This is copyrighted material. However, copies may be made
but only in its entirety with no changes made.
Kevin Kraut
Kingdom of God
Volume 3
The
keys of the
But
seek ye first the
(Matt.
6:33)
I tell
you when you look around and see the state of the world on the one hand, and what
we have to perform on the other, and what the kingdom of God has got to arrive
at in order to fulfill its destiny and the revelations of Jesus Christ, our
chief object should be to build up the kingdom of God and roll it on.
(Wilford
Woodruff, JD 4:229)
[5] PREFACE
From
the beginning of time, from the first book of the Bible to the last, God has
tried to establish a "
Jesus
said the
When
Jesus tried to establish the
In this
third and concluding volume on the
[7] Chapter 1
INTRODUCTION:
"The Restitution of
All Things"
Other
attempts to promote universal peace and happiness in the human family have
proved abortive; every effort has failed; every plan and design has fallen to
the ground; it needs the wisdom of God, the intelligence of God, and the power
of God to accomplish this. The world has had a fair trial for six thousand
years; the Lord will try the seventh thousand Himself;.... (Joseph Smith, TPJS,
p. 252)
Ancient
prophets looked forward to the time when wars would cease and man would no more
have enmity toward each other. Peace would prevail upon the earth. Even the
animals would get along peacefully. The
But
when will this take place? When will this anticipated Millennium begin? Many
religionists and military leaders have thought they knew, but no one as yet has
correctly predicted the exact time of this peaceful era. Neither human wisdom
nor actions will ever achieve it because it is God's work and will come about
in His timing. We do know, however, that certain conditions must exist prior to
the Millennium:
1.There
must be a select people who will obey Him in all things and, if necessary, will
sacrifice all things.
[8]
2.This
people must gather together to a place He will designate. They must live in
harmony, both temporally and spiritually.
3.They
must accept His authority and administer all His principles, ordinances and
laws without changes, alterations and compromises.
Even
though the Christians of today are praying for His Kingdom to come, they don't
know what it is. Regrettably, most Mormons don't know either.
The
Prophet Joseph Smith introduced the Book of Mormon, revelations from God, the
gospel of Jesus Christ, and eventually the
Joseph
Smith soon found that by telling the story he had excited a great deal of
prejudice against himself among many professors of religion. His experience
indicated how far removed men were from a sincere belief in those scriptures so
frequently found upon their lips. (CHC 1:56)
But in
young Joseph's 1820 vision, God did not commend him for being a wonderful
servant, a choice seer, or a faithful prophet who would hold all the keys.
Rather, it was simply to convey a message about an important work he was to do.
In another subsequent vision a heavenly messenger appeared to Joseph and
reiterated what his primary motive should be. In Joseph's words--
[9]Satan
would try to tempt me, to get the plates for the purpose of getting rich. This
he forbade me, saying that I must have no other object in view in getting the
plates but to glorify God, and must not be influenced by any other motive than
that of building His kingdom;
otherwise I could not get them. ("Origin of the Book of Mormon,"
preliminary page in the Book of Mormon)
Joseph
Smith was not trying to prove to people that he was smarter than other
ministers; he was not trying to correct centuries of scriptural
misinterpretations; nor was he trying to start another church for the purpose
of making money as others had been doing. Joseph was playing the role of
restorer. He re-established the church with the same offices and callings of
Christ's church. He restored the priesthood authority to administer in all of
the sacred ordinances. He received and administered to others the gifts and
powers of the Holy Ghost. But in addition to all these, he was an instrument in
restoring the
In all
of Christendom no one had claimed to have restored the
The
[10]The
riches of this world are nothing more than a stepping stone, or necessary means
whereby people may obtain the true riches--by which they can sustain themselves
until they can procure the true riches of the
Unfortunately,
our efforts in seeking the Kingdom are too easily interrupted by the ongoing
struggle for food, housing, and other temporal provisions. The
[11] Chapter 2
FROM THE ANNALS OF THE
PAST
The
best investments and bargains that you can make and the best thing you can do
for yourselves here while in time and for eternity is to let the kingdom absorb all your interests and all that pertains to you.
(Daniel Wells, JD 9:83)
In the
sorrowful history of our world, mankind has made little progress morally. Their
religions are lacking, and their politics have been even worse. Scientific
progress has been achieved at the expense of spiritual strength. The world in
general has been deceived by the devil. (See Rev. 12:9.) How strange that even
though God created this world for His children, the devil is the one who is
frequently called "the god of this world." (2 Cor. 4:4)
What is
the cause of so many of God's children rebelling against their own Creator? It
seems that things got off to a bad start before we were born. The Prophet
Joseph warned:
Beware
of an aspiring spirit, which would lift you up, one above another, to seek to
be the greatest in the
[12]The
difference between those who followed Satan and those who followed God could be
found in the selection of principles and government that they wanted to rule
over them. Even after we came to earth we began establishing different forms of
governments and kingdoms that do not even resemble the
AnarchyNo
government (as in the
OligarchyA
few rule (as in an Indian Council)
MonarchyOne
person rules (as in many popular governments)
DictatorshipRule
of one person (as Hitler, Stalin, Mao Tse Tung)
AristocracyA
privileged few rule (as the international bankers)
DemocracyMajority
rule (as in
RepublicRepresentatives
rule (as
TheocracyGod
rules (as with the ancient Israelites)
To have
a theocracy there must be communication from God. It is a government from
heaven, directed and governed by God Himself. This is explained further by
Brigham Young:
I ask
the question, can man govern himself? No, he cannot; and unless the Lord takes
the government and introduces correct principles, it cannot be done; the
intelligence we have will never do it, and in fact nothing but the light and intelligence of the Most High will enable us
to progress in the things of the kingdom of God; and how few there are that
can govern themselves. What will enable you, brethren and sisters, to govern
yourselves? The Spirit of God; and you cannot do it without the Spirit of the
living God dwelling in you,--you must have the light of revelation, or else you
cannot do it. (JD 10:57)
[13]President
Young continued to explain that a man must not only receive the principles of
the
When
you get the Spirit of God, you feel full of kindness, charity, long-suffering,
and you are willing all the day long to accord to every man that which you want
yourself. You feel disposed all the day long to do unto all men as you would
wish them to do unto you. (Ibid.)
When
this kingdom is organized in any age, the Spirit of it dwells in the hearts of
the faithful, while its visible department exists among the people, with laws,
ordinances, helps, governments, officers, administrators, and every other
appendage necessary for its complete operation to the attainment of the end in
view. (JD 10:18)
If
people don't live righteous principles within the
All
mankind are not born with the same inclinations or desires. However, they do
inherit the same spirit they had before they were born. Some were much more
valiant than others. Parley P. Pratt explained:
Now the
Lord did not predicate His principle of election or nobility upon such an
unequal, unjust, and useless order of things. When He speaks of nobility, He
simply means an election made, and an office or a title conferred, on the
principle of superiority of intellect, or nobleness of action, or of capacity
to act. And when [14] this election, with titles, dignities, and estates,
includes the unborn posterity of a chosen man, as in the case of Abraham,
Isaac, and Jacob, it is with a view of the noble spirits of the eternal world
coming through their lineage, and being taught in the commandments of God.
Hence the Prophets, Kings, Priests, Patriarchs, Apostles, and even Jesus
Christ, were included in the election of Abraham, and of his seed, as
manifested to him in an eternal covenant. (JD 1:258)
Not all
men have an active part in the
The Kings of Kingdoms
The
history of man and his kingdoms and governments is a record of failure and
catastrophe. Frequently, God has offered to establish His Kingdom on earth, but
it has been rejected by man because it does not give enough power and control
to mortal leaders. Consider the rise and fall of these nations and their
empires:
Egyptian
EmpireChinese Han Dynasty
Persian
EmpireGreco-Macedonian Empire
Babylonian
EmpireIslamic Empire
Ottoman
EmpireMayan Empire
These
empires were destroyed for the same reasons that the
The
kings of ancient
A king
in
Following
are the names and dates of ruling kings in both
Kings of
1.Rehoboam,
931-915
2.Abijam,
915-912
3.Asa,
912-871
4.Jehoshaphat,
875-850
5.Jehoram,
850-843
6.Ahaziah,
842
7.Joash,
842-832
8.Joash,
836-797
9.Amaziah,
791-782
10.Uzziah, 785-751
11.Jotham,
751-736
12.Ahaz,
736-721
13.Hezekiah,
721-693
14.Manasseh,
693-639
15.Amon,
639-638
16.Josiah,
638-608
17.Jehoahaz,
608 (3 months)
18.Jehoiakim,
608-597
19.Jehoiachin,
597 (3 months)
20.Zedekiah,
597-586
[16]
Kings of
1.Jeroboam,
931-910
2.Nadab,
910-909
3.Baasha,
909-886
4.Elah,
886-885
5.Zimri,
885 (seven days)
6.Omri,
885-874
7.Ahab,
874-852
8.Ahaziah,
852-850
9.Jehoram
or Joram, 850-842
10.Jehu,
842-814
11.Jehoahaz,
814-800
12.Jehoash
or Joash, 800-785
13.Jeroboam
II, 785-745
14.Zechariah,
745 (6 months)
15.Shallum,
745 (1 month)
16.Menahem,
744-735
17.Pekahiah,
735-734
18.Pekah,
734-730
19.Hoshea,
730-722
Being a
king did not exempt him from upholding the laws and ordinances of the gospel.
Saul offered sacrifices (I Sam. 13:9-11); David wore the ephod (I Sam. 7:19);
and Solomon addressed his people in the temple (I Kings 8:14). The fact that
Solomon built a temple and dedicated it to the Lord shows the strong connection
a king had to both priestly and civil functions. A king does not live beyond
the law, but by it. Essentially a king should set the example of obedience to
all the laws of God.
The
Prophet Joseph Smith completely understood how this kingdom existed in ancient
times and described its existence in the days of Moses:
When
Many
unbelievers in God's Kingdom thought that the laws, principles and government
under Moses came from his own wisdom and administration. They concluded that
Moses was a genius and a powerful charismatic person who influenced an inferior
people to follow his superior intellect. But after serious consideration and
study of the theocracy over the children of
In
spite of the high and holy calling of these kings in the Kingdom, these men
were still mortal, fallible and often made mistakes. We read of the prophet
Nathan's warning to the [18] people as he exposed David for his sins. And
Samuel chastised the people for wanting the wrong kind of king:
. . .
and in that day you will cry out because of your king, whom you have chosen for
yourselves, but the Lord will not answer you in that day. (I Sam. 8:18)
This
should be a warning to our generation, because we have been voting, sustaining
and obeying the wrong kind of kings in our land. (Call them presidents,
governors, or politicians--any who are opposed to the
When
Moses came down from
Now
therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall
be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine; and
ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. (Ex. 19:5-6)
These
sentiments and objectives are the highest, and the possibilities are the
ultimate for men to achieve. But such a condition, if it exists at all, is
short-lived, and soon infiltrated and taken over by
We
should keep in mind the examples of
And
also all that generation were gathered unto their fathers: and there arose
another generation after them, which knew not the Lord, nor yet the works [19]
which he had done for
Nevertheless,
the Lord did not destroy them but left them in the hands of their enemies. This
disaster occurred about 1100 B.C., but God was still merciful to them and sent
them judges and prophets. He did not finally "divorce" Himself from
them until around the year 700 B.C.
Before
this time, when a patriarchal blessing had been given to those in the tribe of
Judah (or the Jews), it stated that "The sceptre shall not depart from
The Christians and the Kingdom
Jesus
came to the Jews with the power and wisdom of God and the desire to establish
His Kingdom. "The kingdom of heaven, or
When He
first began His ministry, it went fairly well. Luke recorded:
And the
people, when they knew it, followed him: and he received them, and spake unto
them of the
[20]When
Jesus healed the sick, gave sight to the blind, raised the dead and walked on
water, it should have been enough to convince the Jews that His power came from
God. But, even though they were looking for the Kingdom, they didn't like the
King, as they were afraid He would take away all their worldly honors,
positions and wealth.
After
Christ's crucifixion, persecution took a heavy toll on Christianity, and
resulted in the eventual downfall of the Kingdom Christ had tried to establish.
Men began to change gospel principles, doctrines and ordinances. They chose the
things of the world in preference to the things of God. As they withdrew from
God, He withdrew from them. For the next 300 years the philosophers, gnostics
and intellectuals had a wonderful time re-defining the teachings of Jesus. Even
the pagan Romans had a strong influence on the Gospel and
Flavius
Constantine (Constantine the Great, 274-337 AD) was the Roman emperor that had
more influence upon the Christian Church than any other person at that time. Up
until 325 AD the Christians were no more than little bands of people hiding
from Roman emperors. They were persecuted under ten major edicts of death by
the previous emperors until it appeared there were no more Christians left.
Then a
miracle happened.
At this
point Romans became Christians and Christians became Romans, and the result was
the formation of the "Holy [21]
All of
these events brought new definition to the
Authoritative
historians admit that a civil government called the Kingdom was taught during
the first centuries after Christ. Some of the early Christian fathers were
acquainted with its doctrine and were teaching it. Then came such brilliant
scholars as Origen and Augustine. Origen (185-253) was a celebrated ecclesiastical
writer and professor of schools in
About
100 years later
[22]Both
Origen and Augustine had a strong influence on theologians and philosophers for
centuries and are even highly regarded to this day. Origen called the Kingdom
"the mystic Kingdom of heaven;" Augustine called it "the City of
Merle
D'Aubigne, author of Christianity in the
First Three Centuries, gave Origen profuse credit for his scholarly works;
however, Professor Briggs, writing in the
We are
sorry to see Dr. Merle D'Aubigne eulogizing Origen as "the greatest
luminary of ecclesiastical antiquity." Concede to Origen learning, fervor,
and self-sacrificing life; but do not canonize as a luminary one who did more
to darken scripture and to obscure some of its fundamental truth than any
father of the first five centuries. (North
British Review, May 1859, p. 273)
Cardinal
d'Ailly said that the church regarded its jurisdiction more binding than the
commands of God; the professors of canon law taught that the papal decretals
(decrees) were of greater weight than scripture.
A
special tribunal of the Roman Catholic Church was first established in 1179
called the Holy Inquisition. Its purpose was to seek out and punish heretics
and apostates.
Unregenerate
heretics were turned over to the civil government for punishment, in accordance
with the civil law, which prescribed the death penalty, since heresy was
regarded as anarchy and high treason.
Under
it, Llorente estimated the number of persons put to death in 330 years at
31,000, but others insist that this number includes many executed for such
crimes as polygamy, seduction, smuggling, witchcraft, sorcery, etc." (New
Modern Enc., p. 507)
[23]In
historian Henry Charles Lea's extensive three-volume set of 2,000 pages, he
covered the entire history of the Roman Catholic Inquisition, and--
. . .
alluded to the power claimed and often exercised of abrogating all local
statutes obnoxious to the Holy Office, and of the duty of every secular
official to lend aid whenever called upon. This duty was recognized and
enforced so that the organization of the Inquisition may be said to have
embraced that of the State, whose whole resources were placed at its disposition.
(History of the Inquisition of the
Middle Ages, vol. 1, p. 385)
St.
Thomas Aquinas (1227-1274 AD) was an Italian theologian who spent his life
teaching and writing for the Catholic Church. He was canonized by John XXII as
the fifth doctor of the Church. He was born and lived during the middle of the
Catholic Inquisition and so was very familiar with its doctrines and
activities.
Thomas
Aquinas set out to prove that submission to the Roman Pontiff was necessary for
every human being. He declared that under the law of the New Testament, the
king must be subject to the priest to the extent that, if kings proved to be
heretics or schismatics, the Bishop of Rome was entitled to deprive them of all
kingly authority by releasing subjects from their ordinary obedience.
The
fullest expression of this temporal and spiritual supremacy claimed by the
bishops of
Thus,
priests became more powerful than kings. They could order prison sentences,
robberies, and even slaughters with their "kingly power."
[24]Not
only did the humblest priest wield a super-natural power which marked him as
one elevated above the common level of humanity, but his person and possessions
were alike inviolable. No matter what crimes he might commit, secular justice
could not take cognizance of them, and secular officials could not arrest him.
(A History of the Inquisition of the
Middle Ages, Henry Charles Lea, vol. 1, p. 2)
Some
people have a strong influence upon others, either for good or for evil, but
when they get into political office, that power is intensified. This was the
case in Christianity. Under the jurisdiction of Jesus, acting as its King,
there was the potential for liberty and happiness. However, under the direction
of
The
great Christian Catholic Church grew to become one of the major religions of
the world. To many it appeared to be the promised
The
Protestants do not want to believe that the Catholic octopus is the
1.It is
centered in your heart.
2.It is
the good within you.
3.It is
heaven.
4.It is
the Millennium.
5.It is
the
[25]It
is evident that none of the Christian churches understands the real meaning,
purpose and organization of the
[26] Chapter 3
Wherefore,
this land is consecrated unto him whom he shall bring. And if it so be that
they shall serve him according to the commandments which he hath given, it shall
be a land of liberty unto them; wherefore, they shall never be brought down
into captivity; if so, it shall be because of iniquity; for if iniquity shall
abound cursed shall be the land for their sakes, but unto the righteous it
shall be blessed forever. (2 Nephi 1:7)
To have
a productive garden you have to plant good seed in fertile soil. If you put bad
seed in bad ground, your garden will fail. To plant the
God
first gave these blessings to father Abraham and his children, so His posterity
could rule in righteous power throughout the nations of the earth. His
grandchildren would become the House (Kingdom) of
[27]The
most remarkable fulfillment of Biblical prophecy in modern times was the sudden
sprouting forth of the two mightiest world powers--one, a commonwealth of
nations forming the greatest world empire of all time; the other, the
wealthiest, most powerful nation on earth today. These birthright peoples came,
with incredible suddenness, into possession of more than two-thirds, nearly
three-fourths of the cultivated wealth and resources of the whole world! This
sensational spurt from virtual obscurity in so short a time gives
incontrovertible proof of divine inspiration. Never, in all history, did
anything like it occur. (The Plain Truth,
April 1979, p. 7)
The
royal line has continued throughout the kings and queens of
The
[28]
Joseph's
blessing, with the broadest and greatest promises, said his children would go
"over the wall" (the ocean) to the land of the "everlasting
hills" (
Men and
women were chosen to begin the preparation for this great event, the greatest
since the birth of Jesus. Men with religious and political backgrounds did a
work beyond the scope of their own understanding. They became known as the
Reformers.
Not
only have these religious reformers been inspired to do a work in preparing for
the advent of the
To
establish the
[29]Doctrine and Covenants:
And for
this purpose have I established the Constitution of this land, by the hands of
wise men whom I raised up unto this very purpose, and redeemed the land by the
shedding of blood. (D & C 101:80)
Orson F. Whitney:
Inspired
men like Washington and Jefferson were raised up to frame a Constitution
liberal in its provisions, extending the utmost freedom to all men, Christian
or heathen, who desired to make this glorious land their home; that they might
have the unrestricted right to worship God according to the dictates of their
consciences. (JD 26:201)
George A. Smith:
There
is no nation under heaven among whom the
Joseph F. Smith:
But the
Lord Almighty has prepared the way for the coming forth of the
Wilford Woodruff:
I will
say to the Latter-day Saints that we have been more blessed in this land than
has any other [30] dispensation or generation of men. The Lord has been at work
for the last three hundred years preparing this land, with a government and
constitution which would guarantee equal rights and privileges to the
inhabitants thereof, in the midst of which he could establish his kingdom. (JD
15:10)
In Defense of the Constitution
The
United States Constitution contains rights and freedoms seldom found in any
other government. It was not formulated quickly, but rather as a tedious labor
over weeks of study and research. Ancient and contemporary governments were
carefully examined with the object of establishing checks, balances and
freedoms.
