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TEMPLES, 1847
1847: Increase McGee Van Deusen.
“Van Deusen was one of Strang’s converts of 1846, and participated in the conference at Voree in which Brigham Young and others of the Twelve were tried in absentia and cut off. Van Deusen went on East and 20 months later got out this expose. . . .
The Gospel Herald Sept. 21, 1848 prints a letter from Van Deusen to Strang dated in New York, September 3, which says in part that after leaving Voree he had preached a few times, baptized 3, ‘Then went to work for myself. I published the endowment as given by the imposter, Brigham Young. . . . I have sold 10,000 copies.’
In a purulent letter in the Strang MSS dated June 19, 1949 [sic], Van Deusen confessed ‘my folly in the course I have taken in the last two years in leaving the work of God and turning to my own in publishing the Endowment as given by the imposter B. Young. I sined [sic] not that I believe it should be kept as a secret but it was far beneath my calling to do so. I stooped low in doing it.'” (Inez Smith Davis papers, RLDS Archives, P23/F102)
6 Jan.: Postpone sealing until temple is built.
“Thomas Alvord wrote to me asking for information about the order of the kingdom of God. I replied as follows:
‘In answer to your questions I reply, inasmuch as you have made a covenant with bro. Samuel Bent to be sealed to him and be attached to his kingdom, you ought to keep that covenant; and when there is some one to act in his stead, or as proxy for him (as he is fallen asleep) and a Temple built for such purposes, you must attend to it, and if you should not live, you must leave on record your requiest with some of your relatives, or some one you shall select.'”
(MHBY, 6 Jan., 1847)
6 Jan.: Mother can claim children without father.
“When a man hears the gospel and obeys it and lives up to all the laws of the gospel, his wife and children are his in time and in eternity, but if the husband reject the gospel and the wife receives it, she can claim all the children that have died in infancy, or without law, or if she can prevail on them to embrace the gospel, she can hold them or claim them as her children in time and in eternity.” (Brigham Young, BYMH, 6 Jan., 1847)
6 Jan.: Adoption/Children belong to mother.
“Thomas Alvord wrote to Pres. Young asking for information about the order of the kingdom of God. Pres. Young replied as follows:
In answer to your questions I reply, inasmuch as you have made a covenant with Bro. Samuel Bent to be sealed to him and be attached to his kingdom, you ought to keep that covenant; and when there is some one to act in his stead, or as proxy for him (as he is fallen asleep) and a Temple built for such purposes, you must attend to it; and if you should not live, you must leave on record your request with some of your relatives, or some one you shall select.
When a man hears the Gospel and obeys it and lives up to all the laws of the Gospel, his wife and children are his, in time and in eternity; but if the husband rejects the Gospel and the wife received it, she can claim all the children that have died in infancy, or without law, or if she can prevail on them to embrace the Gospel, she can hold them or claim them as her children in time and in eternity. And further, it is the duty of all parents to prevail on their children to embrace the Gospel of salvation, break off from all sin and cleave unto righteousness.” (JH 6 Jan., 1847)
7 Jan.: Those who have forgotten their new [?] names.
“Pres. [Heber C.] Kimball wished Elder David Candland to return to camp, and it is very desirable that all Elders should remember that the things of the Lord’s house belong in the Temple and are not to be transferred to the habitations of the Gentiles, and all the brethren who have so far forgotten their sacred instructions as to disremember their original names had better return home and take further lessons.” (JH 7 Jan., 1847)
8 Jan.: Brethren scolded for talking about endowment.
“President [Heber C.] Kimball wishes Elder David Candland to return to Camp, and it is very desirable that all Elders should remember that the things of the Lord’s house belong in the Temple, and are not to be transferred to the habitations of the Gentiles, and all the brethren who have so far forgotten their sacred instructions as to disremember their original names, had better return home and take further lessons.” (Brigham Young [Camp of Israel, Winter Quarters] to Orson Hyde, Orson Pratt and John Taylor [England], 8 Jan., 1847; MS 9(7):100, 1 Apr., 1847)
15 Jan.: Kings and Priests explained.
“A DIAGRAM OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD.
The above diagram shows the order and unity of the kingdom of God. The eternal Father sits at the head, crowned King of kings and Lord of lords. Wherever the other lines meet, there sits and king and a priest unto God, bearing rule, authority, and dominion under the Father. He is one with the Father, because his kingdom is joined to his Father’s and becomes part of it.
The most eminent and distinguished prophets who have laid down their lives for their testimony (Jesus among the rest), will be crowned at the head of the largest kingdoms under the Father, and will be one with Christ as Christ is one with his Father; for their kingdoms are all joined together, and such as do the will of the Father, the same are his mothers, sisters, and brothers. He that has been faithful over a few things, will be made ruler over many things; he that has been faithful over ten talents, shall have dominion over ten cities, and he that has been faithful over five talents, shall have dominion over five cities, and to every man will be given a kingdom and a dominion, according to his merit, powers, and abilities to govern and control. It will be seen by the above diagram that there are kingdoms of all sizes, an infinite variety to suit all grades of merit and ability. The chosen vessels unto God are the kings and priests that are placed at the head of these kingdoms. These have received their washings and anointings in the temple of God on this earth; they have been chosen, ordained, and anointed kings and priests, to reign as such in the resurrection of the just. Such as have not received the fulness of the priesthood, (for the fulness of the priesthood includes the authority of both king and priest) and have not been anointed and ordained in the temple of the Most High, may obtain salvation in the celestial kingdom, but not a celestial crown. Many are called to enjoy a celestial glory, yet few are chosen to wear a celestial crown, or rather, to be rulers in the celestial kingdom.
While this portion of eternity that we now live in, called time, continues, and while the other portions of eternity that we may hereafter dwell in, continue, those lines in the foregoing diagram, representing kingdoms, will continue to extend and be lengthened out; and thus, the increase of our kingdoms will increase the kingdom of our God, even as Daniel hath said: ‘Of the increase of his kingdom and government there shall be no end.’ All these kingdoms are one kingdom, and there is a King over kings, and a Lord over lords. There are Lords many, and Gods many, for they are called Gods to whom the word of God comes, and the word of God comes to all these kings and priests. But to our branch of the kingdom there is but one God, to whom we all owe the most perfect submission and loyalty; yet our God is just as subject to still higher intelligences, as we should be to him.
The great fault of all nations has been, that they would worship more Gods than one. They well knew that there was more than one God, and vainly sought to worship all they imagined. We well know that there are more sovereigns than one over the kingdoms of this world, but would it not be folly in the extreme for an Englishman to attempt to serve other kings and rulers, while a subject of her Majesty, and living within her dominions? Most certainly it would: his Queen would be jealous of him, but if there was no other power to serve, she never would be jealous; there would be no room for fear or suspicion. If there was only one man on earth, that one man would never be jealous of his wife. Our God says that he is a jealous God; but how could he be jealous if he were the only God? These kingdoms, which are but one kingdom, are designed to extend till they not only embrace this world, but every other planet that rolls in the blue vault of heaven. Thus will all things be gathered in one during the dispensation of the fulness of times, and the Saints will not only possess the earth, but all things else, for, says Paul, ‘All things are yours, whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours, and ye are Christ’s, and Christ is God’s.'” (Unsigned article [Orson Hyde, editor], “A Diagram of the Kingdom of God,” MS 9(2):23-24, 15 Jan., 1847)
15 Jan.: F. D. Richards has receive fulness of Priesthood
“Brother Franklin D. Richards, a worthy young man, who has received the fulness of the priesthood in the Temple of God, will be our successor to the editorial department of this paper, and also will take the presidency of the whole church in the British Isles under the direction and instruction of the Council of the Twelve Apostles.” (Orson Hyde, editor, MS 9(2):26, 15 Jan., 1847)
16 Jan.: Adoption to one of the Twelve.
“I said some men were afraid they would lose some glory if they were sealed to one of the Twelve and did not stand alone and have others sealed to them. A saints kingdom consisted of his own posterity, and to be sealed to one of the Twelve did not diminish him, but only connected him according to the law of God by that perfect chain and order of Heaven, that will bind the righteous from Adam to the last saint. Adam will claim us all, as members of his kingdom we being his children.” (Brigham Young, BYMH, 16 Jan., 1847)
“While treating upon the principle of Adoption He [Brigham] said some men were afraid they would loose some glory if they were sealed to one of the Twelve And did not stand alone And have others sealed to them. President Young said there kingdom consisted of their own posterity And it did not diminish that at all by being sealed to one of the Twelve but ownly bound them by that perfect Chain according to the law of God and order of Heaven that will bind the righteous from Adam to the last Saint And Adam will claim us all as members of his kingdom we deing [sic] his Children.” (Wilford Woodruff diary, 16 Jan., 1847)
“Pres. [Brigham] Young said some men were afraid they would lose some glory if they were sealed to one of the Twelve and did not stand alone and have others sealed to them. A Saint’s kingdom consisted of his own posterity, and to be sealed to one of the Twelve did not diminish him, but only connected him according to the law of God by that perfect chain and order of Heaven, that will bind the righteous from Adam to the last saint. Adam will claim us all, as members of his kingdom, we being his children.” (JH 16 Jan., 1847)
18 Jan.: Organization of Brigham’s adopted family.
“This was An important day in the History of this Church in one respect. President Brigham Young met with his Company or family organization or those who had been adopted unto him or were to be, & organized than into A company out of which may grow a people that may yet be Called the tribe of Brigham. His teaching to his company was much unto edifycation.
I Cannot now write but few of the words which He spake. He said no man should come into his company to work iniquity. They should break of from all there sins. And they did enter into a covenant with uplifted Hands to Heaven with President Young And each other to walk in all the ordinances & Commandments of the Lord Our God. President Young said that He new that any man who would put his money to usury in the cause of God would recieve an hundred fold. And many things of Interest was spoken. President Young company numbered about 300 men.” (Wilford Woodruff diary, 18 Jan., 1847)
19 Jan.: Kimball, Woodruff adopted families organized.
“President Heber C Kimball organized His family company this night At the Council House consisting of about 200 persons.
I Wilford Woodruff organized my family company this night At my own House consisting of 40 Men mostly Head men of families. Those that Joined me entered in a covenant with uplifted Hands to Heaven to keep all the commandments & Statutes of the Lord our God And to sustain me in my office.” (Wilford Woodruff diary, 19 Jan., 1847)
ca. 20 Jan.: 2nd anointing of Nancy Wilson.
“So, she, Nancy Wilson, departed this life at the age of 41 years having been the mother of eleven living children, nine of them on my hands. . .[she] died having been in the church 15 years, having become a member at the age of 26 years during which time she has attended every ordinance of the Gospel that has been offered in her day, and in fact all that I know anything about. She was baptized for the remission of her sins and had hands laid upon her for the reception of the Holy Ghost, and confirmed in the Church and has received blessings from time to time.
At the temple at Nauvoo she received her washings and anointings even to become a queen and a priestess, after which time she attended to one other ordinance which was to wash the feet of her husband and anoint him to be her king and priest and Savior, that she might have claim on him at the resurrection… Nancy Wilson, who knew and died in triumph of faith in the gospel of the Son of God, after having lived and obeyed all the laws and ordinances of the Church. . . died full in the faith of a glorious resurrection with the just and was buried on the Missouri Bluff just above Kanesville [20 July 1851].” (“Record of Lewis Dunbar Sr. and Nancy Ann Wilson” Typescript, Church Archives; Account written shortly after 20 July 1851. [While writing a eulogy in honor of his wife who died following the birth of a son, Lewis Dunbar Wilson speaks of his Nancy’s faith in the Gospel and her obedience to its ordinances, particularly by referring to events that occurred on or shortly after 20 January 1846:] Bergera collection.)
24 Jan.: Temple Ordinances performed in the wilderness.
“Both Smith and Young had stated unequivocally that these sacred ordinances could be performed only in temples. While it is true that baptisms for the dead and several sealings had been performed in Nauvoo before the temple was completed, once constructed it was the only rightful place for such functions.
