Below you will find Prince’s research excerpts titled, “Temples, 1884.” You can view other years here.
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TEMPLES, 1884
1884: Logan & Manti temples first with endowment rooms.
“By the 1880s the Church had constructed a variety of buildings–ward meeting houses, tabernacles, etc. It was possible, therefore, to build temples more specifically designed for ordinance work. Therefore, the lower portions of the Logan Temple (1884) and the Manti Temple (1888) were divided into a series of five rooms designed especially for the presentation of the endowment.” (Richard O. Cowan, “Temple Building Ancient and Modern,” BYU Press, 1971, p. 13)
2 Feb.: Receiving keys and key-words for the dead.
“Having these keys committed unto us, we proceed to establish Zion; to build up her Stakes; to build her temples; to gather together those who purify themselves before the Lord, and qualify and fit themselves to become saviors upon Mount Zion, by entering into holy places and officiating for themselves and their dead, thus laying the foundation for the redemption of the dead in being baptized for them, in being blessed and endowed for them, in receiving the keys and the key-words for them, that in the day when the Elders who have passed behind the veil shall preach to them the Gospel of glad tiding of great joy, lo and behold! they will receive it and will be put in possession of those keys, endowments and blessings, whereby they may be freed from their prison houses, and be raised from the dead, and stand upon their feet an exceeding great army, and be restored to the blessings which God promised to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and their seed after them.” (Erastus Snow, 2 Feb., 1884; JD 25:32)
2 Feb.: Our dead Elders are preaching to the spirits.
“The mission of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, between his death and resurrection was a similar mission, but a very short one. It lasted only three days. While his body lay in the tomb his spirit visited the spirits in prison, turned the key and opened the door of their prison house, and offered unto them the Gospel of salvation. How many of them were prepared to avail themselves of it at that time? Comparatively few. But he opened the door and offered the message of life and salvation, and having done this, His fellow laborers–the Seventies, Elders and others whom He ordained to the ministry–as fast as they finished their ministry in the flesh–continued their work among the spirits in prison. So is the Prophet Joseph Smith officiating and ministering to those spirits, and so are all His brethren, the Apostles, who have gone in his wake, who have followed, as it were, in his track. They have just gone behind the veil. Who shall we say? Let us call to mind a few of the brethren who have passed away–Brother David Patten (the first of the Apostles who was slain), Parley P. Pratt, Heber C. Kimball, Orson Hyde, Brigham Young, Orson Pratt, Charles C. Rich, and others of the Apostles; also Patriarchs Father Joseph Smith and Hyrum Smith; Elders Samuel H. Smith, Don Carlos Smith–all the first Elders of this Church and the Presidents of all the early quorums, and a vast company of the members of their quorums. All these and many more are laboring in the spirit world preparing the spirits thereof to receive the benefits and blessings which are now about to be offered to them in the temples of God. In other words, ‘a ticket of leave’ is about to be sent to them to the effect that their friends on the earth have officiated in their behalf, have complied with the ordinances which are appointed for their redemption, which will enable them to advance into a higher sphere, to walk upon a higher plane, to enter a higher class where they can be further instructed and prepared for a glorious resurrection. And as fast as this work is accomplished–and it is nigh at hand, it is now even at our doors–there wil be another step made in advance; there will be another mission undertaken. The next mission will be to come and prepare the way in Zion, and in her Stakes, and in the temples of our God for turning the key of the resurrection of the dead, to bring forth those that are asleep, and to exalt them among the Gods. And who will be first and foremost? Why, he whom God has chosen and placed first and foremost to hold the keys of this last dispensation. How long will it be? It is not given to me to say the month, the day, or the hour; but it is given unto me to say that that time is nigh at hand. The time is drawing near (much nearer than scarcely any of us can now comprehend) when Joseph will be clothed upon with immortality, when his brother Hyrum will be clothed upon with immortality, when the martyrs will be raised from the dead, together with their faithful brethren who have performed a good mission in the spirit world–they, too, will be called to assist in the work of the glorious resurrection. The Lord Jesus, who was the first fruits of the dead, the first fruit of them that sleep, and who holds the keys of the resurrection, will bring to pass the resurrection of the Prophet Joseph Smith and his brethren, and will set them to work in bringing about the resurrection of their brethren as He has set them to work in all the other branches of the labor from the beginning. And the Lord Jesus will appear and show Himself unto His servants in His temple in holy places, to counsel and instruct and direct. He will appear in the glory of His Father, in His resurrected body, among those who can endure His presence and glory. And all this I expect long before He will waste away and destroy the wicked from off the face of the earth. True, we have, in our limited understandings, perhaps imagined, many of us, that this glorious resurrection was to come upon us, and upon the whole world suddenly, like the rising of the sun. But you must remember the sun does not rise the same hour and the same moment upon all the earth. It is twenty-four hours in rising and twenty-four hours in setting. So with the resurrection. There is a day appointed for the resurrection of the righteous. And it is sealed upon the heads of many that if they are faithful and true, they shall come forth ‘in the morning of the first resurrection;’ but the morning lasts from the first hour of the day until mid-day, and the day last till night; and the rest of the dead–those who are not prepared or counted worthy to have part in the first resurrection–shall not live again until the thousand years are ended. In other words, the first resurection will have been ended, and another period appointed for the resurrection of the rest of the dead. But this ‘morning of the first resurrection’ is nigh at hand, and blessed are those who, through their faithfulness, shall be counted worthy to have part in it; for they shall be crowned kings and priests with God and the Lamb–they shall reign with Christ and in the midst of His people, and carry on the work of the redemption and resurrection of the Saints of God. And while in some parts of the world the Elders of Israel are preaching the Gospel unto the heathen nations who have not been ripened for destruction, but whose kings and mighty men have perished, and whose governments have been broken in pieces and wasted away, and the government of the Kingdom of God has been extended over them; while this is going on in some portions of the world, in other places, even in Zion and in her Stakes and in Jerusalem, the children of God will be engaged in the redemption of their dead in the temples of our God, and in the resurrection of those that are counted worthy of so great a salvation.
Then, I say, we need not put off the day of the Lord so far from us. Rather let us prepare ourselves for it; for lo and behold! He cometh quickly, and blessed are they who are prepared to receive Him; for they shall enter into His rest and be crowned with glory, and shall labor with Him and with the Prophet Joseph and his brethren in bringing to pass this great salvation and redemption of our God.” (Erastus Snow, 2 Feb., 1884; JD 25:33-35)
20 Feb.: Lucius Scovil and the Nauvoo Endowment.
“We give space to the following communication for, the reason that attempts are being made by the leaders of the society commonly known as the ‘Josephites’ to make it appear that the sacred endowments were not authorized and administered by the Prophet Joseph, but were invented and added by President Brigham Young and others. Also that such ordinances as the Prophet Joseph taught were not to be administered anywhere under any circumstances except in a Temple:
Springville, Jany. [Feb.?] 2nd, 1884.
Editor Deseret News:
I noticed an article in the DESERET NEWS of January 25th, 1884, in relation to Church Doctrines. I can testify that on the 3rd day of May, 1842, Joseph Smith the Prophet called upon five or six, viz: Shadrack roundy, Noah Rogers, Dimick B. Huntington, Daniel Cairns, and myself (I am not certain but that Hosea Stout was there also) to meet with him (the Prophet) in his business office (the upper part of his brick store). He told us that the object he had was for us to go to work and fit up that room preparatory to giving endowments to a few Elders that he might give unto them all the keys of power pertaining to the Aronic and Melchisedec Priesthoods.
We therefore went to work making the necessary preparations, and everything was arranged representing the interior of a temple as much as the circumstances would permit, he being with us dictating everything. He gave us many items that were very interesting to us, which sank with deep weight upon my mind, especially after the temple was finished at Nauvoo, and I had received the ordinances in which I was among the first, as I had been called upon to work in the Temple as one of the hands during the winter. Some weeks previous to the dedication he told us that we should have the privilege of receiving the whole of the ordinances in due time. The history of Joseph Smith speaks for itself. But I can and do testify that I know of a surety that room was fitted up by his order which we finished in the forenoon of the said 4th of May, 1842. And he gave us to understand that he intended to have everything done by him that was in his power while he remained with us. He said his work was nearly done and he should roll the burden of the kingdom upon the shoulders of the Twelve. I am the only one living that I know of, who helped to fit up that room, except Hosea Stout, if he was there.
