Cornelius P. Lott and Parmelia Lott.</p> - -<p class="right">Melissa Lott Willes.</p> - -<p>Subscribed and sworn to by the said Melissa Lott Willes, the day and -year first above written.</p> - -<p>[Seal.]</p> - -<p class="right">James Jack, Notary Public.</p> - - -<h3>LOVINA SMITH WALKER'S TESTIMONY</h3> - -<p>I, Lovina Walker, hereby certify that while I was living with Aunt Emma -Smith, in Fulton City, Fulton Co., Illinois, in the year 1846, that she -told me that she, Emma Smith, was present and witnessed the marrying or -sealing of Eliza Partridge, Emily Partridge, Maria Lawrence and Sarah -Lawrence to her husband, Joseph Smith, and that she gave her consent -thereto.</p> - -<p class="right">Lovina Walker.</p> - -<p>We hereby witness that Lovina Walker made and signed the above -statement on this 16th day of June, A.D. 1869, at Salt Lake City, S. L. -County, Utah Territory, of her own free will and record.</p> - -<p class="right">Hyrum S. Walker,<br> -Sarah E. Smith,<br> -Joseph F. Smith.</p> - - -<h3>AFFIDAVIT OF SARAH A. KIMBALL</h3> - -<p>Territory of Utah, County of Salt Lake. ss.</p> - -<p>Be it remembered that on this nineteenth day of June, A.D. 1869, -personally appeared before me Elias Smith, Probate Judge for said -county, Sarah Ann Kimball, who was by me sworn in due form of law, and -upon her oath saith that on the twenty-seventh day of July, A.D. 1842, -at the city of Nauvoo, county of Hancock, state of Illinois, she was -married or sealed to Joseph Smith, President of the Church of Jesus -Christ of Latter-day Saints, by Newell K. Whitney, Presiding Bishop of -said Church, according to the laws of the same regulating marriage, in -the presence of Elizabeth Ann Whitney her mother.</p> - -<p class="right">Sarah A. Kimball.</p> - -<p>Subscribed and sworn to by the said Sarah Ann (Whitney) Kimball, the -day and year first above written.</p> - -<p class="right">E. Smith, Probate Judge.</p> - - -<h3>AFFIDAVIT OF ELIZABETH A. WHITNEY</h3> - -<p>Territory of Utah, County of Salt Lake. ss.</p> - -<p>Be it remembered that on this thirtieth day of August, A.D. 1869, -personally appeared before me, James Jack, a notary public in and for -said county, Elizabeth Ann Whitney, who was by me sworn in due form -of law, and upon her oath saith that on the twenty-seventh day of -July, A.D. 1842, at the city of Nauvoo, county of Hancock, state of -Illinois, she was present and witnessed the marrying or sealing of her -daughter Sarah Ann Whitney to the Prophet Joseph Smith, for time and -all eternity, by her husband Newel K. Whitney then Presiding Bishop of -the Church.</p> - -<p class="right">E. A. Whitney.</p> - -<p>Subscribed and sworn to by the said Elizabeth Ann Whitney the day and -year first above written.</p> - -<p class="right">James Jack, Notary Public.</p> - - -<h3>AFFIDAVIT OF ORSON HYDE</h3> - -<p class="right">Springtown, Sept. 15, 1869.</p> - -<p>I, Orson Hyde, do hereby certify and declare according to my best -recollection that on the fourth day of September I was married to Miss -Marinda N. Johnson, in Kirtland, Ohio, in the year of our Lord 1834, -and in the month of February or March, 1843, I was married to Miss -Martha R. Browitt, by Joseph Smith, the martyred prophet, and by him -she was sealed to me for time and for all eternity in Nauvoo, Ill., -and in the month of April of the same year, 1843, I was married by the -same person to Mrs. Mary Ann Price, and by him she was sealed to me for -time and for all eternity, in Nauvoo, Ill., while the woman to whom I -was first married was yet living, and gave her cordial consent to both -transactions, and was personally present to witness the ceremonies.</p> - -<p class="right">Orson Hyde.</p> - -<p>Sworn to and subscribed to before me this the 15th day of September, -1869, at Springtown, Sanpete County, UT.</p> - -<p class="right">George Brough, Justice of the Peace.</p> - -<p>I hereby certify that the above named George Brough is a justice of the -peace for the precinct of Springtown in the county of Sanpete, UT., and -that he is duly qualified in accordance with law; in testimony whereof, -I hereunto set my hand and official seal of the County Court of Sanpete -County, at my office, Manti City, this Sept. 16, 1869.</p> - -<p>[Seal.]</p> - -<p class="right">William T. Reed, County Clerk.</p> - - -<h3>AFFIDAVIT OF JOSEPH BATES NOBLE</h3> - -<p>Territory of Utah, County of Salt Lake. ss.</p> - -<p>Be it remembered that on the 26th day of June, A.D. 1869, personally -appeared before me, James Jack, a notary public in and for said county, -Joseph Bates Noble, who was by me sworn in due form of law, and upon -his oath saith, that on the fifth day of April, A.D. 1841, at the city -of Nauvoo, County of Hancock, State of Illinois, he married or sealed -Louisa Beaman to Joseph Smith, President of the Church of Jesus Christ -of Latter-day Saints, according to the order of celestial marriage -revealed to the said Joseph Smith.</p> - -<p class="right">Joseph B. Noble.</p> - -<p>Subscribed and sworn to by the said Joseph Bates Noble, the day and -year first above written.</p> - -<p>[Seal.]</p> - -<p class="right">James Jack, Notary Public.</p> - - -<h3>AFFIDAVIT OF RHODA RICHARDS SMITH</h3> - -<p>Territory of Utah, County of Salt Lake. ss.</p> - -<p>Be it remembered that on this first day of May, A.D. 1869, personally -appeared before me, Elias Smith, Probate Judge for said county, Rhoda -Richards, who was by me sworn in due form of law and upon her oath -saith that on the twelfth day of June A.D. 1843, at the city of Nauvoo, -County of Hancock, State of Illinois, she was married or sealed to -Joseph Smith, President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day -Saints, by Willard Richards, one of the Twelve Apostles of said Church, -according to the laws of the same regulating marriage.</p> - -<p class="right">Rhoda Richards.</p> - -<p>Subscribed and sworn to by the said Rhoda Richards, the day and year -above written.</p> - -<p>[Seal.]</p> - -<p class="right">Elias Smith, Probate Judge.</p> - - -<h3>TESTIMONY OF BENJAMIN F. JOHNSON</h3> - -<p class="right">Mesa City, Arizona, 9th March, 1904.</p> - -<p><i>President Joseph F. Smith</i>,</p> - -<p><i>Washington, D. C</i>.</p> - -<p>My Dear Brother:—</p> - -<p>In reading reports from the Senate Committee on the Reed Smoot case, -I see that witnesses are subpoenaed to prove that the Prophet Joseph -Smith did not authorize or practice polygamy; and I do know that he did -teach plural marriage, and that he did give to me a plural wife who is -still living with me, and that I saw one of my sisters married to him. -* * *</p> - -<p>And I do know that at his Mansion House was living Mariah and Sarah -Lawrence and one of Cornelius P. Lott's daughters as his plural wives -with the full knowledge of his wife, Emma, of the married relations to -him.</p> - -<p>At that time I was his legal business agent at Macedonia or Ramtis, -and was familiar with his family or domestic affairs; and occupying, -as I did, the family mansion often in a business way with Emma, the -Prophet's first wife, who at no time did ever in my hearing deny the -plural character of her husband's family.</p> - -<p>And now with this and much more knowledge relating to this subject, -could my evidence before the Senate Committee be of any real value to -the cause of truth? If so, although too infirm to travel alone I would -willingly try to be there, if according to your counsel and wish.</p> - -<p>Loyal to the truth, I am,</p> - -<p class="centered">Always brother,</p> - -<p class="right">B. F. Johnson.</p> - - -<h3>THE CELESTIAL AND PLURAL MARRIAGE REVELATION</h3> - -<p>The following letter was written by Elder William Clayton who wrote the -revelation known as section 132 in the Book of Doctrine and Covenants, -at the direction of the Prophet Joseph Smith, July 12, 1843.<sup><a name=7.3text></a><a href="#7.3">[3]</a></sup></p> - -<blockquote> - -<p> Salt Lake City, Nov, 11, 1871.</p> - -<p> <i>Madison M. Scott, Esq</i>.</p> - -<p> Dear Sir:</p> - -<p> Your letter of 23rd of June last, was received by due course of - mail, but owing to my being so very closely confined with public - duties, which has almost destroyed my health, I have not answered - your letter so promptly as is my practice. My health is yet very - poor, but I have resigned the office which was bearing so heavy - upon me, and am in hopes to regain my usual sound health.</p> - -<p> Now, in regard to the subject matter of your letter, it appears to - me that the principal topic is what is commonly called polygamy, - but which I prefer to call celestial marriage. As to young Joseph - saying that the Church here have apostatized; that <i>we</i> have - introduced polygamy, denying bitterly that his father ever had a - revelation on the subject, that is all mere bosh! I <i>believe</i> he - knows better, and I have often felt sorry to learn that the sons - of the Prophet should spend their time in contending against a - pure and holy principle which their father's blood was shed to - establish. They will have a heavy atonement to make when they meet - their father in the next world. They are in the hands of God, and - my respect for their father will not permit me to say much about - the wicked course of his sons.</p> - -<p> <i>Now, I say to you, as I am ready to testify to all the world, and - on which testimony I am most willing to meet all the Latter-day - Saints and all apostates, in time and through all eternity, I did - write the revelations on celestial marriage given through the - Prophet Joseph Smith, on the 12th of July, 1843</i>.</p> - -<p> When the revelation was written there was no one present except the - Prophet Joseph, his brother Hyrum and myself. It was written in the - small office upstairs in the rear of the brick store which stood - on the banks of the Mississippi river. It took some three hours to - write it. Joseph dictated sentence by sentence, and I wrote it as - he dictated. After the whole was written Joseph requested me to - read it slowly and carefully, which I did, and he then pronounced - it correct. The same night a copy was taken by Bishop Whitney, - which copy is now here (in the Historian's office) and which I know - and testify is correct. The original was destroyed by Emma Smith.</p> - -<p> I again testify that the revelation on polygamy was given through - the prophet Joseph on the 12th July, 1843; and that the Prophet - Joseph both taught and practiced polygamy I do positively know, - and bear testimony to the fact. In April, 1843, he sealed to me my - second wife, my first wife being then living. By my said second - wife I had two sons born in Nauvoo. The first died; the second is - here now, and is married.</p> - -<p> I had the honor to seal one woman<sup><a name=7.4text></a><a href="#7.4">[4]</a></sup> to Joseph under his direction. - I could name ten or a dozen of his wives who are now living in - this territory, so that for any man to tell me that Joseph did not - teach polygamy, he is losing his time, for I know better. It is - not hearsay, nor opinion with me, for I positively know of what I - speak, and I testify to the truth, and shall be willing to meet all - opponents on the subject through all eternity.</p> - -<p> As to the Church here having apostatized that is all a mere - matter of assertion, destitute of truth. President Young and his - associates are, and have been doing everything they can to carry - out the plans and instructions of the Prophet Joseph, and so - eternity will prove to the condemnation and confusion of all their - enemies. Any one who says to the contrary does not know Joseph nor - the mission the Lord gave him to fulfill. * * *</p> - -<p class="right"> Truly yours, <br> -William Clayton.</p> - -</blockquote> - - -<h3>AFFIDAVIT OF HOWARD CORAY</h3> - -<p>Territory of Utah, County of Salt Lake. ss.</p> - -<p>As many false statements have been made in relation to the authorship -of the revelation on celestial marriage, I deem it but justice to all -lovers of truth for me to express what I know concerning this very -important matter.</p> - -<p>On the 22nd day of July, A.D. 1843, Hyrum Smith, the martyred -Patriarch, came in a carriage to my house in Nauvoo; he invited me -and my wife to take a ride with him; accordingly, as soon as we could -make ourselves ready, we got into his carriage and he set off in the -direction of Carthage. Having gone a short distance, he observed to us -that his brother Joseph Smith, the Prophet, had received a revelation -on marriage, that was not for the public yet, which he would rehearse -to us, as he had taken pains to commit it to memory. He then commenced -rehearsing the revelation on celestial marriage not stopping till he -had gone quite through with the matter. After which he reviewed that -part pertaining to plurality of wives, dwelling at some length upon the -same, in order that we might clearly understand the principle. And on -the same day (July 22, 1843,) he sealed my wife, formerly Martha Jane -Knowlton, to me; and when I heard the revelation on celestial marriage -read on the stand in Salt Lake City, in 1852, I recognized it as the -same as that repeated to me by Brother Hyrum Smith. Not long after -this I was present when Brother David Fullmer and wife were sealed by -Brother Hyrum Smith, the martyred Patriarch, according to the law of -celestial marriage. And, besides the foregoing, there was quite enough -came within the compass of my observation to have fully satisfied my -mind that plural marriage was practiced in the city of Nauvoo.</p> - -<p class="right">Howard Coray.</p> - -<p>Subscribed and sworn to before me, this 18th day of June, A.D. 1882.</p> - -<p>[Seal.]</p> - -<p class="right">James Jack, Notary Public.</p> - - -<h3>AFFIDAVIT OF DAVID FULLMER<sup><a name=7.5text></a><a href="#7.5">[5]</a></sup></h3> - -<p>Territory of Utah, County of Salt Lake. ss.</p> - -<p>Be it remembered that on this fifteenth day of June, A.D. 1869, -personally appeared before me, James Jack, a notary public in and for -said county, David Fullmer, who was by me sworn in due form of law, -and upon his oath saith, that on or about the 12th day of August, -A.D. 1843, while in meeting with the High Council [he being a member -thereof] in Hyrum Smith's brick office, in the City of Nauvoo, County -of Hancock, State of Illinois, Dunbar Wilson made inquiry in relation -to the subject of plurality of wives, as there were rumors about -respecting it, and he was satisfied there was something in those -rumors, and he wanted to know what it was. Upon which Hyrum Smith -stepped across the road to his residence, and soon returned bringing -with him a copy of the revelation on celestial marriage given to Joseph -Smith July 12, 1843, and read the same to the High Council, and bore -testimony to its truth. The said David Fullmer further saith that, -to the best of his memory and belief, the following named persons -were present: William Marks, Austin A. Cowles, Samuel Bent, George -W. Harris, Dunbar Wilson, William Huntington, Levi Jackman, Aaron -Johnson, Thomas Grover, David Fullmer, Phineas Richards, James Allred -and Leonard Soby. And the said David Fullmer further saith that William -Marks, Austin A. Cowles and Leonard Soby were the only persons present -who did not receive the testimony of Hyrum Smith, and that all the -others did receive it from the teachings and testimony of the said -Hyrum Smith; and further, that the copy of said revelation on celestial -marriage published in the <i>Deseret News</i> extra of September 14, A.D., -1852, is a true copy of the same.</p> - -<p class="right">David Fullmer.</p> - -<p>Subscribed and sworn to by the said David Fullmer the day and year -first above written.</p> - -<p>[Seal.]</p> - -<p class="right">James Jack, Notary Public.</p> - - -<h3>AFFIDAVIT OF LEONARD SOBY<sup><a name=7.6text></a><a href="#7.6">[6]</a></sup></h3> - -<p>Be it remembered that on the 23rd day of March, in the year 1886, -before, Joshua W. Roberts, notary public for the City of Beverly, -County of Burlington, State of New Jersey, Leonard Soby, of said city, -county and state, was by me duly sworn, and upon his oath saith:</p> - -<p>That on or about the 12th day of August, 1843, I was a resident of -Nauvoo, Hancock County, State of Illinois, and being a member of the -High Council of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was -present at a meeting of said council at the time herein above stated; -Thomas Grover, Alpheus Cutler, David Fullmer, William Huntington and -others; when Elder Hyrum Smith, after certain explanations, read the -revelation on celestial marriage.</p> - -<p>I have read and examined carefully said revelation, since published -in the Book of Doctrine and Covenants of said Church, and say to the -best of my knowledge and belief it is the same, word for word, as the -revelation then read by Hyrum Smith.</p> - -<p>The deponent says further, that the revelation did not originate with -Brigham Young, as some persons have falsely stated, but was received by -the Prophet Joseph Smith, and read in the High Council by his authority -as a revelation to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.</p> - -<p>When read to this deponent and said High Council, I believed it was a -revelation from Jesus Christ, and I believe so now.</p> - -<p class="right">Leonard Soby.</p> - -<p>Subscribed and sworn to by the said Leonard Soby the day and year first -above written.</p> - -<p class="right">Joshua W. Roberts, Notary Public.</p> - -<p>Witnessed by:</p> - -<p>James H. Hart,</p> - -<p>Samuel Harrison.</p> - - -<h3>AFFIDAVIT OF JOHN W. RIGDON</h3> - -<p>State of Utah, County of Salt Lake. ss.</p> - -<p>John W. Rigdon, being duly sworn, says: I am the son of Sidney Rigdon, -deceased. Was born at Mentor, in the State of Ohio, in the year 1830, -and am now over seventy-five years of age. My father, Sidney Rigdon, -joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that year, -and was in 1833 ordained to be Joseph Smith's first counselor which -position he held up to the time Joseph the Prophet was killed, at -Carthage jail, in 1844. That Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon moved from -Kirtland, with their families, to the State of Missouri, during the -winter of 1837, but Rigdon did not reach Far West, in the State of -Missouri, until the last of April, 1838. That during the troubles in -Missouri, in the year 1838, Joseph Smith, Hyrum Smith, his brother, -Sidney Rigdon, Lyman Wight and others, whose names I do not now -remember were arrested and imprisoned in Liberty jail, about forty -miles from the village of Far West, in Caldwell County, Missouri, where -they all remained incarcerated for several months. That while said -Joseph Smith, Hyrum Smith, Sidney Rigdon, Lyman Wight and others were -prisoners in said Liberty jail, as aforesaid I, with my mother, wife -of Sidney Rigdon, Emma Smith, wife of said Joseph Smith, and Joseph -Smith, son of Joseph and Emma Smith, went to see the said prisoners -during the latter part of the winter of 1838. We all went together in -the same carriage and came home together. We stayed at Liberty jail -with the prisoners three days and then left for home. The story that -is being told by some of the members of the Reorganized Church, at -Lamoni, that young Joseph Smith, now president of the said Reorganized -Church, was ordained by his father, Joseph Smith, to be the leader of -the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints after his father's -death, is not true, for I know that no such ordination took place while -we were at Liberty jail; that if any such ordination had taken place I -most certainly should have known it and remembered it, as I was with -young Joseph, the Prophet's son, all the time we were there. If Joseph -Smith had ordained his son Joseph to be the leader of the Church at his -death, he would have done so in a manner that there could have been -no doubt about it. Both of his counselors were then in prison with -him, namely, Sidney Rigdon and Hyrum Smith, and it would have been in -order for the prophet to have called upon them to assist him in such -an ordination had it taken place, and a record of the same made in the -Church books, so that all members of the Church might have known that -such an ordination had taken place. But nothing of the kind appears in -the Church books. My father and mother lived a good many years after -the incarceration at Liberty jail, and I, who lived near my father, -never heard my father or my mother mention that such an ordination -ever took place in Liberty jail; and as I know myself that no such -ordination took place in Liberty jail, and inasmuch as it is not -claimed that an ordination of this character was bestowed at any other -place, therefore I deny it as an untruth and a story gotten up by the -Reorganized Church for effect.</p> - -<p>Besides all this, if Joseph Smith, the President of the Reorganized -Church was ordained while in Liberty jail, why did he, sixteen years -after his father's death, receive an ordination under the hands of -William Marks, William W. Blair, and Zenas H. Gurley? Would it not seem -that one ordination (and that too, said to have been by his own father, -the President of the Church) should have been sufficient? But further -Wm. Marks, Wm. W. Blair and Zenas H. Gurley had all been excommunicated -from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (excepting William -W. Blair, who never belonged to it) before they "ordained" young -Joseph to be President of the Reorganized Church, and therefore they -did not have the authority to ordain him. The whole story of his being -ordained by anyone having authority to do so is too preposterous to be -entertained for a single moment, and should be rejected by all who hear -such a story mentioned.</p> - -<p>As to the truth of the doctrine of polygamy being introduced by the -Prophet Joseph Smith, deponent further says: Joseph Smith was absolute -so far as spiritual figures were concerned, and no man would have dared -to introduce the doctrine of polygamy or any other new doctrine into -the "Mormon" Church at the city of Nauvoo during the years 1843 and -1844, or at any other place or time, without first obtaining Joseph -Smith's consent. If anyone had dared to have done such a thing he would -have been brought before the High Council and tried, and if proven -against him, he would have been excommunicated from the Church, and -that would have ended polygamy forever, and would also have ended the -man who had dared to introduce such a doctrine without the consent of -the Prophet Joseph.</p> - -<p>And deponent further says: Joseph the Prophet, at the City of Nauvoo, -Illinois, some time in the latter part of the year 1843, or the -first part of the year 1844, made a proposition to my sister, Nancy -Rigdon, to become his wife. It happened in this way: Nancy had gone to -Church, meeting being held in a grove near the temple lot on which the -"Mormons" were then erecting a temple, an old lady friend who lived -alone invited her to go home with her, which Nancy did. When they got -to the house and had taken their bonnets off, the old lady began to -talk to her about the new doctrine of polygamy which was then being -taught, telling Nancy, during the conversation, that it was a surprise -to her when she first heard it, but that she had since come to believe -it to be true. While they were talking Joseph Smith the Prophet came -into the house, and joined them, and the old lady immediately left -the room. It was then that Joseph made the proposal of marriage to my -sister. Nancy flatly refused him, saying if she ever got married she -would marry a single man or none at all, and thereupon took her bonnet -and went home, leaving Joseph at the old lady's house. Nancy told -father and mother of it. The story got out and it became the talk of -the town that Joseph had made a proposition to Nancy Rigdon to become -his wife, and that she refused him. A few days after the occurrence -Joseph Smith came to my father's house and talked the matter over with -the family, my sister, Mrs. Athalia Robinson also being present, who -is now alive. The feelings manifested by our family on this occasion -were anything but brotherly or sisterly, more especially on the -part of Nancy, as she felt that she had been insulted. A day or two -later Joseph Smith returned to my father's house, when matters were -satisfactorily adjusted between them, and there the matter ended. After -that Joseph Smith sent my father to Pittsburgh, Pa., to take charge of -a little church that was there, and Ebenezer Robinson, who was then the -Church printer, or at least had been such, as he was the printer of the -paper in Kirtland, Ohio, and a printer by trade, was to go with him -to print a paper there, and nine days before Joseph Smith was shot at -Carthage we started, reaching Pittsburgh the day before he was killed.</p> - -<p>Deponent further says: I have in my possession a paper called the -<i>Nauvoo Expositor</i>, bearing date, Nauvoo, Illinois, Friday, June 7th, -1844, which said paper's printing plant was destroyed by the City -Council at Nauvoo a night or two after that issue. There never was but -one issue of this paper. Joseph Smith the Prophet was then Mayor of the -City of Nauvoo. In the afternoon of the day on which the printing plant -was destroyed, Henry Phelps, a son of W. W. Phelps, came down Main -Street selling this paper, the <i>Nauvoo Expositor</i>, and everyone who -could raise five cents bought a copy. In that paper the three following -affidavits appeared, which I reproduce herewith.</p> - - -<h3>AFFIDAVITS</h3> - -<blockquote> - -<p> I hereby certify that Hyrum Smith did (in his office) read to me a - certain written document which he said was a revelation from God. - He said that he was with Joseph when it was received. He afterwards - gave me the document to read and I took it to my house and read - it and showed it to my wife and returned it the next day. The - revelation (so called) authorized certain men to have more wives - than one at a time in this world and in the world to come. It said - this was the law, and commanded Joseph to enter into the law. And - also that he should administer to others. Several other items were - in the revelation, supporting the above doctrines.</p> - -<p class="right"> Wm. Law.</p> - -<p> State of Illinois,</p> - -<p> Hancock County.</p> - - -<p> I, Robert D. Foster, certify that the above certificate was sworn - to before me as true in substance, this fourth day of May, A.D. - 1844.</p> - -<p class="right"> Robert D. Foster, J. P.</p> - -<p> <br>I certify that I read the revelation referred to in the above - affidavit of my husband. It sustained in strong terms the doctrine - of more wives than one at a time in this world and in the next. It - authorized some to have to the number of ten, and set forth that - those women who would not allow their husbands to have more wives - than one should be under condemnation before God.</p> - -<p> Jane Law.</p> - -<p> Sworn and subscribed before me this 4th day of May, A.D. 1844.</p> - -<p class="right"> Robert D. Foster, J. P.</p> - -<p> <br>To all whom it may concern:</p> - -<p> Forasmuch as the public mind hath been much agitated by a course of - procedure in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by a - number of persons declaring against certain doctrines and practices - therein (among whom I am one) it is but meet that I should give my - reasons at least in part as a cause that hath led me to declare - myself. In the latter part of the summer of 1843, the Patriarch - Hyrum Smith did in the High Council, of which I was a member, - introduce what he said was a revelation given through the Prophet, - that the said Hyrum Smith did essay to read the said revelation in - the said council; that according to his reading there was contained - the following doctrines: 1st. The sealing up of persons to eternal - life, against all sins save that of shedding innocent blood or of - consenting thereto; 2nd. The doctrine of plurality of wives or - marrying virgins; that David and Solomon had many wives, yet in - this they sinned not, save in the matter of Uriah. This revelation - with others, evidence that the aforesaid heresies were taught and - practiced in the Church, determined me to leave the office of first - counselor to the President of the Church at Nauvoo, inasmuch as I - dared not teach or administer such laws. And further deponent saith - not.</p> - -<p class="right"> Austin Cowles.</p> - -<p> State of Illinois,</p> - -<p> Hancock County.</p> - -<p> To all whom it may concern: I hereby certify that the above - certificate was sworn and subscribed before me, this fourth day of - May, 1844.</p> - -<p class="right"> Robert D. Foster, J. P.</p> - -<p class="right"> John W. Rigdon.</p> - -<p> Sworn to before me this 28th day of July, 1905.</p> - -<p> [Seal.]</p> - -<p class="right"> James Jack, Notary Public.</p> - -</blockquote> - - -<h3>STATEMENT OF ORANGE L. WIGHT</h3> - -<p>The following confirmation of John W. Rigdon's affidavit is copied from -the <i>Deseret News</i> of Saturday, August 12, 1905:</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p> Bunkerville, Lincoln County, Nev., August 4, 1905:—Seeing the - testimony of J. W. Rigdon in the semi-weekly <i>News</i> of July 31, - and being much interested in the subject, and knowing that there - lived in this place a man that was quite familiar with the early - scenes of church history, especially those in and about Far West, - Missouri, and having heard him say that he had many times visited - his father and the Prophet Joseph, while they were incarcerated in - Liberty jail, I went and interviewed Orange L. Wight (eldest son of - former Apostle Lyman Wight), who is now 82 years old and resides - with his daughter, Sister Harriet M. Earl. Brother Wight is quite - feeble in body, but his mind seems to be as bright as ever.</p> - -<p> I found Brother Wight in his usual good humor, and seemed quite - willing to talk, in fact, was pleased to do so. "Elder Wight," - said I, "are you willing to make a statement for publication in - regard to what you know about Joseph Smith, son of the Prophet - Joseph, being ordained while in Liberty jail to lead the Church?" - "Certainly I am." "Then," said I, "just write me out a brief - statement covering those points, and I will give it in your own - words." Following is Brother Wight's statement:</p> - -<p> "In regard to the statement of John W. Rigdon, I endorse it in - every point. Brother John W. Rigdon speaks of being in Liberty - prison when the Prophet Joseph Smith, Sidney Rigdon, Hyrum Smith, - Lyman Wight, and others were there (the others were Caleb Baldwin - and Alexander McRae). I also visited the prisoners at or about the - same time, and slept with them many times at different periods, and - I cannot recollect of ever hearing the subject of an ordination - mentioned.</p> - -<p> "My father, Lyman Wight, nor my mother, never alluded to it during - their lifetime in my presence; so I take it for granted that - Joseph, the son of the Prophet Joseph Smith, was not ordained to - fill the place of his father, in the Liberty jail. I was born in - the State of New York, November 29, 1823, hence am about seven - years older than Brother John W. Rigdon. And if an ordination of - Young Joseph had occurred in the prison, I would likely have heard - it, and would certainly recollect it.</p> - -<p> "Previous to this, while I was several years younger, the Twelve - Apostles were organized and commissioned to assist in leading and - governing the Church. I can recollect every detail distinctly. - My acquaintance with the Prophet was from the year 1830 to his - martyrdom, and I can truly say he was a Prophet of God, and was - appointed to the divine mission to organize the Church of Jesus - Christ of Latter-day Saints in this last dispensation.</p> - -<p> "As to the Prophet's believing and practicing polygamy, I have as - near a certain knowledge of the fact, I may say, as any man living. - I was well acquainted with most or all of his wives, and talked - with them on the subject, at the same time my wife also talked with - them.</p> - -<p> "If there is anything further that is necessary for me to - communicate in regard to my recollection, I will willingly do so.</p> - -<p class="right"> "Respectfully, -<br>"Orange L. Wight."</p> - -</blockquote> - -<p>Further talk with Brother Wight brought out the following facts: He was -baptized into the Church in the spring of 1832; was with the Church -through all their troubles in the State of Missouri. Brother Wight -filled a thirteen months' mission in the State of Virginia in company -with Jedediah M. Grant and others; was in Nauvoo at the time the -Prophet was captured at Dixon, Ill., and was one of those who went up -the Illinois river on the steamer "Maid of Iowa," to assist in rescuing -the Prophet.</p> - -<p class="right">Joseph I. Earl.</p> - - -<h3>AFFIDAVIT OF BATHSHEBA W. SMITH</h3> - -<p>State of Utah, County of Salt Lake. ss.