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+
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Origin of the 'Reorganized' Church and the
+Question of Succession, by Joseph Fielding Smith, Jr.
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most
+other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions
+whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of
+the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at
+www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have
+to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook.
+
+Title: Origin of the 'Reorganized' Church and the Question of Succession
+
+Author: Joseph Fielding Smith, Jr.
+
+Release Date: October 31, 2015 [EBook #50357]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ORIGIN OF REORGANIZED CHURCH ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Tyler Garrett, Mormon Texts Project Intern
+(http://mormontextsproject.org)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+</pre>
+
+
+<h1>Origin of the "Reorganized" Church and the Question of
+Succession</h1>
+
+<p class="centered">By Elder Joseph F. Smith, Jr.</p>
+
+<p class="centered">Salt Lake City</p>
+
+<p class="centered">1909</p>
+
+
+
+<h2>INTRODUCTION.</h2>
+
+<p>During the summer of 1906 and continuing until the summer of 1907,
+a number of Reorganite ministers who were engaged in missionary
+work in Salt Lake City and Ogden, were greatly encouraged by one or
+two apostates and the local anti-"Mormon" press. Their method of
+proselyting was of the usual nature, a tirade of abuse and false
+accusation hurled at the authorities of the Church. Encouraged
+by the anti-"Mormon" help, they became extremely vindictive in
+their references to President Brigham Young and the present Church
+authorities. Their sermons were so bitter and malignant—which
+has been the character of most of their work from the beginning, in
+Utah—that they raised considerable protest from many respectable
+citizens. Even non-"Mormons" declared that in no other community would
+such vicious attacks be tolerated. It appeared at times that these
+missionaries were attempting to provoke the "Mormon" people to some
+act of violence, that it might be seized upon and published to the
+world through the anti-"Mormon" press that they had been mobbed, and
+thus capital for their cause be made of it. Fortunately they were not
+molested to the credit of the people so constantly abused. One of these
+meetings was attended by a prominent gentleman from the East who was
+somewhat acquainted with Utah and her people, he said, in conversation
+with the writer a few days later, that never in his experience has he
+witnessed such a thing before. "If that fellow"—referring to a
+Reorganite who has since been promoted in his church—"should
+come to our town and abuse the ministers of our church, calling
+them murderers, thieves and liars, as he did Brigham Young and your
+churchmen, we would kick him off the streets."</p>
+
+<p>While this agitation was going on, a number of the young people of
+Ogden appealed to their stake presidency asking that some reply to
+those assaults be made for the benefit of those who were not grounded
+in the faith, and in danger of being deceived. Acting on this request
+the presidency of the Weber Stake invited the writer to speak along
+these lines in the Ogden Tabernacle. The invitation was accepted and
+two discourses were delivered, the first, March 10, 1907, on the
+subject of the "Origin of the Reorganized Church," and the other
+April 28, 1907, on the question of "Succession." These remarks were
+subsequently published in the <i>Deseret News</i>, and many requests were
+received asking that they be published in pamphlet form, where they
+could be preserved by those who had to meet the ministers of the
+"Reorganization." An edition was therefore published in the summer
+of 1907, which has been disposed of, evidently without supplying the
+demand, for in the summer of 1909 the orders for the pamphlet were so
+great that is was deemed necessary to issue a second edition. In the
+meantime a reply appeared in the Saints' Herald, commencing with the
+issue of June 30, and ending that of July 21, 1909. This reply will be
+remembered more for the unfair way matters were treated and the fact
+that the greater part of the evidence was left untouched, than for any
+merit in the argument presented. Wherever it was deemed necessary, for
+the sake of those who may be deceived, answers are given in this work
+in footnote references to the argument set forth in the Reorganite
+"defense." However, there was nothing presented in the "defense"
+that really required any reply; by reading carefully the discourses
+mentioned, the ordinary reader can readily perceive the trickery,
+deception and sophistry, of the Reorganite reply.</p>
+
+<p>Part one of this book contains the discourse delivered in Ogden
+on the "Origin of the 'Reorganized' Church;" part two contains the
+discourse on the "Succession in the Presidency," and part three deals
+with the most prominent differences existing between the Church and
+the "Reorganization," wherein they accuse us of departing from the
+doctrines of the Prophet Joseph Smith. This matter in part three is
+added by request of a number of parties who have had to meet the
+sophistry of the Reorganite missionaries.</p>
+
+<p>This book is not put forth to replace any other work, neither with
+the idea that it will turn Reorganite ministers from the folly of their
+ways; but with the hope that some honest soul who have been deceived
+may see the light and embrace the truth, and that the feet of the
+weak may be strengthened in the path of righteousness that they may
+not falter on their way. Neither is it intended to be an exhaustive
+treatise in of the subjects it contains; the idea has been in the main,
+to present matters that have not been treated elsewhere.—J. F.
+S., Jr.</p>
+
+
+
+<h2>ORIGIN OF THE "REORGANIZED" CHURCH.</h2>
+
+<p class="centered">The Question of Rejection—Salvation for the Dead</p>
+
+<p class="centered">* * * * *</p>
+
+<p class="centered">Remarks made in the Weber Stake Tabernacle, Ogden City, March 10,
+1907, by Elder Joseph F. Smith, Jr.</p>
+
+<p class="centered">* * * * *</p>
+
+<p>My beloved brethren and sisters and friends: The great majority
+of you who are assembled here today are, without doubt, members of
+the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and I suppose that
+most of you have a divine testimony of the truth of this latter-day
+work—the Gospel of Christ—which we have received. To you
+who have a testimony, my remarks shall not be addressed particularly,
+but if you will bear with me in what I have to say that I may be led to
+say something that will strengthen the faith of those who may be weak,
+or that will encourage those who have no faith at all, I will feel
+amply paid.</p>
+
+<p>I am not here for the purpose of assailing any man for his religion,
+for we Latter-day Saints hold that every man is entitled to his
+religious views and should have the privilege of worshiping according
+to the dictates of his conscience, let him worship, how, where, or what
+he may. And we will protect him in this right. But we are opposed to
+the custom adopted by certain men who travel through the settlements
+of our people abusing the authorities of the Church, distorting our
+doctrines and defaming the dead, for the purpose of destroying the
+faith and confidence of the Latter-day Saints. Therefore in treating
+the subject of the "Reorganized" Church this afternoon, it will be in
+the spirit of self-defense.</p>
+
+<p>We will first consider the statement made by the senior senator from
+Michigan, Mr. Burrows, in his speech delivered in the United States
+Senate on the 11th of last December. After stating that the membership
+of the Church at the martyrdom in 1844, was 50,000 adherents, he
+continues:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"The death of Joseph Smith in 1844, carried dismay and
+ demoralization throughout the entire membership of the Mormon
+ Church, scattering its adherents in divers directions and for the
+ time being seemed to presage the complete overthrow and dissolution
+ of the organization. Recovering, however, from the shock, the
+ scattered bands soon reappeared in various parts of the country
+ and promulgated their doctrines with increased zeal, and set to
+ work to reassemble and reorganize their scattered forces, resulting
+ finally in the formation of what is now known and recognized as
+ the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, with
+ headquarters at Lamoni, Iowa, and presided over by Joseph Smith, a
+ son of the prophet."</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>He continues:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"During this period of disintegration one Brigham Young, who
+ had identified himself with the 'Mormon Organization' as early
+ as 1832, a man of indomitable will and undaunted courage, bold
+ and unscrupulous, seized upon the occasion of the demoralization
+ incident to the death of the prophet to place himself at the head
+ of some 5,000 Mormons, and marching over desert and mountain,
+ established himself with his adherents in the valley of Salt
+ Lake, July 24, 1847, then Mexican territory, where he undoubtedly
+ indulged the hope that the new doctrine of polygamy about to be
+ publicly proclaimed by him might be promulgated with impunity
+ and practiced and maintained without interference by the United
+ States."<sup><a name=1.1text></a><a href="#1.1">[1]</a></sup></p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>Now, this is not true. The senior senator from Michigan has here
+stated the position of the "Reorganized" Church as capably and clearly
+as any member of that sect could possibly have done, and in exactly the
+same way that they have stated it for the past forty-seven years. Why
+he was led to make such a statement he best may know, but it shows the
+careful coaching that he has received by members of the "Reorganized"
+Church in their opposition to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
+Saints.</p>
+
+<p>In a pamphlet published by that organization in 1864, the following
+appears:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"The greater portion of the Church did not follow this Brigham
+ Young, and in obedience to the revelation in relation to gathering,
+ remained around about the land of Zion, waiting for the Lord to
+ again reveal Himself; and today where there is one Saint who was in
+ the Church in the days of Joseph the martyr, now associated with
+ Brigham Young, there are ten of those old members standing aloof or
+ rejoicing under the administration of the word of the Lord through
+ his son Joseph."</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<h3>SAINTS FOLLOWED PRESIDENT YOUNG.</h3>
+
+<p>And this is not true. Now I intend to show that at the martyrdom the
+Latter-day Saints followed President Brigham Young and the Twelve. And
+too, in accordance with divine revelation. For we learn in the Doctrine
+and Covenants that the quorum of Apostles is equal in authority with
+the First Presidency and it is their right to take the lead of Church
+affairs and the presidency in the absence of the First Presidency,
+or when that quorum is invaded by the death of the President of the
+Church.</p>
+
+<p>At the time of the martyrdom the Church in and about Nauvoo, the
+headquarters, numbered not to exceed 20,000 souls. This information is
+based on the best possible authority. And while this was not all the
+Church membership in the United States, it was the great bulk of the
+Saints, as the following will show:</p>
+
+<p>In the Times and Seasons, volume 2, page 274, in a "Proclamation
+to the Saints scattered abroad," and signed by the Presidency Joseph
+Smith, Sidney Rigdon, and Hyrum Smith, dated January 15, 1841, we read
+the following:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"The population of our city is increasing with unparalleled
+ rapidity, numbering more than 3,000 inhabitants. Every facility
+ is offered in the city and adjacent country, in Hancock county,
+ for the successful prosecution of the mechanical arts, and the
+ pleasing pursuits of agriculture. The waters of the Mississippi
+ can be successfully used for manufacturing purposes, to an almost
+ unlimited extent.</p>
+
+ <p>"Having been instrumental in the hands of our Heavenly Father
+ in laying a foundation for the gathering of Zion, we would say,
+ let all those who appreciate the blessings of the Gospel, and
+ realize the importance of obeying the commandments of heaven, who
+ have been blessed of heaven with the possession of this world's
+ goods, first prepare for the general gathering, let them dispose
+ of their effects as fast as circumstances will possibly admit,
+ without making too great sacrifice, and remove to our city and
+ county—establish and build up manufactories in the city, purchase
+ and cultivate farms in the county—this will secure our permanent
+ inheritance, and prepare the way for the gathering of the poor.
+ This is agreeable to the order of heaven, and the only principle on
+ which the gathering can be effected—let the rich, then, and all
+ who can assist in establishing this place, make every preparation
+ to come on without delay, and strengthen our hands, and assist in
+ promoting the happiness of the Saints. This cannot be too forcibly
+ impressed on the minds of all, and the elders are hereby instructed
+ to proclaim this word in all places where the Saints reside,
+ in their public administrations, for this is according to the
+ instructions we have received from the Lord."</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>Now, this shows that the Saints "scattered abroad" were commanded of
+the Lord to gather at Nauvoo and in Hancock county, Illinois. It will
+go without saying that all the faithful Latter-day Saints would take
+advantage of this commandment and therefore the faithful Saints, or
+the great majority of them would soon be located at Nauvoo. Again in
+this same volume, page 434, we find another proclamation to the Saints
+abroad, signed by President Joseph Smith, in which he says:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"The First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
+ Saints, anxious to promote the prosperity of said Church, feel it
+ their duty to call upon the Saints who reside out of this county
+ to make preparations to come in, without delay. This is important
+ and should be attended to by all who feel an interest in the
+ prosperity of this the corner stone of Zion. Here the Temple must
+ be raised, the university be built, and other edifices erected
+ which are necessary for the great work of the last days; and which
+ can only be done by a concentration of energy and enterprise. Let
+ it therefore be understood, that all the stakes, excepting those
+ in this county and in Lee county, Iowa, are discontinued, and the
+ Saints instructed to settle in this county as soon as circumstances
+ will permit."</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>This was on May 24, 1841, and we find in the same volume, page 520,
+an epistle from the Twelve to the "Saints scattered abroad," in which
+the following is found:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"We say to all Saints who desire to do the will of heaven, arise,
+ and tarry not, but come up hither to the places of gathering as
+ speedily as possible, for the time is rapidly approaching when
+ the Saints will have occasion to regret that they have so long
+ neglected to assemble themselves together and stand in holy places
+ awaiting those tremendous events which are so rapidly approaching
+ the nations of the earth.</p>
+
+ <p>"It will be recollected that in a recent communication from the
+ First Presidency, all places of gathering are discontinued,
+ excepting Hancock county, Ill., and Zarahemla in Lee county, I. T.,
+ opposite Nauvoo."</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>At the conference of the Church held in October, 1841, Almon W.
+Babbitt was disfellowshipped for persuading Saints who were emigrating
+to Nauvoo to remain and build up Kirtland, Ohio, as the minutes say,
+"until such time as he shall make satisfaction." This shows how
+important this doctrine of gathering was. Therefore the great bulk of
+the Latter-day Saints, at the time of the martyrdom, were located at
+Nauvoo and its vicinity.</p>
+
+<p>It is in order now to show that these Latter-day Saints sustained
+President Brigham Young and the Twelve.</p>
+
+<p>On the 8th day of August, following the martyrdom, a special
+conference was held in Nauvoo at which time the claims of Sidney Rigdon
+and the rightful claim of the Twelve Apostles were presented for the
+vote of the Latter-day Saints. At this conference President Young, in
+addressing the Saints said:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"I will ask you as quorums, Do you want Brother Rigdon to stand
+ forward as your leader, your guide, your spokesman? President
+ Rigdon wants me to bring up the other question first, and that is,
+ Does the Church want, and is it their only desire to sustain the
+ Twelve as the First Presidency of this people? * * * * All that are
+ in favor of this, in all the congregation of the Saints manifest
+ it by holding up the right hand. (There was a universal vote.) If
+ there are any of the contrary mind, every man and every woman who
+ does not want the Twelve to preside, lift up your hands in like
+ manner, (no hands up.) This supersedes the other question, and
+ trying it by quorums." (History of the Church, Aug. 8, 1844.)</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>Also at the general conference held the following October the
+Apostles were again unanimously sustained by the vote of the Church as
+the presiding quorum and Presidency of the Church. (Times and Seasons,
+5:692). Mark you this was by the unanimous vote of the Saints.<sup><a name=1.2text></a><a href="#1.2">[2]</a></sup></p>
+
+<p>Now, in the exodus from Nauvoo these Saints—the great bulk of
+the Church, continued to be true and faithful and followed the Twelve
+Apostles.</p>
+
+<p>Governor Thomas Ford, in his "History of Illinois," states that in
+1846 there were 16,000 Church members with the Twelve on the plains of
+Iowa, while the 1,000 that remained, a small remnant, were those who
+were unable to sell their property, or who having no property to sell,
+were unable to get away. (History of "Reorganized" Church iii:164). And
+this remnant followed as soon as they were able.</p>
+
+<p>In the census report for 1850—three years after the settlement
+of Salt Lake valley, we learn that the population of Utah was 11,380,
+all Mormons. That same year the population of Pottawattomie county,
+Iowa, was 7,828, all Mormons, the Latter-day Saints at Kanesville. Thus
+we see that 19,208 members of the Church who had followed President
+Brigham Young in the exodus from Nauvoo, were located at these two
+places. And that is not all, there were other settlements of the
+Saints at Garden Grove, Mount Pisgah, St. Louis, and other places
+where temporary settlements for the Saints were formed during that
+exodus. These also later gathered to Utah. Thus we see that almost the
+entire membership of the Church as it stood in 1844, is accounted for
+in the following of President Brigham Young and the Twelve. That the
+Church was not threatened with dissolution the following statistics
+will show—I have not at hand the increase of membership of the
+Church during that period in the United States, but the increase
+in Great Britain is as follows: In the year 1844, the population
+of the Church in the British Isles was 7,797. Six years after the
+martyrdom—December, 1850—that membership had increased to
+30,747. This does not show much of a dissolution or falling away.</p>
+
+<h3>WHO FORSOOK THE CHURCH?</h3>
+
+<p>I do not intend to convey the idea that there was not a falling
+away, an apostasy, at the time of the martyrdom and the exodus from
+Nauvoo, for there were many who forsook the cause, but compared with
+the Church membership, they were but few. Who were they? Did the
+faithful Saints forsake the Church at that time? Did those who risked
+their lives—who were shot with the Prophet and Patriarch forsake
+the Church? No! We do not find the faithful Latter-day Saints, who had
+the Gospel rooted in their hearts turning away. Then who were those who
+forsook the cause? I will tell you.</p>
+
+<p>In the parable of the sower the Savior said:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"Behold a sower went forth to sow; and when he sowed some seed fell
+ by the wayside, and the fowls came and devoured them up. Some fell
+ upon stony places where they had not much earth; and forthwith they
+ sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth; and when the sun
+ was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they
+ withered away."</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+In explaining this parable He said:
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he
+ that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; yet hath he
+ not root in himself, but dureth for a while; for when tribulation
+ or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is
+ offended."</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+These were they who forsook the Church in the exodus from Nauvoo. Not
+the faithful who had been tried and proved and not found wanting, who
+had an abiding testimony of the truth. Now, let us see what Gen. Thomas
+L. Kane has to say on this subject. He visited Nauvoo about this time
+and also the camps of Israel. In the postscript to the second edition
+of his lecture on "The Mormons" he says, page 86:
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"The Mormons as I saw them, though a majority, were but a portion
+ of the Church as it flourished in Illinois. When the persecution
+ triumphed there, and no alternative remained for the steadfast in
+ the faith but the flight out of Egypt into the wilderness, as it
+ was termed, all their fair weather friends forsook them." * * * * *</p>
+
+ <p>"So the Mormons have been as it were, broken and screened by
+ calamity. Their designing leaders have left them to seek after
+ fortunes elsewhere. Those that remain of the old stock are the
+ masses, always honest in the main and sincere even in delusion; and
+ their guides are a few tried and trusty men, little initiated in
+ the plotting of synagogues, and more noted for services rendered
+ than bounties received. They are the men whom I saw on the prairie
+ trail, sharing sorrow with the sorrowful, and poverty with the
+ poor; the chief of them all, a man of rare natural endowment, to
+ whose masterly guidance they are mainly indebted for their present
+ prosperity, driving his own ox team and carrying his sick child in
+ his arms."</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+We have the statement of Sidney Rigdon, one of those who forsook the
+cause. It is found in his Messenger and Advocate for June, 1846, pages
+474-5, and a portion of his statement I will now read:
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"Their camp [that is the camp of the exiles, the pioneers] is in
+ the western part of Iowa, some 200 miles west of Nauvoo. Their
+ situation according to our informant, is as miserable as it well
+ could be. Their stock of provisions they took with them, is getting
+ fast reduced, so much so, that they can proceed no further; neither
+ can they go back. They are there without shelter, other than tents
+ and wagons, and their tents so indifferent that they will not shed
+ the rain, which has been incessantly falling since their arrival.
+ In this awful condition is to be found the aged and infirm, the
+ mother and tender infant. When our informant left, they were
+ going to fence in some 300 or 400 acres of land, for the purpose
+ of raising a crop of corn to try and preserve life. The remains
+ of their furniture, which in part consists of beds and bedding,
+ they are sending off to Missouri to exchange for corn and bacon to
+ sustain life. * * * * This said Young professed to be a follower
+ of Christ, and hold communion with Him, and to receive revelations
+ from Him; but where are his pretensions now? He has got, according
+ to our informant, some 800 or 1,000 people far into the wilds,
+ without food, without shelter, and himself being judge, without
+ object. * * * A state of wretchedness beyond this is not easily
+ conceived of. Our informant says when he left, which was some three
+ weeks since [and I may add that it is quite evident from this
+ account why he left] the mud, by reason of the incessant rains, was
+ six inches deep round their camp."</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>I suppose that there are some present this afternoon who realize the
+hardships through which the pioneers had to pass that tried men's souls
+and that only the faithful were able to endure.</p>
+
+<p>I have now shown that the great majority of the Latter-day Saints
+followed President Brigham Young and were true to the Church. We get a
+good idea of the number who scattered from the testimony of William W.
+Blair.</p>
+
+<h3>FEW JOINED REORGANITES.</h3>
+
+<p>Of the members of the Church who were in fellowship in 1844-6, the
+"Reorganized" Church has received no more, and likely less than 1,000
+converts, which fact shows that the apostasy was not so great in 1844-6
+as has been stated by the Senator from Michigan and members of the
+"Reorganization." This statement is based on the testimony of William
+W. Blair, one of the original members of the "Reorganized" Church, as
+he testified before the United States court of appeals for the Western
+district of Missouri, in 1894, in the temple lot suit, which was for
+the possession of property in the hands of the "Church of Christ," or
+"Hedrickites."</p>
+
+<p>Before that court Mr. Blair, who was for many years a member of
+the presidency of the "Reorganized" Church, testified that "1,000 was
+probably too high an estimate for the members of the original Church,
+that had joined the 'Reorganized' Church." He could "approximately
+say," that 1,000 had joined the "Reorganized" Church, and "possibly
+that estimate was too large." (Record pp. 180, 181).</p>
+
+<h3>ORIGIN OF "REORGANIZED" CHURCH.</h3>
+
+<p>We will now consider the origin of this "Reorganized" Church. Many
+people have been lead to believe that this society had its origin at
+the martyrdom, or immediately following the martyrdom. But this is not
+the fact. Properly it did not come into existence until 1860—16
+years after the martyrdom, but the two men who were mainly responsible
+for the organization commenced their work in 1852-3. These men were
+Jason W. Briggs and Zenas H. Gurley. Perhaps a brief outline of their
+lives would be interesting.</p>
+
+<p>Jason W. Briggs who was really the founder of the "Reorganized"
+Church, or, who perhaps did more than any other one man to bring
+about that sect, was born June 25, 1821, at Pompey, Onondaga county,
+N. Y. It is said he joined the Church at Potosi, Wis., about 1841,
+but most of the history of this man we get through the records of
+the "reorganization." His home was at Beloit, Wis., from 1842 to
+1854.<sup><a name=1.3text></a><a href="#1.3">[3]</a></sup> He remained with the Church
+under the leadership of President Young and the Twelve until the year
+1846 (Reorg. Hist., 3:737). It is interesting to note in this regard
+that the exodus commenced February 4, 1846, so we are quite safe in
+saying that this man was one of "the fair weather friends."</p>
+
+<p>After the exodus he joined James J. Strang, and in his organization
+labored in the ministry quite extensively (Reorganite History 3;
+737), filling short missions to various parts of New York and in
+Wisconsin.</p>
+
+<p>In September of 1849, with B. G. Wright, he organized the Waukesha
+branch of Mr. Strang's church (Hist. Reorganized Church, 3; 737-8).
+Now, remember this was in September, 1849, and the organization of
+this branch was in the Strangite church. About this same time he
+also organized the Beloit branch for the same organization.<sup><a name=1.4text></a><a href="#1.4">[4]</a></sup></p>
+
+<p>In 1850 he left Mr. Strang's organization and joined with
+William Smith, who had himself been a follower of Mr. Strang until
+excommunicated from that organization. In William Smith's church Mr.
+Briggs accepted the position of "apostle;" but at the time of the
+disintegration of William Smith's church in 1851, he withdrew, and in
+1852 joined with Zenas H. Gurley. These two men then organized what
+was called at the time the "New Organization of the Church," but today
+known as the "Reorganized" Church.</p>
+
+<p>In 1886, together with the family of Zenas H. Gurley,<sup><a name=1.5text></a><a href="#1.5">[5]</a></sup> Mr. Briggs withdrew from the
+"Reorganization," which he had begotten. (Saints' Herald, 33; 248-9).
+His reasons for withdrawing we will consider later.</p>
+
+<p>Zenas H. Gurley was more active in the Church previous to the
+martyrdom. He was ordained a Seventy in Nauvoo in 1844, and when the
+Twenty-first quorum of Seventy was organized, April 6, 1845, he was
+chosen as the senior president, he being the oldest of the presidents
+chosen. He was a native of New York state, born May 29, 1801, and was
+therefore 43 years of age in 1844.</p>
+
+<p>We know something about this man's career between the martyrdom and
+the exodus from the minutes of this quorum of Seventy. And as this
+record contains some very interesting items I will read a few of them
+here. In the minutes of November 2, 1845, we read:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"President Zenas H. Gurley apologized for his absence the two last
+ meetings. He then enlarged upon the subject (i. e., the subject
+ before the quorum). He said he had received the assurance of
+ an addition of power of the Priesthood upon every accession of
+ authority he had received. We ought to be the best men living in
+ consideration of our privileges as members of the Church of Jesus
+ Christ of Latter-day Saints, enlightened as it was with divine
+ revelation, He exhorted the brethren not to aspire but to rise upon
+ their own merits and to visit the poor in their afflictions."</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>In the minutes of November 9, we are informed that President Erastus H.
+Derby, one of the presidents of that quorum, said:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"Brother Brigham advised and counseled the Saints to get ready for
+ emigration in May, 1846. If he (Derby) possessed the wealth of the
+ whole nation he would not stay behind the Church going into the
+ wilderness."</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>Immediately following these remarks, Zenas H. Gurley arose and said, as
+the minutes read, that "He confirmed the same." That is, he too would
+rather forsake the wealth of the whole nation than fail to go with the
+Church into the wilderness. Then continuing his remarks, he said:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"Small prototypes of great national events were given by command
+ of God, by the ancient prophets, and the like would probably
+ nowadays distinguish what God is about to do in the earth. * * *
+ Certain characters have been elected from before time to fulfill
+ certain purposes in the earth, called though they were from all
+ nations, tongues, and ranks. * * * The order of free masonry was
+ outrageously violated by the people of Hancock; but the pledges,
+ obligations and vows of the Latter-day Saints would, if adhered to,
+ exalt them to thrones dominions and power."</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>This was in relation to temple work. On the 21st of December, 1845, he
+said:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"He remembered forcibly the sayings of the first presidents of
+ Seventy, that we should so live that no charge can be brought
+ against us. A few years ago the men in high standing in this
+ Church (the Twelve) were as little as we are. They obtained their
+ exaltation by patient submission to right, and minding their own
+ business. * * * There are many young men in this quorum able to
+ travel a great way. You will be called on to go, also to receive
+ your endowment. Keep always meek and a teachable spirit. The willow
+ always bends in the breeze and is also firm in the root. Though
+ many have gone out from the Church."—now remember this—"YET
+ it increases as fast as ever and evinces to the world as great
+ affinity and identity to the eternal plan of Jehovah as ever it
+ did."</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>This does not sound much like a falling away or a dissolution of the
+Church, does it? And this is the testimony of Zenas H. Gurley given
+before he left the Church. Again, on the 3rd of January, 1846, the
+minutes say:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"Zenas H. Gurley enlarged on the subject of liberally donating
+ to the Church necessities. God said He has so shaped the scheme
+ of salvation as that to be saved and appear approved of God, we
+ must sacrifice of all that we possess. * * He felt filled with the
+ Spirit. The course the Church is pursuing has been spoken of by
+ Jesus Christ and the holy prophets of olden time."</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>There is his endorsement of the course of the Church. And on January
+10, 1846:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"Zenas H. Gurley arose and said that the presidents of the quorum
+ had received their endowment."</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>Continuing he said—mark you, he was one of those presidents:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"He observed that it was remarkable for an unusual outpouring of
+ the Holy Spirit. He felt for the quorum that they should receive
+ their endowment. The Church authorities, the quorum of Seventy in
+ succession, to furnish the people engaged in the endowment, one day
+ each, and he wanted the quorum (Twenty-first) to acquit themselves
+ from every obligation."</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>It may be interesting to know that this man and his wife were endowed
+in the Temple January 6, 1846. Here is the testimony of Zenas H. Gurley
+in relation to the Temple ceremonies when he was in full fellowship in
+the Church and was in possession of the spirit of his calling. At that
+time he declared most emphatically that on that occasion the Spirit of
+the Lord was unusual in its outpouring. If that is true and he could
+testify to it then, there cannot be anything so very bad in these
+glorious privileges of which he testified. In later years when he had
+lost the spirit of the Gospel and was fighting the work he had formerly
+upheld, he denounced in bitterness these sacred ordinances that he
+on this occasion sanctioned. His former testimony is the one that is
+consistent.</p>
+
+<p>On the 17th of January, 1846, the minutes say:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"President Zenas H. Gurley arose and said * * The business before
+ the meeting was the arranging for a donation for the benefit of
+ those of the Priesthood engaged in the Temple. (Not on the Temple
+ but in it). He beautifully observed that it was his design, and
+ also his council's to exalt the Twenty-first quorum, and the quorum
+ should reciprocally return the favor; give support and influence
+ towards its welfare."</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>Then on the 25th of the same month:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"President Zenas H. Gurley arose and said that the business before
+ the meeting was to select persons to receive their endowment. He
+ had received direction to select 10 or 12 to go in the Temple. He
+ desired the brethren not to think it was partiality to make this
+ selection. The most important point to be considered was to learn
+ obedience. This was the principle taught by Jesus Christ."</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>He then proceeded to name the brethren for this purpose, and continuing
+his remarks he said:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"The Saints who have passed through the trials of the Church were
+ generally rooted and grounded in love and have a witness in their
+ hearts or they would not have remained."</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>And I say amen to that. I wish with all my soul that Zenas H. Gurley
+had been one of them for his own sake, for it was but 10 days after he
+made this utterance, that the exodus from Nauvoo began, and this is
+the last reference we have of Zenas H. Gurley while connected with the
+Church! What became of him? "Because he had no root he withered away."
+The terrible trials the Saints were forced to undergo in the wilderness
+were too great for him; he could not stand the test. And while he had
+declared that he would go with the Saints even if it required that he
+should sacrifice the wealth of the whole nation, when put to the actual
+test, his heart failed him and he sought safety in flight, he sought
+his life, but lost the life eternal!</p>
+
+<p>The next reference we have of him in the minutes of the Twenty-first
+quorum is in 1855, where the statement is made that he had fled from
+the Church and was associated with James J. Strang. Of his connection
+with Mr. Strang, I prefer to read to you the account from the history
+of the "Reorganized" Church, for you know then we will have it correct.
+On page 744 of volume three we have the following:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"After the death of Joseph Smith, Elder Gurley investigated the
+ claims of the various leaders, and finally accepted those of James
+ J. Strang as being the most reasonable. A letter written by him
+ from Gananoque, Canada West, November 6, 1849, and published in
+ Gospel Herald, volume 4, page 187, indicates that he was then on a
+ mission to Canada in the interest of the organization under Strang.
+ On January 1, 1850, he again wrote from Landsdown, Upper Canada,
+ still engaged in the same work.</p>
+
+ <p>"A letter written January 10, 1850, from Pittsburg, Canada West,
+ manifested zeal in his work."</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>We have already shown how he manifested great zeal in his work in the
+Twenty-first quorum before he left the Church. But to continue:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"March 15, 1850 he wrote from St. Lawrence, New York, that he was
+ assisting Brother Silsby in organizing the brethren and helping
+ them in getting ready for Beaver. He was present at a conference
+ held at Voree, Wisconsin, June 1 and 2, 1850, and in these minutes
+ we find this entry: 'Brother Z. H. Gurley was'—</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>Then there is an ellipsis, no doubt it would be interesting to know what
+follows, and the account continues—</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>'sent to the northeastern parts of Wisconsin, on the presentation
+ of President Strang.'"</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>Now, please note carefully what follows:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"It was probably while on the mission thus appointed that Elder
+ Gurley raised up the Yellowstone branch, the members of which
+ helped to form the nucleus of the Reorganization."—Page 744-5.</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>We have already seen that Jason W. Briggs raised up the Waukesha
+branch of the Strangite church in 1849, also that he raised up the
+Beloit branch for the same organization, and now we have the admission
+fatal to their organization, that the Yellowstone branch was also
+raised up to Mr. James J. Strang. These branches you see became the
+nucleus of the "Reorganization." They were not connected with the
+Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, according to their own
+admission, but were organized for the Church of James J. Strang. Yet,
+mark you, these Strangite branches were admitted into what was called
+the "New organization," or the "Reorganization," on their original
+baptisms.<sup><a name=1.6text></a><a href="#1.6">[6]</a></sup> It is quite evident that the
+"Reorganization" is the offspring of the church of this man James J.
+Strang.</p>
+
+<p>Now let us return to Jason W. Briggs. In Mr. Heman C. Smith's
+"True Succession," pages 134-135, we have an alleged revelation that
+this man received that was the cause of the coming together of the
+so-called "Reorganized" Church. I have already told you that he was
+the most important man in this movement, if not the father of it. The
+"revelation" is as follows:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"Therefore, let the elders whom I have ordained by the hand of my
+ servant Joseph, or by the hand of those ordained by him, resist not
+ this authority, nor faint in the discharge of duty, which is to
+ preach my gospel as revealed in the records of the Jews, and the
+ Book of Mormon, and the Book of Doctrine and Covenants; and cry
+ repentance and remission of sins through obedience to the gospel,
+ and I will sustain them, and give them my Spirit; and in mine own
+ due time will I call upon the seed of Joseph Smith, and will bring
+ one forth, and he shall be mighty and strong, and he shall preside
+ over the High Priesthood of my Church; and then shall the quorums
+ assemble, and the pure in heart shall gather, and Zion shall be
+ reinhabited, as I said unto my servant Joseph Smith."</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<h3>WHY BRIGGS SECEDED.</h3>
+
+<p>In this alleged revelation we have this man teaching lineal
+Priesthood or the right of succession from father to son. We also
+have him teaching the literal gathering to Zion of the honest in
+heart. We will now see what his reasons were for withdrawing from
+the "Reorganized" Church. We find on pages 248-249 of volume 33
+of the Saints' Herald that the reasons why this man withdrew from
+the "Reorganization" with the family of Zenas H. Gurley, were as
+follows:</p>
+
+<p>That he could not believe in:</p>
+
+<p>(1) "The literal gathering of the Church into Jackson and the
+adjoining counties in the state of Missouri (or any one or more places)
+known as a local Zion."</p>
+
+<p>(2) "Temple building and ceremonial endowments therein."</p>
+
+<p>(3) "Baptism for the dead."</p>
+
+<p>(4) "Tithing as a law applicable to the Church."</p>
+
+<p>(5) "The law of consecration by which individuals are made legal
+heirs to the Kingdom of Zion."</p>
+
+<p>(6) "A sole mouthpiece of God to the Church."</p>
+
+<p>(7) "The plenary inspiration of and consequent absolute authority of
+what are called the sacred books."</p>
+
+<p>(8) "The doctrine of 'cursing our enemies,' and of 'avenging God
+upon them to the third and fourth generations.'"</p>
+
+<p>(9) "To the foregoing may be added the revelation of January 19,
+1841, section 107 D. & C., (124 our edition), which enjoins upon
+the Church the building of a hotel, called the 'Lord's boarding-house,'
+for Joseph Smith and posterity to dwell in from generation to
+generation, as also the promise contained therein, viz: 'And as I said
+unto Abraham concerning the kindreds of the earth, even so I say to my
+servant Joseph, in thee and thy seed shall the kindreds of the earth be
+blessed."</p>
+
+<p>"This coupled with the provisions in section 43, that 'none else
+should or could receive revelation for the Church' and the provision of
+section 19, that the Church shall receive Joseph's words and commands
+the same as if from God's own mouth,—establish in our judgment a
+lineal descent of authority, equivalent to an imperial dynasty, which
+is foreign to the spirit and genius of the Gospel of Christ."</p>
+
+<p>This communication was dated March 28, 1886, and was signed by Jason
+W. Briggs, (president of their apostles); Zenas H. Gurley, (a member
+of that quorum); Gracie Gurley, Margaret Gurley, Edwin H. Gurley, Mida
+Gurley.</p>
+
+<p>We see that this Mr. Briggs repudiated the fundamental portions of
+his alleged revelation. In the "revelation" he teaches the gathering,
+but here he says he does not believe in the gathering, either to
+Jackson county or to any other place to be known as a local Zion. In
+his "revelation" he teaches lineal Priesthood, but when he withdraws
+from the church one reason was that he could not believe in "a sole
+mouth-piece of God to the Church," and in an "imperial dynasty,"
+which he erroneously thought was taught in the revelation. Thus he
+repudiates his "revelation," denies the divine mission of the Prophet
+Joseph Smith, and repudiates the standard works of the Church.<sup><a name=1.7text></a><a href="#1.7">[7]</a></sup> Unstable to the last, this man would not rest
+content in this organization which he was such a potent instrument in
+bringing into existence.<sup><a name=1.8text></a><a href="#1.8">[8]</a></sup></p>
+
+<p>There is another thing in his so-called "revelation" that is
+interesting. He declares that the Lord would raise up one of the seed
+of Joseph Smith who would be mighty and strong. Now, evidently this
+refers to Joseph Smith, president of that organization. Joseph Smith
+of the "Reorganized" Church declares that he is not the one mighty and
+strong and the "Reorganized" Church has backed him up by resolution in
+that conclusion.<sup><a name=1.9text></a><a href="#1.9">[9]</a></sup></p>
+
+<h3>QUESTION OF REJECTION.</h3>
+
+<p>We now come to the question of the rejection of the Church. Our
+friends tell us that the Church was rejected for the reason that they
+failed to complete the Nauvoo Temple "in the sufficient time granted
+by the Lord." They say that the Temple was not finished. The president
+of the "Reorganization" has made the following statement in this
+connection:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"The basement was fitted for occupation and the baptismal font was
+ ready for use. The auditorium on the first floor was completed
+ sufficiently to be seated and occupied for assembly purposes. The
+ stairway on the south side was completed for use. The auditorium
+ on the second floor, the stairway on the north side, nor any other
+ portion of the building except those above named were completed;
+ though the small rooms above the second floor auditorium were used
+ by President Young and the resident Church authorities for various
+ purposes." (History of Reorganized Church, 2:562).</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>His brother Alexander makes a similar statement.</p>
+
+<p>In reply to this it is only necessary to say that it made no difference
+whether the Temple was finished or not. The revelation of January 19,
+1841, provided,</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"That when I (the Lord) give a commandment to any of the sons of
+ men, to do a work unto my name, and those sons of men go with all
+ their might, and with all they have, to perform that work, and
+ cease not their diligence, and their enemies come upon them, and
+ hinder them from performing that work; behold, it behooveth me to
+ require that work no more at the hands of those sons of men, but to
+ accept of their offerings:</p>
+
+ <p>"And the iniquity and transgression of my holy laws and
+ commandments, I will visit upon the heads of those who hindered my
+ work, unto the third and fourth generation, so long as they repent
+ not, and hate me, saith the Lord God.</p>
+
+ <p>"Therefore for this cause have I accepted the offerings of those
+ whom I commanded to build up a city and a house unto my name, in
+ Jackson county, Missouri, and were hindered by their enemies, saith
+ the Lord your God:</p>
+
+ <p>"And I will answer judgment, wrath, and indignation, wailing and
+ anguish and gnashing of teeth upon their heads, unto the third and
+ fourth generation, so long as they repent not and hate me, saith
+ the Lord your God.</p>
+
+ <p>"And this I make an example unto you for your consolation
+ concerning all those who have been commanded to do a work, and have
+ been hindered by the hands of their enemies, and by oppression
+ saith the Lord your God."<sup><a name=1.10text></a><a href="#1.10">[10]</a></sup></p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>No sane man will dare say that the Saints were not hindered by their
+enemies in the building of the Nauvoo Temple, both before and after the
+martyrdom. Nevertheless, I maintain that they were diligent in their
+labors as the following references will show, furthermore that the
+Temple was completed. In the Times and Seasons, volume 3, page 775,
+is to be found an editorial written by the Prophet Joseph in which he
+says:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"This noble edifice is progressing with great rapidity; strenuous
+ exertions are being made on every hand to facilitate its erection;
+ and materials of all kinds are in great state of forwardness. * * *
+ *</p>
+
+ <p>"While the busy multitudes have thus been engaged in their several
+ avocations, performing their daily labor, and working one-tenth of
+ their time, others have not been less forward in bringing in their
+ tithings and consecrations for the same great object. Never since
+ the formation of this Church was laid have we seen manifested a
+ greater willingness to comply with the requisitions of Jehovah; a
+ more ardent desire to do the will of God; more strenuous exertions
+ used, or greater sacrifices made, then there have been since the
+ Lord said: Let the Temple be built by the tithing of my people.
+ It seemed as though the spirit of enterprise, philanthropy, and
+ obedience rested simultaneously upon old and young; and brethren
+ and sisters, boys and girls, and even strangers, who were not
+ in the Church, united with an unprecedented liberality in the
+ accomplishment of this great work; nor could the widow in many
+ instances, be prevented, out of her scanty pittance, from throwing
+ in her two mites."</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>This was written in May, 1842. Remember the date, for I will have
+occasion to refer to this again before we are through.</p>
+
+<p>This editorial reveals to us what is meant by laboring with your
+might and "to cease not their diligence." The Lord did not require
+all the time of the Saints to be devoted on that building, but a
+tithing—one-tenth of their time or means. That is all He required
+of them in order that they should fulfill the commandment. This is also
+set forth in the second vol. of the Times and Seasons, page 567, and in
+vol., 3 pages 938-9, but I take it for granted that the reference given
+is sufficient to cover this ground.</p>
+
+<h3>TEMPLE BUILT BY SACRIFICE.</h3>
+
+<p>Let us here pause a moment and see what it took to build the Temple.
+That structure cost more than one million dollars; the Saints were
+poor, and a great deal of the time the Temple was in course of erection
+they were harassed by their enemies. The Prophet Joseph was forced
+into exile to avoid his enemies who tried to drag him to Missouri, and
+therefore he could not devote his personal attention to the building of
+the Temple as he otherwise would have done; and in this way the work
+was retarded to some degree by the enemies of the people. Moreover,
+the building of that structure was not like building one today. The
+Saints could not order their timber from the lumber yard in a state of
+preparation for the Temple. There were no iron foundries from which
+they could obtain the required metal properly prepared; but on the
+contrary, every detail had to be performed by the Saints. The timber
+had to be hewed in the far off forests of Wisconsin, carried to Nauvoo,
+and cut into boards and for the various uses of the Temple. The stone
+had to be cut and polished from the quarries, and the whole work had to
+be supplied out of the tithing of the people. If the Lord had required
+all of their time how would they have supported their families? Of
+course, He could have cared for them, but it was but the tenth, mark
+you, of their time and means that was required. And yet some of our
+friends complain that the Temple was not completed inside of six
+months! Naturally under these conditions it would take a number of
+years to complete the building.</p>
+
+<p>We have seen that the Saints were diligent up to May, 1842.<sup><a name=1.11text></a><a href="#1.11">[11]</a></sup> Let us now see if they did not continue
+their diligence. Of course, there were some who were not diligent; but
+not of the faithful, not of those who followed the Twelve. At the April
+conference, 1844, the Patriarch Hyrum Smith, addressing the Saints,
+said:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"I am one of the committee (i. e., Temple committee); the committee
+ tell me the quarry is blockaded, it is filled with rock, the stone
+ cutters are wanting work; come on with your teams as soon as
+ conference is over. It is not necessary for me to tell who will
+ come and do it; I will prophesy that you will do it. There is not
+ one in the city but that will do right if they know it, only one or
+ two exceptions, and they are not worth notice; God will take care
+ of them, and if He doesn't, the devil will." (T. & S., 5:597).</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>Now, I know that Hyrum Smith was a prophet of God, the Lord declared
+it, and his prophecy did not fail. This shows the willingness of the
+Saints to do this work as late as 1844.</p>
+
+<p>In a communication to the Times and Seasons, October 13, 1844, signed
+"C," we have the following:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"The Temple is rising even faster than could have been anticipated,
+ and has a very imposing appearance."</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>Again on page 744, of volume 5, Times and Seasons, (December 15, 1844),
+this is stated:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"The Temple has progressed with greater rapidity since the death of
+ Joseph and Hyrum than ever it had done before; and things in this
+ city never looked more prosperous."</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>And in an editorial in this same paper of May 15, 1845:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"The Temple progresses rapidly and the Saints being united (as we
+ have heretofore said), are industrious, frugal and determined."</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>Then in the Times and Seasons, volume 6, page 926:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"After a little more than four years of hard labor, in truly
+ troublesome times, and not, too, without the loss of the best blood
+ in the Church, on the morning of the 24th ult. (April, 1845), at a
+ little past 6, a goodly number of Saints had the honor, and glory
+ to witness the capstone of the Temple laid in its place."</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>In a letter from Elder John Taylor to Joseph Cain (Mill. Star, 8:31),
+we find this:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"My feelings were very peculiar while standing in the font, which
+ is of stone, and passing through the rooms when I thought how the
+ Saints had labored and striven to complete the building."</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>And in the Times and Seasons, volume 6, page 1017:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"On Sunday, the 5th of October (1845) through the indefatigable
+ exertions, unceasing industry, and heaven blessed labors, in the
+ midst of trials, tribulations, poverty, and worldly obstacles,
+ solemnized, in some instances, by death, about 5,000 Saints had the
+ inexpressible joy and great gratification to meet for the first
+ time in the house of the Lord in the city of Joseph (Nauvoo). From
+ mites and tithing, millions had risen up to the glory of God, as a
+ Temple where the children of the last kingdom, could come together
+ and praise the Lord."</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>There are other passages; but these ought to suffice on this point of
+the diligence of the Saints. But some one will say, all this testimony
+is from those who are interested—from your friends. Should we take the
+testimony of our enemies, those who are interested in our downfall,
+and who are not acquainted with these facts? However, I will add the
+testimony of one who hoped that the Temple would not be finished. In
+the Messenger and Advocate of June, 1846, published by Sidney Rigdon, I
+quote the following:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"That people [the Saints with Brigham Young] were told that they
+ would not finish that Temple which THEY were building. They were
+ told that they would get the roof on, and do some of the inside
+ work, but never would finish it."</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>Now mark this; he adds:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"No people ever labored harder to prove the above declaration
+ false. No pains were spared; but where has it terminated? Just as
+ we said it would."</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>Here we have the testimony of Sidney Rigdon, who opposed the Twelve
+and the Church and the building of that Temple. Yet he says they were
+diligent, but when he says it was not completed, he spoke too soon.
+This article was written just shortly after the exodus commenced, and
+at that time the Temple was not quite finished; but it was finished
+before all the Saints' left Nauvoo.</p>
+
+<p>I suppose that it is unnecessary to continue this branch of the
+subject any further, but since our Church members have to meet the
+sophistry on the part of the elders of the "Reorganization," we
+will.</p>
+
+<h3>NAUVOO TEMPLE COMPLETED.</h3>
+
+<p>In proof that the Temple was completed I present the following
+evidence. In the Times and Seasons, volume 6, page 1017, we find the
+following:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"It certainly afforded a holy satisfaction to think that since
+ the 6th of April, 1841, when the first stone was laid, amidst
+ the most straightened circumstances, the Church of Jesus Christ
+ of Latter-day Saints has witnessed their bread cast upon waters;
+ or more properly their obedience to the commandments of the Lord
+ appear in the tangible form of a Temple, entirely enclosed, windows
+ in, with temporary floors, pulpits, and seats to accommodate so
+ many persons preparatory to a general conference."</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>And on page 1018:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"The font and the other parts of the Temple will be in readiness
+ in a few days to commence the administration of holy ordinances of
+ endowment, for which the faithful have long diligently labored and
+ fervently prayed, desiring above all things to see the beauty of
+ the Lord and inquire in His holy Temple."</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>Now, this was given in October, 1845, and we learn that the font—that
+is the permanent font, which replaced the former and temporary
+one—also the other parts of the Temple would be in readiness in a few
+days to commence the administration of holy ordinances. I wish now
+to refer to another reference from the writings of the president of
+the "Reorganization." I have already read where he declares that the
+font and the first floor above the basement and one stairway, also the
+basement, were completed. He reaffirms that in the following from an
+editorial in the Saints' Herald of February 17, 1904:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"Work continued to be done on the Temple until the fall of 1845,
+ possibly until the summer of 1846"—you see he is not quite sure
+ about it—"but the building was never finished; and whatever
+ ordinances were performed in it took place in rooms not wholly
+ finished."</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>Now note this particularly:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"The north stairway, the second or upper auditorium, and the attic
+ were entirely incompleted."</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>We will now examine the Times and Seasons of January 20, 1846, and see
+what his testimony is worth. Here on page 1096 occurs the following:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"January thus far has been mild, which, in the midst of our
+ preparations for an exodus next spring, has given an excellent time
+ to finish the Temple. Nothing has appeared so much like a finish of
+ that holy edifice as the present."</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>Now, I want to call your attention to this which immediately follows:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"The ATTIC story was finished in December."</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>That is in December 1845. You will remember that the president of the
+Reorganization declares that the attic was "entirely incompleted." But
+to continue the quotation:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"And if the Lord continues to favor us, the first story above the
+ basement will be completed ready for meeting, in the month of
+ February. The font, standing upon 12 stone oxen, is about ready,
+ and the floor of the story is laid, so that all speculation about
+ the Temple of God at Nauvoo, must cease."</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>Now the temporary floors were laid in October, 1845, so these floors
+must have been the permanent ones, and while the temporary finishing in
+October was for the purpose of fitting the building for the ordinances,
+this finishing was permanent.</p>
+
+<p>Here is an interesting feature about the testimony of this man. The
+parts of the Temple which the president of the "Reorganized" Church
+says were completed—finished, the Times and Seasons here states
+would not be finished for a few days, or till February, but the part
+of the building which he says was "entirely incompleted," is here
+declared to have been finished in the past December, 1845. I shall not
+dispute with him the fact that the parts which he says were finished,
+were completed, for they were; but what does his testimony amount to as
+evidence when confronted with the statement of the Times and Seasons?
+Simply nothing; more than to prove that he knew nothing about it at
+all. Now which shall we believe? The Times and Seasons, published
+at the time, or the president of the "Reorganization," who made his
+statement some 40 years later? Remember if he admits that the Temple
+was finished his whole structure crumbles to the ground—it's
+bound to crumble anyway sooner or later, for it is built upon the
+sand.</p>
+
+<p>Elder John Taylor, in an address to the Saints in England, published
+in the Millennial Star of November, 1846, (vol. 8:97) has this to
+say:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"Time alone can unfold this to many, but to us it has been
+ manifested long ago, years before the Temple WAS COMPLETED, and
+ long before the martyrdom of our Prophet and Patriarch."</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>Here he declares that the Temple was completed. Now our friends
+quote from the remarks of President Brigham Young delivered at the
+dedication of the St. George Temple to the effect that up to that time
+the Saints had never had the privilege of completing and enjoying a
+Temple. I call your attention to the fact that President Brigham Young
+left Nauvoo before the Temple was finished. He left in February, 1846,
+and a great portion of the Latter-day Saints were expelled from that
+city before they had the privilege of receiving the ordinances of the
+house of God, therefore President Young was correct when he said we
+had not up to that time had the privilege of completing and enjoying
+one. But I will now call your attention to the statement of President
+Young's made in October, 1863, (News, 13:96). Said he,</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"We have already built two Temples, one at Kirtland, Ohio, and one
+ at Nauvoo, Illinois. * * * God commanded us to build the Nauvoo
+ Temple, and we built it, and performed our duty pretty well. There
+ are elders present here today who labored on that house with not a
+ shoe to their foot, or pantaloons that would cover their limbs, or a
+ shirt to cover their arms.</p>
+
+ <p>"We performed the work, and performed it WITHIN THE TIME WHICH
+ THE LORD GAVE US TO DO IT IN. Apostates said that we never could
+ perform that work, but through the blessing of God it was completed
+ and accepted of Him. Apostates never build Temples unto God, but
+ the Saints are called to do this work."</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>The Nauvoo Temple was publicly dedicated May 1, 1846, by Elder Orson
+Hyde, and the following day about 3,000 Saints met in the building
+in a public service. It is most likely that the greater number of
+these Saints were also at the dedication. It is not reasonable to
+suppose that this building was dedicated until it was finished, for
+each part had been dedicated as it was finished, and the dedication
+on the 1st of May, 1846, was of the entire structure.<sup><a name=1.12text></a><a href="#1.12">[12]</a></sup></p>
+
+<h3>THE REVELATION ON TEMPLE WORK.</h3>
+
+<p>I have now shown that the Temple was completed; that the Saints
+were diligent in their labors, and they were also hindered by their
+enemies. I now reaffirm what has previously been said; that it made no
+difference, so far as the Church and its authority is concerned, even
+if the Temple had not been completed, or finished, in the technical
+sense of that word. Some of the embellishments, the ornamentations
+and fixtures, may not have been placed in the building according to
+the original intention, and in that technical sense the building may
+not have been "finished completely." But if so, what difference would
+it make? The Lord, thank heaven, is not as technical and peevish
+as men are, or woe be unto all of us. The revelation does not say
+that the Church would be rejected with its dead if every identical
+board and plank or fixture was not in the building according to the
+original design. The thing the revelation does require is that a place
+be prepared, or built, where the Lord could reveal the Priesthood
+and its ordinances which had been taken away or that had not been
+restored. And, too, if the temporary floors had not been replaced by
+the permanent floors, the Lord could and would have revealed Himself
+to the Saints and would have accepted of their offering. Now let's see
+just what the revelation does say about this matter. Beginning at verse
+25.</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"25. And again, verily I say unto you, let all my Saints come from
+ afar;</p>
+
+ <p>26. And send ye swift messengers, yea, chosen messengers, and say
+ unto them; come ye, with all your gold, and your silver, and your
+ precious stones, and with all your antiquities; and with all who
+ have knowledge of antiquities, that will come, may come, and bring
+ the box tree, and the fir tree, and the pine tree, together with
+ all the precious trees of the earth;</p>
+
+ <p>27. And with iron, with copper, and with brass, and with zinc, and
+ with all your precious things of the earth, and build a house to my
+ name, for the most High to dwell therein;</p>
+
+ <p>28. For there is not a place found on earth that he may come and
+ restore again that which was lost unto you, or which he hath taken
+ away, even the fulnesss of the Priesthood;</p>
+
+ <p>29. For a baptismal font there is not upon the earth, that they, my
+ Saints, may be baptized for those who are dead;</p>
+
+ <p>30. For this ordinance belongeth to my house, and cannot be
+ acceptable to me, only in the days of your poverty, wherein ye are
+ not able to build a house unto me.</p>
+
+ <p>31. But I command you, all ye my Saints, to build a house unto me;
+ and I grant unto you a sufficient time to build a house unto me,
+ and during this time your baptisms shall be acceptable unto me.</p>
+
+ <p>32. But behold, at the end of this appointment, your baptisms for
+ your dead shall not be acceptable unto me; and if you do not these
+ things at the end of the appointment, ye shall be rejected as a
+ church, with your dead, saith the Lord your God.</p>
+
+ <p>33. For verily I say unto you, that after you have had sufficient
+ time to build a house to me, wherein the ordinance of baptizing
+ for the dead belongeth, and for which the same was instituted from
+ before the foundation of the world, your baptisms for your dead
+ cannot be acceptable unto me.</p>
+
+ <p>34. For therein (that is in Temples) are the keys of the Holy
+ Priesthood ordained that you may receive honor and glory.</p>
+
+ <p>35. And after this time, your baptisms for the dead, by those who
+ are scattered abroad, are not acceptable unto me, saith the Lord.</p>
+
+ <p>36. For it is ordained that in Zion, and in her stakes, and in
+ Jerusalem, those places which I have appointed for refuge, shall be
+ the places for your baptisms for your dead.</p>
+
+ <p>37. And again, verily I say unto you, How shall your washings be
+ acceptable unto me, except ye perform them in a house which you
+ have built to my name?</p>
+
+ <p>38. For, for this cause I commanded Moses that he should build a
+ tabernacle, that they should bear it with them in the wilderness,
+ and to build a house in the land of promise that those ordinances
+ might be revealed which had been hid from before the world was;</p>
+
+ <p>39. Therefore, verily I say unto you, that your anointings and
+ your washings, and your baptisms for the dead, and your solemn
+ assemblies, and your memorials for your sacrifices, by the sons of
+ Levi, and for your oracles in your most holy places, wherein you
+ receive conversations, and your statutes and judgments, for the
+ beginning of the revelation and foundation of Zion, and for the
+ glory, honor, and endowment of all her municipals, are ordained
+ by the ordinance of my holy house, which my people are always
+ commanded to build unto my holy name."</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>I have read quite extensively from this revelation, now let us
+examine and see just what is meant. At the time this revelation was
+given the Saints were baptizing in the Mississippi river for their
+dead, this was a special privilege that the Lord granted them in their
+poverty and while they could prepare a place in the Temple for that
+ordinance. He declares that while that place was being built He would
+accept of their baptisms in the river, but just as soon as a place
+could be prepared in the Temple baptisms for the dead in the river
+should cease. Now you will notice that verse 31 reads:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"But I command you, all ye my Saints, to build a house unto me; and
+ I grant unto you a sufficient time to build a house unto me."</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>Now I wish you to note what follows:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"And during this time your baptisms shall be acceptable unto me."</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>I take it that this means that the Lord would accept of their baptisms
+in the river until they could prepare a place where the ordinance
+could be attended to properly, and that He would not discontinue river
+baptisms until they had had sufficient time to build such a place. I
+want to read what the president of the "Reorganized" Church has to say
+on this point. Said he:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"Baptisms for the dead was a permissive rite."</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>Of course I do not agree with him that it was a permissive rite, but to
+continue the quotation:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"Baptism for the dead was a permissive rite; or to write more
+ plainly, the Church was permitted by the Lord to baptize for the
+ dead under certain rules."</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>Here is the rule:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"By terms stated in the revelation this permissive rite could be
+ performed and would be acceptable if performed in the river while
+ the time given the Church in which the Temple should be built was
+ passing. After the completion of the Temple, baptisms for the dead
+ were to be performed in it." (Saints' Herald, February 17, 1904).</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>We are certainly safe in saying that the Lord would not break His
+promise, therefore if we can discover a time when baptisms were
+discontinued in the river it will be a sign that the sufficient
+time had expired, so far as baptisms in the river for the dead were
+concerned. I turn to the minutes of the October conference, 1841, and
+read from the remarks on baptism for the dead delivered by the Prophet
+on the third day as follows:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"There shall be no more baptisms for the dead until the ordinance
+ can be attended to in the font of the Lord's house; and the Church
+ shall not hold another general conference, until they can meet in
+ said house. <i>For thus saith the Lord!</i>" (Times and Seasons, Vol.
+ II., page 578).</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>Remember this was in October, 1841—six months after the first
+stone of the Temple was laid. Was the Temple finished? No. Was the
+Church then rejected with its dead? Verily no! for this was 1841, and
+I have already referred you to the editorial of the Prophet's of May,
+1842, wherein he says that never since the formation, or foundation,
+of the Church was laid, have the Saints been so willing to comply with
+the requisitions of Jehovah, and manifested a more ardent desire to do
+the will of God, than in the building of that Temple. Therefore they
+could not have been rejected. Yet the sufficient time was up.<sup><a name=1.13text></a><a href="#1.13">[13]</a></sup> What must we then conclude? That the
+Temple had progressed so far that baptisms could be performed in it
+for the dead in accordance with the revelation, and it did not depend
+altogether, you will see, on the complete finishing of the building;
+and as the rooms were finished one by one and dedicated, they too,
+could be used for the ordinances of the Temple until the whole Temple
+was built.</p>
+
+<p>Are we right in our conclusion that a font had been built? Yes, a
+temporary font had been built in the basement of the Temple—a
+temporary one—but obviously one that answered the requirements
+of the revelation. Moreover, in this temporary font, which was used by
+the command of the Lord through the Prophet Joseph Smith, baptisms for
+the dead were performed from November, 1841, until it was replaced by
+the permanent font, and then these baptisms continued in that until the
+Saints were driven from Nauvoo.</p>
+
+<h3>BAPTISMS FOR THE DEAD OBLIGATORY.</h3>
+
+<p>We will now examine the thirty-second verse; it is:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"But behold, at the end of this appointment, your baptisms for your
+ dead shall not be acceptable unto me."</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>That means, of course, the baptisms in the river shall not be
+acceptable after the font is built. But listen to this:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"And if you do not these things at the END OF THE APPOINTMENT ye
+ shall be rejected as a church, with your dead, saith the Lord your
+ God."</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>If you do not do what things? Does it mean if you do not build the
+Temple at the END of the appointment? That would be absurd. It means,
+if you do not perform your baptisms for your dead and the ordinances
+for the dead at the end—not the beginning, but the end—of
+the appointment, then will you be rejected with your dead. So you see
+it was not the failure to finish the attic, or to carve figures in
+the woodwork, or embellish the building by placing pictures on the
+walls, or painting them; it was not for this that the Church was to
+be rejected; but it was to be rejected with its dead if it failed to
+perform the work in the Temple for the dead when the opportunity was
+afforded. Now let us see if this view is not in harmony with other
+Scriptures. I turn to the second section of the Doctrine and Covenants.
+Here the angel says:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"Behold, I will reveal unto you the Priesthood, by the hand of
+ Elijah the prophet, before the coming of the great and dreadful day
+ of the Lord.</p>
+
+ <p>"And he shall plant in the hearts of the children the promises made
+ to the fathers, and the hearts of the children shall turn to their
+ fathers.</p>
+
+ <p>"If it were not so, the whole earth would be UTTERLY WASTED AT ITS
+ COMING."</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>Why would the earth be wasted? Simply because if there is not a
+welding link between the fathers and the children—which is the
+work for the dead—then we will all stand rejected; the whole work
+of God will fail and be utterly wasted. Such a condition of course,
+shall not be. When Elijah restored this Priesthood, he said that the
+time spoken of had fully come, and that the dreadful day of the Lord
+was near, even at the doors.</p>
+
+<p>Let us now see what Joseph Smith had to say in relation to this.
+Speaking of the baptism and salvation for the dead, he said:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"The GREATEST RESPONSIBILITY in this world that God has laid upon
+ us, is to seek after our dead. The apostle says they without us
+ cannot be made perfect. Now I will speak of them: I say to you,
+ Paul, you cannot be perfect without us; it is necessary that those
+ who have gone before, and those who come after us should have
+ salvation in common with us, and thus hath God made it OBLIGATORY
+ to man. Hence God said He would send Elijah." (Times and Seasons,
+ 6:616).</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>Moreover, at the conference held October, 1841, to which I have already
+referred, the prophet said this:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"Baptism for the dead is the only way that men can appear as
+ saviors on Mount Zion. The proclamation of the first principles of
+ the gospel was a means of salvation to men individually, and it was
+ the truth, not men, that saved them; but men by actively engaging
+ in rites of salvation <i>substitutionally</i>, become instrumental in
+ bringing multitudes of their kin into the Kingdom of God."</p>
+
+ <p>"This doctrine"—that is, baptism for the dead—"he said, presents
+ in a clear light the wisdom and mercy of God, in preparing an
+ ordinance for the salvation of the dead, being baptized by proxy,
+ their names recorded in heaven, and they judged according to the
+ deeds done in the body."</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>Now here comes the most important statement.</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>—"This doctrine was the BURDEN OF THE SCRIPTURES. Those Saints
+ who NEGLECT it in behalf of their deceased relatives, do it at the
+ PERIL OF THEIR OWN SALVATION."</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>There we have the key to the whole situation. If we neglect the
+salvation of our dead when we have the opportunity to save them, then
+we ourselves will be rejected, and that is just what the revelation of
+January 19, 1841, says. In the Doctrine and Covenants, Section 128,
+verse 5, we are told that baptism for the dead was prepared from before
+the foundation of the world, "for the salvation of the dead," mark
+this, "WHO SHOULD DIE WITHOUT A KNOWLEDGE OF THE GOSPEL!" And in verse
+15:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"And now, my dearly beloved brethren and sisters, let me assure you
+ that these are principles in relation to the dead and the living
+ that cannot be lightly passed over, as pertaining to our salvation,
+ as Paul says concerning the fathers, 'that they without us cannot
+ be made perfect, neither can we without our dead be made perfect.'"</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>Here we have it in this revelation that if we do not save our dead we
+cannot ourselves be saved, therefore if we neglect their salvation, we
+ourselves will be rejected. Now verse 18:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"It is sufficient to know * * * that the earth will be smitten
+ with a curse, UNLESS there is a welding link of some kind or
+ other, between the fathers and the children, upon some subject or
+ other, and behold what is that subject? IT IS THE BAPTISM FOR THE
+ DEAD. For we without them cannot be made perfect; neither can they
+ without us be made perfect. Neither can they nor we be made perfect
+ without those who have died in the Gospel also; for it is necessary
+ in the ushering in of the dispensation of the fulnesss of times,
+ which dispensation is now beginning to usher in, that a whole and
+ complete and perfect union and welding together of dispensations,
+ and keys, and powers, and glories, should take place, and be
+ revealed, from the days of Adam even to the present time; and not
+ only this, but those things which never have been revealed from
+ the foundation of the world, but have been kept hid from the wise
+ and prudent shall be revealed unto babes and sucklings in this the
+ dispensation of the fulness of times."</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<h3>SALVATION FOR THE DEAD IMPORTANT.</h3>
+
+<p>Now, is it not plain to see how important this doctrine is, and why
+the Saints were to be rejected? But they were not rejected for they
+performed the baptisms for their dead, and are today performing the
+baptisms and the ordinances for and in behalf of their dead. Therefore
+they are not rejected. Again, the Prophet says that the Saints have not
+too much time to save and redeem their dead, and gather their living
+relatives together that they may be saved also, before the earth will
+be smitten, as revealed by Malachi. Therefore it is quite evident why
+the Lord permitted them to baptize in the river, and not wait until
+those ordinances could be performed in the Temple, and why He was so
+anxious that they should hurry and prepare a place in the Temple, where
+they could be performed in accordance with the plan from before the
+foundation of the world.</p>
+
+<p>Here is another statement that I wish to refer to. In an editorial
+in the Times and Seasons written by the Prophet, in volume 3, pages
+759-761, where he is speaking of the remarks made by the Savior to the
+Jews, that upon them should come all the righteous blood shed upon the
+earth from the blood of righteous Abel, unto the blood of Zacharias,
+son of Barachias, who was slain between the Temple and the altar,
+Joseph the Prophet declares in most emphatic terms that the reason why
+this blood was to come upon these Jews was, that:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"They possessed greater privileges than any other generation, not
+ only as pertaining to themselves but to their dead, their sin was
+ greater as they not only neglected their own salvation but that
+ of their progenitors, and hence their blood was required at their
+ hands."</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>Now, if these Jews were to answer for the blood of their progenitors
+because they neglected the salvation of their dead, then, may we not
+ask; will not we have to answer for the blood of our dead if we neglect
+these ordinances in their behalf? It matters not even if we have been
+baptized and have had hands laid on our heads for the reception of the
+Holy Ghost; if we wilfully neglect the salvation of our dead, then also
+we shall stand rejected of the Lord because we have rejected our dead;
+and just so sure their blood will be required at our hands.</p>
+
+<p>Now, what is the attitude of the "Reorganized" Church in relation to
+the salvation of the dead, the neglect of which the Church—yes,
+and also the individual—was to stand rejected of the Lord?
+I have here a copy of a resolution that was passed by the general
+conference of that sect in 1886, at the time that Mr. Briggs withdrew.
+This resolution is in reply to his charge that he could not accept the
+principle of "baptism for the dead." Here it is:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"That as to the alleged Temple building and ceremonial endowments
+ therein, that we know of no Temple building, except as edifices
+ wherein to worship God, and no endowment except the endowment of
+ the Holy Spirit of the kind experienced by the early Saints on
+ Pentecost day."</p>
+
+ <p>"'Baptism for the dead' referred to belongs to those local
+ questions of which the body has said by resolution:</p>
+
+ <p>"'That the commandments of a local character, given to the first
+ organization of the Church are binding on the Reorganization only
+ so far as they are either reiterated or referred to as binding by
+ commandment to this church. And <i>that</i> principle has neither been
+ reiterated nor referred to as a commandment."</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>Just think of that! They declare that we were rejected because we
+failed to build a house where these ordinances were to be performed,
+and yet they actually have the audacity to say that the work of
+salvation for the dead is not binding on them because it has not
+been reiterated or referred to as a commandment binding on them.
