| 39 it will be observed was on the same day and about the time that Joseph Smith was killed.
He claimed further to have found by direction some plates known as the plates of Laban from which he translated what is known as the "Book of the Law." This was published in book form and is still extant. Seven witnesses testify to having viewed these plates, and that the kingdom of God was established.
It was probably from this Book of the Law that Elder Strang received his teaching in favor of polygamy, and not, as many have supposed, from the teaching and practice of the church at Nauvoo prior to the death of Joseph Smith.
It is certain that Strang and his colleagues were emphatically opposed to polygamy for over three years after the death of Joseph Smith; nor was the practice known among them until about 1848 or 1849. At a conference held by them August 7-10, 1846, at Kirtland, Ohio, among other resolutions they adopted the following:-
"Resolved unanimously. That we utterly disclaim the whole system of polygamy known as the spiritual wife system lately set up in Nauvoo, by the apostates who claim the authority there, and will neither practice such things nor hold any fellowship with those that teach or practice such things."-Voree Herald, September, 1846.
This was confirmed at a General Conference held at Voree, Wisconsin, October 6-19, as the following will show:-
"The proceedings of the special conference, at Kirtland, of August 6, 7, 8, and 9, were presented by President Strang.
"On motion of General Bennett, resolved unanimously, that this General Conference cordially approve of the reorganization of the stake of Kirtland, and of the proceedings of its special conference."-Voree Herald, October, 1846.
In Zion's Reveille for July 22,1847, is an article from the pen of the editor, James J. Strang, entitled: "Polygamy not Possible in a Free Government."
In the same publication for August 5, 1847, there is an article from the pen of John E. Page from which we extract the following:-
(page 39) |
