The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1870-08-23
MORN NIsM.
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DOES THE BIBLE SANCTION POL YGAMY?
Second Day Of the Great Discussion Be-
tween DR.. Newman and 0rson Pratt.
The Female Saints Becoming More
and More Interested.
Text Of the Argument Of the Champions Of
Many Wives and One Wife.
SALT LAKE CRY, August 10,

SALT LAKE CITY, August 10, 1870.
The great debate between Professor Pratt and the
Rev. DR.. Newman on the subject OF poygamy still
absorbs the attention OF all classes OF people here
There was large attendance In the Tabernacle this
afternoon when the respective dsputants resumed
their arguments concerning the Divine sanction OF
the system. The audience listened with marked at
tention during the whole OF the proceedings DR..
Newman produced profound impression when ne
pronounced with powerful effect the law laid down
in Levlticus ''rhou shalt not take one wife to
other" which he claimed conclusively condemned
pOlygamy. The meeting was called to order by
Judge Snow. Elder Franklin D. Richards. one of
the Twelve Apostles, offered the opening prayer.
Judge Snow read to the audience some OF the arti-
Cles OF agreement for the government OF the debate.
Professor Pratt then rose and resumed his argu-
ment.
Continued Argument Of Professor Pratt.
LADIES AND GENrLEaEN-We again come be-
fore you this afternoon being the second day
Of our discussion, 10 examine the question "Does
the Bible Sanction Polygamy2" / Will here
remark that yesterday afternoon / occupied one
hour upon the subject brought forth numerous evil
dences from the Bible to show that polyg-
amy was Divine Institution, sanctioned
by the Bible. sanctioned by the Almighty,
who gave the laws contained in the Bible.
Here let me observe that 1t is OF the utmost I'M
portance 10 clearly understand the point under
discussion. perceived that In the argument that
followed me yesterday the subject was dwelt
upon somewhat infinitely In regard to the
meaning Of the term "polygamy;n that it
included both plurality OF wives and plurality Of
husbands. Hence new term was introduced by
the reverend doctor that followed me, namely poly
gymy" (polygyny). If l recoect the term, having
reference to plurality OF wives This seems to be
the question under discussion, the former word
seems to be discarded and secuted. Then, does the
Bible sanction poygymy perhaps may not have
got the term exactly rightthat is, does 1t sanction
apuraty OF wives? IL was said by the speaker who
followed me- in relation to plurality OF wives-per-
haps had better refer to of the remarks from
print for fear that my memory might not serve me
on the OCCASION The first remark to which Will
call your attention Is In regard to the
original OF the Bible. l admit in this
discussion the Bible called King James
translation as authority. I admit the Bible in the
original Hebrew il it can be found. or course we
have Hebrew Bibles at the present day--I hold one
In my hand-tlat Is, Bible In the Hebrew Ian
euaRe. But DO deny that it contains the original
copies OF the Hebrew language. There Is such
thing in existence as the original copies, neither
secondary copies neither copies that might in
AZ the hundredth copy, presume They cannot be
found. We have not the original OF the law OF
Moses written upon the tables of stone Such ia bes
and such original have not been In existence to our
knowledge for the last 1880 years. We cannot re-
fer 10 them. We cannot refer to any copies only
those that have been multiplied in mod
ern times-that Is, comparatively modern
times. And inasmuch rs these copies disagree one
with the other, much that 1t Is said there
thirty thousand dilerent readings In the various
manuscripts and copies who Is TO decide whether
tins present Hebrew Bible, translated from par
ticuar manuscript is In accordance with the Origi
nal or nOtf Certainly 1t would not do Tor me, as an
Individual to set up my ju gment IN relation TO the
matter neither would 1t do for other one learned
man to set up his Judgment In relation tins mat
ter. would far rather, therefore, take the standard
of King James and the able Jranslators that were
chosen In his day-men OF great learning and science;
men OF information; men thar had studied the
original languages, the Hebrew and Greel, and
mad become extensively acquainted with the
various manuscripts in existence. l would rather
take their Judgment than all the opinions that might
be advanced by myself or by anv other learned man,
however deeply he may be versed In Hebrew or in
Greek do not, therefore, In making these remarks,
disparage the Bible set II aside: BY no means.
accept it as proof as 1t was translated by those
who were chosen for The purpose; and scores Of mil
lions of copies OF this Bible have been circulated
among all nations. in various tongues, In various
languages, sent forth by millions among the inhabl-
tants Of the earth for their Information.
We will now pass along, after having decided upon
the nature OF the Bible that TO be admitted as EVIL
dence ana proof in regard TO poygamy. It Is stated.
In the OF the remarks OF the reverend gentle.
man. in relation to polygamy, or ''poiygymy''--
whichever term we lee disposed to chOose-that the
marriage of more than one woman is considered
His exposition" that is, the saviour's exposition,
"Of the ten commandments as they were given amid
the thunders OF Mount Sinai and you ind that He
has written commentary on that decalogue. bring
ing out It's hidden meaning, showing TO us that the
man is an adulterer who not only marrics more
women than one, but who looks on woman with
salacial lust"
Such is commentary on the law by the LORD Jesus.
In part of this agree most perfectly with the
the gentleman who has spoken. II a mau. accord
ing TO this great commentary OF Saviour, looks
upon woman with q lustful heart and Iustl,,l Ie-
SIRE he commits adultery in his heart ana Is con-
demned as an adultery. With the other part do
most distinctly disagree. II Is merely the assertion
OF the reverend gentlemen. No proof was adduced
from the New Testament Scriptures. No proof oil.
vanced as the words OF the great Commentator, Our
Lord Jesus Christ, to establish that position
that man who marries more than one woman ia
an adulterer II there Is such passage recorded
within the lids OF the New Testament 1t has not
come under my observation. It remains To be
proved, therefore. We will now pass TO another
item. That is the meaning OF the word sanction ,,
docs the Bible sanction p0lygamy?n am willing
TO admit the full force aud meaning of the word
sanction lam willing to take IL in all its acccpta
ton as set forth in webster's Unabridged Diction.
airy. do not feel like shrinking from this nor
Withdrawing In any manner from the definition
given; let 1t stand in all Its force. The only ADEQUATE
idea OF SANCTION says Mr.. Newman, sis the Divine
and positive appreciation plainly expressed either in
definite statute or by such forms Of confirmation as
constitute full and clear equivalent. 1t Is In this
that we take the term sanction in the question
before u.s." Admit 1t that 1t must be expressed in