However, leaders were pestered by incessant inquiries requesting temple ordinances in the wilderness, with our without a temple. Young responded that they must remain in temporary suspension until a later time. With reference to sealings, he said, ‘there will be no such thing done until we build another temple. I have understood that some of the 12 have held fourth an idea that such things would be attended to in the wilderness but I say let no man hint such things from this tme fourth for we will not attend to sealing till another is built.’ [Footnote 15: “Journal of John D. Lee, 9 August 1846.”]
A month later he informed George Miller, who himself was being quizzed about the matter at the Ponca settlement, that ‘the use of the Lord’s house is to attend to the ordinances of the Kingdom therein; and if it were lawful and right to administer these ordinances out of doors where would be the necessity of building a house? We would recommend to the brethren to let those things you refer to, dwell in the Temple, until another house is built in which they may be transferred or continued.’ [Footnote 16: “Brigham Young to George Miller, 20 September 1846, Brigham Young Papers.”]
Even as late as January 1847, Young, who as president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles was the official spokesman on such matters, reminded his followers that until the construction of another temple, ‘let such administrations, and covenants belonging thereunto, not be named among you.’ [Footnote 17: “Journal History, 6 and 29 January 1847.”] No doubt, one powerful reason for centralizing such ordinances in one structure was to prohibit unauthorized performances and ordinations and consequent loss of control over what authorities viewed as sacred, unifying religious ceremonies.
But what Young said publicly and what he did privately was not always synchronized. For a variety of reasons, several sources pressured for exceptions. Many in camp began realizing that some of their neighbors and associates had received more instructions, more initiations, more wives, and more blessings than themselves. Reference has already been made to the more influential positions some women enjoyed who had previously received temple endowments and anointings. A similar differentiation and sense of exclusiveness existed among the men. Several had been unable to attend the Nauvoo Temple through no fault of their own. Perhaps fearful that Young and the Twelve might meet disaster on their journey west and never return, they were demanding equal consideration.
Many who were sick and diseased sought special exemption. One man, J. W. Fox, begged Young to marry for time and eternity his dying daugher-in-law, Caroline, to his son, David. [Footnote 18: “J. W. Fox to Brigham young, 23 March 1847, Brigham Young Papers.”] Fox’s request was only one of several from families in similar conditions. Men in the Battalion, such as George P. Dykes, apprehensive of their immediate future, wrote imploring letters like the following:
I am now an orphan wandering through a wicked world without a Father of promise. Shall my days be numbered and my pilgrimage ended and I go to the silent tomb without a Father to call me forth from the deep sleep of death? or shall I enjoy in common with other citizens of the commonwealth of Israel the legal rights to adoption . . . I who have spent the prime of life in defending the truth . . . in the sacred death, or on the Battlefield shall I be forgotten in the day of choosing. [Footnote 19: “George P. Dykes to Brigham Young, 17 August 1846; Brigham Young Papers.”]
Finally scores of engaged couples were requesting celestial marriage with or without a temple. It was clear to them that their delay at the Bluffs and the uncertainty of future events would postpone indefinitely the erection of another temple in the West. Joseph Smith had made exceptions; why could not Brigham Young?
Because of such pressure, Young was forced to reconsider. He was hesitant to practice in private what he had been preaching against in public. Also, he was unwilling to undermine a primary argument for moving west, namely, the building of another temple. But aware of travel delays and the painful circumstances surrounding them, compassionate to the beliefs of his people, and anxious to continue what he fervently claimed Joseph Smith had taught, if for no other reason than to prove the validity of apostolic supremacy, Young sanctioned several exceptions to his own rule. He would learn by trial and error, implementing and retracting practices as new to him as any other. Experimentation and adaptation would dictate his cautious course.
On 24 January 1847 he performed a temple sealing for Elijah Sheets and his terminally ill wife, who died only eight days later. Four months afterwards Sheets remarried once again for time and eternity. Later that year, in Willard Richards’s Octagon, Rhoda Lawrence was sealed to John Loveless ‘for eternity’ and adopted into his family. Baptisms for the dead were a rarity at Winter Quarters; however, Wilford Woodruff, with permission, performed this ordinance in the Missouri River on at least one occasion. [Footnote 20: “Journal of Elijah F. Sheets, 24 January and 6 April 1847; Trustees Minutes, Brigham Young Papers, 21 November 1847; and Journal of Wilford Woodruff, 4 April 1848.”]
Such ceremonies were always conducted privately. Sealings on demand were granted at Young’s discretion usually in the home of the requesting party or in Willard Richards’s office. Secrecy was almost always enjoined of the participants.
Besides marriages and baptisms for the dead, adoption ceremonies formerly reserved for the temple were conducted in the wilderness. On 13 July 1846, Hosea Stout heard for the first time a public pronouncement on the Law of Adoption from Orson Hyde. Hyde, anxious to recoup lost time for having been away in Nauvoo, invited as many of the unattached as he could to become adopted sons in his family. [Footnote 21: “Diary of Hosea Stout, 13 July 1846.”] Other apostles and leaders practicing the Law of Adoption included Willard Richards, Heber Kimball, Amasa Lyman, Wilford Woodruff, John Taylor, John Smith, Samuel Bent, Albert P. Rockwood, and Newel K. Whitney. Young alone had forty-one adopted sons, most of whom were married family men.” (Richard E. Bennett, Mormons at the Missouri, 1846-1852, pp. 187-191, 301)
29 Jan.: Don’t talk about temple ordinances.
“Brethren, love one another, meet often, pray with and for, and bless each other and curse not; that you may prosper; and may the God of Elijah hasten the time when we shall be together in some pleasant place, where we can build a Temple unto his name and administer in those ordinances which will restore us to his presence, and until then let such administrations and covenants belonging thereunto, not be named among you. We are now attending to outdoor concerns. When the Temple is built, we will enter therein and attend to household affairs, thus have everything in its own order, time and place.” (Brigham Young and Willard Richards, in behalf of the Council of the Twelve, to “The Saints at Ponca, Greeting,” 29 Jan., 1847; JH 29 Jan., 1847)
31 Jan.: Sealing outside temple.
“at 5 evening in the house of Pres. B. Young, Hannah Cordelia Meecham was sealed to Wm. F. Carter for time and all eternity in the presence of Jos. Young and John D. Lee. Brigham Young officiated.” (John D. Lee diary, 31 Jan., 1847)
5 Feb.: John D. Lee anointed preparatory to burial.
“Today at 1 p.m. the aged men of Iseral, called the Silver Grays, met and celebrated the praise of Zion’s kings at the hall. Pres. B. Young, Kimble and others of the 12 participated in the worship. About 9 I was washed in salaratus and water from head to foot, afterward in spirits, then anointed in like manner by Louisa [wife #3] and Rachel [#6] (as I told them) preparitory to my burial.” (John D. Lee diary, 5 Feb., 1846)
7 Feb.: Branch from tree in Garden Room of Nauvoo Temple.
“In the forenoon the room was thronged with visitors to see me in my affliction. . . . Father B[righam]. Y[oung]. brought and laid on my breast a cane built from one of the branches of the Tree of Life that stood in the garden in the Temple. This as a matter to be expected, collected my thoughts and centered them on sacred and solemn things.” (John D. Lee diary, 7 Feb., 1847)
14 Feb.: Arrangements for family meeting on 16th.
“I then asked his [Brigham’s] feelings relative to the arrangements of the family meeting on Teus. and Wed. next, which would be the 16th and 17th of Feb. 1847. He said that he laid the arrangement of that matter on Bro. Rockwood, Grant’s and my shoulders and should look to us. I told him that I had been confined to my bed with sickness which rendered me entirely inadequate to the task. He replied that he was aware that I had been sick. I insisted to know his mind and we would act accordingly. He replied that he intended something better than dancing and frolicking. He expected to teach and instruct and show his children the relationship which they held to him and one another.” (John D. Lee diary, 14 Feb., 1847)
16 Feb.: Law of adoption.
“Shortly after noon, Pres. [Brigham] Young met with sixty-six of his family including his adopted children; there were also present Elders Heber C. Kimball, Orson Pratt, Willard Richards, Geo. A. Smith, Ezra T. Benson, and Amasa Lyman of the Twelve Apostles. Pres. Young preached upon the doctrines of selfishness, sealing and family relations. Elders Kimball and Orson Pratt spoke and questions were asked pertaining to the endowment.” (JH 16 Feb., 1847)
“I have gathered a number of families around me by the law of adoption & seal of the Covenant according to the order of the priesthood and others have done likewise it being the means of salvation left to bring us back to God, but had the keys of the priesthood been retained & handed down from father to son throughout all generations up to the present time then there would have been no necessity of the law of Adoption for we would have all been included in the covenant without it & would have been legal heirs instead of being heirs according to promise the pristhood is eternal without the beginning of days or end of life as the Apostle has expressed if but man through aposticy which is entire disobedience has lost or suffered the keys & privileges of the Priesthood to be taken away from them & they left to wander in darkness and practice all manner of wickedness untill thousands became the vessals of wrath & were doomed to destruction for as long as men are without the Priesthood they continue to wander from God & never retrace their steps untill it is done by the priesthood, & the Idea of the Saints being led by fals Prophets is just a notion according to the light in which they veiw them all the fals prophets we have are men who have turned aside from the truth.” (Brigham Young, in a “family meeting,” 16 Feb., 1847, recorded in Wilford Woodruff diary)
16 Feb.: Ordinances of temple “came to me just right.”
“Br Joseph said he had taught the Twelve all that he knew concerning the order of the Kingdom but the difficulty was they could not remember it as he told them, but when it was necessary they would not be at a loss for understanding; & I bear record to the truth of his word before god this day that I always had an understanding & evry thing was brought to my mind just as he taught them to us–All the ordinances of the Temple & building of the Alters &c–came to me just right when they were to be attended to.” (Brigham Young, in a “family meeting,” 16 Feb., 1847, in Wilford Woodruff diary)
16 Feb.: They without us cannot be made perfect.
“The Apostle Paul while speaking of the Fathers & the Ancients said that they without us could not be made perfect. There was a lack in his day & still will be to all eternity untill the Chain of that Priesthood is restored & evry spirit take a tabernacle that was fore ordained according to the dispensation of the will of God.” (Brigham Young, in a “family meeting,” 16 Feb., 1847, in Wilford Woodruff diary)
16 Feb.: Temple allows “extension of priesthood chain.”
“I am entitled to the Keys of the Priesthood according to lineage & Blood, so is Brother H. C. Kimball & many others–Have taken Kingly power & grades of the Priesthood–this we would have taught in the Temple if time had permitted. Joseph Smith was entitled to the Keys of the Priesthood according to Blood Still he was the fourth son [?]. But when we get another Temple built then we will teach you concerning these things Suffice it to say that I will extend the chain of the Pristhood back through the Apostolic dispensation to Father Adam just as soon as I can get a temple built.” (Brigham Young, in “family meeting,” 16 Feb., 1847, in Wilford Woodruff diary)
16 Feb.: I will preside over my adopted family forever.
“Those that are Adopted into my family & take me for their Councellor if I Continue faithful I will preside over them throughout all Eternity.” (Brigham Young, in “family meeting,” 16 Feb., 1847, in Wilford Woodruff diary)
16 Feb.: Anticipation of temple work for dead.
“When we Locate . . . I expect to live in the House of the Lord & recieve & administer ordinances to my Brethren & for the dead all the year round.” (Brigham Young, in “family meeting,” 16 Feb., 1847, in Wilford Woodruff diary)
16 Feb.: Order of priority among adopted children.
“There was then an intermission untill after supper. The table was well furnished & supplyed. 40 persons could be seated at the Table at a time. The men were seated to the right with there companion oposite them commencing with the Twelve President Young at there head. Then in order the adopted Children begining with the 1st that was adopted.” (Brigham’s “family meeting,” in Wilford Woodruff diary, 16 Feb., 1847)
16 Feb.: Isaac Morley’s reaction.
“At 7 oclok we returned to the Council House. Found the Saints rejoicing in what [they] had heard through the day. Elder Isaac Morley said that his soul was filled with rejoicing to see the beauty & Harmony of the family Connecting links of the Priesthood that had been taught this day: And when I look at the family Connexion I cannot but acknowledge him [Brigham] my leader in all things & He looking to Joseph the Martered Prophet who has gone to prepare the way for us, and can do more for us than He could do if He was here. This Pristhood spoken off is from all Eternity & will lead to eternity & will exhalt the Saints to be Gods through faithfulness.” (Wilford Woodruff diary, 16 Feb., 1847)
16 Feb.: Further remarks by Brigham on Law of Adoption.
“President Young arose & continued his remarks upon the law of adoption. Granted the Brethren the privilege of asking questions when they did not fully comprehend his meaning. The Lord introduced the law of adoption for the benefit of the children of men as a school master to bring them back into the covenant of the Priesthood. This Principle I am aware is not clearly understood by many of the Elders in this Church at the present time as it will Hereafter be: And I confess that I have had ownly a smattering of those things but when it is necessary I will attain to more knowledge on the subject & consequently will be enabled to teach & practice more and will in the mean time glorify God the bountiful giver.