I am, most respectfully, your brother in the Covenant.
Lucius N. Scovil.”
(Editorial, “The Higher Ordinances,” DN 33(5):70-71, 20 Feb., 1884)
17 May: Dedication of Logan Temple.
“At 10:30 A.M. about 1500 people were admitted into the Temple. The east stand was occupied by the Melchisedec and the west by the Aaronic Priesthood. The general authorities of the Church and local officers of various Stakes occupied places to the right and left of each stand. Pres. Taylor offered up the dedicatory prayer, which was very excellent. Father [George Q. Cannon], Bros. J. F. Smith, W. Woodruff and Lorenzo Snow then made brief but good addresses. At the close of the services the congregation, headed by Pres. Taylor, marched by twos through the sacred edifice.” (A. H. Cannon diary, 17 May, 1884)
17 May: We were in the presence of Joseph and Hyrum.
“The impression was constantly with me [in the Logan Temple earlier the same morning] that we were in the presence of the Prophet Joseph, his brother Hyrum, and others who had gone before, such as Brother David W. Patten, as well as Brigham, Heber, Willard, and others of the Apostles and worthies–that their spirits must have been present with us hallowing our reflections, imparting their peaceful influence and truthful inspiration to our souls. Our spirits were awakened to a profound sense of thankfulness that we had been enabled to take another so important a step of advancement in the triumphant progress of the great Latter-day work.” (Franklin D. Richards, 17 May, 1884; JD 25:231-232)
17 May: Work for dead should have begun in Jesus’ time.
“Our work is at present but small. It is but the beginning, the germination of the wonderfully strange work that is to affect the whole habitable globe, and not only those that are on the earth now, but all that have dwelt here or that shall come to dwell upon it, until the earth shall be made anew, and all things thereon pronounced new again from God. Although Israel had attained to great eminence and glory in the earth, yet they were brought into subjection to other nations because of their transgressions, and though Christ came to be their deliverer, they received Him not–and their Temple was not restored to those glorious and exalted purposes and uses for which it was intended; then what have been the consequences? The Savior told them what would come to pass. ‘Behold,’ said he, ‘I send unto you prophets, and wise men and scribes, and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues: that upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, etc.’ What a terrible consequence! If they could have but hearkened to His word, walked in the way of the Lord, continued in its holy course, and believe in the Savior when He came, then they might have been engaged in this work of redeeming their dead back to the beginning of the world, and there would have been a mighty work done by that generation for their dead, as well as for themselves; but it remains for those recent men and women now upon the earth and that shall come upon the earth to perform this labor.” (Franklin D. Richards, 17 May, 1884; JD 25:233)
17 May: Will those who died young marry in afterlife?
“Let me ask what is to become of that portion of the human family that have gone down into their graves in past ages without having arrived at the age of puberty, or without having lived to years of accountability? What is to become of them? Are they not to be given the blessings of the New and Everlasting Covenant, to increase, multiply and attain to endless lives, and eternal increase in the covenant of Abraham? Undoubtedly, in the resurrection when they shall have regained their tabernacles, if they render the required obedience to the holy law of God.” (Franklin D. Richards, 17 May, 1884; JD 25:235)
17 May: 3 Nephites received endowments in Enoch’s Temple.
“This view of the subject brings me to think and to speak a word in reference to the three Nephites. They wanted to tarry until Jesus came, and that they might He took them into the heavens and endowed them with the power of translation, probably in one of Enoch’s temples, and brought them back to the earth. Thus they received power to live until the coming of the Son of Man. I believe He took them to Enoch’s city and gave them their endowments there. I expect that in the city of Enoch there are temples; and when Enoch and his people come back, they will come back with their city, their temples, blessings and powers.” (Franklin D. Richards, 17 May, 1884; JD 25:236-237)
17 May: Endowments in St. George Temple vs. Endowment House.
“‘When did full Temple rites commence in Utah, especially in Salt Lake City?
The first sealing ordinance was performed in the home of
Franklin D. Richards, he having two wives sealed to him at that time. The date was the 13th of October, 1849. (Saturday by H. K.) The Endowment House was opened on the 20th of February 1851. Endowments for the living, baptism for the dead, sealings for the living and sealings for the dead couples were performed in the Endowment House. ENDOWMENTS FOR THE DEAD were not performed until in the St George Temple in 1877. President Brigham Young was in St George and took part in the introduction of the ordinances there. President Wilford Woodruff was made President of the Temple.
Sealings for the living were done in the Nauvoo Temple as well as in the Endowment House; but Endowments for the dead were not done until the St. George Temple. There were a few children sealed to their parents in the Endowment House, but not many.’
Another item of interest is mentioned by Joseph F. Smith (His. Record 194). After the opening of the St. George Temple, the Endowment House in Salt Lake City was closed for ordinances. But after the death of President Young, when it was found necessary to again open it, I was placed in charge thereof, which position I filled until the summer of 1884, when the house was again closed.” [This second closing presumably occurred after the dedication of the Logan Temple, May 17, 1884.] (Compiled by Alan H. Gerber; Film/298/#101/V. 39; pp. 85-86; c. May 17, 1884.)
18 May: What manifestations should we expect in temples?
“I have heard some remarks in the Temple pertaining to these matters, and also here, and it has been thought, as has been expressed by some, that we ought to look for some peculiar manifestations. The question is, What do we want to see? Some peculiar power, some remarkable manifestations? All these things are very proper in their place; all these things we have a right to look for; but we must only look for such manifestations as are requisite for our circumstances, and as God shall see fit to impart them.” (John Taylor, at the dedication of the Logan Temple, 18 May, 1884; JD 25:177)
18 May: Same seating in Logan Temple as in Kirtland.
” . . . in that small Temple, as we should now call it, that was erected in Kirtland, they had the same organization of the Priesthood, and the same arrangements of the stands for the seating of the Priesthood as we have here.” (John Taylor, at the dedication of the Logan Temple, 18 May, 1884; JD 25:181)
18 May: Gradual development of Temple ordinances.
“Joseph Smith before his death, was much exercised about the completion of the Temple in Nauvoo, and the administering of ordinances therein. In his anxiety and for fear he should not live to se the Temple completed, he prepared a place over what was known as the brick-store–which many of you who lived in Nauvoo will recollect–where to a chosen few he administered those ordinances that we now have to-day associated with endowments, so that if anything should happen to him–which he evidently contemplated–he would feel that he had then fulfilled his mission, that he had conferred upon others all the keys given to him by the manifestations of the power of God.
At first these things were only partially made known to him, and as they were partially developed he called upon the Twelve that were then living–many of you grey-headed people will remember it–to commence and be baptized for the dead, and they were baptized in the Mississippi River. Immediately after these baptisms, the Prophet had a revelation which more clearly developed the order in relation to such baptisms. According to that revelation it appeared that, notwithstanding all the visions, revelations, keys, etc., that had heretofore been given, there was not a place, not even in the Kirtland Temple, wherein those things could be carried out, and hence a font, such as we have in this Temple, was built in the temple at Nauvoo, and it was there, under proper circumstances and proper administration, and according to the principles that he had laid down, that those ordinances were administered then, and are administered now.” (John Taylor, at dedication of the Logan Temple, 18 May, 1884; JD 25:183)
18 May: Logan Temple and higher branches of education.
“We have now finished this Temple, and some people inquire, what is it for? For many things: that our sealings and ordinances may be performed in a manner that will be acceptable before God and the holy angels; that whatsoever is bound on the earth according to the laws of the eternal Priesthood shall be bound in the heavens; that there may be a connecting link between the living and the dead, between those who have lived, all those ancient fathers of which I have spoken who are interested in the welfare of their posterity; that there may be a royal Priesthood, a holy people, a pure people, a virtuous people on the earth to officiate and operate in the interests of the living and the dead; not looking so much after themselves, but after God, after the work of God, and after the accomplishment of those things which God has designed to be carried out in ‘the dispensation of the fullness of times’ when all things are to be united in one, and that they may be prepared to operate with the Priesthood in the heavens in the redemption of the inhabitants of this world from the days of Adam unto the present time. It is also intended to introduce the higher branches of education–literary, scientific, linguistic, philosophical and theological; for we are told to obtain a knowledge of laws, languages, governments, justice, equity, rule, authority, dominion, and all those great cosmopolitan principles exhibited in the laws of nature and among the peoples, by the wisdom, prescience, power and intelligence of ‘nature’s God.’ That we may thus be acquainted with earthly and heavenly things, in accordance with everlasting laws that have existed in the heavens and on the earth from the beginning; and that all those great and eternal principles by which the worlds are governed may be comprehended by us.” (John Taylor, at the dedication of the Logan Temple, 18 May, 1884; JD 25:185)
