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CHAPTER II.
Was Joseph Smith a Polygamist?
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Brief History of Smith and Mormonism
Joseph Smith was born December 23rd, 1805, in Sharon, Vermont, and was killed June 27th, 1844, in Carthage, Illinois. Many thousands regard this remarkable man as a false prophet, one who was guilty of many crimes, including lying, stealing, treason, blasphemy, adultery, concubinage, spiritual wifery, and polygamy, while thousands regard him -,is a Prophet, Seer, Revelator, Translator, God's sole mouthpiece to give commandments to his church, Christ's Apostle to organize "the only true church upon the face of the whole earth, with which I and the Lord am well pleased," and that Smith's words and commandments were but the voice of the Almighty. Doctrine and Covenants, 1, 4-5; 19.
Churches All Wrong
They believe that God came all the way from heaven to introduce Christ to Joseph the very first time that Joseph ever condescended to offer a prayer vocally, and that Christ stood over him while Smith reclined under a tree, and told him that all the sects or churches were wrong, that he must join none of them, that the creeds were all an abomination in his sight, and those professors were all corrupt; they were just giving God lip-service, while their hearts were far from him. In other words, the membership of the Christian church, both member and parson, were a parcel of hypocrites. Church History, Vol. 1, Page 9.
Joseph Smith was informed that the church combined was the church of the Devil, the Mother of abominations; that they had taken many parts away from the Bible, and added much to it, in order to deceive the nations, and that God had now come to appoint Joseph Smith to translate the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, and restore hundreds of verses that the great and abominable church had left out, and take out hundreds of verses that "The Mother of Harlots and her daughters" had put in. Hence, Joseph Smith gave us a new Bible. For proof of the above read Preface of Smith's Bible, also Doc. and Cov., 42-15; 42-5; 90-12; 6-12; 34-5. Pratt on Bible, page 19.
They believe that "There are save two churches only, the one is the church of the Lamb of God, and the other is the church of the devil, wherefore whoso belongeth not to the church of the Lamb of God belongeth to that great church, which is the mother of abominations, and she is the whore of all the earth." Book of Mormon, I Nephi, e, 220-223.
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They believe that Joseph Smith was directed to a certain place on a hill in the State of New York, where an Angel delivered to him a record taken from a stone box. This record, we are told by them, was translated by J. Smith, and was furnished to the world under the title of "The Book of Mormon." This is said to be a sacred scripture belonging to the people who lived upon the continent of America many hundreds of years before the great Columbus discovered it; that it contains the fullness of the Everlasting Gospel, the Everlasting Covenant, and those who refuse to believe in this book will be damned. Evidence of Bible and Book of Mormon, compared, Page 5,8. D. C. 1-5.
They teach that God so directed that J. Smith obtained several mummies imported from Egypt. Inside the wrappings of one mummy was found a history of the world as written by the hand of Abraham. This is a very valuable book, older than any part of the Bible, and is called the "Book of Abraham." This, they say, God inspired Joseph Smith to translate by use of the Urim and Thummim, see Millennial Star, Vol. 3, July 1, 1842. Pearl of Great Price, pages 48-76. Church History, Vol. 1, pages 568-569. Saint's Herald, Vol. 1, pub. 1860.
Book of Abraham
Joseph Smith published the "Book of Abraham," and with it several illustrations of the Egyptian documents, years past, and at last several world-renowned scholars examined these characters and illustrations, and have showed conclusively that J. Smith again played the base impostor, in that his purported translations are a complete fraud from beginning to end. The Editor of the Saints' Herald, a nephew of J. Smith, wrote at length regarding these exposes. Our space forbids us to follow at great length, but we wish to puncture one glaring false statement, in that he makes claim that if J. Smith's translation of the "Book of Abraham" is proved false, it does not injure his claim to translate the Book of Mormon, as the Book of Mormon was translated by a divine gift through the Urim and Thummim, while there is no claim of divine help in the translation of the "Book of Abraham," and he triumphantly affirms: "Certainly the Urim and Thummim was not used." It is both painful and disgusting to follow some members of the Smith family in their deceptive efforts to hide the awful trickery of their relative, Joseph Smith. Listen, now, for another Mormon lie exposed by their own paper, published during the lifetime of the Prophet Joseph Smith: "We have much pleasure this month in being able to give an illustration and extract from the Book of Abraham, a book of higher antiquity than any portion of the Bible. Singular. is the providence by which this ancient record fell into the hands of the servant of the Lord, Joseph Smith.
The record is now in course of TRANSLATION BY THE MEANS OF THE URIM AND THUMMIM, and proves to be a record written partly by the father of the. faithful, Abraham, and finished by Joseph when in Egypt." The Latter Day Saint Millennial Star, Vol. 3, p. 45-47, July 1st, 1842. When Pres. E. A. Smith wrote the false statement in Herald for October 20th, 1915, he had doubtless felt sure the statement
WAS JOSEPH SMITH A POLYGAMIST? 29
printed above in 1842, could not be found to expose him. Shame.
Hence the world is requested to believe, under the penalty of damnation, that God has inspired Joseph Smith as his prophet and mouthpiece to this generation, to organize the true church of Christ, Translate a new Bible, The Book of Mormon, the Book of Abraham, the Doctrine and Covenants, as also to expose the Christian churches as being a mass of hypocrisy, and to save us from such. He has inspired Joseph to organize "The only true and living church upon the face of the whole earth with which I, the Lord, am well pleased." D. C. 1-5, 1 Nephi 3-220-223.
Smith Vile, Yet True (So-Called) Prophet
Here we present the two sides of this momentous question, if the first position be true, can we accept the second position as true. Some of the leading men of the Mormon Church, including Joseph Smith, the son of the man in question (and because he was his son he was made President of one branch of the Mormon Church), says, when speaking on this part of the matter which we are considering "While I do not accept the proofs offered by you that my father was a pluralist or polygamist, as conclusive, I repeat that whether he was or was not, the gospel of Christ, as it was taught by Christ, and as recommitted through Joseph Smith, is complete and sufficient for the salvation of man, nor is it essential to the validity of that gospel that my father be proved to be a polygamist, or that I be compelled to believe that he was." -- Joseph Smith's fourth letter to L. O. Littlefield, p. 4.
"I am frank to say, however, that if all you allege in your letter to me, namely, that Joseph Smith sanctioned polygamy, that the Order of Enoch is a wicked organization, are true, I do not see how that justified your action in withdrawing from the church." -- Letter of H. C. Smith, church historian, in reply to R. C. Evans, August 1, 1918.
Brigham Young is reported to have said: "I don't care if the prophet Joseph acted like the devil. He brought forth a doctrine that will save us. He may have got drunk every day of his life, slept with his neighbor's wife every night -- I never embrace any man in my faith." -- Braden and Kelley Debate, p. 98. "I have many times, in this stand, dared the world to produce as mean devils as we can. We have the greatest and smoothest liars in the world, the cunningest and most adroit thieves, and any other shade of character that you can mention. We can pick out Elders in Israel right here who can beat the world at any game. We can beat them because we have men here that live in the light of the Lord, that have the holy priesthood and hold the keys of the kingdom of God, but you may go through all the sectarian world, and you cannot find a man capable of opening the door of the kingdom of God to admit others in. We can do that. We are not to be beat." -- Journal of Discourses, Vol 4, p.77
Now, I have taken some space to give you the facts as I find them in the books of the church, both the Utah and Reorganized Church, and both from the Prophet and his son, and Brigham and other leading lights of both factions, so it cannot be said that I am unfair. We may be wrong,
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but we have concluded that if Joseph Smith was guilty as charged, then it has much to do with our accepting his testimony. Jesus said: "Beware of false prophets. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns or figs of thistles?" Matt. 7, 15-21.
Now, we betake ourselves to examine the evidence as to his character. His friends say his death was like that of the Saviour, As Christ said, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me," so Joseph said, "O, Lord, my God." Some say that his words, as above given, were not like the Master, but were part of a signal of distress, uttered by a secret society, of which he had once been a member, but which he had disgraced. However, they claim he said he was "Going as a lamb to the slaughter," and they write of him as having shed his blood to seal the Book of Mormon, which was the covenant given for the salvation of the world, and hence they sing of him as follows:
"Hail to the prophet, ascended to heaven,
Traitors and tyrants now fight him in vain,
Pleading with God, in behalf of his brethren,
Death cannot conquer that hero again,"
Saints' harp 760; D. C., 113, 4-7; Mill. Star, Vol. 13, p. 15.
Joseph Smith escaped from Ohio charged with many sins. He escaped from Missouri charged with treason and other crimes. He was at the time of his death charged with treason against the State of Illinois, and other crimes, and his last act was to kill two men and shoot the arm off a third, and he tried to kill others, but his pistol missed fire, and he jumped out of the window, and they caught him and shot him. -- Journal of History, October, 191.8; p. 410-416.
Paul informs us in I Timothy, 2, 5: "For there is one God and ONE MEDIATOR between God and man, the Man, Jesus Christ." The teaching of the Mormon church is, that Joseph Smith has gone to heaven to assist Christ in this work. See the above hymn, "Pleading with God in behalf of his brethren." The Bible plainly teaches that Christ shed His blood to seal the Covenant by which man may be saved, but J. Smith again comes to the rescue, and we are told that J. Smith shed his blood to bring forth the Book of Mormon, for the salvation of a ruined world. D. C. 113. Shall we place J. Smith and his Book of Mormon on a par with Christ and the Bible. Is the blood of Christ sufficient? Will His pleadings prevail or do we require J. Smith to go to heaven to help Him as a mediator?
The current history of the times says that the Smith family bore an unsavory reputation. "He was a lazy, drinking, fellow; loose in his habits in every way," the family were a pack of liars, too low to associate with. Joseph and his father wandered over the country with a peep stone and a witch hazel rod, pretending to find waterways and lost treasures, buried gold, and finally Joseph claimed to find the gold plates of the Book of Mormon, and while he says God protected the Urim and Thummim for the purpose of translating the Book of Mormon, at times he says he used those spectacles, and at other times it is said he discarded them and used the peep stone. No man living can make the leading
WAS JOSEPH SMITH A POLYGAMIST? 31
Mormon statements agree on the Urim and Thummim and peep stone story. Here is a blank contradiction. Let the reader look up the notes , Braden Kelley Debate, p. 47, 119; Chambers Ency. Art Mormonism; Ency. Britt. Art Mormonism; Two Thousand Changes in the Book of Mormon, by Lamoni Call, p. 18-25; Myth of the Manuscript Found, p. 71-83.
