Truth Never Changes Volume 10, Number 1

TRUTH NEVER CHANGES

A PUBLICATION IN THE SPIRIT AND TRADITON OF TRUTH MAGAZINE

Y VOLUME 10   JANUARY  2006   NUMBER 01 Y

OBEY GOD RATHER THAN MAN

“The advice given by the Church leaders on the above subject, in their Editorial (Deseret News, Nov. 1, 1947—Magazine section), is imperatively correct.  God, rather than man, should always be obeyed.  The Editorial recites the experience of Peter and his brethren who were cast into prison for testifying of Jesus Christ, and turning many of the people away from their false traditions, as follows:

And when they had brought them they set them before the council and the high priest asked them saying,

IN THIS ISSUE: OBEY GOD RATHER THAN MAN…….…..01 QUARTERLY QUOTES……………………..04 AND STILL THEY CRY “CRUCIFY!”……..04 KEYS OF THE PRIESTHOOD……………...09 INQUISITION OF JOSEPH MUSSER…...….12 FAMILY GOVERNMENT…………………..16 MARTYRDOM OF THE APOSTLES…….…22 ETERNAL PROGRESSION…………………23 QUARTERLY QUOTES II…………………..28 EDITORIAL….………………………………29 THE RESTORATION OF THE ROYAL ORDER……………………………………….33 JOSEPH SMITH……………………………...37 THIS IS A BOY………………………………38 THE HOLY GHOST…………………………39

“did not we straightly command you that you should not teach in this name, and behold you have filled Jerusalem with this doctrine and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us”, then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, “We ought to obey God rather than men.”

“This counsel stands good throughout all ages whether coming from Christian or pagan, the Catholic or the Mormon Church; wherein the Gospel is changed for the convenience of certain leaders it is proper to stay with the fundamentals and obey the decrees of God rather than the fulmination of man.

“And if any of us are tempted,” the Editorial continues, “to thus persecute our brethren we should remember what Peter said when he was enduring the persecution, ‘WE OUGHT TO OBEY GOD RATHER THAN MEN.’ ”

“A parallel case is before us, except in the early days much of the persecution came from the pagans, while today it comes from the Mormon Church authorities.  In what must always be known as the “Church Crusade of 1944-1948” against the Saints that insisted upon believing the Gospel as established by Joseph Smith, and his successors, we have sent 21 people to the penitentiaries for living with their plural wives and caring for their children; and eighteen others, including one woman, are under sentence of one year in the county jail, not for the practice, but simply their belief.

“These good people, however, have taken the sensible stand, to “Obey God rather than men.”  These Mormon leaders may say, and quite plausibly, too, that this persecution, if such it be, came from the State and the Federal governments, but no degree of sophistry will excuse the Church leaders for initiation the persecution, and helping to carry it through.  We apprehend that the Church is tired and sick of this crusade begun by its leaders, but there appears to be no way of stopping it until it has run its course.

“A good companion Editorial of November 8 (Deseret News), treats the subject, “Many Called, Few Chosen”.  In this excellent statement the leaders seem to be condemning themselves for their nefarious work.  The Editorial reads:

Behold, there are many called but few are chosen.  And why are they not chosen?  Because their hearts are set so much upon the things of this world and aspire to the honors of men, that they do not learn this one lesson—That the rights of the Priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven, and that the powers of heaven cannot be controlled nor handled only upon the principles of righteousness.  That they may be conferred upon us it is true: but when we undertake to cover our sins, or to gratify our pride, our vain ambition, or to exercise control or dominion or compulsion upon the souls of the children of men, in any degree of unrighteousness, behold the heavens withdraw themselves and the Spirit of the Lord is grieved ; and when it is withdrawn, Amen to the Priesthood or the authority of that man.  Behold, ere he is aware, he is left unto himself, to kick against the pricks to persecute the Saints, and to fight against God.

* * *

It would seem that many are called to the Priesthood, but few will so magnify their callings as to be chosen for eternal life.  Many are called to stand as heirs of glory and honor, power and dominion in the eternal worlds, but few will keep the commandments of God with that strictness which will enable them to be chosen for these exaltations.  Although many have received the light of heaven that has come by revelation in our day yet they continued to walk in darkness at noonday because they ‘keep not my commandments.’

“We know of no case where men have brought self-condemnation to themselves, more surely and abundantly, than in this instance.  Many men are called, but truly but few of them are chosen to carry on the work of the Lord.”   (Joseph Musser, Truth, Vol. 13, pp. 291-292)

MISSION STATEMENT

Truth Never Changes does not represent any organization, neither is it the voice for any religious group, church, &c.  We are not a corporation.

We encourage family patriarchal organizations.  No one here considers himself the “One Mighty & Strong” to set any church or group in order.  We believe in the perpetuation of the Fulness of the Gospel as revealed by the Prophet Joseph Smith by the Lord Jesus Christ.  We believe in the preservation of all of the ordinances of the Holy Priesthood.

We invite any reader to contribute articles, poetry and faith-promoting experiences that would be uplifting in nature.  We reserve the right to deny or edit any (or all) portion(s) of contributed material.  All contributions will remain on file and the identity of the author will remain anonymous, as we believe in keeping an eye single to the Glory of God and not men.

Controversial material or opposite viewpoints will be printed, providing the material is in good taste.  The opinions expressed are not necessarily the opinions of Truth Never Changes nor its voluntary staff—they are the opinions of each individual writer.

Truth Never Changes provides all individuals the opportunity to express themselves in accordance with their Constitutional Rights.  Often, many voices aren’t heard because of the circumstances they are placed in.  One, being a member of a church or group, may not have the opportunity to speak due to possible repercussions or consequences.  Truth Never Changes provides that opportunity through anonymity. 

Most back issues are available.  We reserve the right to deny subscription/service to anyone.  Shoes, shirt and tie required!

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QUARTERLY QUOTES:

“This is a gospel of hope.”                William Nymphus Baird, circa 1991

“Where would we be without the Apostleship?  We can’t give these ordinances to ourselves.”                   Jackson Ted Jessop, 1994

“Lack of unity has prevented us from partaking of the Lord’s kingdom and prevents us from establishing the Kingdom of God on the earth.  Let us flee unto Zion where her laws are just, and all nations will flow unto her.  This nation will overthrow itself.”  Joseph Blaine Thompson, 1992

      

AND STILL THEY CRY “CRUCIFY!”

December 23, 1954, marks the one hundred and forty-ninth anniversary of the birthday of Joseph Smith, the Prophet.  We believe he was sent by God, charged with the mission to restore the fulness of the gospel, open a new dispensation and seal his testimony with his blood.

“Everlasting covenant was made between three personages BEFORE THE ORGANIZATION OF THIS EARTH, and relates to their dispensation of things to men on the earth; these three personages, according to Abraham’s record, are called God the first, the Creator; God the second, the Redeemer; and God THE THIRD, THE WITNESS OR TESTATOR.”  (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 190)

His (God the third, the Witness or Testator) dispensation was to be known as the “Last” or the “Dispensation of the Fulness of Times.”  In it was to be effected the restitution of all things.  To him were given the keys of every dispensation which preceded his by the men who held the keys in the flesh.  He held his keys in connection with those who have held keys of dispensations before him.  The Lord fully explained this in a revelation:

“Which power you hold, in connection with all those who have received a dispensation at any time from the beginning of the creation.”  (D&C 112:31)

The Prophet understood this principle and made it plain to the saints that “now the purpose in himself in the winding up scene of the last dispensation is that all things pertaining to that dispensation should be conducted precisely in accordance with the preceding dispensations.”” (T.P.J.S. p. 168)

Joseph Smith restored every PRINCIPLE, LAW and COVENANT necessary for man to receive his salvation and exaltation.  And for the same cause gave his life as did the other Gods who preceded him in their dispensations.

“Praise to his memory, he died as a Martyr;

Honored and blessed be his ever great name.”

How did the world receive the mission of this God?  He no sooner appeared on the scene when the old cry of “CRUCIFY” was heard.  He was arrested about fifty times and had to defend himself as many times in the courts of the land.  From his first arrest in June 1830, we note the following:

“We had appointed a meeting for this evening, for the purpose of attending to the confirmation of those who had been the same morning baptized.  The time appointed had arrived an our friends had nearly all collected together, when to my surprise, I was visited by the constable, and arrested by him on a warrant, and the charge of being a disorderly person, of setting the country in an uproar by PREACHING THE BOOK OF MORMON, etc.”  (History of the Church, Vol. 1, p. 88)

Thus tribulation was his lot, and evil men his persecutors until his final arrest when the old cry of “CRUCIFY” was couched in the following language.

“There is nothing against these men: the law cannot reach them, BUT POWDER AND BALL SHALL.  They will never get out of Carthage alive.”

He was persecuted and hounded from city to city, county to county, and state to state.  By whom?  PRIESTCRAFT!  Illegitimate AUTHORITY!  SATAN AND HIS HOSTS!  In Missouri, the mob said:

“We will rid Jackson County of the Mormons, peaceably if we can, forcibly if we must.  If they will not go without, we will whip and kill the men; we will destroy their children, AND RAVISH THEIR WOMEN!”  (Missouri Persecutions, p. 88)

Commenting on the above, Elder B. H. Roberts states:

“They rode in every direction in search of the leading elders, making the day hideous with their inhuman yells and wicked oaths.  They declared it to be their intention to whip those whom they captured with from fifty to five hundred lashes each, allow their Negroes to destroy their crops, and demolish their dwellings.  Said they, ‘WE WILL RAVISH THEIR WOMEN!’  When devils would with their direst terrors shake a people they say, ‘WE WILL RAVISH YOUR WOMEN!’ ”  (Ibid, p. 88)

The Governor said:

“The case is now a very plain one—the Mormons must be subdued;…The ringleaders of this rebellion should be made an example of: and if it should become necessary for the public peace, the Mormons should be exterminated, or expelled from the state.”  (History of the Church, Vol. 3, p. 192)

The General in charge said:

“As for your leaders, do not once think—do not imagine for a moment—do not let it enter your mind that they will be delivered, or that you will see their faces again, for their fate is fixed—their die is cast—their doom is sealed.”  (Ibid., 3:203)

On the 25^th of May 1844, the Prophet was informed that he had been indicted at Carthage for POLYGAMY.  He went to Carthage and it might have been the end then, except his friends gathered around him and thereby saved his life.  On the 23^rd of June, a company of men came to Nauvoo to arrest the Prophet, but could not find him.  On the 24^th, Joseph and eighteen brethren went to Carthage.  On the morning after their arrival, Joseph and Hyrum were arrested on the charge of TREASON.

Following is a very remarkable scene and conversation between Joseph Smith, the Prophet and those holding him in custody.  Here our readers will note the perfect majesty of the PRIESTHOOD in action in contrast to the indignity of man at his lowest level, i.e., in raising his hand to PERSECUTE and CRUCIFY!

“A little later, a number of the officers of the troops then in Carthage, and other persons, curious to see the Prophet, visited Joseph in his room.  Joseph asked them if there was anything in his appearance that indicated that he was the desperate character his enemies represented him to be; and he asked them to give him their honest opinion on the subject.  The reply was:

“No sir, your appearance would indicate the very contrary, General Smith; but we cannot see what is in your heart, neither can we tell what are your intentions.”

To which Joseph replied,

“Very true, gentlemen, you cannot see what is in my heart, and you are therefore unable to judge me or my intentions; but I can see what is in your hearts, and will tell you what I see.  I can see you thirst for blood, and nothing but my blood will satisfy you.  It is not for crime of any description that I and my brethren are thus continually persecuted and harassed by our enemies, but there are other motives, and some of them I have expressed, so far as relates to myself; and inasmuch as you and the people thirst for blood, I prophesy, in the name of the Lord, that you shall witness scenes of blood and sorrow to your entire satisfaction.  Your souls shall be perfectly satiated with blood, and many of you who are now present shall have an opportunity to face the cannon’s mouth from sources you think not of; and those people that desire this great evil upon me and my brethren, shall be filled with regret and sorrow because of the scenes of desolation and distress that await them.  They shall seek for peace, and shall not be able to find it.  Gentlemen, you will find what I have told you to be true.”  (Juvenile Instructor 5:46)

Thus died in martyrdom, Joseph Smith—God the Third, the Witness or Testator!  The evil promise was the old cry of CRUCIFY was fulfilled.  Joseph Smith never left Carthage alive.