I have heard the Elders say they were not dependant upon any man. I then considerd & do now that it was saying more than I can say, for I consider that we are all dependant one upon another for our exhaltation & that our interest is inseperably connected. (For example) what can my family do without me supposing they wer to all turn away from me? I hold the Keys over them through which they are to receive there exhaltation. Would they not be like sheep without a shepherd & would be devoured by the wolves? They Certainly would. Then let us Change the position, & say that I would cut off all my family. Then what glory would I have with nobody to rule over but my own dear little self? To tell you my feelings I would rather be annihilated than to be in that situation. This is another strong proof of the Apostles saying when he declaired that they without us could not be made perfect. Neither can you without me nor I without you be made perfect ie if we are faithful & without faithfulness there is no perfection on any consideration.
This rule applyes to the whole Human family. This is the torment & misery of the disobedient spirits that they cannot be made perfect, unless some scheme should hereafter be introduced for their redemption. They are now without tabernacles to dwell in only such as they have taken possession off unlawfully [and] usurped power over, it being a part of their agency that was [bes]towed [upon] them which they used to the consumation of there unhappy [-] wretched estate, it being the reward & fruits of there doings having been given over to all manner of wickedness permitted to afflict the handy work of the Lord untill they fill up the cup of their iniquity & the Lord sayeth unto them thou wicked & disobedient spirit thou shalt not have power any longer to afflict my people or destroy the works of my hands. You have forefeited your agency & wrought thy fulness. Depart Hence to the pit that I have prepared for thee, & this is there torment, that their power & agency is taken away. They are left to regret that it was through their own disobediance that they Cut the thread of there own salvation, the reflections of which ownly serve to torture & increase there torment & that would be the situation of my family should they cut themselves off from me.
I use my family for an example, not that I have the least fears of their ever doing so, for I have none. I feel happy this night because we are of one mind. Still should I believe that we were perfect & Could not advance any further I should not be Happy but to the honor power & glory of the faithful there is no end.
For your satisfaction I will show you a rule by which you may Comprehend the exhaltation of the faithful. I will use myself as A figure, & say that I am ruling over 10 sons or subjects & soon each one of them would have 10 men sealed to them & they would be ruler over them & that would make me ruler over 10 Presidents or Kings whareas I was ruler over 10 subjects only or in other words I ruled over one Kingdom but now I rule over 10. Then let each one get 10 more. The I would be ruler over 100 Kingdoms & so on continued to all eternity & the more honor & glory that I could bestow upon my sons the more it would add to my exhaltations.
But to clip the thread of your exhaltation then whare would be your glory? It would be like the fallen angels or devils that kept not their first esstate but were reserved in everlasting chains of darkness unto the judgment of the great day. Others fell from heaven were thrust down to hell; But if you wish to advance hold up the hands of your file leader & boast him a head. Should you have ten legions of trains following on after you, you should say to your file leader push ahead for I am coming with my train boasting him up at the same time instead of trying to pass by him. This would stimulate him & he would say come on my boys I will travel as fast as you can & on we would go in one solid train to all Eternity.
Before I close I will answer one question that has been asked me repetedly. Should I have A father Dead that has never herd this gospel, would it be required of me to redeem him & have him adopted unto some mans family And I be adopted unto my Father? I answer No. If we have to attend the ordinances of redemption for our dead relatives we then become their saviors & were we to wait to redeem our dead relatives before we Could link the Chain of the Priesthood we would never accomplish it.” (Brigham Young, in Wilford Woodruff diary, 16 Feb., 1847)
“Winter Quarters, Teus., Feb. 16th, 1847.
Minutes of Pres. B. Young’s family meeting. Morning clear, warm and pleasant. About 7 Bro. L. Stewart and lady came from the heard and took brakefast. I conversed upon the nature of his mission then in contemplation. I read him the letters of introduction and business of his mission. He felt much encouraged and firm in the enterprise. About 10 Chester Loveland one of my adopted children who was with me at the altar whom I had not seen since I left Nauvoo, came in. He told me that [he] had been prospered and that he, his father and family, Brother-in-law and Bros. wife were all ready to be disposed of according to my council as they claimed me to be their counsellor. About 30 minets to 1 p.m. the 1st Co. of Pres. B. Young’s family commenced assembling and at 22 minets to 2 Pres. Young said it was time to commence the services of the day. Yet my wife [#1?] is not yet ready from the fact that the house is thronged all the day long so that I scarce can ever get her out. The object of this collection is to show the relationship my family sustains to me and each other which I will endeavor to do; when we sing and pray. Presant of the 12: B. Young, H. C. Kimble, O. Pratt, G. A. Smith, A. Lyman, W. Woodruff, Wm. Richards and E. T. Benson. The house having been called to order the hymn O Happy Souls That Pray &c was sung by the audience. Bro. Stephen Goddard led the hymn. The following prayer in substance was offered by Pres. B. Young. Our Father which art in Heaven, hallowed by Thy name, let Thy Kingdom come and Thy will be done on earth as it is done in Heaven. Give us day by day our daily bread and forgive us our sins as we forgive each other’s wrongs; deliver us from temptation and guard us against all evil by pouring out Thy Holy Spirit upon us in all our tribulations, sickness and sorrows, for Thou are our Father, Saviour and our God and in as much as we approach the day we pray Thee in the name of Jesus Christ our Saviour to let us [not] be disappointed in our expectations while assembled in a family capacity before Thy throne to worship Thee. May our souls be enlightened and filled with understanding that we may be enabled to comprehend and appreciate Thy handiwork in bringing salvation to Thy children. Let Thy Holy Spirit inspire the hearts of Thy servant this day that he may be enabled to bring to the understanding of these my brothers and sisters the beauty and glory of Thy kingdom when built up in purity upon the earth. We thank Thee for Thy spirit even the comforter of Thy people that flows down through the channel of the Holy Priesthood to lead and guide us into all truth and prepare us for all coming events that awaits us. We pray the Father in Heaven to poor out the Spirit on those of our brethren who have not the privilege of being here with us today. Comfort and gladden their hearts that they may repose in Thy promise. We also ask Thee to clothe Thy servant upon with power and authority who are called to preach the everlasting gospel (on whose shoulders the keys of this Kingdom does rest) when they may go forth in Thy wisdom, strength and power, the isles of the sea and nations of the earth, that Jerusalem may be rebuilt and Zion redeemed and become the joy and praise of the whole earth. I now dedicate myself and these my children unto Thee and pray Thee to prepare us for immortality and eternal life in the midst of Thy Kingdoms and Thy name shall have the praise, honor and glory of our salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen. After the prayer the well known hymn, The Glorious Day Is Rolling On &c was sung. Pres. B. Young then addressed the assembly, said: Now brethren, I will endeavor to talk a little while and give way for my brethren, for if I talk much I will be sick as my lungs are very much affected. I want perfict order kept in the room while I am talking that the minds of those that are incorrect may be corrected. The 12 men whom I have invited, although they are not of my family circle, yet I expect them to act free and speak such things as the Lord may [tell] them too.
1st. Let me state a principle by which you may comprehend much by those who do not understand the same and have learned to be passive, that is for the want of an understanding. Many have suffered jealousies to arrise which afflicted their minds, which borrowed trouble and unnecessary uneasiness for fear that the Lord loved some other person more than he did them. This I have seen almost since the rise of the church as far back at least as at Kirtland. When the first bishop was ordained this jealous feeling began to show itself and many was troubled saying I done a great deal for this church, still I fear I don’t please the Lord. Others saying I do wonder if the Lord will ever think of me to ordain me a bishop. Father Morley and others that were at Kirtland can bear me record of this thing. When the 12 was called the same feelings were manifested and in fact I will not exempt all of them for some of them had feelings when the bishops were ordained. This spirit has been the overthrow of many in this church and in fact upon this principle thousands have fallen in all ages. God gives to every man all the power, influence and authority that he can wield in righteousness and all that his faithfulness and good works merits. Then why should jealousies arrise or what benefit can be in suffering such feelings to exist? None that I can percieve, but when such feelings does exist those that cherish them commences pulling down immediately every one that is prospering or gaining influence as Cain did. Instead of building up and nourishing every promising tree and thereby prove himself worthy and show to his brethren and to God that he loves the cause and by his passive, meek spirit that his is not only willing that others should prosper and gain influence but that he actually loves to see them prosper. For when ihe does all that he can through himself he helps advance it through others although they may receive the honor of it and he still be aware of it. Such a man will never be forgotten and to his honor, glory and exhaltation there shall be no end.
There is another principle that has caused considerable uneasiness and trouble (E. I.) the idea of some men having more wives than one. Such tremendous fear takes hold of some that they don’t know how to live and still they can’t die, and begin to whisper and talk arround saying, I am actually afraid to go on a mission for fear some man will be sealed to my wife, or when they return home some will be babbling about you don’t know but what you have got another man’s wife. For my part some say I am afraid to speak to a young woman for fear that she belongs to somebody else or for fear somebody else wants her (others deny the faith as they think, but they never had any), and say that it is all from the devil and so on. Such foolishness ought not be cherished among a wise and prudent people. Admitting the Lord created the same number of women that he did of men in the beginning and commanded them to multiply and replenish the earth and to fill up the measure of their creation in righteousness, the question is, did they do it? Answer, no. They soon disobeyed every commandment and plunged thousands into wickedness and rendered themselves unworthy to raise up seed unto the Lord and in fact was every man to have but 1 woman would he answer the end for which they were created? (Answer) No. But 9 tenths of them would rebel against the very thing that he was created to do, hence you see the propriety of the Lord calling upon men who bears the priesthood to take to themselves wives from among the daughters of men and raise up a riteous seed unto him that he might fill up the measure of their creation and hasten the consummation of his purpose in righteousness in this dispensation, acording to his word previously spoken through his servants the prophets, but those that suffer fears and jealousy to arrise in their bosoms either back right out or get to be mighty righteous and for fear that they are sleeping with some other man’s wife they kick up a broil at home and perhaps abuse their companions through jealousy, then go to some woman that does not understand which is right or wrong and tell her that she cannot be saved without a man and he has almighty power and can exalt and save her and likely tell her that there is no harm for them to sleep together before they are sealed, then go to some clod head of an elder and get him to say their ceremony, all done without the knowledge or counsel or the authority of this church. This is not right and will not be suffered. The God that I serve will reward every man openly without his being under the necessity of going secretly and privately palming himself on the credulity of innocent, ignorant females. Such jealousies do exist and were I to say to the elders you now have the liberty to build up your kingdoms, one half of them would lie, swear, steal and fight like the very devil to get men and women sealed to them. They would even try to pass right by me and go to Jos. thinking to get between mine and the 12. Some have already tried to use an influence against me, but such jealousies and selfishness shall be stopped and if the brethren to not stop it I will blow it to the four winds by making them all come and be sealed to me and I through my father, and he and all this church to Jos. When I go astray, give counsel and lead this people astray, then is time enough to put me down and their God will remove me as he has done all others who has turned from the truth. But to return.