The Constitution was to limit the power of the
government, not the citizens. Power in the hands of a few people in government
can be, and always has been, the major fault in political efforts. The 55 men
at
Of all
the churches and political powers in
Frequently,
the Mormons were falsely accused of being unpatriotic or of trying to establish
another government inside the
We say
that God is true; that the Constitution of the United States is true; that the
Bible is true; that the Book of Mormon is true; that the Book of Covenants is
true; that Christ is true; that the ministering angels sent forth from God are
true, and that we know that we have an house not made with hands eternal in the
heavens, whose builder and maker is God; . . . (TPJS, p. 148)
It is
one of the first principles of my life, and one that I have cultivated from my
childhood, having been taught it by my father, to allow every one that liberty
of conscience. I am the greatest advocate of the Constitution of the
Do
these comments by Joseph Smith sound like the ravings of a wild man or of
someone trying to destroy our country? If the politicians in
Joseph
Smith, however, did note one weakness with the Constitution:
The only
fault I find with the Constitution is, it is not broad enough to cover the
whole ground.
Although
it provides that all men shall enjoy religious freedom, yet it does not provide the manner by which
that freedom can be preserved, nor for the punishment of Government officers
who refuse to protect the people in their religious rights, or punish those
mobs, states, or communities who interfere with the rights of the people on
account of their religion. Its sentiments [32] are good, but it provides no
means of enforcing them. It has but this one fault. Under its provision, a man
or a people who are able to protect themselves can get along well enough; but
those who have the misfortune to be weak or unpopular are left to the merciless
rage of popular fury.
The
Constitution should contain a provision that every officer of the Government who should neglect or refuse to extend
the protection guaranteed in the Constitution should be subject to capital
punishment; . . . (TPJS, pp. 326-327)
Thus,
the Theocratic Kingdom added protections to the Constitution to cover these
weaknesses. Brigham Young said the U.S. Constitution was very much like the
Constitution of the Kingdom of God:
But
few, if any, understand what a theocratic government is. In every sense of the
word, it is a republican government, and differs but little in form from our
National, State, and Territorial Governments; but its subjects will recognize
the will and dictation of the Almighty. * * *
The
Constitution and laws of the United States resemble a theocracy more closely
than any government now on the earth, . . . (JD 6:342)
The
Constitution was the glory of America. It was a magnificent document dedicated
for protecting the rights and liberties of its citizens. The Kingdom of God was
not intended to detract or take away anything from the Constitution; it will
only add a finishing touch. That which was cast in silver will be overlaid with
gold.
The Death of the Constitution
The
Founding Fathers were America's first intellectuals and, so far, her last. (Ayn
Rand, The New Intellectual, p. 53)
[33]
One of the great achievements of the American Revolution was to transfer power
from the government into the hands of individuals. It was one of the rare
governments to become a servant rather than a master.
Because
of their natural weaknesses, mankind has proved to be poor leaders. Money,
ambition, and power have taken a heavy toll on those who would govern the
masses. It is often reinforced that the natural man is an enemy to God. Even
with such a beautiful document as the Constitution, the sting of political
perversion is felt over and over again.
Our
government has changed from being a protector of our rights to being the owner
of them. When a government obtains all the rights, then there are none for the
people.
To be
worth anything, the Constitution must be held sacred and rigidly enforced. The
man who wields too much power in its administration can be its worst enemy.
Minor infractions can become major disasters.
One of
the most dangerous government powers is that of collecting money. This power
affects every man in the nation no matter how poor he may be, and it seems that
the poorer he is, the more he pays in proportion to his means. Once Congress
begins to usurp this power, there is no end to its violations of the
Constitution or the principles of morality.
There is no good on earth that doesn't have
its counter-part. The same is true of the Constitution. Conspiring men who
sought for personal gain began to attack it. However, the Constitution will
also have its friends and defenders, and according to prophecy it will be
preserved from total destruction by its enemies:
[34]John Taylor:
. . .
for if the people of this nation are so blind and infatuated as to trample
under foot the Constitution and other safeguards provided for the liberties of
man, we do not propose to assist them in their suicidal and traitorous
enterprises; for we have been told by Joseph Smith that when the people of this
nation would trample upon the Constitution, the Elders of this Church would
rally around the flag and defend it. (JD 25:349-350)
Orson
Hyde:
It is
said that brother Joseph in his lifetime declared that the Elders of this
Church should step forth at a particular time when the Constitution should be
in danger, and rescue it, and save it. This may be so; but I do not recollect
that he said exactly so; I believe he said something like this--that the time
would come when the Constitution and the country would be in danger of an
overthrow; and said he, if the Constitution be saved at all, it will be by the
Elders of this Church. I believe this is about the language, as nearly as I can
recollect it. (JD 6:152)
Brigham Young:
Will
the Constitution be destroyed? No, it will be held inviolate by this people;
and, as Joseph Smith said, "The time will come when the destiny of the
nation will hang upon a single thread. At that critical juncture, this people
will step forth and save it from the threatened destruction." It will be
so. (JD 7:15)
Brigham Young:
Every
organization of our government, the best government in the world, is crumbling
to pieces. Those who have it in their hands are the ones who are destroying it.
How long will it be before the words of the Prophet Joseph will be fulfilled?
He said if the Constitution of the United States were saved at all, it must be
done by this people. It will not be many years before these words come to pass.
How long will it be before they will be coming here for bread, for the bread
[35] of life, and for the bread which sustains the body? Do you know this? You
do not. (JD 12:204)
America
has been a favored nation, above all others, but along with its blessings come
the responsibilities of pre-serving it. Prophecy says that "whatsoever
nation shall possess it shall serve God, or they shall be swept off."
(Ether 2:9) When we consider the crime and corruption in America today, we know
we are in deep trouble.
God's
judgments will be felt in the political as well as the religious realm. For
instance, people in every agency of government take an oath that they will
"support and defend the Constitution of the United States from all
enemies, foreign or domestic, so help me God." Yet, as soon as many of
them get into office, they begin to change or ignore the principles of freedom
as guaranteed by the Constitution. Even though they may take this oath lightly,
God does not. Wilford Woodruff once said:
The
Constitution once broken by the rulers of the land, there will be no stopping
place until the nation is broken in pieces, and no power beneath the heavens
can save this nation from the consequences thereof. (Mill. Star 41:241)
He also
saw in vision the destructions that are coming upon this nation and described
dead bodies upon dead bodies in Washington, D.C.
There
have been several different versions of a page entitled, "If I Were the
Devil," depicting several things the devil would do to take away the
freedom of people and lead them to destruction. My adaptation follows, so the
reader can compare the similar conditions that exist in America today.
[36]
If I Were the Devil . . .
here is how I would destroy
America:
1.Destroy Christian ethics and morality.
2.Take over the media and tell the people what
you want them to hear.
3.Get control of the mining, oil and banking
industries.
4.Create wars to burden government with debt.
5.Send billions of dollars, technology and
materials to foreign nations, especially those who are opposed to America.
6.Pay off or threaten politicians to do your
bidding.
7.Increase the size, power and wealth of the
government.
8.Establish individual taxation and then
continually increase it.
9.Centralize regulations, codes, laws, courts
and police.
10.Increase
cheap trade with foreign countries to break down American industries.
11.Create
inflations and depressions to steal money and property from the citizens.
12.Get
as many people on welfare as possible.
13.Kill
the incentive and rights of the people through regulations.
14.Tear
down or diminish all national defenses.
15.Abolish
the idea of a republic and promote democracy.
16.Steal
the nation's gold supplies through national mortgages.
17.Create
easy credit, mortgages and credit cards.
18.Promote
birth control, abortion, sex and violence.
19.Promote
gun control and take away guns and ammunition.
20.Pretend
to solve all the problems these objectives have created by telling the people
they need a new world government.
[37]
The Death of All Nations
If this and other nations do not prepare
themselves to receive the Kingdom of God, He will proceed without them. Wicked
people are only temporary obstacles to the work of God and they will be
"hewn down" just as any obstacle when a road is being made. Anything
or anyone that opposes the freedom of man is an offense to God. Any nation
today that subverts the principles of liberty and virtue is in danger.
According to Brigham Young:
When a
great blessing is bestowed upon a people, and that blessing is not strictly
honored and lived to, in proportion to the greatness of that blessing, over and
above what has been previously enjoyed, it will be a curse to them. (JD 10:22)
In
ancient times, kingly powers honored and respected the prophets, i.e.,
Nebuchadnezzar gave heed to the prophet Daniel. But according to Orson Pratt,
"the people of these latter times have strayed so far from a theocratical
form of government, that they do not even believe in such things. . . ."
(JD 7:216) If we learn anything from history, it should be the fact that the
more power a government has, the less freedom the citizens enjoy.
The
experience of all mankind has shown that what matters most about a government
is not its form, but its size--the degree to which it controls everything and
everybody. Never for an instant forget what Hitler proved in the 30's and 40's,
what Stalin proved in the 30's, 40's and 50's, what Mao Tse Tung demonstrated
over again starting in the late 1940's. The real killing does not begin until
the government has all the power and all the guns! ("The Golden Age Senior
Newspaper," p. 3)
[38]The
devil destroys governments by infiltration and subversion and by causing wars
among nations. Beware when those nations reach the point that in their
corruption, they will destroy themselves.
[39] Chapter 4
PROPHECIES OF THE KINGDOM'S
RESTORATION
When
they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou
at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? (Acts 1:6)
After
the resurrection of Christ, He appeared to the Apostles who asked Him,
"Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?"
(Acts 1:6) Three things are brought out in this question: (1) the kingdom once
existed, but it was no longer with them; (2) it had to be restored; and (3)
since Jesus did not do it then, meant that it would be later. Nearly 2,000
years later, it still has not been fully restored because His Kingdom has not
yet ruled over all the other kingdoms of the earth.
That
which is lost must again be found, or it will forever remain lost. The
Protestant Reformers tried to teach about the Kingdom of God, but even they
could not see it clearly because of all the smoke and fog created by the
sectarian pagans, popes and priests. God was not unmindful of this dilemma and
foresaw it from the beginning of time. Prophets and apostles foretold the
restoration and final triumph of God's Kingdom in the last days.
If you
were God and looked down upon this dark and evil world, wouldn't you try to do
something to help improve the situation? If you saw your children sinking into
apostasy and [40] wickedness, wouldn't you do something to save them from
destruction? Of course you would--and so did God! The Prophet Joseph stated:
. . .
attempts to promote universal peace and happiness in the human family have
proved abortive; every effort has failed; every plan and design has fallen to
the ground; it needs the wisdom of God, the intelligence of God, and the power
of God to accomplish this. The world has had a fair trial for six thousand
years; the Lord will try the seventh thousand Himself; "He whose right it
is, will possess the kingdom, and reign until He has put all things under His
feet;" iniquity will hide its hoary head, Satan will be bound, and the
works of darkness destroyed; righteousness will be put to the line, and
judgment to the plummet, and "he that fears the Lord will alone be exalted
in that day." (TPJS, p. 252)
But God
cannot do it all alone. He must have help from those of His children who would
listen and obey. Obedience and disobedience would be their own choice because
God would force no one. Those who chose to obey would be blessed, but those who
rebelled would be cursed. His plan was simple; the path was easy, and His
burden would be light.
The
kingdom cannot be restored to a people until they have repented and been
cleansed from their sins, which is the job for the Church, the forerunner for
the Kingdom. The Kingdom can be presented to only a righteous people--a people
who will be looking forward to the coming of the King to His Kingdom. The
Kingdom must be established just prior to His second advent.
In the
20th chapter of Ezekiel the Lord reiterates His difficulty with the house of
Israel in Egypt. He said they would be cursed because "they rebelled
against me, and would not [41] hearken unto me" (v. 8), and so He said He
would "scatter them among the heathen, and disperse them through the
countries; because they had not executed my judgments, but had despised my
statutes, and had polluted my sabbaths, and their eyes were after their
fathers' idols." (vs. 23-24) But then after many years He would once again
try to save the house of Israel:
And I
will bring you out from the people, and will gather you out of the countries
wherein ye are scattered, with a mighty hand, and with a stretched out arm, and
with fury poured out. And I will bring you into the wilderness of the people,
and there will I plead with you face to face. Like as I pleaded with your
fathers in the wilderness of the land of Egypt, so will I plead with you, saith
the Lord God. And I will cause you to pass under the rod, and I will bring you
into the bond of the covenant.
And I
will purge out from among you the rebels, and them that transgress against me:
I will bring them forth out of the country where they sojourn, and they shall
not enter into the land of Israel: and ye shall know that I am the Lord
As for
you, O house of Israel, thus saith the Lord God; Go ye, serve ye every one his
idols, and hereafter also, if ye will not hearken unto me: but pollute ye my
holy name no more with your gifts, and with your idols. For in mine holy
mountain, in the mountain of the height of Israel, saith the Lord God, there
shall all the house of Israel, all of them in the land, serve me: there will I
accept them, and there will I require your offerings, and the first fruits of
your oblations, with all your holy things.
I will
accept you with your sweet savour, when I bring you out from the people, and
gather you out of the countries wherein ye have been scattered; and I will be
sanctified in you before the heathen. (Eze. 20:34-41)
This
chapter will summarize the conditions that will exist prior to the restoration
of the House of Israel:
[42]1.Israel
failed to keep His laws and were cursed for it.
2.They
would be scattered among all nations. Jesus tried to gather them again as a hen
gathereth her chicks, but they would not. (See Matt. 23:37.)
3.Later
the Lord would cause something to bring them from all nations unto a promised
land. The restoration of the Gospel would be the only cause that would do it.
4.He
would plead with them face to face, which is what happened with the
restoration, starting with the vision of Joseph Smith.
5.Then
He would plead with them in the wilderness as He did in Egypt and which He also
did in the wilderness of Utah Territory.
6.He
would cause them to pass under the rod, which they did with persecutions,
drivings, prisons and killings by the gentiles.
7.He
would bring them the bond of the covenant, which is the covenant of the Holy
Priesthood, which He did.
8.He
would purge out the rebels and those that transgress against Him. This would be
the destruction of the wicked and also the setting in order of the House of
God.
9.Only
in His "holy mountain" would all the house of Israel know how to
serve Him and be accepted. The power and divine guidance of the Lord would
bring about the way for His people to be delivered out of their bondage and
slavery to Babylon.
10.Then
will come the time where the Lord will finally be worshipped according to His
laws, statutes, and ordinances. Only then will He be able to reign as King in
His Kingdom over all other kingdoms.
Most
scriptural prophecies are directed to the events of the last days and pertain
to the Kingdom of God. For instance, both Daniel and John the revelator gave us
several important clues and answer many questions about this kingdom:
[43]How
will the Kingdom be established?
And I
saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to
preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and
tongue, and people, . . . . (Rev. 14:6)
To whom
will it be given?
And the
kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven,
shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom is
an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him. (Dan. 7:27)
When will
it be restored?
But
there is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets, and maketh known to the king
Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days. Thy dream, and the visions of
thy head upon thy bed, are these; ... (Dan. 2:28)
What
will the people of earth be like?
This
matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy
ones: to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the
kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the
basest of men. (Dan. 4:17)
How
will other kingdoms be?
And as
the toes of the feet were part of iron, and part of clay, so the kingdom shall
be partly strong, and partly broken. * * * (Dan. 2:42)
Who
should receive God's Kingdom?
But the
saints of the most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom for
ever, even for ever and ever. (Dan. 7:18)
[44]Will
the Saints have trouble establishing it?
I
beheld, and the same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them;
until the Ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the
most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom. * * * And
he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints
of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given
into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time. (Dan. 7:21, 22,
25)
And it
was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power
was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. (Rev. 13:7)
For
they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and thou hast given them blood
to drink; for they are worthy. (Rev. 16:6)
Will the Kingdom survive?
And the
seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms
of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he
shall reign for ever and ever. (Rev. 11:15)
Will it have power over other
kingdoms?
And in
the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall
never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it
shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for
ever.
Forasmuch
as thou sawest that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and
that it brake in pieces the iron, the brass, the clay, the silver, and the
gold; the great God hath made known to the king what shall come to pass
hereafter: and the dream is certain, and the interpretation thereof sure. (Dan.
2:44-45)
[45]How long will it last?
And there
was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and
languages, should serve him: his dominion is an ever-lasting dominion, which
shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed. (Dan.
7:14)
Orson
Pratt commented on these and other prophecies concerning the temporary
establishment of the Kingdom of God in the latter days:
Here,
then, dear reader, you find a people which answer every description, pointed
out by the prophets; not one feature is lacking. Did John testify that an angel
should fly, having the everlasting Gospel? This people testify of its
fulfillment, and present you with the Book of Mormon, containing it, already
translated into many foreign languages. Did Daniel testify that God should set
up His kingdom in the latter days? This people testify that they were set up by
special commandments and revelations, and present you with the books containing
them. Did Daniel prophesy that the latter-day kingdom should be "cut from
the mountain without hands?" This people are being gathered to the
mountains, as the appropriate position of the stone. Did the former-day kingdom
have inspired apostles and prophets? The latter-day one has the same. Did signs
follow the believers in the former-day kingdom? The same is true of this
people. Did the former-day kingdom receive their laws and commandments by
revelation from the great King? The latter-day kingdom is governed by new
revelation in the same manner. Not one ordinance, commandment, law, gift, or
blessing, pertaining to the kingdom of God, is lacking: not one item of
prophecy, pertaining to the setting up of this kingdom, has failed. Yet, with
all this overwhelming testimony, apostate Christendom will reject it, and
perish; and their nations and kingdoms be blotted out of existence; for the
kingdom of God shall smite them, and they shall crumble to pieces and be known
no more. This is the decree of heaven from ancient times, [46] and no nation
can thwart the purposes of Jehovah. (Masterful
Discourses of Orson Pratt, comp. by N. B. Lundwall, p. 196)
One of
the strange phenomena about Christianity is that after 2000 years, it has not
experienced much progress--either spiritually or socially. Instead of learning
more and becoming more unified, they have become more scattered, confused and
divided.
It was
not until new light came from the heavens with additional revelation, scripture
and spiritual powers, that they awakened from their slumber. But instead of
rejoicing in the good news, they united to fight against it! Instead of
Christianity taking a step forward when they had the chance, they fell over
backward.