</p> - -<p>Bathsheba W. Smith, being first duly sworn on oath, deposes and says:</p> - -<p>I was a resident of Nauvoo, State of Illinois, from 1840 to 1846. I -was married to George A. Smith July 25, 1841, Elder Don Carlos Smith -performing the ceremony. Near the close of the year 1843, or in the -beginning of the year 1844, I received the ordinance of anointing in -a room in Sister Emma Smith's house in Nauvoo, and the same day, in -company with my husband, I received my endowment in the upper room -over the Prophet Joseph Smith's store. The endowments were given under -the direction of the Prophet Joseph Smith, who afterwards gave us -lectures or instructions in regard to the endowment ceremonies. There -has been no change, to my certain knowledge, in these ceremonies. They -are the same today as they were then. A short time after I received my -anointing, I was sealed to my husband, George A. Smith, for time and -eternity, by President Brigham Young, in the latter's house, according -to the plan taught, to my knowledge, by the Prophet Joseph Smith. When -I was married in 1841, I was married for time, and not for eternity.</p> - -<p>At the time I was anointed in Sister Emma Smith's house, she (Emma -Smith) said in my presence, to me and to others who were present upon -that occasion, "Your husbands are going to take more wives, and unless -you consent to it, you must put your foot down and keep it there." Much -more was said in regard to plural marriage at that time by Sister Emma -Smith, who seemed opposed to the principle.</p> - -<p>In the year 1840, at a meeting held in Nauvoo, at which I was present, -I heard the Prophet Joseph Smith say that the ancient order would be -restored as it was in the days of Abraham. In the year 1844, a short -time before the death of the Prophet Joseph Smith, it was my privilege -to attend a regular prayer circle in the upper room over the Prophet's -store. There were present at this meeting most of the Twelve Apostles, -their wives, and a number of other prominent brethren and their wives. -On that occasion the Prophet arose and spoke at great length, and -during his remarks I heard him say that he had conferred on the heads -of the Twelve Apostles all the keys and powers pertaining to the -Priesthood, and that upon the heads of the Twelve Apostles the burden -of the Kingdom rested, and that they would have to carry it.</p> - -<p>It has been, and is, necessary for me to make this statement, as -contrary reports have been circulated as coming from me. Any statements -purporting to come from me that have been made, or that may be made -by any party or parties, in opposition or conflicting with this sworn -statement, are false, as I have never, to my knowledge, deviated one -iota from this statement.</p> - -<p class="right">Bathsheba W. Smith.</p> - -<p>Signed in the presence of Joseph F. Smith, Jr.,</p> - -<p>B. Morris Young.</p> - -<p>Subscribed and sworn to before me this 19th day of November, 1903.</p> - -<p>[Seal.]</p> - -<p class="right">Martin S. Lindsay, Notary Public.</p> - - -<h4>Footnotes</h4> - -<p><a name="7.1"></a><a href="#7.1text">1.</a> One hundred or more affidavits in relation to the introduction of -celestial and plural marriage are on file in the historian's Office, -Salt Lake City, and are the expressions of eye and ear witnesses, who -know that the Prophet Joseph Smith introduced and taught celestial and -plural marriage. Most of these witnesses are members of the Church, -but some of them are not, and have not been connected with the Church -from before the martyrdom of the Prophet and Patriarch. It would -be impracticable and even unnecessary to produce all this evidence -here. A portion should suffice, in order that the truth regarding the -introduction of these principles should be established; for, in this -case as in all others, the testimony of two or three reliable witnesses -should establish the truth of these things. Celestial marriage, which -is marriage for eternity, should not be confused with plurality of -wives, as is often done by those not acquainted with these teachings.</p> - -<p><a name="7.2"></a><a href="#7.2text">2.</a> Some time during the month of September four members of the -Reorganized Church called on Catherine Phillips Smith at her home in -East Jordan, with the object in view of having her deny her testimony -regarding her marriage to the Patriarch Hyrum Smith, which she -resolutely refused to do.</p> - -<p>In a statement given on September 24th, two days before her death, she -said: "They tried to get me to tell a lie and deny that I was married -to the Patriarch Hyrum Smith; but I would not do it. I never have lied -and will not now; my affidavit is true. They asked me if my mother knew -of my marriage, and I told them that the Patriarch asked my mother if -she was willing for him to marry her daughter, and she said he could -ask the daughter, and she could do as she pleased. I told them that -the Prophet Joseph sealed me to the Patriarch Hyrum Smith as his wife -for time and all eternity, and they tried to get me to deny it, and I -would not do it, for it is true. I told them the truth. They annoyed me -very much, and I finally told them to leave my house and never enter it -again."</p> - -<p><a name="7.3"></a><a href="#7.3text">3.</a> This, however, was not the time this principle was first made known -to the Prophet Joseph Smith, for as early as 1831 the Lord revealed the -principle of celestial and plural marriage to him and he taught it to -others.</p> - -<p><a name="7.4"></a><a href="#7.4text">4.</a> See affidavit of Lucy Walker Smith.</p> - -<p><a name="7.5"></a><a href="#7.5text">5.</a> Similar affidavits by most of the members of this High Council at -Nauvoo are also on file.</p> - -<p><a name="7.6"></a><a href="#7.6text">6.</a> Leonard Soby was at first opposed to this revelation, and shortly -after the martyrdom he left the Church. When this statement was given -he was not a member of the Church.</p> - - - -<h2>THE REORGANIZED CHURCH—SOME FACTS REGARDING ITS ORIGIN</h2> - -<p>The ministers of the "Reorganized" Church, or the "New Organization," -as it was first called,<sup><a name=8.1text></a><a href="#8.1">[1]</a></sup> declare that the Church at the death of -the Prophet Joseph and Patriarch Hyrum Smith, was badly divided, its -members scattered to the four winds, and that the Church was rejected -with its dead. They also claim that the "Reorganization" is composed of -the faithful who did "not bow the knee to Baal," but remained true to -the "original faith" as revealed and practiced by the Prophet Joseph -Smith. In the words of their president: "The individuals who kept this -covenant (the new and everlasting covenant) were accepted of Him and -were not rejected, nor their standing before God put in jeopardy by -the departure of others from the faith. Whatever the office in the -priesthood each held, under the ordinations ordered by the call of -God and vote of the Church, would remain valid. They could as elders, -priests, etc., pursue the duties of warning, expounding, and inviting -all to come to Christ, and by command of God could build up the Church -from any single branch, which, like themselves, had not bowed the knee -to Baal, or departed from the faith of the Church as found in the -standard works of the body at the death of Joseph and Hyrum Smith."<sup><a name=8.2text></a><a href="#8.2">[2]</a></sup></p> - -<p>It is strongly implied in this quotation from the writings of the -president of the "Reorganization" that all those who followed -President Brigham Young and the Twelve Apostles, lost their Priesthood -and standing before the Lord, and that the founders of the "New -Organization" and their followers were the only ones who remained true -and steadfast to the Truth. The evidence in this regard is against -them. The truth is that the founders of the "Reorganized" church were -the ones who followed every will-o-the-wisp, bowed the knee to Baal and -departed from the faith, while the Twelve and the Saints on the other -hand, pursued an even course and were steadfast under all trials and -difficulties even to the end.</p> - -<p>It is not true that the Church was broken, scattered and rejected -following the martyrdom and that the "Reorganization" is a portion of -the original church. Their organization did not come into existence -until some sixteen years after the death of the Prophet and Patriarch -and was an outgrowth of the movement under James J. Strang.</p> - -<p>There was a movement on foot to divide the Church, following the -assassination of the Prophet and Patriarch, but its range was not as -extensive as has generally been supposed. The chief actors in this -movement were Sidney Rigdon, James J. Strang and William Smith, each -of whom aspired to lead the Church. Mr. Rigdon based his claim to the -presidency on the fact that he had been the first counselor to the -Prophet Joseph Smith, and therefore by right should be the "guardian" -of the Church. His claim was in conflict with the position of the -Church and the teachings of the Prophet. He laid his case before the -conference of the Church August 8, 1844, and his claim was rejected -by the Saints almost unanimously. At the same conference the Twelve -Apostles were sustained as the presiding quorum of the Church. Mr. -Strang's claim to the presidency was based on his statement that the -Prophet had appointed him as his successor by letter, a few days before -the martyrdom. William Smith claimed the right of presidency by virtue -of being the brother of the Prophet.</p> - -<p>Each of these men gathered around him a few followers, principally of -that class of restless, erratic individuals, who never remain contented -very long in any one place or under any circumstances; but none of them -gathered many followers. Their organizations barely existed for a few -years and then disappeared; the fragments becoming the nucleus of the -"Reorganization."</p> - -<p>The movement which resulted in the bringing forth of the "Reorganized" -church, was of more recent date and was due principally to the efforts -of two men, viz., Jason W. Briggs and Zenas H. Gurley. Mr. Briggs was -born June 25, 1821, at Pompey, Oneida County, New York. He joined the -Church June 6, 1841, and members of the "Reorganization" declare that -he was ordained an Elder in 1842. His home was in Beloit, Wisconsin, -from 1842 to 1854. After the death of the Prophet, Mr. Briggs sustained -the Twelve Apostles and the Church and was apparently true to them -until the exodus in 1846. At that time he lost heart, turned from the -Church in its darkest hour and sought the favor of the world. Some -time subsequent to this he joined the movement under James J. Strang. -In Strang's organization he did missionary work, received honors -and organized a branch. In 1850 he renounced Mr. Strang and joined -with William Smith, in the latter organization he was "ordained" an -"apostle." He soon tired of William Smith, and in 1851 joined with -Zenas H. Gurley who was at that time a follower of James J. Strang. -These two men then organized a church of their own which afterwards was -known as the "Reorganized" church. In 1886 Jason W. Briggs withdrew -from this organization of his own begetting, declaring that it was not -the Church of Christ.</p> - -<p>Zenas H. Gurley was just as unstable as Mr. Briggs. He was born at -Bridgewater, New York, May 29, 1801, joined the Church in April, 1838, -and moved to Far West, from whence he was driven with the Saints in the -expulsion of 1838-39. After this expulsion he settled in Nauvoo, where, -in 1844, he was ordained a Seventy,<sup><a name=8.3text></a><a href="#8.3">[3]</a></sup> under the direction of President -Joseph Young, and on the 6th day of April, 1845, he was ordained senior -president of the twenty-first quorum of Seventy. He sustained the -Twelve and followed their teachings and remained with the Church until -February, 1846, (the month of the exodus) when he also left the Church -and shortly afterwards joined with James J. Strang. Mr. Gurley was -endowed in the Nauvoo Temple with his wife January 6, 1846, and of that -event the record of Seventies states under date of January 10, 1846:</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p> President Zenas H. Gurley arose and said that the Presidents of the - quorum (21st) had received their endowment. He observed that it was - remarkable for the unusual outpouring of the Holy Spirit.—Page 29.</p> - -</blockquote> - -<p>Again speaking of the authorities of the Church he said:</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p> He remembered forcibly the sayings of the First Presidents of - Seventy, that we should so live that no charge can be brought - against us. A few years ago the men in high standing in this Church - were as little as we are. They obtained their exaltation by patient - submission to right, and minding their own business.—Page 29.</p> - -</blockquote> - -<p>On January 25th, 1846, he said:</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p> The Saints who have passed through the trials of the Church were - generally rooted and grounded in love and have a witness in their - own hearts or they would not have remained.—Page 33.</p> - -</blockquote> - -<p>Within a very few days of this time Zenas H. Gurley deserted the Church -because he was unable to face the trials and hardships the Saints were -forced to undergo. The "Mormon" people were journeying in a strange -land, the prospects before them were dark and some of the members -became faint-hearted and were unable to endure to the end. Of this -number Jason W. Briggs and Zenas H. Gurley were two who turned back and -sought refuge in the apostate organization of James J. Strang. Indeed -it required a strong heart and a firm-rooted faith for men and women -to give up all earthly comforts and undertake a journey of that kind. -Death stared the Saints in the face, they were poorly clothed, without -shelter, save their ragged tents that would not shed the rain, and -almost destitute of food; yet with the exception of the few who sought -the "flesh-pots of Egypt," they patiently and determinedly pursued -their way until crowned with the victory. The opinion of the world -at that time was that the exodus meant the end of "Mormonism," and -that the Latter-day Saints had gone to their destruction; for without -the necessary means to support life, and isolated as they were from -the rest of civilization, they must surely perish in the barren and -distant West. Such, too, would doubtless have been the case had not the -protecting hand of Jehovah guided them. Is it any wonder under such -trying conditions that the hearts of those weak in the faith should -fail them?</p> - -<p>In 1849 Mr. Gurley filled a mission for Mr. Strang and made a number of -converts to that faith. In 1850 he organized the "Yellowstone branch," -for the Strangite church. In 1852 he rejected the claim of Mr. Strang -and joined with Mr. Jason W. Briggs, and these two men united their -respective Strangite branches, those of Yellowstone and Beloit, and -organized themselves into a new religious movement known today as the -"Reorganized" church. In 1853, the leaders of this movement called a -number of men to the ministry, "ordained" seven "apostles" and began -a proselyting movement. For several years they tried to get "young -Joseph," the son of the Prophet Joseph Smith, who had never affiliated -with the Saints since the exodus from Nauvoo, to join them and become -their president. In this they failed, but were diligent and finally, -through their continued efforts and the persuasion of his mother, he -accepted that position in 1860, was "ordained" president of their -church by William Marks, Zenas H. Gurley, and William W. Blair, and has -continued in that position ever since.</p> - -<p>Mr. Gurley remained with this movement till his death, but his family, -together with Jason W. Briggs, voluntarily withdrew in 1886.</p> - -<p>In 1852, when Jason W. Briggs and Zenas H. Gurley combined their -Strangite forces the membership was about one hundred souls, most of -whom were converts made for Mr. Strang. In 1860, when "young Joseph" -assumed the leadership, the membership was three hundred souls, most -of whom were converts that had never belonged to the Church of Jesus -Christ of Latter-day Saints.</p> - -<p>Of the members of the Church who were in fellowship in 1844-46, the -"Reorganization" has received no more, and likely less than one -thousand converts, which fact shows that the apostasy was not so -great in 1844-46, as has been pictured. These statements are based on -the testimony of original members of the "Reorganization," as they -testified before the U. S. Court of Appeals for the Western District of -Missouri, in 1894, in the Temple Lot suit, which was for the possession -of property in the hands of the "Church of Christ" or "Hedrickites."</p> - -<p>Before that court Mr. William W. Blair, who for many years was a member -of the presidency of the "Reorganization" and who was one of its oldest -members, testified that "one thousand was probably too high an estimate -for the members of the original church, that had joined the Reorganized -church." He could "approximately say" that one thousand had joined the -"Reorganized church, and possibly that estimate was too large." Record -pp. 180, 181.</p> - -<p>William Marks, whose testimony is referred to by Mr. Evans, was also -one of those who joined the "Reorganization" in an early day. At the -time of the martyrdom he was president of the Nauvoo Stake, but was -disfellowshipped for transgression at the October conference, 1844, -and finally excommunicated. Afterwards he joined the organization -under James J. Strang. In that organization he became a "bishop," -was a member of the "high council," and later a member of the "first -presidency." After the death of James J. Strang, he joined the -organization of Charles B. Thompson, another apostate. This is the same -William Marks who "ordained" Joseph Smith, of Lamoni, president of -the "Reorganization." In that ordination he was assisted by Zenas H. -Gurley and William W. Blair. Mr. Blair never belonged to the Church. It -is almost needless to add that these men held no divine authority and -could not bestow the Priesthood and officiate in the ordinances of the -Gospel, and, therefore, the pretentions of the "Reorganized" church are -fraudulent. Judged by its history, doctrines and the unstable character -of its founders it is proved to be a counterfeit and nothing more.</p> - -<p>Considering the conditions under which the "Reorganization" came -into existence, and the fact that in the beginning the original one -hundred members came from the Strangite church, and that during the -existence of that organization from its foundation to 1894, not more -than one thousand members of the "original church" (i.e. the Church -of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as it stood in 1844) had joined -it, we are not to be blamed if we declare that that church is not the -successor, a faction or a portion of the "original church" founded by -Joseph Smith the Prophet through the command of God, April 6, 1830. -And after following the history of its founders and pointing out their -instability and the manner in which they followed after false leaders, -receiving "ordinations" and honors under their hands, we can most -emphatically declare that they were not the faithful who did "not bow -the knee to Baal," and who kept the "everlasting covenant."</p> - - -<h4>Footnotes</h4> - -<p><a name="8.1"></a><a href="#8.1text">1.</a> <i>Saints' Herald</i>, Vol. one.</p> - -<p><a name="8.2"></a><a href="#8.2text">2.</a> See article in <i>Era</i>, Vol. 7, No. 11, entitled, "The Church -Rejected—When?"</p> - -<p><a name="8.3"></a><a href="#8.3text">3.</a> The "Reorganized" Church History states that Z. H. Gurley was -ordained a Seventy in Far West in 1838. This is an error, they have -no original record of such an ordination. The original records of -the Seventies in the Historian's Office, Salt Lake City, give his -ordination as stated here.</p> - - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Blood Atonement and the Origin of -Plural Marriage, by Joseph Fielding Smith, Jr. - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BLOOD ATONEMENT, ORIGIN PLURAL MARRIAGE *** - -***** This file should be named 50535-h.htm or 50535-h.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/5/0/5/3/50535/ - -Produced by Tyler Garrett, Mormon Texts Project Intern -(http://mormontextsproject.org) - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: Blood Atonement and the Origin of Plural Marriage - A Discussion - -Author: Joseph Fielding Smith, Jr. - -Release Date: November 22, 2015 [EBook #50535] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ASCII - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BLOOD ATONEMENT, ORIGIN PLURAL MARRIAGE *** - - - - -Produced by Tyler Garrett, Mormon Texts Project Intern -(http://mormontextsproject.org) - - - - - - -Blood Atonement and the Origin of Plural Marriage - -A DISCUSSION - -Correspondence between ELDER JOSEPH F. SMITH, JR. of the Church of -Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - -AND - -MR. RICHARD G. EVANS, Second Counselor in the Presidency of the -"Reorganized" Church - -* * * * * - - -"To correct misrepresentation, we adopt self representation." - ---John Taylor. - - -Correspondence between ELDER JOSEPH F. SMITH, (JR.,) of the Church of -Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and MR. RICHARD C. EVANS, second -counselor (1905) in the Presidency of the "Reorganized" Church. A -conclusive refutation of the false charges persistently made by -ministers of the "Reorganized" Church against the Latter-day Saints and -their belief. Also a supplement containing a number of affidavits and -other matters bearing on the subjects. - -SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - -PRINTED IN U.S.A. - - - -INTRODUCTION - -The correspondence in this pamphlet was brought about through the -wilful misrepresentation of the doctrines of the Latter-day Saints and -the unwarranted abuse of the authorities of the Church by Mr. Richard -C. Evans, in an interview which appeared in the Toronto (Canada) _Daily -Star_ of January 28, 1905. A copy of the interview was placed in the -hands of the writer, who, on February 19th following, replied to Mr. -Evans in an open letter which was published in the Toronto Star on or -about the 25th of the month.[1] This open letter was answered by Mr. -Evans in a personal letter, and on the 23rd of May, a rejoinder to his -reply was sent to Mr. Evans at his home in London, Ontario, Canada. -In all, four communications--including the interview--have passed -between us, and all of these four communications are here reproduced -_in full_. A copy of the open letter which appeared in the _Star_, -was also sent to Mr. Evans who acknowledged its receipt. Nothing more -was done in regard to this correspondence until August 17th and 24th, -when an article containing a portion of it appeared in the _Zion's -Ensign_, published by the "Reorganized" church at Independence, Jackson -County, Missouri, under the title: "Statements Authenticated," in which -it was made to appear that the full and complete communications were -reproduced. But this, however, was not the case. - -In a letter from Mr. Evans to the editor of the _Ensign_ which -accompanied the above mentioned article, he said: - -Believing that good will be accomplished by the publication of the -entire matter, I herewith mail you the referred to matter. - -From this it would naturally be supposed that the _complete_ -correspondence would be given. However I was not surprised to see that -Mr. Evans' side of the controversy was _in full_, while a large portion -of my first communication had been purposely suppressed; and that -my second letter _did not appear at all_! And thus was the "_entire -matter_" given to the readers of the _Ensign_ that "good" might be -"accomplished." (?) - -The parts that were purposely left out of my communication by Mr. -Evans, were most vital to the subject and have been indicated as they -appear in the body of this work by being placed in italics, excepting -a few minor matters which he omitted that I have not mentioned, -nevertheless matters that throw light upon the subject. - -One of these quotations was in relation to two articles in the first -volume of the _Saints' Herald_ which were important, coming, as they -did from the "enemy's" camp. Here is the omitted part: - - If you believe your statement to be true, will you kindly explain - the following passage in the _Saints' Herald_, your official organ, - volume I, page 9,--it would be well for you to read the entire - chapter, which is entitled "Polygamy." The quotation is as follows: - - "The death of the Prophet is one fact that has been realized, - although he abhorred and repented of this iniquity (meaning - "polygamy") before his death. This branch of the subject we shall - leave to some of our brethren, who are qualified to explain it - satisfactorily." - - In the same volume, page 27, what is meant by the following: "He, - (Joseph Smith) caused the revelation on the subject (polygamy) to - be burned, and when he voluntarily came to Nauvoo and resigned - himself into the arms of his enemies he said that he was going to - Carthage to die. At that time he also said that if it had not been - for that accursed spiritual wife doctrine he would not have come to - that." Kindly read the context. - - There is more evidence that can be produced, but if you will - explain this it may suffice. - -The first half of the succeeding paragraph was quoted but the second -half was omitted. I quote in full with the part suppressed in italics: - - In the light of the knowledge I have received and the evidence - at my command, I know that the Prophet Joseph Smith made no such - statement as the above, and that he did not have the revelation - burned. _There is, however, value in the above statements from your - "Herald," for they bear witness to the origin and introduction of - the principle of plural marriage and revelation concerning the - same_. - -It is easy to perceive that Mr. Evans felt "that good will be -accomplished by the publication of the 'entire matter'"; and for -that reason he omitted this evidence which the leaders of the -"Reorganization" have been trying so successfully to destroy for lo -these many years. The two articles in the _Saints' Herald_ have caused -the leaders of that sect no end of trouble, and today they are in -the same fix in regard to plural marriage that the first editor of -that paper was when he wrote, for they cannot explain the Prophet's -connection with the principle "satisfactorily," and never will be able -to until they acknowledge the truth. - -Another of Mr. Evans' ommissions that "good" might be "accomplished" -(?) is the following paragraph in reference to President Brigham Young: - - It is true that President Young was elected president at - Kanesville; but on what grounds do you charge him with holding - the office in trust for the "dead president's son?" Do you not - know that such a statement --contrary to the written word--was - antagonistic to the teachings of President Young, as recorded in - the _Times and Seasons_, as well as since that time? - - Will you please explain on what grounds you charge President Young - with being "under suspicion at the time of Joseph Smith's death?" - Am I to infer by this that you mean to convey the idea that Brigham - Young was in any way responsible for the death of Joseph Smith? The - Prophet never had a truer friend. You know that at the time of the - martyrdom Brigham Young was on a mission away from home. If this is - the inference you wish to convey, it is not only contemptible but - viciously false. - -It appears from the actions of many of those who fight the Latter-day -Saints, that they fully realize their inability to successfully oppose -the doctrines of the Church with truth as a weapon of attack, and, -therefore, resort to falsehood, vilification and abuse, attempting to -blind those who are not acquainted with the facts. The doctrine of -the Church has survived all such onslaughts and continues to spread -throughout the earth, as a witness against those who have adopted such -base methods for its overthrow. It will continue to spread, bless -mankind and prepare all who accept it, and follow its teachings in -righteousness, for an inheritance in the kingdom of God. - -The Reorganite ministers are generally in the front rank among those -who oppose the Church and resort to tactics of a doubtful character. -They travel from place to place, never losing an opportunity in -private, on the rostrum or through the press, to "explain the radical -difference" between their organization and that of the Church of Jesus -Christ of Latter-day Saints, and in denouncing "the Utah Mormon and his -iniquities." On such occasions they will quote garbled and isolated -extracts from sermons and from writings by Elders of the Church, taking -particular pains to cover up the context in order to prejudice the -uninformed mind. In this way many a harmless, inoffensive passage has -been made to do great execution in some quarters and among a certain -class. Nor is this all. Nearly every crime that was committed within a -thousand miles of Utah in early days and many that were invented out of -whole cloth, are brought to bear against the "dreadful Mormons," the -Church and the Gospel, that they may be stigmatized and made to appear -vile and hateful before the world. So much of their time is spent in -this way that they can surely have but little left in which to tell the -world what they themselves believe. - -No reason except that of misrepresentation and jealousy can be assigned -for actions of this kind. These men oppose the truth in a spirit -of jealousy and to cover up their own false position, and by such -an attitude prove that they are ashamed of their own faith, being -conscious of its weakness. - -The supplement following the correspondence is composed of a number -of affidavits and other testimony bearing on the subjects under -discussion, which, it is hoped, will be of interest and perhaps of -value to the reader. - - JOSEPH F. SMITH, JR. - -Salt Lake City, Utah, September 5, 1905. - - -Footnotes - -1. As I did not receive a copy of the _Toronto Star_ I cannot -positively say that my article appeared in full, but if it did not Mr. -Evans is still without excuse for not considering the _entire matter_ -for he received personally a duplicate copy of the article sent the -_Star_ which contained those portions he has failed to include in his -"entire matter" in the _Zion's Ensign_. - - - -MR. R. C. EVANS' INTERVIEW IN THE TORONTO, CANADA, "DAILY STAR," -JAN. 28, 1905 - -LATTER-DAY SAINT VISITING TORONTO--MR. R. C. EVANS, WHO IS -PROMOTING THE GROWTH OF HIS CHURCH IN CANADA, NOT A BELIEVER IN -POLYGAMY--DENOUNCES THE UTAH MORMONS. - -The name Mormon does not please Toronto's six hundred baptized -Latter-day Saints, not to mention the fifty thousand others scattered -over the globe. - -This fact was emphasized today, when R. C. Evans, one of the three -members of the Presidency, explained the radical difference between the -two denominations. Mr. Evans, who reached Toronto a few days ago to -spend a month here, denounces the "Utah Mormon and his iniquities." - -"We do not believe in polygamy, blood atonement, and kindred evils," -he said to the _Star_ last night at 142 Peter street, where he is -visiting, "They are an abomination to the Lord. The term Mormon is -offensive to us, because it is associated in the public mind with the -practices that I have specified. The other night, while I was holding a -service here, four Utah Elders came to me. I referred to polygamy, and -they defended it. 'We endorse it,' they told me, 'but we don't practice -it.' Three women were with them, and I said to one, 'Do you believe in -polygamy?' 'I do,' she replied, 'and I know that God will punish the -United States for prohibiting it.' I understand that there are five -Utah elders in Toronto at the present time, and in addresses here I -will expose polygamy and blood atonement." - - -BORN NEAR MONTREAL - -Mr. Evans is forty-three years old, but doesn't look his age. He is -rather below medium height, strongly built, wears his black hair short, -and his round, slightly olive face is clean shaven. He is animated in -manner, and though his English is occasionally at fault, he speaks -fluently and well. He was born at St. Andrew's near Montreal, but his -ancestry is not confined to any one country, Irish, Welsh and German -blood flows in his veins and his somewhat nasal voice is typically -American. - -"I was baptized in 1876," he said, "ordained a priest in 1882, became -an elder in 1884, entered the quorum of seventy in 1886, was chosen -one of the twelve apostles in 1897; and in 1902, was selected one of -President Joseph Smith's two counselors, the other being his eldest -son, Frederick M. Smith. I was the pastor of the London, Ontario, -church from 1882 to 1886, and have given particular attention to -Canada. We occupy a rented church on the corner of Sumac and St. David -streets, a new church on Camden street, and another at Humber Bay, -practically three congregations in Toronto." - -The Latter-day Saints and the Utah Mormons, according to Mr. Evans, are -frequently confused, greatly to his regret. - - -TROUBLES OF THE SECT - -"My President Joseph Smith," he explained, "is the oldest son of Joseph -Smith, who, when a boy of fifteen, was directed to the mound wherein he -found the golden plates from which he compiled the Book of Mormon. - -"He organized his church in 1830, when 25 years old, and between -1830 and 1844 his following numbered 200,000. In 1844 he was shot -and killed for his anti-slavery sympathies,[1] and with him died his -brother Hyrum. John Taylor, a Toronto convert of 1838, was wounded, but -recovered. Joseph Smith's city of Nauvoo, Illinois, was wrecked, and in -1847, at Kanesville, Iowa, Brigham Young was elected president, though -he still professed to hold the office in trust for the dead president's -eldest son, also, Joseph, whom the father had consecrated as his -successor.