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TEMPLES, 1844
1844: 5 Jan.: Doctrine of sealing to dead relatives described.
“Several revelations, of great utility, & uncommon interest, have been lately communicated to Joseph & the Church; but where you all are, you cannot obey them; one is, that all marriage contracts, or covenants are to be “Everlasting,[“] that is, the parties (if the[y] belong to the Church) and will obey the will of God in this relationship to each other: are to be married for both Time & Eternity: and as respects those whose partners were dead, before this Revelation was given to the Church; they have the privilege to be married to their deceased husbands, or wives (as the case may be) for eternity, and if it is a man who desires to be married to his deceased wife, a Sister in the Church stands as Proxy, or as a representative of the deceased in attending to the marriage ceremony: and so in the case of a widow who desires to be joined in an everlasting covenant, to her dead husband–and if they are not thus married for Eternity, they must remain in a state of celebacy, & be as the angels, ministring spirits, or servants to the married to all eternity, and can never rise to any greater degree of glory.–Many of the members of the Church have already availed themselves of this privilege, & have been married to their deceased partners; & in some cases where a man has been married to 2 or three wives, and they are dead he has been married to them all; in the order, in which he was married to them while living, & also widows have been married to their dead husbands but only to one husband,–& I intend to be married to the wife of my youth, before I go to Ireland, I would be unspeakably glad to have you all here to witness our second nuptials. The work of Generation, is not to cease forever, with the Saints, in this present life.–There are many things connected with this subject, which I am not at liberty to communicate to you, where you are living which would make the matter plainer to your minds & more satisfactory [word unclear], beware how you treat this subject for no doubt it is of God other revelations intimately connected with this momentous dispensation and which are almost ready to unfold themselves to us, I cannot communicate to you at present altho’ I know them in part for you could not bear them now. . . .” (Jacob Scott to Mary Warnock, his daughter, 5 Jan., 1844. RLDS Archives; also in LDS Archives; Ouellette)
14 Jan.: Brigham receives 2nd anointing.
“Preached in the city. In the evening attended prayer-meeting in the Assembly Room. My wife, Mary Ann and I received our second anointing.” (BYMH 14 Jan., 1844)
14 Jan.: Discussion of endowment among the Twelve.
“In the evening I met with the quorum of the Twelve conversed upon a variety of subjects building the Temple, the endowment &c. some good ideas advanced.” (Wilford Woodruff diary, 14 Jan., 1844)
17 Jan.: Poem on the death of a little boy.
“But hush the sorrows of thy breast,
And wait the promise of the Lord,
To usher in a day of rest,
When all will be again restored,
Although a tender branch is torn
Asunder from the parent tree;
Back to the trunk it shall be borne,
And grafted for eternity.”
(Eliza R. Snow, “To Mrs. Mary Pratt on the Death of Her Little Son,” Morley Settlement, 17 Jan., 1844, in T&S 5(5):463, 1 Mar., 1844)
20 Jan.: Vilate Kimball initiated into Holy Order.
“January 1844 my wife Vilate and menny feemales was recieved in to the Holy Order, and was washed and inointed by Emma.” (Heber C. Kimball diary, “Strange Events”)
“Met with the Quorum, Heber C. Kimball and his wife Vilate received their second anointing.” (BYMH 20 Jan., 1844)
“I met with the quorum in the evening & had an interesting time H.C.K. V.K. received their second Anointing &c.” (Wilford Woodruff diary, 20 Jan., 1844)
21 Jan.: Parley Pratt receives 2nd anointing.
“I met in the Assembly Room with the Quorum and administered to Parley P. Pratt, his second anointing.” (Brigham Young, BYMH 21 Jan., 1844)
“I met with the quorum in the evening had an interestin time many good exhortation were given by the brethren concerning the things of God. P.P.P. received his 2d Anointing Joseph said concerning Parley P. Pratt that He had no wife sealed to him for Eternity as He would want a wife in the Resurrection or els his glory would be cliped many arguments He used upon this subject which ware rational & consistant Br Joseph said now what will we do with Elder P. P. Pratt He has no wife sealed to him for Eternity He has one living wife but she had a former Husband and did not wish to be sealed to Parly, for Eternity now is it not right for Parley to have another wife that can.” (Wilford Woodruff diary, 21 Jan., 1844)
21 Jan.: Temple work for dead foretold by Joseph.
“What shall I talk about today I know what Br Cahoon wants me to speak about, he wants me to speak about the Comeing of Elijah in the last days I Can see it in his eye, I will speak upon that subject then, The Bible says ‘I will send you Elijah before the great & dredful day of the Lord Come that he shall turn the hearts of the fathers to the Children & the hearts of the Children to their fathers lest I Come & smite the whole earth with a Ckurse,’ Now the word turn here should be translated (bind or seal) But what is the object of this important mission or how is it to be fulfilled, The keys are to be deliverd the spirit of Elijah is to Come, The gospel to be esstablished the Saints of God gatherd Zion built up, & the Saints to Come up as Saviors on mount Zion but how are they to become Saviors on Mount Zion by building their temples erecting their Baptismal fonts & going forth & receiving all the ordinances, Baptisms, confirmations, washings anointings ordinations & sealing powers upon our heads in behalf of all our Progenitors who are dead & redeem them that they may come forth in the first resurrection & be exalted to thrones of glory with us, & herein is the chain that binds the hearts of the fathers to the children & the children to the Fathers which fulfills the mission of Elijah & I would to God that this temple was now done that we might go into it & go to work & improve our time & make use of the seals while they are on earth the Saints have none to much time to save & redeem their dead, & gather together their living relatives that they may be saved also, before the earth will be smitten & the Consumption decreed falls upon the world & I would advise all the Saints to go to with their might & gather together all their living relatives to this place that they may be sealed & saved that they may be prepared against the day that the destroying angel goes forth & if the whole Church should go to with all their might to save their dead seal their posterity & gather their living friends & spend none of their time in behalf of the world they would hardly get through before night would Come when no man Could work & my ownly trouble at the present time is concerning ourselves that the Saints will be divided & broken up & scattered before we get our Salvation Secure for thei[r] is so many fools in the world for the devil to operate upon it gives him the advantage often times, The question is frequently asked Can we not be saved without going through with all thes ordinances &c I would answer No not the fulness of Salvation, Jesus said their was many mansions in his fathers house & he would go & prepare a place for them. House here named should have been translated (Kingdom) & any person who is exhalted to the highest mansion has to abide a Celestial law & the whole law to[o], But their has been a great difficulty in getting anything into the heads of this generation it has been like splitting hemlock knots with a Corn doger for a wedge & a pumpkin for a beetle, Even the Saints are slow to understand I have tried for a number of years to get the minds of the Saints prepared to receive the things of God, but we frequently see some of them after suffering all they have for the work of God will fly to peaces like glass as soon as any thing Comes that is Contrary to their traditions, they Cannot stand the fire at all, How many will be able to abide a Celestial law & go through & receive their exhaltation I am unable to say but many are Called & few are Chosen.” (Joseph Smith to Sunday meeting of the Saints, in Wilford Woodruff diary, 21 Jan., 1844)
22 Jan.: Wm. Clayton accepted into Holy Order.
“P.M. bro. Cahoon came to my house to say that a vote had been taken on my being admitted into the quorum & I was accepted. This filled my heart with joy, and gratitude for truly the mercy of the Lord and the kindness of my brethren have been great to me.” (William Clayton diary, 22 Jan., 1844)
25 Jan.: Orson Hyde receives 2nd anointing.
“The ‘Quorum’ met at my house. Orson Pratt received his second anointing.” (Brigham Young, BYMH 25 Jan., 1844)
“I met with the Quorum of the Twelve at President Young’s house and had a good prayer meeting. Brother Orson Hyde was present – had not met with us for some time. Orson Hyde received his second anointing.” (Wilford Woodruff diary, 25 Jan., 1844)
25 Jan.: Wm. Clayton’s robe & garment.
“P.M. sis Durphy came to make my Robe & Garment.” (William Clayton diary, 25 Jan., 1844)
26 Jan.: Orson Pratt receives 2nd anointing.
“The Twelve met at my house. Orson Pratt received his second anointing.” (Brigham Young, BYMH 26 Jan., 1844)
27 Jan.: Willard Richards receives 2nd anointing.
“We met in the Assembly Room: Willard Richards and his wife Jenetta were sealed and received their second anointing.” (Brigham Young, BYMH 27 Jan., 1844)
“The quorum met for a meeting in the evening in Joseph’s store. Had a number of prayers and exhortations upon the subject of holiness of heart. Brother and Sister [Willard] Richards were present – they had both been unwell for a number of days before they were able to attend the meeting this evening, and seemed to enjoy themselves well. That had received the blessings by the prayer of faith. Willard and Janette received their second anointing and sealing.” (Wilford Woodruff diary, 27 Jan., 1844)
28 Jan.: Wilford Woodruff receives 2nd anointing.
“I Wilford Woodruff and Phebe W. Woodruff both recived a benefit by Prayers and laying on of hands. The subject of Elijah’s coming to seal the hearts of the fathers to the children was spoken of seal the hearts of the children to the Fathers Malachi IV. ch 6 vers.
Wilford & Phebe W. Woodruff received our 2d Anointings & sealings.” (Wilford Woodruff diary, 28 Jan., 1844)
“The Quorum met in the Assembly Room. Wilford Woodruff and his wife Phebe W. were sealed and received their second anointing.” (Brigham Young, BYMH 28 Jan., 1844)
30 Jan.: John Taylor receives 2nd anointing.
“The ‘Quorum’ met at my house. John and Leonora Taylor were sealed and anointed.” (Brigham Young, BYMH 30 Jan., 1844)
“I met with the quorum at Elder Young’s for a meeting. Brother and Sister John Taylor made some appropriate remarks unto edification. John Taylor & Leonora Taylor received thair 2d Anointing & sealing.” (Wilford Woodruff diary, 30 Jan., 1844)
31 Jan.: George A. Smith receives 2nd anointing.
“I met with the Quorum at my house. George A. Smith and Bathsheba W. Smith were anointed, having been sealed on the 20th inst.” (Brigham Young, BYMH 31 Jan., 1844)
“There is quite a revival and enquiring after the things of God by all the quorums and Church in general. I met with the quorum of the Twelve this evening at Elder Young’s and had a good time. Brother and Sister George A. Smith was present and received their second anointing.” (Wilford Woodruff diary, 31 Jan., 1844)
Winter: Erastus Snow becomes a Mason.
“In the forepart of the winter [1844] I also entered the Nauvoo Lodge of Ancient York Free and accepted Masons and was passed and raised to the degree of Master Mason and I also attended to the study of the Masonic Lectures–When the New Masonic temple in Main Street Nauvoo was dedicated I was called upon to deliver the Oration which was on the 5th of April.” (“Erastus Snow’s Journal–Continued from Book Second, Book 3rd,” manuscript pp. 27-28; typescript p. 88; Huntington Library)
1 Feb.: Kimball’s anointed Priest and Priestess.
“my self and wife Vilate was announted Preast and Preastest unto our God under the Hands of B Young, and by the voys of the Holy Order.” (Heber C. Kimball diary, “Strange Events”)
2 Feb.: W. W. Phelps receives 2nd anointing.
“I met with the quorum for prayer at Elder Young’s. Brother and Sister William W. Phelps attended with us. Brother Phelps spoke concerning his appointment as a lawyer in Israel. Brother and Sister William W. Phelps received their second anointing and sealing.” (Wilford Woodruff diary, 2 Feb., 1844)
3 Feb. : Joseph Young, Wm Clayton receive 2nd anointings.
“In the evening of this day the quorum met at Joseph store. William W. Clayton & Joseph Young met with them But I was not present. . . . Joseph Young & wife & Wm Clayton received thair 2d Endowment &c.” (Wilford Woodruff diary, 3 Feb., 1844)
“P.M. was permitted to the ordinance of washing and anointing, and was received into the Quorum of Priesthood. This is one of the greatest favors ever conferred on me and for which I feel grateful. May the God of Joseph preserve me & mine house to walk in the paths of righteousness all the days of my life & oh that I may never sin against him or displease him For thou oh God knowest my desire to do right that I may have eternal life.” (William Clayton diary, 3 Feb., 1844)
4 Feb.: Cornelius P. Lott receives 2nd anointing.
“I met with the quorum in the evening. Brother and Sister Lott was present. We had a good time in prayer. Brother Joseph gave us good instruction in meekness and humility. . . . Cornelius P. Lott & wife received thair 2d Anointing & sealing.” (Wilford Woodruff diary, 4 Feb., 1844)
4 Feb.: Selection of 144,000 has begun.
“I attended prayer-meeting with the quorum [of the Holy Order] in the assembly room, and made some remarks respecting the hundred and forty-four thousand mentioned by John the Revelator, showing that the selection of persons to form that number had already commenced. [Joseph had already seen to it that 9 of the Quorum of the Twelve and about a dozen other men, with their wives, had already received the 2nd anointing].” (HC 6:196)
Winter: Hearts of children turned to fathers.
“in the Winter of 1844 a great revival took place in Nauvoo the Spirit of elijah was in some measure poured out on the people the hearts of many fathers ware turned to their children and the hearts of the children to the fathers great union prevailed in the church untill the spring of 1844 when a party decented from the church with Wm & Wilson Laws Doctor Foster Francis M Higbee Chauncy Higbee Austin Corels James Blackely and Doctor Green of Iowa . . .” (William Huntington diary, Huntington Library)
5 Feb.: Architecture of Nauvoo Temple.
“In the afternoon, Elder William Weeks (whom I had employed as architect of the Temple,) came in for instruction. I instructed him in relation to the circular windows designed to light the offices in the dead work of the arch between stories. He said that round windows in the broad side of a building were a violation of all the known rules of architecture, and contended that they should be semicircular–that the building was too low for round windows. I told him I would have the circles, if he had to make the Temple ten feet higher than it was originally calculated; that one light at the centre of each circular window would be sufficient to light the whole room; that when the whole building was thus illuminated, the effect would be remarkably grand. ‘I wish you to carry out my designs. I have seen in vision the splendid appearance of that building illuminated, and will have it built according to the pattern shown me.'” (HC 6:196-197)
6 Feb.: William Jackson promised redemption of dead.
“Thou shalt have power to redeem thy dead friends and bing them up in the Resurrection of the just.” (Patriarchal Blessing of William Jackson, by John Smith, 6 Feb., 1844. RLDS Archives, P8/F17)
6 Feb.: William Jackson sealed to eternal life.
“I seal all these blessings upon thy head and I seal thee up unto Eternal Life in the name of thy Redeemer Amen.” (Patriarchal Blessing of William Jackson, by John Smith, 6 Feb., 1844. RLDS Archives, P8/F17)
6 Feb.: Louisa Jackson promised endowment, healing power.
“Thou art of the blood of Abraham through the loins of Manasseh and a lawful heir to the Priesthood and shall possess it in common with thy companion and inasmuch as thou art faithful in the covenant thou shalt have power to heal the sick in their own houses and redeem thy dead friends and they shall come up with thee in the first Resurrection. . . .
Thou shalt . . . see the Temple finished and in it shall have an endowment with thy companion and shall be satisfied with thy lot. . . .
Seek diligently these things and thou shalt have them for I seal them upon thee in the name of Jesus Christ and I seal thee up into Eternal life in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.” (Patriarchal Blessing of Louisa C. Jackson, by John Smith, 6 Feb., 1844. RLDS Archives, P8/F16)
7 Feb.: Reference to 2nd anointing by Law brothers.
“And ’tis so here, in this sad life–
Such ills you must endure–
Some PRIEST or KING, may claim your wife
Because that you are poor.
A REVELATION he may get–
Refuse it if you dare!
And you’ll be damned perpetually,
By our good LORD THE MAYOR!!
But if that you yield willingly,
Your daughters and your wives,
In SPIRITUAL MARRIAGE to our Pope,
He’ll bless you all your lives:
He’ll SEAL YOU UP, be damned you can’t
No matter what you do–
If that you only stick to him,
He swears he’ll take you through.
But there are a hundred other birds
He never can make sing:
Who won’t be dragged to hell,
By PROPHET? PRIEST nor KING:
Whose sires have bled in days gone by,
For their dear country’s cause;
And who will still maintain its rights,
Its LIBERTY and LAWS!”
(William and Wilson Law, “Buckeye’s Lamentation for the Want of More Wives,” Warsaw Message, 7 Feb., 1844, p. 1)
23 Feb.: Exploring expedition to have 2nd anointing.
“Met with the Twelve in the assembly room concerning the Oregon and California Exploring Expedition. . . . ‘Appoint a leader, and let them beat up for volunteers. I want every man that goes to be a king and a priest. When he gets on the mountains he may want to talk with his God.'” (Joseph Smith, HC 6:224)
26 Feb.: John Smith receives 2nd anointing.
“Prayer meeting in the Assembly Room in the afternoon. My uncle, John Smith and Lady were present; were anointed and received blessings. In the evening Father Morley was also blessed.” (Joseph Smith, HC 6:225.)
“I met with the quorum in the evening but meeting closed soon after we arrived. Father John Smith and wife, and Isaac Morley and wife met with the quorum in the afternoon and evening. I took a severe cold and had a sick night. Father John Smith and wife, Isaac Morley and wife received their second anointing and sealings.” (Wilford Woodruff diary, 26 Feb., 1844)
Feb.: Poem on the death of a little girl.
“Though your lovely child is taken
From your bosom to the urn;
Soon the sleeping dust will waken
And its spirit will return.
Yes, again you will behold it
Fairer than the morning ray–
In your arms you will enfold it
Where all tears are wip’d away.”
(Eliza R. Snow, “To Mrs. Sylvia P. Lyon, on the Death of Her Little Daughter,” Morley Settlement, Feb., 1844; in T&S 5(6):479, 15 Mar., 1844)
1 Mar.: Roof expected to be completed by autumn.
“Again those who are desirous of forwarding means to the Temple can do so, and help to liberate the hands of the committee, and the Trustee in Trust.
