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From: owner-gdm-digest@lists.xmission.com (gdm-digest)
To: gdm-digest@lists.xmission.com
Subject: gdm-digest V2 #7
Reply-To: gdm-digest
Sender: owner-gdm-digest@lists.xmission.com
Errors-To: owner-gdm-digest@lists.xmission.com
Precedence: bulk
gdm-digest Saturday, February 14 1998 Volume 02 : Number 007
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Sat, 14 Feb 1998 14:49:48 -0700
From: "Perry L. Porter" <plporter@xmission.com>
Subject: ---> More Info on section 132.
| - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - |
(from BYU special collections - micro film of original manuscript - "The
Joseph Smith Collection" - "Revelations not in the D&C")
July 27, 1842
Verily thus saith the Lord unto my servant N.K.Whitney. The thing that my
servant Joseph has made known unto you and your family and which ye shall
have agreeded upon is right in mine eyes and shall be crowned upon your
heads with honer and immortality and eternal life to all your houses both
old and young because of the lineage of my priesthood saith the Lord shall
be upon you and upon your children after you from generation to generation
by virtue of the holy promise which I now make unto you saith the Lord.
These are the words which you shall pronounce upon my servant Joseph and
your daughter S.A. Whitney. They shall take each other by the hand and
you shall say:
You both mutually agree, calling them by name to be each others companion
so long as you both shall live, preserving yourselves for each other and
from all others and also through out all eternity, reserving only those
rights which have been given to my servant Joseph by revelation and
command and by legal authority in times past if you both agree to covenant
and do this then I will give you S.A. [Sarah Ann] Whitney my daughter to
Joseph Smith to be his wife, to observe all the rights between you both
that belong to that condition I do it in my own name and in the name of my
wife, your mother and in the name of my holy progenitors by the right of
birth which is of priesthood vested in me by revelation and commandment
and promise of the living God obtained by the holy Melchezedik GDHROW and
other of the holy fathers commanding in the name of the Lord all those
powers to consecrate in you and through your posterity for ever all these
things I do in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ that through this order,
He may be glorified and through the power of anointing David may reign
king over Israel which shall here after be revealed.
Let immortality and eternal life henceforth be sealed upon your heads for
ever and ever part in first resurrection with other blessings now added
Sunday 27th August 42 myself and wife I now also bless with part in the
first resurrection also with many other blessings together with a promise
to all of my house the same day and of the same time 27 August 42
Saturday evening myself and wife were baptized for a remission of sins.
Sunday in fore part of the day, we were all confirmed and blessed again
with all good things and eternal life in the first resurrection. I was
blessed above others with long life and the keys of the priesthood , a
double portion of the spirit, heretofore conferred upon my fellows with
all gifts possessed by my progenitors who held the priesthood before me
anciently.
| - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - |
The following are accounts of Joseph Smith's introduction of plural
marriage to some of his wives.
========
Emily Young
"The first intimation I had from Brother Joseph that there was a pure and
holy order of plural marriage, was in the spring of 1842, but I was not
married until 1843. I was married to him on the 11th of May, 1843, by
Elder James Adams. Emma was present. She gave her free and full consent.
She had always up to this time, been very kind to me and my sister Eliza,
who was also married to the Prophet Joseph Smith with Emma's consent; but
ever after she was our enemy. She used every means in her power to injure
us in the eyes of her husband, and before strangers, and in consequence of
her abuse we were obliged to leave the city to gratify her, but things
were overruled otherwise, and we remained in Nauvoo. My sister Eliza
found a home with the family of Brother Joseph Coolidge, and I went to
live with Sister Sylvia Lyons. She was a good woman, and one of the
lord's chosen few. Emma, about this time, gave her husband two other
wives--Maria and Sarah Lawrence.
(Emily Young "Auto," Woman's Exponent 14 (1885), Pg.38)
========
Eliza R. Snow
"In Nauvoo I first understood that the practice of plural marriage was to
be introduced into the church. The subject was very repugnant to my
feelings - so directly was it in opposition to any educated prepossessions
that it seemed as though all the prejudices of my ancestors for
generations past congregated around me. But when I reflected that I was
living in the Dispensation of the Fullness of Times, embracing all other
dispensations, surely plural marriage must necessarily be included, and I
consoled myself with the idea that it was far in the distance, and beyond
the period of my mortal existence. It was not long, however, before the
announcement had reached me that the "set time" had come - that God had
commanded his servants to establish the order, by taking additional wives.
I was sealed to the Prophet Joseph Smith for time and eternity.
"While my brother Lorenzo Snow was absent on his first mission to Europe,
these changes had taken place with me, of which I supposed him to be
entirely ignorant. Not knowing how my brother would receive it, I did not
feel at liberty, and did not wish to assume the responsibility of
instructing him in the principle of plural marriage, and either maintained
silence, or, to his indirect questioning, gave evasive answers, until I
was forced, by his cool and distant manner, to feel that he was growing
jealous of my sisterly confidence - that I could not confide in his
brotherly integrity. I could not endure this - something must be done. I
informed my husband of the situation, and requested him to open the
subject to my brother. A favorable opportunity soon presented, and,
seated together on the lone bank of the Mississippi River, they had a most
interesting conversation. The Prophet afterwards told me that he found
that my brother's mind had been previously enlightened on the subject in
question, and was ready to receive whatever the spirit of revelation from
God should impart. That comforter which Jesus said should "lead into all
truth" had penetrated his understanding, and while in England had given
him an intimation of what at that time was, to many, a secret. This was
the result of living near the Lord, and holding communion with Him.
