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gdm-digest           Sunday, March 15 1998           Volume 02 : Number 008




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Date: Sat, 14 Feb 1998 23:12:33 -0700
From: "Perry L. Porter" <[e-mail]>
Subject: ---> Lesson 45

Follow the Living Prophets
Lesson 45

Scriptural Highlights

1. We are led by a living prophet.

2. At general conferences we receive the word of the Lord through living
prophets,

3. Words of the living prophets also come to us through Church magazines.

Invite a class member to testify that the Church is led by living
prophets.

Discussion and Application Questions

- - God has always given knowledge to mankind through his prophets. (See
Amos 3:7 and the quotation from Elder Petersen.) Why do we need a living
prophet and modern revelation? (Proverbs 29:18; Matthew 4:4; 2 Nephi 29:9;
D&C 1:38.)

- - What are the blessings of following the words of the living prophet?
(D&C 21:4-6; 84:36.) How have you been blessed because there is a living
prophet on earth today?

- - What are the purposes of general conferences? (See D&C 20:61-62 and the
quotation from President McKay.) What messages from recent general
conferences have especially helped you? How have you been able to use
these messages in your life?

- - Why is it important that we read and study the words of the living
prophets given in general conferences? (See the quotations from Elder Lee
and President Kimball.)

- - How can we better study and use the general conference addresses as
individuals and as families?

- - What should we do when we do not agree with the prophet's teachings
given at a general conference? (See 1 Nephi 2:16 and the quotation from
President Smith.)

- - What message of the current prophet has been especially important to
you? How has this message blessed your life?

Quotations

Elder Mark E. Petersen: "Always when the Lord has had a people on the
earth whom he has recognized as his own, he has led them by living
prophets to whom he has given guidance from heaven.... He follows a
particular method of transmitting knowledge to man. It is an unchanging
pattern, which is, that he always speaks to the people through living
prophets" (Ensign, Jan. 1973, p. 116).

President David 0. McKay: "There are four principal purposes of holding
conferences of the Church: First, to transact current Church business.
Second, to hear reports and general Church statistics. Third, to 'approve
of those names which I (the Lord) have appointed, or to disapprove of
them.' Fourth, to worship the Lord in sincerity and reverence, and to give
and to receive encouragement, exhortation, and instruction" (in Conference
Report, Oct. 1938, pp. 130-31).

Page 89

Elder Harold B. Lee: "A man came in to see me and said that he had heard
that some man appeared mysteriously to a group of temple workers and told
them, 'You had better hurry up and store for a year, or two, or three,
because there will come a season when there won't be any production.' He
asked me what I thought about it, and I said, 'Well, were you in the April
Conference of 1936?' He replied, 'No, I couldn't be there.'  And I said,
'Well you surely read the report of what was said by the Brethren in that
Conference?' No, he hadn't. 'Well,' I said, 'At that Conference the Lord
did give a revelation about the storage of food. How in the world is the
Lord going to get over to you what he wants you to do if you are not there
when he says it, and you do not take the time to read it after it has been
said?' " ("The Place of the Living Prophet, Seer, and Revelator" [address
delivered to seminary and institute faculty at Brigham Young University, 8
July 1964], p. 9).

President Spencer W. Kimball: "Now as we conclude this general conference,
let us all give heed to what was said to us. Let us assume the counsel
given applies to us, to me. Let us hearken to those we sustain as prophets
and seers, as well as the other brethren, as if our eternal life depended
upon it, because it does! ... May I stress again the value of reading the
addresses given at our general conferences in the Ensign magazine"
(Ensign, May 1978, p. 77).

President George Albert Smith: "There is only one pathway of safety for me
in this day and that is to follow those whom the Lord has appointed to
lead, I may have my own ideas and opinions, I may set up my own judgment
with reference to things, but I know that when my judgment conflicts with
the teachings of those that the Lord has given to us to point the way, I
should change my course. If I desire salvation I will follow the leaders
that our Heavenly Father has given to us" (in Conference Report, Apr.
1937, p. 33).

Additional Ideas

1 . Encourage class members to study the lives of the Church Presidents
discussed in Truth Restored and in the Church magazines.

2. Class members may want to have family home evenings based on the lives
and teachings of latter-day prophets.

Next Week's Reading Assignment

Review favorite passages in the Old Testament.

Class Member Study Guide

Lesson 45

During this year we have studied many revelations given through latter-day
prophets. The messages of these revelations are necessary for our eternal
salvation. But we are not to rely solely upon the scriptures for our
guidance. The Lord has given us prophets for our day who also receive
revelations for our benefit. President John Taylor said:

"Those books [the scriptures] are good for example, precedent, and
investigation, and for developing certain laws and principles; but they do
not, they cannot touch every case required to be adjudicated and set in
order; we require a living tree-a living fountain-living intelligence,
proceeding from the living priesthood in heaven, through the living
priesthood on earth.... And from the time that Adam first received a
communication from God, to the time that John, on the Isle of Patmos,
received his communication, or Joseph Smith had the heavens open to him,
it always required new revelations, adapted to the peculiar circumstances
in which the churches or individuals were placed. Adam's revelations did
not instruct Noah to build his ark; nor did Noah's revelations tell Lot to
forsake Sodom; nor did either of these speak of the departure of Israel
from Egypt. These all had revelations for themselves.... And so must we,
or we shall make a shipwreck" (Millennial Star, 1 Nov. 1847, p. 323).

