Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1899-12-07

a.. ,,,,ress NJ times. in which he mas
,rn,n,sed n restitution Of all things. Goa
sbould again establish that approval OF
plural marriage in ancient times - u
complete defence OF the Righteousness OF
the marriage system introduced py rev
lation through the prophet, Joseph Sni''n'
This ayowal OF belief was not made
from the standpoint Of expediency or OF
politIcal economy. but from the more I'M
perative standpoint OF religion. Poly
gamy is TO Mr.. Roberts a direct command
of God. In the original revelation of July
Il. 1913. occurs this strong language: And
If We abide not that coyenant-that Il,
plural marriage-"then are ye damned
for no man can reject this covenant ana
be permitted TO enter into my glory
When the Edmunds-Tucker law prohi-
bited polygamy under severe penalties
another revelation was had not ABOLISH
ing the practice, but simply suspendlns
IL until a convenient opportunity snOuid
arrive for its rehabilitation. This reveal
ton declares that when the enemies OF
polygamy "come upon them ana hihuer
them" then God will not require me
practice at their hands. but Will VISIT the
divine wrath upon the heads OF those
who hindered my work unto the 'h'ru an"
fourth generation
Now IL may not be true that Mr.. ROD
erts will try 10 fulfil the prophecy or
brigham Young and ram poiygamy
down the throats Of Congress but ne
will certainly not deny the fact that ne
represents that fundamental doctrine OF
his Church to which he stands pledSeu
nv the most solemn obligations, and VIII
use the influence Of his position 10 protec1
and perhaps to reestabish the system
He IS bound 10 do this or betray MS
antecedents.
Moreover. If he were inclined 10 eVade
that issue he would be poweress 70 90
so for the divine authority OF the priest
hood would force him TO obey rs com
mands In the theo-democr3cy or MOT
monism the laws of the land are subor-
dinate to the laws OF the church. Con-
gress may be deied, but the priestnood
never. Mr.. Roberts has himself SAID
'Highest OF all officers stands the FIRST
Presidency. Their Jurisdiction and au-
thority are universal" He may ma II
convenient to give a lio- raj interptela-
ton to this language in the present en-
Urgency. but II is safe to say that wheh
II was uttered its obvious meaning was
the meaning intended. Heber .. Kim
ball declared I'm public on one Occasion
III Brother Brigham Flesiue"'
tells me 10 do anything IL il the same
as though the Lord told me to do IL.
When Godbe and Harrison during what
has been called 1.-THE reformation, de-
manded the right OF free speech tney
were turned over 10 the buhetings OF
satan" that is mathematical ana eNcoW-
municated boycotted and ruined. on tnat
occasion Counsellor Wells said Of the ac-
cused that they might as well TASK 'Wneln-
or q man had the right honestly 10 dller
with tho Almighty as To diner WIN the
Presidency 49,
All this was part Of the doctrine Of the
Church. taught from Sunday 10 SUNDAY.
II is a doctrine most. obnoxious 10 the
American people. for such a union OF Jhe
Church and state is pure despousIn, WINCH
reduces private opinion TO the lever OF
criminal offence. That, however, was tne
spiritual and mental food on when MT.
Roberts was fed from his youth anu ne
represents that doctrine at the present
time. ,.4t,.t5,,ol
ana The enthronement Of the Church. IL
roaies no difference wether that church
he Mormon or Presbyterian or Cathohc
or Fplscopalian, IL is oppored to the spirlt
Of our institutions and is out OF harlhoHs
with our antecedents and our hopes lor
the future. ...,,....,,,od o.
state I'm Congress. Is II safe uhder 'nS
cIrcurnstances to establish precedent OF
that kind? Mr.. Roberts is man OF cur
ture and an orator or no mean aplIlI
but culture and OratOry can never ldhe
fhe Mace of patriOism. If a man beileft9
H. 20 bo his duty to break the laws I'M
uosed by the federal government IS IT,
f,s+ ia the people to allow him 10 make
their laws for them Putting sentiment
aside we have here a practical question
M the utmost importance, upon when We
await the decision of the House.