+Now is that consistent? They call it a local commandment, yet we
+have seen that this commandment was the burden of the Scriptures and
+the greatest responsibility that God has placed upon us, and we are
+obliged to save our dead if we would ourselves be saved. And yet,
+this commandment without which the whole earth was to be utterly
+wasted and destroyed—this eternal commandment that had been
+prepared before the foundation of the world—is not binding on
+them! "A local commandment!" "A permissive rite!" My friends, from the
+teachings of Joseph Smith the Prophet, which I have presented, you
+may well judge which is the Church "rejected with its dead."<sup><a name=1.14text></a><a href="#1.14">[14]</a></sup></p>
+
+<h4>Footnotes</h4>
+
+<p><a name="1.1"></a><a href="#1.1text">1.</a> This statement that the Latter-day Saints were
+endeavoring to get beyond the jurisdiction of the United States, which
+is repeated so often by anti-"Mormon" writers and speakers, including
+many devotees of the "Reorganization," who vainly attempt to prove the
+disloyalty of the Saints, is rather astonishing in the face of the
+facts of history. The exodus to the Rocky Mountains was undertaken
+<i>of necessity</i>, as it was from Missouri to Illinois, because the
+Saints had been ruthlessly driven from their homes by armed mobocrats.
+Notwithstanding this, the Church came to the Rocky Mountains because
+the Lord willed it so, for He permitted the expulsion from Nauvoo that
+His purposes might be fulfilled. The Prophet Joseph Smith, as early
+as 1842, received a revelation declaring that the Saints would be
+driven to these valleys. That revelation is found in the history of
+the Church for Saturday, August 6, 1842. Our friends the Reorganites,
+have themselves testified in their more sober moments to the truth of
+this grand prediction. In a history published by them in 1880, and
+which they said was "the aim of the publishers to place within the
+reach of those who cared to know, a more correct standard from which to
+determine the character and work of Joseph Smith, the founder, under
+divine direction, of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,"
+"And is the cheapest book published by the (Reorganized) Church." They
+record the following:</p>
+
+<p>"Just at this time (1842) also occurred Joseph's first marked
+prophecy, on record, concerning the removal of the Saints to the Rocky
+Mountains. Says the Record:</p>
+
+<p>"Saturday 6th, (August, 1842). Passed over the river to Montrose,
+Iowa, in company with General Adams, Colonel Brewer, and others, and
+witnessed the installation of the officers of the Rising Sun Lodge of
+Ancient York Masons, at Montrose, by General James Adams, Deputy Grand
+Master of Illinois. While the Deputy Grand Master was engaged in giving
+the requisite instructions to the Master Elect, I had a conversation
+with a number of brethren, in the shade of the building, on the subject
+of our persecutions in Missouri, and the constant annoyance which has
+followed us since we were driven from the State. I prophesied that the
+Saints would continue to suffer much affliction, and would be driven
+to the Rocky Mountains, many would apostatize, others would be put
+to death by our persecutors, or lose their lives in consequence of
+exposure or disease, and some would live to go and assist in making
+settlements and building cities, and see the Saints become a mighty
+people in the midst of the Rocky Mountains."</p>
+
+<p>"The exodus is a great historic fact. It would do violence to
+history to expunge this record. The Twelve, however, may have shaped
+the record thus to fit their own events. It is not even affirmed
+that Joseph gave such a revelation to the Church; but the historical
+landmark, pointing to the Rocky Mountains, is this prophecy to his
+Masonic brethren, on the 6th of August, 1842, just about five years
+before the feet of the pioneers emerged from the last mountain gorge
+into the beautiful valley of the Great Salt Lake." (Tullidge's Life of
+Joseph Smith, Lamoni edition, page 398-9).</p>
+
+<p>In February 1844 a company was selected to go and explore Oregon
+and California (Utah then being a portion of what was called "Upper
+California,") for the purpose of selecting a site where the Saints
+could build a city. The minutes of this meeting say: "At a meeting
+of the Twelve, at the Mayor's office, Nauvoo, February 21, 1844,
+seven o'clock, p. m., Brigham Young, Parley P. Pratt, Orson Pratt,
+Wilford Woodruff, John Taylor, George A. Smith, Willard Richards and
+four others being present, called by previous notice, by instruction
+of President Joseph Smith on the 20th instant, for the purpose of
+selecting a company to explore Oregon and California, and select a site
+for a new city for the Saints."</p>
+
+<p>Jonathan Dunham, Phineas H. Young, David D. Yearsley and David
+Fullmer, volunteered to go; and Alphonzo Young, James Emmett, George
+D. Watt, and Daniel Spencer were requested to go. These brethren were
+requested to meet with the council on the following Friday evening at
+the Assembly Room, and the history of the Prophet continues: "Met with
+the Twelve in the Assembly Room (Friday 23rd) concerning the Oregon and
+California Exploring Expedition; Hyrum and Sidney present. I told them
+I wanted an exploration of all that mountain country. Perhaps it would
+be best to go direct to Santa Fe. Send twenty-five men: let them preach
+the Gospel wherever they go. Let that man go that can raise $500, a
+good horse and mule, a double-barrel gun, one barrel rifle, and the
+other smooth bore, a saddle and bridle, a pair of revolving pistols,
+bowie-knife, and a good saber. Appoint a leader, and let him beat up
+for volunteers. I want every man that goes to be a king and a priest.
+When he gets on the mountains he may want to talk with his God; when
+with the savage nations have power to govern, etc. If we don't get
+volunteers wait until after the election."</p>
+
+<p>On this and other occasions shortly following, these volunteered
+to go: George D. Watt, Samuel Bent, Joseph A. Kelting, David Fullmer,
+James Emmett, Daniel Spencer, Samuel Rolfe, Daniel Avery, Samuel W.
+Richards, Almon L. Fuller, Hosea Stout, Thomas S. Edwards, Moses Smith
+and Rufus Beach. There were also others. It is also a fact that on the
+evening of June 22, 1844, because of persecution, the Prophet Joseph
+Smith, his brother Hyrum and a few others crossed the Mississippi
+river with the intention of going to the Rocky Mountains, beyond the
+persecutions of their enemies. The following day they were accused of
+cowardice by false friends who declared that they were fleeing from the
+flock in time of danger. This falsehood so wounded the Prophet who had
+stood in the breach from the beginning to protect the Saints, that he
+returned to Nauvoo, and gave himself up declaring that if his life was
+of no value to his friends, it was of none to himself. Four days later
+he suffered martyrdom, sealing his testimony with his blood.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. George Derry, himself a Reorganite, in the Saints' Herald for
+January 31, 1906, in reply to the editor who doubted that any such
+intention as a settlement in the West was contemplated by Joseph Smith,
+wrote the following:</p>
+
+<p>"In reading the article in Saints' Herald, No. 46, 'The Editor at
+Home,' I got the impression that the writer was in doubt as to the
+correct statement of S. W. Richards that he was one of twenty-five
+men that were selected by Joseph Smith, Jr., to go out west to try
+to find a location for the Saints beyond the reach of mobs—a
+condition no doubt desirable in those trying times. S. W. Richards was
+president of the Church in the British Isles while I lived in London.
+I was president of a branch there and I was often brought in contact
+with other presiding officers as they met in council every month.
+The London conference was composed of forty-two branches, was often
+visited by the president of the mission and his counselors. I well
+remember S. W. Richards and others making the same statement at one of
+our monthly meetings, for they frequently dwelt at considerable length
+on the persecutions and trials of the Saints in that day. I believed
+the statements then—fifty-three years ago. I have no reason to
+reject it now. I have never heard it disproved. The testimony of S. W.
+Richards is as true in 1905 [See Era, Vol. 7, 927] as it was in 1853,
+that the company was organized. Recording the facts would not add to
+their <i>truthfulness</i>. I never heard that the company went west, but the
+company was <i>organized</i>, although conditions were changed.</p>
+
+<p>"In reading of the wonderful manifestations given in Kirtland, I
+find the following vision seen by Joseph Smith: 'I saw Brigham Young
+standing in a strange land in the far South and West in a desert place
+on a rock in the midst of about a dozen men of color. He was preaching
+to them in their own tongue. I saw the twelve apostles of the Lamb that
+<i>now are</i> upon the earth standing together in a circle, much fatigued.
+I finally saw them in the celestial Kingdom of God.'</p>
+
+<p>"The conditions here stated very much resemble the conditions
+existing in Utah extending four hundred miles south of Salt Lake City.
+Here is certainly strong indication, if visions are reliable, that
+Brigham Young with the rest of the apostles would go to a strange land
+beyond the bounds of civilization. And in view of the mobbings and
+drivings they had to endure, is it any wonder that they should seek
+a quiet resting-place? Who shall say there was anything dishonorable
+in organizing a company by Joseph Smith, Jr., to seek out a quiet
+resting-place where they could be free to worship God in peace, none
+to make them afraid? The writer seems to have serious doubts as to
+the truth of the statements of the two men he met in Salt Lake City,
+because we have no record of the preparations made. I never heard it
+stated that the company did go west, because conditions changed, but
+the fact still remains—the company was formed, firearms and
+provisions were agreed upon, but as to what happened to change the
+program we have no record. But that the company was formed under the
+direction and choice of Joseph Smith is beyond doubt." As early as
+1831, the Lord in a revelation (Doc. & Cov. 49:25) declared that
+"Zion shall flourish upon the hills and rejoice upon the mountains, and
+shall be assembled together unto the place which I have appointed."
+When Brigham Young therefore, and the apostles, lead the Church to the
+valleys of the mountains, it was in fulfillment of the word of the Lord
+to Joseph Smith, uttered first, in March, 1831, second in August 1842,
+and moreover, it was but carrying out the design of the Prophet Joseph
+Smith. When men accuse the Saints of fleeing to the west desiring to
+get beyond the borders of the United States, and of being disloyal to
+the American government, they not only place themselves at variance
+with the facts of history, but utter a miserable falsehood that merits
+only the severest contempt. In B. H. Roberts' "Succession," pages 109
+to 126, a complete array of evidence regarding the exodus as outlined
+by Joseph Smith may be found.
+
+<p><a name="1.2"></a><a href="#1.2text">2.</a> In several of the revelations given to
+the Church in the beginning, the doctrine of common consent is made
+mandatory. In the revelation of April 6, 1830, the date of the
+organization of the Church—the Lord says: "The elders are to
+receive their licenses from other elders, by vote of the Church
+(branch) to which they belong, or from the conferences." * * * * * No
+person is to be ordained to any office in this Church, where there is
+a regularly organized branch of the same, without the vote of that
+Church." In section 26, verse 2: "All things shall be done by common
+consent in the Church, by much prayer and faith, for all things ye
+shall receive by faith." See also Sec. 124:144.</p>
+
+<p>The Saints by vote accepted the Twelve Apostles as the presiding
+quorum of the Church at this special conference August 8, and again
+at the regular conference in October. This fact settled the matter of
+succession according to the revelations. These authorities and their
+successors, have been sustained at each conference of the Church, twice
+a year, and at the quarterly conferences of the various stakes four
+times a year from that day to this. The question of succession was,
+therefore, settled at Nauvoo when the assembled Saints voted to sustain
+the Apostles as the presiding quorum of the Church. The attempt of any
+party or parties, before any other body, to set up the Church and to
+ordain officers in conflict with the action of the Church on the dates
+previously mentioned, would be illegally done; just as much so as if in
+the municipality, state or nation, after the majority of the citizens
+had elected officers (and that almost unanimously) to serve them, a few
+disgruntled, defeated, candidates and their sympathizers should appoint
+another election, hold it by themselves and then declare that the
+regularly and properly elected officers were rejected and unauthorized
+to serve. Such a thing in the nation could be no more foolish or absurd
+than were the attempts of apostates to set up a <i>new organization</i>
+of the Church from a handful of disgruntled office-seekers and their
+sympathizers. In one case there would be as much authority as in the
+other and no more.</p>
+
+<p>But the contention of Reorganites has been, that the apostles
+assumed authority and powers that did not belong to them. That their
+duty was in the world and it was the prerogative of the high council of
+Nauvoo with William Marks and counselors, at their head, to direct the
+affairs of the Church. They say:</p>
+
+<p>"That the Twelve usurped authority, and assumed privileges and
+duties after the death of Joseph and Hyrum which did not belong to
+them, is seen in the fact that their mission and calling was to travel
+abroad among the branches, and throughout the world, preaching,
+organizing branches, thus building up the Church outside of Zion and
+the organized stakes. That such was their mission and calling may
+be seen in the law of the Church which is further confirmed in the
+teachings of the martyr as follows:</p>
+
+<p>"'The Twelve <i>will have no right</i> to go into Zion, or any of its
+stakes, and there undertake to regulate the affairs thereof, where
+there is a standing high council. But it is <i>their duty to go abroad</i>
+and regulate all matters relative to the different branches of the
+Church.' Joseph Smith's History, Mill. Star, Vol. 15, p. 261.</p>
+
+<p>"After the death of Joseph, the Twelve superseded, by their
+arrogant, despotic acts, the standing high council at the stake of
+Nauvoo, of both which the late President Wm. Marks was president. And
+this usurpation thus begun, has been perpetuated till now; entailing
+darkness, discord, and misrule upon that faction of the Church." (The
+Successor pp. 14, 15).</p>
+
+<p>Alexander H. Smith, presiding patriarch of the "Reorganized" church,
+and then one of their "apostles," made the following statement, March
+29, 1885, in Salt Lake City:</p>
+
+<p>"At the evening meeting his remarks were directed to the subject of
+the reorganization of the church, in which he showed why this measure
+became necessary, and how Brigham Young and the Twelve Apostles usurped
+the leadership. He quoted from declarations of Joseph Smith and Brigham
+Young, and the revelations to show what the organization and order of
+the priesthood were, and how, in case of death of the prophet, the
+word of the Lord, was to be given to the Saints. It was to be through
+the high council of the chief or center stake of Zion, in which
+jurisdiction the Twelve Apostles had no business whatever. Their work
+and powers extended only to matters beyond the borders of Zion. When
+the prophet was killed, therefore, the right and duty to rule fell upon
+the high council at Nauvoo, of which Elder Marks was the president. But
+Brigham Young and eight others of the Twelve, brushed this order of the
+priesthood to one side, and seized the reins of government themselves."
+(Saints' Herald, Vol. 32:342).</p>
+
+<p>This argument set forth in the "Successor" and by Alexander H.
+Smith, which has been quite universal in the "Reorganized" Church,
+would not be quite so bad if it was not for a number of insurmountable
+difficulties and objections that stand in the way. In the first place
+the objectors fail to state that the powers of the high council and
+stake presidency at Nauvoo, were limited to the affairs of the stake,
+and outside of that they held no jurisdiction. Following the martyrdom,
+the Church was considering matters that affected the whole Church
+and not merely the stake at Nauvoo. The Twelve Apostles, therefore,
+assumed by legal right their proper place as the presiding quorum of
+the Church, and were so sustained. The revelation on Priesthood (sec.
+107) says the Twelve Apostles, form a quorum equal in authority with
+the First Presidency (verse 24) and it was the duty of the Apostles,
+not only to ordain evangelical ministers (Patriarchs) but also to
+ordain and set in order all the other officers of the Church, (verse
+58). We read that "God hath set some in the Church, <i>first</i> apostles,
+secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers," etc. (I. Cor. 12:28) not
+<i>first</i> high councils and presidents of Stakes. Neither are the duties
+of the Apostles confined to their labors out side of the Stakes of Zion.</p>
+
+<p><a name="1.3"></a><a href="#1.3text">3.</a> If Jason W. Briggs joined the Church
+of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints June 6, 1841, and resided in
+Wisconsin from that time till 1854, he cannot be considered a faithful
+member of the Church, "who desired to do the will of heaven;" for in
+remaining at Beloit during all these years he was going contrary to
+the word of the Lord given to the Prophet in 1841. On January 15th of
+that year, the Lord said through the Presidency, Joseph Smith, Sidney
+Rigdon and Hyrum Smith, and on divers other occasions, that the Saints
+scattered abroad should come to Nauvoo and Hancock county. Here is the
+command: "Let all those who <i>appreciate the blessings of the Gospel</i>,
+and realize the importance of <i>obeying the commandments of heaven</i> * *
+* first prepare for the general gathering. <i>Let them dispose of their
+effects as fast as circumstances will possibly admit</i>, without making
+too great sacrifice, and <i>remove to our city and county</i>. * * * <i>This
+cannot be too forcibly impressed</i> on the <i>minds of all</i>, and the elders
+are hereby instructed to proclaim this word in all places where the
+Saints reside in their public ministrations, <i>for this is according to
+the instructions we have received from the Lord</i>. (My italics.)</p>
+
+<p>Again, on May 24, 1841, the Prophet said this gathering to Hancock
+and Lee counties was "important and should be attended to <i>by all who
+feel an interest in the prosperity of this corner stone of Zion</i>," and
+the Twelve Apostles a short time later, under the direction of the
+First Presidency, in an epistle to the Saints, said: "We say to <i>all
+Saints who desire to do the will of heaven</i>, arise, and tarry not, but
+come up hither to the place of gathering <i>as speedily as possible</i>."
+(My italics.)</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Briggs visited Nauvoo once in 1843, but again returned to
+Wisconsin (Reorg. Hist. 3:737) where he lived until 1854, either
+defying this commandment or else ignoring it, thus proving he was not
+in harmony with the Presidency of the Church, and was one who did not
+"desire to do the will of heaven." If he had been faithful he would
+have gone to Nauvoo and remained there and assisted in the building of
+the Temple, but he did not do so, <i>was not diligent</i> and went contrary
+to the "instructions" the Presidency had "received from the Lord." That
+the Lord would not choose such an unfaithful servant to build up His
+Church, give him revelations and cause him to stand as president pro
+tem., in the place of the Seed of Joseph Smith, which Reorganites claim
+Jason W. Briggs did, is obvious and requires no further comment.</p>
+
+<p><a name="1.4"></a><a href="#1.4text">4.</a> I have been taken to task for saying that
+about this time Jason W. Briggs organized the Beloit branch for the
+Strang organization. Reorganites claim that the Beloit branch was
+raised up in 1842 or 1843—they don't know just when. For the sake
+of the argument we will grant that a branch was organized at Beloit in
+1842 or 1843. If so, the faithful members of that branch removed to
+Nauvoo, agreeable to the commandment of the Lord previously quoted.
+Those who remained at Beloit, like Jason W. Briggs, were not faithful
+in that they did not "desire to do the will of heaven." And what
+has been said of Mr. Briggs, will also apply to them. Nevertheless,
+between 1846 and 1848, Jason W. Briggs organized the Beloit branch for
+Strang's organization, or else the Reorganite history is at fault.
+They say that in 1849 the Beloit branch was a Strangite branch, and
+remained with Mr. Strang until 1850 (Reorg. Hist., 3:737). Most of
+these members—and they were few—after they left the
+Strangites joined the organization of William B. Smith's organizations
+were without authority, so whatever power those unfaithful members had
+before 1844, they lost when they joined these apostate organizations of
+Strang, et al. For they could not take power or authority with them.
+This truth is expressed by an officer of the Reorganized Church who
+said, at Galland's Grove, Iowa, October 25, 1863: "Whenever individuals
+claiming authority under the church as organized by the first Joseph,
+become members of any faction, they immediately become divested of
+all authority except that received from that faction." (True Saints'
+Herald, Vol. 4, page 158).</p>
+
+<p><a name="1.5"></a><a href="#1.5text">5.</a> In a vain effort to blind the readers of the
+Saints' Herald the "defender" tries to make it appear that I state here
+that Zenas H. Gurley left the "Reorganized" church; but from the way he
+writes it, it is evident that he doesn't himself believe that any such
+attempt was made. Zenas H. Gurley, Sen., died August 28, 1871, and in
+speaking of his <i>family</i> in 1886—fifteen years later—it is
+obvious that the reference does not include him. That Mr. Gurley left
+them when he got on the other side, I have my reasons to believe, but
+at no time in the entire publication has he been confounded with his
+son of the same name. The son is mentioned <i>but once</i> and then only
+incidentally and unavoidably in connection with the withdrawal of Jason
+W. Briggs from the "Reorganization." The <i>family</i> of Zenas H. Gurley
+mentioned here consisted of his wife Margaret, sons Zenas H. (who was
+one of their "Apostles") Edwin H., and their wives. The attempt of the
+writer of the "defense" to throw dust in the eyes of the readers of
+the <i>Saints' Herald</i> as he has done here and at many other points, is
+contemptible.</p>
+
+<p><a name="1.6"></a><a href="#1.6text">6.</a> In the "defense" that appeared in the
+Saints' Herald, June 30, 1909, in answer to this, the statement is made
+that, "Those were received whose original baptisms had been performed
+either previously to 1844 or by men who held authority previous to
+1844." This declaration helps their cause not at all, for whatever
+authority any of those men who were active in these various "factions"
+may have held, when in the Church, they could not take it with them,
+when they withdrew. Moreover, action was taken against them and they
+were divested of all authority by the Church of Jesus Christ of
+Latter-day Saints, from which their authority came. And what authentic
+proof have they to offer that these men had authority in the Prophet's
+day? Zenas H. Gurley, and Jason W. Briggs were confessedly, the two
+most active and most noted in this work of the "Reorganization." Mr.
+Gurley, it is true, was senior president of the 21st quorum of Seventy
+at Nauvoo before he left the Church, having been ordained under the
+direction of President Joseph Young. He claimed it was by virtue of
+this office in the Priesthood that he officiated originally in the
+bringing forth of the "New Organization," in 1852. (True Saints'
+Herald, Vol. I, page 56). Yet the president of the "Reorganization"
+himself repudiates that authority. (See section on Succession, subject
+<i>Properly Ordained?</i>)</p>
+
+<p>It is claimed by the "Reorganization" that Mr. Briggs was an Elder
+in 1842, but that also is mere sayso, there is no authentic record for
+it. In proof of this I submit the following correspondence.</p>
+<blockquote>
+<p class="right">Salt Lake City., Feb. 21, 1905.</p>
+
+<p><i>Mr. Heman C. Smith, Church Historian, Reorganized Church</i>.</p>
+
+<p>Dear Sir: The 3rd volume of the "History of the Reorganized Church,"
+page 737, states that Jason W. Briggs was ordained an Elder in 1842.
+Will you kindly inform me who ordained him and the date of the
+ordination; also the authority on which the statement of the ordination
+is made, and oblige?</p>
+
+<p class="right">Very respectfully, <br>
+JOSEPH F. SMITH, JR.</p>
+</blockquote>
+<p>The reply dated Lamoni, Iowa, Feb. 26, 1905, is as follows:</p>
+<blockquote>
+<p><i>Mr. Joseph F. Smith, Jr.</i> <i>Salt Lake City, U.</i></p>
+
+<p>Dear Sir: Yours of February 21, is at hand and contents noted.</p>
+
+<p>Replying we will say we are not able to inform you as to who
+officiated in the ordination of Elder Jason W. Briggs to the office of
+Elder; nor can we give you the date any nearer than the year 1842.</p>
+
+<p>The authority upon which the statement was made is the sworn
+statement of Elder Briggs in the Temple Lot Case. See Plaintiff's
+Abstract, page 393.</p>
+
+<p class="right">Very respectfully, <br>
+
+HEMAN C. SMITH.</p>
+</blockquote>
+<p>In the formation of the "New Organization" (now the
+"Reorganization") Mr. Briggs acted by virtue of the office of High
+Priest. Mr. Gurley says they had "two High Priests (Mr. Briggs being
+one of them) and one senior President of the Seventies." (The Seventy
+being himself). See True Saints' Herald, Vol. I, page 56. And in the
+"revelation" given by Mr. Deam it was stated that "It is my will that
+you respect authority in my Church, therefore let the greatest among
+you preside at your conference." (True Saints' Herald, Vol. I, p. 55).
+Mr. Jason W. Briggs was chosen to preside (p. 57). Where did he get
+his authority as a High Priest by which he had the right to preside?
+From James J. Strang. The Voree record of conferences, April 8, 1846,
+contains the following: "Resolved unanimously that Jason W. Briggs be
+ordained a High Priest. Ordination under the hands of President James
+J. Strang and William Marks."</p>
+
+<p><a name="1.7"></a><a href="#1.7text">7.</a> In reply to this the Reorganite "defender"
+declares that I have not been fair to Mr. Briggs, that if he believed
+"even one section out of what was in excess of one hundred, both as
+to its genuineness and authenticity, it would necessarily follow that
+he believed to an extent in the mission of Joseph Smith through whom
+it was given, in that case Joseph F. Smith, Jr., could not truthfully
+use the language he did in describing Briggs' attitude toward the
+Standard works of the Church." * * * * Mr. Briggs denied the <i>plenary</i>
+inspiration of the sacred books; but that is neither a denial of the
+authenticity, or of the partiality of their inspiration."</p>
+
+<p>This is a mere quibble. Mr. Briggs denied the gathering of Israel;
+temple building and the ceremonial endowments therein; the salvation
+of the dead through the temple ordinances, which the Prophet Joseph
+said was "the burden of the Scriptures;" the law of tithing and of
+consecration, the only law by which Zion could be redeemed and built;
+the right of Joseph Smith or any other man to be a sole mouthpiece of
+God to the Church; the plenary inspiration and consequent absolute
+authority of the <i>Scriptures</i>; and the revelation on temple building.
+What else he did not believe is not stated; but <i>if</i> there is any
+fundamental principle in the mission of the Prophet Joseph, or in the
+Scriptures that he <i>did believe</i>, surely he ought to have full credit
+for it!</p>
+
+<p><a name="1.8"></a><a href="#1.8text">8.</a> The writer of the "defense" also very
+peevishly objects to the statement that Mr. Briggs was unstable to the
+last. He says: "If unstable and discontented <i>to</i> the last, he could
+not have been stable and contented for a generation preceding the
+'last'. If stable and contented for upwards of thirty years preceding
+the last (1886,) then Mr. Smith uttered an untruth, then he reflected
+a falsehood, when he said Briggs was 'unstable' and discontent 'to the
+last.' Why not tell the truth about him even though an 'apostate?' I
+see no excuse for reflecting on his stability any part of his life. If
+he stepped momentarily aside from his path in the early part of his
+life it was because his north star was obscured by a cloud he could
+not avoid; but as soon as the cloud disappeared and his guiding star
+was again visible, he resumed his pathway. No lack of stability there.
+* * * * Joseph F. Smith, Jr., should tell the truth, even about the
+dead."</p>
+
+<p>Another quibble. This is rather a severe arraignment to come from
+a member of the "Reorganized" Church, which organization has been from
+its beginning so energetic in maligning the leaders of the Church of
+Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, both living and dead, accusing them
+of every wickedness under the sun, even going so far as to accuse
+President Young of being an accomplice in the death of the Prophet
+Joseph Smith. (See R. C. Evans, in Toronto Star, of January 28, 1905,
+and Saints' Herald, Vol. 32:190.)</p>
+
+<p>Well, let us see wherein we have wrongfully accused Mr. Briggs. He
+joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1841; failed
+to gather at Nauvoo when commanded; left the Church in 1846 during the
+exodus, "because he had no root;" joined James J. Strang in 1846 and
+remained with him until 1850; left Mr. Strang and followed William
+Smith until 1851; left William Smith and joined with Zenas H. Gurley
+in the "New Organization of the Church," which finally resulted in the
+forming of the "Reorganized" Church; remained with this organization
+until 1886, when he withdrew from it and died at Harris, Colorado,
+January 11, 1899, rejecting the work he performed in all these
+organizations. Moreover, he was "ordained" April 8, 1846 to the office
+of "High Priest" by James J. Strang, and declared that Strang was
+Joseph Smith's legal successor as this letter will show:</p>
+
+<p>"The following letter was written in answer to one from Mr. Briggs
+of Wisconsin. His letter is too scurrilous to appear in print,
+therefore we publish only the reply of Mr. Bacon."</p>
+
+<p>"Beaver Island, July 18th, 1851.</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Briggs:</p>
+
+<p>"Sir: Some time since I received a letter from you in which you
+claim to take the liberty to write to me, on the ground that our
+acquaintance had been such as to forbid personal enmities; and,
+therefore, you would carry out the precept: 'Do unto others as you
+would have others do unto you;' and that I was less orthodox in the
+pretenses of Strang, etc., than some others. * * * * * I will not
+notice the argument, powerful as it may be, which you assert you have
+found upon examination, touching the letter of appointment. But what
+examination can this be, in which you have found out that you spoke
+that which was not true? <i>When you declared in public congregations, at
+your own fireside, and at the fireside of your neighbors</i>, that Joseph
+Smith wrote with his own hand the 'Letter of Appointment' (for you saw
+him in vision) and your surprise and faith in the 'knocking spirits' of
+New York, from the fact that they (the spirits) asserted the same?"</p>
+
+<p>He represented the Beloit and Prairie branches of Strang's church
+at the conference held in October, 1848, (Voree Record) and traveled
+quite extensively for that cult from 1846 to 1850. When he joined
+William B. Smith he acknowledged him as Prophet and leader, was
+ordained by William B. Smith, an "Apostle." After he left William
+B. Smith and joined Zenas H. Gurley he claimed to have a revelation
+embodying the very things he repudiated when he withdrew from the
+"Reorganization."</p>
+
+<p>To Mathias F. Cowley, in the presence of others, Mr. Briggs, a
+short time before his death in answer to the question whether the
+"revelation" he received in 1851 was true or not, said: "You know we
+learn by experience. I would not like to claim it to be a revelation
+now, but it is just as good as any revelation that was given to Joseph
+Smith."</p>
+
+<p>Although he remained with the "Reorganized" Church for thirty years,
+if this record does not show that he was unstable of character at the
+beginning all the way through and "to the end," pray tell, what does
+instability mean!</p>
+
+<p><a name="1.9"></a><a href="#1.9text">9.</a> The members of the "Reorganized" Church
+in the beginning laid great stress on the statement that the Prophet
+Joseph Smith was smitten by the shaft of death (D. & C. 85th sec.)
+for putting forth his hand to steady the ark of God, and that his
+successor should be the "one mighty and strong," the Lord should send,
+"holding the sceptre of power in his hand, clothed with light for a
+covering, whose mouth shall utter words, eternal words; while his
+bowels shall be a fountain of truth, to set in order the house of God,
+and to arrange by lot the inheritances of the Saints, whose names are
+found, and the names of their fathers, and of their children, enrolled
+in the book of the law of God."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Briggs in his "revelation" says the Prophet's successor should
+be one mighty and strong and one of his seed, and for years the claim
+was made that Joseph Smith the present head of the "Reorganization,"
+was that personage. This is emphatically declared in the "Successor,"
+(revised edition) and in various numbers of the "Saints' Herald" and
+other of their publications. This is from page 66, Vol. 17, True L.
+D. S. Herald: "God foreknew the character of sister Emma—that
+she would be faithful and true to him who had called her—and he
+<i>elected</i> her to be the mother of the successor of the Martyr—the
+"one mighty and strong," who is "to set in order the <i>house</i> of God,
+(i. e., the church; see I. Tim. iii. 15; I. Pet. iv. 17; Heb. iii. 6),
+and arrange by lot the inheritances of the Saints; the man who shall
+lead them (the Saints) like as Moses led the children of Israel, (which
+was by direct revelation from God), and who, when sent of God, would
+find the Saints in 'bondage,' from which they should be 'led out' by
+power, (of God) 'and with a stretched out arm.'"</p>
+
+<p>That's the way they formerly gave it; but they have been forced to
+recede because their president has not come up to this standard of the
+one spoken of in the Prophet's revelation. Therefore they have, since
+1900, resolved:</p>
+
+<p>"Whereas, we have received no divine communication authorizing any
+particular interpretation of the revelation before us; and as the
+Reorganized Church has never taken action upon the matter;</p>
+
+<p>"Resolved, that we leave it an open question, to be decided as
+God may develop His purposes among us, while we acknowledge the
+leading features in it to be prominently characteristic of Jesus
+Christ." (From a letter by Joseph Smith of the "Reorganization" in my
+possession—J. F. S., Jr.)</p>
+
+<p>This is rather a hard jolt to Mr. Briggs' "revelation."</p>
+
+<p><a name="1.10"></a><a href="#1.10text">10.</a> The Reorganite "defender" says, "Also, we
+wish Mr. Smith to note, that the Lord in the same connection says, 'If
+my people will hearken to my voice,' they shall not be moved out of
+their place. Were they moved? Yes, they were cannonaded from Nauvoo,
+their enemies scattered them, some of them went to Utah. Was it because
+they "hearkened," or because they had not hearkened?"</p>
+
+<p>He misinterprets the Scriptures. Thus do they read:</p>
+
+<p>"And if my people will hearken unto my voice, <i>and unto the voice of
+my servants whom I have appointed to lead my people</i>, behold, verily I
+say unto you, they shall not be moved out of their place" (verse 45).
+Who these <i>servants</i> were that the Saints should <i>"hearken"</i> to, the
+Lord informs us in verses 124 to 129 of this same section. "First, I
+give unto you Hyrum Smith, to be a Patriarch unto you, * * * I give
+unto you Joseph Smith, to be a presiding elder over all my Church. *
+* * I give unto him for counselors my servant Sidney Rigdon, and my
+servant William Law. * * * * I give unto you my servant Brigham Young,
+to be a President over the Twelve traveling council, which Twelve hold
+the keys to open up the authority of my kingdom upon the four corners
+of the earth, and after that to send my word to every creature; They
+are—Heber C. Kimball, Parley P. Pratt, Orson Pratt, Orson Hyde,
+William Smith, John Taylor, John E. Page, Wilford Woodruff, Willard
+Richards, George A. Smith." These were the general authorities who
+were to be <i>"hearkened"</i> to. And the people hearkened to the Prophets
+Joseph and Hyrum Smith until their death, then the right of presidency
+fell on the shoulders of the Twelve. The faithful Saints "hearkened" to
+them and helped them to build the Temple. But the unfaithful rejected
+these servants whom the Lord in this revelation gave to the Church
+for the Saints to hearken to, departed from Nauvoo, refused to comply
+with the command of the Lord to build His house, and were consequently
+<i>moved out of their place</i> in the Church into the "Reorganization." The
+moving "out of their place" did not refer to the location (Nauvoo) but
+to their place in the Kingdom of God; or, the Church of Jesus Christ
+of Latter-day Saints. And all who refused to obey this commandment
+and hearken to these <i>servants</i> were removed from the Church. "But if
+they will not hearken to my voice, <i>nor unto the voice of these men
+whom I have appointed</i>, they shall not be blest, because they pollute
+mine holy grounds, and mine holy ordinances, and charters, and my holy
+words which I give unto them. And it shall come to pass, That if you
+build a house unto my name, and <i>do not do the things that I say</i>, (i.
+e., hearken to "the voice of these men whom I have appointed") I will
+not perform the oath which I make unto you, neither fulfil the promise
+which ye expect at my hands, saith the Lord." (verses 46-7).</p>
+
+<p><a name="1.11"></a><a href="#1.11text">11.</a> The Reorganite response to this is as
+follows: "Not by any means, no such an indication. We have seen that
+they were diligent <i>in</i> May 1842—not <i>up to</i>. The corner-stone
+of the edifice had been laid April 6, 1841, over a year from the date
+of the quotation. Room for a great deal of lagging between those two
+periods of time."</p>
+
+<p>"The next quotation is from Hyrum Smith (no reference) at the April
+Conference, 1844, who speaks of, as Joseph F. Smith [Jr.], puts it, the
+'willingness of the Saints to do the work as late as 1844.' Yes, but he
+does not say they had been willing afforded time <i>up to</i> 1844. From May
+1842, to April, 1844, (nearly two years), afforded time to be guilty of
+lethargy and to falter enough to incur the penalty the fiat of the Lord
+had fixed."</p>
+
+<p>Such miserable, puerile, balderdash set forth as argument, is
+disgusting. Nevertheless it is characteristic of the "defense"
+writer who, throughout, argues in this fashion, failing to present
+the quotations he attacks for fear his readers will discover his
+dishonorable methods. He was afraid to present to his readers the
+quotation from the remarks of Patriarch Hyrum Smith and the quotation
+from the Prophet wherein he said:</p>
+
+<p>"Never since the formation of this Church was laid have we seen
+manifest a greater willingness to comply with the requisitions of
+Jehovah, a more ardent desire to do the will of God; more strenuous
+exertions used or greater sacrifices made, than have been SINCE <i>the
+Lord said</i>, LET THE TEMPLE BE BUILT BY THE TITHING OF MY PEOPLE!"</p>
+
+<p>The reasons he did not give these quotations is, that he knew his
+readers would see his trickery and deception. Then he goes on to argue
+that the Saints were not <i>diligent</i> in September 1841, because the Lord
+said at that time: "Let the work of my Temple, and <i>all the works which
+I have appointed unto you</i>, be continued on and not cease, let <i>your
+diligence</i> and <i>your perseverance</i>, and <i>patience</i>, and <i>your works be
+redoubled</i>, and you shall in no wise lose your reward." (My italics).
+Therefore, he argues, "they were not sufficiently diligent at that
+time," because they were commanded to <i>redouble</i> their works. "That at
+least makes one positive break in Mr. Smith's chain of diligence."</p>
+
+<p>Let us see: their works that were to be redoubled were not confined
+to the building of the Temple, and the context of this revelation (see
+sec. 127) proves that they were in favor with the Lord and had been
+<i>diligent</i> and <i>patient</i> and <i>persevering</i> in their works. We have
+seen too, from the Prophet's own words, that "laboring with their
+might" meant <i>one-tenth</i> of their <i>time</i> or <i>means—a tithing</i> of
+the people, which is all the Lord had asked of them, and this could
+be redoubled without any thought of lethargy or lack of diligence.
+There is no sense in the Reorganite "defender," being unreasonable,
+technical and peevish in this matter to win a point for a dilapidated
+cause. There is sufficient evidence given in this book; and it is not
+all that could be given by any means, to show that the Saints labored
+faithfully, diligently, and did all that the Lord required of them
+until they had completed the Temple; and that, too, while they were
+being harassed, persecuted, and in every way opposed by their enemies.
+All these facts the "defender" very carefully avoids.</p>
+
+<p>Another thing. Who was it that failed to be diligent and to labor
+with their mights in building the Temple? Those scattered members
+who refused to go to Nauvoo when commanded, and afterwards,—if
+we may accept Reorganite testimony—became the nucleus of their
+Church! Those who fled from Nauvoo with James J. Strang, Sidney Rigdon
+and William Smith; forsaking the Church; refusing to assist in the
+completion of the Temple; opposing the building of that edifice; even
+prophesying that it would not be built, and blocking the progress of
+its erection! Notwithstanding the Lord declared to Parley P. Pratt in
+a revelation just following the martyrdom—which is accepted by
+the Reorganites as genuine—"Go and say unto <i>my people</i> (not
+rejected) in Nauvoo, that they shall continue to pursue their daily
+duties and take care of themselves, and make no movement in <i>Church
+government</i> to reorganize or alter anything until the return of the
+remainder of the quorum of the Twelve (not rejected). <i>But exhort
+them that they continue to build the House of the Lord which I have
+commanded them to build in Nauvoo</i>." (My comments and italics).
+Autobiography of Parley P. Pratt, page 371). Notwithstanding this
+commandment, some forsook Nauvoo and refused to assist in building the
+Temple, and these were the ones who afterwards became active members
+of the "Reorganization." It will take more evidence than a lot of
+innuendos, accusations, and downright sophistry to prove that the Lord
+rejected those who labored diligently on the Temple, according to His
+command, and accepted those who rejected the Temple, and refused to
+assist in its erection.</p>
+
+<p><a name="1.12"></a><a href="#1.12text">12.</a> Commenting on this the Reorganite
+"defender" says: "On page 23 he quotes from Sidney Rigdon, 'In the
+<i>Messenger</i> and <i>Advocate</i> for June, 1846;' and on next page (24) he
+says: 'At that time (June, 1846) the temple was not quite finished.' On
+page 24, not finished in June, and on page 23, finished on May 1st. On
+which page is he correct?"</p>
+
+<p>If the foregoing criticism was written through ignorance, of
+course the writer may be excused, for one cannot be expected to
+furnish reasoning powers to men who lack the capacity to understand
+a simple fact. But it appears very forcibly that it is a deliberate
+prevarication, prepared purposely to deceive, and thus shall I look
+upon it, rather than lay it to his stupidity.</p>
+
+<p>There is no contradiction whatever here, for I did not say, as
+he gives it: "At this time (June, 1846) the Temple was not quite
+finished." The reference taken from the letter of Sidney Rigdon,
+appeared in the <i>Messenger</i> and <i>Advocate</i> of June, 1846, along with
+a number of other articles <i>written</i> in March, April and May, 1846.
+Any greenhorn, much less a man of wisdom and intelligence, knows that
+an article appearing in a monthly magazine is <i>always written before</i>
+the date of publication of the magazine, and more was this the case
+in 1846, when the modern improvements and facilities were not to be
+had by a small country publication. Now, what I did say—which
+would have been apparent to his readers had he dared to publish the
+statement of Sidney Rigdon and my comment which proves the diligence of
+the Saints <i>up to</i> the last—was this: "This article was written
+just shortly after the exodus commenced, and at <i>that time</i> (i. e.,
+shortly after the exodus commenced) the Temple was not quite finished,
+but it was finished before all the Saints left Nauvoo." (See context).
+This harmonizes perfectly with the date of dedication. Moreover, Sidney
+Rigdon had not been at Nauvoo since before the exodus commenced, which
+was in February, 1846, not June, and was not prepared to say just what
+the Saints did after that time.</p>
+
+<p><a name="1.13"></a><a href="#1.13text">13.</a> In answer to the question, "when was the
+Church rejected with its dead?" the president of the "Reorganization"
+in an editorial in the Saints' Herald, February 17, 1905, said: "We
+are not aware that specific date or time, or any one specific act has
+been fixed upon as <i>the</i> time and <i>the</i> event when and why the Church
+was rejected." He then declares that the seed was sown as early as 1843
+that finally grew and culminated in the "rejection of the Church."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Heman C. Smith quotes Lyman Wight (True Succession, p. 74)
+as follows: "We were to have sufficient time to build that house,
+[Nauvoo Temple] during which time our baptisms for our dead should be
+acceptable in the river. If we did not build within this time we were
+to be rejected as a church, we and our dead together. Both the Temple
+and baptizing went very leisurely, till the Temple was somewhere in
+building the second story, when Brother Joseph from the stand announced
+the alarming declaration that baptism for the dead was no longer
+acceptable in the river. As much to say the time for building the
+Temple had passed by, and both we and our dead were rejected together.
+* * *</p>
+
+<p>"The Church now stands rejected together with their dead. The Church
+being rejected now stands alienated from her God in every sense of the
+word."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Heman C. Smith accepts this statement saying: "What but blind
+ambition to rule prevented others of the signers [Apostles] from
+recognizing the consequence so apparent?"</p>
+
+<p>This was written by Lyman Wight in <i>1851</i> and was an <i>afterthought</i>
+on his part, for he continued to work in the ministry until the death
+of Joseph and Hyrum Smith, without one intimation by word or deed that
+the Church had been rejected in 1841. Moreover, if the Saints could
+get the structure of a building that cost a million dollars "somewhere
+in building the second story" in that time of distress and trouble,
+within <i>about six months</i> they could not possibly have worked <i>very
+leisurely</i>, and the Prophet in 1842 praised them for their diligence
+and zeal. (See page 38).</p>
+
+<p>Another Reorganite writer (A. M. Chase) in the Saints' Herald for
+June 20, 1906, declares that the Church was rejected in 1841: "When
+this appointment was ended by revelation, October 3, 1841, and the
+temple not completed, then all Israel should have known they were
+'rejected as a church' with their dead."</p>
+
+<p>It is quite evident that the sufficient time was up on this date,
+for they were to have the privilege to baptize in the river "while
+the time was passing" and this privilege of baptizing in the river
+terminated, October 3, 1841, thus proving that the time had come for
+baptisms in the Temple. It was not <i>finished</i> and the revelation did
+not call for it to be <i>finished</i>, and at this time it was <i>built</i>
+sufficiently for this ordinance to be attended to in the font in
+the proper way. For that reason the Lord transferred the ordinance
+of baptism for the dead from the river to the font of the Lord's
+House. That he had not rejected the Church is evident from this very
+commandment, for in it the Lord tells them to baptize in the font in
+the Temple, which He would not have done had they been rejected. If He
+had rejected them He would have stated so positively in a revelation to
+the Prophet, for he received several revelations <i>after</i> this event and
+some of them were concerning baptism for the dead and temple work. (See
+sections 127 and 128). This commandment given to the Church in 1841 and
+other revelations subsequently, prove conclusively that the Lord would
+and did accept of the work for the dead in the Temple, without it being
+"completely finished," after the privilege to baptize in the river had
+expired. The thing for which they were to be rejected was the failure
+to perform these ordinances, <i>after the expiration of river baptisms</i>,
+and the Saints did not fail to perform the ordinances in the Temple.</p>
+
+<p><a name="1.14"></a><a href="#1.14text">14.</a> The Reorganite "defender" at this point
+carefully avoids the evidence and argument presented here, and argues
+at great length attempting to prove that the Church was rejected
+because the Lord said He was "<i>about</i> to restore many things to the
+earth pertaining to the Priesthood." The Lord said: "I deign to reveal
+unto <i>My Church</i>, things which have been kept hid from before the
+foundation of the world, things that pertain to the dispensation of the
+fulnesss of times." The "defender" says these things were not revealed,
+nor restored to the Church; that no revelations that were kept hid from
+before the foundation of the world, pertaining to the Priesthood in the
+dispensation of the fulnesss of times, have been revealed from heaven;
+therefore the Church was rejected with its dead. He says their Doctrine
+and Covenants contains no such revelations; that no such revelations
+are to be found in our edition of the Doctrine and Covenants; and,
+therefore, he concludes, no such revelations have been given to us, or
+the Church; so the Church must have been rejected.</p>
+
+<p>He asks me to answer the following questions: "Now let us ask, Mr.
+Smith: Have any such revelations been received? Name them. Where are
+they and what are they?"</p>
+
+<p>I have taken this matter up under the head of "Temple Building and
+Ceremonial Endowments Therein." All that is necessary to say here is
+this: If the Lord kept things hid from the world since before the
+foundation thereof was laid and now has revealed them to His people,
+they are not intended for the world and necessarily will not be
+found in the written word. Such revelations have been revealed unto
+the Church in the Temples of the Lord; but I shall <i>not</i> name them.
+If the Lord saw fit to keep them from the world, yes, and from the
+dispensations past, He does not intend to reveal them to the world
+<i>now</i>; neither to the scoffer and the unbeliever in His works. Let our
+friend read Matthew 7:10-12, as it is given in the Holy Scriptures:
+"<i>And the mysteries of the kingdom ye shall keep within yourselves</i>;
+for it is not meet to give that which is holy unto the dogs; neither
+cast ye your pearls unto swine, lest they trample them under their
+feet. For the world cannot receive that which ye, yourselves, are not
+able to bear; wherefore ye shall not give your pearls unto them, lest
+they turn again and rend you."</p>
+
+
+
+<h2>Succession in the Presidency of the Church.</h2>
+
+<p class="centered">* * * * *</p>
+
+<p class="centered">An Address Delivered in the Weber Stake Tabernacle, Ogden, Sunday,
+April 28, 1907, by Elder Joseph F. Smith, Jr.</p>
+
+<p class="centered">* * * * *</p>
+
+<p>A short time ago I was invited to address the Saints from this
+stand on the subject of "The Origin of the Reorganized Church." It has
+been thought by some that it would be wise to continue the subject and
+therefore I have been invited to address you this afternoon on the
+question of Succession in the Presidency of the Church. In doing so, I
+desire it to be understood that I have no feeling of animosity towards
+those of a different faith; but so much has been said on the other
+side of this question, and so little in our defense, that I feel it
+important to deal with this subject.</p>
+
+<p>The testimony on which members of the so-called "Reorganized" Church
+base their contention that Joseph, son of the Prophet Joseph Smith,
+should have succeeded his father in the Presidency of the Church is as
+follows:</p>
+
+<p>1. That it is his right by the law of lineage—that the office
+of president of the High Priesthood descends from father to the first
+born son.</p>
+
+<p>2. That it is his right by appointment of his father.</p>
+
+<p>3. That he was properly ordained by those holding the authority to
+preach and administer in the ordinances of the gospel.</p>
+
+<p>We shall take these questions up and consider them and will refer
+to the passages in the Doctrine and Covenants that are used by these
+people, together with other passages that they do not use, and we will
+see just how much there is in them in support of their position.</p>
+
+<p>We will first consider the statement that the Prophet was to choose
+his successor. The passages referred to in support of this are in
+the Doctrine and Covenants as follows: Sections 28:6-7, 35:18, and
+43:2-5. These I shall read to you. I cannot stop now to explain the
+circumstances under which these revelations were given, and take it for
+granted that you will consider that matter for yourselves. The first of
+these was given to Oliver Cowdery and I read, beginning with the 4th
+verse:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"And if thou art led at any time by the Comforter, to speak or
+ teach, or at all times by the way of commandment unto the Church,
+ thou mayest do it. But thou shalt not write by way of commandment,
+ but by wisdom; and thou shalt not command him who is at thy head,
+ and at the head of the Church, for I have given him the keys of
+ the mysteries, and the revelations which are sealed, until I shall
+ appoint unto them another in his stead."</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>You see, the Lord was to appoint another.</p>
+
+<p>The passage in section 35 is as follows:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"And I have sent forth the fulnesss of my Gospel by the hand of
+ my servant Joseph; and in weakness have I blessed him, and I have
+ given unto him the keys of the mystery of those things which have
+ been sealed, even things which were from the foundation of the
+ world, and the things which shall come from this time until the
+ time of my coming, IF HE ABIDE IN ME, AND IF NOT, ANOTHER WILL I
+ PLANT IN HIS STEAD. Wherefore, watch over him that his faith fail
+ not, and it shall be given by the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, that
+ knoweth all things."</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>The third passage is as follows, beginning with the first verse:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"O hearken, ye Elders of my Church, and give an ear to the word
+ which I shall speak unto you; for behold verily, verily, I say unto
+ you, that ye have received a commandment for a law unto my Church,
+ through him whom I have appointed unto you, to receive commandments
+ and revelations from my hand.</p>
+
+ <p>"And this ye shall know assuredly that there is none other
+ appointed unto you to receive commandments and revelations until
+ he be taken, if he abide in me. But verily, verily, I say unto
+ you, that none else shall be appointed unto this gift except it be
+ through him, FOR IF IT BE TAKEN FROM HIM, he shall not have power
+ except to appoint another in his stead; and this shall be a law
+ unto you, that ye receive not the teachings of any that shall come
+ before you as revelations or commandments; and this I give unto you
+ that you may not be deceived, that you may know they are not of me."</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>These revelations, extracts from which I have read, were all given
+between September, 1830, and the first of March, 1831. At that time the
+Church was less than one year old, and was not fully organized with
+its various officers as we have it today. The quorums of Apostles and
+Seventies were not called till 1835—over four years subsequent to
+these revelations. When they were given the Prophet Joseph was young
+and inexperienced, and this law was laid down for the government of
+the Church as it existed at that time, as these revelations clearly
+indicate. You will notice from these passages, that the Lord was to
+choose another in the Prophet's stead in case of his removal through
+transgression, or for any other cause, during that incipient stage of
+the history of the Church. It was necessary at that time that some
+provision be made for the perpetuity of the prophetic office, in case
+that Joseph Smith should not prove faithful to the great trust in
+the days of his preparation and qualification, and before he became
+thoroughly seasoned and fitted for this important calling. In such an
+emergency the power of necessity must have been conferred by Joseph
+Smith on his successor, for he held the keys; therefore, the Lord
+declared that in case of the prophet's transgression or removal, he
+would still retain the power in that case to ordain his successor and
+to confer upon such successor, whom the Lord was to choose, the keys
+and authority that had been conferred upon him.</p>
+
+<p>It must also be remembered that the Prophet Joseph, like the
+prophets of old and even the Savior Himself, had to continue from
+grace to grace and "increase in wisdom and stature, and in favor with
+God," and with him, as with the Master, "he received not a fulnesss
+at first;" but through trials, tribulations, and varied experiences,
+had to prove his worthiness before God in order that he might hold the
+keys of the kingdom. It was during this period of preparation that
+the expression in the revelations quoted were given regarding the
+appointment of a successor; but later the Lord revealed more of His
+will, and the Church was established with all the proper officers and
+quorums for its guidance and perpetuity, when death should remove its
+President. Moreover, while in these revelations the Lord prepared the
+means of a successor in case of the transgression or removal of Joseph
+Smith, later when he had proved himself and evinced before God through
+his faithfulness that he was worthy of the trust placed in him, the
+Lord declared that the keys of the kingdom should never be taken from
+him in the following words:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"Thus saith the Lord, verily, verily, I say unto you my son,
+ thy sins are forgiven thee according to thy petition, for thy
+ prayers and the prayers of thy brethren have come up into my ears;
+ Therefore thou art blessed from henceforth that bear the keys of
+ the kingdom given unto you; which kingdom is coming forth for the
+ last time.</p>
+
+ <p>"Verily I say unto you, the keys of this kingdom shall NEVER be
+ taken from you, while thou art in the world, neither in the world
+ to come; nevertheless, through you shall the oracles be given to
+ another, yea, even unto the CHURCH."</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>I take it as a natural sequence that this law which was given in
+March, 1833, superseded the provision made in 1830 and winter of 1831,
+wherein a law was given as a protection to the Church in case of the
+taking away of the keys from Joseph the Prophet—a contingency
+that did not arise.<sup><a name=2.1text></a><a href="#2.1">[1]</a></sup> Later in the year
+1835, when the Twelve Apostles were chosen and their duties defined,
+the Lord declared that they were equal with the Presidency as a quorum.
+That is, in case of the dissolution or destruction of the First
+Presidency of the Church, the Twelve should succeed to the presidency,
+and would thus act until such time and place as the Lord revealed that
+the First Presidency should be again organized. And whenever the First
+Presidency should be disorganized it would devolve upon the Apostles'
+quorum to set in order and direct the affairs of the Church. I quote
+from the one hundred and seventh section.</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"And they (that is the Twelve) form a quorum, equal in authority
+ and power to the three Presidents previously mentioned.</p>
+
+ <p>"The Seventy are also called to preach the Gospel and to be
+ especial witnesses unto the Gentiles and in all the world. Thus
+ differing from other officers in the Church in the duties of their
+ calling.</p>
+
+ <p>"And they form a quorum equal in authority to that of the Twelve
+ special witnesses or Apostles just named."</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>That is to say: that when the First Presidency is disorganized, the
+Twelve Apostles become the presiding quorum of the Church until the
+presidency is again organized, and during that time they are virtually
+the Presidency of the Church—the presiding quorum. If through
+some cause—which is not likely to arise—both these quorums
+should be destroyed then it would devolve on the Seventies to set in
+order the Church and they would become the presiding quorum. This is
+the law that God has revealed, and it is the only law and order of
+the Priesthood that He has revealed for the guidance of the Church in
+succession. You may search the Doctrine and Covenants from beginning to
+end and will find no other law of succession.</p>
+
+<p>I think it must be conceded that the Apostles could not be equal
+in authority with the Presidency when the First Presidency is fully
+and properly organized. There could not be two heads—or three
+heads—of equal authority at the same time, for such a thing would
+lead to confusion. Hence the Apostles are equal, as has been stated in
+that they have power to assume control of the affairs of the Church
+when the Presidency is dissolved by the death of the President. This
+idea was clearly in the mind of the Prophet when on the 16th day of
+January, 1836, in a special council of the Presidency and the Twelve,
+he said—This is in the History of the Church, vol. 2, page 374;
+also the 'Reorganite' history, vol. 2, pages 11-12:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"I next proceeded to explain the duty of the Twelve, and their
+ authority, which is next to the present Presidency, and that the
+ arrangement of the assembly in this place on the 15th instant,
+ in placing the High Council of Kirtland next the Presidency, was
+ because the business to be transacted was business relating to
+ that body in particular, which was to fill the several quorums
+ in Kirtland, not because they were first in office, and that the
+ arrangements were the most judicious that could be made on the
+ occasion; also the Twelve are not subject to any other than the
+ First Presidency; viz., myself, Sidney Rigdon, and Frederick G.
+ Williams, who are now my counselors; and where I am not, there is
+ no First Presidency over the Twelve."</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>If in such a case, there is no First Presidency over the Twelve, then
+the Twelve must be the presiding quorum of the Church when the First
+Presidency is disorganized. Again, at a special conference of the
+Church held August 16, 1841, we are informed in the minutes that the
+Prophet addressed the Saints as follows—(T. S., 2. 521.):</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"President Joseph Smith now arriving proceeded to state to the
+ conference at considerable length, the object of their present
+ meeting, and in addition to what President Young had stated in the
+ morning, said that the time had come when the Twelve should be
+ called upon to stand in their place next to the First Presidency,
+ and attend to the settling of emigrants and the business of the
+ Church at the stakes and assist to bear off the kingdom victorious
+ to the nations; and as they had been faithful and had borne the
+ burden in the heat of the day that it was right that they should
+ have an opportunity of providing something for themselves and
+ families, and at the same time relieve him so that he might attend
+ to the business of translating.</p>
+
+ <p>"Motioned, seconded and carried, that the conference approve of the
+ instructions of President Smith, in relation to the Twelve, and
+ that they proceed accordingly, to attend to the duties of their
+ office."</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>Therefore it was by right of divine appointment that the Apostles'
+quorum became the presiding quorum of the Church at the death of the
+Prophet Joseph Smith.</p>
+
+<h3>LINEAGE.</h3>
+
+<p>We will now consider this "law of lineage." From section 86, they
+quote to us as follows:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"Therefore, thus saith the Lord unto you with whom the Priesthood
+ hath continued through the lineage of your fathers, for ye are
+ lawful heirs, according to the flesh, and have been hid from the
+ world with Christ in God; therefore your life and the Priesthood
+ hath remained and must needs remain through you and your lineage,
+ until the restoration of all things spoken by the mouths of all the
+ holy prophets since the world began."</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>But they fail to quote the eleventh and succeeding verse:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"Therefore, blessed are ye if ye continue in my goodness, a light
+ unto the gentiles, and through the Priesthood, a savior unto my
+ people Israel. The Lord hath said it, Amen."</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>But to whom was this revelation given? Was it to the Prophet
+Joseph Smith alone? Is this a promise that his seed shall inherit
+the Priesthood? Certainly not. This revelation was given December 6,
+1832, to the Elders of the Church. Therefore, when members of the
+"Reorganization" declare that Joseph Smith was one of these Elders
+and must be included with his posterity in the promise, we meet their
+argument with the counter statement, that the promise was also to Hyrum
+Smith, to Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, George A. Smith, Parley P.
+Pratt, Orson Pratt, and a large number of other Elders who never have
+been identified with the "Reorganization," nor have their children, and
+to them this promise is as sure as to the seed of any others. We must
+not lose sight of the fact that no man can lay claim to salvation, nor
+to the Priesthood of God, simply because he had a faithful father. The
+inference in this eleventh verse is, that if they are not faithful,
+then they will not receive the fulfilment of the promise. The posterity
+of Joseph Smith, like the posterity of any other Elder of Israel, will
+stand or fall on their own foundation which they have builded. And if
+the sons of Joseph Smith refuse to keep the commandments, the blessings
+will pass them by; but God's work will continue until the consummation
+of all things.</p>
+
+<p>Again they quote from section 112 as follows:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"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."</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>This revelation was given to Thomas B. Marsh and the Apostles in
+July, 1837; and while it is true that the Priesthood which these men
+held did come down from the fathers, it was not from father to son,
+from generation to generation, in the flesh. For the Priesthood, as we
+know, was conferred on the heads of Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery
+by Peter, James and John. Joseph Smith's grandfather did not hold the
+Priesthood nor his fathers before him for generations upon generations.
+So we must look at this in a broader sense than our friends are willing
+that we should do. What is meant by the Priesthood coming down from
+the fathers, and that it must needs remain through the lineage of the
+Elders of the Church? It means simply this, that the Priesthood has
+come down from those who held it in ancient days and has been conferred
+upon men in this day according to promise, because they are of the seed
+of Joseph of the tribe of Ephraim. For the Lord promised to bless the
+children of Ephraim in the latter days with His power. And when the
+Church was established it was with the promise that it was never again
+to be destroyed; therefore, it must needs be that the Priesthood remain
+through the lineage of the Elders of the Church. But it will be through
+those who are faithful, and not the unfaithful sons, and there is not
+one word in these passages that declares that the Presidency of the
+High Priesthood descends from father to son, and that it is the right
+of the son of Joseph Smith to succeed his father. Not one word!</p>
+
+<p>They also quote section 110; to the effect that the generations were
+to be blessed through the seed of Joseph Smith. That passage is from a
+vision received by Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery, April 3, 1836, when
+they received the keys of various dispensations, and is as follows:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"After this, Elias appeared, and committed the dispensation of
+ the Gospel of Abraham, saying, that in us, and our seed, all
+ generations after us should be blessed."</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>Therefore they say that unless the sons of the Prophet Joseph
+Smith were in the true Church and held the Priesthood, this promise
+would fail. Not so, however. As I have said, if those sons are not
+faithful the realization of the promise will pass them by until some
+of the seed of Joseph Smith will stand up to receive the blessing.
+Furthermore, this promise was not made solely to Joseph Smith. Oliver
+Cowdery received the same blessing; but he left the Church and went
+into forbidden paths, and the promised blessing was taken from him and
+given to another. So it will be with the sons of Joseph the Prophet;
+if they repent not they shall not receive the blessing. The Lord has
+declared:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"Who am I, saith the Lord, that have promised and have not
+ fulfilled? I command and a man obeys not, I revoke and they receive
+ not the blessing."</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>I stated that this blessing that was given to Oliver Cowdery was taken
+from him and given to another. In the Doctrine and Covenants, section
+124:94-95, this is found:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"And from this time forth I appoint unto him (that is Hyrum Smith)
+ that he may be a prophet, and a seer, and a revelator unto my
+ Church, as well as my servant Joseph.</p>
+
+ <p>"That he may act in concert also with my servant Joseph, and that
+ he shall receive counsel from my servant Joseph, who shall show
+ unto him the keys whereby he may ask and receive, and be crowned
+ with the same blessing, and glory, and honor, and Priesthood, and
+ gifts of the Priesthood, that once were put upon him that was my
+ servant Oliver Cowdery."</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>Here the blessings of Oliver Cowdery are transferred to the head
+of Hyrum Smith, and, therefore, we can say with equal emphasis
+that in the seed of Hyrum Smith, as well as in the seed of Joseph
+Smith, all generations after him shall be blessed. For the Lord hath
+spoken it! Now, the seed of Hyrum Smith are not connected with the
+"Reorganization." However, in the words of another let me say:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"That the descendants of Joseph Smith, and those of Hyrum Smith,
+ stand before God as do all other men, assured of honor or dishonor,
+ exaltation or degradation, according to their individual works."</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>We are also referred to verses 56-58 of section 124, which, perhaps,
+is a passage on which they lay the greatest stress of all. I shall read
+beginning with the fifty-sixth verse, and ask you to follow me closely
+and I will read it as clearly as I possibly can:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"And now I say unto you, as pertaining to my boarding house which I
+ have commanded you to build for the boarding of strangers, let it
+ be built unto my name, and let my name be named upon it, and let my
+ servant Joseph, and his house have place therein, from generation
+ to generation;</p>
+
+ <p>"For this anointing have I put upon his head, that his blessing
+ shall also be put upon the head of his posterity after him.</p>
+
+ <p>"And as I said unto Abraham concerning the kindreds of the earth,
+ even so I say unto my servant Joseph, in thee and in thy seed shall
+ the kindred of the earth be blessed."</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>You see it says, "this anointing have I put upon his head." What
+anointing does this refer to? Notice that it says, "as pertaining to
+my boarding house * * let my servant Joseph, and his house have place
+therein, from generation to generation." That is the anointing the
+term "this" refers to. It is the place in that boarding house, and has
+nothing to do with the Presidency of the Church. I have already shown
+to you that in the seed of Hyrum Smith as well as in the seed of Joseph
+Smith the generations after them were to be blessed; there is nothing
+in this promise indicating that the posterity of either of them shall
+have right to the Presidency of the Church.</p>
+
+<p>But they say this blessing does not refer to the boarding house in
+which the Prophet Joseph paid stock for himself and generations after
+him; but that it refers to the blessing of his progenitors; that is,
+to the birthright which was given to Joseph—the right of the
+primogeniture. And considering this passage Heman C. Smith, in his
+"True Succession," has the following to say:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"Here then is the blessing given to Joseph to occupy in this
+ position, and to discharge these duties and responsibilities. But
+ some one objects that this is not called a 'blessing;' but is it
+ not a blessing? However, to silence this caviling, we refer the
+ reader to the blessing of Joseph Smith as pronounced by his father
+ on the occasion of the ordination of the High Council. February 19,
+ 1834, Joseph in his history says:</p>
+
+ <p>"'My father Joseph then laid his hands upon my head and said,
+ "Joseph, I lay my hands upon thy head and pronounce the blessings
+ of thy progenitors upon thee, that thou mayest hold the keys of the
+ mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, until the coming of the Lord.
+ Amen.'" (True Succession, p. 44).</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>Then he goes on to say that this is the blessing referred to in the
+revelation I have just quoted from, and that it was the blessing of the
+primogeniture. The birthright of the first born. But Mr. Heman C. Smith
+is too hasty. Invariably in quoting this blessing given to the Prophet
+by his father and which is found in the Times and Seasons, volume 6,
+pages 994-5, they tactfully refrain from quoting what immediately
+follows. I will quote it from the Times and Seasons:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"He also laid his hands upon the head of his son Samuel and said,
+ 'Samuel, I lay my hands upon thy head, and pronounce the blessing
+ of thy progenitors upon thee, that thou mayest remain a Priest of
+ the Most High God, and like Samuel of old, hear His voice, saying,
+ Samuel, Samuel. Amen.'</p>
+
+ <p>"John Johnson also, laid his hands upon the head of his son Luke
+ and said, 'My Father in heaven, I ask thee to bless this my son,
+ according to the blessings of his forefathers, that he may be
+ strengthened in his ministry, according to his holy calling. Amen.'"</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>This proves to us that the blessing of the progenitors was not
+necessarily the blessing of the first born; nor was it the right to the
+Presidency of the Church; for Samuel received a blessing similar to
+that of his brother Joseph, and neither of them received the birthright
+in these blessings. I shall now show you that it was Hyrum Smith who
+received the blessing of the first born—the birthright—and
+it was not the Presidency of the Church either, for they are not the
+same. However, before I show this I want to read a paragraph from the
+history published by the "Reorganized" Church. This is volume 2, and
+is "written and compiled" by Joseph Smith and his assistant, Heman C.
+Smith, their historian. On pages 462-3 they give the dying blessings
+pronounced by Patriarch Joseph Smith on the heads of his children. They
+introduce this account in the following words:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"In connection with the fact that Joseph's and William's children
+ are identified with the Reorganization, while Hyrum's and Samuel's
+ are in Utah, it is interesting to note that the children of the two
+ former were to be blessed after them, while the children of the two
+ latter are not mentioned.</p>
+
+ <p>"The account of this deathbed scene and the blessings, as given by
+ Lucy Smith, the mother of the Prophet and widow of the Patriarch,
+ is as follows:"</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>Here is the blessing of Hyrum Smith:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"My son Hyrum, I seal upon your head your patriarchal blessing,
+ which I placed upon your head before, for that shall be verified.
+ In addition to this, I now give you my dying blessing, You shall
+ have a season of peace, so that you shall have sufficient rest to
+ accomplish the work which God has given you to do. You shall be
+ as firm as the pillars of heaven unto the end of your days. I NOW
+ SEAL UPON YOUR HEAD THE PATRIARCHAL POWER, and you shall bless the
+ people. This is my dying blessing upon your head in the name of
+ Jesus. Amen."</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>There is the birthright!</p>
+
+<p>And now Joseph's blessing:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"Joseph, my son, you are called to a high and holy calling. You
+ are even called to do the work of the Lord. Hold out faithful and
+ you shall be blessed and your children after you. You shall even
+ live to finish your work. At this Joseph cried out, weeping, 'Oh!
+ my father, shall I?' 'Yes,' said his father, 'you shall live to
+ lay out the plan of all the work which God has given you to do.
+ This is my dying blessing on your head, in the name of Jesus. I
+ also confirm your former blessing upon your head; for it shall be
+ fulfilled. Even so. Amen."</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>On first thought it is a little strange that the children of Joseph
+the Prophet are to be blessed after him, while that promise is not
+in the blessing of Hyrum Smith. However, let us examine the blessing
+given to Hyrum Smith a little more closely. The first sentence reads:
+"My son Hyrum, I seal upon your head your patriarchal blessing, which
+I placed upon your head before, <i>for that shall be verified</i>. And what
+followed was in addition to that former blessing so there was no need
+of repeating what that former blessing contained; but it was to be
+verified. I have before me that former blessing. This is a patriarchal
+blessing given by Patriarch Joseph Smith on the head of his son Hyrum,
+December 9, 1834, in Kirtland, Ohio, and is recorded in Patriarch
+Joseph Smith's book of blessings on pages 1 and 2, and is in the
+handwriting of Oliver Cowdery. Here is a portion of it:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"Hyrum, thou art my oldest son whom the Lord has spared unto me.