Many of the teachings of our current prophets are presented to us at
general conferences of the Church.

When the Church was organized in April 1830, the Lord directed that the
Church "meet in conference once in

three months, or from time to time as said conferences shall direct or
appoint" (D&C 20:61). The first conference of the Church was held on 9
June 1830. There were about thirty people assembled. They sang, prayed,
and partook of the "emblems of the body and blood of our Lord Jesus
Christ." Members who had recently been baptized were confirmed, and others
were ordained to various priesthood callings. Much exhortation and
instruction was given, and the Holy Ghost "was poured out upon [the group]
in a miraculous manner" (History of the Church, 1:84-85). Under the
direction of the Lord, the Church now convenes general conference twice
each year. The importance of the messages given at general conferences was
explained by President Ezra Taft Benson:

"For the next six months, your conference edition of the Ensign should
stand next to your standard works and be referred to frequently. As ...
Harold B. Lee said, we should let these conference addresses 'be the guide
to [our] walk and talk during the next six months. These are the important
matters the Lord sees fit to reveal to this people in this day' (in
Conference Report, Apr. 1946, p. 68)" (Ensign, May 1988, p. 84).

- - How have the teachings of the living prophet blessed you and your
family?

- - What message from the most recent general conference especially
impressed you? How have you been able to use it in your life?

The Tabernacle on Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah. The Church's
general conferences are held semiannually in the Tabernacle.

Page 90

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Books Cited

Benson, Ezra Taft. Come unto Christ Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co.,
1983.

Benson, Ezra Taft. This Nation Shall Endure. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book
Co., 1977.

Brigham Young University 1981 Fireside and Devotional Speeches. Provo:
Brigham Young University Press, 1981.

Cannon, Donald 0., and Lyndon W. Cook, eds. Far West Record: Minutes of
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-1844. Salt Lake
City: Deseret Book Co., 1983.

Clark, James R., comp. Messages of the First Presidency of The Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 6 vols. Salt Lake City: Bookcraft,
1965-75.

Cook, Lyndon W. The Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith. Provo, Utah:
Seventy's Mission Bookstore, 1981.

Guide to the Scriptures. This document defines scriptural topics and
provides selected scriptural references for them. It is being printed with
new editions of non-English scriptures. It is not available in English.

Journal of Discourses. 26 vols. London: Latter-day Saints' Book Depot,
1854-86.

Kimball, Spencer W. The Miracle of Forgiveness. Salt Lake City: Bookcraft,
1969.

Kimball, Spencer W. The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball. Edited by Edward
L. Kimball. Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1982

Lee, Harold B. Decisions for Successful Living. Salt Lake City: Deseret
Book Co., 1973.

McConkie, Bruce R. The Millennial Messiah. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book
Co., 1982.

McConkie, Bruce R. Mormon Doctrine. 2nd ed. Salt Lake City: Bookcraft,
1966.

McConkie, Bruce R. The Mortal Messiah. 4 vols. Salt Lake City: Deseret
Book Co., 1979-81.

Matthews, Robert J. "A Plainer Translation": Joseph Smith's Translation of
the Bible, A History and Commentary. Provo: Brigham Young University
Press, 1975.

Melchizedek Priesthood Leadership Handbook. Salt Lake City: The Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1990.

Millet, Robert L., and Kent P. Jackson, eds. Studies in Scripture, Volume
Two: The Pearl of Great Price. Salt Lake City: Randall Book Co., 1985.

Petersen, Mark E. A Faith to Live By. Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1959.

Pratt, Parley P. Autobiography of Parley Parker Pratt. Salt Lake City:
Deseret Book Co., 1975.

Priesthood. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1981.

Roberts, B. H. A Comprehensive History of The Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints. 6 vols. Salt Lake City: The Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints, 1930.

Smith, Hyrum M., and Sjodahl, Janne M. The Doctrine and Covenants
Commentary. Rev. ed. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1972.

Smith, Joseph. History of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
7 vols. 2nd ed. rev. Edited by B. H. Roberts. Salt Lake City: The Church
of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1932-51.

Smith, Joseph. Lectures on Faith. Compiled by N. B. Lundwall. Salt Lake
City: N. B. Lundwall, n.d.

Smith, Joseph. Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith. Selected by Joseph
Fielding Smith. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1939.

Smith, Joseph Fielding. Church History and Modem Revelation. 2 vols. Salt
Lake City: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1953.

Smith, Joseph Fielding. Doctrines of Salvation. 3 vols. Compiled by Bruce
R. McConkie. Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1954-56.

Smith, Joseph Fielding. Elijah the Prophet and His Mission, and Salvation
Universal. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1957.

Smith, Joseph Fielding. The Restoration of All Things. Salt Lake City:
Deseret Book Co., 1945.

Talmage, James E. The Articles of Faith. 12th ed. Salt Lake City: The
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1924.