It is in contemplation to devote all our energies to the completion of the Temple this season, and to let the Nauvoo House stand until the Temple is finished. By a unity of efforts, it is expected that the roof can be put on by next fall, and the building be enclosed.” (T&S 5(5):456, 1 Mar., 1844)
4 Mar.: Leave Nauvoo House alone until temple completed.
“President Joseph suggested that it was best to let the Nauvoo House remain as it is until the temple is completed, as we need the temple more than anything else.
Elder Haws said there was some dissatisfaction about being sent from the Pinery without accounts, &c., and could not have credit on tithing, and one month at the Pinery is only called fifteen days here.
President Joseph told them that they should have their number of days in full. ‘We will let the Nauvoo house stand until the temple is done, and we will put all our forces on the Temple, turn our lumber towards the Temple, and cover it in this fall, and sell the remainder to get blasting powder, fuse, rope, steel, &c.
And when the temple is completed, no man shall pass the threshold till he has paid five dollars; and every stranger shall pay five dollars towards liquidating the cash debts on the Temple, and I will not have the house dirtied.” (Minutes of a Council Meeting–Twelve and Temple Committee. HC 6:230)
7 Mar.: Hyrum on sealing.
“He [Hyrum Smith] told us to pray ‘that you may live to go into this Temple and be sealed in your foreheads,’—-putting his hand upon his forehead—for said he, ‘It is your right to live until you are three score years and ten.'” (Wandle Mace Journal, BYU Special Collections)
7 Mar.: Minutes of a General Meeting.
“A vast assembly of Saints met at the Temple of the Lord at nine o’clock a.m., by a special appointment of President Joseph Smith, for the purpose of advancing the progress of the Temple, &c.
The Patriarch, Hyrum Smith, was present; also of the Twelve Apostles, Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Parley P. Pratt, Orson Pratt, Willard Richards, Wilford Woodruff, John Taylor, and George A. Smith; also the temple committee and about eight thousand Saints.
A hymn was sung by the choir; prayer by Elder Parley P. Pratt, when another hymn was sung.
Patriarch Hyrum Smith took the stand and said, The object of the meeting is to stir up your minds by way of remembrance. It is necessary to have a starting-point, which is to build the Temple.
With the assistance of the sisters, we expect to get the nails and glass; and with the assistance of the brethren, we expect to do the rest. I will proclaim in public and in private that the sisters bought the glass and nails by penny subscription. Choose ye this day whom ye will serve.
We shall call upon this vast multitude for a donation to buy powder and fuse-ropes to blast the rocks in the quarry. We want the brethren to at least do as much as the sisters.
We do not intend to finish the Nauvoo House ethis season, but to take all the hands and finish the Temple this summer, or the walls of it, and get the roof on by December, and do off the inside next winter; and about a year from this spring we will dedicate it.
We can do anything we undertake. We have powder, and we can do great things. In five years to come the work will progress more than it has done for ten years past.
Isaiah said we should perform a marvelous work and a wonder. I don’t wonder he said so, if he saw this vast multitude; and I think this people is abundantly able to build this temple, and much depends upon it for our endowments and sealing powers; and many blessings depend upon it.” (HC 6:236-237)
“[Brigham Young speaking] We can do any thing we undertake. We have power & we Can do great things. In 5 years to come the work will progress more than it has for 10 years past. Isaiah said we should perform a marvelous work and a wonder. I dont wonder He said so if he saw this vast multitude & I think this people is abundantly able to build this temple & much depends upon it. Our endowments & sealing powers & many blessings depend upon it. . . .
The ownly thing the Saints now want to know is what does the Lord want of us & we are ready to do it. Well then build the temple of the Lord.” (Wilford Woodruff diary, 7 Mar., 1844)
7 Mar.: No admittance to those who didn’t contribute.
“Joseph said in relation to those who give property on the temple. be careful into whose hands it come into that it may be entered into the church books. that those whose names are found in the church books shall have the first claim in that house. I intend to keep the door at dedication myself–& not a man shall pass who had not paid his bonus.” (Joseph Smith, 7 Mar., 1844, Joseph Smith diary, by Willard Richards. In Words of JS, p. 325)
“President Smith remarked in relation to those who give in property for the temple we want it brought to the proper source that it may be put on the Church Book So that in the endowment those whose names are on Book shall have the prefference.” (Wilford Woodruff diary, 7 Mar., 1844)
10 Mar.: Joseph’s discourse on Elijah.
“Now for Elijah. The spirit, power, and calling of Elijah is, that ye have power to hold the key of the revelations, ordinances, oracles, powers and endowments of the fulness of the Melchizedek Priesthood and of the kingdom of God on the earth; and to receive, obtain, and perform all the ordinances belonging to the kingdom of God. even unto the turning of the hearts of the fathers unto the children, and the hearts of the children unto the fathers, even those who are in heaven. Malachi says I will send Elijah before the great and dreadful day of the Lord come & He shall turn the hearts of the Fathers to the Children and the hearts of the Children to the Fathers lest I come & smite the earth with a Curse, Now what I am after is the knowledge of God & I take my own Course to obtain it, what are we to understand by this in the last days, in the days of Noah God destroyed the world by a flood & has promised to destroy it by fire in the last days but before it took place Elijah should first come & turn the hearts of the Fathers to the Children &c now comes the point what is this office & work of Elijah, it is one of the greatest & most important subjects that God has revealed, He should send Elijah to seal the children to the fathers & fathers to the Children, Now was this merely confined to the living to settle difficulties with families on earth, by no means, it was a far greater work Elijah what would you do if you was here would you confine your work to the living alone. No I would refer you to the scriptures whare the subject is manifest, i.e., without us they could not be made perfect, nor we without them, the fathers without the children nor the children without the fathers. I wish you to understand this subject for it is important & if you will receive it this is the spirit of Elijah that we redeam our dead & connect ourselves with our fathers which are in heaven & seal up our dead to come forth in the first resurrection & here we want the power of Elijah to seal those who dwell on earth to those which dwell in heaven this is the power of Elijah & the keys of the Kingdom of Jehovah. Let us suppose a case. Suppose the great God who dwells in heaven should reveal himself to Father Cutler here [Cutler had received his 2nd anointing already], by the opening heavens, and tell him, I offer up a decree that whatsoever you seal on earth with your decree, I will seal it in heaven; you have the power then; can it be taken off? No. Then what you seal on earth, by the keys of Elijah, is sealed in heaven; and this is the power of Elijah, and this is the difference between the spirit and power of Elias and Elijah; for while the spirit of Elias is a forerunner, the power of Elijah is sufficient to make our calling & Election sure, & the same doctrin whare we are exhorted to go on unto perfection not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works but of laying on of hands, resurrection of the dead &c. we cannot be perfect without the fathers, &c we must have revelations then & we can see that the doctrin of revelation as far transcends the doctrin of no revelation as knowled[g]e is above ignorance for one truth revealed from heaven is worth all the sectarian notions in exhistance. This spirit of Elijah was manifest in the days of the Apostles, in delivering certain ones to the buffetings of Satan, that they might be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. There were sealed by the spirit of Elijah unto the damnation of hell until the day of the Lord, or revealtion of Jesus Christ Here is the doctrin of Election that the world have quarreled so much about, but they do not know any thing about it, The doctrin that the Prysbeterians & Methodist have quarreled so much about once in grace always in grace, or falling away from grace I will say a word about, they are both wrong, truth takes a road between them both, for while the Presbyterian says once in grace you cannot fall the Methodist says you can have grace to day, fall from it to morrow, next day have grace again & so follow it, but the doctrin of the scriptures & the spirit of Elijah would show them both fals & take a road between them both for according to the scriptures if a man has receive the good word of God & tasted of the powers of the world to come if they shall fall away it is impossible to renew them again, seeing they have Crucified the son of God afresh & put him to an open shame, so their is a possibility of falling away you could not be renewed again, & the power of Elijah Cannot seal against this sin, for this is a reserve made in the seals & power of the priesthood, I will make evry doctrin plain that I present & it shall stand upon a firm bases And I am at the defiance of the world for I will take shelter under the broad cover of the wings of the work in which I am ingaged, it matters not to me if all hell boils over I regard it ownly as I would the crackling of thorns under a pot A murderer; for instance, one that sheds innocent blood, cannot have forgiveness. David sought repentance at the hand of God carefully with tears, for the murder of Uriah; but he could only get it through hell: he got a promise that his soul should not be left in hell. [Hence, he was not a son of perdition. Why? Joseph then answers.] Although David was a king, he never did obtain the spirit and power of Elijah and the fullness of the Priesthood, & the priesthood that he received & the throne & kingdom of David is to be taken from him & given to another by the name of David in the last days, raised up out of his linage Peter refered to the same subject on the day of pentecost, but the multitude did not get the endowment that Peter had but several days after the people asked what shall we do, Peter says I would ye had done it ignorantly speaking of crucifying the Lord &c He did not say to them repent & be baptized for the remission of your sins but he said repent therefore & be converted that your sins may be blotted out when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord, Acts iii,19 this is the case with murderers they could not be baptized for the remission of sins for they had shed innocent Blood.
Again the doctrin or sealing power of Elijah is as follows if you have power to seal on earth & in heaven, then we should be Crafty, the first thing you do go & seal on earth your sons & daughters unto yourself, & yourself unto your fathers in eternal glory, and go ahead, and not go back, [law of adoption?] but use a little Craftiness & seal all you can; & when you get to heaven tell your father that what you seal on earth should be sealed in heaven I will walk through the gate of heaven and claim what I seal, and those that follow me and my Council The Lord once told me that what I asked for I should have, I have been afraid to ask God to kill my enemies lest some of them should peradventure repent I asked a short time, since for the Lord to deliver me out of the hands of the Govornor of Missouri & if it must needs be to acomplish it to take him away, & the next news that Came pouring down from their, was Governor Reynolds had shot himself, and I would now say beware O earth how you fight against the Saints of God & shed innocent Blood, for in the days of Elijah his enemies came upon him & fire was Called down from heaven & destroyed them, the spirit of Elias is first, Elijah second, & Masiah last. Elias is a fore runner to prepare the way, and the spirit and power of Elijah is to come after holding the keys of power building the Temple to the Cap stone, placing the seals of the Melchizedek Priesthood upon the house of Israel, and making all things ready; then Messiah comes to His Temple, which is last of all.” (Joseph Smith, 10 Mar., 1844, Wilford Woodruff diary)
“The spirit of Elijah is to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children and the hearts of the children to the fathers lest I come and smite the earth with a curse the babtism for the dead and the ordinances that is to be administered by us for them for paul says that they without us cannot be made perfect neither can we without them be made perfect. Now we come to talk about election a great deal is said about it. one way or another. The prespetary says once in grace always in grace, the methodist says once in grace can fall from grace and be renewed again. there is some truth in both of these statements Paul says in the 6 chap of hebrews that after arriving at a certain knowledge and then fall away it is impossible to renew them again, well paul the prespratarian says once in grace always in grace I say it is not so the methodist says once in grace can fall from grace and be renewed again I Paul say it is impossible seeing that they crucify to themselves the son of God afresh and put him to an open shame.
Make your calling and election sure go on from grace to grace untill you obtain a promise from God for yourselves that you shall have eternal life. this is eternal life to know God and his son Jesus Christ, it is to be sealed up unto eternal life and obtain a promise for our posterity. Whatever you shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, this is the power of Elijah to seal or bind or turn the hearts of the fathers to their children sealed against all sin but the sin of sheding innocent blood and the Sin against the holy ghost.” (Joseph Smith, 10 Mar., 1844, James Burgess Notebook. In Words of JS, pp. 333-334)
“The spirit of Elijah is that degree of power which holds the sealing power of the Kingdom to seal the hearts of the fathers to the children & of the children their fathers not only on earth but in Heaven both the living & the Dead to each other for they (the dead) cannot be made perfect without us Heb 11-40
This power of Elijah is to that of Elias what in the architecture of the Temple of God those who seal or cement the Stone to their places are to those who cut or hew the stones the one preparing the way for the other to accomplish the work By this we are sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise ie Elijah
To obtain this sealing is to make our calling and election sure which we ought to give all diligence to accomplish
there are two sins agains which this power does not secure or prevail they are ‘The sin against the Holy Ghost’ And ‘shedding of innocent Blood’ which is equivelant to ‘crucifying the Son of God afresh & putting him to an open shame’ Those who do these it is impossible to renew unto repentance for they are delivered to the buffettings of satan untill the day of redemptions” (Joseph Smith, 10 Mar., 1844, Franklin D. Richards “Scriptural Items”. In Words of JS, pp. 334-335)
15 Mar.: T&S progress report on the Temple.
“We are also pleased that we can inform our friends abroad that the Saints here of late have taken hold of the work on the Temple with the zeal and energy that in no small degree excites our admiration. Their united efforts certainly speak to us that it is their determination that this spacious edifice shall be enclosed, if not finished, this season.
And a word we would say to the Saints abroad, which is, that the Temple is being built in compliance with a special commandment of God not to a few individuals, but to all. Therefore we sincerely hope you will contribute of your means as liberally as your circumstances will allow, that the burden of the work may not rest upon a few, but proportionately upon all.
Where is the true-hearted Saint that does not with joy and delight contemplate the endowment of the servants of God and the blessings He has promised to His people on condition that they speedily build the Temple? Certainly you cannot reasonably expect to enjoy these blessings if you refuse to contribute your share towards its erection.
It is a thing of importance, and much depends upon its accomplishment: therefore we wish to forcibly impress the matter upon your minds, hoping you will become aroused to a sense of your duty–that every company of Saints, every Elder that comes here, and every mail may bring money and other property for this important work,–which, when completed, will stand, in once sense of the word, as a firm pillar in Zion, and which will greatly facilitate the prosperity of the great cause of truth which we are all actively engaged in.” (T&S editorial, reprinted in HC 6:266-267)
Spring: Joseph Fielding on the Endowment.
“Many have joined the Masonic Institution this seems to have been ‘a Stepping Stone or Preparation for something else, the true Origin of Masonry, this I have also seen and rejoice in it this Winter there was much Preaching through the City much said on the Subject of the Coming or Spirit of Elijah, there has been great Light pourd out upon the Saints of Late, and a great Spirit of hearing I have been called to preach sever times and felt much of the Spirit in general I have felt well increasing in Light and Knowledge and also in Joy having the Good Will and Confidence of my Brethren and feeling myself to be one with [them] in these things I feel myself blessed and honoured. . . .
As to me I have evidence enough that Joseph is not fallen, I have seen him after giving as I before said the origin of Masonry, organize the Kingdom of God on the Earth and am myself a Member of it in this I feel myself highly honored. . . .
Some also beside the 12 had received their Endowment, which was expected at the completion of the Temple I myself and my Wife had had this Privilege granted us in part, I also believed that as Joseph was the only one that had had the Keys of the Priesthood of [the] Kingdom of God on the Earth since the Days of Peter and the other Apostles, he must not only minister the same on Earth but also to the whole World of Spirits who departed from this Life in the time of the broken Covenant, even as Jesus did to those before him to the Flood, that those who had died without the Priesthood must remain so until it should be restored to the Earth, but it is necessary that they as well as we who are now alive should be made acquainted with the Ordinances, Signs and Tokens of the Priesthood and the Turms of Admission into the Kingdom in Order that they may come forth with those who have received it here. . . . It seems as though the Lord had pushed things forward rather prematurely on account of the shortness [of] Joseph’s Time.” (Joseph Fielding diary, early Spring, 1844. From BYU Studies 19 (Winter, 1979):133-166. Cited entries are pp. 22, 23, 28, 51-55 of Fielding’s pagination.)
ca. Apr.: Only one place for ordinances for the dead.
“All the brethren and sisters were instructed to write to their friends and get all the influence in our favor, that if possible in the spring of 1844, on the 6th of April, a special conference on the anniversary of the church, in which it was remarked that this church had arrived at the age of fourteen years, and as adults chose their guardian at that age, it was now time for us to choose one, and it was resolved that Brother Joseph be our guardian. Much instruction was given relative to the mysteries of the kingdom and the building up of Zion. One declaration I will mention, to-wit: that the whole land of America was the Land of Zion, and that the time was at hand when the elders would go forth and build up stakes in every part of the land where there could be a branch of the church suffucient, and erect houses of worship; yet there would be but one place for the ordinances in relation to the dead, etc., where all would have to come up in their turn to receive those ordinances, who receive them at all.” (“Journal of Ethan Barrows,” Journal of History 15:180-181, Apr., 1922)
1 Apr.: Vilate washes and anoints Heber.
“I Heber C Kimball recieved the washing of my feet. and was annointed by my wife Vilate fore my burial. that is my feet head Stomach. Even as Mary did Jesus. that she mite have a claim on him in the Reserrection in the City of Nauvoo.
I Vilate Kimball do hereby certify that on the first day of April 1844 I attended to washing and anointing the head Stomack and feet of my dear companion Heber C. Kimball, that I may have claim upon him in the morning of the first Reserrection.” (Heber C. Kimball diary, “Strange Events”)
Apr.: Discourse on ordinances for the dead.
“As soon as the temple and baptismal font are prepared, we calculate to give the Elders of Israel their washings and anointings, and ttend to those last and more impressive ordinances, without which we cannot obtain celestial thrones. But there must be a holy place prepared for that purpose. There was a proclamation made during the time that the foundation of the temple was laid to that effect, so that men may receive their endowments and be made kings and priests unto the Most High God, having noting to do with temporal things, but their whole time will be taken up with things pertaining to the house of God. There must, however, be a place built expressly for that purpose, and for men to be baptized for their dead. It must be built in this, the central place; for every man who wishes to save his father, mother, brothers, sisters, and friends, must go through himself, from baptism to ordination, washings and anointings, and receive all the keys and powers of the Priesthood, the same as for himself.