The revelations say he must translate with the Urim and Thummim. Some say he did. And such persons as Joseph's wife and David Whitmer are strong on the point that Joseph used the Seer stone, while he put the peep stone in his hat, shut out all light, while the plates layed? covered up on the table or somewhere else. Question is, why not have left the plates in the Hill if he could translate them without looking at them? Why did the Lord carry the Urim and Thummim back and forth over the, ocean, as the Book of Mormon claims, when Joseph could get along with the translation without them?
The history shows they were given to Jared's brother about 2230 B.C., carried back over ocean and given to Moses and Aaron about 1406 B.C., then carried back to America and given to 600 B.C and "hid up" till 1827, when the Lord gave them to Joseph to do the translating with, yet he set them aside and did the trick with the peep stone (see David Whittmer's address, pages 12-30-31-32, 37, 42, 56; Joseph The Prophet, page 793-794; Myth of Manuscript Found, page 20; H. A. Stebbins, Herald, Dec. 30, 1908; Mosiah, page 1-2-3; Mormon, page 200, D. C., 3-.1, 15-1). The peep stone is said to have been found when digging a well and Joseph took it. -- Braden Kelley debate, page 47.
With all this History of silly contradictions which are impossible of belief, and with all the statements as to his character, are we compelled under pain of damnation to accept Joseph Smith as a prophet of the Lord and all his self-contradicting books as the word of God?
Was Joseph Smith Immoral?
My next position is that if it be true that Joseph Smith was guilty of gross immorality all through his life, and that he was the originator of that abomination, Mormon polygamy, and the author of that blasphemy entitled "A Revelation in Regard to Celestial Marriage," that has been the ruination of thousands of men and has broken the hearts of thousands of women, blasting the peace, joy, happiness and virtue of tens of thousands, then I say, if there is any credence to be given to the test made by Jesus Christ, "By their fruits ye shall know them," Matt. 7, the Smith claim to be a prophet, seer, revelator, God's mouthpiece and the translator of the Book of Mormon, and Book of Abraham and all his other revelations, must fall to the ground, and that it is not true that all those living in this generation will be damned if they reject him and his claims, and now to the history.
Passing over the general history of his lewdness, as presented in many of the leading histories of the world, we will try and be as careful as possible to give reference for all we state; it is recorded that
32 WAS JOSEPH SMITH A POLYGAMIST?
"Dr. McIntyre, family physician of the Smiths in Manchester, N. Y., declared that the house of Joseph Smith, Sen., was a perfect brothel."
"Eza Pierce, Samantha Payne and other school-mates of the Smiths testify that Smith was lewd, and so were the family."
"Levi Lewis testifies that while Smith was pretending to translate the plates, he tried to seduce Eliza Winters, declaring that adultery was no sin."
"Eli Johnson led a mob against Smith for being intimate with his sister, Marinda, who afterwards married Orson Hyde. Brigham Young twitted Hyde with this fact, and Hyde put away his wife."
"Fanny Brewer testifies that Smith had serious trouble in Kirtland arising from his seducing an orphan girl."
"Mr. Moreton told his daughter and her husband that Emma Smith detected Joseph in adultery with a girl by the name of Knight, and that Joseph confessed the crime to the officers of the church."
"Dr. John Stafford testified he was a school-mate of Smith's and that he (Smith) was a great admirer of Mohammed and the Koran, and that polygamy was right and that nature and the Bible taught it."
"W. W. Phelps stated that while Smith was translating the Book of Abraham he declared that polygamy would yet be a practice of the Saints." Braden-Kelley Debate, page 202.
Polygamy
Turning from these scattered testimonies, running through the early years of Smith's life, we now come to the more public time of his life. Joseph F. Smith, a relative of the original Joseph, and standing high in the councils of the Mormon church, speaking of the revelation as written on polygamy, July 12th, 1843, says: "This, however, was not the time this principle was first known to the Prophet Joseph Smith, for as early as 1831 the Lord revealed the principle of celestial and plural marriage to him, and he taught it to others." Origin of Plural Marriage, by Joseph F. Smith, page 92.
This same Apostle of the church, speaking of the marriage of "Aunt Lucy Walker," Smith Kimbal, to Joseph Smith, May 1st, 1843, says: "The strong point which he attempts to make is the fact that Lucy was married to the Prophet Joseph Smith on May 1st, 1843, while the revelation on plural marriage was dated July 12th, 1843. No one knew better than she did that the REVELATION WAS GIVEN AS FAR BACK AS 1834, and was first reduced to writing in 1843." Discussion between Joseph F. Smith and R. C. Evans, page 69. The statements of Joseph F. Smith agree with that made by Martin Harris and others that polygamy or spiritual wifery was taught and practiced by Joseph in Kirtland in the early thirties.
Some affirm that the revelation given through Joseph Smith, April 6th, 1830, known as Section 19, Doc. and Cov., is the first foundation for polygamy. It says: "Wherefore, meaning the church, thou shalt give
WAS JOSEPH SMITH A POLYGAMIST? 33
heed unto all his words and commandments, which he shall give unto you, as he receiveth them -- for his words ye shall receive, as if from mine mouth in all patience and faith."
Here, you have it; think not that all the membership of the church were wicked people; many loved God and tried to serve him, and regarded Smith as the mouthpiece of God, arid when the revelation on polygamy came, their faith was so strong that they, with broken hearts, bowed in submission to the foul mandate.
Now, we come to a little matter that has caused me trouble with the son of Joseph Smith, at the time thousands of my sermons on polygamy were burned by his order, because I inadvertently convicted his father. Here it is: Brigham Young was in England. He had a manifestation on polygamy. "Speaking on polygamy he said: While we were in England (in 1839 or 1840, I think), the Lord manifested to me by visions, and his spirit, things that I did not understand. When I returned home, and Joseph revealed those things unto me, then I understood the reflections, which were upon my mind while in England. This was in 1841. The revelation was given in 1843, but the doctrine was revealed before this." Desert News, July 1, 1874.
Now, will the reader note this point: Brigham confessed that he had some spiritual manifestation in England on polygamy. He comes home and tells it to Joseph. Then Joseph tells him he had revelations on the same matter, and in time it was written and given to the church. But just a moment, dear reader, what think you? After Brigham Young had his revelation on polygamy, and Joseph Smith had his, and they talked the matter over as Brigham says, then we are asked to believe that the Lord spoke through Joseph to Brigham Young and made him the president of the Twelve Apostles, and gave him "the keys to open the authority of my kingdom upon the four corners of the earth, and after that to send my word to every creature," Doc. and Cov., 107-40.
Joseph F. Smith states that Orson Pratt testified that Lyman Johnson told him that Joseph Smith had a revelation on polygamy as early as 1831. Pratt makes the above statement in his sermon "Does the Bible Sanction Polygamy," p. 140. This is in keeping with the Elders' Journal, edited by Joseph Smith, No. 2, page 38, published in Kirtland. November, 1837, where Joseph in an editorial says we were asked daily and hourly by all classes of persons while we were traveling, "Do Mormons believe in having more wives than one?" Martin Harris told J. M. Atwater, Mr. Chapp and others that polygamy was taught and practiced by Smith and others, in Kirtland. B. K. D. p. 202
Some writers on the question say they could print scores of affidavits of old Mormons that prove Joseph Smith practiced spiritual wifery and polygamy from 1830 to his death, and it is admitted in the Doctrine and Covenants that their conduct was of such a character that in 1834 they were compelled to make the following statement: "Inasmuch as this church of Christ has been reproached with the crime of fornication and polygamy, we declare that we believe that one man should have one wife and one woman but one husband." D. C., 111-4. Three points
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we wish to notice here. This statement does not call polygamy a crime but fornication. If they meant polygamy they would have said crimes of fornication and polygamy, but, reader, notice the wording, "With the CRIME of fornication, and polygamy," again, "One man should have ONE WIFE." It does not say he should have only one, or but one, but when it comes to the woman, "one woman but one husband." Who cannot see the deception in this statement?
Mormon Excuse For Lying About Polygamy in Early Years of The Church.
When the following questions were propounded, the following answers were given, much was said, we give but a brief, yet true report:
Q. -- "Have not the Latter Day Saints denied that a plurality of wives existed in their midst, when such was actually the case?"
A. -- "Doubtless some have because they did not know that such was the case."
Q. -- "Have not some Elders of the Latter Day Saints denied that polygamy was practised, when at the same time they positively knew that it was?"
A. -- "That is a personal question, and must be answered accordingly. I have not, neither have I heard any other Elder."
Q. -- "The question may arise in your mind -- If a plurality of wives has been prevalent in the church so long, why have not the Elders publicly preached the doctrine?"
A. --"The answer is very plain, BECAUSE NEITHER THE BODY OF THE SAINTS NOR CHRISTENDOM WERE PREPARED FOR IT -- Neither is it wisdom in the Elders to publish all knowledge the moment it is revealed to them. Your little child asks you various questions respecting its origin, or its course when it shall arrive at maturity, and makes most amusing remarks on the subject, you sit and smile at it, YOU DO NOT TELL IT THE TRUTH ABOUT THESE THINGS -- but you consider it proper and wise to EVADE its interrogations, or to refuse to answer them. It is just so in God's dealings -- with His church, and if God acts so, His servants, to be like him, must do so too. By reading the Doctrine and Covenants, 20, 16x36, 6-7, you will learn that many things were to be withheld from the saints and the world, and only to be revealed at a fitting time and season. If the doctrine of POLYGAMY had been publicly preached by the Elders when the church was in its infancy, and when the saints were comparatively ignorant and weak in the faith, it is probable that very few indeed would have been able to endure." Elder John Jaques, "Polygamy," Mill Star, Vol. 15. p. 165.
Doctor John C. Bennett had a career that was at once most spectacular and gorgeous; baptized in 1840, he helped draft the bill for the incorporation of the city of Nauvoo. He was elected first mayor of the city, chancellor of the Nauvoo University, major-general of the Nauvoo legion. In his patriarchal blessing from Hyrum Smith, brother of Joseph,
WAS JOSEPH SMITH A POLYGAMIST? 35
he was given the holy priesthood, was to have visions and dreams and the mysteries of God were to be given to him in dreams and visions, have power to heal the sick, cause the lame to walk, the deaf to hear, dumb to speak, be like Paul, and to become a patriarch. He also received a splendid revelation from the Lord through Joseph the prophet, D. and C., 107-6, and then the Lord made him one of the first presidency of the whole church until Rigdon's health should be restored. -- Times and Seasons, Vol. 2, page 387.