Widtsoe, John A. The Message of the Doctrine and Covenants. Edited by G.
Homer Durham. Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1969.


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[Commentary The statement by Mark E. Petersen that God "... follows a
particular method of transmitting knowledge to man. It is an unchanging
pattern, which is, that he always speaks to the people through living
prophets", fails to address the fact this precedent had not universally
been the case in church history.  Not to mention that often communications
comes to living prophets from dead prophets.

Until the last 20 years it has been my impression that dead prophets are
quoted more often than the living prophet.  Plus the Scriptures are almost
exclusively the contents of dead prophets.

The last quote of this lesson, quotes the now dead Prophet, quoting a
another dead prophet, Harold B. Lee.

This statement of following the living Prophet 1st or the act of a living
Prophet "trumping" a the statement dead Prophet is only invoked when
controversial doctrinal change is made.

The concept that a living prophet can contradict the scriptures or
statements of policies of a dead prophet, because he is NOW the LIVING
Prophet is a circular definition.

The Living prophet traces his authority to the dead prophets, that he is
now contradicting, and derives this authority on the basis of not dieing
before any of his contemporaries.

If what the dead Prophet taught was wrong, from whom did the living
Prophet get his authority, but a prophet that had lead the people astray?

The crutch that the living is the most correct, is hardly a good
substitute for sound logic, and scriptural support.

Be aware that when this weak doctrine is invoked the strongest, is also
when authority is strangling reason.]


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Books Cited.

12 Deseret Book

7  Bookcraft

6  Printed by the Church

2  BYU Press

1  70's Book Store

1  Randall Book Co.

1  Lundwall n.d.




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- -

------------------------------

Date: Fri, 20 Feb 1998 21:45:33 -0700
From: "Perry L. Porter" <[e-mail]>
Subject: ---> GDM White-washing Mormon History.

(Small envelop upper left corner non-cursive)

E. J. Watson
3007 Banbury Rd.
Salt Lake City, Utah
84121
(post marked)
SALT LAKE CITY UTAH 841
PM 28 JAN 1977
(a 13 cent Liberty Stamp PROCLAIM LIBERTY THROUGHOUT THE LAND)
(address again in non-cursive)

Perry L. Porter
870 North 50 East
Provo, Utah 84601

(The address is my parents house where I lived after my mission for the
first year while going to BYU.  In fact it appears to be less than a month
after my mission. I had opened the letter from the top at some point in
time and didn't have tape with me so I have used some blank labels to seal
the letter across the top, it is still slit open or cut open on the stamp
end.)

(The rest of the letter is as follows in cursive)

Mr. Perry L. Porter
870 North 50 East
Provo, Utah 84601


Dear Mr. Porter

You have inquired concerning my publication "Manuscript History of Brigham
Young 1846 - 1847." It is a reasonably accurate copy of the journal kept
for Brigham Young by his scribes during the exodus from Nauvoo, and as
such might reasonably be considered a "Volume VIII of the history of the
Church edited by B. H. Roberts (documentary). A good explanation of the
book is found in it's preface and I have listed all the editing I have
done in a section entitled "Editing" beginning on page 612. Of the 500
copies I published I have none left for sale - when the bookstores sell
their present stock it will be "out of print."

You might also be interested in my publication of "The Orson Pratt
Journals." It contains everything I could find either by Orson Pratt, or
about Orson Pratt, prior to his entrance into the Salt Lake Valley. (I
have lots of them left)

I am sorry to hear your comment that you do not enjoy "watered down
versions," and that you like to read it the way it really was." I can
assure you that if you could "read it the way it really was," you'd be
bored stiff. It is the job of a competent historian to weed out the
mundane trivia to leave something worth reading. If a historian
concentrates upon the patterns of significant historical events, then his
history is called "watered down." If on the other hand he dwells upon
specific instances of emotional sensationalism, then he's "telling it like
it really was." History has a place for both, but we need to keep them in
proper perspective. You'll find that B. H. Roberts' histories have been
"watered down" considerably also, but don't throw them away on that
account - they are excellent.


May the Lord bless you with a "watered down" life
Elden J. Watson
24 January 1977



(End of correspondence.)

Twenty years later these are my feeling on this subject.

This letter, at that time, was very humbling, actually very humiliating,
for me as a inquisitive, youthful student.  I was young and inexperienced,
and culturally felt ashamed that I had questioned Mr. Watson's motives or
implied that he had a hidden agenda, to white-wash the gray areas of
Mormon History.

After years of experience and study, my faith that the histories and
historians of the Church were faithful to the facts, was greatly harmed as
it became painfully obvious that my initial impressions were correct and
that Joseph Fielding Smith, Brigham H.

Roberts and even amateur historian, such as Elden J. Watson were
white-washing the actions, policies, decisions and pronouncements of
previous church leaders.  It was a bigger jolt to my belief system, than
the original warts were.

I have learned from personal experiences as well as from Richard Poll and
others that it is MORE damaging to believe in a wart-less Brigham Young,
for many years, only to discover that you have been told a half-truth and
deceived.  Mr. Watson did not take the time or effort to follow me through
my studies at BYU and intercede or prevent me from reading footnotes and
eventually the original sources, so that I could receive a completely
"watered down" education of Mormon History.

