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Show 73 Martha, Marie, and Margaret Towne, goes through the Endowment House with Milford and there participates in the "sacred ordinance of Sealing for and in behalf of four young, innocent, and beautiful maidens-sisters who were called away from earth in the bloom of youth." Five days later, Ellis is again struggling for equanimity: August 10th 1872. My prayer is this morning that I may overcome my selfishness and jealousy, especially with my husband's attention. May I ever appreciate any attention or kindness I may receive, but 0 may these longings and cravings for his society and attention cease-more particularly when it is another's right to possess them.6 This may be a classic statement of what the principle of Plural Marriage elicited in truly dedicated spirits representing the female side of the experience. Is there, anywhere in the literature of the period, an equally eloquent, equally pithy expression from one of the men as to what noble characteristics were called forth in them? "August 16th 1872. Last night Milford was restless and couldn't sleep. He remarked "I cannot sleep, let us talk." I replied, "0 talk to me." He began and told me what position he wished me to occupy, and 0 I feel and know it to be one of the highest and most honorable. I feel that I am far from it now, and that it will take years of constant and assiduous effort to attain the desired end. He considered patience one of the greatest requisite virtues. I know it is, in my case, for I am so easily discouraged. If I do a good act, I am anxious it should be known and appreciated, and if it is treated indifferently I am too apt to feel it is no use trying. He says so sure as we sow good seed and give it the necessary care and attention so sure will the day of harvest come. But we must wait the proper time.7 |
