So Great a Cause

Brother Joseph Smith and Father Benjamin Steed have left the metaphorical building. The narration now turns its attention to Joshua Steed, oldest sibling and rightful next-in-line to take his father's place as head of the clan, except for one problem, he's not a baptized member of the church. A minor inconvenience which will be rectified by the end of this installment. Then maybe we can get on with the exodus to Zion.

Like the previous volume, family group charts have expanded to include Peter and Kathryn while Will and Alice are still listed under Joshua & Caroline. Jessica has her own.

This volume covers the shortest amount of time in church history, four months.
Start- February 1846
End-  June 1846

Chapter 1- Nathan reflects on the miracle of the cold snap that froze the river and allowed safe passage and escape for so many saints on the mass exodus west. Father Steed’s tragic death is still fresh on everyone’s mind as they sit around a campfire and share the latest news. Peter and Kathryn will meet up with the family somewhere along the trail. Will and Alice have departed New York and are on their way to Zion, according to the latest report. Back in Nauvoo, Melissa visits Caroline and both women share the grief of Father Steed's passing.

Chapter 2- Brigham Young swallows his impatience with the saints agonizing slowness in getting themselves organized and on the move to Zion. Somewhere in the Atlantic, Will plays a harmless prank on Alice about seeing the equator on the water while looking through the telescope. Spunky Alice is a good sport and vows she’ll find a way to get even.

Chapter 3- Still headstrong and determined to follow the prophet, Savannah packs up her little red wagon with her most prized possessions to trade for necessities her family will need when they eventually join the rest of the saints on the trail. Emma Smith soberly hears Savannah’s bartering just as Caroline finds her. Emma intervenes in behalf of Savannah and Caroline realizes her child’s faith shouldn't be discouraged. Back on the trail, Mary Ann tells Nathan about The Dream (first mentioned in Vol. 5). The Nauvoo Brass Band plays for the camp that night. Peter and Kathryn have been hired by the Reeds and are helping with preparations to leave with the Donner party.

Chapter 4- The saints continue to inch along in axle deep mud on the prairie trails and the Steeds are suffering along with everyone else but try to stay positive. Since they are only encamped thirty miles from their starting point, Nathan decides to make a quick trip back to Nauvoo in hopes of persuading the delinquent members: Melissa, Carl and Caroline to come back with him as he can’t shake the impression of the importance of the entire clan staying together.

Chapter 5- Nathan visits with Brother Brigham who confides feeling like “the nanny” with all the saints coming to him with their petty conflicts and difficulties expecting the prophet and leader of the church to solve all their problems, but never mind that now. What’s on your mind, Nathan? Nathan is seeking counsel in his dilemma to go back for Joshua’s family without stirring up contention. He returns to camp to announce he’s going back and, to his surprise, Joshua agrees the family needs to stay together and will accompany Nathan. Derek will go too.

Chapter 6- Joshua, Nathan and Derek surprise Caroline and the kids at the family store. Savannah is ecstatic that her faith paid off and her trading efforts for needed supplies weren't in vain. She plays “Olivia’s Song” on the piano, one last time, unaware her misty eyed parents are listening. Joshua continues to suffer agonies of guilt over the death of his step-daughter. On the road back, they come across a Mormon family who have decided to call it quits and strike up the deal of a lifetime with them: they will trade the deed to one of the grandest homes in Nauvoo and their slightly worn wagon with the broken tongue for this family’s newer, completely outfitted, wagon and team. Savannah adds that the house also comes with a lovely piano which sells the deal. Joshua is astonished at the hand of the Lord helping his family find the means for them to travel to Zion.

Chapter 7- With everyone together, traveling with the main company, progress continues to be slow and frustrating due to all the rain. Nathan’s family huddles in their tent one night, unable to sleep because rain is seeping in. Lydia creates the “mur-mur-mur” game to raise their spirits and the children love it. A week passes and warm weather provides an opportunity for the company to rest and dry everything out. Since all the women are suffering from “cabin fever” and all the men have gone to help round up scattered stock on the prairie, Joshua volunteers to air out the entire clan’s bedding all by himself so the women can go visiting. Joshua is in Nathan’s tent when he comes across Lydia’s coffee ground stained Book of Mormon (the one Nathan gave her back in Vol.1). He opens it and casually reads a passage which both troubles and intrigues him before remembering himself and slamming the book shut. But the spirit is working on him. He pockets the book, intending to return it later. Meanwhile, the women enjoy fresh baked bread and hear Eliza Snow’s (Zion’s Poetess) most recent composition.

Chapter 8- Mary Ann talks to Joshua about the gospel and all the blessings it’s brought the clan, including his own family unit which Joshua can’t deny. Lydia shares Melissa’s most recent letter telling the inspiring story of widowed sisters Mary and Mercy who are determined to join the saints traveling west despite criticism and opposition by their late in-laws' family who want them to stay in Nauvoo. It rains again that night and Lydia wonders where she misplaced her Book of Mormon. She’s also worried what might happen if she dies in childbirth during the journey but Nathan reassures her.

Chapter 9- It is now March, 1846. Another rainy day chapter, with the entire camp halted, Brigham Young calls on the tent of Matthew and Jenny. He needs Matthew to take a letter to the leader of the advance scouting party who refuses to slow down, prepare the trail for the mass numbers to follow and obey the orders of his prophet and commander in chief. On the ship, Alice writes in her journal about their progress while in Springfield, Illinois, Peter and Katheryn are getting excited about the official day of departure with the Donner/Reed party.

Chapter 10- Back from his errand, Brigham is chatting with Matthew again. He has a special family he wants him to meet. Matthew gets Joshua and Caroline to join them. The Hendricks family, (a true story) are great examples of faith as the father was paralyzed from a gunshot wound during the Far West mob attacks in 1838 leaving the wife and oldest son to simultaneously care for him, a paraplegic, and the rest of the children. No one is bitter and the father is making a slow, miraculous, recovery on a journey they shouldn't even be making but they are determined to keep the faith in their great sacrifice to follow the prophet. The Hendricks family is just one of the many examples of those blessed, honored pioneers we celebrate every July.

Chapter 11- Joshua is late returning from chopping wood in a nearby grove of trees. Nathan finds him, unawares; intent on reading a book which he quickly hides after Nathan discreetly makes his presence known and doesn't press him for details. Lydia gives birth to a baby girl. Brigham Young calls on the family and teases the children for not naming the baby after its birthplace, (a common fad among the pioneers) in this case, Locust Creek. They could call her Loki, (since Marvel comics are still 100 years off!) but the children just groan at the lame joke. Later, Brigham calls a special meeting to announce his decision to wait until next season to travel west. They will winter in a yet-to-be-determined camp while advance companies will go and prepare the way. It is now April 1846.

Chapter 12- The Donner-Reed Party is moving out and everyone is wild with excitement as the entire town gives them a marvelous send-off. Back in Nauvoo, Carl and Melissa stop to visit with Wilford Woodruff (future prophet of the church) and his wife outside the temple to discuss the continuing evacuation of the remaining saints from the growing danger. Carl and Melissa refuse the invitation to join in leaving with the saints due to their continuing struggle with the polygamy issue.

Chapter 13- Fire on the prairie! A pleasant nooning is interrupted by a column of smoke in the distance. The Steeds scramble with the rest of the company to construct a fire line and battle the blaze with burlap sacks and any water they can find. Savannah attempts to help and is nearly burned alive but Joshua stamps out her dress and orders her back to the wagon. The danger passes, the fire blows itself out and nothing is lost. That night, Brigham calls on the Steed camp along with a man named William Clayton who just finished composing a new hymn many readers will immediately recognize as “Come Come Ye Saints.”

Chapter 14- Rachel has decided to begin keeping a journal. Today is April 18, 1846. Her entries are taken from many real-life pioneer journals who describe life and diet on the trail: lots of bread, flour and milk recipes (as fresh fruit and vegetables were hard to come by). Back in Nauvoo, Wilford Woodruff calls on Melissa, admonishing her to come back into church activity reminding her of what her dead father would say if he could see her now. A thoroughly chastised Melissa promises to make an effort to attend tomorrow’s temple dedication ceremony. She shares her feelings with Carl who gives his consent for her to go.

Chapter 15- Joshua joins a group of men to help rescue a family whose wagon got stuck in the mud out on the prairie. One of the men is the great-great grandfather of a future prophet for whom he was named, Ezra T. Benson. Brother Benson shares with Joshua the story of how he was blessed with a large wagon-load of flour for his family which Brigham made him distribute and share with the rest of the company. Brother Benson did this without complaint in obedience to the law of sacrifice and consecration. The fact he was also a good and faithful man in the gospel might also have something to do with it!