"It was at the private interview referred to above that the Prophet Joseph
unbosomed his heart and described the trying mental ordeal he experienced
in overcoming the repugnance of his feelings, the natural result of the
force of education and social custom, relative to the introduction of
plural marriage. He knew the voice of God - he knew the commandment of
the Almighty to him was to go forward, to set the example, and establish
celestial plural marriage. He knew that he had not only his own
prejudices and prepossessions to combat and to overcome, but those of the
whole Christian world; but God, who is above all, had given the
commandment, and He must be obeyed. Yet the Prophet hesitated and
deferred from time to time, until an angel of God stood by him with a
drawn sword, and told him that, unless he moved forward and established
plural marriage, his priesthood would be taken from him and he should be
destroyed! This testimony he not only bore to my brother, but also to
others - a testimony that cannot be gainsayed." (They Knew The Prophet,
Pg.57-58)
========
Lyman Littlefield
"In the year 1842, President Joseph Smith sought an interview with me, and
said: "I have a message for you. I have been commanded of God to take
another wife, and you are the woman." My astonishment knew no bounds.
This announcement was indeed a thunderbolt to me. He asked me if I
believed him to be a prophet of God. "Most assuredly I do," I replied.
He fully explained to me the principle of plural or celestial marriage.
He said this principle was again to be restored for the benefit of the
human family, that it would prove an everlasting blessing to my father's
house, and form a chain that could never be broken, worlds without end.
"What have you to say?" he asked. "Nothing." How could I speak, or what
could I say? He said, "If you will pray sincerely for light and
understanding in relation thereto, you shall receive a testimony of the
correctness of this principle.
I thought I prayed sincerely, but was so unwilling to consider the matter
favorably that I fear I did not ask in faith for light. Gross darkness
instead of light took possession of my mind. I was tempted and tortured
beyond endurance until life was not desirable. Oh that the grave would
kindly receive me, that I might find rest on the bosom of my dear mother.
Why should I be chosen from among thy daughters, Father, I am only a child
in years and experience, no mother to counsel; no father near to tell me
what to do in this trying hour. Oh, let this bitter cup pass. And thus I
prayed in the agony of my soul.
"The Prophet discerned my sorrow. He saw how unhappy I was, and sought an
opportunity of again speaking to me on this subject, and said: "Although I
cannot, under existing circumstances, acknowledge you as my wife, the time
is near when we will go beyond the Rocky Mountains and then you will be
acknowledged and honored as my wife." He also said, "This principle will
yet be believed in and practiced by the righteous. I have no flattering
words to offer. It is a command of God to you. I will give you until
tomorrow to decide this matter. If you reject this message the gate will
be closed forever against you."
"This aroused every drop of Scotch in my veins. For a few moments I stood
fearless before him, and looked him in the eye. I felt at this moment
that I was called to place myself upon the altar a living
sacrifice--perhaps to brook the world in disgrace and incur the
displeasure and contempt of my youthful companions; all my dreams of
happiness blown to the four winds.
This was too much, for as yet no shadow had crossed my path, aside from
the death of my dear mother. The future to me had been one bright,
cloudless day. I had been speechless, but at last found utterance and
said: "Although you are a prophet of God you could not induce me to take a
step of so great importance, unless I knew that God approved my course. I
would rather die. I have tried to pray but received no comfort, no
light," and emphatically forbid him speaking again to me on this subject.
Every feeling of my soul revolted against it. Said I, "The same God who
has sent this message is the Being I have worshipped from my early
childhood and He must manifest His will to me." He walked across the room,
returned and stood before me with the most beautiful expression of
countenance, and said: "God Almighty bless you. You shall have a
manifestation of the will of God concerning you; a testimony that you can
never deny. I will tell you what it shall be. It shall be that joy and
peace that you never knew."
"Oh, how earnestly I prayed for these words to be fulfilled. It was near
dawn after another sleepless night when my room was lighted up by a
heavenly influence. To me it was, in comparison, like the brilliant sun
bursting through the darkest cloud. The words of the Prophet were indeed
fulfilled.
My soul was filled with a calm, sweet peace that "I never knew." Supreme
happiness took possession of me, and I received a powerful and
irresistible testimony of the truth of plural marriage, which has been
like an anchor to the soul through all the trials of life. I felt that I
must go out into the morning air and give vent to the joy and gratitude
that filled my soul. As I descended the stairs, President Smith opened
the door below, took me by the hand and said: "Thank God, you have the
testimony. I too have prayed." He led me to a chair, placed his hands
upon my head, and blessed me with every blessing my heart could possibly
desire.
"The first day of May, 1843, I consented to become the Prophet's wife, and
was sealed to him for time and all eternity, at his own house by Elder
William Clayton.
