Wilford
Woodruff, in his journal entry for 12 February 1870, reported that Brigham
Young et al affirmed that plural marriage, even when it was being practiced by
the Church, was not necessary to enter the Celestial Kingdom and receive
exaltation:
I spent the day in the Council House untill
noon. I attended the school of the prophets. Brother John Holeman made a long
speech upon the subject of Poligamy. He Contended that no person Could have a
Celestial glory unless He had a plurality of wives. Speeches were made By L. E.
Harrington O Pratt Erastus Snow, D Evans J. F. Smith Lorenzo Young. Presidet
Young said there would be men saved in the Celestial Kingdom of God with one
wife with Many wives & with No wife at all. (Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898, Volume 6: 1 January 1862 to 31
December 1870 [Salt Lake City: Signature Books, 1984], 527)