[2] Brigham Young reorganized[3] the church, rebaptized every -member, including himself, and in 1848 (1847) he reached Salt Lake -City. With him went the widow and children of Hyrum Smith, whose son -Joseph F., is now president of the Utah church. The widow of the first -president had refused to follow Young, and her boy Joseph was brought -up in his father's footsteps, hating polygamy and other impurities. -'Young Joseph,' as he was called, connected himself with the Saints, -who had rejected Brigham Young, and was elected their president. He -was then 28 years old. In 1872 he was called to Washington, a report -having reached the Government that Mormonism had again sprung up in -Illinois. He disproved the charge of polygamy and blood atonement, -and demonstrated that Latter-day Saintism was in keeping with the law -and supported by the Bible. Incorporation was granted, and we have -prospered. - - -UPHELD DEATH - -"Brigham Young, who had been under suspicion at Joseph Smith's death, -introduced polygamy and blood atonement at Salt Lake City. Blood -atonement meant death to anyone who left his church. Brigham Young's -argument was that the apostate whose throat was cut from ear to ear, -the favorite way, saved his soul, but his object was to keep his people -under his iron heel. Young was a shrewd, bad man. - -"I spent a day and a half with Joseph F. Smith at Salt Lake City three -years ago, and he gave me a group photo of himself, his surviving five -wives, and thirty-six children. His first wife was dead. She died -broken-hearted and insane. Personally, Joseph F. Smith is a genial, -kindly man, but he and I differed on Polygamy. I told him it was vile -and wicked, always had been, and always would be. In appearance he -resembles his cousin, my own president." - -Mr. Evans is married, and has two children. The three faces look at -you from his watch case. He has recently returned from the northwest. -His faith has several thriving churches there, he says, while the Utah -Mormons are settled in one part of Alberta. - - -Footnotes - -1. Mr. Evans' declaration that the Prophet was killed for his anti- -slavery sympathies is rather surprising, when we consider that he was -in one of the anti-slave states, and the mob at Carthage was largely -composed of men with very strong "anti-slavery sympathies." The fact -is he and his brother Hyrum were martyred for their religion of which -Celestial Marriage, (including Plural Marriage) formed a part. One of -the charges made against them was that of teaching "polygamy." - -2. In proof that the Prophet did not ordain or consecrate his son as -his successor, the reader is referred to the affidavits of John W. -Rigdon and Bathsheba W. Smith. - -3. As the Church was never disorganized, it could not be reorganized. -Mr. Evans has made a mistake. It was the Quorum of the First -Presidency that was disorganized at the Prophet's death and which was -_reorganized_ when Brigham Young was elected President, and not the -Church. - - - -REPLY TO R. C. EVANS - -The following letter was published in the Toronto _Daily Star_ in -answer to the false charges which appeared in Mr. Evans' interview. - -Salt Lake City, Feb. 19, 1905. - -_Mr. R. C. Evans_, - -_Counselor in Presidency of Reorganized Church_. - -Sir:--I have before me a copy of the Toronto _Daily Star_, bearing date -of January 28, last, in which there is a column on the front page, -purporting to be an interview, by a representative of that paper with -you, in which I desire to call your attention. - -In doing so I desire to be fair and dispassionate, and also candid, and -I would like it if you would receive and reply to this communication in -the same spirit and manner to me personally. - -You are reported as not being "pleased," nor Toronto's six hundred -baptized members, with the name "Mormon." "This fact," says the _Star_, -"was emphasized today when R. C. Evans, one of the three members -of the Presidency explained the radical difference between the two -denominations. Mr. Evans * * * denounced the Utah Mormon and his -iniquities." Then you are made to say: "The term Mormon is offensive -to us, because it is associated in the public mind with the practices -that I have specified." That is, the alleged practices of the Utah -"Mormons," namely, "polygamy and blood atonement." - -Did you know that "the term Mormon" has always been applied to the -Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints? That the name attached -to the Church with the publication and promulgation of the Book of -Mormon? That it was first applied by the enemies of the Church as an -opprobrium; but that during the lifetime of Joseph Smith the Martyr, -and ever since it has been a term accepted by the Church because of -popular custom, as an appellation? - -If, then, the name is so distasteful to you and your fellows in -Canada and throughout the world, although it be on the grounds you -have named, why do you not discard the Book of Mormon, from whence -the name is derived, as well as the name. Is not the term _Book of -Mormon_ as closely associated in the public mind with "polygamy and -blood atonement," as is the _name_ of the Book? How are you going to -disassociate the book itself from the name as commonly applied to -the Church, since this name has been attached to the Church from the -beginning, and before the alleged "practices" of the "Utah Mormon" -gained such publicity? _Really, I think it would be quite proper for -those holding the view which you are said to have expressed, not only -to renounce the name "Mormon" as applied to the Church but also the -Book itself_.[1] - -You do not believe in blood atonement. Is not this the more reason why -you should discard the Book of Mormon? Are you not at issue with the -teachings not only of that book, but also with those of the Bible on -this matter? If so, why not discard the Bible, and while you are about -it, the Book of Doctrine and Covenants also? Both of these, as well as -the Book of Mormon, teach the doctrine of "blood atonement," and they -are all "associated in the public mind" with the alleged "practices" of -the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. - -Let us consider this subject of "blood atonement." - -Book of Mormon: - - Mosiah 3:11.--His blood atoneth for the sins of those who have - fallen by the transgression of Adam. Verse 15.--And understood not - that the law of Moses availeth nothing except it were through the - atonement of his blood. Verse 16.--Even so the blood of Christ - atoneth for their sins. - - Alma 21:9.--Now Aaron began to open the Scriptures unto them - concerning the coming of Christ, and also concerning the - resurrection of the dead, and that there could be no redemption for - mankind, save it was through the death and suffering of Christ, and - the atonement of his blood. - - I Nephi 12:10.--Their garments are made white in his blood. - - II Nephi 9:7.--And if so, (not an infinite atonement) this flesh - must have laid down to rot and to crumble to its mother earth, to - rise no more. - -From the Bible: - - Mark 14:22-25.--And as they did eat, Jesus took bread and blessed - and brake it, and gave to them, and said: Take, eat; this is my - body. - - And he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to - them: and they all drank of it. - - And he said unto them, This is my blood of the new testament which - is shed for many. - - Verily I say unto you, I will drink no more of the fruit of the - vine, until that day that I drink it new in the Kingdom of God. - -From the Doctrine and Covenants: - - Section 45:4.--(Utah edition) Saying, Father, behold the sufferings - and death of him who did no sin, in whom thou wast well pleased; - behold the blood of thy Son which was shed--the blood of him whom - thou gavest that thyself might be glorified. - - Section 74:7.--But little children are holy, being sanctified - through the atonement of Jesus Christ, and this is what the - scriptures mean. - - Section 76:39-41.--For all the rest shall be brought forth by the - resurrection of the dead, through the triumph and the glory of the - Lamb, who was slain, who was in the bosom of the Father before the - worlds were made. And this is the gospel, the glad tidings which - the voice out of the heavens bore record unto us. That he came into - the world, even Jesus, to be crucified for the world, and to bear - the sins of the world, and to sanctify the world, and to cleanse it - from all unrighteousness. - - Section 29:1.--Listen to the voice of Jesus Christ, your Redeemer, - the Great I AM, whose arm of mercy hath atoned for your sins. Verse - 17.--And it shall come to pass, because of the wickedness of the - world, that I will take vengeance upon the wicked, for they will - not repent; for the cup of mine indignation is full; for behold, my - blood shall not cleanse them if they hear me not. - - -STATEMENT OF AN ENEMY - -But the report says: "This doctrine was introduced by Brigham Young" -and that it meant "death to anyone who left the Church * * * that -the apostate whose throat was cut from ear to ear * * * saved his -soul." Why you made this statement you best know; but were you not -aware that it was but the repetition of the ravings of enemies of the -Church, without one grain of truth? Did you not know that not a single -individual was ever "blood atoned," as you are pleased to call it, for -apostasy or any other cause? Were you not aware, in repeating this -false charge, that it was made by the most bitter enemies of the Church -before the death of the Prophet Joseph Smith? Do you know of anyone -whose blood was ever shed by the command of the Church, or members -thereof, to "save his soul?" Did you not know that you were embittering -the people against the "Mormon" Elders, and that just such malicious -charges and false insinuations have made martyrs for the Church, whose -blood does not "cease to come up into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth?" - -Never in the history of this people can the time be pointed to when -the Church ever attempted to pass judgment on, or execute an apostate -as per your statement. There are men living in Utah today who left the -Church in the earliest history of our State who feel as secure, and are -just as secure and free from molestation from their former associates -as you or any other man could be. - - -EFFICACY OF THE BLOOD OF CHRIST - -The Latter-day Saints believe in the efficacy of the blood of Christ. -They believe that through obedience to the laws and ordinances of the -Gospel they obtain a remission of sins; but this could not be if Christ -had not died for _them_. If you did believe in blood atonement, I might -ask you why the blood of Christ was shed? and _in whose stead was it -shed_? I might ask you to explain the words of Paul: "Without shedding -of blood is no remission." - - -UNPARDONABLE SINS - -Are you aware that there are certain sins that man may commit for which -the atoning blood of Christ does not avail? Do you not know, too, that -this doctrine is taught in the Book of Mormon? And is not this further -reason why you should discard the Book as well as the name? Is it not -safe for us to rely upon the scriptures for the solution of problems of -this kind? Let me quote: - -From the Book of Mormon: - - II Nephi 9:35.--Wo unto the murderer who deliberately killeth, for - he shall die. - - Alma 1:13, 14.--And thou hast shed the blood of a righteous man, - yea, a man who has done much good among this people; and were we to - spare thee, his blood would come upon us for vengeance. - - Alma 42:19.--Now, if there were no law given--if a man murdered he - should die, would he be afraid he would die if he should murder? - -From the Bible: - - Genesis 9:12, 13.--And whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his - blood be shed; for man shall not shed the blood of man. - - For a commandment I give, that every man's brother shall preserve - the life of man, for in mine own image have I made man. (Inspired - translation.) - - Luke 11:50.--That the blood of all the prophets, which was - shed from the foundation of the world, may be required of this - generation. - - Hebrews 9:22.--And almost all things are by the law purged with - blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission. - - Hebrews 10:26-29.--For if we sin wilfully, after that we have - received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more - sacrifice for sins. - - * * * * - - He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three - witnesses; - - Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought - worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath - counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an - unholy thing. - - (I commend to you the careful reading of these two chapters:) - - I John 3:15.--No murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. - - I John 5:16.--If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not - unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that - sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he - shall pray for it. - -From the Doctrine and Covenants: - - Section 87:7.--That the cry of the saints, and of the blood of - the saints, shall cease to come up into the ears of the Lord of - Sabbath, from the earth, to be avenged of their enemies. - - Section 101:80.--And for this purpose have I established the - constitution of this land, by the hands of wise men, whom I raised - up unto this very purpose, and redeemed the land by the shedding of - blood. - - Section 42:18, 19.--And now, behold, I speak unto the church. Thou - shalt not kill; and he that kills shall not have forgiveness in - this world, nor in the world to come. - - And again, I say, thou shalt not kill; but he that killeth shall - die. - - Verse 79.--And it shall come to pass, that if any persons among you - shall kill, they shall be delivered up and dealt with according to - the laws of the land; for remember that he hath no forgiveness, and - it shall be proved according to the laws of the land. - - -THE LAW OF CAPITAL PUNISHMENT - -In pursuance of, and in harmony with this scriptural doctrine, which -has been the righteous law from the days of Adam to the present -time, the founders of Utah incorporated in the laws of the Territory -provisions for the capital punishment of those who wilfully shed the -blood of their fellow man. This law, which is now the law of the State, -granted unto the condemned murderer the privilege of choosing for -himself whether he die by hanging, or whether he be shot, and thus have -his blood shed in harmony with the law of God; and thus atone, so far -as it is in his power to atone, for the death of his victim. Almost -without exception the condemned party chooses the latter death. This -is by the authority of the law of the land, not that of the Church. -This law was placed on the statutes through the efforts of the "Mormon" -legislators, and grants to the accused the right of jury trial. It is -from this that the vile charge, which you are pleased to repeat, has -been maliciously misconstrued by the enemies of the Church, who prefer -to believe a lie. When men accuse the Church of practicing "blood -atonement" on those who deny the faith, or, for that matter, on any -living creature, they know that they bear false witness, and they shall -stand condemned before the judgment seat of God. - - -PLURAL MARRIAGE - -Since the action taken by the United States government, and also by the -Church, in regard to plural marriage, I shall not discuss its virtues -nor answer arguments in opposition to that principle as a principle of -our faith. As you, however, are reported to have said that "Brigham -Young introduced" that doctrine "in Salt Lake City," I would be pleased -if you would explain, as a matter of history, why Sidney Rigdon, before -"President Young introduced" the doctrine, declared that the principle -of plural marriage was introduced, to his knowledge, by Joseph Smith -the Prophet, and that he, Sidney Rigdon, rejected that doctrine and -"warned Joseph Smith and his family" that it would bring ruin upon -them. You will find this in the _Messenger and Advocate_, published -in June, 1846, volume 2, page 475, number 6. Will you kindly explain -why this same Sidney Rigdon practiced polygamy, which he so fervently -condemns? Will you kindly explain why Lyman Wight, James J. Strang, -Gladden Bishop, William Smith, and others, none of whom had much love -for President Young and did not follow him, also taught and practiced -polygamy _before plural marriage was "introduced by President Young_." -If you doubt this, I will gladly furnish you with the proof. Indeed, -you may find a great deal of it in the third volume of your church -history. - - -THE "SAINTS' HERALD" AS A WITNESS - -If you believe your statement to be true, will you kindly explain the -following paragraph in the _Saints Herald_, your official organ, volume -1, page 9. It would be well for you to read the entire chapter, which -is entitled "polygamy." The quotation is: - -"_The death of the prophet is one fact that has been realized, although -he abhorred and repented of this iniquity (meaning 'polygamy,') before -his death. This branch of the subject we shall leave to some of our -brethren, who are qualified to explain it satisfactorily_." - -In the same volume, page 27, what is meant by the following? - -"_He (Joseph Smith) caused the revelation on the subject ('polygamy') -to be burned, and when he voluntarily came to Nauvoo and resigned -himself into the arms of his enemies he said that he was going to -Carthage to die. At that time he also said that if it had not been for -that accursed spiritual wife doctrine, he would not have come to that." -Kindly read the context_. - -_There is more evidence that can be produced, but if you will explain -this it may suffice_. - -In the light of the knowledge I have received and the evidence at my -command, I know that the Prophet Joseph Smith made no such statement -as the above, and that he did not have the revelation burned. _There -is, however, value in the above statements from your "Herald," for they -bear witness to the origin and introduction of the principle of plural -marriage, and the revelation concerning the same_.[2] - - -THE UTAH VISIT - -In connection with this, let me call your attention to your visit to -Salt Lake City some three years ago. At that time you met President -Lorenzo Snow, a man whose veracity cannot justly be questioned; you -heard him bear his testimony to the effect that he was taught that -principle by the Prophet Joseph Smith, and that the Prophet declared -to Lorenzo Snow that he had married his sister, Eliza R. Snow. You -met and conversed with Lucy Walker Smith, and she told you that she -was married to the Prophet Joseph Smith on the first day of May, -1843, in Nauvoo, Elder William Clayton performing the ceremony. You -met Catherine Phillips Smith, who told you she was married in August, -1843, in Nauvoo, to the Patriarch Hyrum Smith, his brother Joseph the -Prophet officiating in that ceremony. You will remember that the first -wives of both these men were living at the time. I hardly think these -testimonies have passed from your memory in so brief a time. I am -personally acquainted with these women, and know that they are truthful -and honest--honorable women, whose testimonies should be believed. - -In the face of all this evidence, do you think it fair and consistent -for you and your fellow believers to constantly lay at the door of -President Young the responsibility for the "introduction of plural -marriage" and the "authorship" of the above mentioned revelation? - -My letter is already long, but I desire to briefly mention another item -or two. - - -PRESIDENT SMITH'S DENIAL - -In the interview you are made to say that while on your visit to Salt -Lake City, you spent a day and a half with Joseph F. Smith; that you -and he "differed on polygamy," and that you "told him it was vile and -wicked, always had been, and always would be." I took occasion to ask -my father if you and he had discussed polygamy at that time and if -you had uttered that above expression or any other of like nature. He -replied that he had no discussion with you on that subject; that you -did not say one word to him in relation to polygamy, either favorable -or otherwise; that your visit was a social one, and friendly, and -was not occupied by the discussion of any differences which may have -existed. - -_It is true that President Young was elected president at Kanesville, -but on what grounds do you charge him with holding the office in -trust for the "dead president's son?" Do you not know that such a -statement--contrary to the written word--was antagonistic to the -teachings of President Young, as recorded in the "Times and Seasons," -as well as since that Time_? - - -PRESIDENT YOUNG THE PROPHET'S FRIEND - -_Will you please explain on what grounds you charge President Young as -being "under suspicion at the time of Joseph Smith's death?" Am I to -infer by this that you mean to convey the idea that Brigham Young was -in any way responsible for the death of Joseph Smith? The Prophet never -had a truer friend. You know that at the time of the martyrdom Brigham -Young was on a mission away from home. If this is the inference you -wish to convey, it is not only contemptible but viciously false_.[3] - -With reference to my father's first wife, you say she died "broken -hearted and insane." If you mean to insinuate that this condition, if -true, was the result of any act whatever on the part of my father, it -is also scandalously false. I have good reason to believe that she died -neither broken hearted nor insane. If it were true, I would still think -that you, as a professed minister of the Gospel, might employ your time -to better advantage than as an aspersor or a scandal-monger. - - Respectfully, - Joseph F. Smith, Jr. - - -Footnotes - -1. This sentence in italics was omitted in Mr. Evans' publication of -the _entire matter_ in the _Zion's Ensign_, August 17th, 1905. - -2. The quotations from the _Saints' Herald_ which are in Italics were -purposely omitted from Mr. Evans' "publication of the entire matter," -as it appeared in the _Zion's Ensign_ of August 7, 1905. The reason for -the suppression of this evidence is easy to discern. The authorities of -the "Reorganization" have tried to destroy the evidence, that it could -not be circulated among their church members, therefore very few copies -of this particular _Herald_ can today be found. - -3. These paragraphs in italics were also omitted from Mr. Evans' -"publication of the entire matter," as it appeared in the _Zion's -Ensign_ August 17, 1905. - - - -MR. EVANS' LETTER - -_Mr. Joseph F. Smith, Jr.:_ - -Sir:--Your open letter published in the Toronto _Star_ for February 25, -is before me. You say: "I desire to be fair, dispassionate and also -candid." Those who read your letter will see plainly that you have -mispresented the interview, my faith and the facts concerning my visit -to Salt Lake, and that you are guilty of a labored effort to cover up -the _true facts_ regarding "blood atonement," "polygamy," etc., and my -faith in the Book of Mormon. So much for those desires. - -My position with regard to the Book of Mormon, and the name "Mormon," -is too well known for you to blind the people concerning it. The -interview shows plainly in what sense "the term 'Mormon' is offensive -to us." Read it again, sir: "Because it is associated in the public -mind with the practices that I have specified." The abominations of -_Brighamism_; namely, polygamy, blood atonement, Adam-God,[1] and other -evils that have disgraced the name throughout civilization. - -The true Church never has adopted the name "Mormon" as being the -proper name of the church. The Latter-day Saints were sometimes called -"Mormons" in derision, as you admit, because they believed in the -divine authenticity of the Book of Mormon, and some church members may -have been willing to be called "Mormon"; yet you "candidly (?) fairly, -dispassionately" ask me, "Why do you not discard the Book of Mormon -from whence the name is derived?" Now, sir, I profess to believe in the -divine authenticity of the Holy Bible; as well call me a Bible, because -I believe in the Bible,[2] as call me a Mormon because I believe in the -Book of Mormon. - -The church that I have the honor to represent is incorporated under the -laws of the United States as "The Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of -Latter Day Saints." - - -BLOOD ATONEMENT - -There is not an honest thinking person on earth who is acquainted with -the faith of the church regarding the atonement of Jesus Christ but -that will say your attempt to misrepresent my faith in this regard is -diametrically opposite to your stated desire to be "fair, dispassionate -and candid." You know that a prominent article in the Epitome of -the Faith and Doctrine of the _true church_ reads as follows: "We -believe that through the atonement of Christ, all men may be saved by -obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel." You know that the -true church believes in the atoning blood of Christ as stated in the -scriptures you cite in your letter, and yet you try to make out that -because we do not believe in the doctrine of blood atonement as taught -by Brigham Young and his successors in "Utah Mormonism," that we do not -believe in the atonement of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. - -The doctrine of the atonement of Christ is far above the doctrine of -blood atonement as taught by Brighamism. To prove this, I submit the -statements as made by Brigham Young and other leading members of the -Utah Church, as found in their sermons, printed by your church: - -Brigham Young said, October 9, 1852: "What shall be done with the sheep -that stink the flock so? We will take them, I was going to say, and -cut off their tails two inches behind their ears; however I will use a -milder term, and say cut off their ears."--Journal of Discourses, vol. -1:213. - -Brigham said again, March 27, 1853: "I say, rather than that apostates -should flourish here, I will unsheath my bowie knife, and conquer or -die. (Great commotion in the congregation and a simultaneous burst -of feeling, assenting to the declaration.) Now, you nasty apostates, -clear out, or judgment will be put to the line and righteousness to -the plummet. (Voices generally, 'Go it, go it.') If you say it is all -right, raise your hands (all hands up). Let us call upon the Lord to -assist us in this and every good work."--Journal of Discourses, vol. -1:83. - -Echoing what Brigham said, P. P. Pratt said, on March 27, 1853, "My -feelings are with those who have spoken, decidedly and firmly so. * * -* I need not repeat their doom, it has been told here today, they have -been faithfully warned. * * * It is too late in the day for _us_ to -stop and inquire whether such an outcast has the truth."--Journal of -Discourses, vol. 1, pp. 84, 86. - -Elder Orson Hyde said April 9, 1853: "Suppose the shepherd should -discover a wolf approaching the flock, what would he be likely to do? -Why, we would suppose, if the wolf was within proper distance, that he -would kill him at once * * * kill him on the spot. * * * It would have -a tendency to place a terror on those who leave these parts, that may -prove their salvation when they see the heads of thieves taken off, or -shot down before the public."--Journal of Discourses, vol. 1:72, 73. - -President Brigham Young preached, February 8, 1857, as follows "All -mankind love themselves; and let these principles be known by an -individual and he would be glad to have his blood shed. That would be -loving themselves even to an eternal exaltation. Will you love your -brothers and sisters likewise when they have committed a sin that -cannot be atoned for without the shedding of blood? That is what Jesus -Christ meant. He never told a man or woman to love their enemies in -their wickedness. He never intended any such thing. - -"I could refer you to plenty of instances where men have been -righteously slain in order to atone for their sins. I have seen scores -and hundreds of people for whom there would have been a chance in the -last resurrection if their lives had been taken and their blood spilled -upon the ground, as a smoking incense to the Almighty, but who are now -angels to the devil, until our elder brother, Jesus Christ, raises them -up, conquers death, hell and the grave.[3] I have known a great many -men who have left this church, for whom there is no chance whatever for -exaltation; but if their blood had been spilt it would have been better -for them. The wickedness and ignorance of the nations forbid this -principle being in full force, but the time will come when the law of -God will be in full force. - -"This is loving our neighbor as ourselves; if he needs help, help -him; and if he wants salvation and it is necessary to spill his blood -upon the ground in order that he may be saved, spill it."--Journal of -Discourses, vol. 4, p. 220, or Deseret News, vol. 6, p. 397. - -President J. M. Grant said, September 21, 1856: "I say there are men -and women here that I would advise to go to the president immediately, -and ask him to appoint a committee to attend to their case, and -then let a place be selected, and let that committee shed their -blood."--_Deseret News_, vol. 6, p. 235. - -President Heber C. Kimball said; July 19, 1854: "It is believed in the -world that our females are all common women. Well, in one sense they -are common--that is, they are like all other women, I suppose, but they -are not unclean, for we wipe all unclean ones out of our midst; we not -only wipe them from our streets, but we wipe them out of existence. And -if the world wants to practice uncleanness, and bring their prostitutes -here, if they do not repent and forsake their sins, we will wipe the -evil out. We will not have them in this valley unless they repent, for -so help me God, while I live I will lend my hand to wipe such persons -out, and I know this people will."--_Deseret News_, August 16, 1854, -and _Millennial Star_, vol. 16, pages 738-9. - -The above statements speak for themselves, and these were what I read -to the reporter. You ask, "Do you _know_ of anyone whose blood was -ever shed by the command of the church or members thereof to save his -soul?" To _know_ by hearing such a command given, or seeing a murder -committed, is one thing, to believe the evidence of many who have -testified is another. No sir, I was never present when such a command -was given, nor when murder was committed; but I have read that which -leads me to believe that under Brighamism, Utah was for years a land -of assassination and a field of blood. What of the Mountain Meadow -massacre--the destruction of the Aiken party; the dying confession of -Bishop J. D. Lee; the Hickman butcheries; the Danties? Alfred Henry -Lewis, writing in _Collier's Weekly_ for March 26, 1904, states: -"Brigham Young invented his destroying angels, placed himself at their -head, and when a man rebelled, _he had him murdered_, if one fled the -fold he was pursued and slain." - -The world has recently read the testimony of persons under oath, in -Washington, who testified concerning the endowment oaths, so I will -forbear any further remarks on this subject. - - -POLYGAMY - -Speaking of "plural marriage," you say, "I shall not discuss its -_virtues_." Surely that is kind. Let civilization give ear, Mr. Smith -calls that a virtue which wrecks the happiness of every woman who is -enslaved by it, that doctrine which permits Brighamites to live in what -they call marriage with three sisters at one time, with mother and -daughter at the same time. Your father, Joseph F. Smith, married and is -now living with _two sisters as wives_. I refer to Julina Lambson and -Edna Lambson, both bearing children to him; yet you call that system a -_virtue_. - -I have no evidence that those men you refer to, as having practiced -polygamy _before Young was guilty, as stated by you_. But the following -evidence shows clearly that Brigham Young was under suspicion before -Joseph's death, and that he has since admitted that he had a revelation -on polygamy before the church knew anything of the doctrine: - -In a speech of Brigham Young on June 21, 1874, (see _Deseret News_ of -July 1, 1874), we read the following statement relative to the origin -of this doctrine of polygamy: - - While we were in England (in 1839 and 1840, I think) the Lord - manifested to me by vision and His Spirit, things that I did not - then understand. I never opened my mouth to anyone concerning them, - until I returned to Nauvoo; _Joseph had never mentioned this; there - had never been a thought of it in the church_ that I ever knew - anything about at that time;--but I had this for myself and kept it - for myself.