Manuscript Releases, vol. 1 [Nos. 19-96]

Legally Divorced yet Married in God's Sight

A woman may be legally divorced from her husband by the laws of the land, and yet not divorced in the sight of God and according to the higher law. There is only one sin, which is adultery, which can place the husband or wife in a position where they can be free from the marriage vow in the sight of God. Although the laws of the land may grant a divorce, yet they are husband and wife still in the Bible light, according to the laws of God. 1MR 159.2

I saw that Sister _____, as yet, has no right to marry another man, but if she, or any other woman, should obtain a divorce legally on the ground that her husband was guilty of adultery, then she is free to be married to whom she chooses.—Manuscript 2, 1863, 4. (“Testimony to Monterey Church,” June 6, 1863.) 1MR 159.3