The Lord has an established law in relation to the matter; there must be a particular spot prepared for the salvation of our dead. Men who want to save their dead can come and bring their families, do their work by being baptized and attending to the other ordinances for their dead, and then may go back again to live and wait till they go to receive their reward.” (Joseph Smith, April, 1844. Quoted in “Need of Temples,” RS Magazine 7:595, 1920)
6 Apr.: Hyrum Smith on the Temple.
“At two o’clock, P. M., Patriarch Hyrum Smith arrived at the stand, and said he wanted to speak something about the Temple. We want 200,000 shingles, as we shall resume the work on the Temple immediately; all who have not paid their tithing, come on and do it. We want provisions, money, boards, planks, and any thing that is good; we dont want any more old guns or watches. I thought some time ago I would get up a small subscription, so that the sisters might do something. In consequence of some misunderstanding, it has not gone on as at first; it is a matter of my own, I do not ask it as a tithing. I give a privilege for any one to pay a cent a week, or fifty cents a year. I want it by next fall to buy nails and glass. It is difficult to get money, I know that a small subscription will bring in more than a large one;–the poor can help in this way. I take the responsibility upon myself, and call again upon the sisters; I call again until I get about $1,000, and it only requires 2,000 subscribers. I have sent this subscription to England, and the branches; I am not to be dictated to, by any one except the prophet and God; I want you to pay in your subscriptions to me, and it shall always be said boldly by me–the sisters bought the glass in that house–and their names shall be written in the book of the law of the Lord. It is not a tax but a free will offering to procure something which shall ever be a monument of your works. No member of the Female Relief Society got it up; I am the man that did it; they ought not to infringe upon it; I am not a member of the Female Relief Society; I am one of the committee of the Lord’s House. I wish to accomplish something; I wish all the saints to have an opportunity to do something; I want the poor to have a chance with the purse of five dollars.–The widow’s two mites, were more in the eyes of the Lord, than the purse of the rich; and the poor woman shall have a seat in the house of God, she who pays her two mites as much as the rich; because it is all they have. I wish all to have a place in that house; I intend to stimulate the brethren; I want to get the roof on this season; I want to get the windows in, in the winter, so that we may be able to dedicate the house of the Lord by this time next year, if nothing more than one room; I will call upon the brethren to do something.
I cannot make a comparison between the house of God and any thing now in existence. Great things are to grow out of that house; there is a great and mighty power to grow out of it; there is an endowment; knowledge is power, we want knowledge; we have frequently difficulties with persons who profess to be Latter Day Saints; when the sacrament will be administered in the Lord’s house, it will do away with a great deal of difficulty that is now in existence. If we can have the privilege and confess our faults unto God and one another every Sabbath day, it will do away with these, you poor sisters shall have a seat in that house; I will stand on the top of the pulpit and proclaim to all what the sisters have done; when you offer up your sacraments every Sabbath, you will feel well a whole week; you will get a great portion of the Spirit of God, enough to last you a week, and you will increase. We are now deprived of the privilege of giving the necessary instruction,–hence we want a house. All the money shall be laid out for what you design it; it shant be paid for any thing else. I am one of the committee; the committee tell me the quarry is blockaded, it is filled with rock; the stone cutters are wanting work; come on with your teams as soon as conference is over. It is not necessary for me to tell who will come and do it; I will prophesy that you will do it. There is not one in the city but what will do right if they know it; only one or two exceptions and they are not worth notice; God will take care of them, and if he dont the devil will.” (Hyrum Smith, General Conference Address, 6 Apr., 1844; in T&S 5(14):596-597, 1 Aug., 1844)
7 Apr.: King Follett: Our greatest responsibility.
“the greatest responsibility lade upon us in this life, is in relation to our dead Paul said we cannot be made perfect without us [them], for it is necessary that the seals are in our hands to seal our children & our dead for the fulness of the dispensation of times, A dispensation to meet the promises made by Jesus Christ befor the foundation of the world for the salvation of man. All sins and blasphemy, were to be forgiven except the sin against the Holy Ghost. God has made provision for evry spirit in the eternal world, and the spirits of our friends should be searched out & saved, Any man that has a friend in eternity can save him if he has not committed the unpardonable sin, He cannot be damned through all eternity, their is a possibility for his escape in a little time” (Joseph Smith, 7 Apr., 1844, Wilford Woodruff diary)
“the greatest responsibility that God has laid upon us to seek after our dead–the apostle says they without us cant be Perfect–now I am speaking of them I say to you Paul, you cant be perfect witht. us.–those that are gone before & those who come after must be made perfect–& God has made it obligatory to man–God said he shall send Elijah &c I have a declarn to make as to the provn. which God made from before the foundn. of the world. what has J. sd. All sins & all blas. every trans. that man may be guilty of there is a Saln. for him or in the world to come–every Sp in the Et. world can be ferreted out & saved unless he has comd. that Sin which cant be remd to him–that God has wrot. out salv. for all men unless they have comd. a certn. sin. a friend who has got a friend in the world can save him unless he has comd. the unpard sin & so you can see how far you can be Savior there is no thing that a man can commit the unpardonable sin after the dissn of the body & there is a way possible for escape.” (Joseph Smith, 7 Apr., 1844, Thomas Bullock report of King Follett sermon. In Words of JS, p. 353)
“The greatest responsibility in this world is to seek after our dead. They without us cannot be made perfect–It is necessary that those who come after us should have salvation in common with us–& thus hath God laid this upon the [indecipherable] of the world hence the saying of Elijah. Speak in relation to the provisions God hath made to suit the conditions of man. What hath Jesus said? All sins & all blasphemies every transgression except one there is a provision either in this world or in the world of spirit. Hence God hath made a kprovision that every spirit can be ferreted out in that world that has not sinned the unpardonable sin neither in this world or in the world of spirits. Every man who has a friend in the eternal world who hath not committed the unpardonable sin you can save him. A man cannot commit the unpardonable sin after the dissolution of the body there is a way for his escape.” (Joseph Smith, 7 Apr., 1844, Wm. Clayton report of King Follett sermon. In Words of JS, p. 360)
“The greatest responsibility in this world that God has laid upon us, is to seek after our dead. The Apostle says: ‘They without us cannot be made perfect,’ for it is necessary that the sealing power should be in our hands to seal our children and our dead for the fullness of the dispensation of times.” (Joseph Smith, quoted in John R. Winder, “Temples and Temple Work,” YWJ 14:52, 1903)
7 Apr.: King Follett: Learn to be Kings and Priests.
“You have got to learn how to be a god yourself in order to save yourself–to be priests & kings as all Gods has done–by going from a small degree to another–from exaltation to ex–till they are able to sit in glory as with those who sit enthroned. I want you to know while God is being proclaimed that he is not trifling with you nor me.” (Joseph Smith, 7 Apr., 1844, Wm. Clayton report of King Follett sermon. In Words of JS, pp. 357-358)
“Here, then, is eternal life–to know the only wise and true God; and you have got to learn how to be Gods yourselves, and to be kings and priests to God, the same as all Gods have done before you, namely, by going from one small degree to another, and from a small capacity to a great one; from grace to grace, from exaltation, until you attain to the resurrection of the dead, and are able to dwell in everlasting burnings, and to sit in glory, as do those who sit enthroned in everlasting power.” (Joseph Smith, King Follett Discourse, in TPJS, pp. 346-347)
“And you have got to learn how to make yourselves God, king and priest, by going from a small capacity to a great capacity to the resurrection of the dead to dwelling in everlasting burnings.” (Joseph Smith, 7 Apr., 1844, Wilford Woodruff diary)
8 Apr.: All ordinances required for the dead.
“dec. this morning are calculating soon as Temple finished washing & anointing &c when those last & most impt ordinance can be done–must be in a house–prov made during time of laying found: where men may rec endowment to make K & Pts unto the Most H G. having nothin to do with temporal things but K of G. G has provided for a house to be built where we can get a House this the central place & where we can be baptized for dead–it is nec. when we want to save our dead we go through all the ordinances same as for ourself from bap to ordination & endt. From henceforth I have rec–inst from Ld that Ers shall build churches where ever they raise branches through the States then build stakes–in the gt cities Boston &c there shall be stakes–reserved the pro. to the last. all this to be und. that this work shall commence after the washing anointing & endowment here
The Ld has an est law in relation to the matter. there must be a particular spot for the sal, of our dead. I verily believe this will be the place, hence men who want to save their dead can come and bring their families do their work and return to live and wait till the go to receive their reward. Shall leave the rest for the brethren.” (Joseph Smith, 8 Apr., 1844, Wm. Clayton report. In Words of JS, pp. 362-363)
“when the House is done, Baptism font erectd and finished & the worthy are washed, anointed, endowed & ordained Kings & priests, which must be done in this life, when the place is prepared you must go through all the ordinances of the house of the Lord so that you who have any dead friends must go through all the ordinances for them the same as for yourselves; then the Elders are to go through all America & build up Churches untill all Zion is built up, but not to commence this untill the Temple is built up here and the Elders endowed then go forth & accomplish the work & build up stakes in all North and South America, Their will be some place ordained for the redeeming of the dead I think this place will be the one, so their will be gathering fast enough here. President Smith lungs failed him and he appointed Elder G. J. Adams to occupy the time during the foornoon He however remarked that his proclamation just made was the greatest ever made as all could not come here; but it was necessary that enough should come to build up the temple & get an endowment so that the work could spread abroad.” (Joseph Smith, 8 Apr., 1844, Wilford Woodruff diary)
“the declarn. is that as soon as the temple & B font is prepd. & so as we can wash & anoint the El of Israel there must be a place prepd for that purpose–there are provins made until the work is compd. to be as K & P of the most H. God but as all to do with the hs of God–but there must be an express place built for that purpose & for men to be B for their dd for every man who wishes to save the F[athers] & M[others]. B[rothers]. S[isters] & F[riends]. must go thro the same–B[aptism]–A[nointing]. W[ashing]. & all the protectn. of the powers of the Priesthood same as for themselves–the Elders of Israel shall build Churches unto the Ld. & there shall they build Churches unto the Ld: there shall be a Stake of Zion–it is a glorious pro–& I reserved it to the last & desn. it to be understd. that it shall be after the washg. & anointg. here–the place that the Ld. has estd. for the Sn. of the dead–there must be a parlar place. I verily belive this to be the place–& men who wish to save their dead must come here to be B for their dead–& then may go back agn.–& I shall leave m Brern to enlarge.” (Joseph Smith, 8 Apr., 1844, Thomas Bullock report. In Words of JS, p. 364)
“soon as the Temple is finished.–Lord hath ordained where these last & most important ordinances must be in a house.–provided for the purpose.–when we can get a house built first there is the place.–Bap. washed. anointed, sealed &c for the dead the same as for themselves.–
from henceforth the elders shall build churches where ever the people receive the gospel sufficient. then build stakes to this place. I verily believe that God will establish this place for the salvation of the dead.–those who want to save their dead can come hither. those who do not wish to come hither to live can bring their families and attend the ordinances and return.” (Joseph Smith, 8 Apr., 1844, Joseph Smith Diary, by Willard Richards. In Words of JS, p. 365)
“The declaration this morning is, that as soon as the Temple and baptismal font are prepared, we calculate to give the Elders of Israel their washings and anointings, and attend to those last and more impressive ordinances, without which we cannot obtain celestial thrones. But there must be a holy place prepared for that purpose. There was a proclamation made during the time that the foundation of the Temple was laid to that effect, and there are provisions made until the work is completed, so that men may receive their endowments and be made kings and priests unto the Most High God, having nothing to do with temporal things, but their whole time will be taken up with things pertaining to the house of God. There must, however, be a place built expressly for that purpose, and for men to be baptized for their dead. It must be built in this the central place; for every man who wishes to save his father, mother, brothers, sisters and friends, must go through all the ordinances for each one of them separately, the same as for himself, from baptism to ordination, washings and anointings, and receive all the keys and powers of the Priesthood, the same as for himself.
I have received instructions from the Lord that from henceforth wherever the Elders of Israel shall build up churches and branches unto the Lord throughout the States, there shall be a stake of Zion. In the great cities, as Boston, New York, &c., there shall be stakes. It is a glorious proclamation, and I reserved it to the last, and designed it to be understood that this work shall commence after the washings, anointings and endowments have been performed here.
The Lord has an established law in relation to the matter: there must be a particular spot for the salvation of our dead. I verily believe there will be a place, and hence men who want to save their dead can come and bring their families, do their work by being baptized and attending to the other ordinances for their dead, and then may go back again to live and wait till they go to receive their reward. I shall leave my brethren to enlarge on this subject: it is my duty to teach the doctrine. I would teach it more fully–the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. God is not willing to let me gratify you; but I must teach the Elders, and they should teach you. God made Aaron to be the mouthpiece for the children of Israel, and He will make me be god to you in His staed, and the Elders to be mouth for me; and if you don’t like it, you must lump it. I have been giving Elder Adams instruction in some principles to speak to you, and if he makes a mistake, I will get up and correct him.” (HC 6:319-320; underlining in original)
9 Apr.: Endowment is preparation to preach Gospel.
“Let us obey the proclamation of Joseph Smith concerning the Elders going forth into the vineyard to build up the Temple, get their endowments, and be prepared to go forth and preach the Gospel.” (Brigham Young, HC 6:321)
9 Apr.: Temple to precede gathering.
“I never knew a proclamation to be understood at once. President Brigham Young wished to draw the attention of the brethren, first to build the Temple and get your washings, anointings, and endowments; after that to build up branches throughout the nations. We must do all we can to build up the Temple, and after that to build churches. The gathering will continue here until the Temple is so far finished that the Elders can get their endowments; and after that the gathering will be from the nations to North and South America, which is the land of Zion. North and South America, are the symbols of the wings. The gathering from the old countries will always be to headquarters, and I have no doubt this conference will do a great deal of good.” (Hyrum Smith, HC 6:322-323)
25 Apr.: Origin of celestial marriage: alternative.
“THE NAUVOO BLOCK AND TACKLE
Mr. Editor:–I have frequently noticed in the columns of your paper, articles concerning the doctrine of Spiritual Wives, a part of the Mormon creed. Nothing as yet has come to my view which gave entire satisfaction; and as it is my turn now, just command silence for a few moments that I may have a hearing.
In the year 1834, at Kirtland Ohio, the aforementioned step in the heavenly stairway was located. Much excitement grew out of this measure; many of the Saints demurred, and the more knowing ones readily perceived that it was entirely too liberal in its provisions–even to be constitutional. In a word, the Saints rejected it; only a few of the more licentious delighting in it. The doctrine was hushed up, as being sent before its time–for be it known that Mormonism is a system of progression. The next glimpse I obtained of this hellish Spiritual Wife doctrine, was in the year 1836, just on the eve of hostilities in Missouri. The presence of the enemy furnished subjects for reflection, to the exclusion of the old eye-sore for the second time. But iniquity never lies dormant.–No sooner did prosperity smile upon the fraternity in Nauvoo, that the secret workings of the same faction were set in motion. Success attends perseverance and success emboldens the culprit. Such seems to be results in the present discontent made glorious–sudden appearance of the Spirit of e—- compromize act, which serves two purposes, viz: is a cloak to the Spiritual Wife system, and cures the indolent saints of the Spring Fever–a very prevalent and fatal malady in the latitude of Nauvoo. It is generally known that the Mormons are erecting a Temple, in fulfilment of a revelation which brother Joe delivered to his followers in 1841. It appears that the time allowed for said work has been nearly exhausted, and the work not half completed.–What are the consequences if no Temple is erected in the allotted time? Friend Joe tells his sycophants that they will be rejected, and their dead with them. This failed in producing the necessary energy. The emergency was great and there was a call for measures adapted to the case. Counsel met–anxiety seized the public mind and all seemed lost in anticipation. Counsel adjourned–and the following became the order of the Kingdom: It is the privilege of the saints to be united to their better half in time for eternity; and they can be sealed up to eternal felicity in the celestial kingdom. Of course this was very acceptable, and productive of great joy, particularly among the firm Smithities [Smithites?]. The Patriarch of the church is the only one who officiates in these matter[s], and he complains of being bothered by applications, but some difficult questions are more his evil genius than many applications.–But to the qualification. Brother S. Desires to be united to his wife for eternity, and in order some one entitled to give the same, and to his mortification, he learns that he cannot be benefited in this way until his tithing is paid on the Temple–which is every tenth day, and a tenth of all his property. The prize is too great to lose, so the tithing is paid over into the hands of the Trustee in Trust, and brother S. And wife are united for eternity, who depart rejoicing. But there are difficulties in the way. If the man, who is the head of the family, falls from grace, his wife is drawn down by him to the dark caverns of the damned, be she as pure as the angels of light. Why so? Because the commission of the Patriarch says–‘whatsoever ye bind on earth shall be bound in Heaven’, &c. The next thing in order is to provide against the danger of falling from grace. Oh! I can remedy that, says Mr. Patriarch. How? enquires brother S. By sealing you up to eternal felicity in the celestial kingdom, after which, if you do sin, your body will be given to the buffetings of Satan, that your soul may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. Well, Mr. Patriarch, says S., I and my old lady will be down to see you in a day or so. They fulfil their promise, with a view to be sealed up to eternal life; but mark the chagrin and mortification of brother S. when informed by the Patriarch that no one can be sealed up until the Temple is completed and the Priest’s obtain their annointings. This settles the matter, and marks out the only course to be adopted by the saints–viz: Complete the Temple. Pay your tithing, and get married for eternity–finish the Temple, and be sealed up to eternal glory. Just in proportion to the desire of these blessings do we see energy in paying tithings and voluntary services bestowed on that to-be cathedral.–No wonder the work is delayed, since such is the order. Each male member pays yearly a tithing of 36 1/2 days labor. Three years have been spent on that work, and there is yet sufficient unfinished work laid out to consume another–making the tithing of each man 146 day’s labor. At one dollar per day, the amount paid in that time by each is $146. Now if there is as many members as are boasted of (100,000 and one-fifth are tithers) the sum would be $2,920,000. But enough of this for the present.” (“An Exile,” The Warsaw Signal New Series, No. 11–Whole No. 128–p. 2, 25 Apr., 1844; Snider Collection)
Apr.: Endowment to enable going forth with authority.