I crossed a bridge early, where I came to the personal conclusion that,
justice would not permit me to enter the Celestial Kingdom by dogging the
rocks and the hard spots of Mormon History.  I could easily imagine that
Satan could cross-examine my testimony at the bar of justice, and confront
my white-washed assumptions of Mormon History and that he could easily
bring forth the original unedited manuscripts.  Then call up the as
witnesses, to attest to their original form and content.  I would be faced
with having to adjust my belief system while upon the witness stand before
the judgment bar of God.

If asked by Satan, if I indeed had believed in doctrines, policies
changes, sequences of historical events etc., which had been confirmed by
Joseph Smith, Brigham Young and others, in the final judgment, to have
been, misleadingly recorded and taught as accurate Church History, when
indeed they were NOT.  I would be compelled to accurately state that I had
lived most of my life with a testimony based on inaccurate facts, as
confirmed by the original participants.

I could just as easily be asked by Satan, the temple recommend question of
whether I support and sustain the current leadership of the church, even
though this very day in court, it was demonstrated by both Joseph and
Brigham that the current leadership of the church perpetuates and promotes
a white-washed version of Church History that is out of harmony with the
original documents of Joseph Smith and Brigham Young.  What is the correct
answer to that? After all this is the dispensation of the fullness of
times where the fullness of the Gospel has been reveled.  Satan will
insist that all those converted during the this dispensation, live up to
all the laws and ordinances given to us, this day, in this dispensation.

If asked if I believe that new sanctioned plural marriages stopped with
Wilford Woodruff's manifesto in 1890?  How should I answer?  Do I give the
church approved, correlated, Sunday School answer, as has been presented
at least 4 rotations of Sunday school lessons since 1979?  Or do I give
the seemingly more informed and apologetic answer that there was more
plural marriages after the 1890 manifesto, but attribute it all to the
over zealous Matthew Cowley and John W. Taylor?  Would Satan have no
evidence that the involvement went way far beyond Cowley and Taylor?  The
September 9th 1899 issue of the Salt Lake Tribune, contains a report of
Heber J. Grant pleading guilty and paying the fine for breaking the laws
of the land by cohabitation with more than one wife. This is 9 years after
the 1st Manifesto and 3 years after Statehood.  Cohabitation was against
Utah law and plural marriages were forever forbidden and irrevocable be
written into the Utah constitution, as a requirement for Utah to become a
state. According to a genealogical listing of the decedents of Joseph
Fielding Smith, 5 of his wives had children after 1890, for a total of 14
children born after 1890 to him.  Most list the place of birth as Salt
Lake City Utah.

In Essentials in Church History, by Joseph Fielding Smith page 496.

Result of the Manifesto.  Following the issuance of the Manifesto the
sentiment grew that those who had entered into plural marriages before
that date should not be interfered with, and men were not to be compelled
to desert their wives and children.

This "understanding" was not reflected in the laws of Utah!  Smith goes on
to state:

The Granting of Amnesty. December 19, 1891, the First Presidency and
apostles petitioned for amnesty. This petition was endorsed by the
governor, Arthur L. Thomas, and Charles S. Zane, who had again become
chief justice, and many leading "Gentiles." It was read before the senate
committee on territories and became a part of the published record of that
body. President Benjamin Harrison, who a short time before had visited
Utah, on January 4, 1893, issued a proclamation of amnesty to to
polygamists for past offenses limited to those who entered into that
relation before November 1, 1890 The Utah commission acting on the pardon
of the President, ruled that the restrictions against voters in the
territory should be removed.

This begs the question, that if polygamists married before November 1st
1890, were granted amnesty, then under what law as Apostle Grant pleading
guilty to and paying a 100 dollar fine?

If I answered that the majority of the 12 took additional wives after
1890, and had children from them as well as their previous plural wives,
which was contrary to the laws of the land and the simplistic reading of
the Manifesto, would be out of harmony of the beliefs of the majority of
the members living during my life time. Satan could produce a host of
uninformed witnesses to state that I out of harmony with one of the long
standing temple recommend question: "Do you affiliate with any group or
individual whose teachings or practices are contrary to or oppose those
accepted by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or do you
sympathize with the precepts of any such group or individual?" Any
statements of facts about post 1890 polygamy, immediately labels a person
as being a fundamentalist and out of harmony with the church.  Such a
label, in regard to me, is inaccurate, but would surely be created in the
minds of uninformed members.

If I were allowed to pass the bar of God and enter the pearly gates, the
general membership would object that I held opinions that are contrary to
or opposed to those accepted by the church.  If I sought after accurate
knowledge, during my life and passed on through the gate, justice would
demand that anyone else entering the gate, be like-wise informed and of
the same opinion.  Whatever the case may be at the judgment bar, someone
has a lot of adjusting to do to their testimony at the very last moment.