Well, after this Bennett started to expose Smith, claiming he was guilty of adultery, that he seduced a number of single and married females; he tried to seduce Nancy Rigdon. The story of Miss Rigdon is one of the most foul in history. The girl refused to submit and told Bennett and her parents and brother. I have before me the sworn statement of John W. Rigdon, brother of the girl and son of Sidney Rigdon. Time and space is too precious to relate it all, but we leave the horrid matter by saying that Rigdon and Smith quarreled over it and Smith soon had Rigdon out of harm's way, sending him to Pittsburg, where Rigdon lived till after the death of Smith.
Rigdon was Joseph Smith's strongest man -- his first counselor -- but he left the church and published a work in 1844, denouncing Smith in the broadest terms of unspeakable wickedness. He declares that, "The leaders of the church were monsters in human form; that Joseph was cut off for his transgression, that Joseph Smith departed from the living God, and like David and Solomon he contracted a whoring spirit and that the Lord smote him off from the earth." He says he loved Joseph, but when he found that he was teaching the unholy spiritual wife doctrine secretly and denying it openly, he was compelled to lose faith in him and denounce him. -- Messenger and Advocate, Vols. -- 1 and 2. Many pages are covered with his denunciations of Smith and his polygamist villains. Here as a concluding statement we give the following from the second volume of the Messenger and Advocate: "This system of polygamy was introduced by the Smiths some time before their death, and was the thing which put them in the power of their enemies and was the immediate cause of their death." -- Vol. 2, page 475.
William Law was baptized near Toronto and soon went to Nauvoo. He was brilliant and wealthy, and soon Joseph had him place his money in property which Joseph had to sell. Joseph had a revelation from the Lord making Law his counselor in the first presidency of the church. He was to cast out devils and raise the dead and do many wonderful works. -- D. and C., 107, 30.
William Law became convinced that Smith was an impostor and tells us in a sworn statement that Hyrum Smith, brother of the prophet Joseph read the revelation on polygamy before the high council, and then gave it to him to take home and read to his wife. Law read it to his wife, then took it to Joseph, and Joseph bore testimony that he had received it from the Lord. Law collected several of the leading men of the church, who with him had become disgusted with Smith's vile life, such men as Wilson Law, Charles Irvins, F. M. Higbee, C. L. Higbee, Robert Foster
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and Charles Foster; and they bought press and type and printed a weekly paper. In this first issue several of them exposed the revelation regarding adultery, polygamy and concubinage given to Smith July 12th, 1843, and many other vile actions on the part of Smith and others. Then Smith as prophet of the church and mayor of the city called the people out, held a meeting and ordered the press and type destroyed and thrown into the streets, and some was carried to the river. The proprietors of the press escaped with their lives, went to the county seat, swore out a writ for Smith. He escaped but was sent for by his friends, returned, was bailed to appear at the next sitting of the court, but the same day was arrested on the charge of treason against the State of Illinois and placed in jail, where he shot two men dead and shot the arm off another and would name killed more but his six-shooter missed fire three times, when he jumped out of the window, and in trying to escape was shot dead.
For a complete account of the above matters the reader is requested to read Nauvoo Expositor, June 7th, 1844; the Weekly Tribune, Salt Lake City, August 4th, 1887; Joseph the Prophet, p. 746, Journal of .History, October, 1918.
After the paper published by these men, called the Nauvoo Expositor, under date of June 7th, 1844, had been destroyed, the people all over the country became aroused and to stem the tide, Joseph Smith called the city council together to discuss The Revelation of Polygamy, as referred to by those making sworn statements as published therein, the minutes of that council was published in a paper called the Nauvoo Neighbor. The same may be found also in the Millennial Star, Vol. 23, p. 754, 770, 816. We quote the following statements made by Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum, which contradict each other. -- "Councilor H. Smith referred to the revelation read to the High Council of the church, which has caused so much talk about a MULTIPLICITY OF WIVES, that said revelation was in answer to a question concerning things which transpired in former days, and had no reference to the present time."
"Then Mayor Joseph Smith said: They make a criminality for a man to have a wife on the earth while he has one in heaven, according to the keys of the Holy Priesthood -- that he had never preached the revelation in private as he had in public -- had not taught it to the anointed in the church in private, which statement many present confirmed, that on inquiring concerning the passage in the resurrection concerning, "They neither marry nor are given in marriage," etc., he received for answer: Men in this life must marry in view of eternity, otherwise they must remain as angels, or be single in heaven, which was the amount of the revelation referred to, and the Mayor spoke at considerable length in explanation of this principle." Nauvoo Neighbor, June 19, 1844.
Here these brothers admit that there was a revelation on the marriage question. One says it referred to the past, and the other that it referred to the future, after the resurrection. But the admission is fully made and is in complete agreement with sworn statements made by those
WAS JOSEPH SMITH A POLYGAMIST? 37
who heard the revelation read and others who read it and with the Revelation as published in Doctrine and Covenants, Sect. 132, Utah edition, part of which I submit in this paper.
Three Witnesses.
Permit me to expose one of the most deceptive works of the reorganized church. They fill their church papers with the pictures of the three witnesses of the Book of Mormon, tell over and over again their testimony to the Book of Mormon, doubtless written for them by Joseph Smith. They never weary of saying they never denied their testimony but, dear reader, just think of it, those three witnesses all denounced Joseph Smith as a bad man, and accused him of most everything, and left the church in less than ten years after the Mormon Church was organized.
I have already placed the statement of Martin Harris before you, that Smith taught and practiced polygamy before they left Ohio. David Whitmer says Joseph changed the revelations and was guilty of many evils, and prints a book in which he says, "I now have as much evidence to believe that Brother Joseph received the revelation on polygamy and gave it to the church as I have to believe that such a man as George Washington ever lived," and he scores the reorganized church for trying to lie out of it, and declares that God directed him to leave the corrupt church. David Whitmer's address, pages 38-45.
Oliver Cowdery, the man who wrote nearly all of the Book of Mormon for Smith, and was a president and most prolific writer, says that Christ commanded him to leave the church because of its corruption, and shows how Smith led them into sin. He declares that a society was formed with the knowledge and sanction of Joseph Smith to inflict death upon their enemies. Whitmer 's book gives quite a history of this band organized for murder. It was in full swing in 1838, when these three with many other men left. the church and fled for their lives. See Cowdery's defence, published in 1839; Shook's True Origin of the Book of Mormon, page 50-61.
Pres. Lorenzo Snow swears that on his return front England in 1843 Joseph Smith explained the doctrine of plurality of wives to him, how the Lord commanded him to have women sealed to him as wives, how Joseph saw the trouble that would follow and sought to turn away from the commandment, that an angel from heaven then appeared before him with a drawn sword and threatened him with destruction unless he went forward and obeyed the commandment. He then told him how he had Eliza R. Snow (this man's sister) sealed to him as his wife for time and eternity. Snow when an old man closed this affidavit in these solemn words: "I solemnly declare before God and holy angels, and as I hope to come forth in the morning of the resurrection, that the above statement is true." (Sworn August 28th, 1869, Origin of Plural Marriage, pages 81-82.)
One hundred or more affidavits in relation to the introduction of celestial and plural marriage are on file in the historian's office, Salt Lake City
38 WAS JOSEPH SMITH A POLYGAMIST?
and are the expressions of eye and ear witnesses, who know that the prophet Joseph Smith introduced and taught celestial and plural marriage. (Origin of Plural Marriage, by Joseph F. Smith, page 81.)
At the risk of being tedious, I submit the names of a few of the women who make affidavits that they were married to Joseph Smith, and lived with him as his wives: Lucy Walker Smith Kimbal says: "I was a plural wife of the prophet Joseph Smith and was married for time and eternity in Nauvoo, State of Illinois, on the first day of May, 1843, by Elder William Clayton. The prophet was then living with his first wife, Emma Smith, and I know that she gave her consent to the marriage of at least four women to her to her husband as plural wives, and she was well aware that he associated and cohabitated with them as plural wives. The names of these women arc Eliza and Emily Partridge and Mary and Sarah Lawrence." (Origin of Plural Marriage, pages 82-83.) See affidavit of Lucy Walker Smith.
Melissa Lot Willes, upon her oath saith "that on the twentieth day of September, 1843, at the city of Nauvoo, she was married or sealed to Joseph Smith, president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, by Hyrum Smith, according to the laws of the said church regulating marriage, in the presence of her parents, Cornelius Lott and Parmelia Lott." Origin of Plural Marriage, page 87.
When in Salt Lake City I called at the residence of Patriarch John Smith, brother of Joseph F. Smith, and son of Hyrum Smith, nephew of the original prophet John Smith, and while there his wife, Helen, told me, among many other interesting things, that "'Melissa Lott told me that when a girl she sewed for Emma Smith and took care of the children. Joseph had to pass through her room to go to Emma's room. She said Joseph never had sexual intercourse with her but once and that was in the daytime saying he desired her to have a child by him. She was barefooted and ironing when Joseph came in, and the ceremony was performed in the presence of her parents." (R. C. Evans).
Lucy Walker Smith states that when young Joseph was in Utah he called on her and asked the question, "Did my father have more (other) wives than my mother?" I answered truthfully without hesitation. Afterwards he went to Lehi, called on Melissa Lott, with whom he had been associated from early childhood, and asked, "Will you answer me one question? I come to you knowing you will tell the truth; were YOU MY FATHER'S WIFE?" "Yes, Joseph, I was." "Where is your proof?" She stepped to the stand and took the family Bible, opened to the, family record, placed it upon his knee and asked: "Do you recognize the handwriting?" "Certainly, that is your father's (Cornelius Lott's) handwriting; know it as well as my own." Then read the marriage certificate of prophet Joseph Smith and Melissa Lott. -- Origin of Plural Marriage, pages 73-74.
