In March, 1844, the same practice again denounced by Hyrum Smith.
In June, 1844, the death of Smith.
In 1845, the publication of the article on Marriage, in the Appendix to the Book of Doctrine and Covenants, in which polygamy is called a "crime," and is again strongly condemned and repudiated. The same year the Spiritual-Wife doctrine of J. C. Bennett, denounced by P. P. Pratt, in England.
In 1846, polygamy condemned at the Conferences of the European Mormon churches in England.
In 1848, "polygism" and "sexual resurrectionism" severely denounced in the "Millennial Star," published in Liverpool.
In 1850, polygamy denounced and repudiated by Apostle John Taylor, in France.
And yet, in the face of all these facts, in 1852, we have the same doctrine publicly given to the church, accompanied by the announcement, that it had been believed and practised by the church for many years.
Now, it will not be pretended by any one, that polygamy was any part of the Mormon religion previous to 1843.
Take, then, the period from 1843 to 1852. How was it during those nine years? Which shall be taken as evidence of what was the teaching of the Mormon religion, on that subject, during that time? The Book of Doctrine and Covenants, the Notices published by Joseph and Hyrum Smith, the declarations of Pratt and Spencer, the action of the churches in England, and the assertions of Taylor in France, or the announcement made in Great Salt Lake City in 1852? Are we not, at least, as much authorized to take the former as the latter?
If the Book of Doctrine and Covenants, the writings of Joseph and Hyrum, the continued and persistent declarations of the Mormon leaders, and the action of the Mormon churches be taken, then polygamy was no part of Mormonism