Such then was the way in which this sin-burdened world received the mission of a God.  Like Jesus, the Redeemer, whose dispensation fell in the meridian of time, and who ended His mission on the cross, Joseph ended his mission with bullets riddling his body, which spilt his blood.

What of this generation, including the latter-day Saints?  The Prophet said:

“This generation is as corrupt as the Jews that crucified Christ; and if He were here today, and should PREACH THE SAME DOCTRINE HE DID THEN, THEY WOULD PUT HIM TO DEATH.”  (T.P.J.S., p. 328)

“It is thought by some that our enemies would be satisfied with my destruction: but I tell you that as soon as they have shed my blood they will thirst for the blood of every man in whose heart dwells a single spark of the spirit of the fullness of the Gospel.  The opposition of these men is moved by the spirit of the adversary of all righteousness.  It is not only to destroy me, but every man and woman who dares believe the doctrines that God hath inspired me to teach to this generation.”  (History of the Church 6:498)

What profound doctrine did Jesus Christ preach?  Jedediah M. Grant said:

“The grand reason why gentiles and philosophers of his school persecuted Jesus Christ, was, BECAUSE HE HAD SO MANY WIVES.”  (Journal of Discourses 1:345)

Granted that it was the teaching and practice of the principle of “Mormon Plural Marriage” which finally caused the martyrdom of Joseph Smith, what would this generation of law-abiding Latter-day Saints (so-called) do to the Prophet were he to return and preach the same doctrine as he preached before?  Once in Kirtland the apostates cried, “Joseph is fallen”, and the old cry of “CRUCIFY” was again heard.  Said he:

“We do not attempt to place the law of man on a parallel with the law of heaven; but we will bring forward another item, to further urge the propriety of item, to further urge the propriety of YIELDING OBEDIENCE TO THE LAW OF HEAVEN, AFTER THE FACT IS ADMITTED, THAT THE LAWS OF MAN ARE BINDING UPON MAN.”  (T. P. J. S. p. 52)

Of the Law of Celestial Plural Marriage, the Prophet affirmed: “BUT—IT MUST BE LIVED.”

In the not too distant past the Latter-day Saint people in complete harmony with the gentiles have expressed their willingness to “CRUCIFY” all those in whose bosom burns a single spark of the fulness of the gospel.  They made their feelings known in the “Church Crusade against Plural Marriage” in 1944, and the present “Arizona Crusade” against the same principle.  In both cases illegal and unconstitutional laws were framed by conspiring men.  All these laws pointed to but one end: the complete annihilation of “Mormon Plural Marriage”.  In both cases there was not present law on the statute books which would bring about the result nearest the hearts of the wicked, i.e. the destruction of the law of Celestial or Plural Marriage.  Conspiring lawyers were prevailed upon and hired to invent indictments, which were intended to imprison the advocates of this law and adopt their children into other families.

The most cruel, unlawful and inhuman treatment has been the lot of those now persecuted for {the sake of} righteousness.  Appeal after appeal has been denied.  At present, an entire village of children has been kidnapped and are being held illegally.  Because their parents are seeking lawful means to have them released, they (the parents) are being threatened with further violence and imprisonment.  All this is presently happening in the United States among people predominantly MORMONS.

Thus, if the recent past and present is any criterion to judge by, we would say that the present day Mormons would turn a deaf ear to the doctrines of Jesus Christ and Joseph Smith, were they to teach them in person.  In the states of Utah and Arizona the honest in heart would have to visit these two characters in prison in order to receive their teachings!  If either of these characters were to appeal for relief or redress we are certain present day Latter-day Saints (so called) would reply, “If the law cannot reach them, powder and ball will”, or “If there is no law by which to condemn them, we will help frame one.”  Or as the Prophet Joseph said, “…they will thirst for the blood of every man in whose heart dwells a single spark of the spirit of the fulness of the gospel…Who dares believe the doctrines that God hath inspired me to teach to this generation!”

AND STILL THEY CRY “CRUCIFY!”  (Joseph Musser, Dec. 1954, Truth, Vol. 20, No. 7, pp. 209-212)

{It is interesting to note that at this present date, both the States of Utah and Arizona have again actively taken up the “Church Crusade against Plural Marriage” at the behest of Latter-day Saints “(so called)”.  Those, whose ancestors were once persecuted for the Principle of Celestial Plural Marriage have now become the persecutors.  It appears that the adamant opponents of this law are the “so-called” corporate Latter-day Saints.  —Associate Editor— }

Keys of the Priesthood

(Anonymous)

President Taylor held certain sacred keys or authority and a responsibility to act under Jesus Christ to direct certain grand divisions of the Work of God on Earth.

One was the Key to the Presidency of the Church, which had been conferred upon him by Brigham Young, who received it under the hands of Joseph Smith, who in turn had it conferred upon him by messengers sent from God.  He also held the Key to the Kingdom of God upon the earth, which was in due time to direct and exercise governing power over the temporal or civil powers of the earth.

In that day the prophecy will be fully fulfilled which says, “The Law shall go forth from Zion and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.”  The Law, representing the temporal or civil government, and the word of the Lord, the spiritual government.  The head of one to be Zion, and the other, Jerusalem.

This also throws additional light upon the dream of Daniel, Chapter 2, verse 24, in which he saw the little stone cut out of the mountain without hands, representing the kingdom which the God of Heaven was to set up in the latter days.

All the kingdoms represented by the members of the image had been civil or temporal kings ruling over the civil affairs of their people.  And the kingdom which the God of Heaven is to set up is one like unto them, which is to take full charge of the governments of the earth, as their head, when Christ comes to reign, as promised.  No church could well assume this part, as no doubt there will be other churches upon the earth during that time, and a just government would have to practice equality and justice among the different creeds, and one of their number would not be in a position to do this.

The organization known as the Kingdom of God was organized by Joseph Smith under the direction of Jesus Christ and consists of 48 High Priests and two honorable men of the earth making a council of 50 members.  The two men to represent the interests of the people outside of the Church and Priesthood.

This organization has been upon the earth from the day it was organized until the present time and is the nucleus around which will grow the governing power to take charge of the civil affairs of Zion, when all else is anarchy and chaos, to save to the earth that knowledge and learning and all the good that has been made known and come down to us through the ages, to bear fruit in the millennium.

“This organization grows out of the church, but is not the church, but is separate and distinct from it.”  (J. D. 2:309-310)

It is destined to govern the church and in time, all the nations of the earth, in a temporal sense—not by tyranny and force—but by justice, guidance and mercy and love.

What will be the operation of this kingdom of the earth?  With the light of the Priesthood beaming from Zion, it should be happy and willing obedience to this body led, guided, and directed by the supreme; a protection for the helpless and weak, for the orphan, the widow and the aged, against the tyrant and oppressor.  Thus giving the earth the highest type of government, with Jesus Christ as King.

The other great and important key was the key to the Patriarchal Order or Law, which was first bestowed upon the head of Joseph Smith, Sr., by the Prophet Joseph.  All these keys and others are under the direction of the keys to the Dispensation of the Fullness of Times, which were conferred upon Joseph Smith, the Prophet.  “For unto you, the Twelve, and those, the First Presidency…is the power of this priesthood given, for the last days and for the last time, in which is the dispensation of the fullness of times.  Which power you hold, in connection with all those who have received a dispensation at any time, from the beginning of the creation; for verily I say unto you, the keys of the dispensation, which ye have received, have come down from the fathers, and last of all, being sent down from heaven unto you.”  (D&C 112:30-32)

The keys to the dispensation direct all the several keys to different activities of the priesthood in the earth.  This grand key of the dispensation, which has the power of directing all the others was conferred by the Prophet Elijah jointly upon two men, first to Joseph Smith, then Oliver Cowdery.  “Therefore the keys of this dispensation are committed unto your hands.”  (D&C 110:16)

These keys were never to be taken from Joseph Smith in the world or the world to come; however, Hyrum Smith was given the appointment lost by Oliver Cowdery.  Hyrum Smith was released as councilor to the First Presidency and William Law was sustained and ordained in his place that Hyrum might fill a more important office vacated by Oliver Cowdery.  “That he may act in concert with My servant, Joseph, who shall show unto him the keys whereby he may ask and receive, and be crowned with the same blessings and glory and honor, and priesthood, and gifts of the priesthood, that once were put upon him that was My servant, Oliver Cowdery.”  (D&C 124:95)

The keys of the dispensation seemed to be too great a responsibility for one man to hold, so they were given to two conjointly with Joseph Smith directing.  But coming under the keys of the dispensation were the other three general keys: The Keys to the Church, under which were the keys to the Apostleship and preaching the gospel to every creature; The Keys to the Kingdom or temporal rule; and The Keys to the Patriarchal Law.  Hyrum Smith also held this last key, as his birthright from his father.  “That my servant Hyrum may take the office of Priesthood and Patriarch, which was appointed unto him by his father, by blessing and also by right.”  (D&C 124:92)  Also, “First, I give unto you, Hyrum Smith, to be a patriarch unto you, to hold the sealing blessings of My Church, even the Holy Spirit of Promise.”  (D&C 124:124)

There was a law in the church that this Patriarchal Key should descend from father to son, but as the son was not always worthy.  In the event of no worthy son being available, it was conferred upon the oldest worthy patriarch in the church.  Thus it descended from Hyrum Smith to John Smith, uncle to the Prophet, who held it in trust until John Smith, the son of Hyrum should qualify, as no man was counted worthy to hold this power who did not live the Patriarchal Law of Marriage.  It was seldom conferred upon men who had but one wife.

President John Taylor, before his death, sent an urgent message for Joseph F. Smith to return from a mission from the Hawaiian Islands, that he might instruct him in the conferring of these important keys, so that he might not make any grave mistake in the matter.  Joseph F. Smith arrived at President Taylor’s bedside two days before the Prophet’s death, and President Taylor told him—Brother Smith—that he would yet become President of the Church, that he had conferred the keys to the Kingdom upon Brother John Woolley.  He further instructed him to see to it that when John Smith, the Patriarch, was about to go to the other side, to have him confer the patriarchal key to John W. Woolley, to hold in trust until one of the rightful lineage should be qualified to hold this key.

He further told him not to confer the key to the Presidency of the Church or anyone else, but to take it to the other side when he died, explaining to him that it would come down to him in the usual manner when he came to the Presidency of the Church.  These instructions were strictly adhered to.

These and other events helped fulfill the prophecy of Isaiah Chapter 28, with regard to the stone or foundation that the Lord promised should be laid in Zion for a sure foundation.  The great importance of this action on the part of the Lord to work out his great plan is not at first apparent.  Why was it necessary to place the key to the Patriarchal order where it became obscure or in other words, drive it out in the wilderness?

IMPORTANCE OF PATRIARCHAL KEY OR SEALING POWER OF ELIJAH

There never was a day or could there be a time that a temple can operate successfully with all its sealing ordinances, unless its operations are directed by a man holding a rightfully officiating in the Fulness of the Priesthood, which to do, a man must be living the Patriarchal Law or the Law of Plural Marriage.

Now the authority that seals children to their parents, wives to their husbands, and the authority to perform plural marriages is all the same authority.  It is the highest and most important authority that has ever graced the earth.  Only one man on the earth at a time can {have this power conferred upon him} and it directs the sealing power known as the “Holy Spirit of Promise,” which is the only power in the Universe that can make a tie that is eternal and that will endure and not dissolve at death.