I could produce these, affidavits in full and submit many more that are in my possession, but will present part of a letter written by Elder William Clayton, who wrote the revelation known as section 132, in the book of Doctrine and Covenants, Utah edition, at the dictation of the
WAS JOSEPH SMITH A POLYGAMIST? 39
prophet Joseph Smith, July 12th, 1843: "I am ready to testify to all the world, I did write the revelation on celestial marriage, given through the prophet Joseph Smith, July 12th, 1843. When the revelation was given there was no one present except the prophet Joseph, his brother Hyrum and myself. It was written in the small office upstairs in the rear of the brick store which stood on the bank of the Mississippi river; the same night a copy was taken by Bishop Whitney, which copy is now here (in the historian's office), and which I know and testify is correct. The original was destroyed by Emma Smith. I again testify that the revelation on polygamy was given through the prophet Joseph Smith on the 12th of July, 1843, and that the prophet both taught and practiced polygamy I do positively know. In April, 1843, he sealed to me my second wife, my first wife being then living. I had the honor to seal one woman to Joseph under his direction." -- William Clayton, Origin of Plural Marriage, pages 92-93.
Having followed Joseph Smith to his untimely death, as he says, all through that cursed spiritual wife doctrine, I leave the general church and point to the reader that nearly all the factions practiced polygamy in some form. I care not what they called it, it meant the sexual act with women other than their legal wives. William Smith, brother of the prophet, left Brigham Young, started a church of his own and practiced polygamy. The Utah people say he was in polygamy before his brother's death, and his three wives lived in Utah till their death, Priscilla M. Smith, Sarah and Hannah Libby. -- Origin of Plural Marriages page 58; Temple Lot Evidence, page 395; Church History, vol. 3, page 200; The Messenger, vol. 2, Joseph Smith letter to Davis.
James J. Strange taught and practiced it in his church till his murder, and he professed till death that Joseph ordained him his successor.
Lyman Wight taught and practiced it, Sidney Rigdon practiced it in his little church, Gladden Bishop practiced it. (See young Joseph's letter to Mr. Davis, October 13th, 1899, Origin of Plural Marriages, page 58.)
The Reorganized Church has ever denounced polygamy. But, as David Whitmer says, they have displeased God in trying to deny that Joseph Smith taught, practiced and sanctioned polygamy and had revelations commanding its practice. This to my mind is the great sin of the Reorganized Church.
For many years the leading men of the Reorganized Church preached and wrote freely, admitting that Joseph Smith had the revelation on polygamy and that it was practiced in Nauvoo during his presidency till his death, and that it was the curse of the church and caused his death. For proof of this I now present to you their statements in as brief a manner as possible to give you the facts. I abbreviate to save time and space, which mean expense in publication.
40 WAS JOSEPH SMITH A POLYGAMIST?
Joseph Smith, The Son of The Prophet.
"I believe that during the later years of my father's life there was in discussion among the elders, and possibly in practice, a theory like the following: That persons, who might believe that there was a sufficient degree of spiritual affinity between them, as married companions, to warrant the desire to perpetuate that union in the world to come and after the resurrection, could go before some high priest, whom they might choose, and there making known their desire, might be married for eternity, pledging themselves while in the flesh unto each other for the observance of the rights of companionship in the spirit; that this was called spiritual marriage, and upon the supposition that what was sealed by this priesthood, before which this pledge was made on earth, was sealed in heaven, the marriage relation then entered into would continue in eternity. That this was not authorized by command of God or rule of the church, but grew out of the constant discussion had among the elders; and that, after a time it resulted in the wish (father to the thought) that married companionship rendered unpleasant here by incompatibilities of different sorts, might be cured for the world to come by securing through this means a congenial companion in the spirit; that there was but brief hesitancy between the wish and an attempt to put it into form and practice. That once started, the idea grew, spiritual affinities were sought after, and in seeking them the hitherto sacred precincts of home were invaded; less and less restraint was exercised, the lines between virtue and license hitherto sharply drawn, grew more and more indistinct; spiritual companionship if sanctioned by a holy priesthood, to confer favors and pleasures in the world to come, might be antedated and put to actual test here -- and so the enjoyment of a spiritual companionship in eternity became a companionship here; a wife a spiritual wife, if congenial; if not, one that was congenial was sought, and a wife in fact was supplemented by one in spirit, which in easy transition became one in essential earthly relationship. From this, if one, why not two or more, and plural marriage, on the plurality of wives was the growth." -- "Life of Joseph the Prophet," page 798-800. This book was printed by the Reorganized Church and advertised by them in their papers until they destroyed the type because it told too much.
Comment. Here the son is trying to make the position as easy as possible, yet he admits that during the latter years of his father's life there was in discussion among the elders, and possibly in practice, three stages or steps that brought the church to polygamy and destruction and to his father's untimely death.
'First step, a spiritual affinity between married companions, who went before some Mormon priest and were married for eternity,
Second step, that married companionship rendered unpleasant might be cured for the world to come by securing a congenial companion, that this was put into practice, that in thus practicing, this spiritual wifery, the sacred precincts of home were invaded, less and less restraint was exercised, the lines between license and virtue grew indistinct, and that
WAS JOSEPH SMITH A POLYGAMIST? 41
his spiritual companionship sanctioned by the holy priesthood to confer favors in the world to come might be antedated and put to actual test here, and that plural marriage or plurality of wives was the growth, this being the third step.
In the same paper he tries to protect his father, makes a feeble attempt to state that when his father became convinced that the world would make the discovery and the church would be destroyed by this abominable prostitution, he tried to stop it, but was powerless. But it was too late, and he met his untimely death, and so Brigham continued to lead the people in the way of sin, and finally grew bold, and openly preached and practiced the crime which in secret they had practiced but denied for years.
That Joseph Smith is said to have repented of his connection with polygamy, and burned the revelations that commanded the faithful to practice it, and so confessed a few days before his death, is admitted by others of the Reorganized Church, but the great sin of it all is that now that nearly all these old books are destroyed and the victims of his polygamy are dead, the Reorganized Church leads their people to believe that Joseph Smith was innocent of it all, and that Brigham Young was the scoundrel, that had the revelations and introduced its practice.
Emma Smith.
Before we leave this book I present what is often styled the deathbed statement of Emma Smith, legal wife of Joseph, as made in answer to questions propounded by her son, Joseph.
"What about the revelation on polygamy? Did Joseph Smith have anything like it? What of spiritual wifery?"
"There was no revelation on either polygamy or spiritual wives; there were some rumors of something of the sort, of which I asked my husband. He assured me that all, there was of it was that in a chat about plural wives he had said: "Well, such a system might be, if everybody was agreed to it, and would behave as they should. But they would not, and besides it was' contrary to the will of Heaven." No such thing as polygamy or spiritual wifery was taught publicly or privately before my husband's death that I have now, or ever had any knowledge of." Life of Joseph the Prophet by Tullidge, page 792.
Comment. Is it not strange that for many years Joseph was challenged to ask his mother, but he waited till she was about ready to enter the grave before he approached her on this momentous question? Then it is recalled that this purported statement is not signed or written by Emma nor did she give it under oath. Then it must he remembered that the sworn statements to the contrary of the Laws and Cowles published twenty days before the prophet's death and corroborated afterwards by the affidavits of Fullner, Grover, Soby Robnsons, and the sworn statements of many others, and lastly the statements made by Marks, Sheen and hundreds of others, including several women, who made oath that they were the wives of Joseph Smith, and many affirming that Emma
42 WAS JOSEPH SMITH A POLYGAMIST?
knew that her husband had the revelation, practiced polygamy and that she burned the revelation. Brigham Young says: "Emma burned the revelation." Isaac Sheen says: "Joseph had the revelations on that subject burned." William Law swears: "Mrs. Smith complained to me about Joseph keeping his young wives in her house and elsewhere, and his neglect of her. She spoke freely about the revelation and its threat against her life (eight years after the revelations were published by Brigham Young, and contains the threat upon Emma's life, as stated by her to President Law, R. C). She seemed to have no faith in it whatever, from what she said to me, and from what I learned from other sources, I have good reason to believe that Joseph and Hyrum Smith and others in the church had been practicing polygamy for a long time before the revelation came forth." Mormon Polygamy, page 191.
Emma admits they were discussing polygamy, she admits she heard rumors, she says her husband said "such a system might be if everybody was agreed to it and would behave as they should." Can anyone fail to see guilt there. This is in keeping with his position all along. The people were hard to manage, they talked too much. Some were not content to practice polygamy and keep quiet about it. The world would soon know the secret. That was his trouble. The command was "thou shalt not be found out." Keep the strong meat from the world; feed them on milk. D. C., 18, 2.
To say the least, the above makes the last testimony of Emma Smith look slightly suspicious. Thousands contradict her story.
Much more could be presented from this old book, the type of which was destroyed lest the admissions of Joseph and his mother would be urged against the husband and father. But I leave that book and go to another book which I found within the last two months. I had seen some garbled quotations from it in my hurried reading in the past, but the book itself is presented to me. It is a bound volume composed of the True Latter Day Saints' Herald, volume 1, and I quote from the best authority ever produced by the Reorganization, surely they will not deny it, for I confess, hurt as it did, my honor compelled me to admit the truth contained therein, though it well nigh broke my heart.
Isaac Sheen Testifies.
Vol. 1, No. 1, page 8-9: The editor of the paper is making claim that polygamy is sinful in the sight of the Lord, and showing not only the guilt of Joseph Smith, but trying the best he can to excuse him. Here are his words:
"In Ezekiel, 14, 1-5, the prophet says: "Then came certain of the elders of Israel unto me, an sat before me. And the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, 'Son of Man, these men have set up their idols in their heart, and put the stumbling block of their iniquity before their face; should I be inquired of at all by them? Therefore, speak unto them and say unto them, thus saith the Lord God; every man of the house of Israel that setteth up his idols in his heart, and putteth the stumbling block of his iniquity before his face, and cometh to the prophet; I, the
WAS JOSEPH SMITH A POLYGAMIST? 43
the Lord, will answer him that cometh according to the multitude of his idols; that I may take the house of Israel in their own heart because they are all estranged from me through their idols."
"We have shown you that God gave a revelation unto us in which he commanded that every man should "cleave unto his wife and none else," and that he, commanded us, saying, "repent and remember the Book of Mormon and the former commandments which I have given them, not only to say, but to do, according to that which I have written," and that in that book there is much testimony against polygamy. All these instructions were sufficient for our guidance, but "men have set up their idols in their hearts, and put the stumbling block on their iniquity before their face." This adulterous spirit had captivated their hearts and they desired a license from God to lead away captive the fair daughters of his people and in this state of mind they came to the Prophet Joseph.
