“The fourth proposition, viz.: eternal wealth, must of necessity, consist of an everlasting inheritance or title, defined and secured by this eternal government, to portions of the organized elements in the pure, incorruptible and eternal state.
“In order to be wealthy, eternal man must possess a certain portion of the surface of some eternal planet adapted to his order or sphere of existence.
“This inheritance, incorruptible, external in the heavens, must be sufficiently extensive for his accommodation, with all his family dependencies. It must also comprise a variety of elements adapted to his use and convenience. Eternal gold, silver, precious stones and other precious materials would be useful in the erection and furnishing of mansions and of public and private dwellings or edifices.
“These edifices combined, or arranged in wisdom, would constitute eternal cities. Gardens, groves walks, rivulets, fountains, flowers and fruits would beautify and adorn the landscape, please the eye, the taste, the smell, and thus contribute gladness to the hear of man.
“Silks, linens, or other suitable materials would be necessary to adorn his person, and to furnish and beautify his mansions.
“In short, eternal man in possession of eternal worlds, in all their variety and fullness, will eat, drink, think, converse, associate, assemble, disperse, go, come, possess, improve, love, and enjoy. He will increase in riches, knowledge, power, might, majesty and dominion in worlds without end.
“Every species of the animal creation ever organized by creative goodness, or that ever felt the pangs of death, or uttered a groan while subject to the king of terrors, or exulted in joys of life and sympathy, and longed for redemption of the body, will have part in the resurrection, and will live forever in their own spheres in the possession of peace and a fullness of joy adapted to their several capacities.” (p.63-64)
Here is some more on relationships:
“The eternal union of the sexes, in and after the resurrection, is mainly for the purpose of renewing and continuing the work of procreation. In our present or rudimental state, our offspring are in our own image and partake of our natures, in which are the seeds of death. In like manner will the offspring of immortal and celestial beings be in the likeness and partake of the nature of their divine parentage. Hence such offspring will be pure, holy, incorruptible and eternal. They will in no wise be subject unto death, except by descending to partake of the grosser elements, in which are inherent properties of dissolution or death.” (p.167)
Mormonism today is partly confusing because they have cut the middle out of the doctrines. They are left with a shell of a definition that is obviously missing something. Why they did it is apparent. The driving forces of Mormon theology in the 19th century are strange when shown in modern light. The salvation they were striving for was an idealized form of 19th century living that sounds ridiculous by today’s standards and is not appealing. When early Mormons spoke of the literal gathering of Israel, they meant it.
We don’t know what we mean. What’s the deal with Missouri? What is the temple all about? 6000 years? 10 tribes? Kolob? Exaltation? These things were all vital parts of Mormonism and had real meaning. Today they are all shadows and dust.
Source: Pratt, Parley 1948, Key to Theology, Desert Book, Salt Lake City