RIGHTFUL KING DRIVEN INTO THE WILDERNESS

All other contracts, vows or associations end at death.  Another truth that may have been overlooked is the fact that God could not recognize, in justice to his holy law, the act of any man as holding such an important key, who was living the law and at the same time, denouncing the practice of it in public or private. * This being a form of hypocrisy and pretension.  So when the Manifesto was once signed, for protection of all the Temple rites and ordinances, it was essential, in fact, it was imperative that the key to the sealing ordinances be held by a man who would stand for his principles to the end.  One who would be wise and discrete; whose actions would not attract too much attention to the end, that some Satan-directed individual, would be enabled to destroy what God has planted.  And so this important key was planted away from the show and notice of the crowd to operate in silence, yet with courage and honor for the protection of those sealing ordinances, which we all hold so important and near to our hearts, and which hold the directing forces of securing to us and to our loved ones, the vital ties—for which we have hoped, labored and prayed that we might make, and secure by our faithfulness and valor in the Master’s work.

·       The author of this article writes in reference to President Wilford Woodruff and other General Authorities and Saints, who took plural wives after the Manifesto of 1890.  However, the writer perhaps has not yet observed contradictory occurrences in LDS history.  The Prophet Joseph was noted at times to publicly denouncing something, then privately teach the very opposite.  —Associate Editor—

INQUISTION OF JOSEPH MUSSER 

Thursday July 22, 1909: Was requested to attend a meeting with President Francis M. Lyman of the Quorum of the Twelve in the Temple at 4:30 p.m.  I waited until 6 p.m. when I was invited into the Apostle’s room, where an inquisition was being held by President Lyman and the following members of the Quorum: John Henry Smith, Heber J. Grant, Rudger Clawson, Orson F. Whitney, David O. McKay, George F. Richards and Anthony W. Ivans.

Object of the inquisition: To get information regarding the practice of plural marriage since the discontinuance thereof by the Church; also to array those now favoring the practice against it.

Was grilled two hours by the brethren and declared out of harmony by Brother Grant and President Lyman several times.  The proceedings were, in substance as follows:

Asked if I knew Brother A. J. Higgs who had recently entered into the Principle.  Had I talked with him and given him any encouragement or information on that subject?  Answer: I have known him for years.  Personal friends.  My conversation with him, on the subject of a very general character. 

Did I know of his personal affairs?

Asked if I had talked to anyone about the subject since President Smith’s statement in the Tabernacle five years ago (1904) and to whom—had anyone talked to me, and whom? 

Answer: Yes, but any such conversations were of a confidential nature and I did not feel at liberty to divulge them.  (This attitude was strongly criticized by Brothers Lyman, Smith and Grant—but I could not change.)

Asked if I had heard anybody claiming that people could ‘get in’ now. 

I stated, ‘I presume I could go out on the street and find two hundred people who would claim that.’ 

Who are they? 

‘The Saints generally.’

Why should they claim it?

‘Because it is generally understood that many were permitted to ‘get in’ since the Woodruff Manifesto, and that being true, the people think the opportunity is still open.’

Do you think so?

‘Yes, I have an idea it is.’

What right have you to think so?

‘The same as I have expressed.’

Have you ever had any talk on the subject with President Taylor (Frank Y.) or John M. Cannon?

Answer: ‘These brethren are good faithful men, having the spirit of their calling, and if you will ask them I feel sure they will tell you anything you need to know.’

But we are asking you.

‘I can’t tell you.’

(Some time spent in endeavoring to show me my mistake in not answering this question, but I still refused.)

Asked who could perform such marriage?

Answer: I did not pretend to know, but President Smith had the keys and could authorize them if he desired, without consulting anyone.

Had he done it?

‘That is for him to answer.’

Would that authority have to come from him to either grant or revoke the privilege?

‘I so understand.  President Smith understands his affairs better than I do.’

Have I ever talked with any leading brethren on the subject?

‘Yes, with such men as President Snow, George Q. Cannon, and Apostle Merrill (all deceased).

Since five years ago?

‘I have talked to Brother Merrill.’

How many times?

‘I had two conversations with him.’

What was the nature of them?

‘I cannot tell.’

Have you taken additional blessings during the past five years?

‘I cannot answer.’

(Chorus of voices)  That shows that he has!

Now, Brother Musser, we want you hereafter to join with us in putting this thing down.  If anybody comes to you for information or encouragement, tell them it can’t be done, that it is wrong to desire and that no attentions whatever should be bestowed upon the sisters with this in view.

‘President Lyman, I cannot do that, but I suggest if you have any instructions to give me, it should be done through my Stake President, with whom I am in harmony and I will endeavor to remain so.’

(This answer brought out quite an animated discussion on the subject of authority, the brethren in the main contending that it was none of the business of the Stake Presidency what should be required by the General Authorities of individuals.  I took the ground that instructions might be given by Apostles contrary to those received from my Stake President, in which event I would be justified in following the counsel of the Stake Presidency.  This position was endorsed in part as I brought forth illustrations, but as pertaining to the present subject it was declared I was wrong.)

They asked, supposing President Taylor or a Bishop is out of harmony?

Answer: ‘You would remove the President, if out of harmony; or if a Bishop, the Stake President would remove him.’

Brother Grant asked, ‘Have we not the right to go into your Stake and set things right?’

Answer: ‘Yes, if you are sent by the President of the Church.’

This position was sustained.

Brother Smith asked: ‘Do you belong to an oath-bound organization, bound together by covenants and oaths to stand by each other?’

Answer: ‘I do not and have never heard of such an organization.’

Brother Lyman: ‘Don’t you know that Brothers Taylor and Cowley were dropped from their quorum for being out of harmony as you are?’

Brother Whitney injected the remark that the Saints don’t consider they were out of harmony, but were simply necessary sacrifices.

Brother Lyman asked: ‘What do you think, Brother Musser?’

Answer: ‘I feel just that way.’

President Lyman: ‘What right have you to think that?’

Answer: ‘Because I believe there are others that were just as deserving to be dropped as they, but the necessity for it didn’t seem to demand it.’

Who are they?

‘I don’t wish to mention names, however, I consider Brother Merrill and Brother Teasdale (now dead) good men.’

Brother Clawson said, ‘Brothers Taylor and Cowley offered to harmonize themselves with the Quorum.  They admitted they had been out of harmony.’

Brother Lyman said, with emphasis, ‘I want this body of men to understand they did not harmonize themselves with the Quorum!’

(Pressed for an answer that I would place myself in harmony.  I promised that should the occasion arise for me to answer a brother’s inquiry as to how he might get in, I would be willing to tell him how the Quorum of the Apostles stood, and President Smith’s statement; and should he still want encouragement I would encourage him to lay his case before the Lord in prayer.  To this most of the brethren strenuously objected, some making light of prayer on the subject.)

Brother Grant asked why I should advise them to pray.

I answered, ‘BECAUSE I PRAYED ABOUT IT AND GOT AN ANSWER.’

(I recounted my feelings and experiences since the Manifesto, culminating in my desires being gratified.  Greater pressure was brought to bear on me to ‘get in harmony.’)

My final answer being that, ‘I could not promise what my future course might be in case new light came to me on the subject.’

Brother Lyman, a number of times said, ‘He answers just like the other brethren who are in the same position, while those who are not are ready in a moment to be in harmony.  Or one would think these brethren had rehearsed their pieces.’

Brother Ivins contended it was a sin to break the laws of the land, while it was not wrong to practice polygamy formerly, before the law against it had been pronounced constitutional.  But I was sustained in the statement that marriages took place in our Church, by authority, and were approved after the law had finally been passed as constitutional.  That being the case, the morality of the thing was no different now than formerly.

I said, ‘I may be a law-breaker, but so is President Smith.’

Brother Ivins said, ‘No, he isn’t.’

I said, ‘Thank the Lord he isn’t.’

Brother Clawson said President Smith escaped imprisonment for ‘Unlawful Cohabitation’ by the skin of his teeth; but he was adjudged guilty and fined.

Brother Clawson asked Brother Ivins if he considered it more wicked to practice the principle after the ‘Edmunds-Tucker Act’ than it was after the ‘Poland Act’, which was passed previously? 

He answered, ‘Yes, I do.’  His position was criticized by the brethren; John Henry Smith stating that even after the Woodruff Manifesto, some marriages were authorized in Mexico, as then it did not conflict with the laws of the land, but where Brothers Taylor and Cowley went wrong was in doing it in the United States.  He said he had obtained the consent of a woman to marry him and had the matter all fixed—this since the Manifesto—but upon the advice of the President of the Church he broke the engagement.

I answered that I did not do that, and that I could not see that it was worse to do it now than then, it being properly authorized.

Brother Lyman said, ‘We have given our pledge against it and it gives them (the outsiders) a chance to talk about us.’

I answered that no matter what we did or did not do, they would talk about us, if we were doing right.

One of the Brethren (I think it was Brother Whitney) said, ‘If Tom Kearns had been returned to the Senate there would be no talk about us.’

I was asked if it was not a fact that in the beginning the Prophet did proclaim to the world that the principle was not being practiced, while the brethren were entering into it in secret, and with his approval?

Answer: ‘Yes, but the conditions were different then than now.’

One of the brethren said it was not meant for the Church then.

Brother Smith said it never was meant for the Church but was an individual matter.

I contended if the practice was right for the early days, under the statement of Joseph Smith, it could be right and proper now.

Throughout the investigation I was treated with a kindly spirit by the brethren generally—Brother Grant being an exception.  He appeared impatient, maintained I was out of harmony, and there was no use losing time with me.  Brother Ivins was somewhat impulsive.  Brothers Clawson, McKay, and Whitney appeared generous, considerate and consistent.  My own feelings are these: ‘That the investigation along the lines it is being carried out, is unwarranted; that the Quorum is not united, and that such actions as these will tend to lose them their influence among the Saints.  Brother Grant said they were going to cut Brother Higgs off the Church, and his tone and manner were vindictive.  My impression were that the brethren are not actuated by the proper spirit.’

Brother Lyman said, ‘If you had come to me for counsel, I would have given you good advice.’

My answer was that I did go to good men whose advice I followed.  (Truth 20:20-22)

FAMILY GOVERNMENT

BY

ELDER CHARLES W. PENROSE

The topic of family relations, and especially the relations between the sexes, has for some time past attracted unusual attention in the world.  Never was there a time when the subject more needed careful and universal consideration.  Society is gradually asserting its freedom from the laws and restraints, which bound it, and shaking itself loose from the old-fashioned “properties” which formerly regulated and kept it within certain limits.  Parental and marital authority are both dethroned, and family government has become democratic instead of patriarchal.

The spirit of personal liberty is running to such excess, that all restraint is getting irksome, and obedience is esteemed a mark of weakness.  Young people—mere boys and girls—consult their own inclination without regard to the wishes of their parents.  The “governor” and the “old lady” are considered “old fogies”, to be hoodwinked and cajoled, or laughed at and defied.  Connections with the opposite sex are formed in this spirit, which continue in the marriage relation—the wife resisting all authority in the husband, it is reproduced with increased influences in the offspring, and manifested widely in rebellion against all regulations and restrictions, whether of the family, the Church or the State.

No nation can continue in a condition of prosperity whose family relations are in disorder, for nations are made up of families, and if the constituent parts of community are in discord, there can be no harmony in the State.  Excess of independence leads to licentiousness, and licentiousness to weakness and destruction.

When, as a rule, parental authority is despised and family ties are disregarded, we may look for rebellion against the government, and the ultimate downfall of the nation.  These evils are widespread, and are obtaining greater hold of the hearts of the people every year.  The records of the divorce courts in England and America would reveal a disregard of parental authority and matrimonial covenants so extensive and determined, as to fill us with wonder and disgust, and their disclosures are only straws to show us which way the wind is blowing.

The world needs regulating, and the work, if done at all, must commence at the foundation of society.  Proper family relations must be established—the fountain must be made clean before the stream can be purified.  Prophets foresaw the establishment upon earth of a divine form of government, which should secure mankind the benefits of universal peace, union, order, and happiness.  God has commenced to build up that which He showed them in vision.  The world has become too corrupt for a regeneration to take place among them.