Could the Lord do anything more or less than what Ezekiel hath prophesied? The Lord hath declared by Ezekiel what kind of an answer he would give them, therefore he answered them according to the multitude of their idols. Paul had also prophesied that "for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie, that they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness." Both these prophecies agree. In Ezekiel's prophecy, the Lord also says: "I will set my face against that man and will make him a sign and a proverb and I will cut him off from the midst of my people; and ye shall know that I am the Lord. And if the prophet be deceived when he hath spoken a thing, I, the Lord, have deceived that prophet, and I will stretch out my hand upon him and will destroy him from the midst of my people, Israel. And they shall bear the punishment of their iniquity; the punishment of the prophet shall be even as the punishment of him that seeketh unto him; that the house of Israel may go no more astray from me, neither be polluted any more with all their transgressions: but that they may be my people and I may be their God, same the Lord God." -- 8, 11 v.
"We have here the facts as they have transpired, and as they will continue to transpire in relation to this subject. The death of the prophet is one fact that has been realized, although he abhorred and repented of this iniquity before his death."
This branch of the subject we shall leave to some of our brethren who are qualified to explain it satisfactorily. Those who have practiced these abominations have become "a sign and a proverb" among men in accordance with this prophecy. These are the "false teachers" prophesied of by Peter, of whom he said: "Many shall follow their pernicious ways, by reason of whom, the way of truth shall be evil spoken of, and through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you; whose judgment now of a long lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not." The reason why the Lord destroyed the prophet and made those who "set up their idols in their hearts,"
44 WAS JOSEPH SMITH A POLYGAMIST?
"a sign and a proverb," made them bear the punishment of their iniquity is worthy of our earnest attention."
Comment. Here is plain admissions to the following: The church had fallen under an adulterous spirit. They desired a license from God to lead away the fair daughters of his people. They went to Joseph Smith, the prophet (not Brigham Young, as we so often taught) with this idol in their hearts; he received the revelation commanding polygamy, but just before his death he repented of this iniquity, and abhorred it; but we will permit Isaac Sheen, the editor, to make his own statement:
"The Salt Lake apostles also excuse themselves by saying that Joseph Smith taught the spiritual wife doctrine, but this excuse is as weak as their excuse concerning the ancient kings and patriarchs. Joseph Smith repented of his connection with this doctrine, and said that it was of the devil, He caused the revelations on that subject to be burned, and when he voluntarily came to Nauvoo and resigned himself into the arms of his enemies, he said that he was going to Carthage to die. At that time he also said that if it had not been for that accursed spiritual wife doctrine he would not have come to that. By his conduct at that time he proved the sincerity of his repentance, and of his profession as a prophet. If Abraham and Jacob, by repentance, can obtain salvation and exaltation, so can Joseph Smith."
Comment. Joseph repented of his connection with this doctrine (the spiritual wife doctrine is under consideration). He said it was of the devil. He caused the revelations on that subject to be burned. When he went to Carthage to die he said: "If it had not been for that accursed spiritual wife doctrine, he would not have come to that. By his conduct at that time he proved the sincerity of his repentance and of his profession as a prophet." All this cannot be denied, and as it is supported by hundreds of others, whom we were unwilling to believe in the past. But now that it is admitted by the leading men of the church, why should the present leaders try to excuse Joseph and place the blame on Brigham. Here Isaac Sheen concurs with President William Law, and Pres. Brigham Young that Emma not only knew of the revelation, but that it was burned. The two presidents say Emma burned it, the editor says Joseph had it burned."
William Marks Testifies.
Now we call attention to William Marks on the question of polygamy. He was president of the High Council at Nauvoo at the time of Joseph Smith's death. He supported the claims of Sidney Rigdon for a time, then went with the polygamous apostles under Brigham Young, then it is said he left them and joined the Strangite faction, then he joined the little church called the Baneemytes, and after all this running around he united with the Reorganized Church and ordained Joseph Smith to be the prophet, seer and revelator of the new faction. -- This man wrote in the Saints' Herald, under date of Oct. 23, 1859, published in that paper on pages 25-26 of first volume, the following:
WAS JOSEPH SMITH A POLYGAMIST? 45
"I feel desirous to communicate through your periodical a few suggestions made manifest to me by the spirit of God in relation to the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. About the first of June, 1844 (situated as I was at that time, being the presiding elder of the Stake of Nauvoo, and by appointment the presiding officer of the High Council), I had a very good opportunity to know the affairs of the church and my convictions at that time were that the church, in a great measure, had departed from the pure principles and doctrines of Jesus Christ. I felt much troubled in mind about the condition of the church; I prayed earnestly to my Heavenly Father to show me something in regard to it, when I was wrapt in vision, and it was shown me by the spirit that the top, or branches, had overcome the root in sin and wickedness, and the only way to cleanse and purify it was to disorganize it, and in due time the Lord would reorganize it again. There were many other things suggested to my mind, but the lapse of time has erased them from my memory.
"A few days after this occurrence I met with Bro. Joseph. He said that he wanted to converse with me on the affairs of the church, and we retired by ourselves. I will give his words verbatim, for they are indelibly stamped upon my mind. He said he had desired for a long time to have a talk with me on the subject of polygamy. He said it eventually would prove the overthrow of the church, and we should soon be obliged to leave the United States unless it could be speedily put down. He was satisfied that it was a cursed doctrine, and that there must be every exertion made to put it down. He said that he would go before the congregation and proclaim it, and I must go into the High Council, and he would prefer charges against those in transgression, and I must sever them from the church unless they made ample satisfaction. There was much more said, but this was the substance. The mob commenced to gather about Carthage in a few days after, therefore there was nothing done concerning it.
"After the Prophet's death, I made mention of this conversation to several, hoping and believing that it would have a good effect, but to my great disappointment, it was soon rumored about that Brothers Marks was about to apostatize, and that all he said about the conversation with the Prophet was a tissue of lies."
Comment. The Lord shows him a vision of the corruption of the church and that the only way to purify it was to disorganize it. That the "top had overcome the root in wickedness." (Joseph was the top, and wicked) that Joseph told him he desired for a long time to have a talk with him on polygamy. It had made such headway that it would eventually overthrow the church; they would soon have to leave the United States unless it could be put down, and advised that all who would not repent should be cut off the church, but in a few days the mob came and Smith was shot to death.
The reader should remember that according to the above, polygamy was extensively practiced for a long time in the church. Joseph had now been converted that it was wrong. He repented of his connection with it, abhorred his past conduct and would now try and put it down.
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He was the mayor of the city, he was the prophet, seer and revelator. He had been a crowned king, he was lieutenant-general of the Nauvoo Legion, he was the only one that had the right to give a revelation that the church is to receive. As if from the mouth of Christ, for the support of this blasphemy and autocracy, read Doc. and Cov., 19, 243, 1. So that Smith was absolute in power, and if revelations were given and polygamy was practiced, then he had those revelations, and he practiced the abomination. His own revelations and the testimony of hundreds of his victims prove this beyond question.
Joseph Smith's Last Revelation on Polygamy.
Now I will quote from the book containing the revelations of Joseph Smith, as published in the Book called the "Doctrine and Covenants" -- a book that is held to be superior to the Bible, for the reason the revelations in the Bible, they say, are unreliable, while Joseph Smith, the "Mouthpiece of God" to the church, delivered the revelations as published in the Book of Doctrine and Covenants. Now here is part of the last famous revelation as published in their own book under the date of July 12th, 1843. It contains sixty-six paragraphs and covers ten pages telling all about how to practice polygamy and concubinage, and states that a man is not guilty of adultery even if he have ten women at once as his wives, and let the reader remember that in the revelation several times over damnation is promised to those who refuse to enter into polygamy, and the highest glory is only secured by the practice of polygamy. But to the revelation, "Revelation on the eternity of the marriage covenant, including plurality of wives, given through Joseph, the Seer, in Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, July 12th, 1843": --
1. "Verily thus saith the Lord unto you, my servant Joseph, that inasmuch as you have inquired of my hand to know and understand wherein I, the Lord, justified my servants Abraham, Isaac and Jacob; as also Moses, David and Solomon, my servants, as touching the principle and doctrine of their having many wives and concubines."
2. "Behold, and lo, I am the Lord thy God, and will answer thee as touching this matter."
4. "For behold I reveal unto you a new and everlasting covenant; and if ye -abide not that covenant then are ye damned, for no one can reject this covenant and be permitted to enter into my glory."
6. "And as pertaining to the new and everlasting Covenant, it was instituted for the fulness of my glory and he that receiveth a fullness thereof, must and shall abide the law, or he shall be damned, saith the Lord."
15. "Therefore, if a man marry him a wife in the world, and he marry her not by me, nor by my word, and he covenant with her so long as he is in the world, and she with him, their covenant and marriage are not of force when they are dead, and when they are out of the world, therefore they are not bound by any law when they are out of the world."
WAS JOSEPH SMITH A POLYGAMIST? 47
16. "Therefore, when they are out of the world they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are appointed Angels in heaven, which angels are ministering servants, to minister for those who are worthy of a far more and exceeding and an eternal weight of glory." (To those who abide in the covenant is this great promise made).
20. "Then shall they be GODS, because they have no end, therefore they shall be from everlasting to everlasting, because they continue. Then shall they be above all, because all things are subject unto them. Then shall they be GODS because they have all power, and the angels are subject unto them."
21. "Verily, verily, I say unto you, except ye abide my law, ye cannot attain to this story."
26. "Verily, verily, I say unto you, if a man marry a wife, according to my word, and they are sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise, according to mine appointment and he or she shall commit any sin or transgression of the new and everlasting covenant whatsoever, and all manner of blasphemies, and if they commit no murder, wherein they shed innocent blood, yet they shall come forth in the first resurrection and enter into their exaltation."
27. "And he that abideth not this law can in no wise enter into my glory, but shall be damned, saith the Lord."
32. "Go ye therefore and do the works of Abraham, enter ye into my law and ye shall be saved."
33. "But if ye enter not into my law, ye cannot receive the promise of my father, which he made unto Abraham."
34. "God commanded Abraham, and Sarah gave Hagar to Abraham to wife, and why did she do it? Because this was the law and from Hagar sprang many people. This, therefore, was fulfilling among things, the promises."
35. "Was Abraham, therefore, under condemnation? Verily, I say unto you, Nay, for I, the Lord, commanded it."
37. "Abraham received concubines, and they bear him children, and it was accounted unto him for righteousness -- as Isaac also and Jacob did none other things than that which they were commanded. They have entered into their exaltation and sit upon thrones and are not Angels, but are Gods."
38. "David also received many wives and concubines, as also Solomon and Moses my servants, from the beginning of creation until this time, and in nothing did they sin, save in those things which they received not of me."