“We should fail in our duty at the present time if we neglected to call attention to the subject of the building of the Temple and the Nauvoo House. This is a subject of paramount importance to the church, and we exhort the presidents of conferences, and others, to give heed to it in their varied fields of labour, and to exhort attention to it on the part of all Saints, in order that the will of the Lord may be done, and his servants receive their endowment to enable them to go forth with authority to bind up the law, and seal up the testimony, that the end may come.” (Editorial, MS 4(12):205, Apr., 1844)
3 May: Temple to be completed Spring, 1845?
“We hope the Temple may be completed, say one year from this spring, when in many respects changes will take place.” (Brigham Young and Willard Richards to Reuben Hedlock, 3 May, 1844; HC 6:351)
3 May: Zion includes North and South America.
“Brother Hedlock, a word with you privately. Joseph said, last conference, that Zion included all North and South America; and after the Temple was done, and the Elders endowed, they would spread and build up cities all over the United States; but at present we are not to teach this doctrine. Nay, hold your tongue. But by this you can see why it is wisdom for the Saints to get into the United States–anywhere rather than stay in England to starve.” (Brigham Young and Willard Richards to Reuben Hedlock, 3 May, 1844; HC 6:353)
5 May: Phebe Woodruff washes Wilford’s feet.
“I called my family together and blessed them. Phebe washed my feet that I might be clean every whit.” (Wilford Woodruff diary, 5 May, 1844)
12 May: Dead require all ordinances that living do.
“There are many mansions for those who obey a celestial law–& there are other mansions for those who come short of that law–every man in his own order there is baptism &c for those to exercise who are alive, and baptism for the dead, who died without the knowledge of the gospel I am going on in my progress for eternal life–it is not only necessary that you should be baptized for your dead, but you will have to go thro’ all the ordinances for them, same as you have gone through, to save yourselves; there will be 144,000 Saviors on Mount Zion, and with them an innumerable host, that no man can number–Oh! I beseech you to forward, go forward and make your calling and your election sure–and if any man preach any other gospel with that which I ave preached, he shall be cursed, and some of you who now hear me, shall see it & know that I testify the truth concerning them; in regard to the law of the Priesthood-there should be a place where all nations shall come up from time to time to receive their endowments, and the Lord has said, this shall be the place for the baptism for the dead–every man that has been baptized and belongs to the Kingdom, has a right to be baptized for those who are gone before, and, as soon as the Law of the Gospel is obeyed here by their friends, who act as proxy for them, the Lord has administrators there to set them free–a man may act as proxy for his own relatives–the ordinances of the Gospel which was laid out before the foundation of the world has been thus fulfilled, by them, and we may be baptized for those who we have much friendship for, but it must be first revealed to the man of God, lest we should run too far.” (Joseph Smith, 12 May, 1844, Thomas Bullock report. In Words of JS, p. 368)
“Now all those die in the faith goe to the prison of Spirits to preach to the ded in body, but they are alive in the Spirit & those Spirits preach to the Spirits that they may live according to god in the Spirit and men do minister for them in the flesh and angels bare the glad tidings to the Spirits & the[y] are made happy by these means. therefore those who are baptised for their dead are the Saviours on mount Zion & the[y] must receave their washings and their anointings for their dead the same as for themselves till the[y] are connected to the ones in the dispensation before us and trace their leniage to connect the priesthood again.” (Joseph Smith, 12 May, 1844, George Laub Journal. In Words of JS, p. 370)
“The sectarians have no Charity for me but I have for them. I intend to send men to prison to preach to them, and this is all on the Principle of entering in by Water and Spirit. Then you must not only be baptized for them but they must receive the Holy Ghost by Proxy and be sealed by it unto the day of their redemption as all the other ordinances by proxy.
All persons who have been Baptized and who have received the Holy Ghost may be baptized for their ancestors or near relatives. God has administrators in the eternal world to release those spirits from Prison the ordinances being administered by proxy upon them the law is fulfilled.” (Joseph Smith, 12 May, 1844, Samuel W. Richards record. In Words of JS, pp. 371-372)
“It is not only necessary that you should be baptized for your dead, but you will have to go through all the ordinances for them the same as you have gone through to save yourselves.” (Joseph Smith, quoted in John R. Winder, “Temples and Temple Work,” YWJ 14:52, 1903)
12 May: William Smith receives endowment.
“I was present with Joseph at the last council that was held previous to the Twelve and other going on their electioneering campaign to the east and various other parts of the United States; it was at this time that I received my initiation into the highest priesthood lodge, was washed and anointed, and clad with the sacredotal robe of pure white, and ordained to be priest and king, and invested with all the power that any man on earth ever did possess; power entitling me to preach the gospel, to bind up the kingdom of God on earth, among all nations, and people of every tongue. In consequence of these endowments and ordination received from under the hands of Joseph, I hold as much power and as many keys to seal and bind on earth, as can possibly belong to Brigham Young; this power was conferred equally on all the Twelve, and not therefore bestowed on one.” (William B. Smith, article published in Warsaw Signal 29 Oct., 1845. Lyndon Cook dates Smith’s endowment 12 May, 1844. See Cook, The Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 277)
23 May: The most extraordinary buildings in America.
“There are about fifty masons and stone cutters engaged about the Temple. It will be the most extraordinary building on the American continent.” (The Iowa Standard 4(21):1, 23 May, 1844; Snider Collection)
25 May: Non-Mormon comment on temple.
“‘The Prophet,’ is the title of a paper just commenced at New York, by the ‘Society of Latter Day Saints,’ impelled, the prospectus says, by ‘a desire to promulgate the Gospel in its fullness.’ It probably is to have a squinting also towards temporal topics, such as General Joseph Smith slaims as a successor of Mr. Tyler in regulating certain kingdoms of this world.
A correspondent writes from Nauvoo, ‘There are about fifty masons and stone cutters engaged about the Temple. It will be the most extraordinary building on the American continent.” (Niles’ National Register, 25 May, 1844)
29 May: Description of Nauvoo Temple.
“Ascending an acclivity somewhat abrupt and turning to the right you are at the site of the temple. The foundation is entirely of stone, constructed in the most massive manner, and the same superstructure is to be of the same material and construction. The dimensions are perhaps, 130 feet by 90, and the edifice is to have three stories of some 20 feet each in altitude. The spire is to be about one hundred feet higher than the walls, or 160 feet from the ground. The appearance presented by this edifice in the diagram model, which was shown me by the prophet, is grand and imposing. The Tower, the casements, the doors, and all the prominent parts of the edifice, are to be richly ornamented, both within and without–but in a style of architecture, which no Greek, nor Goth, nor Frank, ever dreamed, I will be bound to affirm. Indeed, as I learned from the lips of the prophet himself–the style of architecture is exclusively his own and must be known henceforth and forever, I suppose, as the ‘Mormon order’! The external layer of stone is dressed with considerable neatnes, and each of the rouge of pilasters, by which it is ornamented, bears upon its sculptural representation of the Crescent, with the profile of a man’s face in strong relief–Much in the style of that edifying of picture of the moon you may have been want to admire, as well as myself, in the primer when a bay! The effect of this image is semi-solemn, semi-laughable, and certainly more than semi-singular. In the workshop beside the structure, in which a large number of stone-cutters are employed, may be seen divers other carvings on stone, designed for the holy edifice, still more novel than that I have named. Among them are suns, full moons and half the constellations of the firmament; to say nothing of human faces, of expression weird enough for an egyptian obelisk. There are 75 or 100 of the fraternity zealously at work at the present time hewing stone or laying it for the temple,–all other public improvements being in perfect abeyance that this greatest and holiest of all may advance. The walls of the structure are about two feet in depth, and the solidity of the butresses, and the porthole aspect of the basement apertures for windows, lend the pile more the appearance of a fortilace than a sanctuary. It has three entrances all on the west front. On each side of the main entrance is an apartment perfectly circular without window or loop hole, or division of any kind, designed for some vestibular purpose which none of our party could define. At the eastern extremity is a large arched window, and here no doubt is to stand the altar. The basement story, as you look down to it, reminds you more of a wine cellar, with its dozen apartments or crypts, each divided from the other by ponderous masonery. In the center of the basement, resting upon the backs of eight white oxen carved from wood with passable skill, stands the baptismal fount–a rectangular box of some twelve feet square, and shoulders of two oxen up to their knees in buck-work–with most inexpressive eyes–most extensive ears–a remarkable longitude of face, and a protusion of horns perfectly prodigious with a single exception–one horn of one unhappy ox having been torn off by some more than usually rude grasp at the ‘altar’! The effect of all this is of a character somewhat mixed. It is certainly a little startling in the ‘dim religious’
duskiness of the spot, to stumble upon these eight white oxen, standing so still, and stiff, and stark, and solemn, with their great stony eyes startling at you for the intrusion: and yet, the first inclination, after recovering from your surprise is to laugh and that most heartily. The idea of this fount seems to have been revealed to the prophet directly by the plan of the ‘molten sed’ of Solomon’s temple, which we are told in the old scriptures, stood upon twelve oxen, three looking to the north, three to the south, three to the east, and three to the west: ‘all their hinder parts inward.’
The Mormon temple should it ever be complete–and it has been three years reaching the second floor–will certainly present one of the most extraordinary architectural structures since the era of the erection of the masive sanctuaries of the Nile–of descriptions of the ruins of which, the spectator is by this reminded! Its interior structure and arrangement we were informed by the prophet, had not been decided upon–(he did not tell me ‘had not yet been revealed to him’, as he did to many others) and indeed he was by no means certain, he should erect the edifice externally in accordance with the plan proposed and published.” (Peoria Democrat Press 5(16):3, 29 May, 1844; Snider Collection)
May: Vilate Kimball washed & anointed by Emma Smith.
“In May 1844 my wife Vilate and many females were received into the holy order and were washed and anointed by Emma.” (Heber C. Kimball journal)
Jun.: Sealing up to eternal life.
“To all whom it may Concern:
Forasmuch as the public mind hath been much agitated by a course of procedure in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, by a number of persons declaring against certain doctrines and practise therein (among whom I am one,) it is but meet that I should give my reasons, at least in part, as a cause that hath led me to declare myself. In the latter part of the summer, 1843, the Patriarch, Hyrum Smith, did in the High Council, of which I was a member, introduce what he said was a revelation given through the Prophet; that the said Hyrum Smith did essay to read the said revelation in the said Council, that according to his reading there was contained the following doctrines; 1st., the sealing up of persons to eternal life, against all sins save that of shedding innocent blood or of consenting thereto; 2nd, the doctrine of a plurality of wives, or marrying virgins; that ‘David and Solomon had many wives, yet in this they sinned not save in the matter of Uriah. This revelation with other evidence, that the aforesaid heresies were taught and practiced in the Church; determined me to leave the office of first counsellor to the president of the Church of Nauvoo, inasmuch as I dared not teach or administer such laws. And further deponeth saith not.
AUSTIN COWLES.” (Warsaw Signal [Date & No. missing], Jun., 1844; Snider Collection)
4 Jun.: Samuel Graham sealed up to eternal life.
“Thy life hath been preserved on the earth for a special purpose in the mind of God, which purpose thee shalt fully understand in the morning of the first resurrection. We seal thee up unto eternal life. For thou shalt come forth in the morn of the first resurrection & stand in thy lot in the linage of thy fathers, with all thy posterity & kindred that shall receive the gospel. Thou canst say like Simeon of old thou hast seen the seen the [sic] salvation of God for thou art made partaker of the blessings of the fulness of the gospel & the powers of the priesthood, & we seal upon your head evry blessing of the seal of the covenant belonging to the priesthood & kingdom of God.” (Wilford Woodruff diary, 4 Jun., 1844)
[Second version] “Thy life hath been preserved for a special purpose in the mind of God, which purpose shall be fully known to the[e] in the morn of the first resurrection. We seal the[e] up unto eternal life. We say unto thee thou shalt have part in the first resurrection and thou shalt Come forth and stand with all thy posterity and thy kindred who shall enter into the everlasting covenant and recieve the gospel of Jesus Christ, and with them thou shalt recieve an exhaltation in the celestial glory of God. Thou shalt occupy that place in the linage of thy fathers designed for thee in the kingdom of God.
Thy friends that remain after thou art in thy grave shalt recieve for and in thy behalf evry seal of the Covenant that belongs to the Melechezedek priesthood or the kingdom of God that should not be sealed upon thy head while thou art living, so that evry blessing that Abram Isaac or Jacob recieved shall be thine in the Celestial world. We seal upon thy head all the blessings that the patriarch of the church has in his heart to seal upon thee. We seal upon thy head the spirit of peace so that thou mayest feel & say like Simeon of old that thou hast seen the salvation of God and art made a partaker of the fulness of the everlasting Covenant. Thy body shalt rest in peace and arise with the just and enjoy Celestial glory. All these blessings we seal upon thy head in the name of JESUS CHRIST AMEN.” (Wilford Woodruff diary, 4 Jun., 1844)
7 Jun.: Nauvoo Expositor.
“Resolved, 11th. That we consider all secret societies, and combinations under penal oaths and obligations, (professing to be organized for religious purposes), to be anti-Christian, hypocritical, and corrupt.
Resolved, 12th. That we will not acknowledge any man as king or law-giver to the church; for Christ is our only king and law-giver.” (Nauvoo Expositor 1(1):2, 7 Jun., 1844)
8 Jun.: Kimball’s eternal marriage.
“therefore let your heart be comforted, and if you never more behold my face in time, let this be my last covenant and testamony unto you, that I am yours in time, and throught all eternity. This blessing has ben Sealed uppon us, by the holy Spirit of promis; and cannot be broken only through transgression or, commiting a grocer crime than your heart or mine is capable of, that is murder.” (Vilate Kimball to Heber C. Kimball, 8 Jun., 1844. In Heber C. Kimball diary)
15 Jun.: “Key word.”
“A.M. conversing with Dr Wakefield & others in the Bar Room – telling a dream concerning his father killing a man who attempted to stab him. He also spoke concerning key words. The g[rand?] key word was the first word Adam spoke and is a word of supplication. He found the word by the Urim & Thummim–It is that key word to which the heavens is opened.” (William Clayton diary, 15 Jun., 1844)
16 Jun.: Kings and Priests.
“President Joseph Smith read the 3rd chapter of Revelation, and took for his text 1st chapter, 6th verse–‘And hath made us kings and priests unto God and His Father: to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.[‘]
It is altogether correct in the translation.” (HC 6:473)
n.d.: No evidence that Joseph sealed parents & children.
“There is no contemporary evidence that Joseph Smith ever administered the ordinance of sealing parents and children. He apparently gave private instructions on how it was to be performed and, as shown before, he publicly discussed the doctrine. . . .
To the best of my knowledge, there exists only one reference–a secondhand reminiscence attributed to Bathsheba W. Smith and not published until after her death that she in the Prophet’s Red Brick Store was sealed to her parents. There is strong evidence that this secondhand account is an error. Apparently following Joseph Smith’s precedent, Brigham Young never authorized that sealings or adoptions could be performed outside a temple. Thus, while authorization was given so that every other ordinance of the temple was administered outside a temple during the period of 1846-1877, the sealing of parents and children was not. Wilford Woodruff, who did not have the privilege of temple ordinances in the Nauvoo Temple, remarked, that when these ordinances were first performed again in the St. George Temple in 1877, that that was the first time he had ever witnessed the ceremony of sealing parents and children. Apostle Woodruff’s statement seems positive evidence, therefore, that the ordinance of sealing of parents and children was never attended to in Anointed Quorum meetings. Wilford Woodruff, who was initiated to the Quorum three weeks before Bathsheba W. Smith, attended all the Quorum meetings she attended.” (Ehat Thesis, pp. 144, 280)
4 Jul.: Joseph and Hyrum to return to Nauvoo Temple?
“Lords day july 4th [1844] assembled at the stand a great congregation consisting of thousands ware adressed by P. Pratt on the subject of the death of the prophets though dead yet they live spoke comforting to the saints incouraging the people to faithfulness in all things both spirtual and temporal urged the gathering to Nauvoo build up the city and above all build the Lord’s house that when done we might meet our beloved Prophets at the time of the inducement [endowment?] of the faithful . . .” (William Huntington diary, 4 Jul., 1844, Huntington Library)
10 Jul.: Description of first garments.
“It was while they were living in Nauvoo that the Prophet came to my mother, who was a seamstress by trade, and told her that he had seen the Angel Moroni with the garments on, and asked her to assist him in cutting out the garments. They spread unbleached muslin out on the table and he told her how to cut it out. She had to cut the third pair, however, before he said it was satiffactory. She told the prophet that there would be sufficient cloth from the knee to the ankle to make a pair of sleeves, but he told her he wanted as few seams as possible and that there would be sufficient whole cloth to cut the sleeve without piecing. The first garments were made of unbleached muslin and bound with turkey red and were without collars. Later on the prophet decided he would rather have them bound with white. Sister Emma Smith, the Prophet’s wife, proposed that they have a collar on as she thought they would look more finished, but at first the prophet did not have the collars on them. After Emma Smith had made the little collars which were not visible from the outside of the dress, Sister Eliza R. Smow made a large collar of fine white material which was worn on the outside of the dress. The garemnt was to reach to the ankle and the sleeves to the wrist. The marks were always the same.” (Dairy of James T. S. Allred; Letter to Col Williams; d.1021/f.92, end of roll #2; July 10, 1844. [From Record of Asena Allred Osborne, Spring City Utah; Aug. 1, 1951. Taken from history of Eliza Monson, whose great grandmother, Elizabeth Warren Allred, wife of James Allred, one of the Prophet’s lifeguards: “The seamstress hired by Joseph Smith had to cut out the garment three times to get it correct.” It indicates the exactness of the pattern to be followed. The minor diviations which she made were not acceptable or approved by the Prophet.])
15 Jul.: Plea to finish temple after martyrdom.
“On hearing of the martyrdom of our beloved prophet and patriarch, you will doubtless need a word of advice and comfort, and look for it from our hands. . . .
Therefore, we say, let us haste to fulfill the commandments which God has already given us. Yea, let us haste to build the Temple of our God, and GATHER together thereunto, our silver and our gold with us, unto the name of the Lord; and then we may expect that he will teach us of his ways and we will walk in his paths.