If death bed repentance is of no use at the judgment bar of God, how much
retracting and re-construction of our testimonies can occur while we are
yet at the bar, and justice still be served, compared to those that spent
their entire life wrestling with the warts of human kind?  Mercy applies
to sin, not self imposed ignorance.  How can the scales balance when
comparing those that chose a the path of least resistance and chose blind
and comfortable conformity over complex struggles that included
conflicting historical facts?

Mr. Watson, 20 years ago you wished up on me a "watered down" life.  I
took the road less traveled, it has been a bumpy ride.

At the judgment bar of God, I wish for you Mr. Watson, a quick and speedy
trial, but if subpoenaed, I will appear and testify to the best of my
informed knowledge, with a clear conscience.

May all of us be prepared to do the same.

In essence, Mr. Watson your "watered down" histories has delayed me on my
path to ultimately useful knowledge, rather than supplemented more factual
knowledge.


Perry L. Porter December 6th 1997

"The chronicler of important events should not be deprived of his
individuality; but if he willfully disregards the truth, no matter what
his standing may be, or how greatly he may be respected, he should be
avoided.  No historian has the right to make his prejudices paramount to
the facts he should record.  For such a writer, to record as truth that
which is false, and to palm off as facts that which is fiction, degrades
himself, insults his readers and outrages his profession."

- -Joseph Fielding Smith Jr. (1906)

Note: JFS Jr. was Sustained as Assistant Church Historian 8 april 1906.

Assistance Church Historian at age 30, ordained an apostle 4 years later.
Sustained as Church Historian in 1921 and remained Church Historian for 49
years.  Released as Church Historian when he became President of the
Church in 1970.

JFS Jr. was Church Historian for more then twice as long as any other
Church Historian, and was the only Church Historian to be a concurrent
member of the First Presidency.

JFS Jr. son of JFS and Julina Lambson. Ordained an Apostle 7 Apr. 1910 by
JFS, 1950 acting Quorum of the 12. 1951 President of the Quorum of the 12.
Councilor in the 1st Presidency 1965. Sustained President of the church
1970.


Ciao Perry     <[e-mail]>    http://pobox.com/~plporter

- -

------------------------------

Date: Sat, 07 Mar 1998 16:23:14 -0700
From: "Perry L. Porter" <[e-mail]>
Subject: ---> Church History.

Chronology of the film "Legacy"

This is a chronology of events and historical points of the film Legacy. I
am interested in feedback as to any times that need
consolidated or items that need inserted.