I have gathered a number of families around me through the law of adoption and seal of the covenant according to the order of the priesthood and others have done likewise, it being the means of salvation left to bring us back to God. But had the keys of the priesthood been retained and handed down from father to son throughout all generations up to the present time then there could have been no necessity of the law of adoption, for we would all been included in the covenant without it and would have been legal heirs instead of being heirs according to promise. The priesthood is eternal without the beginning of days or end of life (as the apostle has described it), but man through apostacy (which is entire disobedience) has lost or suffered the keys and privileges of the priesthood to be taken away from them and they left to wander in darkness and practice all manner of wickedness until thousands became the vessels of wrath and were doomed to destruction, for as long as they are without the priesthood they continue to wander from God and never retrace their steps until it is again done by the P. H., and the idea of Saints being led by false prophets is just a notion according to the light in which they view them. All the false prophets we have are men that have turned aside from the truth. The man is the head and God of the woman, but let him act like a God in virtuous principles and Godlike conversation, walk and deportment, and such men will continue to gain influence in power and advance in glory through all eternity, but should they use their power in wickedness as a tyrant they soon will be called to render an account of their stewardship. If not found worthy they will be hurled down to perdition and their family and kingdom will be given to another that is more worthy. Neither can a man without a woman. Bro. Jos. said that he had taught the 12 all he knew concerning the order of the Kingdom but the difficulty was that they could not remember it as he could then, but when it was necessary they would not be at a loss for understanding, and I bear record to the truth of his words before God this day, that I always had an understanding and everything was brought to my mind just as he taught them to us. All the ordinances of the Temple and building of the alter &c came to me just right when they were to be done; and could we now know Bro. Hyde, Pratt, Taylor’s feelings you would say that they could read a man through as soon as they would case their eyes on him. The Apostle Paul when speaking of the fathers and the ancients said that without us could not be made perfect. There was a lack in his day and still will be through all eternity until the chain of the priesthood is restored and every spirit take a tabernacle that was foreordained acording to the dispensation of the will of God. I am entitled to the King. of the Priesthood according to descent and so is brother H. Kimble and many others have taken kingly power and grades of the Priesthood. This we would have taught in the Temple if time would permit. Jos. Smith was entitled to the keys of the P. H. according to blood, still he was the 4 son and so was I the 4 son, but when we get another Temple built then we will teach you concerning these things. Sufficeth to say that I will extend the chain of the priesthood back through apostolic dispensation to Father Adam just as soon as I can get a Temple built. Jesus could have restored the order of the priesthood in his day and have brought in the millinnial if the people would have hearkened to his instructions; but they rebelled and would not and it was for this cause that Jesus told them that all the blood that had been shed on the earth from righteous Abel down to Zachriah the prophet should be required at their hands. I have a request to make of my family and that is that they (especially old persons) omit calling me father. Call me Bro. Brigham. I shall feel better when you do for I do not consider that I am worthy of that appalation. Father in the P. H. implies the Great Head. The term would be proper to Father Adam. Jesus had reference to the same thing when he told his deciples not to call any man on earth their father for their father was in heaven. The seal of the covenant that I have been speaking of today was what the apostle saw previous to the distruction of the wicked when the angel was commanded not to poar out of the vials of wrath on the wicked untill the Saints were sealed in their forehead and when this was done they all became Father Adam’s family.
Those that are adopted into my family and take me for their counsellor, if I continue faithfully I will preside over them throughout all eternity and will stand at their head and Jos. will stand at the head of this church and will be their president, prophet and God to the people in this dispensation. When we locate I will settle my family down in the order and teach them their duties. They will then have to provide temporal blessings for me instead of my boarding from 40 to 50 persons as I now do, and will administer spiritual blessings to them. I expect to live in the house of the Lord and receive and administer ordinances to my brethren and for the dead all the year round.
Elder H. C. Kimble said that he was highly entertained by the remarks of Bro. Brigham, snatched at his words as fish would at bate for they were true. I should be sorry that anything should ever exist between us to sever our union. If Bro. Brigham had not invited me here today that he would asked him for the liberty of getting down in some little knuke or corner where he could have heard his counsel on the things that he talked today. Elder O. Pratt concured in what Elder Kimble said and so far as counsel was concerned that he was ready to do anything that might be required of him and that he knew of no man that he preferred as a leader to President B. Young. Pres. B. Y. gave an intermission till after supper, 5 p.m.
The table was well furnished and sufficient large to acommode 40 persons. The men were seated on the right with their companions opposite them commencing with the 12 (Pres. B. Young at their head) then in order the adopted children beginning with the first that was adopted. The band and choir kept their seats and continued their sweet strains of music while the guests were partaking of the rich festival that were spread in great plenty before them. . . .
Returned to the council room, found the brethren enjoying themselves, bearing record to the things that had been taught them through the day. Among those that had spoken Elder Isaac Morley said that his soul was filled with rejoicing to see the beauty and harmony of the family connecting links of the priesthood that had been taught this day and when I look at the family connection I cannot but acknowledge him my leader in all things, and he looking to Jos. the martyred prophet who has gone to prepare the way for us and can do more for us than he could do provided he was here. This P. Hood spoken of is from all eternity and will lead to all eternity and will exalt to be gods through faithfulness. Pres. B. Young said that Bros. Thomas Woolsey and John L. Tippets had just arrived from the Bat. and from the brethren at Purblow. Have brought 137 letters for the brethren and sisters in camp. 15 cts postage will be required on each letter for the benefit of the messengers as they were robbed of their clothing by the Indians. Then continued his remarks on the law of adoption. Granted the brethren permission to ask questions when they did not fully comprehend his meaning. The Lord introduced the law of adoption for the benefit of the children of me as a schoolmaster to bring them back into the covenant of the P. H., not as some have supposed to add anything to his glory. This principle I ansre is not clearly understood by many of the Elders in this church at the present time as it will be hereafter be, and I confess that I have had only a smattering of these things, but when it is necessary I will attain to more knowledge on the subject and consiquently will be enabled to teach and practice more and will in the meantime glorify God the bountiful giver. I have often heard elders say that they were [not] dependent on any man. I then considered and do now that they were saying more than what I in reality could say, for I consider that we are all dependent on one another for our exhaltation, that our interests is inseparately connected (for example) what can my family do without me? Supposing they were to all turn away from me, I hold the keys over them through which they are to receive their exaltation. Would they not be like sheep that are without a shepherd and would be devoured by the wolves? (Ans.) They certainly would. Then let us change the position and say that I would cut off all my family, then what glory would I have with nobody to rule over but my own dear little self? To tell you my feelings I would rather be annihilated than to be in that situation. This is another strong proof of the apostle’s saying when he declared that they without them could not be made perfect neither can you without me nor I without you be made perfect, that is if we are faithful and without there is no perfection on any condition whatever. This rule applies to the whole human family. This is the torment and misery of the disobedient spirits that they cannot be made perfect unless some scheme should hereafter be introduced for their redemption. They are now without tabernacles to dwell in only such as they have unlawfully taken possession of and usurped power over, it being a part of their agency that was allowed them which they used to the consummation of their unhappy and wretched estate, it being the reward and fruits of their doings having been given over to all manner of wickedness permitted to afflict the handiwork of the Lord until they fill up their cup of inequity and the Lord says thou wicked and disobedient spirit, thou shalt not have power any longer to afflict my people or destroy the works of my hands. You have forfeited your agency and wrought thy fullness. Depart hence to the pitt that I have prepared for you and this is their torment that their power and agency is taken away and they are left to regret that it was through their own disobedience that they cut the thread of their salvation, the reflections of which only serves to torture and increase their torment and that would be the situation of my family should they cut themselves off from me (I use my family for an example, not that I have the least fears of their ever doing so for I have none). I feel happy this night because we [are] of one mind, still should I believe that we were perfect and could not advance any further I shoulid not be happy; but to the honor of power and glory of the faithful there is no end for your satisfaction. I will show you a rule by which you may comprehend the exaltation of the faithful. I will use myself as a figure and say that I am ruler over ten sons and soon each one of them will have 10 men sealed to them and then they would be rulers over them and that would make me ruler over ten presidents (or rather kings), whereas before I was ruler over 10 subjects only. Or in other words I ruled over one kingdom whereas I now rule over 10. Then let each one of those ten get ten more and then I would be ruler of 100 kingdoms and so on continue through all eternity and the more honor and glory that I could bestow upon my sons the more it would add to my exaltation but to clip the thread of your exaltation then where would be your glory. It would be like the fallen angels or devils that kept not their first estates, were reserved in everlasting chains of darkness unto the judgment of the great day. Others fell from Heaven down to hell like lightning; but if you wish to advance, hold up the hands of your file leader and as the Yankee says, boost him ahead and should you have 10 legions of trains follow on after you you should say to your file leader, push ahead for I am coming with my train, boosting up at the same [time] instead of trying to pass. To hi the word would stimulate him and he would say, come on my boys, I will travel as fast as you can and on we would go in one solid train through all eternity.
Before I stop I will answer a question that has been repeatedly asked me (E. I.) should I have a father dead that has never heard this gospel, would it be required of me to redeem him and then have him adopted into some man’s family and I be adopted to my father? (I ans. no.) If we have to attend to the ordinances of redemption for our dead relatives we then become their saviours and were we to wait to redeem our dead relatives before we could link the chains of the P. H. we would never accomplish it.” (John D. Lee diary, 16 Feb., 1847)
17 Feb.: Brigham’s vision of sealing/law of adoption.
“I met with the brethren of the Twelve in the Historian’s office. Conversation ensued relative to emigration westward. I related the following dream: While sick and asleep about noonday of the 17th inst., I dreamed that I went to St. Joseph. He looked perfectly natural, sitting with his feet on the lower round of his chair. I took hold of his right hand and kissed him many times, and said to him: ‘Why is it that we cannot be together as we used to be, You have been from us a long time, and we want your society and I do not like to be separated from you.’
Joseph rising from his chair and looking at me with his usual, earnest, expressive and pleasing countenance replied, ‘It is all right.’
I said, ‘I do not like to be away from you.’
Joseph said, ‘It is all right; we cannot be together yet; we shall be by and by; but you will have to do without me a while, and then we shall be together again.’
I then discovered there was a hand rail between us, Joseph stood by a window and to the southwest of him it was very light, I was in the twilight and to the north of me it was very dark; I said, ‘Brother Joseph, the brethren you know well, better than I do; you raised them up, and brought the Priesthood to us. The brethren have a great anxiety to understand the law of adoption or sealing principles; and if you have a word of counsel for me I should be glad to receive it.’
Joseph stepped toward me, and looking very earnestly, yet pleasantly said, ‘Tell the people to be humble and faithful, and be sure to keep the spirit of the Lord and it will lead them right. Be careful and not turn away the small still voice; it will teach you what to do and where to go; it will yield the fruits of the kingdom. Tell the brethren to keep their hearts open to conviction, so that when the Holy Ghost comes to them, their hearts will be ready to receive it. They can tell the Spirit of the Lord from all other spirits; it will whisper peace and joy to their souls; it will take malice, hatred, strife and all evil from their hearts; and their whole desire will be to do good, bring forth righteousness and build up the kingdom of God. Tell the brethren if they will follow the spirit of the Lord they will go right. Be sure to tell the people to keep the Spirit of the Lord; and if they will, they will find themselves just as they were organized by our Father in Heaven before they came into the world. Our Father in Heaven organized the human family, but they are all disorganized and in great confusion.’
Joseph then showed me the pattern, how they were in the beginning. This I cannot describe, but I saw it, and saw where the Priesthood had been taken from the earth and how it must be joined together, so that there would be a perfect chain from Father Adam to his latest posterity. Joseph again said, ‘Tell the people to be sure to keep the Spirit of the Lord and follow it, and it will lead them just right.'” (MHBY 23 Feb., 1847)
“He [Brigham Young] spoke as follows.
‘Another subject which I wanted to speak of is this.
On Wednesday morning I was taken ill and it has been asked if I had a vision I was taken so suddenly sick. just as I was getting out of my bed that I could not go out. I tried to return to the bed again, but could not even get back
As to how I felt, No one can tell how I felt, untill he dies and goes through the vail and when he does that he can then tell how I felt
All that I know, is what my wife told me about it since. She said that I said, I had been where Joseph & Hyrum was.
And again that I said, it is hard coming to life again.
