(f.) The acts of Abraham and other patriarchs of old are justified. Verses 28 to 39.
(g.) The sin of adultery is defined. Verses 40 to 45.
(h.) The sealing power of the Priesthood is explained. Verses 46 to 50.
(i.) Special instructions are given to Emma Smith, the wife of the Prophet. Verses 51 to 57.
(j.) The law of the Priesthood respecting plurality of wives is stated. Verses 58 to 64.
(k.) The duty of the husband to the wife, and the wife to the husband in this law of the Priesthood is explained. Verses 64 to 65.
(l.) Conclusion. More will be revealed hereafter. Verse 66.
It will be observed that the basic thought in this revelation is that marriage shall be, not only for a time, but for all eternity. This is the principle of the New and Everlasting Covenant. "All covenants, contracts, bonds, obligations, oaths, vows, performances, connections, associations, or expectations, that are not made, and entered into, and sealed, by the Holy Spirit of promise, of him who is anointed, both as well for time and for all eternity—are of no efficacy, virtue or force in and after the resurrection from the dead; for all contracts that are not made unto this end, have an end when men are dead."[D] Applied to the doctrine of marriage, this statement means that when two are united in marriage outside of the authority of the Church, their union can last only till death parts them. They are then not bound by any law when they are out of the world. And in that other world which is to come, they will be appointed angels, or ministering servants, to those who are worthy of a greater glory. The marriage ceremony belongs to this earth and must be accomplished here.
[Footnote D: Doc. and Cov. 132:7.]
If, however, a man marry a wife by the new and everlasting covenant—and is sealed to her and she to him by the authority of the holy priesthood—the covenant and contract between them will be of force worlds without end. Death may part them for a passing time, but it cannot separate them. In the resurrection they will meet again. In the life to come they will resume their happy, sacred relations as husband and wife. They will inherit the thrones and kingdoms, principalities and powers, promised to the faithful. And they will "pass by the angels, and the Gods, who are set there, to their exaltation and glory in all things, as hath been sealed upon their heads, which glory shall be a fulness and a continuation of the seeds for ever and ever."[E]