The spirit of rebellion has taken too firm a hold on their hearts, to permit them to render that perfect obedience to Him, which is necessary for the establishment of His government among them.  He has therefore begun the work by calling together in one place all those who are sufficiently humble to yield themselves to His will.  These He is beginning to organize into family governments; placing man and woman in their proper relative positions, regulating the power to be exercised by parents over children, compatible with that freedom and agency which every human being should exercise and enjoy, and thus preparing the people to unite upon principles of order and good government, as a perfectly free, yet thoroughly disciplined community.  Their leaders in Church and State will be of God’s appointment, and the people’s united endorsement and acceptance.  Those who do not choose to conform to this institution of heaven, will be left to the natural results of their own foolish and evil course, which will end in the downfall and dissolution of all human governments.

The earliest form of government was Patriarchal.  Ever father stood at the head of his family, and was revered and obeyed as its chief.  And as men in those days lived to a respectable old age, instead of dropping down in the grave, as now, just as they began to learn how to enjoy life and be useful to the earth, they ruled over many generations springing from their own loins, and wielded power which increased their experience.

That is the order of God.  He rules over the inhabitants of this planet, and claims their obedience by right of parentage.  He is the Father of the spirits of all men, and they are His offspring.  If we “have had fathers of our flesh who corrected us, and we gave them reverence, shall we not much rather be in subjection to the Father of spirits?”

Disobedience to parents, now so common, was in the ancient times accounted as a great crime.  Men and women did not then consider themselves free of all parental control at the age of 21 years, but paid respect to the wishes of their father and Patriarch down to his latest days.  Marriages were not contracted without his sanction either by son or daughter.  Woman had her place in the family assigned her by the Lord in the beginning, and it was her pride to fulfill her calling as a help-mate to her husband without attempting to oppose or control him.  Sexual intercourse outside the marriage relations was a crime punishable with death.  Children were counted as gifts from the Lord, and the childless woman mourned over her barrenness as one of the heaviest misfortunes.

What a change as come upon the world since mankind began to depart from the ways of the Lord!  The desire and love for offspring, and the affection and obedience to parents, once the most common and yet heavenly virtues, are dying out of the human heart, and selfishness, callousness, and rebellion, are springing up in their place.

The importance of a return to the ancient patriarchal principles of family government cannot be overestimated.  And herein is one of the many evidences of divinity in “Mormonism”.  The axe is laid at the root of social evils, and the work of building up a new kingdom is commenced at the foundation of society, by a proper regulation of family relations.  Already the good results appear, in the absence of those foul fruits of modern civilization which grow so rank and abundant on the tree of so-called Christianity, in the order, tranquility, and rapid growth of the community, and in the physical improvement of the race.  The plan is Godlike, its execution divine, and its effects heavenly.

In a proper regulated family the man stands at the head of the house as prophet, priest, and king.  Not as a despot, ruling with stern and unyielding tyranny, but as a servant of God, controlling those whom the Lord has entrusted to him, in a spirit of affection and earnest solicitude for their welfare.  His mind and spirit should permeate the whole household, and nothing should be done without his sanction.  The strength of his government should be the power of love and the force of good example.  To control his household well, he must well control himself.  Standing between God and his family, he should be a medium of light, a channel of instruction, an instrument of blessings both for time and eternity.  One with the family, understanding and participating in all its joys and sorrows—great or small, in perfect sympathy and affinity with all its members, he should yet be its leader, even as the head guides the body which it forms a part.

Every government and society must have a chief.  If it have not, there is no security for its union and continuance.  Every family is imperium in imperio, and the man is its chief, fitted by nature and appointed by Jehovah to the post.  The wife, though made “bone of his bone and flesh of his flesh” by the sacred ordinances of matrimony, is both by nature and revelation placed in a subordinate position to her husband.  Woman is not formed to rule, and God has said to her, “thy desire shall be unto thine husband, and he shall rule over thee.”

Much as it has been disputed by agitators for “women’s rights”, man as a sex, by reason of greater physical and mental strength, is placed by nature above the woman in the scale of being.  And Scripture says, “Man is the head of the woman, even as Christ is the head of the Church, and he is the savior of the body.”  When the wife rules the husband, as is too frequently the case of the world—the man submitting, as he thinks, for the sake of peace, or through not assuming his proper position at the first—the order of nature and of God is overturned, man is degraded, and the whole household is hindered from receiving the full blessings of heaven, and from progressing to that exalted position that the Great Father has designed for those who live according to the true principles of family government.

Woman may assist, advise, comfort, and encourage her partner in life, but she is out of place when she seeks to govern and control him.  Her sphere is a sufficiently glorious one without her striving to step beyond its proper limitations.  If not the sovereign of the little kingdom, she is his close companion, his counselor, and the sharer of all his influence, honor, and power, on earth and in heaven.  She is “the glory of the man.”  As the mother of his children, she is to him a fountain of life, the guilder of the family, and the channel of increase wherein is glory and dominion that reaches into eternity.  She can mould the minds of her infant offspring to virtue and integrity, and train them up to thoughts and acts that will shed brightness on their path, and crown her days with praise and pleasure.  What joy, what comfort, what peace she can dispense!  Her smiles are as the sunshine of heaven, her consolations sweet as the reviving dew upon the drooping flowers, and her presence is as an angel of peace bearing a foretaste of the pleasures of paradise.  She can be to her husband and her children a very treasury of blessings.  She can wield an influence peculiar to herself upon all around her, and knowing that she is essential to the happiness and perfection of man, let woman fill her holy and important mission with contentment, rejoicing in her power, and using it for that which is her greatest good—the glory of her husband and the prosperity of her children.

Woman was made for man.  Every woman living single and apart from man is in an unnatural position.  God has designed the sexes to unite.  Nature proclaims this with universal voice, and in tones that will not be stilled.  Every woman should have the opportunity to be married, and that to a man who, her whole physical, mental, and spiritual, tells her, is a suitable partner.

In many places there are more women than men, therefore if two or more women love the same man, feeling that he alone is the man of their choice, nature and common sense would say, if all parties are agreed, let them be united.  If the numbers of the sexes were equal, still every woman should have the privilege of choice, and not be compelled to unite in the closest and holiest relationships with one whom she does not with her whole heart desire, or be compelled to violate the law of nature and of heaven by remaining single.

There are men who have brutalized themselves by vicious courses, that they are unfit to be trusted with the care of such a precious jewel as a virtuous woman.  And if the foolish and unnatural restrictions which human laws impose were removed, and the ancient customs of patriarchal times restored, such wretches as now figure in the police courts for wife-beating, would not obtain wives at all, for a woman true to the refined instincts of her nature would shrink from the companionship of such a being, and prefer to share the affections of an honorable and virtuous man with a score of others, rather than be the only of a ruffian and a brute.

Plural marriage may seem repugnant to many minds, and they may therefore conclude that it is in opposition to nature, but a little reflection and a few facts will show that this is a mistake.  By far the great majority of the human race practice polygamy.  It was an ancient order established and directed by the Almighty Himself, as we can learn from the Bible, and it is practiced by individuals in the present day from religious convictions, whose feelings once revolted against it, and they have proved that it was only tradition and not nature that cried out against it.  It has been demonstrated that a man can regard all his wives with equal affection, and maintain his relations with them all the refined and sensitive sympathies created by a perfect union between a single pair.

Nature has not changed, and in the patriarchal times both God and nature sanctioned and inculcated the union of more than one woman with one man.  Patriarchal institutions are being restored and they prove to be as well adapted to the exigencies of the nineteenth century as to the necessities of more primitive times.

Parental authority should regulate the union of the sexes.  Children that grow up under the influence of parents who occupy their proper relative positions, and who control their children without abusing them, will have a natural and well-grounded respect for the head of the family.  When they arrive at a marriageable age, they will feel the effects of the directing power, which has wisely guided them from infancy, and naturally expect to receive and hearken to the counsel of their parents in the most important step, which they can take in life.

The strong aversion which young people feel against parental restraint, is attributable to the bad example frequently set by the mother in her resistance to the will of her husband, and to the absence of proper control over the children in their infant days.  The little ones are suffered to be supreme in the house till they begin to grow older, and are then abused by ineffectual efforts to whip them into obedience.  Favors also are surreptitiously bestowed by fond mothers who instruct the children “not to tell father”, and the germs of deceptive habits are planted in the bosoms, which spring up in riper years, and bring forth bitter fruit for the hands of the planter.

Foolish indulgence and harsh severity are two extremes which parents should avoid.  Parental authority must be maintained, but each little child is a living, independent existence, whose wants and desires claims consideration, and who will keep in memory the kindness or cruelty experienced in childhood, when years of experience shall bring reflection and judgement.  The impressions of childhood are the most vivid that make their mark upon us through life, and therefore the saying of Solomon is true in a general sense, “train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.”

Judicious control in infancy and childhood will go far towards inducing obedience in riper years.  The matured judgement of parent is necessary to the guidance of the young in their selections of a partner for life.  For life?  Nay!  Marriage, when properly contracted is a union for all eternity!  Binding through time, indissoluble by death, and lasting as duration.  How much care and judgement should then be exercised on so important a matter.

And surely children should be anxious to obtain the benefit of the wisdom which their parents have gained by experience.  Mere whims and fancies should guide neither party.  If parents object to the choice of their children, their objections should be reasonable, and be explained in a reasonable manner.  The feelings and preferences of the parties most concerned must be considered, before mere likes or dislikes on the part of the parents.  The reasonless dictum of a parent in the matters where the heart is so deeply affected is not sufficient, and is likely to provoke rebellion, and lead to consequences that may be forever deplored.  Parents should guard the virtue of their children with a jealous care, and defend it even unto death, for the wealth of a world will not compensate for its violation.

In all these family relations, as in ever other condition of life, the power of the Spirit of truth is necessary to enlighten and direct.  Left alone, man errs continually, but with the Holy Ghost for his constant companion, his course will be in the path of wisdom and safety.  Hence the necessity of family prayer.  He who neglects this need not expect peace in his house, unity in his family, nor the obedience which he desires.

The foundation of man’s glory in eternity is laid in time.  His heavenly kingdom must be commenced on earth.  That kingdom and the glory thereof are comprehended in his family.  Therein is the beginning of his dominion as a king and a priest unto God.  If the foundation is laid aright, who can tell the extent and magnificence of the superstructure?  With wives sealed to him for time and eternity, by the most holy authority of that Priesthood which is “without beginning of days or end of life”, with children who, by virtue of his marriage blessings, are legitimate heirs to that Priesthood in its fullness.  Nothing but unfaithfulness to his sacred covenants can stop the everlasting multiplicity of his generations and increase of his government, and thrones, principalities, and crowns of immortality are within his reach, raising him to the majesty and fellowship of the Gods.

This all-important subject is merely broached in this brief article.  It pertains to the present and the future.  It commences at the fireside of our humble homes, but it carries us forward to the glories of eternity, opening up the past and future creation, peopling and redemption of worlds innumerable, till the great universe of God crowds itself upon our gaze, and the language of mortals fail to express its immensity and infinitude.  (Millennial Star 30:305, et seq.)

MARTYRDOM OF THE APOSTLES

1^st—Simon Peter was born in Bethaisda, a city of Galilee.  Time of his birth unknown; was about ten years older than Jesus.  Was crucified upside down about A. D. 64 under reign of Nero.  His father was Jonah.

2^nd and 3^rd—James and John were brothers.  Fishermen by trade.  James was beheaded about 44 A. D.  John never died.  They were called the sons of Thunder.

4^th—Andrew was a brother to Peter and was born in Bethaisda.  He was crucified, the two ends of which were fixed transversely in the ground, being strapped instead of nailed on the cross.  He hung there for two days teaching the people; died the last day of November.

5^th—Philip was the first to be called.  He was a native of Bethaisda.  He was skilled in the law and the prophets.  He was sent to upper Asia to labor.  He was scourged, thrown in prison and afterwards crucified about 54 A. D..

6^th—Bartholomew or Nathaneal, was a Galilean by birth.  He was sent to India to preach.  He was cruelly beaten and then crucified in great Armenia.

