THE MORMONS, Plural Marriage 1829 to 1880, P1 of Ch 15 of Holy Priesthood Vol 4

THE MORMONS, Plural Marriage 1829 to 1880, Part 1 of Chapter 15 of Holy Priesthood Volume 4

Pages 189 to 208

The Restoration of Plural Marriage

In the foregoing chapters of this book we have studied the history and attitudes of many different people and nations toward the principle of plural marriage. Kings and paupers, prophets and priests, rich and poor have recognized the beneficent attributes of polygamy. From the Congo to the most industrialized nations and from every color, religion and nationality have come favorable statements regarding this marriage lifestyle.

Now we come to the restoration of plural marriage as part of the Gospel of Jesus Christ revealed to the Prophet Joseph Smith. We will read what the Lord Himself had to say about plural marriage in this dispensation and what the response of the Saints has been toward these revelations. The Lord has emphasized the important connection between plural marriage and the laws of the Holy Priesthood.

Apparently, the reasons why plural marriage was introduced into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are still a mystery to most Mormons. However, Elder Mark E. Petersen gave one good reason:

Why was plural marriage practiced by the Latter-day Saints? Only about 4 percent of them ever entered into this form of matrimony, but why did even they?