"Today I have but one regret, which is that I have not been a more worthy
representative of the principle of plural marriage, and that I have not
lived a more perfect life. I can also state that Emma Smith was present
and did consent to Eliza and Emily Partridge, also Maria and Sarah
Lawrence being sealed to her husband. This I had from the Prophet's own
mouth; also the testimony of her niece, Hyrum Smith's eldest daughter, (my
brother Lorin's wife), as well as that of the young ladies named
themselves, with whom I was on most intimate terms, and was glad that
they, too, had accepted that order of marriage. Instead of a feeling of
jealousy, it was a source of comfort to me. We were as sisters to each
other.
(Lyman Littlefield Reminiscences (1888), Pg.46 - Pg.47)
========
Mary Rollins Lightner
He [Joseph Smith] preached polygamy and he not only preached it, but he
practiced it. I am a living witness to it. It was given to him before he
gave it to the Church. An angel came to him and the last time he came
with a drawn sword in his hand and told Joseph if he did not go into that
principle, he would slay him. Joseph said he talked to him soberly about
it, and told him it was an abomination and quoted scripture to him.
He said in the Book of Mormon it was an abomination in the eyes of the
Lord, and they were to adhere to these things except the Lord speak. I am
the first being that the revelation [D&C 132] was given to him for and I
was one thousand miles away in Missouri, for we went up to Jackson County
in 1841 [1831].
I was there in all the tribulations and trials. I have been in the houses
that have been stoned. The rocks have been thrown criss-cross in every
direction. I have seen the brethren shot and ruined for life. I saw the
first martyr dead and a more heavenly corpse I never saw or expect to see
on the face of the earth. His face was so happy. I have seen our bishop
tarred and feathered in the streets of Missouri. They took off his shirt
and covered him with tar and then took a pillow and turned the feathers
over him. I looked at him and thought if ever [a] man was counted worthy
to be a martyr, he was. His life proved it for he lived an upright and
honorable life and was beloved by the prophet while he lived and after he
died the prophet honored him. Two of his sisters were Joseph's wives.
Emma took them by the hand and gave them to Joseph.
I asked him if Emma knew about me, and he said, "Emma thinks the world of
you." I was not sealed to him until I had a witness. I had been dreaming
for a number of years I was his wife. I thought I was a great sinner. I
prayed to God to take it from me for I felt it was a sin; but when Joseph
sent for me he told me all of these things. "Well," said I, "don't you
think it was an angel of the devil that told you these things?" Said he,
"No, it was an angel of God. God Almighty showed me the difference
between an angel of light and Satan's angels. The angel came to me three
times between the years of 1834 and 1842 and said I was to obey that
principle or he would slay me. "But," said he, "they called me a false
and fallen prophet but I am more in favor with my God this day than I ever
was in all my life before. I know that I shall be saved in the Kingdom of
God. I have the oath of God upon it and God cannot lie; all that he gives
me I shall take with me for I have that authority and that power conferred
upon me."
Well, I talked with him for a long time and finally I told him I would
never be sealed to him until I had a witness. Said he, "You shall have a
witness." Said I, "If God told you that, why does he not tell me?" He
asked me if I was going to be a traitor. "I have never told a mortal and
shall never tell a mortal I had such a talk from a married man," said I.
"Well," said he, "pray earnestly for the angel said to me you should have
a witness." Well, Brigham Young was with me. He said if I had a witness
he wanted to know it. "Why should I tell you?" said I. "Well," said he,
"I want to know for myself." Said he, "Do you know what Joseph said?
Since we left the office the angel appeared to him and told him he was
well pleased with him and that you should have a witness."
I made it a subject of prayer and I worried about it because I did not
dare to speak to a living being except Brigham Young. I went out and got
between three haystacks where no one could see me. As I knelt down I
thought, why not pray as Moses did? He prayed with his hands raised.
When his hands were raised, Israel was victorious, but when they were not
raised, the Philistines were victorious. I lifted my hands and I have
heard Joseph say the angels covered their faces. I knelt down and if ever
a poor mortal prayed, I did. A few nights after that an angel of the Lord
came to me and if ever a thrill went through a mortal, it went through me.
I gazed upon the clothes and figure but the eyes were like lightning.
They pierced me from the crown of my head to the soles of my feet. I was
frightened almost to death for a moment. I tried to waken my aunt, but I
could not. The angel leaned over me and the light was very great,
although it was night.
When my aunt woke up she said she had seen a figure in white robes pass
from our bed to my mother's bed and pass out of the window.
Joseph came up the next Sabbath. He said, "Have you had a witness yet?"
"No." "Well," said he, "the angel expressly told me you should have." Said
I, "I have not had a witness, but I have seen something I have never seen
before. I saw an angel and I was frightened almost to death. I did not
speak." He studied a while and put his elbows on his knees and his face in
his hands. He looked up and said, "How could you have been such a
coward?" Said I, "I was weak." "Did you think to say, `Father, help me?'"
"No." "Well, if you had just said that, your mouth would have been opened
for that was an angel of the living God. He came to you with more
knowledge, intelligence, and light than I have ever dared to reveal." I
said, "If that was an angel of light, why did he not speak to me?" "You
covered your face and for this reason the angel was insulted." Said I,
"Will it ever come again?" He thought a moment and then said, "No, not the
same one, but if you are faithful you shall see greater things than that."