7^th—Matthew was a true Hebrew and probably a Galilean.  Was a tax collector.  Left much to follow Christ.  He preached in Judea and Ethiopia, and was slain by a halberd in the city of Nabadah.  He wrote (The Gospel of) Matthew.

8^th—Thomas was a Jew.  Not much said of him.  He was run through by a lance in India.

9^th—James the Less, or son of Alpheus.  He was pushed from the temple and later stoned to death and had his brains dashed out with a fuller’s club..

10^th—Jude or Judas was a brother of James the Less.  He was sent to Africa to preach.  He wrote one epistle; was put to crucified at Edessa 72 A. D.

11^th—Simon Zelotes was born in Cana of Galilee.  He was thought to be the bridegroom mentioned by John.  He was thought to have preached in Africa and later England, where he was crucified 74 A. D.

12^th—Judas Iscariot was a Jew.  He committed suicide.

13^th—Luke was born at Antioch in Syria.  This city was noted for its schools.  He became a physician.  It was thought that he was converted by Paul.  He wrote two books—his Gospel and the Acts.  Was hanged on an olive tree.

14^th—Mark was a descendant of the tribe of Levi.  He preached with Peter in Alexandria.  He wrote his Gospel.  Was cruelly killed on the 25^th of April at the close of Nero’s reign.  Was dragged to pieces by the people of Alexandria.

15^th—Paul was a descendant from Abraham through Benjamin, the son of Jacob.  Was born at Tarsus, about 300 miles north of Jerusalem.  Tarsus being a province of Rome, Paul was born a Roman citizen; was schooled at Jerusalem under Gamaliel.  Also a tent-maker.  Was beheaded in Rome.

16^th—Matthias was stoned at Jerusalem and then beheaded.

17^th—Stephen was stoned to death.

 (Truth 15:82-83, 18:51, Fox’s Book of Martyrs, pp. 2-5 {Italicized})

Eternal Progression

In a communication of Elder Joseph Fielding Smith, refuting the doctrine of eternal progression as taught by the early leaders of the Church, Elder Smith attempts to show that the early teachings to the effect that God is progressive; that He is perfect in knowledge and power only in a relative sense, and that He will grow and increase in knowledge eternally is false.

We herewith present the communication of Elder Smith with comments on the numbered paragraphs:

Eternal Progression & What is Meant by It

Answering your question about the “eternal progression” of our Father in Heaven, I have this to say:

It seems very strange to me that members of the Church will hold to such a doctrine as that.  “God increases in knowledge as time goes on.”  And that other thought which accompanies this: “If he knew all things and all knowledge was at his command, or, as I have it before me right now in an article recently published: “If absolute perfection were attainable, there would eventually come a time when those who had chosen the better way would reach the ultimate; and if the ultimate could be gained progression would cease.  This cannot be, for as before specified nothing in Nature remains at a standstill.  When progression abdicates the throne, retrogression is the degrading successor.”

But how does anyone know?  Where has the Lord ever revealed to us that he is lacking in knowledge?  That he is still learning new truth; discovering new laws that are unknown to him?  I think this kind of doctrine is very dangerous.  I don’t know where the Lord has ever declared such a thing.  It is not contained in any revelation that I have read.  Man’s opinion unaided by the revelations of the Lord does not make it so.

It is true that I spoke in Ogden in 1923 and there declared that I believed that God knows all things and that his understanding is perfect, not “relative”.  I have never seen or heard of any revealed fact to the contrary.  I believe that our heavenly Father and his Son Jesus Christ, are perfect.  I offer no excuse for the simplicity of my Faith.

(1)   Who dare say that the quality of “virtue” is limited with our Father and His Son?  Is their truthfulness only “relative?”  Could they be more truthful, more honorable, more virtuous or loving?  How foolish such questions are, and how much more foolish would be the answer if we said “yes”, the Lord is limited in his truthfulness, honor, virtue, etc.?  Well, if he is absolute in these qualities, is he on the road of retrogression in them?  According to the argument this must be so if the absolute is reached.  Then why should we say that his knowledge is limited and that hidden law and truths abound which he has not discovered.  Who made those laws and where do they come from?

I believe literally what is written in the Scriptures, especially where the Lord has spoken himself.  Let me give you some passages.

(2)   “O how great the holiness of our God!  For he knoweth all things and there is not anything save he knows it.”  (2Nephi 9:20)

(3)   “Thus saith the Lord your God, even Jesus Christ, the Great I AM, Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the same which looked upon the wide expanse of eternity, and all the seraphic hosts of heaven, before the world was made:

“The same which knoweth  all things, for all things are present before mine eyes.”  (D&C 38:1-2)

(4)   “And now, verily I say unto you I was in the beginning with the Father, and am the firstborn: ***”

“The Spirit of truth is of God.  I am the Spirit of truth, and John bore record of me, saying—He received a fulness of truth, yea even all truth.”  (D&C 93:21, 26)

(5)   “Now have we not reason to rejoice?  Yea, I say unto you, there never were men that had so great reason to rejoice as we, since the world began: yea, and my joy is carried away, even unto boasting in my God; for he has all power, all wisdom, and all understanding; he comrehendeth all things, and he is a merciful being, even unto salvation, to those who will repent and believe on his name.”  (Alma 26:35)

“Praise ye the Lord, it is good to sing praises unto our God; for it is pleasant; and praise is comely***

(6)   “Great is our Lord, and of great power; his understanding is infinite.”  (Psalms 147:1-5)

(7)   “He comrehendeth all things, and all things are before him, and all things are round about him: and he is above all things, and in all things, and is through all things, and is round about all things; and all things are by him, and of him, even God, for ever and ever.”  (D&C 88:41)

(8)   The next verse (42) is very significant to revealing to us something regarding the laws:

(9)   “And again, verily I say unto you, he hath given a law unto all things, by which they move in their times and seasons.”

“It is not because the Lord is ignorant of law and truth that he is able to progress, but because of his knowledge and wisdom.  The Lord is constantly using his knowledge in his work.  And his great work is in bringing to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.  By the creation of worlds and peopling them, by building and extending he progresses, but not because the fulness of truth is not understood by him.

“It is, however, hard to correct deep rooted notions when they take hold of the minds of the people.”

____________________________

No. 2: Here the Prophet Nephi is speaking of Jesus Christ, our Redeemer.  (to be born in mortality) who, when he has finished his work of redemption, he will be our God, “For he knoweth all things, and there is not anything save he knows it”.  This statement, “There is not anything save he knows it”, must be received in a relative sense.  True, Jesus shall arise to the possession of all knowledge and power “in heaven and in earth”, (his heaven and earth, Matt. 28:18).  Jesus had already testified, speaking of certain anticipated happenings.  “But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no not the angels in heaven, but my Father only”.  (Matt. 24:36).  If no man knew it and his Father was the only one that did know it, Jesus himself did not know it, then, at that time.  He had not come to a fulness of knowledge.  Christ has not yet finished his work.  Brigham Young said:

Do we believe that this man Christ has received his inheritance; has he finished the work which he came into the world and was manifested in the flesh to accomplish?  I will answer for all Christians, and say he has not, as yet, finished his work or received the kingdom.  As for the proof of this you can go to the Bible and all the other revelations that we have in our possession, and you will find it there.”  (Journal of Discourses, 17:115; see also Ibid. 8:118)

No. 3: To sustain this position that there is nothing more for God to learn, Elder Smith quotes from Doctrine and Covenants as follows:

Thus saith the Lord your God, even Jesus Christ, the Great I AM, Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the same which looked upon the wide expanse of eternity, and all the seraphic hosts of heaven, before the world was made; The same which knoweth all things, for all things are present before mine eyes.

Here the Lord describes himself as “Jesus Christ, the Great I Am, Alpha and Omega, etc.”  Obviously it was the office of Christ or Jehovah Christ talking, for Jesus Christ, son of Mary, could hardly claim to be the “Great I AM, Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end.”  The office of Christ, the Creator, could make such a claim, but Jesus, whose work of redemption is yet unfinished, could scarcely answer to that title.  {How can a spiritual being assume the position of Creator, not yet having received the Priesthood in the flesh, nor a resurrected and glorified body, for that matter?  In his response, Brother Musser is pointing out the dichotomy in modern-Christian/Mormon thought. The differences are acutely distinct.  —Associate Editor— }

The same personage dictated Section 29 of the revelations in which he says:

Wherefore, verily I say unto you that all things unto me are spiritual, and not at any time have I given unto you a law which was temporal; neither any man, nor the children of men; neither Adam, your father, whom I created.

This could not be Jesus Christ, son of Mary, talking.  He did not create Adam, for Adam was his father  (See Journal of Discourses 1:50), and was created on another planet ages before Jesus was born.  The revelation further states:

But, behold, I say unto you that I, the Lord God (Adam’s God) gave unto Adam and unto his seed, that they should not die as to the temporal death, until I, the Lord God, should send forth angels to declare unto them repentance and redemption through faith on the name of mine ONLY BEGOTTEN SON.

Whoever has heard of Jesus Christ, son of Mary, having an Only Begotten Son?  God has such a son—that Son is Jesus Christ.  He was God’s Only Begotten Son in the flesh, after He returned to immortality.  We cannot see that this quotation of Elder Smith’s has any application whatever to the subject at hand.  Neither Jesus Christ or his Father Adam—Michael sought to convey the thought that they were perfect in knowledge beyond their own sphere of existence.

No. 4: “And now, verily I say unto you I was in the beginning with the Father, and am the firstborn”; (or, in other words, “in the beginning of my spirit existence, I was with the Father, being His firstborn.”)

“The Spirit of truth is of God.  I am the Spirit of truth, and John bore record of me saying, He received a fulness of truth, yea even all truth.”  (Ibid. Sec. 93:21-26)

We see nothing in the statement that corroborates Elder Smith’s contention.  Certainly the “Spirit of truth is of God, and Christ received a fulness of truth, yea all truth”, pertaining to his existence here and the planet over which he is to become king; but there is nothing in the quotation that indicates he had mastered all the truths of the eternities.

No. 5: Here the Prophet Alma testifies that God has “all power, all wisdom and all understanding; he comprehendeth all things, and he is a merciful being, even unto salvation, to those who will repent and believe on his name.”  The Prophet was evidently speaking relatively with reference to God’s power, wisdom and understanding; and that He “comprehendeth all things” pertaining to the planetary system over which He presides, but his knowledge cannot embrace all the eternities.

Nos. 6 to 9 are sufficiently answered in the above comments.

Discussing No. 1 of Elder Smith’s letter, we quote approvingly from the “Lectures on Faith”, Lecture Third:

From the foregoing testimonies we learn the following things respecting the character of God:

First, that he was God before the world was created, and the same God that he was after it was created.

Secondly, that he is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, abundant in goodness, and that he was so from everlasting, and will be to everlasting.

Thirdly, that he changes not, neither is their variableness with him; but that he is the same from everlasting to everlasting, being the same yesterday, today and forever; and that his course is one eternal round, without variation.

Fourthly, that he is a God of truth and cannot lie.

Fifthly, that he is no respecter of persons; but in ever nation he that fears God and works righteousness is accepted of him.

Sixthly, that he is love.

An acquaintance with these attributes in the divine character is essentially necessary, in order that the faith of any rational being can enter in him for life and salvation.

Yes, “God is the same from everlasting to everlasting and his course is one eternal round”, in this sense: He is governed by law, and he never announces a higher law that in any way conflicts with laws already on His statute books.  As he progresses in knowledge doubtless new heights are attained, advanced laws are revealed to Him.  These He may pass on to His children as they are ready to receive them, but in no instance does the one conflict with the other.  Hence there is no change in Him, “being the same yesterday, today and forever.”

