OCR Text |
Show BISHOP MILLER'S VIEW. "Richard TTcwott was a Mormon elder during tho' time when tho church organization or-ganization flourished at Nauvoo. Ho it was who wrote an inquiry to tho first presidency as to whothor or not it was true' that polygamy was being taught and practiced at Nauvoo, and which brought, out ono of tho official denials made in ihc Times and' Seasons by Joseph and Hyrum Smith. Wc mention this as introductory to a statement later made to him, by Bishop Georgo Miller. Mr. Howett visited around extensively, among tho different factions of the Mormon church after U103' scattered from Nauvoo' and vicinity, oven Coming out to Utah in 1849, if our information bo correct, and ho took, cognjzance of tho different views expressed by prominent elders in' those several factions. Concerning 'these he. wrote to Elder J. J. Strang, mentioning particularly tho polygamous practices of tho Utah faction, calling attention to the fact that out here men wore possqssHod of many wives. In his loiter to elder Strang hd quoted Elder George Miller upon this particular subject. sub-ject. "Brother Miller gays," writes Mr. Hewott, "that their ing tho term applied to this immorality is too strong for use herc" will send them all to hell." This with refcrondo to polygamy. But wliat'J value can attach to this pronouncement by Mr. Miller? In section sec-tion 124, paragraphs 20 aud 21, Doctrine Doc-trine and Covenants, Georgo MHlor is culled by "rovclation" to bo a bishop in the church, "like unto uvy servant Edward Partridge," bocauso ho wns a man 'f without guile; ho may bo trusted because of tho integrity of his heart; and for tho love which ho has to my testimony I, tho Lord, lovo him," Further, tho Lord is represented as saying, "Let no man despise my ser-'vant ser-'vant George, for he shall honor mo." And this man so honored of heaven, and who should honor tho Lord, declares de-clares that the polygamy of tho Mormons Mor-mons "will send them nil to hell." What do tho saints themselves think about it? ' |