The
Kingdom has not been carried down through the centuries, with the Bible or the
Christian churches centered around it. Instead, the Kingdom was to be re-established
in the last days, as Rev. George Peters stated:
This
Jesus, thus declared to be the Messiah, shall remain in heaven until the period
of restitution, spoken of by the prophets and always linked with the Messianic
Kingdom, shall arrive; for this Jesus shall come again to be the Restorer as
the prophets announce. Now let the reader consider how the hearers of Peter
regarded the times of restitution, comprehending under it the Messianic reign,
the restoration of the Davidic throne and Kingdom, etc., and it is utterly
impossible to conceive of any other impression made upon their minds than that
the Kingdom was still future, and would be established when Jesus would come
again. The time of the restitution and the times of the Kingdom are strictly equivalent
phrases. . . . (Theocratic Kingdom,
Peters, vol. 1, p. 438)
[47]There
are many reasons why Catholicism and Protestantism remain in the spiritual
darkness of Babylon. Their misunderstandings regarding the Kingdom of God and
its restoration prevent them from receiving that restoration. Consider the
following regarding the beliefs of other churches:
1.No other church and no other religion had
received evidence that God had communicated to them.
2.They did not believe that God would
communicate with man; the Bible was a sealed book and no more revelations were
to be added.
3.They did not believe that in modern days
God would bring prophets who could prophesy
4.They believed that the canon of scripture
was closed and that God would not speak with a revelation saying, "Thus
saith the Lord."
5.They did not believe God would bring
further scripture, new or ancient such as other ancient records.
6.They did not think there would be any
restoration, even though the Bible foretold of it.
7.They did not think that all the churches
had lost the original gospel of Christ, even though they contended against each
other as apostates.
8.They could not see that the Lord's church
was supposed to have prophets, apostles, seventies, elders, priests, high priests,
teachers and deacons, in spite of such offices being mentioned in the Bible.
9.They did not know the ordinances of the
Lord could be performed only by those with the Holy Priesthood.
10.They
did not know what the Kingdom of God was, how it was organized, or that there
needs to be a restoration of that Kingdom.
[48]Even
Jewish records point to the last days as the time for the restoration of the
Kingdom of God. They state that the end of the world will mark the beginning of
the Kingdom of God. According to the Midrash (Cant. R.H. 12), "when the
kingdom of Rome has ripened enough to be destroyed, the Kingdom of God will
appear." (Jewish Encyclopedia,
vol. 7, p. 502)
There
was a restoration of the Kingdom at the time of Christ, but it was short-lived
and unsuccessful. So we must look to the last days for the fulfillment of this
great event. It is written in the New Testament:
And he
shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: Whom the heaven
must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath
spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began. (Acts
3:20-21)
Scriptures
consistently point to the restoration of the Kingdom of God in the last days.
However, if we don't understand what it is, we are no closer to recognizing it
than are the Catholics and Protestants.
[49] Chapter 5
IMPORTANCE OF CORRECT
UNDERSTANDING
If the
deceived religionists, who think the Church is the Kingdom of God, were right,
and there is not going to be any supernatural and all-powerful world government
which is the Kingdom of God, then humanity is utterly without hope. all human
life is in danger of extinction. ("What Do You Mean--Kingdom of
God?," Herbert W. Armstrong, p. 26)
No
doctrine of the Bible, however important, but has been perverted and abused by
men, and has been allied with error and even extravagance. The doctrine of the
Kingdom has not escaped the withering touch of depravity. (Theocratic Kingdom, Rev. George Peters, vol. 1, p. 645)
The
Four Gospels mention the word "kingdom" 320 times. With all these
references Jesus made about the Kingdom of God, did His listeners really
understand what He was talking about? Has Christianity preserved for us the
nature, the laws or even the definition of what the Kingdom was?
It
takes only a few years for word meanings to evolve and a few more years for
language itself to change. After 2000 years of biased translators, ignorant
transcribers, uninspired monks and priests, and corrupt political leaders,
confusion and half-truths remain.
[50]Could
today's definition of the "Kingdom of God" be different from what it
was 2,000 years ago? Over 1,000 contemporary Christian churches cannot describe
what the word church means, so how can they come up with a correct definition
for the term Kingdom of God?
Anciently,
explanations and definitions pertaining to the Kingdom of God were revealed by
inspired men and prophets. In the latter days it will again take inspired men
and prophets to re-reveal the correct understanding.
Moses,
David and Solomon knew nothing about how to build a tabernacle or a temple
until God revealed it to them. Likewise, in the latter days Joseph Smith knew
very little about such construction until God revealed it to him.
Moses,
Jesus and Joseph Smith had to be instructed by God in the order, the
constitution and the laws of the Kingdom of God before they could teach and
establish it on the earth.
When
there was a restoration of both the Church and the Kingdom in these latter
days, the members understood the nature of the Kingdom, its organization and
aims; however, in a few years that definition was changed. This is exactly what
happened in the early Christian churches and also in the LDS Church today.
Throughout
this three-volume series on the Kingdom of God, we have provided an abundance
of explanations of the term. But how important is having a correct
understanding? Does it really matter if people think it is a spiritual essence
in your heart, a place in heaven, a church, or a religion? The answers to these
questions can be easily found by answering the following questions:
[51]Could
you be in trouble if someone told you a snake was poisonous, and you thought he
meant playful? Would you be in danger if someone told you a bridge you planned
to use was gone and you thought they said it was safe? Could there be similar
repercussions by believing in an incorrect interpretation of the Kingdom of
God? If the correct definition of the
Kingdom of God is the government of God and we think it is a religion, we would
be heading in the wrong direction.
Surely
if we are told to seek first for the Kingdom, we ought to know what it is. If
the Kingdom of God is the most prominent doctrine of the Bible, there must be
some serious consequences involved for misunderstanding it or seeking for it in
the wrong places.
The key
to understanding the Kingdom of God is to realize that it is not the same as
the Church of Jesus Christ--in fact, it is not a church at all. The church
refers more particularly to the spiritual things and the Kingdom to the
temporal. The following distinctions between the two may help in better
understanding the difference:
1.The Kingdom of God is the Kingdom
prophesied by the prophet Daniel. It was the "stone cut out of the
mountain without hands." Obviously what Daniel saw included the
restoration of the Priesthood, the Church and the Kingdom.
2.The basic authority for both the political
Kingdom and the ecclesiastical church is through the keys of the higher
Priesthood.
3.The Kingdom of God is God's government on
earth and will absorb or over-rule all other kingdoms.
4.The political organization of this Kingdom
will include all the people of the earth--both non-members and church members.
[52] 5.The Kingdom will protect all the people of
the earth in their civil and religious rights, including the right to differ.
6.The Kingdom will be a government of
political, social, civil and economic order for the benefit of mankind, rather
than the oppression of them.
7.The Kingdom will have a constitution which
will be revealed from heaven.
8.The gathering of the Saints will constitute
the elect people of God, through whom many things pertaining to the Kingdom
will be given.
9.The law of the Kingdom and the foundation
of Zion will be closely connected, for "out of Zion shall go forth the law
to all nations." (Isa. 2:3)
10.The Kingdom, not necessarily the church,
will arouse strong opposition from other world governments who will feel
threatened.
In the
1840's, these concepts were presented to the Saints, but even then were not
completely understood. It was clearly taught that the Kingdom of God was a
government, a political organization. However, today it has been changed to
mean a church. To prove this point, over 62 contemporary erroneous statements
have been included in this chapter--arranged alphabetically by speaker--leaving
no question as to the change in definition that has occurred during the past
century.
Ezra Taft Benson
. . .
Joseph Smith was called of God to re-establish that kingdom--The Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. (Ensign,
Nov. 1975, p. 34)
Since
we accept His Church as the kingdom of God on earth, we are under obligation,
as His disciples, to preach His gospel to all the world. . . . (Come Unto Christ, Benson, p. ix)
[53]Hugh B. Brown
The
Church has been organized and set up. It is the Kingdom of God, and it will
never be thrown down. (Conf. Rept.,
Oct. 1961, p. 87)
. . .
the Church of Jesus Christ, the Kingdom of God, is massing its forces, getting
ready for that which is to follow. (Conf.
Rept., Oct. 1967, p. 113)
If they
are baptized, it must be by proper authority, and if authoritatively baptized,
they will become members of the Kingdom of God, which is the Church of Jesus
Christ, give it whatever name you may. (The
Abundant Life, Brown, p. 116)
William J. Critchlow, Jr.
Presently,
it is the government of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints--God's
kingdom here on earth. (Conf. Rept.,
Oct. 11963, p. 28)
Loren C. Dunn
The
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is that kingdom of God on the
earth, . . . (Ensign, Jan. 1973, p.
84)
Alvin R. Dyer
. . .
the kingdom of God or Christ's Church has been set up as a result of the
restoration of truth unto the Prophet Joseph Smith, . . . (Conf. Rept., Apr. 1963, p. 48)
David B. Haight
The
Church is not a democracy--it is a kingdom. (Ensign, Nov. 1992, p. 74)
His
kingdom is again established on the earth, which is the Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter-day Saints. (Ensign, May
1982, p. 75)
[54]Gordon B. Hinckley
This
Church is a part of His divine plan. It is the kingdom of God in the earth. (Ensign, May 1985, p. 50)
It
should be recognized that this Church is not a social club. This is the kingdom
of God in the earth. (Ensign, May
1990, p. 97)
With
the tremendous growth of the Church we become increasingly aware of the great
magnitude of the affairs of this the Lord's kingdom. (Conf. Rept., Oct. 1967, p. 89)
Howard W. Hunter
We
represent and speak today for a worldwide church, the organized and established
kingdom of God on earth. (Ensign,
May 1991, p. 65)
The
Church of Christ, the kingdom of God on earth, was re-established and destined,
according to scripture, to roll forth and fill the whole earth. (Conf. Rept., Oct. 1963, p. 101)
Marlin K. Jensen
I
testify that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is God's kingdom
on the earth today. (Ensign, Nov.
1989, p. 28)
Spencer W. Kimball
The
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was restored in 1830 after numerous
revelations from the divine source; and this is the kingdom, set up by the God
of heaven, that would never be destroyed.... (Tchgs. of Spencer W. Kimball, p. 433)
The
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is literally the authorized kingdom
of God upon the earth today. * * *
This is
the restored church. This is the kingdom of God upon the earth, . . . (Ensign, May 1976, pp. 6, 7)
[55]Now
we have come to a realization that the kingdom of God and the Church of Jesus
Christ constitute a world church. (Ensign,
Nov. 1977, p. 48)
Harold B. Lee
And to
enter into the kingdom of God--that is to become members of the Church. . . . (Stand Ye in Holy Places, Lee, p. 48)
. . .
bore eloquent witness to the growing awareness that the kingdom of God, meaning
the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is worldwide. . . . (Ibid., p. 84)
Here
the Church of Jesus Christ is made synonymous with the kingdom of God, which
parallels a similar organization in heaven. (Ibid., p. 321)
The
Presidency of the High Priesthood hold the keys of the kingdom of God. The
kingdom of God is the Church. Therefore, the Presidency of the High Priesthood
is also the Presidency of the Church. Elder Harold B. Lee taught this
principle. (Sacred Truths of the D.
& C., Otten & Caldwell, vol. 2, p. 54)
Richard W. Madsen
The
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is not a creed, is not a sect, is
not a branch of any earthly organization, but this is the Church of Jesus
Christ, the established kingdom of our Lord in the earth, . . . (Conf. Rept., Apr. 6, 1946, p. 100)
Helvecio Martins
The
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was the Lord's kingdom on earth, .
. . (Ensign, Nov. 1990, p. 26)
Neal A. Maxwell
The
living Church was and is a real kingdom, with a king, authority, ordinances,
rules, doctrines, and duties. (Things As
They Really Are, Maxwell, p. 45)
[56]Bruce R. McConkie
The
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as it is now constituted is the
kingdom of God on earth. Nothing more needs to be done to establish the
kingdom. (Doc. N.T. Com., vol. 1, p.
537)
The
kingdom of God on earth is the Church of Jesus Christ; they are one and the
same. * * *
It was
as though the apostles said to the Lord: We know thou hast given us thy Church
which is the kingdom of God on earth. (Doc.
N.T. Com., vol. 2, pp. 22, 24)
. . .
this Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is in very deed the kingdom of
God on earth, . . . (Imp. Era, Dec.
1970, p. 114)
Oscar McConkie, Jr.
However,
the kingdom is here, and it is the same kingdom which Daniel said would be set
up in the last days. The Church and kingdom are one and the same. * * * The
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the kingdom of God on earth. (The Priest and the Aaronic Priesthood,
McConkie, p. 191)
David O. McKay
And
when that longing comes, after we are in the Church or kingdom, . . . (Conf. Rept., Apr. 1962, p. 8)
Russell M. Nelson
The
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, however, is neither a democracy
nor a republic. His is a kingdom--the kingdom of God on earth. (Ensign, May 1993, p. 38)
James M. Paramore
They
were members of His church--the kingdom of God on earth. (Ensign, May 1988, p. 10)
[57]Mark E. Petersen
This is
a great Church. It is indeed the kingdom of God. (Conf. Rept., Apr. 1949, p. 145)
Ronald E. Poelman
The
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the kingdom of God on earth, . .
. (Ensign, Nov. 1984, p. 64)
Franklin D. Richards
(quoting
Harold B. Lee) "This means let your light so shine that men shall be led
to join the Church, or the kingdom of God." (Conf. Rept., Apr. 1961, p. 84)
(quoting
Francis M. Lyman) "It will be profitable to all Latter-day Saints to make
this Church first in their hearts and affections. Why? Because the Lord has
told us to seek first the kingdom of God. We have sought the kingdom and have
found it.... (Conf. Rept., Apr.
1964, p. 65)
Marion G. Romney
This
Church is the literal kingdom of God in the earth. (Conf. Rept., Apr. 1961, p. 117)
Eldred G. Smith
I . . .
know that this is the kingdom of God, that this is his Church. (Conf. Rept., Apr. 1964, p. 87)
. . .
that David O. McKay is his prophet and our President of his Church on the
earth--the kingdom of God. (Conf. Rept., Oct. 1965, p. 34)
Joseph Fielding Smith
I know
that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is in very deed the
kingdom of God, . . .
The
kingdom of God that was set up never to be destroyed or given to another people
is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, . . . (Conf. Rept., Apr. 1962, pp. 44, 45)
[58]But
the kingdom of God is the Church of Jesus Christ, and it is the kingdom that
shall endure forever.
A man
cannot receive the fulness of truth except in the kingdom of God, in other
words, if you please, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. (Doc. of Sal., vol. 1, pp. 229, 299)
Philip T. Sonntag
This is
that kingdom, even The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, . . . (Ensign, Nov. 1984, p. 77)
Delbert L. Stapley
The
Kingdom of Heaven is the Church. * * * This kingdom is, and has always been, in
`heaven.' It is now on Earth in the Church. . . . (Conf. Rept., Apr. 1964, p. 133)
What I
mean by the kingdom of God is the organization of The Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints, . . . (Ibid., p.
134)
Brother
and sisters and friends, I bear humble witness that The Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter-day Saints is God's kingdom on earth. (Ibid., p. 136)
James E. Talmage
The
efficacy of baptism as a means of securing remission of sins and of attaining
entrance to the Church of Jesus Christ, which is the kingdom of God,... (The Vitality of Mormonism, Talmage, p.
94)
The
Kingdom of God and the Church of Christ are virtually synonymous terms. (Ibid., p. 180)
The
kingdom of God as identical with the Church of Christ has been established; . .
. They claim an authority that is spiritual, but also temporal in dealing with
the members of the organization--Church or kingdom as one may choose to call
it. . . . (The Articles of Faith,
Talmage, pp. 367-368)
[59]N. Eldon Tanner
I know
that this is the Church of Jesus Christ, the kingdom of God here upon the
earth, . . . (Imp. Era, Dec. 1960,
p. 924)
And I
bear testimony that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the
kingdom of God here upon the earth, . . . (Ensign,
May 1976, p. 51)
John H. Vandenberg
. . .
the kingdom as proclaimed by Daniel was established. It is The Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints. (Ensign,
Nov. 1974, p. 95)
Robert J. Whetten
This
Church is His kingdom on the earth. (Conf.
Transcripts, Apr. 1999)
Joseph L. Wirthlin
. . .
officers duly ordained and authorized to serve in his kingdom upon the earth,
his Church--one Church. (Conf. Rept.,
Oct. 1953, p. 15)
. . .
Gordon B. Hinckley, prophet, seer, and revelator, and the president of the
Lord's kingdom here upon the earth, even The Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints. (Conf. Transcripts,
Oct. 4, 1997)
S. Dilworth Young
. . .
this Church is the true kingdom of God. (Conf.
Rept., Apr. 1946, p. 108)
. . .
they will peruse its {Book of Mormon] pages, receive and believe the promise at
its end, and find the kingdom of God in this living, vibrant Church. (Conf. Rept., Apr. 1965, p. 52)
This
church is their earthly kingdom, . . . (Imp.
Era, Dec. 1969, p. 62)
* * *
[60]It
is interesting to note that during the past century several books have been
published by LDS authors with titles relating to the Kingdom of God. However,
in most cases there is nothing in them that pertains to the Kingdom. For
example, in 1973 N. Eldon Tanner published Seek
Ye First the Kingdom of God. Chapter One has the same title, but it doesn't
make any reference to the Kingdom; rather it is a review of the author's life.
The rest of the book discusses LDS Church history and basic principles of the
Gospel, without any reference, definition or history of the Kingdom of God.
Another
example is a book entitled The Kingdom
of God Restored, written in 1955 by Carter E. Grant. It was published and
distributed by Deseret Book Company and gives an excellent story of the history
of the early days of the LDS Church but mentions nothing about the Kingdom of
God.
A third
example is a book written by Sterling W. Sill in 1975, entitled Thy Kingdom Come. This was an excellent
title that one would think should contain the definition, doctrine and history
of the Kingdom of God. And indeed the first chapter was titled,
"Identifying the Kingdom," but it failed to identify or even make
reference to the Kingdom of God on the earth. The remainder of the book is
Sill's collection of his personal thoughts on basic religious principles
without any mention of the Kingdom of God.
Bruce
R. McConkie's The Kingdom of God was
published in 1962. One would have thought that with that title and author, the
book would have contained a scholarly look into the meaning and history of that
important subject. But, alas, it included nothing more than general topics and
events of the LDS Church.
[61]Not
to be overlooked in this category is the Gospel Doctrine lesson manual of 1979,
published by the LDS Church, entitled My
Kingdom Shall Roll Forth. The leading page contains a picture of the First
Presidency--Spencer W. Kimball, N. Eldon Tanner and Marion G. Romney--with a
message from them, part of which states:
Our
solemn message to the world is that the ancient prophets' visions of the
latter-day kingdom of God are literally fulfilled in the establishment and
growth of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The
rest of the book briefly describes the history and presidents of the Church
without mentioning anything about the Kingdom of God.
Why did
so many of these authors entitle their books the Kingdom of God and never get
around to explaining what it was or offering a little ancient or modern history
of it? There can be only two major reasons: (1) They were just leading up to
the subject, or (2) they did not correctly understand the subject. It could not
be the first reason because these authors never ended their books with anything
pertaining to the Kingdom of God. This leaves reason two, which means they did
not correctly understand the subject of the Kingdom of God themselves.
The
early Church leaders, who were well acquainted with the doctrines of the
restoration, certainly knew the true definition of the Kingdom of God. Their
voices should be closer to the source of the revelations and therefore closer
to the truth. "If you want a pure drink of water, go to the mountain
source of the stream--not to the delta of the Mississippi River."