Chapter 16- Morale on the ship is low but Will and Alice make the most of what they have, along with the rest of the saints. Will teases Alice, who has recently confided her pregnancy to her hubby, about the baby being a boy or girl depending on her moods and appetite. They’ll be stopping soon to resupply in Chile and Will, who remembers his return journey from China, tells her about the wonderful paradise their next stop promises to be. A storm blows them off course and they end up on Robinson Crusoe Island instead.

Chapter 17- Rachel makes more journal entries. Melissa tells Carl she really wants to join her family out on the trail west and away from this city of sin and corruption with the recent influx of non-Mormons. Will and Alice rejoice in the unexpected blessings of acquiring cheaper water and food on the island (free) as opposed to the prices the other port would've charged them. The Donner/Reed party joins up with another smaller company in Independence, Missouri. Peter reports to Kathryn he just learned Brigham and the rest of the company are still encamped back east and they are now ahead.

Chapter 18- More journal entries from Rachel who turned fourteen earlier in January; it is now May 1846. A family meeting is about to be held to discuss who will travel with advance parties and which family members will stay behind. Brigham Young will be attending to add any additional counsel as needed. Afterwards, Mary Ann and Joshua talk about his persistent guilt over Olivia's death. Mary Ann reveals her mother’s intuition, she knows Joshua has Lydia’s B of M and gently suggests her son pray and discover the truth for himself. Next day, Joshua confesses to Lydia about her missing book. She is glad and tells him to keep it as long as he needs and to keep reading, studying, pondering and praying. She reminds Joshua how much he’s changed since his days as an anti-Mormon agenda leader. Chapter ends with a brief history narrative of the recent 1846 land acquirements by the United States, including the Louisiana Purchase which allowed the Manifest Destiny and “sea to shining sea” future visions to come to pass. Now, war has been declared with Mexico...

Chapter 19- Parley P. Pratt rides triumphantly back to camp announcing he’s found the perfect stopping place for the coming summer season. Joshua confesses to Nathan he’s reading the Book of Mormon but please, don’t push him (and please don’t alert the family by posting this on Facebook either!) and keep it confidential because he has some questions for him. Nathan is a good missionary; he explains the atonement, mercy and justice to his brother. He’s about to get into the finer details of restoration and redemption when Parley’s announcement arrives in camp. Men are being called to go prepare that area for the rest of the company. Nathan and Joshua will be going. Back in the dying city of Nauvoo, the Steed Family store isn't doing much business. Melissa impulsively decides to take the children and cross the river to visit Benjamin’s grave. While the kids play nearby, she quietly confesses to her Pa that she’s decided to come back into church activity.

Chapter 20- Joshua and Nathan are alone, splitting rails, which gives them the perfect opportunity to have another missionary discussion. Today, Joshua wants to delve deeper into the subject of divine mercy and grace, why God doesn't punish us immediately for sins of commission. Nathan reminds him of his own disciplinary techniques he and Caroline use with their children. You can’t force a child to be good and God is the same way. We all have our agency. Meanwhile, the Donner/Reed party is making good time to California.

Chapter 21- Out on the Pacific, the ship will make one last stop in Hawaii before its final destination in California. Back in Iowa, Nathan notes the irony of newly arriving saints who made the journey from Nauvoo to Brigham's camp in three weeks as opposed to the three months it took them. This was a blessing in disguise as it forced the saints to stay together. Joshua goes out hunting by himself and kills a deer. As he ponders the existence of every living thing having a mortal body and spirit and the separation of the two caused by death, Joshua is suddenly driven to his knees to pray for the first time in twenty years. No significant revelation but he realizes he’s more at peace now over where Olivia and his father’s spirits went after they died. The next day is Sunday. Joshua attends the camp worship services, takes Nathan aside and tells him what happened.

Chapter 22- Nathan continues his mercy and justice talks with Joshua a few days later. The subjects of Mormon Heaven (being with your family for all eternity) as opposed to Mormon Hell (no family) is also discussed. Joshua admits he loves the idea of marriage and eternal family units. The rest of the Steeds arrive in the newly prepared camp and they have a nice reunion. Nathan reports to Mary Ann his missionary discussions with Joshua are progressing nicely.

Chapter 23- Joshua takes Caroline for a walk and confesses everything to her: he’s reading the B of M, praying about it and talking to Nathan. Caroline is overjoyed. She promises, even if Joshua doesn't join, she’ll still love him and she won’t tell the rest of the clan who have been fasting and praying for this very thing for over a year now. They kiss and make out like newlyweds. Jessica and Solomon have a quick scene: their family was assigned to remain behind in the last camp to plant crops for the coming exodus; they look forward to finishing up and joining the rest of the clan soon. Peter and Kathryn are currently encamped somewhere in present-day Kansas where a prominent company matriarch just passed away. There is also a less active Mormon widow in their company whom they plan to seek out. Kathryn can now walk without the aid of crutches. She and Peter hug and cry over this miracle. Miles away in Washington D.C., President James Polk meets with a small emissary of Mormon men asking for aid in their mass exodus but the President admits he’s more interested in acquiring male army recruits to fight Mexico. The Mormons will be compensated if they agree to enlist.

Chapter 24- There are rumors of a vanguard company going early across the plains and more mission calls but the Steeds aren't affected by either. Joshua and Caroline retire to bed one evening and talk about deathbed repentance. Caroline points out wickedness never was happiness and isn't Joshua much happier now than he was before they met? Joshua admits she’s right and Caroline tells him it’s time to take the next step in his investigation and find out if everything he's learned so far is true.

Chapter 25- A large group of Indians block the progress of Brigham Young and the saints who wish to cross their land in peace. The chief grants them passage and there’s a rather gratuitous Caddie Woodlawn scene as Savannah, with her flaming red hair, is the focus of attention by the natives who look upon these white settlers in almost reverent awe. Savannah presents one little Indian girl with her best doll. In return, the Mom and Dad Indian give Savannah an Indian name in their halting English because colonialism doesn't exist in Lund's world of white supremacy. The saints make camp that night and morale is high with music and dancing. Brigham walks with Joshua and Caroline. He’s become aware of Joshua’s investigation of the church and tells him, outright, he needs to be baptized.

Chapter 26- For the umpteenth time, everyone keeps reminding Joshua how much he’s changed over the last few years. Gone is the old, bitter, angry Joshua whose heart grew three sizes the day he became a family man and reconciled himself with his membership in the Steed clan. It’s just too much of a fairy tale for Joshua to believe he can repent and find forgiveness so easily when he’s so unworthy and so much injustice remains in the world. Back in Nauvoo, Carl is talking with the recent arrivals of non-Mormon men in town who don’t want trouble with the mobs who might mistake them for those outcast Mormon citizens. They plan to form a safety committee to prevent this. Melissa doesn't like the idea and again pleads with her husband to start packing so they can join the rest of her family but Carl insists they will be fine. They’re staying. Meanwhile, out on the trail, Brigham, acting very out-of-character for a prophet of God, continues to push Joshua to conversion. Tells him to go pray, force an answer from the Lord and if nothing comes, he’ll never bring up the subject of baptism again. Joshua agrees and leaves to take a walk, alone.

Chapter 27- Joshua does pray, sincerely and…nothing. He returns to camp, discouraged and quietly apologizes to Caroline who does her best to hide her disappointment. Next morning, Joshua wakes in a good mood. He observes the harmony of all his clan’s family units: preparing breakfast, caring for children, tending to their chores and gets warm fuzzies. Watering the oxen at the creek by himself, Savannah appears with her bucket, singing a song he’s never heard but recognizes the tune as “Olivia’s Song.” He makes his presence known, tells his nine-year-old daughter how proud he is of her, and leaves. Thinking she’s alone, Savannah resumes her own rendition of Yentl “Papa, can you hear me?” and Joshua has an epiphany: THE CHURCH IS TRUE! I MUST BE BAPTIZED SO I CAN BE WITH THESE PEOPLE FOREVER!

Chapter 28- Somebody fetch Brigham Young, we've got a baptism to perform! Gather the clan, call everyone in the camp so Joshua can share his conversion story and have your tissues ready because everyone is crying before Joshua has even concluded his story with his big announcement. But first, Savannah will favor us with her song again. Group hug! In white shirts, Nathan baptizes his older brother that evening while Brigham and the rest of the company look on approvingly. Joshua has taken the first step in his eternal progression in the gospel.

