I, Charles W. Penrose, wrote the Manifesto with the assistance of Frank J. Cannon and John White... Wilford Woodruff signed it to beat the devil at his own game.
Charles W. PenrosePresident Wilford Woodruff is a man of wisdom and experience, and we respect and venerate him, but we do not believe his personal views or utterances are revelations from God; and when Thus saith the Lord, comes from him, the saints investigate it: they do not shut their eyes and take it down like a pill.
Charles W. PenroseThe Manifesto was not a divine production but something manufactured to outwit the church's enemies.
Charles W. PenroseSome people are very earnest after the things of God, and he who seeks finds, and the more he seeks in the right direction the more he finds. He that is dilatory in searching after the things of God, obtains but little; he that is diligent obtains much. All may receive it, but they must obtain it in the way that God has appointed, all receiving their measure according to their diligence and desire; but the spirit is the same.
Charles W. Penrose