Mormon History, Apr 29, 1849

The 6 members of the Twelve & Presidents Young, Kimball & Richards met and agreed & spent the eve[nin]g. in interesting chat. The President gave it as his opinion that the Earth did not now dwell in the sphere in which it did when it was created but that it was banished from its more glorious state or orbit of revolution for mans sake. also that he did not think the tides were by the influence of the Moon, but as the beating of a mans heart the Earth being a living body. Elder P. P. P. inquired what was strictly right as to the associations & connection of a man with his wives? The President replied that if we had not been brought up Gentile superstition it would be right for us to 240 associate equally with all our wives or as we chose about it, but now it is wisdom to not forsake the wife of our youths who dwelt in our bosoms while we & they knew not the things of Gods more perfect Law for the others who never enjoyed that constant society can better endure the distant association than if they had enjoyed the greater familiarity & better than the first wives can so many of which it would be worse than death for their husbands to withdraw from them. As to connection with them, he thought to be strictly right would be to not unite with a woman in view of impregnation till 7 days after the cessation of the menstrual discharge in order for the most healthy procreation of our species. also that After childbirth if delivered of a son she should continue 40 days in her purification. If of a Daughter she should be 70 days separated as unclean for a man. As to sexual connection during pregnancy just as they please about that suit themselves. Pres[iden]t also said there were things which he must teach the females to prepare them for the presence of God, when he could get a place to do it in. Also mentioned his intention to send Brother Joseph Toronto to his native country (Italy) & with him some one to start the work of gathering from that nation. Some of the perplexities which Joseph experienced in introducing the Covenant of Abraham were dwelt upon, & dismissed till one week at this place.

[source: Record of the Twelve Apostles, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]

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