And then he gave me three signs of what would take place in my own family,
although my husband was far away from me at the time. Every work came
true. I went forward and was sealed to him. Brigham Young performed the
sealing, and Heber C. Kimball the blessing. I know he had six wives and I
have known some of them from childhood up. I knew he had three children.
They told me. I think two are living today but they are not known as his
children as they go by other names.
(Mary Lightner 1905 Address, typescript, BYU, Pg.1 - Pg.2)
| - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - |
Ciao Perry <plporter@pobox.com> http://pobox.com/~plporter
- -
------------------------------
Date: Sat, 14 Feb 1998 14:53:54 -0700
From: "Perry L. Porter" <plporter@xmission.com>
Subject: ---> When was Root-beer invented? The answer, an example of whitewashing.
- ---------------
Many people assume that Hires is the original creator of root beer. He was
not, but he most likely was one of the first., if not the
first, to market the bottled extract for making root beer, and he was
without question. the most successful promoter of his
product. Since Hires was from Philadelphia, we will begin there. Then, we
will move around the country!
In 1869, Charles Elmer Hires sold his first Root Beer in Philadelphia.
...
It's been estimated that as many as 2000 different brands may have entered
the market since the "father of root beer," Charles E. Hires, first
managed to brew the dark, frothy drink.
...
Even prior to Hires' creation, farm people of the 18th and 19th centuries
had been making some sort of elementary root beer.
...
The first person to brew root beer was Charles Hires (1851-1937). Hires'
root beer's slogan reads "as old as the nation." Actually, Hires created
root beer hundred years after the U.S. was founded. From the age of
twelve, Hires had been working in a drugstore in his native Roadstown, New
Jersey, getting to know different substances. He went to college in
Philadelphia, and got a job as a pharmacist, which must have further
enhanced his interest in chemistry and brewing. After college, young Hires
opened a couple of drugstores, first one back in New Jersey, and then
another in Philadelphia, after the first one had failed to provide him
with sufficient income.
Root beer, the original American soft drink, is only 100 years younger
than the nation itself. First created in 1875, root beer has a long and
eventful history that coincides with the development of American popular
culture.
Root Beer -- the Essential American Soft Drink Cecilia Marjakangas
A FAST-US-8 (TRENAV2E) Power, Pride & Politics Paper The FAST Area Studies
Program Department of Translation Studies, University of Tampere
History of Root Beer - Comparisons of Root Beer Brands - A Register List
of Root Beer Brands Premium Brands - Upper Register - Middle Register -
Low Register Useful Root Beer Websites -- Links to Richard Ford Websites
- ----------------------
When I was searching to find if there was a bar in the Nauvoo House, I
came across the following:
- -----------------------
Chapter 4
The Smith Family "Reputation" At Palmyra And Manchester
B. H. Roberts, Comprehensive History of the Church, Vol.1, Ch.4, p.39
The Smith family while living in Palmyra and Manchester are said (1) to
have been lazy, shiftless, intemperate and untruthful; (2) to have opened
a "shop" in Palmyra where they sold cakes, pies, root beer, and the like;
and that on public occasions, such as the Fourth of July, militia
training days, and election days, the elder Smith would load a rude
hand-cart, made by himself, with these wares and sally forth to find such
patronage as might come to hand; (3) to have been dishonest and guilty of
stealing from their neighbors.
- -----------
B. H. Roberts, Comprehensive History of the Church, Vol.1, Ch.4, p.44
Petty Employments Charged:
The second charge against the Smiths is that while at Palmyra "they opened
a small shop" and sold cakes, pies, root beer and the like; and that on
certain public occasions the elder Smith sold such wares in the streets
from a hand-cart. There is nothing dishonorable in itself in this, even
had they engaged in such an occupation. Still it was put forth with
evident intention of making the family appear contemptible by representing
that its occupations were petty and mean.
- -------------------
Pomeroy Tucker Vender Of Idle Tales
B. H. Roberts, Comprehensive History of the Church, Vol.1, Ch.4, p.45
- -p.46
Pomeroy Tucker was the first to put forth this charge; and his work was
published in 1867. He pretends to speak from personal knowledge of the
matter, being a resident of Palmyra while the Smiths lived in that
vicinity; ... Yet in all the fifteen separate and independent affidavits
collected in Palmyra in 1833 by Hurlburt, and in the affidavit signed
conjointly by 68 people of Palmyra and vicinity, derogatory to the Smiths,
not a syllable is uttered respecting the "cake and beer shop," or the
"peddling" of such wares in the street on public occasions mentioned with
such pomp of circumstance by Pomeroy Tucker. The silence of all the
affidavits collected in 1833, and of all the anti-"Mormon" writers up to
Tucker in 1867, throws strong suspicions of improbability upon his
pretended statement of fact. Malice invented the story, and sectarian
prejudice accepted the falsehood for truth.
