So anyway, I would guess the quotes are accurate. So how would one explain that he Prophets and Apostles talk with such "finality" on the subject about something which later changes?
(See post #224 How God reveals his will to Moses through Jethro.)
Prophets who are mortals don't understand everything. When God revealed polygamy the prophets understood it as doctrine that would stand forever. They did not forsee every detail that would unfold in the Federal war with the Mormons out west. they tried their best to follow the commandment. When the Govt. siezed all the property of the Church and gave them an ultimatum to give up polygamy in accordance with the newly passed law of the Land the Church had two choices. Follow the law, which was also a commandment, or continue polygamy and cease to exist as a Church for all intents and purposes. (Thanks Feds). The prophet took the dilemma to God. God said that he recognized the sacrifice of the Saints and no longer required polygamy.
God gave Adam and Eve the command in Genesis to not partake of the fruit and also to multiply and replenish the Earth. They couldn't do both at once.
You could say the same thing about the Commandment to not kill unless of course God commands you to do it as he did with the Israelites and Cananites.
Now as for polygamy existing in Heaven. You may find it hard to corner a Mormon about it but yes Mormons believe that Polygamy can exist in Heaven. Some Mormons get worried about the Public Relations factor but both you and I know this is pretty much what is beleived about the matter. My Father is sealed to my mother. They married years ago in the Salt Lake Temple. She passed away. My father has since remarried my step mom and been sealed in the Temple to her. When he dies he will be sealed (married) to both women.
This view that plural marraige can exist in Heaven helps explain some of the quotes you listed.
Now in no way am I advocating Polygamy. If it is practiced today in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints the offender is excommunicated.
It would be like me today trying to kill Cananites. Even though God commanded it at one time would not justify me doing it today. Thou Shalt not kill is still in effect for me unless God specifically commands otherwise.
(Though I am very pleased to hear on another thread about Zarqawi's fate)
Okay, for real this time. The Journal of Discourses was considered doctrine by the LDS. Here is the text of a letter from the First Presidency of the Church: (note - nothing here is said about errors)
Great Salt Lake City, Utah Territory, June 1, 1853,
Elder Samuel W. Richards, and the Saints abroad.
Dear Brethren-It is well known to many of you, that Elder George D. Watt, by our counsel, spent much time in the midst of poverty and hardships to acquire the art of reporting in Phonography, which he has faithfully and fully accomplished; and he has been reporting the public Sermons, Discourses, Lectures, &c., delivered by the Presidency, the Twelve, and others in this city, for nearly two years, almost without fee or reward. Elder Watt now proposes to publish a Journal of these Reports, in England, for the benefit of the Saints at large, and to obtain means to enable him to sustain his highly useful position of Reporter. You will perceive at once that this will be a work of mutual benefit, and we cheerfully and warmly request your co-operation in the purchase and sale of the above-named Journal, and wish all the profits arising therefrom to be under control of Elder Watt.
Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Willard Richards,
First Presidency of
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
And there is this....
Brigham Young also said that when his sermons were corrected, they were scripture (Journal of Discourses, vol. 13, p.95). He did nothing to correct or amend this statement over the ensuing 25 years before his death in 1877. Much to the contrary, on June 18, 1873 the Deseret News printed another of his sermons in which he stated:
"How much unbelief exists in the minds of the Latter-day Saints in regard to one particular doctrine which I have revealed to them, and which God revealed to me...namely that Adam is our Father and God...Our Father Adam is the man who stands at the gate and holds the keys to everlasting life and salvation to all his children who have or ever will come upon the earth" (Brigham Young, Deseret News, June 18, 1873).
President Young felt strongly about criticism he received from others in the LDS Church, notably Orson Pratt, about this doctrine: "Now, let all who may hear these doctrines, pause before they make light of them, or treat them with indifference, for they will prove their salvation or damnation" (Journal of Discourses, vol.1, p.50-51).
F.D. Richards, a prominent Mormon confirms this was doctrine: "Concerning the doctrine that Adam is our Father and God...the prophet and Apostle Brigham has declared it, and that is the word of the Lord" (Millenial Star, August 26, 1854, vol.16, p.534).
Hosea Stout confirms this: "Another meeting this evening. President B. Young taught that Adam was the Father of Jesus and the Only God to us" (Diary of Hosea Stout, April 9, 1852, vol. 2, p.435).
Other leaders taught it, including George Q. Cannon: "Jesus Christ is Jehovah...Adam is his Father and our God" (Diary of Abraham H. Cannon, June 23, 1889, vol.11, p.39).
Mormon A.F. McDonald commented: "The doctrine preached by [President] Young for a few years back wherein he says that Adam is our God---the God we worship--- most of the people believe it...if the President makes a statement it is not our prerogative to dispute it...when I first heard the doctrine of Adam being our Father and God, I was favorably impressed---enjoyed and hailed it as a new Revelation" (Minutes of the School of Prophets, Provo, UT, 1868-1871, p.38-39).
Mormon Edward W. Tullidge wrote: "Adam is our Father and God. He is the God of the Earth. So says Brigham Young" and "When Brigham Young proclaimed to the nations that Adam was our Father and God, and Eve, his partner, the Mother of a world---both in a mortal and celestial sense---he made the most important revelation ever oracled to the race since the days of Adam himself" (The Women of Mormondom, p.79,179,196-197, 1877).
John Nuttal records: "Prest Young was filled with the spirit of God & revelation & said...Father Adam's oldest son (Jesus the Savior) who is the heir of the family is Father Adam's first begotten in the spirit world" (Wednesday Feb. 7, 1877, Journal of John Nuttal, vol.1, p.18-21).
Most recent Mormon leaders deny that Brigham Young taught this doctrine, claim it was erroneously transcribed, or denounce it as false. However, because Young's statements can be extremely well documented, this undermines the credibility of one or both parties. Who is wrong, the Prophet then or the Prophet now....your salvation depends upon your answer....think very carefully?