P. P. Pratt, Willard Richards, John Taylor, W. W. Phelps.” (15 Jul., 1844, in T&S 5(13):586, 15 Jul., 1844)
22 Jul.: Woodruff seals father to eternal life.
“{Home} {Home} I parted with the friends in Simsbury and rode to my Fathers house in farmington and was truly glad to once more behold the face of my Father and step mother. I found them alone not a child with them in their decline of life to watch their cares. I had but 24 hours to spend with them. I happily improved it. I never enjoyed a better visit with them.
My mind had been deeply impressed for weeks that I had sumthing to do for my parents before they died. Now was my time. My father was near seventy /67/ years of age. I might never see him again. That night I shall never forget while time endures. Eternity alone can ownly unfold the strength of its deeds. As the Sable Shades of night drew her Serene Curtin ore the earth to still the cares of day we met alone; none but congeniel spirits their.
Wilford arose and with the spirit of a Joseph towards his father Jacob opened his heart to his father and spoke his mind. The sentiment ws recieved. I lade my hands upon my Father Aphek head (And according to the authority of the Priesthood and Apostleship confered upon me by the Revelations of Jesus Christ under the hands of the Twelve Apostles, President B. Young being mouth upon the cornor stone of the house of the Lord in far west in the land of Zion,) I ordained My father Aphek Woodruff unto the office of an high Priest and Patriarch after the order of Melchezedeck. I sealed him up unto eternal life. I placed upon his head the seals of the covenant. [One and a half lines crossed out and illegible.]
When all was oer it was right, my soul was satisfyed. I had accomplished what my soul longed after. . . .
O God protect my aged father, through life. Let the strength of Parental obligation rest with due wait upon my head. Console the heart of her who has watched my wants, my youth, my life, and when my mother rises from the grave let the union of my father be like a three fold cord not easily broaken. Let him stand in the linage of his fathers in his exaltations.” (Wilford Woodruff diary, 22 Jul., 1844)
Jul.: Temple blessings prepare one to meet the Lord.
“. . . inasmuch as you go there [Nauvoo] to serve God, you will enjoy the privilege of waiting upon Him in his Temple, and of receiving those blessings by which you will be prepared to meet the Lord when he shall come to reign in Mount Zion, and before his ancients gloriously.” (Reuben Hedlock, MS 5(2):31, Jul., 1844)
7 Aug.: Brigham’s response to Rigdon’s claims.
“I do not care who leads the church, even though it were Ann Lee; but one thing I must know, and that is what God says about it. I have the keys and the means of obtaining the mind of God on the subject. I know there are those in our midst who will seek the lives of the Twelve as they did the lives of Joseph and Hyrum. We shall ordain others and give the fulness of the priesthood, so that if we are killed the fulness of the priesthood may remain.” (Brigham Young, HC 7:230; compare with Wilford Woodruff diary for this date.)
8 Aug.: “We have all the signs & the tokens.”
“[The Twelve] want[ed] men app[ointed] to take ch[arge] of the bus[iness] that lay on the shoulders of J[oseph] . . . . We want to build the Temple–& if Satan will not let us build–we will rece[ive] our endow[men]t. anyhow–I carry any soul to any man if they will abide our Council they will ga[in] en[t]r[ance]. into the K[ingdom] & we have all the signs & the tokens to give to the Porter & he will let us in.” (Brigham Young, Thomas Bullock Report, 8 Aug., 1844. LDS Archives. Quoted in Ehat Thesis, p. 204)
“If there is a spokesman, if he is a king and priest, let him go and build up a kingdom unto himself; that is his right and it is the right of many here, but the Twelve are at the head of it.” (Brigham Young, HC 7:235)
“Let those who holds the keys of the Kingdom of God build it up in all the world. If their is a spokesman if he is a king and Priest let him go and build up a kingdom. This is his right, and it is the right of many here. But who is the head? The Twelve.” (Wilford Woodruff diary, 8 Aug., 1844)
8 Aug.: Rigdon received only a small part of endowment.
“Elder Phelps spoke next, and continued the same spirit and feeling, having known many of the elders for fourteen years, and had seen them take their lives in their hands, without purse or script, in summer and in winter,–through good and through evil report, for the salvation of souls, and for the benefit of Zion, without the hope of reward; save pleasing God, and obeying his commandments;–had seen them harness for war when wicked men sought their lives and endeavored to destroy their wives and children; and at all times they were willing to act by counsel; they will do it now; this lake of faces does not seem to pleasant without indicating good; and the elders who have stood on the right and left of our departed prophet, knowing the authority and power of the priesthood, will honor it.–Elder Rigdon must know how he obtained his endowment, or what he has; for he has not received all, only a small part. Let him and the whole of Israel rejoice this day, for if they rear that Temple and are faithful, they shall all be endowed, (men and women,) as God will, till they can save themselves and their progenitors, as well as secure their posterity.” (Report of Special Meeting, 8 Aug., 1844; in T&S 5(16):638, 2 Sep., 1844)
“I have feelings about this esspecially for president Rigdon. Their is a quorum that the 12 belong to. Br Rigdon was brought to the same quorum and received in part the blessings. . . .
Their is a combination in Nauvoo to destroy all that Stand for Joseph. But let us go ahead and build up the Temple and you will then be endowed. If you want to do right uphold the Twelve. If they die I am willing to die with them. But do your duty and you will be endowed. I will sustain the Twelve. Joseph and Hiram are removed whare they can convers with the Gods beyound the reach of Powder and ball.” (W. W. Phelps, in Wilford Woodruff diary, 8 Aug., 1844)
“August 8th [1844] a special conference was called by the twelve who had returned from their mission we learnt from them that it was their prerogative to preside instead of Sidney as Sidney in conciquence of unfaithfulness his ordination as prophet seer and revelator had been taken from him and confered on Amasa Lyman therefore the twelve have been ordained sealed and anointed in fine have received all the power necessary to preside in Nauvoo and to bear of[f] the [kingdom?] . . .” (William Huntington diary, 8 Aug., 1844, Huntington Library)
“. . . his [Rigdon’s] License was demanded by the 12 but he refused [to] give it up, he seemed in no haste now to get to Pitsburg, but labored hard to raise a Party to himself and succeeded in some degree, some few clove to him, and were in a short time cut off from the Church along with him among the [party] were Samuel Bennett, Leonard Soby, Samuel James, Wm Cottier &c when Rigdon had thus selected a Party, he they held Meetings and he taught them those things which he had learned in the Quorum as it is calle (ie) a Company on whom Joseph had conferred the Endowment, being clothed in [blank space] Garments and received the last Instructions that Joseph could give them, being washed and anointed &c these things were to be kept sacred, as it was not to become a general thing till the Temple be finished, Rigdon was admited there a short time before these troubles took Place, almost the last that was admitted, and when he became thus cut off if not before, he began to teach those things to his Party and to ordain them Prophets Priests and Kings though it appears that he obtained some things from Wm Marks one of the Quorum and the President of this Stake.” (Joseph Fielding Journal, pp. 63-65; quoted in BYU Studies 19(2):155-157, Winter, 1979)
8 Aug.: We will get our endowment, even in wilderness.
“We want to build the Temple, so as to get our endowment; and if we do our best, and satan will not let us build it, we will go into the wilderness and we will receive the endowment, for we will receive an endowment anyhow.
Will you abide our counsel? I again say, my soul for any man’s, if they will abide our counsel, that they will go right into heaven. We have all the signs and tokens to give to the porter at the door, and he will let us in.” (Brigham Young, HC 7:239-240)
“But we want to know if this people will support the Priesthood. If you build the house you will get the endowment. If we do our best and cannot build the house we will go into the wilderness and get it. Will you take our council?” (Brigham Young, in Wilford Woodruff diary, 8 Aug., 1844)
8 Aug.: Unanimous vote to complete temple.
“Another unanimous vote was passed to use every exertion to forward the building of the Temple, and to strengthen the hands of the committee.” (Report of Special Meeting, 8 Aug., 1844; in T&S 5(16):638, 2 Sep., 1844)
“The Saints will still be tithed untill the temple is done. All that is in favor of being tithed untill the temple is finished make it manifest with the usual sign. It was a universal vote.” (Brigham Young, in Wilford Woodruff diary, 8 Aug., 1844)
11 Aug.: Anxiety over completing temple for endowments.
“The temple is going with greater rapidity than ever before. The Brethren are very anxious to have it finished so they can receive their endowment.” (Brigham Young to Miss Vilate Young [daughter], 11 Aug., 1844. In Watson, MHBY, 1801-1844, p. 176)
15 Aug.: The Temple must be completed.
“On the subject of the gathering, let it be distinctly understood that the City of Nauvoo and the Temple of our Lord are to continue to be built up according to the pattern which has been commenced, and which has progressed with such rapidity thus far. . . .
TKhe Temple must be completed by a regular system of tithing, according to the commandments of the Lord, which he has given as a law unto this church, by the mouth of his servant Joseph.” (“An Epistle of the Twelve to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, in Nauvoo and all the world,” by Brigham Young, 15 Aug., 1844; in T&S 5(15):619, 15 Aug., 1844)
18 Aug.: Brigham on the endowment.
“When the question was asked me if the elders should continue to baptize for the dead, I replied that I had no counsel to give upon that subject at present, but thought it best to attend to other matters in the meantime. . . .
I wish yo to distinctly understand that the counsel of the Twelve is for every family that does not belong to the Pine Company to stay here in Nauvoo, and build up the Temple and get your endowments; do not scatter; ‘united we stand, divided we fall.’ It has been whispered about that all who go into the wilderness with Wight and Miller will get their endowments, but they cannot give an endowment in the wilderness. If we do not carry out the plan Joseph has laid down and the pattern he has given for us to work by, we cannot get any further endowment–I want this to sink deep into your hearts that you may remember it. If you stir up the flame of dissension, will you get an endowment? No! You get a party to run here and another there, to divide our strength, and weaken our hands, and our enemies will flock around us and destroy us–in that case you will not get your endowments, but will sink and not rise;–go to hell and not to the bosom of Abraham. . . .
To those who want to go away from this place, I would say wait until the time comes. I will give you the key. North and South America is Zion and as soon as the Temple is done and you get your endowments you can go and build up stakes, but do not be in haste, wait until the Lord says go. If you have the Spirit of God you can discover right from wrong–when all is right with the priesthood and a man rises up and speaks by the Spirit of God and just right, all will say, Amen, but when a man rises up and talks as smooth as oil, if he is not right, there will be many queries about it, it will not edify the body [i.e. the people]. I give this as a key. You may go all over North and South America and build up stakes when the time comes. The whole continent of America must be organized into districts and presiding elders appointed over each district: the time has come when all things must be set in order. . . .
I would rather pay out every cent I have to build up this place and get an endowment, if I were driven the next minute without anything to take with me.” (HC 7:254-259)
“I wish you to distinctly to understand that the Council of the Twelve is for evry family that does not belong to the Pine Company to stay here in Nauvoo, and build up the Temple & get your endowment. Dont scatter. United we stand divided we fall. It has been whispered about that all that go into the wilderness with Wight and Miller will get their endowment. But they Cannot give an endowment in the wilderness. If we do not Carry out the plan Joseph has laid and the pattern he has given for us to work by we cannot get any further endowment. I want it to sink deep into your heart that you may remember it.
I repeat it: Let me reason with you. If you stir up the flame of dissent will you get an endowment? No. You get a party to run her and another there, and divide our strength and weaken our hands and we will be left and our enemies will flock around us and destroy us. In that case you will not get your endowment but will sink and not rise go to hell and not to the bosom of Abraham. . . .
Their semes to be a disposition by many to leave Nauvoo & go into the wilderness, or some whare els. But what if we should go into the wilderness and we should ask God to give us an endowment, and he should ask if we were driven from Nauvoo and who drove you? The devel drove us, would be the answer. Well he might say did you not know that I had power over the devil? Yes but one Said that I would not give a Jack knife for all Nauvoo and another Said I would not give a pair of mules for the best farm in Hancock co and I was afraid would the Lord given an endowment to a people that would be fritened away from duty. Those that are wishing to lead away parties contrary to Council I would not wish them damned worse than to have a company after their own liking for they will soon quarrel among themselves.
And if we should go to the wilderness and ask the Lord to give us an endowment He might ask us saying did I not give you rock in Nauvoo to build the Temple there? Yes. Vary well had you have died in Nauvoo on the walls of the Temple or in your fields I would have taken you to glory and raised up men to officiate for you and you would have got the highest glory. Did you make a sacrafice by tithing? No. Well I dont wonder you did not believe I had power over the devil. Such may go away. But I want to have the faithful stay here to settle the city.
We shall require the 10th of all your property for the tithing for the building of the Temples the poor and for the Priesthood. I want my support and living by the Church hereafter so that I can give my whole time to the business of the Church. I have always supported myself heretofore in all my travels and labours. . . .
To those that want to go away from this place I would say wait untill the time Comes. I will give you the key. North and South America is Zion and as soon as the temple is done and you get your endowment you can go and build up stakes but dont be in haste. Wait untill the Lord says go. . . .
Store your grain in Nauvoo for you will want it here, to eat while you are bilding the Temple. I want to say to the hands upon the Temple be united and I want to say to the committee dont turn away any person because he is an Englishman Scotchman Irishman or any other nation, but employ evry man you can and build the temple and your homes. I had rather pay out evry sent I have to build up this place and get an endowment If I was driven the next minute, without any thing to take with me.” (Brigham Young, in Wilford Woodruff diary, 18 Aug., 1844)
18 Aug.: Should we resume baptisms for the dead?
“President Young arose and said that he had many things to speak of. It was my mind in the first place that we should have suitable time to meditate upon all matters and weigh them, even evry subject wharein we felt interested. When the question was asked me if they Should continue to Baptise for the dead, I said I had no council to give upon that subject at that time but should think it not best to attend to it at that time.” (Wilford Woodruff diary, 18 Aug., 1844)
22 Aug.: Rumor that Joseph had risen from dead.
“A Mormon has arrived in this city who reports that Joe Smith has risen from the dead, and has been seen in Carthage and Nauvoo, mounted on a white horse, and with a drawn sword in his hand. He says that as Joe is thus restored to life every thing will go on prosperously with the Mormons. Thus a few fanatical leaders induce these ignorant, credulous, and superstitious fanatics to believe the greatest possible absurdities. There appears to be nothing so unreasonable that it will not be believed by some, if presented by crafty priests or religious doctrine or tenet.–St. Louis New Era.” (The Davenport [Iowa] Gazette 3(1):3, 22 Aug., 1844; Snider Collection)
23 Aug.: Relics for the Temple on the Hill of Zion.
“We called upon Sister Mary Smith widow of Hiram Smith the Patriarch. She gave us some hair from the head of Joseph Smith, Hiram Smith, Samuel Smith, & Don Carloss Smith, all brothers of the same Parents. I also obtained some hair of the quorum of the Twelve Apostles in the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints. My object was in putting a portion of each in the top of my staff as a relick of those noble men, master spirits of the nineteenth centaury, to hand down to my posterity, to deposit in the most Holy and Sacred place in the Holy temple of GOD, on the consecrated Hill of Zion.” (Wilford Woodruff diary, 23 Aug., 1844)
23 Aug.: Feast of melons in temple attic.
“On the 23d [Oct., 1844] they finished raising the dome of the tower and all hands partook of a feast of melons in the attic story.” (C. Edward Jacob, ed., The Record of Norton Jacob, 1949; 23 Aug., 1844)
24 Aug.: Resumption of baptisms for dead.
“Several of the Twelve Apostles were baptized for their dead this afternoon.” (HC 7:261)
[Footnote to the above entry:] “Also see p. 264, where President Young extended the privilege for the saints generally to be baptized for the dead. It is to be presumed that this was the announcement of the resumption of attending to baptisms for the dead under the administration of Brigham Young and the Twelve Apostles which baptisms may well have been interrupted during the exciting period just previous to and following the martyrdom of the Prophet. While Elijah revealed the keys of the priesthood pertaining to this ordinance in the Kirtland Temple in 1836–April 3–the Prophet Joseph did not begin teaching baptism for the dead until in October, 1840 (See letter of President Smith to the ‘Traveling High Council’–the Twelve Apostles, then in England–this History, vol. iv, p. 231).
On the introduction of this doctrine to the church it made a very strong appeal to the members thereof and there was generally an earnest desire to attend to this ordinance for the dead. Some irregularities ensued, such as improper representatives being baptized for the departed dead, and in some few instances women being baptized for men and vice versa. These ordinances for some time were performed in the Mississippi river. This procedure however was finally cancelled and at the October conference, 1841, the Prophet Joseph made the announcement that there should be no more baptisms for the dead until the ordinance could be attended to in the Temple then building. ‘For thus saith the Lord’, declared the Prophet (this History, vol. iv, p. 426).
Also there had been some irregularities in the matter of neglecting to make proper records of baptisms for the dead. These irregularities were corrected by careful instructions from the Prophet. (See two epistles of his in Doctrine and Covenants, sec. cxxvii and cxxviii, bearing date of Sept. 1, 1842 and Sept. 6, 1842.) Meantime a rather fine temporary baptismal font was erected in the basement of the Temple and enclosed by a temporary frame building, built of split oak clapboards (See this History, vol. vi, p. 46). Baptisms in this font were very numerous, even in the days of the Prophet. And now such baptisms were resumed under the direction of President Brigham Young and his brethren.