52. "And let mine handmaid Emma Smith (Joseph's first wife, R. C. E.) receive all those that have been given unto my servant Joseph, who are virtuous and pure before me."
61. "And again, as pertaining to the law or the priesthood; If any man espouse a virgin, and desire to espouse another and the first give her consent; and if he espouse the second and they are virgins, and have vowed to no other man, then he is justified, he cannot commit adultery,
48 WAS JOSEPH SMITH A POLYGAMIST?
for they are given unto him, for he cannot commit adultery with that that belongeth unto him and no one else."
62. "And if he have ten virgins given unto him by this law he cannot commit adultery, for they belong to him, and they are given unto him, therefore, is he justified."
64. "And again, Verily, verily I say unto you, if any man have a wife, who holds the keys of this power, and he reaches unto her the law of my priesthood, as pertaining to these things, then shall she believe and administer unto him, or she shall be destroyed, saith the Lord our God, for I will destroy her, for I will magnify my name upon all those who receive and abide in my law."
Here is the law from their own book, given by Jesus Christ to Joseph Smith, which states clearly that polygamy and concubinage is a new and everlasting covenant. Those who obey it and enter into the practice of polygamy will pass by the Angels and become Gods, while good men who have not had the privilege of practising polygamy will only be Angels to serve these polygamist gods, and those who have had opportunity to enter into polygamy and refuse to do so, will be damned. Joseph Smith's first wife had rebelled and was herein told to receive all those that have been given unto my servant Joseph," showing that he was guilty of polygamy before this revelation was given. Just think we are asked to believe under pain of damnation that Paul who had no wife will be an Angel-servant to Joseph Smith or Brigham Young who had many wives. Doc. and Cov. 132. Comment is needless.
It is but justice to say that the branch of Mormon church to which I belonged for forty-two years, known as the Reorganized church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, have never practiced polygamy, their great sin is not in practicing polygamy, but in making lies their refuge, in that for many years no part of the Mormon church including the Reorganized church ever thought of denying that Joseph had the revelation on polygamy and that he had several wives, and that it lead to his untimely death. This is clearly admitted in their public journals and private letters, but the sin of it is that after the son of the prophet decided to take his father's place at the head of the Mormon church, a council was called and the question was discussed, some leaders said, let us tell the truth, while others argued we can never make headway in the new organization if with one voice we affirm that Joseph Smith was a true prophet, seer, revelator, and God's sole mouth-piece to the church, and with another voice declare that he was playing the base hypocrite and deceiver, in that he denied publicly the charges urged against him by those leaving the church, and those outside of the church, regarding his having the revelation of polygamy and concubinage and his practising those secret abominations, and so it was decided of the two evils to accept what appeared to them to be the least, and so they entered into covenant, so we are informed, to just deny his guilt and throw the burden of proof upon those making the charges, for they argued, in a short time, there will be none living who were guilty with him and the papers, few in number as they were in those far distant years, will be all lost, and so the
WAS JOSEPH SMITH A POLYGAMIST? 49
coast will be clear and thus the deception grew till now many who hold membership in the Reorganized church believe, as I did for many years, that Brigham Young and not Joseph Smith, was the author of the revelation on polygamy. When I became convinced that Joseph Smith taught, practiced and sanctioned polygamy and concubinage, and was the author of the infamous revelation on polygamy, it was the first shock to my faith, but when my eyes were opened to that, it was not long before I began to see the cruel deceptive system as it really is, and I thank God for the light He has sent into my soul, that I have been enabled to abandon the foul system and receive Christ and the Gospel as it is found in the sacred scriptures; and while I mourn the wasted years, yet I am glad of the opportunity that is left to tell the world the facts as they have come to me and I trust that God will preserve my life till I have done my part in unmasking Mormonism.
Joseph Smith's Idol-Polygamy.
"Verily thus saith the Lord unto you, my servant Joseph, that inasmuch as you have inquired of my hand to know and understand wherein I, the Lord, justified my servants Abraham, Isaac and Jacob; as also Moses, David and Solomon, my servants, as touching the principle and doctrine of their having many wives and concubines."
Comment. Smith had the word of God, and the nations of the civilized world before him all condemning polygamy. If he loved his own wife he should know that polygamy was a heart-crusher, that which must channel the face of pure womanhood with tears of unutterable woe, and yet he came before the Lord, as Ezekiel said, with the idol of polygamy and concubinage before him. All can see who wish to see truth that the very revelation shows he was guilty before he received this revelation, and that it bears proof as stated by others that he was in the cess pit of polygamy before this revelation was given, and that this was but an enlargement of other revelations which many say he had before on the subject.
W. W. Blair Testifies.
Now let us hear the testimony of another great leader in the Reorganized Church, W. W. Blair, one of the early men of the church, and the counsellor to Joseph Smith the Prophet. He says:
"The plurality-wife revelation was never given unto the church by Joseph, and when it was made public the first organization of the church had ceased. The church had been rejected of God, and counterfeit churches under the direction of greedy wolves had supplanted the true church. The church was not commanded to give heed unto revelations which were not given unto them, but only those which Joseph gave unto them, and as that revelation was withheld from the church, and was repudiated and denounced by him, and as it was only intended for those who (according to the prophecy of Ezekiel) had "set up their idols in their hearts, therefore the church was not commanded to receive it." True Latter Day Saints' Herald, March, 1860, page 64.
50 WAS JOSEPH SMITH A POLYGAMIST?
Comment. Here it is admitted by Brother Blair that the revelation on polygamy was in existence before Smith's death, and that it "was repudiated and denounced by him," that it was not given to the church as a body. This is proof that the position taken by the Reorganization that it was not given in his time, but later, and by Brigham Young is absolutely false. The entire testimony shows that Smith taught that it was not time to give it to the world, and that many in the church could not stand the strong meat, but for the time should only have the milk. But that he had it, and taught it to the priesthood, and they to their female victims, and that he with them practiced it is beyond question.
J. W. Briggs Testifies.
Jason W. Briggs, one of the founders of the Reorganization and the President of the Twelve Apostles for many years, until he, like many hundreds of others, had his eyes opened to the false positions taken and left the church, was called to testify in the temple lot suit, said: "I heard something about the revelation on polygamy when I was in Nauvoo in 1842; I heard there was one; there was talk going on about it at that time, and continued to be." Record p. 349-505.
Writing to J. T. Clark under date of February 13th, 1888, he said: "I was at Nauvoo in 1843, the. year it was found necessary to legalize polygamy by a revelation. No, I have no doubt as to the authorship of that (so-called) revelation of July 12th, 1843. It has all the ear-marks to identify it as the production of the mouthpiece of those days." Joseph is called the mouthpiece in the revelation found in Doc. and Cov., Sec. 19, in these words, "wherefore, meaning the church, thou shalt give heed unto all his words and commandments -- for his words ye shall receive as if from my own mouth -- in all patience and faith., Yes, and it required. faith and patience on the part of those broken-hearted women who submitted to the revelations because they were persuaded that God had commanded. They were not bad women, but were the victims of misplaced confidence, and many of them found rest in hopeless insanity or the cold grave.
Ebenezer Robinson Testifies.
Ebenezer Robinson united with the church in 1835. He became clerk of the High Council in 1838; was joint, editor of the Times and Seasons until 1842. He followed Rigdon after Smith's death, and was his counsellor. He joined the Reorganization in 1863, made affidavit in 1873, as did also his wife.
"To whom it may concern:
We, Ebenezer Robinson and Angeline Robinson, husband and wife, hereby certify that in the fall of 1843, Hyrum Smith, brother of Joseph Smith, came to our house in Nauvoo, Illinois, and taught us the doctrine of polygamy. And I, the said Ebenezer Robinson, hereby further state that he gave me special instructions how I could manage the matter so
WAS JOSEPH SMITH A POLYGAMIST? 51
as not to have it known to the public. He also told us that while he had heretofore opposed the doctrine, he was wrong and his brother Joseph was right; referring to his teaching it.
(Sgd.) Ebenezer Robinson.
Angeline E. Robinson.
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 29th day of December, 1873.
J. M. Smallee, Notary Public.
"To whom it may concern:
This is to certify that in the latter part of November, or in December, 1843, Hyrum Smith (brother of Joseph Smith, President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints) came to my house in Nauvoo, Illinois, and taught me the doctrine of spiritual wives, or polygamy.
He said he heard the voice of the Lord give the revelation on spiritual wifery (polygamy) to his brother Joseph, and that while he had heretofore opposed the. doctrine he was wrong and his brother Joseph was right all the time.
He told me to make a selection of some young woman and he would send her to me, and take her to my home, and if she should have an heir, to give out the word that she had a husband who had gone on a mission to a foreign country. He seemed disappointed when I declined to do so.
(Sgd.) E. Robinson.
Davis City, Iowa, Oct. 23, 1885.
Subscribed and sworn to before me, a notary public, in and for Decatur Country, Iowa, this 24th day of October, A D., 1885. Z. H. Gurley, Notary Public."
The reader should remember that this man Robinson was a member in high standing in the church during the life work of Joseph Smith, and while it is true that Joseph Smith is not accused by him of polygamy directly, yet Hyrum Smith was Joseph Smith's brother and his chief advisor, counsellor and the presiding Patriarch of the church. If he told the truth, Joseph was guilty; if he lied, then Hyrum Smith was a liar. His testimony is corroborated by hundreds, hence it will be taken as good evidence that Joseph was guilty as stated.
This man Robinson came into the Reorganized Church and was prominent in it for years, and testified to these things through the years. Those having the Inspired Translation of the Bible, as published by the Reorganized Church in 1867, will see that Robinson, with Joseph Smith and Bishop Rogers, was a committee to publish said Bible, and as he made his affidavit in 1873 and did not leave the Reorganized Church until 1888, that he was about fifteen years holding membership in the Reorganized Church, all the while affirming under oath that Joseph and Hyrum Smith were guilty as per his statement. Why did not the Reorganized Church take action to stop this man, if he was slandering the Prophet and Patriarch? They knew better, and they know today that many of their leading men now believe that Joseph had the revelations on Polygamy and practiced that accursed doctrine.
