The Portland daily press., 1895-05-13
TWO REVELATIONS.

Once there was Mormon bishop who
had only one wife. This at first may not
appear to be a very startling statement,
but it must be remembered that this par
ticular bishop lived in Utah at time
when plural matrimony was the rule and
not the exception, especially with bishops,
who were expected, in this respect at least,
to set bright example to the church mem
bers in their several wards. Most Bish-
ops had several wives, and any one of
the episcopal rank who limited himself to
one was looked upon as q freak. Indeed
this good cid bishop was even more severe
ly criticised. 1t was openly alleged that
his shameful neglect of his matrimonial
opportunities was serious stumbling
block to some Of the weaker brethren
When the doctrine of polygamy was first
taught in Zion many of the best Mornons,
while accepting the theory, were slow to
indulge in its practice, making various ex-
cuses. In our bishops ward the excuse
generally ran thus: "Lock at our bishop.
He has only one wife"
And it came to pass that one day the
bishops two counselors came to see him
and said them desired to "take counsel"
with him.
Come into the front room," said the
bishops wife, "and 1 will call him."
But the first counselor said that he
could see the bishop at work near the barn,
and they preferred to go out there and talk
with him. After the usual salutations
the bishop and his counselors sat down on
lnr hn1, ind f1,o ho,.-, Id o.
log while the following proceedings were
had:
Bishop" said the first counselor, "we
have come to talk with you on matter of
grave concern to the church"
''Yes9"
"And one which has long lain heavily
on our hearts. And we feel confident that
if the matter is properly presented you will
agree with us as to the best thing to do.''
"Yes?' said the bishop, who suspected
what was coming.
Bishop, we think you ought to take
another wife,
"Whatl Me? MeP No, no, no, mani
Tutl tut! tutl I'm too old; I'm too old"
sputtered the bishop.
Now, look here bishop" said the Sec
ond counselor. you're not any older
than Brother Brigham Young"
"Yes, but them
"And then consider. You have nice
largs house, plenty of room, and you are
rich enough to provide for two more wives
if you should see fit to take them.''
The bishop smiled superior smile.
"Ah, there never was house built big
enough for Betsy and another wife,
"Why, you don't mean to tell us that
Sister Betsy would object to walking in
the path which the Lord has SO marvellous
ly opened up for his chosen people?' ex-
claimed the first counselor.
A"Oh, no, suppose not" replied the
bishop hastily, "only, you see, Betsy has
been mighty good wife to me all these
years. and a good mother to the children,
and I could hardly think of doing any
thing In
"There need be no trouble put in the
second counselor. ''Look at Brother Ly-
man. He has three wives all living in the
sweetest accord and one house much
smaller than yours. 1t is really not right
for you to delay any longer, bishop. 1t is
creating much comment among the breth-
rem"
eyes, added the first counselor, "when
I was in Salt Lake City last week Brother
Young spoke Of it,
ssDid he indeed? What did he say?''
"He said he was sorry you were not up
holding the doctrines and covenants more
devoutly."
There was long pause, during which
the bishop gazed abstractedly at the dis
tant mountains. Finally he spoke in a
constrained voice:
"Well, even if should be willing
"In that case" said the first counselor
"there is Brother Edwards niece, Just
come over with the latest shipload from
Wales A very nice lady. Doesn't talk
English very well, but very devoted to the
true religion"
Eyes, but how do know that she would
be willing to become plural wife?" And
The bishop laughed.
"That's easy enough. I've already had
some talk with Brother Edwards. You
leave this to me. I'll arrange matters
well, there's no hurry. I'll think
about it. I'll let you know" said the
bishop, rising, and SO the conference came
to an end.
AS they walked around. the corner of the
barn the bishops wife was just coming
out of the barn door with her apron full of
cSSo BLU ueiu pCCu SduuoilAS lfOu1 GLe udy
NOW, and her black eyes were swapping.
That night, after the children had re-
tired for the night, the bishop and his wife
sat by the fireside alone and talked.
"Simon," said the bishops wife.
"Yes, Betsy"
"What did those fellows want today?''
"They wanted to see me on some church
matters And the bishop had sudden
and severe fit of coughing
"Church matters" shifted Betsy, "and
I'll warrant their poor wives were at home
chopping sagebrush to cook with! They'd
better be tending to their own business. -
There was a long silence.
"Simon."
"Yes, Betsy"
''I saw that niece of John Edwards,
that just come over from Wales, in taber-
nacle last Sunday"
is that so?''
"Yes, and I don't think l ever saw
homelier woman in all my life, nor one
that looked more disagreeable and-hate-
full"
Another long silence.
Say, Simon"