THE END

     

No Unhallowed Hand

The story continues, post martyrdom, post-mortem intervel, of Joseph Smith. There's a sense of "What now?" for the both the Steed family and the saints in this volume. Who will assume leadership of the church? How long until the great mass exodus to Utah is set in motion? Who will be the next Steed to marry? Gerald Lund keeps these pioneer stories alive in his bestselling series. Nobody writes like this anymore.

For the first time, the author includes individual family tree charts for each of Benjamin & Mary Ann's five children (Jessica has her own) so all grandchildren are included and it's very helpful.

Start- June 1844
End - February 1846

Chapter 1- Nathan is looking at the graves of Joseph and Hyrum, contemplating the three days since the martyrdom. No headstones, just two mounds of dirt. Today is Sunday; back in town, a bedridden Kathryn urges  her sister and brother-in-law to attend worship services (because she wants to secretly practice with her crutches and barely makes it back to the bed when they return). Peter stops by to visit. He wants to talk about their relationship, except they don't have one, as Kathryn bluntly points out. He leaves and she cries. Even later that same Sunday, Kathryn in her wheelchair joins the rest of the Steed clan, including Jessica and Solomon, at the main evening family gathering. She joins the debate with Joshua over where the church will turn for leadership; who will succeed Joseph? Lots of rumors going around Nauvoo.

Chapter 2- Nathan and Benjamin talk quietly that same Sunday evening while the Steeds visit outside in the cool evening. Ben confides to Nathan the graves he visited earlier today were fake, the bodies were secretly buried elsewhere. New scene: Savannah and Mary Ann are walking down the street. Savannah is being her usual precocious self, soberly discussing with her "step" grandma the Smith family and why a woman changes her name after she marries. Savannah runs off to play with one of the Smith boys so Lucy Mack Smith and Mary Ann can talk. Later the older and younger Steeds return with Jane Manning, one of the few negro LDS women in Nauvoo. Jane no longer works for Emma Smith who can no longer afford the big house. Mary Ann promises Jane help in securing a new position. (By starting LDS Family Services?)

Chapter 3- Caroline, still recovering from the wagon accident that took Olivia's life, hobbles out to the front porch where Joshua sits unable to sleep due to agonies of guilt over the death of his step-daughter. He has recurring nightmares of Olivia accusing him of negligence before waking in cold sweat. Caroline suggests he proceed with the purchase of an even grander piano (to replace the one they already have!) he planned to present to Olivia on what would've been her seventeenth birthday. Lydia tells Nathan that Parley P. Pratt is back so Nathan stops by to hear his news including the personal revelation he received while serving in Boston about the martyrdom.

Chapter 4- In Kirtland, Ohio, Melissa learns of the martyrdom and yearns to be with her family during this terrible time. Carl is supportive. Back in Nauvoo, Will gets the surprise of his life when he answers the door to find his father’s business partner from St. Louis, Walter Samuelson, and his spunky daughter, Alice, standing on his doorstep. Alice hangs out with Will while Joshua and Walter discuss the possibility of moving their business from Nauvoo to the more Mormon-tolerant city of St. Louis. Walter urges Joshua to consider moving his entire clan as well, so everyone can take advantage of greater opportunities but Joshua could never uproot his family, especially his still recovering wife. Walter also warns Joshua that some of their business associates are murmuring about his Mormon connections which may threaten his life but Joshua doesn’t believe him. Will shows Alice the temple site while she introduces him to the newest 1844 word to be added to the Collegiate Dictionary: “O.K.”

Chapter 5- Will continues the walking tour of Nauvoo with Alice. Both agree this last week has been nice. Melissa, Carl and the kids arrive in Nauvoo and prepare to disembark from the riverboat and surprise the family. Joshua gets a visit from John C. Bennett who is trying to stir up trouble that Joseph secretly confided to him who the next leader of the church should be. Three weeks have now passed since Mary Ann promised Jane Manning she’d help her find another position in service. The answer is right there, Jane will work for Melissa and Carl’s family of course! Parley Pratt arrives, out of breath, to inform Benjamin and Nathan of an important high priest meeting to counter the rumors.

Chapter 6- Brigham Young and other prominent church leaders are just a few days away from Nauvoo, traveling home from their respective missions. The road is blocked by a mired ox wagon. Miraculously, Brigham is led by the spirit to free the six yoke of oxen after all other attempts fail. The party can now proceed with all swiftness to Nauvoo where they arrive just in time to stop a meeting that was to officially appoint Sidney Rigdon as the new president of the church.

Chapter 7- That evening, everyone discusses the meeting. Joshua is confident Sidney will be appointed anyway while the rest of the clan know and understand what makes a prophet. Melissa and Carl also support Sidney because he is against plural marriage. That night, Matthew and his family, including Kathryn are having family scripture study when Brigham Young calls to share the latest news about the next meeting that will be held later in the week to officially vote on the new president.

Chapter 8- Today is Thursday, August 8, 1844 and everyone, including non-members like Joshua and Carl are gathered for this monumental meeting. Even very small children, like newborn baby Mary Melissa, under the care of Jane Manning, are included. The meeting is held outdoors in a large grove east of the temple and more than 5,000 people are in attendance. The morning is spent hearing speeches. Pompous Sidney Rigdon has given his speech outlining all the reasons why he should succeed Joseph as leader. It is now Brigham Young’s turn to speak and what a powerful counterpoint he makes! No church can be called God’s true church, unless it includes twelve apostles holding all the authoritative keys and one prophet, seer and revelator. Suddenly, Caroline grips Joshua’s arm while Mary Ann gasps at what she sees. Others in the crowd have similar reactions, pointing and exclaiming. Rebecca forcibly grabs her five-year-old son who exclaims what everyone else is already affirming, “It’s Brother Joseph!” Kathryn and Jenny weep for they can hear Joseph’s voice. Joshua, in shock, turns to Carl who is just as bewildered while Melissa suddenly sees it too. Then, finally, Joshua has his own experience as the familiar voice of his longtime friend and acquaintance, Joseph Smith, hits his ears. Joshua cannot deny it; he knows that deep, resonant voice urging the saints to consider carefully Sidney’s argument for their vote just before Brigham’s voice takes over and the miraculous vision dissipates. Now, vote! Brigham Young is unanimously called and sustained as the next leader of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Chapter 9- The Steed Clan, minus Melissa and Carl, gather to discuss what they saw and heard today: Benjamin, Nathan and Matthew didn’t see or hear anything. Continuity error by the author for Rebecca now claims she didn’t experience anything either but Derek did. Those who did: Lydia, Savannah, Christopher, Emily, Jenny and Kathryn. Joshua pleads the fifth but Nathan suspects his older brother experienced something but doesn’t press him. Joshua visits Melissa after Carl and the children have gone to bed so they can talk freely. Melissa shares her experience which she hasn’t told Carl yet and is troubled due to their views on plural marriage and her current struggles with the faith. Carl is content for them to be less active. Joshua returns home to tell Caroline he’ll be leaving for St. Louis on business again. Will goes with him so Alice can give him a walking tour of her city where they use their new word, OK, and giggle like teenagers in love. Alice admits she’s been reading the Book of Mormon but needs more space and time to investigate on her own and Will respects that.

Chapter 10- Several pages of narration describe the new church order under the direction of Brigham Young. Rebecca, Jenny and Jessica have all announced new babies for next year. The Knabe Piano arrives in Joshua’s household and is set up in the parlor for Savannah while the old one is given to Nathan and Lydia for Emily, their oldest daughter. It is now October 1844 and time for General Conference (such as it was in pioneer days) which, for the men, includes the calling of individual mission assignments. Benjamin has a secret wish to be called as a mission president. His desire is granted. He and Mary Ann will preside over the Nashville, TN mission. Derek and Matthew have also been called to serve for a short time in Arkansas. Brigham visits the Steeds in person to give them more specific details and reassure the expectant wives that their husbands will be home before the babies are due. Later that day, Peter calls on Matthew’s house to see Kathryn who has to be dragged out of the back bedroom by her sister. Once apologies are made, Peter and Kathryn talk about Peter’s hurt feelings at not being called on a mission like the other young men. He wisely points out to Kathryn that mental crutches can be just as hindering to the human soul as physical ones. Kathryn is humbled and meekly asks him to read aloud from the book he brought. Let the courtship begin! Ten days later, the family bids Benjamin and Mary Ann farewell.