The mission of Elijah in the New Dispensation was foreshadowed even on the occasion of Moroni’s first visit to the Prophet Joseph Smith on September 21, 1823, when Moroni, in quoting prophecies of the scriptures which were soon to be fulfilled, made reference to this mission of Elijah, saying: that the Lord would reveal unto the Prophet Joseph the priesthood by the hand of Elijah before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord; and that he would plant in the hearts of the children the promises made to the fathers, etc. (See Writings of Joseph Smith, Pearl of Great Price, p. 21, current edition). In section xx of the Doctrine and Covenants, vv. 25-27, it is said ‘that as many as would believe and be baptized in his holy name [in the New Dispensation then coming forth] and endure in faith to the end, should be saved. Not only those who believed after he came in the Meridian of time in the flesh, but all those from the beginning, even as many as were before he came who believed in the words of the holy prophets, who spake as they were inspired by the gift of the Holy Ghost, who truly testified of him in all things–should have eternal life as well as those who should come after, who should believe in the gifts and callings of God, by the Holy Ghost, which beareth record of the Father and of the Son.’ So that almost from the commencement of the New Dispensation the work for the dead may be said to be in contemplation.” (B. H. Roberts, footnote, HC 7:261-262)
[NOTE REFERENCE TO BAPTISMS NOT FOR THE SAME SEX] “24 Au., Sartaday. Went B. Young. Met in council. Talked on maters pertaining to the Temple, and so forth. In the Evning went to Elder W. Richards, met with sevrel of the Twelve, to Baptise fore the dead Elders B. Young, G. A. Smith, A. Limon, W. Richards. I was Baptis by G. A. Smith and W. Richards fore 5 of my dead friends, and my wife fore 2 of hur friends. Thare names as folows, Solomon F. Kimball, Ann Kimball, Charls S. Kimball, Judeth Kimball, Mary Campbell, Roswell Murrey, Susannah Murrey.” (Heber C. Kimball diary, 24 Aug., 1844)
24 Aug.: “Jo Smith Risen from the Dead.”
Semi-Weekly Courier and Enquirer, New York, Saturday morning, August 24, 1844, vol. XVI, no. 1664.
“Jo Smith risen from the dead!–As we had no doubt would be the case, the Mormons believe their defunct prophet to have risen from the dead, and we learn from the St. Louis New Era, that one of the Saints has arrived in that city who says Joe Smith has actually appeared in propria persona to his followers at Carthage and Nauvoo, mounted on a white horse–about the size of Governor Bouck’s old electioneerer we believe–and with a drawn sword in his hand. The fellow says every thing will go on smoothly with the Mormons now. Hoe’s resurrection will put every thing straight. There is no doubt this will all be believed by those miserable fanatics, for nothing else can be too gross for people who have made up their minds to be bamboozled by those they have agreed to look upon as leaders; and on the whole we should think Joe Smith would be quite as good a prophet dead as alive, and rather more respectable, for that matter, for he was very much of a beast before he died. The Locos will, of course, favor the faith in Joe’s reappearance, for it is precisely the sort of deception the party lives upon, and the Mormons are numerous enough to make them quite an object with the Democracy. Nearly every mothers son of them voted the Loco Foco ticket at the last election.” {This is apparently from the daily of Thursday, August 22.}
{On its last page of this issue the Courier prints the above story:}
“More Humbuggery.–The St. Louis New Era says, a mormon has arrived in that city, who reports that Joe Smith has risen from the dead, and has been in Carthage and in Nauvoo–mounted on a white horse, and with drawn sword in hand. He says that as Joe is thus restored to life every thing will go on prosperously with the Mormons. Thus a few fanatical leaders induce these ignorant, credulous and superstitious fanatics to believe the greatest possible absurdities. There appears to be nothing so unreasonable that it will not be believed by some, if presented by crafty priests or religious teachers, in the form of religious doctrine or tenet.” (DALE MORGAN – “THE MORMONS AND THE FAR WEST: A collection of transcripts of newspaper articles on the Mormons, also containing material on the following subjects: the opening of the West; the fur trade; Indians of the middle and south-western states; the Santa Fe trade, etc. 1809-c.1857.” Huntington Library)
25 Aug.: Authorization to all for baptisms for dead.
“I spoke a few words to the saints; told them they were at liberty to be baptized for their dead relatives.” (Brigham Young, HC 7:264)
25 Aug.: Woodruff baptized for dead in RIVER.
“The following persons were baptized for by W Woodruff in the river In AD 1844 in Nauvoo:
/G.A.S./[George A. Smith]
Uncle Cyrus Thompson Aug 25
Aunt Amna Thompson ” “
Aunt Sylva Thompson ” “
Cousin Hyram Barber ” “
Cousin Electa Woodruff ” “
(Wilford Woodruff diary, at end of entries for the year 1842)
25 Aug.: Power to finish temple and get endowment.
“Again I would say let not the saints be troubled because they have lost their Prophet, for I would ask because the Prophet has sealed his testimony with his Blood & if that destroys the gospel, or take away the power of God, is truth anhilated, or has the Priesthood found a burying place? I tell you Nay it does not. The testiment is now in force. Therefore my council is to follow the example of those who have gone before and be faithful untill death. If you will be united and go to with your mights in building that temple you will have power to accomplish it & get an endowment.” (Wilford Woodruff discourse, in Wilford Woodruff diary, 25 Aug., 1844)
25 Aug.: Joseph had given them the keys.
“I was followed by Elder B. Young who made many interesting remarks. Also Elders O Hyde and P. P. Pratt testified that Joseph the Prophet and Seer had ordained, anointed, and appointed the Twelve to lead the Church. Had given them the Keys of the Kingdom of God for that purpose.” (Wilford Woodruff diary, 25 Aug., 1844)
27 Aug.: Prayer of vengeance.
“I asked my heavenly father in the name of Jesus Christ and by virtue of the Holy Priesthood and the Keys of the kingdom of God that he would spedily avenge the blood of Joseph the Prophet Seer and Revelator, and Hiram the Patriarch, which had been shed by the hands of the American gentile nation, upon all the heads of the Nation and State that have aided, abeted or perpetrated the horid deed, of sheding the blood of those righteous men even the Lords anointed.” (Wilford Woodruff diary, 27 Aug., 1844)
28 Aug.: Phoebe & Susan Woodruff sealed to eternal life.
“Thou art Sealed up unto eternal life & we Seal all these blessings upon thy head & all others which thou shall desire in righteousness even so, Amen.” (Blessing given under the hands of Brigham Young and Heber C. Kimball, 28 Aug., 1844; in Wilford Woodruff diary, 28 Aug., 1844)
“Susan Cornelia we lay our hands upon thy head in the name of Jesus Christ & by virtue of the holy priesthood we bless you with the blessings of life & health & of Abraham of Isaac & of Jacob. I seal thee against the power of desease. We ask God that thou mayest live & cross the sea with thy parents & that the angels may guard thee & we rebuke all weaknesses & fevers & afflictions/& that thou mayest/ begin to amend from this hour according to the faith of thy parents & shall again return to this land & we seal all these blessing upon this child & seal it up to eternal life that it may be prolonged upon the earth to bear off the name of thy Father & Mother to future generations with the blessings of peace & prosperity & with a gentle spirit in the name of Jesus Christ & [by] virtue of the authority of the holy priesthood even so Amen.” (“A blessing upon the head of Susan Cornelia Woodruff,” 28 Aug., 1844; in Wilford Woodruff diary, 28 Aug., 1844)
Summer: Foreshadowing of endowments for the dead.
“Some also beside the 12 had received their Endowment, which was expected at the completion of the Temple I myself and my Wife had had this Privilege granted us in part, I also believed that as Joseph was the only one that had had the Keys of the Priesthood of [the] Kingdom of God on the Earth since the Days of Peter and the other Apostles, he must not only minister the same on Earth but also to the whole World of Spirits who departed from this Life in the time of the broken Covenant, even as Jesus did to those before him to the Flood, that those who had died without the Priesthood must remain so until it should be restored to the Earth, but it is necessary that they as well as we who are now alive should be made acquainted with the Ordinances, Signs and Tokens of the Priesthood and the Turms of Admission into the Kingdom in Order that they may come forth with those who have received it here, so that Joseph was as much needed there as here, and perhaps more so.” (Joseph Fielding diary, Summer, 1844. See Andrew F. Ehat, “‘They Might Have Known That He Was Not a Fallen Prophet’–The Nauvoo Journal of Joseph Fielding,” BYU Studies 19(2):133-166. Winter, 1979)
Sep.: Joseph was the architect for the Nauvoo Temple.
In September 1844 the Southern Literary Messenger reported the Prophet “to have been the architect who planned the building.” (Southern Literary Messenger (Richmond, Va.), Sep., 1844, p. 536; in BYU Studies 19(3):341, Spring, 1979)
2 Sep.: Invitation to brethren abroad to help.
“The Twelve would invite the brethren abroad, in obedience to the commandments of the Lord, to gather to Nauvoo, with their means to help build up the city, and complete the Temple, which is now going forward faster than it has at any time since it commenced.” (Brigham Young, 2 Sep., 1844; in T&S 5(16):638, 2 Sep., 1844)
3 Sep.: Baptism for dead for opposite sex.
“I baptised 25 fore the dead. My wife was baptised four [for] as follows Samwell Ellis and wife Ellen Fitch[;] and Judeth my Daughter, Wm. E. Murray and wife was bapt.” (Heber C. Kimball diary, 3 Sep., 1844)
8 Sep.: Rigdon attempts to duplicate temple ordinances.
“On Tuesday last, I heard that elder Rigdon had a meeting the night previous, and had ordained men to be prophets, priests, and kings. I concluded to go and see elder Rigdon, and asked elder Hyde to go with me. We went into his house, and after the usual compliments, I [Brigham Young] set down directly opposite him, and took hold of his hand. I looked him right in the face and asked him if he had a meeting last night, here, in which men were ordained to be prophets, priests and kings? He replied no, we had no meeting here; had we brother Soby?
‘Well, did you have a meeting any where, brother Rigdon, in which men were ordained to be prophets, priests and kings?’
‘Well, I dont know; did we have a meeting last night, brother Soby? Yes, I believe there was one last night; was’nt there brother Soby, up at your house?’
I saw the disposition of elder Rigdon to conceal the truth and equivocate, and I determined to know the whole secret. I said to him again, ‘Elder Rigdon, did you not ordain these men at that meeting last night?’
He replied, ‘yes, I suppose I did.’
I then asked brother Rigdon, by what authority he ordained prophets, priests and kings?
With a very significant air he replied ‘oh, I know about that!’
I will not attempt to describe the feelings I had, nor the look of his countenance, but he equivocated very much. He said there was no meeting here last night, and then finally said, I believe there was a meeting at brother Soby’s. I questioned him till he acknowledged that they ordained men to be prophets, priests and kings.
I then asked brother Rigdon; ‘do you not think, really, that you hold keys and authority above any man, or set of men in this church, even the Twelve?’
Says he, ‘I never taught any such doctrine, did I, brother Soby?’
Says I, ‘brother Rigdon, tell me the truth, did you not think so?’
He replied, ‘yes I do.’
Says I, ‘that tells the whole story. Brother Joseph never undertook such important business as you are engaged in, without consulting his brethren, and especially the Twelve, if they were present.'” (“Trial of Elder Rigdon,” Times and Seasons 5:648. 15 Sep., 1844; also in MS 5(7):101, Dec., 1844)
“Elder Rigdon was appointed by President Smith to go to Pittsburg and build up a church; but he was expressly forbid to take any one with him. Now I would ask, has Elder Rigdon accomplished his mission? Has he sought to build up the church according to President Smith’s order? No. He has been holding secret meatings [sic]; he has ordained men illegally, and contrary to the order of the priesthood; he has been ordaining men to the offices of prophets, priests and kings; whereas he does not hold that office himself; who does not know that this is wrong? There is not an officer belonging to the church but what is acquainted with this fact. Can a teacher ordain a priest? Can a priest ordain an elder? Can an elder ordain a high priest, or any of the former ordain an apostle? You all know they could not, it is contrary to the order of God; and yet we find that President Rigdon, a man who ought to know better–who does know better–has been ordaining men to office[s] he does not hold himself: and yet he has come to us with a revelation to lead this church to the Celestial kingdom of God; and even if he had the authority to ordain these men, he could not do it in and of himself without the accompanying ordinances, and under the circumstances which he did. There are numbers here who can bear witness to the truth of what I now say. These things go plainly to show that his mind is enveloped in darkness, that he is ignorant and blinded by the devil, and incompetent to fulfill the work which he has undertaken.” (John Taylor, “Trial of Elder Rigdon,” 8 Sep., 1844; in T&S 5(18):661, 1 Oct., 1844)
“I [Parley P. Pratt] asked the question to one of his new prophets, do you consider yourself under the direction of the Twelve? He hesitated a while and replied, ‘I hope Elder Rigdon and the Twelve will be united and walk together, if not I shall not be under the direction of the Twelve, only so far as they agree with Elder Rigdon. I shall be under the directio of the revelations as given to Elder Rigdon, I regard him as my prophet, seer, and revelator.’ And the old revelations require us to build this temple, that we may receive our endowment, and all the ordinances and priesthood, whereby we may save ourselves and our dead. The new revelation is to draw the people to Pittsburg, and scatter them abroad; and do any thing and every thing but that which the old revelations bid us do. Some of the brethren, Elders Young, and Orson Pratt, and others then said to him that the matter must be settled before he went away to Pittsburg, either one way or the other. We labored with him till near twelve o’clock, but the split seemed only to grow wider and wider.” (“Trial of Elder Rigdon,” in T&S 5(17):653, 15 Sep., 1844)
“When Rigdon had thus selected a Party, he they held Meetings and he taught them those things which he had learned in the Quorum as it is called (ie) a Company on whom Joseph had conferred the Endowment, being clothed in [blank space] Garments and received the last Instructions that Joseph could give them, being washed and anointed &c these things were to be kept sacred, as it was not to become a general thing till the Temple be finished, Rigdon was admited there a short time before these troubles took Place, almost the last that was admitted, and when he became thus cut off if not before, he began to teach those things to his Party and to ordain them Prophets Priests and Kings though it appears that he obtained some things from Wm Marks one of the Quorum and the President of this Stake.” (Joseph Fielding Journal, pp. 63-65. See BYU Studies 19(2):133-166, Winter, 1979.)
“He [Sidney Rigdon] has no authority only what he receives from the church, if he was one with us, why was he not in our councils? He was not in the council pertaining to the High Priesthood [i.e., Holy Order–the endowment, but not the 2nd anointing] until just before he started for Pittsburgh. Brother Phelps was the means of bringing him in, but he has not got the same authority as others [i.e., 2nd anointing]; there are more than thirty men who have got higher authority than he has. . . .
There are men here brethren who have got authority, but we dont want to mention their names, for the enemy will try to kill them.” (Heber C. Kimball, Times and Seasons 5:663-664, 1 Oct., 1844)
“Has he [Sidney] in any way sustained the priesthood with dignity and honour, for the last five years of his life? Or, has the prophet, in any point of view, leaned upon him as a counsellor, a staff, or support, for the last five years? Or has the prophet Joseph found elder Rigdon in his councils, when he organized the quorum of the Twelve a few months before his death, to prepare them for the endowment? And when they received their endowment, and actually received the keys of the kingdom of God, and oracles of God, keys of revelation, and the pattern of heavenly things; and thus addressing the Twelve, exclaimed, ‘upon your shoulders the kingdom rests, and you must round up your shoulders and bear it, for I have had to do it until now. But now the responsibility rests upon you. It mattereth not what becomes of me.’ I say, has this been the case with elder Rigdon, in any wise. No, no, verily no; but the reverse, until he had become like a millstone upon the back of Joseph Smith, the prophet, seer, and revelator.” (Wilford Woodruff address to the Church, 8 Sep., 1844; MS 5(7):109, Dec., 1844)
8 Sep.: Hyde’s testimony of endowment from Joseph.
“Before I went east on the 4th of April last, we were in council with Brother Joseph almost every day for weeks, says Brother Joseph in one of those councils there is something going to happen; I dont know what it is, but the Lord bids me to hasten and give you your endowment before the temple is finished. He conducted us through every ordinance of the holy priesthood, and when he had gone through with all the ordinances he rejoiced very much, and says, now if they kill me you have got all the keys, and all the ordinances and you can confer them upon others, and the hosts of Satan will not be able to tear down the kingdom, as fast as you will be able to build it up; and now says he on your shoulders will the responsibility of leading this people rest, for the Lord is going to let me rest a while.” (Orson Hyde, 8 Sep., 1844; in T&S 5(17):651, 15 Sep., 1844)
12 Sep.: The 12 have no power to administer the endowment
“St. Louis, Sept. 12, 1844.
Dear Brethren,
We arrived here yesterday all well. Elder Rigdon said that he never felt happier, but his happiness appeared to me like the blaze from shavings lively and brilliant, but of short duration.
I do not think he intends to publish so much as he talked of. ‘He said here to Bro. Small that to tell the truth, it is not necessary to build the temple’ for said he, ‘if the temple is built the Twelve have no power to administer the endowment.'” (Orson Hyde to “Dear Brethren,” 12 Sep., 1844; JH 12 Sep., 1844)
12 Sep.: Parley speaks of endowment at prayer meeting.
“I went to Prayer meting Parley Prat spoke of the welfare of the Church, the necesity of building the Temple, our endewment, &c.” (Zina Diantha Huntington Jacobs Journal, 12 Sep., 1844; in BYU Studies 19(3):295, Spring, 1979)
12 Sep.: Joseph to reappear at temple dedication.
“Brigham Young preached at Nauvoo on Sunday week and avowed his belief in the spiritual wife doctrine and said he wished he had a hundred. The Temple is progressing very rapidly as the leaders tell the people that when it is finished Joe will appear and dedicate it. . . .
The above we collated from the Warsaw Signal of the 4th.” (Burlington [Iowa] Hawkeye 6(16):2, 12 Sep., 1844; Snider collection)
“The Temple is going ahead with astonishing rapidity, the greater part of the population nearly suspended. The leaders have told the people, that when the Temple is finished [Joseph Smith?] will appear and in propria persona consecrate and dedicate it to the Lord. Of course these fanatics are exerting themselves to the utmost that they may thus hasten the time for the appearance of the Prophet.” (Sangamo Journal 14(5):2, 12 Sep., 1844; Snider Collection)
17 Sep.: Adoption into kingdom through baptism.
“My Dear Wife,–I doubt not but you will say, ‘now my husband has got the desire of his heart,’ when I tell you the six first persons I have adopted into the kingdom by baptism are sailors, and perhaps you will ask, did you hammer the rust off them any? I will answer, could yo see them on their knees, and hear their humble petitions, and the sincerity with which they thank the Lord for so ordering events, that I have been so casually thrown on this island, and have been instrumental in his hands of showing them the way of life and salvation, I doubt not but you would say, ‘there has been a great change wrought some how.'” (Addison Pratt [on a mission in the Society Islands] to Louisa Pratt [Nauvoo], 17 Sep., 1844; in MS 6(4):57, 1 Aug., 1844)
19 Sep.: Hyde’s testimony of endowment from Joseph.
“To us were committed the Keys of the Kingdom, and every gift, key and power, that Joseph ever had, confirmed upon our heads by an annointing, which Bro. Rigdon never did receive.