+ * * * * Behold thou art Hyrum, the Lord hath called thee by that
+ name, and by that name He has blessed thee. Thou hast borne the
+ burden and the heat of the day, thou hast toiled hard and labored
+ much for the good of thy father's family; thou hast been a stay
+ many times to them, and by thy diligence they have often been
+ sustained. Thou hast loved thy father's family with a pure love,
+ and hast greatly desired their salvation. Thou hast always stood by
+ thy father, and reached forth the helping hand to lift him up when
+ he was in affliction, and though he has been out of the way, thou
+ hast never forsaken him nor laughed him to scorn; for all these
+ kindnesses the Lord my God will bless thee."</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>I promised that I would prove to you that when the Patriarch blessed
+Joseph, his son, with the blessing of his progenitors, that it was not
+the birthright, but that that blessing was reserved for Hyrum. Here is
+the proof, or at least a portion of it. The blessing continues:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"I now ask my Heavenly Father in the name of Jesus Christ, to
+ BLESS THEE with the SAME BLESSING with which Jacob blessed his son
+ Joseph, for thou art his true descendant, and thy posterity shall
+ be numbered with the house of Ephraim, and with them thou shalt
+ stand up to crown the tribes of Israel; when they come shouting to
+ Zion. * * * *</p>
+
+ <p>"The Lord will multiply his choice blessings upon thee and thy
+ seed after thee and thou with them shall have an inheritance in
+ Zion, and they shall possess it from generation to generation, and
+ thy name shall never be blotted out from among the just, for the
+ righteous shall rise up, and also thy children after thee, and say
+ thy memory is just, that thou wert a just man and perfect in thy
+ day."</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>We see that Hyrum was blessed with the blessing of Joseph, and we learn
+from the fifth chapter of I Chronicles that through the transgression
+of Reuben, Joseph received the birthright, and he got it from his
+father Jacob. In the second verse we read:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"For Judah prevailed above his brethren, and of him came the chief
+ ruler; but the birthright was Joseph's."</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>Before we leave this chapter in Chronicles let me state that
+if Joseph received the birthright, and if the birthright and the
+Presidency of the Church were inseparable, then it should have been
+through Joseph that the Messiah should have come; but we learn that
+Judah prevailed above his brethren in this particular.</p>
+
+<p>So you see Hyrum was blessed with Joseph's blessing, and in his
+dying blessing his father declared that it should be verified! I
+maintain that the birthright therefore was not the blessing of his
+progenitors that was given to Joseph, neither to Samuel Smith.</p>
+
+<p>Our friends have solemnly informed us there was "no blessing to the
+children of Hyrum Smith." I desire to call your attention to a few
+expressions in the blessing which I have just read. The promise is
+here given that the posterity of Hyrum Smith shall be numbered with
+the house of Ephraim and shall stand up with their father to crown the
+tribes of Israel when they come shouting to Zion. Now, how can they
+crown the tribes of Israel unless they hold the Priesthood and are
+faithful men? Again, the promise is made to them that they shall have
+an inheritance in Zion and possess it from generation to generation,
+and their names never were to be blotted out. Now, how could this be
+unless they were members of the Church holding the Priesthood? For
+the faithless and unbelieving and the apostate was not to be numbered
+in Zion, but his name was to be blotted out. I think you will agree
+with me that these gentlemen in their preface to these blessings spoke
+rather hastily of the children of Hyrum Smith.</p>
+
+<p>I have here another blessing. This was given by the Prophet Joseph
+to his brother Hyrum December 18, 1833, at Kirtland, and is also
+recorded in the handwriting of Oliver Cowdery and is on file in the
+Historian's office, Salt Lake City. This blessing shows to us that the
+Prophet Joseph Smith recognized the fact that his brother Hyrum had
+received the birthright. He says:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"Blessed of the Lord is my brother Hyrum, for the integrity of his
+ heart; he shall be girt about with strength, and faithfulness shall
+ be the strength of his loins; from generation to generation he
+ shall be a shaft in the hands of his God to execute judgment upon
+ His enemies."</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>I will pause here. We are told that faithfulness shall be the strength
+of his loins. This is a figure. We all understand what it means. It
+means that the children of Hyrum Smith shall be faithful and from
+generation to generation shall be a shaft in the hands of God to
+execute His judgments. That is what it means!</p>
+
+<p>But the blessing continues:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"And he shall be hid by the hand of the Lord, that none of his
+ secret parts shall be discovered unto his enemies unto his hurt.
+ * * * He shall stand in the tracks of his father, and be numbered
+ among those who hold the right of Patriarchal Priesthood, even the
+ Evangelical Priesthood and power shall be upon him. His children
+ shall be many and his posterity numerous, and they shall rise up
+ and call him blessed."</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>Here we have the Prophet acknowledging that his brother Hyrum should
+receive the birthright, for it was the right of Patriarchal Priesthood,
+even the Evangelical Priesthood that was conferred upon the first born,
+and not the office of President of the Church.</p>
+
+<p>We learn from the Doctrine and Covenants that there are two
+offices in the Church that descend from father to son. One is that of
+the Bishopric, for upon Aaron and his sons the Lord conferred this
+Priesthood (section 68:16-18). The other is that of the Evangelist.
+This we learn in section 107, but our friends misconstrue this section
+and try to make it appear that it is the Melchizedek Priesthood that is
+meant.<sup><a name=2.2text></a><a href="#2.2">[2]</a></sup></p>
+
+<p>I will read it and you may judge for yourselves:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"It is the duty of the Twelve, in all large branches of the Church
+ to ordain Evangelical ministers, as they shall be designated unto
+ them by revelation.</p>
+
+ <p>"The order of this Priesthood was confirmed to be handed down from
+ father to son, and rightly belongs to the literal descendants of
+ the chosen seed, to whom the promises were made.</p>
+
+ <p>"This order was instituted in the days of Adam, and came down by
+ lineage in the following manner," etc.</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>Now, Hyrum Smith obtained this birthright from his father. The Prophet
+Joseph Smith declared in his blessing upon the head of his brother
+Hyrum that it was his right to walk in the footsteps of his father.
+Let's see what the Lord says about this: In section 124, verse 91, we
+read:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"And again, verily I say unto you, let my servant William (Law) be
+ appointed, ordained, and anointed, as a counselor unto my servant
+ Joseph in the room of my servant Hyrum, 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!"</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>The fact that the Lord has made two exceptions in the order of the
+Priesthood, and has so plainly indicated them proves beyond the need of
+controversy that the other offices do not so descend, for if they did,
+the Lord would not make special mention of these two. Another thing,
+if the first born son was to receive the office of Patriarch, that is
+sufficient proof that the Presidency of the High Priesthood did not
+so descend, for if it did one man must of necessity hold them both.
+Again we learn that this evangelical order came down from father to son
+and was instituted in the days of Adam. Let us see if the office of
+president has come down in that manner.</p>
+
+<p>Reorganites sometimes quote to us the following from section 81, but
+for the life of me I do not understand why, since it destroys their
+position:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"Verily, verily I say unto you my servant Frederick G. Williams
+ listen to the voice of him who speaketh, to the word of the Lord,
+ your God; and hearken to the calling wherewith you are called, even
+ to be a High Priest in my Church, and a counselor unto my servant
+ Joseph Smith, Jun.</p>
+
+ <p>"Unto whom I have given the keys of the kingdom, which belongeth
+ always unto the Presidency of the High Priesthood."</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>If the keys of the kingdom belongeth always to the Presidency of
+the High Priesthood, then Peter was President of the High Priesthood
+for the Lord conferred upon him the keys of the kingdom (Matt. 16:19),
+and he conferred them upon Joseph Smith (Doc. & Cov. 27 and 128
+sections) even when we go back in ancient Israel we find Moses of the
+tribe of Levi ordaining Joshua the son of Nun as his successor,<sup><a name=2.3text></a><a href="#2.3">[3]</a></sup> and not his own son; Joseph, son of Jacob,
+receiving the birthright, but his brother Levi receiving the Priesthood
+in Israel, and Judah the promise of the Messiah. Even in Book of Mormon
+times, Nephi was the younger brother of Sam, a faithful man, and Nephi
+ordained his brother Jacob, not his son. Alma who became the High
+Priest of the Nephite church was not a son of Mosiah who by right of
+birth became the king of the people. And thus we might go on. It is a
+peculiar law indeed when the Lord ignores it almost if not quite every
+time, and we may conclude that it is a man-made doctrine concocted to
+bolster up the claim of an aspiring set of men, not inspired of the
+Lord.</p>
+
+<h3>CHOSEN BY HIS FATHER.</h3>
+
+<p>We will now consider the claim that the president of the
+"Reorganized" Church was appointed by his father. They base their claim
+on the testimony of the following witnesses: (1) the statement of the
+president of the "Reorganization," (2) the statement of Lyman Wight,
+(3) the statement of James Whitehead, (4) the statement of John S.
+Carter, (5) and the statement of William Smith.</p>
+
+<p>The president of their church declares that he was blessed in
+Liberty Jail, twice afterwards before the fall of 1843, and again
+publicly in the Grove at Nauvoo. (True Succession, p. 40). However,
+he is very careful in the wording of his statement and deals with
+glittering generalities. All he dare tell us is that the "promise and
+blessing of a life of usefulness to the cause of truth was pronounced
+upon his head." Lyman Wight declares that the Prophet blessed his
+son in Liberty Jail in 1839 as his successor. In another place he
+states that this blessing was given shortly after they came out of
+Liberty Jail. (See Succession, pp. 51-2). So you see that Lyman Wight
+contradicts himself. We will further examine his statement. Sidney
+Rigdon, Caleb Baldwin and Alexander McRae were fellow prisoners with
+the Prophet Joseph, Patriarch Hyrum and Lyman Wight in Liberty. If any
+such blessing or ordination, or whatever you desire to call it, had
+taken place at that time these brethren would have known something of
+it. Moreover, Hyrum Smith and Sidney Rigdon were counselors to the
+President, and in such an appointment they would in all reason have
+been called on to assist in such blessing; an account of it would
+have been made on the records of the Church. In other words it would
+have been done in an official way, and not in a corner. These fellow
+prisoners with the Prophet and Patriarch, even including Lyman Wight,
+knew nothing of such an appointment, calling or ordination while in
+Liberty prison. No record of such a thing was made. Again, that such
+a blessing did not take place, either in or shortly after they came
+out of that prison, is quite evident from the fact that Sidney Rigdon,
+August 8, 1844, while making his claim to the "guardianship" of the
+Church, declared that there could be no successor to Joseph Smith. It
+is also quite evident that this expression was an afterthought on the
+part of Lyman Wight from the fact that on that memorable 8th of August,
+1844, he voted to sustain the Twelve Apostles as the presiding quorum
+and Presidency of the Church, (History of the Church, for August 8,
+1844). If such a thing had taken place Sidney Rigdon and Lyman Wight
+would most certainly have remembered it on that day. But they were not
+only ignorant of such a thing, but each took a course diametrically
+opposed to this alleged blessing. The entire lives of Caleb Baldwin
+and Alexander McRae also protest against the statement of Lyman
+Wight.<sup><a name=2.4text></a><a href="#2.4">[4]</a></sup></p>
+
+<p>The testimony of James Whitehead is as follows:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"I recollect a meeting that was held in the winter of 1843,
+ at Nauvoo, Ill., prior to Joseph Smith's death, at which the
+ appointment was made by him, Joseph Smith, of his successor. His
+ son Joseph was selected as his successor. Joseph Smith did the
+ talking. There were present Joseph and Hyrum Smith, John Taylor,
+ and some others who also spoke on the subject; there were 25 I
+ suppose at the meeting. At that meeting Joseph Smith, the present
+ presiding officer of the complainant church, was selected by his
+ father as his successor. He was ordained and anointed at that
+ meeting. Hyrum Smith, the Patriarch, anointed him, and Joseph, his
+ father, blessed him and ordained him and Newel K. Whitney poured
+ the oil on his head, and he was set apart to be his father's
+ successor in office, holding all the powers that his father held.
+ I cannot tell all the persons that were present, there was a good
+ many there. John Taylor and Willard Richards, they were two of the
+ Twelve, Ebenezer Robinson was present, and George J. Adams, Alpheus
+ Cutler, and Reynolds Cahoon. I cannot tell them all; I was there
+ too."</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>Newel K. Whitney, John Taylor, Willard Richards and Reynolds Cahoon
+all remained with the Church and came with the Twelve to Utah. Their
+entire lives protest against this falsehood of James Whitehead. They
+deny that any such ordination ever took place. Ebenezer Robinson also
+denies it and after the martyrdom, he followed Sidney Rigdon, and
+later joined the Whitmerites. If George J. Adams was present on such
+an occasion, he soon forgot it, for after the martyrdom, he followed
+James J. Strang and acknowledged him as the legal successor to the
+Prophet Joseph Smith, and was the very man who crowned Strang "king" on
+Beaver Island. Alpheus Cutler also denied that any such thing as this
+occurred. I shall read his testimony. This is the statement of Abraham
+Kimball, his grandson:</p>
+
+<p>Father Cutler said:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"I know that Brigham Young is Joseph Smith's legal and lawful
+ successor, and always did know it. But the reason I am where I
+ am, I could not be led but must lead. I have run my race and must
+ meet my fate, and I know what my doom is, as I died once as dead
+ as any one dies. And I went to the land of spirits, and saw the
+ crown I should wear if I remained faithful and the condemnation I
+ should meet if I failed. I begged to stay. I was informed I could
+ not remain now, but must return and warn sinners to repent. And
+ the first word I spoke on returning was to Sidney Rigdon, who
+ was bending over me, 'Sidney, repent of your sins or you will be
+ damned.' He then continued. 'I know that Mormonism is true. I know
+ that Heber C. Kimball is your father, and Isaac's and he is a good
+ man. Now I want you to take Isaac and return to your father, and
+ remain true to Mormonism and never yield the point, for it will
+ save and exalt you in the kingdom of God and all who will live
+ it to the end of their days.' He then wept like a child, which
+ caused my eyes to moisten. After recovering himself he continued by
+ saying: 'Now my boy, I want to ask one favor of you, and that is
+ that you will never reveal what I have told you today to the people
+ I lead while I live as you boys are going away and I depend on the
+ people for my support.' I promised him I would do as requested. He
+ then released me to go visiting."</p>
+
+ <p>"Now, Mr. Wilcox (E. S. Wilcox) and friends, I am in a shape that I
+ may be called to meet my God any minute, as disease is praying upon
+ my poor body and I am near a skeleton, and my flesh may soon be
+ devoured by worms; but I bear testimony to you before my God that
+ the statement I have made of Alpheus Cutler's confession is correct
+ as near as I can word it."—Saints' Herald, Vol. 52:255.</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>You see that each of these men named by James Whitehead give the lie
+to his declaration by their entire lives, but this is not all. Joseph
+Smith of the "Reorganized" Church denies it himself. While he states
+that he was blessed by his father, in his testimony under oath in the
+Temple lot suit, he said:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"No, sir, I did not state that I was ordained by my father; I did
+ not make the statement. I was NOT ordained by my father as his
+ successor—according to my understanding of the word ordained, I
+ was not"—Plaintiff's Abstract, Page 79, Par. 126.</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>Thus the testimony of James Whitehead is worthless. John S. Carter
+said the Prophet chose his son at a public meeting in Nauvoo on a
+Sunday, "not long before Joseph was killed." (True Succession, page
+48). Yet none of the people knew of this. Nothing was said of it during
+the trouble with Sidney Rigdon. And William Marks, president of the
+Nauvoo Stake, would most likely be present at the public meetings held
+on Sundays in Nauvoo. Yet he supported the claim of Sidney Rigdon
+to be the guardian when the latter declared that there could be no
+successor. It is a little strange that such an appointment could be
+made at a public meeting and all the people—just a few months
+later—be ignorant of it. Where were the people the day this
+public meeting was held? How much easier it would have been for Sidney
+Rigdon to have said, August 8, 1844: "I want to be appointed 'Guardian'
+until young Joseph grows up," instead of declaring that no successor
+could be appointed! How easy it would have been for Lyman Wight to have
+said, "I was present when Joseph blessed his son in Liberty prison,
+as his successor," or for James Whitehead and John S. Carter to have
+declared that young Joseph had been ordained as his father's successor
+in a public meeting in Nauvoo shortly before the martyrdom, and thus
+have reminded the people of it. How strange that such an important
+occurrence should slip the minds of the entire people on such a
+vital occasion? But they did not think of it. The truth is it was an
+afterthought on the part of these men.</p>
+
+<p>Another thing which is peculiar: There were too many "appointments"
+and "ordinations" of this "successor" which makes the thing look
+suspicious. It is hardly reasonable to suppose that the Prophet,
+"appointed," "blessed," and "ordained" his son to this office every few
+days. If such a thing had taken place it would have been done in the
+proper way and manner in the presence of the presiding officers of the
+Church and a proper record of it would have been made and filed away.
+But the records of the Church are silent and it is quite significant
+that Lyman Wight, James Whitehead, John S. Carter and even Joseph
+of the "Reorganization" himself had "forgotten" this "appointing"
+or "ordination" at the most critical moment for it to have been
+mentioned—August 8, 1844.</p>
+
+<p>William Smith stated that the right of Presidency was by lineage,
+and therefore he supported the son of the Prophet in 1850, or even
+in November, 1845. (True Succession, p. 17). Yet William Smith knew
+of no appointment or ordination of young Joseph, although he was one
+of the Apostles, and would have been sure to have known had such a
+thing taken place. In May, 1845, he stated that the Twelve were the
+proper authorities to lead the Church. (Times and Seasons, 6:904).
+He was excommunicated in the following October and it was not till
+after his excommunication that he advocated the right of young Joseph.
+Furthermore, William Smith claimed that he was himself ordained by his
+brother to lead the Church (Roberts' Succession, pp. 103-105.) And he
+also followed James J. Strang and accepted him as the "successor" until
+excommunicated from that cult.</p>
+
+<p>Now, can we put any credence in the testimonies of such men as
+Lyman Wight, James Whitehead, John S. Carter, and William Smith? Most
+assuredly not.</p>
+
+<p>That the Prophet did not choose his son is quite evident also from
+the following testimony given by reliable witnesses and at the proper
+time:</p>
+
+<h3>TESTIMONY OF PRESIDENT YOUNG.</h3>
+
+<p>At a meeting held at Nauvoo, August 7, 1844, he said:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"How often has Joseph said to the Twelve, 'I have laid the
+ foundation and you must build thereon, for upon your shoulders the
+ kingdom rests. * * * * I tell you in the name of the Lord, that
+ no man can put another between the Twelve and the Prophet Joseph
+ Smith. Why? Because Joseph was their file leader, and he has
+ committed into their hands the keys of the kingdom in this last
+ dispensation for all the world; don't put a thread between the
+ Priesthood of God."—(History of the Church for August 7, 1844).</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>And in a letter written to Orson Spencer, January 23, 1848, President
+Young said:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"Joseph told the Twelve the year before he died, 'There is not one
+ key or power to be bestowed on this Church to lead the people into
+ the celestial gate but I have give you, showed you, and talked
+ it over to you, the kingdom is set up, and you have the perfect
+ pattern, and you can go and build up the kingdom and go in at the
+ celestial gate, taking your train with you."—Mill. Star, 10:115.</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<h3>TESTIMONY OF HEBER C. KIMBALL.</h3>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"Brother Joseph has passed behind the veil, and he pulled off his
+ shoes, and some one else puts them on, until he passes the veil to
+ Brother Joseph. President Young is our president, and our head, and
+ he puts the shoes on first. If Brother Hyrum had remained here, he
+ would have put them on. Hyrum has gone with Joseph and is still his
+ counselor. The Twelve have received the keys of the kingdom, and as
+ long as there is one of them left, he will hold them in preference
+ to any one else."—Times and Seasons, 5: 664.</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+
+<h3>TESTIMONY OF ORSON HYDE.</h3>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"The shafts of the enemy are always aimed at the head first.
+ Brother Joseph said some time before he was murdered, 'If I am
+ taken away, upon you, the Twelve, will rest the responsibility of
+ leading this people, and do not be bluffed off by any man."—Times
+ and Seasons, 5: 650.</p>
+
+ <p>"Before I went east on the 4th of April last, we were in council
+ with Brother Joseph almost every day for weeks, said Brother Joseph
+ in one of those councils, 'There is something going to happen; I
+ don't know what it is, but the Lord bids me to hasten and give you
+ your endowment before the Temple is finished.' He conducted us
+ through every ordinance of the Holy Priesthood, and when he had
+ gone through with all the ordinances, he rejoiced very much, and
+ said, 'Now, if they kill me, you have got all the keys, and all
+ the ordinances and you can confer them upon others, and the hosts
+ of Satan will not be able to tear down the kingdom, as fast as you
+ will be able to build it up;' and now, said he, 'on your shoulders
+ will the responsibility of leading this people rest, for the Lord
+ is going to let me rest awhile.'"—Times and Seasons, 5: 651.</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<h3>TESTIMONY OF WILFORD WOODRUFF.</h3>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"Has the Prophet Joseph found Elder Rigdon in his councils when he
+ organized the quorum of the Twelve, a few months before his death,
+ to prepare them for the endowment? And when they received their
+ endowment, and actually received the keys of the kingdom of God,
+ and oracles of God, keys of revelation, and the pattern of heavenly
+ things, and thus, addressing the Twelve, (Joseph) exclaimed,
+ 'Upon your shoulders, the kingdom rests, and you must round your
+ shoulders, and bear it; for I have had to do it until now. But now
+ the responsibility rests upon you.'"—Times and Seasons, 5: 698</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>And also President Woodruff's testimony given in 1892. (Succession,
+page 101).</p>
+
+<h3>BATHSHEBA W. SMITH'S TESTIMONY.</h3>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"I was a resident of Nauvoo, State of Illinois, from 1840 to 1846.
+ I was married to George A. Smith, July 25, 1841, Elder Don Carlos
+ Smith performing the ceremony. Near the close of the year 1843,
+ or in the beginning of the year 1844, I received the ordinance of
+ anointing in a room in Sister Emma Smith's house in Nauvoo, and
+ the same day, in company with my husband, I received my endowment
+ in the upper room over the Prophet Joseph Smith's store. The
+ endowments were given under the direction of the Prophet Joseph
+ Smith, who afterwards gave us lectures or instructions in regard to
+ the endowment ceremonies. They are the same today as they were then.</p>
+
+ <p>In the year 1844, a short time before the death of the Prophet
+ Joseph Smith, it was my privilege to attend a regular prayer circle
+ meeting in the upper room over the Prophet's store. There were
+ present at this meeting most of the Twelve Apostles, their wives,
+ and a number of other prominent brethren and their wives. On that
+ occasion the Prophet arose and spoke at great length, and during
+ his remarks I heard him say that he had conferred on the heads
+ of the Twelve Apostles all the keys and powers pertaining to the
+ Priesthood, and that upon the heads of the Twelve Apostles the
+ burden of the kingdom rested, and they would have to carry it."<sup><a name=2.5text></a><a href="#2.5">[5]</a></sup></p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<h3>BENJAMIN F. JOHNSON'S TESTIMONY.</h3>
+
+<p>At the eighty-seventh birthday anniversary celebration of Elder
+Benjamin F. Johnson, held at Mesa, Arizona, July 29, 1905, that
+Patriarch said:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"I speak of things of which I know I was the business partner of
+ Joseph Smith, from my mission until the time of his martyrdom, was
+ as familiar with him as with my brother or my father.</p>
+
+ <p>"Do I know that Brigham Young was the true successor of Joseph
+ Smith? I knew it before the Prophet was martyred, for Joseph had
+ made it known. I was present when the Prophet gave his charge to
+ the Twelve Apostles, when in council, after solemn prayer, he rose
+ up with the light of heaven shining in his countenance, related
+ his experiences with reference to the beginning of this work, the
+ responsibilities placed upon him, the persecutions and hardships
+ through which he had passed. He declared that God had revealed all
+ the truth necessary to save mankind, had given unto him the keys
+ of the kingdom, and he had carried the weight and load thus far,
+ and then, speaking directly to the Twelve, he said: 'I now roll off
+ the burden of this responsibility upon you; I give unto you all the
+ keys and powers bestowed upon me, and I say unto you, that unless
+ you round up your shoulders and bear off this kingdom you will be
+ damned."</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<h3>EZRA T. CLARK'S TESTIMONY.</h3>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"Before I left Nauvoo, I heard the Prophet Joseph say he would give
+ the Saints a key whereby they would never be led away or deceived,
+ and that was: 'The Lord would never suffer the majority of this
+ people to be led away or deceived by imposters, nor would he allow
+ the records of this Church to fall into the hands of the enemy.'
+ I heard Joseph say this, and I also heard him say that he would
+ roll the burden of the Apostleship upon the quorum of the Twelve.
+ I heard Joseph preach many times; heard him in the last sermon he
+ ever delivered, bear testimony to the truth of the work that God
+ had called him to; also that the Lord had never suffered him to be
+ slain by his enemies, because his work had not been done, until a
+ short time ago. He had now laid the foundation of this work, and
+ rolled the burden of the Priesthood upon the Twelve; and having
+ given them their washings and anointings, they would now bear off
+ this work triumphantly, and it would roll on faster than ever
+ before; and, if the Lord was willing to accept him, he was willing
+ to go."—M. I. A. Era, Vol. 5: 202.</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+
+<h3>PROPERLY ORDAINED.</h3>
+
+<p>We will now consider the claim that Joseph Smith of the
+"Reorganization" was properly ordained. We must first know what
+constitutes a proper ordination.</p>
+
+<p>First. It must be done by those holding authority in the Priesthood who
+have been properly appointed; otherwise the ordination is not valid.</p>
+
+<p>Second. The ordination must be approved by the body of the Church and
+sanctioned by the Church, or it is not valid. For there is in the
+Gospel the law of common consent. Doc. & Cov. Sec. 20:63, 65; 26:2.</p>
+
+<p>Third, If a man exercises his Priesthood contrary to the rules of the
+Church, or in unrighteousness, Amen to his authority.—Doc. & Cov.
+121:27.</p>
+
+<p>Fourth, "Again, I say unto you, it shall not be given to any one to
+go forth to preach my Gospel, or to build up my Church except he be
+ordained by some one who has authority, and it is known to the Church
+that he has authority, and has been regularly ordained by the heads of
+the Church."—(Sec. 42:11).</p>
+
+<p>The question is, will the ordination of Joseph Smith of the
+"Reorganization" stand this test? He was "ordained" under the hands of
+William Marks (mouth), Zenas H. Gurley, William W. Blair and Samuel
+Powers. Messrs. Blair and Powers never did belong to the Church of
+Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, so we will pass them by without
+consideration, and will take up the cases of William Marks and Zenas H.
+Gurley separately.</p>
+
+<p>William Marks was president of the Nauvoo stake at the time of the
+martyrdom, but it is of a more recent period that we are considering
+him. Did he in 1860 hold the priesthood? William Marks was dropped from
+his position as president of the Nauvoo stake at a conference of the
+Church held October 7, 1844. (T. & S., 5: 692).</p>
+
+<p>The whole Church voting not to sustain him, excepting two votes. This
+action was taken because he supported the claims of Sidney Rigdon and
+opposed the Twelve and action of the Church. In the December following
+he acknowledged his error in the following:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p class="centered">NOTICE.</p>
+
+ <p>"After mature and candid deliberation, I am fully and
+ satisfactorily convinced that Mr. Sidney Rigdon's claims to the
+ Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,
+ are not founded in truth. I have been deceived by his specious
+ pretenses and now feel to warn every one over whom I may have
+ any influence to beware of him, and his pretended visions and
+ revelations. The Twelve are the proper persons to lead the Church."</p>
+
+ <p class="right">"WILLIAM MARKS."</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>After making this acknowledgment he was received back into
+fellowship, but did not again obtain his former position. Later
+he became dissatisfied and withdrew from the Church and was
+excommunicated. During the exodus he joined James J. Strang, and
+in 1846 was called to be a counselor to James J. Strang in his
+organization. (History of "Reorganized" Church, 3:723). For a time
+he was also president of Strang's "Stake of Zion," and also a bishop
+in his organization (History of "Reorganized" Church, 3:44 and 723).
+First a "bishop," then "president of the 'Stake of Zion,' and then
+"counselor" in Strang's presidency. In 1852 he became a member of
+Charles B. Thompson's church (Reorg. Hist., 3:55 and 3:724). In
+1855 he left Thompson and entered into an organization with John E.
+Page and others (Reorg. Hist., 3:724); and on June 11, 1859, he was
+received into the "Reorganization" on his original baptism," "and they
+recognized his original ordination to the Priesthood, although he had
+been disfellowshiped by the church that conferred that Priesthood.
+After he was disfellowshiped in 1844 and later left the Church and
+wandered around through the organizations of James J. Strang, Charles
+B. Thompson and John E. Page, receiving "ordinations," and honors,
+and positions, in these movements, he was then received into the
+"Reorganized" Church on his original baptism. Now, I ask the question
+in all candor of any fair minded Latter-day Saint—Did he after
+this, in 1860, have any authority or Priesthood to confer upon Joseph
+Smith of the "Reorganization," much less the keys and position of
+president of the High Priesthood; keys that he never did hold?<sup><a name=2.6text></a><a href="#2.6">[6]</a></sup></p>
+
+<h3>GURLEY'S AUTHORITY.</h3>
+
+<p>Zenas H. Gurley, who also laid hands on the head of Joseph in that
+"ordination," was ordained to the office of a Seventy in Nauvoo in
+1844 under the direction of President Joseph Young. Members of the
+"Reorganization" claim that he was ordained a Seventy in Far West,
+Mo., in 1838, but this is not the fact. The records in the Historian's
+office show that this man was ordained in 1844, as I have stated, and
+the following year—April 6, 1845—he was made the senior
+president of the Twenty-first quorum of Seventy. He left the Church as
+did William Marks, and therefore lost his Priesthood and had none to
+confer on the head of Joseph Smith.</p>
+
+<p>Now the revelation clearly indicates that no man is called to
+build up the Church unless it is known to the Church that he has been
+properly ordained to that calling, by the heads of the Church. But
+these men were not so called. On the 8th of July, 1904, I wrote to Mr.
+Heman C. Smith, historian of the "Reorganization" as follows:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"In the biographical sketch of Zenas H. Gurley, in the third
+ volume of your Church History, the statement is made that he,
+ (Zenas H. Gurley) was ordained to the office of a Seventy at Far
+ West, Missouri. Would you kindly furnish me with the date of this
+ ordination, and also state the authority on which the statement is
+ made, and oblige."</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>On the 15th of that month I received the following:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"Replying to yours of July 8, will say that the church record in
+ the Recorder's office shows that Zenas H. Gurley was ordained to
+ the office of Seventy at Far West, Mo., in 1838; day and month
+ are not stated. This appears once in the hand-writing of Isaac
+ Sheen, former church recorder, and once in the handwriting of
+ Henry A. Stebbins, the present church recorder. Elder Stebbins'
+ memory is that he received it directly from Elder Gurley; and it is
+ presumable that Elder Sheen also had the information direct. It is
+ upon the authority of this record that the statement was made in
+ the biographical sketch."</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>You see they don't know very much about it, it is all presumption.
+I cannot conceive of any reason why Mr. Gurley would desire to falsify
+the record, and doubt that he ever made such a statement as the above.
+The fact is, however, that he was not ordained a Seventy in Far West in
+1838, but in Nauvoo in 1844.</p>
+
+<p>Now we will see how much faith they put in the "authority" of Mr.
+Gurley themselves. January 30, 1905, the following communication was
+sent to the president of the "Reorganization:"</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"Will you be so kind as to answer for me the following questions:
+ Is it a teaching of the 'Reorganized' Church that the quorums of
+ Seventies are limited in number to seven quorums, or do you place a
+ limit on these quorums at all?</p>
+
+ <p>"Do you recognize as valid any of the ordinations in Nauvoo in
+ 1844-5, of men to the office of Seventy, under the direction of the
+ Twelve Apostles and first council of Seventy, beyond those of the
+ first seven quorums?</p>
+
+ <p>"In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Utah, the
+ custom is to ordain Seventies and organize quorums beyond the
+ seventh, and as this practice has been opposed by some of the
+ Elders of the 'Reorganized' Church, I was prompted to inquire if
+ those Elders were in harmony with the doctrines of the Church."</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>On the 31st of January the following was received:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"There are no provisions as revelations as law to the Church for
+ the organization of more than seven quorums of Seventy; for that
+ reason we do not recognize as valid any of the ordinations in
+ Nauvoo in 1844-5 beyond those of the first seven quorums; and
+ our teaching is that the number is necessarily limited by direct
+ provision of the law."</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>Thus you see, the president of the "Reorganization" repudiates the
+Priesthood of the very man who "ordained" him to the office which he
+pretends to hold. In conclusion let me add that these men did not
+hold the keys of the kingdom and therefore could not bestow them on
+another. The organization to which they belong is not the Church of
+Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and all the laying on of hands that
+they can practice from now till dooms day, will not give one single
+soul the Priesthood of God, for that can only come through the proper
+channel—the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. An
+ordination in the "Reorganized" Church is of no more effect than is
+an ordination in the Methodist, Presbyterian, or Catholic church, for
+those officiating do not hold the Priesthood, and are not recognized
+of God. The Prophet did bestow the keys of the kingdom upon the head
+of Brigham Young and with him his associates, the Twelve, as we have
+shown with a multitude of unimpeachable testimony. If it was necessary
+for all the prophets from Adam to Peter, James and John to confer
+their keys upon the head of Joseph Smith (See D. & C., 110 and
+128 sections), notwithstanding he has been ordained to the Priesthood
+by angels, then in all reason we must hold that it is necessary for
+him to bestow the same power and keys of the kingdom on others which
+the evidence shows that he did. The men who ordained Joseph Smith of
+the "Reorganization" were not regularly ordained and did not hold the
+keys of the kingdom. The Apostles constituted the second quorum in the
+Church and were sustained in their calling as the First Presidency of
+the Church by the vote of the people August 8, 1844, and again at the
+fall conference in October of that same year.</p>
+
+<p>I call the attention of the Latter-day Saints once more to the
+fact previously mentioned (section 43:4-6) that there is but one at a
+time who holds the keys and the right to receive revelation for the
+Church, and that man is the President of the Church. And when the First
+Presidency is disorganized through the death of the President, then,
+according to revelation, the Twelve Apostles become the presiding
+quorum of the Church, and then, if the Lord has any revelations to give
+to His people they will come through the proper channels—the
+President of the Twelve. If we will keep this in mind it will be a key
+to us as the Lord intended that it should be, by which we may gage
+and weigh the pretended revelations of men. When we see this man, or
+that man, or perhaps that woman, or child, giving revelations as was
+the case in the "Reorganized" Church when Jason W. Briggs, Zenas H.
+Gurley, Henry H. Deam and the daughter of Zenas H. Gurley, received
+"revelations" bearing on the organization of their cult, we will
+know assuredly that these things are not of God. The Lord will never
+ignore the presiding officer and quorum of the Church, for he respects
+authority, as He requires us to respect authority. And it will always
+be a key to us, if we will bear it in mind, that whenever He has a
+revelation or commandment to give to His people that it will come
+through the presiding officer of the Church. This is plainly taught in
+the revelations.</p>
+
+<p>If there is within the sound of my voice one soul who has not
+received a testimony of this work, and that Brigham Young was the right
+man in the right place, and the rightful successor, and so on down to
+the present day, then I say to you, when you go home go before the
+Lord in the spirit of repentance, and humility, and prayer, and ask
+Him in faith for that knowledge and He will hear your prayers. There
+is no reason why any man should be deceived, for the Lord has promised
+us that we shall receive if we ask and if we knock it shall be opened
+unto us. By keeping the commandments of God, all men may know of this
+work that it is true. If you will do this, then when these deceivers
+and pretenders, these men who delight in destroying your faith, come to
+you saying that you are in the dark, you can say to them, get behind
+me, for I will not be deceived by you. I know we have the truth, that
+this is the work of the Lord, that Jesus is the Redeemer of the world,
+and that Joseph Smith was a Prophet of God and was called to stand at
+the head of this dispensation, and those keys and that position he will
+ever hold. He was not a fallen Prophet, but died a martyr to this work.
+May God bless you. Amen.</p>
+
+<h4>Footnotes</h4>
+
+<p><a name="2.1"></a><a href="#2.1text">1.</a> Serious objection is raised to this line
+of argument by the author of the "defense," who attempts to place
+me in a false position by imputing to me expressions that are not
+here conveyed. Had he been honest in his argument he would have
+fairly presented what I have had to say; but this he has studiously
+avoided throughout his reply. Here he argues that the provisions in
+these revelations regarding a "successor" were not limited in their
+scope, but were to be carried out during the life of Joseph Smith.
+I respectfully call his attention to an editorial in the <i>Saints'
+Herald</i> of August 18, 1888. At that time Joseph Smith, his president,
+and William W. Blair, counselor, were the editors of the <i>Herald</i>.
+The article is called "<i>The Power to Perpetuate the Church</i>." After
+quoting these passages the author—presumably the editor, or his
+assistant, for it is an editorial—continues:</p>
+
+<p>(d) "The authority to ordain is given unto the Church.</p>
+
+<p>(e) " 'Verily, I say unto you, the keys of this kingdom shall never
+be taken from you, while thou art in the world, neither in the world to
+come; nevertheless, through you shall the oracles be given to another;
+yea, even unto the Church.'</p>
+
+<p>(f) "This language was addressed to Joseph Smith, the one who
+had been appointed of God to hold and exercise the gift to receive
+commandments and revelations for the Church, two full years after it
+was said through him <i>that if he fell away he should have power only to
+appoint one in his stead</i>. The saying is preceded by the statement that
+the sins of Joseph Smith had been forgiven him, and he should bear the
+keys from thenceforth.</p>
+
+<p>(g) "Joseph Smith was taken away dying a martyr, of which death
+he was conscious and made preparation before it occurred. He was
+not accused of the Lord of transgression and the gift that had been
+conferred upon him taken from him; nor was there a command given him to
+appoint another in his stead because he had been unworthy and the Lord
+proposed to depose him from his office. <i>It was only in the event of
+the gift being taken from him that he was to so appoint another. This
+event did not occur</i>. * * *</p>
+
+<p>"If Joseph Smith had been adjudged unworthy to longer bear the
+"keys" and exercise the "gift," which had been conferred upon him,
+he was under obligation to declare it, at the command of God, and to
+designate who the Lord had ordained to act in his stead. <i>The fact that
+no such declaration was made</i>, is strong proof that no command came
+from God, and <i>no one was so designated to act in his stead</i> while he
+was still living. This proof is made stronger still by the declaration
+made by Joseph Smith just before his death: "I go as a lamb to the
+slaughter."</p>
+
+<p>(h) "If Joseph Smith continued to abide in Christ, which all must
+admit that he did, in that case the gift conferred was to continue with
+him; not only in the present world, the life of the flesh, but the keys
+were to remain with him in the world to come. But that no harm could
+come to the Church, and the elders be put in possession of a key to the
+situation in case Joseph Smith should be taken, <i>they were told that
+there was no one other than he appointed until he was taken, and that
+when this should occur the oracles should be given to the Church</i>.</p>
+
+<p>(k) "The command, 'Nevertheless through you shall the oracles be
+given unto the Church,' is equivalent to the saying, Until Joseph
+Smith be taken he shall continue to act in the office unto which he is
+called, and shall continue to exercise the gifts conferred upon him;
+but when he is taken, <i>then</i> the oracles and the power conferred in
+them <i>are lodged with, or in the Church</i>, to be exercised and observed
+in accordance with the revelations and commandments given to and
+accepted by the Church, from God through him, up to the time he should
+be taken."</p>
+
+<p>The writer then quotes sec. 87, paragraph 5, Reorganite Doctrine and
+Covenants, and continues:</p>
+
+<p>(n) "This commandment was given to Joseph Smith, Sidney Rigdon and
+Frederick G. Williams. The latter died before Joseph Smith did; and
+whatever may have been the rights of Sidney Rigdon at the death of
+Joseph Smith, he was not permitted to stand in Joseph's stead nor act
+as his successor. This confirms the thought that Joseph was to continue
+in the exercise of the gift conferred upon him, during his life, and
+<i>was not to be compelled to appoint another in his stead</i>." (My italics
+throughout.)</p>
+
+<p>We concur.</p>
+
+<p><a name="2.2"></a><a href="#2.2text">2.</a> Of this the "defense" says: "Our friend's
+idea is that 'the order of this priesthood;' refers to the office of
+evangelist in particular rather than to the Melchizedek priesthood in
+general, although the latter is under consideration not only on the
+page from which the quotation is taken, but also on the following page
+and on the two preceding."</p>
+
+<p>It does refer to the priesthood of the evangelist, and only by a
+deliberate twisting of the Scriptures can it be made to apply to the
+Melchizedek Priesthood in general; it does not read that way. In the
+verses preceding the <i>offices</i> of the priesthood have been defined also
+the duties of the officers. The paragraphs immediately preceding speak
+of the High Councils.</p>
+
+<p>Verse 38 declares that the traveling High Council shall call upon
+the Seventy when they need assistance, then verse 39 says it is the
+duty of the Twelve to ordain evangelical ministers. From and including
+verse 40 to 57, is parenthetical and is explanatory of the office of
+the Evangelist. Verse 58 continues: "It is the duty of the Twelve,
+<i>also</i> to ordain and set in order <i>all other officers</i> in the Church.
+Only by misconstruing the revelation can this be given the appearance
+of applying to the Melchizedek Priesthood.</p>
+
+<p>The critic says: "If it said 'this <i>office</i> of the Priesthood,'
+there might be some shadow of reason in his contention, but it does
+not." Is our friend not aware of the fact that the office of the
+Evangelist (Patriarch) is spoken of as an order of Priesthood? The
+Lord said pertaining to Hyrum Smith: "That my servant Hyrum may take
+the office of <i>Priesthood</i> and Patriarch which was appointed unto
+him by his father, by blessing and also by right." (Sec. 124:91).
+And in the blessing of Hyrum by his brother Joseph at Kirtland: "He
+shall stand in the tracks of his father, and be numbered among those
+who hold the right of Patriarchal <i>Priesthood</i>, even the Evangelical
+<i>Priesthood</i> and power shall be upon him." It is spoken of as an order
+of Priesthood, although a part of the Melchizedek Priesthood, just
+as the Levitical is spoken of as an order, included in the Aaronic
+Priesthood.</p>
+
+<p><a name="2.3"></a><a href="#2.3text">3.</a> The "defense" writer says: "There is not a
+scrap of evidence that Moses confirmed upon Joshua a particle of
+Priesthood—merely the civil leadership" The Scriptures say: "And
+Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom; <i>for Moses had
+laid his hands upon him</i>; and the children of Israel hearkened unto
+him, and did as the Lord commanded Moses." (Deut. 34:9). He may, of
+course, quibble because it does not say he gave him "the priesthood"
+when he laid hands upon him; but surely he did not lay hands on Joshua
+merely to give him civil leadership. It was by the power of the
+Priesthood that he led Israel and commanded the sun and moon, he could
+have done it by no other power. In regard to the others mentioned here
+who were ordained, the "defender" is absolutely silent.</p>
+
+<p><a name="2.4"></a><a href="#2.4text">4.</a> Of this argument and the testimony that follows
+the "defense" writer remains silent, the editor of the Herald, however,
+takes exception to the statement that Lyman Wight was at the meeting on
+the 8th of August, having refused to attend. He says: "Heber C. Kimball
+and George Miller came to his house, in her presence, (L. Wight's
+oldest daughter) with a summons from Brigham Young to appear, which
+he declined to do, declaring that the Twelve were usurping authority.
+This resulted in a personal encounter during which Miller was forcibly
+evicted from the room by Wight and Kimball followed without awaiting
+the enforcement of the order."</p>
+
+<p>If Lyman Wight refused to attend that meeting then he is incompetent
+to say that the Apostles were usurping authority, for he knew nothing
+about it. Moreover, if this statement is true it merely shows the
+bitter apostate spirit manifested by Lyman Wight at that time. It
+was his duty to meet with the Twelve and if things were not going as
+he thought they should he had the privilege of stating his feelings;
+this he refused to do, if the statement is correct. His hasty
+unchristian-like action and sulking in his house does not redound to
+the credit of the man.</p>
+
+<p><a name="2.5"></a><a href="#2.5text">5.</a> Blood Atonement and Origin of Plural Marriage,
+p. 104.</p>
+
+<p><a name="2.6"></a><a href="#2.6text">6.</a> Here are a few items in the history of William
+Marks after he left the Church and was excommunicated.</p>
+
+<p>At a conference held at Voree, April 6, 1846, "On motion of William
+Marks * * * James J. Strang unanimously called to the chair as
+President of the Conference." "On motion of Elder William Marks, it was
+unanimously resolved that this church receive, acknowledge, and uphold
+James J. Strang as President of this church, Prophet, Seer, Revelator,
+and Translator, with our faith and prayers."—<i>Voree Record</i>.</p>
+
+<p>April 8, 1846: "The First Presidency presented William Marks for the
+office of Bishop of the Church and on motion of Apostle John E. Page,
+resolved unanimously (that he) be sustained."—<i>Voree Record</i>.</p>
+
+<p>Aug. 26, 1849: "Brother William Marks was then ordained, consecrated
+and set apart as Apostle of the Lord, Jesus Christ, a Counselor to the
+Prophet, one of the First Presidency, and a Prophet of the Most High
+God, under the hands of Presidents Strang and Adams."</p>
+
+<p>"Brother William Marks was anointed, <i>ordained</i> and set apart to
+administer baptism for the dead, under the hands of Presidents Strang
+and Adams."—<i>Voree Record</i>.</p>
+
+<p>Previously, William Marks had forsaken James J. Strang, and January,
+1849, James J. Strang had a "revelation" in which he said: "Behold my
+servant, William Marks, has gone far astray in departing from me, yet
+I will give unto him a little space, that he may return and receive
+my word, and stand in his place; for I remember his works that he has
+done in the time that is past. If he will return and abide faithful, I
+will make him great, and his possessions shall be great, and he shall
+possess a city, and his children shall dwell therein; a nation shall
+call him Blessed."</p>
+
+<p>Well, he returned, and at the conference August 25, 1849, arose and
+said: "He ought to make a confession to the Saints for <i>not</i> acting in
+his calling and also to ask their forgiveness. Gave a brief history of
+the course he had pursued after the martyrdom of the Prophet Joseph,
+testified that he had ever had the fullest confidence in the work of
+the last days, and knew it was of God, and was now determined by the
+help of God to go forth in the discharge of his duty and act in the
+place in which he was called by revelation of God through His servant
+James" [J. Strang].—<i>Voree Record</i>.</p>
+
+<p>He was received back and sustained.</p>
+
+<p>In the year 1852 he joined Charles B. Thompson's organization and
+was "<i>ordained</i>" "Chief evangelitical teacher of the School of Faith
+in Jehovah's Presbytery of Zion." Acting in this calling he wrote an
+epistle to "the School of Faith to all the traveling teacher's quorums
+and classes of said school, and Jehovah's presbytery of Zion." In that
+epistle he said:</p>
+
+<p>"Well Brethren: I have lived to see the foundation and the platform
+laid, the principles revealed and the order given, whereby the great
+work of the Father can, and will be accomplished. <i>There is no doubt
+resting on my mind in reference to this work of Baneemy being the work
+of God, for I am fully convinced that it is the work it purports to
+be</i>, the work of the Father spoken of in the Book of Mormon, to prepare
+the way for the restoration of His covenants to the house of Israel.
+Now, all who are convinced of this fact ought to move forward and take
+a decided stand to labor for Jehovah and the benefit of Mankind. I
+intend from this time, henceforth, to labor in the cause and give my
+influence and substance to speed the work." (Harbinger and Organ, Vol.
+3:52-3-4).</p>
+
+<p>This is his testimony when with Thompson. He later organized a
+quorum at Batavia, and appointed James Blakeslee—a man who was
+excommunicated from the Church May 18, 1844, with Francis M. Higbee,
+Charles Ivans and Austin Cowles, for apostasy—chief, and Jehial
+Savage teacher. "After this he joined John E. Page's organization,
+forgetting how faithful he had promised to be in Thompson's
+organization, and later (1859) connected himself with the "New
+Organization." He was not one of the true fold, for:</p>
+
+<p>"When he [the true Shepherd] putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth
+before them, and the sheep follow him; for they know his voice. And a
+stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him; for they know
+not the voice of strangers."—(John 10:4-5).</p>
+
+
+
+<h2>The Doctrines of Joseph Smith.</h2>
+
+<p>One of the charges made by the "Reorganized" Church against the
+Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is that when the Apostles
+assumed their place as the presiding quorum following the martyrdom
+of Joseph and Hyrum Smith, they departed from the pure Gospel as
+it was revealed in the Bible, Book of Mormon, and the revelations
+and teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, and in the stead thereof
+introduced false doctrines that were never entertained by the Prophet
+and were foreign to the revelations given to the Church. This proves,
+they declare, the "apostasy" of the Church and its "rejection" and
+the few scattered members who refused to follow the leadership
+of the Apostles into forbidden paths, and to accept these "false
+doctrines" retained the Spirit of the Lord and were directed by Him to
+"re-organize" the "faithful" members into what was then called a "New
+Organization of the Church," the name subsequently having been changed
+to the "Re-organized" Church. They inform us—though it is most
+likely with some misgivings and doubts—that these "faithful" few
+who refused to follow after "false gods," or "bow the knee to Baal,"
+still retained the Priesthood they had received from the "Original"
+Church and were "not rejected as individuals" although the "Church was
+rejected with its dead." Therefore, when these "faithful" souls tired
+of wandering around in the apostate organizations of James J. Strang,
+Sidney Rigdon, William Smith, Charles B. Thompson, and others, as sheep
+that knew not the Master's voice, and therefore followed strangers,
+receiving from these self-appointed leaders "ordinations" and honors,
+and after having testified that these false teachers were inspired
+of God and their organizations the work of the Lord—after all
+this, when they came together and formed the "New Organization" they
+were still the "faithful" who had not followed after "false gods" or
+"bowed the knee to Baal," and had retained power to "re-organize" the
+Church according to the original pattern, although the Prophet had not
+commissioned them.</p>
+
+<p>In an address to these scattered "faithful" written shortly after
+the "New Organization of the Church" was formed, the declaration was
+made "that we believe that the Church of Christ organized on the 6th
+day of April, A. D. 1830, exists as on that day, wherever six or
+more Saints are organized to the pattern in the Book of Doctrine and
+Covenants." And, of course, <i>they</i> are the Saints "organized according
+to the pattern"—if their word can be taken for the fact.</p>
+
+<p>The president of their church states it this way: "The individuals
+who kept this covenant (the new and everlasting covenant of the Gospel)
+were accepted of Him and were not rejected, nor their standing before
+God put in jeopardy by the departure of others from the faith. Whatever
+office in the priesthood each held, under the ordinations ordered by
+the call of God and vote of the Church, would remain valid. They could
+as elders, priests, teachers, etc., pursue the duties of warning,
+expounding, and inviting all to come to Christ, and by command of
+God, could build up the Church from any single branch, which, like
+themselves, had not bowed the knee to Baal, or departed from the faith
+of the Church as founded in the standard works of the body at the death
+of Joseph and Hyrum Smith."—(Saints' Herald, Feb. 17, 1904).</p>
+
+<p>In their attempt to prove that the Apostles led the Church astray
+and introduced false doctrines, they have one standard by which the
+Church and the Apostles are measured; but in proving that <i>they</i> are
+the "faithful who have kept the new and everlasting covenant" and have
+remained in harmony with "the pattern" their standard of measurement is
+quite another thing. The Church is to be judged by all the unauthorized
+sayings and doings of any or all of its members or ministers. Their
+church is to be judged "by its authorized doctrines and deeds, and not
+by the unauthorized sayings or doings of some or many of its members or
+ministers." (<i>See Blood Atonement and Origin of Plural Marriage, page
+44</i>).</p>
+
+<p>They even go so far in their own defense as to reject the teachings
+and revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith, wherein they are in
+conflict with their expressed views and have not been received by them
+by vote of their church as doctrine; but they deny to us the privilege
+of being tried by our "authorized doctrines and deeds," and would force
+upon us, as a body, teachings of any member of the Church wherein they
+think they could make a point to their advantage; and this they have
+done in the courts of the land. We grant unto them the right to be
+tried by that rule laid down by the president of their organization,
+and claim the right to be tried by the same kind of standard. The
+Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is not responsible for the
+sayings or doings of any individual in conflict with that which has
+been received as a standard by which the Church is to be governed. We
+are to be judged by <i>our</i> authorized doctrines and deeds not by the
+whims or notions of men. But the ministers of the "Reorganization"
+have not been willing from the beginning to permit us to stand on this
+platform, but insist that we stand on the platform they have prepared
+for us.</p>
+
+<p>The Bible, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of
+Great Price, including the Articles of Faith, have been received by
+the vote of the Church in general conference assembled as the standard
+works of the Church. On this platform we stand. The Church is not
+responsible for the remarks made by any Elder or for the numerous
+books that have been written. The authors of the words or books must
+be responsible for their own utterances. It is not to be supposed from
+this that all that has been written outside of the standard works of
+the Church is discarded and rejected, for these things are profitable
+as helps in the government of the Church, and to promote faith in the
+members. The point is this, if in these books mistakes are found, "they
+are the mistakes of men," and the Church as an organization is not to
+be held accountable for them, but for that which is received from time
+to time by vote of the Church, as it comes through the President of the
+High Priesthood. When the Lord reveals his mind and will it is to be
+received, "whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it
+is the same," but we are not to be judged by "unauthorized sayings or
+deeds."</p>
+
+<p>The ministers of the "Reorganization" tell us that the Church has
+departed from the teachings received from 1830-1844 in many principles
+of vital importance, viz., the Godhead, marriage, the atonement, the
+location of Zion, Temple building and the ceremonies therein, and other
+things, in which they have strictly adhered to the original faith. We
+will take these subjects up one by one and see which organization it
+is that is following the teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith and the
+doctrines of "the Original Church." First as to the Godhead.</p>
+
+<h3>THE GODHEAD.</h3>
+
+<p>The first article of faith of the Church of Jesus Christ of
+Latter-day Saints, reads as follows:</p>
+
+<p>"We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus
+Christ, and in the Holy Ghost."</p>
+
+<p>We accept these three personages as the supreme governing council
+in the heavens. The Father and the Son have tabernacles of flesh and
+bones, and the Holy Ghost is a personage of spirit. (D. & C.
+130:22). We worship the Father in the name of the Son, who is the
+Mediator between God and man, and His is the only name given whereby
+man can be saved (D. & C. 18:23). We accept Jesus as the Only
+Begotten Son of the Father in the flesh, although we are all His
+offspring in the spirit, (Acts 17:28) and therefore His children. This
+is the teaching of "Mormonism."</p>
+
+<p>We are accused by the Reorganites, however, of departing from
+the doctrines of the Prophet Joseph Smith in that we believe in a
+plurality of Gods. That we believe in a plurality of Gods is true,
+and if they do not—and they confess almost unanimously that
+they do not—then they are not following the teachings and
+revelations of Joseph Smith. If the Father and the Son and the Holy
+Ghost are separate and distinct personages, then they are three Gods,
+then they are plural, this fact Joseph Smith taught to the world. But
+our Reorganite friends quote from a purported discourse of President
+Brigham Young to the effect that Adam is our Father and our God, and
+the only God with whom we have to do. But this discourse even if
+reported correctly—which we have reason to believe is not the
+case—is not the doctrine of the Church and has not been received
+by the Church. Joseph Smith the Prophet taught a plurality of Gods, and
+moreover, that man, by obeying the commandments of God and keeping the
+whole law will eventually reach the power and exaltation by which he
+also will become a God. And if Reorganites do not accept this truth,
+then they have departed from the teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith.
+The doctrine of plurality of Gods, did not originate with Brigham
+Young, but was taught him by Joseph Smith.</p>
+
+<p>In a discourse delivered by the Prophet in Nauvoo at the April
+conference of the Church in 1844, he said:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"I will go back to the beginning before the world was, to show
+ what kind of a being God is. What sort of a being was God in the
+ beginning? Open your ears and hear, all ye ends of the earth, for
+ I am going to prove it to you by the Bible, and to tell you the
+ designs of God in relation to the human race, and why He interferes
+ with the affairs of man.</p>
+
+ <p>"<i>God himself</i> was once as we are now, and is an exalted man, and
+ sits enthroned in yonder heavens! That is the great secret. If the
+ veil were rent today, and the great God who holds this world in
+ its orbit, and who upholds all worlds and all things by His power,
+ was to make Himself visible,—I say, if you were to see Him today,
+ you would see Him like a man in form—like yourselves in all the
+ person, image and very form as a man; for Adam was created in the
+ very fashion, image and likeness of God, and received instruction
+ from, and walked, talked and conversed with Him, as one man talks
+ and communes with another.</p>
+
+<center><p>* * * * * * * *</p></center>
+
+ <p>"I shall comment on the very first Hebrew word in the Bible; I
+ will make a comment on the very first sentence of the history of
+ creation in the Bible—<i>Berosheit</i>. I want to analyze the word.
+ <i>Baith</i>—in, by, through, and everything else. <i>Rosh</i>—the head.
+ <i>Sheit</i>—grammatical termination. When the inspired man wrote it,
+ he did not put the baith there. An old Jew without any authority
+ added the word; he thought it too bad to begin to talk about the
+ head! It read first, 'The head one of the Gods brought forth the
+ Gods.' That is the true meaning of the word—<i>Baurau</i> signifies
+ to bring forth. If you do not believe it, you do not believe the
+ learned man of God. Learned men can teach you no more than what I
+ have told you. <i>Thus the head God brought forth the Gods in the
+ grand council</i>.</p>
+
+ <p>"I will transpose and simplify it in the English language. Oh ye
+ lawyers, ye doctors, and ye priests, who have persecuted me, I want
+ to let you know that the Holy Ghost knows something as well as you
+ do. The head God called together the Gods and sat in grand council
+ to bring forth the world."—(See Era, January, 1909).</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>In another discourse delivered June 16, 1844 the Prophet said:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"And hath made us kings and priests unto God <i>and His Father</i>: to
+ Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen."—(Rev. 1:6). It
+ is altogether correct in the translation. Now, you know that of
+ late some malicious and corrupt men have sprung up and apostatized
+ from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and they
+ declare that the Prophet believes in a plurality of Gods; and,
+ lo and behold! we have discovered a very great secret, they cry,
+ 'The Prophet says there are many Gods, and this proves that he has
+ fallen.'"</p>
+
+ <p>"I will preach on the plurality of Gods. I have selected this text
+ for the express purpose. I wish to declare I have always, and in
+ all congregations when I have preached on the subject of the Deity,
+ it has been the plurality of Gods. It has been preached by the
+ Elders fifteen years. I have always declared God to be a distinct
+ personage, Jesus Christ a separate and distinct personage from God
+ the Father, and that the Holy Ghost was a distinct personage and a
+ spirit; and these three constitute three distinct personages and
+ three Gods. If this is in accordance with the New Testament, lo
+ and behold! we have three Gods anyhow, and they are plural; and
+ who can contradict it? The text says—'And hath made us kings and
+ priests unto God <i>and His Father</i>.' The apostles have discovered
+ that there were Gods above, for Paul says God was the Father of
+ our Lord Jesus Christ. My object was to preach the Scriptures,
+ and preach the doctrine they contain, there being a God above the
+ Father of our Lord Jesus Christ I am bold to declare. * * John was
+ one of the men, and the Apostles declare they were made kings and
+ priests unto God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It reads just
+ so in the Revelations. Hence, the doctrine of a plurality of Gods
+ is as prominent in the Bible as any other doctrine. It is all over
+ the face of the Bible. It stands beyond the power of controversy. A
+ wayfaring man, though a fool, need not err therein.'</p>
+
+ <p>"Paul says there are Gods many, and Lords many * * * But to us
+ there is but one God—that is, <i>pertaining</i> to us; and he is in all
+ and through all. But if Joseph Smith says there are Gods many and
+ Lords many, they cry: 'Away with him! Crucify him, crucify him!'
+ Mankind verily say that the Scriptures are with them. Search the
+ Scriptures, for they testify of things that these apostates would
+ gravely pronounce blasphemy. Paul, if Joseph Smith is a blasphemer,
+ you are. I say there are Gods many, and Lords many, but to us
+ only one; and we are to be in subjection to that one, and no man
+ can limit the bounds or the eternal existence of eternal time. *
+ * * Some say I do not interpret the Scriptures the same as they
+ do. they say it means the heathens' gods. Paul says there are
+ Gods many, and Lords many; and that makes a plurality of Gods, in
+ spite of the whims of all men. * * You know, and I testify, that
+ Paul had no allusion to the heathen gods. I have it from God, and
+ get over it if you can. I have a witness of the Holy Ghost, and
+ a testimony that Paul had no allusion to the heathen gods in the
+ text. I will show from the Hebrew Bible that I am correct, and the
+ first word shows a plurality of Gods; and I want the apostates
+ and learned men to come here and prove to the contrary, if they
+ can. An unlearned boy must give you a little Hebrew. <i>Berosheit
+ Baurau Eloheim ait aushamayeen vehau auraits</i>, rendered by King
+ James' translators, 'In the beginning God created the heavens and
+ the earth. I want to analyze the word <i>Berosheit. Rosh</i>, the head;
+ <i>sheit</i>, a grammatical termination. The <i>Baith</i> was not originally
+ put there when the inspired man wrote it, but it has been since
+ added by an old Jew. Baurau signifies to bring forth; <i>Eloheim</i> is
+ from the word <i>Eloi</i>, God in the singular number; and by adding the
+ word <i>heim</i>, it renders it Gods. It read first—'In the beginning
+ the head of the Gods brought forth the Gods,' or, as others have
+ translated it—'The head of the Gods called the Gods together.'</p>
+
+<center><p>* * * * * * *</p></center>
+
+ <p>"The head God organized the heavens and the earth. I defy all the
+ learning in the world to refute me. 'In the beginning the head of
+ the Gods organized the heavens and the earth.' * * If we pursue
+ the Hebrew text further, it reads—'<i>Berosheit baurau Eloheim
+ ait Aushamayeen vehau auraits</i>,' 'The head one of the Gods said,
+ 'Let us make man in our own image.' I once asked a learned Jew
+ 'If the Hebrew language compells us to render all words ending in
+ heim in the plural, why not render the first Eloheim plural? He
+ replied—'That is the rule, with few exceptions; but in this case
+ it would ruin the Bible.' He acknowledged I was right. I came here
+ to investigate these things precisely as I believe them. Hear and
+ judge for yourselves: and if you go away satisfied, well and good.</p>
+
+ <p>"In the very beginning the Bible shows there is a plurality of Gods
+ beyond the power of refutation. * * * The word <i>Eloheim</i> ought to
+ be in the plural all the way through—Gods. The head of the Gods
+ appointed one God for us; and when you take a (this) view of the
+ subject, it sets one free to see all the beauty, holiness and
+ perfection of all the Gods."—(See Mill. Star, Vol. 24:108, et seq).</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>This is the doctrine taught by Joseph Smith the Prophet at Nauvoo,
+and we accept his teachings as authentic. "But this was not published
+until after the Prophet's death," says our Reorganite objectors, and
+"Brigham Young tampered with history and made it read to suit himself,
+therefore we do not accept it." Nevertheless these two discourses
+were delivered before the congregation of the Saints and thousands
+of them heard the Prophet deliver these remarks, and <i>if he had not
+spoken as here represented</i>, the Apostles would not have dared publish
+his remarks within a month or two after they were delivered, for the
+people would have discovered the deception. But thousands of them
+have testified that these discourses were delivered by Joseph Smith.
+None can, without successful contradiction, say he did not deliver
+them. Again, the objection is raised, that these discourses were never
+accepted by the Church as doctrine, and therefore are not binding even
+if the Prophet did deliver them. Very well; the fact remains that the
+Church has accepted the Bible <i>as far as it is translated correctly</i>.
+Therefore, where it is not translated correctly we should receive the
+correct translation <i>when it is given</i>. The Prophet says the Hebrew
+word <i>Eloheim</i> is plural and means Gods, and should have been so
+translated in the Bible throughout. Is that true? If you think not, why
+not accept the Prophet's challenge to prove to the contrary? If you
+cannot, then hold your peace about it being binding!</p>
+
+<p>Well, my friends of the "Reorganization" we will give you another
+quotation from the Prophet Joseph Smith, <i>this time it was published</i>
+before his martyrdom and that too by himself, for which he declared he
+stood responsible (See Times and Seasons, Vol. 3:710). This quotation
+is taken from the <i>Book of Abraham</i> in the <i>Times and Seasons</i> for
+March 1, 1842, which the Prophet says are some ancient records "from
+the Catacombs of Egypt, purporting to be the writings of Abraham,
+which he made in Egypt, called the <i>Book of Abraham</i>, written by his
+own hand, upon papyrus." These records were translated by the Prophet
+at Nauvoo, and in the MS. History of the Church prepared under his
+direction, he declares that they are absolutely the writings of
+Abraham, a fact which a reading of them will show. If you accept Joseph
+Smith as a Prophet, Seer and Revelator, you must, if you believe he
+translated the record, accept these writings, at least as the genuine
+translations of Abraham's record. There is no room for quibbling
+here.</p>
+
+<p>This is from the Prophet's translation:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"Thus, I Abraham, talked with the Lord face to face, as one man
+ talketh with another. * * * * *</p>
+
+ <p>"Now the Lord had shewn unto me, Abraham, the intelligences that
+ were organized before the world was; and among all these there were
+ many of the noble and great ones, and God saw these souls that they
+ were good, and he stood in the midst of them, and He said, these,
+ I will make my rulers; for He stood among those that were spirits,
+ and He saw that they were good; and He said unto me, Abraham,
+ thou art one of them, thou wast chosen before thou wast born. And
+ there stood one among them that was like unto God, and He said
+ unto those, who were with Him, We will go down, for there is space
+ there, and we will take of these materials, and we will make an
+ Earth whereon these may dwell; and we will prove them herewith, to
+ see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall
+ command them; and they who keep their first estate shall be added
+ upon; and they who keep not their first estate, shall not have
+ glory in the same kingdom with those who keep their first estate;
+ and they who keep their second estate, shall have glory added upon
+ their heads forever and forever.</p>
+
+ <p>Verse 23. "And the Lord said, who shall I send? And one answered
+ like unto the Son of Man, here am I, send me. And another answered
+ and said, here am I, send me. And the Lord said, I will send the
+ first. And the second was angry and kept not his first estate, and,
+ at that day, many followed after him. And then the Lord said, let
+ us go down; and they went down at the beginning, and they organized
+ and formed (that is, the Gods) the heavens and the earth. And the
+ earth, after it was formed, was empty and desolate; because they
+ had not formed anything but the earth; and darkness reigned upon
+ the face of the deep, and the spirit of the Gods was brooding upon
+ the face of the water.</p>
+
+ <p>24. And they said, the Gods, let there be light, and there was
+ light. And they, the Gods, comprehended the light, for it was
+ bright; and they divided the light, or caused it to be divided from
+ the darkness, and the Gods called the light day, and the darkness
+ they called night. * * * * *</p>
+
+ <p>25. And the Gods also said let there be an expanse in the midst of
+ the waters, and it shall divide the waters from the waters. And the
+ Gods ordered the expanse, so that it divided the waters which were
+ under the expanse from the waters which were above the expanse: and
+ it was so, even as they ordered. And the Gods called the expanse
+ heaven. * * *</p>
+
+ <p>26. And the Gods ordered, saying, let the waters under the heavens
+ be gathered unto one place, and let the earth come up dry, and it
+ was so, as they ordered; and the Gods pronounced the earth dry."</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>Thus it continues unto the end of the 32nd verse in each verse
+declaring that the formation of the earth was done under the direction
+of the Gods. This agrees admirably with the discourses delivered at
+Nauvoo in 1844, previously quoted. Is it true doctrine? It certainly
+was taught by Joseph Smith, so in accepting it, we are not so far out
+of harmony with his teachings on this subject as our enemies have
+stated. Here again we hear another objection from our Reorganite
+brethren. Say they: "This <i>Book of Abraham</i> was never accepted by
+the Church in the Prophet's day as doctrine and it has not been so
+accepted by us; it is not a part of 'our authorized doctrines and
+deeds,' therefore it is not binding on us." Perhaps so, you may not
+have accepted it. That does not destroy the truth of this doctrine,
+which the Prophet Joseph Smith and the Church in his day <i>did
+accept</i>—the Doctrine of plurality of Gods. Do you deny this? If
+so then you deny the revelations of God given through the Seer and
+<i>you</i> are out of harmony with the revelations given through that man.
