MARRIAGE (Teachings of Joseph Smith)

Women Should Lead by Innocent Example and Not Derisive Criticism — Eliza R. Snow (April 28, 1842)

You need not be tearing men for their deeds, but let the weight of innocence be felt; which is more mighty than a millstone hung about the neck. Not war, not jangle, not contradiction, but meekness, love, purity, these are the things that should magnify us.— Achan must be brought to light— iniquity must be purged out— then the vail will be rent and the blessings of heaven will flow down — they will roll down like the Missisippi river.

Nauvoo Relief Society Minute Book, pp. 38-39, The Joseph Smith Papers.

Women Should Nurture Troubled Husbands with Kindness & Calmness — Eliza R. Snow (April 28, 1842)

Let this Society teach how to act towards husbands, to treat them with mildness and affection. When a man is borne down with trouble — when he is perplex’d; if he can meet a smile, [not] an argument — if he can meet with mildness, it will calm down his soul and soothe his feelings. When the mind is going to despair it needs a solace. . . .

When you go home never give a cross word, but let kindness, charity and love, crown your works henceforward.

Nauvoo Relief Society Minute Book, p. 40, The Joseph Smith Papers.

Must Be Married by the Power & Authority of the Priesthood to Have Children in the Resurrection — William Clayton (May 16, 1843)

He said that except a man and his wife enter into an everlasting covenant and be married for eternity while in this probation by the power and authority of the Holy priesthood they will cease to increase when they die (i e) they will not have any children in the resurrection, but those who are married by the power & authority of the priesthood in this life & continue without committing the sin against the Holy Ghost will continue to increase & have children in the celestial glory.

Instruction, 16 May 1843, as Reported by William Clayton, pp. 14-15, The Joseph Smith Papers.