18 May: The payment of Temple workers.
“Then what about the payment of those men who are to be employed in Temples? There are three or four men that will have to be provided for, and others will have to take care of themselves, find their own bread and dinner, and think it a privilege to work for God, for the interests of His Kingdom, and to act as saviors upon Mount Zion. Supposing there are forty required to labor in this Temple. Many of you are pretty well off. You have got fat, and have almost kicked, some of you (laughter). Some of you have got more means than you know what to do with, and it is a bother to you. We will have to fix upon the number of men and women–for the sisters will be required as well as the brethren–that will be needed. These can go along, leaving their farms and their merchandizing, or whatever they may have in hand, and go into the Temple of the Lord, on a mission for six months, or twelve months, or two or three years as the case may be, the same as others who go out into the world. If I to-day were not engaged as I am I should say, ‘Won’t you be kind enough to give me and one of my wives, or more, as the case might be, an opportunity to officiate in the Temple?’ and I should feel it an honor to be privileged to work in the house of God. Would you want pay for it? No, I would bring my own bread and dinner, and I have no doubt there are many of you who would like to do the same. I guess we could pick out the forty people thus required right in this house to-day, without any trouble. All you who are in favor of carrying out this idea hold up your right hands. (All hands went up.) I knew there were more than forty right here (laughter). As to the three or four whose whole time will be engaged in this labor, these will have to be provided for. In this way we shall become saviors upon Mount Zion. It is written in the Scriptures, that ‘Saviors shall come up on Mount Zion . . . and the kingdom shall be the Lord’s.” Now, a man is not a savior, nor a woman either, unless they save somebody. Well, we want men and women who are ready to officiate in this place. And when you get there, surrounded by the heavenly influence of the house of God, the gift of the Holy Ghost will rest upon you, which will bring joy and consolation to your hearts. When you have labored there for a while, you will desire to labor there again. You will carry this heavenly influence among your friends and throughout your neighborhood, and this we want to extend throughout all the land of Zion.” (John Taylor, at the dedication of the Logan Temple, 18 May, 1884; JD 25:186-187)
18 May: We will find something for the High Priests to do
“We shall have, I presume, regular Temple organizations. Something of this kind may be organized among the High Priests who will look after the Temple districts. In this way we will find something for the High Priests to do. Some of them have been very much afraid that there would be nothing for them to do.” (John Taylor, at the dedication of the Logan Temple, 18 May, 1884; JD 25:187)
19 May: Temple Workers – Logan.
“Consideration of the selection and appointment of the regular Workers in the Temple was had – Prest Taylor said that in selecting men and women as workers in the Temple we want those who can leave their homes and farms for a season and supply their own necessities for living and doing their work without being dependent on the Temple for their sustenance, with the exception of those who must be employed permanently. This method has been presented before to the Apostles for some time past but it seems has not be carried out as designed. Now in this Temple as well as at St George Temple – in the selection and calling of proper persons it must be with this understanding in view.” (L. John Nuttall diary, 19 May, 1884)
21 May: Dedication of Logan Temple.
“THE LOGAN TEMPLE DEDICATION.
BY SPECIAL TELEGRAM TO THE DESERET NEWS.
The Logan Temple was dedicated this morning with appropriate services. The doors were opened at ten o’clock and closed at half past ten. The services commenced at fifteen minutes to eleven. No one was admitted without a ticket. About 1,400 persons were present. The presiding priesthood were seated according to their respective callings. The Melchisedec on the east; the Aaronic on the west.
The great hall is chaste and beautiful, being pure white, with the exception of the upholstery work on the pulpits and the gold initials thereon.
The service commenced by the singing of the Temple Dedication Hymn by the Logan choir. President Taylor then offered the following dedicatory prayer:
. . . .
We, O God, a few of Thy creatures, according to Thine instructions, and in obedience to Thy law, and Thy word, have built this house unto Thee, which was contemplated and designed by Thy servant Brigham; that it may be ‘a house of order, a house of prayer,’ a place acceptable to Thee, and wherein we can worship Thee in accordance with Thy will, Thy law and the principles which Thou hast revealed; and for the manifestation of Thy will, and the teaching and administration of ordinances, and the instruction of Thy people in all principles of science and intelligence pertaining to this life, and the lives that are to come.
. . . .”
(DN 33(18):280-281, 21 May, 1884)
21 May: 1st Logan endowments/Eve listed as actress.
“Prests Taylor, Cannon & Smith and the apostles, brethren & Sisters met at the Temple this morning and complete preparations were made for the work in the ordinances.
Prest Jos. F Smith E[loheim]
J. D. T. McAllister M[ichael] & A[dam]
Geo Teasdale Y [Jehovah?]
D. H. Cannon P[eter]
A. M. Cannon J[ames]
Oli N. Liljenquest J[ohn]
N. C. Edlifson L[ucifer]
Thomas Moore P[riest?]
Minerva Snow E[ve]
L. John Nuttall Recorder
Patriarch John Smith Sword & Counting”
(L. John Nuttall diary, 21 May, 1884)
21 May: 1st ordinances in Logan Temple.
“The ordinances of Baptisms, Washings, Annoitings, Endowments, Sealings and 2nd Annointings for living and dead were performed for first day in Logan Temple.” (L. John Nuttall diary, 21 May, 1884)
22 May: Adoption.
“When President Taylor afterwards made pertinent remarks on the subject of adoption. said he had been considering this subject and had the matter and the Keys thereof before him, and in a short time he would make it plain to all, in that there need be no misunderstanding. . . . Prest. Taylor & Cannon & Elder Nuttall then proceeded up to the sealing room when Prest Taylor explained further in regard to the ordinance of Adoption and concluded to postpone any action on that ordinance for the present and until he shall give further instructions pertaining thereto.” (L. John Nuttall diary, 22 May, 1884)
1 Jun.: Temple building among Nephites.
“Among the Nephites, the work of Temple building demanded great attention. Nephi, himself, before he died, had erected a temple after the fashion of that of Solomon excepting that it was not so richly adorned, and we find numerous allusions to Temples in various parts of the land afterwards among the Nephites.” (George Q. Cannon, JI 19(11):165, 1 Jun., 1884)
1 Jun.: Spiritual power associated with new temples.
“In our day Temple building has been attended with wonderful results in the case of the Latter-day Saints. Not only have the people been blessed with the blessings of heaven and with the increase of spiritual gifts and power, but they have been rewarded with an increase of temporal prosperity. This was the case in Kirtland, and, as to spiritual power and gifts, in Nauvoo also. It was with difficulty that the house was completed in Nauvoo sufficiently to be dedicated before the Saints were driven–yet an era of prosperity, such as the Saints had never witnessed, then began, and which has continued until the present time.
The Temple at St. George was not only attended by an increase of power, and the manifestations of God, but those settlements that were principally engaged in its erection were greatly prospered in that labor. A visit to the north cannot fail to impress every one with the fact that God’s favor has been shown unto the people to an extraordinary extent who have been engaged in the construction of the Logan Temple.
The completion of this building brings the people nearer to heaven, and there is no labor that I know anything of in which the Latter-day Saints can engage that is more likely to result in greater temporal prosperity than this labor of Temple building.” (George Q. Cannon, JI 19(11):165, 1 Jun., 1884)
6 Jun.: The garment used in Lyman Wight’s endowment.
“Persia, Iowa, June 6th, 1884.