+The Bible and the Doctrine and Covenants both have been received as the
+law of the Church, and these sacred books both teach the doctrine of
+plurality of Gods. First as to the Bible: I quote in each instance from
+the "Inspired Translation."</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"For the Lord your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great
+ God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor
+ taketh reward."—(Deut. 10:17).</p>
+
+ <p>Joshua says: "The Lord God of gods, the Lord God of gods, he
+ knoweth, and Israel he shall know."—(Josh. 22:22).</p>
+
+ <p>David the Psalmist says: "Oh give thanks unto the Lord; for He is
+ good; for His mercy endureth forever.</p>
+
+ <p>"Oh give thanks unto the God of gods; for His mercy endureth
+ forever.</p>
+
+ <p>"Oh give thanks to the Lord of lords, for His mercy endureth
+ forever."—(Psalm 136:1-3).</p>
+
+ <p>Again he says in the 138th Psalm: "I will praise Thee with my whole
+ heart; before the gods, will sing praise unto Thee."</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>But you say these were the heathen gods? but that will never do,
+surely the Lord is not the chief God of the heathen gods. Perhaps we
+may discover more light on the subject.</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>Again the Psalmist sings: "God standeth in the congregation of the
+ mighty; he judgeth among the gods. * * * I have said ye are gods;
+ and all of you are children of the Most High."</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>Say what you will of the other passages, but of this you must admit
+that the heathen gods are not mentioned, for this truth received the
+divine approval of the Redeemer Himself as He taught the apostate Jew:
+Hear Him:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"I and my Father are one."</p>
+
+ <p>"Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shown you from my
+ Father; for which of those works do ye stone me?</p>
+
+ <p>"The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not;
+ but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, maketh
+ thyself God."</p>
+
+ <p>"Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are
+ gods?</p>
+
+ <p>"If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, <i>and the
+ Scriptures cannot be broken</i>;</p>
+
+ <p>"Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the
+ world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God?"</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>And the Jews were shocked, just as a Reorganite minister is, with
+this doctrine of plurality of Gods, and they sought the life of the
+Savior, but He was delivered out of their midst.</p>
+
+<p>The Apostle John in his First Epistle and third chapter also teaches
+this doctrine:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that
+ we should be called the sons of God; therefore <i>the world knoweth
+ us not</i>, because it knew him not.</p>
+
+ <p>"Beloved, <i>now are we the sons of God</i>, and <i>it doth not yet appear
+ what we shall be</i>; but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall
+ be like him; for we shall see him as he is."</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>If the faithful, who keep the commandments of the Father are <i>His
+sons</i>, then they are heirs of the kingdom and shall receive of the
+fulnesss of the Father's glory, even until they become like Father. And
+how can they be perfect as their Father in heaven is perfect if they
+are not like Him?</p>
+
+<p>In the revelations given to Joseph which were accepted by the Church
+before 1844, the doctrine of plurality of Gods is also taught. From the
+"Vision" one of the grandest revelations ever given to man, I quote the
+following:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"And again, we bear record for we saw and heard, and this is the
+ testimony of the Gospel of Christ, concerning them who come forth
+ in the resurrection of the just: They are they who received the
+ testimony of Jesus, and believed on His name, and were baptized
+ after the manner of His burial, being buried in the water in His
+ name, and this according to the commandment which He has given,
+ that by keeping the commandments, they might be washed and cleansed
+ from all their sins, and receive the Holy Spirit by the laying on
+ of the hands of him who is ordained and sealed unto this power:
+ and who overcome by faith, and are sealed by the Holy Spirit of
+ promise, which the Father sheds forth upon all those who are just
+ and true; they are they who are the Church of the firstborn; they
+ are they into whose hands the Father has given all things; they are
+ they who are priests and kings, who have received of His fulnesss,
+ and of His glory, and are priests of the Most High after the order
+ of Melchizedek, which was after the order of Enoch, which was after
+ the order of the Only Begotten Son; wherefore, as it is written,
+ they are gods, even the sons of God; wherefore all things are
+ theirs, whether life or death, or things present, or things to
+ come, all are theirs, and they are Christ's and Christ is God's
+ and they shall overcome all things."—(D. & C., Sec. 76:50-60.
+ Reorganite edition, 76:5).</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>How could this doctrine be stated plainer? This is the doctrine
+taught by the Savior to the Jews, by David in his psalms and by others
+of the prophets. Here it is stated emphatically that they who are of
+the Church of the Firstborn (i. e., those who keep the whole law) even
+"<i>as it is written, they are gods</i>, even the sons of God!" Where is it
+written? In this section; and in the words of the Savior wherein He
+says, referring to David's Psalm, "<i>the Scriptures cannot be broken</i>"
+(John 10:34-36). Doesn't this teach plainly the doctrine of plurality
+of Gods? Does it not teach the fact that the children shall, through
+obedience, sometime obtain the exaltation of the Gods themselves? If
+not what does it mean? Even a Reorganite dare not argue that these are
+the heathen gods!</p>
+
+<p>Now, if they overcome <i>all things, then</i> there <i>are not some things</i>
+that they do not overcome. If these are to receive "of His fulnesss
+and of His glory, and if into their 'hands the Father has <i>given all
+things</i>, then the Father <i>has not withheld</i> some of the fulnesss of
+His glory, or <i>some things</i>. And if they receive His fulnesss and His
+glory, and if <i>all things</i> are theirs, whether life or death, or things
+present, or things to come, <i>all are theirs</i>," how can they receive
+these blessings and not become Gods? They cannot. Yet this is doctrine
+received by the Church and taught by Joseph Smith the Seer.</p>
+
+<p>Speaking of this same subject in the revelation on Priesthood (Sec.
+84:35-40. Reorganite edition, 83:6) the Lord says:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"And also all they who receive this priesthood receiveth me, saith
+ the Lord, for he that receiveth my servants receiveth me, and he
+ that receiveth me receiveth my Father, and he that receiveth my
+ Father receiveth my Father's kingdom. Therefore, <i>all that my
+ Father hath</i> shall be given unto him; and this is according to the
+ oath and covenant which belongeth to the priesthood.<sup><a name=3.1text></a><a href="#3.1">[1]</a></sup> Therefore,
+ all those who receiveth the priesthood receiveth this oath and
+ covenant of my Father, <i>which He cannot break, neither can it be
+ moved</i>; but whoso breaketh this covenant, after he hath received
+ it, and altogether turneth therefrom, shall not have forgiveness of
+ sins in this world nor in the world to come."</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>Here again we are given to understand that those who are faithful in
+obtaining the priesthood and magnifying their calling that they become
+of the Church of the Firstborn, receiving ALL THAT THE FATHER HATH!
+and this according to an oath and covenant that cannot be broken. Now,
+again, how are they to receive <i>all that the Father hath</i>, if something
+is withheld? And if something is not withheld, how can they receive all
+that He hath and not become as He is, that is, Gods themselves?</p>
+
+<p>Here is another revelation given to the Prophet December 27, 1832.
+This is section 88 and verses 106-7 (Reorganite edition, 85:33):</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"And again, another angel shall sound his trump, which is the
+ seventh angel, saying, It is finished! It is finished! the Lamb
+ of God hath overcome and trodden the wine-press alone; even the
+ wine-press of the fierceness of the wrath of Almighty God; And
+ then shall the angels be crowned with the glory of His might,
+ and the saints shall be filled with His glory, and receive their
+ inheritance and be <i>made equal with Him</i>" (i. e., with Christ).</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>How can the Saints receive of His fulnesss and be <i>equal</i> with
+the Lord and not be as He is, that is Gods? This is not the doctrine
+of Brigham Young (for then in the eyes of Reorganites it would be
+blasphemy), but these are the revelations of the Lord to Joseph Smith.
+And these revelations have been received by the "Reorganized" Church
+as binding on them, yet they do not accept the truth these revelations
+contain. Therefore, they prove themselves to be those who have departed
+from the teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith.</p>
+
+<h3>ADAM.</h3>
+
+<p>A word now, in relation to Adam. If all those, <i>as it is
+written—and the Scriptures cannot be broken</i>—are Gods unto
+whom the word of God came, and they are to receive all things, even
+the fulnesss of the Father's glory and be made equal with him, will
+not Father Adam be included among them? What do the Scriptures say of
+<i>him</i>?</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>In section 107:54-55: "And the Lord appeared unto them, and they
+ rose up and blessed Adam, and called him Michael, the Prince, the
+ Archangel,</p>
+
+ <p>"And the Lord administered comfort unto Adam, and said unto him, <i>I
+ have set thee to be at the head</i>—a multitude of nations shall come
+ of thee, and <i>thou art a prince over them forever</i>." Section 78:16:
+ "Who hath appointed Michael your prince, and established his feet,
+ and <i>set him upon high, and given unto him the keys of Salvation
+ under the counsel and direction of the Holy One</i>, who is without
+ beginning of days or end of life."</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>These expressions are from the revelations to Joseph Smith, Brigham
+Young did not receive them, although he accepted them.</p>
+
+<p>This is what the Prophet said in a discourse in 1839:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"The Priesthood was first given to Adam, he obtained the First
+ Presidency, and held the keys of it from generation to generation.
+ He obtained it in the Creation, before the world was formed, as
+ in Gen. 1:26, 27, 28. He had dominion given him over every living
+ creature. He is Michael, the Archangel spoken of in the Scriptures.
+ * * * * The Priesthood is an everlasting principle, and existed
+ with God from eternity, and will to eternity, without beginning
+ of days or end of years. The keys have to be brought from heaven
+ whenever the Gospel is sent. When they are revealed from heaven,
+ <i>it is by Adam's authority</i>. (My italics.)</p>
+
+ <p>"Daniel in his seventh chapter speaks of the Ancient of Days; he
+ means the oldest man, our Father Adam, Michael, he will call his
+ children together and hold a council with them to prepare them for
+ the coming of the Son of Man. He (Adam) is the father of the human
+ family, and presides over the spirits of all men, and all that have
+ had the keys must stand before him in this grand council. This may
+ take place before some of us leave this stage of action. The Son of
+ Man stands before him, and there is given him glory and dominion.
+ Adam delivers up his stewardship to Christ, that which was
+ delivered to him as holding the keys of the universe, but retains
+ his standing as head of the human family.—(History of the Church,
+ Vol. 3:385-7. See also Vol. 4:207-9.)</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>Now, if all the Saints who become members of the Church of the
+Firstborn are to become Gods—<i>and the Scriptures cannot be
+broken</i>—through the fulnesss of the Father's glory which they are
+to receive after they are "made equal with Him," will not Adam, who is
+appointed "<i>to be at the head</i>" as "a prince over them forever," be one
+of them? And as one of them he shall hold the scepter of power and rule
+over them under the direction of the Holy One of Israel, and they shall
+be in subjection to him forever.</p>
+
+<p>This was taught by Joseph Smith, and in departing from it, the
+"Reorganized" Church has denied the revelations and teachings of the
+Lord.</p>
+
+<h3>THE ONLY BEGOTTEN OF THE FATHER.</h3>
+
+<p>In connection with this subject, Reorganites also claim that Brigham
+Young went astray and apostatized because he declared that Jesus
+Christ was not begotten of the Holy Ghost. Reorganites claim that He
+was begotten of the Holy Ghost, and they make the statement that the
+Scriptures so teach. But they do err not understanding the Scriptures.
+They tell us the Book of Mormon states that Jesus was begotten of the
+Holy Ghost. I challenge the statement; the Book of Mormon teaches no
+such thing! Neither does the Bible. It is true there is one passage
+that states so but we must consider it in the light of other passages
+with which it is in conflict. The Book of Mormon says:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"And behold, He shall be born of Mary at Jerusalem * * she being a
+ virgin, a precious and chosen vessel, who shall be overshadowed,
+ and conceive <i>by the power</i> of the Holy Ghost."</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>With this Luke agrees:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"Then said Mary unto the angel; How can this be?</p>
+
+ <p>"And the angel answered and said unto her, of the Holy Ghost,
+ and <i>the power of the Highest</i>. Therefore also, that holy child
+ that shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.—Luke
+ 1:34-35).</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>In Matthew it reads "of the Holy Ghost" which evidently means "power
+of the Holy Ghost," to agree with the Book of Mormon and with Luke.</p>
+
+<p>If Reorganites are correct then Jesus is not the Only Begotten Son
+of the Father, but the Son of the Holy Ghost. This will not do for it
+conflicts with the Scriptures. The Prophet taught that the Father,
+Son and Holy Ghost were three separate personages, and that Jesus was
+the Only Begotten of the Father. In the Book of Genesis, (Inspired
+Scriptures) Jesus is spoken of throughout as the <i>Only Begotten of the
+Father</i> not less than <i>twelve</i> times and in the Book of Mormon at least
+five times and a great number of times in the Doctrine and Covenants
+(see section 76:23, 25, 35, 57) and in these Scriptures He is spoken of
+as the Son of God innumerable times. Now, if He is the <i>Only Begotten</i>
+of the Father in the flesh, He must be the Son of the Father and not
+the Son of the Holy Ghost. Yet, to be consistent, Reorganites must
+claim that Jesus is the Son of the Holy Ghost and not the Son of God
+the Father. Their alternative—if it can be called such—must
+be, then, the stand of Mr. William H. Kelley, the "president" of their
+"apostles," who in a written statement in answer to the question put to
+him by the writer, September 10, 1903: "You say that Jesus Christ the
+Son of God was begotten of the Holy Ghost. Is He the Son of the Holy
+Ghost?"</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Kelley signed his answer as follows: "<i>I do not know</i>. Wm. H.
+Kelley."</p>
+
+<p>Just think of this for a moment. Here is a man professing to be the
+Chief of the Special Witnesses for Christ, declaring that he does not
+know whether Jesus is the Son of God the Father or the Son of the Holy
+Ghost. And the Savior declared it so plainly that He was the Son of
+the Father, His Only Begotten, and was so acknowledged by the Father
+throughout the Scriptures. "And this is life eternal, that they might
+know Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent."
+John 17:3. Again we prove that <i>they</i> have departed from the Scriptures
+and the teachings and revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith. Why do
+they make this error? Because they do not understand the Scriptures and
+fail to recognize the fact that all things that the Father doeth are
+done by the <i>power of the Holy Ghost</i>.</p>
+
+<h3>MARRIAGE.</h3>
+
+<p>The question of Celestial (including plural) marriage is treated
+quite extensively in <i>Blood Atonement and the Origin of Plural
+Marriage</i> so it will be passed with a brief notice here.</p>
+
+<p>We maintain with abundant authority that Joseph Smith the Prophet
+introduced Celestial Marriage, that is, marriage for eternity, into
+the Church. This fact has been admitted by many members of the
+"Reorganized" Church, notwithstanding they attack us on this doctrine
+and say it is not a doctrine of the Church. And while they attack us
+the better part of them hope it is true. What is there so terrible in
+the doctrine of the preservation of the family union in eternity? What
+right-living God-fearing man is there but would be glad to meet his
+parents, his wife and children, in the kingdom of God and know they
+were united never again to separate? While this belief is not taught in
+the creeds of men—including the Reorganites—yet there is
+a hope burning in the bosoms of many people that this doctrine <i>may</i>
+prove true!</p>
+
+<p>Well, it is a Scriptural doctrine, and it <i>is</i> true, for the Lord
+revealed it to Joseph Smith. In the beginning, the very first marriage
+was one intended to last forever. Do you not believe it? I quote from
+the Inspired Scriptures:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"And I, God, created man <i>in mine own image</i>, in the image of mine
+ Only Begotten created I him, <i>male and female created I them</i>,
+ And I, God, blessed them, and said unto them, Be fruitful, and
+ multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it; and have dominion
+ over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over
+ every living thing that moveth upon the earth."—(Genesis 1:29-30).</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>This was a spiritual creation, man was created in the image of God,
+<i>male and female</i>, first in the Spirit, and told in that spiritual
+creation that they were expected to multiply and replenish the earth
+when they were placed upon it to subdue it. This we prove from the
+second chapter of Genesis beginning with the fifth verse:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"For I, the Lord God, created all things of which I have spoken
+ <i>spiritually</i>, before they were naturally upon the face of the
+ earth; for I, the Lord God, had not caused it to rain upon the face
+ of the earth.</p>
+
+ <p>"And I, the Lord God, had created all the children of men, and
+ not yet a man to till the ground, for in heaven created I them,
+ and there was not yet flesh upon the earth, neither in the water,
+ neither in the air."</p>
+
+ <p>Verse 23. "And I, the Lord God, said unto mine Only Begotten, that
+ it was not good that the man should be alone;</p>
+
+ <p>"Wherefore, I will make an help meet for him."</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>Here the Lord declares that it is not good for man to be alone,
+and therefore he gave him an helpmeet, Eve; and this union was formed
+before <i>mortality or death came into the world</i>, and there is no
+indication that it was meant to have an end. If, therefore, it was not
+good for man to be alone before the days of mortality, will it not also
+be good for man to have a helpmeet <i>after</i> mortality has passed away?
+Paul thought so, said he: "Nevertheless neither is the man without the
+woman, neither the woman without the man, <i>in the Lord</i>."—(I Cor.
+11:11).</p>
+
+<p>Alexender H. Smith, "Patriarch" of the "Reorganized" Church, in a
+discourse that is very excellent in many respects, delivered July 1,
+1903, and published in "Zion's Ensign" of December 31, 1903, taught
+the eternity of the marriage covenant as strongly and emphatically as
+it could have been done by an Elder of the Church of Jesus Christ of
+Latter-day Saints. The subject of the discourse was: "In My Father's
+house are many mansions," after enlarging upon the theme for some time,
+he concludes his discourse with some personal testimony regarding the
+last illness of his mother from which the following extracts are here
+produced:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"Pretty son the still, small voice of the Spirit said, "If your
+ mother dies <i>she will be with her companion, Joseph</i>. If she lives
+ she cannot but live a few short years at most of pain and anguish."</p>
+
+<center><p>* * * * * * * * * * * *</p></center>
+
+ <p>"Just before she passed away she called, 'Joseph, Joseph,' I
+ thought she meant my brother. He was in the room, and I spoke to
+ him, and said, Joseph, mother wants you. I was at the head of the
+ bed. My mother raised right up, lifted her left hand as high as she
+ could raise it, and called, Joseph. I put my left arm under her
+ shoulders, took her hand in mine, saying, Mother, what is it, laid
+ her hand on her bosom, and she was dead; she had passed away.</p>
+
+ <p>"And when I talked of her calling, Sr. Revel, who was with us
+ during our sickness, said, Don't you understand that? No, I
+ replied, I do not. Well, a short time before she died she had a
+ vision which she related to me. She said that your father came to
+ her and said to her, Emma, come with me, it is time for you to come
+ with me. And as she related it she said, I put on my bonnet and
+ my shawl and went with him; I did not think that it was anything
+ unusual. I went with him into a mansion, a beautiful mansion, and
+ he showed me through the different apartments of that beautiful
+ mansion. And one room was the nursery. In that nursery was a babe
+ in the cradle. She said, I knew my babe, my Don Carlos that was
+ taken away from me. She sprang forward, caught the child up in her
+ arms, and wept with joy over the child. When she recovered herself
+ sufficiently she turned to Joseph, and said. Where are the rest of
+ my children? He said to her, Emma, be patient, and you shall have
+ all of your children."</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>Then Alexander comments:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"Do you wonder why, as a son of that mother, I plead for those who
+ believe upon the Lord Jesus Christ, and picture their beautiful
+ home in the city of God, in the language that I do, when I realize
+ that my mother occupies, or will occupy one of those beautiful
+ mansions? <i>It may be imagination; but it is grand</i>; it fills me
+ with a grand hope."</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>And so they do hope, notwithstanding the fact that they oppose us in
+this doctrine, and say that there is no union of parents and children
+in family union after death. They secretly hope, and pray in their very
+hearts, that after all in this we <i>may</i> be right.</p>
+
+<h3>BLOOD ATONEMENT.</h3>
+
+<p>This subject is also found in <i>Blood Atonement and the Origin of
+Plural Marriage</i>, therefore only a brief outline will be given here.
+Joseph Smith taught that there were certain sins so grievous that man
+may commit, that will place the transgressors beyond the power of the
+atonement of Christ. If these offenses are committed, then the blood of
+Christ will not cleanse them from their sins even though they repent.
+Therefore their only hope is to have their own blood shed to <i>atone</i>,
+as far as possible, in their behalf. This is Scriptural doctrine, and
+is taught in all the standard works of the Church. The doctrine was
+established in the beginning, that "Whoso sheddeth man's blood, <i>by man
+shall his</i> blood shed to <i>atone</i> as far as possible, in their behalf.
+For a commandment I give, that every man's brother shall preserve the
+life of man, for in mine own image have I made man."—(Genesis
+9:12-13, Inspired Scriptures).</p>
+
+<p>This was the law among the Nephites: "Wo unto the murderer, who
+deliberately killeth, <i>for he shall die</i>."—(II Nephi 9:35).</p>
+
+<p>John says: "If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto
+death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not
+unto death. <i>There is a sin unto death</i>: I do not say that ye shall
+pray for it."</p>
+
+<p>Every nation since the world began has practiced blood atonement at
+least in part as that doctrine is based upon the Scriptures. And men
+for certain crimes have had to <i>atone</i> for their sins wherein they have
+placed themselves beyond the redeeming power of the blood of Christ.</p>
+
+<p>But that the Church practices "Blood Atonement" on apostates or any
+others, which is preached by ministers of the "Reorganization" is a
+damnable falsehood for which the accusers must answer.</p>
+
+<h3>ZION.</h3>
+
+<p>Members of the "Reorganized" Church inform us that Zion does not
+include Utah,<sup><a name=3.2text></a><a href="#3.2">[2]</a></sup> but is limited to
+Jackson County, Mo., and the regions round about, Nauvoo being one of
+the "corner stones;" and when the Saints came westward they left the
+borders of Zion. Moreover, since Temples were to be built in Zion and
+Jerusalem, all the Temples we may build in Utah or the West are not
+recognized of the Lord on this ground alone, if no other.</p>
+
+<p>We accept the fact that the center place where the City New
+Jerusalem is to be built, is in Jackson Country, Missouri. It was
+never the intention to substitute Utah or any other place for Jackson
+Country. But we do hold that Zion when reference is made to the land,
+is as broad as America, both North and South—all of it is Zion.
+If Zion is limited in its scope to the country surrounding Jackson
+County, it is indeed too bad that Nephi did not know that fact. What
+a glorious thing it would have been had there been a few Reorganites
+in his day to inform him of it. Then he and his people would not have
+fallen into the error of building Temples—like unto Solomon's at
+Jerusalem—away off down in Central or South America, but they
+could have placed one in Jackson Country, or the regions round about.
+It was really an unfortunate occurrence.</p>
+
+<p>But to be serious. The Book of Mormon informs us that the whole of
+America, both North and South, is a choice land above all other lands,
+in other words—Zion. The Lord told the Jaredites that He would
+lead them to a land "which is choice above all the land of the earth."
+(Ether 1:42). We understand that they landed in Central America where
+their kingdom existed the greater part of their residence in America.
+When the Lord led the family of Lehi to this land, He said to them:
+"And inasmuch as ye shall keep my commandments, ye shall prosper,
+and shall be led to a land of promise; yea, even a land which I have
+prepared for you; yea, a land which is choice above all other lands."
+(I. Nephi, 2:20). It is generally understood that they landed in South
+America, and that their nations, the Nephites and Lamanites, dwelt in
+South and Central America during the greater part of their sojourn
+here. At any rate, the time of their civilization was principally spent
+in the South and not in the region now comprising the United States.
+This proves beyond the possibility of doubt that the choice land was
+South as well as North America, and while the City New Jerusalem, which
+the Book of Mormon tells us is to be built on this land that is choice
+above all other lands, will be in Jackson County, nevertheless, if one
+accepts the Book of Mormon, one must accept the whole hemisphere as the
+land of Zion.</p>
+
+<p>At the April conference of the Church, held at Nauvoo in 1844, the
+Prophet Joseph Smith declared that the whole of America was Zion. (See
+Mill. Star, 23:280). His remarks are recorded in the <i>Life of Joseph
+the Prophet</i> (Reorganite edition, page 503) as follows:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"But in the mighty sweep of the crowning sermons of his life we
+ must not overlook the more miscellaneous gems and striking sayings.
+ Here is one for America, like the sound of an archangel's trump:</p>
+
+ <p>"I want to make a proclamation to the Elders. You know very well
+ that the Lord has led this Church by revelation. I have now another
+ revelation—a grand and glorious revelation. I shall not be able to
+ dwell as largely upon it as at some other time, but I will give you
+ the first principles. You know there has been a great discussion
+ in relation to Zion, where it is, and where the gathering of the
+ dispensation is, which I am now going to tell you. The Prophets
+ have spoken and written upon it, but I will make a proclamation
+ that will cover a broader ground. <i>The whole of America is Zion
+ itself</i>, from north to south, and is described by the Prophets,
+ who declared that it is the Zion, where the mountain of the Lord
+ should be, and that it should be in the centre of the land. When
+ the Elders will take up and examine the old prophecies in the Bible
+ they will see it."</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<h3>"AN ESOTERIC GOSPEL."</h3>
+
+<p>Another charge is that after the death of Joseph and Hyrum Smith,
+President Young and the Apostles introduced secrets into the Church,
+that they claimed to hold "<i>keys that the written word never spoke
+of, nor never will</i>." (True Succession, p. 122). All this, say they,
+is contrary to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to the teachings of
+Joseph Smith, who always taught openly and not in secret. One of their
+defenders writing on this point quotes from the Redeemer as follows:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in
+ the synagogue, and in the temple, wither the Jews always resort;
+ <i>and in secret have I said nothing</i>. Why ask thou me? ask them:
+ behold they know what I said." (John 18:18-21.)</p>
+
+ <p>"But Brigham was afraid that people would ask his followers what he
+ taught. In speaking of some who wanted their endowments, he says:
+ 'Well, he gets his endowment, and what for? To go to California,
+ and <i>reveal everything he can</i>, and stir up wickedness, and prepare
+ himself for hell." (Journal of Discourses, 2: 144).</p>
+
+ <p>"Christ was not afraid of any revealments. He stood there among
+ His enemies, defying them to find any fault with His teachings;
+ but Brigham was afraid of what his followers might reveal of his
+ doctrine and secret works. Did he represent Christ?" (Necessity for
+ a Reorganization, p. 30).</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>Yes, Jesus taught the Gospel openly as far as the Jews were able to
+stand it; but it does not follow that he did not teach His disciples
+things that were not for the world! And at times He was constrained by
+His Father from teaching His disciples some truths. Why? Because of the
+hardness of their hearts they were not able to receive His teachings.
+In not revealing everything to the world, did Brigham Young,—aye,
+did Joseph Smith represent Christ? for Brigham Young was only following
+in the footsteps of the Seer! What was it the Savior said to Peter,
+James, and John, when they came down from the mount of transfiguration?
+Jesus charged them, saying, "Tell the vision to no man, until the Son
+of Man be risen again from the dead."—Matt. 17:8. (Inspired
+Scriptures) Why didn't he tell them to proclaim it openly from the
+housetops? Because it was not for the world! Jesus was in the habit
+of teaching the people in parables. On one occasion when He had thus
+spoken, His disciples came and said unto him:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"Why speakest Thou unto them in parables? He answered and said unto
+ them, <i>Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the
+ kingdom of heaven</i>, but <i>to them</i> it is not given. For whosoever
+ receiveth, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance;
+ but whosoever continueth not to receive, from him <i>shall be taken
+ away even that he hath</i>. Therefore speak I to them in parables;
+ because they, seeing, see not; and hearing, they hear not; neither
+ do they understand." (Matt. 13:8-12).</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>On another occasion Jesus said unto His disciples: "And other sheep
+I have, which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they
+shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd."
+(John 10:16). But He did not tell them who those "other sheep" were.
+The reason He failed to tell them this interesting fact we learn from
+the Book of Mormon:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"And now it came to pass that when Jesus had spoken these words,
+ He said unto those Twelve whom He had chosen, ye are my disciples;
+ and ye are a light unto this people, who are a remnant of the
+ house of Joseph. And behold, this is the land of your inheritance;
+ and the Father hath given it unto you. And not at any time hath
+ the Father given me commandment that I should tell it unto your
+ brethren at Jerusalem; neither at any time hath the Father given
+ me commandment, that I should tell unto them concerning the other
+ tribes of the house of Israel, whom the Father hath led away out
+ of the land. This much did the Father command me, that I should
+ tell unto them. That other sheep I have, which are not of this
+ fold; them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice, and
+ there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. And now, <i>because
+ of stiffneckedness and unbelief, they understood not my word:
+ therefore I was commanded to say no more of the Father concerning
+ this thing unto them</i>." (III. Nephi, 15:11-17).</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>How different this is from Reorganite philosophy, according to their
+rule of faith, Jesus should have spoken boldly and openly and should
+not have withheld anything. Was Jesus "<i>afraid</i> of any revealments?"</p>
+
+<p>Paul says he knew a man, whether in the body, or out of the body, he
+could not tell, "How that he was caught up into paradise, and <i>heard
+unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter</i>." What
+made the words unlawful to utter to man? simply because in the hardness
+of his heart and unbelief, man was not worthy to hear them, he could
+not endure them.</p>
+
+<p>The Book of Mormon is most emphatic on this point that there are
+"mysteries" that are not to be revealed to the unfaithful. This is from
+the Prophet Alma:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"And now Alma began to expound these things unto him, (Zeezrom),
+ saying, It is given unto many <i>to know the mysteries</i> of God;
+ <i>nevertheless they are laid under a strict command, that they shall
+ not impart only according to the portion of His word, which He doth
+ grant unto the children of men; according to the heed and diligence
+ which they give unto Him</i>; and therefore he that will harden his
+ heart, the same receiveth the lesser portion of the word; and he
+ that will not harden his heart, to him is given the greater portion
+ of the word, <i>until he know them in full</i>; and they that will
+ harden their hearts, to them is given the <i>lesser portion</i> of the
+ word, <i>until they know nothing concerning his mysteries</i>; and then
+ they are taken captive by the devil, and led by his will down to
+ destruction. Now, this is what is meant by the chains of hell."</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>It is because Reorganites have hardened their hearts that they have
+not received the <i>greater portion</i> of the word, even the mysteries,
+and therefore they are, through their hard-heartedness and unbelief,
+captives of the devil and in danger of the chains of hell.</p>
+
+<p>If the Lord places His servants under a strict command <i>not to
+reveal</i> His word, "only according to the portion of His word, which
+He doth grant unto the children of men, according to the heed and
+diligence which they give unto Him;" and, therefore, they withhold some
+of those things from the world that have been revealed unto them does
+that make them <i>cowardly</i>? If so, not only Brigham Young, but Joseph
+Smith, yes, even the Son of Man Himself would be cowardly. No, the fact
+that they have refused to do this thing proves them to possess the
+greatest courage, for it has caused them to face persecutions, even
+death.</p>
+
+<p>We are told that the Book of Mormon contains the fulnesss of the
+Gospel, yet the greater parts of the teachings of the Savior to that
+people are not yet revealed, because of the unbelief of the people.
+This is from III. Nephi, 26th chapter:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"And now there cannot be written in this book even a hundredth part
+ of the teachings which Jesus did truly teach unto the people; but
+ behold the plates of Nephi do contain the more part of the things
+ which He taught the people; and these things have I written, which
+ are a <i>lesser part</i> of the things which He taught the people; and I
+ have written them to the intent that they may be brought again unto
+ this people, from the Gentiles, according to the words which Jesus
+ hath spoken.</p>
+
+ <p>"And when they shall have received this, which is expedient that
+ they should have first, <i>to try their faith</i>, and if it shall so
+ be that they shall believe these things, then shall the <i>greater
+ things</i> be made manifest unto them. And if it so be that they will
+ not believe these things, then shall the greater things be withheld
+ from them, <i>unto their condemnation</i>. Behold I was about to write
+ them all which were engraven upon the plates of Nephi, <i>but the
+ Lord forbid it, saying, I will try the faith of my people</i>."
+ (Verses 6-11).</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>The calling of Brigham Young a coward for withholding some things
+that the Lord has revealed to His Church, may be excused because of the
+ignorance of the accusers; but who dare presume to say the Lord was
+cowardly because He withheld the greater things from His people? And
+yet if you have done it unto one of His servants ye have done it unto
+Him.</p>
+
+<p>Again:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"Behold, I have written upon these plates the very things which
+ the brother of Jared saw: and there never was greater things made
+ manifest, than that which was made manifest unto the brother of
+ Jared; wherefore the Lord hath commanded me to write them; and I
+ have written them. And He commanded me that I should seal them up;
+ and He also hath commanded that I should seal up the interpretation
+ thereof; wherefore I have sealed up the interpreters, according to
+ the commandment of the Lord. For the Lord said unto me, They shall
+ not go forth unto the Gentiles until the day that they shall repent
+ of their iniquity, and become clean before the Lord." (Ether 4:4-6).</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>Joseph the Prophet was commanded to keep some things from going
+out into the world that had been revealed unto him and the Church. He
+also received revelations that he could not teach to the Church in the
+beginning, no more than Jesus could teach all things to His disciples.
+When he did reveal some of the "mysteries" there were many who left Him
+and denied the faith, just as they did when Jesus told His disciples He
+was the bread of life (John 6:66). "Many of them went back and walked
+no more with Him." The Prophet said at Kirtland, April 6, 1837: "If the
+Church knew all the commandments, one half they would condemn through
+prejudice and ignorance. (Hist. of Church, Vol. 2:477). A great many
+did fall away at that time, not being able to endure, and among them
+were the Witnesses of the Book of Mormon, one of whom afterwards set up
+a church of his own, declaring that Joseph Smith was a fallen Prophet,
+and rejecting all his commandments given after about 1835.</p>
+
+<p>The Lord gave a revelation to the Prophet, March 7, 1831, at
+Kirtland (Sec. 45), in which He revealed many things to take place
+before His second coming, and at the close of the revelation He
+said:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"And now I say unto you, <i>keep these things from going abroad unto
+ the world</i>, until it is expedient in me that ye may accomplish this
+ work in the eyes of the people, and in the eyes of your enemies,
+ that they may not know your works until ye have accomplished the
+ thing which I have commanded you."</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>When the Prophet Joseph gave his charge to the first foreign
+missionaries of the Church, Elders Heber C. Kimball, Orson Hyde, Joseph
+Fielding, and others, he said:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"My instructions to the brethren were, when they arrived in
+ England, to adhere closely to the first principles of the Gospel,
+ and remain <i>silent</i> concerning the <i>gathering</i>, the <i>vision</i>, (D. &
+ C., Sec. 76), and the <i>Book of Doctrine and Covenants</i>, until such
+ time as the work was fully established, and it should be clearly
+ made manifest by the Spirit to do otherwise. (Hist. of Church,
+ 2:492).</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>Was there anything in the doctrine of <i>gathering</i>, in the <i>vision</i>,
+or the <i>Doctrine and Covenants</i>, that Joseph Smith was ashamed of?
+Was he "afraid that people would ask his followers what he taught?"
+that he gave such a charge to these first foreign missionaries of the
+Church! Was he afraid, a coward? No, he was merely obeying the voice
+of the Spirit, for the people were not prepared to receive these
+things. Brigham Young was no more "afraid that the people would ask his
+followers what he taught," than was Joseph Smith, or even the Master
+Himself, when He commanded certain of His disciples to withhold some of
+His teachings from the world, until after His resurrection.</p>
+
+<p>Now, our Reorganite friends have attempted to make considerable
+capital out of the statement of President Brigham Young, that there
+were "keys that the written word never spoke of, nor never will." In
+the light of the facts herein set forth, that "it is given unto many
+to <i>know the mysteries</i> of God; <i>nevertheless they are laid under
+a strict command, that they shall not impart only according to the
+portion of His word, which He doth grant unto the children of men</i>;
+according to the <i>heed</i> and <i>diligence</i> which they give unto Him, and
+that things have been revealed to the faithful even to babes, that were
+"<i>forbidden</i>, that there should not any man <i>write them</i>," and that
+many of them have seen and heard "<i>unspeakable things</i>, which are <i>not
+lawful to be written</i>," (III. Nephi 26:16, 18). is it, after all, so
+unreasonable that there should be <i>keys</i> that the written word <i>does
+not and will not</i> speak of? Joseph Smith the Prophet held the "<i>keys</i>"
+of the <i>mystery of things which have been sealed</i>, even things which
+were from the foundation of the world." (D. & C. 35:18), which
+<i>mysteries</i> it was given to the Saints to know, "but <i>unto the world</i>
+it is not <i>given to know them</i>." (D. & C. 42:65). Again: "But unto
+him that keepeth my commandments, I will give the mysteries of my
+kingdom, and the same shall be in him a well of living water, springing
+up unto everlasting life." (D. & C. 63:23).</p>
+
+<p>Now, how were these <i>keys</i> and <i>mysteries</i> to be kept from the
+world, if they were to be published to the world in the written word?
+And if the Saints through faithfulness are to receive the <i>mysteries</i>
+of the kingdom, then they must be withheld from the world and from
+the unfaithful. How is this to be if they are to be published to
+the world in the written word? Therefore, when our friends of the
+"Reorganization" attack President Young because there were <i>keys</i> not
+spoken of in the written word, which keys we have seen were held by
+Joseph Smith, they merely display their own ignorance and folly in
+raising the question.</p>
+
+<h3>TEMPLE BUILDING AND CEREMONIAL ENDOWMENTS THEREIN.</h3>
+
+<p>Another phase of this same subject is Temple work, which is so
+bitterly attacked by the Reorganites. They say:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"That as to the alleged 'temple building and ceremonial endowments
+ therein,' that we know of no temple building, except as edifices
+ wherein to worship God, and no endowment except the endowment of
+ the Holy Spirit of the kind experienced by the early Saints on
+ Pentecost day." (Book of Resolutions, p. 82).</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>They take the ground that the Temple work of the Latter-day
+Saints is contrary to the teachings of the Prophet, and it was not
+contemplated before the martyrdom that in the Temple of God anything
+of a secret nature should take place. Of course it is to be expected
+that the "Reorganization" knows of "no Temple building or ceremonial
+endowments therein," for they have rejected the "<i>greater things</i>" and
+therefore the Lord has withheld from them this knowledge "to their
+condemnation." This charge has been already answered in part in what
+goes before, but we will see what is in the revelations to Joseph
+Smith which justify still further the actions of the Church of Jesus
+Christ of Latter-day Saints in the belief and practice of "ceremonial
+endowments," etc., in the Temples.</p>
+
+<p>After speaking of baptism for the dead in the revelation of January
+19, 1841, the Lord continues:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"And again, verily I say unto you, How shall your <i>washings</i> be
+ acceptable unto me, except ye perform them in a house which you
+ have built to my name? * * * Therefore, verily I say unto you, that
+ your <i>anointings</i>, and your <i>washings</i>, and your baptisms for the
+ dead, and your <i>solemn assemblies</i>, and your memorials for your
+ sacrifices, by the sons of Levi, and for your <i>oracles in your
+ most holy places</i>, wherein you receive <i>conversations</i>, and your
+ statutes and judgments, for the beginning of the revelations and
+ foundation of Zion, and for her glory, honor, and endowment of
+ all her municipals, <i>are ordained</i> by the <i>ordinance of my holy
+ house</i> which my people are always commanded to build unto my holy
+ name. And verily I say unto you, Let this house be built unto my
+ name, that <i>I may reveal mine ordinances therein, unto my people</i>."
+ (Verses 37-40).</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>Here are mentioned ordinances that were not had on Pentecost day
+that were to be had in the Lord's Temple, of which our self-confessed
+Reorganites know nothing, because God has not revealed these things
+unto them, and He will not for they have rejected these greater things
+to <i>their own condemnation</i>.</p>
+
+<p>In the Book of Abraham (See Pearl of Great Price) published by the
+Prophet Joseph Smith in the Times and Seasons in 1842, is given a
+fac-similie of hieroglyphics with an accompanying translation by Joseph
+Smith, as far as he was permitted to translate. These figures are
+numbered from 1 to 20. Here are some of these translations and comments
+of the Prophet: Figure 3.—Is made to represent God, sitting upon
+His throne, clothed with power and authority; with a crown of eternal
+light upon His head; representing also the grand <i>key-words</i> of the
+Holy Priesthood, as revealed to Adam, etc." Figure 7.—Represents
+God sitting upon His throne revealing through the heavens, the grand
+<i>key-words</i> of the Priesthood, as, also, the sign of the Holy Ghost
+unto Abraham, in the form of a dove. Figure 8.—<i>Contains writing
+that cannot be revealed unto the world, but is to be had in the Holy
+Temple of God</i>. Figures 9, 10, 11, the Prophet says "Ought not to be
+revealed at the present time; if the world can find out these numbers,
+so let it be. Amen." Figures 12, to 20, "Will be given in the own due
+time of the Lord." Then the Prophet concludes: "The above translation
+is given as far as we have any right to give, at the present time."</p>
+
+<p>Here, then, we find things that were to be taught to the Saints in
+the Temple of the Lord, but were not to be revealed to the world; for
+they are sacred and holy, and can only be had in the Temple of God, for
+the Lord through Joseph Smith declared it.</p>
+
+<p>Again, in verse 28 (see 124), the Lord says: "For there is not a
+place found on earth that he may come and restore again that which was
+lost unto you, or which he hath taken away, even the <i>fulnesss of the
+Priesthood</i>." Therefore, we learn that only in the Temple of the Lord
+can the fulnesss of the Priesthood be received by His people.</p>
+
+<p>These facts place our Reorganite brethren in a rather unenviable
+light, for they are opposing through ignorance and unbelief, and the
+hardness of their hearts, the revelations of the Lord on Temple work as
+it was revealed to Joseph Smith, and by him to others, and from them to
+the Church.</p>
+
+<p>"Hold on," say they, "not so fast, the Lord said He was <i>about</i>
+to restore these things, but it depended on the faithfulness of the
+Saints, and Joseph Smith died before the Temple was built, therefore,
+since these things could only be revealed to the people <i>in the Temple</i>
+they were not revealed."</p>
+
+<p>"Have any such revelations been received? Name them. Where are
+they and what are they? Our Doctrine and Covenants contains only two
+sections that were given between that time and the time the Saints
+left Nauvoo, and they are not revelations, but letters of Joseph
+Smith containing items of revelation pertaining to baptism for the
+dead. The Utah Doctrine and Covenants contains nothing that could be
+accepted as a response, an answer, to the promise in full."<sup><a name=3.3text></a><a href="#3.3">[3]</a></sup></p>
+
+<p>Now, it's our turn to cry "Hold on, not so fast." We will examine
+the word of the Lord: In verse 41 (sec. 124) He says: "For I deign to
+reveal <i>unto my Church</i>, things which have been kept hid from before
+the foundation of the world, <i>things that pertain to the dispensation</i>
+of the fulnesss of times." Well, if we were rejected, and <i>they have
+not received</i> the revelations of these things the Lord was <i>about to
+reveal to His Church</i>, then it stands to reason that <i>they are not His
+Church</i> or they would have received them. For the word of the Lord
+cannot be broken. They testify to us that <i>they have not</i> received
+these things.</p>
+
+<p>In section 127:8, the Lord again affirms: "For <i>I am about to
+restore many things</i> to the earth, pertaining to the Priesthood, saith
+the Lord of Hosts." Yes, He was about to do it, but nearly seventy
+years have passed away and the "Reorganization" confesses that they
+have not been revealed to them yet! Then they are not the Church! This
+is obvious.</p>
+
+<p>Elijah said the time had fully come (Sec. 110) and the Prophet said
+"the earth will be smitten with a curse, unless there is a welding link
+of some kind or other, between the fathers and the children * * * it
+is necessary in the ushering in of the dispensation of the fulnesss
+of times * * that a whole and complete and perfect union, and welding
+together of <i>dispensations</i>, and <i>keys</i>, and <i>powers</i>, and <i>glories</i>
+should take place and <i>be revealed</i> from the days of Adam even to the
+present time; and not only this, but those things which <i>never have
+been revealed from the foundation of the world</i>, but have been kept hid
+from the wise and prudent, shall be revealed unto babes and sucklings
+in this the dispensation of the fulnesss of times." (Sec. 128:18).</p>
+
+<p>Here is a point of considerable interest that our friends have
+overlooked. The Lord says: "<i>And I will show unto my servant Joseph ALL
+THINGS pertaining to this house, and the Priesthood thereof</i>; and the
+place whereon it shall be built. (Sec. 124:42). Evidently the Lord was
+going to show him these things before the Temple was built. Did the
+Lord keep His word? Our Reorganite friends say not, that these things
+<i>were not</i> revealed. But they were revealed to Joseph Smith <i>and he
+revealed them to others</i>; not the unfaithful who would receive only
+the "lesser portion of the word" and were therefore denied the greater
+things, but he taught them to the Apostles and others. Now, the Lord
+did not say that Joseph Smith could not receive the fulnesss of the
+Priesthood <i>out side of the Temple</i>, neither that he should not confer
+the same Priesthood upon others, to the contrary the Lord said He
+would reveal these things to Joseph Smith, but it was <i>His people, His
+Church</i> that could not receive them outside of the Temple of the Lord!
+and unto them He was going to reveal them <i>in</i> the Temple, but unto
+Joseph Smith He would show <i>all things</i> pertaining to His house, and
+<i>the Priesthood thereof</i>.</p>
+
+<p>It is unnecessary here to quote the evidence proving that Joseph
+Smith received <i>all things</i> pertaining to the Priesthood of the Lord's
+house and conferred them on the heads of the Apostles, for that is
+given in another place, and has often been recorded. It is, therefore,
+sufficient to say that shortly before his death he conferred upon the
+heads of the Apostles all the <i>keys and Priesthood</i> the Lord had given
+him, and this was done by command of the Lord. We will merely refer to
+the testimony of Orson Hyde which with other testimonies is given in
+this book. Said Brother Hyde:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"Before I went east on the 4th of April last, we were in council
+ with Brother Joseph almost every day for weeks, said Brother Joseph
+ in one of those councils, 'There is something going to happen; I
+ don't know what it is, but the Lord bids me to hasten and give you
+ your endowment before the Temple is finished.' He conducted us
+ through every ordinance of the Holy Priesthood, and when he had
+ gone through with all the ordinances, he rejoiced very much, and
+ said, 'Now, if they kill me, you have got all the keys, and all
+ the ordinances, and you can confer them upon others, and the hosts
+ of Satan will not be able to tear down the kingdom, as fast as you
+ will be able to build it up.'" (Times and Seasons, 5:651).</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>"Have any such revelations been received? they cry. Name them. Where
+are they and what are they?" Yes, these revelations have been received.
+They were revealed to Joseph Smith<sup><a name=3.4text></a><a href="#3.4">[4]</a></sup>
+and from him to the Apostles, and by the Apostles they have been given
+to the faithful Saints in the Temples of the Lord; both at Nauvoo
+and here in Utah. "<i>Name them?</i>" No, I shall not name them nor tell
+what they are. Why? because if the Lord kept some things hid from
+the world since before the foundation of the world, pertaining to
+the dispensation of the fulnesss of times, and has revealed them now
+unto <i>His Church</i>, I have no authority to reveal them to the world.
+Moreover, I am—like every other member of the Church—"laid
+under a strict command, not to impart only according to the portion
+of His word, which He doth grant unto the children of men." Should I
+reveal these things, because of the hardness of your hearts you would
+not receive them, therefore, you shall receive but the lesser portion
+of the word, to your condemnation. If you will not hear Moses and the
+Prophets, neither will you though one arose from the dead.</p>
+
+<h3>REVELATION.</h3>
+
+<p>Another charge is that the Presidents of the Church have not
+received the revelations of the Lord which have been given to the
+"Reorganization" through their president. The charge is false. The
+Presidents of the Church from the Prophet Joseph until now have
+received revelations from the Lord for the guidance of His people.
+While all these revelations have not been placed in the Doctrine and
+Covenants, they are none the less true. Not all the revelations given
+to Joseph the Seer were placed in the Doctrine and Covenants in his
+day, we have added many of his revelations to that volume since his
+death; and there are others that have not been placed in it. Some of
+them were for the Church and <i>not for the world</i>, and, therefore, are
+given only to the Saints. But many revelations have been given to
+the Church since the death of Joseph Smith, some of these have been
+published, some have not. It has been my privilege to read and handle
+a number of them that are still in the manuscript and have not as yet
+been given to the world for a wise purpose in the Lord. But they are on
+file and will be preserved.</p>
+
+<p>A short time ago a number of Elders visited Lamoni and held
+meetings there. The following issue of the Saints' Herald contained an
+editorial, not very dignified, ridiculing them. It was written by the
+associate editor. In part he said:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"It may be urged that these are young and inexperienced men. But
+ the dearth of spiritual power is not confined to these young men.
+ Joseph F. Smith, who is supposed to be a 'Prophet, seer, and
+ revelator,' when before the Senate Committee was asked by Senator
+ Dubois, 'Have you received any individual revelations yourself,
+ since you became president of the Church under your own definition,
+ even, of a revelation?'</p>
+
+ <p>"To this he replied, 'I cannot say that I have.'</p>
+
+ <p>"A moment later he added, 'Well, I can say this: That if I live as
+ I should in the line of my duties, I am susceptible, I think, of
+ the impressions of the Spirit of the Lord upon my mind at any time,
+ <i>just as any good Methodist or any other church member might be</i>.'</p>
+
+ <p>"This seems to be in line with the experiences of his predecessors,
+ Snow, Woodruff, Taylor, and Young, who also posed as 'revelators,'
+ for during a period of over sixty years they have received nothing
+ professing to be a revelation, that was thought worthy of a place
+ in the Book of Doctrine and Covenants." (Elbert A. Smith, <i>Saints'
+ Herald</i>, 56:681).</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>This slurring presumption counts for naught, for the editor of the
+<i>Herald</i> knows nothing pertaining to the revelations we have received,
+or what we think of them. Nor is he fair to President Joseph F. Smith
+in this quotation from the record of the investigation, for it does not
+convey the belief or knowledge, or the true expression of President
+Smith, and was purposely misapplied, which a careful reading of his
+testimony will show.</p>
+
+<p>To presume to speak in the name of the Lord is a serious matter,
+and woe be to the man who speaks in the name of the Lord when he has
+not been commanded. It is far better never to receive a revelation
+than to follow after those who receive "revelations" that the Lord has
+not given. The "revelations" given by the Reorganite president to the
+"Reorganized" Church, need only to be read to convince one of their
+spurious character. They are weak, puerile, and it takes a very little
+of the spirit of discernment to know what source they are of. However,
+if they are acceptable to the "Reorganization," that is their business.
+We are satisfied.</p>
+
+<p>But the people who lack in discernment may be deceived through the
+pretenses of men and accept for facts and revelations that which the
+Lord has not commanded. If there are any who are honestly deceived
+pertaining to the revelations of this man who presumes to be the
+"President of the High Priesthood" and "the mouthpiece of God," we will
+respectfully call their attention to one or two items in his pretended
+revelations.</p>
+
+<p>This is from section 116, "revelation" given May 4, 1865:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"Be not hasty in ordaining men of the negro race to offices in my
+ church, for verily I say unto you, All are not acceptable unto me
+ as servants, nevertheless I will that all may be saved, but every
+ man in his own order, and there are some who are chosen instruments
+ to be ministers to their own race. Be ye content, I the Lord have
+ spoken it."</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>The Prophet Joseph Smith taught the Saints that the negroes could
+not hold the Priesthood, for the Lord had cursed them as pertaining
+to the Priesthood. This is supported by the revelation in the Book of
+Abraham, which was translated by the Prophet. It reads:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"Now the first government of Egypt was established by Pharaoh, the
+ eldest son of Egyptus, the daughter of Ham, and it was after the
+ manner of government of Ham, which was patriarchal.</p>
+
+ <p>"Pharaoh, being a righteous man, established his kingdom and judged
+ his people wisely and justly all his days, seeking earnestly
+ to imitate that order established by the fathers in the first
+ generations, in the days of the first patriarchal reign, even the
+ reign of Adam, and also of Noah, his father, who blessed him with
+ the blessings of the earth, and with the blessings of wisdom, but
+ <i>cursed him as pertaining to the Priesthood</i>. Now, Pharaoh being of
+ the lineage by which <i>he could not have the right of Priesthood</i>,
+ notwithstanding the Pharaohs would fain claim it from Noah, through
+ Ham, therefore my father was led away by their idolatry." (Book of
+ Abraham 1:25-27).</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>The Lord did not tell Abraham that the children of Ham were cursed as
+pertaining to the Priesthood, and then command Joseph Smith of the
+"Reorganization" to be slow in ordaining them. In the "Reorganized"
+Church they have a few, at least, of the negro race, that they have
+"ordained to the priesthood" but it is contrary to the word of God.
+This Reorganite revelation is spurious.</p>
+
+<p>Here is an extract from another:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"The quorum of twelve, my servants, may choose and appoint one of
+ their number to take the place of my servant Alexander H. Smith,
+ and <i>if they shall choose William H. Kelley</i>, from among them
+ for this place, <i>it will be pleasing unto me</i>; NEVERTHELESS, IF
+ <i>directed by the spirit of revelation</i> and <i>wisdom</i> they <i>may
+ choose another</i>." (Sec. 124:3).</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>Can any sane man believe that the Lord gave this "revelation?" Did
+He not know His mind and will, was not <i>His</i> the "spirit of revelation
+and wisdom?" or was there a disagreement on the point between the Lord
+and the Holy Spirit?</p>
+
+<p>Other extracts might be given from these alleged "revelations"
+showing their inconsistency, but this will suffice. I have not given
+these in the spirit of ridicule, but for the purpose of opening the
+eyes of the blind that they might see, and seeing understand. Let our
+friends straighten out a few things of this kind among themselves, then
+they can the better attack us on the point of revelation.</p>
+
+<p>At this point I desire to consider another matter. At the Salt Lake
+Conference, held March 19, 1905, not long after the return of President
+Joseph F. Smith from the investigation in Washington, he addressed the
+Saints on the subject of revelation. In the course of his remarks, he
+referred to his testimony and said:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"Now, with reference to the principle and doctrine of revelation,
+ it may be proper for me to say a few words on this subject while
+ I am on my feet. For me to say, which was the very end that my
+ critics and inquisitors were endeavoring to get me to say, in order
+ that I might be led into that trap which they had made for me, to
+ say that God had given to me a revelation upon some new doctrine,
+ or theory, or principle, or precept, or anything to be written,
+ to be observed, or handed down as a guide to the Church, would
+ have been untrue. I could not have said that, for He has not done
+ this. But has God revealed to me His mind and His will? Has He made
+ manifest to me a knowledge of His truth by and through the Spirit
+ of revelation? Did you ever hear of my denying that? No; no man has
+ ever heard me deny that.</p>
+
+ <p>"When I was baptized as a little child, right up here at the
+ junction of East Temple and North Temple streets, where City Creek
+ then ran, but where it is now covered and obliterated—when I was
+ baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-days Saints, God
+ Almighty revealed to me that I had done an act which He approved;
+ I received then and there a revelation from Almighty God, that
+ has been with me like a well of living water, springing up into
+ everlasting life in me, which has been a stay and a staff to me in
+ all my daily walks, at home and abroad. God revealed to me that
+ Joseph Smith was a Prophet of God, that his message was divine,
+ that he was raised up by the power of the Almighty to lay the
+ foundation of this great latter-day work. The Lord has revealed to
+ me the truth that he sealed his testimony with his blood, that he
+ was true to the end, as was the Son of God, true until he cried,
+ 'It is enough!' upon the cross. The Lord has revealed to me in
+ terms that are unmistakable and that are undeniable, that Brigham
+ Young succeeded lawfully and divinely to the Presidency of the
+ Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by the will of the
+ Almighty. I would not be without that revelation for all the gold
+ and wealth of the world. The Lord revealed to me in terms that
+ cannot be mistaken, by me at least, that John Taylor was inspired
+ of the Lord and was a Prophet of God, and was the lawful and divine
+ successor in the Priesthood and Presidency of the Church of Jesus
+ Christ of Latter-day Saints, to Brigham Young. The Lord revealed
+ to me that Wilford Woodruff lawfully and divinely succeeded John
+ Taylor, that Lorenzo Snow lawfully and divinely followed Wilford
+ Woodruff. I leave to you to say whether the Lord willed, and
+ whether it is lawful and right, that I should be in the position in
+ which God has suffered me to be placed. * *</p>
+
+ <p>"The Lord Almighty has revealed to me many things for my own
+ guidance, to assist me in the discharge of my duty, as an elder in
+ the Church, as a high priest in the Church, as an apostle, one of
+ the twelve apostles in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
+ Saints. And I fervently believe that God has manifested to me in
+ my present capacity, many glorious things, many principles and
+ oftentimes much more wisdom than is inherent in myself; and I
+ believe He will continue to do so as long as I am receptive, as
+ long as I am in a position to hear when He speaks, to listen when
+ He calls, and to receive when He gives to me that which He desires."</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>These remarks were taken up, twisted, and falsified by a Salt Lake
+newspaper, which is so characterless and vile that it is without an
+equal, and sent out into the world as a press dispatch, declaring
+that President Joseph F. Smith had in the Tabernacle confessed that
+he had lied before the Senate Committee on Privileges and Elections,
+in relation to the subject of revelation when he was a witness before
+said committee. They made it appear in their dispatch that he had
+stated in Washington that he had not received any revelation, and in
+the Tabernacle he declared that that was false for he had received many
+of them. He testified in Washington as he testified in the Tabernacle,
+that he had received revelation, as this will show:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>Mr. Tayler: Did Joseph Smith contend that always there was a
+ visible appearance of the Almighty or of an angel?</p>
+
+ <p>Mr. Smith. No, sir: he did not.</p>
+
+ <p>Mr. Tayler. How otherwise did he claim to receive revelations?</p>
+
+ <p>Mr. Smith. By the Spirit of the Lord.</p>
+
+ <p>Mr. Tayler. And in that way, such revelations <i>as you have
+ received</i>, you have had them?</p>
+
+ <p>Mr. Smith. Yes, sir. (Investigation, Vol. 1: 100).</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>Without waiting to verify this falsehood circulated from an unspeakable
+source in Salt Lake City, the President of the "Reorganization," as
+editor of the <i>Saints' Herald</i> took up the hue and cry with evident
+great pleasure and wrote an editorial consigning President Joseph F.
+Smith to perdition as a perjurer in the following words:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p class="centered">"<i>Who Make and Love a Lie</i>."</p>
+
+ <p>"If President Joseph F. Smith has stated in public what it is
+ currently reported he has, that in the statements made by him
+ when a witness before the Senatorial Committee, whose sittings
+ for inquiry have lately been finished, the report of which in
+ regard to the unseating of Senator Smoot is awaited, he testified
+ to that which was not true, he has done an unfortunate and unwise
+ thing. There may have been some moral bravery in doing as he did
+ in stating that he was breaking the law of the State, the law of
+ the United States, and the law of God by continuing to live with
+ his five wives; and such boldness may have made some admirers of
+ the President of the Utah Church; but, when that president publicly
+ states that he lied when he gave his evidence before the Senatorial
+ Committee, those who may have admired him for his avowal of his
+ guilt will not, cannot admire him as a confessed perjurer. It may
+ be said that President Joseph F. Smith did not make oath to what
+ was false, as he was not sworn, that is, no judicial oath was
+ administered to him, but, when a witness chooses to affirm that
+ privilege is granted by the courts; the form of the affirmation is
+ much like this: 'I do solemnly affirm, subject to the pains and
+ penalties of perjury, that the testimony I shall give in the case
+ now pending * * * shall be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing
+ but the truth.' If President Joseph F. Smith faced the committee
+ on such an affirmation, and gave false testimony, can it be called
+ anything but perjury? We think not.</p>
+
+ <p>"We were surprised when he testified as he did; we now are more
+ surprised to learn that he has said that he affirmed what was not
+ true. What can honorable men in or out of the Church think of such
+ a man? What reliance can be placed on what such a man declares?
+ If he sought by falsehood to avoid falling into a "trap" set for
+ him before the committee, by confessing that he did so falsify, he
+ has assuredly fallen into a more open and dangerous one." (Saints'
+ Herald, Vol. 52:314-315).</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>Immediately after this editorial appeared in the <i>Saints' Herald</i> the
+attention of the editor, Joseph Smith, was called to the fact that it
+was based on a falsehood. Among others who requested him to correct
+the wrong and injustice he had inflicted on his people as well as on
+President Smith, was the writer, who immediately forwarded a protest
+with a clipping from a non-"Mormon" Utah paper correcting the false
+report. Others wrote to him on the same subject, but no satisfactory
+correction was ever made. This was very unchristianlike conduct; surely
+not the part of a prophet of the Lord! It is true, that in a later
+editorial he quoted a portion of the remarks of President Joseph F.
+Smith delivered at that conference, but without apology or correction
+for bearing false witness. This is the comment following the brief
+extract he saw fit to give:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"We give these extracts from President Joseph F. Smith's talk on
+ the afternoon of March 19, 1905, on the subject of revelation, as
+ they contain the statements on which the charge is based that he
+ contradicted and denied what he testified to before the Territorial
+ (Investigation) Committee, offering no comment upon them, leaving
+ those who read them to judge of them without the bias of an
+ expression from us."</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>Surely his sense of fairness after making such an accusation, should
+have demanded of him more than this.</p>
+
+<p>The following letter, which, under the circumstances, is worthy of
+producing, was forwarded to him also requesting that justice be done,
+but it was ignored absolutely:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p class="right">"Salt Lake City, April 5, 1905.</p>
+
+ <p>"<i>Joseph Smith, Esq</i>.,<br>
+ "<i>Editor, 'The Saints' Herald,'</i><br>
+ "<i>Lamoni, Iowa</i>.</p>
+
+ <p>"My Dear Sir:</p>
+
+ <p>"I was very greatly surprised to notice in the issue of the
+ 'Herald' of March 29, 1905, your editorial entitled, 'Who Make
+ and Love a Lie.' I am surprised because of the plainly implied
+ accusation that President Joseph F. Smith is a maker and lover
+ of lies. I am surprised because of the unfairness of the article
+ referred to which will take for granted the statement of a
+ man's bitterest foe and place that statement before his people,
+ commenting upon it as if it were an admitted fact, without one
+ word of explanation from the person so wickedly accused, or a
+ single effort to present both sides. I am surprised because such an
+ article appears in a periodical which is the organ of a religious
+ organization claiming to have sprung out of the work founded by the
+ great prophet who, 'came up through much tribulation,' and who was
+ misrepresented through all his days upon the earth.</p>
+
+ <p>"I am surprised that a man whose early years were spent in the
+ sorrows and privations incident to the persecutions suffered by
+ a father whose whole life was spent in sorrow and affliction,
+ in consequence of the false testimony borne against him and the
+ constant misrepresentation of his mission, should allow himself to
+ pass judgment upon another before hearing his defense, and finding
+ him guilty of 'an unfortunate and unwise thing,' forgetting the
+ wise proverb, 'He who judgeth a matter before he heareth it, is not
+ wise.'</p>
+
+ <p>"It is true, the article begins with the expression—'<i>If</i>President
+ Joseph F. Smith has stated in public,' etc., etc., but the
+ remainder of the article clearly assumes that it is sure that
+ he <i>did</i> so state, as note: "but, when the President publicly
+ states that he lied when he gave his evidence,' * * * those who
+ (previously) admired him. * * * * cannot admire him as a confessed
+ perjurer.</p>
+
+ <p>"President Joseph F. Smith has never stated in public nor in
+ private that he lied when he gave his evidence or at any other
+ time, and he is not a confessed, nor any other kind of a perjurer,
+ and I must repeat that I am surprised that any man claiming to be
+ fair, and to be an example of truthfulness, should follow in the
+ steps of men who indeed 'love and make lies,' as you well know.</p>
+
+ <p>"Does it occur to you that there is anything in the nature of
+ <i>loving</i> a lie when a person repeats the lies of others and takes
+ pleasure in assuming the false accusations are true?—or that
+ there is anything in the nature of '<i>making</i> a lie' when a person
+ takes the lying testimony of a man's foes and places it before his
+ people without giving them the opportunity of judging the matter by
+ knowing both sides?</p>
+
+ <p>"It was by such specious falsehoods that the life of the Prophet
+ Joseph was repeatedly placed in danger. It was by such false
+ testimony that the Son of Man was condemned by the Priests, the
+ Rabbis, the Scribes and the Pharisees.</p>
+
+ <p>"You ask, 'What can honorable men, in or out of the Church, think
+ of such a man?'</p>
+
+ <p>"Let me say in reply to your question:—honorable men and men of
+ wisdom, who love the truth, in or out of the Church, seek to know
+ the truth before joining with the rabble in the cry, 'Crucify him!
+ Crucify him!' and such men, who know the facts, and who love not a
+ lie, but love the truth and the Lord its maker, honor and revere
+ the man whom your article so subtly defames. They know him to be
+ an upright, true, pure, honorable man, whose simple life has been
+ before his people all his days, whose heart is true, whose tongue
+ is true, whose courage is undaunted, whose faith is unshaken, and
+ who is, in all respects, worthy of the love, confidence and support
+ of the people of the living God.</p>
+
+ <p>"In order that you may not fall under the dreadful charge of
+ 'Loving and Making a Lie,' will you publish, for the information of
+ the readers of the 'Herald,' the other side of this matter if it is
+ furnished you?</p>
+
+ <p>"It is not my habit to take up matters of this kind, and if these
+ accusations had been made against myself, I should never have
+ noticed them, but knowing what a great injustice your article
+ does to a good and noble man—my true friend and brother—I felt
+ impelled to call your attention to it, in the hope that your sense
+ of fairness would cause you to do simple justice, and not join in
+ the hue and cry of those who 'Make and Love a Lie.'"</p>
+
+ <p class="right">"Yours truly, <br>
+ "THOMAS HULL."</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>He failed absolutely, when the evidence was furnished him, to
+justly, honorably, make the matter right. There is some degree of
+commendation due the man who maligns another if he is willing to
+make amends, and we can honor a man who will correct an error when
+he discovers that fact and is willing to make full satisfaction; but
+little respect can be had for one who, after wronging another, will not
+attempt to right it when he learns he is wrong. Abraham Lincoln said in
+his debate with Douglas, that there was a <i>moral rule</i>, "That persons
+who tell what they do not know to be true, falsify as much as those who
+knowingly tell falsehoods." We leave the matter in the hand of a Just
+Judge, who will judge all men according to their works.</p>
+
+<h3>WHO ORDAINED BRIGHAM YOUNG.</h3>
+
+<p><i>The following is from the Deseret News, May 11, 1907</i>.</p>
+
+<p>A correspondent writing from Parker, Idaho, requests a reply,
+through the columns of the "News" to the question, "By whom was
+President Young ordained to the Presidency of the Church?" It appears
+that the emissaries of the Reorganite Church have discovered in that
+question a fruitful source of sophistical controversy, and that they
+are triumphantly asking it wherever they go.</p>
+
+<p>The proper reply is, he was ordained by the Prophet Joseph to that
+calling, when the Prophet, prompted by the Holy Spirit, conferred upon
+the Twelve Apostles the power and authority, he himself had received.
+The following statement of facts by Elder Joseph F. Smith, Jr., can be
+verified by the authentic records of the Church:</p>
+
+<p>"The Prophet Joseph earnestly desired that his brother Hyrum should
+live to succeed him in the Presidency of the Church. In the year 1841,
+by command of the Lord, he ordained him to this exalted position, as
+is quite evident from the following, Section 124, verses 94-5, of the
+Doctrine and Covenants:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+ <p>"And from this time forth I appoint unto him (Hyrum Smith) that he
+ may be a prophet, and a seer, and a revelator unto my Church as
+ well as my servant Joseph.</p>
+
+ <p>"That he may act in concert also with my servant Joseph, and that
+ he shall receive counsel from my servant Joseph, who shall show
+ unto him the keys whereby he may ask and receive, and be crowned
+ with the same blessing and glory, and honor, and Priesthood, and
+ gifts of the Priesthood, that once were put upon him that was my
+ servant Oliver Cowdery."</p>
+
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>From this revelation we learn that the Lord appointed Hyrum Smith
+both as Patriarch and to act in concert with his brother Joseph in the
+Presidency of the Church. In accordance with this revelation, Hyrum was
+so ordained January 24, 1841. This was not in the sense of a counselor
+to Joseph, for at this very appointment Hyrum was removed as counselor
+to the President and William Law was ordained in his stead.</p>
+
+<p>Joseph and Hyrum continued to so act from this time forth until
+their martyrdom, June 27, 1844. Shortly before the martyrdom the
+Prophet tried with all his power to persuade Hyrum not to accompany
+him to Carthage, knowing full well the fate that awaited them there.