--The Messenger, volume 1, page 29. - -Well, no one need blame Joseph any more, Brigham is the self-confessed -channel through which polygamy was given to his people. - -I here submit the testimony of Brigham Young's legal wife, who left him -after he was untrue to her. Testimony of Major Thomas Wanless, given to -R. C. Evans, his nephew, in the presence of Mrs. Wanless, Mrs. Evans -and her daughter, in St. Louis, Missouri, September 7, 1904: - - I met Brigham Young's first and legal wife and her daughter in the - winter of 1860 and 1861, at Central City, Colorado; she told me - that Joseph Smith had nothing to do with polygamy; that he did not - teach, practice, or in any way endorse the doctrine of polygamy, - that he had nothing to do with the so-called revelation on - celestial marriage; that he had but one wife. My husband, Brigham - Young, Orson Pratt (she gave the name of another man whose name I - have forgotten) made up the revelation on celestial marriage. - - Before they left Illinois some of them practiced polygamy. Brigham - Young went to Utah to reorganize the church and publicly introduced - polygamy, or to reorganize the Church on a polygamous basis. - - She left Brigham Young, finally obtained a divorce from him, and - was then living with her daughter. Brigham sent the daughter money - according to an agreement. She told me they ought to have shot - Brigham Young in place of Joseph Smith. - -This statement of Major Wanless that she was Brigham's first wife is -a mistake. Brigham married Miriam Works, October 8, 1824; she died -September 8, 1832. In February, 1834, he married May Ann Angel; she -was his _legal wife_, and perhaps is the one referred to by the Major. -It is quite pardonable in Major Wanless in getting Brigham's wives -mixed up. We opine poor Brigham was at his wit's end to keep the family -record correct himself. - -Chambers' encyclopedia, volume 8, students' edition, confirms Mrs. -Young's statement, in part. It says, speaking of the practice of -polygamy: "Young, Pratt and Hyde are its true originators. Emma, wife -and widow of the prophet, stoutly denied that her husband had any wife -but herself. Young's revelation she declared to be a fraud." - -From a host of other witnesses who testify that Brigham Young was the -man that introduced polygamy in the Church, I submit the statement of -another broken-hearted woman from the ranks of Brigham's Church. Fanny -Stenhouse says: "Polygamy was unheard of among the (English) Saints in -1849." (pages 45, 47, 48) "Tell It All," by Fanny Stenhouse. "In June -1850, I heard the first whisper of polygamy. In January, 1853, I first -saw the revelation on Polygamy; it was published in the _Millennial -Star_," (page 132). - -"Out of thirty thousand Saints in England in 1853, 1776 had been -excommunicated for apostasy through polygamy, the president of the -conference was cut off," (page 160). When speaking regarding polygamy -she says: "They know that the only source of all their revelations is -the man BRIGHAM YOUNG," (page 190). - -"Brigham has outraged decency and driven asunder the most sacred ties, -by his shameless introduction of polygamy," (page 273). - -"There have been many apostates from the teachings of Joseph Smith in -early days, but of all apostates, Bro. Brigham is the chief," (page -614). - -It is reported by Fanny Stenhouse, and many others, that Joseph Smith -said, "If ever the Church had the misfortune to be led by Bro. Brigham, -he would lead it to hell," (page 268). - -Why did Joseph Smith a short time prior to his death make the above -and similar statements regarding the man Brigham Young? The reason is -plain. He too had doubtless heard some rumors as to his conduct and -secret teachings, and the evidence would seem to indicate that just -before his death he made a move to bring the guilty to judgment. We -will let William Marks, who was president of the Nauvoo Stake at the -time of Joseph Smith's death testify: - -"A few days after this occurrence, I met with Bro. Joseph, he said -that he wanted to converse with me on the affairs of the Church, and -we retired by ourselves; I will give his words _verbatim_ for they are -indelibly stamped upon my mind. He said he had desired for a long time -to have a talk with me on the subject of polygamy. He said it would -eventually prove the overthrow of the Church, and we should soon be -obliged to leave the United States, unless it could be speedily put -down. He was satisfied that it was a cursed doctrine, and that there -must be every exertion to put it down. He said that he would go before -the congregation and proclaim against it, and I must go into the High -Council, and he would prefer charges against those in transgression, -and I must sever them from the Church unless they made ample -satisfaction. There was much more said, but this was the substance. The -mob commenced to gather about Carthage in a few days after, therefore -there was nothing done concerning it." (_Saints' Herald_, vol. 1, pp. -22, 23.) - -President Marks, after Joseph Smith's death, made mention of the above -conversation; it was soon rumored that he was about to apostatize, and -that his statement was a tissue of lies." (See _Saints' Herald_, vol. -1, pp. 22, 23.) - -Speaking of the revelation on polygamy, Marks said, "I never heard of -it during Joseph's life. It was evidently gotten up by Brigham Young -and some of the Twelve, after Joseph's death." (Briggs' Autobiography; -_Herald_ 1901.) - -Now I propose to produce evidence showing that Joseph Smith and the -Church during his lifetime condemned polygamy in the strongest terms. -First, I submit the testimony of thirty-one witnesses as published by -the Church on October the 1st, 1842. We deem this sufficient to show -you where Joseph and Hyrum Smith stood on this question of polygamy. - -"We, the undersigned members of the Church of Jesus Christ of -Latter-day Saints, and residents of the city of Nauvoo, persons of -families, do hereby certify and declare, that we know of no other -rule or system of marriage than the one published from the Book of -Covenants, and we give this certificate to show that Dr. John C. -Bennett's secret wife system is a creature of his own make, as we know -of no such society in this place, nor never did." - -This is signed by a number of the leading men of the Church, some of -the Twelve Apostles, some of the First Presidency of the Utah Church, -and a number of the leading men of the Church. A similar document is -signed by Emma Smith the wife of Joseph Smith, and a number of the -leading women of the Church, thirty-one witnesses in all. - -Now I submit for your consideration a statement made by Joseph Smith -and his Brother Hyrum just a few months prior to their assassination. -They learned that a man up here in the state of Michigan was teaching -polygamy, and this is what they said about it: "As we have lately -been credibly informed that a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of -Latter-day Saints, a man by the name of Hyrum Brown, has been teaching -polygamy and other false and corrupt doctrines, in the county of -Lapeer, state of Michigan, this is to notify him and the Church in -general that he has been cut off from the Church for his iniquity." -Signed, Joseph Smith, Hyrum Smith, Presidents of the Church. - -This was given in February, 1844. Joseph was killed four months after -that. Here he declares that polygamy is a crime, and the man was -excommunicated from the Church for preaching it. Now I want to give -you the testimony of George Q. Cannon, whom I met in Salt Lake City, -as one of the presidency of the Salt Lake Mormon Church: "A prevalent -idea has been that this prejudice against us owes its origin and -continuation to our belief in a plurality of wives. * * * Joseph and -Hyrum Smith were slain in the Carthage Jail, and hundreds of persons -were persecuted to death previous to the Church having any knowledge of -this doctrine."--_Journal of Discourses_, vol. 14, pages 165, 166.[4] - -This being true, Joseph Smith was not guilty of the practice of -polygamy; he was killed before the people knew anything about polygamy. -This is the statement of George Q. Cannon. Let me strengthen this now -by the son-in-law of Brigham Young, H. B. Clawson: - -"Polygamy at that time (that is at the time of Joseph Smith's death) -was not known among those of the Mormon faith. * * * The doctrine of -polygamy was not promulgated until they got to Salt Lake; not, in -fact, until some little time after they had arrived there." Salt Lake -_Herald_, February 9, 1882.[5] - -Joseph Smith was killed in 1844. They arrived in Salt Lake the 24th of -July, 1847, and he says not until some little time after that was it -introduced. The little time was the 29th of August, 1852, eight years -and two months after the assassination of Joseph Smith. - -We have Brigham Young himself on this. He being interviewed by -Senator Trumbull in 1869, said: "It (polygamy) was adopted by us as a -_necessity_ after we came here." Ah, there never was a greater truth -told in all the world than that. Polygamy was not an original tenet -of the Church, and Brigham Young says it was adopted as a _necessity_ -after "we came here." The real facts are, Brigham Young, as I will show -from their own evidence, and a few other Elders were living vile lives -secretly, and to cover up the consequences of their bad conduct, as he -truthfully says in this "as a necessity"; yea, as a necessity polygamy -was introduced. But who will dare to blame Joseph Smith for their -introducing polygamy eight years after his death? - -I have been careful to take these clippings right from their own -papers, so that they cannot say that we have changed the words or -anything of that kind. Here is another statement; this is found from -Elder Ephraim Jenson: - -"Polygamy was not practiced by the Mormons prior to and at the time of -the execution of Joseph Smith, who was executed at Nauvoo, Illinois. -* * * Fourth, that only three per cent of the Mormon men practiced -polygamy, a proof itself that it was not essential to the creed."--_The -Yeoman's Shield._ - -Here is another one: - - "Go back to the foundation of our Church, April 6, 1830, there was no - polygamy practiced or taught in Mormon literature until five years - after that band of persecuted Saints reached Utah." _New York Herald_, - January 8, 1900.[6] - -This is by Elder Whitaker, who knew who _did_ introduce this polygamy. -Now I might introduce dozens and dozens of witnesses to prove that -Joseph Smith had nothing to do with it. Well, who did it? Here is -what the Apostle's wife says of it: "How then, asked the reader, did -polygamy originate? It was born in the vile and lustful brain of -Brigham Young, and was grafted on the faith to gratify his sensual -bestiality."[7] (Mysteries of Mormonism, pp. 16, 17.) - -One of the Mormon wives said that, and she ought to know whereof she -affirms. - -We have learned from the above statements that polygamy was not taught -or practiced by Joseph Smith, but was introduced into an apostate -branch of the church, after his death, as is admitted by Brigham Young -and others of his followers. - -Having read the works of the church for over a quarter of a century. I -confidently affirm that there is not a single word, in a single sermon, -lecture, statement, newspaper or church publication printed during the -lifetime of the Prophet Joseph Smith wherever he, by word, has endorsed -the doctrine of plurality of wives; not a single statement; and there -is no Salt Lake Mormon breathing who can produce one and prove its -authenticity. - -But suppose you could prove that Joseph Smith secretly taught and -practiced polygamy, that would not make it a Christian doctrine. If -Joseph Smith secretly taught, practiced, or endorsed the doctrine of -polygamy, he did it contrary to all the revelations given for the -government of the church in the Bible, Book of Mormon, and Doctrine and -Covenants; contrary to all his sermons, speeches, and public teachings; -and he was a criminal before the law of his country, a base hypocrite -before the God whom he openly worshiped, a despicable traitor to the -woman whom he claimed to love and cherish as his wife, and was untrue -to all the sacred principles of fidelity and integrity which he evinced -in all his public utterances and conduct. - -In the face of all this, the wife and children of Joseph Smith, -together with thousands of people who knew him in life, refuse to -believe the contradictory statements of Brigham Young and others who -are wallowing in the mire of polygamy. - - -MY VISIT TO UTAH - -If your father denies that he and I discussed the doctrine of polygamy, -all I have to say about it is, that what he states is untrue. Here are -a few points that may help him to remember what was said and done: -When talking with Joseph F. Smith in Salt Lake City two years ago, -he brought up a number of witnesses and I examined them--that is, he -repeated the testimony of some who had testified. He finally said, "I -can produce a living woman who will testify that Joseph Smith was a -polygamist, and she knew it." I said, "Bring her along here and let -us examine her." Well, I met "Aunt Lucy" Walker Kimball, to whom you -refer, and we talked the matter over, and here is the one point to -which I want to draw your attention, to show how these poor dupes of -Brigham Young may be led. Coming to the testimony of Emma Smith, I -said, "You were personally acquainted with Emma Smith?" "Yes." "What -have you to say as to her integrity, as to her fidelity and honor?" The -old woman looked me fair in the face and said, "Emma Smith was one of -God's noble women--she was truth personified; and anything that Emma -Smith may say you can bank on it until the day of your death." "Well," -I said, "she testifies that her husband never had any wife but her; she -testifies that she never heard of that revelation on polygamy until you -folks had gone to Salt Lake; she testifies she never saw it, and she -testifies that it is an unmitigated falsehood manufactured by Brigham -Young; that he stated that she had the revelation and burned it. Now -what have you to say to that?" I said. She looked me fair in the face -and said, "You can afford to build on anything that Emma Smith has to -say." "Thank you," said I. - -It is true that she told me she was married to Joseph Smith May 1, -1843; but when I showed her that the so-called revelation permitting a -plurality of wives was dated July 12, 1843, and referred to her former -testimony as given in the _Historical Record_, and that given under -oath in the Temple Lot suit, she was confounded. I felt sorry for the -old lady as she sat silent and confounded. - -It is true that I saw a very old lady in your father's parlor, as -she came slowly in for prayers. Your father said, "This is Catherine -Phillips Smith. She was married to my father, Hyrum Smith, and she has -never married since. I am not sure that the old lady heard a word. It -is certain that _she did not testify to me_, but it was your father who -made the statement, and at once called us to prayer, thus preventing me -from speaking to the old lady. - -Lorenzo Snow did testify to me, as stated; but then and there, in -the presence of Joseph F. Smith and George Q. Cannon, I showed _his -testimony to be false, by his own evidence_, when given _under oath_, -and _by his sister's statement signed in 1842_. At this, Snow, Cannon -and Smith were all much annoyed. So much for your father's statement, -which says "you did not say one word to him in relation to polygamy." - - -YOUR FATHER'S FIRST WIFE - -You seem to feel sore over the statement that your father's "first wife -died broken hearted and insane"; and you add, "If you mean to insinuate -that this condition, if true, was the result of any act whatever on -the part of my father, it is also slanderously false." I insinuate -nothing; let the public judge the facts. Your father's first wife was -his cousin; she refused to consent to additional wives, and when he -persisted in marrying the Lambson sisters, she obtained a divorce in -California. Julina and Edna Lambson were sisters and were married to -Joseph F. Smith on the same day.[8] - -Number of wives married to Joseph F. Smith since 1865: 6 - -Number of children born to him in 38 years: 42 - -Number of children born since plural marriage was prohibited in 1890: 13 - -Children of Julina Lambson Smith: 2 - -Children of Sarah Richards Smith: 2 - -Children of Edna Lambson Smith: 2 - -Children of Alice Kimball Smith: 3 - -Children of Mary Schwartz Smith: 4 - -Estimated income available for supporting five establishments: $75,000 - -Corporations, banks and factories of which Joseph F. Smith is a -director: 20 - -The only Mormon Apostle who surpasses the record of President -Smith is M. W. Merrill, with 8 wives, 45 children, and 156 -grandchildren.--_Collier's_ for March 26, 1894 [1904]. - -* * * * * - -While in Utah I was informed that your father's first wife died broken -hearted and insane. God and civilization know that a woman who loved -her husband from youth up has enough to break her heart and send her -insane when her husband will marry two other women, both sisters, in -one day. - -Perhaps you will be assisted to view the matter as I do, should you -read the following in the Book of Mormon, Jacob 2:6, 7. Here it is -stated, in consequence of polygamy, "ye have broken the hearts of -your tender wives." Does this make the prophet an asperser or a -scandalmonger? - -I have answered your letter as it appeared in the Toronto _Star_ as -fully as space would permit. - - Respectfully, - R. C. Evans. - -Toronto, Ontario, March 1, 1905.[9] - - -Footnotes - -1. The teachings of the Latter-day Saints in relation to the doctrine -of the Godhead are clearly set forth in Elder B. H. Roberts' valuable -work, "Mormon Doctrine of Deity." For the belief of the "Mormon" people -regarding Adam and his place in the universe, attention is called -especially to chapters one, five and six of that work; also to Doctrine -and Covenants, sec. 78:15-18, sec. 107:53-57 and Daniel 7:9-14. In -relation to this matter I quote the following from the remarks of -President Anthon H. Lund delivered at the General Conference, October -6, 1902. - -"Some there are who follow our Elders, and after they have preached the -principles of salvation, these men get up and charge that the Elders -do not believe in God, but that they believe in Adam as their God, -and they will bring up a few passages from sermons delivered by this -or that man in the Church to substantiate this charge. Now, we are -not ashamed of the glorious doctrine of eternal progression, that man -may attain the position of those to whom came the word of God, that -is gods. When Jesus was preaching unto the Jews on one occasion they -stoned Him, and He wanted to know if they stoned Him for the good works -He had been doing. Oh, no, they say, 'for the good work we stone thee -not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest -thyself God.'" - -He quoted the 33rd to 37th verses of the 10th chapter of the Gospel of -St. John, and said: - -"We believe that there are gods as the Savior quoted. He repeated what -was written in the law, and he did not say that it was wrong, but used -it as an argument against them (The Jews.) While, however, we believe -as the scripture states, that there are more gods, to us there is but -one God. We worship the God that created the heavens and the earth. -We worship the same God that came to our first parents in the Garden -of Eden. In the revelation contained in section 116 of the Book of -Doctrine and Covenants the Lord speaks concerning Adam-ondi-Ahman, 'the -place where Adam shall come to visit his people, or the ancient of days -shall sit, as spoken of by Daniel the Prophet.' In the 107th section -the Lord speaks of Adam as Michael, the Prince, the Archangel, and -says that he shall be a prince over the nations forever. We may with -perfect propriety call him Prince, the Ancient of Days, or even God in -the meaning of the words of Christ, which I have just quoted. When our -missionaries are met with these sophistries and with isolated extracts -from sermons we say to them anything that is a tenet of our religion -must come through revelation and be sustained by the Church, and they -need not do battle for anything outside of the works, that have been -accepted by the Church as a body." - -2. If popular custom had designated the true believers of the Bible as -"Bibles" as a term of distinction from other worshippers, there is no -reason why a true believer should be offended even at that appellation -but rather honored. Mr. Evans, without doubt, is not ashamed of the -name "Christian," yet this term, like that of "Mormon" was first -applied to the followers of Christ in derision, "because it was -associated in the public mind with the practices" of the early Saints, -which practices in that day were looked on as "abominations." - -3. This is a misquotation, it should be: "I could refer you to plenty -of instances where men have been righteously slain, in order to atone -for their sins. I have seen scores and hundreds of people for whom -there would have been a chance (in the last resurrection there will be) -if their lives had been taken and their blood spilled on the ground as -a smoking incense to the Almighty, but who are now angels to the devil, -until our elder brother Jesus Christ raises them up--conquers death, -hell and the grave." - -In that same discourse President Young declares that those who were -"righteously slain" were the wicked that the "Lord had to slay" in -ancient Israel. There is not one word in that discourse to indicate -that those who were slain to "atone for their sins" were killed in -Utah; but to the contrary they were ancient inhabitants of the earth, -viz., the antediluvians who perished in the flood, the inhabitants -of Sodom and Gomorrah, of Jericho and the cities destroyed by the -Israelites; the prophets of Baal whom Elijah slew (I Kings 18:40) and -a host of others of that class and the class to whom the one belonged -of whom the Savior said: "It were better for him that a millstone -were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of -the sea." President Young's remarks agree with those of Peter when he -declared that the Jews who were guilty of assenting to the crucifixion -of Christ could not be baptized nor have their "sins blotted out" until -the "times of refreshing shall come," which was at the time of the -"restitution of all things."--Acts 3:19-21. - -4. In extreme haste here to make a point, Mr. Evans left in the -middle of a sentence and hurried on to the next page to complete the -expression he desired to convey. This is what President Cannon said: -"A prevalent idea has been that this prejudice against us owes its -origin and continuation to our belief in a plurality of wives; but when -it is recollected that the mobbings, drivings, and expulsions from -cities, counties and states which we have endured, and our exodus to -these mountains all took place before the revelation of that doctrine -was PUBLICLY known, it will be seen at once that our belief in it has -not been the cause of persecution." Now, I ask, is it not plain to -see why his quotation stopped in the middle of a sentence? The Saints -all know that President George Q. Cannon was always faithful to his -testimony that plural marriage was introduced by the Prophet Joseph -Smith. Latter-day Saints generally declare that this doctrine was not -_publicly_ known in the days of Joseph the Seer, but that it was taught -by him to his trusted friends. When this fact is known the alleged -quotations which follow, purported to be from H. B. Clawson, Ephraim -Jensen and "Elder Whitaker" lose their force. - -5. This is not in the Salt Lake Herald of February 9, 1852. - -6. The following is the Brooklyn _Citizen's_ report of that same -discourse from which Mr. Evans quotes his passage as given in the New -York _Herald_: Elder Whitaker said: "The people of the East have been -led to believe that polygamy was alone responsible for all the troubles -of the Mormons, but the fact remains, that as the fight was waged -against Jesus Christ, against his followers, and against all great men -for declaring the truth, so the same spirit is manifest now; but the -Mormons will humbly seek those willing to accept the truths inspired -of God, leaving the justice of their cause to be vindicated by honest -investigation and time. The fight is directed against the doctrine of -the Mormon Church, though polygamy has done such yeoman service in -arousing public sentiment, to attain certain ends unworthy of honest -men. The crusaders have kept the public mind from the real cause of -the attack. From the time the Church was organized in 1830-47, when -the people, after many previous drivings, persecutions, mobbings and -cruel mockings, were driven to Utah, the cry of polygamy was never made -a cause of their persecutions; indeed, that subject was not committed -in writing until 1843, never published to the world until 1852, and -was abandoned by the issuance of the 'Manifesto' of President Wilford -Woodruff, in 1890, since which time not one polygamous marriage has -been solemnized; but those having wives at that time were never asked, -and it was never expected they would abandon them, and when death -brings such relations to a close, there will be no polygamy among the -Mormons." The Brooklyn _Citizen_, Monday, January 8, 1900. - -Why Mr. Evans accepted the brief extract from the New York _Herald_ in -preference to the full account in the Brooklyn _Citizen_ will require -no comment, but it certainly does appear that Elder Whitaker _did_ know -who introduced "polygamy." - -As I do not have the Yeoman's _Shield_ and am not in communication -with Elder Ephraim Jenson, I cannot vouch for his remarks, but feel -safe in saying that if the whole report were published, his testimony -would agree with that of Elder Whitaker as published in the Brooklyn -_Citizen_. - -7. In quoting from "The Mysteries of Mormonism, by an Apostle's -Wife," Mr. Evans reveals the character of his "dozens and dozens of -witnesses." The reader will perceive that he depends largely on the -most bitter anti-"Mormons" and apostates for his "evidence," but in -quoting from "The Mysteries of Mormonism, by an Apostle's Wife," he -certainly reaches the climax of this base testimony. This work was -published in 1882, by Richard K. Fox, proprietor of the notorious -_Police Gazette_. The author of these "Mysteries," undoubtedly a -man, assumes the title of "An Apostle's Wife," in order to hide his -perfidy. The work is one of the vilest and most contemptible of all -anti-"Mormon" publications, and is most bitter in its denunciation of -the Prophet Joseph Smith. In it he is called a "lusty toper," "the -worst of a bad breed," "an ignorant, brutal loafer," "immoral, false -and fraudulent," and the author says, "_this_ is the man who founded -what he dared to call a faith, and grafted on the United States the -religion of licentiousness and bodily lust known as Mormonism." An -apology is perhaps due for even referring to this matter, but since Mr. -Evans makes this work one of the chief of his "dozens and dozens of -witnesses," I feel that he should be exposed. He professes to believe -in the divine mission of Joseph Smith, and yet calls upon us to accept -the wicked falsehoods of this disreputable witness, whom he declares -"_ought to know whereof she affirms_." Shame upon the man who draws his -inspiration from such a source! - -8. This whole statement is absolutely false, and there was not the -least shadow of reason for uttering it. President Smith's first wife -did not refuse to consent to additional wives. He did not marry two -sisters on the same day. In depending on the unreliable Alfred Henry -Lewis for his argument, Mr. Evans shows the desperate weakness of his -position. It would be a hard matter to squeeze more falsehoods in the -space occupied by the article of A. H. Lewis, from which Mr. Evans -quotes so faithfully. - -9. This letter is dated March 1, 1905, but was not written until -sometime after April 19, 1905, for on the latter date Mr. Evans wrote: -"You may look for reply to your letter as it appeared in the Toronto -_Star_, as soon as I have time to reply thereto." This reply was -received May 5, 1905. - - - -A REJOINDER TO MR. R. C. EVANS' LETTER - - Salt Lake City, May 23, 1905. - -_Mr. R. C. Evans_, - -_Counselor in Presidency of Reorganized Church_. - -Sir:--Your reply to my open letter of February 17 was received May -5. Whether I was "fair, dispassionate and also candid" in my letter, -or, as you seem to think, "guilty of a labored effort to cover up the -true facts regarding 'blood atonement, polygamy, etc.'" and "your -faith"--which was not discussed--I am perfectly willing to leave to the -judgment of "those who read" the same in the Toronto _Star_. So on this -point we may both rest satisfied. - - -BLOOD ATONEMENT - -I will now consider your "labored effort to cover up the _true facts_ -regarding blood atonement." - -In my letter I candidly placed the true belief and teachings of the -Latter-day Saints in relation to this doctrine before you. This fact -appears to be displeasing to you, as it overturns your conclusions -and accusations against our people. If you desire to know the correct -position of the Church on this doctrine, I would recommend a careful -study of John Taylor's _Meditation and Atonement_ and Charles W. -Penrose's _Blood Atonement_, which was published in answer to such -wicked misrepresentations as I claim you have made in relation to this -principle and our belief in relation thereto. There is no reason for -any person to misunderstand our position, unless he desires to do so. -I claim, too, that we are in a better position to teach that which -we believe than is the stranger who attempts to present our case, -especially if he is antagonistic or unfriendly. - -If you do not believe the doctrine of blood atonement as that doctrine -is taught by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which -church you are pleased to call "Utah Mormonism," then I say that you -_do not_ believe in the atonement of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. -To this I will refer later. - -You delight--as all anti-"Mormons" do--in referring to statements -made by President Brigham Young, Jedediah M. Grant and others during -the troublous times preceding the advent of Johnston's army into -Utah. I see, too, that like many others, you place your own _desired_ -interpretation on their remarks, place them before the public in a -garbled state, taking care to give the darkest interpretation possible -from which the public may gather false conclusions. You take great -pains to cover up the conditions prevailing which called forth such -extreme and in some instances unwise remarks. Conditions in some -respects akin to those surrounding the Saints in Missouri in 1838-39 -when other unwise remarks were made by members of the leading quorums -of the Church, but in a sense justifiable and which should be condoned -under the trying circumstances that called them forth.[1] - - -THE CHURCH JUDGED FROM ITS ACCEPTED STANDARDS - -Writing on this subject Elder B. H. Roberts, in his criticism on Harry -Leon Wilson's plagarisms in his _Lions of the Lord_, declares the -position taken by members of the Church and all fair-minded men in -these words: - - "The justice of Burke's assertion has never been questioned, and - without any wresting whatever it may be applied to "Mormon" leaders - who sometimes spoke and acted under the recollection of rank - injustice perpetrated against themselves and their people; or to - rebuke rising evils against which their souls revolted." - -Even the president of the Reorganized Church recognized this fact in -his answer to _The American Baptist_, wherein he said: - - "Whoever counseled or did evil in those times (in Missouri) are - responsible, personally, therefor; but the church, as such is no - more responsible for it than were the early Christians for Peter's - attempt to kill the high priest's servant when he cut off his - ear with his sword. The church, as such, should be judged by its - authorized doctrines and deeds, and not by the unauthorized sayings - or doings of some or many of its members or ministers. - - It is not to be wondered at that in those times when the embryo - authors and abettors of the "Border Ruffianism" that reigned in - Missouri and Kansas from 1854 to 1865 had matters all their own - way, that some of the Saints, vexed, confused and excited, should - have done many things unwisely and wrongfully, and contrary to the - law of God."