There is only one exception to a man’s having more than one wife: when the Lord commands otherwise. The plurality of wives was introduced into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by the Prophet Joseph Smith because the Lord commanded it. Although the principle was revealed as early as 1831, it was not practiced until several years later (see D&C 132 section heading). The commandment was under the direction of the Prophet Joseph and limited to those designated by him, as he was inspired of the Lord. In 1843, the same year it was recorded, Joseph said: “I gave instructions to try those persons who were preaching, teaching, or practicing the doctrine of plurality of wives; for, according to the law, I hold the keys of this power in the last days; for there is never but one time on earth at a time on whom the power and its keys are conferred; and I have constantly said no man shall have but one wife at a time, unless the Lord directs otherwise” ( TPJS, 324). It was also discontinued on the same basis—by revelation. Because of the political circumstances of the day, and probably because its purposes of raising up seed to the Lord was fulfilled, the Lord showed the circumstances to President Wilford Woodruff and then commanded him what to do (see excerpts from “Three Addresses by President Wilford Woodruff Regarding the Manifesto.” Doctrine and Covenants, pp. 292–293). Both the beginning and the discontinuance of the plurality of wives in the Church comply with the following teaching of the Prophet Joseph Smith:
That which is wrong under one circumstance, may be, and often is, right under another … that is the principle on which the government of heaven is conducted—by revelation adapted to the circumstances in which the children are placed. Whatever God requires is right, no matter what it is, although we may not see the reason thereof till long after the events transpire. [ TPJS, 256]
Plural marriage was commanded in the early days of the Church, as it has been periodically throughout the history of the world, “to raise up seed unto [the Lord]” (Jacob 2:30). Although many theories of why plural marriage was commanded have been advanced, the raising up of seed unto the Lord is the only scriptural answer that has been given. Through revelation the Lord discontinued the practice. Therefore, those who enter into plural marriage today do so without the approval of the Church, and are accountable to the Lord for their actions.
The Lord’s delight in the chastity of women is echoed in the Old Testament: “Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil” (Proverbs 31:10–11, see the rest of the chapter for other reasons for chastity).