+Had Hyrum stayed behind, and thereby remained in mortality, he would,
+by virtue of his position and ordination received in 1841, have become
+the president of the Church. His brother intended that this should be
+(Times and Seasons, 5:683), but through his faithfulness to, and love
+for, his brother, Hyrum fell a martyr before the Prophet Joseph did.</p>
+
+<p>Now mark! The Lord, who knew that Hyrum should receive a martyr's
+crown at Carthage, in the winter of 1843-4, commanded the Prophet to
+confer upon the heads of the Twelve Apostles, every key, power, and
+principle, that the Lord had sealed upon his head. The Prophet declared
+that he knew not why, but the Lord commanded him to endow the Twelve
+with these keys and Priesthood, and after it was done, he rejoiced
+very much, saying in substance, "Now, if they kill me, you have all
+the keys and all the ordinances and you can confer them upon others,
+and the powers of Satan will not be able to tear down the kingdom as
+fast as you will be able to build it up, and upon your shoulders will
+the responsibility of leading this people rest." (Times and Seasons,
+5:651).</p>
+
+<p>In this manner the Prophet ordained the Twelve Apostles, which body
+constitutes the second quorum of the Church, equal in authority with
+the First Presidency. (Doc. & Cov. 107:23-24) with the keys of
+the kingdom, Brigham Young was president of the Twelve, and upon him
+devolved the duty of presiding.</p>
+
+<p>Therefore, after the death of Joseph and Hyrum Smith, the Twelve
+assumed by authority of their office, the duty to preside over the
+Church. Later, when through revelation the quorum of the First
+Presidency was reorganized with three presidents—Brigham Young
+and Counselors Heber C. Kimball and Willard Richards, they claimed,
+and rightfully, that since they were ordained under the hands of
+Joseph Smith and from him had received all the keys and powers of the
+Priesthood which the Prophet held, it would have been superfluous to
+have been ordained again. They were in this capacity, however, set
+apart and sustained by the unanimous vote of the Saints, which was
+essential to make such ordination of force in the Church.</p>
+
+<p>There is an abundance of testimony to prove that the Prophet did so
+ordain the Twelve, some of which can be found in the Times and Seasons,
+volume 5, pages 651, 664, and 698; also in the Millennial Star, volume
+10, page 115.</p>
+
+<p>We repeat that Brigham Young received all the keys, powers,
+authority and Priesthood, that were held by Joseph Smith, that enabled
+him to preside over the High Priesthood, from the Prophet Joseph Smith
+in Nauvoo in the winter of 1843-4."</p>
+
+<p>This important question was settled long ago by the entire body
+of the Saints who accepted the leadership of the Twelve, after the
+departure of the Prophet and Patriarch, and sustained President Young
+in his office. It was settled by the approval of the Almighty of
+the marvelous work He accomplished, and which could not have been
+done without divine aid and guidance. To ascribe the mighty deeds
+Brigham Young performed through the power of the divine Spirit which
+rested upon him, to the spirit that is the originator of succession,
+rebellion, apostasy, and falsehood, is to come dangerously near
+blasphemy. What is it but a repetition of the sin of the adversaries
+of our Lord who, although they knew that "no man can do the miracles
+that thou doest, except God be with him" (John 3:2): yet proclaimed to
+the people: "He hath an unclean spirit," (Mark 3:30). What is it but to
+assail the disciple with a weapon that was in vain directed against the
+Master? There was some excuse for difference of opinion on the subject
+of succession, immediately after the martyrdom, because the people were
+not in possession of full information, but there is no excuse now. To
+use a familiar illustration: At the time of an election citizens are
+expected to have different opinions as to candidates for office; they
+are expected to work for those whose views and principles they support.
+But when the question is settled at the polls, loyalty demands that all
+accept the verdict and work together for the common interests of the
+community. The body of the Latter-day Saints having accepted, as guided
+by the Holy Spirit, the leadership of the Twelve, there was no longer
+any valid reason for seeking the leadership of other shepherds.</p>
+
+<p>The trouble with some of our "Reorganized" brethren is that they
+look upon the members of the Church as a flock of sheep, that, like
+other property, can be inherited. This is entirely contrary to the
+fundamental principles of the Gospel. The Church belongs to Christ. The
+leaders and officers are the servants of the Lord and the people of the
+Lord. It follows that the Lord raises up whoever He pleases, to perform
+the services necessary from time to time. Brigham Young was every way
+equipped for the peculiar work needed during his time. Who could have
+done what he did? Sidney Rigdon? Lyman Wight? James J. Strang? Or the
+founders of the so-called "Reorganized" Church? Let the reader reflect
+on the facts history records, and then decide for himself, remembering
+that every tree is known by its fruit.</p>
+
+<h4>Footnotes</h4>
+
+<p><a name="3.1"></a><a href="#3.1text">1.</a> This Priesthood and fulnesss can only be
+obtained in the Temple of God.</p>
+
+<p><a name="3.2"></a><a href="#3.2text">2.</a> See Pamphlet by Hyrum O. Smith, "<i>The Necessity
+for a Reorganization</i>," pp. 22-24.</p>
+
+<p><a name="3.3"></a><a href="#3.3text">3.</a> Saints' Herald, Vol. 56:662.</p>
+
+<p><a name="3.4"></a><a href="#3.4text">4.</a> As an additional evidence that these things
+were revealed to the Prophet, attention is called to the patriarchal
+blessing given by his father and found on page 71:</p>
+
+<p>"You shall even live to finish your work. At this Joseph cried out,
+weeping, 'Oh, my father, shall I?' 'Yes,' said his father, 'you shall
+live to lay out the plan of all the work which God has given you to
+do."</p>
+
+<p>This proves, then, that the Lord revealed to him all these things
+promised in the revelations that had been kept hid. And he revealed
+them unto the Apostles.</p>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Origin of the 'Reorganized' Church and
+the Question of Succession, by Joseph Fielding Smith, Jr.
+
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diff --git a/50357-h/images/cover.jpg b/50357-h/images/cover.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..894691a --- /dev/null +++ b/50357-h/images/cover.jpg diff --git a/50357.txt b/50357.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..4e46e37 --- /dev/null +++ b/50357.txt @@ -0,0 +1,6087 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Origin of the 'Reorganized' Church and the
+Question of Succession, by Joseph Fielding Smith, Jr.
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most
+other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions
+whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of
+the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at
+www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have
+to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook.
+
+Title: Origin of the 'Reorganized' Church and the Question of Succession
+
+Author: Joseph Fielding Smith, Jr.
+
+Release Date: October 31, 2015 [EBook #50357]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ORIGIN OF REORGANIZED CHURCH ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Tyler Garrett, Mormon Texts Project Intern
+(http://mormontextsproject.org)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+Origin of the "Reorganized" Church and the Question of Succession
+
+By Elder Joseph F. Smith, Jr.
+
+Salt Lake City
+
+1909
+
+
+
+INTRODUCTION.
+
+During the summer of 1906 and continuing until the summer of 1907,
+a number of Reorganite ministers who were engaged in missionary
+work in Salt Lake City and Ogden, were greatly encouraged by one or
+two apostates and the local anti-"Mormon" press. Their method of
+proselyting was of the usual nature, a tirade of abuse and false
+accusation hurled at the authorities of the Church. Encouraged
+by the anti-"Mormon" help, they became extremely vindictive in
+their references to President Brigham Young and the present Church
+authorities. Their sermons were so bitter and malignant--which has been
+the character of most of their work from the beginning, in Utah--that
+they raised considerable protest from many respectable citizens. Even
+non-"Mormons" declared that in no other community would such vicious
+attacks be tolerated. It appeared at times that these missionaries were
+attempting to provoke the "Mormon" people to some act of violence,
+that it might be seized upon and published to the world through the
+anti-"Mormon" press that they had been mobbed, and thus capital for
+their cause be made of it. Fortunately they were not molested to the
+credit of the people so constantly abused. One of these meetings was
+attended by a prominent gentleman from the East who was somewhat
+acquainted with Utah and her people, he said, in conversation with the
+writer a few days later, that never in his experience has he witnessed
+such a thing before. "If that fellow"--referring to a Reorganite who
+has since been promoted in his church--"should come to our town and
+abuse the ministers of our church, calling them murderers, thieves and
+liars, as he did Brigham Young and your churchmen, we would kick him
+off the streets."
+
+While this agitation was going on, a number of the young people of
+Ogden appealed to their stake presidency asking that some reply to
+those assaults be made for the benefit of those who were not grounded
+in the faith, and in danger of being deceived. Acting on this request
+the presidency of the Weber Stake invited the writer to speak along
+these lines in the Ogden Tabernacle. The invitation was accepted and
+two discourses were delivered, the first, March 10, 1907, on the
+subject of the "Origin of the Reorganized Church," and the other
+April 28, 1907, on the question of "Succession." These remarks were
+subsequently published in the _Deseret News_, and many requests were
+received asking that they be published in pamphlet form, where they
+could be preserved by those who had to meet the ministers of the
+"Reorganization." An edition was therefore published in the summer
+of 1907, which has been disposed of, evidently without supplying the
+demand, for in the summer of 1909 the orders for the pamphlet were so
+great that is was deemed necessary to issue a second edition. In the
+meantime a reply appeared in the Saints' Herald, commencing with the
+issue of June 30, and ending that of July 21, 1909. This reply will be
+remembered more for the unfair way matters were treated and the fact
+that the greater part of the evidence was left untouched, than for any
+merit in the argument presented. Wherever it was deemed necessary, for
+the sake of those who may be deceived, answers are given in this work
+in footnote references to the argument set forth in the Reorganite
+"defense." However, there was nothing presented in the "defense"
+that really required any reply; by reading carefully the discourses
+mentioned, the ordinary reader can readily perceive the trickery,
+deception and sophistry, of the Reorganite reply.
+
+Part one of this book contains the discourse delivered in Ogden on
+the "Origin of the 'Reorganized' Church;" part two contains the
+discourse on the "Succession in the Presidency," and part three deals
+with the most prominent differences existing between the Church and
+the "Reorganization," wherein they accuse us of departing from the
+doctrines of the Prophet Joseph Smith. This matter in part three is
+added by request of a number of parties who have had to meet the
+sophistry of the Reorganite missionaries.
+
+This book is not put forth to replace any other work, neither with the
+idea that it will turn Reorganite ministers from the folly of their
+ways; but with the hope that some honest soul who have been deceived
+may see the light and embrace the truth, and that the feet of the
+weak may be strengthened in the path of righteousness that they may
+not falter on their way. Neither is it intended to be an exhaustive
+treatise in of the subjects it contains; the idea has been in the main,
+to present matters that have not been treated elsewhere.--J. F. S., Jr.
+
+
+
+ORIGIN OF THE "REORGANIZED" CHURCH.
+
+The Question of Rejection--Salvation for the Dead
+
+* * * * *
+
+Remarks made in the Weber Stake Tabernacle, Ogden City, March 10, 1907,
+by Elder Joseph F. Smith, Jr.
+
+* * * * *
+
+My beloved brethren and sisters and friends: The great majority of
+you who are assembled here today are, without doubt, members of the
+Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and I suppose that most of
+you have a divine testimony of the truth of this latter-day work--the
+Gospel of Christ--which we have received. To you who have a testimony,
+my remarks shall not be addressed particularly, but if you will bear
+with me in what I have to say that I may be led to say something that
+will strengthen the faith of those who may be weak, or that will
+encourage those who have no faith at all, I will feel amply paid.
+
+I am not here for the purpose of assailing any man for his religion,
+for we Latter-day Saints hold that every man is entitled to his
+religious views and should have the privilege of worshiping according
+to the dictates of his conscience, let him worship, how, where, or what
+he may. And we will protect him in this right. But we are opposed to
+the custom adopted by certain men who travel through the settlements
+of our people abusing the authorities of the Church, distorting our
+doctrines and defaming the dead, for the purpose of destroying the
+faith and confidence of the Latter-day Saints. Therefore in treating
+the subject of the "Reorganized" Church this afternoon, it will be in
+the spirit of self-defense.
+
+We will first consider the statement made by the senior senator from
+Michigan, Mr. Burrows, in his speech delivered in the United States
+Senate on the 11th of last December. After stating that the membership
+of the Church at the martyrdom in 1844, was 50,000 adherents, he
+continues:
+
+ "The death of Joseph Smith in 1844, carried dismay and
+ demoralization throughout the entire membership of the Mormon
+ Church, scattering its adherents in divers directions and for the
+ time being seemed to presage the complete overthrow and dissolution
+ of the organization. Recovering, however, from the shock, the
+ scattered bands soon reappeared in various parts of the country
+ and promulgated their doctrines with increased zeal, and set to
+ work to reassemble and reorganize their scattered forces, resulting
+ finally in the formation of what is now known and recognized as
+ the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, with
+ headquarters at Lamoni, Iowa, and presided over by Joseph Smith, a
+ son of the prophet."
+
+He continues:
+
+ "During this period of disintegration one Brigham Young, who
+ had identified himself with the 'Mormon Organization' as early
+ as 1832, a man of indomitable will and undaunted courage, bold
+ and unscrupulous, seized upon the occasion of the demoralization
+ incident to the death of the prophet to place himself at the head
+ of some 5,000 Mormons, and marching over desert and mountain,
+ established himself with his adherents in the valley of Salt
+ Lake, July 24, 1847, then Mexican territory, where he undoubtedly
+ indulged the hope that the new doctrine of polygamy about to be
+ publicly proclaimed by him might be promulgated with impunity
+ and practiced and maintained without interference by the United
+ States."[1]
+
+Now, this is not true. The senior senator from Michigan has here stated
+the position of the "Reorganized" Church as capably and clearly as any
+member of that sect could possibly have done, and in exactly the same
+way that they have stated it for the past forty-seven years. Why he was
+led to make such a statement he best may know, but it shows the careful
+coaching that he has received by members of the "Reorganized" Church in
+their opposition to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
+
+In a pamphlet published by that organization in 1864, the following
+appears:
+
+ "The greater portion of the Church did not follow this Brigham
+ Young, and in obedience to the revelation in relation to gathering,
+ remained around about the land of Zion, waiting for the Lord to
+ again reveal Himself; and today where there is one Saint who was in
+ the Church in the days of Joseph the martyr, now associated with
+ Brigham Young, there are ten of those old members standing aloof or
+ rejoicing under the administration of the word of the Lord through
+ his son Joseph."
+
+
+SAINTS FOLLOWED PRESIDENT YOUNG.
+
+And this is not true. Now I intend to show that at the martyrdom the
+Latter-day Saints followed President Brigham Young and the Twelve. And
+too, in accordance with divine revelation. For we learn in the Doctrine
+and Covenants that the quorum of Apostles is equal in authority with
+the First Presidency and it is their right to take the lead of Church
+affairs and the presidency in the absence of the First Presidency, or
+when that quorum is invaded by the death of the President of the Church.
+
+At the time of the martyrdom the Church in and about Nauvoo, the
+headquarters, numbered not to exceed 20,000 souls. This information is
+based on the best possible authority. And while this was not all the
+Church membership in the United States, it was the great bulk of the
+Saints, as the following will show:
+
+In the Times and Seasons, volume 2, page 274, in a "Proclamation to the
+Saints scattered abroad," and signed by the Presidency Joseph Smith,
+Sidney Rigdon, and Hyrum Smith, dated January 15, 1841, we read the
+following:
+
+ "The population of our city is increasing with unparalleled
+ rapidity, numbering more than 3,000 inhabitants. Every facility
+ is offered in the city and adjacent country, in Hancock county,
+ for the successful prosecution of the mechanical arts, and the
+ pleasing pursuits of agriculture. The waters of the Mississippi
+ can be successfully used for manufacturing purposes, to an almost
+ unlimited extent.
+
+ "Having been instrumental in the hands of our Heavenly Father
+ in laying a foundation for the gathering of Zion, we would say,
+ let all those who appreciate the blessings of the Gospel, and
+ realize the importance of obeying the commandments of heaven, who
+ have been blessed of heaven with the possession of this world's
+ goods, first prepare for the general gathering, let them dispose
+ of their effects as fast as circumstances will possibly admit,
+ without making too great sacrifice, and remove to our city and
+ county--establish and build up manufactories in the city, purchase
+ and cultivate farms in the county--this will secure our permanent
+ inheritance, and prepare the way for the gathering of the poor.
+ This is agreeable to the order of heaven, and the only principle on
+ which the gathering can be effected--let the rich, then, and all
+ who can assist in establishing this place, make every preparation
+ to come on without delay, and strengthen our hands, and assist in
+ promoting the happiness of the Saints. This cannot be too forcibly
+ impressed on the minds of all, and the elders are hereby instructed
+ to proclaim this word in all places where the Saints reside,
+ in their public administrations, for this is according to the
+ instructions we have received from the Lord."
+
+Now, this shows that the Saints "scattered abroad" were commanded of
+the Lord to gather at Nauvoo and in Hancock county, Illinois. It will
+go without saying that all the faithful Latter-day Saints would take
+advantage of this commandment and therefore the faithful Saints, or
+the great majority of them would soon be located at Nauvoo. Again in
+this same volume, page 434, we find another proclamation to the Saints
+abroad, signed by President Joseph Smith, in which he says:
+
+ "The First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
+ Saints, anxious to promote the prosperity of said Church, feel it
+ their duty to call upon the Saints who reside out of this county
+ to make preparations to come in, without delay. This is important
+ and should be attended to by all who feel an interest in the
+ prosperity of this the corner stone of Zion. Here the Temple must
+ be raised, the university be built, and other edifices erected
+ which are necessary for the great work of the last days; and which
+ can only be done by a concentration of energy and enterprise. Let
+ it therefore be understood, that all the stakes, excepting those
+ in this county and in Lee county, Iowa, are discontinued, and the
+ Saints instructed to settle in this county as soon as circumstances
+ will permit."
+
+This was on May 24, 1841, and we find in the same volume, page 520, an
+epistle from the Twelve to the "Saints scattered abroad," in which the
+following is found:
+
+ "We say to all Saints who desire to do the will of heaven, arise,
+ and tarry not, but come up hither to the places of gathering as
+ speedily as possible, for the time is rapidly approaching when
+ the Saints will have occasion to regret that they have so long
+ neglected to assemble themselves together and stand in holy places
+ awaiting those tremendous events which are so rapidly approaching
+ the nations of the earth.
+
+ "It will be recollected that in a recent communication from the
+ First Presidency, all places of gathering are discontinued,
+ excepting Hancock county, Ill., and Zarahemla in Lee county, I. T.,
+ opposite Nauvoo."
+
+At the conference of the Church held in October, 1841, Almon W. Babbitt
+was disfellowshipped for persuading Saints who were emigrating to
+Nauvoo to remain and build up Kirtland, Ohio, as the minutes say,
+"until such time as he shall make satisfaction." This shows how
+important this doctrine of gathering was. Therefore the great bulk of
+the Latter-day Saints, at the time of the martyrdom, were located at
+Nauvoo and its vicinity.
+
+It is in order now to show that these Latter-day Saints sustained
+President Brigham Young and the Twelve.
+
+On the 8th day of August, following the martyrdom, a special conference
+was held in Nauvoo at which time the claims of Sidney Rigdon and the
+rightful claim of the Twelve Apostles were presented for the vote
+of the Latter-day Saints. At this conference President Young, in
+addressing the Saints said:
+
+ "I will ask you as quorums, Do you want Brother Rigdon to stand
+ forward as your leader, your guide, your spokesman? President
+ Rigdon wants me to bring up the other question first, and that is,
+ Does the Church want, and is it their only desire to sustain the
+ Twelve as the First Presidency of this people? * * * * All that are
+ in favor of this, in all the congregation of the Saints manifest
+ it by holding up the right hand. (There was a universal vote.) If
+ there are any of the contrary mind, every man and every woman who
+ does not want the Twelve to preside, lift up your hands in like
+ manner, (no hands up.) This supersedes the other question, and
+ trying it by quorums." (History of the Church, Aug. 8, 1844.)
+
+Also at the general conference held the following October the Apostles
+were again unanimously sustained by the vote of the Church as the
+presiding quorum and Presidency of the Church. (Times and Seasons,
+5:692). Mark you this was by the unanimous vote of the Saints.[2]
+
+Now, in the exodus from Nauvoo these Saints--the great bulk of the
+Church, continued to be true and faithful and followed the Twelve
+Apostles.
+
+Governor Thomas Ford, in his "History of Illinois," states that in 1846
+there were 16,000 Church members with the Twelve on the plains of Iowa,
+while the 1,000 that remained, a small remnant, were those who were
+unable to sell their property, or who having no property to sell, were
+unable to get away. (History of "Reorganized" Church iii:164). And this
+remnant followed as soon as they were able.
+
+In the census report for 1850--three years after the settlement of
+Salt Lake valley, we learn that the population of Utah was 11,380, all
+Mormons. That same year the population of Pottawattomie county, Iowa,
+was 7,828, all Mormons, the Latter-day Saints at Kanesville. Thus
+we see that 19,208 members of the Church who had followed President
+Brigham Young in the exodus from Nauvoo, were located at these two
+places. And that is not all, there were other settlements of the
+Saints at Garden Grove, Mount Pisgah, St. Louis, and other places
+where temporary settlements for the Saints were formed during that
+exodus. These also later gathered to Utah. Thus we see that almost
+the entire membership of the Church as it stood in 1844, is accounted
+for in the following of President Brigham Young and the Twelve.
+That the Church was not threatened with dissolution the following
+statistics will show--I have not at hand the increase of membership of
+the Church during that period in the United States, but the increase
+in Great Britain is as follows: In the year 1844, the population
+of the Church in the British Isles was 7,797. Six years after the
+martyrdom--December, 1850--that membership had increased to 30,747.
+This does not show much of a dissolution or falling away.
+
+
+WHO FORSOOK THE CHURCH?
+
+I do not intend to convey the idea that there was not a falling away,
+an apostasy, at the time of the martyrdom and the exodus from Nauvoo,
+for there were many who forsook the cause, but compared with the Church
+membership, they were but few. Who were they? Did the faithful Saints
+forsake the Church at that time? Did those who risked their lives--who
+were shot with the Prophet and Patriarch forsake the Church? No! We do
+not find the faithful Latter-day Saints, who had the Gospel rooted in
+their hearts turning away. Then who were those who forsook the cause? I
+will tell you.
+
+In the parable of the sower the Savior said:
+
+ "Behold a sower went forth to sow; and when he sowed some seed fell
+ by the wayside, and the fowls came and devoured them up. Some fell
+ upon stony places where they had not much earth; and forthwith they
+ sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth; and when the sun
+ was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they
+ withered away."
+
+In explaining this parable He said:
+
+ "But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he
+ that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; yet hath he
+ not root in himself, but dureth for a while; for when tribulation
+ or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is
+ offended."
+
+These were they who forsook the Church in the exodus from Nauvoo. Not
+the faithful who had been tried and proved and not found wanting, who
+had an abiding testimony of the truth. Now, let us see what Gen. Thomas
+L. Kane has to say on this subject. He visited Nauvoo about this time
+and also the camps of Israel. In the postscript to the second edition
+of his lecture on "The Mormons" he says, page 86:
+
+ "The Mormons as I saw them, though a majority, were but a portion
+ of the Church as it flourished in Illinois. When the persecution
+ triumphed there, and no alternative remained for the steadfast in
+ the faith but the flight out of Egypt into the wilderness, as it
+ was termed, all their fair weather friends forsook them." * * * * *
+
+ "So the Mormons have been as it were, broken and screened by
+ calamity. Their designing leaders have left them to seek after
+ fortunes elsewhere. Those that remain of the old stock are the
+ masses, always honest in the main and sincere even in delusion; and
+ their guides are a few tried and trusty men, little initiated in
+ the plotting of synagogues, and more noted for services rendered
+ than bounties received. They are the men whom I saw on the prairie
+ trail, sharing sorrow with the sorrowful, and poverty with the
+ poor; the chief of them all, a man of rare natural endowment, to
+ whose masterly guidance they are mainly indebted for their present
+ prosperity, driving his own ox team and carrying his sick child in
+ his arms."
+
+We have the statement of Sidney Rigdon, one of those who forsook the
+cause. It is found in his Messenger and Advocate for June, 1846, pages
+474-5, and a portion of his statement I will now read:
+
+ "Their camp [that is the camp of the exiles, the pioneers] is in
+ the western part of Iowa, some 200 miles west of Nauvoo. Their
+ situation according to our informant, is as miserable as it well
+ could be. Their stock of provisions they took with them, is getting
+ fast reduced, so much so, that they can proceed no further; neither
+ can they go back. They are there without shelter, other than tents
+ and wagons, and their tents so indifferent that they will not shed
+ the rain, which has been incessantly falling since their arrival.
+ In this awful condition is to be found the aged and infirm, the
+ mother and tender infant. When our informant left, they were
+ going to fence in some 300 or 400 acres of land, for the purpose
+ of raising a crop of corn to try and preserve life. The remains
+ of their furniture, which in part consists of beds and bedding,
+ they are sending off to Missouri to exchange for corn and bacon to
+ sustain life. * * * * This said Young professed to be a follower
+ of Christ, and hold communion with Him, and to receive revelations
+ from Him; but where are his pretensions now? He has got, according
+ to our informant, some 800 or 1,000 people far into the wilds,
+ without food, without shelter, and himself being judge, without
+ object. * * * A state of wretchedness beyond this is not easily
+ conceived of. Our informant says when he left, which was some three
+ weeks since [and I may add that it is quite evident from this
+ account why he left] the mud, by reason of the incessant rains, was
+ six inches deep round their camp."
+
+I suppose that there are some present this afternoon who realize the
+hardships through which the pioneers had to pass that tried men's souls
+and that only the faithful were able to endure.
+
+I have now shown that the great majority of the Latter-day Saints
+followed President Brigham Young and were true to the Church. We get a
+good idea of the number who scattered from the testimony of William W.
+Blair.
+
+
+FEW JOINED REORGANITES.
+
+Of the members of the Church who were in fellowship in 1844-6, the
+"Reorganized" Church has received no more, and likely less than 1,000
+converts, which fact shows that the apostasy was not so great in 1844-6
+as has been stated by the Senator from Michigan and members of the
+"Reorganization." This statement is based on the testimony of William
+W. Blair, one of the original members of the "Reorganized" Church, as
+he testified before the United States court of appeals for the Western
+district of Missouri, in 1894, in the temple lot suit, which was for
+the possession of property in the hands of the "Church of Christ," or
+"Hedrickites."
+
+Before that court Mr. Blair, who was for many years a member of the
+presidency of the "Reorganized" Church, testified that "1,000 was
+probably too high an estimate for the members of the original Church,
+that had joined the 'Reorganized' Church." He could "approximately
+say," that 1,000 had joined the "Reorganized" Church, and "possibly
+that estimate was too large." (Record pp. 180, 181).
+
+
+ORIGIN OF "REORGANIZED" CHURCH.
+
+We will now consider the origin of this "Reorganized" Church. Many
+people have been lead to believe that this society had its origin at
+the martyrdom, or immediately following the martyrdom. But this is not
+the fact. Properly it did not come into existence until 1860--16 years
+after the martyrdom, but the two men who were mainly responsible for
+the organization commenced their work in 1852-3. These men were Jason
+W. Briggs and Zenas H. Gurley. Perhaps a brief outline of their lives
+would be interesting.
+
+Jason W. Briggs who was really the founder of the "Reorganized" Church,
+or, who perhaps did more than any other one man to bring about that
+sect, was born June 25, 1821, at Pompey, Onondaga county, N. Y. It is
+said he joined the Church at Potosi, Wis., about 1841, but most of the
+history of this man we get through the records of the "reorganization."
+His home was at Beloit, Wis., from 1842 to 1854.[3] He remained with
+the Church under the leadership of President Young and the Twelve until
+the year 1846 (Reorg. Hist., 3:737). It is interesting to note in this
+regard that the exodus commenced February 4, 1846, so we are quite safe
+in saying that this man was one of "the fair weather friends."
+
+After the exodus he joined James J. Strang, and in his organization
+labored in the ministry quite extensively (Reorganite History 3; 737),
+filling short missions to various parts of New York and in Wisconsin.
+
+In September of 1849, with B. G. Wright, he organized the Waukesha
+branch of Mr. Strang's church (Hist. Reorganized Church, 3; 737-8).
+Now, remember this was in September, 1849, and the organization of
+this branch was in the Strangite church. About this same time he also
+organized the Beloit branch for the same organization.[4]
+
+In 1850 he left Mr. Strang's organization and joined with William
+Smith, who had himself been a follower of Mr. Strang until
+excommunicated from that organization. In William Smith's church Mr.
+Briggs accepted the position of "apostle;" but at the time of the
+disintegration of William Smith's church in 1851, he withdrew, and in
+1852 joined with Zenas H. Gurley. These two men then organized what
+was called at the time the "New Organization of the Church," but today
+known as the "Reorganized" Church.
+
+In 1886, together with the family of Zenas H. Gurley,[5] Mr. Briggs
+withdrew from the "Reorganization," which he had begotten. (Saints'
+Herald, 33; 248-9). His reasons for withdrawing we will consider later.
+
+Zenas H. Gurley was more active in the Church previous to the
+martyrdom. He was ordained a Seventy in Nauvoo in 1844, and when the
+Twenty-first quorum of Seventy was organized, April 6, 1845, he was
+chosen as the senior president, he being the oldest of the presidents
+chosen. He was a native of New York state, born May 29, 1801, and was
+therefore 43 years of age in 1844.
+
+We know something about this man's career between the martyrdom and the
+exodus from the minutes of this quorum of Seventy. And as this record
+contains some very interesting items I will read a few of them here. In
+the minutes of November 2, 1845, we read:
+
+ "President Zenas H. Gurley apologized for his absence the two last
+ meetings. He then enlarged upon the subject (i. e., the subject
+ before the quorum). He said he had received the assurance of
+ an addition of power of the Priesthood upon every accession of
+ authority he had received. We ought to be the best men living in
+ consideration of our privileges as members of the Church of Jesus
+ Christ of Latter-day Saints, enlightened as it was with divine
+ revelation, He exhorted the brethren not to aspire but to rise upon
+ their own merits and to visit the poor in their afflictions."
+
+In the minutes of November 9, we are informed that President Erastus H.
+Derby, one of the presidents of that quorum, said:
+
+ "Brother Brigham advised and counseled the Saints to get ready for
+ emigration in May, 1846. If he (Derby) possessed the wealth of the
+ whole nation he would not stay behind the Church going into the
+ wilderness."
+
+Immediately following these remarks, Zenas H. Gurley arose and said, as
+the minutes read, that "He confirmed the same." That is, he too would
+rather forsake the wealth of the whole nation than fail to go with the
+Church into the wilderness. Then continuing his remarks, he said:
+
+ "Small prototypes of great national events were given by command
+ of God, by the ancient prophets, and the like would probably
+ nowadays distinguish what God is about to do in the earth. * * *
+ Certain characters have been elected from before time to fulfill
+ certain purposes in the earth, called though they were from all
+ nations, tongues, and ranks. * * * The order of free masonry was
+ outrageously violated by the people of Hancock; but the pledges,
+ obligations and vows of the Latter-day Saints would, if adhered to,
+ exalt them to thrones dominions and power."
+
+This was in relation to temple work. On the 21st of December, 1845, he
+said:
+
+ "He remembered forcibly the sayings of the first presidents of
+ Seventy, that we should so live that no charge can be brought
+ against us. A few years ago the men in high standing in this
+ Church (the Twelve) were as little as we are. They obtained their
+ exaltation by patient submission to right, and minding their own
+ business. * * * There are many young men in this quorum able to
+ travel a great way. You will be called on to go, also to receive
+ your endowment. Keep always meek and a teachable spirit. The willow
+ always bends in the breeze and is also firm in the root. Though
+ many have gone out from the Church."--now remember this--"YET
+ it increases as fast as ever and evinces to the world as great
+ affinity and identity to the eternal plan of Jehovah as ever it
+ did."
+
+This does not sound much like a falling away or a dissolution of the
+Church, does it? And this is the testimony of Zenas H. Gurley given
+before he left the Church. Again, on the 3rd of January, 1846, the
+minutes say:
+
+ "Zenas H. Gurley enlarged on the subject of liberally donating
+ to the Church necessities. God said He has so shaped the scheme
+ of salvation as that to be saved and appear approved of God, we
+ must sacrifice of all that we possess. * * He felt filled with the
+ Spirit. The course the Church is pursuing has been spoken of by
+ Jesus Christ and the holy prophets of olden time."
+
+There is his endorsement of the course of the Church. And on January
+10, 1846:
+
+ "Zenas H. Gurley arose and said that the presidents of the quorum
+ had received their endowment."
+
+Continuing he said--mark you, he was one of those presidents:
+
+ "He observed that it was remarkable for an unusual outpouring of
+ the Holy Spirit. He felt for the quorum that they should receive
+ their endowment. The Church authorities, the quorum of Seventy in
+ succession, to furnish the people engaged in the endowment, one day
+ each, and he wanted the quorum (Twenty-first) to acquit themselves
+ from every obligation."
+
+It may be interesting to know that this man and his wife were endowed
+in the Temple January 6, 1846. Here is the testimony of Zenas H. Gurley
+in relation to the Temple ceremonies when he was in full fellowship in
+the Church and was in possession of the spirit of his calling. At that
+time he declared most emphatically that on that occasion the Spirit of
+the Lord was unusual in its outpouring. If that is true and he could
+testify to it then, there cannot be anything so very bad in these
+glorious privileges of which he testified. In later years when he had
+lost the spirit of the Gospel and was fighting the work he had formerly
+upheld, he denounced in bitterness these sacred ordinances that he
+on this occasion sanctioned. His former testimony is the one that is
+consistent.
+
+On the 17th of January, 1846, the minutes say:
+
+ "President Zenas H. Gurley arose and said * * The business before
+ the meeting was the arranging for a donation for the benefit of
+ those of the Priesthood engaged in the Temple. (Not on the Temple
+ but in it). He beautifully observed that it was his design, and
+ also his council's to exalt the Twenty-first quorum, and the quorum
+ should reciprocally return the favor; give support and influence
+ towards its welfare."
+
+Then on the 25th of the same month:
+
+ "President Zenas H. Gurley arose and said that the business before
+ the meeting was to select persons to receive their endowment. He
+ had received direction to select 10 or 12 to go in the Temple. He
+ desired the brethren not to think it was partiality to make this
+ selection. The most important point to be considered was to learn
+ obedience. This was the principle taught by Jesus Christ."
+
+He then proceeded to name the brethren for this purpose, and continuing
+his remarks he said:
+
+ "The Saints who have passed through the trials of the Church were
+ generally rooted and grounded in love and have a witness in their
+ hearts or they would not have remained."
+
+And I say amen to that. I wish with all my soul that Zenas H. Gurley
+had been one of them for his own sake, for it was but 10 days after he
+made this utterance, that the exodus from Nauvoo began, and this is
+the last reference we have of Zenas H. Gurley while connected with the
+Church! What became of him? "Because he had no root he withered away."
+The terrible trials the Saints were forced to undergo in the wilderness
+were too great for him; he could not stand the test. And while he had
+declared that he would go with the Saints even if it required that he
+should sacrifice the wealth of the whole nation, when put to the actual
+test, his heart failed him and he sought safety in flight, he sought
+his life, but lost the life eternal!
+
+The next reference we have of him in the minutes of the Twenty-first
+quorum is in 1855, where the statement is made that he had fled from
+the Church and was associated with James J. Strang. Of his connection
+with Mr. Strang, I prefer to read to you the account from the history
+of the "Reorganized" Church, for you know then we will have it correct.
+On page 744 of volume three we have the following:
+
+ "After the death of Joseph Smith, Elder Gurley investigated the
+ claims of the various leaders, and finally accepted those of James
+ J. Strang as being the most reasonable. A letter written by him
+ from Gananoque, Canada West, November 6, 1849, and published in
+ Gospel Herald, volume 4, page 187, indicates that he was then on a
+ mission to Canada in the interest of the organization under Strang.
+ On January 1, 1850, he again wrote from Landsdown, Upper Canada,
+ still engaged in the same work.
+
+ "A letter written January 10, 1850, from Pittsburg, Canada West,
+ manifested zeal in his work."
+
+We have already shown how he manifested great zeal in his work in the
+Twenty-first quorum before he left the Church. But to continue:
+
+ "March 15, 1850 he wrote from St. Lawrence, New York, that he was
+ assisting Brother Silsby in organizing the brethren and helping
+ them in getting ready for Beaver. He was present at a conference
+ held at Voree, Wisconsin, June 1 and 2, 1850, and in these minutes
+ we find this entry: 'Brother Z. H. Gurley was'--
+
+Then there is an ellipsis, no doubt it would be interesting to know what
+follows, and the account continues--
+
+ 'sent to the northeastern parts of Wisconsin, on the presentation
+ of President Strang.'"
+
+Now, please note carefully what follows:
+
+ "It was probably while on the mission thus appointed that Elder
+ Gurley raised up the Yellowstone branch, the members of which
+ helped to form the nucleus of the Reorganization."--Page 744-5.
+
+We have already seen that Jason W. Briggs raised up the Waukesha branch
+of the Strangite church in 1849, also that he raised up the Beloit
+branch for the same organization, and now we have the admission fatal
+to their organization, that the Yellowstone branch was also raised
+up to Mr. James J. Strang. These branches you see became the nucleus
+of the "Reorganization." They were not connected with the Church of
+Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, according to their own admission,
+but were organized for the Church of James J. Strang. Yet, mark you,
+these Strangite branches were admitted into what was called the "New
+organization," or the "Reorganization," on their original baptisms.[6]
+It is quite evident that the "Reorganization" is the offspring of the
+church of this man James J. Strang.
+
+Now let us return to Jason W. Briggs. In Mr. Heman C. Smith's "True
+Succession," pages 134-135, we have an alleged revelation that
+this man received that was the cause of the coming together of the
+so-called "Reorganized" Church. I have already told you that he was
+the most important man in this movement, if not the father of it. The
+"revelation" is as follows:
+
+ "Therefore, let the elders whom I have ordained by the hand of my
+ servant Joseph, or by the hand of those ordained by him, resist not
+ this authority, nor faint in the discharge of duty, which is to
+ preach my gospel as revealed in the records of the Jews, and the
+ Book of Mormon, and the Book of Doctrine and Covenants; and cry
+ repentance and remission of sins through obedience to the gospel,
+ and I will sustain them, and give them my Spirit; and in mine own
+ due time will I call upon the seed of Joseph Smith, and will bring
+ one forth, and he shall be mighty and strong, and he shall preside
+ over the High Priesthood of my Church; and then shall the quorums
+ assemble, and the pure in heart shall gather, and Zion shall be
+ reinhabited, as I said unto my servant Joseph Smith."
+
+
+WHY BRIGGS SECEDED.
+
+In this alleged revelation we have this man teaching lineal Priesthood
+or the right of succession from father to son. We also have him
+teaching the literal gathering to Zion of the honest in heart. We will
+now see what his reasons were for withdrawing from the "Reorganized"
+Church. We find on pages 248-249 of volume 33 of the Saints' Herald
+that the reasons why this man withdrew from the "Reorganization" with
+the family of Zenas H. Gurley, were as follows:
+
+That he could not believe in:
+
+(1) "The literal gathering of the Church into Jackson and the adjoining
+counties in the state of Missouri (or any one or more places) known as
+a local Zion."
+
+(2) "Temple building and ceremonial endowments therein."
+
+(3) "Baptism for the dead."
+
+(4) "Tithing as a law applicable to the Church."
+
+(5) "The law of consecration by which individuals are made legal heirs
+to the Kingdom of Zion."
+
+(6) "A sole mouthpiece of God to the Church."
+
+(7) "The plenary inspiration of and consequent absolute authority of
+what are called the sacred books."
+
+(8) "The doctrine of 'cursing our enemies,' and of 'avenging God upon
+them to the third and fourth generations.'"
+
+(9) "To the foregoing may be added the revelation of January 19, 1841,
+section 107 D. & C., (124 our edition), which enjoins upon the Church
+the building of a hotel, called the 'Lord's boarding-house,' for Joseph
+Smith and posterity to dwell in from generation to generation, as
+also the promise contained therein, viz: 'And as I said unto Abraham
+concerning the kindreds of the earth, even so I say to my servant
+Joseph, in thee and thy seed shall the kindreds of the earth be
+blessed."
+
+"This coupled with the provisions in section 43, that 'none else should
+or could receive revelation for the Church' and the provision of
+section 19, that the Church shall receive Joseph's words and commands
+the same as if from God's own mouth,--establish in our judgment a
+lineal descent of authority, equivalent to an imperial dynasty, which
+is foreign to the spirit and genius of the Gospel of Christ."
+
+This communication was dated March 28, 1886, and was signed by Jason
+W. Briggs, (president of their apostles); Zenas H. Gurley, (a member
+of that quorum); Gracie Gurley, Margaret Gurley, Edwin H. Gurley, Mida
+Gurley.
+
+We see that this Mr. Briggs repudiated the fundamental portions of
+his alleged revelation. In the "revelation" he teaches the gathering,
+but here he says he does not believe in the gathering, either to
+Jackson county or to any other place to be known as a local Zion. In
+his "revelation" he teaches lineal Priesthood, but when he withdraws
+from the church one reason was that he could not believe in "a sole
+mouth-piece of God to the Church," and in an "imperial dynasty," which
+he erroneously thought was taught in the revelation. Thus he repudiates
+his "revelation," denies the divine mission of the Prophet Joseph
+Smith, and repudiates the standard works of the Church.[7] Unstable to
+the last, this man would not rest content in this organization which he
+was such a potent instrument in bringing into existence.[8]
+
+There is another thing in his so-called "revelation" that is
+interesting. He declares that the Lord would raise up one of the seed
+of Joseph Smith who would be mighty and strong. Now, evidently this
+refers to Joseph Smith, president of that organization. Joseph Smith
+of the "Reorganized" Church declares that he is not the one mighty and
+strong and the "Reorganized" Church has backed him up by resolution in
+that conclusion.[9]
+
+
+QUESTION OF REJECTION.
+
+We now come to the question of the rejection of the Church. Our friends
+tell us that the Church was rejected for the reason that they failed
+to complete the Nauvoo Temple "in the sufficient time granted by the
+Lord." They say that the Temple was not finished. The president of the
+"Reorganization" has made the following statement in this connection:
+
+ "The basement was fitted for occupation and the baptismal font was
+ ready for use. The auditorium on the first floor was completed
+ sufficiently to be seated and occupied for assembly purposes. The
+ stairway on the south side was completed for use. The auditorium
+ on the second floor, the stairway on the north side, nor any other
+ portion of the building except those above named were completed;
+ though the small rooms above the second floor auditorium were used
+ by President Young and the resident Church authorities for various
+ purposes." (History of Reorganized Church, 2:562).
+
+His brother Alexander makes a similar statement.
+
+In reply to this it is only necessary to say that it made no difference
+whether the Temple was finished or not. The revelation of January 19,
+1841, provided,
+
+ "That when I (the Lord) give a commandment to any of the sons of
+ men, to do a work unto my name, and those sons of men go with all
+ their might, and with all they have, to perform that work, and
+ cease not their diligence, and their enemies come upon them, and
+ hinder them from performing that work; behold, it behooveth me to
+ require that work no more at the hands of those sons of men, but to
+ accept of their offerings:
+
+ "And the iniquity and transgression of my holy laws and
+ commandments, I will visit upon the heads of those who hindered my
+ work, unto the third and fourth generation, so long as they repent
+ not, and hate me, saith the Lord God.
+
+ "Therefore for this cause have I accepted the offerings of those
+ whom I commanded to build up a city and a house unto my name, in
+ Jackson county, Missouri, and were hindered by their enemies, saith
+ the Lord your God:
+
+ "And I will answer judgment, wrath, and indignation, wailing and
+ anguish and gnashing of teeth upon their heads, unto the third and
+ fourth generation, so long as they repent not and hate me, saith
+ the Lord your God.
+
+ "And this I make an example unto you for your consolation
+ concerning all those who have been commanded to do a work, and have
+ been hindered by the hands of their enemies, and by oppression
+ saith the Lord your God."[10]
+
+No sane man will dare say that the Saints were not hindered by their
+enemies in the building of the Nauvoo Temple, both before and after the
+martyrdom. Nevertheless, I maintain that they were diligent in their
+labors as the following references will show, furthermore that the
+Temple was completed. In the Times and Seasons, volume 3, page 775, is
+to be found an editorial written by the Prophet Joseph in which he says:
+
+ "This noble edifice is progressing with great rapidity; strenuous
+ exertions are being made on every hand to facilitate its erection;
+ and materials of all kinds are in great state of forwardness. * * *
+ *
+
+ "While the busy multitudes have thus been engaged in their several
+ avocations, performing their daily labor, and working one-tenth of
+ their time, others have not been less forward in bringing in their
+ tithings and consecrations for the same great object. Never since
+ the formation of this Church was laid have we seen manifested a
+ greater willingness to comply with the requisitions of Jehovah; a
+ more ardent desire to do the will of God; more strenuous exertions
+ used, or greater sacrifices made, then there have been since the
+ Lord said: Let the Temple be built by the tithing of my people.
+ It seemed as though the spirit of enterprise, philanthropy, and
+ obedience rested simultaneously upon old and young; and brethren
+ and sisters, boys and girls, and even strangers, who were not
+ in the Church, united with an unprecedented liberality in the
+ accomplishment of this great work; nor could the widow in many
+ instances, be prevented, out of her scanty pittance, from throwing
+ in her two mites."
+
+This was written in May, 1842. Remember the date, for I will have
+occasion to refer to this again before we are through.
+
+This editorial reveals to us what is meant by laboring with your
+might and "to cease not their diligence." The Lord did not require
+all the time of the Saints to be devoted on that building, but a
+tithing--one-tenth of their time or means. That is all He required of
+them in order that they should fulfill the commandment. This is also
+set forth in the second vol. of the Times and Seasons, page 567, and in
+vol., 3 pages 938-9, but I take it for granted that the reference given
+is sufficient to cover this ground.
+
+
+TEMPLE BUILT BY SACRIFICE.
+
+Let us here pause a moment and see what it took to build the Temple.
+That structure cost more than one million dollars; the Saints were
+poor, and a great deal of the time the Temple was in course of erection
+they were harassed by their enemies. The Prophet Joseph was forced
+into exile to avoid his enemies who tried to drag him to Missouri, and
+therefore he could not devote his personal attention to the building of
+the Temple as he otherwise would have done; and in this way the work
+was retarded to some degree by the enemies of the people. Moreover,
+the building of that structure was not like building one today. The
+Saints could not order their timber from the lumber yard in a state of
+preparation for the Temple. There were no iron foundries from which
+they could obtain the required metal properly prepared; but on the
+contrary, every detail had to be performed by the Saints. The timber
+had to be hewed in the far off forests of Wisconsin, carried to Nauvoo,
+and cut into boards and for the various uses of the Temple. The stone
+had to be cut and polished from the quarries, and the whole work had to
+be supplied out of the tithing of the people. If the Lord had required
+all of their time how would they have supported their families? Of
+course, He could have cared for them, but it was but the tenth, mark
+you, of their time and means that was required. And yet some of our
+friends complain that the Temple was not completed inside of six
+months! Naturally under these conditions it would take a number of
+years to complete the building.
+
+We have seen that the Saints were diligent up to May, 1842.[11] Let us
+now see if they did not continue their diligence. Of course, there were
+some who were not diligent; but not of the faithful, not of those who
+followed the Twelve. At the April conference, 1844, the Patriarch Hyrum
+Smith, addressing the Saints, said:
+
+ "I am one of the committee (i. e., Temple committee); the committee
+ tell me the quarry is blockaded, it is filled with rock, the stone
+ cutters are wanting work; come on with your teams as soon as
+ conference is over. It is not necessary for me to tell who will
+ come and do it; I will prophesy that you will do it. There is not
+ one in the city but that will do right if they know it, only one or
+ two exceptions, and they are not worth notice; God will take care
+ of them, and if He doesn't, the devil will." (T. & S., 5:597).
+
+Now, I know that Hyrum Smith was a prophet of God, the Lord declared
+it, and his prophecy did not fail. This shows the willingness of the
+Saints to do this work as late as 1844.
+
+In a communication to the Times and Seasons, October 13, 1844, signed
+"C," we have the following:
+
+ "The Temple is rising even faster than could have been anticipated,
+ and has a very imposing appearance."
+
+Again on page 744, of volume 5, Times and Seasons, (December 15, 1844),
+this is stated:
+
+ "The Temple has progressed with greater rapidity since the death of
+ Joseph and Hyrum than ever it had done before; and things in this
+ city never looked more prosperous."
+
+And in an editorial in this same paper of May 15, 1845:
+
+ "The Temple progresses rapidly and the Saints being united (as we
+ have heretofore said), are industrious, frugal and determined."
+
+Then in the Times and Seasons, volume 6, page 926:
+
+ "After a little more than four years of hard labor, in truly
+ troublesome times, and not, too, without the loss of the best blood
+ in the Church, on the morning of the 24th ult. (April, 1845), at a
+ little past 6, a goodly number of Saints had the honor, and glory
+ to witness the capstone of the Temple laid in its place."
+
+In a letter from Elder John Taylor to Joseph Cain (Mill. Star, 8:31),
+we find this:
+
+ "My feelings were very peculiar while standing in the font, which
+ is of stone, and passing through the rooms when I thought how the
+ Saints had labored and striven to complete the building."
+
+And in the Times and Seasons, volume 6, page 1017:
+
+ "On Sunday, the 5th of October (1845) through the indefatigable
+ exertions, unceasing industry, and heaven blessed labors, in the
+ midst of trials, tribulations, poverty, and worldly obstacles,
+ solemnized, in some instances, by death, about 5,000 Saints had the
+ inexpressible joy and great gratification to meet for the first
+ time in the house of the Lord in the city of Joseph (Nauvoo). From
+ mites and tithing, millions had risen up to the glory of God, as a
+ Temple where the children of the last kingdom, could come together
+ and praise the Lord."
+
+There are other passages; but these ought to suffice on this point of
+the diligence of the Saints. But some one will say, all this testimony
+is from those who are interested--from your friends. Should we take the
+testimony of our enemies, those who are interested in our downfall,
+and who are not acquainted with these facts? However, I will add the
+testimony of one who hoped that the Temple would not be finished. In
+the Messenger and Advocate of June, 1846, published by Sidney Rigdon, I
+quote the following:
+
+ "That people [the Saints with Brigham Young] were told that they
+ would not finish that Temple which THEY were building. They were
+ told that they would get the roof on, and do some of the inside
+ work, but never would finish it."
+
+Now mark this; he adds:
+
+ "No people ever labored harder to prove the above declaration
+ false. No pains were spared; but where has it terminated? Just as
+ we said it would."
+
+Here we have the testimony of Sidney Rigdon, who opposed the Twelve
+and the Church and the building of that Temple. Yet he says they were
+diligent, but when he says it was not completed, he spoke too soon.
+This article was written just shortly after the exodus commenced, and
+at that time the Temple was not quite finished; but it was finished
+before all the Saints' left Nauvoo.
+
+I suppose that it is unnecessary to continue this branch of the subject
+any further, but since our Church members have to meet the sophistry on
+the part of the elders of the "Reorganization," we will.
+
+
+NAUVOO TEMPLE COMPLETED.
+
+In proof that the Temple was completed I present the following
+evidence. In the Times and Seasons, volume 6, page 1017, we find the
+following:
+
+ "It certainly afforded a holy satisfaction to think that since
+ the 6th of April, 1841, when the first stone was laid, amidst
+ the most straightened circumstances, the Church of Jesus Christ
+ of Latter-day Saints has witnessed their bread cast upon waters;
+ or more properly their obedience to the commandments of the Lord
+ appear in the tangible form of a Temple, entirely enclosed, windows
+ in, with temporary floors, pulpits, and seats to accommodate so
+ many persons preparatory to a general conference."
+
+And on page 1018:
+
+ "The font and the other parts of the Temple will be in readiness
+ in a few days to commence the administration of holy ordinances of
+ endowment, for which the faithful have long diligently labored and
+ fervently prayed, desiring above all things to see the beauty of
+ the Lord and inquire in His holy Temple."
+
+Now, this was given in October, 1845, and we learn that the font--that
+is the permanent font, which replaced the former and temporary
+one--also the other parts of the Temple would be in readiness in a few
+days to commence the administration of holy ordinances. I wish now
+to refer to another reference from the writings of the president of
+the "Reorganization." I have already read where he declares that the
+font and the first floor above the basement and one stairway, also the
+basement, were completed. He reaffirms that in the following from an
+editorial in the Saints' Herald of February 17, 1904:
+
+ "Work continued to be done on the Temple until the fall of 1845,
+ possibly until the summer of 1846"--you see he is not quite sure
+ about it--"but the building was never finished; and whatever
+ ordinances were performed in it took place in rooms not wholly
+ finished."
+
+Now note this particularly:
+
+ "The north stairway, the second or upper auditorium, and the attic
+ were entirely incompleted."
+
+We will now examine the Times and Seasons of January 20, 1846, and see
+what his testimony is worth. Here on page 1096 occurs the following:
+
+ "January thus far has been mild, which, in the midst of our
+ preparations for an exodus next spring, has given an excellent time
+ to finish the Temple. Nothing has appeared so much like a finish of
+ that holy edifice as the present."
+
+Now, I want to call your attention to this which immediately follows:
+
+ "The ATTIC story was finished in December."
+
+That is in December 1845. You will remember that the president of the
+Reorganization declares that the attic was "entirely incompleted." But
+to continue the quotation:
+
+ "And if the Lord continues to favor us, the first story above the
+ basement will be completed ready for meeting, in the month of
+ February. The font, standing upon 12 stone oxen, is about ready,
+ and the floor of the story is laid, so that all speculation about
+ the Temple of God at Nauvoo, must cease."
+
+Now the temporary floors were laid in October, 1845, so these floors
+must have been the permanent ones, and while the temporary finishing in
+October was for the purpose of fitting the building for the ordinances,
+this finishing was permanent.
+
+Here is an interesting feature about the testimony of this man. The
+parts of the Temple which the president of the "Reorganized" Church
+says were completed--finished, the Times and Seasons here states would
+not be finished for a few days, or till February, but the part of the
+building which he says was "entirely incompleted," is here declared
+to have been finished in the past December, 1845. I shall not dispute
+with him the fact that the parts which he says were finished, were
+completed, for they were; but what does his testimony amount to as
+evidence when confronted with the statement of the Times and Seasons?
+Simply nothing; more than to prove that he knew nothing about it at
+all. Now which shall we believe? The Times and Seasons, published
+at the time, or the president of the "Reorganization," who made his
+statement some 40 years later? Remember if he admits that the Temple
+was finished his whole structure crumbles to the ground--it's bound to
+crumble anyway sooner or later, for it is built upon the sand.
+
+Elder John Taylor, in an address to the Saints in England, published in
+the Millennial Star of November, 1846, (vol. 8:97) has this to say:
+
+ "Time alone can unfold this to many, but to us it has been
+ manifested long ago, years before the Temple WAS COMPLETED, and
+ long before the martyrdom of our Prophet and Patriarch."
+
+Here he declares that the Temple was completed. Now our friends quote
+from the remarks of President Brigham Young delivered at the dedication
+of the St. George Temple to the effect that up to that time the Saints
+had never had the privilege of completing and enjoying a Temple. I call
+your attention to the fact that President Brigham Young left Nauvoo
+before the Temple was finished. He left in February, 1846, and a great
+portion of the Latter-day Saints were expelled from that city before
+they had the privilege of receiving the ordinances of the house of God,
+therefore President Young was correct when he said we had not up to
+that time had the privilege of completing and enjoying one. But I will
+now call your attention to the statement of President Young's made in
+October, 1863, (News, 13:96). Said he,
+
+ "We have already built two Temples, one at Kirtland, Ohio, and one
+ at Nauvoo, Illinois. * * * God commanded us to build the Nauvoo
+ Temple, and we built it, and performed our duty pretty well. There
+ are elders present here today who labored on that house with not a
+ shoe to their foot, or pantaloons that would cover their limbs, or a
+ shirt to cover their arms.
+
+ "We performed the work, and performed it WITHIN THE TIME WHICH
+ THE LORD GAVE US TO DO IT IN. Apostates said that we never could
+ perform that work, but through the blessing of God it was completed
+ and accepted of Him. Apostates never build Temples unto God, but
+ the Saints are called to do this work."
+
+The Nauvoo Temple was publicly dedicated May 1, 1846, by Elder Orson
+Hyde, and the following day about 3,000 Saints met in the building in
+a public service. It is most likely that the greater number of these
+Saints were also at the dedication. It is not reasonable to suppose
+that this building was dedicated until it was finished, for each part
+had been dedicated as it was finished, and the dedication on the 1st of
+May, 1846, was of the entire structure.[12]
+
+
+THE REVELATION ON TEMPLE WORK.
+
+I have now shown that the Temple was completed; that the Saints
+were diligent in their labors, and they were also hindered by their
+enemies. I now reaffirm what has previously been said; that it made no
+difference, so far as the Church and its authority is concerned, even
+if the Temple had not been completed, or finished, in the technical
+sense of that word. Some of the embellishments, the ornamentations and
+fixtures, may not have been placed in the building according to the
+original intention, and in that technical sense the building may not
+have been "finished completely." But if so, what difference would it
+make? The Lord, thank heaven, is not as technical and peevish as men
+are, or woe be unto all of us. The revelation does not say that the
+Church would be rejected with its dead if every identical board and
+plank or fixture was not in the building according to the original
+design. The thing the revelation does require is that a place be
+prepared, or built, where the Lord could reveal the Priesthood and its
+ordinances which had been taken away or that had not been restored.
+And, too, if the temporary floors had not been replaced by the
+permanent floors, the Lord could and would have revealed Himself to the
+Saints and would have accepted of their offering. Now let's see just
+what the revelation does say about this matter. Beginning at verse 25.
+
+ "25. And again, verily I say unto you, let all my Saints come from
+ afar;
+
+ 26. And send ye swift messengers, yea, chosen messengers, and say
+ unto them; come ye, with all your gold, and your silver, and your
+ precious stones, and with all your antiquities; and with all who
+ have knowledge of antiquities, that will come, may come, and bring
+ the box tree, and the fir tree, and the pine tree, together with
+ all the precious trees of the earth;
+
+ 27. And with iron, with copper, and with brass, and with zinc, and
+ with all your precious things of the earth, and build a house to my
+ name, for the most High to dwell therein;
+
+ 28. For there is not a place found on earth that he may come and
+ restore again that which was lost unto you, or which he hath taken
+ away, even the fulnesss of the Priesthood;
+
+ 29. For a baptismal font there is not upon the earth, that they, my
+ Saints, may be baptized for those who are dead;
+
+ 30. For this ordinance belongeth to my house, and cannot be
+ acceptable to me, only in the days of your poverty, wherein ye are
+ not able to build a house unto me.
+
+ 31. But I command you, all ye my Saints, to build a house unto me;
+ and I grant unto you a sufficient time to build a house unto me,
+ and during this time your baptisms shall be acceptable unto me.
+
+ 32. But behold, at the end of this appointment, your baptisms for
+ your dead shall not be acceptable unto me; and if you do not these
+ things at the end of the appointment, ye shall be rejected as a
+ church, with your dead, saith the Lord your God.
+
+ 33. For verily I say unto you, that after you have had sufficient
+ time to build a house to me, wherein the ordinance of baptizing
+ for the dead belongeth, and for which the same was instituted from
+ before the foundation of the world, your baptisms for your dead
+ cannot be acceptable unto me.
+
+ 34. For therein (that is in Temples) are the keys of the Holy
+ Priesthood ordained that you may receive honor and glory.
+
+ 35. And after this time, your baptisms for the dead, by those who
+ are scattered abroad, are not acceptable unto me, saith the Lord.
+
+ 36. For it is ordained that in Zion, and in her stakes, and in
+ Jerusalem, those places which I have appointed for refuge, shall be
+ the places for your baptisms for your dead.
+
+ 37. And again, verily I say unto you, How shall your washings be
+ acceptable unto me, except ye perform them in a house which you
+ have built to my name?
+
+ 38. For, for this cause I commanded Moses that he should build a
+ tabernacle, that they should bear it with them in the wilderness,
+ and to build a house in the land of promise that those ordinances
+ might be revealed which had been hid from before the world was;
+
+ 39. Therefore, verily I say unto you, that your anointings and
+ your washings, and your baptisms for the dead, and your solemn
+ assemblies, and your memorials for your sacrifices, by the sons of
+ Levi, and for your oracles in your most holy places, wherein you
+ receive conversations, and your statutes and judgments, for the
+ beginning of the revelation and foundation of Zion, and for the
+ glory, honor, and endowment of all her municipals, are ordained
+ by the ordinance of my holy house, which my people are always
+ commanded to build unto my holy name."
+
+I have read quite extensively from this revelation, now let us examine
+and see just what is meant. At the time this revelation was given the
+Saints were baptizing in the Mississippi river for their dead, this was
+a special privilege that the Lord granted them in their poverty and
+while they could prepare a place in the Temple for that ordinance. He
+declares that while that place was being built He would accept of their
+baptisms in the river, but just as soon as a place could be prepared
+in the Temple baptisms for the dead in the river should cease. Now you
+will notice that verse 31 reads:
+
+ "But I command you, all ye my Saints, to build a house unto me; and
+ I grant unto you a sufficient time to build a house unto me."
+
+Now I wish you to note what follows:
+
+ "And during this time your baptisms shall be acceptable unto me."
+
+I take it that this means that the Lord would accept of their baptisms
+in the river until they could prepare a place where the ordinance
+could be attended to properly, and that He would not discontinue river
+baptisms until they had had sufficient time to build such a place. I
+want to read what the president of the "Reorganized" Church has to say
+on this point. Said he:
+
+ "Baptisms for the dead was a permissive rite."
+
+Of course I do not agree with him that it was a permissive rite, but to
+continue the quotation:
+
+ "Baptism for the dead was a permissive rite; or to write more
+ plainly, the Church was permitted by the Lord to baptize for the
+ dead under certain rules."
+
+Here is the rule:
+
+ "By terms stated in the revelation this permissive rite could be
+ performed and would be acceptable if performed in the river while
+ the time given the Church in which the Temple should be built was
+ passing. After the completion of the Temple, baptisms for the dead
+ were to be performed in it." (Saints' Herald, February 17, 1904).
+
+We are certainly safe in saying that the Lord would not break His
+promise, therefore if we can discover a time when baptisms were
+discontinued in the river it will be a sign that the sufficient
+time had expired, so far as baptisms in the river for the dead were
+concerned. I turn to the minutes of the October conference, 1841, and
+read from the remarks on baptism for the dead delivered by the Prophet
+on the third day as follows:
+
+ "There shall be no more baptisms for the dead until the ordinance
+ can be attended to in the font of the Lord's house; and the Church
+ shall not hold another general conference, until they can meet in
+ said house. _For thus saith the Lord!_" (Times and Seasons, Vol.
+ II., page 578).
+
+Remember this was in October, 1841--six months after the first stone
+of the Temple was laid. Was the Temple finished? No. Was the Church
+then rejected with its dead? Verily no! for this was 1841, and I have
+already referred you to the editorial of the Prophet's of May, 1842,
+wherein he says that never since the formation, or foundation, of the
+Church was laid, have the Saints been so willing to comply with the
+requisitions of Jehovah, and manifested a more ardent desire to do
+the will of God, than in the building of that Temple. Therefore they
+could not have been rejected. Yet the sufficient time was up.[13] What
+must we then conclude? That the Temple had progressed so far that
+baptisms could be performed in it for the dead in accordance with the
+revelation, and it did not depend altogether, you will see, on the
+complete finishing of the building; and as the rooms were finished one
+by one and dedicated, they too, could be used for the ordinances of the
+Temple until the whole Temple was built.
+
+Are we right in our conclusion that a font had been built? Yes,
+a temporary font had been built in the basement of the Temple--a
+temporary one--but obviously one that answered the requirements of the
+revelation. Moreover, in this temporary font, which was used by the
+command of the Lord through the Prophet Joseph Smith, baptisms for the
+dead were performed from November, 1841, until it was replaced by the
+permanent font, and then these baptisms continued in that until the
+Saints were driven from Nauvoo.
+
+
+BAPTISMS FOR THE DEAD OBLIGATORY.
+
+We will now examine the thirty-second verse; it is:
+
+ "But behold, at the end of this appointment, your baptisms for your
+ dead shall not be acceptable unto me."
+
+That means, of course, the baptisms in the river shall not be
+acceptable after the font is built. But listen to this:
+
+ "And if you do not these things at the END OF THE APPOINTMENT ye
+ shall be rejected as a church, with your dead, saith the Lord your
+ God."
+
+If you do not do what things? Does it mean if you do not build the
+Temple at the END of the appointment? That would be absurd. It means,
+if you do not perform your baptisms for your dead and the ordinances
+for the dead at the end--not the beginning, but the end--of the
+appointment, then will you be rejected with your dead. So you see
+it was not the failure to finish the attic, or to carve figures in
+the woodwork, or embellish the building by placing pictures on the
+walls, or painting them; it was not for this that the Church was to
+be rejected; but it was to be rejected with its dead if it failed to
+perform the work in the Temple for the dead when the opportunity was
+afforded. Now let us see if this view is not in harmony with other
+Scriptures. I turn to the second section of the Doctrine and Covenants.
+Here the angel says:
+
+ "Behold, I will reveal unto you the Priesthood, by the hand of
+ Elijah the prophet, before the coming of the great and dreadful day
+ of the Lord.
+
+ "And he shall plant in the hearts of the children the promises made
+ to the fathers, and the hearts of the children shall turn to their
+ fathers.
+
+ "If it were not so, the whole earth would be UTTERLY WASTED AT ITS
+ COMING."
+
+Why would the earth be wasted? Simply because if there is not a welding
+link between the fathers and the children--which is the work for the
+dead--then we will all stand rejected; the whole work of God will fail
+and be utterly wasted. Such a condition of course, shall not be. When
+Elijah restored this Priesthood, he said that the time spoken of had
+fully come, and that the dreadful day of the Lord was near, even at the
+doors.
+
+Let us now see what Joseph Smith had to say in relation to this.
+Speaking of the baptism and salvation for the dead, he said:
+
+ "The GREATEST RESPONSIBILITY in this world that God has laid upon
+ us, is to seek after our dead. The apostle says they without us
+ cannot be made perfect. Now I will speak of them: I say to you,
+ Paul, you cannot be perfect without us; it is necessary that those
+ who have gone before, and those who come after us should have
+ salvation in common with us, and thus hath God made it OBLIGATORY
+ to man. Hence God said He would send Elijah." (Times and Seasons,
+ 6:616).
+
+Moreover, at the conference held October, 1841, to which I have already
+referred, the prophet said this:
+
+ "Baptism for the dead is the only way that men can appear as
+ saviors on Mount Zion. The proclamation of the first principles of
+ the gospel was a means of salvation to men individually, and it was
+ the truth, not men, that saved them; but men by actively engaging
+ in rites of salvation _substitutionally_, become instrumental in
+ bringing multitudes of their kin into the Kingdom of God."
+
+ "This doctrine"--that is, baptism for the dead--"he said, presents
+ in a clear light the wisdom and mercy of God, in preparing an
+ ordinance for the salvation of the dead, being baptized by proxy,
+ their names recorded in heaven, and they judged according to the
+ deeds done in the body."
+
+Now here comes the most important statement.
+
+ --"This doctrine was the BURDEN OF THE SCRIPTURES. Those Saints
+ who NEGLECT it in behalf of their deceased relatives, do it at the
+ PERIL OF THEIR OWN SALVATION."
+
+There we have the key to the whole situation. If we neglect the
+salvation of our dead when we have the opportunity to save them, then
+we ourselves will be rejected, and that is just what the revelation of
+January 19, 1841, says. In the Doctrine and Covenants, Section 128,
+verse 5, we are told that baptism for the dead was prepared from before
+the foundation of the world, "for the salvation of the dead," mark
+this, "WHO SHOULD DIE WITHOUT A KNOWLEDGE OF THE GOSPEL!" And in verse
+15:
+
+ "And now, my dearly beloved brethren and sisters, let me assure you
+ that these are principles in relation to the dead and the living
+ that cannot be lightly passed over, as pertaining to our salvation,
+ as Paul says concerning the fathers, 'that they without us cannot
+ be made perfect, neither can we without our dead be made perfect.'"
+
+Here we have it in this revelation that if we do not save our dead we
+cannot ourselves be saved, therefore if we neglect their salvation, we
+ourselves will be rejected. Now verse 18:
+
+ "It is sufficient to know * * * that the earth will be smitten
+ with a curse, UNLESS there is a welding link of some kind or
+ other, between the fathers and the children, upon some subject or
+ other, and behold what is that subject? IT IS THE BAPTISM FOR THE
+ DEAD. For we without them cannot be made perfect; neither can they
+ without us be made perfect. Neither can they nor we be made perfect
+ without those who have died in the Gospel also; for it is necessary
+ in the ushering in of the dispensation of the fulnesss of times,
+ which dispensation is now beginning to usher in, that a whole and
+ complete and perfect union and welding together of dispensations,
+ and keys, and powers, and glories, should take place, and be
+ revealed, from the days of Adam even to the present time; and not
+ only this, but those things which never have been revealed from
+ the foundation of the world, but have been kept hid from the wise
+ and prudent shall be revealed unto babes and sucklings in this the
+ dispensation of the fulness of times."