Chapter 11- Rebecca visits Mary and Mercy Fielding Smith/Thompson. Robert Thompson died so Hyrum took Mary’s sister as a plural wife. Now both are widows with children forced to double up in a much smaller house because Emma claimed their former residence for a boarding house. Rebecca’s admires both women’s positive attitude without any bitterness towards Emma. The temple is nearing completion. Emma is struggling to get along with Brigham Young who has his own ideas about running the church while Mother Smith plays peacemaker. Rebecca counts her blessings.

Chapter 12- Matthew and Derek have their own missionary adventure in the hills of Arkansas as they experience persecution from a mob while contacting some less active members in their area. They are beaten and nearly lynched, accused of spreading mischief, forcing their daughters to enter into enforced polygamy. Both men fervently deny these false accusations and manage to avoid a hanging by distracting the men. Some in the mob have a change of heart and subdue the leader, admit they were wrong to let it go this far and let the Elders go with no hard feelings.

Chapter 13- Two girls are born to Jenny and Rebecca. Derek and Matthew are present for the deliveries. Jessica (now 41 years old) gives birth to a boy. Savannah turns eight and immediately begins pestering her Papa to let her be baptized but Joshua won’t relent. She tries hiding in the barn and refusing to eat for an entire day. Will and Caroline talk Joshua into a compromise. Joshua proposes a trial period for his daughter to be on her best behavior until June then he’ll give his consent. Savannah agrees.

Chapter 14- Nathan writes the family letter (dated June 10, 1845) to Ma & Pa Steed telling all the news including Savannah’s baptism and the whistling and whittling brigade formed by the saints in attempt to keep the peace in Nauvoo. Jane Manning is getting married to another free black man who is also a member of the church (they will separate years later in Utah). Caroline is outside, keeping cool in the shade, when Alice from St. Louis makes an unexpected surprise visit. Alice has questions about the church, such as plural marriage, and wants the clan’s opinions and views. Jenny takes her to the temple site where Matthew is working and they have a nice conversation which is interrupted by the onset of a violent thunder and lightning storm. Jenny panics for her sister, who is understandably terrified of thunderstorms, left alone back at the house to mind the children. They hurry back.

Chapter 15- Kathryn is trying hard not to go into hysterics in front of the children as the hail, thunder and lightning storm rages outside. A window shatters and everyone screams just as Peter comes bursting through the door, like a knight in shining armor, to throw his arms around a sobbing Kathryn and calm their fears. Hours later, everyone gathers to assess the damage of the storm. No one in the family suffered any real property damage so the subject turns to the church. Non-members joke about the possibility of being knocked over the head and baptized. Alice pipes up and announces she wouldn’t mind that at all. Will is then teased into proposing marriage to Alice. Kathryn adds it might be a double wedding, if Peter will have her. Thirty miles south, Jessica and her family receive the happy news of the engagements and decide a trip to Nauvoo is in order.

Chapter 16- Miles outside Nauvoo, a big anti-Mormon rally is being held to decide the best way to exterminate the Mormons and drive them out of their state. The first target will be Yelrome, where Solomon just happens to be when the attack comes…

Chapter 17- Solomon is helping Brother Morley (for whom Yelrome is named) when the mob arrives. Solomon tries to intervene but is clubbed unmercifully (never fear, he doesn’t die). Back in Nauvoo, the Steeds hear about the attack and all willing and able Steed men volunteer to help.

Chapter 18- Early the next morning, Nathan and Lydia are outside talking. Nathan assures Lydia Jessica and her family are all here, safe, in Nauvoo having come on their own, before Brigham’s call to gather went out. Nathan and Joshua ride out together with Porter Rockwell’s rescue party and Joshua hears some of the fascinating stories of Porter’s duties as bodyguard to the prophet before witnessing Porter’s vigilante gunmanship in action. Joshua returns home late that night where Caroline is waiting up for him. Alice’s parents may not approve of her hasty decisions. Joshua might want to consider making a trip to St. Louis to play mediator.

Chapter 19- Joshua, Will and Alice depart on a riverboat for St. Louis as the Steed clan wave goodbye. As they walk back to their homes, Nathan halts all the adults, sends the kids off to play and declares a family meeting right here and now to fast and pray for Joshua, Alice, Melissa and others in their family who will miss out on the great migration to Utah, if they choose to stay behind, thus dividing the Steed family forever. Walter Samuelson and his wife are, indeed, not very happy with the news Will and Alice spring on them. Joshua and Will sit by the river and reminisce about the time Will was shanghaied (see vol. 5) while Alice’s parents suggest a compromise: they will give their permission for her marriage if she will wait until the Mormons have left the state before joining that religion, just to prove she’s not doing it to please her beau. Alice talks to Will the next day and they agree to wait six months until Grandma and Grandpa Steed return from their mission. That should satisfy everyone.

Chapter 20- Even the governor of the state of Illinois won’t do anything to assist the second class Mormon citizens. Alice, Will and Joshua return to Nauvoo in time for a big meeting about the upcoming migration where all the saints are instructed in preparations for the long journey.

Chapter 21- October, 1845 and final decision making time for the Steeds: are you in or out? Carl and Melissa are out. Caroline is torn but will stay in Nauvoo with her husband. Nathan tries to talk to Joshua who won’t bend. He tries Caroline who is touched at his effort to keep the family together but she will bide her time until Joshua has a change of heart. She and Joshua have a good conversation that night where Joshua admits he’s open to the idea of going with the family.

Chapter 22- Benjamin and Mary Ann are greeted by the entire family at the dock. Brigham Young calls Will and Alice into his office with a difficult assignment for Will. With all his sailing experience, Brigham wants Will to be part of a group of New York City saints leaving on a packet ship to sail around South America to California, as an alternative route to the Rocky Mountains. If Will agrees, he’ll need to marry Alice right away so she can go with him. This means Alice’s baptism will need to be moved up as well. Joshua is very put out by this earthshattering news but gives his consent (those darn kids will just elope anyway) and a double wedding with Peter and Kathryn is thrown together by the Steed woman in less than 48 hours.

Chapter 23- It’s the fastest wedding in the west! Benjamin officiates. Brigham Young and all twelve apostles are in attendance. Benjamin points out he only has the authority to marry them for time. Later, when the temple is dedicated, they can have the opportunity to be sealed for eternity. Brigham adds his assurance that all worthy members desiring this ordinance will have the opportunity very soon; and so, the two couples are married.

Chapter 24- Emily is thirteen; her cousin Rachel, fourteen. They are best friends and like to gossip about boys and dream of their own future weddings. Rachel is happy because her new (second) stepfather is going to officially adopt her (again!). Emily teases Rachel about the insanely long new last name she’ll have: Rachel Steed Griffith Garrett plus whatever name she takes when she marries. Emily also wonders if Rachel finds it weird calling her biological father “Uncle Joshua” but Rachel says she doesn’t mind, since it was Joshua who got her Mom and new stepfather together. Emily (to this reader’s horror) is envious of her cousin’s good fortune having so many fathers in her life (sans no fault divorce). The girls go downstairs to leave for the youth activity and are complimented by Nathan and Lydia. Joshua and Caroline receive a letter from Alice’s parents who aren’t too pleased with the baptism and elopement. Joshua hopes their business relations can still be salvaged. He meets Walter at a hotel in another town where Walter drops the bomb: he’s selling off his share of their business and severing all ties with Joshua who is shocked and angered by the news. Two men hired as bodyguards by Walter decide to profit from this little venture.

Chapter 25- Traveling back to Nauvoo, carrying the gold as part of his share from the sale, Joshua is attacked by Walter’s men. Thanks to a Good Samaritan, Joshua gets back to Nauvoo badly wounded but alive. The money also remains safely hidden under the wagon box which Joshua moves to one of his warehouses. The bad men torch the warehouse in retribution for their failure to rob Joshua and succeed in bankrupting him.

Chapter 26- Will and Alice arrive in New York City. In Nauvoo a special Steed Family Women’s council is held so Benjamin can instruct them on what to expect when they all go to the temple to receive their endowment. The brethren are also asking for help in making and donating all the beautiful items that will be needed for the endowment ceremony and the different rooms in the temple.
In later scenes, everyone discusses their plans to either stay or go with the saints in the big migration. Nathan and Lydia are definitely in. Joshua was forced to sell out in St. Louis, he no longer owns any business or property there, so he's out. Peter and Kathryn determine they will have to find their own way across the plains, since Peter has no skills that might be of any use on the trip.