We know the charge which the prophet gave us, and the responsibility which the Spirit of the living God laid on us through him, and we know that Elder Rigdon does not know what it was. We have counted the cost of the stand we have taken, and have firmly and unitedly, with prayer and with fasting–with signs and with tokens, with garments and with girdle, decreed in the name of Jesus Christ, that we will honor our calling, and faithfully carry out the measures of the prohpet so far as we have power, relying on the arm of God for strength in every time of need.” (Orson Hyde to Ebeneezer Robinson, 19 Sep., 1844. Reprinted in The Return 2(4):253, April, 1890)
“Steam Boat North Bend,
Sept. 19th, 1844
Dear E. Robinson,
You probably may have received something by way of counsel from Nauvoo from Brother Young, if so, I trust you will regard it as coming from “the proper source.” We have had a charge given us by our prophet, and that charge we intend to honor and magnify. It was given in March last. He said; “let no man take your crown, and though you should have to walk right into death, fear not, neither be dismayed.” “You have to die but once.” “To us were committed the Keys of the Kingdom, and every gift, key and power, that Joseph ever had,” confirmed upon our heads by an anointing, which Bro. Rigdon never did receive.
We know the charge which the prophet gave us, and the responsibility which the Spirit of the living God laid on us through him, and we know that Elder Rigdon does not know what it was. We have counted the cost of the stand we have taken, and have firmly and unitedly, with prayer and with fasting—with signs and with tokens, with garments and with girdle, decreed in the name of Jesus Christ, that we will honor our calling, and faithfully carry out the measures of the prophet so far as we have power, relying on the arm of God for strength in every time of need.
I know that the curse of God will fall upon every one that tries to give us trouble or to weaken our hands in the work in which we are engaged, for this promise we have obtained from the Lord in solemn convocation.
I want you to read this letter to the Saints in Pittsburg[h], not to the world.
My kind love to all the Saints, to yourself and family.
Yours truly,
Orson Hyde.”
(The Return; Ebenezer Robinson, editor; Vol 2, No. 4, p. 253; April 1890. [This letter written in 1844 was later printed in The Return in 1890.])
19 Sep.: Joseph to reappear at dedication of Temple.
“The Temple is going ahead with astounding rapidity, a great portion of the population being employed upon it. The leaders prophecy the re-appearance, of Joe to consecrate and dedicate to the Lord, and to hasten this event, the poor fanatics are exerting themselves to the utmost.” (The Davenport [Iowa] Gazette 4(4):2, 19 Sep., 1844; Snider Collection)
20 Sep.: “Man may become God” labeled as heresy.
“China Creek [Illinois], Sept. 20, 1844.
To the presidents and brethren of the Twelve.
Dear Brethren: Circumstances have occurred which makes it necessary for us to call on you for council. We are in rather a curious situation at present having had the hand of fellowship withdrawn from us by what authority we know not. There is a branch here or near here that claims jurisdiction over us but we deny its claim upon us as we have never at any time met with or given our voice either for or against them. That branch was organized as we believe by a party spirit without my knowledge or notice in any way whatever. This same branch has a short time since sent up to Nauvoo and by some means has got two High Priests to come down and reorganize it. We understood that men were coming but the appointment was made by a Mr. Garron who is of a very doubtful character. He is supposed to be leagued with thieves by his keeping them about his house. We have no confidence in him or his appointment. His appointment was made where we do not attend meeting. We ever feel to submit to the authorities of the church and we do attach any blame for what those High Priests done for they had nothing but exparte testimony when they were down here we should have been glad to have met with them. But in order to give you correct information in regard to the situation of matters here it will be necessary to let you know how things have gone for some time. Some of us have been living on here on China Creek for the last four years, but so few in numbers we did not hold meetings but attended at Nauvoo. In the course of eighteen months they have settled in the neighborhood a number of families and we commenced holding meetings among our selves and we were much blest, so much so that many of our children and neighbors flocked in and were much taken with the gospel and many of our children were baptized and came into the church. We all then agree to send to Nauvoo for council and be organized. But no sooner had we presented ourselves before the Lord than Satan presented himself also among us and from this time all our union and fellowship was scattered and this was the plan the Devil took to destroy all the good that was here. Some of our Elders said no man was fit to preside except he could receive revelation and teach the mysteries of the kingdom. Then some of our Elders began to display their abilities in handing forth the mysteries. We will now show you some of them. First mystery, the Eternal Father is the other comforter, taught by P. Durfee. Second Mystery. God forbid that my brethren should have apart in the first resurrection but a fullness. Third mystery. That we will become Gods and make worlds and people. And also to P. Durfee. Fourth mystery, That we preexisted and that we were in the grand council and their we chose Joseph Smith for our prophet and so on. (C. Drown, G. Goldsmith, P. Durfee.) Fifth myster, Because I am Danite and a free mason I will stand up to my brother and in certain cases I will swear false to clear him. (G. Goldsmith.) Sixth Mystery. If Joseph Smith would tell me to kill a man I would be justified to do so. (G. Goldsmith, and P. Durfee.) Seventh Mystery. The spiritual wife system. (G. Goldsmith and Pl. Durfee.) The above mysteries have been taught here either in public or in private and it caused a division here among us which has never been united, as yet, and the contention has sowed so high that there has been a continual current of slander and backbiting ever since. The division stands thus: for the mysteries. P. Durfee, C. Drown, J. Goldsmith, Wm. Middleton, Elders; Hendrixson, Hallet teachers. Against the mysteries Uriah Roundy, Richard Hewitt, J. Reed, J. Hall, E. Miller, Uriah Curtis, Elders; Chas. Butler teacher. Thos. B. Fay on both sides. So the mystery parti organized themselves into a branch for the purpose of having power over us and to force us into subjection to their principles. In pointed contradiction to the instruction of Elder Hyde who came and labored sometime with us and would not organize us because we were not in union and he prophesied that we would not have a branch until we became united. He advised us to meet together and appoint from among us one to preside from one meeting to another. But this council the mystery party would not long keep. But said they had knowledge equal to Elder Hyde and could organize as him. We then carried the subject up to Bro. Hyrum and he promised to come down and set us in order, so soon as conference was over. But business of another nature prevented him from coming. We also presented him with a list of the mysteries that were taught here, and he gave us an epistle which you will see in the Times and Seasons of April 1844 and he denounced the practice of teaching mysteries excepting those who are appointed for that purpose. He charged us to teach nothing but the simple principles of the gospel such as faith in the Lord Jesus Christ repentance and baptism for the remission of sin, the laying on of hands for the reception of the Holy Ghost and to live in obedience to all the requirements of the gospel. And this is what we contended for. But it gave a great insult to the mystery party and they would not come and hear the epistle read but immediately drew off from us and held a private meeting. They then sent particular word to Elder Hewitt to attend their meeting. He went, and after abusing him for sometime with tongue slang they threatened him (High Council) because he went and got the epistle. From that time to the present we have not been at their meeting or had anything to do with them. On the first of June we went on a mission to the state of Ohio. But before we went we came up to Nauvoo to ask council about our families and we were told to let them remain as they were for we did not wish that our families to be taught no such abominable stuff as taught by the Mystery party. But as soon as we returned home from Ohio we came to Nauvoo and told the matter to Elder Richards one of the twelve and he said he would lay the subject before the council and send a man down and regulate us but no man has come yet. Our contention arose on the impropriety of teaching such mysteries as is above described and if such mysteries are generally taught us as have been taught here by such Elders as above you will soon be sent to your graves as was the case of our lamented Prophet and Patriarch. For it has stirred the minds of our neighbors a great deal. We desire the welfare of this church and the prospering of the cause.
John Hall,
Richard Hewitt.
The within information we know to be correct so far as it came under our observation.
Uriah Roundy,
Chas. Butler,
Eleazar Miller.”
(JH 20 Sep., 1844)
20 Sep.: Sealing of husband and wife–in temple.
“Went to the Temple. Elder Claton rote me a leter to Sister Ruth Seyers. Sister Evens was sealled to hur Husband fore time and Eternity.” (Heber C. Kimball diary, 20 Sep., 1844)
21 Sep.: Sealed to his dead wife–not in temple.
“Went to Br. Haltons and Sealled Him to his dead wife, and gave the family council. From thence went to Winser Lyons.” (Heber C. Kimball diary, 21 Sep., 1844)
24 Sep.: God would not accept Nauvoo temple.
“When Bro. Morris arrived in this place he gave a true statement of your council saying that Lyman Wight had no right to take either men or means from Nauvoo. This created curious feelings with L. Wight and he said that he did not care a God Dam for the Twelve in Nauvoo and as for Brigham Young, Joseph always said his office would kill him. He spoke very disrespectful of Brother Hyde relative to his conduct in Missouri. He stated the set time for the building the temple had expired for something like two years ago and that the Lord would not accept of the temple when it was built and that the company ought to be thankful to God that they had got out of Nauvoo and many other expressions which I shall not name at this time.” (David Clayton [Glena] to Brigham Young [Nauvoo], 24 Sep., 1844; JH 24 Sep., 1844)
25 Sep.: Joseph to re-appear at dedication of Temple.
Buckeye Eagle, Marion, Ohio, Wednesday, September 25, 1844, vol. 1, no. 19.
“Mormon News. . . .
The Temple is going ahead with astonishing rapidity, a great portion of the population being employed upon it. The leaders prophecy the reappearance of Joe to consecrate and dedicate it to the Lord, and to hasten this event, the poor fanatics are exercising themselves to the utmost.” (DALE MORGAN – “THE MORMONS AND THE FAR WEST: A collection of transcripts of newspaper articles on the Mormons, also containing material on the following subjects: the opening of the West; the fur trade; Indians of the middle and south-western states; the Santa Fe trade, etc. 1809-c.1857.” Huntington Library)
26 Sep.: Alleged plot to deface temple.
“Pres. [Brigham] Young held a council at the Temple office and appointed four watchmen to watch the Temple at night. Some of Lyman Wight’s company had come to town and reported that they had come to deface the capitals, and burn the lumber round the Temple.” (JH 26 Sep., 1844)
28 Sep.: Joseph to re-appear at dedication of Temple.
“The Temple is going ahead with astonishing rapidity, all hands being employed at it; it is said, in full faith that Joseph will re-appear at its dedication.” (Niles’ National Register, 28 Sep., 1844)
1 Oct.: John Taylor reference to 2nd anointing.
“The truth is, religion–old fashioned . . . religion–is made up of ‘obedience,’ come life or death, with crowns for crosses [cf Joseph Smith, 13 Aug., 1843 entry]; being ordained to eternal life after sin is overcome. Therefore brethren, endure, like good soldiers, to the end, and you will be ordained to this highest honor of the priesthood. ETERNAL LIFE!” (John Taylor, Times and Seasons 5:670, 1 Oct., 1844)
1 Oct.: Brigham encourages completion of Temple.
“The Temple, as a great and glorious public work, immediately connected with the completion of our preparation, and ordinances, touching our salvation and exaltation, and that of our dead, necessarily claims our first, and most strict attention. And we rejoice to say for the encouragement of all, that its walls are now ready to receive the capitals, and the arches of the upper story windows; and in fact, seven of the capitals are already reared. The timbers are also being framed, and reared on the inside. In short it is progressing with a rapidity which is truly astonishing.
Let the saints now send in their young men who are strong to labor, together with money, provisions, clothing, tools, teams, and every necessary means, such as they know they will want when they arrive, for the purpose of forwarding this work.
Brethren, bring all your tithings into the store house, and prove the Lord, and see if he will not pour out a blessing, that there will not be room enough to receive.
Yes, brethren, we verily know and bear testimony, that a cloud of blessing and of endowment, and of the keys of the fulness of the priesthood, and of things pertaining to eternal life, is hanging over us, and ready to burst upon us; or upon as many as live worthy of it, so soon as there is a place found on earth to receive it. Therefore, let no cunningly devised fable, no false delusive spirit, or vision, no man or set of men who go out from us, but are not of us, have any influence on your minds for a moment, to draw your minds away from this all important work. But enter steadily and regularly upon a strict observance of the law of tithing, and of freewill offerings, till Jehovah shall say it is enough; your offerings are accepted: then come up to the House of the Lord, and be taught in his ways, and walk in his paths; yea, enter his sanctuary; and receive the oil of joy for mourning, and the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.” (“An Epistle of the Twelve,” by Brigham Young, T&S 5(18):668, 1 Oct., 1844)
1 Oct.: Baptism and sealing for non-family.
“Evening met the Twelve at bro. Kimballs and offered up prayer for the Governor and Emma & sundry other things. We had a very interestingseason of conversation. A man has a right to be bap[t]ized for his acquaintances who are not relatives and sealed to them only by the consent and authority of him who holds the keys.” (William Clayton diary, 1 Oct., 1844)
3 Oct.: They expect to receive power from the Temple.
“The poor devotees to Humbug are urging on the Temple with a desperation indicative of the last struggle of parting life, thinking, when it is completed, that they will receive power to overcome all opposition.” (Unsigned letter to the Editor, apparently from a disaffected Mormon in Nauvoo, dated 3 Oct., 1844; in Lee County [Iowa] Democrat 4(14):2, 19 Oct., 1844; Snider Collection)
6 Oct.: John Taylor on the Temple.
“What did we know of God, of religion, of heaven or hell, until it was made known to us through this gospel? We knew nothing. Why are we taking so much pains to build that Temple? That we may fulfil certain ordinances, and receive certain endowments and secure to ourselves an inheritance in the eternal world. Every man, woman and child within the sound of my voice, are interested in the building of that Temple. We know very little as a people yet, we dont know so much as the former day saints. The Savior said to his disciples, ‘whither I go ye know, and the way ye know;’ but how many of you know the locality of the Savior and the way to go to him? I know there are some here who know how to save themselves and their families, and it is this which occupies their attention all the day long, and it was this which occupied the attention of our beloved prophet. Abraham obtained promises through the gospel, from God, for himself and his posterity. There were some upon this continent who also obtained promises, in consequence of which the Book of Mormon came forth! The first thing we have got to do is to build the Temple, where we can receive those blessings which we so much desire. Never mind mobocrats, but let us do what God has commanded us. You that are living at a distance, dont fear these cursed scoundrels; we are all in the hands of God; we are all the servants of God; and we are going forth to do the things of God.
He exorted the saints to be virtuous, humble and faithful, and concluded by blessing the saints.
He said further, in relation to the baptisms for the dead, that it would be better for the saints to go on and build the Temple before we urge our baptisms too much. There are cases which require being attended to, and there are provisions made for them; but as a general thing he would advise them not to be in too great a hurry. He said one of the clerks had asked whether any should be baptized who had not paid their tithing; it is our duty to pay our tithing, one tenth of all we possess, and then one tenth of our increase, and a man who has not paid his tithing is unfit to be baptized for his dead. It is as easy for a man who has ten thousand dollars to pay one thousand, as it is for a man who has but a little to pay one tenth. It is our duty to pay our tithing. If a man has not faith enough to attend to these little things, he has not faith enough to save himself and his friends. It is a man’s duty to attend to these things. The poor are not going to be deprived of these blessings because they are poor; no, God never reaps where he has not sown. This command is harder for the rich than the poor; a man who has one mil[l]ion dollars, if he should give one hundred thousand, he would think he was beggared forever. The Savior said, how hardly do they that have riches enter the kingdom of heaven.” (John Taylor, October Conference Minutes, 6 Oct., 1844; in T&S 5(19):685, 15 Oct., 1844)
7 Oct.: Further general conference talks on the Temple.
“President Young being fatigued gave place for Elder P. P. Pratt, who got up to preach his old sermon, viz: that we continue our united and ceaseless exertions to build this temple. He referred to the discoveries of Elders Rigdon and Samuel James. They said nothing about building the temple, the city, feeding the poor, &c. We heard a great deal about the mount of Olives–brook Kedron–Queen Victoria–great battles, &c. This brought to my mind a good text in Webster’s spelling book, the ‘country maid and the milk pail.’ He then went on to shew the importance of building the temple. He bore testimony that the people had hearkened to the voice of the Lord and to his commandments, and that they were still hearkening, and consequently we should be sustained here until we shall complete the temple and receive our endowment. He showed the consequences if we did not build it, ‘that we should be rejected as a people with our dead.’ . . .
Elder H. C. Kimball addressed the congregation on the principles of salvation by the celestial law. He went on to show the order of the resurrection and that there are different orders or degrees, wherever death finds us the resurrection will take hold of us. We desire to obtain a fulness of celestial glory, but many will be disappointed. It is for this that we pray every day that the Lord will spare our lives that we may obtain it. President Joseph never rested till he had endowed the Twelve with all the power of the priesthood, because he was about to pass within the vail. He designed that we should give it to you and you cannot be saved without it. You cannot obtain these things until that house is built. I and my brethren are willing to do all that lays in our power to finish that house for your benefit, that you may go where Joseph is gone. . . .
He [Kimball] then went on to show that the saints could not obtain the blessings they want until the temple is finished. We want all to pay their tithing that they may receive the blessings. . . .
President Young wanted to say a few words . . .
