J.D. Stead presents the oaths taken in the LDS temple ceremony in an RLDS critique of LDS theology.

Date
1911
Type
Book
Source
J.D. Stead
Critic
Non-LDS
Hearsay
Direct
Reference

J. D. Stead, Doctrines and Dogmas of Utah Mormonism Exposed (Board of Publication of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 1911), 112-13, 116, 117

Scribe/Publisher
Community of Christ
People
J.D. Stead
Audience
Reading Public
PDF
Transcription

"FIRST OATH TAKEN.

"'We and each of us solemnly bind ourselves that we will not reveal any of the secrets of the first token of the Aaronic priesthood, with its accompanying name, sign or penalty. Should I do so, I agree that my throat may be cut from ear to ear, and my tongue torn out by its roots.

"The name of this token is the new name of the candidate, which he received when he was given his garments.

"Grip—The grip is very simple: Hands clasped, pressing the point of the knuckle of the index finger with the thumb.

"Sign—In executing the sign of the penalty, the right hand palm down, is placed across the body, so that the thumb comes directly under and a little behind the left ear, The hand is then drawn sharply to the right across the throat, the elbow standing out at a position of ninety degrees from the body, the hand is then dropped form the square to the side.

"Adam—The brethren will now follow Adam, and the sisters will follow Eve."

. . .

"SECOND OATH ADMINISTERED.

"We, and each of us, do solemnly promise and bind ourselves never to reveal any of the secrets of this priesthood, with its accompanying name, sign, grip or penalty. Should we do so, we agree that our breasts may be torn open, out hearts and vitals torn out and given to the birds of the air and the beasts of the field.'

"Sign—The sign is made by extending the right hand across the left breast, directly over the heart; then drawing it rapidly from left to right, with the elbow at the square; then dropping the hand by the side.

"Name—The name is the given name of the candidate.

"Grip—Clasp the right hand and place the thumb into the hollow of the knuckle, between the first and second fingers.

"(Again the brethren follow Adam and the sisters Eve, and the Celestial room is entered.)

. . .

"THIRD OATH.

"'You, and each of you, do covenant and promise that you will never reveal any of the secrets of the priesthood, with its accompanying name, sign, and penalty. Should you do so, you agree that your body may be cut asunder and all your bowels gush out.'

"In this, the left hand is placed palm upright, directly in front of the body, there being a right angle formed at the elbow; the right hand, palm down, is placed under the elbow of the left; then drawn sharply across the bowels, and both hands are dropped at the side.

"Name—The Son.

"Sign—The sign is pressing with the forefinger and thumb the palm and back of the hand of the recipient of the Grip. This is called 'Sign of the Nail.'

Citations in Mormonr Qnas
Copyright © B. H. Roberts Foundation
The B. H. Roberts Foundation is not owned by, operated by, or affiliated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.