Chapter 27- The temple endowment was first introduced by Joseph Smith in 1842. Benjamin was present. It is now December 1845. All married Steeds who are active in the church take this opportunity to participate in the endowment session. Caroline doesn’t go. Lydia visits Emma Smith who is still bitter over plural marriage but happy for her friend who is now temple worthy. Emma is unable to accept these new doctrines and will be staying behind to the dismay of both who have been good friends since Kirtland. Almon Babbitt informs Brigham Young there is a marshal here to arrest him. Brigham has an idea. He sends another man to impersonate him and escapes. Even the marshal is a good sport about the joke.

Chapter 28- Five Steed couples are sealed together as husband and wife: Benjamin & Mary Ann, Derek & Rebecca, Solomon & Jessica, Jenny & Matthew, Peter & Kathryn. Nathan and Lydia were already sealed by Joseph Smith in the last volume but they came to support the others. Kathryn is still wheelchair bound but uses crutches whenever she can. The happy couples walk and talk solemnly in the chilly night. Solomon reads what will one day become D&C 131. The sacredness of their shared experience overwhelms them all as voiced by Benjamin who gives a long speech about family, children and grandchildren all belonging to them now and how no one will be alone after death.

Chapter 29- January, 1846 and the state has declared their time is up and all Mormons must leave peacefully or suffer the consequences. Inspired by Savannah and her great desire to follow the prophet to Zion, Joshua decides he’s got nothing more to loose and talks to Nathan about throwing his lot in with the family. Nathan is ecstatic.

Chapter 30- Jane Manning James is recruited by Nathan to share her family’s story with Carl and Melissa in attempt to soften their hearts towards joining the saints. Her story about how God healed their feet while they traveled across the plains to Nauvoo is impressive but Carl and Melissa ultimately decide they will be safe enough in Nauvoo. Matthew walks with Brigham who gives a glimpse into the life of a modern day Moses and all its challenges. Tomorrow is the big day when everyone must be out of the city. They come to the temple where a crowd of faithful saints, anxious to receive their endowments before the exodus, plead with the prophet to open the temple one last time. Brigham relents.

Chapter 31- As the first wagons roll out on February 4, 1846, Alice Samuelson Steed writes in her journal on board the ship bound for San Francisco. Spirits are high but trials are coming. Over in another city, Peter and Katheryn have a “job interview” with the wealthy Reed family who plan to join the Donners in a massive trailblazing expedition to California.

Chapter 32- Benjamin leads the Steeds in a powerful and moving prayer before they set out. Those left behind weep and wail as the wagons roll out. A sense of foreboding and foreshadowing creeps into the narration as the Steeds board the ferry across the ice-choked Mississippi; something very bad is about to befall our favorite fictional family. Joshua and Savannah have tagged along. They are nearest the foul mouthed worker who maliciously spits tobacco juice in the eye of one ox who goes mad with pain, upsets the wagons and knocks Savannah into the icy water. Joshua and Solomon dive in after her. Benjamin is scanning the water when he spots Savannah’s blue dress and jumps in. He emerges triumphant, hands her to Solomon but succumbs to the current and is lost leaving Mary Ann screaming his name.

Chapter 33- Benjamin saved his granddaughter’s life but at the price of his own. Brigham Young comes over to the camp to offer his condolences, taking the newly widowed Mary Ann in his arms as she shakes with sobs. Benjamin will be buried here on the Iowa side of the river, on a bluff overlooking Nauvoo. Brigham will come for the funeral tomorrow. The Steeds are overcome with shock and grief. Melissa suggests they call off their migration but everyone insists Benjamin would want them to press on. Joshua decides he will travel with them as far as Nebraska, to help his mother and drive her wagon.

Chapter 34- Alice is having the worst Valentine’s Day of her life. Seasickness rages on board the ship and a terrible storm is currently making life miserable. She resents her healthy and happy as a clam husband who never gets motion sickness. Will is in his element as he eats in front of her but has to jump back to avoid being hit by her vomit. The storm blows itself out and everyone starts to feel a little better. Back in Nauvoo, a freak arctic cold front has swept across the plains, freezing the river and allowing all the saints in the city who want to leave the opportunity to cross over; a miracle. Nathan leads his family in prayer before they depart. Back at the gravesite, Mary Ann quietly says goodbye to her best friend, eternal companion and husband.

The End

  

Praise to the Man

     Gerald Lund's magnum opus to Joseph Smith is a bittersweet apex to reach in his meticulous narrative of church history. The time has come to say good bye to the prophet, seer and revelator who has done more, save Jesus only, for the salvation of man (D&C 135:3). This is Lund's best writing so far and none of his subsequent volumes in the series ever came close to surpassing the brilliancy and well crafted storytelling of Praise to the Man.

   Living in this age of 21st century information overload, this volume reminds us of why it is more important than ever to dig deep in order to better discern golden nuggets of truth from the drivel unleashed by the internet's open forums. So many controversial issues that Lund was not afraid to include in his story are what made this book so important. Plural marriage remains a touchy subject, shrouded in secrecy, yet, as the world wrestles with marriage issues in 2014 it is important to look back at the 19th century sociology of family formation. With the celebration of fornication, adultery, cohabitation and divorce in today's world, it seems a silly thing that Manifest Destiny and Gilded Age America would react so violently to bigamy. How far the pendulum has swung and Lund gives us all the juicy details weaving the Steeds' reactions so tightly into the drama the reader can hardly turn the pages fast enough.

The Benjamin Steed family chart now contains thirty-one names! Blessed is the Steed clan whose quiver is truly full. These fictional characters have become so real to us, we're ready to step into the pages and live alongside them. I love books like that!

OK, I got 43 chapters and three years of history (1841-1844) to summarize here, better get started...

Chapter 1- Nathan and Benjamin are working at the temple quarry site. Carl is hauling stone, even though he is not LDS he is still a good neighbor and willing to help. It was ten years ago he married Melissa Steed (see Vol. 2) and it is now July, 1841. Rebecca is pregnant with her second child. She is worried because she hasn't felt the fetus move in several weeks and is contemplating seeing a doctor. Caroline suggests the handsome, charming new doctor in town, John C. Bennett. Back at the quarry, Joseph and Nathan enjoy a friendly water fight after a hard day laboring in the hot sun.

Chapter 2- Nathan and Ben walk and talk with Brother Joseph who shares the prophecy of Utah becoming the new headquarters for the church in the not-to-distant future so don't get too comfortable here in Nauvoo, gentlemen. Jenny Pottsworth knows every bachelor in town wants to marry her and loves working in the Steed Family Dry Goods Store for that reason as it gives her many opportunities to flirt. Nathan returns from the quarry and takes over so Jenny can meet Will on the walk home. Will is still considering baptism. Joshua is mad at Jenny for stringing Will along and using religion as an excuse to put off marriage. He feels Jenny is pushing her beliefs on Will who stands up for Jenny and tells Dad to lay off.

Chapter 3- Becca is VERY uncomfortable during her visit with Dr. Bennett who asks her to have dinner with him, "Um, I'm married!" She runs to Lydia who shares this creepy story with Nathan who admits the wild rumors about the doctor are true and he's not to be trusted. Joshua wants to set Will up with the daughter of one of his St. Louis business partners. Will agrees to accompany his father to St. Louis and meet her.

Chapter 4- Nathan tells Brigham Young and Heber Kimball about Becca's visit with Dr. Bennett. They also confirm the suspicions of his inappropriate relations with other women and that Joseph is hesitant to call Brother B. out as he's such an influential and highly regarded man in town. Nathan decides to see Joseph personally about the issue but discovers Joseph already in a heated discussion with Bennett who weeps and begs forgiveness. Not wanting to eavesdrop any further, Nathan leaves. Later that night, Bennett tries to commit suicide.

Chapter 5- Brigham Young calls on newlyweds, Matthew and Jennifer Jo who invite him in. Brigham is ready to get back to work with Matthew on their furniture making business. Peter passes by Jessica's schoolhouse where Kathryn is outside sweeping the porch. He's written a poem for Jenny and is on his way right now to present it to her. Peter wonders why this upsets Kathryn but shrugs it off. Peter enters the Steed store to find Jenny already making eyes at the new boy in town, another English convert, Andrew Stokes, who is also competing for Jenny. Peter leaves, dejected. 