1.1892 Angle Moroni in walking distance of temple MERL lives.
2.Read Book or Mormon at age 13
3.Stayed up all night reading the book
4.Was one of the 1st. Baptized in to the church.
5.Papa's Friend brother Issac Morley.
6.Establishing Zion.
7.1830 Up state New York.
8.Met Prophet in Kirtland.
9.Isaac Morley was missing Book of Mormon.
10.Brother John not joined at the beginning.
11.Brother Ran away.
12.Moved to MO. In 1831 (Independence) Zion
13.JS gave BoM to Mary.
14.June 20th 1833 Anti-Mormon Meeting, where discussed closing printing
press.
15.MERL Lived with Printer.
16.Book of commandments partly shown. Present but wrong age.
17.Clay County 1835 (mother died)
18.Had a Parent that died. (totally wrong years)
19.Raised by single parent.
20.Fart West 1836 Caldwell County set aside for the settlement of the
latter-day saints.
21.Brother John (Hames)came back to family and church, the church.
22.(Cut bad, Rocker was on other horse) horses kept trading places.
23.John's girl frined called Caorline, (was sister named caroline)
24.Look for zippers on pants.
25.1838 March MERL father (John) Willimas went on mission. to Western
England.
26.Father reconciles with son.
27.Five pennies for a BoM short one farthing. "a mans soul should be worth
a farthing.
28.David Walker, read Jame 2:4 and preacher encouraged him to join another
church.
29.Jacob A temple worker looked after family.
30.Her friend's name was Catherine.
31.Didn't notice zippers on pants. no close-up's
32.Sold Book and walked away, an odd thing to do. (how common)
33.Brother Fought against Mob. Some of them determined that they would not
be driven out again, Johnny was one of them.
34.Brother Killed fighting mob. At Hans Mill.
35.General Clark to far west.
36.Boggs extermination order.
37.1838 Hans Mill. Showed mormons fighting back.
38.October 30th 1838 Hans mill (John, Mary's brother Killed.)
39.Catherine was a friend? of Jonny?
40.Peace Treaty If JS and other leaders allowed to be taken from state.
41.Treaty that must leave far west. She pushe past the gards to see JS
taken away with other leaders. (emmy running behing wagon)
42."There is no Zion is there?" went to Commerse to butil strength, to
return to "Zion", but I did not belive them.
43.Commerce Illinois, Swamp Mary Elizabeth Sick, 1839
44.She Lost faith in Zion, Will find Zion?
45.Mary Dark Skinned. 1/2 Jewish.
46.JS visits her in her sick bed. Blessed by him.
47."Eliza Williams in the name of JC arrise and be made whole.
48.Arise and be made whole.
49.1840 Liver pool England David Walker MERL future husband leaves
England.
50.Saw Nauvoo Temple Cornerstone, became the largest city in the state of
Illinois.
51.David Walker, name of Young husband.
52.John Williams "Eliza's Father, walks in at the last second of the
corner stone setting.
53.JS suddenly has an eastern accent.
54.Jacob Whitney ?? to Marry Eliza after the temple built.
55.Little sister is called Mary.???
56.David Walker meets JS.
57.Went to {Socia Atery} when JS was in Nauvoo.
58.Married a stone cutter. Was married outside temple by JS.
59.Cross cutting compition, Dance. did a Circle Dance, walzed as a couple.
60.Proposals from 2 men.
61.She was sworn to marry Jacob.
62.Picked wild flower and pressed in book. same flowers as at end of
book., when trying to decide which to marry.
63.Will marry him if David will Make me Laugh.
64.married by Joseph Smith, But not in the temple, but a church, it
appears, but there were not ward houses in Nauvoo,
they met in homes or the upper room of store.
65.Bind on earth bound on in Heaven.
66.Rocker with Sunstone. At end of the movie. April 1844. Nauvoo temple
partially competed Joseph Preached. Pericutions vain, accusations false.
67.Heard Joseph Speak at corner stone laying partially completed.
68.This is the testimony last of all that he lives for I saw him even on
the right had of God. (when)
69.Church Not about Joseph Smith says the aged MERL but about Christ.
70.Last thing she heard JS say was his testimony.
71.June 22nd 1844 heard word of Joseph Smith death by Old boyfriend .
72.Worked on Temple. He held an amy why didn't he use it, asked David?
73.His vision.. Transcended Ours. (i.e. JS)
74.(maybe JS had so many join Masons to help learn to build?)
75.Showed the Nauvoo temple but did not show the Angle Moroni in temple
cloths, or even show the top.
76.Why that is how the show started?
77.Maybe his work was finished.
78.Lord .... not above us.
79.Got endowments in the Nauvoo templ, before Mormons 1846 exodus.
80.Not showed temple endowment?
81.Moved west.
82.Lost Blessing Struggled Moving west
83.Council Bluffs July 1847.
84.Husband went on Mormon battalion.
85.He joined battalion as a call from God.
86.From God a test of faith. "If there were any other way?"
87.One more temple yet to buil, Small toy hammer, remember your father
loved you.
88.Zion will be to live with your husband. "if we ever meet again it will
be Zion to me."
89.Winter Quarters Nebraska a dark place that I will never forget 1846 &
1847 Moved on.
90.Not in the first group with Brigham Young. Went with Parley Pratt in
his wagon.
91.Father hurt his leg. "lets help god keep his promis."
92.Shared wagon with sister-in-law, because other wagon lost,
93.Why didn't they go straighter? why following windy river what appears
to be Platt river.
94.Prayed to heal OX. with eyes open. caressed ox's hair.
95.Battalion met on trail in summer.
96.Entered valley in the summer of 1847.
97.Still had Book of Mormon that JS gave her and flower.
98.The book legacy of faith never die. "May this legacy of faith never
die." (Faith in what?")


If you have any additions or corrections please email me.


Ciao Perry <[e-mail]>
                   http://pobox.com/~plporter  (Homepage)
   ftp://ftp.xmission.com/pub/users/p/plporter (download)
  http://www.xmission.com/pub/users/p/plporter (download)

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------------------------------

Date: Sun, 15 Mar 1998 20:46:53 -0700
From: "Perry L. Porter" <[e-mail]>
Subject: ---> Exegesis of D&C Section 132 By Perry L. Porter Mar 1997

This is a 2nd draft with just the verses simplified and reworded to make
for easier analysis, without the King James English or scripture like
wording.

Analysts of the redacted text will someday be forth coming.

- ---------------------------

Exegesis of D&C Section 132 By Perry L. Porter Dec 1997

1. Were Old Testament Prophets justified with multiple wives and
concubines.

1 Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you my servant Joseph, that inasmuch as
you have inquired of my hand to know and understand wherein I, the Lord,
justified my servants Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, as also Moses, David and
Solomon, my servants, as touching the principle and doctrine of their
having many wives and concubines--



2. God here gives Joseph Smith the answers to his questions as to why Old
Testiment Prophets had multiple wives.

2 Behold, and lo, I am the Lord thy God, and will answer thee as touching
this matter.



3. Must obey law, all those that find out about it.

3 Therefore, prepare thy heart to receive and obey the instructions which
I am about to give unto you; for all those who have this law revealed unto
them must obey the same.



4. This covenant is everlasting and it is a new covenant. Live it or be
damned. If anyone rejects covenant not go to heaven with God.

4 For behold, I reveal unto you a new and an everlasting covenant; and if
ye abide not that covenant, then are ye damned; for no one can reject this
covenant and be permitted to enter into my glory.



5. Blessing are predicated upon specific laws, since the start of the
world.

5 For all who will have a blessing at my hands shall abide the law which
was appointed for that blessing, and the conditions thereof, as were
instituted from before the foundation of the world.



6. New and Everlasting Covenant was created to enable us to obtain God's
glory. To receive a FULLNESS of Gods glory you must live this law or be
damned, that is to not enter Gods heaven.