We apprehend that Elder Smith’s confusion is rendered the more embarrassing because he fails to account for the difference between the individual and the office held by the individual.  We quote from Michael, Our Father and Our God, pages 39:

“God” is a title, an office—a principle; and yet the being who occupies this office of God is an exalted man.  The office of God has always existed and always will exist.  It, the office, is without the “beginning of days or end of years”.  Those now occupying the office of “God”, whether to this or other planets, are not in their organized capacities, “without beginning of days or end of years”.  Their creation, as organized entities had a beginning, and their existence, in their mortal state will have an end.  “Christ”, “Redeemer”, “Savior”, “Messiah”, etc., are also offices and titles.  The office of “Christ” is co-existent with that of “God”.  One is the complement of the other; the two work conjointly, and each is necessary to the other.  ***

And so it is with the titles “Caesar”, “Emperor”, “King”, “Czar”, “President”, etc.; it was the “President of the United States” who sent an army against the Saints in Utah, and it was also the “President” who befriended the Mormons, granting them amnesty, returning their escheated property, and another using his influence against unseating a Mormon Senator in the U. S. Senate.  It was the “President” of the United States who did this and yet the acts mentioned involved the acts of three separate individuals, each occupying the office of “President”, but at different times.

A proper understanding of the difference between the individual and the office which he may occupy will clarify many of the revelations of the Lord and explain the progressive natures of the Gods.   On this subject of progression, Brigham Young said:

Brother Orson Pratt has in theory, bounded the capacity of God.  According to his theory God can progress no further in knowledge and power; but the God that I serve is progressing eternally, and so are his children: they will increase to all eternity, if they are faithful.  But there are some of our brethren who know just so much, and they seem to be able to learn no more.  (Journal of Discourses 11:286)

On the point of relative perfection.  We contend that when the Lord said, “Be ye perfect as your Father in heaven is perfect”, he meant “Be ye perfect in your sphere or generation as our Heavenly Father is in his.”  It is a relative perfection.  Not only mortals but Gods also are continuously increasing in knowledge and power.  We will quote a few items on this point from Brigham Young, who by echoed the teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith:

We are now, or may be, as perfect in our sphere as God and angels are in theirs, but the greatest intelligence in existence can continually ascend to greater heights of perfection.  (J. D. 1:93)

You will be no more perfect in your sphere, when you are exalted to thrones, principalities, and powers, than you are required to be and are capable of being in your sphere today.  The man that may be called a perfect man is perfect in every calling and sphere, as the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost are in theirs, and as the angels are in theirs, which makes a perfect order from first to last—from beginning to end.  (Ibid. 6:99)

To finite capacity there is much which appears mysterious in the plan of salvation and there is an eternity of mystery to be unfolded to us; and when we have lived millions of years in the presence of God and angels, and have associated with heavenly beings, shall we then cease learning?  No, or eternity ceases.  There is no end.  We go from grace to grace, from light to light, from truth to truth.  (Ibid. 6:344)

John Taylor said:

But I believe, furthermore, that there are eternal grades of progression,, which will continue worlds without end, and to an infinity of enjoyment, expansion, glory, progression, and of everything calculated to ennoble and exalt mankind.

This is one of our first estates, or it is our second estate, if you please, and so we move on from state to state, with a knowledge of the true principles of the eternal world revealed to us, which principles are eternal—eternal truth, eternal life, eternal intelligence, leading us on to the possession of celestial kingdoms of God.  (Ibid. 1:159)

Article 9 of our Articles of Faith, indicates eternal advancement: “We believe all that God has revealed, all that he does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.”  And as we expect such revelations from our God, is it inconsistent for Him to expect the same from His God?

However, we agree with Elder Smith, “It is, however, hard to correct deep-rooted notions when they take hold of the minds of the people.”  No one should realize this better than Elder Smith, who has proven himself obdurate in opposing reason and light.

QUARTERLY QUOTES II:

“There’s a misconception in the group that you’re not supposed to ask for the higher blessings.  Why wouldn’t we want to ask for them?  How can you receive a blessing you haven’t asked for?  Aren’t we told to not cease striving until we see the face of God?”  Joseph B. Thompson, 1994

“If you live every law except one, you’re guilty of the whole.”  Joseph B. Thompson, 1994

“We need a nation of high priest apostles.  We need a nation of prophets.”  Joseph B. Thompson, 1994

E   D   I   T   O   R   I   A   L

The Youth of Zion:

Our Future—Our Hope

A report from the Salt Lake City area has traveled here, bringing the rumor that the youth there—especially the young women—have no desire to enter into the Principle of Celestial Plural Marriage, with expressive hopes it will be abandoned by the people.  Where we live, it also seems that apathy may have pervaded among our own youth, with similar sentiments echoed, “I don’t want to live plural marriage,” and, “When I’m eighteen, I’m outta this place!”  And, “I don’t have a testimony of the Gospel.”

What are the reasons for the Youth of Israel vocalizing their dissenting opinion? Is it a lack of belief?  Could it be embarrassment?  Peer pressure?  Jumping on the “bandwagon” of incredulity?  What is the source?  Is it one thing, or is it a combination of factors?  I have approached the Lord in prayer for our youth, and asked Him to reinforce positive values within them; and for them not to be ashamed of His Gospel and that they will  have the desire to obtain testimonies of the Work of the Lord. 

I have wondered—could it be that the parents may not truly converted to the Fulness or some aspects of the Gospel, which prohibits their progression?  Could it be that mother and father are divided in fulfilling the laws of the Priesthood?  One can choose to allow emotions to govern oneself, or one can choose to be selfless, and embrace the laws that God has placed before us for our salvation and exaltation with joy and happiness.  Living the Gospel brings delight.  Fighting against the Lord and His Laws do not.

Perhaps some of the youth see the trials, tears and heartache associated with living the Principle.  This all reverts back to calling upon God to help us overcome our obstacles and assist us triumph over tribulation. It seems that releases from marriages among Fundamentalist peoples are as commonplace now, as in the world.  So when the going gets tough, do the ‘tough’ get going?  Doesn’t “for time and for all eternity” mean anything to Mormons anymore?

A sister, speaking in reference to the youth of Israel, once told another, “These girls have plural marriage shoved down their throats!”

The response was simple, “That is who we are…”

That is who we are.

We are a polygamous people.  I hope to see my sons enter into this law, of their own accord, one day.  I hope to see my daughters choose a righteous man as their eternal companion one day and enter into this law—and because they want to do so, because they know it is right—not solely because of my desires and expectations of them.

When brothers and sisters are vocal about their opinions against the principle or any other celestial law, who is there to hear these negative sentiments?  Our children.  Our youth hear these words, and being malleable, the youth incorporate our thoughts and ideas into their own lives—and this, by the very environment they live in!  Our actions as parents have a cause and effect within our children!

I offer some suggestions to these issues we experience:

1)      Get the Spirit of the Lord and keep it.

All of us could do better by keeping the Spirit of the Lord with us.  We are examples to the inhabitants of the earth.  I know I fall short in keeping the Spirit with me at all times and know I could use the improvement within my own life, however I’m certain each one of us could, too.  The Prophet Joseph Smith appeared to Brigham Young while the Saints were en route to Deseret.  He admonished Brother Brigham for the Saints to obtain the Spirit of the Lord and keep it.

2)      Obtain a testimony.

The beautiful thing about the passage of MORO 10:5, “And by the power of the Holy Ghost, ye may know the truth of all things,” is that it is a literal—not a figurative—statement.  Whatever truth we desire to know of God, He will answer you.  The Prophet Moroni  gave us the formula of how one can obtain a testimony in the 10:4.

3)      Pray often for the Lord to intercede in our lives.

Can anyone one of us succeed in this life without Him and His intervention?  Our day-to-day lives are filled with temptation, and the devil will try all the harder to ‘bring down a Mormon.’  And why?  Because we really do have a lot the answers—more than any other religion upon the earth, and the devil and his angels know this, and that is why they wage such a mighty battle against the Saints of God and they always will.  “I need thee every hour, Most Gracious Lord…”

4)      Encourage the youth to obtain their own testimony and live by it.

You and I can offer more reassurance and motivation to our youth—the promise of Israel—to seek after the Lord for His will in their lives.  To gain a testimony and bare it often. 

5)      Stop and listen—are we truly hearing our children?

How many times have you and I been guilty of not listening to our children?  This is not asking, “Do you let your child govern you?”  But asking, “Did you take the time out today and chat with your son or your daughter?”  Some of the most memorable times in my own life were times spent chatting with my parents.  I had the assurance I could go to my father for any problem I experienced, because I trusted he always would give me good advice.  We, as parents, can offer the same guidance to our own children.

6)      Set the example by:

a)      Softening our hearts.

b)      Stop fighting against the Lord.

c)      Entering into the Principle.

d)      Keeping our covenants.

e)      Living every law of the Gospel.

When one hardens their heart, one fights against the Lord.  An Apostle of the Lord once said that the most important law of God is the one that we are not living.  We are a polygamous people, and we keep a portion of our covenants by entering into that celestial law.  We should be the defenders of righteous principles—not the nemeses.  Our children see the way we live the Gospel—how little or how much. 

7)      Sisters can be more supportive of their husbands

8)      Brethren should lead righteously, but firmly, and absolutely.

The above two suggestions require no additional comment.

9)      Take more of an initiative to teach the Gospel at home

Rather than rely on the Primary or Sunday School teachers to indoctrinate our children, why not have lessons for them—beyond Family Home Evening?  Small children could learn stories about the prophets of the Bible, Book of Mormon and Church history.  Or, for older children, initiate a Gospel discussion?  Instill within them, the ability to reason—to think for themselves.  Some of the best hours in my life were spent at the dinner table with my parents and brothers and sisters on Sunday nights after Church just talking and listening about the Gospel.  This also solidified the bonds between us as a family.

10)  Pray often with the family

11)   Study Scripture with the family

The above suggestions are synonymous.  When the child sees that the parents are united, this introduces a positive affirmation.  When the child observes that the humility and servitude of the parents before the Lord is genuine and unfeigned, this instills integrity and virtue.  When the children perceive the parents’ resolve and commitment to the Lord is absolute and unyielding, righteousness and principles of Godliness will be cultivated in those children’s lives.

12) Show our youth more love, tolerance and patience.

There are no limits to the love we can show our children—just as there is no limit to the love our Father in Heaven shows us—His children.

***

The purpose of this article is not to condemn, rebuke, or chastise anyone.  All of us could use repentance in our lives.  All of us. 

My only desire is to see our people continue to be participants in the Work of the Lord and see His Kingdom borne off triumphantly, for the Lord will accomplish His designs with or without us.  I pray that we all can be a part of that.

It is our responsibility as parents to see to it that our children are taught the TRUTH within our homes, and that their spiritual education continues to be supplemented in the auxiliary functions.  It is our duty to see that our children are taught what is righteous and what is good in this wicked age.  It is our charge to teach correct principles to our children.  And then, when the time comes, allow them to govern themselves, knowing with confidence, that we taught them to uphold virtue, to defend honor, to protect integrity, to guard the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to preserve the Priesthood in its purity, along with all the laws the Church has abandoned and discarded by the wayside.

When I leave this existence, I want to depart with peace of mind, knowing that my children are firm and steadfast in their testimonies, like the valiant spirits I know them to be.  That they are willing to take up the sword, shield, and the armor of God, in the preservation of the Principles of His Kingdom.  That they will safeguard the Laws of His Realm, just as I have tried to do so through my example to them.  Just as the greatest example in my own life—my father—who stood up for correct principle, and exemplified courage in the face of adversity. 

As has been said before in this publication, “Our children are our greatest crop.”  They are the Hope of Israel—they are the future of this Work, and though the burden of their spiritual education falls upon our shoulders, the Lord has taught us that through Him our yoke will be light and our burden easy.

I have seen the spark of the Gospel within our own youth.  I have faith and confidence in the Lord that He will fan that ember as they mature, and from an ember to a flame that will grow to a holy conflagration and sweep across the land, carrying the Gospel to the ends of the earth, at their hands.  In twenty years I fully expect to see them submerged within the same endeavor as us—which is building up the Kingdom of God and preserving the ordinances of the Priesthood.

May God’s blessings be upon you.

Qadosh L’Adonai

—Assistant Editor—

The Kingdom or Nothing!