Chapter 6- Alice Samuelson turns out to be a very nice girl but she and Will are wise to the scheme of matchmaking fathers and roll their eyes at each other. The chemistry just isn't there, but they can still be friends. Back at the Samuelson home, Will and Joshua notice a daguerreotype of Alice and are fascinated by this newfangled technology that captures real life images better than an artist's portrait. Rachel Steed is nine, notices Kathryn is angry at Peter, and questions her foster sister about it. Will sees a copy of the Warsaw Signal reads the anti-Mormon article slamming the church and is furious. He storms into the print shop demanding retribution from the owner and gets beaten to a pulp instead.

Chapter 7- Joseph Smith visits Caroline and Will to personally thank Will for his effort in defending the church, tells him it's all right to take his time making a decision to be baptized and not let Joshua discourage him. Later, Joshua gathers the whole family to unveil his latest present for them: everyone is going to get the opportunity to sit for a photograph. He lets Rachel be first and Jessica is touched "Uncle Joshua" would do that for his biological daughter. After a big family dinner, the grown-ups discuss returning to the Wisconsin pineries and floating more lumber down river to sell, like they did last year. Benjamin and Mary Ann marvel over this new age they're living in with all these new inventions. Joshua and Caroline discuss her and Will's decisions over joining the church which Joshua is still against.

Chapter 8- With Andrew Stokes now in the picture, Will's angst over Jenny's flightiness when it comes to making a commitment with boys is driving him crazy. She needs to make up her mind soon. He talks to Caroline about baptism which he's still unsure about. Nathan and Ben are hard at work cutting stone at the quarry when Ben brings up the old idea of the Steed Family Corporation so everyone in the family can be doing something they truly love and are good at. Take Benjamin for example, he wants to get involved as a city planner and he knows Nathan doesn't enjoy running a store like his wife. Their talk is interrupted by bad news-Don Carlos Smith, the prophet's beloved younger brother-is dead from a recent illness.

Chapter 9- Don Carlos left a wife and kids whom the adult Steeds go visit to offer comfort and support. The Smith family shares a few stories about this good man who will be greatly missed. Next day's funeral services are troubled as the first speaker harangues the saints for two hours before Joseph stands and gives a refreshing sermon on peace. Will observes all of this and is impressed. The following day, Matthew learns from Brigham that Joseph, like Jesus of old, is spending more time in private instruction and counsel with the twelve apostles. As if he's preparing them for something...

Chapter 10- Lydia meets Mother Smith and hears more bad news, Emma's 14 month old son, named after his uncle, Don Carlos, just died and Emma is not taking it well. This marks the fifth child she's lost. Lydia goes to comfort her friend as she's lost a couple of children herself. It is now September 1841 and the Steed Family Women's council will please come to order. This is a new tradition started by the women (because Relief Society hasn't been invented yet!), the group includes Jenny Pottsworth and her mother. Today, the McIntire/Steed sisters will show them how to create a special Irish fabric so they can make clothes for the poor and needy in their community. Will asks Lydia about her conversion story. He's about to leave with the men for the Wisconsin and plans to study and pray about the Book of Mormon so he can have a decision for Jenny when he returns.

Chapter 11- Increasing tension in Joshua and Caroline's marriage again over the church and Will's desire to investigate. Joshua is firm; no one in his family will be involved in Mormonism. He feels if Will does join the church he's only doing it to please that dumb English blonde. Nathan also talks to Joshua and promises he won't let Will make any hasty decisions. They will be home for Christmas. Will and Jenny have a mushy farewell.

Chapter 12- One day a visitor arrives at Jessica's school. His name is Solomon Garrett, (because it's been three years now since Jessica became a widow and it's time to get her married off again) he's Mormon and works for Hancock County School District. He wants Jessica to come teach at his little schoolhouse on the prairie, in the all-Mormon community of Ramus, where she'll be paid well and have a place of her own. Jessica accepts and she and Kathryn and the younger children begin packing to leave. In a letter to Nathan, Lydia shares the latest Nauvoo gossip, Jenny is practically engaged to Andrew, so Will needs to be prepared. Nathan saves Will who nearly drowns after an accident on the river. He writes Lydia about it and tells her he and Will are not coming home for the holidays but Joshua is.

Chapter 13- Grand opening of Joseph and Emma's own Dry Goods Store. Caroline and Joshua look around and chat with other members of the Smith family. That night, John Bennett stops by the freight office to talk to Joshua about a disturbing new rumor going around about "spiritual wifery." Up north, Will is reading the scriptures and pondering some of the things Lydia told him. He gets his answer about the church being true and drops to his knees in sudden epiphany-Do THEN know!

Chapter 14 - Joshua arrives back in the Wisconsin camp. It is now February 1842 and with spring coming the lumber will be moving south very soon. Nathan is returning to Nauvoo with a letter from Will to his mother announcing his decision to be baptized. A beautiful snowfall blankets the city of Nauvoo as Nathan passes Joseph's house to find him romping with his children. Lydia is very glad to see him. They walk and talk about the latest family events;  Jessica and Solomon Garrett are getting serious as a couple. They reach the temple site and run into William Weeks, temple architect who explains the significance of the sun and moonstones on the outside walls. (The Salt Lake Temple will have similar stones.)

Chapter 15- Peter is a newspaperman working at the Times and Seasons under the direction of John Taylor. Because of his increasing duties and demanding schedule as a member of the twelve, John wants to promote Peter to senior editor. Peter accepts. Lydia helps attend the birth of Emma's baby which is stillborn. Could Mr. Lincoln, a young lawyer whom Nathan and Ben met during a business trip to Springfield, Illinois, be the same man who will become a future president?

Chapter 16- Peter, holding a fresh copy of the newspaper, announces to the entire family the arrival of ancient Egyptian mummies and writings of Abraham which Joseph wants to purchase. The Articles of Faith have also been published along with what will become Section 4 of the D&C. Later, Lydia tells Nathan a humorous story about a faithful couple who wanted to donate everything they had, including their newborn son, to the church and the building of the temple. Joseph was only kidding about his seriousness in accepting the son. A new Nauvoo Ladies Society is also about to be organized and the Steed women plan to attend.

Chapter 17- Lydia and Nathan visit Brother Joseph and Emma. Joseph returns with baby Mary, on loan from  a neighbor woman to help comfort the grieving Emma. Mary is an identical twin but Joseph can already tell them apart, even when he was accidentally handed the wrong twin. Up north, Joshua learns from a Frenchman in the camp that Will has decided to join the church. He's not happy. He and Will get into an argument where Will reminds him of his responsibilities as a father, including the one he has to his daughter from a previous marriage. Joshua is so angry he almost strikes Will. He writes two letters instead: one to Nathan telling him not to come up to the Wisconsin camps and another to Dr. John Bennett, the content of which isn't revealed. Unbeknownst to Joshua, Will is also writing a letter to Nathan. The contents of which are also not revealed.

Chapter 18- On March 17, 1842 Joseph Smith, most of the Steed women (except Jenny Pottsworth who married Andrew after all and moved across the river along with her mother) and many other women assemble in an upstairs room at Joseph's store and the first Female Relief Society of the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is officially organized. Emma is elected president.

Chapter 19- One day in early April, Jessica brings her family to visit. Solomon, here on approval, is with her. They have an announcement to make. Yes, they're engaged and they have the entire clan's blessing. Later, Kathryn shuns Peter's attempt to be friendly. Now that Jenny Pottsworth is gone, Kathryn feels she's become Peter's consolation prize. Sorry, no dice. Nathan reads Will's letter containing all the graphic details about the argument. Nathan ignores Joshua's letter telling him to stay away and immediately prepares to leave for Wisconsin to play mediator. The letter Joshua wrote to Bennett is also revealed when Bennett visits Carl in his shop to share the "spiritual wivery" rumors that no Mormons, including the Steeds, want to discuss openly. Carl is troubled and goes to Lydia's only to discover Nathan's already left on his trip north. Lydia is also troubled learning about this new rumor. That night, Carl can't sleep. He and Melissa take a walk where Melissa shares what Becca experienced last year with the disreputable Dr. Bennett. Now Carl is really worried. If these rumors are to be believed, he fears this new practice may tear the Steed family apart.