6 And as pertaining to the new and everlasting covenant, it was instituted
for the fulness of my glory; and he that receiveth a fulness thereof must
and shall abide the law, or he shall be damned, saith the Lord God.



7. Conditions of the law. Any kind of marriage vow that is not done
according to this law, become null and void at death.

vaguely specified conditions of being married according to the law, which
are :

1.by proper authority 2.sealed by the Holy Spirit of Promise 3.by
revelation 4.and commandment from Joseph Smith.

7 And verily I say unto you, that the conditions of this law are these:
All covenants, contracts, bonds, obligations, oaths, vows, performances,
connections, associations, or expectations, that are not made and entered
into and sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise, of him who is anointed,
both as well for time and for all eternity, and that too most holy, by
revelation and commandment through the medium of mine anointed, whom I
have appointed on the earth to hold this power (and I have appointed unto
my servant Joseph to hold this power in the last days, and there is never
but one on the earth at a time on whom this power and the keys of this
priesthood are conferred), are of no efficacy, virtue, or force in and
after the resurrection from the dead; for all contracts that are not made
unto this end have an end when men are dead.



8. Vows are bound by rules, because God is consistent.

8 Behold, mine house is a house of order, saith the Lord God, and not a
house of confusion.



9. Rhetorical question, must vows be done according to Gods specifications
if he is to honor them?

9 Will I accept of an offering, saith the Lord, that is not made in my
name?



10. Rhetorical question, can God accept a marriage that he didn't ask you
to create?  This question must refer to Plural Marriage, as this is not a
requirement of monogomus marriage.  Must God honor a sacrifice that he did
not request from you?

10 Or will I receive at your hands that which I have not appointed?



11. Vows of marriage are given by law from God.

11 And will I appoint unto you, saith the Lord, except it be by law, even
as I and my Father ordained unto you, before the world was?



12. Can not live with God except that you live his word or law.

12 I am the Lord thy God; and I give unto you this commandment--that no
man shall come unto the Father but by me or by my word, which is my law,
saith the Lord.



13. All marriage vows by any government, king or preacher that are not
done according to this word or law, end at death.

13 And everything that is in the world, whether it be ordained of men, by
thrones, or principalities, or powers, or things of name, whatsoever they
may be, that are not by me or by my word, saith the Lord, shall be thrown
down, and shall not remain after men are dead, neither in nor after the
resurrection, saith the Lord your God.



14. Only things (vows) made by God remain after death.

14 For whatsoever things remain are by me; and whatsoever things are not
by me shall be shaken and destroyed.



15. Repeats verse 14. If vows not done by his word or law are of no force
after death. Repeats an earthly married couple are not bound by any law or
married after death.

15 Therefore, if a man marry him a wife in the world, and he marry her not
by me nor by my word, and he covenant with her so long as he is in the
world and she with him, their covenant and marriage are not of force when
they are dead, and when they are out of the world; therefore, they are not
bound by any law when they are out of the world.



16. Once dead, there are no more marriages, but former couples become
angles or servants to minister to those new Gods that were married by
God's law.

[What about prexy marriages for dead couples, i.e. does one become a
ministering angel and can one be promoted to a God upon having one's
Temple work being done?  How can they minister to Gods, but not be allowed
in Gods presencem in the highist defree?  Can proxie plurl marriage count,
must the couple live the law by living on earth and being tested as a
multiple parter marriage? ]

16 Therefore, when they are out of the world they neither marry nor are
given in marriage; but are appointed angels in heaven, which angels are
ministering servants, to minister for those who are worthy of a far more,
and an exceeding, and an eternal weight of glory.



17. Angles are those people that didn't live the law. They remain single
or non exalted, but only saved forever without a chance of exaltation.
They are not Gods but angles of God forever.

17 For these angels did not abide my law; therefore, they cannot be
enlarged, but remain separately and singly, without exaltation, in their
saved condition, to all eternity; and from henceforth are not Gods, but
are angels of God forever and ever.



18. If a man marry a women FOR TIME AND FOR ALL ETERNITY but it is not by
Gods word which is his law, The 4 conditions of law are repeated.
Marriage for time and all eternity ends at death. They are not bound by
his word become other angles and Gods will not allow them to pass into
heaven. Repeats that Gods laws are consistent.

[This hints of the sentinels that protect non initiates from progressing
in Masonry or the vail in Mormonism]

18 And again, verily I say unto you, if a man marry a wife, and make a
covenant with her for time and for all eternity, if that covenant is not
by me or by my word, which is my law, and is not sealed by the Holy Spirit
of promise, through him whom I have anointed and appointed unto this
power, then it is not valid neither of force when they are out of the
world, because they are not joined by me, saith the Lord, neither by my
word; when they are out of the world it cannot be received there, because
the angels and the Gods are appointed there, by whom they cannot pass;
they cannot, therefore, inherit my glory; for my house is a house of
order, saith the Lord God.



