I thought I'd share some testimonies I have recently come across from two of our mothers, Mary Terpin Bennion and Beatrice Cannon Evans. They are both regarding polygamy. I love them, and I love the faithful lives they lived!
First, from Mary T, written to the editor of the Women's Journal, (William B. secretary):
"As ther is so much said of the poor women and thare is so little know in the world concerning us I feel it a duty and a pleasure to bear my testimony to the truth of our holy religion. I have lived in the church thirty-two years came to Nauvoo with my parents in the fall of 1844 soon after the deth of our beloved prophet in a few short years we were driven from our homes by a cruel and bloodthirsty mob my parents sufferd more than deth from which they never entirely recoverd burying two children by the way truly they come here through much tribuulation but there faith in the work never falterd. I have lived in polygamy for twenty years and never doubted but what it is a principle revealed from heaven for the benefit of the people and I am satisfied that women can live happy in it and raise families as intelegent and healthy as will be found anywhare I would not change my position for all the wealth that the world would bestow upon me. Mary T Bennion"
The second, a rough draft written by BCE in her own hand and carefully transcribed by WCE on Feb. 17, 2011:
"By their fruits shall ye know it.
That there has resulted a large and, generally speaking a large and a fine posterity, I think, would not be greatly questioned. {Can Dr. Titus's info be used here?}
But its affect on those who lived it,
That those who lived it as it was intended, I think there can be no question of its self effacing, broadening, sanctifying power.
(Howard S. Bennion's reunion statement.)
While all people have human imperfections, I always felt that my own parents and grandparents were bigger, finer people for living this "principle" - and principle it was to them.
Extenuating circumstances seem to intensify, or at least bring to light, our latent qualities, good or evil. A man who in whom verity is prominent may have it grow with the adulation of several women. On the other hand he may find his true measure -- he may be cut down to size, so to speak -- by the immeasurably greater demands made on his resources as a leader and provider.
I merely observe: I do not claim to personally judge.
On the other hand, the difficulty of people to rise to sufficient {?} grace for its living may have been one reason for it being taken from the people. On the other hand it may have filled its purpose for this time.
Incidentally, the tradition concerning B Y's statement quoted to me both by Grandmother, Mary T. Bennion, and also by my great uncle, David H. C. gives food for thot. He is reputed to have said that it would damn more members that it would save.
Probably the first reaction to this idea would be that it would be through increased sensuality. But that was not Uncle D.H.C's thot. He said that he wondered greatly at BY's statement; but he had lived to see the day when he's seen much of it come true thru men deserting their families the responsibility of which they had undertaken. Even in the face of the law, to men and women of that time, nothing could be more cowardly."
(Personal thought by Wayne Cannon Evans):
"Mother once told me, as a result of a question about the polygamy in her father's family that "Uncle David" told me that what my father did was a good thing."