Bro. Joseph:–Do you remember that while at Dr. McCallum’s in Stewartsville we had some conversation in regard to whether your father was responsible for the sealing doctrine, and I remarked that I was willing to believe him guilty if it could be proven? Bro. J. W. Briggs said that by enquiry in regard to the robes used in the endowments by Lyman Wight, in Texas, he had determined that they were identical in pattern with those used in Utah, and as Lyman Wight and Brigham Young had no fellowship after Joseph Smith’s death, there could be but one answer to the question, ‘From whence came this agreement?’ I thought then that it was a strong point against Joseph; but as I have fallen into the habit of investigating before forming conclusions, I thought I would sift the matter a little. I considered the subject and concluded the better way would be to ask those who had been through both endowments. Accordingly, on May 31st, 1884, I asked Bro. John Hawley, of Dow City, Iowa, if the robes used in Utah and those used in Texas were alike, and he made the following statement, which I wrote down and read to him afterwards, and he said it was correctly written:
The robes and garments used by Lyman Wight and those used in Utah are entirely different, having no semblance to each other. The only thing they had in common was they were both composed of pure white linen. The garments used by Lyman Wight were made in imitation of the robe the angel Moroni wore when seen by Joseph. There were no secrets about Lyman’s endowments, and no oaths required.
On the same day I read John Hawley’s statement to George Hawley and wife, and they endorsed it as being true, and added further,
There were no signs nor grips in the Texas endowment ceremony; and the robes used there did not have the peculiar marks which were on those in Utah, and the garments were never worn in Texas after leaving the house.
These three persons have all seen and worn these garments in both places, and ought to know. None who know them will doubt their veracity.
In bonds,
Heman C. Smith.”
(Heman C. Smith to Joseph Smith III; Saints’ Herald 31(27):428, 5 Jul., 1884)
11 Jun.: Civil marriage after temple marriage.
“President Angus M. Cannon said there were persons who had been married according to the order of heaven in holy places and after were married by civil officers. Such a course was an insult to God, and the Elder who officiated at such a ceremony lent himself as a tool to the devil, and the man and woman who were so married were unworthy of a standing in the Church.” (Minutes of Salt Lake Stake Priesthood Meeting, 11 Jun., 1884; DN 33(21):329, 11 Jun., 1884)
15 Jun.: ALL mankind to receive blessings of temple.
“They build temples that all mankind–both the dead and the living–may receive the blessings of salvation, and the generations of mankind be united in the bonds of the new and everlasting covenant.” (James A. Little, JI 19(12):176, 15 Jun., 1884)
15 Jun.: Requirements for temple recommends.
“There are certain circumstances which take place in our associations with the things of God that tend to lead our minds to reflection and thought. We have been building a temple here. We have exerted ourselves for a number of years for the accomplishment of that object. We have completed it, it has been accepted by the Lord, and we are now administering therein. In these administrations there are many things that tend to lead men to thought and reflection. We meet in our congregations as we are doing here to-day, and in thus meeting we pass along through the common routine of religious duties which devolve upon us; but when we go into those sacred places there are certain requirements made of us, that, whether we may have though about these things before or not, are then brought to our remembrance. In the first place people desirous to go and attend to ordinances in these houses, must have a recommendation from their Bishop. That is one of those–I was going to say–ugly facts. That is, ugly to those who are not prepared to pass through that ordeal, whose lives have been careless, whose actions have been improper, and whose standing perhaps is precarious–that is one of those facts that must be faced. Then when they have obtained this recommendation from the Bishop, it must be endorsed by the President of the Stake, and after that have the sanction of the President of the Church. This is quite an ordeal for many men to go through. For men and women who are upright, virtuous and honorable, it is a very simple matter; there is no difficulty in their way at any time; but to those who have been careless of their duties, who have departed from the laws of God, and who have tampered with, or violated the ordinances of the Gospel–to such people it is a critical time. However, there is something far more difficult than that yet to come. That is only a starting point in these matters. The things that are ahead are a great deal more difficult to accomplish. What are they? The time will come when we shall not only have to pass by those officers whom I have referred to–say, to have the sanction and approval of our Bishop, of the President of the Stake and of the President of the Church–but we are told in this book {the Book of Doctrine and Covenants} that we shall have to pass by the angels and the Gods. We may have aqueezed through the other; we may have got along tolerably well, and been passed and acted upon, and sometimes a ‘tight squeak’ at that; but how will it be when we get on the other side, and we have the angels and the Gods to pass by before we can enter into our exaltation? If we cannot pass, what then? Well, we cannot, that is all. And if we cannot, shall we be able to enter into our exaltation? I think not. What do you think about it? A great many things of this kind are continually presenting themselves before me. All kinds of cases are brought to my attention, and some of them are of a very serious nature. I had a case only this morning. I am not going to mention names, nor to expose persons; but it was a case of a sister who had been married to a man, actually sealed to him, in the Endowment House. The man, from what I was given to understand–of course I do not know all the details of the case, it will have to be inquired into by myself and others in authority–the man had frequently one leg in the Church, and the other out; sometimes doing well, and sometimes not doing well; sometimes in good fellowship, making acknowledgements, etc., and sometimes not in good fellowship. The woman had quite a large family by this man, and finally, a little before his death, the man became very careless, very indifferent, and very negligent pertaining to his duties, and he died in that condition. Now this woman comes along and says, ‘What am I to do? I have borne quite a large family to this man. He was a tolerable good man in some things, but he did not magnify his calling nor honor his God. Now, what shall I do?’ Here are some very singular questions, and they will come to all of us in some shape or another, and we might as well begin to look at them now as at any other time, for it is written: ‘Some men’s sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment: and some men they follow after;’ hence the reason I mention this matter. It is a sample of a great many others, sometimes with the man and sometimes with the woman, and the question is: How far are we prepared to say to such a woman, ‘You are not safe for eternity with the husband that you have been associated with in time.’ These are serious questions. That man was dreaming, perhaps, for a long while that he was on his way to heaven and that all was right; that he had been baptized and been received into the Church, and attended to some of the ordinances thereof, but he was negligent, careless and indifferent about the fulfillment of his duties, neglected his children, did not act right towards his wife, and did many things that were wrong and improper. Now, what shall be done? The woman felt unsafe with such a man. But is it not said, says one that all manner of sins and blasphemy shall be forgiven, (except the sin against the Holy Ghost, which is the shedding of innocent blood) and that they shall come forth, if they have had certain blessings sealed upon them ‘in the first resurrection, and if it be after the first resurrection in the next resurrection.’ But the question is: If a woman is expecting a man to exalt her, and to lead her forth to thrones and principalities, powers and dominions, is she safe in that expectation? She may have been sealed to him, and he have had these things pronounced upon him, but he may have been destroyed in the flesh, because of his iniquities, which very many have been, although we could not always tell the reason why. There are certain things that men may commit according to the Scriptures, and to that which has been revealed in our day, which render them subject to be turned over to the buffettings of Satan, ‘for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.’ (See 1st Corinthians, verse 5; also Doctrine and Covenants, Section cxxxii, 26.) There are other sins that they may commit, whereof it says they shall be destroyed, whether men or women, that do these things. Now, it may be well enough to fix up our own affairs as we think they ought to be fixed, to make our own calculations, and to settle our own accounts; but these accounts have yet to be supervised and settled before those that have the right to do it before we get through, and we must not only pass by, as I have said, our Bishops, and our Presidents of Stakes, and the President of the Church, but we must pass by the angels and the Gods also. . . .