- --------------------
Francis W. Kirkham, A New Witness for Christ in America, Vol.2, p.260
Less than twenty years before, Joseph Smith had been an improverished,
illiterate, disreputable youth, the most notorious member of a shiftless
family. His parents and their numerous progeny had squatted on an
abandoned farm between Palmyra and Manchester, New York, and had patched
up a tumble-down old house. Here they farmed, after a fashion; sold
rootbeer and gingerbread in town on muster days and holidays; fished,
hunted, trapped, and, occasionally, worked at odd jobs.
- ----------------
B. H. Roberts, Defense of the Faith and the Saints, Vol.2, p.80
"Your money or your damnation" has about as much ethical Sanction as the
less pretentious demand of the highwayman who says, "Your money or your
life." But we have not yet reached the end. The "Prophet's" father, who,
prior to the discovery of the alleged divine mission of his son, eked out
only a scanty living as a dispenser of cake and root beer,170 now became
the dispenser of patriarchal blessings at ten dollars per week and
expenses,171 and later at three dollars per bless.172
- --------------------
J. Widtsoe & L. Widtsoe, The Word of Wisdom: A Modern Interpretation,
p.226
Ciders and Root Beers. Cider and home-made root beers may be harmless if
taken when freshly made but if allowed to ferment at all they contain
alcohol (which gives the tang) and are just as harmful to the body as
though they were not home-made. Every fermented drink contains alcohol and
it has been definitely shown that any degree of alcohol is injurious to
the brain and nerves as well as being forbidden by the "word and will of
the Lord".
J. Widtsoe & L. Widtsoe, The Word of Wisdom: A Modern Interpretation,
p.226
Many a confirmed drunkard and derelict traces his passion for the "deadly
drink" to the so-called harmless root beers or hard ciders prepared by
father and mother in his childhood's home. Since there are so many really
harmless as well as delicious drinks one wonders why otherwise good
parents will put temptation in the way of themselves and loved ones. It
may be true that a person doesn't get "dead" drunk on lightly fermented
root beer or soft cider; but who knows when the taste for liquor which, a
sleeping giant within, may be aroused. Besides, if son or daughter is
given fermented root beer or cider by mother at home, why not take the
"doctored" punch from sweetheart or friend at the party? The risk is so
great that here the part of wisdom is to shun the very semblance of a
taste for alcohol.
- --------------------
A sort story from one of our list subscribers:
Here is a quote given me by my friend, Br. McClellan, who works with me at
the Provo temple. It is about his grandfather.
William C. McClellan's testimony: William C. McClellan related this
experience to his Grandson in San Bernardino, CA, in the spring of 1916.
At the age of 16, was working with his father, James, in their field in
Warsaw, Illinois. He reported the following: "When I was a lad, working
in the field hoeing corn in the late afternoon, it was quite warm and we
were about to quit for the day when father straightened up, looked around
then looked at me. The solemn stillness of the surroundings was almost
frightening. The leaves on the corn suddenly drooped as if they had been
in a blast of extreme heat; the leaves on the trees withered as if in
deepest sorrow. Father looked at me and said: æWill, something has
happened to the Prophet!' "As soon as the men from the surrounding country
could be notified from Carthage we were told at the identical time of
which I spoke the Prophet had been killed.
"That," said grandfather years later, "was proof enough for me. If the
leaves of the corn and the leaves of the trees were near enough to the
Prophet to mourn the passing of his spirit, I could ask for nothing more
faith-promoting or convincing."
(You can share it with whomever it seems appropriate. I asked my friend
and he seemed to feel okay about it. I realize that it is not supported
by any documentation. I have it on a hand typed note from my friend.)
- -
------------------------------
Date: Sat, 14 Feb 1998 14:55:25 -0700
From: "Perry L. Porter" <plporter@xmission.com>
Subject: ---> last gdm message.
Here are some internet resources for Gospel Doctrine Manual that relate to
the Old Testament.
http://www.srv.net/~sro/Notepad/Notepad.html
http://www.deseretbook.com/scriptures/
http://www.uvol.com/www1st/perfect/gospeldoctrine/
http://home.utah-inter.net/sbf/sb03000.htm
http://www.zarahemla.com/ss.html
http://www.ldschurch.net/ldss/
http://www.wnetc.com/scripture-l/
http://www.grfn.org/~smcgee/zion.html
http://www.ldsworld.com/links/
http://www.cs.utah.edu/~ruefenac/lds/
LDS Reference & Research Material. LDSworld Excellent LDS Resource Web
Site maintained by Infobases. 13 Articles of Faith The basic beliefs of
the Church...: http://elders.web-home.net/reference.html
One particular area of study for me has been the manifesto so in fact to
disseminate correct information about the manifesto, in fact it was the
inspiration for having this list in the first place.
When at BYU a great Teacher Eugene Campbell, used to tell us about how he
taught the truth of church history to his small High Priests class in
Edgmont.
It is 20 years later, an the church has not kept up, I hope to fulfill a
small goal of giving back to him what he gave to me, knowledge, truth,
and compassion. I hope to pass that also on to a larger class than the 8
or so of us graduate students, or the 15 or so of his High Priest's Group.
Now that the D&C year is over I have no interest in working with this list
for 4 more years, in it's current content.
For me, the other scriptures in contrast to the D&C are ancient history,
hardly relevant and mostly boring.
If someone else wants to do the work of preparing the lessons, I will keep
the list alive, but I plan on doing very little work for it.
