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 aintervention 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 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
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
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