But I know that I went to the world of spirits; but what I saw I know not, for the vision went away from me, as a dream which you loose when you awake.
The next day I had a dreem.
I dreamed that I saw Joseph sitting in a room, in the South West corner, near a bright window.
He sat in a chair, with his feet, both on the lower round.
I took him by the hand and kissed him on both cheeks, and wanted to know, why we could not be together, as we once was.
He said that it was all right, that we should not be together yet.
We must be seperated for a season.
I said it was hard to be seperated from him.
He said, it was all right and putting his feet down on the floor.
Now all you who know, how he looks, when he used to give council, know all about, how he looked then
I told him that the Latter Day Saints was very anxious to know about the law of adoption, and the sealing powers &c and desired word of council from him.
Joseph said; do you be sure and tell the people one thing.
Do you be sure and tell the brethren that it is all important for them to keep the spirit of the Lord, To keep the quiet spirit of Jesus, and he explained how the spirit of the Lord reflected on the spirit of man and set him to pondering on any subject, and also explained how to know the spirit of the Lord from the spirit of the enemy.
He said the mind of man must be open to recieve all spirits, in order to be prepared, to recieve the spirit of the Lord; otherwise it might be barred so as not to recieve the spirit of the Lord, which always brings peace and makes one happy and takes away every other spirit. When the small still voice speaks always recieve it, and if the people will do these things, when they come up to the father, all will be as in the beginning, and every person stand as at the first.
I saw how we were organized before we took tabernacles and every man will be restored to that which he had then, and all will be satisfied. After this I turned away & saw Joseph was in the edge of the light; but where I had to go was as midnight darkness.
He said I must go back, so I went back in the darkness.
I want you all to remember my dream for I it is a vision of God and was reveated through the spirit of Joseph.'” (Hosea Stout diary, 28 Feb., 1847; editor’s footnote to this entry: “This dream or ‘vision’ of Brigham Young’s is remarkable in that it is so out of key with his own speeches. That the ‘Spirit of Joseph’ should ignore his question about the ‘Law of Adoption,’ a problem which at the time seemed vital and one about which Brigham Young had asked specifically, seems unusual. One might have expected also maledictions against their enemies and promises as to the future of the ‘Kingdom’ about which Joseph himself had been so militant in his lifetime and for which the Mormons were now sacrificing so much. Instead to tell them that ‘it is all important for them to keep the spirit of the Lord, To keep the quiet spirit of Jesus,’ would almost sound as a rebuke of some of their earlier policies. See ‘Journal History,’ February 23, 1847.”)
“At 7 High Council met. Pres. [Brigham Young] related his vision which he had while sick. . . . He saw Jos. sitting in a splendid mansion. On coming up to him embrased in his arms and kised him 3 times, asked him if he would return to the earth soon. He answered in the negative. He then asked the liberty of staying with him as he had long been deprived of his society. Jos. replied, you must return back and comfort the brethren, for I know their anxiety to learn their duty concerning the law of adoption and seal of the covenant. Tell them to be patient and not to grieve the Holy Spirit, but to live so as always have the whisperings of the Spirit and that will guide aright. This he impressed upon me three times and as I turned from him I went into the dark. Remarks: The vision I know to be of God and the same things that he has taught him he impressed on his brethren.” (John D. Lee diary, 28 Feb., 1847)
“He [Brigham] then related a dream which he had a short time since while in the hour of affliction. The dream I have recorded as he related it before, and impressed upon the minds of the Saints to keep the spirit of the Lord that they may not be destroyed. This Jos. said to him while in the vision, repeatedly, and insisted to have him impress it upon the minds of the Saints. Be pure and holy for the Comforter will not dwell in an unholy temple.” (John D. Lee diary, 21 Mar., 1847)
17 Feb.: Heber C. Kimball on adoption.
“Pres. Kimble addressed the multitude. Said that on account of Bro. Brigham’s ill health placed me as his representative to instruct you today. I am his brother and we are both heirs to the priesthood. How did we know it? Jos. had a vision and saw and traced back our bloods to the royal family. You have chose him for your leader but does that separate you from me? Ans. No. I have chose him for my leader long before you did, and so did the 12, so we are ahead of you and my interest is yours and if I thought that the law of the doctrine would sever the union of this people the Lord knows I should be sorrow[ful]. I look upon the law of adoption as being the means of uniting families together by the connecting links of the priesthood, still I am aware that many have had trials for fear that they had given away their birthright when in fact they had none, not having been adopted. Consiquently could not be heirs to the birthright. What you have done is the best thing that you could have done. For example you may take of all the different varieties of apples and graft them all in one tree. Will it change the quality of these different fruits? No, only it refines it and makes it better. Still the apples are the same kind, yet they all partake of the same nutriment from the same tree. But to urge anyone to be adopted or sealed to you it is like damming water to make it run up hill, it always breaks over unless [you] are all the time draining and is but dammed water at last. Then let it have its course. Elder O. Pratt said that he had been highly entertained with Elder Kimble’s remarks and as Bro. Brigham said yesterday that no man has lost anything by being adopted, but every man has gained that have kept their covenants. We are or all will be of one family when united by the priesthood to Father Adam’s. This has been a privilege that God has offered to the children in all dispensations. Some have embraced it and endeavored to carry it out but the major part of the children of men rejected this privilege, consiquently subject themselves to become the children of wrath to wander in darkness doing evil deeds instead of good until their cup of inequity is full and the Lord comes out and says that you shall not afflict nor oppose my handiwork any more; your career is ended, your agency you have forfeited, hance you have no more power to act, let your inclinations be what they may. And that is the torment of the wicked to want to do anything and cannot. But to return; the priesthood is from all eternity and will head back to all eternity and we must fasten on and hold to it as the people did to the rod of iron that Father Lehi and Nephi saw while in their vision and while we hold on to the chain and keep traveling we are still advancing. Although we may pass through dark valleys of sorrow and dispair yet we’ll triumph, but when we let go are soon in darkness until we are lost while in that condition &c. Evening’s services. After supper was over and the congregation seated the music cheered us with their sweet melodious sound. Dr. Richards (the Historian) addressed the collection. Said that was it not that the Pres. always delighted in a variety and I know of no greater variety than to present the Dr. before this people as I but seldom ever address this people. I have been well entertained from the instructions that has been taught in this house yesterday and today. One item that caught my attention was this thing of jealousy, fearing that some now is rising or gaining power and influence faster than what I am. Therefore jealousy will arrise which causes an envious feelings in our bosom and we imagine that man is lexeering [electioneering] and using unlawful measures to gain an influence. This is soon whispered from one to another and in the meantime it comes to the ears of the Pres. and thereby does that man an injury when in reality he is as innocent as the man who reported him and perhaps a great deal more so. Is not that principle wrong? It certainly is, and was we to indulge that little, jealous, selfish, envious, devilish spirit we would soon go down to hell. But for example let every man that sees any man is going ahead of him jump and pull him back, directly another starts and someone pulls him down and so continue this throughout the church and soon our union would be dissolved and we would soon be destroyed and that would be the result of our labors. But to push each other ahead and do all that we can in righteousness admitting that we get no reward for what we do here, and all my brethren gets up before I do, will they forget my faithfulness and good works? I answer no. No good man will ever neglect a friend and leave him in the rear. He will labor as hard to pull that man up as that did to push him up. Elder W. Woodruff said he never before enjoyed himself as well as he did under the instructions of yesterday’s and today’s while my brethren were reasoning upon the law of adoption, seal of the covenant and priesthood, a subject of deep and thrilling interest to us all. Yet I have had but little instruction on this important subject although I have much desired. I have never had the privilege of having anyone adopted into my family. At the time those ordinances were attended to I was absent on a mission, consiquently have never lextioneered much and I do not know that I have ever asked a man to be adopted into my family. And as for jealousies, I believe that I am free from them and am determined to walk acording to counsel and always have been &c. Elder G. A. Smith said he and Bro. Amasa Lyman have just returned from a mission on the other side of the river but he durst [not] say as Bro. Pratt and Woodruff has, that he had not lextioneered, for I have with all my might, but if I have lectioneered to the injury and hurt of any man I am ignorant of it. I always lectioneered but for the good of this cause and so does Bro. Pratt and all my brethren. But there is one thing that I don’t like to see and that is this thing called jealousy stirring up family disturbances and broils because we are afraid that some man is gaining favor and I am not advancing as fast as they are. And in order to keep back or stop their influence we go to those that have been sealed and discourage them saying why dident [you] go come with me where none but the respected are? Was you not as capable of holding the keys of presidency yourself as Bro. Lee who has probably 10 or 15 men sealed to him? Certainly you (I use Bro. Lee present because he is the 1st man I see) were. Then you should have gone to serve the 12 and thereby caused dissatisfaction. For example suppose I was to jump every man and be sealed to the Great God and have 3 only sealed to me. I don’t thing my kingdom would be very large or my glory very great. Not more so than it would be was I sealed to the most obscure Saint in this Kingdom. I could get no more. I should be dependent on the exertion of those who were sealed to me. But was I sealed to the most obscure individual in this church and I had 10s of 10,000 sealed to me, would not my glory be greater than it would be was I sealed to headquarters with my 3 only? Certainly it would. It does [not] matter so much where we are sealed provided we form a part of link the Priesthood. Then let jealousy stop and be united that we may speedily build up the kingdom of God on the earth &c.
Elder A. Lyman followed lastly and offered a warm interesting exhortation. Concluded with the previous observation of his brethren and continued to considerable length, but the weakness of my body and eyes somewhat sore rendered it inexpedient for me to note his remarks.” (John D. Lee diary, 17 Feb., 1847)
27 Feb.: Sealing at Winter Quarters.
“Nancy Gibbons, Mary Vance Young and Lovina Young were all sealed to John D. Lee for time and all eternity in the presence of Brigham Young and David Young.” (John D. Lee diary, 27 Feb., 1847)
6 Mar.: No need to protect because of “mystic ties.”
“The Seventies held their weekly conference in the Council House at seven p.m. Pres. [Brigham] Young and Elders Richards and Benson attended. The conduct of Jonathan Packer was canvassed and he was excommunicated. Pres. Young remarked that any one had the privilege of coming to me to ask whether or no the counsel they had received was right, and I would tell them. Pres. Young stated that he knew that bro Packer had lied to the meeting in the name of the Lord; and as to bro Packer’s not wishing to reveal names because guilty parties had been through the Temple he did not know of any law that required the brethren to hide the iniquity of others and as to ‘mystic ties’ Pres. Young pronounced all ties, that would cloak a man’s iniquity because he is a brother, devilish ties. The Devil had got up this plan to destroy the people. Do the ties of the Masonic lodge oblige bro Packer to conceal the iniquity of a brother? No. There are no such ties.” (JH 6 Mar., 1847)
10 Mar.: Man controls salvation of woman.
“Just in time I received a letter from Nancy the 1st [Nancy Bean, Lee’s 2nd wife] stating that she had not forgotten that in the moment of passion that I was the man to whom she was to look for salvation spiritually or temporally and that she would like a word from me to know what my feelings are, what she might depend on. I read the letter to Pres. B. Young. His counsel was to tell her that inasmuch as she claimed salvation at my hands that she must come to me and place herself under my guidance and control and protection and respect the priesthood and my standing as a saviour and if she does this she will have the sanction, blessings and protection of a saviour but on no other consideration whatever.” (John D. Lee diary, 10 Mar., 1847)
23 Mar.: We will build another Temple.
“Just as soon as I find the spot I want Bro. W. Wm. to dig deep and lay the foundation of the Temple for I intend by the help of my brethren to build a Temple unto the Lord just as soon as the Saints by a united exertion can complete it.” (Brigham Young, in John D. Lee diary, 23 Mar., 1847)
4 Apr.: We will build a house to save your dead.
“Your memory, and that of your dear husband, our Father in Israel, is sweet unto us, and ever will be, and that of all your household, whom the Lord has given unto you, for He has given you a family to increase without number, which shall continue, worlds without end. . . . [In published version–check original.]