[62]This
chapter would not be complete unless we included various quotes from some of
the early Church leaders, giving the reader some grounds for comparison. It is
evident from the following information that these great men certainly did not
believe that the Kingdom of God was the same as the Church of Jesus Christ.
Joseph Smith
The
Prophet [Joseph Smith] gave a full and complete organization to this kingdom
the Spring before he was killed. This kingdom is the kingdom that Daniel spoke
of, which was to be set up in the last days; . . . (Brigham Young, JD 17:156)
Brigham Young
As
observed by one of the speakers this morning, that Kingdom grows out of the
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but it is not the Church. . . .
(JD 2:310)
Whoever
lives to see the kingdom of God fully established upon the earth will see a
government that will protect every person in his rights. (JD 6:342)
John Taylor
The
kingdom of God is the government of God on the earth. . . . (Government of God, Taylor, p. 58)
George Q. Cannon
We are
asked, "Is the Church of God and the Kingdom of God the same
organization?" * * * The Kingdom of God is a separate organization from
the Church of God. * * *
We have
been taught from the beginning this important principle, that the Church of God
is distinct from the kingdom of God. Joseph gave us the pattern before he
died.* * * In the minds of all of us who understand this matter there is a
clear distinction between the Church in its ecclesiastical capacity and [63]
that which may be termed the government of God in its political capacity. (Gospel Truths, Cannon, vol. 2, p. 56)
B. H. Roberts
But it
is proper for the reader to know that Joseph Smith, when speaking strictly,
recognized a distinction between "The Church of Jesus Christ" and the
"kingdom of God." And not only a distinction but a separation of one
from the other. The Kingdom of God is to be a political institution. On the
other hand, the Church of Christ is purely an ecclesiastical organization. (Rise and Fall of Nauvoo, Roberts, p.
180)
Orson Pratt
Apostle
Orson Pratt gave one of the most complete descriptions of the Kingdom of God
ever made. He explained the functions of each officer--whether a Priest in the
Church or a King in the Kingdom. He also showed how they both could operate
under the authority of the Holy Priesthood.
The
Kingly authority is not separate and distinct from the Priesthood, but merely a
branch or portion of the same. The Priestly authority is universal, having
power over all things; the Kingly authority until perfected is limited to the
kingdoms placed under its jurisdiction: the former appoints and ordains the
latter; but the latter never appoints and ordains the former: the first
controls the laws of nature, and exercises jurisdiction over the elements, as
well as over men; the last controls men only, and administers just and
righteous laws for their government. Where the two are combined and the
individual perfected, he has almighty power both as a King and as a Priest;
both offices are then merged in one. The distinctions then, will be merely in
the name and not in the authority; either as a King or a Priest he will then
have power and dominion over all things, and reign over all. Both titles,
combined, will then not give him any more power than either one singly. It is
evident that the distinctions [64] of title are only expressive of the
condition of things prior to the glorification and perfection of the persons
who hold the Priesthood; for when they are perfected, they will have power to
act in every branch of authority by virtue of the great, and almighty, and
eternal Priesthood which they hold: they can then sway their sceptres as Kings;
rule as Princes, minister as Apostles; officiate as Teachers; or, act in the
humblest or most exalted capacity. There is no branch of the Priesthood so low
that they cannot condescend to officiate therein; none so high, that they
cannot reach forth the arm of power and control the same. (The Seer, Pratt, p. 145)
* * *
After
the Church was restored in 1830, it took time and preparation for the Kingdom
of God to be restored. The people soon learned the difference between the two
and eventually saw them both organized and functioning, working toward
different objectives, using different methods. They saw how they were separate
organizations; they saw different men in both organizations; they heard and
recognized the difference in their purpose and mission.
However,
with the passage of time, the definition became confusing to some of the
Elders. They had differing views, and gradually the original definition was
changed from being a physical government on the earth to being the spiritual
entity of the Church. It is interesting to note that both the early Christian
Church and the Latter-day Church followed the same pattern and for the same
reasons.
[65] Chapter 6
OPPOSITION IN ALL THINGS
For it
must needs be, that there is an opposition (or options, see v. 15) in all
things. (21 Ne. 2:11)
It may
seem to some that if God brought the laws of heaven to earth, that no one would
want to oppose them. Why would anyone object to the principles of heaven on
earth? Nevertheless, because of our free agency, there was--and continues to
be--opposition, as there needs be opposition in all things.
Our
lives are a constant struggle against opposition. The greater our efforts to do
good, the greater the opposition. The path of righteousness is frequently
strewn with poverty, temptations, handicaps, accidents, etc. From the Garden of
Eden to our present day of modern miracles, we can't escape some type of
opposition. It has become a necessary part of mortality. Since modern Christian
ministers fail to understand the reasons for evil, trials and temptations, they
just put the blame on Adam and Eve.
The
fullness of both the Gospel of Christ and the Kingdom of God has aroused great opposition.
This chapter will explain the reason why opposition must exist.
Lehi
made an interesting comment to his son Jacob, stating that "the ends of
the law" are given for "the inflicting of the punishment which is
affixed, which punishment that is [66] affixed is in opposition to that of the
happiness which is affixed." (2 Ne. 2:10) Then Lehi continued with--
For it
must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things. If not so . . .
righteousness could not be brought to pass, neither wickedness, neither
holiness nor misery, neither good nor bad. (2 Ne. 2:11)
Brigham
Young elaborated further on this theme:
I will
tell you a truth; it is God's truth; it is eternal truth; neither you nor I
would ever be prepared to be crowned in the celestial kingdom of our Father and
our God, without devils in this world. Do you know that the Saints never could
be prepared to receive the glory that is in reserve for them without devils to
help them to get it? Men and women never could be prepared to be judged and condemned
out of their own mouths, and to be set upon the left hand; or to have it said
to them, "Go away into everlasting darkness," without the power both
of God and the devil. We are obliged to know and understand them, one as well
as the other, in order to prepare us for the day that is coming, and for our
exaltation. Some of you may think that this is a curious principle, but it is
true. Refer to the Book of Mormon, and you will find that Nephi and others
taught that we actually need evil, in
order to make this a state of probation. We must know the evil in order to know
the good. There must needs be an opposition in all things. All facts are
demonstrated by their opposites. You will learn this in the Bible, the Book of
Mormon, and in the revelations given through Joseph. We must know and
understand the opposition that is in all things, in order to discern, choose,
and receive that which we do know will exalt us to the presence of God. You
cannot know the one without knowing the other. This is a true principle. (JD
4:373)
[67]The
Prophet Joseph considered life's difficulties and oppositions to be very
important in his own personal life:
And as
for the perils which I am called to pass through, they seem but a small thing
to me, as the envy and wrath of man have been my common lot all the days of my
life; and for what cause it seems mysterious, unless I was ordained from before
the foundation of the world for some good end, or bad, as you may choose to
call it. Judge ye for yourselves. God knoweth all these things, whether it be
good or bad. But nevertheless, deep water is what I am wont to swim in. It all
has become a second nature to me; and I feel, like Paul, to glory in
tribulation; for to this day has the God of my fathers delivered me out of them
all, and will deliver me from henceforth; for behold, and lo, I shall triumph
over all my enemies, for the Lord God hath spoken it. (D & C 127:2)
We have
learned that the devil continually seeks to destroy the Kingdom of God, as he
does not want any competition. Furthermore, he wants to destroy all those who
promote the Kingdom of God. In January 1831, when the Church was less than a
year old, the Lord warned Joseph:
And now
I show unto you a mystery, a thing which is had in secret chambers, to bring to
pass even your destruction in process of time, and ye knew it not; . . .
And
again, I say unto you that the enemy in the secret chambers seeketh your lives.
(D & C 38:13 & 28)
Joseph
soon learned very well how much opposition the devil could bring against him
and the kingdom:
All the
lies that are now hatched up against me are of the devil, and the influence of
the devil and his servants will be used against the kingdom of God. (TPJS, p.
367)
[68]The
doctrine of eternal judgments belongs to the first principles of the Gospel, in
the last days. In relation to the kingdom of God, the devil always sets up his kingdom at the very same time in
opposition to God. (TPJS, p. 365)
God's
prophets, patriarchs, kings and priests have all had similar oppositions, but
it seems the devil's kingdom has the more widespread support of people in the
world. The devil is passing out free tickets to join his club, and gullible
takers are standing in line. But when the devil offers us the kingdoms and
things of this world, he deceives us because he doesn't own them; they are not
even his to give. He owns nothing; he has no automobiles, money or real estate.
He is what is known as a claim jumper. Only the Kingdom of God can and will
eventually throw him out of office.
Good
and evil must co-exist with each other, for the presence of one is as necessary
as the other. It takes error to manifest truth, and truth to expose the error.
It is a law of the universe--a fact of night and day, negative and positive,
good and evil. It is a process that makes Gods and devils. God Himself had this
experience so He could become a God.
These
powers of opposition do not always come from without but also from within. It
should be our primary objective to always oppose evil no matter what the
source. Elder George Q. Cannon explained:
But
after all, the great labor, the most honorable labor that any person can
perform is to do that which I have attempted to describe to you--to improve
ourselves; to be Latter-day Saints in deed and in truth, to live our holy
religion. When we arise in the morning, to examine ourselves, to see if there
is anything that is in opposition to the mind and will of God within ourselves;
and through the day to pursue the same [69] course of self-examination. And at
night before we retire to rest, to bow ourselves before our Father and God in
secret, and pour out our souls in prayer before Him, supplicating Him to show
unto us wherein we have done wrong during the day, wherein we have come short
in thought, word and deed; and then repent of the same before we lie down to
rest, and to obtain from Him a forgiveness of our sins. (JD 21:80)
It is
difficult to admit that difficulties are usually for our ultimate good. They
can be a mysterious cleansing, purifying and strengthening to our souls.
According to Brigham Young, persecution was necessary for the benefit of Joseph
Smith and the Saints:
Joseph
could not have been perfected, though he had lived a thousand years, if he had
received no persecution. If he had lived a thousand years, and led this people,
and preached the Gospel without persecution, he would not have been perfected
as well as he was at the age of thirty-nine years. You may calculate when this
people are called to go through scenes of affliction and suffering, are driven
from their homes and cast down, and scattered, and smitten and peeled, the
Almighty is rolling on His work with greater rapidity. (JD 2:7-8)
Now
that we better understand why there must needs be opposition, let's go on to
one of the worst periods of opposition in the history of the Church--just prior
to Joseph Smith's establishing the Kingdom of God on the earth.
[70] Chapter 7
EXTERMINATE THE
MORMONS!
. . .
we hold ourselves at all times in readiness . . . to exterminate, utterly
exterminate, the wicked and abominable Mormon leaders, the authors of our
troubles . . . a war of extermination should be waged. (Resolutions passed by
citizens of Warsaw, DHC 6:464)
The
goal of good government should be to improve the welfare and happiness of the
people over whom it rules. Its laws should aid them in obtaining their
necessities and offer protection of lives and property. It should provide an
atmosphere that brings out the best in people and that treats them all equally.
Justice should be blended with mercy, but oppressors should not escape
punishment. Here in America that dream should have been realized, but instead
men have been overcome by temptations, weaknesses and desires for
power--conditions which seem to exist in all governments.
With
the restoration of a kingdom of light came all the corresponding powers of a
kingdom of darkness. Within 50 years of the birth of the American nation,
mortal and spiritual forces began to destroy it. However, the devil can do
nothing unless human agencies do his bidding. Men in all the various guises of
political, religion and social arenas became agents of evil.
The
Mormon people, without much effort on their part, had caused hatred to develop
among gentile priests and [71] politicians alike. On July 20, 1833, a force of
over 500 of the opposition gathered at the town hall in Independence, Missouri.
They appealed to the state government to remove the Saints from Jackson County.
They "warned" the Mormons that they must sell all their property and
leave. This aroused more mob wrath and hatred resulting in mobbing, burning,
whipping, raping and murdering. Governor Boggs was no help; he, too, told the
Mormons they must leave the county.
The
Prophet Joseph Smith described these events:
In the
course of this day's wicked, outrageous, and unlawful proceedings [tarring and
feathering at Independence, MO.], many solemn realities of human degradation,
as well as thrilling incidents were presented to the Saints. An armed and well
organized mob, in a government professing to be governed by law, with the
Lieutenant Governor (Lilburn W. Boggs), the second officer in the state, calmly
looking on, and secretly aiding every movement, saying to the Saints, "You
now know what our Jackson boys can do, and you must leave the county;" and
all the justices, judges, constables, sheriffs, and military officers, headed
by such western missionaries and clergymen as the Reverends McCoy, Kavanaugh,
Hunter, Fitzhugh, Pixley, Likens, and Lovelady, consisting of Methodists, Baptists,
Presbyterians, and all the different sects of religionists that inhabited that
country, with that great moral reformer, and register of the land office at
Lexington, forty miles east, known as the head and father of the Cumberland
Presbyterians, even the Reverend Finis Ewing, publicly publishing that `Mormons
were the common enemies of mankind, and ought to be destroyed'--all these
solemn realities were enough to melt the heart of a savage; while there was not
a solitary offense on record, or proof, that a Saint had broken the law of the
land." (DHC 1:391-392)
[72]By
the winter of 1833 the violence had increased until the Saints had to take up
arms to protect themselves. The result of these clashes caused Lt. Gov.
Lillburn Boggs to send in the state militia on November 4th and to disarm both
sides--but it was only the Mormons who gave up their guns. The Saints were thus
mobbed and persecuted worse than ever, until they fled the country in
desperation. Parley P. Pratt described the scene:
The
shore [of the Missouri] began to be lined on both sides of the ferry with men,
women and children, goods, wagons, boxes, provisions, etc., while the ferry was
constantly employed; and when night closed upon us the cottonwood bottom had
much the appearance of a camp meeting. Hundreds of people were seen in every
direction, some in tents and some in the open air around fires, where the rain
descended in torrents. Husbands were inquiring for their wives, wives for their
husbands; parents for children and children for parents. . . . The scene was
indescribable, and, I am sure, would have melted the hearts of any people on
earth, except our blind oppressors, and a blind and ignorant community. (Autobiography of Parley P. Pratt, 1980
pb ed., p. 102)
The
Saints settled in Clay County but were told that they could stay there only
temporarily. Within two years their numbers increased so much that the original
settlers demanded that they move on. From there they went to the upper part of
Ray County which was very sparsely settled at that time. By 1837 they dedicated
a place for their temple.
Meanwhile,
in Kirtland, Ohio, the Saints were also having problems of apostasy and
persecution. Added to these troubles was the financial crash of 1837 caused by
the abundance of paper money. The notes had no legal value as currency and were
rejected by their creditors. The Prophet explained:
[73]It
seemed as though all the powers of earth and hell were combining their
influence in an especial manner to overthrow the Church at once, and make a
final end. (DHC 2:487)
The
Saints were forced to abandon their homes, lands and their temple. The Mormon
settlements in northern Missouri grew quickly and by 1838 there were over
15,000 members. Once again this caused concern among the Missourians. In August
a group of Mormons went to cast their votes but were met by a mob who tried to
prevent them from casting their ballots. A fight ensued and the mob left but
only long enough to gather more numbers and strength. They began a constant
battle of robbery, raping, beatings and burning.
Most of
the persecutions were directed at the Mormons merely because they were Mormons.
The people in the surrounding areas acted as if they had been seriously injured
and clamored for the public officials to destroy the Mormons. On August 30,
1838, a petition from people in Daviess and Livingstone Counties was sent to
Gov. Boggs, calling the Mormons "impostors, rebels, Canadian refugees,
emissaries of the prince of darkness." The Prophet Joseph said it
contained "all the falsehoods and lies that the evil genius of mobocrats,
villains, and murderers could invent, charging the `Mormons' with every crime
they themselves had been guilty of. . . ." (DHC 3:76)
But
what could a comparatively small group of people do when they are overpowered
by so many more wicked people? The Saints first retaliated by sending a
petition to Gov. Boggs, which said in part:
[74]. .
. whereas, your petitioners have on the 20th instant, been sorely aggrieved, by
being beset by a lawless mob, certain inhabitants of this and other counties,
to the injury of the good citizens of this and the adjacent places; that on the
aforesaid day, there came from one hundred to one hundred and fifty armed men,
and threatened with force and violence, to drive certain peaceable citizens
from their homes, in defiance of all law, and threatened then to drive said
citizens out of the county, but, on deliberation, concluded to give them, said
citizens, till the first of October next, to leave said county; and threatened,
if not gone by that time, to exterminate them, without regard to age or sex,
and destroy their chattels, by throwing them into the river. (DHC 3:82)
Nevertheless,
in October, Gov. Boggs issued what has become known as the "Exterminating
Order."
Governor
Boggs' Exterminating Order
Headquarters Militia, City
of Jefferson
October 27, 1838
Sir:
Since the order of the morning to you, directing you to cause four hundred
mounted men to be raised within your division, I have received by Amos Rees,
Esq., and Wiley C. Williams, Esq., one of my aids, information of the most
appalling character, which changes the whole face of things, and places the
Mormons in the attitude of open and avowed defiance of the laws, and of having
made open war upon the people of this state. Your orders are, therefore, to
hasten your operations and endeavor to reach Richmond, in Ray County, with all
possible speed. The Mormons must be
treated as enemies and must be exterminated or driven from the state, if
necessary, for the public good. (DHC 3:175)
Generals
Alexander Doniphan and David R. Atchison had both been trying to stop the mobs
from attacking the Mormon [75] settlements. When Boggs' extermination order
came to them, Atchison resigned his commission. In a letter to the governor he
said he would not disgrace himself or permit the troops under his command to
disgrace the state by acting as part of a mob. Doniphan also refused to carry
out the order. However, Gen. Samuel D. Lucas, under the command of Gen. Clark,
brought the state militia to Far West where the Mormons were put under arrest
and forced to give up their arms. This was followed by heinous crimes upon the
Saints--looting, ransacking, beating unarmed men and ravishing their wives and
daughters.
On the
night of November 1st, Gen. Lucas ordered a court martial for Joseph Smith and
four others on the charge of treason, and they were sentenced to be shot at
sunrise in the public square of Far West as an example to the rest of the
Saints. Lucas sent the following order to Gen. Doniphan:
Brigadier-General
Doniphan: Sir, You will take Joseph Smith and the other prisoners into the
public square of Far West, and shoot them at 9 o'clock tomorrow morning.
[Signed] Samuel D. Lucas, Major-General Commanding. (CHC 1:489-490)
But
Doniphan returned a reply to Lucas:
Major-General
Lucas: Sir, It is cold-blooded murder; I will not obey your order. My brigade
shall march for Liberty tomorrow morning at 8 o'clock; and if you execute these
men, I will hold you responsible before an earthly tribunal, so help me God.
(CHC 1:490)
The
Mormons claimed they knew firsthand that Boggs, Clark, Lucas, Wilson Gillium
and King, had committed treason against the citizens of Missouri, expelling
them from the State. These men were the principal cause of murdering nearly 450
[76] men, women and children, then forcing the remainder of nearly 15,000
others to leave the state in the dead of winter. All the while the Mormons
thought that the Constitution and its government would protect them from such
savagery.
Although
they were not executed, Joseph and the others were imprisoned throughout the
winter until the summer of 1839, when they were able to make their escape into
Illinois. By then most of the Saints had left Missouri and had settled in
Illinois.
