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An Example of Biased Histories | A FAIR Analysis of: Criticism of Mormonism/Books/One Nation Under Gods A work by author: Richard Abanes
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Destroying Governments and Religions |
Orson Hyde's remark is relative to William "Wild Bill" Hickman. Some background is necessary to understand the context.
The author suggests that we compare with the office journal for 3 April 1860. The journal entry for that date is below:
Thus, because Hickman had served Brigham Young as a guerrilla leader and spy during the Utah War, some presumed that Hickman's later activities (especially horse-thieving) were sanctioned by the Church.
Yet, prior to the entry above, Church leaders had been railing (in public and private) against Hickman's gang and its criminal activities:
This entry was made privately; this was not Brigham Young speaking publicly to provide "plausible deniability." Here he clearly disapproves of Hickman's activities. Apostle Amasa Lyman was also preaching publicly against Hickman's activities:
Hickman wrote to Brigham insisting that when "my Bro[ther] told me what you said, [it] made the cold sweat run off me and I almost sank under it." The prophet and Hickman exchanged further letters, with Hickman insisting that he didn't drink that much whiskey, that he had never been seen drunk in public, that he could quit anytime he wanted to if Brigham felt it best, that he knew he used profane language but hardly ever the Lord's name in vain, and that he supported the Church and Brigham Young.[2]:89-92
At this time, Hickman was suffering from a bullet wound, which would plague him for the rest of his life. Doctors despaired of his life. Thus, it is in this context that Brigham's journal notes that whether he lives or dies is in God's hands.
Hickman's bishop disfellowshipped him only ten days after being shot, after speaking "forcibly on the workers of iniquity," and assuring them that he "would do his duty in those things."[2]:95
Hickman's neighbor, John Bennion did not feel this was an adequate punishment, and urged excommunication. Bennion's journal is the source for the Orson Pratt quote cited by the author. Bennion recorded that
Thus, Bishop Gardner had disfellowshipped Hickman based on his confession of some wrongs, but had no evidence (save rumor) of the more serious charges.
Wrote Hickman's biographer:
Pratt's stance had, therefore, shifted—rather than arguing that the Spirit of the Lord had inspired Hickman to steal, he was willing to grant that the action was a "sin" from which he should henceforth refrain.
Thus, the author wishes us to conclude that the position argued by Elder Pratt and Hickman represents the Church doctrine and teaching at the time. But, this is belied by Brigham Young's earlier journal articles and letters to Hickman. Hyde even altered his stance—perhaps his zeal to spare Hickman suffering led to an intemperate remark, which he later amended the next day. Bennion, who clearly wanted Hickman punished, seemed content with Pratt's preaching the next day, while he had not been the night before.
Furthermore, Heber C. Kimball, a member of the First Presidency, would soon contradict Elder Hyde: Certain ones say that we justify stealing from unbelievers but we do not and they who say so shall be cursed, they shall be poor and vagabounds [sic] on the earth, and all the people said, `Amen.'[2]:96-97[3]
Orson Hyde wished to pass lightly over Hickman's sins because of the services which Hickman had rendered during Utah's settlement, the Utah War, and the personal debt he owed him. However, Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, and other church members and leaders were not of the same view, and denounced it. Even Hyde would, within twenty-four hours, amend his stance.
The author tells us none of this, and thus distorts his source.
Notes
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