Sorry I will NOT be continuing this list with the Old Testament.
I will be forwarding information that from time to time that contradicts
the miss-information of "correlated" Sunday School and Priesthood and
Relief Society lessons, (see below for examples).
I have not interest is making up dirt on the Church or passing on lame
anti-Mormon tripe, but I also can no longer stomach passing on blatantly
whitewashed information, that is crafted to only to be faith promoting
without regard to integrity to our actually past history.
The real truth will ultimately be known, so we might as well start dealing
with it now.
There are plenty of sources for whitewashed as well as false anti-mormon
tripe, I will not be a part of disseminating either.
If they actual quotes of Brigham Young are damaging to your fragile
testimony, please don't complain to me, just Unsubscribe.
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Send a message to:
majordomo@xmission.com
in the text of your message simply enter:
unsubscribe gdm
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Following are some reasons that I pass along accurate information along
with correlated information:
I was so disappointed in the ensign article Jan 1998, page 34, that
supports a "worldwide or global flood ... cover earth's highest
mountains". The fact that there is no geological evidence is not a
problem according to the article. The author sites fundamental Geological
thesis published in 1795 and 1830, that state that our current geological
record had been very consistent. Though the rate of geologic record can
not be "proved" to be consistent over Millions of years, the author quotes
not modern geologists that is inaccurate for the last 8 thousand years.
No geologic evidence of a universal flood for 8000 years is a hole
different issue of whether the rate of geological change has been
consistent for millions of years, is simply a Red Herring by Donald W.
Parry.
Since this is one of a set of articles that introduce us to this years
topic, and that editorial board wishes to present this as what Mormons
currently belive, I for one do not wish to promote such fundamentalist
Christian nonsense, and will NOT help perpetuate such backwards thinking.
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Then there is the following misrepresentations in the new Relief Society
and Priesthood Manual about, Brigham Young.
"... especially to those who are presiding officers, Set that example
before your [wife] and your children,..."
Teachings of Presidents of the Church, Brigham Young, Page 165
The cite is : Discourses of Brigham Young, page 198, Edited by John A.
Wodstoe.
"... especially to those who are presiding officers, Set that example
before your _wives_ and your children,..."
Discourses of Brigham Young, p.198, Edited by John A. Wodstoe.
"...especially to those who are presiding officers, Set that example
before your _wives_ and your children..."
Journal of Discourses, Vol.15, p.230, Brigham Young, October 9, 1872
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"Let the husband and father learn to bend his will to the will of his God,
and then instruct his _wives_ and children in this lesson of
self-government by his example as well as by precept, ..."
Young, Brigham. Discourses of Brigham Young, Edited by John A. Wodstoe.
1941, p.198
"Let the husband and father learn to bend his will to the will of his God,
and then instruct his _wives_ and children..."
Journal of Discourses, Vol.9, p.256 - p.257, Brigham Young, March 16, 1862
"Let the husband and father learn to bend his will to the will of his God,
and then instruct his [wife] and children..."
Teachings of Presidents of the Church, Brigham Young, Page 165
The cite is : Discourses of Brigham Young, page 198, Edited by John A.
Wodstoe.
[Note that the original had a recreance to Celestial or Plural Marriage,
as it was practiced at the time. Note that even in 1941 it was still ok
to admit that our ancestors lived polygamy, but in 1998, apparently we are
to ashamed of the marriage system of our ancestors and the original and
edited test is sanitized for the delicate testimonies of the weak
members.]
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Additionally, on page 163, the first paragraph of the lesson, begins with
the word "It", with the words [eternal marriage] in brackets supplied to
define what the pronoun is referring to. Trouble is, "eternal marriage" is
not used as the reference for the pronoun in the original, but refers to
the nature of eternity. Brigham Young was not talking about how much he
or others knew about it, but how little any man knows about it, especially
how it relates to the Marriage Relation. Then Brigham Young goes on about
how we could not get to know every one whom ever lived, even if we spent
only 5 minutes with them. Which has nothing to do with [eternal
marriage].
Discourses of Brigham Young, page 195.
Brigham Young's Address delivered at the General Conference, in the
Tabernacle, Great Salt Lake City, October 6, 1852 is entitled, "Marriage
Relations of Bishops and Deacons."
Brigham Young Corrects Paul's First epistle to Timothy, third Chapters "A
Bishop must be blameless, the husband of one wife, Vigilant, sober ..."
To this Brigham responds, "... I believe directly the reverse; but his
advice to Timothy amounts simply to this - It would not be wise for you to
ordain a man to the office of a Bishop unless he has a wife ; you must not
ordain a single or unmarried man to that calling."
(JD v2. p.88)
Brigham Young's talk is about Plural Marriage, not [eternal marriage] as
the manual would have you belive. The paragraph leading up to the quote
states:
"I have no reasonable grounds upon which to say it was not the custom in
ancient times for a man to have more than one wife, but every reason to
believe that it was the custom among the Jews, from the days of Abraham to
the days of the Apostles, for they were lineal descendants of Abraham,
Isaac, and Jacob, all of whom taught and practised the doctrine of
plurality of wives, and were revered by the whole Jewish nation, and it is
but natural that they should have respected and followed their teachings
and example.