19. Repeat If vows are made by word or law (??? 4 conditions of law
repeated) A 5th condition is now added that when obeying the covenant and
one may not shed innocent blood.  Additional promises are that you will be
part of the first or 2nd resurrection, their vows will have force after
death, and they will get Godhood (name written in the Lambs Book of Life).
Pass by the angels and Gods to exaltation and glory in all things. You
will be able to have additional children forever.

19 And again, verily I say unto you, if a man marry a wife by my word,
which is my law, and by the new and everlasting covenant, and it is sealed
unto them by the Holy Spirit of promise, by him who is anointed, unto whom
I have appointed this power and the keys of this priesthood; and it shall
be said unto them--Ye shall come forth in the first resurrection; and if
it be after the first resurrection, in the next resurrection; and shall
inherit thrones, kingdoms, principalities, and powers, dominions, all
heights and depths--then shall it be written in the Lamb's Book of Life,
that he shall commit no murder whereby to shed innocent blood, and if ye
abide in my covenant, and commit no murder whereby to shed innocent blood,
it shall be done unto them in all things whatsoever my servant hath put
upon them, in time, and through all eternity; and shall be of full force
when they are out of the world; and they shall pass by the angels, and the
Gods, which are set there, to their exaltation and glory in all

20. Those that keep the law and do not shed innocent blood become Gods
because they continue without end. Angles obey them, (from afar).

[Are non Gods not eternal? Can your own children be ministering angles to
you?  Can Gods ministere to another God? ]

20 Then shall they be Gods, because they have no end; therefore shall they
be from everlasting to everlasting, because they continue; then shall they
be above all, because all things are subject unto them. Then shall they be
Gods, because they have all power, and the angels are subject unto them.



21. Obey law or not become a God.

21 Verily, verily, I say unto you, except ye abide my law ye cannot attain
to this glory.



22. If not know and buy into God in this world (obey his law) otherwise no
marriages or continuation of new children after death.

22 For strait is the gate, and narrow the way that leadeth unto the
exaltation and continuation of the lives, and few there be that find it,
because ye receive me not in the world neither do ye know me.



23. Repeat verse 22 in positive voice. If you buy into God now, you can
get exaltation with him later.

23 But if ye receive me in the world, then shall ye know me, and shall
receive your exaltation; that where I am ye shall be also.



24. Eternal liveS (*S* note unusual use of plural here) or increase of
children, is given by knowing God and obeying his law.

24 This is eternal lives--to know the only wise and true God, and Jesus
Christ, whom he hath sent. I am he. Receive ye, therefore, my law.



25. Repeat verse 22 in the positive voice. Broad is the gate and wide the
way to deathS (*S* note unusual use of plural here) of those that did not
obey Gods law.

25 Broad is the gate, and wide the way that leadeth to the deaths; and
many there are that go in thereat, because they receive me not, neither do
they abide in my law.



26. If a man obey the law or word and meets the conditions of the law and
later commits any sin or transgression of the New and Everlasting Covenant
or any manner of blasphemies as long as he does not murder and shed
innocent blood, he can still be exalted to a God, but will have be
punished by Satan, from the time of his death until the redemption.

26 Verily, verily, I say unto you, if a man marry a wife according to my
word, and they are sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise, according to mine
appointment, and he or she shall commit any sin or transgression of the
new and everlasting covenant whatever, and all manner of blasphemies, and
if they commit no murder wherein they shed innocent blood, yet they shall
come forth in the first resurrection, and enter into their exaltation; but
they shall be destroyed in the flesh, and shall be delivered unto the
buffetings of Satan unto the day of redemption, saith the Lord God.



27. Blasphemy against the Holy Ghost is defined as, after you have receive
the New and Everlasting Convent that you murder an innocent person.
Repeated for the __th time that if you do not obey THIS law you can not be
exalted but will be damned.

27 The blasphemy against the Holy Ghost, which shall not be forgiven in
the world nor out of the world, is in that ye commit murder wherein ye
shed innocent blood, and assent unto my death, after ye have received my
new and everlasting covenant, saith the Lord God; and he that abideth not
this law can in nowise enter into my glory, but shall be damned, saith the
Lord.



28. God will give the law of his Holy Priesthood, which was NOT new, but
existed before the world was.

[Since this revelation was given 12 years earlier, but not written down
until July 12 1843, the verb tense "will give", seems inachronistic.]

28 I am the Lord thy God, and will give unto thee the law of my Holy
Priesthood, as was ordained by me and my Father before the world was.



29. Abraham the polygamist, kept Gods word and was exalted.

29 Abraham received all things, whatsoever he received, by revelation and
commandment, by my word, saith the Lord, and hath entered into his
exaltation and sitteth upon his throne.



30. Abraham and all his decedent, including Joseph Smith, have the
promises of continuing increase of children, on earth and after death in
heaven.

30 Abraham received promises concerning his seed, and of the fruit of his
loins--from whose loins ye are, namely, my servant Joseph--which were to
continue so long as they were in the world; and as touching Abraham and
his seed, out of the world they should continue; both in the world and out
of the world should they continue as innumerable as the stars; or, if ye
were to count the sand upon the seashore ye could not number them.





Ciao Perry     <[e-mail]>    http://pobox.com/~plporter

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End of gdm-digest V2 #8
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