The
days were cold and bleak, but the clamor for the instant removal of the Mormons
was so great that the old and young, and sick and feeble, delicate women and
suckling children, almost without food and clothing, were compelled to abandon
their homes and firesides to seek new homes in a distant state. (Mormonism, Americanism and Politics,
Richard Vetterli, p. 95)
George
A. Smith reported that--
. . .
the Latter-day Saints paid the United States Government some $318,000 for land
in the State of Missouri, but yet, in the winter and early spring of 1839, they
were expelled from that State, with the entire loss of their lands and
improvements and most of their personal property, under an extermination order
from Lillburn W. Boggs, Governor of that State,... (JD 13:79)
Even
after the Mormons had left the state, the Missourians would not give up their
fight against them. They tried to extradite Joseph Smith, and several times
tried to kidnap him. Other Church members had been kidnapped and taken into
Missouri to be beaten. Opposition from New York, Ohio, Missouri and now
Illinois continued; however, reasons for persecution in Illinois became more
apparent than in the other states.
[77]Many
politicians planned for the death of Joseph Smith. "It was rumored that a
strong political party numbering in its ranks many of the prominent men of the
nation, were engaged in a plot for the overthrow of Joseph Smith." (Rise
and Fall of Nauvoo, B. H. Roberts, p. 404) In addition, over 200 apostates in
Nauvoo plotted and planned for the Prophet's death, such as John C. Bennett,
William and Wilson Law, Francis and Chauncey Higbee, and Robert and Charles
Foster. Why were both Church apostates and government traitors plotting the
death of Joseph Smith? Helen Mar Whitney explained:
It was
the popularity of Joseph as candidate
for the Presidency, and the power and influence that the Mormon people were
gaining, that created a feeling of fear among the apostates and corrupt
politicians, and a deeper hatred took possession of their hearts, similar to
that which was felt by the Jews towards Jesus Christ, and like them they were
determined to put an end to his earthly career. (Woman's Exponent, 11:114)
Thus,
it was not just plural marriage that caused Joseph Smith and other leaders so
much trouble and persecution, as George Q. Cannon stated:
It is
not plural marriage alone in the minds of hundreds, and I may say thousands,
who have examined this question. There is something more than this; there is something
behind this, something that is greater than this, and that is the organization
of the people, the union of the people, that which many men call the theocracy of this organization. It was
that which excited the mob, in the earliest days of the organization. * * * In
other words you must break up; we cannot endure your organization, your coming
together and being united as you are. We fear you will take possession of our
principal counties, and your political
influence will be so great that in time [78] you will hold control of this country; and we cannot endure it, and
you must go. (JD 24:103-104)
LDS
apostates published a periodical in Nauvoo called the Nauvoo Expositor which
demanded the repeal of the Nauvoo Charter and the dissolution of their government.
It presented a difficult situation for the Saints. If they destroyed the press,
charges of freedom of the press would be an excuse for the mobbers to
retaliate. If the press were allowed to continue, then the material it
contained would arouse the mobbers even more. It was a no-win dilemma. It was
decided the press would be destroyed by the city council--and then all hell
broke loose. The Warsaw Signal newspaper editorialized:
War and
extermination is inevitable! Citizens arise. One and All! Can you stand by, and
suffer such infernal devils to rob men of their property and rights, without
avenging them? We have no time to comment; every man will make his own. Let it
be made with powder and ball! ("Warsaw Signal," June 12, 1844)
As a
result of the press destruction in Nauvoo, a mass meeting was held in Carthage
to make some resolutions, one of which was, in part:
We must
not only defend ourselves from danger, but we must resolutely carry the war
into the enemy's camp. We do therefore declare that we will . . . hold
ourselves at all times in readiness to cooperate with our fellow-citizens in
this state, Missouri, and Iowa, to
exterminate, utterly exterminate, the wicked and abominable Mormon leaders,
the authors of our troubles; * * *
That
the Prophet and his miscreant adherents should then be demanded at their hands;
and, if not surrendered, a war of
extermination should be waged to the entire destruction, if necessary for
our protection, of his adherents. (DHC 6:463-464)
[79]Isn't
it strange that the common people, Christian ministers and local and state
government officials, would all join forces to persecute and destroy a
Christian people who had done no one any harm? Very few of these persecutors
even knew any Mormons personally, but yet they eagerly jumped for their guns
and were anxious for a chance to kill them.
If
Joseph Smith had started just another regular Christian church, he would not
have had any persecution. If he had entered the political arena with just
another ordinary platform, he would have undoubtedly gained popularity. But his
restoration of the fullness of Christ's gospel was instantly met with
persecution, and his explanation of God's government resulted in his death.
Introducing
the Kingdom of God is the same as a declaration of war to the kingdom of the
devil. Joseph Smith lived only a few months after he organized God's Kingdom on
earth. But to create a war, the devil needs mortal soldiers to do his dirty
deeds of persecution, war, and murder. As a result, Joseph Smith became the
victim of many local, state and federal government conspiracies assisted by
mobs, ministers, Masons and Mormons.
It has
been said that whether those persecuted are right or wrong, the persecutors are
always wrong. But unfortunately, here in America, under the banner of the
Constitution, some of the worst conspiracies and murders have occurred--in this
"land of the free!"
[80] Chapter 8
THE COUNCIL OF
FIFTY
We
believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe
that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God. (9th Article of Faith)
I
calculate to be one of the instruments of setting up the kingdom of Daniel by
the word of the Lord, and I intend to lay a foundation that will revolutionize
the whole world. (Joseph Smith, TPJS, p. 366)
The
scriptures tell us that God has a Kingdom, and He has instructed us to seek
that Kingdom first above all else. To do so, we need to know what it is, how it
is governed, and who belongs to it.
There
are many questions that are not answered by the churches of our day, including
the present LDS Church. It is interesting that no church leader today even
claims to be an officer in that Kingdom of God.
Whether
mankind likes it or not, God has the right to dictate in both the religious and
political affairs of mankind. Under Moses and in other dispensations, God was
the supreme ruler of both politics and religion. But, the apostate world of
today does not believe God has a right to interfere with their affairs.
[81]Joseph
Smith envisioned something more than just a church that would be involved in
the political or governmental affairs. Our present government insists upon a
separation of Church and State, a concept that all religions seem to respect.
The only exception to this rule is when the "State" consistently
interferes with religion. Nearly all religious bodies are required to become
incorporated with the State. This places them both under jeopardy. Under our
present system neither government nor religion is being governed by God.
Nevertheless,
in the "restoration of all things," the Latter-day Saints learned
that God could and did reveal the same gospel and government that existed
anciently. However, Joseph Smith understood that even though there should be a
separation of Church and State, God should still have a say in both
organizations. As it was set up, the Council of Fifty in the Kingdom of God was
to have an influence in both areas. Dr. Hyrum Andrus, BYU professor and author,
explained three major concepts concerning this special council.
[First] It gives conclusive evidence that the
Prophet included within his concept of the Kingdom of God the development of a political government that would be administered
under the direction of the Priesthood of Zion. The Kingdom of God, then,
was considered as something more than the Church. It included the idea of a
future world government where the Church
and State were to be separate bodies, but united in the fact that both
institutions were to be subject to priesthood direction.
Second, this study establishes the fact that Joseph Smith laid the foundation of the
Kingdom of God in its political, as well as in its religious, sphere. Thus,
he revealed the political principles and philosophy of the millennial
government, and organized it in
embryonic form upon the earth. * * *
[Third] From the spring of 1844 to at least 1870
the political organ the Prophet organized played
a [82] dominant role in the history
of the Mormon movement. It was this body, not the Church, that planned and
carried out the Exodus. After locating the Saints in the Great Basin, this
political body then organized and incorporated itself into the State of
Deseret. (Frontispiece of Joseph Smith
and World Government, Andrus)
If we
believe in the theocratic government that Moses established, then we must
believe that such a system can and should exist now. What good is a kingdom if
there is nothing for the king to preside over? The earth belongs to God, we are
His children and He has said that the Kingdom belongs to Him. If there is such
a kingdom, then should it not have members? Should the members be instructed
from on High? Certainly if a true religion was restored to Joseph Smith, then
he must have had information about God's government.
We will
discuss further Dr. Andrus' three aspects of this special part of God's
Kingdom:
(1) Joseph Smith's Concept of World Government
(2) Joseph Smith's Foundation for the Kingdom of
God
(3) The Exodus and the State of Deseret
1.Joseph Smith's Concept of
World Government
The
Prophet Joseph made some very accurate and reasonable statements regarding the
Kingdom of God. They sound like revelations of pure inspiration. However, he
was able to share with the Saints only a small part of his understanding and
knowledge:
If man
has grown to wisdom and is capable of discerning the propriety of laws to
govern nations, what less can be expected from the Ruler and Upholder of the
universe? Can we suppose that He has a [83] kingdom without laws? Or do we
believe that it is composed of an innumerable company of beings who are
entirely beyond all law? Consequently have need of nothing to govern or
regulate them? Would not such ideas be a reproach to our Great Parent, and at
variance with his glorious intelligence? Would it not be asserting that man had
found out a secret beyond Deity? That he had learned that it was good to have
laws, while God after existing from eternity and having power to create man,
had not found out that it was proper to have laws for His government? We admit
that God is the great source and fountain from whence proceeds all good; that
He is perfect intelligence, and that His wisdom is alone sufficient to govern
and regulate the mighty creations and worlds which shine and blaze with such
magnificence and splendor over our heads, as though touched with His finger and
moved by His Almighty word. And if so, it is done and regulated by law; for
without law all must certainly fall into chaos. If, then, we admit that God is
the source of all wisdom and understanding, we must admit that by His direct
inspiration He has taught man that law is necessary in order to govern and
regulate His own immediate interest and welfare; for this reason, that law is
beneficial to promote peace and happiness among men. (TPJS, p. 55)
Included
in his concept of the Kingdom of God, Joseph said that once it was set up in
the last days, it should never be destroyed:
The
ancient prophets declared that in the last days the God of heaven should set up
a kingdom which should never be destroyed, nor left to other people; and the
very time that was calculated on, this people were struggling to bring it out.
(TPJS, p. 365)
[84]
2.Joseph Smith's Foundation for
the Kingdom of God
It is
one thing to theorize and speculate on the meaning and philosophy of this
"Kingdom of God," but quite another to prepare, organize and put it
into effect. Such talent and ability is far beyond the scope of modern
Christian ministers.
With
all the other work that Joseph Smith had to do, it is a wonder that he even
thought about such a task as organizing the Kingdom of God. As leader of the
people and president of the Church, he was busy laying out cities, building
schools and temples, solving problems, establishing missions and calling
missionaries, translating records, conducting meetings, and even spending time
in courts and jails. Yet, he still had the vision and understanding of one of
God's most important works--the establishment of His Kingdom.
On
March 11, 1844, Joseph Smith organized a group of men into a body which he
called his "Special Council." Joseph mentioned the 23 men in
attendance at that Council meeting and described the purpose of this Council:
Present--Joseph
Smith, Hyrum Smith, Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Willard Richards, Parley
P. Pratt, Orson Pratt, John Taylor, George A. Smith, William W. Phelps, John M.
Bernhisel, Lucien Woodworth, George Miller, Alexander Badlam, Peter Haws,
Erastus Snow, Reynolds Cahoon, Amos Fielding, Alpheus Cutler, Levi Richards,
Newel K. Whitney, Lorenzo D. Wasson, and William Clayton, whom I organized into
a special council, to take into consideration the subject matter contained in
the above letters, and also the best policy for this people to adopt to obtain
their rights from the nation and insure protection for themselves and children;
and to secure a resting place in the mountains, or some uninhabited region,
where we can enjoy the liberty of conscience [85] guaranteed to us by the
Constitution of our country, rendered doubly sacred by the precious blood of
our fathers, and denied to us by the present authorities, who have smuggled
themselves into power in the States and Nation. (DHC 6:260-261)
Two
months later, on May 12, 1844, Joseph spoke before a group of Saints:
I calculate
to be one of the instruments of setting up the kingdom of Daniel by the word of
the Lord, and I intend to lay a foundation that will revolutionize the whole
world. (DHC 6:365)
Most of
the Saints probably thought this had reference to missionary work or the
widespread news of the restoration, but there were a few who knew what he was
really talking about. Those few were with him nearly a year before when he had
told them of a body of men that would be the nucleus for the Kingdom of God.
Such an idea was based upon a revelation received about 13 years earlier. (See
D & C 65:5-6.) The body of men was called by various names: "The
Kingdom of God and its Laws," "Council of the Kingdom,"
"The General Council," etc., until it became known as the
"Council of Fifty," so designated because of the number of men
belonging to it.
Among
the Fifty were included at least two men who were not members of the LDS
Church. These men were recognized as representatives of the gentile, non-Mormon
community who should have a say and vote on vital issues. We can assume that
Colonel Thomas L. Kane, the "friend of the Mormons," was perhaps a
member of this Council, because he participated in some of their meetings at a
critical time.
Another
non-member was Daniel H. Wells, Justice of the Peace in Nauvoo and general
adviser to the Mormons in some of their problems. He was later baptized and
eventually became a member of the First Presidency under Brigham Young.
[86]In
time, others were also appointed to the Council, but it is difficult to get
much information on them because of the secret and sensitive nature of this
Council.
William
Clayton's journal refers to a certain Council, some of whose members were the
same as those in the Council of Twelve, but they were functioning in a totally
separate capacity:
Soon
after, all of the members of the Council of the K. of G. in the camp, except
Bro. Thomas Bullock, went onto the bluffs and selecting a small, circular,
level spot surrounded by the bluffs and out of sight, we clothed ourselves in
the priestly garments and offered up prayer to God. . . . The members of the
above Council are Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Willard Richards, Orson
Pratt, George A. Smith, Wilford Woodruff, Amasa Lyman, Ezra T. Benson, Phineas
H. Young, John Pack, Charles Shumway, Shadrack Roundy, Albert P. Rockwood,
Erastus Snow, myself, William Clayton, Albert Carrington, and Porter Rockwell.
(Clayton Journal, p. 203)
Little
was known or reported about the organization of this new government on March
11, 1844, nor do we know about revelations that may have been given to this
Council. However, in a private journal of John Taylor, he mentioned a
revelation concerning this Kingdom. It was dated June 22, 1882, 40 years after
the first revelation concerning this Kingdom. This revelation acknowledged
God's establishment of the Kingdom through Joseph Smith, that it was organized
for the purpose of liberty throughout the world, and that he, God, claims the
right to rule in both the Church and the Kingdom. The pertinent passages are as
follows:
2.Thus
saith the Lord God, who rules in the heavens above and in the earth beneath: I
have introduced my Kingdom and my government, even the [87] Kingdom of God, that my servants have
heretofore prophesied of and that I taught my disciples to pray for, saying:
3."Thy
Kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven," for the
establishment of my rule for the introduction of my law, for the protection of
my church, and for the maintenance, promulgation and protection of civil and
religious liberty in this nation and throughout the world;
4.And
all men of every nation, color and creed shall yet be protected and shielded
thereby;
5.And
every nation and kindred, and people, and tongue shall yet bow the knee to me
and acknowledge me to be Ahman Christ to the glory of God the Father.
6.And
my law and my rule and my dominion shall yet be known and extended to all
people.
7.And
now, behold, I speak unto you through my servant John, whom you have
acknowledged and shall acknowledge as my spokesman. * * *
11.He
[J. Smith] was called and ordained to this office before the world was. He was
called by me; and empowered by me, and sustained by me to introduce and
establish my Church and Kingdom upon the earth;
12.And
to be Prophet, Seer and Revelator to my Church and Kingdom; and to be a King
and Ruler over Israel.
13.He
was slain for the testimony of Jesus and for the word of God; but he yet lives,
and is with me where I am.
14.And
now I speak unto you who are members of
this Council, and of my Kingdom, and I say unto you, as I said unto my
disciples of old, Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you.
15.I
called you by my servant Joseph, and by my servant Brigham, and by my servant
John. You did not teach and instruct me; but I have taught and instructed you
and organized you according to my eternal laws.
16.Ye
are my Constitution, and I am your God; and I will be acknowledged and my will
and my word and my law shall bear rule in my Kingdom, saith the [88] Lord.
(Revelation to John Taylor, June 22, 1882, Revelations,
1880-1890, Pioneer Press, pp. 25-27)
Brigham
Young recalled in 1874 the distinction between the organization of the
Latter-day Saint Church and the Kingdom of God:
I will
say to you with regard to the kingdom of God on the earth--Here is the Church
of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, organized with its rules, regulations and
degrees, with the quorums of the holy Priesthood, from the First Presidency to
the teachers and deacons; here we are, an organization. God called upon Joseph,
he called upon Oliver Cowdery, then others were called through Joseph, the
Church was organized, he with his two counselors comprised the First
Presidency. In a few years the Quorum of the Twelve was organized, the High
Council was organized, the High Priests' quorum was organized, the Seventies'
quorums were organized, and the Priests' quorum, the Teachers' quorum and the
Deacons'. This is what we are in the
habit of calling the kingdom of God. But
there are further organizations. The Prophet gave a full and complete
organization to this kingdom the Spring before he was killed. This kingdom
is the kingdom that Daniel spoke of, which was to be set up in the last days;
it is the kingdom that is not to be given to another people; it is the kingdom
that is to be held by the servants of God, to rule the nations of the earth, .
. . (JD 17:156)
Once
again, it is evident that this "secret" organization of the Council
of Fifty was completely separate from the LDS Church. Public exposure of this
new "government" would bring down the wrath of the gentile world. The
principle of plural marriage was also being taught secretly about that same
time, but it was not as well kept as the Council of Fifty. Such beliefs and
practices were a heavy burden on the shoulders of Joseph Smith, so when they
were both more fully established, he felt relieved that others could share the
burden.
[89]Benjamin
Johnson recalled one of Joseph's last sermons which has been called his
"last charge:"
With
great feeling and animation he graphically reviewed his life of persecution,
labor and sacrifice for the church and
the Kingdom of God, both of which he declared now organized upon the earth,
the burden of which had become too great for him longer to carry, that he was
weary and tired with the weight he had so long borne, and he then said, with
great vehemence: "And in the name of the Lord, I now shake from my
shoulders the responsibility of bearing off the Kingdom of God to all the
world, and here and now I place that responsibility, with all the keys, powers
and privileges pertaining thereto, upon the shoulders of you the Twelve
Apostles, in connection with this council: and if you will accept this, to do
it, God shall bless you mightily and shall open your way, and if you do it not
you will be damned." (Benjamin F. Johnson Letter to George F. Gibbs, p.
18)
Wilford
Woodruff also related how relieved the Prophet was when others could finally
share in the responsibilities of the Council and the Kingdom:
It was
not merely a few hours ministering to them the ordinances of the Gospel; but he
spent day after day, week after week, and month after month, teaching . . . the
things of the Kingdom of God. Said
he, during that period, "I now rejoice. I have lived until I have seen
this burden, which has rested on my shoulders, rolled on to the shoulders of
other men; now the keys of the kingdom are planted on the earth to be taken
away no more for ever." (JD 13:164)
Secrecy
of the establishment of the Kingdom and Council was extremely important, and
even when mention was made, it was covered up or in code. John D. Lee kept a
record of meetings of the Council of Fifty, and in his own way he [90] would
reverse the letters in an attempt to keep it a secret. For example, in April
1846, he wrote in his diary:
(April
2, 1846) . . . at 11 a.m. a convention of the council met some 200 yards south
of the encampment. Pres[ent] of the Twelve: B. Young, H. C. Kimball, O. Pratt,
P. P. Pratt, G. A. Smith. Father John Smith, Bishop Miller, A. P. Rockwood,
Shadrack Roundy, B. F. Johnson, [and] J. D. Lee [were also present] of the council of the Y T F I F, Capt. Stuart,
Winter, Benson & others.