--_Saints' Herald_, 37:51. - -With this I heartily agree. - -Now, when the statements were made, which you in a garbled manner both -quote and misquote, there was in Utah a class of individuals who spent -the greater part of their time in circulating wicked and malicious -reports about the Saints, threatening their lives, committing crimes -and attempting to make the Saints their scape-goats. The officers of -the law were General Government officials appointed by the President -of the United States, and I am sorry to say, some of these were among -the chief villifiers of the people. The most damnable and bloodthirsty -falsehoods were concocted and served up to the people of the United -States to stir them up to anger against the "despised Mormons." Almost -every crime that was committed within a thousand miles of Salt Lake -City was charged to the leaders of the "Mormon" people and became the -foundation of a multitude of anti-"Mormon" publications that still -flood the world. Because of these false and highly colored tales, in -1857--one year later than the time that most of the utterances were -given on which you so delight to dwell--the Government of the United -States sent an army to suppress in Utah a rebellion that never existed, -and forced the Saints to defend themselves. When the Government found -out how it had blundered it was humiliated. - -Now, in brief, these were the conditions at the time, and is it any -wonder that unwise and even harsh things were said? The wonder is -that the people bore it as patiently as they did. The officers were -non-"Mormons," the Territory was under Federal control and contained -many Gentiles, many of whom were most bitter in their feelings and -ever ready to accuse the Saints of crime. The government was strong -enough to enforce the law if broken. Now, I ask you if you believe the -horrors, as they have been pictured, could have existed under such -conditions? - -Such a state of affairs would have been a reproach and a shame to the -American government. And no such state of affairs existed. - -The conditions at the time led Jacob Forney, superintendent of Indian -affairs in Utah, to declare in 1869: - - I fear, and I regret to say it, that with certain parties here - there is a greater anxiety to connect Brigham Young and other - Church dignitaries with every criminal offense than dilgent - endeavor to punish the actual perpetrators of crime. - - Bancroft's History of Utah, p. 561. - - Whitney's History of Utah, p. 108, vol. 1. - -Mr. Forney was a Gentile official and the truth of this statement can -be relied upon. - -This being the case, Brigham Young and the "Mormon" people could not -have engaged in the crimes charged against them. - -In connection with this let me quote from Bancroft: - - It is not true that Mormons are not good citizens, lawabiding - and patriotic. Even when hunted down, and robbed and butchered - by the enemies to their faith, they have not retaliated. On this - score they are naturally very sore. When deprived of those sacred - rights given to them in common with all American citizens, when - disfranchised, their homes broken up, their families scattered, - their husband and father seized, fined and imprisoned, they have - not defended themselves by violence but have left their cause to - God and their country.--History of Utah, pp. 390-392. - -Again, I repeat, that the presence in Utah of apostates and -anti-"Mormons" from the beginning and "that there are men living in -Utah today who left the Church in the earliest history of our State, -who feel as secure and are just as secure and free from molestation -from their former associates as you or any other man could be," proves -the falseness of the malicious accusation that "Utah was for years a -land of assassination and a field of blood." - - -MR. EVANS' FALSE QUOTATIONS - - "What shall be done with the sheep that stink the flock so? We will - take them, I was going to say, and cut off their tails two inches - behind their ears; however I will use a milder term, and say cut - off their ears." - -Your conclusion is most certainly far fetched. Had you continued the -quotation your attempt would have appeared even more ridiculous. The -next sentence is: - - "But instead of doing this, we will try to cleanse them; and will - wash them with soap; that will come nigh taking off the skin; we - will then apply a little Scotch snuff, and a little tobacco, and - wash them again until we make them clean." - -And you try to make this appear as threatening life! It is apparent -that your sense of humor has been sadly neglected. This whole passage -is humorous and you make yourself ridiculous by not having discovered -it. - -Again from Parley P. Pratt, you quote: - - "My feelings are with those who have spoken, decidedly and firmly - so." - -This from page 84. Then you skip to page 86 and add: - - "I need not repeat their doom, it has been told here today, they - have been faithfully warned." - -Then three paragraphs off, the following: - - "It is too late in the day for us to stop and inquire whether such - an outcast has the truth." - -This method of proving things reminds me of the reason why you should -be hanged: - - And Judas "went out and hanged himself." - - "Go thou and do likewise." - -Now let me quote some extracts from this discourse which you purposely -left out. - - "Sooner than be subjected to a repetition of these wrongs, _I - for one_, would rather march out today and be shot down. These - are my feelings, and have been for some time. Talk about liberty - of conscience! Have not men liberty of conscience here? Yes. The - Presbyterian, Methodists, Quakers, etc., have _here_ the liberty to - worship God in their own way, and so has every man in the world. - People have the privilege of apostatizing from this Church and - worshiping devils, snakes, toads, or geese, if they please, and - only let their neighbors alone. But they have not the privilege - to disturb the peace, nor to endanger life or liberty; that is - the idea. If they will take that privilege, _I need not repeat - their doom, it has been told here today, they have been faithfully - warned_." - -Again: - - "He (Gladden Bishop) was disfellowshiped, and received on his - professions of repentance, so often, that the Church at length - refused to admit him any more as a member. These apostates talk of - proof. Have we not proved Joseph Smith to be a prophet, a restorer, - standing at the head of this dispensation? Have we not proved the - priesthood which he placed upon others by the command of God? - - "I see no ground, then, to prove or to investigate the calling of - an apostate, who has always been trying to impose upon this people. - _It is too late in the day for us to stop and inquire whether such - an outcast has the truth_. - - "We have truths already developed, unfulfilled by us--unacted upon. - There are more truths poured out from the eternal fountain, already - than our minds can contain, or that we have places or preparations - to carry out. And yet we are called upon to prove--what? _Whether - an egg that was known to be rotten fifteen years ago, has really - improved by reason of age_! - - "'_You are going to be destroyed_,' say they. '_Destruction awaits - this city_.' Well! what if we are? We are as able to be destroyed - as any people living. What care we whether we are destroyed or not? - These old tabernacles will die of themselves, if left alone. - - "We have nothing to fear on that head, for we are as well prepared - to die as to live. One thing we have heard today, and I am glad - to hear it. We shall not be destroyed in the old way--as we have - been heretofore. We shall have a change in the manner, at least. - We shall probably be destroyed _standing, this time_, and not in - a _sitting_, or _lying position_. We can die as well as others - who are not as well prepared! I am glad that while we do live we - shall not submit to be yoked or saddled like a dumb ass. We shall - not stand still to see men, women, and children murdered, robbed, - plundered, and driven any more, as in the States heretofore. Nor - does God require it at our hands. That is the best news we have - heard today. * * * - - "It is the policy not to wait till you are killed, but act on - the defensive while you still live. I have said enough on this - subject."--pp. 86-87. - -The vicious malignancy of a depraved mind is made so apparent in this -contrast between your garbled quotations and the whole truth, that it -scarcely deserves further comment. - -I have quoted quite extensively in order to show the reason for these -remarks of which you quote such brief and disjointed extracts. You -should remember that the Saints had but a short time before being -driven from their homes at the cannon's mouth, and were forced to -traverse a desert under the most trying circumstances to find a new -abode where they could rest in peace and call their souls their own. -When followed, as they were, by a miserable class that were determined -to again have them driven, where heaven only knows, in their might -and righteous indignation they firmly took their stand for home and -liberty. I for one, say that they were justified in this course, the -protection of their liberty, honor and lives. Had the threats of -their enemies here in Utah been carried out as they boasted that they -would be, and as they were carried out in Missouri and Illinois, then -Brigham Young and his people would have been as thoroughly justified in -unsheathing the bowie knife, to conquer or die, as were the patriots at -Lexington and Bunker Hill! - -Home and liberty and life, with the right to worship God, are just as -dear to a "Mormon" as to members of any other denomination or even an -apostate "Mormon," and when the "Mormons" are persecuted, driven and -slain and forced to seek a home in the savage wilds, would any honest -man blame them if they declined to move again? - -Why is it worse for "Utah Mormons" to defend themselves than for -"Mormons" at Crooked river and Nauvoo? Even the noble Prophet Joseph -Smith, when dragged from home and persecuted by wicked men, solemnly -demurred. Said he to the Saints at Nauvoo on the 30th day of June, -1843, after his escape from Missourian assassins: - - "Before I will be dragged away again among my enemies for trial, - _I will spill the last drop of blood in my veins and will see all - my enemies in hell_! To bear it any longer would be a sin, and I - will not bear it any longer. Shall we bear it any longer? (one - universal, No! ran through all the vast assembly like a loud peal - of thunder.) * * * If mobs come upon you any more here, dung your - gardens with them. We don't want any excitement; but after we have - done all, we will rise up Washington-like and break off the hellish - yoke that oppresses us, and will not be mobbed!" - -I have copied this from the manuscript history of the Prophet Joseph -Smith, as it was recorded at the time. I have learned also that it is -corroborated by the journal of Wilford Woodruff of the same date--June -30th, 1843. - - -UTAH NOT A FIELD OF BLOOD - -You say, "I have read that which leads me to believe that under -Brighamism"--as you slurringly remark--"Utah was for years a land of -assassination and a field of blood," and then you ask me, "what of -the Mountain Meadows massacre,--the destruction of the Aiken party; -the dying confession of Bishop J. D. Lee; the Hickman butcheries; the -Danties?" - -Well, that which you have read counts for but little when the source is -considered. Your case is most certainly desperate when you are forced -to accept the statements of murderers. - -It's a strange thing that you and many of your elders accept all the -blood-curdling tales from Beadle, Stenhouse and other apostate sources -_when_ they happen to refer to Brigham Young and "Utah Mormons," -and denounce the same sources when they refer to the Prophet Joseph -Smith. Yet, I repeat, the same class of charges--in many respects -identical--that you charge against Brigham Young, of murder, bloodshed, -adultery, and even Danties, were first made by bitter enemies of the -Church before the death of the Prophet Joseph Smith, and that just such -falsehoods brought about the bitterness that resulted in his death. - -You resort to sources that even the editor of your official paper -denounces as "Idle and vicious stories gathered from the awful files -of terrible tales told about the Mormons, by those at enmity with -them."--_Saints Herald_ 52:2. - -If you desire to know the character of Christ do you accept the -statements of the Roman guard at the sepulchre? the Jew with -blood-stained hands who rejoices in his death? and the anti-Christian? -Wherein then, is your consistency in asking me to accept the testimony -of those whose hands are imbrued in blood, apostates and bitter enemies -of my people? - -Very well then, I return your question. What about them? Pray tell, -what about the Mountain Meadows massacre? the Aiken party? the -confessions of Lee? (by the way, the fact that you call him a "Bishop" -proves the source of your information); what about Hickman and above -all, the Danties? - -When Alfred Henry Lewis, in _Collier's Weekly_ of March 26, 1964, -stated, "Brigham Young invented his destroying angels, placed himself -at their head, and when a man rebelled had him murdered, if one fled -the fold, he was pursued and slain," he repeated one of the most -colossal falsehoods ever uttered. Nor is that the only falsehood in his -article you are pleased to quote. - -Brigham Young was _not_ a man of blood. The "Mormon" people were _not_ -guilty of the Mountain Meadows massacre.[2] There was no destruction -of an Aiken party. Hickman and Lee are not worth the mention; and the -Danties! Had you not better read Church history of 1838? In Utah there -never were destroying angels or Danties, except in the imagination of -bitter anti-"Mormons" and I am satisfied that Mr. R. C. Evans knows -that fact. - - -CHARACTER OF THE "MORMONS" - -In answer to your many charges about Utah and the "Mormons," I desire -to refer to credible references from witnesses who understood the truth -and were bold enough to express it. - - Last winter there was a census taken of the Utah Penitentiary - and the Salt Lake City and county prisons with the following - result:--In Salt Lake City there are about 75 Mormons to 25 - non-Mormons; in Salt Lake County there are about 80 Mormons to - 20 non-Mormons; yet in the city prison there were 29 convicts, - all non-Mormons. In the county prison there were 6 convicts all - non-Mormons. The jailer stated that the county convicts for the - five years past were all anti-Mormons except _three_! * * * - - Out of the 200 saloon, billiard, bowling alley and pool table - keepers not over a dozen even profess to be Mormons. All of - the bagnios and other disreputable concerns in the territory - are run and sustained by non-Mormons. Ninety-eight per cent of - the gamblers in Utah are of the same element. * * * Of the 250 - towns and villages in Utah, over 200 have no "gaudy sepulchre of - departed virtue," and these two hundred and odd towns are almost - exclusively Mormon in population. Of the suicides committed in Utah - ninety odd per cent are non-Mormons, and of the Utah homicides and - infanticides over 80 per cent are perpetrated by the 17 per cent of - "outsiders."--Phil Robinson, in _Sinners and Saints_, p. 72. - - The Logan police force is a good-tempered looking young man. - There is another to help him, but if they had not something - else to do they would either have to keep arresting each other, - in order to pass the time, or else combine to hunt gophers and - chipmunks.--_Sinners and Saints_, p. 142. - - Whence have the public derived their opinions about Mormonism? - From _anti-Mormons_ only. I have ransacked the literature of the - subject, and yet I really could not tell any one where to go for - an impartial book about Mormonism, later in date than Burton's - "City of the Saints," published in 1862. * * * But put Burton on - one side and I think I can defy any one to name another book about - the Mormons worthy of honest respect. From that truly _awful_ - book, "The History of the Saints," published by one Bennet (even - an anti-Mormon has styled him "the greatest rascal that ever came - to the west") in 1842, down to Stenhouse's in 1873, there is not, - to my knowledge a single Gentile work before the public that is - not utterly unreliable from distortion of facts. Yet it is from - these books--for there are no others--that the American public has - acquired nearly all its ideas about the people of Utah.--_Sinners - and Saints_, p. 245. - - And in relation to opposing evidence, almost every book that has - been put forth respecting the people of Utah by one not a Mormon, - is full of calumny, each author apparently endeavoring to surpass - his predecessor in the libertinism of abuse. Most of these are - written in a sensational style, and for the purpose of deriving - profit by pandering to a vitiated public taste, and are wholly - unreliable as to facts.--_Bancroft's History of Utah_, preface page - 7. - - It is only fair to state that no Gentile, even the unprejudiced, - who are rare aves, however long he may live or intimately he may - be connected with Mormons, can expect to see anything but the - superficies. * * * - - The Mormons have been represented, and are generally believed to - be, an intolerant race. I found the reverse far nearer the fact. - The best proof of this is that there is hardly one anti-Mormon - publication, however untruthful, violent, or scandalous, which - I did not find in Great Salt Lake City.--Burton's _City of the - Saints_, p. 203. - - I have not yet heard the single charge against them as a community, - against their habitual purity of life, their integrity of dealing, - their toleration of religious differences in opinion, their regard - for the laws, or their devotion to the Constitutional government - under which we live, that I do not from my own observation, or the - testimony of others know to be unfounded.--General Thomas L. Kane, - U. S. A., _The Mormons_, p. 83. - - The Mormons are sober, industrious and thrifty.--Bishop Spaulding, - of the Episcopalian Church, in the _Forum_, March, 1887. - - Had the Mormons been a low, corrupt or shiftless people they never - would or could have done what they did in Utah. * * * When they - controlled their own city of Salt Lake it contained no saloons, - gambling houses or places of ill repute, and when the town had - grown to be a goodly city order was kept by two constables. If by - their fruits we may know them, the Mormons deserve our confidence - and praise.--_The Brooklyn Eagle_, editorial of Aug. 12, 1897. - - I shall not arraign the Mormon people as wanting in comparison with - other people in religious devotion, virtue, honesty, sobriety, - industry, and the graces and qualities that adorn, beautify - and bless life.--Caleb W. West, Governor of Utah (and a strong - anti-Mormon) in report to Secretary of the Interior for 1888. - - I know the people of the east have judged the Mormons unjustly. - They have many traits worthy of admiration. I know them to be - honest, faithful, prayerful workers.--D. S. Tuttle, Bishop - Episcopalian Church. - - I never met a people so free from sensualism and immorality of - every kind as the Mormons are. Their habits of life are a thousand - per cent superior to those who denounce them so bitterly.--Mrs. - Olive N. Robinson. (I recommend this to you.) - -I assure you there are many others of equal force but this should be -sufficient to prove the scandalous effusions false that you profess to -believe true. - - -GAGGING AT A KNAT - -I am glad you profess to believe the Bible. There is one other -thing which appears strange to me, that is, why you are continually -denouncing Brigham Young and "Utah Mormonism," and calling Utah a -"land of assassination and a field of blood," because vile men without -conscientious scruples have accused the people of many false and lurid -tales of blood, and at the same time with sanctimonious countenance and -upturned eyes you swallow the following without a gulp: - - "Thus saith the Lord of hosts. * * * Now go up and smite Amalek, - and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not; but - slay both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel - and ass." I Samuel 15:3 (I. T.) - -Haven't you swallowed the camel and gagged at his tail? - - -THE DOCTRINE OF BLOOD ATONEMENT - -Just a word or two now, on the subject of blood atonement. _What -is that doctrine_? Unadulterated if you please, laying aside the -pernicious insinuations and lying charges that have so often been -made. It is simply this: Through the atonement of Christ all mankind -may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel. -This salvation is two-fold; General,--that which comes to all men -irrespective of a belief in Christ--and Individual,--that which man -merits through his own acts through life and by obedience to the laws -and ordinances of the Gospel. But man may commit certain grievous -sins--according to his light and knowledge--that will place him beyond -the reach of the atoning blood of Christ. If then he would be saved -he must make sacrifice of his own life to atone--so far as in his -power lies--for that sin, for the blood of Christ alone under certain -circumstances will not avail. - -Do you believe this doctrine? If not, then I do say you do not believe -in the true doctrine of the atonement of Christ! This is the doctrine -you are pleased to call the "blood atonement of _Brighamism_." This is -the doctrine of Christ our _Redeemer_, who died for us. This is the -doctrine of Joseph Smith, and I accept it. - -In whose stead did Christ die? I wish your church members could be fair -enough to discuss this subject on _its merits_. - -I again recommend you to a careful reading of the quotations in my -open letter. You will find them as follows: Book of Mormon,--II Nephi -9:35. Alma 1:13, 14, and 42:19. Bible,--Genesis 9:12, 13, (I. T.) Luke -11:50. Hebrews 9:22 and 10:26-29. I John 3:15 and 5:16. Doctrine and -Covenants,--87:7. 101:80. 42:18, 19, 79. (Utah edition.) - -To these I will add: - - "Whoso killeth any person, the murderer shall be put to death by - the mouth of witnesses; but one witness shall not testify against - any person to cause him to die. - - Moreover ye shall take no satisfaction for the life of a murderer, - which is guilty of death; but he shall be surely put to death. - - So ye shall not pollute the land wherein ye are; for blood - it defileth the land; and the land cannot be cleansed of the - blood that is shed therein, but by the blood of him that shed - it."--Numbers 35:30, 31, 33. (I. T.)[3] - -Do you want a few references of where men were righteously slain to -atone for their sins? What about the death of Nehor? (Alma 1:15) -Zemnariah and his followers (III Nephi 4:27-28). What about Er and -Onan, whom the Lord slew? (Gen. 38:7, 10), of Nadab and Abihu? (Lev. -10:2) and the death of Achan? (Joshua 7:25.) - -Were not these righteously slain to atone for their sins? And it was of -this class of cases that President Young referred in his discourse you -misquote (_Journal of Discourses_ 4:220). He tells us so, in the same -discourse in the portion which you _did not quote_. It is: - -"Now take the wicked, and I can refer you to where the Lord had to slay -every soul of the Israelites that went out of Egypt except Caleb and -Joshua. He slew them by the hand of their enemies, by the plague and -by the sword. Why? Because he loved them and promised Abraham he would -save them." - - -POLYGAMY - -In using the term "polygamy" in reference to the principle that was -taught and practiced by the Saints, I desire it distinctly understood -that I use it in the sense of a man having more than one wife. -Polygamy, in the sense of plurality of husbands and of wives never was -practiced in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Utah or -elsewhere; but Celestial marriage--including a plurality of wives--was -introduced by the Prophet Joseph Smith and was practiced more generally -by the saints under the administration of President Brigham Young. - -You say that you have no evidence that those men, _viz_. Lyman Wight, -James J. Strang, Gladden Bishop, William Smith and others that I -mentioned to you "practiced _polygamy_" before plural marriage was -"introduced" (as claimed by you) by Brigham Young. You said polygamy -was "introduced" eight years after the Prophet's death by Brigham -Young. If so, then why did these men practice it before that time? I -was satisfied that you would not exert yourself in seeking for this -knowledge and tried to help you find the information. - - -POLYGAMY IN THE "FACTIONS" - -In a letter written by the President of the Reorganized church by Mr. -Joseph Davis of Wales, dated Lamonia, Oct. 13, 1899, I read: - - "Nearly all the factions into which the church broke had plural - marriage in some form. None in the form instituted by President - Young. Sidney Rigdon had one form practiced by but a few, and that - spasmodically, as an outburst of religious fervor rather than as a - settled practice. William Smith had a sort of Priestess Lodge, in - which it was alleged there was a manifestation of licentiousness. - This he denied, and I never had actual proof of it. Gladden Bishop - taught something like it, but I believe he was himself the only - practioner. James J. Strang had a system something like Mohamet, - four I think, being allowed the king. Lyman Wight had a system but - it had no very extended range. President Young's system you may - know of." - -It is true that William Smith denied that he taught "polygamy" but that -he practiced plural marriage he cannot deny. Jason W. Briggs said he -(William) did, and that is why Mr. Briggs left his church. Plaintiff's -Abstract, Temple Lot suit, p. 395. Hist. of Reorg. Ch. vol. 3:200 and -_The Messenger_, vol. 2. William entered into plural marriage in the -Prophet's day and his wives lived here in Utah. They are Precilla M. -Smith, Sarah Libby and Hannah Libby. One of these is still living. - -The third volume of your church history says of Lyman Wight: - - "Lyman Wight lived and died an honorable man, respected well by - those who knew him best. The only thing that can be urged against - his character is that about 1845 or 1846 he entered into the - practice of polygamy, but we have seen no record of any teaching of - his upon the subject." - -The fact is that Lyman Wight entered into that relation before the time -here mentioned. Affidavits in this regard can be produced but it will -be unnecessary. - -That John E. Page practiced "polygamy" I have the testimony of his -wife, Mrs. Mary Eaton of Independence, who told me and others, in -August 1904, that she _gave her husband_, John E. Page, other wives. - -These men did not follow Brigham Young, but denounced him, yet they -practiced plural marriage and did not get that doctrine from him. - - -THE TESTIMONY OF A BOGUS WIFE - -The "testimony" you submit from President Young's "legal wife" is -spurious. It matters not if you did receive the "information" from -your uncle. The poor man was tricked and deceived. Bogus "wives" and -"daughters" of President Young have "worked" the public before. Mary -Ann Angel Young, President Young's legal wife, was not in Colorado in -1860 and 1861. She never was divorced and died in this city true to -her husband, his family and the faith, on the 27th day of June, 1882. -(_News_, July 5, 1882.) So much for this "bogus" testimony. - - -TESTIMONY IMPEACHED - -The testimony of T. B. H. and Fanny Stenhouse is sufficiently impeached -in the _Saints' Herald_, vol. 52, p. 2; 20, p. 602, and _Sinners and -Saints_, p. 245. The woman's bitterness would condemn her writings. -However I will mention one statement--you make Mrs. Stenhouse say: -"It is reported by Fanny Stenhouse and many others, that Joseph -Smith said, 'If ever the Church had the misfortune to be led by Bro. -Brigham, he would lead it to hell.'" She gives this as a rumor that is -"reported," so do the "many others" who are mostly from your church. -Oh, yes, I have heard of this before. But do you know where the report -originated? It originated with the apostate and would-be assassin, -Robert D. Foster, who threatened the Prophet Joseph's life in 1844, -and who was one of the incorporators and advocates of the notorious -_Nauvoo Expositor_, and one of the chief actors in bringing about the -martyrdom, June 27, 1844. In a toadying letter to your president, dated -February 14, 1874, he said the prophet "remarked, in the presence of -Mr. Law, Bishop Knight, John P. Greene, Reynolds Cahoon, and some -others, that if ever Brigham Young became the leader of the Church, he -would lead them down to hell." - - -MARVELOUS GROWTH OF THE CHURCH - -I decline to accept the statements of such a character; besides, -President Young did not lead the Church to hell, but preserved -it, and under his direction it grew, expanded, and accomplished a -wonderful, even a miraculous work. In the reclamation of the arid -west, the permanent establishment of prosperous communities in the -desert wilds, and for their unity, strength, and industrial and -temporal independence, the "Mormon" people are today the marvel, if -not the admiration of the thinking world. They came here with nothing -but the good will of God. They began in poverty, and "having almost -nothing to invest," says Mr. William E. Symthe in _The Conquest of -Arid America_, "except the labor of their hands and brains, and that -all they have expended in a period of fifty years for all classes of -improvements--from the first shanty to the last turret of the last -temple--came primarily from the soil." - -Again he says in the same work: - - -TESTIMONY OF MR. SMYTHE - - Nowhere else has the common prosperity been reared upon firmer - foundations. Nowhere else are institutions more firmly buttressed - or better capable of resisting violent economic revolutions. The - thunder cloud that passed over the land in 1893, leaving a path of - commercial ruin from the Atlantic to the Pacific, was powerless to - close the door of a single Mormon store, factory or bank. Strong - in prosperity, the co-operative industrial and commercial system - stood immovable in the hour of widespread disaster. The solvency - of these industries is scarcely more striking than the solvency - of the farmers from whom they draw their strength. No other - governor, either in the West or in the East, is able to say what - the Honorable Heber M. Wells said in assuming the chief magistracy - of the new state in January, 1896, "We have in Utah," said the - young governor. "19,816 farms, and 17,584 of them are absolutely - free from incumbrance." A higher percentage in school attendance - and lower percentage of illiterates than even in the State of - Massachusetts, is another of Utah's proud records. P. 71. - - -THE GUIDANCE OF JEHOVAH - -Without the divine guidance and the constant watchcare of Jehovah -over the destinies of the "Mormon" pioneers, with Brigham Young at -their head, the West today would be but a barren wilderness. Under the -leadership of Brigham Young the "Mormon" people prospered, and he left -them in a better condition temporally and physically, and spiritually -more united and more firmly established in the faith than they ever -were before. Where among the so-called "factions" can you point to -one that has accomplished the hundredth part of what the followers of -Brigham Young have accomplished? They have all practically disappeared -but one--gone to their destruction. And the one that remains will -dissolve and disappear as surely as the sun shines. You cannot fight -the work of God and prosper. - - -WILLIAM MARKS - -The testimony of William Marks--a man who was out of harmony with the -Prophet before the latter's death! This testimony of William Marks -sounds too suspicious, given as it was, when it was, and describing an -alleged conversation which never could have taken place. "The reader -will please notice," said David Whitmer in his _Address_ (p. 41), "this -fact in regard to William Marks' statement; and that is, the time when -Brother Joseph told him that polygamy must be put down in the Church." -That time was a "few days" before the Prophet's death. - -True, the Prophet was no "fool" (_Herald_ 51:74), and such a -"conversation" as this related by William Marks would have stamped him -"foolish, irrational and a moral suicide," _because_ he could not bring -a charge against others for that for which he was himself responsible. -The Prophet had plural wives, and had officiated in the ceremony of the -sealing of plural wives to others. I have conversed with the principals -in these cases, and know that they told the truth. Furthermore, Mr. -Marks' testimony condemns itself. He proves--if he proves anything at -all--that the Prophet was responsible for this doctrine. This thought -is in harmony with the early teachings of the original elders of the -Reorganization, for the time was when even your elders acknowledged -that the Prophet received the revelation on celestial (including -plural) marriage. On this point David Whitmer says: - - As time rolled on, many of the Reorganization saw that to - _continue_ to acknowledge that Brother Joseph received the - revelation would bring bitter persecution upon themselves, as the - public feeling at that time was very bitter. * * * The leaders - of the Reorganized church, after a time, began to suppress their - opinions concerning this matter. They would answer the question - when asked about it "_I do not know whether Joseph Smith received - the revelation or not_." - - -THE "SAINTS' HERALD" A WITNESS OF "POLYGAMY" - -Now, if it is true--and I claim it is--that the leaders of the -Reorganized church acknowledged that the Prophet received the -revelation and practiced that principle, there must be some proof. Turn -to the first volume of the _True L.D.S. Herald_ and read the editorial -on pages 6 to 11. It is on polygamy. After trying to explain the reason -why the Prophet taught and practiced this doctrine, the editor said: - - And if the prophet be deceived when he hath spoken a thing, I, the - Lord, have deceived the prophet, and I will stretch out my hand - upon him and will destroy him from the midst of my people Israel. * - * * We have here the facts as they have transpired and as they will - continue to transpire in relation to this subject. The death of the - prophet is one fact that has been realized, although he abhorred - and repented of this iniquity before