This Temple, as I have already said, is a place where among other things, eternal covenants and obligations are entered into, and the question is, How and in what manner shall they be performed, and who are worthy and who are unworthy. There are some things that we find it exceedingly difficult to decide upon. Why? Because the parties that are dead are not here to speak for themselves, and we cannot have them misrepresented or robbed of their rights in any shape. But if they have violated the laws of God, what then? Now, here comes a question to which I desire to draw the attention of the authorities of this Stake. There are many of those men (if what we hear about them is correct) who ought to have been cut off from the Church. But they have not been; the Bishops have been negligent, the Teachers have been negligent, and perhaps the President of the Stake has been negligent. I an not speaking particularly of this Stake; I am speaking in general terms. I speak of it to draw the attention of Presidents of Stakes, Bishops, Elders, Priests, Teachers and Deacons, and those who officiate in the Church of God, and all men who are set to watch over the fold of Christ. If some of these men, that I have referred to, had been brought up on certain occasions, they might have repented of their sins and placed themselves right; but because these officers did not do their duty themselves, and did not see that other men did theirs, things have passed along out of order, and the parties in question have gone behind the veil. What account can we give of ourselves if we are found thus negligent? If people do wrong let them be brought up, and let the Teachers, Priests, and Bishops clear their garments of them, and feel that they have done their duty and purified the Church so far as they could. The Presidents of Stakes should see that these things are carried out according to the laws of God. This is a standard we must attain to, so that when people say, Can we go into the Temple of the Lord? we may know exactly their status, what position they occupy, and what to do with them, without having to take up the records of the dead. These are responsibilities devolving upon us. Our Elders go abroad to preach the Gospel and to gather in the people. When they are thus gathered the Presidents of Stakes, the Bishops, Priests, Teachers and Deacons are expected to watch over them, and see that they are fulfilling their obligations, or that they are not fulfilling them. If they fail to do their duty, let them be brought to account; let them be dealt with according to the laws of God. If they repent, forgive them; but it is expected that all who have taken upon them the name of Christ will obey the laws of God, and walk in obedience to His commands. These are some things that we all of us have to be responsible for, and therefore I, occupying the position that I do, feel it my duty to lay these things before you and to require them at your hands–that is at the hands of the President of the Stake and his Counselors, at the hands of the Bishops and their Counselors, at the hands of the High Council, and at the hands of the Priests, Teachers, and Deacons; for I don’t want to carry myself the sins of the people. God expects us to purge ourselves from iniquity, that we may become the chosen of the Lord, and our offspring with us, not in name or in theory, but in deed and in truth, and according to the laws of life, and the spirit that dwells in Jesus Christ, our Savior, which every one of us ought to have dwelling in us and dwelling and abiding in our habitations, that we may feel that we are devoted to our God, blameless before the Lord, and keeping His commandments.” (John Taylor, 15 Jun., 1884; JD 25:161-162; 164-165)
16 Jun.: Endowment for a divorced woman.
“In the Afternoon sister Margret Schiess of Providence called on Prest Taylor and represented the actions of her husband Conrad Schiess towards her – she states that they were married in Switzerland and they had 5 children, 2 of whom died. that it was deemed proper by the Elders that she & the 3 children should emigrate & the husband to follow after – he did not follow, but had intercourse with another Woman – he afterwards came out to Utah with this woman, he left her at Mt Pleasant & called on his wife at Providence, she had promised to forgive him before he came out if he would do right – he came & staid with her 3 months, but did not do right & he left her, went to Salt Lake City & She has heard that he has gone to California – he left her some 17 Months ago – she does not want to have any thing more to do with him but would like to obtain her Endowments in the Temple. – Prest Taylor after hearing her statement suggested that she obtain a Divorce from her husband in the Probate Court – that she has permission to obtain her Endowments in the Temple and that in the future when she shall deem it proper to make choice of a husband she can be sealed to him.” (L. John Nuttall diary, 16 Jun., 1884)
16 Jun.: Comparison of ordinances with Bible.
“Prest Taylor & Nuttall spent the afternoon in comparing the Temple ordinances with the Bible & the New translation as found in the Pearl of Great Price.” (L. John Nuttall diary, 16 Jun., 1884) [Note: This appears to have reference to the creation narratives in the endowment ceremony.]
16 Jun.: Which husband to seal wife to?
“The minutes of an investigation had before the High Council of the Cache Valley Stake of Zion on the evening of June 13th 1884 in the case of the application of Sister Ellen Clifford Andrews or Hanson as to which of her husbands she with her children should be sealed to – were submitted & read – after reading the said minutes of the High Council and after due consideration of the whole case the First Presidency decided that Sister Ellen Clifford be permitted to make her choice as to whether she will be sealed to her first husband Thomas Andrews (dead), or to her second husband John E. Hansen (now living) and in case she chooses to be sealed to Bro Hansen, that Bro Hansen be instructed to do all in his power in behalf of Bro Andrews in Obtaining Endowments for him, and it is also suggested that he and sister Hansen have some woman sealed to Bro Andrews and also have the children and Bro. Andrews, adopted into their family.” (L. John Nuttall diary, 16 Jun., 1884)
27 Jun.: Schools of science, literature in temples.
“I met in Council with the presidency And voted to Make our Temples, Temples of science Literature & Theology. The schools held in kirtland Temple spoken off.” (Wilford Woodruff diary, 27 Jun., 1884)
“The Logan Temple was dedicated after the Edmunds Act was passed (1882) and at a time when some of the provisions of the Edmunds-Tucker Act were being considered. These acts sought to eliminate the Mormon church as a temporal power in the West, and the key provision directed the attorney general to institute proceedings to take over all properties of the Mormon church. Presumably this ‘takeover’ would include temples. To avoid the latter possibility, President Taylor’s dedicatory prayer gave emphasis to study and to the need to become acquainted with good books, languages, governments, and laws. One portion of the prayer reads:
May this house be preserved as a holy place wherein to worship Thee, and to administer Thine ordinances, to learn Thy laws, the laws of the universe, embracing this world and other worlds; for the instruction of Thy people in the higher branches of education in all intelligence, scientific, linguistic, natural and theological. [“Historical Items,” ca. 1884, p. 109; in the manuscript collection, Logan Temple, Logan.]
Shortly after the dedication President Taylor wrote the northern Utah Saints, reminded them of the references in the prayer to education, mentioned the precedent in the Kirtland (Ohio) Temple where a temple school was established, and asked the people to organize themselves ‘to make it a house of learning as it also is a house of God.’ [“Logan Temple Association Minute Book,” p. 1f, Logan Temple] Under his direction wards and stakes held meetings and elected delegates to go to Logan where they formed the Logan Temple Association, a legal non-profit association. Officers were elected and articles of incorporation signed by seventy-four delegates; then President Taylor signed over the temple and grounds to this association, in whose hands it remained until 1912. Under President Taylor’s direction the association founded the Logan Temple School of Science which included departments of theology, astronomy, mathematics, history, languages, laws, and natural science. (This was after Brigham Young College was established but before Utah State Agricultural College was founded). A library of about five hundred books was collected; these are still in the Logan Temple reading room. The following heads of departments were elected:
Theology: James Z. Steward
Civil Government: Moses Thatcher
Languages: William H. Apperley
History: James A. Leishman
Domestic and Political Economy: Charles W. Nibley
Natural Philosophy: John E. Carlisle
Classes were held from 1885 to 1900, with something like one hundred fifty students each season. The student was charged no tuition but had to carry a recommend from his bishop indicating his loyalty and worthiness. Lectures one hour in length were given at two thirty in the afternoon on the first Saturday of each month, after which a discussion ensued. Many of the lectures were later published in the Contributor, Deseret News, and as separate books by the Utah Journal Publishing Company.” (Leonard J. Arrington and Melvin A. Larkin, “The Logan Tabernacle and Temple,” UHQ 41(3):312-313, Summer, 1973)
1 Jul.: Concerning Nephite and Jaredite temples.
“And we must not forget that the Book of Mormon informs us that a temple was built upon this continent in about twenty years after the Nephites located upon it, and nearly six hundred years before Jesus came as the ‘Babe in Bethlehem;’ and it is probable that this was not the only Temple built by the Nephites, and that the Jaredites built Temples at an earlier period upon this land of Joseph.” (“W. J.”, JI 19(13):194, 1 Jul., 1884)
1 Jul.: Commandment to build temple in Independence.
“In this last and most glorious dispensation of our Heavenly Father to His children upon the earth, this important work of building Temples has been renewed by the command of God. Joseph Smith, the prophet, being inspired by the Holy Ghost, was led to exclaim: ‘Lord, when will the wilderness blossom as the rose? When will Zion be built up in her glory, and where will Thy Temle stand, unto which all nations shall come in the last days?’ And his prayer was soon answered by a revelation given in July, 1831, in which the following words occur: ‘Behold the place which is now called Independence (Jackson county, Missouri), is the center place, and the spot for the Temple is lying westward, upon a lot which is not far from the court-house;’ and the site of that Temple was dedicated Aug. 3, 1831, ‘which Temple,’ the Lord declared in September, 1832, ‘shall be reared in this generation; for verily, this generation shall not all pass away until a house shall be built unto the Lord, and a cloud shall rest upon it, which cloud shall be even the glory of the Lord, which shall fill the house.'” (“W. J.”, JI 19(13):194, 1 Jul., 1884)
