Asterisk (*) denotes a "featured" version, which includes an introduction and annotation.
*Minutes, 17 August 1835
Page 162
was appointed by the voice of the for this purpose: we therefore feel willing to bear testimony to all the world of mankind, to every creature upon the face of all the earth, and upon the islands of the sea, that the Lord has borne record to our souls, through the Holy Ghost shed forth upon us, that these were given by inspiration of God, and are profitable for all men, and are verily true.— We give this testimony unto the world, the Lord being our helper: and it is through the grace of God, the Father, and his Son Jesus Christ, that we are permitted to have this privilege of bearing this testimony unto the world, in the which we rejoice exceedingly, praying the Lord always, that the children of men may be profited thereby. Elder bore record of the truth of the book and the council of the accepted and acknowledged it as the doctrine and covenants of their faith, by a unanimous vote.
Bishop bore record of the truth of the book, and with his , accepted and acknowledged it as the doctrine and covenants of their faith, by a unanimous vote.
Acting Bishop, , bore record of the truth of the book, and with his counsellors, accepted and acknowledged it as the doctrine and covenants of their faith, by a unanimous vote. Acting President, , gave his testimony in favor of the book, and with the travelling , accepted and acknowledged it as the doctrine and covenants of their faith, by a unanimous vote.
, acting President of the , gave his testimony in favor of the book, and with the Priests, accepted and acknowledged it as the doctrine and covenants of their faith, by a unanimous vote.
, acting President of the , gave his testimony in favor of the book, and they accepted and acknowledged it as the doctrine and covenants of their faith, by a unanimous vote.
acting President of the , bore record of the truth of the book, and they accepted and acknowledged it as the doctrine and covenants of their faith, by a unanimous vote.
The venerable assistant President , then bore record of the truth of the book, and with his five silver-headed assistants, and the whole congregation, accepted and acknowledged it as the doctrine and covenants of their faith, by a unanimous vote. The several authorities, and the general assembly, by a unanimous vote accepted of the labors of the committee.
President then read the following article on Marriage, which was accepted and adopted, and ordered to be printed in said book, by a unanimous vote, namely:—
“According to the custom of all civilized nations, marriage is regulated by laws and ceremonies: therefore we believe, that all marriages in this church of Christ of Latter Day Saints, should be solemnized in a public meeting, or feast, prepared for that purpose: and that the solemnization should be performed by a presiding , high priest, , elder, or priest, not even prohibiting those persons who are desirous to get married, of being married by other authority.— We believe that it is not right to prohibit members of this church from marrying out of the church, if it be their determination so to do, but such persons will be considered weak in the faith of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Marriage should be celebrated with prayer and thanksgiving; and at the solemnization, the persons to be married, standing together, the man on the right, and the woman on the left, shall be addressed, by the person officiating, as he shall be directed by the Holy Spirit: and if there be no legal objections, he shall say, calling each by their names: “You both mutually agree to be each other’s companion, husband and wife, observing the legal rights belonging to this condition; that is, keeping yourselves wholly for each other, and from all others, during your lives.” And when they have answered “Yes,” he shall pronounce them “husband and wife” in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and by virtue of the laws of the country and authority vested in him: “may God add his blessings and keep you to fulfil your from hence forth and forever. Amen.”
The clerk of every church should keep a record of all marriages, solemnized in his branch.