So much I wished to say to my brethren and sisters. We have had a
splendid address from brother Hyde, or which I am grateful. ..."
Journal of Discourses, Vol.2, p.89 - p.90, Brigham Young, October 6, 1854
Here is the quote in full context.
"I say to the congregation, treasure up in your hearts what you have heard
to-night, and at other times. You will hear more with regard to the
doctrine, that is, our "Marriage Relations." Elder Hyde says he has only
just dipped into it, but, if it will not be displeasing to him, I will say
he has not dipped into it yet; he has only run round the edge of the
field. He has done so beautifully, and it will have its desired effect.
But the whole subject of the marriage relation is not in my reach, nor in
any other man's reach on this earth. It is without beginning of days or
end of years; it is a hard matter to reach. We can tell some things with
regard to it; it lays the foundation for worlds, for angels, and for the
Gods; for intelligent beings to be crowned with glory, immortality, and
eternal lives. In fact, it is the thread which runs from the beginning to
the end of the holy Gospel of salvation--of the Gospel of the Son of God;
it is from eternity to eternity. When the vision of the mind is opened,
you can see a great portion of it, but you see it comparatively as a
speaker sees the faces of a congregation. To look at, and talk to, each
individual separately, and thinking to become fully acquainted with them,
only to spend five minutes with each would consume too much time, it could
not easily be done. So it is with the visions of eternity; we can see and
understand, but it is difficult to tell. May God bless you. Amen."
Journal of Discourses, Vol.2, p.90, Brigham Young, October 6, 1854
[To take a quote from the Discourses of Brigham Young by Widstoe, and look
up the original takes at most 5 minutes. If you want to know if the quote
is taken out of context, it only takes a few minutes, isn't that a small
price to pay for intellectual integrity?]
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Date: Sat, 14 Feb 1998 23:10:39 -0700
From: "Perry L. Porter" <plporter@xmission.com>
Subject: ---> Lesson 44
The Articles of Faith
Scriptural Highlights
1. The Articles of Faith state basic doctrines and beliefs.
2. The Articles of Faith can be helpful in learning and teaching the
gospel.
Invite a Primary child to recite one or more of the Articles of Faith from
memory. Or invite a group of Primary children to sing one or more of the
songs in the Children's Songbook about the Articles of Faith (pp. 122-33).
Discussion and Application Questions
- - How are the Articles of Faith a blessing to the Church?
- - Which of the Articles of Faith have been especially important to you?
How have the Articles of Faith helped you understand the gospel? How could
we use the Articles of Faith in our own gospel study or in teaching
children?
- - What can we learn about the Godhead from the Articles of Faith? What can
we learn about the role of each member of the Godhead in our lives? How is
God's love for us expressed in the Articles of Faith?
- - Why is the doctrine that is expressed in the second article of faith
important? (See also 2 Nephi 2:25; Moroni 8:8-12.) How does this doctrine
set the Church apart from other churches?
- - What does the third article of faith teach about how we can be saved?
Why can't good works, by themselves, save us? (2 Nephi 10:24; 25:23;
Mosiah 4:1-8.) What have you done to gain a greater appreciation for the
Savior's atoning sacrifice?
- - Why must faith and repentance precede baptism and the receiving of the
Holy Ghost? (Articles of Faith 1:4.) In 3 Nephi 27:16-21, what did the
Savior teach the Nephites about the importance of the first four
principles of the gospel?
- - What does the fifth article of faith teach about the importance of
priesthood authority? (See also D&C 42:11.) How has the restoration of
priesthood authority been a blessing to you?
- - How is the Church today similar to the Church that the Lord established
in the meridian of time? (Articles of Faith 1: 6; Ephesians 2:19-20;
4:11-14; 3 Nephi 18:1 -11; 27:8; 4 Nephi 1:1, 5.)
Page 87
Lesson 44
- - Why is continuous revelation essential in the Church of Jesus Christ?
(Articles of Faith 1:7, 9; Mormon 9:7-11; D&C 121:26-33.) What "great and
important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God" have been revealed
during your lifetime? How have you been blessed by God's revelations to
latter-day prophets?
- - What does the tenth article of faith teach about the events preceding
and during the Millennium? How can we prepare for these events? How is
Israel being gathered at this time? (D&C 39:11; Moses 7:62.)
- - How does D&C 134:1-4 help us understand the eleventh article of faith?
- - How can each of us better honor and sustain the civil laws in our
communities? (Articles of Faith 1:12.)
- - How can the thirteenth article of faith help us in our daily lives?
- - Why should we encourage our children to memorize the Articles of Faith?
What are some good ways for you or your children to memorize them? (See
the quotation from Elder Haight.)
Quotation
Elder David B. Haight: "President Kimball was a very special teacher for
all of us. He didn't have a car or a bicycle, but he did have nine cows to
milk every morning and night.
"He said, 'I thought, "What a waste of time, to sit on a three-legged
stool. Maybe there is something else I could do while I am milking."' He
placed a copy of the Articles
of Faith on the ground beside him and went through them, over and over,
until he had memorized them. Then he repeated the Ten Commandments over
and over until he learned them. He memorized important scriptures that
would help him on his mission-all while he milked the cows" (Ensign, Nov.