TRUTH NEVER CHANGES is also seeking material for an all-Sisters edition entitled, “The Sisters of Mormondom,” coming out in April 2006, which will span from the era of Eliza R. Snow, to the mid-1900’s, to the present.  We are asking for your testimonies of the Principle; any spiritual experience you’d like to share; your conversion to the Fulness—in short: We will appreciate anything beneficial to others that you feel compelled by the Spirit of God to write.  The deadline for your article is 01 March 2006.  Your cooperation is humbly appreciated.

 

(This article was submitted from our dear brother in the Gospel of our Lord, who lives in Russia.  It appears as he authored it—however, his name, and the name of the brother with whom he has been corresponding have been omitted for protective purposes.)

 

The special anniversary address

THE RESTORATION OF THE ROYAL ORDER

My beloved Brethren and Sisters! , -

         Greetings you all in the Holy Name of our GOD YaHWeH, the GOD of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the GOD of our genuine Isra’ELitic covenant nation!

         I deem that it will be absolutely correctly to start my special anniversary address from the sincere gratitude to you all for a real opportunity to speak now to you. I thank you all for your kind attention and for your support in the Fullness of the Restored Gospel of our Lord and Benefactor Jesus Christ. Also I want to thank very much Brother ______ ______ who kindly gave me a chance to write and to send this message to the Community and who is reading it now for his friendship and for his care. I want to start with the Holy Scriptures. “For Joseph truly testified, saing : A seer shall the Lord my God raise up, which shall be a choice seer unto the fruit of my loins. … And his name shall be called after me; and it shall be after the name of his father. And he shall be like unto me; for the things which the Lord shall bring forth by his hand, by the power of the Lord shall bring my people unto salvation”(II Nephi 3:6,15). We are the witnesses; we are the living witnesses of the Lord’s promise to His elect Prophet and Sovereign, the ancient Joseph who was in Egypt. Today we do solemnly celebrate the 200 years from the birthday of our beloved Prophet and Seer Joseph Smith, Junior. We celebrate the great anniversary and we glorify our God and His beloved Prophet. Let me congratulate you from the all my heart with this wonderful jubilee and to wish you the best in all and to with you the Lord’s protection and help in your work, in your activity and in your positive efforts in the Restored Gospel, especially in the future building of the Holy Temple, the House of our Heavenly Father. I congratulate you and I pray about the divine grace for us ever and forever. Prophet Joseph Smith did teach: “This is why Adam blessed his posterity; he wanted to bring them into the presence of God” (TPJS page 158 – 159). And how did Father Adam, the Ancient of Days want to do it? He wanted through the Fullness of the Restored Gospel. Joseph Smith did bring us the Fullness of the Restored Gospel from the Heavens, from the Throne of Father Adam. Today we thank the God for His chosen Prophet, we thank Prophet Joseph Smith for his mission and we sing: “We thank Thy, O God for a Prophet!” Once again I congratulate you with the Prophet’s birthday jubilee. That is our holyday, that is our festival and that is the shine of the Celestial glory. Have a Merry St. Joseph’s Day!

         My dear Brethren and Sisters! , -

         Today I want to speak about the Restoration of the Royal Order. What is the Royal Order? The Royal Order is the God’s presence in His house, in the Holy Temple, which we shall build. That is the Adamic Kingship and the brilliance of the Crown of Joseph. The Diadem of Joseph is the powers, keys, blessings and privileges of Joseph, who was in Egypt, the son of Jacob, and of Prophet Joseph Smith, Junior. This Diadem is the direct representation of the Adamic Kingship on the Earth, on our Earth. We shall build the Holy Temple as the sanctuary, the house and the residence of God, as the holy place where He will locate His Throne and as the Crown of the Adamic Kingship’s Dominion. The Holy Temple is the living symbol of the organization of the Royal Order of God. When I met Brother ______ ______ on the Internet the first topic, which we did converse was the future building of the Holy Temple. Brother ______ ______ wrote me that the Community would build it. After that I did pray our Heavenly Father and I – have – received an authentic and a pure testimony that it is the intention of the Lord in these very latter apocalyptic days to restore the Holy Temple’s Order. During my next prayer I did request the Heavenly Father to open me the path for my future activity and He gave me a course to join with this wonderful work. I do actually believe now from the all my soul that it will be the work of God, but not the work of people. The Lord wants to have that Holy Temple and we shall construct it and we shall see the miracle of the restoration of the Royal Order.

         Who does hold the Keys of the Royal Order? The ancient Joseph, who was in Egypt, the son of forefather Jacob does. Patriarch Joseph, our forefather, holds the Keys of the Royal Order. That is the powers, keys, blessings, privileges and rights of the Adamic Kingship on the Earth. One of the latter days Prophets and Apostles did teach us: “The Priesthood of God is the great supreme, legal authority that governs the inhabitants of all redeemed and glorified worlds. … The Kingly authority is not separate and distinct from the Priesthood, but merely a branch or portion of the same. The Priestly authority is universal, having power over all things; the Kingly authority until perfected is limited to the kingdoms placed under its jurisdiction: the former appoints and ordains the latter; but the latter never appoints and ordains the former: the first controls the laws of nature, and exercises jurisdiction over the elements, as well as over men; the last controls men only, and administers just and righteous laws for their government. Where the two are combined and the individual perfected, he has almighty power both as a King and as Priest; both offices are then merged in one. The distinctions then, will be merely in the name and not in the authority; either as a King or a Priest, he will then have power and dominion over all things, and reign over all. Both titles, combined, will then not give him any more power than either one singly” (The Seer, Vol. 1, No. 10 (October, 1853); “Power and Eternity of the Priesthood”; Elder Orson Pratt). We are in the Interregnum period at the present. We must not think that it is a not good, that it is a sorrow, because that is the determination of the God. However we want to finish the period of the Interregnum and that is a positive regard. How we can do it? We must build the Holy Temple and the Lord God will open His great heavenly treasures and will give us such blessings, which we did not dream to obtain, the blessings and the miracles, which we cannot describe now. That will be the great Day of God, the solemn day if the whole Israel! “And awake, and arise from the dust, O Jerusalem; yea, and put on thy beautiful garments, O daughter of Zion, and strengthen thy stakes, and enlarge thy borders forever, that thou mayest no more be confounded, that the covenants of the Eternal Father, which he hath made unto the, O house of Israel, may be fulfilled” (Moroni 10:31).

         We live in the period of very difficult time. The Soviet communists step – by – step did work under the destruction of the so-called “old America”. The Soviets did create a new definition which known at this time as the so-called “politically correction”. The politically correction is the policy of Satan. That is the teaching of Lenin, Stalin and other Soviet leaders. That is not the teaching of the United States Founder Fathers and it is not a policy of the “old America”. The U.S.S.R. was the “Empire of Evil” and the beast is very aggressive now. The beast does claim the politically correction and the rights for all but he does not give a constitutional religious liberty to the Mormon Nation. But I want to be an optimist… I do sincerely want to believe that one very soon day the genuine spirit of the historical United States of America will rise up. I do not want to believe that the “Empire of Evil” will be the master of the USA, that the politically correction and the anti – constitutional discrimination and persecution against the plural marriage will grow up but I do hope much that the White Israelite America will awake soon.

         We must not follow the sinful world. We have our own pathway. I understand well that we live in the world. So, today I want to offer some ideas on the subject how we can be able to live in the world and to be in our individual “social society”.

1.     The education. We must be knowledgeable in the divine Truth of God. The Kingdom of Zion is the universal theocratic organization of the Kings and Priests of the Kingdom of God. We study the Mormon doctrine because we desire to have the fullness of the eternal teachings.

2.     The laws. If we want to realize our religious liberty and our sovereign civil rights we must know the mechanism of its realization. The law of the land is the Constitution and the Bill about Rights. These two supreme laws give and protect our religious liberty and our civil rights. When the authorities want to use the federal laws which are against our interests we must immediately protest against this kind of the juridical practice, we must do not recognize totally all laws, all acts and all actions of the official and authorities which are against our liberties and our rights and interests. We must courts – by – courts protect our life, our interests and us.

         Prophet Brigham Young did found the phenomenon, which was called by Gentiles as the “Mormon Empire”. President Young did teach: “The eternal priesthood of God – the government of God – the laws of eternity, is a pure and perfect system of government” (12 February 1854). Also he did lecture: “This venerable patriarch and sovereign [Adam] will hold lawful jurisdiction over Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, the prophets, apostles, Saints of all ages and dispensations, who will all reverence and obey him as their venerable father and lawful sovereign. They will then be organized, each over his own If we are crowned to become lords of lords, and king of kings, it will be to rule and reign over our own posterity pertaining to this flash – these tabernacles – this commencement in our finite state of being. When I reign King of Kings, and lord of lords, over my children, it will be when my first, second, third, fourth, and so on, son rises up and counts thousands and millions of his posterity, and is king over them; then I am a king of these kings. Our Father, who is Lord of all, will reign a King of kings and Lord of lords over all his children” (Deseret News 27 June 1860).

         May the Kingdom of God rise up on the Earth! The Holy Temple will be build and we shall be witnesses of the Royal Order of the Adamic Kingship.

         About this my prayer, in the holy name of Jesus Christ, the King of Judeans, our Lord and Benefactor, amen.

JOSEPH SMITH

December 23^rd (marked) the (200^th) anniversary of the Prophet Joseph Smith.  TRUTH has been a consistent champion of the doctrines introduced by this great latter-day Prophet.  Joseph Smith stands at the head of the present dispensation, which is the greatest and last dispensation.  Into this dispensation all other dispensations are merged.

It is difficult for the present generation, harboring as it does, in large measure, the spirit of infidelity, to properly appraise the true calling of Joseph Smith.  He, himself said, as related by Brigham Young, that if he were to reveal to the people all that the Lord had revealed to him, there would not be a person on the earth that would stand by him.

What was one of these great truths that Joseph Smith could not reveal?  It is hidden in the “GEMS”, and reads as follows:

Everlasting covenant was made between three personages before the organization of this earth, and relates to their dispensation of things to men on the earth: these personages, according to Abraham’s record, are called God the first, the Creator; God the second, the Redeemer; and God the third, the Witness or Testator.—Richards and Little Compendium, p. 289.

            Who is this “Witness and Testator”?  None other than Joseph Smith.  He alone occupies that sacred office.  Even now—(one hundred sixty-one) years since his martyrdom—the Saints as a body are unable to comprehend the great truth; and movements are afloat to nullify some of the doctrines he established, and for which he died!

            Unprepared as we are to give a valid appraisal of the life and works of Joseph Smith, we are giving, in another part of this issue of TRUTH, an account of the conspiracy that resulted in his death—the “CONSPIRACY OF NAUVOOO.”  (TRUTH, December, 1940 6:157)  {Conspiracy of Nauvoo will appear in the March 2006 issue of Truth Never Changes.}

THIS IS A BOY

Between the innocence of babyhood and the dignity of manhood we find a delightful creature called a boy.

Boys come in assorted sizes, weights, and colors, but all boys have the same creed: To enjoy every second of every minute of every hour of every day and to protest with noise (their only weapon) when their last minute is finished and the adult males pack them off to bed at night.

Boys are found everywhere—on top, underneath, inside of, climbing on, swinging from, running around or jumping to.  Mothers love them, little girls hate them, older brothers and sisters tolerate them, adults ignore them, and Heaven protects them.

A boy is Truth with dirt on its face, Beauty with a cut on its finger, Wisdom with bubble gum in its hair, and the Hope of the future with a frog in its pocket.

When you are busy, a boy is an inconsiderate, bothersome, intruding jangle of noise.  When you want him to make a good impression, his brain turns to jelly or else he becomes a savage, sadistic, jungle creature bent on destroying the world and himself with it.

A boy is a composite—he has the appetite of a horse, the digestion of a sword-swallower, the energy of a pocket-sized atomic bomb, curiosity of a cat, lungs of a dictator, the imagination of Paul Bunyon, the shyness of a violet, the audacity of a steel trap, the enthusiasm of a firecracker, and when he makes something, he has five thumbs on each hand.

He likes ice cream, knives, saws, Christmas, comic books, the boy across the street, woods, water (in its natural habitat), large animals, Dad, trains, Saturday mornings, and fire engines.

