The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1895-05-31
TWO REVELATIONS

appear to bo very startling statement,
but 1t must BIO remembered that this par
ticuiar bishop lived in Utah ut o time
when plural matriInOny was tho rule and
not the exception, especially with bishops,
who were expected, in this respect at least,
to set n bright example to tho church mem
bers in their several wards Most Bish
ops had several wives, and any ono OIL
the episcopal rank who limited himself to
one was looked upon rs u freak Indeed
this good old bishop was oven moro severe
~ criticised. 1t was openly alleged that
his shameful neglect Of his matrimonial
opportunities was n serious stumbling
block to some Of tho weaker brethren
When the doctrine of polygamy was first
taught in Zion many of tho best Nlorlnons
while accepting tho theory, were slow to
indulge In its practice, making various az
cuscs. In our bishops ward tho excuse
generally ran thus: Look ut our bishop,
He has only ono wife,
And it came to pass that one day tho
bishops two cOunsclors came to sec him
and said them desired to "talc COUNSEL
with him.
Come into tho front ROOM" said tho
bishops wife, and 1 will call him"
But the first counselor said that he
could see the bishop mt work near the barn.
and they preferred to go out there and talk
With him. After tho usual situations
tho bishop and his counsclors sat down on
log behind the barn and whitfield at the
log whilo the following proceedings were
had:
Bishop" said the first counselor, eve
have come to talk With you ON a matter of
grave concern to the church."
"Ycs?'
Nd a.
on our hearts And wo feel confident that
if tho matter is properly presented You will
agrcc with us rs to the best thing tn do"
Ics:' said the bishop, who suspected
what was coming.
.'Bishop, we think you ought to tako
another wife"
What Me? Me? No, no, no, man.
Tut tut! tut! I'm too old; I'm too odd. !"
sputtcrcd the bishop
Now, look here bishop" said the sec
ond counselor. You're not any older
than Brother Brigham Young"
Yes, but thcn''-
And then consider. You have u nice
largo house, plenty of room, and you AFRO
rich enough to provide for two more wives
If you should sec fit TO take them"
Tho bishop smiled IL superior smile
"Ah. there never was house built big
why, you don't mean To tell us that
Sister Betsy would object to walking in
the path which tho Lord has so marvellous
ly opened up for his chosen peoplc." OK
claimed the first counselor
ION, no, suppose not" replied tho
bishop hastily, 'only, you see, Betsy has
been mighty good vito to mo all these
years, and u good mother to the children,
and L could hardly think of doing any
thing
There need be no trouble put In the
second counselor. Look ut Brother Ly-
man. He has three wives all living in the
sweetest accord and ono house much
smaller than yours. 1t is really not right
for you to delay any longer, bishop. 1t is
creating much comment among the bretb-
rem"
Yes, " added tho first counselor, "whcn
was in Salt Lake City last week Brother
Young spoke of it,
Did he indeed? What did he ss,y?"
lilo said he was sorry you We're not up
holding tho doctrines and covenants more
dcvoutly."
There was long pause, during which
tho bishop gazcd abstractedly at tho dis
tant mountains. Finally no spoke in n
constrained voice:
well, even if'I should DO willlng'-
In that case" said the first counselor.
"therp 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"
Yes but how do know that sho would
be willing to become plural wife?" And
the bishop laughed.
That's ensy 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 1t. I'll lot you know" said the
bishop, rising, and so the conference came
to an end.
AS they walked around the corner of the
barn tho bishops wife was just coming
out of the barn door with her apron full of
eggs she had been gathering from the hay
NOV, and her black eyes were swapping.
That night, after tho children had re-
tired for the night, the bishop and his wife
sat by the firesidc alone and talked
Simon" said tho bishops wife.
eyes, Betsy"
AWhat did those fellows want today!"
They wanted to sec mo on some church
matters" And the bishop had II sudden
aud 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 long silence.
"Simon"
"Yes, Betsy"
II saw that niece of John Edwards,
that Just come over from Wales, in tabcr-
naclo last Sunday"
SIS that SOP
Yes, and L don't think ever saw a
homclicr woman in all my life, nor one
that looked more disagrccablc antl-hatc-
full"
Another long silence.
Say, Simon"
eyes, Betsy"