The household of faith, to which we refer, is now almost without number; they are scattered abroad upon the four quarters of the earth and upon the islands of the sea, and are calling upon us night and day, saying, ‘Where shall we gather to?’ and thy son, even thy very son Joseph, while in the bloom of youth and the full vigor of manhood, commanded us thy children, the unworthy servants of the Most High, to instruct, to teach, to lead, to guide, to counsel, to direct those who had received and who should receive those things, his master, the Lord Jesus Christ, had given unto him, in all righteousness and faithfulness, and this we have endeavored to do according to the best of our ability, and this we are determined to continue to do, and for this end we leave wife and children, and everything dear as life, and are now just ready to depart to find the place which our Father shall point out to us for a stake of Zion, where the children of the Kingdom may resort to, and build their own houses and inhabit them, plant their own gardens and vineyards and enjoy the fruit thereof, and build a house unto the Most High, where those ordinances can be admininstered without molestation, detraction or distraction, that shall bring back again the children of Adam and Eve, Abraham and Sarah, Joseph and Lucy, into the presence of the Most High God, even theplaces that they were destined for, from before the foundation of the world.” (Brigham Young, “For the Council of the Twelve Apostles,” Winter Quarters, to Lucy Mack Smith, 4 Apr., 1847; JH 4 Apr., 1847; reprinted in Berrett and Burton, Readings in L.D.S. Church History, 2:195)
16 Apr.: Temple bell during Exodus.
“The first Company will carry the Temple bell with the fixtures for hanging at a moments notice, which wil be rung at day light or a proper time, and call all who are able to arise to prayers, after which ringing of bell & breakfast, or ringing of bell and departure in fifteen minutes to secure the cool of the day till breakfast time &c as the bell may be needed.” (Epistle of the Council of the Twelve, 16 Apr., 1847; in Hosea Stout diary, 18 Apr., 1847)
16 Apr.: Remember temple covenants during Exodus.
“If a man of the first Emegration Company, who is going to stop, at your place for the time being, should so far forget his covenant in the Temple, and his more recent obligations, and agreements as to retain his waggon or team, from the necessityes of the journey: it will be the duty of the President to instruct the captains to take the same and apply it where necessity requires, and thus compel the owner to do what he has previously agreed to, for as some were compelled to come in, in ancient days, others must be compelled to remain in in latter days and men who are taken at their word have no reason to find fault.” (Epistle of the Council of the Twelve, 16 Apr., 1847; in Hosea Stout diary, 18 Apr., 1847)
4 May: No baptisms for dead allowed in England.
“12th,–Can the Saints here in this land [England] be baptized for their dead?
12th,–No!” (“Letter to Orson Spencer [MS editor] and the Reply,” letter from Elder William Hawkins, Sen., Priest William Hawkins, Jun., Elder John Lickorish, dated 4 May, 1847; MS 9(11):168-169, 1 Jun., 1847)
12 May: Washing of feet among Mormon Battalion.
“I asked the Lord to direct me, and I called a meeting and asked, if any man had anything against me; and if he had, to tell me then, so that I might repent. All hands said I was clear from all, and that I had set a good example. I called on a man to come and wash my feet. He said that he would. I then washed his, and he mine, and I said: ‘I forgive all men according to the revelations,’ and told them why I had done it and how Jesus said: ‘If I have washed your feet, ye also ought to wash one another’s feet.’ All hands then went to washing feet.” (Levi W. Hancock to Brigham Young, 12 May, 1847; JH 12 May, 1847)
23 May: Temple necessary for communication of knowledge.
“The President [Brigha] said he had frequently felt a desire to preach to us, but an opportunity did not offer itself. He was well satisfied with our labors thus far. Some expressed fears that we would not be able to get in crops. Well, suppose we did not. We had done all we could and traveled as fast as our teams were able to go, and when we had done all [we] could he felt just as well asatisfied as if we had a thousand acres planted with grain. The Lord would do the rest. He spoke also of [the] necessity of seizing upon every little item of instruction that might be given us from time to time, and also remembering and retaining that which was received. In this way the Elders might accumulate knowledge that [would] enable them to do great works, whereas, if they sought the great things first, they would never be able to reach them. The earth is composed of small particles; and suppose, when organizing it, they had rejected the small particles; it never could have been formed. He felt very small when he reflected upon the small amount of knowledge we have in possession compared to that which is necessary to enable us to come into the presence of God to dwell in everlasting burnings. The common notions taught by the Christian religionist come far short of it. Something more than belief or faith is necessary; we must go on to increase in knowledge unto perfection. But the knowledge pertaining to the gospel and the things of God could be communicated only in a proper place, hence the necessity of building another temple in a place where we shall not be liable to be molested or disturbed. And such a place we are seeking after. The lord is with us and doth bless us continually.” (C. Edward Jacob, ed., The Record of Norton Jacob, 1949; 23 May, 1847)
23 May: They belong to the House of God.
“At 12 o’clock the Camp were called together for meeting and addressed by Erastus Snow for a short time, then followed by President Young. The President said there are many items of doctrine which he often felt like teaching to the brethren and there is much for them to learn, but as to administering sealing ordinances, etc., this is no time nor place for them; they belong to the House of God, and when we get located we shall have opportunity to build a house, etc.” (“Pioneer Journal of Heber C. Kimball,” 23 May, 1847; UGHM 30:204, Oct., 1939)
30 or 31 May: Prayer circle on the plains.
“The morning fair and more pleasant, although there is yet appearance for more rain. At 09 o’clock most of the brethren retired a little south of the Camp, and had a prayer meeting, and as many as chose to, expressed their feelings. At a little before 12 they met again at the same place to partake of the Sacrament. Soon afterwards all the members of the Council of F. or R. of G. in camp, except Thomas Bullock, (who was in camp and not notified), went out on the bluffs, and selecting a small circular, level spot, surrounded by bluffs, and out of sight, we clothed ourselves in the priestly garments, and offered up prayer to God, for ourselves, for this Camp, and all things pertaining to it, the brethren in the army, our families, and all the Saints; President Young being mouth. We all felt well and glad for this privilege of assembling ourselves together in a retired apot for prayer. The names of those present, being all members of the above council, are, Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Willard Richards, Orson Pratt, George A. Smith, Wilford Woodruff, Amasa Lyman, Ezra T. Benson, Phineas H. Young, John Pack, Charles Shumway, Shadrack Roundy, Albert P. Rockwood, Erastus Snow, William Clayton, Albert Carrington and O. P. Rockwell. The two latter having no clothing with them, they were appointed to stand guard at a little distance to prevent interruption.” (“Pioneer Journal of Heber C. Kimball,” 30 May, 1847; UGHM 31:18-19, Jan., 1940)
“President Young in company with the quorum of the Twelve & a few others went into the vally of the Hills & according to the order of the Priesthood prayed in A circle Porter & Br Carrington watched to see that no Indians Come upon us. We had A good time.” (Wilford Woodruff diary, 31 May, 1847)
12 Jun.: Temple sold to Catholics.
“We learn from a gentleman who came from Nauvoo on Wednesday, that the Mormon Temple was that day sold to a committee of the Catholic Church, for the sum of $75,000; and that the purchasers had also bought some considerable other property in the city. The contract for the Temple, however, was so far incomplete, as to require the ratification of the Bishop. It is understood the building is to be appropriated to Educational purposes connected with the Church into whose hands it has passed.
We think the Temple sold well-considering that ‘sister Emma’ and the young Smiths are supposed to have an interest in it, and that ‘President Strang,’ Doctor Bennett, Bill Smith, and their coadjutors, may yet turn out to be the real ‘Simon Pure’ believers and propagators of the faith.” (Warsaw Signal 4(5):2, 12 Jun., 1847; Snider Collection)
16 Jun.: Temple sold to Catholics.
“THE MORMON TEMPLE. This celebrated ediface has been sold to a committee of the Catholic church, for $75,000. This community have also purchased other property at Nauvoo. The building is to be appropriated to educational purposes, connected with the church into whose hands it has passed. The contract requires only the sanction of the Bishop, to complete it.” (Daily Missouri Republican 26(143):2, 16 Jun., 1847; Missouri Whig 8(49):2, 24 Jun., 1847; Snider Collection)
“We learn from the Warsaw Signal, that the Mormon Temple at Nauvoo, is finally sold to a committee of the Catholic Church for $75,000. The assent of the Bishop was required before the bargain would be complete.
It is supposed that Emma Smith, the widow of the Prophet, and her children have an interest in the Temple, which has never been surrendered.” (Quincy Whig 10(9):2, 16 Jun., 1847; Snider Collection)
21 Jun.: Prayer circle; precursor of Oath of Vengeance?
“After going around and exhamining it [Independence Rock] we staked our horses And mounted the rock. I went forward & gained the highest point of the South end of the Rock which contains the names. After exhamining it I then went to the North end which is the highest part of the rock. Here is An opening or cavern that would contain 30 or 40 persons And A rock stands on the highest peak of about 3 tons wait. We got upon this rock & offered up our prayers according to the order of the priesthood. We prayed earnestly for the blessings of God to r[est?] upon President Young & his brethren the Twelve & all of the Pioneer Camp & the whole Camp of Israel & House of Israel, our wives & children, & relatives the Mormon Battalion, all the Churches Abroad And that the Lord would hasten the time of the fulfillment of his promises to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Lehi, Nephi, Alma, & Moroni And all the sayings of the Lord concerning the building of Zions in the last days And Avenging the blood of the Prophets. And while offering up our prayers the spirit of the Lord desended upon us and we truly felt to rejoice.” (Wilford Woodruff diary, 21 Jun., 1847)
25 Jun.: Temple sold to the Catholics.
“The Warsaw Signal states, on the authority of a gentleman direct from Nauvoo, that the celebrated Mormon Temple was sold, on the 8th inst., for $15,000, to a committee of the Roman Catholic Church, who have also purchased much other property in the city. It is understood that the buildling is to be appropriated to Educational purposes. The Temple is said to be well sold, considering that there are calamities to the property, in the persons of the widow and children of Joseph Smith, and perhaps others.” (Alton Telegraph & Democratic Review 12(26):1, 25 Jun., 1847; Snider Collection)
26 Jun.: Temple sold to the Catholics.
“The Mormon Temple, at Nauvoo has been sold to a committee of the Catholic church for $75,000. The building is to be appropriated to educational purposes.” (Iowa Sentinel 1(3):2, 26 Jun., 1847)
3 Jul.: Temple sold to the Catholics.
“The Mormon Temple.–This celebrated edifice has been sold to a committee of the Catholic church, for $65,000. This community have also purchased other property at Nauvoo. The building is to be appropriated to educational purposes connected with the church into whose hands it has passed. The contract requires the sanction of the Bishop to complete. . . . These facts are stated in the Warsaw (Ill.) Signal.” (Niles’ National Register, 3 Jul., 1847)
3 Jul.: Refusal to allow July 4th celebration in Temple.
“The following is the copy of a letter addressed to a committee of arrangments at Nauvoo, for the celebration of the fourth of July last.–It shows the feelings of that class of persons towards the United States, and we regret to add that, whilst we deprecate its tone and spirit, its rebuke is by no means pointless:
St. Louis Union.
Nauvoo, July 3, 1847.
Mr. Caulder, representative of a committee of arrangments for the celebration of the fourth of July:–
DEAR SIR:–Having further considered the propriety of granting the use of the Temple, for the celebration of the 4th of July, the national anniversary of our independence, I have come to the conclusion (representing as I for the present do, the entire interest in this place, of the church of J. C. of L. D. S.,) to say that in building the Temple, it was never contemplated to use it for any other than religious purposes: nevertheless, under ordinary circumstances and relations which should exist between every religious community and the civil government, this objection might with some propriety be waived; but when it is considered that as a community we are not permitted to enjoy a single foot of ground in all this boasted republic, but are compelled to seek a home, a place of retirement, from the land of civilization, because of oppression for opinion sake; and when it is further considered that a weak remnant have yet hardly passed through a struggle for our lives and our existence, unaided by government, either state or national–a CIVIL WAR, in which was unfurled against us the ‘star spangled banner,’ and in use the public arms of the state: and with impunity;–I say in view of all this, however much I respect you, sir, and those with whom you act in this matter, a proper respect for myself and for those I represent, forbids me to grant the use of that building (towering as it does, towards heaven, as a monument of our sacrifice,) on the present occasion. Where is our share of liberty! where is our independence, that we should participate in the celebration of that once notable day? Towards you, gentlemen, I have none but feelings of friendship and respect, and in any matter which is personal, would be most happy to render you any accommodation; but to respect this nation or to aid in the celebration of its independence, I can never more do until I am amply satisfied for the wrongs which I have suffered by the strong arm of power, and am made to feel that my rights are respected with those of other men.
