Free Morning Star by Marian Wells Page A

change.
    What a strange pair the two were! Nancy, the youngest daughter of Sidney Rigdon, was all spice and froth. Much younger than Sarah, she obviously adored the graceful, attractive woman. Sarah was married to Orson Pratt, one of the twelve. Jenny knew they had one small child.
    Mark stirred again, now frowning. Jenny tried to fasten her wandering mind on the sermon. Brigham’s monologue poured out more words and Jenny sifted through them, looking for the ones irritating Mark. She heard, “Our religion is founded upon the priesthood of the Son of God.”
    Jenny was still puzzling over Mark’s reaction when she heard more: “The Son of God labors to build up, exalt, create, purify all things on the earth, bringing it to His standard of glory, perfection, and greatness. I want you to know, my friends, that we are to be helping Him. When the fullness of time has come, we will have been partakers in the task of bringing the kingdom to perfection. Those who buck this perfection will just have to go. Also, I want you to understand that Jesus Christ can’t return to this earth until we have the kingdom prepared for Him.”
    It was midafternoon before Jenny and Mark left Nauvoo. Jenny was thinking about Nancy’s new frock when she recalled Mark’s reaction to the sermon. She studied his face, saw that he was miles away in thought, and said, “Who was the man standing beside you? He’s as big as Joseph and looks nearly as important.”
    â€œHe’s a Canadian; William Law is his name. Was converted to the church in Canada and has just arrived this spring. Seems to be an enthusiastic person, full of ideas. More than willing to do his share around here.”
    She waited a moment and then asked, “Why were you so irritated by Brigham Young’s sermon?”
    Mark looked surprised. “I’m displeased because what he had to say doesn’t line up with what the Bible teaches. I’m hearing more of this all the time, particularly slanted toward an idea that’s being whispered about.”
    â€œWhat’s that?”
    He moved restlessly and glanced at her. “A kingdom of God that is going to take over—and I’m quoting current whispers—‘Illinois, Missouri, Iowa, and finally all the states and then the world.’ Now you are frowning—why?”
    â€œI’m wondering how you’ve come to know so much about what the Bible teaches.”
    â€œJenny, I’ve been reading. It’s right there just as plain as it can be for anyone who cares to read.
    â€œJoseph told me to read the Scriptures. I think he meant both the Bible and the Book of Mormon . But then the sermons tell me so much, it seems foolish to waste time reading.”
    â€œYou read to check it out—to make certain what you’re hearing lines up with God’s Word. Matter of fact, if you don’t compare the revelations and the Book of Mormon with the Bible, how do you know you aren’t being—” He stopped and both of them looked up as they heard the horse rapidly approaching.
    â€œIt’s Tom!” Jenny exclaimed. “Is he coming from our house?”
    â€œWell, he wasn’t in Nauvoo this morning.”
    When Tom wheeled his horse around, Jenny noticed the lines of strain around his mouth. “I’d given up waiting for you and decided to head for Nauvoo.”
    â€œSabbath meeting,” Mark said tersely, then waited.
    â€œJoe’s in big trouble. I’ve been sticking with him, fearin’ to leave him for a minute until today. Thank goodness he finally was able to get a writ of habeas corpus.”
    â€œWhat’s happened?”
    â€œJoseph had a meeting with Governor Carlin. On the way back to Nauvoo, a sheriff from Missouri with his posse appeared on the scene. ’Twas so well-timed I’m thinkin’ it was planned higher up.”
    â€œSo Joseph’s wild prophecy has reached the ears of