Sat.
Apr. 18, `46. Pleasant Point Encampment. Council convened in the grove west of
the encampment at 10 a.m. Present of the
Twelve: Pres. B. Young, H. C. Kimball, John Taylor, P. P. Pratt, and Willard
Richards. Of the council of the Y T F I
F—Bishop Whitney, G. Miller, Wm. Clayton, John Smith, Samuel Bent, J. M.
Grant, C. Shumway, Theodore Turley, P. B. Lewis, E. Snow, J. D. Lee and Peter Haws,
and a number of the commanders of companies. (Diary of John D. Lee)
The
Kingdom of God was a literal government, but is was not a threat or danger to
the rights and liberties of Americans. In fact, the U.S. Constitution and the
constitution of the Kingdom of God were very similar. In 1859, Brigham Young
gave an excellent speech on the laws and organization of the Kingdom of God.
Excerpts follow:
But
few, if any, understand what a theocratic government is. In every sense of the
word, it is a republican government, and differs but little in form from our
National, State, and Territorial Governments; but its subjects will recognize
the will and dictation of the Almighty. * * *
The
Constitution and laws of the United States resemble a theocracy more closely
than any government now on the earth, . . .
Whoever
lives to see the kingdom of God fully established upon the earth will see a
government that will protect every person in his rights. If that [91]
government was now reigning upon this land of Joseph, you would see the Roman
Catholic, the Greek Catholic, the Episcopalian, . . . (etc.) and every class of
worshippers most strictly protected in all their municipal rights and in the
privilege of worshipping who, what, and when they pleased, not infringing upon
the rights of others. Does any candid person in his sound judgment desire any
greater liberty? * * *
When
the Saints of the Most High are established upon the earth, and are prepared to
receive the kingdom of God in its fulness, as foretold by the Prophet Daniel,
they will have power to protect themselves and all the sons and daughters of
Adam in their rights. * * *
Jehovah
has decreed and plainly foretold the establishment of his kingdom upon this
earth; and it will prove to me a shield to the ordinances of his house, in the
endowments, and in all the gifts and graces of the Spirit of God with which the
Priesthood, so to speak, is clothed. * * *
The
kingdom of God will be extended over the earth; and it is written, "I will
make thine officers peace, and thine exactors righteousness." Is that day
ever coming? It is; and the doctrine we preach leads to that point. Even now
the form of the Government of the United States differs but little from that of
the kingdom of God. * * *
The
kingdom that the Almighty will set up in the latter days will have its
officers, and those officers will be peace. Every man that officiates in a
public capacity will be filled with the Spirit of God, with the light of God,
with the power of God, . . .
I know
that the kingdom of God is in its youth upon this earth, and that the
principles of life and salvation are freely proffered to the people all over
the world. * * *
When
the kingdom of God is established upon the earth, people will find it to be
very different from what they now imagine. Will it be in the least degree
tyrannical and oppressive towards any human being? No, it will not; for such is
not the kingdom of God. (See JD 6:342-346.)
[92]Names
were gradually added to the Council of Fifty through the years, with membership
averaging fifty or more. Klaus Hansen gives a list of names of those members
that served on the Council at some time during the years 1844 to 1880:
Babbitt,
AlmonLewis, P. B.
Badlam,
AlexanderLittle, Feramorz
Benson,
Ezra TaftLott, Cornelius P.
Bent,
SamuelLyman, Amasa
Bernhisel,
John M.Lyman, Francis M.
Brown,
UriahMarks, William
Bullock,
ThomasMiller, George
Burton,
Robert T.Morley, Isaac
Cahoon,
ReynoldsNuttall, L. John
Cannon,
Angus M.Pack, John
Cannon,
George Q.Page, John E.
Carrington,
AlbertParker, John D.
Clayton,
WilliamPhelps, William W.
Clinton,
JeterPratt, Orson
Cluff,
W. W.Pratt, Parley P.
Coolidge,
Joseph W.Pratt, Parley P., Jr.
Cutler,
AlpheusPreston, William B.
Eldredge,
HoraceRich, Charles C.
Emmett,
JamesRich, Joseph C.
Fielding,
AmosRichards, Franklin D.
Fielding,
JohnRichards, Franklin S.
Fullmer,
John S.Richards, H. J.
Grant,
George D.Richards, Levi
Grant,
Jedediah M.Richards, Willard
Haws,
PeterRockwell, Orin Porter
Heywood,
Joseph L.Rockwood, Albert P.
Hollister,
D. S.Roundy, Shadrach
Hooper,
William H.Scott, John
Hunter,
Edward, Jr.Sharp, John
Hyde,
OrsonShumway, Charles
James,
SamuelSmith, Elias
Jennings,
WilliamSmith, George A.
Johnson,
Benjamin F.Smith, Hyrum
Kimball,
Charles S.Smith, Joseph
Kimball,
David P.Smith, Joseph F.
Kimball,
Heber C.Smith, John
Kimball,
H. P.Smith, John Henry
Lee,
John D.Smith, Silas S.
(Quest for Empire, Hansen, p. 227)
[93]Among
the responsibilities of the Council of Fifty was to promote Joseph Smith as a
candidate for the U.S. Presidency. This would place Joseph in a position to
propose laws that would lead the people toward the millennial rule of the
Kingdom of God. Dr. Hyrum Andrus noted:
The Prophet was aware that should he be
elected, it would only be by the greatest possible effort and through the favor
of fortune. Said George Miller: "It was thought and urged by the council
that so great an undertaking would require, in order to insure success, the
entire and united effort of the official members of the church."
Accordingly, the Quorum of the Twelve made arrangement for a series of
conferences to be held in strategic places throughout the Union, terminating at
Washington, D.C., the following September 7th through the 15th. Besides the
twelve, nearly 340 of the most capable men in the Church were also sent out to
work in the Prophet's interest throughout the Union. That the general Council
[of Fifty] was involved in these matters is evident not only from Miller's
comments but also from the following notation made by Joseph Smith, April 25th:
"In
general council from 10 till 12, and from 2 to 5, when they adjourned sine die, after appointing a State
Convention to meet in Nauvoo on 17th May. The council then dispersed to go
abroad in the nations." (Joseph
Smith and World Government, p. 56)
One of
the last meetings recorded of Joseph's meeting with the Council was on May 6,
1844:
Monday,
6.--Attended general council all day. Elder J. M. Grant was added to the
Council. . . . Sidney Rigdon was nominated as a candidate for the
Vice-Presidency of the United States. (DHC 6:356)
The
next month the Prophet was murdered. The campaign, the Church and the Kingdom
were all thrown into disarray.
[94]
3.The Exodus and the State of
Deseret
The
government and people of the United States generally wanted no part of the
Mormon religion or politics. They thought by killing their prophet and many of
his followers that they could drive them into the wilderness. The Saints
realized that freedom of religion and politics was only a meaningless verbal
expression, so they knew they could no longer stay in Illinois. The Saints
began to prepare for an exodus into the wilderness under the direction of the
Council of Fifty. It was an exodus similar to that of Moses and the children of
Israel--and for similar reasons. They even organized into companies as did the
children of Israel:
I
[Brigham Young] called the brethren together and instructed the captains of
hundreds to raise money in their respective companies and send for cloth for
tent ends and wagon covers; . . .
Those
not organized were instructed to join the Pioneers, and all to organize into
companies of tens. (DHC 7:591-592)
At
first the Saints were in a quandary as to what to do and where to go. Some had
considered going to Texas, Oregon or California. Brigham Young, president of
both the Council of Twelve and the Council of Fifty, was obligated to learn the
Lord's will in this regard. Apostle George A. Smith described what happened:
After
the death of Joseph Smith, when it seemed as if every trouble and calamity had
come upon the Saints, Brigham Young, who was President of the Twelve, then the
presiding Quorum of the Church, sought the Lord to know what they should do,
and where they should lead the people for safety; and while they were fasting
and praying daily on this subject, President Young had a vision of Joseph
Smith, who showed him the mountain that we now call Ensign [95] Peak,
immediately north of Salt Lake City, and there was an ensign fell upon that
peak, and Joseph said, "Build under the point where the colors fall and
you will prosper and have peace." The Pioneers had no pilot or guide; none
among them had ever been in the country or knew anything about it. However,
they traveled under the direction of President Young until they reached this
valley. (JD 13:85)
A great
burden was put upon the shoulders of Brigham Young, but he carried it well. It
was also a very trying time for the Saints, and many apostatized.
Brother
Brigham usually receives the entire credit for being a great colonizer and
leader of the Saints--and indeed he was--but according to Hyrum Andrus, Brigham
was acting under the direction and guidance of Joseph Smith:
As
Brigham Young presented himself before the Saints as their leader and lawgiver
in the stead of their martyred Prophet, it is reported by several reliable
witnesses that the mantle of Joseph fell upon him with such power that it
seemed as though Joseph and not Brigham addressed the Saints that day. This
incident was but the great consummation in the merging of Joseph into Brigham.
That fusion process had been going on for some ten years past. And with its
completion Brigham Young was prepared to build upon the foundation that Joseph
had laid with a minimum of deviation. Thus, in many ways it was Joseph, not
Brigham, who launched the exodus and successfully carried it out; it was
Joseph, not Brigham, who founded the Saints in the West, in their political as well as in their religious capacity. In this
great project, the General Council
played a dominant role. As previously noted, it was that body of men who laid the plans for the exodus and
thereafter made all major decisions in carrying out the project. This fact
has not been known to historians. It appreciably alters the existing concept of
the move to [96] the West, in that it indicates that the initiative in these
matters was not taken by the Church as a religious body, but by men acting in a
political capacity under the direction of the priesthood. (Joseph Smith and World Government, Andrus, pp. 68-69)
As soon
as the Saints arrived in the Salt Lake Valley, they began establishing a
government. It was their first chance to really organize the Kingdom of God, as
they finally had all the necessary ingredients: the people, the territory, the
laws and a president (or king). They designated the boundaries for a new state
to be called "Deseret;" established a government; claimed citizens
for the state; and appointed Brigham Young as governor. The proposed boundaries
and all their plans were sent to Washington, D.C., for approval.
The
Mormons were ready to legally introduce the laws of the Kingdom, which were not
unlike those of the U.S. Constitution. They planned to make peace with the
Indians, establish roads, introduce routes for mail service, and follow the
pattern of government similar to the other states of the Union. They would
bring law and order to a wide territory, called the Great Basin Kingdom. All of
this would result in more land for America and at the same time save the
government the cost of colonizing expenses and the effort of sending men to govern
the area--yet they would still have federal jurisdiction. It was a perfect plan
for Washington, if they could just see what an opportunity it really was.
This
proposed territory was to be four times larger than the current state of Utah.
It provided intermountain water rights, immediate legal control, and fertile
land for farming or cattle. The proposal for this new state included the
following territory:
[97]
THE
STATE OF DESERET
Known
as the Great Basin Kingdom
compiled
by E. R. Varner in 1940
(See similar
drawing in Great Basin Kingdom, Leonard Arrington, p. 86.)
The
Saints were grateful to finally have their own territory and government.
We, the
people, grateful to the Supreme Being for the blessings hitherto enjoyed, and
feeling our dependence on him for a continuation of those blessings, do ordain
and establish a free and independent government, by the name of the "State
of Deseret;" including all the territory of the United States within the
following boundaries. . . . (A written description of the above map followed.)
(CHC 3:424)
[98]This
application to Congress suggested that since they had not yet provided any form
of civil government for the area and since they had fears that Mexico might
extend their jurisdiction over that land, it would save the government time,
money and men if the Mormons were to establish this government under the
Constitutional guidelines. The Council of Fifty drafted a state constitution,
which was later recognized as being superior to that of any other state in the
Union.
The
provisional state government of Deseret went into effect July 2, 1849, with a
roster of state officers. Almond Babbit was elected as delegate and
representative to Congress.
The new
government of the "Kingdom" provided a military organization, which was
a revival of the "Nauvoo Legion." One of the first assignments of
this little "army" was to settle some disputes with hostile Indian
tribes.
Further work of the Council was to prepare
places and people for pioneer settlements, some of the first being Pleasant
Grove, American Fork, Lehi, Springville and Payson. Further communities were
planned both north and south to include a distance of over 250 miles.
At that
time, the population of the new state was about 15,000 people. When you
consider so few people doing so much, it proved their abilities to rule,
regulate and conduct the affairs of a new state. These people had been (1)
driven out of the United States, (2) had traveled all the way from Illinois to
the Salt Lake Valley, and (3) had suffered extreme poverty. In addition, they
had to break ground, make settlements, build forts, raise cattle, plant crops,
build irrigation canals and govern themselves in peace, free from the crimes of
most other settlements. It has been recognized worldwide that such an
accomplishment has seldom been equaled anywhere else at any time.
[99]The
work of the Council of Fifty continued with relative ease because of the lack
of crime among a people who were patriotic, religious and dedicated. They often
celebrated their victories of the past and present with gratitude to God. B. H.
Roberts noted:
Under
the regime of the "State of Deseret" the people were wont to give
expression to their loyalty, and voice their patriotic sentiments in song and
speech and public festivities. Naturally, to these early Utah colonists, the
greatest thing within their experience was their deliverance from what had been
to them intolerance, oppression, and a sense of bondage; and their safe arrival
in the Great Basin of the Rocky Mountains. (CHC 3:492)
Mormon
proposals to the U.S. Government continued through the succeeding years, always
with the same result. Because Congress did not want the "Mormons" to
have political power, and because of annexing other states to the Union, the
size of the "State of Deseret" kept diminishing, as can be seen from
the following diagrams:
(diagram
of the territory of Utah from 1849 to 1896)
(Back
cover of Mormonism, Americanism and Politics, R. Vetterli)
[100]
In spite of Mormon accomplishments, their dedication to the U.S. Constitution,
and their patriotism, the U.S. Government still didn't trust them or grant them
any favors--politically or religiously. Thus, this provisional state government
lasted only 2-1/2 years, at which time it was replaced by a territorial government.
According to B. H. Roberts:
The
"State of Deseret" continued her existence about two and a half
years, then passed into history. She was but a provisional state, and her
authority could have no sanctions except in the voluntary submission of the people
to her ordinances, and the judicial and administrative acts of her officers.
Not until the legislative assembly and the governor of the territory of Utah,
by enactment, declared that such of her laws as were not in conflict with the
organic act of the territory of Utah, were approved and should remain until
superseded by other enactments, was legal sanction given to the proceeding of
the "State of Deseret." But notwithstanding these facts, the
"State of Deseret," her rise and rule until displaced by a territorial
government, is an instructive chapter in the history of civil government in our
country. Her creation and triumphant and peaceful reign for more than two years
over the intermountain colonies, proclaim with singular force the ability of
her people for self-government. (CHC 3:498)
However,
the Council of Fifty continued to perform its political mission. It existed as
a political organization for nearly 50 years--separate and distinct from the
LDS Church.
During
this period of western colonization, the Council of Fifty had an impressive
list of accomplishments:
1.They
were responsible for re-organizing the Nauvoo Legion.
[101]
2.They
routed and helped build roads and bridges.
3.They
assisted in determining settlement locations.
4.They
established a police force and court system.
5.They
helped establish forts and towns.
6.They
took care of range and cattle problems.
7.They
managed the affairs for food storage and distribution.
8.They
handled disputes with the Indians.
9.They
made sure there were some of their members in the political governments.
10.They
were involved in the script, coins and marketing.
11.They
worked diligently to establish the State of Deseret.
Western
history shows that persecution, lawyers, judges and governmental politics
gradually diluted and dissolved the political concepts and powers of the
Kingdom of God and the Council of Fifty. More and more laws were passed and
enforced upon the Saints. Klaus Hansen agreed:
The
promotion of the political Kingdom of God by Mormon leaders was one of the
major reasons why the Saints were driven so relentlessly for over half a
century. (Dialogue, Autumn 1966, p.
73)
When
the gentiles formed the political Liberal Party in 1870, the Council of Fifty
countered with the organization of the People's Party. This party proclaimed
and supported the objectives and principles of their own Council. It was
effective and practical for about 20 years, but it died in 1892 because of the
agreement Wilford Woodruff had made with the government in his 1890 Manifest--or
"Official Declaration." Thus, around the turn of the century, the
definition, organization and duties of the Kingdom and Council changed
significantly.
The
Kingdom of God evolved from a powerful political entity into the organizational
body of the LDS Church. [102] Sermons, publications and messages from the First
Presidency struck serious blows to the historical accomplishments and
effectiveness of the Council of Fifty. For example, a 1903 Christmas message to
the Saints from the First Presidency contained the following:
And
history repeats itself in the old cry of "treason" and the charges
that the "Mormon" organization is imperium in imperio. Yet it does not attempt to exercise the
power of a secular government, but its influence and effects are to strengthen
and promote fidelity to the law and loyalty to the nation where its followers
reside.
The
phrase "church and kingdom" is frequently used by speakers and
writers in reference to the system called "Mormonism." It is solely an ecclesiastical organization.
It is separate and distinct from the state. It does not interfere with any
earthly government. * * *
Sermons,
dissertations and arguments by preachers and writers in the Church concerning
the Kingdom of God that is to be, are not
to be understood as relating to the present. If they are so presented as to
convey the idea that the dominion to come is to be exercised now, the claim is
incorrect, no matter by whom set forth, because it is in direct conflict with
Divine revelation to the Church. Such opinions do not weigh at all when placed
in the scales against the word and command of Almighty God. ("Christmas
Letter, from Joseph F. Smith, John Winder, and Anthon H. Lund," 1903; Messages of the First Presidency, vol.
4, p. 78)
Two
years later in the Smoot Investigation, Dr. James E. Talmage was asked about
Orson Pratt's treatise on "The Kingdom of God," in which Pratt had
written:
The
kingdom of God is an order of government established
by divine authority. It is the only
legal government that can exist in any part of the [103] universe. All
other governments are illegal and un-authorized. God, having made all beings and worlds, has the supreme right to govern
them by His own laws, and by officers of His own appointment. Any people
attempting to govern themselves by laws of their own making, and by officers of
their own appointment, are in direct rebellion against the kingdom of God.
(Orson Pratt's Works, p. 31)
These
views seemed to seriously bother members of the investigation, as can be
detected from the following dialogue:
Mr. Worthington: . . . Now, on this same general line,
there is an extract in this record from one of Orson Pratt's works about the
"Kingdom of God." We are familiar with it, and you have read it, I
believe?
Mr. Talmage: I have read it; yes, sir.
Mr. Worthington: Which is capable, at least, of the
interpretation that the church is superior to governmental authority of this
nation or any other. What do you say as to whether, if it be interpreted in
that way, it correctly states the doctrine of your church?