We want you to come on with your tithes and offerings to build this temple, and when it is finished we want you to spend a year in it and we will tell you things you never thought of.” (October Conference Minutes, 7 Oct., 1844; in T&S 5(20):693-694, 1 Nov., 1844)
“In October a Conference was held and was very numerously attended, much Instruction was given by Elder B Young on the Priesthood &c and the High-Priests were appointed to seek out new Locations (ie) many of them, all through the Country, and make gatherings of People together they came forward readily in Expectation of going out at once but Bro Young told us they need not be in a Hurry about it, and it appears they will not go out till the Temple is finished.” (Joseph Fielding Journal, p. 67; in BYU Studies 19(2):157, Winter, 1979)
9 Oct.: Unauthorized sealing.
“On my arrival at the Westfield branch of the church, an Elder informed me that he attended the New York conference and there appeared much difficulty arising in that quarter upon a variety of subjects. But the kissing of woman and spiritual wife business were most prominent ones; one was turned out of the church for calling Geo. J. Adams and William Smith rascals. Much difficulty appeared to be brewing in New York and Philadelphia. I visited a sick woman in the Westfield branch. For some reason the subject of marriage for eternity rested with weight upon my mind. I did not know the cause, as it was the most foreign from my mind to introduce the subject. I enquired of Bro. Sparks if there had been anything said upon the subject. He informed me she had been sealed to her husband. I asked who by. He said Elder Brannan, editor of the Prophet. I was a little surprized at this. One informed me that Elder Brannon had been through the churches calling collection for the Prophet; he got considerable in that small branch. . . .
During the movement I sat by the side of Wm. Smith, who said to me: There is an influence using against Bro. Adams. But all is right with him. He is a good man. He upholds the Twelve. I will stand by him until death. Winchester has come out against us and I have cut him off. I asked how Bro. Brannan came to be marrying people for eternity. He says, ‘I appointed him to do it.’ ‘His administrations are not legal.’ ‘Yes they are, any Elder can do it that has power to marry at all.’ ‘It is a right exclusively belonging to the quorum of the Twelve or the president of the quorum. Not legal with those who are not endowed.’ ‘That has reference to exclusive privileges and not reference sealing a man to his wife for eternity for any Elder can do that.’ Here the conversations ended; the meeting closed and I went home with Bro. Phelps.” (Wilford Woodruff to Brigham Young, 9 Oct., 1844; JH 9 Oct., 1844)
11 Oct.: Rigdon did not receive endowment.
“Or has the Prophet Joseph found Elder Rigdon in his councils when he organized the quorum of the Twelve, a few months before his death, to prepare them for the endowment? And when they received their endowment, and actually received the keys of the kingdom of God, and oracles of God, keys of revelation, and the pattern of heavenly things; and thus addressing the Twelve, exclaimed, ‘upon your shoulders the kingdom rests, and you must round up your shoulders, and bear it; for I have had to do it until now. But now the responsibility rests upon you. It mattereth not what becomes of me.'” (Wilford Woodruff letter, 11 Oct., 1844, in Times and Seasons, 5:698)
13 Oct.: “To the friends of the temple.”
“We wish to offer a word of information to those who donate money and property for the building of the temple of God in Nauvoo; inasmuch as a wrong impression has prevailed relative to the order of giving credit for subscriptions.
All tithings, consecrations, donations, and sacrifices presented for the building of the temple are recorded in a book kept for that purpose in the form of a history, wherein is recorded the names of the donors, the kind of property donated, and the price of the same, or if in money, theamount, all under the respective dates when the same is deposited in the hands of the Trustee in Trust. Except in cases where authorized agents have collected funds and given receipts to those who donated.–Wherever receipts are given for property, we do not enter it in the general record until those receipts are presented at the recorders office. Consequently we are under the necessity of making a separate list of all properties received where receipts have been given, and keeping that list until the receipts are presented for record.
Now inasmuch as the ‘books will be opened’ as evidence of our faithfulness in the day of the Lord and not ‘the receipts,’ we would advise all to bring their receipts as early as possible and have them duly recorded, that their names may be found amongst the number of the faithful in that book which will bear testimony as to our faithfulness in attending to the law of tithing and consecration.
Some have supposed that we entered all tithings on the record whether receipts were given or not, but this is a mistake, because that would virtually be giving credit twice over for the same property. Bring on your receipts brethren and sisters, and if you cannot bring them, send by some one whom you can trust, that all your consecrations may be recorded in proper order, for it is necessary that there should be order in this business as well as all others, inasmuch as the house of God is a house of order and not of confusion.
The temple is progressing finely and the brethren and sisters (for they are not the last in regard to diligence and perseverance to build the temple) use all due diligence to roll on the work. The blessing of God is with our efforts and after having suffered a little more tribulation and toil, we shall behold the ‘top stone’ carried up and put in its place with joy and gladness, and then we will receive those blessings and endowments which are held in reserve to be put upon the faithful, when the house of God is completed.
Let us increase our efforts and live up to the law of tithing and consecration and at the same time not forget to keep all the commandments of God, lest it be said to us, ‘these ought ye to have done and not have left the other undone.’
In haste I have the honor to be your faithful and devoted servant, and brother in the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Wm. Clayton, Temple Recorder
Nauvoo, Oct. 13, 1844.”
(“To the friends of the temple,” T&S 5(19):675-676, 15 Oct., 1844)
7 Nov.: Necessity of looking up our genealogy.
“went to the meeting of the Eleventh Quorum of Seventies at the Hall. taught on the necessity of looking up and keeping our genealogy and organizing the Quorum more perfectly.” (Hosea Stout diary, 7 Nov., 1844)
17 Nov.: To claim our promised blessings.
“[Orson Hyde spoke.] Also concerning the roling forth the Kingdom, and the necesity of being prepared for the Judgement day, the Law being bound up and the Testimony being Sealed, and the dreadful dilemma of those that ware not prepared, and the necesity of the Temples being built that we might prepare ourselves and be ready and claimed the blessings that had ben promised to us as a people by Joseph, A Man of God, and I believe after Gods own hart.” (Zina Diantha Huntington Jacobs Journal, 17 Nov., 1844; in BYU Studies 19(3):298, Spring, 1979)
20 Nov.: Jane Hardman sealed up to eternal life.
“P.M. went with Prest. Young to see sister Jane Hardman. Prest. Young blessed her with the blessings of the ever lasting covenant and she was sealed up to eternal life and to W[illiam]. C[layton]. for time and for all eternity.” (William Clayton diary, 20 Nov., 1844)
22 Nov.: Sidney cut off for ordaining kings & priests.
“I met with the Church in the evening. 8 was cut off from the Church who had joined Sidney Rigdon. Sidney Rigdon was cut off from the Church, for trying to divide the Church, calling Joseph Smith the fallen Prophet, & illegally ordaining men to be kings & Priest unto God when he had not that office himself.” (Wilford Woodruff diary, 22 Nov., 1844)
Nov.: The Saints need additional power and energy.
“There is one passage which we would by no means omit noticing [from the King Follett sermon], which is this:
The greatest responsibility in this world that God has laid upon us, is, to seek after our dead.
We are aware, that to modern religionists, this is an incomprehensible subject, but to those who have entered into covenant with God, and have learned of the things of the kingdom, it will be a source of unmingled gratitude and joy, and should call forth the grateful feelings of every heart to reflect that our glorious Redeemer has wrought out a salvation so complete, as to make it possible to save every one in time or in eternity, who has not committed the unpardonable sin. Let the Saints unite in expressions of everlasting gratitude and praise for a salvation so glorious, the fulness of which it has been their privilege to become acquainted with in the last days.
But there is one great lesson deducible from this subject, of great importance to us, and to the progress of the kingdom of God: it is on Mouht Zion that we are to become Saviours in the last days, in connexion with the Holy Ordinances of the House of God, there, and there only, can we enjoy these privileges; how necessary then, that every energy should be put forth for the completion of the Temple of God; indeed, we feel to say, that on the accomplishment of this object, depends in a great measure, the salvation of the Church; surrounded as the Saints are on every hand with foes, whose enmity knows no rest, it becomes absolutely necessary that the Saints should speedily be clothed with additional power and energy to enable them to endure, and consummate the great work of God. There is another remark of our lamented brother, to which we would revert, in consequence of the false notions of charity that obtain amongst men, it is, ‘that the religions of the day will not save men;’ and, most assuredly, were the fact otherwise, there would be no call for the ‘dispensation of the fulness of times.’ If the hundreds of systems and opinions of men were all efficacious in producing salvation, it would be the greatest folly for the Saints of the last days, to go forth, encountering persecution even unto death, in the declaration of the great laws of adoption into the covenant of God. Let all our readers, therefore, in this matter, give us credit for declaring what we believe to be true. But again, when we speak of the condemnation of individuals in a future state, we are very far from holding the opinion of the popular religionists of the day, that an individual passes into the endurance of never-ending torments, but, on the contrary, we believe that the mercy of the Lord endureth for ever; yet, that every one shall be judged according to the deeds done in the body.” (Editorial [Thomas Ward, editor], MS 5(6):95-96, Nov., 1844)
5 Dec.: Shoddy records of baptisms for dead.
“I was at the office all day. At noon we had some conversation concerning recorders for the Baptisms of our dead &c. We feel very anxious on the matter but have little prospect of anything being done very speedily. I feel very anxious on the subject myself, in as much as the Records of our Baptisms for our dead have not been kept in order for near 2 years back. The minutes have been kept on loose slips of paper and are liable to be lost and they have not been kept according to the order of God.” (William Clayton diary, 5 Dec., 1844)
15 Dec.: Only within the temple.
“But we have said enough: the day in which we live, the vengeance and folly of mankind, manifested in every important move, the eagerness with which truth is received by the faithful saints; and the heavenly desire, burning in the hearts of the ‘heirs of salvation,’ like the fire in the ‘burning bush of Moses,’ for the completion of the temple, wherein can only be consummated and practiced the holy washings; the holy anointing; and the holy conversations for the salvation of the living and the dead, are sufficient to arouse every one that wishes to be saved . . .” (T&S 5(23):743, 15 Dec., 1844)
15 Dec.: Temple progressing more rapidly than ever.
“The Temple has progressed with greater rapidity since the death of Joseph and Hyrum than ever it has done before; and things in this city never looked more prosperous.” (T&S 5(23):744, 15 Dec., 1844)
16 Dec.: Work shop set up in temple.
“Pres. Brigham Young extracted from the Tithing record No. 2:
A few days ago the Twelve and the Trustees counseled together on the propriety of employing a suitable number of carpenters this winter to prepare the timbers for the Temple, so as to have them all ready when the stone work was finished.
They concluded to employ fifteen persons steadily as carpenters, and that the architect be authorized to select such men as he has confidence in–Men who are well qualified to do the work that is wanted. It was also concluded to fix up a shop in the Temple for the carpenters to work in. Accordingly the south side of the lower story was weather-boarded round, and a convenient shop made of it on Saturday, and today the men have gone to work.”
(JH 16 Dec., 1844)
25 Dec.: Wm. Smith/W. W. Phelps dialogue on Temple.
“I did not intend to argue the question, what is the difference between Millerism and Mormonism now Millerism is dead. Please to answer how high the temple is to the eaves and top of the steeple, (if any at all,) and how long, how many moons, suns, ears and heads, and what do they all represent, of what materials and workmanship, how antique and of what order the pillars and structure? Is it a pattern of church and priesthood? Show us the order, the font with the length, the breadth, and the height thereof; the unity of the saints, the proper age of my mother, and her birth-place, also that of my father and his age at the time of his death, and the number of the family, (which you can obtain from the family records in my mother’s possession,) embodied in one, in as concise a manner as possible. This will correct many errors, and confer a favor on your old and tried friend.” (William Smith to W. W. Phelps, 10 Nov., 1844; in T&S 5(24):756, 1 Jan., 1845)
“The temple is up as high as the caps of the pilasters, and it looks majestic, and especially to me, when I know that the tithing, ‘the mites of the poor,’ thus speaks of the glory of God. All the description that is necessary to give you now, is that this splendid model of Mormon grandeur, exhibits thirty hewn stone pilasters which cost about $3,000 apiece.–The base is a crescent new moon: the capitols, near fifty feet high, the sun, with a human face in bold relief, about two and a half feet broad, ornamented with rays of light and waves, surmounted by two hands holding two trumpets. It is always too much trouble to describe an unfinished building. The inside work is now going forward as fast as possible. When the whole structure is completed it will cost some five or six hundred thousand dollars; and as Captain Brown of Tobasco, near the ruins of Palenque, said, ‘it will look the hearest like the splendid remains of antiquity in Central America of any thing he had seen, though not half so large.’
The temple is erected from white limestone wrought in a superior style: is 128 by 88 feet square; near 60 feet high: two stories in the clear, and two half stories in the recesses over the arches; four tiers of windows; two gothic and two round. The two great stories will each have two pulpits, one at each end; to accommodate the Melchisedek and Aaronic priesthoods; graded into four rising seats: the first for the president of the elders, and his two counsellors; the second for the president of the high priesthood and his two counsellors; the third for the Melchisedek president and his two counsellors, and the fourth for the president over the whole church, (the first president) and his two counsellors. This highest seat is where the scribes and pharisees used to crowd in ‘to Moses’ seat’. The Aaronic pulpit at the other end the same.
The fount in the basement story is for the baptism of the living, for health, for remission of sin, and for the salvation of the dead, as was the case in Soloman’s temple, and all temples that God commands to be built. You know I am no Gentile, and of course, do not believe that a monastery, cathedral, chapel, or meeting house erected by the notions and calculations of men, has any more sanction from God than any common house in Babylon.
The steeple of our temple will be high enough to answer for a tower:–between 100 and 200 feet high. But I have said enough about the temple; when finished it will show more wealth, more art, more science, more revelation, more splendor, and more God, than all the rest of the world, and that will make it a Mormon temple:–‘God and Liberty;’ patterned somewhat after the order of our fore fathers’, which were after the order of eternity.” (W. W. Phelps to William Smith, 25 Dec., 1844; in T&S 5(24):759, 1 Jan., 1845)
27 Dec.: Endowment: be clothed w/power and authority.
“We remember before thee, our Father, the building committee, who were appointed to build the Temple. Let their hands be strengthened to carry on the work, and grant that the house may be finished according to thy commandment unto thy people, that thy servants may receive their endowments and be clothed upon with power and authority, to carry thy word to the scattered remnants of thy people.” (Joseph Young, 27 Dec., 1844, at the dedication of the Seventies Hall; in T&S 6(2):798, 1 Feb., 1845)
27 Dec.: Every person must stand in proper station.
“Elder Heber C. Kimball then delivered a short address upon the authorities of the kingdom of God, and in passing on, he set forth the order as to endowment, and informed the saints that every man and woman must stand in his proper place and station, being subject to the powers that be, in order to be exalted to glory, honor, and immortality in the eternal world. ‘It is even so in the resurrection from the dead, as St. Paul informs us that Christ is the first fruits of the resurrection from the dead in the primitive age, and so will Joseph Smith be in this dispensation. Joseph will be the first man who will rise from the dead, and then all men according to their proper order.'” (HC 7:339-340)
29 Dec.: Subservient status of women.
“For a man polygamy and celestial marriage were a way of building up the population of his heavenly kingdom, but for the woman a proper temple marriage was even more important. As far as the levels of heavenly glory were concerned, the woman was not an independent agent. She could rise only to the level that her husband did and was able to share vicariously in his glory. Thus to enjoy any kind of bliss in the afterlife, she had to be married, at least for eternity if not for time. As George Laub, a resident of Nauvoo in 1844, understood the new order of things, women must have the husband by their side and he is to rule over them and receav[e] the washing and anointing and the Sealing power for them to be Sealed together . . . and these are certain keys and words that do not belong to the woman . . . then he shall teach the woman and preside over all the family of his redeemed. This will make a man to be a God to his family for this is the order and organisation of heaven.”
(Laurel B. Andrew, The Early Temples of the Mormons, p. 93; quoting the Diary of George Laub, 29 Dec., 1844 [LDS Archives], wherein Laub reports on a sermon by Heber C. Kimball)
29 Dec.: Hands laid on us to exalt us to the highest order.
[29 December 1844, discourse by Amasa Lyman:]
“Now I say unto you come try all what your teachers tell you and you will receive light & wisdom knowledge and truth, wash yourselves, keep yourselves clean for the lord will have clean vessels and he is a god of order therefore we must have our bodys washed and anointed that we may be clean Also our feet that we may receive our Endowment and hands Laid on to Exalt ourSelves to the highest glory and Exaltation. But there are some gone out from us that have no order. They ordained kings and Priests and know not them Selves nor understand the order of the kingdom, and they drew away some with them. But the time will come that they will say Lord Lord have we not prophesied in thy name Cast out devils in thy name Laid hands on the sick and done many mighty works in thy name But the Lord will Say depart from me ye workers of Iniquity for I know you not for ye have not kept the commandments as it becomes Saints. Amen.” (Journal of George Laub; BYU Special Collections; Under date given. At the dedication services of the Seventies Hall. Bergera collection.)
31 Dec.: Tithing to be used for Temple construction.
“We would say in relation to tithing, we are willing to do all we can and intend to make out our tenth as early in the spring as possible and forward it to the Trustees in Trust for the building of the Lord’s house that we may not be behind in any one thing.” (Phineas H. Young, J. Knight, Hiram Winters, Ira Tuft (Kirtland) to “Beloved Brethren” (Nauvoo), 31 Dec., 1844; JH 31 Dec., 1844)
31 Dec.: Saints to receive endowment through Brigham Young and his wife.
“At the dedication of the Seventies Hall in Nauvoo, 31
December 1844, Elder Heber C. Kimball urged the saints to ‘preserve our president and his wife [viz. Brigham Young and Mary Ann Young] for we must receive our Endumen [Endowments] through them. But it must be done in order Every one at his time as it comes through the channel begining [sic] at the head & be patient and wait till the[ir] time and turn comes.'” (George Laub Journal; BYU Special Collections; 31 December 1844.)
Dec.: Plea for Saints to receive fulness of Priesthood.
“For his [Sidney Rigdon’s] conduct the authorities of the church have cut him off. We now behold the first presidency removed, two by death, and one by transgression, consequently the quorum of the Twelve stand next in authority according to the order of the Holy Priesthood, and are entitled to receive revelations to guide and regulate the affairs of the church in all the world. Therefore, let me entreat of the Saints to hold fast that which they have received, and not to turn away from the great objects of pursuit, viz.: the fulness of the Holy Priesthood, the salvation of our fellow-men, and also our dead a part in the first resurrection, and an inheritance in the celestial kingdom of God.” (Reuben Hedlock, “To the Latter-day Saints in Britain,” Supplement to the Millennial Star, Dec., 1844, p. 7)