1 Jul.: Why the Independence temple hasn’t been built.
“The critical objector may remark that ‘some of the Temples referred to have not been built.’ True, but they will be, in the Lord’s time. God’s purposes fail not. He may also add that ‘not even the first Temple named, viz., that in Jackson county, Missouri, has not been erected yet.’ This is true, also; and what great wisdom was displayed by the Lord in this matter, seeing that His people must be away from there many years fulfilling the ancient prophecies, getting much experience in Temple building, among other things and thus preparing themselves to build the most magnificent Temple to be built in this generation, namely, that in Jackson county, Missouri!” (“W. J.”, JI 19(13):195, 1 Jul., 1884)
1 Jul.: Temple work for “the honorable and obedient dead”
“Scores and hundreds of Temples will be built on this favored land of Joseph. These labors will be performed with a willingness that will surprise the world, and give joy to the world, and for the salvation of honest but slumbering millions of many generations. All that mortals can do must be done, and the Priesthood behind the vail will do the rest–they will come into the Temples of God bringing with them lists of the names of the honorable and obedient dead. These will be officiated for upon the grand vicarious principle upon which the redemption of man is based. Those acting substitutionally will become saviors upon Mount Zion. The dead will be delivered from their prison house. The living will be endowed with power from on high. The living and the dead will be prepared to pass the angels and the Gods to their exaltations. And the honest, the obedient, the faithful, and the redeemed of the family of Adam, belonging to this earth, will be bound together in the heavenly patriarchal order, as a part of the great family of the heavens, to enjoy the bliss of celestial union forever and ever.” (“W. J.”, JI 19(13):195, 1 Jul., 1884)
1 Jul.: A means of enforcing requirements of the gospel.
“As time rolls on a higher standard of life is demanded of us as a people. Many things which were winked at in the past cannot be permitted now. The building of temples and the desire of the people to enter into them and attend to ordinances are a means of enforcing the requirements of the gospel upon the Saints. In order to have the benefit of temple ordinances there must be a disposition manifested to conform with greater strictness to the laws of God. This will have a marked effect upon the people; for every Latter-day Saint who has true faith in the gospel and in its ordinances will be desirous to receive the benefit of the ordinances administered in the temples, and when they know that to get the benefit of these their lives must correspond with their professions, they will conform more strictly to the teachings which they receive.” (George Q. Cannon, JI 19(13):200, 1 Jul., 1884)
2 Jul.: Temples as educational institutions.
“One of the specific uses of Temples does not appear to have such a conspicuous hold upon the minds of the people as the administration of Gospel ordinances for the living and the dead. Not only are Houses of the Lord erected for the performances of sacred rites pertaining to time and eternity, but they are also institutions of learning. This educational phase of the work pertaining to Temples is enjoined by revelation, and was exemplified in the course taken by the Prophet Joseph and the brethren who were associated with him. They entered upon and conducted various branches of learning, such as the study of languages, history, astronomy, the laws, governments and usages of kingdoms, nationalities, etc. Through this means, and by the blessings of the Lord, although Joseph was illiterate when selected as the instrument to usher in the last dispensation, he made rapid progress in self-education and attained considerable advancement as a Greek and Hebrew scholar.
That the lately completed Logan Temple will be used for this progressive purpose is foreshadowed by the dedicatory prayer, uttered by President Taylor, in which specific mention was made of this beneficient object. The acquirement of wisdom and knowledge is, according to the revelation, to be obtained by research, study and faith, and in no other place can studies be prosecuted or faith exercised to better advantage than in a Temple, where the Spirit of the Lord dwells continuously. When the intellectual powers are touched by that inspiring, quickening influence they are intensified and their grasp enlarged. Temples are necessarily houses of education, and everything connected with the Church should take the key of progress from this essential feature. The object of the Gospel is the cultivation of the whole nature of man, physical, moral, intellectual and spiritual, and there should be a constant effort in the direction of advancement. It is iterated and re-iterated that no man can take part in building up the work of the Lord and be successful, except he be endowed with His Spirit. This is undoubtedly correct, but it is also true that that influence exercises with the greatest potency through a progressive mind. The Prophet Joseph said: ‘If a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life through his diligence and obedience than another, he will have so much the advantage in the world to come.’ Not only is a man’s sphere of usefulness increased by an enlargement of understanding in this life, but correspondingly with the advancement made here will his position among the intelligences be in the future existence.
Mere inactive goodness or morality will not glorify man. Goodness should be allied to a progressive spirit, evinced by an effort to cultivate all the powers he has inherited from his Maker. To this purpose will Temples be put, and from them, as educational centres, will a progressive influence constantly radiate to the body of the Saints composing the Church.” (Editorial, “Temples as Educational Institutions,” DN 33(24):374, 2 Jul., 1884)
29 Jul.: In by 7 a.m., out by 4 p.m.
“Early in the morning of July 29th, we went to Salt Lake City to get married. I stopped at Mrs. Hannah Olsen’s home and George stopped at a hotel up town. Next morning we went to see about our Temple clothing. Mrs. Emeline B. Wells had charge of the clothing. Her house stood where the Zion’s Savings Bank now stands and faced the north. There were large flat rocks to her door. Mrs. Wells was a very pleasant lady and small in stature. When George went through the door he had to stoop to get in. We arranged for the hire of the clothes and paid her. We had dinner up town and then went back to Mrs. Olsen’s where I stayed the night.
The next morning we drove our team up town and left it at the old Tithing yard. The horse-drawn cars didn’t run early enough to get us to the Endowment House. We went in at 7 o’clock A.M. . . . [CHECK ORIGINAL TO SEE WHAT WAS DELETED HERE] We were married by Daniel H. Wells. Came out at 4 P.M. tired and hungry.” (Minnie Petersen Brown autobiography; in Treasures of Pioneer History 4:307-308, 1955)
30 Jul.: Cremation.
“A company has been formed in Philadelphia to promote the practice of cremation and erect a large crematory. Burning the bodies of the dead does not strike mankind with favors. It seems an unnatural and shocking method of disposing of the dead departed. This may be owing to custom and tradition. But the sweetest idea of death is, that it is a peaceful sleep which is to be awakened by the trump of the resurrection, and the body is laid away to rest, until the morning of the Lord’s great day shall dawn and the Sun of Righteousness shall arise, whose rays of light and life shall warm the sleeping dust and quicken it into immortality. The change that is wrought upon it in the grave is left to the quiet forces of nature, while cremation is a violent and artificial process, and disturbs those sentiments of repose and peace which come with an interment where faith assuages grief.
Some object to cremation on the ground of its inconsistency with the Christian doctrine of the resurrection. We do not see any force in that. No particle of matter is destroyed by fire, it is merely changed in form and reduced to primitive elements, or in their direction, for it is not clear that the action of fire extends so far as to resolve organized matter into its primal atoms. The same power that can call forth from the tomb a body that has decayed and gone to dust, can quicken the dried ashes, and draw from the elements the gases that have been dispersed by the flames of the crematory. How much of the actual particles that are seen now by the natural eye is necessary to the re-formation of the human frame into a spiritual body with flesh and bones does not at present appear. But this is certain: The power that can resurrect the body from the grave or from the sea can bring it forth from any place or condition in the universe. Belief in the resurrection implies belief in God, and with Him all things are possible.
There are two objections to the crematory process which appear to us well grounded, apart from sentiment and prejudice, religious or natural. One is the encouragement it might afford to criminals, and the other, the aid it might give to the spread of disease. A body burned to ashes would be cleared fo all traces of poison if that had been the cause of its decease. It would be useless, in case of suspicion of foul play, after cremation, to attempt a post mortem examination to determine the caues of death. The poisoner would have a much better chance to escape detection and this might have a bad effect in making the poisoner’s path more easy.