Mr. Talmage: When those utterances of Orson Pratt are
so interpreted, they do not in any sense represent the doctrines or the spirit
of the doctrines of the church. The particular publication to which you refer,
and which you describe properly by its title, "The Kingdom of God,"
appeared originally as a serial publication in one of the periodicals, the Millennial Star, if I remember
correctly. It may, however, have been some other periodical. It was then
published as a tract. If you will read the whole of that pamphlet, or tract, or
article, you will see that the rather extreme statement and unguarded
comparisons made in the first part are departed from and do not recur again in
the latter part, or in the body of the article proper, and in the summary
thereto you will see that no reference is made to an existing kingdom as a
temporal power. But personally I can not accept that publication of his as
[104] representing my views, as a member of the church, and I am sure that it
does not represent the views of the members of the church generally. (Smoot Hearings, Jan. 18, 1905, vol. 3,
p. 34)
Thus
was the interpretation of the Kingdom of God beginning to be changed--at least
publicly. And in connection with this, Klaus Hansen summarized the decline and
fall of the Council of Fifty:
When,
in 1890, Mormon President Wilford Woodruff issued the "Manifesto,"
ostensibly ending the practice of polygamy, he did so to save not only the
Church but also the Kingdom of God. The semantic distinction between the two
terms--the one denoting strictly an ecclesiastical body, the other a political
organization intended to prepare the world for a literal, political government
of Christ during the Millennium--originated with Joseph Smith, who taught those
attending the secret sessions of the Council of Fifty in Nauvoo that "The
Kingdom of God is a separate organization from the Church of God." To
those who understand this difference, it will be apparent that if the Manifesto
marked a watershed in Mormon history because it heralded the beginning of the
end for polygamy, the following twenty years, though lacking the dramatic
impact of Woodruff's pronouncement, divided Mormon history even more
conclusively and permanently because they witnessed the decline and virtual disappearance
of the idea of the political Kingdom of God, so vigorously promoted by the
Council of Fifty in the nineteenth century. (Dialogue, Autumn 1966, p. 69)
Although
the Council of Fifty has been misunderstood, discarded, and nearly forgotten,
it is still the hope and faith of many who hold the Priesthood that the Kingdom
of God is not completely gone. Even one man holding the Priesthood of God can
still represent that Kingdom, for Joseph Smith taught:
[105]
Whenever
there has been a righteous man on earth unto whom God revealed His word and
gave power and authority to administer in His name, and where there is a priest
of God--a minister who has power and authority from God to administer in the
ordinances of the gospel and officiate in the priesthood of God, there is the
kingdom of God; . . . (TPJS, p. 271)
Whenever
men can find out the will of God and find an administrator legally authorized
from God, there is the kingdom of God; but where these are not, the kingdom of
God is not. (TPJS, p. 274)
The Council
of Fifty may be denied, changed and forsaken, the Church may turn aside from
eternal principles, and the Mormon people may revel in the glory of Babylon,
but there will always be a few faithful Priesthood holders to uphold the
principles of the Kingdom of God. Whatever may happen to the LDS Church, the
Council of Fifty, or the governments of men, the Kingdom of God will not be
entirely overthrown. Brigham Young prophesied:
In my
reflections upon these things, I have ever realized that God has spoken from
the heavens, and said that this kingdom should fill the whole earth, and that
the kingdom and greatness of the kingdom under the whole heavens will
eventually be given to the Saints of the Most High. (JD 8:304)
John
Taylor also prophesied:
We have
got this kingdom to build up; and it is not a phantom, but a reality. We have
to do it, God expects it at our hands. . . . we have got to have political
power. * * *
When
the people shall have torn to shreds the Constitution of the United States, the
Elders of Israel will be found holding it up to the nations of the earth and
proclaiming liberty and equal rights to all men, [106] and extending the hand
of fellowship to the oppressed of all nations. * * *
The
kingdoms of this world shall become the kingdoms of our God and His Christ, . .
. (JD 21:8)
This is
God's future plan, and the Kingdom of God will yet come forth in power to shine
like the rays of the morning sun and fulfill its destiny. God has a schedule,
and it will be completed on time. The earth and everything in it will be under
the direction of the Kingdom of God during the Millennium.
When
God comes out of His hiding place, He will allow no competition. The church,
state, nation and the kingdoms of the world will all be set in order, and
everything will fall under the glorious rule and reign of the Kingdom of God.
[107] Chapter 9
KINGS AND QUEENS
RESTORED
You all
say that we are to become a kingdom of kings and priests--of queens and
priestesses; and the Bible supports this doctrine. (Heber C. Kimball, JD 8:349)
The
average reader of the Bible may not notice the frequent use of the words king
and kings, mentioned over 4,000 times in both ancient and modern scriptures.
This title should be taken seriously and considered more than casually. It is
interesting to note that this term is used more in connection with the House of
Israel than pertaining to the kings of the world.
Many
times the word king is used synonymously with prophet, priest or patriarch. The
word is like a golden thread running throughout the scriptures, connecting all
the important subjects and people together.
Kings in Ancient Times
When
King David, King Solomon or other Israelite kings are mentioned in scripture,
it not only denotes an office, but also a throne or kingdom with inherent
rights. We can be assured that these have a connection with the Kingdom of God.
[108]
Looking back a little further in time, we find that Abraham received a promise
that "kings shall come out of thee." (Gen. 17:6) However, these kings
were to be a part of the Lord's "covenant" and not part of the wicked
kings of the earth.
It was
prophesied that Jesus would inherit the throne of King David, which was a
political inheritance, meaning that He, too, would be a king. The angel who
came to Mary announced that she would bear a child who would reign on "the throne of his father David"
(Luke 1:32). When Jesus was born, wise men came to pay tribute to the
"King of the Jews," bringing treasures usually given to kings. Toward
the end of His ministry, He was brought before the Romans on the charge of
being a king, and His accusers said, "We found this fellow perverting the
nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying that he himself is
Christ a King." (Luke 23:2)
When
Jesus was crucified, the title "King of the Jews" was inscribed on
His cross. Before He was crucified, the scriptures tell us, Jesus gave Peter
the "keys of the kingdom," inferring that Peter must have been a king
to rule with authority in a kingdom. The modern Christian ministers and Bible
scholars have no idea what He was talking about. Also John the Beloved wrote
that Jesus "hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father."
(Rev. 1:6) And John the Revelator wrote Jesus "hath on his vesture and on
his thigh a name written, King of Kings, and Lord of Lords." (Rev. 19:16;
see also Rev. 17:14; 1 Tim. 6:15)
So men
like Peter, John, Abraham, David, Solomon were chosen to be literal kings and
were recognized by the Lord. What did this title mean? What kind of office,
title or authority did Jesus give to His disciples? None of the modern
Christian churches use any such title or office in their congregations.
[109]
If the Kingdom of God is literally a kingdom, as we have been told, then it
must be some form of government. In such a government there must be officers
and rulers. This kingly office pertains not only to this life but continues
even after death:
Here
then we find, from the first chapter [of the Book of Revelation], that they
were made Kings and Priests before they were dead; and in the next quotation,
we find that they still retained their kingly office after death, and actually
had made songs to express their happy condition--Thou "hast made us kings
and priests." Now we see the reason why they are to wear crowns, for they
will be made Kings and Priests on the earth; the Lord then, must have some way
to give this kingly power. . . . "Yes, we understand it; the Lord has
revealed the ordinances; we know how the sons and daughters of God obtain this
kingly office, while living here in this mortal tabernacle." (Orson Pratt,
JD 1:290)
Orson
Pratt also explained that kings were appointed in the Pre-Existence:
I have
already told you that the spirits of men and women, all had a previous existence,
thousands of years ago, in the heavens, in the presence of God; and I have
already told you that among them are many spirits that are more noble, more
intelligent than others, that were called the great and mighty ones, reserved
until the dispensation of the fulness of times, to come forth upon the face of
the earth, that they may be Prophets, Priests, and Kings to the Most High God.
***
This is
the reason why the Lord is sending them here, brethren and sisters; they are
appointed to come and take their bodies here, that in their generations they
may be raised up among the righteous. The Lord has not kept them in store for
five or six thousand years past, and kept them waiting for their bodies all
[110] this time to send them among the Hottentots, the African Negroes, the
idolatrous Hindoos, or any other of the fallen nations that dwell upon the face
of this earth. (JD 1:62-63)
The
Prophet Joseph said that, "Every man who has a calling to minister to the
inhabitants of the world was ordained to that very purpose in the Grand Council
of heaven before this world was." (TPJS, p. 365) If that is the case, then
certainly those who were to be called to rule in His government must also have
been selected and ordained to that calling. By what right, then, are they
called to be ministers or kings in God's Kingdom? It is by divine right which
is God's right to select men to administer His own laws. They are men who would
rule as God would rule. They are men who obey, teach and rule on earth as God
rules in heaven. These are the men who belong to the Kingdom of God on earth.
The Priesthood and Kingship
There
are two types of kingship: one as part of the Priesthood and the other with no
Priesthood. One kingship frequently rules and controls with fear and terror.
The other is a peaceable kingdom ruled by kings who teach others to be kings.
These are the kings that Jesus referred to when He said He presided over them
as King of kings.
These
shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord
of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen,
and faithful. (Rev. 17:14)
For a
man to become a king and a priest unto God, he must also hold the High or
Melchizedek Priesthood. As a king his mission is to promote liberty for his
subjects; as a priest his duty is to administer righteousness. As a king and a
priest, [111] a man has the double duty to serve in both political and
religious functions within the Kingdom of God. He labors in both government and
church capacities. According to Joseph Smith:
Those
holding the fulness of the
Melchizedek Priesthood are kings and
priests of the Most High God, holding the keys of power and blessings.
(TPJS, p. 322)
Here, then, is eternal life--to know the only
wise and true God; and you have got to learn how to be Gods yourselves, and to be kings and priests to God, the
same as all Gods have done before you, . . .
(TPJS, p. 346)
The
Prophet Joseph went a little further in his explanation of the endowment. He
stated that the Priesthood, in its entirety, was the power to make men kings
and priests.
What
was the power of Melchizedek? `Twas not the Priesthood of Aaron which
administers in outward ordinances, and the offering of sacrifices. Those holding the fulness of the
Melchizedek Priesthood are kings and priests of the Most High God, holding
the keys of power and blessings. In fact, that Priesthood is a perfect law of
theocracy, and stands as God to give laws to the people, administering endless
lives to the sons and daughters of Adam. (TPJS, p. 322)
Hence,
those who have not received an ordination to be kings and priests have only
received a portion of the blessings of the fullness of the Melchizedek
Priesthood in their endowment. If members of the Church want to receive all the
blessings of the Kingdom of God, they must receive the fullness of the
Melchizedek Priesthood.
[112]
Since none of the existing Christian churches or worldly governments teach or
promote this type of Priesthood kingship, where does a man go to get this
commission? Where does he learn to become a King and a Priest unto God? Once
again, Joseph Smith explained, in April 1844:
. . .
there must be a holy place prepared for that purpose. There was a proclamation
made during the time that the foundation of the [Nauvoo] Temple was laid to
that effect, and there are provisions made until the work is completed, so that men may receive their endowments
and be made kings and priests unto the Most High God, having nothing to do
with temporal things, but their whole time will be taken up with things
pertaining to the house of God. There must, however, be a place built expressly
for that purpose. (TPJS, pp. 362-363)
If,
then, kings and queens are supposed to be ordained in the temples and that
ordination is a part of the fullness of the Priesthood, and it is necessary for
exaltation, why don't we hear more about such an important subject? Why aren't
Church leaders administering these rites? What has happened to these important
ordinations?
Let's
go back about 160 years--to a meeting in 1842, that was probably the first
account we have of Joseph Smith's teaching, and probably administering, these
ordinations:
Wednesday,
4--I spent the day in the upper part of the store, that is in my private office
* * * in council with General James Adams, of Springfield, Patriarch Hyrum
Smith, Bishops Newel K. Whitney and George Miller, and President Brigham Young
and Elders Heber C. Kimball and Willard Richards, instructing them in washings,
anointings, endowments and the communication of keys pertaining to the Aaronic
Priesthood, and so on to the highest order of the Melchizedek [113] Priesthood,
setting forth the order pertaining to
the Ancient of Days, and all those plans and principles by which any one is
enabled to secure the fullness of those blessings which have been prepared for
the Church of the Firstborn, and come up and abide in the presence of the
Eloheim in the eternal worlds. In this
council was instituted the ancient order of things for the first time in these
last days. And the communications I made to this council were of things
spiritual, and to be received only by the spiritual minded: and there was
nothing made known to these men but what will be made known to all the Saints
of the last days, so soon as they are prepared to receive, and a proper place is prepared to
communicate them, even to the weakest of the Saints; therefore let the Saints
be diligent in building the Temple, and all houses which they have been, or
shall hereafter be, commanded of God to build; and wait their time with
patience in all meekness, faith, perseverance unto the end, knowing assuredly
that all these things referred to in this council are always governed by the
principle of revelation. (TPJS, p. 237)
John
Taylor explained who these kings and priests are supposed to rule over:
We find
that after the days of Noah an order was introduced called the patriarchal
order, in which every man managed his
own family affairs, and prominent men among them were kings and priests unto God, and officiated in what is known among
us as the Priesthood of the Son of God,
or the Priesthood after the Order of Melchizedek. Man began again to multiply
on the face of the earth, and the heads
of families became their kings and priests, that is, the fathers of their
own people, and they were more or less under the influence and guidance of the
Almighty. (JD 17:207)
Bruce
R. McConkie also had a correct understanding of this order:
[114]
A royal priesthood: Whenever the Lord has a people on earth
he offers to make them a nation of kings and priests—not a congregation of lay
members with a priest or a minister at the head—but a whole Church in which
every man is his own minister, in which every
man stands as a king in his own right, reigning over his own
family-kingdom. The priesthood which makes a man a king and a priest is thus a
royal priesthood. (Doc. N.T. Com.,
v. 3, p. 295)
The
calling and ordination of a king is part of the Patriarchal Priesthood, which
is one of the three grand orders of Melchizedek Priesthood, according to Joseph
Smith. (See TPJS, pp. 322-323.) It is a family system, both on earth and in
heaven.
This
type of family government is not just confined to a man and his family on this
earth, but it will continue through the eternities. It is a government based
upon the same family order over which God Himself presides. Brigham Young
explained:
The kingdoms he [God] possesses and rules over
are his own progeny. Every man who is faithful and gets a salvation and glory,
and becomes a King of kings and Lord of lords, or a Father of fathers, it will
be by the increase of his own progeny. Our Father and God rules over his own
children. Wherever there is a God in all the eternities possessing a kingdom
and glory and power, it is by means of his own progeny. (JD 11:262)
This is
not just another office and title from God. It is the very foundation of the
order of heaven and eternal life.
Here,
then, is eternal life—to know the only wise and true God; and you have got to
learn how to be Gods yourselves, and to be kings
and priests to God, the same as all Gods have done before you, . . . (TPJS,
p. 346)
[115]
Kings and Priests, Queens and
Priestesses
In most
cases, where there is a king, there is a queen and vice versa. This is
especially true pertaining to Priesthood ordinations. Kings and queens go
together--both on earth and in heaven. We're talking man and wife, water and
air, pie and ice cream. The concept is a part of gospel doctrine, a part of the
fullness of the Priesthood, and a part of exaltation.
The
ordination of both kings and queens, or second anointing, was considered an
important and sacred temple endowment. In the early days of the LDS Church
there were many such ordinations, but they have gradually diminished and now
are almost completely discontinued. This ordination was described by Fanny
Stenhouse after her ordination in the temple:
. . .
we two wives were anointed in like manner, and ordained Queens and Priestesses,
to reign and rule with our husband over his kingdom in the celestial world. (An Englishwoman in Utah, p. 321)
Hyrum
Andrus explained the nature of this special blessing to women:
A
priestess is a female priest--one who exercises priestly rights and powers by
virtue of the priesthood. In this context, a queen is a woman with a political
status and power in the home, within the patriarchal order of the priesthood. (Doctrines of the Kingdom, p. 411)
John
Taylor also revealed:
You
have been ordained kings and queens, and priests and priestesses to your Lord;
you have been put in possession of principles that all the kings, potentates,
and power upon the earth are entirely ignorant [116] of; they do not understand
it; but you have received this from the hands of God. (JD 5:189)
William
Smith described his own ordination at the hands of his brother, Joseph the
Prophet:
I was
present with Joseph at the last council that was held previous to the Twelve
and others going on their electioneering campaign to the east and various other
parts of the United States; it was at this time that I received my initiation
into the highest priesthood lodge, was washed and anointed, and clad with the
sacredotal robe of pure white, and
ordained to be priest and king, and invested with all the power that any
man on earth ever did possess; power entitling me to preach the gospel, to bind
up the Kingdom of God on earth, among all nations, and people of every tongue.
In consequence of these endowments and ordination received from under the hands
of Joseph, I hold as much power and as many keys to seal and bind on earth, as
can possibly belong to Brigham Young; the power was conferred equally on all
the Twelve and not therefore bestowed on one. (William Smith's letter to the Warsaw Signal, Jan. 7, 1846)
Parley
P. Pratt also gave a description and clarification of this special Priesthood
ordination:
This
Priesthood, including that of the Aaronic, holds the keys of revelation of the
oracles of God to man upon the earth; the power and right to give laws and
commandments to individuals, churches, rulers, nations and the world; to
appoint, ordain, and establish constitutions and kingdoms; to appoint kings, presidents, governors or judges, and to ordain or
anoint them to their several holy
callings, also to instruct, warn, or reprove them by the word of the Lord.
(Key to Theology, Pratt, 5th ed.,
pp. 68-69)
[117]
The Second Anointing
The
first time a Latter-day Saint goes through the temple endowment ceremony, he
receives a first anointing, wherein he is told that if faithful, he will
receive a second anointing. But how many Saints today have received this second
anointing, or are even aware of it? As baptism by the spirit is to baptism by
water, so is the second anointing to the first. One is not complete without the
other.
In the
first anointing, a person is merely promised to receive a second. The first is
a promise; the second is the fulfillment. In the second anointing, men and
women are anointed as kings and queens, priests and priestesses, in the Kingdom
of God.
The
performance of these anointings goes back to even before the dedication of the
Nauvoo Temple. They were administered in various places, i.e., the Mansion
House, the Red Brick Store, and Brigham Young's home. According to Wilford
Woodruff's Journal, at least 16 Church members received their second anointings
during the last week of January and the first week of February in 1844. These
anointings increased in numbers until around the turn of the century, at which
time other doctrinal changes were also taking place. By the time Heber J. Grant
became president, second anointings had dropped to almost nothing. George F.
Richards, Apostle and Salt Lake Temple President, wrote:
The records show that there have been 32,495
such blessings administered in the Church and that during the last 12 years
there have been but eight administrations. (George F. Richards Journal, Dec. 1942)
Then
seven years later, he wrote a letter to the First Presidency and the Twelve:
[118]
For a
long time I have felt that I would like to express to you the disappointment I
feel in that we have practically discontinued the administration of Second
Anointing in the Church. . . . I have not been able to bring myself to feel
that the Lord is pleased with us in neglecting such an important and sacred
endowment.
. . .
Thousands of good and faithful men and women are dying without receiving a
fulfillment of the promise made them in connection with the temple ceremonies.