1986, p. 38).
Next Week's Reading Assignment
Read a few talks given by latter-day prophets in recent general
conferences.
Class Member Study Guide
Lesson 44
Shortly after the Saints settled in Nauvoo, Illinois, John Wentworth,
editor of a Chicago newspaper, asked Joseph Smith to explain the origins,
fundamental teachings, and practices of the Church. In response to this
request, the Prophet wrote a letter to Mr. Wentworth that included the
Articles of Faith.
This letter was first published by the Church in its newspaper, the Times
and Seasons, in March 1842.
The Articles of Faith became part of the standard works on 10 October 1880
when the Church accepted the revised Pearl of Great Price as part of its
scriptures.
=95 How are the Articles of Faith a blessing to the Church?
=95 Which of the Articles of Faith have been especially important to you?
How could you use the Articles of Faith in your own gospel study or in
teaching children?
Times and seasons.
"Truth will prevail."
Vol. III. No 9 CITY OF NAUVOO Ill. TUESDAY MARCH 1 1842 [Whole No. 45.
At the request of Mr. John Wentworth, Editor, and Proprietor of the
"Chicago Democrat," 1 have written the following sketch of the rise,
progress, persecution, and faith of the Latter-Day Saints.. . .
My father was a farmer and taught me the art of husbandry. When about
fourteen years of age I began to reflect upon the importance of being
prepared for a future state, and upon enquiring the plan of salvation I
found that there was a great clash in religious sentiment; if I went to
one society they referred me to one plan, and another to another; each one
pointing to his own particular creed as the summum bonum of perfection:
considering that all could not be right, and that God could not be the
author of so much confusion I determined to investigate the subject more
fully, believing that if God had a church it would not be split up into
factions, and that if he taught one society to worship one way, and
administer in one set of ordinances, he would not teach another principles
which were diametrically opposed. Believing the word of God I had
confidence in the declaration of James; "If any man lack wisdom lot him
ask of God who giveth to all men liberally slid ubriaideth not and it
shall he given him," I retired to a secret place in a grove and began to
call upon the Lord, while fervently engaged in supplication my mind was
taken away from the objects with which I was surrounded, and I was
enwrapped in a heavenly vision and saw two glorious personages who exactly
resembled each other in features, and likeness, surrounded with a
brilliant light which eclipsed the sun at noon-day. They told me that all
religious denominations were believing in incorrect doctrines, and that
none of them was acknowledged of God as his church and kingdom. And I was
expressly commanded to "go not after them," at the same time receiving a
promise that the fulness of the gospel should at some future lime be made
known unto me....
Our missionaries are going forth to different nations. and in Germany,
Palestine, New Holland. the East Indies, and other places. the standard of
truth has been erected: no unhallowed hand can stop the work from
progressing. persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble,
calumny may defame, but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and
independent till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime
swept every country, and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God
shall be accomplished and the great Jehovah shall say the work is done.
We believe in God the Eternal Father, and in his son Jesus Christ, and in
the Holy Ghost.
We believe that men will be punished for their own sins and not for Adam's
transgressions.
We believe that through the atonement of Christ till mankind may be saved
by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.
We believe that these ordinances are 1st, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ;.
2nd, Repentance; 3d, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; 4th,
Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.
We believe that a man must be called of God by "Prophesy. and by laying on
of hands" by those who tire in authority to preach the gospel and
administer in the ordinances thereof.
We believe in the some organization that existed in the primitive church,
vis: apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists &c.
We believe in the girt of tongues, prophesy, revelation,. visions,
healing, interpretation of tongues &c.
We believe the bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated
correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.
We believe all that God has revealed, all that he does now reveal, and we
believe that he will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining
to tile kingdom of God. 0
We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of
the Tell Tribes That Zion will be built upon this continent. That Christ
will reign personally upon the earth, and that the earth will be renewed
and receive its paradasaic glory.
We claim the privilege or worshipping Almighty God according to the
dictate, of our conscience, and allow all men the same privilege let them
worship how, where, or what They may. ,
We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates,
in obeying, honoring and sustaining the law.
We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in
doing good to all men; indeed we may say that we follow this admonition of
Paul "we believe all things we hope all things," we have endured many
things and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is any thing
virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praise worthy we seek after these
things. Respectfully &c.
JOSEPH SMITH.
The Articles of Faith were part of the Wentworth letter, written by the
Prophet Joseph Smith in 1842 and published in the Times and Seasons.
Excerpts from the letter are shown here.
Page 88
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There was a few times published a 14th article of faith, it is still
retained in printings of the RLDS Church. I have contacted a few of their
members but no response. I have not been able to locate my source
information on this, so if anyone has info please contact me:
plporter@pobox.com.
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14th ARTICLE OF FAITH
We believe in meetings, all that have been scheduled, all that are now
scheduled, and we believe that there will yet be many great and important
meetings scheduled. We have endured many meetings and hope to be able to
endure all meetings. Indeed, we may say that if there is a meeting or
anything that resembles a meeting or anything that we may possibly turn
into a meeting, we seek after these things.
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End of gdm-digest V2 #7
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