I remain, dear sir,
very respectfully,
JNO. S. FULLMER.”
(Niles’ National Register, 18 Sep., 1847)
17 Jul.: Prayer circle for Brigham’s health.
“In the afternoon 5 of the Brethren took their garments of Priesthood & went up on the mountain & offered up prayrs for the recovery of the President [Brigham Young] & those that are sick.” (Record of Norton Jacob, 17 Jul, 1847, p. 83)
18 Jul.: Brigham washed and anointed for health.
“Br. Heber [C. Kimball] remarked that the Lord had heard & answered our prayers for when they had washed & anointed him [Brigham, most likely] he fell into a sweet sleep & awoke much refreshed.” (Record of Norton Jacob, 18 Jul, 1847, p. 84)
19 Jul.: Unendowed man buried in temple clothing.
“J. D. Lee consulted Pres. Isaac Morly about the propriety of dressing him [David I. Young] in priestly robes (acording to his request) seeing that he had not received the ordinance of endowment in the Temple. He replied, the priestly attire is a patron for such as has attained to that knowledge. Still there can be no impropriety in gratifying him and his friends request, for certainly his friend will be passed through those ordinances and bring him fourth to that attainment as he was a worthy and exemplary young man. Acordingly J. D. Lee had him dressed and buried in his [Lee’s] own robes. . . .
[20th] David Isom Young, son of David and Elizabeth Young, bornd March 24th, 1826, in Jackson county, Tennessee, on Indian Creek, whare he rec’d the Gospel. Was a member of the 21st Quorum of the Seventy’s, but had not the privilege of the ordinances of endowment in the Temple, in consequence of the shortness of time. He lived the life of a Saint, his walk and conversation was worthy of imitation. He fell asleep to waite the resurection of the just. He felt much concerned about his future destany, insisted on J. D. Lee to have his woorke carried out and to be buried in priestly robes.” (John D. Lee diary, 19 & 20 Jul., 1847)
24 Jul.: Sale of Temple to Catholics fell through.
“We are credibly informed that the arrangements about being entered into, in regard to the purchase of the Temple by the Catholics, mentioned some weeks since, have stopped, owing to a defective title. This has operated several times against the sale of the building. The Catholics have purchased Parley Pratts’ house with the intention of converting it into a Church.” (Keokuk [Iowa] Register 1(9):2, 24 Jul., 1847; Snider Collection)
28 Jul.: Designation of temple site.
“We walked from the north camp to about the centre between the two creeks when Prest. Young waved his hands & said here is the forty Acres for the Temple (we had conversed upon the subject of the location for the Temple previous to this) & the city can be laid out perfectly square North & South, east & west. It was then moved & carried that the Temple lot contain 40 Acres on the ground whare we stood.” (Wilford Woodruff diary, 28 Jul., 1847)
“The President [Brigham] then said, ‘We shall have a committee to lay out the city, and also to apportion the inheritances, and who shall it be?’ It was unanimously resolved that the Twelve be that committee. Says the President, ‘We propose to have the temple lot contain 40 acres, to include the ground we are now on–what do you say to that? all right?'” (C. Edward Jacob, ed., The Record of Norton Jacob, 1949; 28 Jul., 1847)
“This afternoon, accompanied by Elders Heber C. Kimball, Willard Richards, Orson Pratt, Wilford Woodruff and Thomas Bullock, I [Brigham] designated the site for the Temple block, between the forks of city creek, and on motion of Orson Pratt it was unanimously voted that the Temple be built on the site designated.” (JH 28 Jul., 1847)
28 Jul.: Failure of sale of Temple to Catholics.
“The Keokuk Register says, that the sale of the Mormon Temple at Nauvoo to the Catholics, has failed, in consequence of some defect in the title. The Catholics have purchased PARLEY PRATT’S house, with the intention of converting it into a church.” (Daily Missouri Republican 26(177):3, 28 Jul., 1847; Snider Collection)
30 Jul.: Retribution/Hosannah shout.
“The goverment intended to distroy us from off the face of the earth but through the Blessing of God we are here And I thank my Heavenly father for it. And [he?] knew we should prevail. Zion would arise the Judgments of God would be poured out the Blood of the Prophets would be av[enged] & their Cup would be filled double unto them. . . .
The meeting opened with A shout of Hosannah to God & the Lamb repeated three times with its Amen. Br Young said the Ancient of days was not as far off as many supposed.” (Wilford Woodruff diary, 30 Jul., 1847)
“In the evening a meeting was called at the President’s [Brigham’s] quarters, at half past 7, when he addressed the soldiers. After the whole congregation had engaged in praising the Lord with three times three Hosannahs, meeting continued till 9 o’clock.” (C. Edward Jacob, ed., The Record of Norton Jacob, 1949; 30 Jul., 1847)
2 Aug.: Unsuccessful motion to reduce size of Temple lot.
“On forming our temple block of 40 acres it was so large we held a council to see if it was not wisdom to reduce it one half the size. Several expressed their opinion upon the subject. G. A. Smith believed if we done it we should be sorry afterwards. Would rather enlarge than diminish it. Br Kimball th[ought if?] we let it be as it was & set it out to shrubery we should not be sorry. Br A said G A Smith had spoke his mind & all our minds seemed to run in about the same channel. The President Said we Could eisier diminish than enlarge it afterward & finally decided to let it remain as it was.” (Wilford Woodruff diary, 2 Aug., 1847)
5 Aug.: Attempts to sell Nauvoo Temple.
“Defective Title.–Several attempts have been made to sell the Temple at Nauvoo, but the proprietors have never been able to prove up a good title. The Catholics would have bought it recently, had not this defect been in the way. They have, however, purchased Parley Pratt’s house, with the intention of making it a nunnery.” (Burlington Hawkeye 9(11):2, 5 Aug., 1847; Snider Collection)
7 Aug.: Failure to sell Temple.
“THE MORMON TEMPLE.
At Nauvoo–the Keokuk Register says, has not been sold to the Catholics, as was stated sometime since. The title was deemed defective, and hence the negotiation failed.” (Warsaw Signal 4(13):2, 7 Aug., 1847; Snider Collection)
8 Aug.: Baptism for health in Salt Lake Valley.
“Sunday 8th This morning I was Baptised by Bishop Lewis for my Health & the remission of my Sins–confirmed by Willford Woodruff unto all the blessings, privileges, authority & keyes which had before been Sealed upon my head by the Searvants of God by the Holy anointing–night before last the ‘Twelve’ were Baptised last evening 55 others & today the greater part of the remainder of the camp including several who had never joined the Church before.” (Record of Norton Jacob, 8 Aug., 1847, pp. 91-92)
13 Aug.: Failure of Temple sale.
“The sale of the Mormon Temple has failed in consequence of a defect of title. The Catholics have purchased Parley Pratt’s house, with the intention of converting it into a church.” (Monmouth [Ill.] Atlas 1(41):2, 13 Aug., 1847; Snider Collection)
15 Aug.: Brigham on endowment, sealings, adoptions.
“Elijah spoken of in the Bible that He should Come in the last days to turn the hearts of the fathers to the Children & the children to their fathers. The fulfillment of this scripture is manifest in esstablishing the kingdom of God & Priesthood on the earth in the last days & those who hold the keys of the priesthood & sealing power have the spirit & power of Elijah & it is necessary in order to redeem our dead & save our Children. There is mouch more importance attached to this than Parents are aware of.
In the loss of this Child of Brother Corws that was drowned I felt that I Could weep in sorrow if I gave way to my feelings for I realize it is A loss to the parents to loose little children. It is true all Children are saved. There names are written in the Lamb’s book of [life?] which was the case with every spirit that takes A ktabernacle on this earth. Their names were written there before the world was made, & will there ever remain untill they sin against the Holy Ghost. It will then be blotted out no more to be recorded forever.
But notwithstanding this Can brother Crow get that Child again or any other person their Children except their is sumthing done for them on the earth by their Parents? No they would not. They would go to God who gave them but the parents on the earth would not have them. The Parents framed the Body to be sure But the Lord gave the spirit. What is the Body good for without the spirit?
What then can be done. I will tell you. A man that has embraced the gospel must [be?] some one who has the Priesthood & keys & power of Elijah & must attend to ordinances for that Child, even must be baptized [for it?] as well as to have it sealed to him & through [–] claim his Child in the morning of the resurrection & the Lord will give it up to him. I had my Children sealed to me in the temple except one that died & that I shakll leave in the hands of the Lord, untill I have another opportunity.
As soon as we get up some doby Houses for our families we shall go to work to build another Temple & as soon as A place is prepared we shall Commence the Endowments long before the Temple is built & we shall take time & each step the Saints take let them take time enough about it to understand it. Evry thing at Nauvoo went with a rush. We had to build the Temple with the trowel in one hand the sword in the other & mobs were upon us all the while and many crying out O the temple cant be built.
I told them it should be built, this Church should not fall & the Lord Said if we did not build it we should be rejected as a Church with our dead. Why did He say it? Because the Saints were becoming slothful & covetous & would spend their means upon fine Houses for themselves before they would put it into A House for the Lord. But we went at it & finished it & turned it over into the hands of the Lord in spite of earth & Hell & the Brethren was so faithful at it that we laboured day [and] night to give them their endowments.
The Children want to be sealed to their Parents & Parents to their Children that they may have blessings in eternity that they will stand in need of. God promised to Abraham that his seed should be as numerous as the stars of Heaven & the sands of the seashore & to his seed there should be no end. This of course would continue through all Eternity. The same blessing is upon our heads if we are faithful for our eyes have not seen, our ears herd neither entered into our hearts the great things that God has in store for us.
And when I look upon the great work the Elders of Israel have to perform & look around upon them & see them vain & foolish, it makes me sorrowful they forget their Calling. O ye Elders of Israel thing for a moment what manner of persons ought ye to be. Men who hold the priesthood & keys of salvation & have power to go to the Nations of the Earth & say Here Gentleman & Ladies I have salvation for you & power to exhalt you to Celestial Glory, or if you reject it to seal you unto damnation. It is no trifling affair to have power put into your hand to deal with the Eternal destinies of the sons & daughters of Adam that form the Nations of the earth.
While in the Temple at Nauvoo we voted to cut off the gentiles who had rejected the gospel & killed the prophets & it was recorded on earth & is recorded in heaven that Nation will go down quickly.
Many other interesting & important items were presented by President Young much to our edifycation. Meeting was dismissed & met again at 2 oclok & was Addressed in a vary edifying manner by O Pratt & treated upon the same principles spoken off by Br Young. Among his remarks He said that as all the ordinances of the gospel Administered by the world since the Aposticy of the Church was illegal, in like manner was the marriage Cerimony illegal and all the world who had been begotton through the illegal marriage were Bastards not sons & Hence they had to enter into the law of adoption & be adopted into the Priesthood in order to become sons & legal heirs of salvation.” (Wilford Woodruff diary, 15 Aug., 1847)
“At 10 o’clock a.m. a meeting was held in the bowery. President Young preached a most interesting discourse on the Patriarchal Priesthood and law of adoption, the death of Brother Crow’s grandchild giving occasion for the same. . . .
Elder Howard Egan writes:
It was beautiful weather as usual, and a meeting was held at the Bowery, commencing at 10 a.m. President Young addressed the congregation on the sealing principles, or more particularly, on the law of adoption. He told them: It did not detract from a man’s glory to be sealed to another, but added to it, for he still held that of his own and adopted parents at the same time. . . .
George A. Smith writes:
Preaching by President Brigham Young on the Patriarchal Priesthood, with a few remarks on the death of Mr. Thirkill’s little child.”