Chapter 20- Nathan arrives in the camp and wakes Will who is glad to see him. They talk. Nathan informs Will of something the reader didn't know. It was Joshua who arranged for Solomon Garrett to offer the position to Jessica along with the matchmaking bonus. Will realizes he misjudged his stepfather. Will and Nathan take a walk and meet Joshua who is no longer upset. Nathan announces Jessica's upcoming marriage. Joshua keeps quiet about the plural marriage rumor he told Bennett to share with Carl in his letter. They set about building the log rafts for the return trip to Nauvoo.

Chapter 21- Carl tells Melissa he's not passing any judgments on the church, Joseph Smith or Bennett until he's completed his own in-depth investigation on the issue. That day, at the quarry, Carl witnesses Joseph telling Israel Barlow to get a whip for his normally gentle team. Israel obeys and that very same day his team bolts and nearly runs backward off a quarry cliff but Israel is able to stop them, just in time, with his new whip. Carl also makes inquires in a small town not far from Nauvoo where Bennett resided before coming to Nauvoo and joining the church. Melissa attends a church conference where Joseph puts to rest the rumors that he and members of the twelve forcing women to marry them are not true.

Chapter 22- Melissa is glad Carl will come to the next Sabbath meeting where Joseph delivers a powerful sermon, publicly chastising all in the church who are participating in adulterous fornication. There are enemies among us! John C. Bennett is also at this meeting but says nothing. Carl observes to Melissa that battle lines have now been drawn and trouble is coming for her religion. Out on the prairie, outside of Ramus, Jessica, Kathryn and the children are enjoying a picnic when a terrible lightning and rainstorm blows in. As they dash for shelter under the wagon, a particularly strong bolt of lightning strikes within twenty feet of Kathryn, knocking her down and nearly killing her. Everyone else is unharmed. Solomon finds them. Kathryn regains consciousness to see her sister, Jenny, leaning over her and realizes she is completely paralyzed!

Chapter 23- One week later, Kathryn is still a bedridden quadriplegic. Peter comes over to visit but Kathryn is still mad at him so he throws his poem at her and bolts. Jenny reads the sappy poem aloud about a bird seeking flight. Both are touched. Relief Society is held on Thursday afternoons where Joseph often teaches them. Today the lesson is on priesthood and preparing to enter the temple to participate in doctrine that Joseph will soon reveal. Joseph also addresses the issue of women coming to Emma, asking for priesthood blessings which she gave. He clarifies this doctrine and outlines the difference between blessings of faith and proper priesthood authority which only married women, through their worthy priesthood-holding husbands, may participate in. The keys of the kingdom come through the sealing of a man and woman as husband and wife. God desires all worthy, married, members in the church to receive this blessing of eternal marriage very soon.

Chapter 24- Caroline ponders what Joseph taught the night before while working at the store. Will enters, back from Wisconsin. He wants the entire family to gather on a bluff overlooking the river so they can see the impressive log rafts coming downriver. At the big family welcome home dinner, Joshua tells Carl he will join him in his investigation. Joshua also tells Caroline he's tired of fighting. If she really wants to be  baptized a Mormon, he can't stop her. But first, Caroline needs to make sure, even if the rumors turn out to be true, that she can accept this new plural marriage doctrine. The next day, Joshua visits Kathryn who is still convalescing and can't move any part of her body except a few fingers. The following exchange boarders on inappropriateness: both cry as Joshua pulls out his handkerchief and tenderly wipes Kathryn's tears reminding her he was also partially paralyzed but worked hard to overcome it and she can too. He kisses her forehead, wipes more tears away while she smiles adoringly up at him and thanks him. Joshua confides he wishes Will would marry her and gives Kathryn a one sided hug before leaving.

Chapter 25- Joshua attends a secret meeting at Dr. Bennett's where men and suspiciously veiled women share their sides of the story about spiritual wifery. The women and Bennett claim Joseph forced the practice on them. This is a lie. Disgusted and horrified, Joshua leaves, vowing to get to the bottom of this. He talks with Carl, Nathan, and his father who wisely points out the wicked cover their sins by blaming the prophet which leads to apostasy. Carl reports his latest findings: while Joseph and other leaders are speaking out against adultery, Joseph may in fact be secretly teaching that it's OK for a man to have more than one wife.

Chapter 26- Joshua, Carl, Nathan and Benjamin talk more about this issue. For Carl this is all just TMI (too much information) for him and he's out. Nathan and Ben go see Joseph Smith. (Joshua also opted to stay behind) who sighs and tells them John C. Bennett is in BIG trouble exploiting a sacred ordinance and using it for his own selfish sexual desires. Nathan and Benjamin next visit Brigham Young to ask him the questions they couldn't bring themselves to ask Joseph: who else among the upper echelons of the church have taken wives for themselves and is Joseph really one of them? Brigham admits it's true and reminds them of the Old Testament practice, the law of consecration and sustaining of the prophet. They need to search their own hearts before asking Joseph themselves about that last question. Joseph finds Benjamin later and invites him to a special meeting tomorrow at the store. He tells him to plan on being there for a good part of the day and that he may tell Mary Ann about it later, but no one else.

Chapter 27- The special meeting turns out to be what endowed members of the church will recognize as an early form of the ordinance, since the temple hasn't been dedicated yet. Ben does tell Mary Ann about it afterwards and together they talk to Nathan who continues to struggle over this new doctrine. On May 6, 1842, Governor Lilburn Boggs who gave the Mormon extermination order back in Missouri, is shot by an unknown assassin. Bennett attempts to get Joseph "accidentally" shot during a sham battle of the Nauvoo legion but it fails.

Chapter 28- A family council is held: Nathan, Lydia, Carl, Melissa, and Caroline all gather at Ma and Pa Steed's cabin to discuss plural marriage. Benjamin says plural marriage has been taking place and they'll now adjourn to the home of Heber and Vilate Kimball. Brigham Young is presiding, Joseph is absent. Brigham invites the Kimballs to share their story about the test of faithfulness Joseph and the Lord put them through. As a prophet of God, Joseph commanded Heber to give him Vilate as a plural wife. He also commanded Heber to begin the practice himself by taking another woman, chosen for him by Joseph under the direction of God, as a second wife. After much prayer and wrestling with the Spirit, Heber brought his beloved wife to the prophet. The couple was then rewarded with the honor of being the first married couple in the restored church to be sealed together as husband and wife for all eternity by Joseph. During this heart-wrenching time, Vilate, aware of her husband's agony, supplicated the Lord for information. She was shown a glorious revelation of what plural marriage looks like in the highest level of the Celestial Kingdom. It was also revealed to her the woman Joseph told Heber to take in plural marriage. Though it was difficult to accept, Vilate was at peace with the doctrine and shared this revelation with her astonished husband. Their marriage has only gotten stronger and charity, the pure love of Christ, is better understood as a result.

Chapter 29- The Steeds are reeling after this meeting as each go their separate ways. Nathan tells Lydia he's really struggling with this while Lydia is like Vilate, perfectly at peace and totally accepting. Benjamin finds Nathan later that night on his front porch, unable to sleep and they talk of Caroline and Joshua's struggle. Despite the controversial issue, Caroline still wants to be baptized and now Olivia wants to join too. Lydia talks with Mother Steed a few days later. One reason she has no problems with plural marriage is that she would be perfectly willing to share Nathan with another sister in the gospel: Jessica, for example. Melissa, on the other hand, in serious discussion with Carl is adamant; she absolutely CANNOT accept this doctrine for if they were called upon to live it, she would die!

Chapter 30- Kathryn is presented with a wheelchair which Peter chivalrously maneuvers all over town. Kathryn is touched and sets a goal to roll herself around, independently, one day. Nathan and Lydia call on Joseph; Nathan has come to terms with the possibility of living the higher law of marriage and will accept if asked. Joseph shares his own personal struggle with this revelation which he was officially commanded to begin practicing in 1840, two years ago. Three times an Angel of the Lord came to him. The third time with a drawn sword and a warning that if Joseph did not begin immediately to live the higher law of marriage, he would be slain and his prophetic calling given to another (imagine the effect that might have today on so many YSA Wards!). Nathan and Lydia are then sealed by Joseph for time and all eternity. John C. Bennett was also officially excommunicated this very day.

Chapter 31- Joshua returns from a St. Louis business trip to find plural marriage is now common knowledge and his wife, son and daughter still want to be baptized. Jennifer gives birth to a baby girl that she and Matthew name Betsy. Ben talks to Joshua who finally relents and allows the baptism to take place. Everyone comes, even a pregnant Jenny Stokes and her mother from across the river. Joseph Smith also attends. Matthew baptizes Olivia and Will. Benjamin baptizes Caroline who immediately goes and hugs Joshua.