+
+
+SALVATION FOR THE DEAD IMPORTANT.
+
+Now, is it not plain to see how important this doctrine is, and why
+the Saints were to be rejected? But they were not rejected for they
+performed the baptisms for their dead, and are today performing the
+baptisms and the ordinances for and in behalf of their dead. Therefore
+they are not rejected. Again, the Prophet says that the Saints have not
+too much time to save and redeem their dead, and gather their living
+relatives together that they may be saved also, before the earth will
+be smitten, as revealed by Malachi. Therefore it is quite evident why
+the Lord permitted them to baptize in the river, and not wait until
+those ordinances could be performed in the Temple, and why He was so
+anxious that they should hurry and prepare a place in the Temple, where
+they could be performed in accordance with the plan from before the
+foundation of the world.
+
+Here is another statement that I wish to refer to. In an editorial
+in the Times and Seasons written by the Prophet, in volume 3, pages
+759-761, where he is speaking of the remarks made by the Savior to the
+Jews, that upon them should come all the righteous blood shed upon the
+earth from the blood of righteous Abel, unto the blood of Zacharias,
+son of Barachias, who was slain between the Temple and the altar,
+Joseph the Prophet declares in most emphatic terms that the reason why
+this blood was to come upon these Jews was, that:
+
+ "They possessed greater privileges than any other generation, not
+ only as pertaining to themselves but to their dead, their sin was
+ greater as they not only neglected their own salvation but that
+ of their progenitors, and hence their blood was required at their
+ hands."
+
+Now, if these Jews were to answer for the blood of their progenitors
+because they neglected the salvation of their dead, then, may we not
+ask; will not we have to answer for the blood of our dead if we neglect
+these ordinances in their behalf? It matters not even if we have been
+baptized and have had hands laid on our heads for the reception of the
+Holy Ghost; if we wilfully neglect the salvation of our dead, then also
+we shall stand rejected of the Lord because we have rejected our dead;
+and just so sure their blood will be required at our hands.
+
+Now, what is the attitude of the "Reorganized" Church in relation to
+the salvation of the dead, the neglect of which the Church--yes, and
+also the individual--was to stand rejected of the Lord? I have here a
+copy of a resolution that was passed by the general conference of that
+sect in 1886, at the time that Mr. Briggs withdrew. This resolution
+is in reply to his charge that he could not accept the principle of
+"baptism for the dead." Here it is:
+
+ "That as to the alleged Temple building and ceremonial endowments
+ therein, that we know of no Temple building, except as edifices
+ wherein to worship God, and no endowment except the endowment of
+ the Holy Spirit of the kind experienced by the early Saints on
+ Pentecost day."
+
+ "'Baptism for the dead' referred to belongs to those local
+ questions of which the body has said by resolution:
+
+ "'That the commandments of a local character, given to the first
+ organization of the Church are binding on the Reorganization only
+ so far as they are either reiterated or referred to as binding by
+ commandment to this church. And _that_ principle has neither been
+ reiterated nor referred to as a commandment."
+
+Just think of that! They declare that we were rejected because we
+failed to build a house where these ordinances were to be performed,
+and yet they actually have the audacity to say that the work of
+salvation for the dead is not binding on them because it has not
+been reiterated or referred to as a commandment binding on them.
+Now is that consistent? They call it a local commandment, yet we
+have seen that this commandment was the burden of the Scriptures and
+the greatest responsibility that God has placed upon us, and we are
+obliged to save our dead if we would ourselves be saved. And yet, this
+commandment without which the whole earth was to be utterly wasted and
+destroyed--this eternal commandment that had been prepared before the
+foundation of the world--is not binding on them! "A local commandment!"
+"A permissive rite!" My friends, from the teachings of Joseph Smith the
+Prophet, which I have presented, you may well judge which is the Church
+"rejected with its dead."[14]
+
+
+Footnotes
+
+1. This statement that the Latter-day Saints were endeavoring to get
+beyond the jurisdiction of the United States, which is repeated so
+often by anti-"Mormon" writers and speakers, including many devotees
+of the "Reorganization," who vainly attempt to prove the disloyalty of
+the Saints, is rather astonishing in the face of the facts of history.
+The exodus to the Rocky Mountains was undertaken _of necessity_, as it
+was from Missouri to Illinois, because the Saints had been ruthlessly
+driven from their homes by armed mobocrats. Notwithstanding this, the
+Church came to the Rocky Mountains because the Lord willed it so,
+for He permitted the expulsion from Nauvoo that His purposes might
+be fulfilled. The Prophet Joseph Smith, as early as 1842, received a
+revelation declaring that the Saints would be driven to these valleys.
+That revelation is found in the history of the Church for Saturday,
+August 6, 1842. Our friends the Reorganites, have themselves testified
+in their more sober moments to the truth of this grand prediction. In
+a history published by them in 1880, and which they said was "the aim
+of the publishers to place within the reach of those who cared to know,
+a more correct standard from which to determine the character and work
+of Joseph Smith, the founder, under divine direction, of the Church of
+Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints," "And is the cheapest book published
+by the (Reorganized) Church." They record the following:
+
+"Just at this time (1842) also occurred Joseph's first marked prophecy,
+on record, concerning the removal of the Saints to the Rocky Mountains.
+Says the Record:
+
+"Saturday 6th, (August, 1842). Passed over the river to Montrose,
+Iowa, in company with General Adams, Colonel Brewer, and others, and
+witnessed the installation of the officers of the Rising Sun Lodge of
+Ancient York Masons, at Montrose, by General James Adams, Deputy Grand
+Master of Illinois. While the Deputy Grand Master was engaged in giving
+the requisite instructions to the Master Elect, I had a conversation
+with a number of brethren, in the shade of the building, on the subject
+of our persecutions in Missouri, and the constant annoyance which has
+followed us since we were driven from the State. I prophesied that the
+Saints would continue to suffer much affliction, and would be driven
+to the Rocky Mountains, many would apostatize, others would be put
+to death by our persecutors, or lose their lives in consequence of
+exposure or disease, and some would live to go and assist in making
+settlements and building cities, and see the Saints become a mighty
+people in the midst of the Rocky Mountains."
+
+"The exodus is a great historic fact. It would do violence to history
+to expunge this record. The Twelve, however, may have shaped the record
+thus to fit their own events. It is not even affirmed that Joseph gave
+such a revelation to the Church; but the historical landmark, pointing
+to the Rocky Mountains, is this prophecy to his Masonic brethren, on
+the 6th of August, 1842, just about five years before the feet of the
+pioneers emerged from the last mountain gorge into the beautiful
+valley of the Great Salt Lake." (Tullidge's Life of Joseph Smith,
+Lamoni edition, page 398-9).
+
+In February 1844 a company was selected to go and explore Oregon
+and California (Utah then being a portion of what was called "Upper
+California,") for the purpose of selecting a site where the Saints
+could build a city. The minutes of this meeting say: "At a meeting
+of the Twelve, at the Mayor's office, Nauvoo, February 21, 1844,
+seven o'clock, p. m., Brigham Young, Parley P. Pratt, Orson Pratt,
+Wilford Woodruff, John Taylor, George A. Smith, Willard Richards and
+four others being present, called by previous notice, by instruction
+of President Joseph Smith on the 20th instant, for the purpose of
+selecting a company to explore Oregon and California, and select a site
+for a new city for the Saints."
+
+Jonathan Dunham, Phineas H. Young, David D. Yearsley and David Fullmer,
+volunteered to go; and Alphonzo Young, James Emmett, George D. Watt,
+and Daniel Spencer were requested to go. These brethren were requested
+to meet with the council on the following Friday evening at the
+Assembly Room, and the history of the Prophet continues: "Met with the
+Twelve in the Assembly Room (Friday 23rd) concerning the Oregon and
+California Exploring Expedition; Hyrum and Sidney present. I told them
+I wanted an exploration of all that mountain country. Perhaps it would
+be best to go direct to Santa Fe. Send twenty-five men: let them preach
+the Gospel wherever they go. Let that man go that can raise $500, a
+good horse and mule, a double-barrel gun, one barrel rifle, and the
+other smooth bore, a saddle and bridle, a pair of revolving pistols,
+bowie-knife, and a good saber. Appoint a leader, and let him beat up
+for volunteers. I want every man that goes to be a king and a priest.
+When he gets on the mountains he may want to talk with his God; when
+with the savage nations have power to govern, etc. If we don't get
+volunteers wait until after the election."
+
+On this and other occasions shortly following, these volunteered to go:
+George D. Watt, Samuel Bent, Joseph A. Kelting, David Fullmer, James
+Emmett, Daniel Spencer, Samuel Rolfe, Daniel Avery, Samuel W. Richards,
+Almon L. Fuller, Hosea Stout, Thomas S. Edwards, Moses Smith and Rufus
+Beach. There were also others. It is also a fact that on the evening
+of June 22, 1844, because of persecution, the Prophet Joseph Smith,
+his brother Hyrum and a few others crossed the Mississippi river with
+the intention of going to the Rocky Mountains, beyond the persecutions
+of their enemies. The following day they were accused of cowardice by
+false friends who declared that they were fleeing from the flock in
+time of danger. This falsehood so wounded the Prophet who had stood in
+the breach from the beginning to protect the Saints, that he returned
+to Nauvoo, and gave himself up declaring that if his life was of no
+value to his friends, it was of none to himself. Four days later he
+suffered martyrdom, sealing his testimony with his blood.
+
+Mr. George Derry, himself a Reorganite, in the Saints' Herald for
+January 31, 1906, in reply to the editor who doubted that any such
+intention as a settlement in the West was contemplated by Joseph Smith,
+wrote the following:
+
+"In reading the article in Saints' Herald, No. 46, 'The Editor at
+Home,' I got the impression that the writer was in doubt as to the
+correct statement of S. W. Richards that he was one of twenty-five
+men that were selected by Joseph Smith, Jr., to go out west to try to
+find a location for the Saints beyond the reach of mobs--a condition
+no doubt desirable in those trying times. S. W. Richards was president
+of the Church in the British Isles while I lived in London. I was
+president of a branch there and I was often brought in contact with
+other presiding officers as they met in council every month. The London
+conference was composed of forty-two branches, was often visited by
+the president of the mission and his counselors. I well remember S. W.
+Richards and others making the same statement at one of our monthly
+meetings, for they frequently dwelt at considerable length on the
+persecutions and trials of the Saints in that day. I believed the
+statements then--fifty-three years ago. I have no reason to reject it
+now. I have never heard it disproved. The testimony of S. W. Richards
+is as true in 1905 [See Era, Vol. 7, 927] as it was in 1853, that the
+company was organized. Recording the facts would not add to their
+_truthfulness_. I never heard that the company went west, but the
+company was _organized_, although conditions were changed.
+
+"In reading of the wonderful manifestations given in Kirtland, I
+find the following vision seen by Joseph Smith: 'I saw Brigham Young
+standing in a strange land in the far South and West in a desert place
+on a rock in the midst of about a dozen men of color. He was preaching
+to them in their own tongue. I saw the twelve apostles of the Lamb that
+_now are_ upon the earth standing together in a circle, much fatigued.
+I finally saw them in the celestial Kingdom of God.'
+
+"The conditions here stated very much resemble the conditions existing
+in Utah extending four hundred miles south of Salt Lake City. Here is
+certainly strong indication, if visions are reliable, that Brigham
+Young with the rest of the apostles would go to a strange land
+beyond the bounds of civilization. And in view of the mobbings and
+drivings they had to endure, is it any wonder that they should seek
+a quiet resting-place? Who shall say there was anything dishonorable
+in organizing a company by Joseph Smith, Jr., to seek out a quiet
+resting-place where they could be free to worship God in peace, none
+to make them afraid? The writer seems to have serious doubts as to
+the truth of the statements of the two men he met in Salt Lake City,
+because we have no record of the preparations made. I never heard it
+stated that the company did go west, because conditions changed, but
+the fact still remains--the company was formed, firearms and provisions
+were agreed upon, but as to what happened to change the program we
+have no record. But that the company was formed under the direction
+and choice of Joseph Smith is beyond doubt." As early as 1831, the
+Lord in a revelation (Doc. & Cov. 49:25) declared that "Zion shall
+flourish upon the hills and rejoice upon the mountains, and shall be
+assembled together unto the place which I have appointed." When Brigham
+Young therefore, and the apostles, lead the Church to the valleys
+of the mountains, it was in fulfillment of the word of the Lord to
+Joseph Smith, uttered first, in March, 1831, second in August 1842,
+and moreover, it was but carrying out the design of the Prophet Joseph
+Smith. When men accuse the Saints of fleeing to the west desiring to
+get beyond the borders of the United States, and of being disloyal to
+the American government, they not only place themselves at variance
+with the facts of history, but utter a miserable falsehood that merits
+only the severest contempt. In B. H. Roberts' "Succession," pages 109
+to 126, a complete array of evidence regarding the exodus as outlined
+by Joseph Smith may be found.
+
+2. In several of the revelations given to the Church in the beginning,
+the doctrine of common consent is made mandatory. In the revelation of
+April 6, 1830, the date of the organization of the Church--the Lord
+says: "The elders are to receive their licenses from other elders,
+by vote of the Church (branch) to which they belong, or from the
+conferences." * * * * * No person is to be ordained to any office in
+this Church, where there is a regularly organized branch of the same,
+without the vote of that Church." In section 26, verse 2: "All things
+shall be done by common consent in the Church, by much prayer and
+faith, for all things ye shall receive by faith." See also Sec. 124:144.
+
+The Saints by vote accepted the Twelve Apostles as the presiding
+quorum of the Church at this special conference August 8, and again
+at the regular conference in October. This fact settled the matter of
+succession according to the revelations. These authorities and their
+successors, have been sustained at each conference of the Church, twice
+a year, and at the quarterly conferences of the various stakes four
+times a year from that day to this. The question of succession was,
+therefore, settled at Nauvoo when the assembled Saints voted to sustain
+the Apostles as the presiding quorum of the Church. The attempt of any
+party or parties, before any other body, to set up the Church and to
+ordain officers in conflict with the action of the Church on the dates
+previously mentioned, would be illegally done; just as much so as if in
+the municipality, state or nation, after the majority of the citizens
+had elected officers (and that almost unanimously) to serve them, a few
+disgruntled, defeated, candidates and their sympathizers should appoint
+another election, hold it by themselves and then declare that the
+regularly and properly elected officers were rejected and unauthorized
+to serve. Such a thing in the nation could be no more foolish or absurd
+than were the attempts of apostates to set up a _new organization_
+of the Church from a handful of disgruntled office-seekers and their
+sympathizers. In one case there would be as much authority as in the
+other and no more.
+
+But the contention of Reorganites has been, that the apostles assumed
+authority and powers that did not belong to them. That their duty was
+in the world and it was the prerogative of the high council of Nauvoo
+with William Marks and counselors, at their head, to direct the affairs
+of the Church. They say:
+
+"That the Twelve usurped authority, and assumed privileges and duties
+after the death of Joseph and Hyrum which did not belong to them, is
+seen in the fact that their mission and calling was to travel abroad
+among the branches, and throughout the world, preaching, organizing
+branches, thus building up the Church outside of Zion and the organized
+stakes. That such was their mission and calling may be seen in the law
+of the Church which is further confirmed in the teachings of the martyr
+as follows:
+
+"'The Twelve _will have no right_ to go into Zion, or any of its
+stakes, and there undertake to regulate the affairs thereof, where
+there is a standing high council. But it is _their duty to go abroad_
+and regulate all matters relative to the different branches of the
+Church.' Joseph Smith's History, Mill. Star, Vol. 15, p. 261.
+
+"After the death of Joseph, the Twelve superseded, by their arrogant,
+despotic acts, the standing high council at the stake of Nauvoo,
+of both which the late President Wm. Marks was president. And this
+usurpation thus begun, has been perpetuated till now; entailing
+darkness, discord, and misrule upon that faction of the Church." (The
+Successor pp. 14, 15).
+
+Alexander H. Smith, presiding patriarch of the "Reorganized" church,
+and then one of their "apostles," made the following statement, March
+29, 1885, in Salt Lake City:
+
+"At the evening meeting his remarks were directed to the subject of
+the reorganization of the church, in which he showed why this measure
+became necessary, and how Brigham Young and the Twelve Apostles usurped
+the leadership. He quoted from declarations of Joseph Smith and Brigham
+Young, and the revelations to show what the organization and order of
+the priesthood were, and how, in case of death of the prophet, the
+word of the Lord, was to be given to the Saints. It was to be through
+the high council of the chief or center stake of Zion, in which
+jurisdiction the Twelve Apostles had no business whatever. Their work
+and powers extended only to matters beyond the borders of Zion. When
+the prophet was killed, therefore, the right and duty to rule fell upon
+the high council at Nauvoo, of which Elder Marks was the president. But
+Brigham Young and eight others of the Twelve, brushed this order of the
+priesthood to one side, and seized the reins of government themselves."
+(Saints' Herald, Vol. 32:342).
+
+This argument set forth in the "Successor" and by Alexander H. Smith,
+which has been quite universal in the "Reorganized" Church, would
+not be quite so bad if it was not for a number of insurmountable
+difficulties and objections that stand in the way. In the first place
+the objectors fail to state that the powers of the high council and
+stake presidency at Nauvoo, were limited to the affairs of the stake,
+and outside of that they held no jurisdiction. Following the martyrdom,
+the Church was considering matters that affected the whole Church
+and not merely the stake at Nauvoo. The Twelve Apostles, therefore,
+assumed by legal right their proper place as the presiding quorum of
+the Church, and were so sustained. The revelation on Priesthood (sec.
+107) says the Twelve Apostles, form a quorum equal in authority with
+the First Presidency (verse 24) and it was the duty of the Apostles,
+not only to ordain evangelical ministers (Patriarchs) but also to
+ordain and set in order all the other officers of the Church, (verse
+58). We read that "God hath set some in the Church, _first_ apostles,
+secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers," etc. (I. Cor. 12:28) not
+_first_ high councils and presidents of Stakes. Neither are the duties
+of the Apostles confined to their labors out side of the Stakes of Zion.
+
+3. If Jason W. Briggs joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
+Saints June 6, 1841, and resided in Wisconsin from that time till 1854,
+he cannot be considered a faithful member of the Church, "who desired
+to do the will of heaven;" for in remaining at Beloit during all these
+years he was going contrary to the word of the Lord given to the
+Prophet in 1841. On January 15th of that year, the Lord said through
+the Presidency, Joseph Smith, Sidney Rigdon and Hyrum Smith, and on
+divers other occasions, that the Saints scattered abroad should come
+to Nauvoo and Hancock county. Here is the command: "Let all those who
+_appreciate the blessings of the Gospel_, and realize the importance
+of _obeying the commandments of heaven_ * * * first prepare for the
+general gathering. _Let them dispose of their effects as fast as
+circumstances will possibly admit_, without making too great sacrifice,
+and _remove to our city and county_. * * * _This cannot be too forcibly
+impressed_ on the _minds of all_, and the elders are hereby instructed
+to proclaim this word in all places where the Saints reside in their
+public ministrations, _for this is according to the instructions we
+have received from the Lord_. (My italics.)
+
+Again, on May 24, 1841, the Prophet said this gathering to Hancock and
+Lee counties was "important and should be attended to _by all who feel
+an interest in the prosperity of this corner stone of Zion_," and the
+Twelve Apostles a short time later, under the direction of the First
+Presidency, in an epistle to the Saints, said: "We say to _all Saints
+who desire to do the will of heaven_, arise, and tarry not, but come
+up hither to the place of gathering _as speedily as possible_." (My
+italics.)
+
+Mr. Briggs visited Nauvoo once in 1843, but again returned to Wisconsin
+(Reorg. Hist. 3:737) where he lived until 1854, either defying this
+commandment or else ignoring it, thus proving he was not in harmony
+with the Presidency of the Church, and was one who did not "desire to
+do the will of heaven." If he had been faithful he would have gone
+to Nauvoo and remained there and assisted in the building of the
+Temple, but he did not do so, _was not diligent_ and went contrary to
+the "instructions" the Presidency had "received from the Lord." That
+the Lord would not choose such an unfaithful servant to build up His
+Church, give him revelations and cause him to stand as president pro
+tem., in the place of the Seed of Joseph Smith, which Reorganites claim
+Jason W. Briggs did, is obvious and requires no further comment.
+
+4. I have been taken to task for saying that about this time Jason
+W. Briggs organized the Beloit branch for the Strang organization.
+Reorganites claim that the Beloit branch was raised up in 1842 or
+1843--they don't know just when. For the sake of the argument we will
+grant that a branch was organized at Beloit in 1842 or 1843. If so,
+the faithful members of that branch removed to Nauvoo, agreeable to
+the commandment of the Lord previously quoted. Those who remained
+at Beloit, like Jason W. Briggs, were not faithful in that they did
+not "desire to do the will of heaven." And what has been said of Mr.
+Briggs, will also apply to them. Nevertheless, between 1846 and 1848,
+Jason W. Briggs organized the Beloit branch for Strang's organization,
+or else the Reorganite history is at fault. They say that in 1849 the
+Beloit branch was a Strangite branch, and remained with Mr. Strang
+until 1850 (Reorg. Hist., 3:737). Most of these members--and they were
+few--after they left the Strangites joined the organization of William
+B. Smith's organizations were without authority, so whatever power
+those unfaithful members had before 1844, they lost when they joined
+these apostate organizations of Strang, et al. For they could not take
+power or authority with them. This truth is expressed by an officer
+of the Reorganized Church who said, at Galland's Grove, Iowa, October
+25, 1863: "Whenever individuals claiming authority under the church
+as organized by the first Joseph, become members of any faction, they
+immediately become divested of all authority except that received from
+that faction." (True Saints' Herald, Vol. 4, page 158).
+
+5. In a vain effort to blind the readers of the Saints' Herald the
+"defender" tries to make it appear that I state here that Zenas H.
+Gurley left the "Reorganized" church; but from the way he writes it,
+it is evident that he doesn't himself believe that any such attempt
+was made. Zenas H. Gurley, Sen., died August 28, 1871, and in speaking
+of his _family_ in 1886--fifteen years later--it is obvious that the
+reference does not include him. That Mr. Gurley left them when he got
+on the other side, I have my reasons to believe, but at no time in the
+entire publication has he been confounded with his son of the same
+name. The son is mentioned _but once_ and then only incidentally and
+unavoidably in connection with the withdrawal of Jason W. Briggs from
+the "Reorganization." The _family_ of Zenas H. Gurley mentioned here
+consisted of his wife Margaret, sons Zenas H. (who was one of their
+"Apostles") Edwin H., and their wives. The attempt of the writer of
+the "defense" to throw dust in the eyes of the readers of the _Saints'
+Herald_ as he has done here and at many other points, is contemptible.
+
+6. In the "defense" that appeared in the Saints' Herald, June 30, 1909,
+in answer to this, the statement is made that, "Those were received
+whose original baptisms had been performed either previously to 1844
+or by men who held authority previous to 1844." This declaration helps
+their cause not at all, for whatever authority any of those men who
+were active in these various "factions" may have held, when in the
+Church, they could not take it with them, when they withdrew. Moreover,
+action was taken against them and they were divested of all authority
+by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, from which their
+authority came. And what authentic proof have they to offer that these
+men had authority in the Prophet's day? Zenas H. Gurley, and Jason
+W. Briggs were confessedly, the two most active and most noted in
+this work of the "Reorganization." Mr. Gurley, it is true, was senior
+president of the 21st quorum of Seventy at Nauvoo before he left the
+Church, having been ordained under the direction of President Joseph
+Young. He claimed it was by virtue of this office in the Priesthood
+that he officiated originally in the bringing forth of the "New
+Organization," in 1852. (True Saints' Herald, Vol. I, page 56). Yet the
+president of the "Reorganization" himself repudiates that authority.
+(See section on Succession, subject _Properly Ordained?_)
+
+It is claimed by the "Reorganization" that Mr. Briggs was an Elder in
+1842, but that also is mere sayso, there is no authentic record for it.
+In proof of this I submit the following correspondence.
+
+ Salt Lake City., Feb. 21, 1905.
+
+ _Mr. Heman C. Smith, Church Historian, Reorganized Church_.
+
+ Dear Sir: The 3rd volume of the "History of the Reorganized Church,"
+ page 737, states that Jason W. Briggs was ordained an Elder in 1842.
+ Will you kindly inform me who ordained him and the date of the
+ ordination; also the authority on which the statement of the
+ ordination is made, and oblige?
+
+ Very respectfully,
+ JOSEPH F. SMITH, JR.
+
+The reply dated Lamoni, Iowa, Feb. 26, 1905, is as follows:
+
+ _Mr. Joseph F. Smith, Jr._ _Salt Lake City, U._
+
+ Dear Sir: Yours of February 21, is at hand and contents noted.
+
+ Replying we will say we are not able to inform you as to who
+ officiated in the ordination of Elder Jason W. Briggs to the office
+ of Elder; nor can we give you the date any nearer than the year 1842.
+
+ The authority upon which the statement was made is the sworn statement
+ of Elder Briggs in the Temple Lot Case. See Plaintiff's Abstract, page
+ 393.
+
+ Very respectfully,
+ HEMAN C. SMITH.
+
+In the formation of the "New Organization" (now the "Reorganization")
+Mr. Briggs acted by virtue of the office of High Priest. Mr. Gurley
+says they had "two High Priests (Mr. Briggs being one of them) and one
+senior President of the Seventies." (The Seventy being himself). See
+True Saints' Herald, Vol. I, page 56. And in the "revelation" given by
+Mr. Deam it was stated that "It is my will that you respect authority
+in my Church, therefore let the greatest among you preside at your
+conference." (True Saints' Herald, Vol. I, p. 55). Mr. Jason W. Briggs
+was chosen to preside (p. 57). Where did he get his authority as a High
+Priest by which he had the right to preside? From James J. Strang. The
+Voree record of conferences, April 8, 1846, contains the following:
+"Resolved unanimously that Jason W. Briggs be ordained a High Priest.
+Ordination under the hands of President James J. Strang and William
+Marks."
+
+7. In reply to this the Reorganite "defender" declares that I have not
+been fair to Mr. Briggs, that if he believed "even one section out
+of what was in excess of one hundred, both as to its genuineness and
+authenticity, it would necessarily follow that he believed to an extent
+in the mission of Joseph Smith through whom it was given, in that case
+Joseph F. Smith, Jr., could not truthfully use the language he did in
+describing Briggs' attitude toward the Standard works of the Church." *
+* * * Mr. Briggs denied the _plenary_ inspiration of the sacred books;
+but that is neither a denial of the authenticity, or of the partiality
+of their inspiration."
+
+This is a mere quibble. Mr. Briggs denied the gathering of Israel;
+temple building and the ceremonial endowments therein; the salvation
+of the dead through the temple ordinances, which the Prophet Joseph
+said was "the burden of the Scriptures;" the law of tithing and of
+consecration, the only law by which Zion could be redeemed and built;
+the right of Joseph Smith or any other man to be a sole mouthpiece of
+God to the Church; the plenary inspiration and consequent absolute
+authority of the _Scriptures_; and the revelation on temple building.
+What else he did not believe is not stated; but _if_ there is any
+fundamental principle in the mission of the Prophet Joseph, or in the
+Scriptures that he _did believe_, surely he ought to have full credit
+for it!
+
+8. The writer of the "defense" also very peevishly objects to the
+statement that Mr. Briggs was unstable to the last. He says: "If
+unstable and discontented _to_ the last, he could not have been stable
+and contented for a generation preceding the 'last'. If stable and
+contented for upwards of thirty years preceding the last (1886,) then
+Mr. Smith uttered an untruth, then he reflected a falsehood, when
+he said Briggs was 'unstable' and discontent 'to the last.' Why not
+tell the truth about him even though an 'apostate?' I see no excuse
+for reflecting on his stability any part of his life. If he stepped
+momentarily aside from his path in the early part of his life it was
+because his north star was obscured by a cloud he could not avoid;
+but as soon as the cloud disappeared and his guiding star was again
+visible, he resumed his pathway. No lack of stability there. * * * *
+Joseph F. Smith, Jr., should tell the truth, even about the dead."
+
+Another quibble. This is rather a severe arraignment to come from a
+member of the "Reorganized" Church, which organization has been from
+its beginning so energetic in maligning the leaders of the Church of
+Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, both living and dead, accusing them
+of every wickedness under the sun, even going so far as to accuse
+President Young of being an accomplice in the death of the Prophet
+Joseph Smith. (See R. C. Evans, in Toronto Star, of January 28, 1905,
+and Saints' Herald, Vol. 32:190.)
+
+Well, let us see wherein we have wrongfully accused Mr. Briggs. He
+joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1841; failed
+to gather at Nauvoo when commanded; left the Church in 1846 during the
+exodus, "because he had no root;" joined James J. Strang in 1846 and
+remained with him until 1850; left Mr. Strang and followed William
+Smith until 1851; left William Smith and joined with Zenas H. Gurley
+in the "New Organization of the Church," which finally resulted in the
+forming of the "Reorganized" Church; remained with this organization
+until 1886, when he withdrew from it and died at Harris, Colorado,
+January 11, 1899, rejecting the work he performed in all these
+organizations. Moreover, he was "ordained" April 8, 1846 to the office
+of "High Priest" by James J. Strang, and declared that Strang was
+Joseph Smith's legal successor as this letter will show:
+
+"The following letter was written in answer to one from Mr. Briggs of
+Wisconsin. His letter is too scurrilous to appear in print, therefore
+we publish only the reply of Mr. Bacon."
+
+"Beaver Island, July 18th, 1851.
+
+"Mr. Briggs:
+
+"Sir: Some time since I received a letter from you in which you claim
+to take the liberty to write to me, on the ground that our acquaintance
+had been such as to forbid personal enmities; and, therefore, you would
+carry out the precept: 'Do unto others as you would have others do unto
+you;' and that I was less orthodox in the pretenses of Strang, etc.,
+than some others. * * * * * I will not notice the argument, powerful as
+it may be, which you assert you have found upon examination, touching
+the letter of appointment. But what examination can this be, in which
+you have found out that you spoke that which was not true? _When you
+declared in public congregations, at your own fireside, and at the
+fireside of your neighbors_, that Joseph Smith wrote with his own
+hand the 'Letter of Appointment' (for you saw him in vision) and your
+surprise and faith in the 'knocking spirits' of New York, from the fact
+that they (the spirits) asserted the same?"
+
+He represented the Beloit and Prairie branches of Strang's church at
+the conference held in October, 1848, (Voree Record) and traveled quite
+extensively for that cult from 1846 to 1850. When he joined William
+B. Smith he acknowledged him as Prophet and leader, was ordained by
+William B. Smith, an "Apostle." After he left William B. Smith and
+joined Zenas H. Gurley he claimed to have a revelation embodying the
+very things he repudiated when he withdrew from the "Reorganization."
+
+To Mathias F. Cowley, in the presence of others, Mr. Briggs, a
+short time before his death in answer to the question whether the
+"revelation" he received in 1851 was true or not, said: "You know we
+learn by experience. I would not like to claim it to be a revelation
+now, but it is just as good as any revelation that was given to Joseph
+Smith."
+
+Although he remained with the "Reorganized" Church for thirty years,
+if this record does not show that he was unstable of character at the
+beginning all the way through and "to the end," pray tell, what does
+instability mean!
+
+9. The members of the "Reorganized" Church in the beginning laid great
+stress on the statement that the Prophet Joseph Smith was smitten by
+the shaft of death (D. & C. 85th sec.) for putting forth his hand to
+steady the ark of God, and that his successor should be the "one mighty
+and strong," the Lord should send, "holding the sceptre of power in his
+hand, clothed with light for a covering, whose mouth shall utter words,
+eternal words; while his bowels shall be a fountain of truth, to set in
+order the house of God, and to arrange by lot the inheritances of the
+Saints, whose names are found, and the names of their fathers, and of
+their children, enrolled in the book of the law of God."
+
+Mr. Briggs in his "revelation" says the Prophet's successor should be
+one mighty and strong and one of his seed, and for years the claim
+was made that Joseph Smith the present head of the "Reorganization,"
+was that personage. This is emphatically declared in the "Successor,"
+(revised edition) and in various numbers of the "Saints' Herald" and
+other of their publications. This is from page 66, Vol. 17, True L.
+D. S. Herald: "God foreknew the character of sister Emma--that she
+would be faithful and true to him who had called her--and he _elected_
+her to be the mother of the successor of the Martyr--the "one mighty
+and strong," who is "to set in order the _house_ of God, (i. e., the
+church; see I. Tim. iii. 15; I. Pet. iv. 17; Heb. iii. 6), and arrange
+by lot the inheritances of the Saints; the man who shall lead them (the
+Saints) like as Moses led the children of Israel, (which was by direct
+revelation from God), and who, when sent of God, would find the Saints
+in 'bondage,' from which they should be 'led out' by power, (of God)
+'and with a stretched out arm.'"
+
+That's the way they formerly gave it; but they have been forced to
+recede because their president has not come up to this standard of the
+one spoken of in the Prophet's revelation. Therefore they have, since
+1900, resolved:
+
+"Whereas, we have received no divine communication authorizing any
+particular interpretation of the revelation before us; and as the
+Reorganized Church has never taken action upon the matter;
+
+"Resolved, that we leave it an open question, to be decided as God
+may develop His purposes among us, while we acknowledge the leading
+features in it to be prominently characteristic of Jesus Christ." (From
+a letter by Joseph Smith of the "Reorganization" in my possession--J.
+F. S., Jr.)
+
+This is rather a hard jolt to Mr. Briggs' "revelation."
+
+10. The Reorganite "defender" says, "Also, we wish Mr. Smith to note,
+that the Lord in the same connection says, 'If my people will hearken
+to my voice,' they shall not be moved out of their place. Were they
+moved? Yes, they were cannonaded from Nauvoo, their enemies scattered
+them, some of them went to Utah. Was it because they "hearkened," or
+because they had not hearkened?"
+
+He misinterprets the Scriptures. Thus do they read:
+
+"And if my people will hearken unto my voice, _and unto the voice of
+my servants whom I have appointed to lead my people_, behold, verily I
+say unto you, they shall not be moved out of their place" (verse 45).
+Who these _servants_ were that the Saints should _"hearken"_ to, the
+Lord informs us in verses 124 to 129 of this same section. "First, I
+give unto you Hyrum Smith, to be a Patriarch unto you, * * * I give
+unto you Joseph Smith, to be a presiding elder over all my Church. *
+* * I give unto him for counselors my servant Sidney Rigdon, and my
+servant William Law. * * * * I give unto you my servant Brigham Young,
+to be a President over the Twelve traveling council, which Twelve hold
+the keys to open up the authority of my kingdom upon the four corners
+of the earth, and after that to send my word to every creature; They
+are--Heber C. Kimball, Parley P. Pratt, Orson Pratt, Orson Hyde,
+William Smith, John Taylor, John E. Page, Wilford Woodruff, Willard
+Richards, George A. Smith." These were the general authorities who
+were to be _"hearkened"_ to. And the people hearkened to the Prophets
+Joseph and Hyrum Smith until their death, then the right of presidency
+fell on the shoulders of the Twelve. The faithful Saints "hearkened" to
+them and helped them to build the Temple. But the unfaithful rejected
+these servants whom the Lord in this revelation gave to the Church
+for the Saints to hearken to, departed from Nauvoo, refused to comply
+with the command of the Lord to build His house, and were consequently
+_moved out of their place_ in the Church into the "Reorganization." The
+moving "out of their place" did not refer to the location (Nauvoo) but
+to their place in the Kingdom of God; or, the Church of Jesus Christ
+of Latter-day Saints. And all who refused to obey this commandment
+and hearken to these _servants_ were removed from the Church. "But if
+they will not hearken to my voice, _nor unto the voice of these men
+whom I have appointed_, they shall not be blest, because they pollute
+mine holy grounds, and mine holy ordinances, and charters, and my holy
+words which I give unto them. And it shall come to pass, That if you
+build a house unto my name, and _do not do the things that I say_, (i.
+e., hearken to "the voice of these men whom I have appointed") I will
+not perform the oath which I make unto you, neither fulfil the promise
+which ye expect at my hands, saith the Lord." (verses 46-7).
+
+11. The Reorganite response to this is as follows: "Not by any means,
+no such an indication. We have seen that they were diligent _in_ May
+1842--not _up to_. The corner-stone of the edifice had been laid April
+6, 1841, over a year from the date of the quotation. Room for a great
+deal of lagging between those two periods of time."
+
+"The next quotation is from Hyrum Smith (no reference) at the April
+Conference, 1844, who speaks of, as Joseph F. Smith [Jr.], puts it, the
+'willingness of the Saints to do the work as late as 1844.' Yes, but he
+does not say they had been willing afforded time _up to_ 1844. From May
+1842, to April, 1844, (nearly two years), afforded time to be guilty of
+lethargy and to falter enough to incur the penalty the fiat of the Lord
+had fixed."
+
+Such miserable, puerile, balderdash set forth as argument, is
+disgusting. Nevertheless it is characteristic of the "defense"
+writer who, throughout, argues in this fashion, failing to present
+the quotations he attacks for fear his readers will discover his
+dishonorable methods. He was afraid to present to his readers the
+quotation from the remarks of Patriarch Hyrum Smith and the quotation
+from the Prophet wherein he said:
+
+"Never since the formation of this Church was laid have we seen
+manifest a greater willingness to comply with the requisitions of
+Jehovah, a more ardent desire to do the will of God; more strenuous
+exertions used or greater sacrifices made, than have been SINCE _the
+Lord said_, LET THE TEMPLE BE BUILT BY THE TITHING OF MY PEOPLE!"
+
+The reasons he did not give these quotations is, that he knew his
+readers would see his trickery and deception. Then he goes on to argue
+that the Saints were not _diligent_ in September 1841, because the Lord
+said at that time: "Let the work of my Temple, and _all the works which
+I have appointed unto you_, be continued on and not cease, let _your
+diligence_ and _your perseverance_, and _patience_, and _your works be
+redoubled_, and you shall in no wise lose your reward." (My italics).
+Therefore, he argues, "they were not sufficiently diligent at that
+time," because they were commanded to _redouble_ their works. "That at
+least makes one positive break in Mr. Smith's chain of diligence."
+
+Let us see: their works that were to be redoubled were not confined to
+the building of the Temple, and the context of this revelation (see
+sec. 127) proves that they were in favor with the Lord and had been
+_diligent_ and _patient_ and _persevering_ in their works. We have seen
+too, from the Prophet's own words, that "laboring with their might"
+meant _one-tenth_ of their _time_ or _means--a tithing_ of the people,
+which is all the Lord had asked of them, and this could be redoubled
+without any thought of lethargy or lack of diligence. There is no
+sense in the Reorganite "defender," being unreasonable, technical and
+peevish in this matter to win a point for a dilapidated cause. There is
+sufficient evidence given in this book; and it is not all that could
+be given by any means, to show that the Saints labored faithfully,
+diligently, and did all that the Lord required of them until they had
+completed the Temple; and that, too, while they were being harassed,
+persecuted, and in every way opposed by their enemies. All these facts
+the "defender" very carefully avoids.
+
+Another thing. Who was it that failed to be diligent and to labor
+with their mights in building the Temple? Those scattered members who
+refused to go to Nauvoo when commanded, and afterwards,--if we may
+accept Reorganite testimony--became the nucleus of their Church! Those
+who fled from Nauvoo with James J. Strang, Sidney Rigdon and William
+Smith; forsaking the Church; refusing to assist in the completion of
+the Temple; opposing the building of that edifice; even prophesying
+that it would not be built, and blocking the progress of its erection!
+Notwithstanding the Lord declared to Parley P. Pratt in a revelation
+just following the martyrdom--which is accepted by the Reorganites as
+genuine--"Go and say unto _my people_ (not rejected) in Nauvoo, that
+they shall continue to pursue their daily duties and take care of
+themselves, and make no movement in _Church government_ to reorganize
+or alter anything until the return of the remainder of the quorum of
+the Twelve (not rejected). _But exhort them that they continue to build
+the House of the Lord which I have commanded them to build in Nauvoo_."
+(My comments and italics). Autobiography of Parley P. Pratt, page 371).
+Notwithstanding this commandment, some forsook Nauvoo and refused to
+assist in building the Temple, and these were the ones who afterwards
+became active members of the "Reorganization." It will take more
+evidence than a lot of innuendos, accusations, and downright sophistry
+to prove that the Lord rejected those who labored diligently on the
+Temple, according to His command, and accepted those who rejected the
+Temple, and refused to assist in its erection.
+
+12. Commenting on this the Reorganite "defender" says: "On page 23 he
+quotes from Sidney Rigdon, 'In the _Messenger_ and _Advocate_ for June,
+1846;' and on next page (24) he says: 'At that time (June, 1846) the
+temple was not quite finished.' On page 24, not finished in June, and
+on page 23, finished on May 1st. On which page is he correct?"
+
+If the foregoing criticism was written through ignorance, of course the
+writer may be excused, for one cannot be expected to furnish reasoning
+powers to men who lack the capacity to understand a simple fact. But it
+appears very forcibly that it is a deliberate prevarication, prepared
+purposely to deceive, and thus shall I look upon it, rather than lay it
+to his stupidity.
+
+There is no contradiction whatever here, for I did not say, as he gives
+it: "At this time (June, 1846) the Temple was not quite finished."
+The reference taken from the letter of Sidney Rigdon, appeared in
+the _Messenger_ and _Advocate_ of June, 1846, along with a number of
+other articles _written_ in March, April and May, 1846. Any greenhorn,
+much less a man of wisdom and intelligence, knows that an article
+appearing in a monthly magazine is _always written before_ the date
+of publication of the magazine, and more was this the case in 1846,
+when the modern improvements and facilities were not to be had by a
+small country publication. Now, what I did say--which would have been
+apparent to his readers had he dared to publish the statement of Sidney
+Rigdon and my comment which proves the diligence of the Saints _up to_
+the last--was this: "This article was written just shortly after the
+exodus commenced, and at _that time_ (i. e., shortly after the exodus
+commenced) the Temple was not quite finished, but it was finished
+before all the Saints left Nauvoo." (See context). This harmonizes
+perfectly with the date of dedication. Moreover, Sidney Rigdon had
+not been at Nauvoo since before the exodus commenced, which was in
+February, 1846, not June, and was not prepared to say just what the
+Saints did after that time.
+
+13. In answer to the question, "when was the Church rejected with
+its dead?" the president of the "Reorganization" in an editorial in
+the Saints' Herald, February 17, 1905, said: "We are not aware that
+specific date or time, or any one specific act has been fixed upon as
+_the_ time and _the_ event when and why the Church was rejected." He
+then declares that the seed was sown as early as 1843 that finally grew
+and culminated in the "rejection of the Church."
+
+Mr. Heman C. Smith quotes Lyman Wight (True Succession, p. 74) as
+follows: "We were to have sufficient time to build that house,
+[Nauvoo Temple] during which time our baptisms for our dead should be
+acceptable in the river. If we did not build within this time we were
+to be rejected as a church, we and our dead together. Both the Temple
+and baptizing went very leisurely, till the Temple was somewhere in
+building the second story, when Brother Joseph from the stand announced
+the alarming declaration that baptism for the dead was no longer
+acceptable in the river. As much to say the time for building the
+Temple had passed by, and both we and our dead were rejected together.
+* * *
+
+"The Church now stands rejected together with their dead. The Church
+being rejected now stands alienated from her God in every sense of the
+word."
+
+Mr. Heman C. Smith accepts this statement saying: "What but blind
+ambition to rule prevented others of the signers [Apostles] from
+recognizing the consequence so apparent?"
+
+This was written by Lyman Wight in _1851_ and was an _afterthought_ on
+his part, for he continued to work in the ministry until the death of
+Joseph and Hyrum Smith, without one intimation by word or deed that
+the Church had been rejected in 1841. Moreover, if the Saints could
+get the structure of a building that cost a million dollars "somewhere
+in building the second story" in that time of distress and trouble,
+within _about six months_ they could not possibly have worked _very
+leisurely_, and the Prophet in 1842 praised them for their diligence
+and zeal. (See page 38).
+
+Another Reorganite writer (A. M. Chase) in the Saints' Herald for June
+20, 1906, declares that the Church was rejected in 1841: "When this
+appointment was ended by revelation, October 3, 1841, and the temple
+not completed, then all Israel should have known they were 'rejected as
+a church' with their dead."
+
+It is quite evident that the sufficient time was up on this date, for
+they were to have the privilege to baptize in the river "while the time
+was passing" and this privilege of baptizing in the river terminated,
+October 3, 1841, thus proving that the time had come for baptisms in
+the Temple. It was not _finished_ and the revelation did not call for
+it to be _finished_, and at this time it was _built_ sufficiently for
+this ordinance to be attended to in the font in the proper way. For
+that reason the Lord transferred the ordinance of baptism for the
+dead from the river to the font of the Lord's House. That he had not
+rejected the Church is evident from this very commandment, for in it
+the Lord tells them to baptize in the font in the Temple, which He
+would not have done had they been rejected. If He had rejected them He
+would have stated so positively in a revelation to the Prophet, for
+he received several revelations _after_ this event and some of them
+were concerning baptism for the dead and temple work. (See sections
+127 and 128). This commandment given to the Church in 1841 and other
+revelations subsequently, prove conclusively that the Lord would and
+did accept of the work for the dead in the Temple, without it being
+"completely finished," after the privilege to baptize in the river had
+expired. The thing for which they were to be rejected was the failure
+to perform these ordinances, _after the expiration of river baptisms_,
+and the Saints did not fail to perform the ordinances in the Temple.
+
+14. The Reorganite "defender" at this point carefully avoids the
+evidence and argument presented here, and argues at great length
+attempting to prove that the Church was rejected because the Lord
+said He was "_about_ to restore many things to the earth pertaining
+to the Priesthood." The Lord said: "I deign to reveal unto _My
+Church_, things which have been kept hid from before the foundation
+of the world, things that pertain to the dispensation of the fulnesss
+of times." The "defender" says these things were not revealed, nor
+restored to the Church; that no revelations that were kept hid from
+before the foundation of the world, pertaining to the Priesthood in the
+dispensation of the fulnesss of times, have been revealed from heaven;
+therefore the Church was rejected with its dead. He says their Doctrine
+and Covenants contains no such revelations; that no such revelations
+are to be found in our edition of the Doctrine and Covenants; and,
+therefore, he concludes, no such revelations have been given to us, or
+the Church; so the Church must have been rejected.
+
+He asks me to answer the following questions: "Now let us ask, Mr.
+Smith: Have any such revelations been received? Name them. Where are
+they and what are they?"
+
+I have taken this matter up under the head of "Temple Building and
+Ceremonial Endowments Therein." All that is necessary to say here is
+this: If the Lord kept things hid from the world since before the
+foundation thereof was laid and now has revealed them to His people,
+they are not intended for the world and necessarily will not be
+found in the written word. Such revelations have been revealed unto
+the Church in the Temples of the Lord; but I shall _not_ name them.
+If the Lord saw fit to keep them from the world, yes, and from the
+dispensations past, He does not intend to reveal them to the world
+_now_; neither to the scoffer and the unbeliever in His works. Let our
+friend read Matthew 7:10-12, as it is given in the Holy Scriptures:
+"_And the mysteries of the kingdom ye shall keep within yourselves_;
+for it is not meet to give that which is holy unto the dogs; neither
+cast ye your pearls unto swine, lest they trample them under their
+feet. For the world cannot receive that which ye, yourselves, are not
+able to bear; wherefore ye shall not give your pearls unto them, lest
+they turn again and rend you."
+
+
+
+Succession in the Presidency of the Church.
+
+* * * * *
+
+An Address Delivered in the Weber Stake Tabernacle, Ogden, Sunday,
+April 28, 1907, by Elder Joseph F. Smith, Jr.
+
+* * * * *
+
+A short time ago I was invited to address the Saints from this stand
+on the subject of "The Origin of the Reorganized Church." It has been
+thought by some that it would be wise to continue the subject and
+therefore I have been invited to address you this afternoon on the
+question of Succession in the Presidency of the Church. In doing so, I
+desire it to be understood that I have no feeling of animosity towards
+those of a different faith; but so much has been said on the other
+side of this question, and so little in our defense, that I feel it
+important to deal with this subject.
+
+The testimony on which members of the so-called "Reorganized" Church
+base their contention that Joseph, son of the Prophet Joseph Smith,
+should have succeeded his father in the Presidency of the Church is as
+follows:
+
+1. That it is his right by the law of lineage--that the office of
+president of the High Priesthood descends from father to the first born
+son.
+
+2. That it is his right by appointment of his father.
+
+3. That he was properly ordained by those holding the authority to
+preach and administer in the ordinances of the gospel.
+
+We shall take these questions up and consider them and will refer to
+the passages in the Doctrine and Covenants that are used by these
+people, together with other passages that they do not use, and we will
+see just how much there is in them in support of their position.
+
+We will first consider the statement that the Prophet was to choose
+his successor. The passages referred to in support of this are in
+the Doctrine and Covenants as follows: Sections 28:6-7, 35:18, and
+43:2-5. These I shall read to you. I cannot stop now to explain the
+circumstances under which these revelations were given, and take it for
+granted that you will consider that matter for yourselves. The first of
+these was given to Oliver Cowdery and I read, beginning with the 4th
+verse:
+
+ "And if thou art led at any time by the Comforter, to speak or
+ teach, or at all times by the way of commandment unto the Church,
+ thou mayest do it. But thou shalt not write by way of commandment,
+ but by wisdom; and thou shalt not command him who is at thy head,
+ and at the head of the Church, for I have given him the keys of
+ the mysteries, and the revelations which are sealed, until I shall
+ appoint unto them another in his stead."
+
+You see, the Lord was to appoint another.
+
+The passage in section 35 is as follows:
+
+ "And I have sent forth the fulnesss of my Gospel by the hand of
+ my servant Joseph; and in weakness have I blessed him, and I have
+ given unto him the keys of the mystery of those things which have
+ been sealed, even things which were from the foundation of the
+ world, and the things which shall come from this time until the
+ time of my coming, IF HE ABIDE IN ME, AND IF NOT, ANOTHER WILL I
+ PLANT IN HIS STEAD. Wherefore, watch over him that his faith fail
+ not, and it shall be given by the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, that
+ knoweth all things."
+
+The third passage is as follows, beginning with the first verse:
+
+ "O hearken, ye Elders of my Church, and give an ear to the word
+ which I shall speak unto you; for behold verily, verily, I say unto
+ you, that ye have received a commandment for a law unto my Church,
+ through him whom I have appointed unto you, to receive commandments
+ and revelations from my hand.
+
+ "And this ye shall know assuredly that there is none other
+ appointed unto you to receive commandments and revelations until
+ he be taken, if he abide in me. But verily, verily, I say unto
+ you, that none else shall be appointed unto this gift except it be
+ through him, FOR IF IT BE TAKEN FROM HIM, he shall not have power
+ except to appoint another in his stead; and this shall be a law
+ unto you, that ye receive not the teachings of any that shall come
+ before you as revelations or commandments; and this I give unto you
+ that you may not be deceived, that you may know they are not of me."
+
+These revelations, extracts from which I have read, were all given
+between September, 1830, and the first of March, 1831. At that time
+the Church was less than one year old, and was not fully organized
+with its various officers as we have it today. The quorums of Apostles
+and Seventies were not called till 1835--over four years subsequent to
+these revelations. When they were given the Prophet Joseph was young
+and inexperienced, and this law was laid down for the government of
+the Church as it existed at that time, as these revelations clearly
+indicate. You will notice from these passages, that the Lord was to
+choose another in the Prophet's stead in case of his removal through
+transgression, or for any other cause, during that incipient stage of
+the history of the Church. It was necessary at that time that some
+provision be made for the perpetuity of the prophetic office, in case
+that Joseph Smith should not prove faithful to the great trust in
+the days of his preparation and qualification, and before he became
+thoroughly seasoned and fitted for this important calling. In such an
+emergency the power of necessity must have been conferred by Joseph
+Smith on his successor, for he held the keys; therefore, the Lord
+declared that in case of the prophet's transgression or removal, he
+would still retain the power in that case to ordain his successor and
+to confer upon such successor, whom the Lord was to choose, the keys
+and authority that had been conferred upon him.
+
+It must also be remembered that the Prophet Joseph, like the prophets
+of old and even the Savior Himself, had to continue from grace to grace
+and "increase in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God," and with
+him, as with the Master, "he received not a fulnesss at first;" but
+through trials, tribulations, and varied experiences, had to prove
+his worthiness before God in order that he might hold the keys of the
+kingdom. It was during this period of preparation that the expression
+in the revelations quoted were given regarding the appointment of
+a successor; but later the Lord revealed more of His will, and the
+Church was established with all the proper officers and quorums for
+its guidance and perpetuity, when death should remove its President.
+Moreover, while in these revelations the Lord prepared the means of
+a successor in case of the transgression or removal of Joseph Smith,
+later when he had proved himself and evinced before God through his
+faithfulness that he was worthy of the trust placed in him, the Lord
+declared that the keys of the kingdom should never be taken from him in
+the following words:
+
+ "Thus saith the Lord, verily, verily, I say unto you my son,
+ thy sins are forgiven thee according to thy petition, for thy
+ prayers and the prayers of thy brethren have come up into my ears;
+ Therefore thou art blessed from henceforth that bear the keys of
+ the kingdom given unto you; which kingdom is coming forth for the
+ last time.
+
+ "Verily I say unto you, the keys of this kingdom shall NEVER be
+ taken from you, while thou art in the world, neither in the world
+ to come; nevertheless, through you shall the oracles be given to
+ another, yea, even unto the CHURCH."
+
+I take it as a natural sequence that this law which was given in March,
+1833, superseded the provision made in 1830 and winter of 1831, wherein
+a law was given as a protection to the Church in case of the taking
+away of the keys from Joseph the Prophet--a contingency that did not
+arise.[1] Later in the year 1835, when the Twelve Apostles were chosen
+and their duties defined, the Lord declared that they were equal with
+the Presidency as a quorum. That is, in case of the dissolution or
+destruction of the First Presidency of the Church, the Twelve should
+succeed to the presidency, and would thus act until such time and
+place as the Lord revealed that the First Presidency should be again
+organized. And whenever the First Presidency should be disorganized it
+would devolve upon the Apostles' quorum to set in order and direct the
+affairs of the Church. I quote from the one hundred and seventh section.
+
+ "And they (that is the Twelve) form a quorum, equal in authority
+ and power to the three Presidents previously mentioned.
+
+ "The Seventy are also called to preach the Gospel and to be
+ especial witnesses unto the Gentiles and in all the world. Thus
+ differing from other officers in the Church in the duties of their
+ calling.
+
+ "And they form a quorum equal in authority to that of the Twelve
+ special witnesses or Apostles just named."
+
+That is to say: that when the First Presidency is disorganized, the
+Twelve Apostles become the presiding quorum of the Church until the
+presidency is again organized, and during that time they are virtually
+the Presidency of the Church--the presiding quorum. If through some
+cause--which is not likely to arise--both these quorums should be
+destroyed then it would devolve on the Seventies to set in order the
+Church and they would become the presiding quorum. This is the law that
+God has revealed, and it is the only law and order of the Priesthood
+that He has revealed for the guidance of the Church in succession. You
+may search the Doctrine and Covenants from beginning to end and will
+find no other law of succession.
+
+I think it must be conceded that the Apostles could not be equal in
+authority with the Presidency when the First Presidency is fully and
+properly organized. There could not be two heads--or three heads--of
+equal authority at the same time, for such a thing would lead to
+confusion. Hence the Apostles are equal, as has been stated in that
+they have power to assume control of the affairs of the Church when the
+Presidency is dissolved by the death of the President. This idea was
+clearly in the mind of the Prophet when on the 16th day of January,
+1836, in a special council of the Presidency and the Twelve, he
+said--This is in the History of the Church, vol. 2, page 374; also the
+'Reorganite' history, vol. 2, pages 11-12:
+
+ "I next proceeded to explain the duty of the Twelve, and their
+ authority, which is next to the present Presidency, and that the
+ arrangement of the assembly in this place on the 15th instant,
+ in placing the High Council of Kirtland next the Presidency, was
+ because the business to be transacted was business relating to
+ that body in particular, which was to fill the several quorums
+ in Kirtland, not because they were first in office, and that the
+ arrangements were the most judicious that could be made on the
+ occasion; also the Twelve are not subject to any other than the
+ First Presidency; viz., myself, Sidney Rigdon, and Frederick G.
+ Williams, who are now my counselors; and where I am not, there is
+ no First Presidency over the Twelve."
+
+If in such a case, there is no First Presidency over the Twelve, then
+the Twelve must be the presiding quorum of the Church when the First
+Presidency is disorganized. Again, at a special conference of the
+Church held August 16, 1841, we are informed in the minutes that the
+Prophet addressed the Saints as follows--(T. S., 2. 521.):
+
+ "President Joseph Smith now arriving proceeded to state to the
+ conference at considerable length, the object of their present
+ meeting, and in addition to what President Young had stated in the
+ morning, said that the time had come when the Twelve should be
+ called upon to stand in their place next to the First Presidency,
+ and attend to the settling of emigrants and the business of the
+ Church at the stakes and assist to bear off the kingdom victorious
+ to the nations; and as they had been faithful and had borne the
+ burden in the heat of the day that it was right that they should
+ have an opportunity of providing something for themselves and
+ families, and at the same time relieve him so that he might attend
+ to the business of translating.
+
+ "Motioned, seconded and carried, that the conference approve of the
+ instructions of President Smith, in relation to the Twelve, and
+ that they proceed accordingly, to attend to the duties of their
+ office."
+
+Therefore it was by right of divine appointment that the Apostles'
+quorum became the presiding quorum of the Church at the death of the
+Prophet Joseph Smith.
+
+
+LINEAGE.
+
+We will now consider this "law of lineage." From section 86, they quote
+to us as follows:
+
+ "Therefore, thus saith the Lord unto you with whom the Priesthood
+ hath continued through the lineage of your fathers, for ye are
+ lawful heirs, according to the flesh, and have been hid from the
+ world with Christ in God; therefore your life and the Priesthood
+ hath remained and must needs remain through you and your lineage,
+ until the restoration of all things spoken by the mouths of all the
+ holy prophets since the world began."
+
+But they fail to quote the eleventh and succeeding verse:
+
+ "Therefore, blessed are ye if ye continue in my goodness, a light
+ unto the gentiles, and through the Priesthood, a savior unto my
+ people Israel. The Lord hath said it, Amen."
+
+But to whom was this revelation given? Was it to the Prophet Joseph
+Smith alone? Is this a promise that his seed shall inherit the
+Priesthood? Certainly not. This revelation was given December 6,
+1832, to the Elders of the Church. Therefore, when members of the
+"Reorganization" declare that Joseph Smith was one of these Elders
+and must be included with his posterity in the promise, we meet their
+argument with the counter statement, that the promise was also to Hyrum
+Smith, to Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, George A. Smith, Parley P.
+Pratt, Orson Pratt, and a large number of other Elders who never have
+been identified with the "Reorganization," nor have their children, and
+to them this promise is as sure as to the seed of any others. We must
+not lose sight of the fact that no man can lay claim to salvation, nor
+to the Priesthood of God, simply because he had a faithful father. The
+inference in this eleventh verse is, that if they are not faithful,
+then they will not receive the fulfilment of the promise. The posterity
+of Joseph Smith, like the posterity of any other Elder of Israel, will
+stand or fall on their own foundation which they have builded. And if
+the sons of Joseph Smith refuse to keep the commandments, the blessings
+will pass them by; but God's work will continue until the consummation
+of all things.
+
+Again they quote from section 112 as follows:
+
+ "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."
+
+This revelation was given to Thomas B. Marsh and the Apostles in July,
+1837; and while it is true that the Priesthood which these men held
+did come down from the fathers, it was not from father to son, from
+generation to generation, in the flesh. For the Priesthood, as we
+know, was conferred on the heads of Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery
+by Peter, James and John. Joseph Smith's grandfather did not hold the
+Priesthood nor his fathers before him for generations upon generations.
+So we must look at this in a broader sense than our friends are willing
+that we should do. What is meant by the Priesthood coming down from
+the fathers, and that it must needs remain through the lineage of the
+Elders of the Church? It means simply this, that the Priesthood has
+come down from those who held it in ancient days and has been conferred
+upon men in this day according to promise, because they are of the seed
+of Joseph of the tribe of Ephraim. For the Lord promised to bless the
+children of Ephraim in the latter days with His power. And when the
+Church was established it was with the promise that it was never again
+to be destroyed; therefore, it must needs be that the Priesthood remain
+through the lineage of the Elders of the Church. But it will be through
+those who are faithful, and not the unfaithful sons, and there is not
+one word in these passages that declares that the Presidency of the
+High Priesthood descends from father to son, and that it is the right
+of the son of Joseph Smith to succeed his father. Not one word!
+
+They also quote section 110; to the effect that the generations were
+to be blessed through the seed of Joseph Smith. That passage is from a
+vision received by Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery, April 3, 1836, when
+they received the keys of various dispensations, and is as follows:
+
+ "After this, Elias appeared, and committed the dispensation of
+ the Gospel of Abraham, saying, that in us, and our seed, all
+ generations after us should be blessed."
+
+Therefore they say that unless the sons of the Prophet Joseph Smith
+were in the true Church and held the Priesthood, this promise would
+fail. Not so, however. As I have said, if those sons are not faithful
+the realization of the promise will pass them by until some of the seed
+of Joseph Smith will stand up to receive the blessing. Furthermore,
+this promise was not made solely to Joseph Smith. Oliver Cowdery
+received the same blessing; but he left the Church and went into
+forbidden paths, and the promised blessing was taken from him and given
+to another. So it will be with the sons of Joseph the Prophet; if they
+repent not they shall not receive the blessing. The Lord has declared:
+
+ "Who am I, saith the Lord, that have promised and have not
+ fulfilled? I command and a man obeys not, I revoke and they receive
+ not the blessing."
+
+I stated that this blessing that was given to Oliver Cowdery was taken
+from him and given to another. In the Doctrine and Covenants, section
+124:94-95, this is found:
+
+ "And from this time forth I appoint unto him (that is Hyrum Smith)
+ that he may be a prophet, and a seer, and a revelator unto my
+ Church, as well as my servant Joseph.
+
+ "That he may act in concert also with my servant Joseph, and that
+ he shall receive counsel from my servant Joseph, who shall show
+ unto him the keys whereby he may ask and receive, and be crowned
+ with the same blessing, and glory, and honor, and Priesthood, and
+ gifts of the Priesthood, that once were put upon him that was my
+ servant Oliver Cowdery."
+
+Here the blessings of Oliver Cowdery are transferred to the head
+of Hyrum Smith, and, therefore, we can say with equal emphasis
+that in the seed of Hyrum Smith, as well as in the seed of Joseph
+Smith, all generations after him shall be blessed. For the Lord hath
+spoken it! Now, the seed of Hyrum Smith are not connected with the
+"Reorganization." However, in the words of another let me say:
+
+ "That the descendants of Joseph Smith, and those of Hyrum Smith,
+ stand before God as do all other men, assured of honor or dishonor,
+ exaltation or degradation, according to their individual works."
+
+We are also referred to verses 56-58 of section 124, which, perhaps, is
+a passage on which they lay the greatest stress of all. I shall read
+beginning with the fifty-sixth verse, and ask you to follow me closely
+and I will read it as clearly as I possibly can:
+
+ "And now I say unto you, as pertaining to my boarding house which I
+ have commanded you to build for the boarding of strangers, let it
+ be built unto my name, and let my name be named upon it, and let my
+ servant Joseph, and his house have place therein, from generation
+ to generation;
+
+ "For this anointing have I put upon his head, that his blessing
+ shall also be put upon the head of his posterity after him.
+
+ "And as I said unto Abraham concerning the kindreds of the earth,
+ even so I say unto my servant Joseph, in thee and in thy seed shall
+ the kindred of the earth be blessed."
+
+You see it says, "this anointing have I put upon his head." What
+anointing does this refer to? Notice that it says, "as pertaining to
+my boarding house * * let my servant Joseph, and his house have place
+therein, from generation to generation." That is the anointing the
+term "this" refers to. It is the place in that boarding house, and has
+nothing to do with the Presidency of the Church. I have already shown
+to you that in the seed of Hyrum Smith as well as in the seed of Joseph
+Smith the generations after them were to be blessed; there is nothing
+in this promise indicating that the posterity of either of them shall
+have right to the Presidency of the Church.
+
+But they say this blessing does not refer to the boarding house in
+which the Prophet Joseph paid stock for himself and generations after
+him; but that it refers to the blessing of his progenitors; that
+is, to the birthright which was given to Joseph--the right of the
+primogeniture. And considering this passage Heman C. Smith, in his
+"True Succession," has the following to say:
+
+ "Here then is the blessing given to Joseph to occupy in this
+ position, and to discharge these duties and responsibilities. But
+ some one objects that this is not called a 'blessing;' but is it
+ not a blessing? However, to silence this caviling, we refer the
+ reader to the blessing of Joseph Smith as pronounced by his father
+ on the occasion of the ordination of the High Council. February 19,
+ 1834, Joseph in his history says:
+
+ "'My father Joseph then laid his hands upon my head and said,
+ "Joseph, I lay my hands upon thy head and pronounce the blessings
+ of thy progenitors upon thee, that thou mayest hold the keys of the
+ mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, until the coming of the Lord.
+ Amen.'" (True Succession, p. 44).
+
+Then he goes on to say that this is the blessing referred to in the
+revelation I have just quoted from, and that it was the blessing of the
+primogeniture. The birthright of the first born. But Mr. Heman C. Smith
+is too hasty. Invariably in quoting this blessing given to the Prophet
+by his father and which is found in the Times and Seasons, volume 6,
+pages 994-5, they tactfully refrain from quoting what immediately
+follows. I will quote it from the Times and Seasons:
+
+ "He also laid his hands upon the head of his son Samuel and said,
+ 'Samuel, I lay my hands upon thy head, and pronounce the blessing
+ of thy progenitors upon thee, that thou mayest remain a Priest of
+ the Most High God, and like Samuel of old, hear His voice, saying,
+ Samuel, Samuel. Amen.'
+
+ "John Johnson also, laid his hands upon the head of his son Luke
+ and said, 'My Father in heaven, I ask thee to bless this my son,
+ according to the blessings of his forefathers, that he may be
+ strengthened in his ministry, according to his holy calling. Amen.'"
+
+This proves to us that the blessing of the progenitors was not
+necessarily the blessing of the first born; nor was it the right to
+the Presidency of the Church; for Samuel received a blessing similar
+to that of his brother Joseph, and neither of them received the
+birthright in these blessings. I shall now show you that it was Hyrum
+Smith who received the blessing of the first born--the birthright--and
+it was not the Presidency of the Church either, for they are not the
+same. However, before I show this I want to read a paragraph from the
+history published by the "Reorganized" Church. This is volume 2, and
+is "written and compiled" by Joseph Smith and his assistant, Heman C.
+Smith, their historian. On pages 462-3 they give the dying blessings
+pronounced by Patriarch Joseph Smith on the heads of his children. They
+introduce this account in the following words:
+
+ "In connection with the fact that Joseph's and William's children
+ are identified with the Reorganization, while Hyrum's and Samuel's
+ are in Utah, it is interesting to note that the children of the two
+ former were to be blessed after them, while the children of the two
+ latter are not mentioned.
+
+ "The account of this deathbed scene and the blessings, as given by
+ Lucy Smith, the mother of the Prophet and widow of the Patriarch,
+ is as follows:"
+
+Here is the blessing of Hyrum Smith:
+
+ "My son Hyrum, I seal upon your head your patriarchal blessing,
+ which I placed upon your head before, for that shall be verified.
+ In addition to this, I now give you my dying blessing, You shall
+ have a season of peace, so that you shall have sufficient rest to
+ accomplish the work which God has given you to do. You shall be
+ as firm as the pillars of heaven unto the end of your days. I NOW
+ SEAL UPON YOUR HEAD THE PATRIARCHAL POWER, and you shall bless the
+ people. This is my dying blessing upon your head in the name of
+ Jesus. Amen."
+
+There is the birthright!
+
+And now Joseph's blessing:
+
+ "Joseph, my son, you are called to a high and holy calling. You
+ are even called to do the work of the Lord. Hold out faithful and
+ you shall be blessed and your children after you. You shall even
+ live to finish your work. At this Joseph cried out, weeping, 'Oh!
+ my father, shall I?' 'Yes,' said his father, 'you shall live to
+ lay out the plan of all the work which God has given you to do.
+ This is my dying blessing on your head, in the name of Jesus. I
+ also confirm your former blessing upon your head; for it shall be
+ fulfilled. Even so. Amen."