(JH 15 Aug., 1847)
[SEE HORACE K. WHITNEY DIARY FOR THIS DATE.]
1 Sep.: Non-apostle authorized to perform plural marriage
“As senior president of the Quorum, Young, in tandem with his fellow apostles, held the authority to administer temple blessings, including plural marriages. On rare occasions he authorized others to function in his behalf. [Footnote 44: “Patriarch John Smith, for one, who remained back in the Salt Lake Valley during the first year of that settlement, was authorized ‘to seal Sister Mercy Thompson widow of Robert Thompson to any good man holding the Priesthood that she may choose.’ Brigham Young to John Smith, 1 September 1847, Brigham Young Papers.”]” (Richard E. Bennett, Mormons at the Missouri, 1846-1852, pp. 196, 303)
9 Sep.: The covenant made in Nauvoo Temple to assist poor
“It is our design to be in the Basin soon enough next year to return our teams to Winter Quarters, and we want all of you to have as many teams ready as you can, and your wagons repaired so that on our arrival among you, we may send a large number of teams and wagons after the poor Saints, and thus fulfil the covenant which we made in the Temple at Nauvoo; and all those who were not there to make that covenant, but will help us to fulfil it shall receive their share of the blessing.” (“An Epistle to the Saints in G. S. L. Valley,” Brigham Young, in behalf of the Council of the 12; JH 9 Sep., 1847)
17 Sep.: James Strang’s endowment.
“In your letters you have frequently referred to the Voree conferences, Mr. Strang’s visions and revelations, and the phosphorus illumination or great endowment and all of which I too upon as the chaff of the summer threshing floor, which, if it does not blow in my eyes does me no harm; and if a kernel of wheat is blown away in the chaff, it may be gathered up by the fowls of Heaven or lodge on a good soil, grow and bring forth fruit, or fall on stony ground, wither and die. So with those who have been blown away with Strangism; they are mostly like the chaff; there may be a few saints among them, but they are weak, very weak, and if they continue on the barren heaths of the Gentiles they will wither and die, and all who desire to live, will gather with the saints as speedily as possible, that they may be in a good soil and receive nourishment.” (Willard Richards to Reuben Miller, 17 Sep., 1847; JH 17 Sep., 1847)
22 Sep.: Temple stripped after dedication.
So thorough was their work that a non-Mormon visitor to the deserted Temple wrote of the Council Chamber, “The chamber itself is devoid of ornament, and I was unable to ascertain whether it was intended to have any, if it should have been completed.” (Palmyra Courier 22 Sep., 1847; in BYU Studies 19(3):374, Spring, 1979)
8 Oct.: Strangite Endowment.
“William Smith–the surviving brother of ‘Joe’–has published a manifesto in which he condemns Strang–another Mormon leader, as an imposter(!) and announces his separation from him. In reference to the jar between these champions of religion and truth, the Otawa True Trader tells the following story:–Era.
It appears the prophet Strang needed a new house, and he determined his followers should built it for him. So he called them together, and told them in consideration that they should erect the house, the Lord had authorised him to promise them an extraordinary indownment. The building was soon completed, and now they apply for their reward. All the Saints were gathered together in the Church, the prophet takes them through a variety of ceremonies, such as head washing, feet washing, &c., and concludes by annointing the heads of all with a composition ‘that had a queer smell.’ They are then directed to adjourn to another room that was totally dark where they were to receive the endowment, which was to be in the shape of an extraordinary and visible manifestation of the spirit, rendering them at once impregnable thenceforth to all the shafts of Satan. Arrived in the dark room, sure enough, the heads of all shone as if lit up by the brightness of sun, and great was rejoicing of the Saints thereat. But the prophet William, who was present, although staggered a little, mistrusted that ‘all was not gold that glittered,’ so he took some of the ointment and submitted it to an examination, and to the discovery! He found that it was a mixture of oil and phosphorus and that hence the whole illuminating operation was a gross cheat! He took the first opportunity to accuse the prophet Strange publicly and before the whole congregation of the imposition, who so far from denying it, cooly acknowledged the corn, and then preached a sermon, justifying the act and maintaining that all the miracles of Christ, Moses, &c., were wrought in the same way–that is, by natural means. Of course, William could no longer hold fellowship with such a man.” (Carrollton [Illinois] Gazette 2(16):3, 8 Oct., 1847; Snider Collection; also in The Davenport [Iowa] Gazette, 7(11):1, 4 Nov., 1847; Sangamo Journal 16(47):1, 2 Sep., 1847; and Missouri Whig 9(15):1, 28 Oct., 1847)
“THE MORMON MIRACLE.–The Ottaway Free Trader gives a solution of the miracle, alleged to have been performed by the prophet Strang. It appears the prophet wanted a house, and told his followers, that if they would erect one, the Lord would accompany it with an endowment. The Saints completed the building, and applied for their reward; whereupon the prophet put them in a dark room, and anointed their heads with a precious ointment, which caused them to shine, as if lit up by the brightness of the sun. The saints, however, discovered that the illuminating operation was a gross cheat, and that it was produced by a mixture of oil and phosphorous. Strang was accused of fraud, when he acknowledged the fact, saying, that all miracles were produced by natural means, and preached a sermon justifying the act.–{We have proof of the substantial accuracy of the above short article about Strang. His impositions, though scandalous and gross, are in keeping with apostacy. Modern priests, called christians after Christ, get their endowment from seminaries instead of the Holy Ghost. Strange gives it with oil and phosphorus. Query, which shines the brightest? Strang is called a Mormon from the same cause that the Turks call all persons Christians who happen to live in the social compact of Christendom. If he is a Turk who supposes that every person is a follower of Christ because he prefers Christianity to Mahometanism, that is a gross and double Turk who can suppose the apostate Strange to be a Mormon, because he even prefers refuse Mormonism more than modern Christianity.}” (MS 9(22):350, 15 Nov., 1847)
30 Nov.: 1st wife holds keys of sealing power for others.
“William W. Phelps, an advisor to the Twelve and one of Young’s closest friends, was himself guilty of breaking the ground rules [of obtaining permission from Young prior to marrying additional wives]. While returning from a mission to England, Phelps stopped off at Niagara County, New York. While there, either of his own doing or by the persuasion of two sisters anxious to migrate with the church, he instructed a local elder to perform a plural marriage if for no other reason than that he would have to spend weeks travelling in close company with the two young women.
The case eventually came before the Twelve and the Council of Seventy, where Young exploded.
It is impossible for any man to serve the second woman unless given to him by the woman {his first wife} who has the keys of the sealing powers. Then he has the privilege of taking a woman if there’s nothing in the way. You are operating in the gentile world to get more wives; no, it is by the celestial law you get wives.
It makes me feel {bad} when I see men in slippery places. No man is fit to hold a license who will do such things. It is like handling edge tools. A man is in danger of bleeding and I tremble and fear . . . {I} don’t fear the Gentiles now, it is nothing to what I fear the Elders. [Footnote 47: “Minutes of a Meeting of the Twelve and Seventy, 30 November 1847, Brigham Young Papers. Phelp’s case points out that women may often have compounded the problem by requesting, even demanding, a plural marriage.”]”
(Richard E. Bennett, Mormons at the Missouri, 1846-1852, pp. 197, 303)
7 Dec.: That you may partake of the ordinances.
“And I can say, brethren, that although continent and ocean roll between us, yet when I bow the knee before my heavenly Father, I do not forget to remember the brethren on the British Isles before the Throne of Grace; and as when I was with you, so now while absent, I pray God the eternal Father so to influence the hearts of men in authority, that your way may be opened to gather with the Saints of the Most High, that you may partake of the ordinances of the Lord’s house, and finally be counted worthy to possess thrones, principalities, powers, and dominions in the Eternal World.
I might talk of trials, afflictions, and so forth, but what avails it? they are the common lot of man–they are momentary and pass away, and are not to be compared to the glory that is and shall be revealed, and I have not time to think, speak, or write about them.” (John Taylor, “Address to the Saints,” 7 Dec., 1847; MS 10(21):326, 1 Nov., 1848)
16 Dec.: I will in due time receive the fulness.
“The Ancient Prophets spoke of a Kingdom which should be set up in the last days which should roll forth and fill the whole Earth and at that time the Kingdoms of this World will become the Kingdoms of God and the time will come that there will be Kings and Priests unto God, reigning upon the Earth and I have to say to you that that Kingdom has been set up on the Earth and invested with Power and Authority to minister in that Kingdom and that Authority is nothing more nor less than the Priesthood which Priesthood has always been upon the Earth when God has had a People upon it which he has spoken to. You may ask what is to become of all that have lived upon the Earth when God has been doing nothing upon the Earth. Well, People never will {be} condemned for what they never do but for what they have known this is condemnation that light has come into the World and men reject that light. My good old Grandfather lived upon the Earth when there was no light and, of course, will be judged accordingly but thank God I am a legal heir to that Priesthood of which I have been speaking and of which I have received a portion and will in due time receive the fulness provided I honor what I have received and by which Power I shall be able to bring them all up in their proper place and without which no man never did nor never will receive an exaltation in the Kingdom of God.” (Albert Gregory [St. Louis] to his father, Elijah Gregory [Norwalk, Connecticut], 16 Dec., 1847; in Our Pioneer Heritage, 3:180, 1960)
21 Dec.: Heber “got an endowment” in the mountains.
“I met in council with the quorum of the Twelve. We herd the epistle read & corrected. . . .
Br H. C. Kimball Addressed the Council & said that He had been to the mountains & got an endowment & felt it in his bones & wanted to talk a little.” (Wilford Woodruff diary, 21 Dec., 1847)
22 Dec.: Two degrees in the mysteries of Mormon Church.
“The testimony of Mr. Adams was corroberated by a widow lady, who had been at Nauvoo, and while there had taken the first degree in the mysteries of the Mormon church. The second degree gave the privilege of spiritual wife-hood. Mrs. Cobb took this degree, and urged the witness to take it, and spoke of her connection with [Brigham] Young.
Judge Wilde decreed a full divorce from the bonds of matrimony. Boston Post.” (Quincy Whig 10(37):2, 22 Dec., 1847; Snider Collection)
23 Dec.: Gather curiosities to adorn Temple.
“Let all Saints who love God more than their own dear selves–and none else are Saints–gather without delay to the place appointed, bringing their gold, their silver, their copper, their zinc, their tin, and brass, and iron, and choice steel, and ivory, and precious stones; their curiosities of science, of art, of nature, and every thing in their possession or within their reach, to build in strength and stability, to beautify, to adorn, to embellish, to delight, and to cast a fragrance over the House of the Lord; with sweet instruments of music and melody, and songs, and fragrance and sweet odours, and beautiful colours, whether it be in precious jewels, or minerals, or choice ores, or in wisdom and knowledge, or understanding, manifedted in carved work; or curious workmanship of the box, the fir and pine tree, or any thing that ever was, or is, or is to be, for the exaltation, glory, honour, and salvation of the living and the dead, for time and for all eternity.” (“General Epistle from the Council of the Twelve,” 23 Dec., 1847; MS 10(6):86, 15 Mar., 1848)
27 Dec.: Hosannah shout accompanying reorganization.
“Monday 27th Conference remained in session all day being addressed by Br. Brigham, H. C Kimbal & others under the influence of the power of the Holy Ghost interspersed with most Heavenly music from the Brass Band–In the a[f]ternoon Br Orson Pratt introduced the subject of the reorganising the Church by Electing a first Presidency, when after some remarks by G. A. Smith & A Lyman a motion was carried that this conference proceed to reorganise the Church with a First Presidency–& also that Brigham Young be the First President–Heber C. Kimbal & Willard Richards wer chosen by President Young for his councilers which was sanctioned by the conference–all without a dissenting voice–when the conference wa[s] adjourned to meet at the same place on the 6th day of April next, the conference was closed by all the congregation uniting to praise the Lord with loud Hosanah according to the Order of the Priesthood in manner following: Striking the right hand into the Palm of the left at the end of each word–
Hosanah! Hosanah! Hosanah!
To God and the Lamb!
Amen! Amen! and Amen!–
Repeated three times.” (Record of Norton Jacob, 27 Dec., 1847, p. 105)