Many of them make arguments that Joseph Smith did not have the revelation, but they excuse themselves under the cover "well he
52 WAS JOSEPH SMITH A POLYGAMIST?
did not have it just as it is published by the Brighamite Church." The facts are, many believe he had it, but that Young enlarged upon it. One leading man said to me in Dow City, Iowa: Joseph had the revelation all right, but any man with brains can see that no one person was the author of the revelation as it now appears. "What do you mean," I said. He replied, "Well, I mean this - Joseph had the revelation on polygamy and Brigham Young or some of his apostles made certain changes and additions to it, made it to read more grammatically, so that gives us a chance to make argument that Joseph Smith did not have that revelation."
This little piece of trickery to evade the real facts is in keeping with one in which twelve leading men and nineteen leading women signed the following:
"We, the undersigned members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and residents of the City of Nauvoo, persons of families, do hereby certify and declare that we know of no other rule or system of marriage than the one published from the Book of Doctrine Covenants, and we give this certificate to show that Dr. John C. Bennett's secret wife system is a creature of his own make, as we know of no such society in this place, nor never did.
S. Bennett
N. K. Whitney
George Miller
Albert Perry
Alpheus Cutler
Elias Higbee
Reynolds Cahoon
John Taylor
Wilson Law
E. Robinson
Wilford Woodruff
Aaron Johnson
"We, the undersigned members of the Ladies' Relief Society, married females, do certify and declare that we know of no system of marriage being practiced in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints save the one contained in the Book of Doctrine and Covenants, and we give this certificate to the public to show that J, C. Bennett's secret wife system is a disclosure of his own make.
Emma Smith, President.
Elizabeth Anne Whitney, Counsellor.
Sarah M. Cleveland, Counsellor.
Eliza R. Snow, Secretary.
Mary C. Miller
Catherine Petty
Lois Cutler
Sarah Higbee
Thyrsa Cahoon
Phebe Woodruff
Ann Hunter
Lenora Taylor
Jane Law
Sarah Hillman
Sophia R. Marks
Rosannah Marks
Polly Z. Johnson
Angeline Robinson
Abiball Works
The Josephites claim that the above statement positively denies the existence of the plural wife system in the church at all. While the Brighamites declare that they were aimed solely at the "secret wife system" of John C. Bennett, which they tell us was "as far removed from the
WAS JOSEPH SMITH A POLYGAMIST? 53
plural marriage system set forth in the revelation had by Joseph Smith July 12th, 1843, as lechery is from virtue and foulness is from purity."
"So with that spiritual wife doctrine which lustful men attempted to promulgate at that period. Joseph the Prophet was just as much opposed to that false doctrine as anyone could be. It was a counterfeit. The true and divine order is another thing. The errors which those the ladies who signed the affidavits declared were not known to them as doctrines of the church were not, are not, and never will be part of the creed of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. They were conscientious in their statements." Deseret News of May 20th, 1886.
The different Mormon churches have each a different method of their own, each denounces the other, but a careful reading will show that the seed of all their systems of female defilement is found in the Revelations of their first Prophet, Joseph Smith. They differ in wording, but it reaches the same end, the satisfying of the lust of the men and the assassination of the virtue of their female victims. To prove this the reader and may read up the systems employed by Joseph Smith, Brigham Young, Sidney Rigdon, James J. Strang, William Smith, John C. Bennett, Lyman Wight and others, whose names defile the pages of American history.
It is apparent that Joseph Smith desired a monopoly in this marriage business and had trouble with others desiring a share in the honor, and it was hard work for him to keep them into line as the following will show. When answering his wife regarding polygamy, he said: "Well, such a system might be, if everybody was agreed to it and would behave as they should, but they would not. Life of the Prophet, by Tullidge, page 792. Poor Joseph, he could not get his folk to behave when practicing polygamy. This must have been a sore trial for him, and, as he said, it would lead him to his death, and it surely did.
"As we have lately been credibly informed that an elder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, by the name of Hiram Brown, has been preaching polygamy and other false and corrupt doctrines in the County of Lapeer, State of Michigan;
"This is to notify him and the church in general that he has been cut off from the church for his iniquity; and he is further notified to appear at the special conference on the 6th of April next to make answer to these charges."
(Sgd.) "Joseph Smith,
"Hyrum Smith,
"Presidents of said church."
Comment. Hiram Brown's iniquity' consisted not in believing or practicing, but in preaching polygamy. Brown was the wrong man preach it, and Michigan the wrong place, as may appear from the following:
Taken from President Joseph Smith's diary for October 5th, 1843:
"Gave instructions to try those persons who were preaching, teaching or practicing the doctrine of plurality of wives; for, according to the law, I hold the keys of this power in the last days; for there is never
54 WAS JOSEPH SMITH A POLYGAMIST?
but one on earth at a time on whom the power and its keys are conferred; and I have constantly said no man shall have but one wife at a time unless the Lord directs otherwise."
We are requested to believe that the Lord advised the church by revelation through Joseph Smith to be careful and not teach the secrets of the church until the proper time came for the world to know them.
"Until the open enunciation of the doctrine of celestial marriage by the publication of the revelation on the subject in 1852, no elder was authorized to announce it to the world. The Almighty has revealed things on many occasions which were for His servants and not for the world. Jesus enjoined His disciples on several occasions to keep to themselves principles that he made known to them. And this injunction, "Cast not your pearls before swine lest they trample them under their feet and turn again and rend you," has become as familiar as a common proverb. In the rise of the church the Lord has occasion to admonish His servants in regard to revelations that were afterwards permitted to be published.
"I say unto you, hold your peace until I shall see fit to make all things known unto the world concerning this matter."
"And now I say unto you, keep these things from going abroad into the world until it is expedient in me."
"But a commandment I give unto them that they shall not boast themselves of these things, neither speak of them before the world, for these things are given unto you for your profit and your salvation." Doct. and Cov.
Under these instructions elders had no right to promulgate anything but that which they were authorized to teach. And when assailed by enemies and accused of practicing things which were really not countenanced in the church, they were justified in denying those imputations and at the same time avoiding the avowal of such doctrines as were not yet intended for the world. This course which they have taken when necessary, by commandment, is all the ground which their accusers have for charging them with falsehood.
From the hundreds of leading men and women of the church, under Joseph Smith, the prophet, I herewith submit the evidence of a few to show beyond question, many of them under oath, that Joseph Smith had revelations authorizing the practice of polygamy and that he had many wives, sealed to him, who lived with him in all the earthly relationship touching married life, many of the women under oath testifying to this fact.
It is a great sorrow to me to have given forty-two years to the defence of this man, schooling myself to believe that those who had testified against him had misrepresented him, and then to discover that I was mistaken, and that he was guilty. But what distresses me more than anything else is that the leaders of the Reorganized Church admitted his guilt, as shown in this paper, and when they concluded that the witnesses were nearly all dead, or soon would be, and the few papers printed which proved his guilt were nearly all destroyed, that they would deny all guilt
WAS JOSEPH SMITH A POLYGAMIST? 55
on the part of Smith and place the guilt on Brigham Young. When I became fully convinced of this monstrous deception, in which I with thousands of others had been victimized, I could do but one thing, and that was to denounce it and sever my connection with the rulers who have agreed to make lies their refuge, and under falsehood hide the guilty.
To take this step has cost me much that is dear in life. Thousands throughout the world who love me will now despise me and think that I have forsaken the way of the Lord and become the enemy of truth. Ah, could they feel what I feel, they would know that it is stern duty and love of the right that compels me to take the step that hurls me out of their lives forever. I shall do what I can to show them the sunny way of Christ untarnished with this hideous bugbear and to this end have I devoted my life.
The Last Straw
Let me say that the leaders of the Reorganized Church, since I tendered my resignation and left them, have written several tracts and have published more than 200 feet long, and a column wide of matter in their three church papers against me, claiming that I have admitted that I was convinced of all this polygamy and other infamous conduct of Joseph Smith and his people, for more than ten years before I left their church, and thus they argue that I was a hypocrite and a liar all these years when representing the church. In reply to that I wish to say they cruelly misrepresent me. I nowhere have asserted that I was convinced of all that dirt ten years before I left them. The truth is simply this: it is true that for years I have read and heard stories concerning Smith, but I had such confidence in him that I refused to believe them, first because many of those stories were told by those who were guilty of polygamy themselves, or by those who never were Mormons, and could only give hearsay statements. I admit they at times. staggered me, but when I read the positive and at times sworn statements of the leading men and Women of the Reorganized Church, such as Joseph Smith, his mother, W. W. Blair, Isaac Sheen, the Robinsons, President Briggs, President Marks, the Gurlies and a host of others, I was made powerless to oppose longer. I then began to measure the statements made by the people who had testified against him from his childhood till his untimely death with those of the Reorganized Church, and my last effort of resistance was taken from me.
One straw would not break the camel's back, but continue to pile straw on, then it is said "the last straw breaks the camel's back." One drop of water would not drown a person, but let the drops come faster and faster and in larger and larger quantities and sufficient water will come to drown the man. I carried the burden till it broke me down. I battled mid the surging waters till the waves overcame me. For some years I had little to say concerning Joseph Smith's private life, nor did I try hard to defend him on the question of polygamy. When men at times took extravagant positions concerning him, I tried to show the weakness of their position. On one or two occasions I examined their evidence, and I
56 WAS JOSEPH SMITH A POLYGAMIST?
did this among my fears and doubts, still hoping that light would come, but the more I read and the more I studied, the more I was silenced. One by one the former arguments were demolished, position after position was broken down, until I was finally convinced that Joseph Smith early in life was dishonest and lewd, and that long before polygamy was established in his church by the publication of a written or printed revelation, he practiced evil and he had several revelations on the matter and finally gave the famous revelation under date of July 12th, 1843, which hurried him on to his untimely death. That this is the true position regarding the matter I am now fully convinced.
Some argue that I have committed an unpardonable sin because I have changed my mind and become converted from darkness to light. Abraham (Josh. 24, 2), Moses (Exodus, 2), changed their minds. The apostles (Matt. 18: 1, 3), after years of intimacy with Jesus had to become converted to the great light. Paul, honest and sincere, was wrong and had to change, Acts. 9: 1-2. Millions of honest people have had to change. Why should I be slandered because I have grown in grace and in the knowledge of the truth?
Mormons Teach That Both God and Christ Had Many Wives and That Polygamists Will Become Gods and Preside Over Worlds Like God.
That the doctrine of polygamy and many gods was taught by Joseph Smith is already proven in this work, but we purpose to give quotations from the leading works of Smith and other prominent Mormons that tell the story in their own words.
"You have got to learn to be Gods yourselves -- the same as all other Gods have done, -- by going from one small degree to another until you are able to sit in glory as does those who are enthroned in everlasting power." Joseph Smith, King Follett Sermon.