+
+On first thought it is a little strange that the children of Joseph
+the Prophet are to be blessed after him, while that promise is not
+in the blessing of Hyrum Smith. However, let us examine the blessing
+given to Hyrum Smith a little more closely. The first sentence reads:
+"My son Hyrum, I seal upon your head your patriarchal blessing, which
+I placed upon your head before, _for that shall be verified_. And what
+followed was in addition to that former blessing so there was no need
+of repeating what that former blessing contained; but it was to be
+verified. I have before me that former blessing. This is a patriarchal
+blessing given by Patriarch Joseph Smith on the head of his son Hyrum,
+December 9, 1834, in Kirtland, Ohio, and is recorded in Patriarch
+Joseph Smith's book of blessings on pages 1 and 2, and is in the
+handwriting of Oliver Cowdery. Here is a portion of it:
+
+ "Hyrum, thou art my oldest son whom the Lord has spared unto me.
+ * * * * Behold thou art Hyrum, the Lord hath called thee by that
+ name, and by that name He has blessed thee. Thou hast borne the
+ burden and the heat of the day, thou hast toiled hard and labored
+ much for the good of thy father's family; thou hast been a stay
+ many times to them, and by thy diligence they have often been
+ sustained. Thou hast loved thy father's family with a pure love,
+ and hast greatly desired their salvation. Thou hast always stood by
+ thy father, and reached forth the helping hand to lift him up when
+ he was in affliction, and though he has been out of the way, thou
+ hast never forsaken him nor laughed him to scorn; for all these
+ kindnesses the Lord my God will bless thee."
+
+I promised that I would prove to you that when the Patriarch blessed
+Joseph, his son, with the blessing of his progenitors, that it was not
+the birthright, but that that blessing was reserved for Hyrum. Here is
+the proof, or at least a portion of it. The blessing continues:
+
+ "I now ask my Heavenly Father in the name of Jesus Christ, to
+ BLESS THEE with the SAME BLESSING with which Jacob blessed his son
+ Joseph, for thou art his true descendant, and thy posterity shall
+ be numbered with the house of Ephraim, and with them thou shalt
+ stand up to crown the tribes of Israel; when they come shouting to
+ Zion. * * * *
+
+ "The Lord will multiply his choice blessings upon thee and thy
+ seed after thee and thou with them shall have an inheritance in
+ Zion, and they shall possess it from generation to generation, and
+ thy name shall never be blotted out from among the just, for the
+ righteous shall rise up, and also thy children after thee, and say
+ thy memory is just, that thou wert a just man and perfect in thy
+ day."
+
+We see that Hyrum was blessed with the blessing of Joseph, and we learn
+from the fifth chapter of I Chronicles that through the transgression
+of Reuben, Joseph received the birthright, and he got it from his
+father Jacob. In the second verse we read:
+
+ "For Judah prevailed above his brethren, and of him came the chief
+ ruler; but the birthright was Joseph's."
+
+Before we leave this chapter in Chronicles let me state that if Joseph
+received the birthright, and if the birthright and the Presidency of
+the Church were inseparable, then it should have been through Joseph
+that the Messiah should have come; but we learn that Judah prevailed
+above his brethren in this particular.
+
+So you see Hyrum was blessed with Joseph's blessing, and in his dying
+blessing his father declared that it should be verified! I maintain
+that the birthright therefore was not the blessing of his progenitors
+that was given to Joseph, neither to Samuel Smith.
+
+Our friends have solemnly informed us there was "no blessing to the
+children of Hyrum Smith." I desire to call your attention to a few
+expressions in the blessing which I have just read. The promise is
+here given that the posterity of Hyrum Smith shall be numbered with
+the house of Ephraim and shall stand up with their father to crown the
+tribes of Israel when they come shouting to Zion. Now, how can they
+crown the tribes of Israel unless they hold the Priesthood and are
+faithful men? Again, the promise is made to them that they shall have
+an inheritance in Zion and possess it from generation to generation,
+and their names never were to be blotted out. Now, how could this be
+unless they were members of the Church holding the Priesthood? For
+the faithless and unbelieving and the apostate was not to be numbered
+in Zion, but his name was to be blotted out. I think you will agree
+with me that these gentlemen in their preface to these blessings spoke
+rather hastily of the children of Hyrum Smith.
+
+I have here another blessing. This was given by the Prophet Joseph to
+his brother Hyrum December 18, 1833, at Kirtland, and is also recorded
+in the handwriting of Oliver Cowdery and is on file in the Historian's
+office, Salt Lake City. This blessing shows to us that the Prophet
+Joseph Smith recognized the fact that his brother Hyrum had received
+the birthright. He says:
+
+ "Blessed of the Lord is my brother Hyrum, for the integrity of his
+ heart; he shall be girt about with strength, and faithfulness shall
+ be the strength of his loins; from generation to generation he
+ shall be a shaft in the hands of his God to execute judgment upon
+ His enemies."
+
+I will pause here. We are told that faithfulness shall be the strength
+of his loins. This is a figure. We all understand what it means. It
+means that the children of Hyrum Smith shall be faithful and from
+generation to generation shall be a shaft in the hands of God to
+execute His judgments. That is what it means!
+
+But the blessing continues:
+
+ "And he shall be hid by the hand of the Lord, that none of his
+ secret parts shall be discovered unto his enemies unto his hurt.
+ * * * He shall stand in the tracks of his father, and be numbered
+ among those who hold the right of Patriarchal Priesthood, even the
+ Evangelical Priesthood and power shall be upon him. His children
+ shall be many and his posterity numerous, and they shall rise up
+ and call him blessed."
+
+Here we have the Prophet acknowledging that his brother Hyrum should
+receive the birthright, for it was the right of Patriarchal Priesthood,
+even the Evangelical Priesthood that was conferred upon the first born,
+and not the office of President of the Church.
+
+We learn from the Doctrine and Covenants that there are two offices
+in the Church that descend from father to son. One is that of the
+Bishopric, for upon Aaron and his sons the Lord conferred this
+Priesthood (section 68:16-18). The other is that of the Evangelist.
+This we learn in section 107, but our friends misconstrue this section
+and try to make it appear that it is the Melchizedek Priesthood that is
+meant.[2]
+
+I will read it and you may judge for yourselves:
+
+ "It is the duty of the Twelve, in all large branches of the Church
+ to ordain Evangelical ministers, as they shall be designated unto
+ them by revelation.
+
+ "The order of this Priesthood was confirmed to be handed down from
+ father to son, and rightly belongs to the literal descendants of
+ the chosen seed, to whom the promises were made.
+
+ "This order was instituted in the days of Adam, and came down by
+ lineage in the following manner," etc.
+
+Now, Hyrum Smith obtained this birthright from his father. The Prophet
+Joseph Smith declared in his blessing upon the head of his brother
+Hyrum that it was his right to walk in the footsteps of his father.
+Let's see what the Lord says about this: In section 124, verse 91, we
+read:
+
+ "And again, verily I say unto you, let my servant William (Law) be
+ appointed, ordained, and anointed, as a counselor unto my servant
+ Joseph in the room of my servant Hyrum, 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!"
+
+The fact that the Lord has made two exceptions in the order of the
+Priesthood, and has so plainly indicated them proves beyond the need of
+controversy that the other offices do not so descend, for if they did,
+the Lord would not make special mention of these two. Another thing,
+if the first born son was to receive the office of Patriarch, that is
+sufficient proof that the Presidency of the High Priesthood did not
+so descend, for if it did one man must of necessity hold them both.
+Again we learn that this evangelical order came down from father to son
+and was instituted in the days of Adam. Let us see if the office of
+president has come down in that manner.
+
+Reorganites sometimes quote to us the following from section 81, but
+for the life of me I do not understand why, since it destroys their
+position:
+
+ "Verily, verily I say unto you my servant Frederick G. Williams
+ listen to the voice of him who speaketh, to the word of the Lord,
+ your God; and hearken to the calling wherewith you are called, even
+ to be a High Priest in my Church, and a counselor unto my servant
+ Joseph Smith, Jun.
+
+ "Unto whom I have given the keys of the kingdom, which belongeth
+ always unto the Presidency of the High Priesthood."
+
+If the keys of the kingdom belongeth always to the Presidency of the
+High Priesthood, then Peter was President of the High Priesthood for
+the Lord conferred upon him the keys of the kingdom (Matt. 16:19), and
+he conferred them upon Joseph Smith (Doc. & Cov. 27 and 128 sections)
+even when we go back in ancient Israel we find Moses of the tribe of
+Levi ordaining Joshua the son of Nun as his successor,[3] and not
+his own son; Joseph, son of Jacob, receiving the birthright, but his
+brother Levi receiving the Priesthood in Israel, and Judah the promise
+of the Messiah. Even in Book of Mormon times, Nephi was the younger
+brother of Sam, a faithful man, and Nephi ordained his brother Jacob,
+not his son. Alma who became the High Priest of the Nephite church
+was not a son of Mosiah who by right of birth became the king of the
+people. And thus we might go on. It is a peculiar law indeed when the
+Lord ignores it almost if not quite every time, and we may conclude
+that it is a man-made doctrine concocted to bolster up the claim of an
+aspiring set of men, not inspired of the Lord.
+
+
+CHOSEN BY HIS FATHER.
+
+We will now consider the claim that the president of the "Reorganized"
+Church was appointed by his father. They base their claim on the
+testimony of the following witnesses: (1) the statement of the
+president of the "Reorganization," (2) the statement of Lyman Wight,
+(3) the statement of James Whitehead, (4) the statement of John S.
+Carter, (5) and the statement of William Smith.
+
+The president of their church declares that he was blessed in Liberty
+Jail, twice afterwards before the fall of 1843, and again publicly in
+the Grove at Nauvoo. (True Succession, p. 40). However, he is very
+careful in the wording of his statement and deals with glittering
+generalities. All he dare tell us is that the "promise and blessing
+of a life of usefulness to the cause of truth was pronounced upon his
+head." Lyman Wight declares that the Prophet blessed his son in Liberty
+Jail in 1839 as his successor. In another place he states that this
+blessing was given shortly after they came out of Liberty Jail. (See
+Succession, pp. 51-2). So you see that Lyman Wight contradicts himself.
+We will further examine his statement. Sidney Rigdon, Caleb Baldwin
+and Alexander McRae were fellow prisoners with the Prophet Joseph,
+Patriarch Hyrum and Lyman Wight in Liberty. If any such blessing or
+ordination, or whatever you desire to call it, had taken place at
+that time these brethren would have known something of it. Moreover,
+Hyrum Smith and Sidney Rigdon were counselors to the President, and
+in such an appointment they would in all reason have been called on
+to assist in such blessing; an account of it would have been made on
+the records of the Church. In other words it would have been done in
+an official way, and not in a corner. These fellow prisoners with the
+Prophet and Patriarch, even including Lyman Wight, knew nothing of
+such an appointment, calling or ordination while in Liberty prison.
+No record of such a thing was made. Again, that such a blessing did
+not take place, either in or shortly after they came out of that
+prison, is quite evident from the fact that Sidney Rigdon, August 8,
+1844, while making his claim to the "guardianship" of the Church,
+declared that there could be no successor to Joseph Smith. It is also
+quite evident that this expression was an afterthought on the part
+of Lyman Wight from the fact that on that memorable 8th of August,
+1844, he voted to sustain the Twelve Apostles as the presiding quorum
+and Presidency of the Church, (History of the Church, for August 8,
+1844). If such a thing had taken place Sidney Rigdon and Lyman Wight
+would most certainly have remembered it on that day. But they were not
+only ignorant of such a thing, but each took a course diametrically
+opposed to this alleged blessing. The entire lives of Caleb Baldwin and
+Alexander McRae also protest against the statement of Lyman Wight.[4]
+
+The testimony of James Whitehead is as follows:
+
+ "I recollect a meeting that was held in the winter of 1843,
+ at Nauvoo, Ill., prior to Joseph Smith's death, at which the
+ appointment was made by him, Joseph Smith, of his successor. His
+ son Joseph was selected as his successor. Joseph Smith did the
+ talking. There were present Joseph and Hyrum Smith, John Taylor,
+ and some others who also spoke on the subject; there were 25 I
+ suppose at the meeting. At that meeting Joseph Smith, the present
+ presiding officer of the complainant church, was selected by his
+ father as his successor. He was ordained and anointed at that
+ meeting. Hyrum Smith, the Patriarch, anointed him, and Joseph, his
+ father, blessed him and ordained him and Newel K. Whitney poured
+ the oil on his head, and he was set apart to be his father's
+ successor in office, holding all the powers that his father held.
+ I cannot tell all the persons that were present, there was a good
+ many there. John Taylor and Willard Richards, they were two of the
+ Twelve, Ebenezer Robinson was present, and George J. Adams, Alpheus
+ Cutler, and Reynolds Cahoon. I cannot tell them all; I was there
+ too."
+
+Newel K. Whitney, John Taylor, Willard Richards and Reynolds Cahoon all
+remained with the Church and came with the Twelve to Utah. Their entire
+lives protest against this falsehood of James Whitehead. They deny that
+any such ordination ever took place. Ebenezer Robinson also denies it
+and after the martyrdom, he followed Sidney Rigdon, and later joined
+the Whitmerites. If George J. Adams was present on such an occasion, he
+soon forgot it, for after the martyrdom, he followed James J. Strang
+and acknowledged him as the legal successor to the Prophet Joseph
+Smith, and was the very man who crowned Strang "king" on Beaver Island.
+Alpheus Cutler also denied that any such thing as this occurred. I
+shall read his testimony. This is the statement of Abraham Kimball, his
+grandson:
+
+Father Cutler said:
+
+ "I know that Brigham Young is Joseph Smith's legal and lawful
+ successor, and always did know it. But the reason I am where I
+ am, I could not be led but must lead. I have run my race and must
+ meet my fate, and I know what my doom is, as I died once as dead
+ as any one dies. And I went to the land of spirits, and saw the
+ crown I should wear if I remained faithful and the condemnation I
+ should meet if I failed. I begged to stay. I was informed I could
+ not remain now, but must return and warn sinners to repent. And
+ the first word I spoke on returning was to Sidney Rigdon, who
+ was bending over me, 'Sidney, repent of your sins or you will be
+ damned.' He then continued. 'I know that Mormonism is true. I know
+ that Heber C. Kimball is your father, and Isaac's and he is a good
+ man. Now I want you to take Isaac and return to your father, and
+ remain true to Mormonism and never yield the point, for it will
+ save and exalt you in the kingdom of God and all who will live
+ it to the end of their days.' He then wept like a child, which
+ caused my eyes to moisten. After recovering himself he continued by
+ saying: 'Now my boy, I want to ask one favor of you, and that is
+ that you will never reveal what I have told you today to the people
+ I lead while I live as you boys are going away and I depend on the
+ people for my support.' I promised him I would do as requested. He
+ then released me to go visiting."
+
+ "Now, Mr. Wilcox (E. S. Wilcox) and friends, I am in a shape that I
+ may be called to meet my God any minute, as disease is praying upon
+ my poor body and I am near a skeleton, and my flesh may soon be
+ devoured by worms; but I bear testimony to you before my God that
+ the statement I have made of Alpheus Cutler's confession is correct
+ as near as I can word it."--Saints' Herald, Vol. 52:255.
+
+You see that each of these men named by James Whitehead give the lie
+to his declaration by their entire lives, but this is not all. Joseph
+Smith of the "Reorganized" Church denies it himself. While he states
+that he was blessed by his father, in his testimony under oath in the
+Temple lot suit, he said:
+
+ "No, sir, I did not state that I was ordained by my father; I did
+ not make the statement. I was NOT ordained by my father as his
+ successor--according to my understanding of the word ordained, I
+ was not"--Plaintiff's Abstract, Page 79, Par. 126.
+
+Thus the testimony of James Whitehead is worthless. John S. Carter said
+the Prophet chose his son at a public meeting in Nauvoo on a Sunday,
+"not long before Joseph was killed." (True Succession, page 48). Yet
+none of the people knew of this. Nothing was said of it during the
+trouble with Sidney Rigdon. And William Marks, president of the Nauvoo
+Stake, would most likely be present at the public meetings held on
+Sundays in Nauvoo. Yet he supported the claim of Sidney Rigdon to be
+the guardian when the latter declared that there could be no successor.
+It is a little strange that such an appointment could be made at a
+public meeting and all the people--just a few months later--be ignorant
+of it. Where were the people the day this public meeting was held? How
+much easier it would have been for Sidney Rigdon to have said, August
+8, 1844: "I want to be appointed 'Guardian' until young Joseph grows
+up," instead of declaring that no successor could be appointed! How
+easy it would have been for Lyman Wight to have said, "I was present
+when Joseph blessed his son in Liberty prison, as his successor," or
+for James Whitehead and John S. Carter to have declared that young
+Joseph had been ordained as his father's successor in a public meeting
+in Nauvoo shortly before the martyrdom, and thus have reminded the
+people of it. How strange that such an important occurrence should slip
+the minds of the entire people on such a vital occasion? But they did
+not think of it. The truth is it was an afterthought on the part of
+these men.
+
+Another thing which is peculiar: There were too many "appointments"
+and "ordinations" of this "successor" which makes the thing look
+suspicious. It is hardly reasonable to suppose that the Prophet,
+"appointed," "blessed," and "ordained" his son to this office every few
+days. If such a thing had taken place it would have been done in the
+proper way and manner in the presence of the presiding officers of the
+Church and a proper record of it would have been made and filed away.
+But the records of the Church are silent and it is quite significant
+that Lyman Wight, James Whitehead, John S. Carter and even Joseph
+of the "Reorganization" himself had "forgotten" this "appointing"
+or "ordination" at the most critical moment for it to have been
+mentioned--August 8, 1844.
+
+William Smith stated that the right of Presidency was by lineage,
+and therefore he supported the son of the Prophet in 1850, or even
+in November, 1845. (True Succession, p. 17). Yet William Smith knew
+of no appointment or ordination of young Joseph, although he was one
+of the Apostles, and would have been sure to have known had such a
+thing taken place. In May, 1845, he stated that the Twelve were the
+proper authorities to lead the Church. (Times and Seasons, 6:904).
+He was excommunicated in the following October and it was not till
+after his excommunication that he advocated the right of young Joseph.
+Furthermore, William Smith claimed that he was himself ordained by his
+brother to lead the Church (Roberts' Succession, pp. 103-105.) And he
+also followed James J. Strang and accepted him as the "successor" until
+excommunicated from that cult.
+
+Now, can we put any credence in the testimonies of such men as Lyman
+Wight, James Whitehead, John S. Carter, and William Smith? Most
+assuredly not.
+
+That the Prophet did not choose his son is quite evident also from the
+following testimony given by reliable witnesses and at the proper time:
+
+
+TESTIMONY OF PRESIDENT YOUNG.
+
+At a meeting held at Nauvoo, August 7, 1844, he said:
+
+ "How often has Joseph said to the Twelve, 'I have laid the
+ foundation and you must build thereon, for upon your shoulders the
+ kingdom rests. * * * * I tell you in the name of the Lord, that
+ no man can put another between the Twelve and the Prophet Joseph
+ Smith. Why? Because Joseph was their file leader, and he has
+ committed into their hands the keys of the kingdom in this last
+ dispensation for all the world; don't put a thread between the
+ Priesthood of God."--(History of the Church for August 7, 1844).
+
+And in a letter written to Orson Spencer, January 23, 1848, President
+Young said:
+
+ "Joseph told the Twelve the year before he died, 'There is not one
+ key or power to be bestowed on this Church to lead the people into
+ the celestial gate but I have give you, showed you, and talked
+ it over to you, the kingdom is set up, and you have the perfect
+ pattern, and you can go and build up the kingdom and go in at the
+ celestial gate, taking your train with you."--Mill. Star, 10:115.
+
+
+TESTIMONY OF HEBER C. KIMBALL.
+
+ "Brother Joseph has passed behind the veil, and he pulled off his
+ shoes, and some one else puts them on, until he passes the veil to
+ Brother Joseph. President Young is our president, and our head, and
+ he puts the shoes on first. If Brother Hyrum had remained here, he
+ would have put them on. Hyrum has gone with Joseph and is still his
+ counselor. The Twelve have received the keys of the kingdom, and as
+ long as there is one of them left, he will hold them in preference
+ to any one else."--Times and Seasons, 5: 664.
+
+
+TESTIMONY OF ORSON HYDE.
+
+ "The shafts of the enemy are always aimed at the head first.
+ Brother Joseph said some time before he was murdered, 'If I am
+ taken away, upon you, the Twelve, will rest the responsibility of
+ leading this people, and do not be bluffed off by any man."--Times
+ and Seasons, 5: 650.
+
+ "Before I went east on the 4th of April last, we were in council
+ with Brother Joseph almost every day for weeks, said Brother Joseph
+ in one of those councils, 'There is something going to happen; I
+ don't know what it is, but the Lord bids me to hasten and give you
+ your endowment before the Temple is finished.' He conducted us
+ through every ordinance of the Holy Priesthood, and when he had
+ gone through with all the ordinances, he rejoiced very much, and
+ said, 'Now, if they kill me, you have got all the keys, and all
+ the ordinances and you can confer them upon others, and the hosts
+ of Satan will not be able to tear down the kingdom, as fast as you
+ will be able to build it up;' and now, said he, 'on your shoulders
+ will the responsibility of leading this people rest, for the Lord
+ is going to let me rest awhile.'"--Times and Seasons, 5: 651.
+
+
+TESTIMONY OF WILFORD WOODRUFF.
+
+ "Has the Prophet Joseph found Elder Rigdon in his councils when he
+ organized the quorum of the Twelve, a few months before his death,
+ to prepare them for the endowment? And when they received their
+ endowment, and actually received the keys of the kingdom of God,
+ and oracles of God, keys of revelation, and the pattern of heavenly
+ things, and thus, addressing the Twelve, (Joseph) exclaimed,
+ 'Upon your shoulders, the kingdom rests, and you must round your
+ shoulders, and bear it; for I have had to do it until now. But now
+ the responsibility rests upon you.'"--Times and Seasons, 5: 698
+
+And also President Woodruff's testimony given in 1892. (Succession,
+page 101).
+
+
+BATHSHEBA W. SMITH'S TESTIMONY.
+
+ "I was a resident of Nauvoo, State of Illinois, from 1840 to 1846.
+ I was married to George A. Smith, July 25, 1841, Elder Don Carlos
+ Smith performing the ceremony. Near the close of the year 1843,
+ or in the beginning of the year 1844, I received the ordinance of
+ anointing in a room in Sister Emma Smith's house in Nauvoo, and
+ the same day, in company with my husband, I received my endowment
+ in the upper room over the Prophet Joseph Smith's store. The
+ endowments were given under the direction of the Prophet Joseph
+ Smith, who afterwards gave us lectures or instructions in regard to
+ the endowment ceremonies. They are the same today as they were then.
+
+ In the year 1844, a short time before the death of the Prophet
+ Joseph Smith, it was my privilege to attend a regular prayer circle
+ meeting in the upper room over the Prophet's store. There were
+ present at this meeting most of the Twelve Apostles, their wives,
+ and a number of other prominent brethren and their wives. On that
+ occasion the Prophet arose and spoke at great length, and during
+ his remarks I heard him say that he had conferred on the heads
+ of the Twelve Apostles all the keys and powers pertaining to the
+ Priesthood, and that upon the heads of the Twelve Apostles the
+ burden of the kingdom rested, and they would have to carry it."[5]
+
+
+BENJAMIN F. JOHNSON'S TESTIMONY.
+
+At the eighty-seventh birthday anniversary celebration of Elder
+Benjamin F. Johnson, held at Mesa, Arizona, July 29, 1905, that
+Patriarch said:
+
+ "I speak of things of which I know I was the business partner of
+ Joseph Smith, from my mission until the time of his martyrdom, was
+ as familiar with him as with my brother or my father.
+
+ "Do I know that Brigham Young was the true successor of Joseph
+ Smith? I knew it before the Prophet was martyred, for Joseph had
+ made it known. I was present when the Prophet gave his charge to
+ the Twelve Apostles, when in council, after solemn prayer, he rose
+ up with the light of heaven shining in his countenance, related
+ his experiences with reference to the beginning of this work, the
+ responsibilities placed upon him, the persecutions and hardships
+ through which he had passed. He declared that God had revealed all
+ the truth necessary to save mankind, had given unto him the keys
+ of the kingdom, and he had carried the weight and load thus far,
+ and then, speaking directly to the Twelve, he said: 'I now roll off
+ the burden of this responsibility upon you; I give unto you all the
+ keys and powers bestowed upon me, and I say unto you, that unless
+ you round up your shoulders and bear off this kingdom you will be
+ damned."
+
+
+EZRA T. CLARK'S TESTIMONY.
+
+ "Before I left Nauvoo, I heard the Prophet Joseph say he would give
+ the Saints a key whereby they would never be led away or deceived,
+ and that was: 'The Lord would never suffer the majority of this
+ people to be led away or deceived by imposters, nor would he allow
+ the records of this Church to fall into the hands of the enemy.'
+ I heard Joseph say this, and I also heard him say that he would
+ roll the burden of the Apostleship upon the quorum of the Twelve.
+ I heard Joseph preach many times; heard him in the last sermon he
+ ever delivered, bear testimony to the truth of the work that God
+ had called him to; also that the Lord had never suffered him to be
+ slain by his enemies, because his work had not been done, until a
+ short time ago. He had now laid the foundation of this work, and
+ rolled the burden of the Priesthood upon the Twelve; and having
+ given them their washings and anointings, they would now bear off
+ this work triumphantly, and it would roll on faster than ever
+ before; and, if the Lord was willing to accept him, he was willing
+ to go."--M. I. A. Era, Vol. 5: 202.
+
+
+PROPERLY ORDAINED.
+
+We will now consider the claim that Joseph Smith of the
+"Reorganization" was properly ordained. We must first know what
+constitutes a proper ordination.
+
+First. It must be done by those holding authority in the Priesthood who
+have been properly appointed; otherwise the ordination is not valid.
+
+Second. The ordination must be approved by the body of the Church and
+sanctioned by the Church, or it is not valid. For there is in the
+Gospel the law of common consent. Doc. & Cov. Sec. 20:63, 65; 26:2.
+
+Third, If a man exercises his Priesthood contrary to the rules of the
+Church, or in unrighteousness, Amen to his authority.--Doc. & Cov.
+121:27.
+
+Fourth, "Again, I say unto you, it shall not be given to any one to
+go forth to preach my Gospel, or to build up my Church except he be
+ordained by some one who has authority, and it is known to the Church
+that he has authority, and has been regularly ordained by the heads of
+the Church."--(Sec. 42:11).
+
+The question is, will the ordination of Joseph Smith of the
+"Reorganization" stand this test? He was "ordained" under the hands of
+William Marks (mouth), Zenas H. Gurley, William W. Blair and Samuel
+Powers. Messrs. Blair and Powers never did belong to the Church of
+Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, so we will pass them by without
+consideration, and will take up the cases of William Marks and Zenas H.
+Gurley separately.
+
+William Marks was president of the Nauvoo stake at the time of the
+martyrdom, but it is of a more recent period that we are considering
+him. Did he in 1860 hold the priesthood? William Marks was dropped from
+his position as president of the Nauvoo stake at a conference of the
+Church held October 7, 1844. (T. & S., 5: 692).
+
+The whole Church voting not to sustain him, excepting two votes. This
+action was taken because he supported the claims of Sidney Rigdon and
+opposed the Twelve and action of the Church. In the December following
+he acknowledged his error in the following:
+
+ NOTICE.
+
+ "After mature and candid deliberation, I am fully and
+ satisfactorily convinced that Mr. Sidney Rigdon's claims to the
+ Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,
+ are not founded in truth. I have been deceived by his specious
+ pretenses and now feel to warn every one over whom I may have
+ any influence to beware of him, and his pretended visions and
+ revelations. The Twelve are the proper persons to lead the Church."
+
+ "WILLIAM MARKS."
+
+After making this acknowledgment he was received back into fellowship,
+but did not again obtain his former position. Later he became
+dissatisfied and withdrew from the Church and was excommunicated.
+During the exodus he joined James J. Strang, and in 1846 was called
+to be a counselor to James J. Strang in his organization. (History
+of "Reorganized" Church, 3:723). For a time he was also president
+of Strang's "Stake of Zion," and also a bishop in his organization
+(History of "Reorganized" Church, 3:44 and 723). First a "bishop," then
+"president of the 'Stake of Zion,' and then "counselor" in Strang's
+presidency. In 1852 he became a member of Charles B. Thompson's church
+(Reorg. Hist., 3:55 and 3:724). In 1855 he left Thompson and entered
+into an organization with John E. Page and others (Reorg. Hist.,
+3:724); and on June 11, 1859, he was received into the "Reorganization"
+on his original baptism," "and they recognized his original ordination
+to the Priesthood, although he had been disfellowshiped by the church
+that conferred that Priesthood. After he was disfellowshiped in 1844
+and later left the Church and wandered around through the organizations
+of James J. Strang, Charles B. Thompson and John E. Page, receiving
+"ordinations," and honors, and positions, in these movements, he was
+then received into the "Reorganized" Church on his original baptism.
+Now, I ask the question in all candor of any fair minded Latter-day
+Saint--Did he after this, in 1860, have any authority or Priesthood to
+confer upon Joseph Smith of the "Reorganization," much less the keys
+and position of president of the High Priesthood; keys that he never
+did hold?[6]
+
+
+GURLEY'S AUTHORITY.
+
+Zenas H. Gurley, who also laid hands on the head of Joseph in that
+"ordination," was ordained to the office of a Seventy in Nauvoo in
+1844 under the direction of President Joseph Young. Members of the
+"Reorganization" claim that he was ordained a Seventy in Far West,
+Mo., in 1838, but this is not the fact. The records in the Historian's
+office show that this man was ordained in 1844, as I have stated, and
+the following year--April 6, 1845--he was made the senior president of
+the Twenty-first quorum of Seventy. He left the Church as did William
+Marks, and therefore lost his Priesthood and had none to confer on the
+head of Joseph Smith.
+
+Now the revelation clearly indicates that no man is called to build up
+the Church unless it is known to the Church that he has been properly
+ordained to that calling, by the heads of the Church. But these men
+were not so called. On the 8th of July, 1904, I wrote to Mr. Heman C.
+Smith, historian of the "Reorganization" as follows:
+
+ "In the biographical sketch of Zenas H. Gurley, in the third
+ volume of your Church History, the statement is made that he,
+ (Zenas H. Gurley) was ordained to the office of a Seventy at Far
+ West, Missouri. Would you kindly furnish me with the date of this
+ ordination, and also state the authority on which the statement is
+ made, and oblige."
+
+On the 15th of that month I received the following:
+
+ "Replying to yours of July 8, will say that the church record in
+ the Recorder's office shows that Zenas H. Gurley was ordained to
+ the office of Seventy at Far West, Mo., in 1838; day and month
+ are not stated. This appears once in the hand-writing of Isaac
+ Sheen, former church recorder, and once in the handwriting of
+ Henry A. Stebbins, the present church recorder. Elder Stebbins'
+ memory is that he received it directly from Elder Gurley; and it is
+ presumable that Elder Sheen also had the information direct. It is
+ upon the authority of this record that the statement was made in
+ the biographical sketch."
+
+You see they don't know very much about it, it is all presumption. I
+cannot conceive of any reason why Mr. Gurley would desire to falsify
+the record, and doubt that he ever made such a statement as the above.
+The fact is, however, that he was not ordained a Seventy in Far West in
+1838, but in Nauvoo in 1844.
+
+Now we will see how much faith they put in the "authority" of Mr.
+Gurley themselves. January 30, 1905, the following communication was
+sent to the president of the "Reorganization:"
+
+ "Will you be so kind as to answer for me the following questions:
+ Is it a teaching of the 'Reorganized' Church that the quorums of
+ Seventies are limited in number to seven quorums, or do you place a
+ limit on these quorums at all?
+
+ "Do you recognize as valid any of the ordinations in Nauvoo in
+ 1844-5, of men to the office of Seventy, under the direction of the
+ Twelve Apostles and first council of Seventy, beyond those of the
+ first seven quorums?
+
+ "In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Utah, the
+ custom is to ordain Seventies and organize quorums beyond the
+ seventh, and as this practice has been opposed by some of the
+ Elders of the 'Reorganized' Church, I was prompted to inquire if
+ those Elders were in harmony with the doctrines of the Church."
+
+On the 31st of January the following was received:
+
+ "There are no provisions as revelations as law to the Church for
+ the organization of more than seven quorums of Seventy; for that
+ reason we do not recognize as valid any of the ordinations in
+ Nauvoo in 1844-5 beyond those of the first seven quorums; and
+ our teaching is that the number is necessarily limited by direct
+ provision of the law."
+
+Thus you see, the president of the "Reorganization" repudiates the
+Priesthood of the very man who "ordained" him to the office which he
+pretends to hold. In conclusion let me add that these men did not
+hold the keys of the kingdom and therefore could not bestow them on
+another. The organization to which they belong is not the Church of
+Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and all the laying on of hands
+that they can practice from now till dooms day, will not give one
+single soul the Priesthood of God, for that can only come through the
+proper channel--the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. An
+ordination in the "Reorganized" Church is of no more effect than is
+an ordination in the Methodist, Presbyterian, or Catholic church, for
+those officiating do not hold the Priesthood, and are not recognized
+of God. The Prophet did bestow the keys of the kingdom upon the head
+of Brigham Young and with him his associates, the Twelve, as we have
+shown with a multitude of unimpeachable testimony. If it was necessary
+for all the prophets from Adam to Peter, James and John to confer their
+keys upon the head of Joseph Smith (See D. & C., 110 and 128 sections),
+notwithstanding he has been ordained to the Priesthood by angels, then
+in all reason we must hold that it is necessary for him to bestow the
+same power and keys of the kingdom on others which the evidence shows
+that he did. The men who ordained Joseph Smith of the "Reorganization"
+were not regularly ordained and did not hold the keys of the kingdom.
+The Apostles constituted the second quorum in the Church and were
+sustained in their calling as the First Presidency of the Church by the
+vote of the people August 8, 1844, and again at the fall conference in
+October of that same year.
+
+I call the attention of the Latter-day Saints once more to the fact
+previously mentioned (section 43:4-6) that there is but one at a
+time who holds the keys and the right to receive revelation for the
+Church, and that man is the President of the Church. And when the First
+Presidency is disorganized through the death of the President, then,
+according to revelation, the Twelve Apostles become the presiding
+quorum of the Church, and then, if the Lord has any revelations to
+give to His people they will come through the proper channels--the
+President of the Twelve. If we will keep this in mind it will be a key
+to us as the Lord intended that it should be, by which we may gage
+and weigh the pretended revelations of men. When we see this man, or
+that man, or perhaps that woman, or child, giving revelations as was
+the case in the "Reorganized" Church when Jason W. Briggs, Zenas H.
+Gurley, Henry H. Deam and the daughter of Zenas H. Gurley, received
+"revelations" bearing on the organization of their cult, we will
+know assuredly that these things are not of God. The Lord will never
+ignore the presiding officer and quorum of the Church, for he respects
+authority, as He requires us to respect authority. And it will always
+be a key to us, if we will bear it in mind, that whenever He has a
+revelation or commandment to give to His people that it will come
+through the presiding officer of the Church. This is plainly taught in
+the revelations.
+
+If there is within the sound of my voice one soul who has not received
+a testimony of this work, and that Brigham Young was the right man in
+the right place, and the rightful successor, and so on down to the
+present day, then I say to you, when you go home go before the Lord
+in the spirit of repentance, and humility, and prayer, and ask Him in
+faith for that knowledge and He will hear your prayers. There is no
+reason why any man should be deceived, for the Lord has promised us
+that we shall receive if we ask and if we knock it shall be opened unto
+us. By keeping the commandments of God, all men may know of this work
+that it is true. If you will do this, then when these deceivers and
+pretenders, these men who delight in destroying your faith, come to you
+saying that you are in the dark, you can say to them, get behind me,
+for I will not be deceived by you. I know we have the truth, that this
+is the work of the Lord, that Jesus is the Redeemer of the world, and
+that Joseph Smith was a Prophet of God and was called to stand at the
+head of this dispensation, and those keys and that position he will
+ever hold. He was not a fallen Prophet, but died a martyr to this work.
+May God bless you. Amen.
+
+
+Footnotes
+
+1. Serious objection is raised to this line of argument by the author
+of the "defense," who attempts to place me in a false position by
+imputing to me expressions that are not here conveyed. Had he been
+honest in his argument he would have fairly presented what I have
+had to say; but this he has studiously avoided throughout his reply.
+Here he argues that the provisions in these revelations regarding
+a "successor" were not limited in their scope, but were to be
+carried out during the life of Joseph Smith. I respectfully call
+his attention to an editorial in the _Saints' Herald_ of August 18,
+1888. At that time Joseph Smith, his president, and William W. Blair,
+counselor, were the editors of the _Herald_. The article is called
+"_The Power to Perpetuate the Church_." After quoting these passages
+the author--presumably the editor, or his assistant, for it is an
+editorial--continues:
+
+(d) "The authority to ordain is given unto the Church.
+
+(e) " 'Verily, I say unto you, the keys of this kingdom shall never be
+taken from you, while thou art in the world, neither in the world to
+come; nevertheless, through you shall the oracles be given to another;
+yea, even unto the Church.'
+
+(f) "This language was addressed to Joseph Smith, the one who had been
+appointed of God to hold and exercise the gift to receive commandments
+and revelations for the Church, two full years after it was said
+through him _that if he fell away he should have power only to appoint
+one in his stead_. The saying is preceded by the statement that the
+sins of Joseph Smith had been forgiven him, and he should bear the keys
+from thenceforth.
+
+(g) "Joseph Smith was taken away dying a martyr, of which death he was
+conscious and made preparation before it occurred. He was not accused
+of the Lord of transgression and the gift that had been conferred
+upon him taken from him; nor was there a command given him to appoint
+another in his stead because he had been unworthy and the Lord proposed
+to depose him from his office. _It was only in the event of the gift
+being taken from him that he was to so appoint another. This event did
+not occur_. * * *
+
+"If Joseph Smith had been adjudged unworthy to longer bear the "keys"
+and exercise the "gift," which had been conferred upon him, he was
+under obligation to declare it, at the command of God, and to designate
+who the Lord had ordained to act in his stead. _The fact that no such
+declaration was made_, is strong proof that no command came from God,
+and _no one was so designated to act in his stead_ while he was still
+living. This proof is made stronger still by the declaration made by
+Joseph Smith just before his death: "I go as a lamb to the slaughter."
+
+(h) "If Joseph Smith continued to abide in Christ, which all must admit
+that he did, in that case the gift conferred was to continue with him;
+not only in the present world, the life of the flesh, but the keys were
+to remain with him in the world to come. But that no harm could come
+to the Church, and the elders be put in possession of a key to the
+situation in case Joseph Smith should be taken, _they were told that
+there was no one other than he appointed until he was taken, and that
+when this should occur the oracles should be given to the Church_.
+
+(k) "The command, 'Nevertheless through you shall the oracles be given
+unto the Church,' is equivalent to the saying, Until Joseph Smith be
+taken he shall continue to act in the office unto which he is called,
+and shall continue to exercise the gifts conferred upon him; but
+when he is taken, _then_ the oracles and the power conferred in them
+_are lodged with, or in the Church_, to be exercised and observed in
+accordance with the revelations and commandments given to and accepted
+by the Church, from God through him, up to the time he should be taken."
+
+The writer then quotes sec. 87, paragraph 5, Reorganite Doctrine and
+Covenants, and continues:
+
+(n) "This commandment was given to Joseph Smith, Sidney Rigdon and
+Frederick G. Williams. The latter died before Joseph Smith did; and
+whatever may have been the rights of Sidney Rigdon at the death of
+Joseph Smith, he was not permitted to stand in Joseph's stead nor act
+as his successor. This confirms the thought that Joseph was to continue
+in the exercise of the gift conferred upon him, during his life, and
+_was not to be compelled to appoint another in his stead_." (My italics
+throughout.)
+
+We concur.
+
+2. Of this the "defense" says: "Our friend's idea is that 'the order
+of this priesthood;' refers to the office of evangelist in particular
+rather than to the Melchizedek priesthood in general, although the
+latter is under consideration not only on the page from which the
+quotation is taken, but also on the following page and on the two
+preceding."
+
+It does refer to the priesthood of the evangelist, and only by a
+deliberate twisting of the Scriptures can it be made to apply to the
+Melchizedek Priesthood in general; it does not read that way. In the
+verses preceding the _offices_ of the priesthood have been defined also
+the duties of the officers. The paragraphs immediately preceding speak
+of the High Councils.
+
+Verse 38 declares that the traveling High Council shall call upon the
+Seventy when they need assistance, then verse 39 says it is the duty of
+the Twelve to ordain evangelical ministers. From and including verse
+40 to 57, is parenthetical and is explanatory of the office of the
+Evangelist. Verse 58 continues: "It is the duty of the Twelve, _also_
+to ordain and set in order _all other officers_ in the Church. Only
+by misconstruing the revelation can this be given the appearance of
+applying to the Melchizedek Priesthood.
+
+The critic says: "If it said 'this _office_ of the Priesthood,' there
+might be some shadow of reason in his contention, but it does not."
+Is our friend not aware of the fact that the office of the Evangelist
+(Patriarch) is spoken of as an order of Priesthood? The Lord said
+pertaining to Hyrum Smith: "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." (Sec. 124:91). And in the
+blessing of Hyrum by his brother Joseph at Kirtland: "He shall stand
+in the tracks of his father, and be numbered among those who hold the
+right of Patriarchal _Priesthood_, even the Evangelical _Priesthood_
+and power shall be upon him." It is spoken of as an order of
+Priesthood, although a part of the Melchizedek Priesthood, just as the
+Levitical is spoken of as an order, included in the Aaronic Priesthood.
+
+3. The "defense" writer says: "There is not a scrap of evidence that
+Moses confirmed upon Joshua a particle of Priesthood--merely the civil
+leadership" The Scriptures say: "And Joshua the son of Nun was full
+of the spirit of wisdom; _for Moses had laid his hands upon him_;
+and the children of Israel hearkened unto him, and did as the Lord
+commanded Moses." (Deut. 34:9). He may, of course, quibble because it
+does not say he gave him "the priesthood" when he laid hands upon him;
+but surely he did not lay hands on Joshua merely to give him civil
+leadership. It was by the power of the Priesthood that he led Israel
+and commanded the sun and moon, he could have done it by no other
+power. In regard to the others mentioned here who were ordained, the
+"defender" is absolutely silent.
+
+4. Of this argument and the testimony that follows the "defense" writer
+remains silent, the editor of the Herald, however, takes exception
+to the statement that Lyman Wight was at the meeting on the 8th of
+August, having refused to attend. He says: "Heber C. Kimball and George
+Miller came to his house, in her presence, (L. Wight's oldest daughter)
+with a summons from Brigham Young to appear, which he declined to do,
+declaring that the Twelve were usurping authority. This resulted in a
+personal encounter during which Miller was forcibly evicted from the
+room by Wight and Kimball followed without awaiting the enforcement of
+the order."
+
+If Lyman Wight refused to attend that meeting then he is incompetent
+to say that the Apostles were usurping authority, for he knew nothing
+about it. Moreover, if this statement is true it merely shows the
+bitter apostate spirit manifested by Lyman Wight at that time. It
+was his duty to meet with the Twelve and if things were not going as
+he thought they should he had the privilege of stating his feelings;
+this he refused to do, if the statement is correct. His hasty
+unchristian-like action and sulking in his house does not redound to
+the credit of the man.
+
+5. Blood Atonement and Origin of Plural Marriage, p. 104.
+
+6. Here are a few items in the history of William Marks after he left
+the Church and was excommunicated.
+
+At a conference held at Voree, April 6, 1846, "On motion of William
+Marks * * * James J. Strang unanimously called to the chair as
+President of the Conference." "On motion of Elder William Marks, it was
+unanimously resolved that this church receive, acknowledge, and uphold
+James J. Strang as President of this church, Prophet, Seer, Revelator,
+and Translator, with our faith and prayers."--_Voree Record_.
+
+April 8, 1846: "The First Presidency presented William Marks for the
+office of Bishop of the Church and on motion of Apostle John E. Page,
+resolved unanimously (that he) be sustained."--_Voree Record_.
+
+Aug. 26, 1849: "Brother William Marks was then ordained, consecrated
+and set apart as Apostle of the Lord, Jesus Christ, a Counselor to the
+Prophet, one of the First Presidency, and a Prophet of the Most High
+God, under the hands of Presidents Strang and Adams."
+
+"Brother William Marks was anointed, _ordained_ and set apart to
+administer baptism for the dead, under the hands of Presidents Strang
+and Adams."--_Voree Record_.
+
+Previously, William Marks had forsaken James J. Strang, and January,
+1849, James J. Strang had a "revelation" in which he said: "Behold my
+servant, William Marks, has gone far astray in departing from me, yet
+I will give unto him a little space, that he may return and receive
+my word, and stand in his place; for I remember his works that he has
+done in the time that is past. If he will return and abide faithful, I
+will make him great, and his possessions shall be great, and he shall
+possess a city, and his children shall dwell therein; a nation shall
+call him Blessed."
+
+Well, he returned, and at the conference August 25, 1849, arose and
+said: "He ought to make a confession to the Saints for _not_ acting in
+his calling and also to ask their forgiveness. Gave a brief history of
+the course he had pursued after the martyrdom of the Prophet Joseph,
+testified that he had ever had the fullest confidence in the work of
+the last days, and knew it was of God, and was now determined by the
+help of God to go forth in the discharge of his duty and act in the
+place in which he was called by revelation of God through His servant
+James" [J. Strang].--_Voree Record_.
+
+He was received back and sustained.
+
+In the year 1852 he joined Charles B. Thompson's organization and
+was "_ordained_" "Chief evangelitical teacher of the School of Faith
+in Jehovah's Presbytery of Zion." Acting in this calling he wrote an
+epistle to "the School of Faith to all the traveling teacher's quorums
+and classes of said school, and Jehovah's presbytery of Zion." In that
+epistle he said:
+
+"Well Brethren: I have lived to see the foundation and the platform
+laid, the principles revealed and the order given, whereby the great
+work of the Father can, and will be accomplished. _There is no doubt
+resting on my mind in reference to this work of Baneemy being the work
+of God, for I am fully convinced that it is the work it purports to
+be_, the work of the Father spoken of in the Book of Mormon, to prepare
+the way for the restoration of His covenants to the house of Israel.
+Now, all who are convinced of this fact ought to move forward and take
+a decided stand to labor for Jehovah and the benefit of Mankind. I
+intend from this time, henceforth, to labor in the cause and give my
+influence and substance to speed the work." (Harbinger and Organ, Vol.
+3:52-3-4).
+
+This is his testimony when with Thompson. He later organized a quorum
+at Batavia, and appointed James Blakeslee--a man who was excommunicated
+from the Church May 18, 1844, with Francis M. Higbee, Charles Ivans and
+Austin Cowles, for apostasy--chief, and Jehial Savage teacher. "After
+this he joined John E. Page's organization, forgetting how faithful
+he had promised to be in Thompson's organization, and later (1859)
+connected himself with the "New Organization." He was not one of the
+true fold, for:
+
+"When he [the true Shepherd] putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth
+before them, and the sheep follow him; for they know his voice. And a
+stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him; for they know
+not the voice of strangers."--(John 10:4-5).
+
+
+
+The Doctrines of Joseph Smith.
+
+One of the charges made by the "Reorganized" Church against the Church
+of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is that when the Apostles assumed
+their place as the presiding quorum following the martyrdom of Joseph
+and Hyrum Smith, they departed from the pure Gospel as it was revealed
+in the Bible, Book of Mormon, and the revelations and teachings of
+the Prophet Joseph Smith, and in the stead thereof introduced false
+doctrines that were never entertained by the Prophet and were foreign
+to the revelations given to the Church. This proves, they declare, the
+"apostasy" of the Church and its "rejection" and the few scattered
+members who refused to follow the leadership of the Apostles into
+forbidden paths, and to accept these "false doctrines" retained the
+Spirit of the Lord and were directed by Him to "re-organize" the
+"faithful" members into what was then called a "New Organization
+of the Church," the name subsequently having been changed to the
+"Re-organized" Church. They inform us--though it is most likely with
+some misgivings and doubts--that these "faithful" few who refused to
+follow after "false gods," or "bow the knee to Baal," still retained
+the Priesthood they had received from the "Original" Church and were
+"not rejected as individuals" although the "Church was rejected with
+its dead." Therefore, when these "faithful" souls tired of wandering
+around in the apostate organizations of James J. Strang, Sidney Rigdon,
+William Smith, Charles B. Thompson, and others, as sheep that knew
+not the Master's voice, and therefore followed strangers, receiving
+from these self-appointed leaders "ordinations" and honors, and after
+having testified that these false teachers were inspired of God and
+their organizations the work of the Lord--after all this, when they
+came together and formed the "New Organization" they were still the
+"faithful" who had not followed after "false gods" or "bowed the knee
+to Baal," and had retained power to "re-organize" the Church according
+to the original pattern, although the Prophet had not commissioned them.
+
+In an address to these scattered "faithful" written shortly after the
+"New Organization of the Church" was formed, the declaration was made
+"that we believe that the Church of Christ organized on the 6th day of
+April, A. D. 1830, exists as on that day, wherever six or more Saints
+are organized to the pattern in the Book of Doctrine and Covenants."
+And, of course, _they_ are the Saints "organized according to the
+pattern"--if their word can be taken for the fact.
+
+The president of their church states it this way: "The individuals who
+kept this covenant (the new and everlasting covenant of the Gospel)
+were accepted of Him and were not rejected, nor their standing before
+God put in jeopardy by the departure of others from the faith. Whatever
+office in the priesthood each held, under the ordinations ordered by
+the call of God and vote of the Church, would remain valid. They could
+as elders, priests, teachers, etc., pursue the duties of warning,
+expounding, and inviting all to come to Christ, and by command of
+God, could build up the Church from any single branch, which, like
+themselves, had not bowed the knee to Baal, or departed from the faith
+of the Church as founded in the standard works of the body at the death
+of Joseph and Hyrum Smith."--(Saints' Herald, Feb. 17, 1904).
+
+In their attempt to prove that the Apostles led the Church astray
+and introduced false doctrines, they have one standard by which the
+Church and the Apostles are measured; but in proving that _they_ are
+the "faithful who have kept the new and everlasting covenant" and have
+remained in harmony with "the pattern" their standard of measurement is
+quite another thing. The Church is to be judged by all the unauthorized
+sayings and doings of any or all of its members or ministers. Their
+church is to be judged "by its authorized doctrines and deeds, and not
+by the unauthorized sayings or doings of some or many of its members or
+ministers." (_See Blood Atonement and Origin of Plural Marriage, page
+44_).
+
+They even go so far in their own defense as to reject the teachings and
+revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith, wherein they are in conflict
+with their expressed views and have not been received by them by vote
+of their church as doctrine; but they deny to us the privilege of being
+tried by our "authorized doctrines and deeds," and would force upon us,
+as a body, teachings of any member of the Church wherein they think
+they could make a point to their advantage; and this they have done in
+the courts of the land. We grant unto them the right to be tried by
+that rule laid down by the president of their organization, and claim
+the right to be tried by the same kind of standard. The Church of Jesus
+Christ of Latter-day Saints is not responsible for the sayings or
+doings of any individual in conflict with that which has been received
+as a standard by which the Church is to be governed. We are to be
+judged by _our_ authorized doctrines and deeds not by the whims or
+notions of men. But the ministers of the "Reorganization" have not been
+willing from the beginning to permit us to stand on this platform, but
+insist that we stand on the platform they have prepared for us.
+
+The Bible, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of
+Great Price, including the Articles of Faith, have been received by
+the vote of the Church in general conference assembled as the standard
+works of the Church. On this platform we stand. The Church is not
+responsible for the remarks made by any Elder or for the numerous
+books that have been written. The authors of the words or books must
+be responsible for their own utterances. It is not to be supposed from
+this that all that has been written outside of the standard works of
+the Church is discarded and rejected, for these things are profitable
+as helps in the government of the Church, and to promote faith in the
+members. The point is this, if in these books mistakes are found, "they
+are the mistakes of men," and the Church as an organization is not to
+be held accountable for them, but for that which is received from time
+to time by vote of the Church, as it comes through the President of the
+High Priesthood. When the Lord reveals his mind and will it is to be
+received, "whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it
+is the same," but we are not to be judged by "unauthorized sayings or
+deeds."
+
+The ministers of the "Reorganization" tell us that the Church has
+departed from the teachings received from 1830-1844 in many principles
+of vital importance, viz., the Godhead, marriage, the atonement, the
+location of Zion, Temple building and the ceremonies therein, and other
+things, in which they have strictly adhered to the original faith. We
+will take these subjects up one by one and see which organization it
+is that is following the teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith and the
+doctrines of "the Original Church." First as to the Godhead.
+
+
+THE GODHEAD.
+
+The first article of faith of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
+Saints, reads as follows:
+
+"We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ,
+and in the Holy Ghost."
+
+We accept these three personages as the supreme governing council in
+the heavens. The Father and the Son have tabernacles of flesh and
+bones, and the Holy Ghost is a personage of spirit. (D. & C. 130:22).
+We worship the Father in the name of the Son, who is the Mediator
+between God and man, and His is the only name given whereby man can
+be saved (D. & C. 18:23). We accept Jesus as the Only Begotten Son
+of the Father in the flesh, although we are all His offspring in the
+spirit, (Acts 17:28) and therefore His children. This is the teaching
+of "Mormonism."
+
+We are accused by the Reorganites, however, of departing from the
+doctrines of the Prophet Joseph Smith in that we believe in a plurality
+of Gods. That we believe in a plurality of Gods is true, and if they
+do not--and they confess almost unanimously that they do not--then
+they are not following the teachings and revelations of Joseph Smith.
+If the Father and the Son and the Holy Ghost are separate and distinct
+personages, then they are three Gods, then they are plural, this fact
+Joseph Smith taught to the world. But our Reorganite friends quote from
+a purported discourse of President Brigham Young to the effect that
+Adam is our Father and our God, and the only God with whom we have to
+do. But this discourse even if reported correctly--which we have reason
+to believe is not the case--is not the doctrine of the Church and has
+not been received by the Church. Joseph Smith the Prophet taught a
+plurality of Gods, and moreover, that man, by obeying the commandments
+of God and keeping the whole law will eventually reach the power and
+exaltation by which he also will become a God. And if Reorganites do
+not accept this truth, then they have departed from the teachings of
+the Prophet Joseph Smith. The doctrine of plurality of Gods, did not
+originate with Brigham Young, but was taught him by Joseph Smith.
+
+In a discourse delivered by the Prophet in Nauvoo at the April
+conference of the Church in 1844, he said:
+
+ "I will go back to the beginning before the world was, to show
+ what kind of a being God is. What sort of a being was God in the
+ beginning? Open your ears and hear, all ye ends of the earth, for
+ I am going to prove it to you by the Bible, and to tell you the
+ designs of God in relation to the human race, and why He interferes
+ with the affairs of man.
+
+ "_God himself_ was once as we are now, and is an exalted man, and
+ sits enthroned in yonder heavens! That is the great secret. If the
+ veil were rent today, and the great God who holds this world in
+ its orbit, and who upholds all worlds and all things by His power,
+ was to make Himself visible,--I say, if you were to see Him today,
+ you would see Him like a man in form--like yourselves in all the
+ person, image and very form as a man; for Adam was created in the
+ very fashion, image and likeness of God, and received instruction
+ from, and walked, talked and conversed with Him, as one man talks
+ and communes with another.
+
+* * * * * * * *
+
+ "I shall comment on the very first Hebrew word in the Bible; I
+ will make a comment on the very first sentence of the history of
+ creation in the Bible--_Berosheit_. I want to analyze the word.
+ _Baith_--in, by, through, and everything else. _Rosh_--the head.
+ _Sheit_--grammatical termination. When the inspired man wrote it,
+ he did not put the baith there. An old Jew without any authority
+ added the word; he thought it too bad to begin to talk about the
+ head! It read first, 'The head one of the Gods brought forth the
+ Gods.' That is the true meaning of the word--_Baurau_ signifies
+ to bring forth. If you do not believe it, you do not believe the
+ learned man of God. Learned men can teach you no more than what I
+ have told you. _Thus the head God brought forth the Gods in the
+ grand council_.
+
+ "I will transpose and simplify it in the English language. Oh ye
+ lawyers, ye doctors, and ye priests, who have persecuted me, I want
+ to let you know that the Holy Ghost knows something as well as you
+ do. The head God called together the Gods and sat in grand council
+ to bring forth the world."--(See Era, January, 1909).
+
+In another discourse delivered June 16, 1844 the Prophet said:
+
+ "And hath made us kings and priests unto God _and His Father_: to
+ Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen."--(Rev. 1:6). It
+ is altogether correct in the translation. Now, you know that of
+ late some malicious and corrupt men have sprung up and apostatized
+ from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and they
+ declare that the Prophet believes in a plurality of Gods; and,
+ lo and behold! we have discovered a very great secret, they cry,
+ 'The Prophet says there are many Gods, and this proves that he has
+ fallen.'"
+
+ "I will preach on the plurality of Gods. I have selected this text
+ for the express purpose. I wish to declare I have always, and in
+ all congregations when I have preached on the subject of the Deity,
+ it has been the plurality of Gods. It has been preached by the
+ Elders fifteen years. I have always declared God to be a distinct
+ personage, Jesus Christ a separate and distinct personage from God
+ the Father, and that the Holy Ghost was a distinct personage and a
+ spirit; and these three constitute three distinct personages and
+ three Gods. If this is in accordance with the New Testament, lo
+ and behold! we have three Gods anyhow, and they are plural; and
+ who can contradict it? The text says--'And hath made us kings and
+ priests unto God _and His Father_.' The apostles have discovered
+ that there were Gods above, for Paul says God was the Father of
+ our Lord Jesus Christ. My object was to preach the Scriptures,
+ and preach the doctrine they contain, there being a God above the
+ Father of our Lord Jesus Christ I am bold to declare. * * John was
+ one of the men, and the Apostles declare they were made kings and
+ priests unto God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It reads just
+ so in the Revelations. Hence, the doctrine of a plurality of Gods
+ is as prominent in the Bible as any other doctrine. It is all over
+ the face of the Bible. It stands beyond the power of controversy. A
+ wayfaring man, though a fool, need not err therein.'
+
+ "Paul says there are Gods many, and Lords many * * * But to us
+ there is but one God--that is, _pertaining_ to us; and he is in all
+ and through all. But if Joseph Smith says there are Gods many and
+ Lords many, they cry: 'Away with him! Crucify him, crucify him!'
+ Mankind verily say that the Scriptures are with them. Search the
+ Scriptures, for they testify of things that these apostates would
+ gravely pronounce blasphemy. Paul, if Joseph Smith is a blasphemer,
+ you are. I say there are Gods many, and Lords many, but to us
+ only one; and we are to be in subjection to that one, and no man
+ can limit the bounds or the eternal existence of eternal time. *
+ * * Some say I do not interpret the Scriptures the same as they
+ do. they say it means the heathens' gods. Paul says there are
+ Gods many, and Lords many; and that makes a plurality of Gods, in
+ spite of the whims of all men. * * You know, and I testify, that
+ Paul had no allusion to the heathen gods. I have it from God, and
+ get over it if you can. I have a witness of the Holy Ghost, and
+ a testimony that Paul had no allusion to the heathen gods in the
+ text. I will show from the Hebrew Bible that I am correct, and the
+ first word shows a plurality of Gods; and I want the apostates
+ and learned men to come here and prove to the contrary, if they
+ can. An unlearned boy must give you a little Hebrew. _Berosheit
+ Baurau Eloheim ait aushamayeen vehau auraits_, rendered by King
+ James' translators, 'In the beginning God created the heavens and
+ the earth. I want to analyze the word _Berosheit. Rosh_, the head;
+ _sheit_, a grammatical termination. The _Baith_ was not originally
+ put there when the inspired man wrote it, but it has been since
+ added by an old Jew. Baurau signifies to bring forth; _Eloheim_ is
+ from the word _Eloi_, God in the singular number; and by adding the
+ word _heim_, it renders it Gods. It read first--'In the beginning
+ the head of the Gods brought forth the Gods,' or, as others have
+ translated it--'The head of the Gods called the Gods together.'
+
+* * * * * * *
+
+ "The head God organized the heavens and the earth. I defy all the
+ learning in the world to refute me. 'In the beginning the head of
+ the Gods organized the heavens and the earth.' * * If we pursue
+ the Hebrew text further, it reads--'_Berosheit baurau Eloheim
+ ait Aushamayeen vehau auraits_,' 'The head one of the Gods said,
+ 'Let us make man in our own image.' I once asked a learned Jew
+ 'If the Hebrew language compells us to render all words ending in
+ heim in the plural, why not render the first Eloheim plural? He
+ replied--'That is the rule, with few exceptions; but in this case
+ it would ruin the Bible.' He acknowledged I was right. I came here
+ to investigate these things precisely as I believe them. Hear and
+ judge for yourselves: and if you go away satisfied, well and good.
+
+ "In the very beginning the Bible shows there is a plurality of Gods
+ beyond the power of refutation. * * * The word _Eloheim_ ought to
+ be in the plural all the way through--Gods. The head of the Gods
+ appointed one God for us; and when you take a (this) view of the
+ subject, it sets one free to see all the beauty, holiness and
+ perfection of all the Gods."--(See Mill. Star, Vol. 24:108, et seq).
+
+This is the doctrine taught by Joseph Smith the Prophet at Nauvoo, and
+we accept his teachings as authentic. "But this was not published until
+after the Prophet's death," says our Reorganite objectors, and "Brigham
+Young tampered with history and made it read to suit himself, therefore
+we do not accept it." Nevertheless these two discourses were delivered
+before the congregation of the Saints and thousands of them heard
+the Prophet deliver these remarks, and _if he had not spoken as here
+represented_, the Apostles would not have dared publish his remarks
+within a month or two after they were delivered, for the people would
+have discovered the deception. But thousands of them have testified
+that these discourses were delivered by Joseph Smith. None can, without
+successful contradiction, say he did not deliver them. Again, the
+objection is raised, that these discourses were never accepted by the
+Church as doctrine, and therefore are not binding even if the Prophet
+did deliver them. Very well; the fact remains that the Church has
+accepted the Bible _as far as it is translated correctly_. Therefore,
+where it is not translated correctly we should receive the correct
+translation _when it is given_. The Prophet says the Hebrew word
+_Eloheim_ is plural and means Gods, and should have been so translated
+in the Bible throughout. Is that true? If you think not, why not accept
+the Prophet's challenge to prove to the contrary? If you cannot, then
+hold your peace about it being binding!
+
+Well, my friends of the "Reorganization" we will give you another
+quotation from the Prophet Joseph Smith, _this time it was published_
+before his martyrdom and that too by himself, for which he declared he
+stood responsible (See Times and Seasons, Vol. 3:710). This quotation
+is taken from the _Book of Abraham_ in the _Times and Seasons_ for
+March 1, 1842, which the Prophet says are some ancient records "from
+the Catacombs of Egypt, purporting to be the writings of Abraham,
+which he made in Egypt, called the _Book of Abraham_, written by his
+own hand, upon papyrus." These records were translated by the Prophet
+at Nauvoo, and in the MS. History of the Church prepared under his
+direction, he declares that they are absolutely the writings of
+Abraham, a fact which a reading of them will show. If you accept Joseph
+Smith as a Prophet, Seer and Revelator, you must, if you believe he
+translated the record, accept these writings, at least as the genuine
+translations of Abraham's record. There is no room for quibbling here.
+
+This is from the Prophet's translation:
+
+ "Thus, I Abraham, talked with the Lord face to face, as one man
+ talketh with another. * * * * *
+
+ "Now the Lord had shewn unto me, Abraham, the intelligences that
+ were organized before the world was; and among all these there were
+ many of the noble and great ones, and God saw these souls that they
+ were good, and he stood in the midst of them, and He said, these,
+ I will make my rulers; for He stood among those that were spirits,
+ and He saw that they were good; and He said unto me, Abraham,
+ thou art one of them, thou wast chosen before thou wast born. And
+ there stood one among them that was like unto God, and He said
+ unto those, who were with Him, We will go down, for there is space
+ there, and we will take of these materials, and we will make an
+ Earth whereon these may dwell; and we will prove them herewith, to
+ see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall
+ command them; and they who keep their first estate shall be added
+ upon; and they who keep not their first estate, shall not have
+ glory in the same kingdom with those who keep their first estate;
+ and they who keep their second estate, shall have glory added upon
+ their heads forever and forever.
+
+ Verse 23. "And the Lord said, who shall I send? And one answered
+ like unto the Son of Man, here am I, send me. And another answered
+ and said, here am I, send me. And the Lord said, I will send the
+ first. And the second was angry and kept not his first estate, and,
+ at that day, many followed after him. And then the Lord said, let
+ us go down; and they went down at the beginning, and they organized
+ and formed (that is, the Gods) the heavens and the earth. And the
+ earth, after it was formed, was empty and desolate; because they
+ had not formed anything but the earth; and darkness reigned upon
+ the face of the deep, and the spirit of the Gods was brooding upon
+ the face of the water.
+
+ 24. And they said, the Gods, let there be light, and there was
+ light. And they, the Gods, comprehended the light, for it was
+ bright; and they divided the light, or caused it to be divided from
+ the darkness, and the Gods called the light day, and the darkness
+ they called night. * * * * *
+
+ 25. And the Gods also said let there be an expanse in the midst of
+ the waters, and it shall divide the waters from the waters. And the
+ Gods ordered the expanse, so that it divided the waters which were
+ under the expanse from the waters which were above the expanse: and
+ it was so, even as they ordered. And the Gods called the expanse
+ heaven. * * *
+
+ 26. And the Gods ordered, saying, let the waters under the heavens
+ be gathered unto one place, and let the earth come up dry, and it
+ was so, as they ordered; and the Gods pronounced the earth dry."
+
+Thus it continues unto the end of the 32nd verse in each verse
+declaring that the formation of the earth was done under the direction
+of the Gods. This agrees admirably with the discourses delivered at
+Nauvoo in 1844, previously quoted. Is it true doctrine? It certainly
+was taught by Joseph Smith, so in accepting it, we are not so far out
+of harmony with his teachings on this subject as our enemies have
+stated. Here again we hear another objection from our Reorganite
+brethren. Say they: "This _Book of Abraham_ was never accepted by the
+Church in the Prophet's day as doctrine and it has not been so accepted
+by us; it is not a part of 'our authorized doctrines and deeds,'
+therefore it is not binding on us." Perhaps so, you may not have
+accepted it. That does not destroy the truth of this doctrine, which
+the Prophet Joseph Smith and the Church in his day _did accept_--the
+Doctrine of plurality of Gods. Do you deny this? If so then you deny
+the revelations of God given through the Seer and _you_ are out of
+harmony with the revelations given through that man. The Bible and
+the Doctrine and Covenants both have been received as the law of the
+Church, and these sacred books both teach the doctrine of plurality
+of Gods. First as to the Bible: I quote in each instance from the
+"Inspired Translation."
+
+ "For the Lord your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great
+ God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor
+ taketh reward."--(Deut. 10:17).
+
+ Joshua says: "The Lord God of gods, the Lord God of gods, he
+ knoweth, and Israel he shall know."--(Josh. 22:22).
+
+ David the Psalmist says: "Oh give thanks unto the Lord; for He is
+ good; for His mercy endureth forever.
+
+ "Oh give thanks unto the God of gods; for His mercy endureth
+ forever.
+
+ "Oh give thanks to the Lord of lords, for His mercy endureth
+ forever."--(Psalm 136:1-3).
+
+ Again he says in the 138th Psalm: "I will praise Thee with my whole
+ heart; before the gods, will sing praise unto Thee."
+
+But you say these were the heathen gods? but that will never do, surely
+the Lord is not the chief God of the heathen gods. Perhaps we may
+discover more light on the subject.
+
+ Again the Psalmist sings: "God standeth in the congregation of the
+ mighty; he judgeth among the gods. * * * I have said ye are gods;
+ and all of you are children of the Most High."
+
+Say what you will of the other passages, but of this you must admit
+that the heathen gods are not mentioned, for this truth received the
+divine approval of the Redeemer Himself as He taught the apostate Jew:
+Hear Him:
+
+ "I and my Father are one."
+
+ "Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shown you from my
+ Father; for which of those works do ye stone me?
+
+ "The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not;
+ but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, maketh
+ thyself God."
+
+ "Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are
+ gods?
+
+ "If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, _and the
+ Scriptures cannot be broken_;
+
+ "Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the
+ world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God?"
+
+And the Jews were shocked, just as a Reorganite minister is, with this
+doctrine of plurality of Gods, and they sought the life of the Savior,
+but He was delivered out of their midst.
+
+The Apostle John in his First Epistle and third chapter also teaches
+this doctrine:
+
+ "Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that
+ we should be called the sons of God; therefore _the world knoweth
+ us not_, because it knew him not.
