We returned home, satisfied with sectarian nonsense, and feeling
thankful to the Lord for the revelation of His gospel through His servant
Joseph Smith, on whom he bestowed his Holy Priesthood through the laying on of
hands of the ancient apostles Peter James and John thereby opening up the way
whereby mankind can be saved and exalted in His Celestial Kingdom, through
repentance and baptism and the laying on of hands for the reception of the Holy
Ghost, by those ordained into this Holy Priesthood. (Warren Foote, Journal, August
29, 1842, in Saints, Stories, and Sources: Warren Foote, vol. 1 [Aspen
Grove Books, 2016], 70)
We went to see Bro. Duncan McArthur, with whom we were well acquainted.
Having learned that he was one of the number who had been appointed to teach
the principle of Celestial Marriage to the saints, according to the revelation
given to Joseph Smith on that subject we desired to get some correct
information on that principle. The doctrine having never been taught publicly
there were all sort of reports concerning it.
He very willingly and taught and explained to us that doctrine in such a
simple manner, as to remove all prejudice we had against the doctrine of plural
marriage. He showed us the necessity of marriage for eternity in order to
obtain an exaltation in the Celestial Kingdom.
I felt to rejoice that the doubts and fears that had been resting on my
mind with regard to plural marriage caused by the traditions of the Fathers,
were all removed. By the aid of the light of the Spirit I could in a measure
see glory and beauty of that principle. It was very plain that our marriage
covenants were only for time, they last only through this life. We are not
bound as husbands and wives for eternity but all our domestic relations were
dissolved at death.
We learned that the celestial law binds for time and eternity, and our
connection as husbands and wives, parents, and children never ceases in time
nor all eternity, and we will continue to increase while eternities roll
around. We went and looked at the Temple and in the afternoon started for home.
(Warren Foote, Journal, September 28, 1844, in Saints, Stories, and Sources:
Warren Foote, vol. 1 [Aspen Grove Books, 2016], 83-84)