It is declared by competent chemists and physicians that the burning of the bedding and clothing of patients afflicted with smallpox or other zymotic diseases, has the effect of causing the germs to pass into the air without diminishing their virulence, and thus of spreading them abroad and aiding them in their work of death. In cremation, while a portion of the body is precipitated and forms ashes in the retort, another and considerable portion passes off through the chimney into the air and mingles with that atmosphere which the living have to breathe.
Thus the germs liberated by the fire and floating off without destruction, would be likely to affect a large area in the immediate neighborhood. While interment makes the matter safe; for the earth is the natural cleanser and the most potent deodorizer, changing that which has been deadly into fair forms of life and beauty.
We believe the burying of the dead is the proper method of their disposal. Earth goes back to earth in a natural way. The body takes its sleep. The grosser particles pass from each other in peace and quietude. There is no violent shock to the feelings of the survivors, like that of the crackling of the flames as they rend and burst asunder the bones and flesh, and lick up the fluids of the form which fond relatives mourn over, and no sickening odor tainting the air like that around the crematory. A good sweet sleep in the bed of mother earth is, after all, a better prospect than a terrible consumption in the flames of a furnace.” (Editorial, “Cremation,” DN 33(28):438, 30 Jul., 1884)
15 Aug.: Temples to be used also as houses of learning.
“There is another use to which temples are put that will prove of great benefit to the rising generation of the Latter-day Saints. The Lord has commanded His people to ‘seek out of the best books, words of wisdom, to seek learning even by study, and also by faith.’ He has commanded us to make our temples houses of learning, in which His people may receive instruction in every useful science. In the temple in Kirtland much valuable instruction was given to the Elders. The Prophet Joseph himself, through instruction received there, made considerable progress, especially in a knowledge of languages. Others of the Elders also studied diligently tehre and acquired much useful knowledge. Circumstances prevented the Saints at Nauvoo from deriving any benefit of this character from the temple, for they were scarcely permitted to receive the ordinances therein, being compelled to flee from their enemies. It was not long until the temple itself was burned, a fate at which the Saints rejoiced more than they would have done had the building, used for such holy purposes, remained in the hands of the wicked. It will not be long, we hope, before, in the temple just completed at Logan, we shall have branches of education taught that will be of great value to all who shall have the privilege of becoming students.” (George Q. Cannon, JI 19(16):248, 15 Aug., 1884)
3 Sep.: Ordinances after the resurrection.
“[Funeral of Margaret T. Smoot] W. Woodruff spoke 40 M. He gave it as his opinion that whatever ordinances were necessary for the Salvation of the Souls of Men that were not performed in this life would be done after the Resurrection. Even that Children would grow up after the resurrection and receive all the Blessings of Adult persons on Earth.” (Wilford Woodruff diary, 3 Sep., 1884)
24 Sep.: Gentile schools grounds for denying recommends.
“Attended the Council & prayer Circle. We discussed a Number of Questions. What shall be done with those who send their Children to school to our Enemies? Not Permiet them to partake of the sacrament or ordinances of the Temple.” (Wilford Woodruff diary, 24 Sep., 1884)
5 Oct.: Each new temple stirs up Satan.
“When Joseph Smith committed the keys of the Priesthood unto his brethren, and rolled the burden upon their shoulders of carrying forward this work–in his urgeng haste to biuld the Temple of Nauvoo, in his urgent haste to commit to his fellow servants all that God had committed to him–from that day the Kingdom of our God has grown in majesty and in strength, and at the same time has called forth opposition such as it never met with before. Every Temple that we build excites additional hatred, increases the volume of opposition, the volume of hostility, and the threatenings of the wicked. Every Temple that we have thus far completed–and every Temple of which we lay the foundation–has been another testimony in favor of God, and has brought strength to the people of God, in enlisting the hosts in the eternal world upon our side; but at the same time there has been stirred up, from the very depths of hell, all the damned, Satan and his legions, to unite with their agents upon the earth in an endeavor to destroy this work, and to do everything in their power to obliterate it from the face of the earth: for hell is engaged at the work we are doing: hell is stirred up at that which we are accomplishing. Satan sees that which he dreads. He sees a people guided by the holy Priesthood. He sees a people gathered together according to the promise of God, filled with the power of God, led by His everlasting Priesthood, and seeing this, He is determined to exert every power, every influence that he can muster for the purpose of preventing the spread and growth of this work. He is determined to do this, and we can see it.” (George Q. Cannon, 5 Oct., 1884; JD 25:326)
5 Oct.: Who shall go into our Temples?
“We are rearing, as I have said, temples. And who shall enter into the temples of our God? Shall the drunkard, the whoremonger, the blasphemer, the Sabbath-breaker? Shal the man who does not train his family as he should do, who is not living a godly life? I tell you, my brethren and sisters, the time has come when a higher standard of purity must be observed by us as a people than has been in the past. We must live worthy of these blessings which God has bestowed upon us. If we do not God will withdraw His Spirit; God would condemn His servant who stands at the head of this Church, were he to permit wickedness to enter into these holy places. Therefore, the servants of God are strictly charged concerning these things. O, you adulterers! O, you whoremongers! O, you drunkards! O you Sabbath-breakers! O you dishonest men, and you hyporcites who have a place and a name among the Latter-day Saints! I say, woe! unto you unless you repent of your sins, unless you forsake everything that is evil and humble yourselves before God, and ask forgiveness from Him; for I tell you the Spirit of God will be withdrawn from you, and you will be left to yourselves and become as withered branches only fit for burning, unless you heartily, sincerely, profoundly, from the bottom of your hearts, repent of all your sins and put them far from you. God will not bear with you any longer. The sinner in Zion will tremble. That day will come. Fear will come upon the hypocrite. Therefore, repent of your sins before it is too late. And if you do you may enter into the holy places which God has provided. But O ye Presidents of Stakes and ye Bishops, you must be on the watch tower about these things, for God will hold you accountable. The sins of the people will be found upon your garments in the day of the Lord Jesus, if you do not cleanse impurity from the midst of your wards. If you recommend men who are unworthy, through tenderness of heart and through sympathy, when they are wicked, I say to you, in the name of Jesus Christ, that the condemnation of God will rest upon you, and He will hold you to a strict accountability. For God has not chosen men to preside without laying upon them responsibility of a very grave and weighty character. He holds us accountable for these things.” (George Q. Cannon, 5 Oct., 1884; JD 25:327-328)
5 Oct.: Endowed who commit adultery can’t be rebaptized.
“Now let it be known throughout all Israel, as the word of the Lord to us for the present, through his servant who stands at the head, that a man who commits adultery, a man who has had his endowments, cannot be baptized again into the Church. Let it be known throughout all Israel, as the word of God through His servant, who stands at the head, that a man who has had his endowments and commits whoredom, cannot now be received into the Church again. These must be cut off; because the law that was given in the early days of the Church concerning a man committing adultery once and being received back into the Church does not apply to-day. There has been a higher law since then, namely, the endowments, and men have taken upon themselves, and women also, sacred obligations in holy places. Therefore, hear it and understand it. Let it be given out in all the congregations of the Saints; let it be known everywhere throughout the land of Zion, so that if a man is tempted to do that deed, or a woman, that they will pause in view of the terrible consequences which await its commission–that they will pause and ask themselves the question–can I do this at the expense of my salvation and my exaltation in the presence of God?” (George Q. Cannon, 5 Oct., 1884; JD 25:328)
“Who shall enter the Temples which we are erecting to our Lord? A time is here when a higher standard of purity is required from those who enter holy places. The adulterers, whoremongers, blasphemers, dishonest men have need to tremble, for the blessings of God will be withdrawn from them, for the day is to come when the sinner in Zion will tremble and fear will come upon the hypocrite. The sins of the unworthy among the people will be found upon the skirts of the Bishops and the Presidents of Stakes who do not clear iniquity out of their Wards or Stakes or who recommend them to the privilege of the Temple. A higher law has been given regarding adultery, that those who have had their endowments and then commit themselves in this manner cannot be rebaptized into the Church. Let this be known in all the congregations of the Saints that those who may feel tempted may consider that if they fall they do so at the price of their salvation. This will not be a land of Zion to the adulterer, the hypocrite, the Sabbath-breaker, the man who does not pay his tithing.” (George Q. Cannon, 5 Oct., 1884; General Conference minutes, 5 Oct., 1884, DN 33(38):597, 8 Oct., 1884)