+
+ "Beloved, _now are we the sons of God_, and _it doth not yet appear
+ what we shall be_; but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall
+ be like him; for we shall see him as he is."
+
+If the faithful, who keep the commandments of the Father are _His
+sons_, then they are heirs of the kingdom and shall receive of the
+fulnesss of the Father's glory, even until they become like Father. And
+how can they be perfect as their Father in heaven is perfect if they
+are not like Him?
+
+In the revelations given to Joseph which were accepted by the Church
+before 1844, the doctrine of plurality of Gods is also taught. From the
+"Vision" one of the grandest revelations ever given to man, I quote the
+following:
+
+ "And again, we bear record for we saw and heard, and this is the
+ testimony of the Gospel of Christ, concerning them who come forth
+ in the resurrection of the just: They are they who received the
+ testimony of Jesus, and believed on His name, and were baptized
+ after the manner of His burial, being buried in the water in His
+ name, and this according to the commandment which He has given,
+ that by keeping the commandments, they might be washed and cleansed
+ from all their sins, and receive the Holy Spirit by the laying on
+ of the hands of him who is ordained and sealed unto this power:
+ and who overcome by faith, and are sealed by the Holy Spirit of
+ promise, which the Father sheds forth upon all those who are just
+ and true; they are they who are the Church of the firstborn; they
+ are they into whose hands the Father has given all things; they are
+ they who are priests and kings, who have received of His fulnesss,
+ and of His glory, and are priests of the Most High after the order
+ of Melchizedek, which was after the order of Enoch, which was after
+ the order of the Only Begotten Son; wherefore, as it is written,
+ they are gods, even the sons of God; wherefore all things are
+ theirs, whether life or death, or things present, or things to
+ come, all are theirs, and they are Christ's and Christ is God's
+ and they shall overcome all things."--(D. & C., Sec. 76:50-60.
+ Reorganite edition, 76:5).
+
+How could this doctrine be stated plainer? This is the doctrine taught
+by the Savior to the Jews, by David in his psalms and by others of
+the prophets. Here it is stated emphatically that they who are of the
+Church of the Firstborn (i. e., those who keep the whole law) even
+"_as it is written, they are gods_, even the sons of God!" Where is it
+written? In this section; and in the words of the Savior wherein He
+says, referring to David's Psalm, "_the Scriptures cannot be broken_"
+(John 10:34-36). Doesn't this teach plainly the doctrine of plurality
+of Gods? Does it not teach the fact that the children shall, through
+obedience, sometime obtain the exaltation of the Gods themselves? If
+not what does it mean? Even a Reorganite dare not argue that these are
+the heathen gods!
+
+Now, if they overcome _all things, then_ there _are not some things_
+that they do not overcome. If these are to receive "of His fulnesss
+and of His glory, and if into their 'hands the Father has _given all
+things_, then the Father _has not withheld_ some of the fulnesss of
+His glory, or _some things_. And if they receive His fulnesss and His
+glory, and if _all things_ are theirs, whether life or death, or things
+present, or things to come, _all are theirs_," how can they receive
+these blessings and not become Gods? They cannot. Yet this is doctrine
+received by the Church and taught by Joseph Smith the Seer.
+
+Speaking of this same subject in the revelation on Priesthood (Sec.
+84:35-40. Reorganite edition, 83:6) the Lord says:
+
+ "And also all they who receive this priesthood receiveth me, saith
+ the Lord, for he that receiveth my servants receiveth me, and he
+ that receiveth me receiveth my Father, and he that receiveth my
+ Father receiveth my Father's kingdom. Therefore, _all that my
+ Father hath_ shall be given unto him; and this is according to the
+ oath and covenant which belongeth to the priesthood.[1] Therefore,
+ all those who receiveth the priesthood receiveth this oath and
+ covenant of my Father, _which He cannot break, neither can it be
+ moved_; but whoso breaketh this covenant, after he hath received
+ it, and altogether turneth therefrom, shall not have forgiveness of
+ sins in this world nor in the world to come."
+
+Here again we are given to understand that those who are faithful in
+obtaining the priesthood and magnifying their calling that they become
+of the Church of the Firstborn, receiving ALL THAT THE FATHER HATH!
+and this according to an oath and covenant that cannot be broken. Now,
+again, how are they to receive _all that the Father hath_, if something
+is withheld? And if something is not withheld, how can they receive all
+that He hath and not become as He is, that is, Gods themselves?
+
+Here is another revelation given to the Prophet December 27, 1832. This
+is section 88 and verses 106-7 (Reorganite edition, 85:33):
+
+ "And again, another angel shall sound his trump, which is the
+ seventh angel, saying, It is finished! It is finished! the Lamb
+ of God hath overcome and trodden the wine-press alone; even the
+ wine-press of the fierceness of the wrath of Almighty God; And
+ then shall the angels be crowned with the glory of His might,
+ and the saints shall be filled with His glory, and receive their
+ inheritance and be _made equal with Him_" (i. e., with Christ).
+
+How can the Saints receive of His fulnesss and be _equal_ with the Lord
+and not be as He is, that is Gods? This is not the doctrine of Brigham
+Young (for then in the eyes of Reorganites it would be blasphemy),
+but these are the revelations of the Lord to Joseph Smith. And these
+revelations have been received by the "Reorganized" Church as binding
+on them, yet they do not accept the truth these revelations contain.
+Therefore, they prove themselves to be those who have departed from the
+teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith.
+
+
+ADAM.
+
+A word now, in relation to Adam. If all those, _as it is written--and
+the Scriptures cannot be broken_--are Gods unto whom the word of God
+came, and they are to receive all things, even the fulnesss of the
+Father's glory and be made equal with him, will not Father Adam be
+included among them? What do the Scriptures say of _him_?
+
+In section 27 of the Doctrine and Covenants he is called, Michael, or
+Adam, the _father of all, the prince of all_, the "ancient of days."
+
+ In section 107:54-55: "And the Lord appeared unto them, and they
+ rose up and blessed Adam, and called him Michael, the Prince, the
+ Archangel,
+
+ "And the Lord administered comfort unto Adam, and said unto him, _I
+ have set thee to be at the head_--a multitude of nations shall come
+ of thee, and _thou art a prince over them forever_." Section 78:16:
+ "Who hath appointed Michael your prince, and established his feet,
+ and _set him upon high, and given unto him the keys of Salvation
+ under the counsel and direction of the Holy One_, who is without
+ beginning of days or end of life."
+
+These expressions are from the revelations to Joseph Smith, Brigham
+Young did not receive them, although he accepted them.
+
+This is what the Prophet said in a discourse in 1839:
+
+ "The Priesthood was first given to Adam, he obtained the First
+ Presidency, and held the keys of it from generation to generation.
+ He obtained it in the Creation, before the world was formed, as
+ in Gen. 1:26, 27, 28. He had dominion given him over every living
+ creature. He is Michael, the Archangel spoken of in the Scriptures.
+ * * * * The Priesthood is an everlasting principle, and existed
+ with God from eternity, and will to eternity, without beginning
+ of days or end of years. The keys have to be brought from heaven
+ whenever the Gospel is sent. When they are revealed from heaven,
+ _it is by Adam's authority_. (My italics.)
+
+ "Daniel in his seventh chapter speaks of the Ancient of Days; he
+ means the oldest man, our Father Adam, Michael, he will call his
+ children together and hold a council with them to prepare them for
+ the coming of the Son of Man. He (Adam) is the father of the human
+ family, and presides over the spirits of all men, and all that have
+ had the keys must stand before him in this grand council. This may
+ take place before some of us leave this stage of action. The Son of
+ Man stands before him, and there is given him glory and dominion.
+ Adam delivers up his stewardship to Christ, that which was
+ delivered to him as holding the keys of the universe, but retains
+ his standing as head of the human family.--(History of the Church,
+ Vol. 3:385-7. See also Vol. 4:207-9.)
+
+Now, if all the Saints who become members of the Church of the
+Firstborn are to become Gods--_and the Scriptures cannot be
+broken_--through the fulnesss of the Father's glory which they are to
+receive after they are "made equal with Him," will not Adam, who is
+appointed "_to be at the head_" as "a prince over them forever," be one
+of them? And as one of them he shall hold the scepter of power and rule
+over them under the direction of the Holy One of Israel, and they shall
+be in subjection to him forever.
+
+This was taught by Joseph Smith, and in departing from it, the
+"Reorganized" Church has denied the revelations and teachings of the
+Lord.
+
+
+THE ONLY BEGOTTEN OF THE FATHER.
+
+In connection with this subject, Reorganites also claim that Brigham
+Young went astray and apostatized because he declared that Jesus
+Christ was not begotten of the Holy Ghost. Reorganites claim that He
+was begotten of the Holy Ghost, and they make the statement that the
+Scriptures so teach. But they do err not understanding the Scriptures.
+They tell us the Book of Mormon states that Jesus was begotten of the
+Holy Ghost. I challenge the statement; the Book of Mormon teaches no
+such thing! Neither does the Bible. It is true there is one passage
+that states so but we must consider it in the light of other passages
+with which it is in conflict. The Book of Mormon says:
+
+ "And behold, He shall be born of Mary at Jerusalem * * she being a
+ virgin, a precious and chosen vessel, who shall be overshadowed,
+ and conceive _by the power_ of the Holy Ghost."
+
+With this Luke agrees:
+
+ "Then said Mary unto the angel; How can this be?
+
+ "And the angel answered and said unto her, of the Holy Ghost,
+ and _the power of the Highest_. Therefore also, that holy child
+ that shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.--Luke
+ 1:34-35).
+
+In Matthew it reads "of the Holy Ghost" which evidently means "power of
+the Holy Ghost," to agree with the Book of Mormon and with Luke.
+
+If Reorganites are correct then Jesus is not the Only Begotten Son of
+the Father, but the Son of the Holy Ghost. This will not do for it
+conflicts with the Scriptures. The Prophet taught that the Father,
+Son and Holy Ghost were three separate personages, and that Jesus was
+the Only Begotten of the Father. In the Book of Genesis, (Inspired
+Scriptures) Jesus is spoken of throughout as the _Only Begotten of
+the Father_ not less than _twelve_ times and in the Book of Mormon
+at least five times and a great number of times in the Doctrine and
+Covenants (see section 76:23, 25, 35, 57) and in these Scriptures He is
+spoken of as the Son of God innumerable times. Now, if He is the _Only
+Begotten_ of the Father in the flesh, He must be the Son of the Father
+and not the Son of the Holy Ghost. Yet, to be consistent, Reorganites
+must claim that Jesus is the Son of the Holy Ghost and not the Son of
+God the Father. Their alternative--if it can be called such--must be,
+then, the stand of Mr. William H. Kelley, the "president" of their
+"apostles," who in a written statement in answer to the question put to
+him by the writer, September 10, 1903: "You say that Jesus Christ the
+Son of God was begotten of the Holy Ghost. Is He the Son of the Holy
+Ghost?"
+
+Mr. Kelley signed his answer as follows: "_I do not know_. Wm. H.
+Kelley."
+
+Just think of this for a moment. Here is a man professing to be the
+Chief of the Special Witnesses for Christ, declaring that he does not
+know whether Jesus is the Son of God the Father or the Son of the Holy
+Ghost. And the Savior declared it so plainly that He was the Son of
+the Father, His Only Begotten, and was so acknowledged by the Father
+throughout the Scriptures. "And this is life eternal, that they might
+know Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent."
+John 17:3. Again we prove that _they_ have departed from the Scriptures
+and the teachings and revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith. Why do
+they make this error? Because they do not understand the Scriptures and
+fail to recognize the fact that all things that the Father doeth are
+done by the _power of the Holy Ghost_.
+
+
+MARRIAGE.
+
+The question of Celestial (including plural) marriage is treated quite
+extensively in _Blood Atonement and the Origin of Plural Marriage_ so
+it will be passed with a brief notice here.
+
+We maintain with abundant authority that Joseph Smith the Prophet
+introduced Celestial Marriage, that is, marriage for eternity, into
+the Church. This fact has been admitted by many members of the
+"Reorganized" Church, notwithstanding they attack us on this doctrine
+and say it is not a doctrine of the Church. And while they attack us
+the better part of them hope it is true. What is there so terrible in
+the doctrine of the preservation of the family union in eternity? What
+right-living God-fearing man is there but would be glad to meet his
+parents, his wife and children, in the kingdom of God and know they
+were united never again to separate? While this belief is not taught
+in the creeds of men--including the Reorganites--yet there is a hope
+burning in the bosoms of many people that this doctrine _may_ prove
+true!
+
+Well, it is a Scriptural doctrine, and it _is_ true, for the Lord
+revealed it to Joseph Smith. In the beginning, the very first marriage
+was one intended to last forever. Do you not believe it? I quote from
+the Inspired Scriptures:
+
+ "And I, God, created man _in mine own image_, in the image of mine
+ Only Begotten created I him, _male and female created I them_,
+ And I, God, blessed them, and said unto them, Be fruitful, and
+ multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it; and have dominion
+ over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over
+ every living thing that moveth upon the earth."--(Genesis 1:29-30).
+
+This was a spiritual creation, man was created in the image of God,
+_male and female_, first in the Spirit, and told in that spiritual
+creation that they were expected to multiply and replenish the earth
+when they were placed upon it to subdue it. This we prove from the
+second chapter of Genesis beginning with the fifth verse:
+
+ "For I, the Lord God, created all things of which I have spoken
+ _spiritually_, before they were naturally upon the face of the
+ earth; for I, the Lord God, had not caused it to rain upon the face
+ of the earth.
+
+ "And I, the Lord God, had created all the children of men, and
+ not yet a man to till the ground, for in heaven created I them,
+ and there was not yet flesh upon the earth, neither in the water,
+ neither in the air."
+
+ Verse 23. "And I, the Lord God, said unto mine Only Begotten, that
+ it was not good that the man should be alone;
+
+ "Wherefore, I will make an help meet for him."
+
+Here the Lord declares that it is not good for man to be alone, and
+therefore he gave him an helpmeet, Eve; and this union was formed
+before _mortality or death came into the world_, and there is no
+indication that it was meant to have an end. If, therefore, it was not
+good for man to be alone before the days of mortality, will it not also
+be good for man to have a helpmeet _after_ mortality has passed away?
+Paul thought so, said he: "Nevertheless neither is the man without the
+woman, neither the woman without the man, _in the Lord_."--(I Cor.
+11:11).
+
+Alexender H. Smith, "Patriarch" of the "Reorganized" Church, in a
+discourse that is very excellent in many respects, delivered July 1,
+1903, and published in "Zion's Ensign" of December 31, 1903, taught
+the eternity of the marriage covenant as strongly and emphatically as
+it could have been done by an Elder of the Church of Jesus Christ of
+Latter-day Saints. The subject of the discourse was: "In My Father's
+house are many mansions," after enlarging upon the theme for some time,
+he concludes his discourse with some personal testimony regarding the
+last illness of his mother from which the following extracts are here
+produced:
+
+ "Pretty son the still, small voice of the Spirit said, "If your
+ mother dies _she will be with her companion, Joseph_. If she lives
+ she cannot but live a few short years at most of pain and anguish."
+
+* * * * * * * * * * * *
+
+ "Just before she passed away she called, 'Joseph, Joseph,' I
+ thought she meant my brother. He was in the room, and I spoke to
+ him, and said, Joseph, mother wants you. I was at the head of the
+ bed. My mother raised right up, lifted her left hand as high as she
+ could raise it, and called, Joseph. I put my left arm under her
+ shoulders, took her hand in mine, saying, Mother, what is it, laid
+ her hand on her bosom, and she was dead; she had passed away.
+
+ "And when I talked of her calling, Sr. Revel, who was with us
+ during our sickness, said, Don't you understand that? No, I
+ replied, I do not. Well, a short time before she died she had a
+ vision which she related to me. She said that your father came to
+ her and said to her, Emma, come with me, it is time for you to come
+ with me. And as she related it she said, I put on my bonnet and
+ my shawl and went with him; I did not think that it was anything
+ unusual. I went with him into a mansion, a beautiful mansion, and
+ he showed me through the different apartments of that beautiful
+ mansion. And one room was the nursery. In that nursery was a babe
+ in the cradle. She said, I knew my babe, my Don Carlos that was
+ taken away from me. She sprang forward, caught the child up in her
+ arms, and wept with joy over the child. When she recovered herself
+ sufficiently she turned to Joseph, and said. Where are the rest of
+ my children? He said to her, Emma, be patient, and you shall have
+ all of your children."
+
+Then Alexander comments:
+
+ "Do you wonder why, as a son of that mother, I plead for those who
+ believe upon the Lord Jesus Christ, and picture their beautiful
+ home in the city of God, in the language that I do, when I realize
+ that my mother occupies, or will occupy one of those beautiful
+ mansions? _It may be imagination; but it is grand_; it fills me
+ with a grand hope."
+
+And so they do hope, notwithstanding the fact that they oppose us in
+this doctrine, and say that there is no union of parents and children
+in family union after death. They secretly hope, and pray in their very
+hearts, that after all in this we _may_ be right.
+
+
+BLOOD ATONEMENT.
+
+This subject is also found in _Blood Atonement and the Origin of Plural
+Marriage_, therefore only a brief outline will be given here. Joseph
+Smith taught that there were certain sins so grievous that man may
+commit, that will place the transgressors beyond the power of the
+atonement of Christ. If these offenses are committed, then the blood of
+Christ will not cleanse them from their sins even though they repent.
+Therefore their only hope is to have their own blood shed to _atone_,
+as far as possible, in their behalf. This is Scriptural doctrine, and
+is taught in all the standard works of the Church. The doctrine was
+established in the beginning, that "Whoso sheddeth man's blood, _by man
+shall his_ blood shed to _atone_ as far as possible, in their behalf.
+For a commandment I give, that every man's brother shall preserve the
+life of man, for in mine own image have I made man."--(Genesis 9:12-13,
+Inspired Scriptures).
+
+This was the law among the Nephites: "Wo unto the murderer, who
+deliberately killeth, _for he shall die_."--(II Nephi 9:35).
+
+John says: "If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto
+death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not
+unto death. _There is a sin unto death_: I do not say that ye shall
+pray for it."
+
+Every nation since the world began has practiced blood atonement at
+least in part as that doctrine is based upon the Scriptures. And men
+for certain crimes have had to _atone_ for their sins wherein they have
+placed themselves beyond the redeeming power of the blood of Christ.
+
+But that the Church practices "Blood Atonement" on apostates or any
+others, which is preached by ministers of the "Reorganization" is a
+damnable falsehood for which the accusers must answer.
+
+
+ZION.
+
+Members of the "Reorganized" Church inform us that Zion does not
+include Utah,[2] but is limited to Jackson County, Mo., and the regions
+round about, Nauvoo being one of the "corner stones;" and when the
+Saints came westward they left the borders of Zion. Moreover, since
+Temples were to be built in Zion and Jerusalem, all the Temples we may
+build in Utah or the West are not recognized of the Lord on this ground
+alone, if no other.
+
+We accept the fact that the center place where the City New Jerusalem
+is to be built, is in Jackson Country, Missouri. It was never the
+intention to substitute Utah or any other place for Jackson Country.
+But we do hold that Zion when reference is made to the land, is as
+broad as America, both North and South--all of it is Zion. If Zion is
+limited in its scope to the country surrounding Jackson County, it
+is indeed too bad that Nephi did not know that fact. What a glorious
+thing it would have been had there been a few Reorganites in his day
+to inform him of it. Then he and his people would not have fallen into
+the error of building Temples--like unto Solomon's at Jerusalem--away
+off down in Central or South America, but they could have placed one
+in Jackson Country, or the regions round about. It was really an
+unfortunate occurrence.
+
+But to be serious. The Book of Mormon informs us that the whole of
+America, both North and South, is a choice land above all other lands,
+in other words--Zion. The Lord told the Jaredites that He would lead
+them to a land "which is choice above all the land of the earth."
+(Ether 1:42). We understand that they landed in Central America where
+their kingdom existed the greater part of their residence in America.
+When the Lord led the family of Lehi to this land, He said to them:
+"And inasmuch as ye shall keep my commandments, ye shall prosper,
+and shall be led to a land of promise; yea, even a land which I have
+prepared for you; yea, a land which is choice above all other lands."
+(I. Nephi, 2:20). It is generally understood that they landed in South
+America, and that their nations, the Nephites and Lamanites, dwelt in
+South and Central America during the greater part of their sojourn
+here. At any rate, the time of their civilization was principally spent
+in the South and not in the region now comprising the United States.
+This proves beyond the possibility of doubt that the choice land was
+South as well as North America, and while the City New Jerusalem, which
+the Book of Mormon tells us is to be built on this land that is choice
+above all other lands, will be in Jackson County, nevertheless, if one
+accepts the Book of Mormon, one must accept the whole hemisphere as the
+land of Zion.
+
+At the April conference of the Church, held at Nauvoo in 1844, the
+Prophet Joseph Smith declared that the whole of America was Zion. (See
+Mill. Star, 23:280). His remarks are recorded in the _Life of Joseph
+the Prophet_ (Reorganite edition, page 503) as follows:
+
+ "But in the mighty sweep of the crowning sermons of his life we
+ must not overlook the more miscellaneous gems and striking sayings.
+ Here is one for America, like the sound of an archangel's trump:
+
+ "I want to make a proclamation to the Elders. You know very well
+ that the Lord has led this Church by revelation. I have now another
+ revelation--a grand and glorious revelation. I shall not be able to
+ dwell as largely upon it as at some other time, but I will give you
+ the first principles. You know there has been a great discussion
+ in relation to Zion, where it is, and where the gathering of the
+ dispensation is, which I am now going to tell you. The Prophets
+ have spoken and written upon it, but I will make a proclamation
+ that will cover a broader ground. _The whole of America is Zion
+ itself_, from north to south, and is described by the Prophets,
+ who declared that it is the Zion, where the mountain of the Lord
+ should be, and that it should be in the centre of the land. When
+ the Elders will take up and examine the old prophecies in the Bible
+ they will see it."
+
+
+"AN ESOTERIC GOSPEL."
+
+Another charge is that after the death of Joseph and Hyrum Smith,
+President Young and the Apostles introduced secrets into the Church,
+that they claimed to hold "_keys that the written word never spoke
+of, nor never will_." (True Succession, p. 122). All this, say they,
+is contrary to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to the teachings of
+Joseph Smith, who always taught openly and not in secret. One of their
+defenders writing on this point quotes from the Redeemer as follows:
+
+ "Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in
+ the synagogue, and in the temple, wither the Jews always resort;
+ _and in secret have I said nothing_. Why ask thou me? ask them:
+ behold they know what I said." (John 18:18-21.)
+
+ "But Brigham was afraid that people would ask his followers what he
+ taught. In speaking of some who wanted their endowments, he says:
+ 'Well, he gets his endowment, and what for? To go to California,
+ and _reveal everything he can_, and stir up wickedness, and prepare
+ himself for hell." (Journal of Discourses, 2: 144).
+
+ "Christ was not afraid of any revealments. He stood there among
+ His enemies, defying them to find any fault with His teachings;
+ but Brigham was afraid of what his followers might reveal of his
+ doctrine and secret works. Did he represent Christ?" (Necessity for
+ a Reorganization, p. 30).
+
+Yes, Jesus taught the Gospel openly as far as the Jews were able to
+stand it; but it does not follow that he did not teach His disciples
+things that were not for the world! And at times He was constrained by
+His Father from teaching His disciples some truths. Why? Because of the
+hardness of their hearts they were not able to receive His teachings.
+In not revealing everything to the world, did Brigham Young,--aye, did
+Joseph Smith represent Christ? for Brigham Young was only following in
+the footsteps of the Seer! What was it the Savior said to Peter, James,
+and John, when they came down from the mount of transfiguration? Jesus
+charged them, saying, "Tell the vision to no man, until the Son of Man
+be risen again from the dead."--Matt. 17:8. (Inspired Scriptures) Why
+didn't he tell them to proclaim it openly from the housetops? Because
+it was not for the world! Jesus was in the habit of teaching the people
+in parables. On one occasion when He had thus spoken, His disciples
+came and said unto him:
+
+ "Why speakest Thou unto them in parables? He answered and said unto
+ them, _Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the
+ kingdom of heaven_, but _to them_ it is not given. For whosoever
+ receiveth, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance;
+ but whosoever continueth not to receive, from him _shall be taken
+ away even that he hath_. Therefore speak I to them in parables;
+ because they, seeing, see not; and hearing, they hear not; neither
+ do they understand." (Matt. 13:8-12).
+
+On another occasion Jesus said unto His disciples: "And other sheep
+I have, which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they
+shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd."
+(John 10:16). But He did not tell them who those "other sheep" were.
+The reason He failed to tell them this interesting fact we learn from
+the Book of Mormon:
+
+ "And now it came to pass that when Jesus had spoken these words,
+ He said unto those Twelve whom He had chosen, ye are my disciples;
+ and ye are a light unto this people, who are a remnant of the
+ house of Joseph. And behold, this is the land of your inheritance;
+ and the Father hath given it unto you. And not at any time hath
+ the Father given me commandment that I should tell it unto your
+ brethren at Jerusalem; neither at any time hath the Father given
+ me commandment, that I should tell unto them concerning the other
+ tribes of the house of Israel, whom the Father hath led away out
+ of the land. This much did the Father command me, that I should
+ tell unto them. That other sheep I have, which are not of this
+ fold; them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice, and
+ there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. And now, _because
+ of stiffneckedness and unbelief, they understood not my word:
+ therefore I was commanded to say no more of the Father concerning
+ this thing unto them_." (III. Nephi, 15:11-17).
+
+How different this is from Reorganite philosophy, according to their
+rule of faith, Jesus should have spoken boldly and openly and should
+not have withheld anything. Was Jesus "_afraid_ of any revealments?"
+
+Paul says he knew a man, whether in the body, or out of the body, he
+could not tell, "How that he was caught up into paradise, and _heard
+unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter_." What
+made the words unlawful to utter to man? simply because in the hardness
+of his heart and unbelief, man was not worthy to hear them, he could
+not endure them.
+
+The Book of Mormon is most emphatic on this point that there are
+"mysteries" that are not to be revealed to the unfaithful. This is from
+the Prophet Alma:
+
+ "And now Alma began to expound these things unto him, (Zeezrom),
+ saying, It is given unto many _to know the mysteries_ of God;
+ _nevertheless they are laid under a strict command, that they shall
+ not impart only according to the portion of His word, which He doth
+ grant unto the children of men; according to the heed and diligence
+ which they give unto Him_; and therefore he that will harden his
+ heart, the same receiveth the lesser portion of the word; and he
+ that will not harden his heart, to him is given the greater portion
+ of the word, _until he know them in full_; and they that will
+ harden their hearts, to them is given the _lesser portion_ of the
+ word, _until they know nothing concerning his mysteries_; and then
+ they are taken captive by the devil, and led by his will down to
+ destruction. Now, this is what is meant by the chains of hell."
+
+It is because Reorganites have hardened their hearts that they have
+not received the _greater portion_ of the word, even the mysteries,
+and therefore they are, through their hard-heartedness and unbelief,
+captives of the devil and in danger of the chains of hell.
+
+If the Lord places His servants under a strict command _not to reveal_
+His word, "only according to the portion of His word, which He doth
+grant unto the children of men, according to the heed and diligence
+which they give unto Him;" and, therefore, they withhold some of those
+things from the world that have been revealed unto them does that make
+them _cowardly_? If so, not only Brigham Young, but Joseph Smith, yes,
+even the Son of Man Himself would be cowardly. No, the fact that they
+have refused to do this thing proves them to possess the greatest
+courage, for it has caused them to face persecutions, even death.
+
+We are told that the Book of Mormon contains the fulnesss of the
+Gospel, yet the greater parts of the teachings of the Savior to that
+people are not yet revealed, because of the unbelief of the people.
+This is from III. Nephi, 26th chapter:
+
+ "And now there cannot be written in this book even a hundredth part
+ of the teachings which Jesus did truly teach unto the people; but
+ behold the plates of Nephi do contain the more part of the things
+ which He taught the people; and these things have I written, which
+ are a _lesser part_ of the things which He taught the people; and I
+ have written them to the intent that they may be brought again unto
+ this people, from the Gentiles, according to the words which Jesus
+ hath spoken.
+
+ "And when they shall have received this, which is expedient that
+ they should have first, _to try their faith_, and if it shall so
+ be that they shall believe these things, then shall the _greater
+ things_ be made manifest unto them. And if it so be that they will
+ not believe these things, then shall the greater things be withheld
+ from them, _unto their condemnation_. Behold I was about to write
+ them all which were engraven upon the plates of Nephi, _but the
+ Lord forbid it, saying, I will try the faith of my people_."
+ (Verses 6-11).
+
+The calling of Brigham Young a coward for withholding some things that
+the Lord has revealed to His Church, may be excused because of the
+ignorance of the accusers; but who dare presume to say the Lord was
+cowardly because He withheld the greater things from His people? And
+yet if you have done it unto one of His servants ye have done it unto
+Him.
+
+Again:
+
+ "Behold, I have written upon these plates the very things which
+ the brother of Jared saw: and there never was greater things made
+ manifest, than that which was made manifest unto the brother of
+ Jared; wherefore the Lord hath commanded me to write them; and I
+ have written them. And He commanded me that I should seal them up;
+ and He also hath commanded that I should seal up the interpretation
+ thereof; wherefore I have sealed up the interpreters, according to
+ the commandment of the Lord. For the Lord said unto me, They shall
+ not go forth unto the Gentiles until the day that they shall repent
+ of their iniquity, and become clean before the Lord." (Ether 4:4-6).
+
+Joseph the Prophet was commanded to keep some things from going out
+into the world that had been revealed unto him and the Church. He also
+received revelations that he could not teach to the Church in the
+beginning, no more than Jesus could teach all things to His disciples.
+When he did reveal some of the "mysteries" there were many who left Him
+and denied the faith, just as they did when Jesus told His disciples He
+was the bread of life (John 6:66). "Many of them went back and walked
+no more with Him." The Prophet said at Kirtland, April 6, 1837: "If the
+Church knew all the commandments, one half they would condemn through
+prejudice and ignorance. (Hist. of Church, Vol. 2:477). A great many
+did fall away at that time, not being able to endure, and among them
+were the Witnesses of the Book of Mormon, one of whom afterwards set up
+a church of his own, declaring that Joseph Smith was a fallen Prophet,
+and rejecting all his commandments given after about 1835.
+
+The Lord gave a revelation to the Prophet, March 7, 1831, at Kirtland
+(Sec. 45), in which He revealed many things to take place before His
+second coming, and at the close of the revelation He said:
+
+ "And now I say unto you, _keep these things from going abroad unto
+ the world_, until it is expedient in me that ye may accomplish this
+ work in the eyes of the people, and in the eyes of your enemies,
+ that they may not know your works until ye have accomplished the
+ thing which I have commanded you."
+
+When the Prophet Joseph gave his charge to the first foreign
+missionaries of the Church, Elders Heber C. Kimball, Orson Hyde, Joseph
+Fielding, and others, he said:
+
+ "My instructions to the brethren were, when they arrived in
+ England, to adhere closely to the first principles of the Gospel,
+ and remain _silent_ concerning the _gathering_, the _vision_, (D. &
+ C., Sec. 76), and the _Book of Doctrine and Covenants_, until such
+ time as the work was fully established, and it should be clearly
+ made manifest by the Spirit to do otherwise. (Hist. of Church,
+ 2:492).
+
+Was there anything in the doctrine of _gathering_, in the _vision_,
+or the _Doctrine and Covenants_, that Joseph Smith was ashamed of?
+Was he "afraid that people would ask his followers what he taught?"
+that he gave such a charge to these first foreign missionaries of the
+Church! Was he afraid, a coward? No, he was merely obeying the voice
+of the Spirit, for the people were not prepared to receive these
+things. Brigham Young was no more "afraid that the people would ask his
+followers what he taught," than was Joseph Smith, or even the Master
+Himself, when He commanded certain of His disciples to withhold some of
+His teachings from the world, until after His resurrection.
+
+Now, our Reorganite friends have attempted to make considerable capital
+out of the statement of President Brigham Young, that there were "keys
+that the written word never spoke of, nor never will." In the light of
+the facts herein set forth, that "it is given unto many to _know the
+mysteries_ of God; _nevertheless they are laid under a strict command,
+that they shall not impart only according to the portion of His word,
+which He doth grant unto the children of men_; according to the _heed_
+and _diligence_ which they give unto Him, and that things have been
+revealed to the faithful even to babes, that were "_forbidden_, that
+there should not any man _write them_," and that many of them have
+seen and heard "_unspeakable things_, which are _not lawful to be
+written_," (III. Nephi 26:16, 18). is it, after all, so unreasonable
+that there should be _keys_ that the written word _does not and will
+not_ speak of? Joseph Smith the Prophet held the "_keys_" of the
+_mystery of things which have been sealed_, even things which were from
+the foundation of the world." (D. & C. 35:18), which _mysteries_ it was
+given to the Saints to know, "but _unto the world_ it is not _given
+to know them_." (D. & C. 42:65). Again: "But unto him that keepeth my
+commandments, I will give the mysteries of my kingdom, and the same
+shall be in him a well of living water, springing up unto everlasting
+life." (D. & C. 63:23).
+
+Now, how were these _keys_ and _mysteries_ to be kept from the world,
+if they were to be published to the world in the written word? And
+if the Saints through faithfulness are to receive the _mysteries_
+of the kingdom, then they must be withheld from the world and from
+the unfaithful. How is this to be if they are to be published to
+the world in the written word? Therefore, when our friends of the
+"Reorganization" attack President Young because there were _keys_ not
+spoken of in the written word, which keys we have seen were held by
+Joseph Smith, they merely display their own ignorance and folly in
+raising the question.
+
+
+TEMPLE BUILDING AND CEREMONIAL ENDOWMENTS THEREIN.
+
+Another phase of this same subject is Temple work, which is so bitterly
+attacked by the Reorganites. They say:
+
+ "That as to the alleged 'temple building and ceremonial endowments
+ therein,' that we know of no temple building, except as edifices
+ wherein to worship God, and no endowment except the endowment of
+ the Holy Spirit of the kind experienced by the early Saints on
+ Pentecost day." (Book of Resolutions, p. 82).
+
+They take the ground that the Temple work of the Latter-day Saints is
+contrary to the teachings of the Prophet, and it was not contemplated
+before the martyrdom that in the Temple of God anything of a secret
+nature should take place. Of course it is to be expected that the
+"Reorganization" knows of "no Temple building or ceremonial endowments
+therein," for they have rejected the "_greater things_" and therefore
+the Lord has withheld from them this knowledge "to their condemnation."
+This charge has been already answered in part in what goes before, but
+we will see what is in the revelations to Joseph Smith which justify
+still further the actions of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
+Saints in the belief and practice of "ceremonial endowments," etc., in
+the Temples.
+
+After speaking of baptism for the dead in the revelation of January 19,
+1841, the Lord continues:
+
+ "And again, verily I say unto you, How shall your _washings_ be
+ acceptable unto me, except ye perform them in a house which you
+ have built to my name? * * * Therefore, verily I say unto you, that
+ your _anointings_, and your _washings_, and your baptisms for the
+ dead, and your _solemn assemblies_, and your memorials for your
+ sacrifices, by the sons of Levi, and for your _oracles in your
+ most holy places_, wherein you receive _conversations_, and your
+ statutes and judgments, for the beginning of the revelations and
+ foundation of Zion, and for her glory, honor, and endowment of
+ all her municipals, _are ordained_ by the _ordinance of my holy
+ house_ which my people are always commanded to build unto my holy
+ name. And verily I say unto you, Let this house be built unto my
+ name, that _I may reveal mine ordinances therein, unto my people_."
+ (Verses 37-40).
+
+Here are mentioned ordinances that were not had on Pentecost day that
+were to be had in the Lord's Temple, of which our self-confessed
+Reorganites know nothing, because God has not revealed these things
+unto them, and He will not for they have rejected these greater things
+to _their own condemnation_.
+
+In the Book of Abraham (See Pearl of Great Price) published by the
+Prophet Joseph Smith in the Times and Seasons in 1842, is given a
+fac-similie of hieroglyphics with an accompanying translation by
+Joseph Smith, as far as he was permitted to translate. These figures
+are numbered from 1 to 20. Here are some of these translations and
+comments of the Prophet: Figure 3.--Is made to represent God, sitting
+upon His throne, clothed with power and authority; with a crown of
+eternal light upon His head; representing also the grand _key-words_ of
+the Holy Priesthood, as revealed to Adam, etc." Figure 7.--Represents
+God sitting upon His throne revealing through the heavens, the grand
+_key-words_ of the Priesthood, as, also, the sign of the Holy Ghost
+unto Abraham, in the form of a dove. Figure 8.--_Contains writing that
+cannot be revealed unto the world, but is to be had in the Holy Temple
+of God_. Figures 9, 10, 11, the Prophet says "Ought not to be revealed
+at the present time; if the world can find out these numbers, so let it
+be. Amen." Figures 12, to 20, "Will be given in the own due time of the
+Lord." Then the Prophet concludes: "The above translation is given as
+far as we have any right to give, at the present time."
+
+Here, then, we find things that were to be taught to the Saints in the
+Temple of the Lord, but were not to be revealed to the world; for they
+are sacred and holy, and can only be had in the Temple of God, for the
+Lord through Joseph Smith declared it.
+
+Again, in verse 28 (see 124), the Lord says: "For there is not a place
+found on earth that he may come and restore again that which was lost
+unto you, or which he hath taken away, even the _fulnesss of the
+Priesthood_." Therefore, we learn that only in the Temple of the Lord
+can the fulnesss of the Priesthood be received by His people.
+
+These facts place our Reorganite brethren in a rather unenviable light,
+for they are opposing through ignorance and unbelief, and the hardness
+of their hearts, the revelations of the Lord on Temple work as it was
+revealed to Joseph Smith, and by him to others, and from them to the
+Church.
+
+"Hold on," say they, "not so fast, the Lord said He was _about_ to
+restore these things, but it depended on the faithfulness of the
+Saints, and Joseph Smith died before the Temple was built, therefore,
+since these things could only be revealed to the people _in the Temple_
+they were not revealed."
+
+"Have any such revelations been received? Name them. Where are they and
+what are they? Our Doctrine and Covenants contains only two sections
+that were given between that time and the time the Saints left Nauvoo,
+and they are not revelations, but letters of Joseph Smith containing
+items of revelation pertaining to baptism for the dead. The Utah
+Doctrine and Covenants contains nothing that could be accepted as a
+response, an answer, to the promise in full."[3]
+
+Now, it's our turn to cry "Hold on, not so fast." We will examine the
+word of the Lord: In verse 41 (sec. 124) He says: "For I deign to
+reveal _unto my Church_, things which have been kept hid from before
+the foundation of the world, _things that pertain to the dispensation_
+of the fulnesss of times." Well, if we were rejected, and _they have
+not received_ the revelations of these things the Lord was _about to
+reveal to His Church_, then it stands to reason that _they are not His
+Church_ or they would have received them. For the word of the Lord
+cannot be broken. They testify to us that _they have not_ received
+these things.
+
+In section 127:8, the Lord again affirms: "For _I am about to restore
+many things_ to the earth, pertaining to the Priesthood, saith the Lord
+of Hosts." Yes, He was about to do it, but nearly seventy years have
+passed away and the "Reorganization" confesses that they have not been
+revealed to them yet! Then they are not the Church! This is obvious.
+
+Elijah said the time had fully come (Sec. 110) and the Prophet said
+"the earth will be smitten with a curse, unless there is a welding link
+of some kind or other, between the fathers and the children * * * it
+is necessary in the ushering in of the dispensation of the fulnesss
+of times * * that a whole and complete and perfect union, and welding
+together of _dispensations_, and _keys_, and _powers_, and _glories_
+should take place and _be revealed_ from the days of Adam even to the
+present time; and not only this, but those things which _never have
+been revealed from the foundation of the world_, but have been kept hid
+from the wise and prudent, shall be revealed unto babes and sucklings
+in this the dispensation of the fulnesss of times." (Sec. 128:18).
+
+Here is a point of considerable interest that our friends have
+overlooked. The Lord says: "_And I will show unto my servant Joseph ALL
+THINGS pertaining to this house, and the Priesthood thereof_; and the
+place whereon it shall be built. (Sec. 124:42). Evidently the Lord was
+going to show him these things before the Temple was built. Did the
+Lord keep His word? Our Reorganite friends say not, that these things
+_were not_ revealed. But they were revealed to Joseph Smith _and he
+revealed them to others_; not the unfaithful who would receive only
+the "lesser portion of the word" and were therefore denied the greater
+things, but he taught them to the Apostles and others. Now, the Lord
+did not say that Joseph Smith could not receive the fulnesss of the
+Priesthood _out side of the Temple_, neither that he should not confer
+the same Priesthood upon others, to the contrary the Lord said He
+would reveal these things to Joseph Smith, but it was _His people, His
+Church_ that could not receive them outside of the Temple of the Lord!
+and unto them He was going to reveal them _in_ the Temple, but unto
+Joseph Smith He would show _all things_ pertaining to His house, and
+_the Priesthood thereof_.
+
+It is unnecessary here to quote the evidence proving that Joseph Smith
+received _all things_ pertaining to the Priesthood of the Lord's house
+and conferred them on the heads of the Apostles, for that is given
+in another place, and has often been recorded. It is, therefore,
+sufficient to say that shortly before his death he conferred upon the
+heads of the Apostles all the _keys and Priesthood_ the Lord had given
+him, and this was done by command of the Lord. We will merely refer to
+the testimony of Orson Hyde which with other testimonies is given in
+this book. Said Brother Hyde:
+
+ "Before I went east on the 4th of April last, we were in council
+ with Brother Joseph almost every day for weeks, said Brother Joseph
+ in one of those councils, 'There is something going to happen; I
+ don't know what it is, but the Lord bids me to hasten and give you
+ your endowment before the Temple is finished.' He conducted us
+ through every ordinance of the Holy Priesthood, and when he had
+ gone through with all the ordinances, he rejoiced very much, and
+ said, 'Now, if they kill me, you have got all the keys, and all
+ the ordinances, and you can confer them upon others, and the hosts
+ of Satan will not be able to tear down the kingdom, as fast as you
+ will be able to build it up.'" (Times and Seasons, 5:651).
+
+"Have any such revelations been received? they cry. Name them. Where
+are they and what are they?" Yes, these revelations have been received.
+They were revealed to Joseph Smith[4] and from him to the Apostles,
+and by the Apostles they have been given to the faithful Saints in the
+Temples of the Lord; both at Nauvoo and here in Utah. "_Name them?_"
+No, I shall not name them nor tell what they are. Why? because if the
+Lord kept some things hid from the world since before the foundation of
+the world, pertaining to the dispensation of the fulnesss of times, and
+has revealed them now unto _His Church_, I have no authority to reveal
+them to the world. Moreover, I am--like every other member of the
+Church--"laid under a strict command, not to impart only according to
+the portion of His word, which He doth grant unto the children of men."
+Should I reveal these things, because of the hardness of your hearts
+you would not receive them, therefore, you shall receive but the lesser
+portion of the word, to your condemnation. If you will not hear Moses
+and the Prophets, neither will you though one arose from the dead.
+
+
+REVELATION.
+
+Another charge is that the Presidents of the Church have not
+received the revelations of the Lord which have been given to the
+"Reorganization" through their president. The charge is false. The
+Presidents of the Church from the Prophet Joseph until now have
+received revelations from the Lord for the guidance of His people.
+While all these revelations have not been placed in the Doctrine and
+Covenants, they are none the less true. Not all the revelations given
+to Joseph the Seer were placed in the Doctrine and Covenants in his
+day, we have added many of his revelations to that volume since his
+death; and there are others that have not been placed in it. Some of
+them were for the Church and _not for the world_, and, therefore, are
+given only to the Saints. But many revelations have been given to
+the Church since the death of Joseph Smith, some of these have been
+published, some have not. It has been my privilege to read and handle
+a number of them that are still in the manuscript and have not as yet
+been given to the world for a wise purpose in the Lord. But they are on
+file and will be preserved.
+
+A short time ago a number of Elders visited Lamoni and held meetings
+there. The following issue of the Saints' Herald contained an
+editorial, not very dignified, ridiculing them. It was written by the
+associate editor. In part he said:
+
+ "It may be urged that these are young and inexperienced men. But
+ the dearth of spiritual power is not confined to these young men.
+ Joseph F. Smith, who is supposed to be a 'Prophet, seer, and
+ revelator,' when before the Senate Committee was asked by Senator
+ Dubois, 'Have you received any individual revelations yourself,
+ since you became president of the Church under your own definition,
+ even, of a revelation?'
+
+ "To this he replied, 'I cannot say that I have.'
+
+ "A moment later he added, 'Well, I can say this: That if I live as
+ I should in the line of my duties, I am susceptible, I think, of
+ the impressions of the Spirit of the Lord upon my mind at any time,
+ _just as any good Methodist or any other church member might be_.'
+
+ "This seems to be in line with the experiences of his predecessors,
+ Snow, Woodruff, Taylor, and Young, who also posed as 'revelators,'
+ for during a period of over sixty years they have received nothing
+ professing to be a revelation, that was thought worthy of a place
+ in the Book of Doctrine and Covenants." (Elbert A. Smith, _Saints'
+ Herald_, 56:681).
+
+This slurring presumption counts for naught, for the editor of the
+_Herald_ knows nothing pertaining to the revelations we have received,
+or what we think of them. Nor is he fair to President Joseph F. Smith
+in this quotation from the record of the investigation, for it does not
+convey the belief or knowledge, or the true expression of President
+Smith, and was purposely misapplied, which a careful reading of his
+testimony will show.
+
+To presume to speak in the name of the Lord is a serious matter, and
+woe be to the man who speaks in the name of the Lord when he has not
+been commanded. It is far better never to receive a revelation than
+to follow after those who receive "revelations" that the Lord has not
+given. The "revelations" given by the Reorganite president to the
+"Reorganized" Church, need only to be read to convince one of their
+spurious character. They are weak, puerile, and it takes a very little
+of the spirit of discernment to know what source they are of. However,
+if they are acceptable to the "Reorganization," that is their business.
+We are satisfied.
+
+But the people who lack in discernment may be deceived through the
+pretenses of men and accept for facts and revelations that which the
+Lord has not commanded. If there are any who are honestly deceived
+pertaining to the revelations of this man who presumes to be the
+"President of the High Priesthood" and "the mouthpiece of God," we will
+respectfully call their attention to one or two items in his pretended
+revelations.
+
+This is from section 116, "revelation" given May 4, 1865:
+
+ "Be not hasty in ordaining men of the negro race to offices in my
+ church, for verily I say unto you, All are not acceptable unto me
+ as servants, nevertheless I will that all may be saved, but every
+ man in his own order, and there are some who are chosen instruments
+ to be ministers to their own race. Be ye content, I the Lord have
+ spoken it."
+
+The Prophet Joseph Smith taught the Saints that the negroes could not
+hold the Priesthood, for the Lord had cursed them as pertaining to the
+Priesthood. This is supported by the revelation in the Book of Abraham,
+which was translated by the Prophet. It reads:
+
+ "Now the first government of Egypt was established by Pharaoh, the
+ eldest son of Egyptus, the daughter of Ham, and it was after the
+ manner of government of Ham, which was patriarchal.
+
+ "Pharaoh, being a righteous man, established his kingdom and judged
+ his people wisely and justly all his days, seeking earnestly
+ to imitate that order established by the fathers in the first
+ generations, in the days of the first patriarchal reign, even the
+ reign of Adam, and also of Noah, his father, who blessed him with
+ the blessings of the earth, and with the blessings of wisdom, but
+ _cursed him as pertaining to the Priesthood_. Now, Pharaoh being of
+ the lineage by which _he could not have the right of Priesthood_,
+ notwithstanding the Pharaohs would fain claim it from Noah, through
+ Ham, therefore my father was led away by their idolatry." (Book of
+ Abraham 1:25-27).
+
+The Lord did not tell Abraham that the children of Ham were cursed as
+pertaining to the Priesthood, and then command Joseph Smith of the
+"Reorganization" to be slow in ordaining them. In the "Reorganized"
+Church they have a few, at least, of the negro race, that they have
+"ordained to the priesthood" but it is contrary to the word of God.
+This Reorganite revelation is spurious.
+
+Here is an extract from another:
+
+ "The quorum of twelve, my servants, may choose and appoint one of
+ their number to take the place of my servant Alexander H. Smith,
+ and _if they shall choose William H. Kelley_, from among them
+ for this place, _it will be pleasing unto me_; NEVERTHELESS, IF
+ _directed by the spirit of revelation_ and _wisdom_ they _may
+ choose another_." (Sec. 124:3).
+
+Can any sane man believe that the Lord gave this "revelation?" Did He
+not know His mind and will, was not _His_ the "spirit of revelation and
+wisdom?" or was there a disagreement on the point between the Lord and
+the Holy Spirit?
+
+Other extracts might be given from these alleged "revelations" showing
+their inconsistency, but this will suffice. I have not given these in
+the spirit of ridicule, but for the purpose of opening the eyes of
+the blind that they might see, and seeing understand. Let our friends
+straighten out a few things of this kind among themselves, then they
+can the better attack us on the point of revelation.
+
+At this point I desire to consider another matter. At the Salt Lake
+Conference, held March 19, 1905, not long after the return of President
+Joseph F. Smith from the investigation in Washington, he addressed the
+Saints on the subject of revelation. In the course of his remarks, he
+referred to his testimony and said:
+
+ "Now, with reference to the principle and doctrine of revelation,
+ it may be proper for me to say a few words on this subject while
+ I am on my feet. For me to say, which was the very end that my
+ critics and inquisitors were endeavoring to get me to say, in order
+ that I might be led into that trap which they had made for me, to
+ say that God had given to me a revelation upon some new doctrine,
+ or theory, or principle, or precept, or anything to be written,
+ to be observed, or handed down as a guide to the Church, would
+ have been untrue. I could not have said that, for He has not done
+ this. But has God revealed to me His mind and His will? Has He made
+ manifest to me a knowledge of His truth by and through the Spirit
+ of revelation? Did you ever hear of my denying that? No; no man has
+ ever heard me deny that.
+
+ "When I was baptized as a little child, right up here at the
+ junction of East Temple and North Temple streets, where City Creek
+ then ran, but where it is now covered and obliterated--when I was
+ baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-days Saints, God
+ Almighty revealed to me that I had done an act which He approved;
+ I received then and there a revelation from Almighty God, that
+ has been with me like a well of living water, springing up into
+ everlasting life in me, which has been a stay and a staff to me in
+ all my daily walks, at home and abroad. God revealed to me that
+ Joseph Smith was a Prophet of God, that his message was divine,
+ that he was raised up by the power of the Almighty to lay the
+ foundation of this great latter-day work. The Lord has revealed to
+ me the truth that he sealed his testimony with his blood, that he
+ was true to the end, as was the Son of God, true until he cried,
+ 'It is enough!' upon the cross. The Lord has revealed to me in
+ terms that are unmistakable and that are undeniable, that Brigham
+ Young succeeded lawfully and divinely to the Presidency of the
+ Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by the will of the
+ Almighty. I would not be without that revelation for all the gold
+ and wealth of the world. The Lord revealed to me in terms that
+ cannot be mistaken, by me at least, that John Taylor was inspired
+ of the Lord and was a Prophet of God, and was the lawful and divine
+ successor in the Priesthood and Presidency of the Church of Jesus
+ Christ of Latter-day Saints, to Brigham Young. The Lord revealed
+ to me that Wilford Woodruff lawfully and divinely succeeded John
+ Taylor, that Lorenzo Snow lawfully and divinely followed Wilford
+ Woodruff. I leave to you to say whether the Lord willed, and
+ whether it is lawful and right, that I should be in the position in
+ which God has suffered me to be placed. * *
+
+ "The Lord Almighty has revealed to me many things for my own
+ guidance, to assist me in the discharge of my duty, as an elder in
+ the Church, as a high priest in the Church, as an apostle, one of
+ the twelve apostles in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
+ Saints. And I fervently believe that God has manifested to me in
+ my present capacity, many glorious things, many principles and
+ oftentimes much more wisdom than is inherent in myself; and I
+ believe He will continue to do so as long as I am receptive, as
+ long as I am in a position to hear when He speaks, to listen when
+ He calls, and to receive when He gives to me that which He desires."
+
+These remarks were taken up, twisted, and falsified by a Salt Lake
+newspaper, which is so characterless and vile that it is without an
+equal, and sent out into the world as a press dispatch, declaring
+that President Joseph F. Smith had in the Tabernacle confessed that
+he had lied before the Senate Committee on Privileges and Elections,
+in relation to the subject of revelation when he was a witness before
+said committee. They made it appear in their dispatch that he had
+stated in Washington that he had not received any revelation, and in
+the Tabernacle he declared that that was false for he had received many
+of them. He testified in Washington as he testified in the Tabernacle,
+that he had received revelation, as this will show:
+
+ Mr. Tayler: Did Joseph Smith contend that always there was a
+ visible appearance of the Almighty or of an angel?
+
+ Mr. Smith. No, sir: he did not.
+
+ Mr. Tayler. How otherwise did he claim to receive revelations?
+
+ Mr. Smith. By the Spirit of the Lord.
+
+ Mr. Tayler. And in that way, such revelations _as you have
+ received_, you have had them?
+
+ Mr. Smith. Yes, sir. (Investigation, Vol. 1: 100).
+
+Without waiting to verify this falsehood circulated from an unspeakable
+source in Salt Lake City, the President of the "Reorganization," as
+editor of the _Saints' Herald_ took up the hue and cry with evident
+great pleasure and wrote an editorial consigning President Joseph F.
+Smith to perdition as a perjurer in the following words:
+
+ "_Who Make and Love a Lie_."
+
+ "If President Joseph F. Smith has stated in public what it is
+ currently reported he has, that in the statements made by him
+ when a witness before the Senatorial Committee, whose sittings
+ for inquiry have lately been finished, the report of which in
+ regard to the unseating of Senator Smoot is awaited, he testified
+ to that which was not true, he has done an unfortunate and unwise
+ thing. There may have been some moral bravery in doing as he did
+ in stating that he was breaking the law of the State, the law of
+ the United States, and the law of God by continuing to live with
+ his five wives; and such boldness may have made some admirers of
+ the President of the Utah Church; but, when that president publicly
+ states that he lied when he gave his evidence before the Senatorial
+ Committee, those who may have admired him for his avowal of his
+ guilt will not, cannot admire him as a confessed perjurer. It may
+ be said that President Joseph F. Smith did not make oath to what
+ was false, as he was not sworn, that is, no judicial oath was
+ administered to him, but, when a witness chooses to affirm that
+ privilege is granted by the courts; the form of the affirmation is
+ much like this: 'I do solemnly affirm, subject to the pains and
+ penalties of perjury, that the testimony I shall give in the case
+ now pending * * * shall be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing
+ but the truth.' If President Joseph F. Smith faced the committee
+ on such an affirmation, and gave false testimony, can it be called
+ anything but perjury? We think not.
+
+ "We were surprised when he testified as he did; we now are more
+ surprised to learn that he has said that he affirmed what was not
+ true. What can honorable men in or out of the Church think of such
+ a man? What reliance can be placed on what such a man declares?
+ If he sought by falsehood to avoid falling into a "trap" set for
+ him before the committee, by confessing that he did so falsify, he
+ has assuredly fallen into a more open and dangerous one." (Saints'
+ Herald, Vol. 52:314-315).
+
+Immediately after this editorial appeared in the _Saints' Herald_ the
+attention of the editor, Joseph Smith, was called to the fact that it
+was based on a falsehood. Among others who requested him to correct
+the wrong and injustice he had inflicted on his people as well as on
+President Smith, was the writer, who immediately forwarded a protest
+with a clipping from a non-"Mormon" Utah paper correcting the false
+report. Others wrote to him on the same subject, but no satisfactory
+correction was ever made. This was very unchristianlike conduct; surely
+not the part of a prophet of the Lord! It is true, that in a later
+editorial he quoted a portion of the remarks of President Joseph F.
+Smith delivered at that conference, but without apology or correction
+for bearing false witness. This is the comment following the brief
+extract he saw fit to give:
+
+ "We give these extracts from President Joseph F. Smith's talk on
+ the afternoon of March 19, 1905, on the subject of revelation, as
+ they contain the statements on which the charge is based that he
+ contradicted and denied what he testified to before the Territorial
+ (Investigation) Committee, offering no comment upon them, leaving
+ those who read them to judge of them without the bias of an
+ expression from us."
+
+Surely his sense of fairness after making such an accusation, should
+have demanded of him more than this.
+
+The following letter, which, under the circumstances, is worthy of
+producing, was forwarded to him also requesting that justice be done,
+but it was ignored absolutely:
+
+ "Salt Lake City, April 5, 1905.
+
+ "_Joseph Smith, Esq_.,
+ "_Editor, 'The Saints' Herald,'_
+ "_Lamoni, Iowa_.
+
+ "My Dear Sir:
+
+ "I was very greatly surprised to notice in the issue of the
+ 'Herald' of March 29, 1905, your editorial entitled, 'Who Make
+ and Love a Lie.' I am surprised because of the plainly implied
+ accusation that President Joseph F. Smith is a maker and lover
+ of lies. I am surprised because of the unfairness of the article
+ referred to which will take for granted the statement of a
+ man's bitterest foe and place that statement before his people,
+ commenting upon it as if it were an admitted fact, without one
+ word of explanation from the person so wickedly accused, or a
+ single effort to present both sides. I am surprised because such an
+ article appears in a periodical which is the organ of a religious
+ organization claiming to have sprung out of the work founded by the
+ great prophet who, 'came up through much tribulation,' and who was
+ misrepresented through all his days upon the earth.
+
+ "I am surprised that a man whose early years were spent in the
+ sorrows and privations incident to the persecutions suffered by
+ a father whose whole life was spent in sorrow and affliction,
+ in consequence of the false testimony borne against him and the
+ constant misrepresentation of his mission, should allow himself to
+ pass judgment upon another before hearing his defense, and finding
+ him guilty of 'an unfortunate and unwise thing,' forgetting the
+ wise proverb, 'He who judgeth a matter before he heareth it, is not
+ wise.'
+
+ "It is true, the article begins with the expression--'_If_President
+ Joseph F. Smith has stated in public,' etc., etc., but the
+ remainder of the article clearly assumes that it is sure that
+ he _did_ so state, as note: "but, when the President publicly
+ states that he lied when he gave his evidence,' * * * those who
+ (previously) admired him. * * * * cannot admire him as a confessed
+ perjurer.
+
+ "President Joseph F. Smith has never stated in public nor in
+ private that he lied when he gave his evidence or at any other
+ time, and he is not a confessed, nor any other kind of a perjurer,
+ and I must repeat that I am surprised that any man claiming to be
+ fair, and to be an example of truthfulness, should follow in the
+ steps of men who indeed 'love and make lies,' as you well know.
+
+ "Does it occur to you that there is anything in the nature of
+ _loving_ a lie when a person repeats the lies of others and takes
+ pleasure in assuming the false accusations are true?--or that
+ there is anything in the nature of '_making_ a lie' when a person
+ takes the lying testimony of a man's foes and places it before his
+ people without giving them the opportunity of judging the matter by
+ knowing both sides?
+
+ "It was by such specious falsehoods that the life of the Prophet
+ Joseph was repeatedly placed in danger. It was by such false
+ testimony that the Son of Man was condemned by the Priests, the
+ Rabbis, the Scribes and the Pharisees.
+
+ "You ask, 'What can honorable men, in or out of the Church, think
+ of such a man?'
+
+ "Let me say in reply to your question:--honorable men and men of
+ wisdom, who love the truth, in or out of the Church, seek to know
+ the truth before joining with the rabble in the cry, 'Crucify him!
+ Crucify him!' and such men, who know the facts, and who love not a
+ lie, but love the truth and the Lord its maker, honor and revere
+ the man whom your article so subtly defames. They know him to be
+ an upright, true, pure, honorable man, whose simple life has been
+ before his people all his days, whose heart is true, whose tongue
+ is true, whose courage is undaunted, whose faith is unshaken, and
+ who is, in all respects, worthy of the love, confidence and support
+ of the people of the living God.
+
+ "In order that you may not fall under the dreadful charge of
+ 'Loving and Making a Lie,' will you publish, for the information of
+ the readers of the 'Herald,' the other side of this matter if it is
+ furnished you?
+
+ "It is not my habit to take up matters of this kind, and if these
+ accusations had been made against myself, I should never have
+ noticed them, but knowing what a great injustice your article
+ does to a good and noble man--my true friend and brother--I felt
+ impelled to call your attention to it, in the hope that your sense
+ of fairness would cause you to do simple justice, and not join in
+ the hue and cry of those who 'Make and Love a Lie.'"
+
+ "Yours truly,
+ "THOMAS HULL."
+
+He failed absolutely, when the evidence was furnished him, to justly,
+honorably, make the matter right. There is some degree of commendation
+due the man who maligns another if he is willing to make amends, and
+we can honor a man who will correct an error when he discovers that
+fact and is willing to make full satisfaction; but little respect can
+be had for one who, after wronging another, will not attempt to right
+it when he learns he is wrong. Abraham Lincoln said in his debate with
+Douglas, that there was a _moral rule_, "That persons who tell what
+they do not know to be true, falsify as much as those who knowingly
+tell falsehoods." We leave the matter in the hand of a Just Judge, who
+will judge all men according to their works.
+
+
+WHO ORDAINED BRIGHAM YOUNG.
+
+_The following is from the Deseret News, May 11, 1907_.
+
+A correspondent writing from Parker, Idaho, requests a reply, through
+the columns of the "News" to the question, "By whom was President
+Young ordained to the Presidency of the Church?" It appears that the
+emissaries of the Reorganite Church have discovered in that question
+a fruitful source of sophistical controversy, and that they are
+triumphantly asking it wherever they go.
+
+The proper reply is, he was ordained by the Prophet Joseph to that
+calling, when the Prophet, prompted by the Holy Spirit, conferred upon
+the Twelve Apostles the power and authority, he himself had received.
+The following statement of facts by Elder Joseph F. Smith, Jr., can be
+verified by the authentic records of the Church:
+
+"The Prophet Joseph earnestly desired that his brother Hyrum should
+live to succeed him in the Presidency of the Church. In the year 1841,
+by command of the Lord, he ordained him to this exalted position, as
+is quite evident from the following, Section 124, verses 94-5, of the
+Doctrine and Covenants:
+
+ "And from this time forth I appoint unto him (Hyrum Smith) that he
+ may be a prophet, and a seer, and a revelator unto my Church as
+ well as my servant Joseph.
+
+ "That he may act in concert also with my servant Joseph, and that
+ he shall receive counsel from my servant Joseph, who shall show
+ unto him the keys whereby he may ask and receive, and be crowned
+ with the same blessing and glory, and honor, and Priesthood, and
+ gifts of the Priesthood, that once were put upon him that was my
+ servant Oliver Cowdery."
+
+From this revelation we learn that the Lord appointed Hyrum Smith both
+as Patriarch and to act in concert with his brother Joseph in the
+Presidency of the Church. In accordance with this revelation, Hyrum was
+so ordained January 24, 1841. This was not in the sense of a counselor
+to Joseph, for at this very appointment Hyrum was removed as counselor
+to the President and William Law was ordained in his stead.
+
+Joseph and Hyrum continued to so act from this time forth until their
+martyrdom, June 27, 1844. Shortly before the martyrdom the Prophet
+tried with all his power to persuade Hyrum not to accompany him to
+Carthage, knowing full well the fate that awaited them there. Had
+Hyrum stayed behind, and thereby remained in mortality, he would, by
+virtue of his position and ordination received in 1841, have become
+the president of the Church. His brother intended that this should be
+(Times and Seasons, 5:683), but through his faithfulness to, and love
+for, his brother, Hyrum fell a martyr before the Prophet Joseph did.
+
+Now mark! The Lord, who knew that Hyrum should receive a martyr's crown
+at Carthage, in the winter of 1843-4, commanded the Prophet to confer
+upon the heads of the Twelve Apostles, every key, power, and principle,
+that the Lord had sealed upon his head. The Prophet declared that he
+knew not why, but the Lord commanded him to endow the Twelve with these
+keys and Priesthood, and after it was done, he rejoiced very much,
+saying in substance, "Now, if they kill me, you have all the keys and
+all the ordinances and you can confer them upon others, and the powers
+of Satan will not be able to tear down the kingdom as fast as you will
+be able to build it up, and upon your shoulders will the responsibility
+of leading this people rest." (Times and Seasons, 5:651).
+
+In this manner the Prophet ordained the Twelve Apostles, which body
+constitutes the second quorum of the Church, equal in authority with
+the First Presidency. (Doc. & Cov. 107:23-24) with the keys of the
+kingdom, Brigham Young was president of the Twelve, and upon him
+devolved the duty of presiding.
+
+Therefore, after the death of Joseph and Hyrum Smith, the Twelve
+assumed by authority of their office, the duty to preside over the
+Church. Later, when through revelation the quorum of the First
+Presidency was reorganized with three presidents--Brigham Young and
+Counselors Heber C. Kimball and Willard Richards, they claimed, and
+rightfully, that since they were ordained under the hands of Joseph
+Smith and from him had received all the keys and powers of the
+Priesthood which the Prophet held, it would have been superfluous to
+have been ordained again. They were in this capacity, however, set
+apart and sustained by the unanimous vote of the Saints, which was
+essential to make such ordination of force in the Church.
+
+There is an abundance of testimony to prove that the Prophet did so
+ordain the Twelve, some of which can be found in the Times and Seasons,
+volume 5, pages 651, 664, and 698; also in the Millennial Star, volume
+10, page 115.
+
+We repeat that Brigham Young received all the keys, powers, authority
+and Priesthood, that were held by Joseph Smith, that enabled him to
+preside over the High Priesthood, from the Prophet Joseph Smith in
+Nauvoo in the winter of 1843-4."
+
+This important question was settled long ago by the entire body of the
+Saints who accepted the leadership of the Twelve, after the departure
+of the Prophet and Patriarch, and sustained President Young in his
+office. It was settled by the approval of the Almighty of the marvelous
+work He accomplished, and which could not have been done without
+divine aid and guidance. To ascribe the mighty deeds Brigham Young
+performed through the power of the divine Spirit which rested upon
+him, to the spirit that is the originator of succession, rebellion,
+apostasy, and falsehood, is to come dangerously near blasphemy. What
+is it but a repetition of the sin of the adversaries of our Lord who,
+although they knew that "no man can do the miracles that thou doest,
+except God be with him" (John 3:2): yet proclaimed to the people: "He
+hath an unclean spirit," (Mark 3:30). What is it but to assail the
+disciple with a weapon that was in vain directed against the Master?
+There was some excuse for difference of opinion on the subject of
+succession, immediately after the martyrdom, because the people were
+not in possession of full information, but there is no excuse now. To
+use a familiar illustration: At the time of an election citizens are
+expected to have different opinions as to candidates for office; they
+are expected to work for those whose views and principles they support.
+But when the question is settled at the polls, loyalty demands that all
+accept the verdict and work together for the common interests of the
+community. The body of the Latter-day Saints having accepted, as guided
+by the Holy Spirit, the leadership of the Twelve, there was no longer
+any valid reason for seeking the leadership of other shepherds.
+
+The trouble with some of our "Reorganized" brethren is that they
+look upon the members of the Church as a flock of sheep, that, like
+other property, can be inherited. This is entirely contrary to the
+fundamental principles of the Gospel. The Church belongs to Christ. The
+leaders and officers are the servants of the Lord and the people of the
+Lord. It follows that the Lord raises up whoever He pleases, to perform
+the services necessary from time to time. Brigham Young was every way
+equipped for the peculiar work needed during his time. Who could have
+done what he did? Sidney Rigdon? Lyman Wight? James J. Strang? Or the
+founders of the so-called "Reorganized" Church? Let the reader reflect
+on the facts history records, and then decide for himself, remembering
+that every tree is known by its fruit.
+
+
+Footnotes
+
+1. This Priesthood and fulnesss can only be obtained in the Temple of
+God.
+
+2. See Pamphlet by Hyrum O. Smith, "_The Necessity for a
+Reorganization_," pp. 22-24.
+
+3. Saints' Herald, Vol. 56:662.
+
+4. As an additional evidence that these things were revealed to the
+Prophet, attention is called to the patriarchal blessing given by his
+father and found on page 71:
+
+"You shall even live to finish your work. At this Joseph cried out,
+weeping, 'Oh, my father, shall I?' 'Yes,' said his father, 'you shall
+live to lay out the plan of all the work which God has given you to do."
+
+This proves, then, that the Lord revealed to him all these things
+promised in the revelations that had been kept hid. And he revealed
+them unto the Apostles.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Origin of the 'Reorganized' Church and
+the Question of Succession, by Joseph Fielding Smith, Jr.
+
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