Chapter 32- Rebecca gives birth to a second son they name Benjamin. John Bennett is now traveling all over the area giving public speeches denouncing Mormonism and spreading lies about Joseph Smith. Nauvoo is booming and the Steeds are prospering. One day, Joseph visits Joshua. He'd like to call Will to serve a mission in England. Joshua grudgingly gives permission and on August 2, 1842 he bids a tearful goodbye to all the Steeds. On September 3, Hyrum Smith unites Solomon Garrett and Jessica Roundy Steed Griffith in marriage, because there's a warrant out for Joseph's arrest and he's had to go into hiding. Christmas arrives and the Steed clan gathers to hang stockings, sing carols and act out the Christmas story again. Kathryn has good news, she can now push her own wheelchair! Everyone applauds.

Chapter 33- It is now November, 1843 and Will is back from his mission. Christmas also comes round again and there's a big party over at Brother Joseph's that the whole city is invited to. All the Steeds, except Carl and Melissa, attend. Lydia gave birth over the summer to a boy they named Joseph. Jessica had a girl. The party is interrupted by a surprise visitor, Porter Rockwell.

Chapter 34- Anti-Mormon tension is building. Joseph says he knows there is a Judas Iscariot in their midst. One day in January, 1844, Joshua is sawing ice on the river when a group of ex-Mormon men find him. They believe Joseph to be a fallen prophet and want Joshua to put his social (and monetary) influence behind them. He tells them to get a life. Joesph is his friend. He wants no part in it. The men leave, disappointed but we know it's not over. To help persuade a struggling Melissa, all of the adult Steed women invite her and Mary Fielding over for a intervention meeting. Younger Steeds, like Olivia, are babysitting at the other house. Olivia enters and accidentally overhears some of the conversation about plural marriage which disturbs her deeply.

Chapter 35- Sixteen-year-old Olivia confides what she overheard to her best girlfriend and fellow member of the church who then tells her mom whose husband is not a member and very anti-Mormon. Word gets back to Olivia from her best friend that she should go see Joseph Smith so she does. It's a very sweet and touching scene about following God's will as Joseph patiently explains and clears up her misunderstanding. Ends with Joseph hugging Olivia and kissing the top of her head. Unbeknownst to both, Olivia was set up and their conversation did not go unobserved. That innocent hug and kiss foreshadows a major plot complication that will impact the Steeds for the remainder of this story.

Chapter 36- Joshua scoffs that Joseph Smith (or Mitt Romney) could ever win a presidential election. Then he hears about Olivia's meeting with Joseph which is blown entirely out of proportion. In a rage, Joshua confronts the two women, just as Livvy has finished sharing with her mother what really happened. Joshua is a real jerk. Olivia runs off, weeping, while Caroline and Joshua argue louder than they ever have in their marriage. Caroline takes the kids and they spend the night elsewhere. When the other Steeds learn of the marital strife, they agree to fast and pray for Joshua and his dysfunctional family.

Chapter 37- Joshua moves his family to Warsaw, which is a hotbed of anti-Mormon sentiment, like a powder keg about to blow at any time. Melissa and Carl receive word that Carl's father is on his deathbed and wants to see all his children before he goes. With all the trouble in Nauvoo and their current feelings toward the church, they might not return. Caroline is also great with child and wants to visit Nauvoo for the upcoming April general conference.

Chapter 38- With rumors flying about a possible assassination attempt on Joseph's life, even Joshua attends the conference. Joseph delivers his greatest sermon ever on the nature of God, the King Follett Discourse. (King was the actual given name of a member in good standing who recently passed away and Joseph is repeating the sermon he gave at his funeral.) Joshua is offended by Joseph's declaration that man can progress and become a glorified, celestial being, like God, who was once a mortal man Himself. He gets up and openly leaves the meeting. A week or so later, more prominent church leaders are excommunicated.

Chapter 39- Anti-Mormon paper, The Salt Lake Tribune The Expositor, prints outright lies about Joseph Smith and the church and everyone is outraged. On June 10, 1844, the press is destroyed under Joseph's order. Warsaw is now a very dangerous place for Mormons such as Caroline and her children. Even Joshua realizes his mistake in relocating his family here. They arrange to leave and secure two wagons. Joshua will drive one with Savannah and baby Charles. Will and Olivia will take the other with Caroline under a tarp in the back as she is due any day and must remain in a supine position. They don't get too far before a threatening mob stops them. Will gets down to confront them while Olivia impulsively snaps the reins and hightails it out of there but she loses control of the wagon and there's a terrible accident! Back in Nauvoo, Will gathers the family and tells them what happened. In this dark hour, the clan must pull together. Even Joseph Smith has come to Warsaw with his bodyguard, Porter Rockwell, so he can help give Caroline a blessing. Joshua is a very humble and penitent man who might need an entire book or two before he can forgive himself.

Chapter 40- Hearing of the tragedy, Jessica and her family have come to help. With the birth of Miriam, Jessica can serve as wet nurse for a recovering Caroline who went into labor early as a result of the trauma. The preemie is a girl they've decided to call Livvy, NOT Olivia, because the accident took her life and the grief is still raw. Hundreds come for Olivia's funeral. Joseph speaks of comfort and of the spirit world but the words bring no comfort to Joshua who doesn't know what to believe anymore. Yet, despite his grief, Joshua wants to help his Mormon friends defend themselves against the growing anti-Mormon resentment. John Taylor and a convoy of men travel to the state capitol to appeal to the governor of Illinois for help who has washed his hands of the Mormons and refuses to offer any assistance. Nathan is present when this report is made and Joseph realizes they are all in danger and he must flee Nauvoo in order to save themselves and their families. Several men, including Nathan and Ben, will travel with him. They will go West, perhaps to Oregon.

Chapter 41- The men haven't traveled very far when word comes from Emma, pleading for her husband to come back and not leave her all alone amidst the growing conflict in Nauvoo. Prophesying his own death, Joseph turns around. He and the others are immediately arrested upon entering city limits, even Benjamin and Nathan. All are carried away by the boisterous mob to Carthage Jail.

Chapter 42- Nathan writes to Lydia detailing the hellish triumph of the unruly men outside, openly celebrating their capture of the despised Mormon leader. Inside, Joseph is all quiet dignity. For the moment they are safe but their situation is not very hopeful. Guns have been smuggled to the prisoners. When one member of the party feels ill, Nathan volunteers to go with Stephen Markham for medicine (conveniently getting him out of one of the most important historical events of our time). They are attacked by the mob who jab Nathan's legs with bayonets while he struggles to escape on his horse.

Chapter 43- Nathan will recover from his injuries. It is now 5:15pm on the evening of June 27, 1844. Attack! Men rush the door, others fire through the window. Hyrum is caught in the face by a bullet through the door. He falls. Joseph runs to the door and blindly fires. Three men are hit. Joseph runs to the window to leap out, sacrifice himself to the mob and save the lives of his friends. Shots from behind and below find their target. Joseph falls. John Taylor has been hit three times but he's still alive. Willard Richards came through without a single scratch.
Back in Nauvoo, it is very late at night. Nathan and Lydia can't sleep. They discuss the peculiar incident of all the dogs and cows in the city barking and lowing for no apparent reason, almost as if they were in mourning. Nathan is awakened by pounding at the door. It's Joshua with the latest news from Carthage. Joseph and Hyrum are dead! Emma is inconsolable. Lydia weeps in Nathan's arms. Mary Fielding Smith had awful feelings of foreboding last night but the shock is just as great. June 28, 1844, the bodies are brought in. Mother Smith, the two widows, and all the children weep and wail over them. A voice comes to Mother Smith's mind, comforting, she hears the voices of both her sons reassuring her they are all right and all will be well. Even the Steeds are allowed to be at this close-friends-and-family-only-viewing. 17 years the Steeds knew this family. As they return to Steed Row, they stop to reminisce highlights of the previous volumes, especially Vol. 1: Remember how Martin Harris suggested we hire them? I pulled sticks with Joseph. I fired them after hearing the rumors. They marvel how they were privileged to be next-door-neighbors to a prophet of God. (The reader got to experience that too, right along with the Steeds.) They wonder, "How can we go on?" Benjamin recites Moses 1:39 for which this series was named. Mary Ann, Benjamin, Lydia, Nathan, Rebecca and Derek observe a moment of silence, lost in their memories of their beloved prophet, friend and leader before Becca kisses her father on the cheek and softly thanks him.

The End