He is not much for Sunday School, company schools, books without pictures, music lessons, neckties, barbers, girls, overcoats, adults or bedtime.

Nobody else is so early to rise, or so late to supper.  Nobody else gets so much out of trees, dogs, and breezes.  Nobody else can cram into one pocket a rusty knife, a half-eaten apple, three feet of string, and empty Bull Durham stack, two gum drops, six cents, a sling shot, a chunk of unknown substance, and a genuine supersonic code ring with a secret compartment.

A boy is a magical creature—you can lock him out of your workshop, but you can’t lock him out of your heart.  You can get him out of your study, but you can’t get him out of your mind.  Might as well give up—he’s your captor, your jailer, your boss, and your master—a freckle-face, pint-sized, cat-chasing bundle of noise.

But when you come home at night with only the shattered pieces of your hopes and dreams, he can mend them like new with the two magic words—“Hi, Dad!”  (Truth, 17:150)

THE HOLY GHOST

13 JANUARY 1977, SLC, UT.

BROTHER RULON C. ALLRED

Q: Would you mind explaining to us what your understanding of the Holy Ghost is?

RCA: I will give you what the Lord tells us about it.  I can substantiate it from the scriptures and the teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith and from Orson Pratt’s Key to Theology on the Holy Ghost.

The Holy Ghost is the Spirit of God that radiates from the presence of God the Father and the Son enthroned in heaven, that is shed from their presence upon their children who have been blessed and baptized, who have faith in God and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.  This is evinced most perfectly by the teachings of Christ Himself when He was facing His crucifixion.  He said, “I will give you the Holy Ghost”, and He laid hands upon them and blessed them and breathed upon them and said, “Tarry ye in Jerusalem until the Comforter comes.  For when I have ascended unto the Father, we will send Him to you.”

In the teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, many have assumed that the first “Lecture on Faith” was not complete because the Prophet Joseph Smith had not come to a complete understanding of what the Holy Ghost was.  But it was not so.  The Prophet Joseph Smith says in that opening lecture that there are two Gods in the Godhead from whose presence the Spirit of God emanates to all their subjects to enlighten them.  The 93^rd Section of the Doctrine and Covenants tells us that the Spirit of Christ emanates from Christ as the Redeemer of the world and as the Chosen One to make the infinite atonement, to enlighten all men.  But the Holy Ghost is an added portion of that Spirit that must emanate from both the Father and the Son.

I cannot explain it more clearly than that, because God enthroned in the heavens with the Redeemer of each world at His side, and the race of Gods going back through eternity, each one of them giving glory to their Father, emanates this diffused, Holy Spirit upon all those who have enough of the Spirit of God in them, who have not polluted their tabernacles or defiled themselves, to enlighten them and to bring them to God, so that they might come to a final, Second Comforter, which is the personal appearance of the Lord Jesus Christ Himself, who will introduce the Father to them.  This is the Holy Ghost.

But there is something that always confuses everybody, and in my mind has the Church leaders thoroughly confused today from everything  I read on it.  And that is that the Holy Ghost is a personage of spirit.  He is referred to as “he” in many passages.  And you will not understand that until you delve into the modern teachings of the prophets of God to this dispensation, because they are the only ones who have explained it.

President Brigham Young said, “God the Father, Elohim, and Jehovah sat in council with Michael to decide how to build this world and to organize it and get it ready for business.”  Jehovah and Michael came down, Jehovah instructing, Michael doing the work.  In this Trinity is perfectly represented the Father and the Son and the Holy Ghost.  For the Holy Ghost bears witness of the Father and the Son, and does their bidding.  So in the spiritual creation, from this quotation, I cannot conclude anything else but that in the spiritual creation there were the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost—Elohim, Jehovah and Michael.  In the temporal creation there is the Father and the Son and the Holy Ghost represented by the three distinct Beings, Adam the Father, Jesus Christ the Son and the Redeemer, and Joseph the Prophet, the Witness and Testator who restored all things, and bears witness of all things as given to man.

Now, a lot of people will say that Joseph Smith is the Holy Ghost.  He is a personage.  It is true, Joseph is a personage, and he does perfectly represent the office of the Holy Ghost, in the which he bears witness of the Father and the Son, as Adam did in the work of the Father and the Son and did their bidding.

The Church is teachings that the Holy Ghost is a personage of spirit that will take a body.  They dare not take the assumption of the Prophet Joseph Smith, who said, “If I were to tell you who I am, there are those upon this stand who would seek to take my life.  And there is no blasphemy that can be compared with it.”  I have no doubt from all that is written upon the subject, and I cannot construe it in any other light, that as far as the temporal creation of the world is concerned, we have the perfect representation of the Father, Adam; Jehovah, God among men, the Son, the Redeemer; and Joseph Smith the Prophet, the Witness and Testator of both the Father and the Son, who restored all things.  And I don’t think you can make it any simpler than that, and it can be borne again and again from the teachings of the Prophet.

Q: There is confusion as to Adam was.  Adam was Michael?

RCA: Michael was His spiritual name, He is referred to as the archangel.  He is the one who comes from the spirit world to the temporal world.  He bridges the arch from the celestial back to the telestial world.

Q: Was Michael a spirit at the time of the creation of the world?

RCA: He was not a spirit.  He was a resurrected, immortal Being and came from Celestial Glory to fill that mission and to give to His children born in the spirit world their temporal bodies.  If that is not true, then Brigham Young and Joseph Smith didn’t know what they were talking about when they said that He is the Father of our spirits and of our tabernacles also.

Q: In the spiritual creation of the world there was the Godhead in which Michael was representing the Holy Ghost.  That is not to confuse Him, then, with Elohim or the individual who was in the role of Elohim during the spiritual creation?  The individual who was in the role of Elohim during the spiritual creation, is He God the Father of us now, or would He be the Grandfather?

RCA: He is the Great-Grandfather.  Father Adam attained the office of God.  He was a Redeemer on His world as Jesus Christ is our Redeemer on this world.  He immediately after the creation of this world and its redemption and all those who will be saved, will move up into the office of Jehovah, His former, exalted position.  Now Joseph Smith the Prophet said that Christ will say to His Father, “When I have finished my work I will take your place, and you will move up, and it is with the Gods eternally.”  So Michael will occupy an exalted position.  Jesus Christ will be the next Adam of the next creation, for there is a grand order of Saviors that run down through the worlds, and there is no world that is not created by an Only Begotten.

Q: Then Michael was the Father of Jehovah in the spirit?

RCA: No.  Jehovah was the Father in the spirit—He was the Father of Michael, both body and spirit.  Elohim was the Great-Grandfather, and He had been a Savior and Redeemer.  Jehovah was the Grandfather, and He had been a Savior and Redeemer.  Michael was the Father of the spirits, and He had done what He had seen all the other Gods do before Him, and He was now ready to come down and create a world.  He did that, and then He returned back to His position.  He went back to the exalted, celestial position of Father of all creation, under the direction of Jehovah and Elohim.  The moment the temporal creation commenced, He became the Father of our spirits temporally.  He is the Father of our bodies, 70^th Great-Grandfather.  He is the Father of our spirits, because under the direction of Jehovah and Elohim in the spirit world, He created them.  I could take you into detail on this if I didn’t think I would get you so far afield that you wouldn’t be able to follow me.

At the end of this world when Adam stands in the valley of Adam-Ondi-Ahman and all tongues and people bow before Him and ten thousand times ten thousand worship Him, one who is like the Son of God will appear in the heavens and crown Him and bless Him and confer upon Him all things.  Then He, Adam, will give all authority to His Son, and He will stand in the office of Father and Son and represent the Father and Son in all things and will be God-with-us, literally, upon this paradisiacal world.

So the Gods move up from one step to another.  It’s been so in every creation and is the same eternal round with all of them.

Q: I’m not entirely clear on the genealogy.  The Jehovah in the spiritual creation was the Father of Michael?

RCA: Yes.

Q: That isn’t the same Jehovah as the Christ of this earth, then?

RCA: No.

Q: Then the Christ of this earth is the Son of Michael, both spiritually and temporally?

RCA: Yes.

Q: And when it says “The Only Begotten”, is that because of the Christ of this earth was actually half-mortal?

RCA: Right, because He was begotten by an immortal, resurrected Being, and was the only child of all His children that He literally begot in the flesh.

Q: Because the rest of us are actually spiritual children?

RCA: We are the spiritual and the temporal children of Adam.  But out of all Adam’s children, Christ was the only one that He personally begot while He was God and Father.  In the other instances He stood in the office of Adam, representing the temporal creation in begetting the temporal bodies.  In this instance He was the Father of Him, Christ, temporally in this world and spiritually in that He begot Him in the flesh.

COMMENT: What is confusing is keeping individuals associated with titles.

RCA: That’s right.  It is confusing, but once you get it straight, it is the most beautiful thing in the world.  You refer to the President of the United States.  And you say, “Well, he was Nixon.  Oh no, he was Eisenhower.  Oh no, no, he was Harry Truman.”  They were all Presidents of the United States, but they were different individuals.

Q: You are talking about three titles there, God the Father, Adam, Jehovah, and Elohim.  That’s all there is to it; it repeals itself.  It is repetitive?  After that?  A Father, a Great-Grandfather, and so on.  How are you going to keep the titles straight as you go on back?

RCA: Because at the end of every creation, when the world is redeemed and those who are worthy are celestial, resurrected beings and inherit celestial glory, there will be three perfect Gods who rule over them, Jesus the Christ, our personal and individual Redeemer in whose name we do all things, Adam the Father who stands in the office of Jehovah, because He hadn’t yet come down and begat mortal bodies for His spirit children, while Jehovah had.  The title in the spiritual world meant one who had done this, one who had been among men and begotten bodies.  Then He will stand in the office of Jehovah.  And Jehovah will stand in the office of Elohim, and that Trinity will direct the next creations.  And the other God moves up further in the realms.  There are in the Gods who rule over us according to the designation of the stars and their ruling planets of the earth, at least 70 generations of worlds.

Q: Where do you get that figure, that number?

RCA: By reading of the tablet on the creation of the worlds and the representation of this earth and its relation to the sun and to Olea and to Kolob and Kolob’s 12 governing stars, and that Kolob is “nigh unto the throne of God.”  You are still going back.

Q: When this world is celestialized, is that going to be a combining of—I understand the sun to be the dwelling place of…

RCA: Adam.

Q: Adam.  Is that going to be a coming together of these two planets?  Is that going to be still a dwelling place of spiritual…

RCA: No.  This earth will become a sun.  It will be glorified as the sun is.  It will be many times larger than it now is.  And because of its exalted position will move up to an exalted place among the planets, closer to Kolob, closer to the sun and to those governing stars that govern it.  But it will be a sun, and the relationship of Christ upon it to Adam upon the sun, to Jehovah upon another sun, Elohim upon another sun, until you go back to the first great governing planets, which even the scientists number as 14 and one other that they know is there and can’t number it.  They can’t find it, they know it must be there,  You have a repetition in all things temporal as they are spiritual.  Even in the creation of the planets there is the governing sun, which represents the Father, another sun which represents the Son which is spoken as Kolob, and Kolob which stands over 12 great planets, representing the Quorum of the Twelve and the Presidency.  And then these 12, we are told in that plaque in the Pearl of Great Price, rule over or govern 200,000 other suns of similar glory to our own.  {To be continued…} (Treasures of Knowledge, Vol. 2, pages 317-321)

Notice:

truth never changes will now be produced on a monthly basis.  This will provide abundant opportunities for any author interested in submitting material for the magazine.  We are committed to the perpetuation of the priesthood of god, and the preservation of the fulness of the gospel.  We endeavor keeping an eye single to the glory of god, as we toil to build his kingdom and spread the gospel of jesus christ unto the nations of the earth.

HOLINESS

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TO THE LORD

TRUTH NEVER CHANGES

PO BOX 433

ST. JOHNS, AZ 85936-0433

VOLUME 10, NUMBER 01

JANUARY 2006

“TRUTH NEVER CHANGES—NOR FAILS”