7 Oct.: Don’t allow adulterers into the temples.
“What shall we do? Live our religion, be true to our covenants, and keep the commandments of God. What shall the Presidents of Stakes do? Look after our Stakes, and if you find adulterers or adulteresses akmong you, don’t permit them to go into the temples of God; for we won’t have such people; they cannot be sanctioned by us, nor have our fellowship. We will not have them; the world may take the strumpets; they may wallow in their filth, but we will not have our holy places polluted by people calling themselves Latter-day Saints, who indulge in these abominable practices; we will not have them; and anybody who permits them to go into these holy places will have to be responsible for it. Many Bishops do it, they will be held responsible. Therefore, be careful, you Presidents of Stakes and you Bishops, how you act, and look well after your people, for be it understood that before our Lord Jesus Christ shall come, ‘righteousness shall go before Him and shall set ups in the way of his steps.'” (John Taylor, 7 Oct., 1884; JD 25:312)
8 Oct.: No ordinances for suicides.
“We Met in Council in the forenoon (of Fifty). We Met in the After noon with the Presidets of Stakes. The question was Asked what shall be done for those who Commit suicide? Leave them in the hands of God. Perform no ordinances for them.” (Wilford Woodruff diary, 8 Oct., 1884)
8 Oct.: No recommends for PEF debtors.
“A meeting of Presidents of Stakes, etc. was held in the afternoon. There were present Presidents John Taylor, Cannon, Apostles W. Woodruff, L. Snow, E. Snow, F. D. Richards, B. Young, A. Carrington, M. Thatcher, F. M. Lyman, G. Teasdale, H. J. Grant, J. W. Taylor, Patriarch J. Smith, Pres. of Seventies Eldredge, Gates, Cannon, Young, Morgan, Presiding Bishops Preston, Burton & Cannon. Stake Presidencies– . . .
[A. Carrington] was in favor of those only receiving temple blessings who paid their P.E.F. indebtedness or who made satisfactory arrangements to do so. Would like the Bishops to help the Fund to hunt up the addresses of debtors.” (JH 8 Oct., 1884)
12 Oct.: Adulterers who had received endowment.
“[John Taylor] It was shown that those who commited adultery that had received blessing in the House of the Lord could not be forgiven but must be cut off the church and delivered over to the buffetings of Satan, that they could not come into the church again by baptism.” (Charles L. Walker diary, 12 Oct., 1884)
18 Oct.: Temple work for all who have ever been born.
“Our ancestors have, in common with others, been destitute of the power and the authority of the Holy Priesthood. Hence we build temples; hence we go into these temples and attend to the ordinances of life and salvation for our kindred who have died in ignorance of this power, or were in a position where they could not have it exercised in their behalf. They could not be baptized for the remission of their sins; they could not have hands laid upon them for the reception of the Holy Ghost; they could not have any other ordinance administered unto them, because the authority to administer was not upon the earth, and whatever might be done in the name of God or in the name of Jesus, by those who thought they had the authority, or who assumed to possess it, was of no avail so far as salvation was concerned; so far as acceptance by the Lord our God is concerned it was as though nothing had been done. Hence it is that in these last days, God having in His great kindness and mercy, opened the heavens once more and sent from heaven that authority which has so long been withdrawn–God having done this, we are put in possession of the authority to administer to each other the ordinances of live and salvation, and not only to administer to each other, but to exercise that authority in behalf of those who have lived before us, lived in ages that are past, so that we can connect generation unto generation until we reach back to the time when our ancestors did hold the Holy Priesthood. In this manner the work of salvation will progress, until throughout the millennium, temples will be built, and the servants and handmaidens of God will go into these temples and officiate, until all who have been born upon the face of the earth, who have not become sons of perdition, will be redeemed, and the entire family be re-united, Adam standing at the head.” (George Q. Cannon, 18 Oct., 1884; JD 26:246-247)
19 Oct.: Temple ordinances outside the temples.
“I was lately called upon as a witness–perhaps you may have seen some account of it in the papers–and I want to make some explanation in relation to the matter that I then presented, because they are not generally understood. . . .
I was asked if certain ordinances could be performed in different places. I told them, yes, under certain circumstances. ‘Where,’ I was asked–‘Anywhere besides in temples?’ Yes. Anywhere besides the Endowment House?’ Yes. ‘Where, in some other house?’ In another house or out of doors, as the circumstances might be. Why did I say that? Is not a temple the proper place? Yes; but it is said in our revelations pertaining to these matters:
Verily, verily, I say unto you, that when I give a commandment to any of the sons of men, to do a work unto my name, and those sons of men go with all their might, and with all they have, to perform that work, and cease not their diligence, and their enemies come upon them, and hinder them from performing that work; behold, it behoveth me to require that work no more at the hands of those sons of men, but to accept of their offering.
Thus under such circumstances we perceive that our operations elsewhere will be all correct; it makes no difference. It is the authority of the Priesthood, not the place, that validates and sanctifies the ordinance. I was asked if people could be sealed outside. Yes. I could have told them I was sealed outside, and lots of others.
I want to show you a principle here, you Latter-day Saints. When Jesus was asked if He thought it was proper for His disciples to pluck ears of corn on the Sabbath day, He told them ‘The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath.’ What else? I will say that man was not made for temples, but temples were made for man, under the direction of the Priesthood, and without the Priesthood temples would amount to nothing.
I speak of these things for your information: but men are not authorized to act foolishly about these matters. The temples are places that are appropriated for a great many ordinances, and among these ordinances that of marriage; but, then, if we are interrupted by men who do not know about our principles, that is all right, it will not impede the work of God, or stop the performance of ordinances. Let them do their work, and we will try and do ours.” (John Taylor, 19 Oct., 1884; JD 25:355-356)
1 Nov.: “Why did Mamma go to Heaven?”
“Why did mamma go to heaven,
Leaving her own darling here alone,
After saying how she loved me,
Calling me her little pet, her own?
After telling me so often
I should never wander from her side;
That she knew no joy without me–
Why did mamma leave her joy, her pride?
Chorus:
Heavenly Father wanted mamma
To return and dwell with Him above;
But she watches ever faithful
Over thee sweet object of her love.
If our Father in the heavens
Took dear mamma from the earth away,
Why not take her darling with her,
And not leave her here alone to stay?
If she watches ever o’er me,
Why does she not speak a word to me?
Why not clasp me to her bosom?
Why not kiss, or hold me on her knee?
Mamma darling, oh I’m longing
Just to hear your gentle voice again
Singing softly as you used to,
Soothing all my little grief and pain;
Oh I’m longing for the pressure
Of your hand uon my aching brow,
And if Heavenly Father’s willing,
Say I’m ready to come to you now.
2nd Chorus:
Wait my darling, wait a little;
Life is but a moment at the best;
Soon and certain you shall follow,
And if good with mamma you’ll be blest.”
(Evan Stephens, JI 19(21):335, 1 Nov., 1884)
14 Dec.: Selection of Salt Lake Temple site.
“Bro. [Wilford] W.[oodruff] also told of the day the Pioneers came in to this valley. Pres. Young was sick as they emerged from the canyon and had been for several days; but as they came down into this valley he recovered and the day after the arrival was able to walk about. While looking and walking over the land Pres. Young suddenly stopped and planting his cane on the ground said, ‘On this spot the Temple of our God will be erected,’ and it proved to be exactly the spot on which our fine Temple now stands. These incidents were related to prove that God blesses His prophets with super-natural powers.” (A. H. Cannon diary, 14 Dec., 1884)
Our second endowments.
“Forty years ago [1884], when President Merril was the President in the logan Temple he gave me a great blessing while I was there with my husband having our second endowments. He said my mission on this earth was to tend the sick. He commanded me to go forth and take care of the sick. * * * It is evident that this blessing was inspired and he also said I would live long on the earth and be a queen among queens in the eternal worlds and said many more great things that I cannot remember at this time. I had to be helped into the temple but walked out without help. This had always been a strong testimony to me.” (“A Sketch of the Life of Mrs. Sarah Burbank, Written at Richmond, Utah March 13, 1924, by Herself at the age of 89 years.”., Ms/d/136/Bx l/fd 26; c1884.)