We have given a brief history of the Book of Abraham, as translated by Joseph Smith, elsewhere in this book. That this book was considered the Word of the Lord, we quote from both the Utah and Reorganized Mormon leaders:
"The Book of Abraham translated from Egyptian Papyrus through the Gift and Power of the Holy Ghost, by Joseph the Seer ." O. Pratt, The Seer, page 68.
"The Book of Abraham was translated by the Gift and Power of the Holy Ghost by Joseph Smith." Reorganized Church Herald, 1860, page 270.
"We propose to prove that all the revelations which Joseph Smith gave unto the church, we are bound to give heed unto, if the first edition of that book is divine (Doctrine and Covenants) all the subsequent revelations which are contained in the Book of Covenants, In the Book of Abraham, etc., Are Equally Divine." Saints' Herald, 1860, p. 63. Shook on Polygamy, page 162, shows Pres. Blair wrote the article from which I quote from the Saints' Herald.
WAS JOSEPH SMITH A POLYGAMIST? 57
"This record (Book of Abraham) is now in course of translation by means of the Urim and Thummim." Editor of Mill Star, July, 1842, pages 45-46.
Here we have it stated by themselves that the Book of Abraham was translated by the gift and power of the Holy Ghost, by means of the Urim and Thummim, and is equal to any revelation given by God to Smith. Now we will show that in this Book of Abraham, the doctrine of many gods is presented to the world by Smith, and that both the Utah and Reorganized Churches taught and believed it.
"The Scriptural evidences show that the revelations in the New Translation of the Bible (Smith's new bible), and in the Book of Abraham concerning the Gods all harmonize together." Saints' Herald, 1860, page 283.
Statement Quoted From Book of Abraham.
"And the Gods said, 'Let there be light'; the Gods called the light day; and the Gods organized the earth; and the Gods said, 'let us prepare the waters'; and the Gods prepared the earth; and the Gods took counsel among themselves; the Gods went down and organized man; and the Gods planted a garden; and the Gods said, 'let us make a helpmate for Adam'; and the Gods formed every beast of the field." Book of Abraham. See Mill Star, July 1842, also the Pearl of Great Price, 1888, Saints' Herald, 1860, page 284.
We have shown from Joseph Smith and the Utah and Reorganized church, publications their defense of the many Gods, none can deny this.
"Now hear it, O inhabitants of the earth, when our Father Adam came into the garden of Eden, he came into it with a celestial body and brought Eve one of his wives with him. He is our Father and our God and the only God with whom we have to do." Brigham Young Sermon, Mill Star, Vol. 15, page 769, 1853.
Mormons Teach God and Christ Both Had Many Wives and Christ Was Not Begotten by The Holy Ghost But By Adam, Who is the God of This World.
When the virgin Mary conceived the child Jesus, the Father had begotten him in His own likeness, He was not begotten by the Holy Ghost, and who is the Father? He is the first of the human family, and when he took a tabernacle, it was begotten by his father in heaven, after the same manner as the tabernacles of Cain and Abel and the rest of the sons and daughters of Adam and Eve. Now, remember from this time forth and forever, that Jesus Christ was not begotten by the Holy Ghost." Sermon by Brigham Young, Mill Star, Vol. 15, pages 769, 1853.
"The Gods who dwell in the heavens from which our spirits came, are beings who have been redeemed from the grave in a world which existed before the foundation of this earth was laid. These Gods being redeemed from the grave with their wives, are immortal and eternal, and will die no more, but they and their wives will be supremely happy. All the endearing ties of conjugal love, which existed in their bosoms when
58 WAS JOSEPH SMITH A POLYGAMIST?
terrestrial and fallen beings, are now greatly increased and perfected." Apostle Pratt, in Seer, Vol. 1 and 2, pages 23-24.
"Celestial beings beget children composed of fluid which circulates in their veins, which is spiritual, therefore their children must be spirits and not flesh and bones. This is the origin of our spiritual organization in heaven. The spirits of all mankind, destined for this earth, were begotten by a father and born of a mother in heaven, long anterior to the formation of this world. In the heavens where our spirits were born there are many Gods, each one of them has his own wife or wives. Each God, through his wife or wives, raises up a numerous family of sons and daughters, indeed there will be no end to the increase of his own children, for each father and mother will be in a condition to multiply forever and .ever. As soon as each God has begotten many millions of male and female spirits, he, in connection with his sons, organizes a new world after a similar order to the one which we now inhabit, where he sends both the male and female spirits to inhabit tabernacle of flesh and bones. Thus each God forms a world for the accommodation of his own sons and daughters." Ibid No. 3, page 37.
God and Jesus Polygamists.
I had thought to pass by this most awful position taken by the Mormons, but some opine it is my duty to show the world the real teachings of this degraded system, called Mormonism, so we will give the reader a few brief quotations from their own writings as I find them in print in their leading journals.
"The fleshy body of Jesus required a mother as well as a father, therefore the father and mother of Jesus, according to the flesh must have been associated together in the capacity of husband and wife, hence the virgin must have been, for the time being, the lawful wife of God the Father. It would have been unlawful for any man to have interfered with Mary, who was already espoused to Joseph, but God having created all men and women had the most perfect right to do with His own creation, according to His holy will and pleasure. He had a lawful right to overshadow the virgin in the capacity of a husband. Inasmuch as God was the first husband to her, it may be that he only gave her to be the wife of Joseph in this mortal state, and that he intended, after the resurrection, to again take her as one of his own wives to raise up immortal spirits in eternity."
"Now, let us inquire whether there are any intimations in Scripture concerning the wives of Jesus. One thing is certain, that there were several holy women, that greatly loved Jesus, such as Mary and Martha, her sister, and Mary Magdalene, and Jesus greatly loved them and associated with them much. He appeared first to these women, or at least to one of them, Mary Magdalene. Now it would be very natural for a husband in the resurrection to appear first to his own dear wives. The psalmist David prophecies in particular concerning the wives of the Son of God. We quote from the English version of the Bible,
WAS JOSEPH SMITH A POLYGAMIST? 59
translated about three hundred and fifty years ago: 'All thy garments smell of myrrh and aloes, and cassia when thou comest out of the ivory palaces where they have made thee glad, king's daughters were among thine honorable wives, upon thy right hand did stand the queen in a vesture of gold.' Pages 45, 8-9.
"Let it be remembered that the Son of God is expressly represented as having honorable wives. King James' translators were not willing that this passage should have a literal translation, lest it should give countenance to Polygamy, therefore they altered the translation to honorable women, instead of wives." Apostle Pratt, in "The Seer," Vol. 1, No. 10, pages 158-9, 160.
"We have now clearly shown that God the Father had a plurality of wives, one or more being in eternity, by whom he begat our spirits as the Spirit of Jesus, His first born, and another being upon the earth by whom He begat the tabernacle of Jesus as His only begotten in this world. We have also proved most clearly that the Son followed the example of His Father, and became the great bridegroom to whom king's daughters and many honorable wives were to be married." Ibid, No. 11, paves 172-173.
"If at the marriage at Cana of Galilee, Jesus was the bridegroom, and took unto him Mary and Martha, and the other Mary, whom Jesus loved, it shocks not our nerves if there was not an attachment and familiarity between our Saviour and these women highly improper, only in the relation of husband and wife. Then we have no sense of propriety, or of the characteristics of good and refined society. Wisely then was it concealed; but when the Saviour poured His soul unto death, when nailed to the cross, He saw His seed of children, but who shall declare His generation." Apostle O. Hyde, Sermon, Beadle, page 304.
This man Hyde was baptized in 1831, ordained an Apostle in 1835. Seeing the wickedness of the leaders, he left the church and made oath against Joseph Smith, swearing to terrible things. He returned to the church, was sent to bless the land, of Palestine, was faithful to Joseph Smith and Brigham Young till death, which occurred in Utah, 1878.
I could fill a volume of this kind of teaching from the leaders of the church, but will drop the curtain on the awful blasphemy.
In conclusion, I draw your attention to this point, that we have shown by the sermons and books of Joseph Smith, Brigham Young, the two first prophets and seers of the Mormon church, as also from Apostle Pratt, the most powerful man Mormonism has produced, and prominent leaders of the Reorganized Mormon church as recorded in the Saints' Herald, that they believed in many Gods, No one can deny this point from their own leading men of both branches of the Mormon Church.
In justice to the Reorganized church, let me say that during the forty-two years of my connection with it, I never heard their leaders teach the doctrine of many Gods, that they did endorse the "Gods" theory, is shown in their writings of early years.
Now, it is clear that from the doctrine of the Gods many Mormons have argued that polygamy makes the Gods, for the more wives the
60 WAS JOSEPH SMITH A POLYGAMIST?
larger the families and so they become Gods. Now we will show from the last revelation Smith had on polygamy, that the Gods have an important part to play in that revelation.
The revelation given to Joseph Smith, July 12th, 1843, has sixty six paragraphs in it, and as I have quoted largely from it in another part of this work, I will only quote briefly from it here.
First paragraph states that Joseph prayed the Lord to show him wherein God had justified Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David, Solomon and others in the principle of having many wives and concubines. The other sixty-five paragraphs reveal the secret and give him to understand, stating in the following terms, he that would receive a' fullness of his glory "Must and shall abide the law (touching polygamy and concubinage) or he shall be damned, saith the Lord."
Paragraphs 15, 16, 17 state those who marry the one wife for time and refuse to keep the law of polygamy, will not have a chance to get more wives in eternity, and so will not be Gods, but only Angels. "These angels did not abide my law, therefore they cannot be enlarged, but remain separately and single, without exaltation in their saved condition to all eternity, and from henceforth are not Gods but are Angels of God forever and ever."
The 19th paragraph states those who abide the law (of polygamy) "They shall pass by the Angels." Their glory shall be a fullness and a continuation of the seeds forever and ever."
Pratt has told us that this seed matter means that they with their many wives will bear children forever, and the twentieth paragraph, speaking of those polygamists says, "Then shall they be Gods, because they have all power and the Angels are subject unto them."
Here is the corner stone of Mormonism from their prophets and Apostles, sermons and books. just think, such men as Paul and Peter shall be merely Angels to wait on and be subjected to Joseph Smith and Brigham Young. Poor Paul without even one wife, and Peter with but one, is to be but the humble servants of Mormon polygamists through eternity. We leave it with you. No words could describe its filthiness like their own.
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