History of Utah, 1540-1886 - Brigham Young University

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MORMONISM AND POLYGAMY.
This they did of their own accord, not because they
were so commanded, but in spite of commandments,
and by reason of a higher and more refined culture—
culture which had outgrown the cruder dogmas of the
early ages. Then came the putting away of slavery
and polygamy, the former but recently permitted in
these American states, and the latter being here even
now. Among the discarded customs taught and encouraged
by the new testament are, speaking in
tongues, going forth to preach without purse or scrip,
laying on of hands for the healing of the sick, raising
the dead, casting out devils, and all other miracles
and there will be further repudiations as time passes,
further ignoring of portions of the scriptures by orthodox
sects, a further weeding out of the unnatural and
irrational from things spiritual and worshipful.
The tenets of the Mormon church are these
The bible is the inspired record of God's dealings
with men in the eastern hemisphere; the book of
Mormon is the inspired record of God's dealings with
the ancient inhabitants of this continent; the book
of Doctrine and Covenants of the Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints consists of revelations
from God concerning the present dispensation to
Joseph Smith, who was inspired to translate the book
of Mormon and organize the church of Christ anew.
Joseph Smith to the present dispensation is as Moses
was to Israel; there is no conflict, either in personages
or books. The statements, assertions, promises,
and prophecies of the books, and the precepts
and practices of the personages, are accepted, all of
them, and held to be the revealed will to man of one
and the same God, whose will it is the duty and endeavor
of his people to carry out in every particular
to the best of their ability.
There are more gods than one. There are spiritual
gifts. Not only must there be faith in Christ, but
faith in the holy priesthood, and faith in continual
:
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