his death. Page 9. - -And on page 27: - - He (Joseph Smith) caused the Revelation to be burned, and when - he voluntarily came to Nauvoo and resigned himself into the arms - of his enemies, he said that he was going to Carthage to die. At - that time he also said that if it had not been for that accursed - spiritual wife doctrine, he would not have come to that. By his - conduct at that time he proved the sincerity of his repentance, - and of his profession as a prophet. If Abraham[4] and Jacob, by - repentance, can obtain salvation and exaltation, so can Joseph - Smith. - -Mark you, we have the evidence of the revelation from your own side and -you well remember that but _one_ could and did receive revelations. I -do not accept the apology of your editor; I do not believe that the -Prophet had the revelation burned, or called the doctrine accursed. My -faith in Joseph Smith is such that if he had the revelation--which your -witnesses declare he did--that it was from God as much as any other -revelation he received! - - -TESTIMONY OF JASON BRIGGS - -Jason W. Briggs, one of the founders of your church, in the Temple Lot -suit, said: - - I heard something about a revelation on polygamy, or plural - marriage, when I was in Nauvoo, in 1842. I heard there was one: - there was talk going on about it at that time, and continued to be; - but it was not called plural marriage; it was called sealing. - - You ask me what I understood this sealing to be, at the time the - talk was going on. What I understood it to be was sealing a woman - to a man to be his wife, to be his wife hereafter, his wife in the - spirit world. - - I was asked in my direct examination if I did not hear of the - doctrine of polygamy, etc., and I answered that I talked with - members with reference to sealing, and I understood that the - doctrine of sealing, was for eternity; it was sealing a man's wife - to him for eternity, or wives, either. Record pp. 349, 431, 505. - - -TESTIMONY OF JAMES WHITEHEAD - -James Whitehead said: - - There was an ordinance in the Church for sealing, as early as 1842 - or 1843. - - They would be married according to the law of God, not only for - time but for eternity as well. - -These men were among the founders of your church. - - -SIDNEY RIGDON'S TESTIMONY - -Sidney Rigdon, in a lengthy letter to his official paper, _The -Messenger and Advocate_, in 1845 declared that the Prophet was -responsible for the plural marriage doctrine, and said: - - This system was introduced by the Smiths some time before their - death, and was the thing which put them in the power of their - enemies, and was the immediate cause of their death. P. 475, vol. 2. - -He says he "warned Joseph Smith and his family," and told them that -destruction would come upon them if they continued in their course. - - -ORIGINAL RECORDS OF PLURALITY OF WIVES - -You "confidently affirm that there is not a single word in a single -sermon, lecture, statement, newspaper or Church publication _printed_ -during the life of Joseph Smith, wherein he by word has endorsed the -doctrine of plurality of wives, not a single statement." Whether any -such statement was ever _printed_ in his lifetime or not I am not -prepared to say. But I do know of such evidence being recorded during -his lifetime, for I have seen it. - -I have copied the following from the Prophet's manuscript record of -Oct. 5, 1843, and know it is genuine: - - "Gave instructions to try those persons who were preaching, - teaching or practicing the doctrine of plurality of wives; for - according to the law, I hold the keys of this power in the last - days; for there is never but one on earth at a time on whom this - power and its keys are conferred; and I have constantly said no - man shall have but one wife at a time unless the Lord directs - otherwise." - -There is also at the Historian's office in this city, a Bible, which -I have before me, containing the record of the marriage of Melissa -Lott to the Prophet Joseph Smith, which was recorded at the time, -September 20, 1843. This Bible also contains the record of the sealing -of Cornelius P. and Parmelia Lott, parents of Melissa, which was -done by Patriarch Hyrum Smith in the Prophet's presence and with his -"seal" or sanction. The president of your church has seen this record, -and it matters not what he may say _now_ he _then_ acknowledged the -genuineness of the record. - -The following is also copied from the journal of William Clayton which -is in the Historian's office: - - May 1st, (1843) A.M. At the Temple. At 10 married Joseph to Lucy - Walker. P.M. at Prest. Joseph's; he has gone out with Woodsworth. - -This is the same William Clayton who wrote the revelation at the -direction and from the dictation of the Prophet July 12, 1843. However, -this principle was first revealed to the Prophet several years before -that time, as you learned in your conversation with President Lorenzo -Snow, when you were in his office. - - -MORE EVIDENCE CONSIDERED - -Right here we will consider the "evidence" you produce to show that -"Joseph Smith and the Church during his lifetime condemned polygamy -in the strongest terms." The testimony of the thirty-one witnesses -you "produce" was against the "secret wife system" of the vile John -C. Bennett who was excommunicated for betraying female virtue. This -Bennett system had nothing to do with the system of celestial marriage -introduced by the Prophet Joseph Smith, and was no more like the -Prophet's doctrine than darkness is like daylight. The certificate -of these parties that you mention was given in October 1842 (T. & S. -3:939), nearly one year before the revelation on celestial marriage -was recorded. At that time the law of marriage in the Church was -that adopted in 1835, and was binding on all who had accepted the -higher law, and they were few in number.[5] The best proof that these -"witnesses" did not condemn the celestial marriage doctrine of the -prophet in this communication, is that out of the thirty-one, at least -sixteen have testified that the Prophet introduced that system. One of -this number of witnesses became the Prophet's wife, one performed a -marriage ceremony in which the Prophet was married to a plural wife, -and one other was a witness to such a marriage ceremony. At least six -testify that the Prophet taught them the principle of plural marriage -and the others, so far as I know, are not on record. That these -witnesses were the dupes of Brigham Young cannot truthfully be said, -for three of them left the Church and never followed Brigham Young, yet -they testify of these things. - -The action of Joseph and Hyrum Smith, as recorded in the _Times -and Seasons_ (5:3), wherein Hyrum Brown was cut off the Church for -preaching polygamy and other false doctrines, was just and timely. The -same action would have been taken at any other period of the existence -of the Church. Polygamy never was a doctrine of the Church, and the -system introduced by the Prophet Joseph Smith was not called by that -name in his day. Nor was the system of the Prophet the same as that of -Hyrum Brown; and if it had been, the ruling of the Prophet of October -5, 1843, would have cost Brown his standing in the Church, the polygamy -of Brown and John C. Bennett was of their own make. In relation to this -subject, I will quote from the _Life of John Taylor_, pages 223-224: - - The polygamy and gross sensuality charged by Bennett and repeated - by those ministers in France, had no resemblance to celestial or - patriarchal marriage which Elder Taylor knew existed at Nauvoo, and - which he had obeyed. Hence in denying the false charges of Bennett, - he did not deny the existence of that system of marriage that God - had revealed; no more than a man would be guilty of denying the - legal, genuine currency of the country by denying the genuineness - and denouncing what he knew to be a mere counterfeit of it. - - Another illustration: Jesus took Peter, James and John into the - mountain, and there met with Moses and Elias, and the glory of God - shone about them, and these two angels talked with Jesus, and the - voice of God was heard proclaiming Him to be the Son of God. After - the glorious vision, as Jesus and His companions were descending - the mountain, the former said: "Tell the vision to no man, until - the Son of Man be risen from the dead." Suppose one of these - apostles had turned from the truth before the Son of Man was risen - from the dead and under the influence of wicked, lying spirit, - should charge that Jesus and some of his favorite apostles went up - into a mountain, and there met Moses and Elias,--or some persons - pretending to represent them--together with a group of voluptuos - courtesans, with whom they spent the day in licentious pleasure. - If the other apostles denounced that as an infamous falsehood, - would they be untruthful? No; they would not. Or would they be - under any obligations when denying the falsehoods of the apostate - to break the commandments the Lord had given them by relating - just what had happened in the mountain? No; it would have been a - breach of the Master's strict commandment for them to do that. So - with Elder Taylor. While he was perfectly right and truthful in - denying the infamous charges repeated by his oponents, he was under - no obligation and had no right to announce to the world, at that - time the doctrine of celestial marriage. It was not the law of the - Church, or even the law of the Priesthood of the Church; the body - thereof at the time knew little or nothing of it, though it had - been revealed to the Prophet and made known to some of his most - trusted followers. But today, now that the revelation on celestial - marriage is published to the world, if the slanderous charges - contained in the writings of John C. Bennett should be repeated, - every Elder in the Church could truthfully and consistently do just - what Elder Taylor did in France--he could deny their existence." - - -THAT UTAH VISIT - -After receiving your letter, I requested of my father that he give me -a written statement in answer to your charge that he "discussed" the -doctrine of "polygamy" with you, and received the following: - - _Joseph F. Smith, Jr_. - - Dear Son:--You have submitted to me some statements made by Mr. - R. C. Evans of the Reorganized church, and desire to know what I - have to say about them. He says: "If your father denies that he - and I discussed the doctrine of polygamy, all I have to say about - it is, that what he states is untrue." Perhaps I could dismiss - this statement precisely in the same way he has. I could certainly - do so far more truthfully. He and I did not discuss the doctrine - of "polygamy" at all. It is true I did introduce him to President - Lorenzo Snow, to Aunt Lucy W. Smith, to Aunt Catherine P. Smith, to - Heber J. Grant and a few others. Whatever "discussion" he had on - the "doctrine of polygamy" may have been with these parties, but - not with me. While in my company he was my guest by introduction - from my cousin Joseph Smith, president of the Reorganized church, - and I carefully avoided any discussion with him upon any and all - differences of opinion which existed between us, the discussion of - which could only have resulted in ill feeling and perhaps extreme - bitterness. I treated him as any gentleman should treat another, - not as an antagonist but as a stranger within my gates, indeed, - as my guest; and when we parted it was with mutual good feelings - and interchange of kindly wishes, without the slightest breath - or suspicion of unpleasantness, which must have existed had we - indulged in a "discussion of the doctrine of polygamy," or any - other points of difference. - - Aunt Catherine P. Smith was making us a short visit at the time, - and I introduced her to Mr. Evans as the wife of my father, Hyrum - Smith. They had some conversation, in which I took no part, and - to the best of my recollection he drew out from her the fact that - she was married to Hyrum Smith, by Joseph Smith the Prophet, in - August 1843, in the brick office of Hyrum Smith, at Nauvoo, in the - presence of her mother, Sarah Godshall Phillips, Mrs. Julia Stone - and her daughter Hettie. - - Mr. Evans attempted to cross-question her on her statement, but she - stoutly and unequivocally affirmed the truth of what she had said. - Mrs. Lizzie Wilcox, your mother and two or three other members of - the family were present and heard what was said. - - With reference to Mr. Evans' alleged interview with Aunt Lucy W. - Smith at the Theatre, I need only say I occupied a seat adjoining - them, and heard the conversation between them, and I have not the - slightest recollection of the statement he has made about that - interview. The strong point which he attempts to make is the fact - that Lucy was married to the Prophet Joseph Smith, on May 1, 1843, - while the revelation on plural marriage was dated "July 12, 1843," - and her consequent embarrassment, was far-fetched; for no one knew - better than she did that the revelation was given as far back as - 1834, and was first reduced to writing in 1843. And on one could - have been better prepared to state that fact than Aunt Lucy W. - Smith. There could not be, therefore, any cause for embarrassment - on her part on that score, and I apprehend she would have been one - of the last persons to "sit silent and confused" under such an - implied impeachment. - - That she bore testimony to the good character of Aunt Emma Smith - with reference to other matters than plural marriage is true; - but not to her conduct toward that principle. Aunt Lucy is still - living, and sound mentally and physically. She can, and no doubt - will, fully clear away any sophistry and falsehood of Mr. Evans' - statement of the alleged interview. - - Referring to the interview with President Snow, Mr. Evans says: - "Lorenzo Snow did testify to me as stated. But then and there, in - the presence of Joseph F. Smith and George Q. Cannon, I showed - his testimony to be false by his own evidence when given under - oath, and his sister's statement signed in 1842. At this, Snow, - Cannon and Smith were much annoyed. So much for your father's - statement, which says 'you did not say one word to him in relation - to polygamy.'" The fact is, President Snow gave Mr. Evans, in my - presence and hearing, a plain, simple narration of the instructions - he received from Joseph Smith in regard to the doctrine of plural - marriage, including almost word for word the statement he had - previously made under oath, and testified that Joseph informed - him that his sister Eliza R. Snow had been sealed to him as his - wife. This much and more in this line I distinctly heard and as - distinctly remember, but I did not hear the alleged arraignment - of President Snow's testimony by Mr. Evans, nor did I witness or - experience any "annoyance" on the part of myself or anyone present - because of the said arraignment. Indeed, I am prepared to affirm - that Mr. Evans did not "then and there" in my presence and that of - Geo. Q. Cannon, nor in the presence of any one there, "show his - (Snow's) testimony to be false," either "by his own evidence when - given under oath," or "by his sister's statement signed in 1842," - or at any other time. - - I am here constrained to say that Mr. Evans was treated by - President Snow, as also by President George Q. Cannon and - myself, in the most courteous and respectful manner, and so - far as I observed his demeanor towards us was reciprocal and - gentlemanly--and not one word was said to him by anyone nor by - him to anyone in my presence that was in any degree discourteous, - contentious or embarrassing. - - I conclude, therefore, that the foregoing statements made by - Mr. Evans, were after thoughts uttered by him with a view to - misrepresent the truth and the facts, on the lines of the bitter - and relentless opposition of himself and associates to the Church - of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in general, and the doctrine - of plural marriage in particular, as revealed, taught and practiced - by Joseph Smith himself, from whom Brigham Young and many others - received it. On these matters they are so surcharged with animus - that they will not receive, admit, or tell the truth. - - With reference to Mr. Evans' allusion to my first wife I will - simply say: She was most intimately acquainted from her childhood - with the young lady who became my second wife, and it was with - their full knowledge and consent that I entered into plural - marriage, my first wife being present as a witness when I took my - second wife, and freely gave her consent thereto. Our associations - as a family were pleasant and harmonious. - - It was not until long after the second marriage that my first wife - was drawn away from us, not on account of domestic troubles, but - for other causes which I do not care to mention. In eight years of - wedded life we had no children. She constantly complained of ill - health and was as constantly under a doctor's care. She concluded - to go to California for her health and before going procured a - separation. This all occurred previous to 1867. On March 1, 1868 - I married Sarah E. Richards, and January 1, 1870, I married Edna - Lambson, from one to three years after my first wife separated - from me, and had become a resident of California. She subsequently - returned to Utah and later went to St. Louis where she died. - -Your self-exaltation in classing yourself with Jacob is most -stupendous, to say the least. He was above accepting idle rumors, from -such sources as those given by the writer of the article of _Collier's_ -which you quote, and which are false. Jacob was no aspersor. - -Aunt Catherine Phillips Smith also declares that she did testify to you -in regard to her marriage and that you questioned her quite closely. -My mother declares the same for she was present at the conversation. -Presidents Snow and Cannon are not here to speak in their defense, but -I am satisfied that they would bear witness to the foregoing letter. -Aunt Lucy may testify for herself. - - -TESTIMONY OF LUCY W. SMITH - -The day I received a copy of the _Ensign_ containing your discourse -from which you give extracts in your "reply," in relation to your -"conversation" with Aunt Lucy W. Smith, I sent her a copy of your -remarks with the request that she tell me if you had correctly reported -her testimony. In the course of a few days I received this: - - My Dear Boy: I very much regret not feeling able to answer your - request at an earlier date. I am, however, much improved in health - since coming to Logan, and take pleasure in declaring to you that - the infamous discourse delivered 16th Feb. 1905 (the date of the - _Ensign_) at St. Louis, Missouri, by Mr. Evans, is a fabrication of - falsehoods and misrepresentations. I confess that I was not only - surprised, but shocked beyond measure. Now one of the presidency - of the Reorganized church, just think of it! And at the time he - came to Salt Lake City three years ago, he claimed to be one of - "young Joseph's apostles; came with a letter of introduction from - cousin Joseph to his cousin Joseph F., saying that any courtesy - shown him would be appreciated. Accordingly, Mr. Evans was shown - every consideration. He accepted the generous hospitality of our - President and his model family. Having expressed a desire to meet - Mrs. Lucy W. Kimball, who was engaged that afternoon, arrangements - were made to meet at the theatre, as he had to leave next day. - He asked me many questions which I answered frankly--some very - offensive hearsay questions that aroused my indignation, but I - bore the ordeal as a martyr should. And from this opportunity - sprang the wonderful discourse of wicked falsehood and malicious - misrepresentation. O, shame! Where canst thou hide thy brazen face! - How dare he resort to such infamy unless to satiate a morbid desire - for notoriety among sensation-mongers, who seek not for light or - truth! If so he only gratified the cravings of the basest and - lowest caste. - - I cannot believe that the once highly and beloved Emma who was so - loyal and true to her husband in all the early trials and hardships - to which he was subject, when in chains and bondage, when he was - dragged from his bed, tarred and feathered, imprisoned and mocked - and scoffed at, ridiculed and abused, and his life threatened by - infuriated mobs and she stood by him and comforted him in all of - his afflictions--I cannot believe after enduring all this for - his sake, that Emma Smith ever denied seeing the revelation on - celestial marriage after receiving it in good faith and accepting - it as a command from God, _knowing_ as I do, that she taught it - to Eliza and Emily Partridge, Maria and Sarah Lawrence, and urged - them to accept it by being sealed to her husband. She treated them - kindly and considerately and knew they were associated with him as - his wives. She was then a happy woman, until the tempter came in - human form, and she partook of the apostate spirit so rife in those - days. She could not deny these facts without sinning against her - husband, sinning against his wives, against the truth, and against - her God! - - If her son insists that this denial was her last testimony he - fastens a stigma on her once noble character in the estimation of - her former friends and associates, who were familiar with the facts - of the period referred to. This misguided son, young and without - experience, was surrounded by his father's most wicked enemies who - had betrayed his father, and had been instrumental in taking his - life; and who, after they had accomplished this foul act, through - sinister policies, determined to destroy the work his father was - commanded to do, and had laid a permanent foundation on which to - build up his church--the Church of Christ. They sought to influence - his son against the teachings of his father, call him forth as a - "leader" with promises of success, and good backing. Poor boy was - flattered and led on and on, by crafty men, until he became an - unbeliever of the principles his father had taught; and I cannot - but believe that through such influences his mother has been - misrepresented. I am unwilling to believe otherwise. - - I expressed regrets to Mr. Evans in relation to the course taken - by "young Joseph" through the influence of the bitter opponents of - his father. I said he had closed his eyes to anything that would - cast a ray of light on the vexed question: "Did my father have - more [other] wives than my mother?" I answered truthfully without - hesitation. Afterwards he went to Lehi, called on Melissa Lott, - with whom he had been associated from early childhood and asked: - "Will you answer me one question, I come to you knowing you will - tell me the truth, were you my father's wife?" "Yes, Joseph, I - was." "Where is your proof?" She stepped to the stand and took the - family Bible opened to the family record, placed it on his knee and - asked: "Do you recognize the handwriting?" "Certainly that is your - father's (Cornelius P. Lott's) handwriting, know it as well as my - own." Then read the marriage certificate of the Prophet Joseph and - Melissa Lott. - - Oliver Huntington who is still living testifies that they were very - intimate as boys, and when together had often talked the matter - over. - - Referring to Mr. Evans again. I said: "Does this prove him (Joseph) - an honest man?" Now does this cover the ground of your inquiry? I - have so often been interrupted by callers, that I may not have been - explicit enough. My personal testimony you already have, if not you - can get it by referring to "Reminiscences of Latter-day Saints," - by L. O. Littlefield, which you will find at the President's - (Historian's) office. - -Does this read much like she had been correctly represented? - - -BRIGHAM YOUNG UPHELD BY THE LORD - -In reference to the wicked charge you make in your discourse mentioned -in Aunt Lucy's letter, against President Young of practicing gross -immorality while on his mission in England in 1840 and winter of 1841, -a sufficient answer will be found in the revelation of January 19, -1841, wherein the Lord, by revelation through the Prophet Joseph Smith -declares: - - I give to you _my servant_ Brigham Young, to be a President over - the Twelve traveling Council, - - Which Twelve hold the keys to open up the authority of my kingdom - upon the four corners of the earth, and after that to send my word - to every creature. - -And the revelation of July 9, 1841, given after his return from England: - - * * * Verily thus saith the Lord unto you, my servant Brigham, it - is no more required at your hand to leave your family as in times - past, for your offering is acceptable to me. - -In this abusive charge against President Young you are striking at -Jehovah, and accusing Him, either of condoning such a grievous sin, or -failing to discover it. Such a charge as that is ridiculously absurd, -I feel safe in accepting the word of the Lord in preference to the -ribald, indecent statements of those who speak forth the vulgar desires -of their own minds. - - Respectfully, - Joseph F. Smith, Jr. - - -Footnotes - -1. I am not so blind in my admiration of the "Mormon" people or so -bigoted in my devotion to the "Mormon" faith as to think there are -no individuals in the Church chargeable with fanaticism, folly, -intemperate speech, and wickedness; nor am I blind to the fact that -some in their over-zeal have lacked judgment; and that in times of -excitement, under stress of special provocation, even "Mormon" leaders -have given utterances to ideas that are indefensible. But I have yet to -learn that it is just in a writer of history, or of "purpose fiction," -that "speak truly," to make a collection of these things and represent -them as the essence of that faith against which said writer draws an -indictment. - -"No one would measure the belief of 'Christians,'" says a truly great -writer, "by certain statements in the Fathers, nor judge the moral -principles of Roman Catholics by prurient quotations from the Casuist; -nor yet estimate Lutherans by the utterances and deeds of the early -successors of Luther, nor Calvinists by the burning of Servetus. In all -such cases the general standpoint of the times has to be first taken -into account."--Edeshiem's Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah, preface -p. 8. - -A long time ago the great Edmund Burke in his defense of the rashness -expressed in both speech and action of some of our patriots of the -American revolution period said: "It is not fair to judge of the temper -of the disposition of any man or any set of men when they are composed -and at rest from their conduct or their expressions in a state of -disturbance and irritation." - -2. Writing of the Mormon Meadows massacre Hubert H. Bancroft, in his -History of Utah, page 544 says: "Indeed it may well be understood at -the outset that this horrible crime, so often and so persistently -charged upon the Mormon church and its leaders, was the crime of an -individual, the crime of a fanatic of the worst stamp, one who was a -member of the Mormon church, but of whose intentions the church knew -nothing, and whose bloody acts the members of the church, high and -low, regard with as much abhorrence as any out of the church. Indeed, -the blow fell upon the brotherhood with threefold force and damage. -There was the cruelty of it, which wrung their hearts; there was the -odium attending its performance in their midst; and there was the -strength it lent their enemies further to malign and molest them. The -Mormons denounce the Mountain Meadows massacre, and every act connected -therewith, as earnestly and as honestly as any in the outside world. -This is abundantly proved, and may be accepted as a historical fact." - -3. See also Doctrine and Covenants section 101:80, on this point. - -4. A polygamist the friend of God, whose praise you sing, and the man -you are _glad_ to call the father of the faithful.--_Saints' Herald_ -52:437. - -5. Those thirty-one witnesses were: S. Bennett, George Miller, Alpheus -Cutler, Reynolds Cahoon, Wilson Law, Wilford Woodruff, Newel K. -Whitney, Albert Petty, Elias Higbee, John Taylor, Ebenezer Robinson, -Aaron Johnson, Emma Smith, Elizabeth A. Whitney, Sarah M. Cleveland, -Eliza R. Snow, Mary C. Miller, Lois Cutler, Thirza Cahoon, Ann Hunter, -Jane Law, Sophia Marks, Polly Z. Johnson, Abagail Works, Catharine -Petty, Sarah Higbee, Phebe Woodruff, Leonora Taylor, Sarah Hillman, -Rosanna Marks, and Angeline Robinson. - - - -THE SAINTS' HERALD ON THE ORIGIN OF PLURAL MARRIAGE - -In both replies to Mr. Evans, mention is made of two articles in the -_Saints' Herald_, volume one, that were written by Isaac Sheen, the -first editor of that paper. These references were ignored by Mr. Evans -in his publication of a portion of the foregoing correspondence. It -would occupy too much space to copy these articles in full as they -are quite lengthy, but I feel that the gist of the matter should be -presented in more detail than it is given in the replies. - -Mr. Sheen's argument is that the Saints at Nauvoo "set up their idols -in their heart," and went to the Prophet Joseph Smith and asked him to -inquire of the Lord and ascertain from Him if it would not be proper -for them to practice plural marriage. This the Prophet Joseph did and -in answer the Lord gave him the revelation on celestial marriage, -granting the practice of plural marriage, and then, after giving this -revelation the Lord smote the Prophet for his 'iniquity' in asking for -the revelation, and poured out wrath and indignation upon the Saints -for their participation in what he calls "abominations." - -Reference is also made to the prophecies of Ezekiel, Balaam and Micaiah -to substantiate his theory which Mr. Sheen admits he is unable to -"satisfactorily explain." An extensive quotation from the first article -follows, which will give an idea of the position in which the members -of the Reorganized church regard the Prophet Joseph Smith and the -culmination of his most glorious mission. - - -STATEMENT OF ISAAC SHEEN - - We might call your attention to many prophecies in the Bible which - these backsliders[1] have fulfilled by their abominations. Ezekiel - appears to have had a very clear manifestation of the wickedness of - these men and the plan pursued by them, by which they embark into - polygamy. In Ezekiel 14 c. 1, 5, v, the prophet says, "Then came - certain elders of Israel unto me, saying, Son of man, these men - have set up their idols in their heart and put the stumblingblock - of their iniquity before their face: should I be inquired of at all - by them? Therefore speak unto them, and say unto them, Thus saith - the Lord God; Every man of the house of Israel that setteth up his - idols in his heart, and putteth the stumblingblock of his iniquity - before his face, and cometh to the prophet; I the Lord, will - answer him that cometh according to the multitude of his idols; - that I may take the house of Israel in their own heart, because - they are all estranged from me through their idols." We have shown - you that God gave a revelation unto us in which he commanded that - every man should "cleave unto his wife and none else," and that - he commanded us saying, "Repent and remember the Book of Mormon - and the former commandments which I have given them, not only to - say, but to do according to that which I have written," and that - in that book there is much testimony against polygamy. All these - instructions were sufficient for our guidance, but "men have set - up their idols in their hearts, and put the stumblingblock of - their iniquity before their faces." This adulterous spirit had - captivated their hearts and they desired a license from God to - lead away captive the fair daughters of His people, and in this - state of mind they came to the Prophet Joseph. Could the Lord do - anything more or less than what Ezekiel hath prophesied? The Lord - hath declared by Ezekiel what kind of an answer he would give them, - therefore he answered them according to the multitude of their - idols. Paul had also prophesied that "for this cause God shall send - them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie; that they - all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure - in unrighteousness." Both these prophecies agree. In Ezekiel's - prophecy the Lord also says, "I will set my face against that - man, and will make him a sign and a proverb, and I will cut him - off from the midst of my people; and ye shall know that I am the - Lord. And if the prophet be deceived when he hath spoken a thing, I - the Lord have deceived that prophet,[2] and I will stretch out my - hand upon him and I will destroy him from the midst of my people - Israel. And they shall bear the punishment of their iniquity; - the punishment of the prophet shall be even as the punishment of - him that seeketh unto him; that the house of Israel may go no - more astray from me, neither be polluted any more with all their - transgression; but that they may be my people, and I may be their - God, saith the Lord God," 8c., 11 v. We have here the facts as they - have transpired and as they will continue to transpire in relation - to this subject. The death of the prophet is one fact that has - been realized although he abhorred and repented of this iniquity - before his death. This branch of the subject we shall leave to some - of our brethren, who are qualified to explain it satisfactorily. - Those who have practiced these abominations have become "a sign - and a proverb" among men in accordance with this prophecy. These - are the "false teachers" prophesied of by Peter, of whom he said - "many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way - of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall - they with feigned words make merchandise of you; whose judgment - now of a long time lingereth not, and their abomination slumbereth - not." The reason why the Lord destroyed the prophet and made those - who "set up their idols in their heart," a sign and a proverb, - made them bear the punishment of their iniquity is worthy of our - earnest attention. We are informed that the reason why the Lord - would perform all these things was this, "that the house of Israel - may go no more astray from me, neither be polluted any more with - all their transgressions; but that they may be my people, and I - may be their God." Here is positive evidence that this prophecy - was to be fulfilled in the last days, for there has only been a - small part of the house of Israel (at any time since this prophecy - was given) that were obedient to the Lord. The time is not fully - come when Israel shall "go no more astray," and not "be polluted - any more with all their transgressions," therefore the punishment - of these men who have committed these sins must continue until - that happy day shall come. But as the Lord says in this prophecy, - "repent and turn yourselves from your idols; and turn away your - faces from your abominations, so say we, and return unto the fold - from whence you have strayed." As some may yet doubt whether God - would act in this way toward men who set up their idols in their - heart, we will see how God dealt with Balaam. In Numbers 22 c. we - are informed that Balak, king of the Moabites, sent the elders of - Moab and Midian unto Balaam with the rewards of divination in their - hands to entreat him that he would curse Israel, but God said unto - Balaam, "Thou shalt not go with them; thou shalt not curse the - people, for they are blessed." And Balaam rose up in the morning, - and said unto the Princes of Balak, "Get you unto your land; for - the Lord refuseth to give me leave to go with you." And Balak - sent yet again princes, more, and more honorable than they. And - they came to Balaam and said to him, "Thus sayeth Balak, the son - of Zippor, let nothing, I pray thee, hinder thee from coming unto - me: For I will promote thee unto very great honor, and I will do - whatsoever thou sayest unto me; come, therefore, I pray thee, curse - me this people." Now although the Lord had said unto Balaam, "Thou - shalt not go with them; thou shalt not curse the people, for they - are blessed," yet the great honor that was offered him, allured - him, and he inquired of the Lord again, and said unto the princes, - "Tarry ye also here this night, that I may know what the Lord will - say unto me more." And God came unto Balaam at night, and said unto - him, "If the men come to call thee, rise up and go with them: but - yet the word which I shall say unto thee, that shalt thou do." And - Balaam rose up in the morning and saddled his ass, and went with - the princes of Moab. And God's anger was kindled because he went; - and the angel of the Lord stood in the way for an adversary against - him. So we find that the Lord told him not to go, but afterwards, - having "set up his idol in his heart" he inquired of the Lord - again whether he might not go and curse Israel and God's anger was - kindled against him because he did so, although God had commanded - him to go. This is, therefore, a parallel case with Ezekiel's - prophecy.[3] - - In I Kings, 22 c. we are informed that the King of Israel wanted - Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, to go up with him to Ramoth-Gilead - to battle, and there were four hundred prophets who said "Go up, - for the Lord shall deliver it into the hands of the king." And - Jehoshaphat said, "Is there not here a prophet of the Lord besides, - that we might inquire of him?" And the king of Israel said unto - Jehoshapat, "There is yet one, Micaiah, the son of Imlah, by - whom we may inquire of the Lord; but I hate him, for he doth not - prophesy good concerning me, but evil." And Jehoshaphat said, "Let - not the king say so." So he was sent for. The messenger that was - gone to call Micaiah spake unto him, saying, "Behold now the words - of the prophets declare good unto the king with one mouth: let thy - word, I pray thee, be like the word of one of them, and speak that - which is good." And Micaiah said, "As the Lord liveth, what the - Lord saith unto me, that will I speak." We are then informed that - Micaiah prophesied like the false prophets,[4] and then against - them. And he said, "I saw the Lord sitting on his throne, and all - the hosts of heaven standing by him on his right hand and on his - left. And the Lord said, Who shall persuade Ahab that he may go up - and fall at Ramoth-Gilead? And one said on this matter, and another - said on that manner. And there came forth a spirit and stood before - the Lord and said, I will persuade him. And the Lord said unto him - wherewith? And he said, I will go forth, and I will be a lying - spirit in the mouth of all his prophets. And he said, thou shalt - persuade him, and prevail also; go forth and do so. Now therefore - behold the Lord hath put a lying spirit in the mouth of all these - thy prophets, and the Lord hath spoken evil concerning thee." This - doctrine was extensively preached in the Church before iniquity - overthrew the Church, and by this doctrine the Church might have - been saved, if men had not "set up their idols in their heart." - - -Footnotes - -1. The Prophet Joseph Smith, Brigham Young and the Saints. - -2. The inspired translation reads: "I the Lord have not deceived that -prophet." - -3. Mr. Sheen forgets that the Lord said, "Thou shalt not curse the -people, for they are blessed," which command Balaam hearkened to. - -4. The prophecy was; "Go and prosper; for the Lord shall deliver it -into the hands of the king," v. 15. This was uttered in mockery, if not -why did the king reply: "How many times shall I adjure thee that thou -tell me nothing but that which is true in the name of the Lord," v. 16. -_Then_ Micaiah told the king that he should fall at Ramoth-Gilead, so -the king acted with full knowledge of the word of the Lord concerning -his death when he went forth to battle. Therefore the Lord did not -deceive Ahab in this matter. - - - -INTRODUCTION OF CELESTIAL AND PLURAL MARRIAGE - -Additional testimony of a few out of the multitude[1] of witnesses who -were taught these principles by the Prophet Joseph Smith, and who knew -that he received the revelation known as section 132 in the Book of -Doctrine and Covenants. - - -AFFIDAVIT OF PRESIDENT LORENZO SNOW - -In the month of April, 1843, I returned from my European mission. A -few days after my arrival at Nauvoo, when at President Joseph Smith's -house, he said he wished to have some private talk with me, and -requested me to walk out with him. It was toward evening. We walked a -little distance and sat down on a large log that lay near the bank of -the river. He there and then explained to me the doctrine of plurality -of wives; he said that the Lord had revealed it unto him, and commanded -him to have women sealed to him as wives; that he foresaw the trouble -that would follow, and sought to turn away from the commandment; that -an angel from heaven then appeared before him with a drawn sword, -threatening him with destruction unless he went forward and obeyed the -commandment. - -He further said that my sister Eliza R. Snow had been sealed to him as -his wife for time and eternity. He told me that the Lord would open the -way, and I should have women sealed to me as wives. This conversation -was prolonged, I think one hour or more, in which he told me many -important things. - -I solemnly declare before God and holy angels, and as I hope to come -forth in the morning of the resurrection, that the above statement is -true. - -Lorenzo Snow. - -Territory of Utah, Box Elder County. ss. - -Personally came before me J. C. Wright, Clerk of the County and Probate -Courts in and for the County and Territory aforesaid, Lorenzo Snow, and -who being duly sworn deposeth and says that the foregoing statement by -him subscribed is true of his own certain knowledge. - -Witness my hand and seal of Court, at my office in Brigham City, Box -Elder County, Utah Territory, this 28th day of August, A.D. 1869. - -[Seal.] - -J. C. Wright, Clerk. - - -AFFIDAVIT OF LUCY WALKER - -United States of America, - -State of Utah. - -County of Salt Lake. - -Lucy Walker Smith Kimball, being first duly sworn, says: - -I was a plural wife of the Prophet Joseph Smith, and was married for -time and eternity in Nauvoo, State of Illinois, on the first day of -May, 1843, by Elder William Clayton. The Prophet was then living with -his first wife, Emma Smith, and I know that she gave her consent to the -marriage of at least four women to her husband as plural wives, and she -was well aware that he associated and cohabited with them as wives. The -names of these women are Eliza and Emily Partridge, and Maria and Sarah -Lawrence, all of whom knew that I too was his wife. - -When the Prophet Joseph Smith mentioned the principle of plural -marriage to me I felt indignant, and so expressed myself to him, -because my feelings and education were averse to anything of that -nature. But he assured me that this doctrine had been revealed to him -of the Lord, and that I was entitled to receive a testimony of its -divine origin for myself. He counseled me to pray to the Lord, which -I did, and thereupon received from Him a powerful and irresistible -testimony of the truthfulness and divinity of plural marriage, which -testimony has abided with me ever since. - -On the 8th day of February, 1845, I was married for _time_ to President -Heber C. Kimball, and bore to him nine children. And in this connection -allow me to say to his everlasting credit that during the whole of my -married life with him he never failed to regard me as the wife for -eternity of his devoted friend, the Prophet Joseph Smith. - - Lucy Walker Smith Kimball. - -Subscribed and sworn to before me, this 17th day of December, 1902. - -[Seal.] - -James Jack, Notary Public. - - -AFFIDAVIT OF CATHERINE PHILLIPS SMITH - -United States of America, - -State of Utah. - -County of Salt Lake. - -Catherine Phillips Smith,[2] being first sworn, says: - -I am the daughter of Thomas Denner and Sarah Godshall Phillips, and -was born in Philadelphia, State of Pennsylvania, on the first day of -August, 1819. My present residence is East Jordan, Salt Lake County, -Utah. - -I was married to Hyrum Smith, brother of the Prophet Joseph Smith, -as his plural wife, and lived with him as his wife. The sealing was -performed by the Prophet Joseph Smith himself, in Nauvoo, State of -Illinois, in August, 1843, in the brick office belonging to my husband, -and occupied at the time as a dwelling by Brother and Sister Robert -and Julia Stone, and was witnessed by my mother, Sister Stone and her -daughter Hettie. - -In consequence of the strong feeling manifested at the time against -plural marriage and those suspected of having entered into it, I, with -my mother, moved to St. Louis near the close of the year, where I was -living when the Prophet Joseph and my husband were martyred. - -The purpose of this affidavit is that my testimony to the truthfulness -and divinity of plural marriage may live after I shall have passed -away; and in this spirit I commend it to all to whom it may come. - - Catherine Phillips Smith. - -Subscribed and sworn to before me, this 28th day of January, 1903. - -[Seal] - - L. John Nuttall, Notary Public. - - -AFFIDAVIT OF ALMIRA W. JOHNSON SMITH BARTON - -Territory of Utah, County of Iron. ss. - -Be it remembered on this first day of August A.D. 1883, personally -appeared before me John W. Brown a notary public in and for said -county, Almira W. Johnson Smith Barton, who was by me sworn in due -form of law, and upon her oath says: I am a citizen in the Territory -of Utah, over the age of twenty-one years, and I am the daughter of -Ezekiel Johnson and Julia Hills Johnson his wife; that I was born at -Westford, in the State of Vermont on the 22nd day of October A.D. 1813; -that I had nine brothers who were named respectfully Joel H., Seth, -David, Benjamin F., Joseph E., Elmer, George W., William D., and Amos; -and six sisters named respectfully Nancy, Dulcena, Julia, Susan, Mary -and Esther, all of whom, with myself, were baptized into the Church of -Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with the exception of Elmer, who died -in infancy. - -Deponent further says, that in the years 1842 and 1843, I resided most -of the time at Macedonia, in the County of Hancock, State of Illinois, -sometimes with my sister who was the wife of Almon W. Babbitt, and -sometimes with my brother Benjamin F. Johnson. During that time the -Prophet Joseph Smith taught me the principle of celestial marriage -including plurality of wives and asked me to become his wife. He first -spoke to me on this subject at the house of my brother Benjamin F. I -also lived a portion of the time at Brother Joseph Smith's in Nauvoo, -when many conversations passed between him and myself on this subject. -On a certain occasion in the spring of the year 1843, the exact date of -which I do not now recollect, I went from Macedonia to Nauvoo to visit -another of my sisters, the one who was the widow of Lyman R. Sherman, -deceased, at which time I was sealed to the Prophet Joseph Smith. At -the time this took place Hyrum Smith, Joseph's brother, came to me and -said I need not be afraid. I had been fearing and doubting about the -principle and so had he, but he now knew it was true. After this time -I lived with the Prophet Joseph as his wife, and he visited me at the -home of my brother Benjamin F. at Macedonia. - -Deponent further says that I had many conversations with Eliza Beaman -who was also a wife of Joseph Smith, and who was present when I was -sealed to him, on the subject of plurality of wives, both before and -after the performance of that ceremony. And also that since the death -of the Prophet Joseph Smith I was married for time to Reuben Barton of -Nauvoo, Hancock Co., Ill., by whom I have had five daughters, one only -of whom is now living. - - Almira W. Johnson Smith Barton. - -Subscribed and sworn to by the said Almira W. Johnson Smith Barton the -day and year first above written. - -[Seal.] - - John W. Brown, Notary Public. - - -AFFIDAVIT OF MARTHA McBRIDE KIMBALL - -Territory of Utah, County of Millard. ss. - -Be it remembered that on this eighth day of July, A.D. 1869, personally -appeared before me Edward Partridge, Probate Judge in and for said -county, Martha McBride Kimball, who was by me sworn in due form of law, -and upon her oath saith that sometime in the summer of the year 1842, -at the city of Nauvoo, county of Hancock, state of Illinois, she was -married or sealed to Joseph Smith, President of the Church of Jesus -Christ of Latter-day Saints, by Heber C. Kimball, one of the Twelve -Apostles in said Church, according to the laws of the same regulating -marriage. - - Martha McBride Kimball. - -Subscribed and sworn to by said Martha McBride Kimball the day and year -first above written. - -[Seal.] - - Edward Partridge, Probate Judge. - - -AFFIDAVIT OF MELISSA LOTT WILLES - -Territory of Utah, County of Salt Lake. ss. - -Be it remembered that on this twentieth day of May, A.D. 1869, -personally appeared before me, James Jack a notary public in and for -said county, Melissa Lott Willes, who was by me sworn in due form of -law, and upon her oath saith that on the twentieth day of September, -A.D. 1843, at the city of Nauvoo, county of Hancock, state of Illinois, -she was married or sealed to Joseph Smith, President of the Church of -Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, by Hyrum Smith, Presiding Patriarch -of said Church, according to laws of the same, regulating marriage, in -the presence of Cornelius P. Lott and Parmelia Lott. - - Melissa Lott Willes. - -Subscribed and sworn to by the said Melissa Lott Willes, the day and -year first above written. - -[Seal.] - - James Jack, Notary Public. - - -LOVINA SMITH WALKER'S TESTIMONY - -I, Lovina Walker, hereby certify that while I was living with Aunt Emma -Smith, in Fulton City, Fulton Co., Illinois, in the year 1846, that she -told me that she, Emma Smith, was present and witnessed the marrying or -sealing of Eliza Partridge, Emily Partridge, Maria Lawrence and Sarah -Lawrence to her husband, Joseph Smith, and that she gave her consent -thereto. - - Lovina Walker. - -We hereby witness that Lovina Walker made and signed the above -statement on this 16th day of June, A.D. 1869, at Salt Lake City, S. L. -County, Utah Territory, of her own free will and record. - - Hyrum S. Walker, - Sarah E. Smith, - Joseph F. Smith. - - -AFFIDAVIT OF SARAH A. KIMBALL - -Territory of Utah, County of Salt Lake. ss. - -Be it remembered that on this nineteenth day of June, A.D. 1869, -personally appeared before me Elias Smith, Probate Judge for said -county, Sarah Ann Kimball, who was by me sworn in due form of law, and -upon her oath saith that on the twenty-seventh day of July, A.D. 1842, -at the city of Nauvoo, county of Hancock, state of Illinois, she was -married or sealed to Joseph Smith, President of the Church of Jesus -Christ of Latter-day Saints, by Newell K. Whitney, Presiding Bishop of -said Church, according to the laws of the same regulating marriage, in -the presence of Elizabeth Ann Whitney her mother. - - Sarah A. Kimball. - -Subscribed and sworn to by the said Sarah Ann (Whitney) Kimball, the -day and year first above written. - - E. Smith, Probate Judge. - - -AFFIDAVIT OF ELIZABETH A. WHITNEY - -Territory of Utah, County of Salt Lake. ss. - -Be it remembered that on this thirtieth day of August, A.D. 1869, -personally appeared before me, James Jack, a notary public in and for -said county, Elizabeth Ann Whitney, who was by me sworn in due form -of law, and upon her oath saith that on the twenty-seventh day of -July, A.D. 1842, at the city of Nauvoo, county of Hancock, state of -Illinois, she was present and witnessed the marrying or sealing of her -daughter Sarah Ann Whitney to the Prophet Joseph Smith, for time and -all eternity, by her husband Newel K. Whitney then Presiding Bishop of -the Church. - - E. A. Whitney. - -Subscribed and sworn to by the said Elizabeth Ann Whitney the day and -year first above written. - - James Jack, Notary Public. - - -AFFIDAVIT OF ORSON HYDE - - Springtown, Sept. 15, 1869. - -I, Orson Hyde, do hereby certify and declare according to my best -recollection that on the fourth day of September I was married to Miss -Marinda N. Johnson, in Kirtland, Ohio, in the year of our Lord 1834, -and in the month of February or March, 1843, I was married to Miss -Martha R. Browitt, by Joseph Smith, the martyred prophet, and by him -she was sealed to me for time and for all eternity in Nauvoo, Ill., -and in the month of April of the same year, 1843, I was married by the -same person to Mrs. Mary Ann Price, and by him she was sealed to me for -time and for all eternity, in Nauvoo, Ill., while the woman to whom I -was first married was yet living, and gave her cordial consent to both -transactions, and was personally present to witness the ceremonies. - - Orson Hyde. - -Sworn to and subscribed to before me this the 15th day of September, -1869, at Springtown, Sanpete County, UT. - - George Brough, Justice of the Peace. - -I hereby certify that the above named George Brough is a justice of the -peace for the precinct of Springtown in the county of Sanpete, UT., and -that he is duly qualified in accordance with law; in testimony whereof, -I hereunto set my hand and official seal of the County Court of Sanpete -County, at my office, Manti City, this Sept. 16, 1869. - -[Seal.] - - William T. Reed, County Clerk. - - -AFFIDAVIT OF JOSEPH BATES NOBLE - -Territory of Utah, County of Salt Lake. ss. - -Be it remembered that on the 26th day of June, A.D. 1869, personally -appeared before me, James Jack, a notary public in and for said county, -Joseph Bates Noble, who was by me sworn in due form of law, and upon -his oath saith, that on the fifth day of April, A.D. 1841, at the city -of Nauvoo, County of Hancock, State of Illinois, he married or sealed -Louisa Beaman to Joseph Smith, President of the Church of Jesus Christ -of Latter-day Saints, according to the order of celestial marriage -revealed to the said Joseph Smith. - - Joseph B. Noble. - -Subscribed and sworn to by the said Joseph Bates Noble, the day and -year first above written. - -[Seal.] - - James Jack, Notary Public. - - -AFFIDAVIT OF RHODA RICHARDS SMITH - -Territory of Utah, County of Salt Lake. ss. - -Be it remembered that on this first day of May, A.D. 1869, personally -appeared before me, Elias Smith, Probate Judge for said county, Rhoda -Richards, who was by me sworn in due form of law and upon her oath -saith that on the twelfth day of June A.D. 1843, at the city of Nauvoo, -County of Hancock, State of Illinois, she was married or sealed to -Joseph Smith, President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day -Saints, by Willard Richards, one of the Twelve Apostles of said Church, -according to the laws of the same regulating marriage. - - Rhoda Richards. - -Subscribed and sworn to by the said Rhoda Richards, the day and year -above written. - -[Seal.] - - Elias Smith, Probate Judge. - - -TESTIMONY OF BENJAMIN F. JOHNSON - - Mesa City, Arizona, 9th March, 1904. - -_President Joseph F. Smith_, - -_Washington, D. C_. - -My Dear Brother:-- - -In reading reports from the Senate Committee on the Reed Smoot case, -I see that witnesses are subpoenaed to prove that the Prophet Joseph -Smith did not authorize or practice polygamy; and I do know that he did -teach plural marriage, and that he did give to me a plural wife who is -still living with me, and that I saw one of my sisters married to him. -* * * - -And I do know that at his Mansion House was living Mariah and Sarah -Lawrence and one of Cornelius P. Lott's daughters as his plural wives -with the full knowledge of his wife, Emma, of the married relations to -him. - -At that time I was his legal business agent at Macedonia or Ramtis, -and was familiar with his family or domestic affairs; and occupying, -as I did, the family mansion often in a business way with Emma, the -Prophet's first wife, who at no time did ever in my hearing deny the -plural character of her husband's family. - -And now with this and much more knowledge relating to this subject, -could my evidence before the Senate Committee be of any real value to -the cause of truth? If so, although too infirm to travel alone I would -willingly try to be there, if according to your counsel and wish. - -Loyal to the truth, I am, - - Always brother, - - B. F. Johnson. - - -THE CELESTIAL AND PLURAL MARRIAGE REVELATION - -The following letter was written by Elder William Clayton who wrote the -revelation known as section 132 in the Book of Doctrine and Covenants, -at the direction of the Prophet Joseph Smith, July 12, 1843.[3] - - Salt Lake City, Nov, 11, 1871. - - _Madison M. Scott, Esq_. - - Dear Sir: - - Your letter of 23rd of June last, was received by due course of - mail, but owing to my being so very closely confined with public - duties, which has almost destroyed my health, I have not answered - your letter so promptly as is my practice. My health is yet very - poor, but I have resigned the office which was bearing so heavy - upon me, and am in hopes to regain my usual sound health. - - Now, in regard to the subject matter of your letter, it appears to - me that the principal topic is what is commonly called polygamy, - but which I prefer to call celestial marriage. As to young Joseph - saying that the Church here have apostatized; that _we_ have - introduced polygamy, denying bitterly that his father ever had a - revelation on the subject, that is all mere bosh! I _believe_ he - knows better, and I have often felt sorry to learn that the sons - of the Prophet should spend their time in contending against a - pure and holy principle which their father's blood was shed to - establish. They will have a heavy atonement to make when they meet - their father in the next world. They are in the hands of God, and - my respect for their father will not permit me to say much about - the wicked course of his sons. - - _Now, I say to you, as I am ready to testify to all the world, and - on which testimony I am most willing to meet all the Latter-day - Saints and all apostates, in time and through all eternity, I did - write the revelations on celestial marriage given through the - Prophet Joseph Smith, on the 12th of July, 1843_. - - When the revelation was written there was no one present except the - Prophet Joseph, his brother Hyrum and myself. It was written in the - small office upstairs in the rear of the brick store which stood - on the banks of the Mississippi river. It took some three hours to - write it. Joseph dictated sentence by sentence, and I wrote it as - he dictated. After the whole was written Joseph requested me to - read it slowly and carefully, which I did, and he then pronounced - it correct. The same night a copy was taken by Bishop Whitney, - which copy is now here (in the Historian's office) and which I know - and testify is correct. The original was destroyed by Emma Smith. - - I again testify that the revelation on polygamy was given through - the prophet Joseph on the 12th July, 1843; and that the Prophet - Joseph both taught and practiced polygamy I do positively know, - and bear testimony to the fact. In April, 1843, he sealed to me my - second wife, my first wife being then living. By my said second - wife I had two sons born in Nauvoo. The first died; the second is - here now, and is married. - - I had the honor to seal one woman[4] to Joseph under his direction. - I could name ten or a dozen of his wives who are now living in - this territory, so that for any man to tell me that Joseph did not - teach polygamy, he is losing his time, for I know better. It is - not hearsay, nor opinion with me, for I positively know of what I - speak, and I testify to the truth, and shall be willing to meet all - opponents on the subject through all eternity. - - As to the Church here having apostatized that is all a mere - matter of assertion, destitute of truth. President Young and his - associates are, and have been doing everything they can to carry - out the plans and instructions of the Prophet Joseph, and so - eternity will prove to the condemnation and confusion of all their - enemies. Any one who says to the contrary does not know Joseph nor - the mission the Lord gave him to fulfill. * * * - - Truly yours, - William Clayton. - - -AFFIDAVIT OF HOWARD CORAY - -Territory of Utah, County of Salt Lake. ss. - -As many false statements have been made in relation to the authorship -of the revelation on celestial marriage, I deem it but justice to all -lovers of truth for me to express what I know concerning this very -important matter. - -On the 22nd day of July, A.D. 1843, Hyrum Smith, the martyred -Patriarch, came in a carriage to my house in Nauvoo; he invited me -and my wife to take a ride with him; accordingly, as soon as we could -make ourselves ready, we got into his carriage and he set off in the -direction of Carthage. Having gone a short distance, he observed to us -that his brother Joseph Smith, the Prophet, had received a revelation -on marriage, that was not for the public yet, which he would rehearse -to us, as he had taken pains to commit it to memory. He then commenced -rehearsing the revelation on celestial marriage not stopping till he -had gone quite through with the matter. After which he reviewed that -part pertaining to plurality of wives, dwelling at some length upon the -same, in order that we might clearly understand the principle. And on -the same day (July 22, 1843,) he sealed my wife, formerly Martha Jane -Knowlton, to me; and when I heard the revelation on celestial marriage -read on the stand in Salt Lake City, in 1852, I recognized it as the -same as that repeated to me by Brother Hyrum Smith. Not long after -this I was present when Brother David Fullmer and wife were sealed by -Brother Hyrum Smith, the martyred Patriarch, according to the law of -celestial marriage. And, besides the foregoing, there was quite enough -came within the compass of my observation to have fully satisfied my -mind that plural marriage was practiced in the city of Nauvoo. - - Howard Coray. - -Subscribed and sworn to before me, this 18th day of June, A.D. 1882. - -[Seal.] - - James Jack, Notary Public. - - -AFFIDAVIT OF DAVID FULLMER[5] - -Territory of Utah, County of Salt Lake. ss. - -Be it remembered that on this fifteenth day of June, A.D. 1869, -personally appeared before me, James Jack, a notary public in and for -said county, David Fullmer, who was by me sworn in due form of law, -and upon his oath saith, that on or about the 12th day of August, -A.D. 1843, while in meeting with the High Council [he being a member -thereof] in Hyrum Smith's brick office, in the City of Nauvoo, County -of Hancock, State of Illinois, Dunbar Wilson made inquiry in relation -to the subject of plurality of wives, as there were rumors about -respecting it, and he was satisfied there was something in those -rumors, and he wanted to know what it was. Upon which Hyrum Smith -stepped across the road to his residence, and soon returned bringing -with him a copy of the revelation on celestial marriage given to Joseph -Smith July 12, 1843, and read the same to the High Council, and bore -testimony to its truth. The said David Fullmer further saith that, -to the best of his memory and belief, the following named persons -were present: William Marks, Austin A. Cowles, Samuel Bent, George -W. Harris, Dunbar Wilson, William Huntington, Levi Jackman, Aaron -Johnson, Thomas Grover, David Fullmer, Phineas Richards, James Allred -and Leonard Soby. And the said David Fullmer further saith that William -Marks, Austin A. Cowles and Leonard Soby were the only persons present -who did not receive the testimony of Hyrum Smith, and that all the -others did receive it from the teachings and testimony of the said -Hyrum Smith; and further, that the copy of said revelation on celestial -marriage published in the _Deseret News_ extra of September 14, A.D., -1852, is a true copy of the same. - - David Fullmer. - -Subscribed and sworn to by the said David Fullmer the day and year -first above written. - -[Seal.] - - James Jack, Notary Public. - - -AFFIDAVIT OF LEONARD SOBY[6] - -Be it remembered that on the 23rd day of March, in the year 1886, -before, Joshua W. Roberts, notary public for the City of Beverly, -County of Burlington, State of New Jersey, Leonard Soby, of said city, -county and state, was by me duly sworn, and upon his oath saith: - -That on or about the 12th day of August, 1843, I was a resident of -Nauvoo, Hancock County, State of Illinois, and being a member of the -High Council of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was -present at a meeting of said council at the time herein above stated; -Thomas Grover, Alpheus Cutler, David Fullmer, William Huntington and -others; when Elder Hyrum Smith, after certain explanations, read the -revelation on celestial marriage. - -I have read and examined carefully said revelation, since published -in the Book of Doctrine and Covenants of said Church, and say to the -best of my knowledge and belief it is the same, word for word, as the -revelation then read by Hyrum Smith. - -The deponent says further, that the revelation did not originate with -Brigham Young, as some persons have falsely stated, but was received by -the Prophet Joseph Smith, and read in the High Council by his authority -as a revelation to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. - -When read to this deponent and said High Council, I believed it was a -revelation from Jesus Christ, and I believe so now. - - Leonard Soby. - -Subscribed and sworn to by the said Leonard Soby the day and year first -above written. - - Joshua W. Roberts, Notary Public. - -Witnessed by: - -James H. Hart, - -Samuel Harrison. - - -AFFIDAVIT OF JOHN W. RIGDON - -State of Utah, County of Salt Lake. ss. - -John W. Rigdon, being duly sworn, says: I am the son of Sidney Rigdon, -deceased. Was born at Mentor, in the State of Ohio, in the year 1830, -and am now over seventy-five years of age. My father, Sidney Rigdon, -joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that year, -and was in 1833 ordained to be Joseph Smith's first counselor which -position he held up to the time Joseph the Prophet was killed, at -Carthage jail, in 1844. That Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon moved from -Kirtland, with their families, to the State of Missouri, during the -winter of 1837, but Rigdon did not reach Far West, in the State of -Missouri, until the last of April, 1838. That during the troubles in -Missouri, in the year 1838, Joseph Smith, Hyrum Smith, his brother, -Sidney Rigdon, Lyman Wight and others, whose names I do not now -remember were arrested and imprisoned in Liberty jail, about forty -miles from the village of Far West, in Caldwell County, Missouri, where -they all remained incarcerated for several months. That while said -Joseph Smith, Hyrum Smith, Sidney Rigdon, Lyman Wight and others were -prisoners in said Liberty jail, as aforesaid I, with my mother, wife -of Sidney Rigdon, Emma Smith, wife of said Joseph Smith, and Joseph -Smith, son of Joseph and Emma Smith, went to see the said prisoners -during the latter part of the winter of 1838. We all went together in -the same carriage and came home together. We stayed at Liberty jail -with the prisoners three days and then left for home. The story that -is being told by some of the members of the Reorganized Church, at -Lamoni, that young Joseph Smith, now president of the said Reorganized -Church, was ordained by his father, Joseph Smith, to be the leader of -the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints after his father's -death, is not true, for I know that no such ordination took place while -we were at Liberty jail; that if any such ordination had taken place I -most certainly should have known it and remembered it, as I was with -young Joseph, the Prophet's son, all the time we were there. If Joseph -Smith had ordained his son Joseph to be the leader of the Church at his -death, he would have done so in a manner that there could have been -no doubt about it. Both of his counselors were then in prison with -him, namely, Sidney Rigdon and Hyrum Smith, and it would have been in -order for the prophet to have called upon them to assist him in such -an ordination had it taken place, and a record of the same made in the -Church books, so that all members of the Church might have known that -such an ordination had taken place. But nothing of the kind appears in -the Church books. My father and mother lived a good many years after -the incarceration at Liberty jail, and I, who lived near my father, -never heard my father or my mother mention that such an ordination -ever took place in Liberty jail; and as I know myself that no such -ordination took place in Liberty jail, and inasmuch as it is not -claimed that an ordination of this character was bestowed at any other -place, therefore I deny it as an untruth and a story gotten up by the -Reorganized Church for effect. - -Besides all this, if Joseph Smith, the President of the Reorganized -Church was ordained while in Liberty jail, why did he, sixteen years -after his father's death, receive an ordination under the hands of -William Marks, William W. Blair, and Zenas H. Gurley? Would it not seem -that one ordination (and that too, said to have been by his own father, -the President of the Church) should have been sufficient? But further -Wm. Marks, Wm. W. Blair and Zenas H. Gurley had all been excommunicated -from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (excepting William -W. Blair, who never belonged to it) before they "ordained" young -Joseph to be President of the Reorganized Church, and therefore they -did not have the authority to ordain him. The whole story of his being -ordained by anyone having authority to do so is too preposterous to be -entertained for a single moment, and should be rejected by all who hear -such a story mentioned. - -As to the truth of the doctrine of polygamy being introduced by the -Prophet Joseph Smith, deponent further says: Joseph Smith was absolute -so far as spiritual figures were concerned, and no man would have dared -to introduce the doctrine of polygamy or any other new doctrine into -the "Mormon" Church at the city of Nauvoo during the years 1843 and -1844, or at any other place or time, without first obtaining Joseph -Smith's consent. If anyone had dared to have done such a thing he would -have been brought before the High Council and tried, and if proven -against him, he would have been excommunicated from the Church, and -that would have ended polygamy forever, and would also have ended the -man who had dared to introduce such a doctrine without the consent of -the Prophet Joseph. - -And deponent further says: Joseph the Prophet, at the City of Nauvoo, -Illinois, some time in the latter part of the year 1843, or the -first part of the year 1844, made a proposition to my sister, Nancy -Rigdon, to become his wife. It happened in this way: Nancy had gone to -Church, meeting being held in a grove near the temple lot on which the -"Mormons" were then erecting a temple, an old lady friend who lived -alone invited her to go home with her, which Nancy did. When they got -to the house and had taken their bonnets off, the old lady began to -talk to her about the new doctrine of polygamy which was then being -taught, telling Nancy, during the conversation, that it was a surprise -to her when she first heard it, but that she had since come to believe -it to be true. While they were talking Joseph Smith the Prophet came -into the house, and joined them, and the old lady immediately left -the room. It was then that Joseph made the proposal of marriage to my -sister. Nancy flatly refused him, saying if she ever got married she -would marry a single man or none at all, and thereupon took her bonnet -and went home, leaving Joseph at the old lady's house. Nancy told -father and mother of it. The story got out and it became the talk of -the town that Joseph had made a proposition to Nancy Rigdon to become -his wife, and that she refused him. A few days after the occurrence -Joseph Smith came to my father's house and talked the matter over with -the family, my sister, Mrs. Athalia Robinson also being present, who -is now alive. The feelings manifested by our family on this occasion -were anything but brotherly or sisterly, more especially on the -part of Nancy, as she felt that she had been insulted. A day or two -later Joseph Smith returned to my father's house, when matters were -satisfactorily adjusted between them, and there the matter ended. After -that Joseph Smith sent my father to Pittsburgh, Pa., to take charge of -a little church that was there, and Ebenezer Robinson, who was then the -Church printer, or at least had been such, as he was the printer of the -paper in Kirtland, Ohio, and a printer by trade, was to go with him -to print a paper there, and nine days before Joseph Smith was shot at -Carthage we started, reaching Pittsburgh the day before he was killed. - -Deponent further says: I have in my possession a paper called the -_Nauvoo Expositor_, bearing date, Nauvoo, Illinois, Friday, June 7th, -1844, which said paper's printing plant was destroyed by the City -Council at Nauvoo a night or two after that issue. There never was but -one issue of this paper. Joseph Smith the Prophet was then Mayor of the -City of Nauvoo. In the afternoon of the day on which the printing plant -was destroyed, Henry Phelps, a son of W. W. Phelps, came down Main -Street selling this paper, the _Nauvoo Expositor_, and everyone who -could raise five cents bought a copy. In that paper the three following -affidavits appeared, which I reproduce herewith. - - -AFFIDAVITS - - I hereby certify that Hyrum Smith did (in his office) read to me a - certain written document which he said was a revelation from God. - He said that he was with Joseph when it was received. He afterwards - gave me the document to read and I took it to my house and read - it and showed it to my wife and returned it the next day. The - revelation (so called) authorized certain men to have more wives - than one at a time in this world and in the world to come. It said - this was the law, and commanded Joseph to enter into the law. And - also that he should administer to others. Several other items were - in the revelation, supporting the above doctrines. - - Wm. Law. - - State of Illinois, - - Hancock County. - - I, Robert D. Foster, certify that the above certificate was sworn - to before me as true in substance, this fourth day of May, A.D. - 1844. - - Robert D. Foster, J. P. - - - I certify that I read the revelation referred to in the above - affidavit of my husband. It sustained in strong terms the doctrine - of more wives than one at a time in this world and in the next. It - authorized some to have to the number of ten, and set forth that - those women who would not allow their husbands to have more wives - than one should be under condemnation before God. - - Jane Law. - - Sworn and subscribed before me this 4th day of May, A.D. 1844. - - Robert D. Foster, J. P. - - - To all whom it may concern: - - Forasmuch as the public mind hath been much agitated by a course of - procedure in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by a - number of persons declaring against certain doctrines and practices - therein (among whom I am one) it is but meet that I should give my - reasons at least in part as a cause that hath led me to declare - myself. In the latter part of the summer of 1843, the Patriarch - Hyrum Smith did in the High Council, of which I was a member, - introduce what he said was a revelation given through the Prophet, - that the said Hyrum Smith did essay to read the said revelation in - the said council; that according to his reading there was contained - the following doctrines: 1st. The sealing up of persons to eternal - life, against all sins save that of shedding innocent blood or of - consenting thereto; 2nd. The doctrine of plurality of wives or - marrying virgins; that David and Solomon had many wives, yet in - this they sinned not, save in the matter of Uriah. This revelation - with others, evidence that the aforesaid heresies were taught and - practiced in the Church, determined me to leave the office of first - counselor to the President of the Church at Nauvoo, inasmuch as I - dared not teach or administer such laws. And further deponent saith - not. - - Austin Cowles. - - State of Illinois, - - Hancock County. - - To all whom it may concern: I hereby certify that the above - certificate was sworn and subscribed before me, this fourth day of - May, 1844. - - Robert D. Foster, J. P. - - John W. Rigdon. - - Sworn to before me this 28th day of July, 1905. - - [Seal.] - - James Jack, Notary Public. - - -STATEMENT OF ORANGE L. WIGHT - -The following confirmation of John W. Rigdon's affidavit is copied from -the _Deseret News_ of Saturday, August 12, 1905: - - Bunkerville, Lincoln County, Nev., August 4, 1905:--Seeing the - testimony of J. W. Rigdon in the semi-weekly _News_ of July 31, - and being much interested in the subject, and knowing that there - lived in this place a man that was quite familiar with the early - scenes of church history, especially those in and about Far West, - Missouri, and having heard him say that he had many times visited - his father and the Prophet Joseph, while they were incarcerated in - Liberty jail, I went and interviewed Orange L. Wight (eldest son of - former Apostle Lyman Wight), who is now 82 years old and resides - with his daughter, Sister Harriet M. Earl. Brother Wight is quite - feeble in body, but his mind seems to be as bright as ever. - - I found Brother Wight in his usual good humor, and seemed quite - willing to talk, in fact, was pleased to do so. "Elder Wight," - said I, "are you willing to make a statement for publication in - regard to what you know about Joseph Smith, son of the Prophet - Joseph, being ordained while in Liberty jail to lead the Church?" - "Certainly I am." "Then," said I, "just write me out a brief - statement covering those points, and I will give it in your own - words." Following is Brother Wight's statement: - - "In regard to the statement of John W. Rigdon, I endorse it in - every point. Brother John W. Rigdon speaks of being in Liberty - prison when the Prophet Joseph Smith, Sidney Rigdon, Hyrum Smith, - Lyman Wight, and others were there (the others were Caleb Baldwin - and Alexander McRae). I also visited the prisoners at or about the - same time, and slept with them many times at different periods, and - I cannot recollect of ever hearing the subject of an ordination - mentioned. - - "My father, Lyman Wight, nor my mother, never alluded to it during - their lifetime in my presence; so I take it for granted that - Joseph, the son of the Prophet Joseph Smith, was not ordained to - fill the place of his father, in the Liberty jail. I was born in - the State of New York, November 29, 1823, hence am about seven - years older than Brother John W. Rigdon. And if an ordination of - Young Joseph had occurred in the prison, I would likely have heard - it, and would certainly recollect it. - - "Previous to this, while I was several years younger, the Twelve - Apostles were organized and commissioned to assist in leading and - governing the Church. I can recollect every detail distinctly. - My acquaintance with the Prophet was from the year 1830 to his - martyrdom, and I can truly say he was a Prophet of God, and was - appointed to the divine mission to organize the Church of Jesus - Christ of Latter-day Saints in this last dispensation. - - "As to the Prophet's believing and practicing polygamy, I have as - near a certain knowledge of the fact, I may say, as any man living. - I was well acquainted with most or all of his wives, and talked - with them on the subject, at the same time my wife also talked with - them. - - "If there is anything further that is necessary for me to - communicate in regard to my recollection, I will willingly do so. - - "Respectfully, - "Orange L. Wight." - -Further talk with Brother Wight brought out the following facts: He was -baptized into the Church in the spring of 1832; was with the Church -through all their troubles in the State of Missouri. Brother Wight -filled a thirteen months' mission in the State of Virginia in company -with Jedediah M. Grant and others; was in Nauvoo at the time the -Prophet was captured at Dixon, Ill., and was one of those who went up -the Illinois river on the steamer "Maid of Iowa," to assist in rescuing -the Prophet. - - Joseph I. Earl. - - -AFFIDAVIT OF BATHSHEBA W. SMITH - -State of Utah, County of Salt Lake. ss. - -Bathsheba W. Smith, being first duly sworn on oath, deposes and says: - -I was a resident of Nauvoo, State of Illinois, from 1840 to 1846. I -was married to George A. Smith July 25, 1841, Elder Don Carlos Smith -performing the ceremony. Near the close of the year 1843, or in the -beginning of the year 1844, I received the ordinance of anointing in -a room in Sister Emma Smith's house in Nauvoo, and the same day, in -company with my husband, I received my endowment in the upper room -over the Prophet Joseph Smith's store. The endowments were given under -the direction of the Prophet Joseph Smith, who afterwards gave us -lectures or instructions in regard to the endowment ceremonies. There -has been no change, to my certain knowledge, in these ceremonies. They -are the same today as they were then. A short time after I received my -anointing, I was sealed to my husband, George A. Smith, for time and -eternity, by President Brigham Young, in the latter's house, according -to the plan taught, to my knowledge, by the Prophet Joseph Smith. When -I was married in 1841, I was married for time, and not for eternity. - -At the time I was anointed in Sister Emma Smith's house, she (Emma -Smith) said in my presence, to me and to others who were present upon -that occasion, "Your husbands are going to take more wives, and unless -you consent to it, you must put your foot down and keep it there." Much -more was said in regard to plural marriage at that time by Sister Emma -Smith, who seemed opposed to the principle. - -In the year 1840, at a meeting held in Nauvoo, at which I was present, -I heard the Prophet Joseph Smith say that the ancient order would be -restored as it was in the days of Abraham. In the year 1844, a short -time before the death of the Prophet Joseph Smith, it was my privilege -to attend a regular prayer circle in the upper room over the Prophet's -store. There were present at this meeting most of the Twelve Apostles, -their wives, and a number of other prominent brethren and their wives. -On that occasion the Prophet arose and spoke at great length, and -during his remarks I heard him say that he had conferred on the heads -of the Twelve Apostles all the keys and powers pertaining to the -Priesthood, and that upon the heads of the Twelve Apostles the burden -of the Kingdom rested, and that they would have to carry it. - -It has been, and is, necessary for me to make this statement, as -contrary reports have been circulated as coming from me. Any statements -purporting to come from me that have been made, or that may be made -by any party or parties, in opposition or conflicting with this sworn -statement, are false, as I have never, to my knowledge, deviated one -iota from this statement. - - Bathsheba W. Smith. - -Signed in the presence of - -Joseph F. Smith, Jr., - -B. Morris Young. - -Subscribed and sworn to before me this 19th day of November, 1903. - -[Seal.] - - Martin S. Lindsay, Notary Public. - - -Footnotes - -1. One hundred or more affidavits in relation to the introduction of -celestial and plural marriage are on file in the historian's Office, -Salt Lake City, and are the expressions of eye and ear witnesses, who -know that the Prophet Joseph Smith introduced and taught celestial and -plural marriage. Most of these witnesses are members of the Church, -but some of them are not, and have not been connected with the Church -from before the martyrdom of the Prophet and Patriarch. It would -be impracticable and even unnecessary to produce all this evidence -here. A portion should suffice, in order that the truth regarding the -introduction of these principles should be established; for, in this -case as in all others, the testimony of two or three reliable witnesses -should establish the truth of these things. Celestial marriage, which -is marriage for eternity, should not be confused with plurality of -wives, as is often done by those not acquainted with these teachings. - -2. Some time during the month of September four members of the -Reorganized Church called on Catherine Phillips Smith at her home in -East Jordan, with the object in view of having her deny her testimony -regarding her marriage to the Patriarch Hyrum Smith, which she -resolutely refused to do. - -In a statement given on September 24th, two days before her death, she -said: "They tried to get me to tell a lie and deny that I was married -to the Patriarch Hyrum Smith; but I would not do it. I never have lied -and will not now; my affidavit is true. They asked me if my mother knew -of my marriage, and I told them that the Patriarch asked my mother if -she was willing for him to marry her daughter, and she said he could -ask the daughter, and she could do as she pleased. I told them that -the Prophet Joseph sealed me to the Patriarch Hyrum Smith as his wife -for time and all eternity, and they tried to get me to deny it, and I -would not do it, for it is true. I told them the truth. They annoyed me -very much, and I finally told them to leave my house and never enter it -again." - -3. This, however, was not the time this principle was first made known -to the Prophet Joseph Smith, for as early as 1831 the Lord revealed the -principle of celestial and plural marriage to him and he taught it to -others. - -4. See affidavit of Lucy Walker Smith. - -5. Similar affidavits by most of the members of this High Council at -Nauvoo are also on file. - -6. Leonard Soby was at first opposed to this revelation, and shortly -after the martyrdom he left the Church. When this statement was given -he was not a member of the Church. - - - -THE REORGANIZED CHURCH--SOME FACTS REGARDING ITS ORIGIN - -The ministers of the "Reorganized" Church, or the "New Organization," -as it was first called,[1] declare that the Church at the death of -the Prophet Joseph and Patriarch Hyrum Smith, was badly divided, its -members scattered to the four winds, and that the Church was rejected -with its dead. They also claim that the "Reorganization" is composed of -the faithful who did "not bow the knee to Baal," but remained true to -the "original faith" as revealed and practiced by the Prophet Joseph -Smith. In the words of their president: "The individuals who kept this -covenant (the new and everlasting covenant) were accepted of Him and -were not rejected, nor their standing before God put in jeopardy by -the departure of others from the faith. Whatever the office in the -priesthood each held, under the ordinations ordered by the call of -God and vote of the Church, would remain valid. They could as elders, -priests, etc., pursue the duties of warning, expounding, and inviting -all to come to Christ, and by command of God could build up the Church -from any single branch, which, like themselves, had not bowed the knee -to Baal, or departed from the faith of the Church as found in the -standard works of the body at the death of Joseph and Hyrum Smith."[2] - -It is strongly implied in this quotation from the writings of the -president of the "Reorganization" that all those who followed -President Brigham Young and the Twelve Apostles, lost their Priesthood -and standing before the Lord, and that the founders of the "New -Organization" and their followers were the only ones who remained true -and steadfast to the Truth. The evidence in this regard is against -them. The truth is that the founders of the "Reorganized" church were -the ones who followed every will-o-the-wisp, bowed the knee to Baal and -departed from the faith, while the Twelve and the Saints on the other -hand, pursued an even course and were steadfast under all trials and -difficulties even to the end. - -It is not true that the Church was broken, scattered and rejected -following the martyrdom and that the "Reorganization" is a portion of -the original church. Their organization did not come into existence -until some sixteen years after the death of the Prophet and Patriarch -and was an outgrowth of the movement under James J. Strang. - -There was a movement on foot to divide the Church, following the -assassination of the Prophet and Patriarch, but its range was not as -extensive as has generally been supposed. The chief actors in this -movement were Sidney Rigdon, James J. Strang and William Smith, each -of whom aspired to lead the Church. Mr. Rigdon based his claim to the -presidency on the fact that he had been the first counselor to the -Prophet Joseph Smith, and therefore by right should be the "guardian" -of the Church. His claim was in conflict with the position of the -Church and the teachings of the Prophet. He laid his case before the -conference of the Church August 8, 1844, and his claim was rejected -by the Saints almost unanimously. At the same conference the Twelve -Apostles were sustained as the presiding quorum of the Church. Mr. -Strang's claim to the presidency was based on his statement that the -Prophet had appointed him as his successor by letter, a few days before -the martyrdom. William Smith claimed the right of presidency by virtue -of being the brother of the Prophet. - -Each of these men gathered around him a few followers, principally of -that class of restless, erratic individuals, who never remain contented -very long in any one place or under any circumstances; but none of them -gathered many followers. Their organizations barely existed for a few -years and then disappeared; the fragments becoming the nucleus of the -"Reorganization." - -The movement which resulted in the bringing forth of the "Reorganized" -church, was of more recent date and was due principally to the efforts -of two men, viz., Jason W. Briggs and Zenas H. Gurley. Mr. Briggs was -born June 25, 1821, at Pompey, Oneida County, New York. He joined the -Church June 6, 1841, and members of the "Reorganization" declare that -he was ordained an Elder in 1842. His home was in Beloit, Wisconsin, -from 1842 to 1854. After the death of the Prophet, Mr. Briggs sustained -the Twelve Apostles and the Church and was apparently true to them -until the exodus in 1846. At that time he lost heart, turned from the -Church in its darkest hour and sought the favor of the world. Some -time subsequent to this he joined the movement under James J. Strang. -In Strang's organization he did missionary work, received honors -and organized a branch. In 1850 he renounced Mr. Strang and joined -with William Smith, in the latter organization he was "ordained" an -"apostle." He soon tired of William Smith, and in 1851 joined with -Zenas H. Gurley who was at that time a follower of James J. Strang. -These two men then organized a church of their own which afterwards was -known as the "Reorganized" church. In 1886 Jason W. Briggs withdrew -from this organization of his own begetting, declaring that it was not -the Church of Christ. - -Zenas H. Gurley was just as unstable as Mr. Briggs. He was born at -Bridgewater, New York, May 29, 1801, joined the Church in April, 1838, -and moved to Far West, from whence he was driven with the Saints in the -expulsion of 1838-39. After this expulsion he settled in Nauvoo, where, -in 1844, he was ordained a Seventy,[3] under the direction of President -Joseph Young, and on the 6th day of April, 1845, he was ordained senior -president of the twenty-first quorum of Seventy. He sustained the -Twelve and followed their teachings and remained with the Church until -February, 1846, (the month of the exodus) when he also left the Church -and shortly afterwards joined with James J. Strang. Mr. Gurley was -endowed in the Nauvoo Temple with his wife January 6, 1846, and of that -event the record of Seventies states under date of January 10, 1846: - - President Zenas H. Gurley arose and said that the Presidents of the - quorum (21st) had received their endowment. He observed that it was - remarkable for the unusual outpouring of the Holy Spirit.--Page 29. - -Again speaking of the authorities of the Church he said: - - He remembered forcibly the sayings of the First Presidents of - Seventy, that we should so live that no charge can be brought - against us. A few years ago the men in high standing in this Church - were as little as we are. They obtained their exaltation by patient - submission to right, and minding their own business.--Page 29. - -On January 25th, 1846, he said: - - The Saints who have passed through the trials of the Church were - generally rooted and grounded in love and have a witness in their - own hearts or they would not have remained.--Page 33. - -Within a very few days of this time Zenas H. Gurley deserted the Church -because he was unable to face the trials and hardships the Saints were -forced to undergo. The "Mormon" people were journeying in a strange -land, the prospects before them were dark and some of the members -became faint-hearted and were unable to endure to the end. Of this -number Jason W. Briggs and Zenas H. Gurley were two who turned back and -sought refuge in the apostate organization of James J. Strang. Indeed -it required a strong heart and a firm-rooted faith for men and women -to give up all earthly comforts and undertake a journey of that kind. -Death stared the Saints in the face, they were poorly clothed, without -shelter, save their ragged tents that would not shed the rain, and -almost destitute of food; yet with the exception of the few who sought -the "flesh-pots of Egypt," they patiently and determinedly pursued -their way until crowned with the victory. The opinion of the world -at that time was that the exodus meant the end of "Mormonism," and -that the Latter-day Saints had gone to their destruction; for without -the necessary means to support life, and isolated as they were from -the rest of civilization, they must surely perish in the barren and -distant West. Such, too, would doubtless have been the case had not the -protecting hand of Jehovah guided them. Is it any wonder under such -trying conditions that the hearts of those weak in the faith should -fail them? - -In 1849 Mr. Gurley filled a mission for Mr. Strang and made a number of -converts to that faith. In 1850 he organized the "Yellowstone branch," -for the Strangite church. In 1852 he rejected the claim of Mr. Strang -and joined with Mr. Jason W. Briggs, and these two men united their -respective Strangite branches, those of Yellowstone and Beloit, and -organized themselves into a new religious movement known today as the -"Reorganized" church. In 1853, the leaders of this movement called a -number of men to the ministry, "ordained" seven "apostles" and began -a proselyting movement. For several years they tried to get "young -Joseph," the son of the Prophet Joseph Smith, who had never affiliated -with the Saints since the exodus from Nauvoo, to join them and become -their president. In this they failed, but were diligent and finally, -through their continued efforts and the persuasion of his mother, he -accepted that position in 1860, was "ordained" president of their -church by William Marks, Zenas H. Gurley, and William W. Blair, and has -continued in that position ever since. - -Mr. Gurley remained with this movement till his death, but his family, -together with Jason W. Briggs, voluntarily withdrew in 1886. - -In 1852, when Jason W. Briggs and Zenas H. Gurley combined their -Strangite forces the membership was about one hundred souls, most of -whom were converts made for Mr. Strang. In 1860, when "young Joseph" -assumed the leadership, the membership was three hundred souls, most -of whom were converts that had never belonged to the Church of Jesus -Christ of Latter-day Saints. - -Of the members of the Church who were in fellowship in 1844-46, the -"Reorganization" has received no more, and likely less than one -thousand converts, which fact shows that the apostasy was not so -great in 1844-46, as has been pictured. These statements are based on -the testimony of original members of the "Reorganization," as they -testified before the U. S. Court of Appeals for the Western District of -Missouri, in 1894, in the Temple Lot suit, which was for the possession -of property in the hands of the "Church of Christ" or "Hedrickites." - -Before that court Mr. William W. Blair, who for many years was a member -of the presidency of the "Reorganization" and who was one of its oldest -members, testified that "one thousand was probably too high an estimate -for the members of the original church, that had joined the Reorganized -church." He could "approximately say" that one thousand had joined the -"Reorganized church, and possibly that estimate was too large." Record -pp. 180, 181. - -William Marks, whose testimony is referred to by Mr. Evans, was also -one of those who joined the "Reorganization" in an early day. At the -time of the martyrdom he was president of the Nauvoo Stake, but was -disfellowshipped for transgression at the October conference, 1844, -and finally excommunicated. Afterwards he joined the organization -under James J. Strang. In that organization he became a "bishop," -was a member of the "high council," and later a member of the "first -presidency." After the death of James J. Strang, he joined the -organization of Charles B. Thompson, another apostate. This is the same -William Marks who "ordained" Joseph Smith, of Lamoni, president of -the "Reorganization." In that ordination he was assisted by Zenas H. -Gurley and William W. Blair. Mr. Blair never belonged to the Church. It -is almost needless to add that these men held no divine authority and -could not bestow the Priesthood and officiate in the ordinances of the -Gospel, and, therefore, the pretentions of the "Reorganized" church are -fraudulent. Judged by its history, doctrines and the unstable character -of its founders it is proved to be a counterfeit and nothing more. - -Considering the conditions under which the "Reorganization" came -into existence, and the fact that in the beginning the original one -hundred members came from the Strangite church, and that during the -existence of that organization from its foundation to 1894, not more -than one thousand members of the "original church" (i.e. the Church -of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as it stood in 1844) had joined -it, we are not to be blamed if we declare that that church is not the -successor, a faction or a portion of the "original church" founded by -Joseph Smith the Prophet through the command of God, April 6, 1830. -And after following the history of its founders and pointing out their -instability and the manner in which they followed after false leaders, -receiving "ordinations" and honors under their hands, we can most -emphatically declare that they were not the faithful who did "not bow -the knee to Baal," and who kept the "everlasting covenant." - - -Footnotes - -1. _Saints' Herald_, Vol. one. - -2. See article in _Era_, Vol. 7, No. 11, entitled, "The Church -Rejected--When?" - -3. The "Reorganized" Church History states that Z. H. Gurley was -ordained a Seventy in Far West in 1838. This is an error, they have -no original record of such an ordination. The original records of -the Seventies in the Historian's Office, Salt Lake City, give his -ordination as stated here. - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Blood Atonement and the Origin of -Plural Marriage, by Joseph Fielding Smith, Jr. - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BLOOD ATONEMENT, ORIGIN PLURAL MARRIAGE *** - -***** This file should be named 50535.txt or 50535.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/5/0/5/3/50535/ - -Produced by Tyler Garrett, Mormon Texts Project Intern -(http://mormontextsproject.org) - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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