* * * Temples under construction now and in the future should be provided with
a room for the administration of these blessings alone, to be known as the Holy
of Holies, for if we do not move in the matter before us, some others coming
after us will do so, for it must be done, and temples should be designed and
constructed with that thought in mind.
It is
to be hoped that this communication will not be shelved and forgotten without
full consideration by this Council. For several years these matters have given
me great mental anxiety and spiritual concern, and but for want of courage I
would have sought an opportunity to be heard years ago. I do not want to leave
this sphere of action without vigorously protesting our indifference and
neglect. (Ibid., pp. 41, 42)
In the
great vision of heaven, as recorded in D & C, Section 76, the Lord
described those who will go to the Celestial Kingdom:
They
are they who are the church of the First-born. They are they into whose hands
the Father has given all things--They are they who are priests and kings, who have received of his fulness, and of his
glory; and are priests of the Most High, after the order of Melchizedek. . . .
(D & C 76:54-57)
In
1901, Lorenzo Snow also emphasized the importance of these ordinations:
[119]
After
the opening exercises, Pres. Lorenzo Snow spoke upon the subject of giving
Second Anointings. He said that this blessing brought a person to a greater
knowledge of things pertaining to God and His purposes in the earth, that the
glorious things of the kingdom were made clear to the understanding of the man.
* * *
Every
man should be determined to place everything on the altar, even to the laying
down of life itself for the gospel's sake in order to be truly worthy of this
blessing. (recorded in Rudger Clawson's Journal, April 8, 1901)
A Mystery to Modern Mormons
How
many thousands and even millions of Mormons have gone to the temple to receive
their first endowment and have never been made kings and priests in the second
endowment? Every man who receives his endowment and First Anointing, receives
the calling to prepare to receive his Second Anointing. Why are so few able to
complete their ordination? Something is wrong. Are too many unworthy men and
women receiving their First Anointing? Are there not enough members worthy of
their Second Anointing? Has the Church discontinued the saving principles and
ordinances that are requirements for such an anointing? Can it be that men in
leadership positions who should be calling men to receive their Second
Anointing are incapable or unworthy of receiving revelations instructing them
in these important and essential matters?
In
1854, John Taylor asked similar questions of the Saints:
Have
you forgotten who you are, and what your object is? Have you forgotten that you
profess to be Saints of the Most High God, clothed upon with the Holy
Priesthood? Have you forgotten that you are [120] aiming to become Kings and
Priests to the Lord, and Queens and Priestesses to Him? (JD 1:372)
How
much more the Saints have forgotten by now! What is worse, they are not even
taught about the second anointing in theory, let alone in practice. Kings and
Priests, Queens and Priestesses--ah, those were the days! Those were the times
when men and women were acknowledged and ordained as a part of the Kingdom of
God.
Today
those high and holy callings are only a vestige, a little glimmer of the past.
The great blessings, hopes and officers of the Kingdom of God are a mere shadow
of what once was!
[121] Chapter 10
DEATH OF A KING IN THE
KINGDOM
If my
life is of no value to my friends, it is of none to myself. (Joseph Smith,
TPJS, p. 377)
Going
back to the 1840's, the Mormon statements and claims of a temporal kingdom
could not be overlooked. Mormon apostates and observant politicians exposed the
embryo of this temporal kingdom. They could see only a potential power and
competition developing--not any virtue. In reality the Kingdom of God supported
the Constitution in guaranteeing freedom and liberty; but apparently that is
what the outsiders feared. Even though they claimed to be Christians, their
vile and wicked conduct proved differently.
One may
wonder why the Mormons came into violent conflict with their neighbors in all
seven major areas in which they settled. One early anti-Mormon author said it
was because they incorporated their economic, social and political ideals into
their religion. If their religion had been just spiritual teachings or
feelings, like other Christian churches, the Saints would not have been
perceived as a threat to the rest of society.
Joseph
Smith became even more aware of a conspiracy to take his life from the
testimony of two young boys. Dennison L. Harris and Robert Scott attended a
meeting of 200 apostate Mormons who were preparing to kill Joseph. They
reported back to Joseph Smith what they had witnessed.
[122]
An oath
had been prepared which each member of the organization was now required to
take. Francis Higbee, a justice of the peace, sat at a table in one end of the
room, and administered the oath to each individual separately, in the following
manner: The candidate would step forward to the table, take up a Bible, which
had been provided for the purpose, and raise it in his right hand, whereupon
the justice would ask him in a solemn tone, "Are you ready?" And,
receiving answer in the affirmative, would continue in a tone and manner that
struck awe to the minds of the boys as they listened: "You solemnly swear,
before God and all holy angels, and these your brethren by whom you are
surrounded, that you will give your life, your liberty, your influence, your
all, for the destruction of Joseph Smith and his party, so help you God!"
The person being sworn would then say, "I do," after which he would
lay down the Bible and sign his name to a written copy of the oath in a book
that was lying on the table, and it would be legally acknowledged by the
justice of the peace.
The
boys sat gazing upon this scene, wondering how intelligent beings who had once
enjoyed the light of truth could have fallen into such depths of wickedness as
to be anxious to take such an oath against the Prophet of God and his faithful
followers. ("Conspiracy of Nauvoo," an article taken from The Contributor, vol. V, pp. 251-260)
Meanwhile,
Governor Ford had promised the safety and protection of Joseph Smith during his
trial in Carthage and he added, "I will also guarantee the safety of all
such persons as may thus be brought to this place from Nauvoo either for trial
or as witnesses for the accused." (DHC 6:537)
On June
22, 1844, Joseph sent a lengthy reply to Ford, concluding with--
We
again say, if anything wrong has been done on our part, and we know of nothing,
we will make all [123] things right if the government will give us the
opportunity. Disperse the mob, and secure to us our constitutional privileges,
that our lives may not be endangered when on trial. (Ibid., p. 541)
In an
interview John Taylor had had with Gov. Ford in Carthage, Ford "pledged
his faith as Governor, and the faith of the state, that we should be protected,
and that he would guarantee our perfect safety." (Ibid., p. 544) However,
Joseph observed, "I told Stephen Markham that if I and Hyrum were ever
taken again, we should be massacred, or I was not a prophet of God."
(Ibid., p. 546)
As
Joseph and the others entered Carthage, men in the armed Carthage Greys made
such comments as, "G-D you, old Joe, we've got you now," "he has
seen the last of Nauvoo," "we'll use him up now," "kill all
the damned Mormons." And these were the armed men who were sent by Ford to
protect Joseph! The Law, Higbee and Foster brothers were also there to fulfill
their oath. John Hicks claimed that they, and others, were there with the
intent to kill Joseph.
Thus,
Joseph went into Carthage knowing he would be facing his worst enemies—both
political and religious. The story is merely a repeat of history, for those who introduce God's Kingdom are
targeted by formidable mortal and spiritual enemies.
John,
Jesus and Joseph bore the most common names of their time, but faced the most
uncommon opponents. History has proved that a kingdom dedicated to freedom and
peace would be met with opposition and violence. Prophets, priests and
patriarchs in ages past gained the favor of God but the wrath of mankind.
[124]
When Joseph Smith was just a lad of 14, he was confronted with both mortal and
spiritual evil powers. He commented:
It
seems as though the adversary was aware, at a very early period of my life,
that I was destined to prove a disturber and an annoyer of his kingdom; else
why should the powers of darkness combine against me? Why the opposition and
persecution that arose against me, almost in my infancy? (DHC 1:6)
At 9:40
a.m. on June 27, another meeting took place with the officers in charge of the
Mormon leaders, including local, state, and federal representatives.
Dr.
Southwick was in the meeting, seeing what was going on. He afterward told
Stephen Markham that the purport of the meeting was to take into consideration
the best way to stop Joseph Smith's career, as his views on government were
widely circulated and took like wildfire. They said if he did not get into the
Presidential chair this election, he would be sure the next time; and if
Illinois and Missouri would join together and kill him, they would not be
brought to justice for it. There were delegates in said meeting from every
state in the Union except three. Governor Ford and Captain Smith were also in
the meeting. (DHC 6:605-606)
Those
who sought Joseph's life were publicly his friends, but behind his back they
were his bitter enemies. Governor Ford and William Law were examples of this
hypocrisy. One account states that Law, Brutus-like, "rushed up to him and
took him in his arms, and hugged him, and kissed him before some fifty or a
hundred witnesses." (Truth Magazine
2:141)
Joseph
said to the Council and the police, "I might live as Caesar might have
lived were it not for a right-hand Brutus;" and the illustration of that
saying [125] is most clearly shown by William Law's preparations in bringing
about the murder of the Prophet. (Truth
Magazine, 2:141)
Further
identification of Joseph's traitors was revealed by Benjamin F. Johnson:
The days of tribulation were now fast
approaching, for just as the Prophet so often told us, so it came to pass; and
those he had called around him as a cordon of safety and strength were worse
than a rope of sand, and were now forging his fetters. William Law was his
first counselor; Wilson Law, Major General of the Legion; Wm. Marks, President
of the stake; the Higbees, his confidential attorneys, and Dr. Foster, his
financial business agent. All of these and many others entered into secret
covenant so much worse than Judas, that they would have the Prophet's life,
just in fulfillment of what he had said so often, publicly. With all their
power, they began to make a party strong enough to destroy the Prophet. (My Life's Review, Johnson, p. 99)
Back in
February 1841, the Nauvoo Legion had been organized for the protection of the
Saints from mobs. Joseph had wanted to avoid any further depredations on the
Saints, and he thought the force and appearance of an armed legion of men would
be enough to prevent trouble. By 1844, it had grown to over 5,000 members and
was one of the best trained units in the country. Interestingly, just prior to
the martyrdom, it was ordered to be disbanded by Governor Ford.
Gov.
Ford had listened to the wild accusations of Mormon apostates and their
neighbors, and wrote his own conclusion:
The
Mormons openly denounced the government of the United States as utterly
corrupt, and as being [126] about to pass away, and to be replaced by the
government of God, to be administered by his servant Joseph. (Quest for Empire, Hansen, p. 155)
Politicians
were calling the Mormons traitors, and the Mormons were calling the politicians
traitors. The Mormons were trying to obtain protection under the Constitution
while the politicians were trying to destroy it--and quite successfully, too.
When
Joseph met with some of the officials in Carthage, on June 25th, he asked them
if he looked like a desperate character. They replied, "on the
contrary," but added that they could not see what was in his heart nor did
they know his intentions. He replied:
Very
true, gentlemen, you cannot see what is in my heart, and you are therefore
unable to judge me or my intentions; but I can see what is in your hearts, and
will tell you what I see. I can see that you thirst for blood, and nothing but
my blood will satisfy you. (DHC 6:566)
And he
added:
I
prophesy, in the name of the Lord, that you shall witness scenes of blood and
sorrow to your entire satisfaction. Your souls shall be perfectly satiated with
blood, and many of you who are now present shall have an opportunity to face
the cannon's mouth from sources you think not of; and those people that desire
this great evil upon me and my brethren, shall be filled with regret and sorrow
because of the scenes of desolation and distress that awaits them. They shall
seek for peace, and shall not be able to find it. Gentlemen, you will find what
I have told you to be true. (DHC 6:566)
[127]
Joseph had already received the revelation about the Civil War (D & C 87),
which would "terminate in the death and misery of many souls." Nearly
a half-million soldiers died, and no one knows how many civilians were killed.
The loss of homes and industry cannot be calculated. Effects of the Civil War
continued long after the truce was signed, for robbers, gangs and "bushwhackers"
raided and plundered communities for many years after the war.
Thus,
making war against the Kingdom of God proved to be a costly decision. This
would always prove to be so. The inhabitants of those states that robbed and
killed the Mormons suffered the greatest losses. It is interesting to note that
more Americans were killed in the Civil War than in all subsequent wars in
which America has fought.
When
Abraham Lincoln was asked what he would do about the Mormon question, he
replied that it was like a large tree on his farm that was too green to burn
and too large to move; so he would just plow around it. However, on his
Republican campaign, he termed slavery and polygamy as the "twin relics of
barbarism." Lincoln's success in being elected U.S. president was because
his opponent, Stephen A. Douglas, had turned against the Mormons. However,
after taking office, Lincoln also opposed them. In a letter to a Protestant
minister, Lincoln wrote:
. . .
two cankers are biting the very entrails of the United States today; . . . the
Romish and the Mormon priests. Both are equally at work to form a people of the
most abject, ignorant and fanatical slaves, who will recognize no other but
their supreme pontiffs. Both are aiming at the destruction of our schools,
themselves under our grand and holy principles of liberty of conscience, and
bind the world before their heavy and ignominious yoke. The Mormon and Jesuit
priests are [128] equally and uncompromising enemies of our constitution and
our laws.... (Fifty Years in the Church
of Rome, Pastor Chinequy, p. 488)
While
Lincoln was president, the Mormons tried to gain statehood, but he used his
influence against them.
It was
while these efforts to get into the Union were at their height, that Congress
not only refused statehood to Utah, but passed the anti-polygamy act, which
President Lincoln approved on the 8th of July, 1862. (CHC 5:7)
Heber
C. Kimball prophesied that both Buchanan and Lincoln would be "tipped from
their seat" and would "die an untimely death." He added that the
same would also happen to anyone else who would try to "destroy the
Kingdom of God." (JD 5:133) Lincoln was stopped by the bullet of an
assassin, but before his death he signed an unconstitutional bill that caused
members of the LDS Church untold misery and poverty, and put many good men
behind bars. The first bill passed the House of Representatives on April 5,
1860, and one year later the Civil War began.
But back to Carthage--after Joseph and the
others were put in jail, only eight men were left to protect them from the
crowd of mobocrats who had threatened to kill them. Nearby groups of men were
painting their faces black, a fitting color depicting what was in their hearts.
They soon gathered around the jail, firing shots in the air, but the guards did
nothing to stop them. According to Willard Richards--
(27th)
A little before 6 p.m. the jail was forced by an armed, disguised mob, of from
150 to 200; the guard was frustrated; Hyrum shot in the nose and throat and two
other places, only saying, "I am a dead man." Elder Taylor received
four balls in the left leg [129] and left wrist and hand. Joseph received four
bullets, one in right collar bone, one in right breast, and two others in his
back. He leaped from the east window of the front room, and was dead in an
instant. (DHC 7:147)
Interestingly,
Joseph, Hyrum and John each received four bullets. In Joseph's case there were
two bullets in his front and two bullets in his back. The two bullets in his
chest could be said to represent the traitors in the state and federal
governments, while the two in his back could represent the apostate
Mormons--appropriately, figuratively speaking, all having Joseph's blood on
their hands.
When
Parley P. Pratt heard of the death of Joseph Smith, he said he was
"weighed down with sorrow and the powers of darkness, that it was painful
for me to converse or speak to anyone, or even to try to eat or sleep."
(Auto. of P.P. Pratt, p. 333) As he was returning to Nauvoo from his mission,
he was grieving and wondering why these things had to be:
When I
could endure it no longer, I cried out aloud, saying: O Lord, in the name of
Jesus Christ I pray Thee, show me what these things mean, and what I shall say
to Thy people? On a sudden the Spirit of God came upon me, and filled my heart
with joy and gladness indescribable; and while the spirit of revelation glowed
in my bosom with as visible a warmth and gladness as if it were fire, the
Spirit said unto me: "Lift up your head and rejoice; for behold! it is
well with my servants Joseph and Hyrum. My servant Joseph still holds the keys
of my kingdom in this dispensation, and he shall stand in due time on the
earth, in the flesh, and fulfill that to which he is appointed. (Ibid., p. 333)
After
the death of Joseph and Hyrum, "martyrs for the Kingdom," the rest of
the residents of Nauvoo continued to be harassed with the same political
charges. In a writ issued to [130] arrest other Mormon leaders, the charges
were for "treasonable designs against the state." Six of the seven men
mentioned were members of the Council of Fifty.
Thus,
the opposition was not satisfied with the death of Joseph Smith; they continued
to threaten and persecute the Saints until they drove them out of Illinois--and
even beyond. No matter how tiny the spark of the fullness is, opposition will
find it.
In
Joseph Smith's last speech to the Nauvoo Legion, he warned:
It is thought by some that our enemies would
be satisfied with my destruction; but I tell you that as soon as they have shed
my blood, they will thirst for the blood of every man in whose heart dwells a
single spark of the spirit of the fullness of the Gospel. The opposition of
these men is moved by the spirit of the adversary of all righteousness. It is
not only to destroy me, but every man and woman who dares believe the doctrines
that God hath inspired me to teach to this generation. (DHC 6:498)
Klaus
Hansen, in his Quest for Empire,
compared the demise of the Kingdom of God with that of plural marriage, during
the years after the Prophet's death:
As our
understanding of the history of this kingdom unfolds, it will be apparent that,
if the Manifesto marked a watershed in the 1890's because it heralded the
beginning of the end for polygamy, the following twenty years, though lacking
the dramatic impact of Woodruff's pronouncement, divided Mormon history even
more conclusively and permanently because they witnessed the decline and
virtual disappearance of the idea of the political kingdom of God, so
vigorously promoted by the Council of Fifty in the nineteenth century. Because
this kingdom had [131] existed for the most part sub rosa, its death--though
accompanied by much agony--failed to attract as much public attention as the
death of plural marriage. Polygamy died with a bang, the political kingdom of
God with a whimper. (Preface)
Polygamy
never really died and is supported now by more people than at any other time
during its existence in this dispensation. Although the Council of Fifty died,
the authority and power of the Kingdom of God still resides in a few men who
honor the fulness of their Priesthood. We should remember the words of the
Prophet Joseph Smith in this regard:
Whenever
there has been a righteous man on earth unto whom God revealed His word and
gave power and authority to administer in His name, and where there is a priest
of God--a minister who has power and authority from God to administer in the
ordinances of the gospel and officiate in the priesthood of God, there is the
kingdom of God; . . . (TPJS, p. 271)
So,
what is the future of the Kingdom of God? The members of the Council of Fifty
have all passed away; the ordination of kings is seldom mentioned; the People's
Party is dead; the teaching of a literal Kingdom of God has been changed to its
being a mystical kingdom yet to come--or it is the LDS Church; and the true
history of the kingdom is seldom, if ever, found in LDS teaching manuals. It
appears that the LDS Church would have its members believe that it has all gone
away.
However,
Jesus likened the Kingdom of God to a grain of mustard seed. He said it was
"the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among
herbs, and becometh a tree, . . ." (Matt. 13:32) The Kingdom of God will
one day grow to fill the whole earth.
[132] Chapter 11
THE MORMON BATTALION
DILEMMA
Sen.
Thomas H. Benton . . . obtained the requisition to call for that battalion,
and, in case of non-compliance, . . . to destroy the camp of Israel. This same
Mr. Benton said to the President of the United States, . . . "Sir, they
are a pestilential race, and ought to become extinct." (Brigham Young, JD
10:106-107)
The
politicians in Washington wanted to destroy the Mormons because they feared the
loss of their own political power. They saw Joseph Smith as their greatest
danger, because like the Jews, they thought he would cause them to lose their
"place and nation." (See John 11:48.) Since the death of Joseph Smith
didn't break up the Mormons or their religion, the opposition sought for another
plan. A diabolical scheme was instigated by Senator Thomas Benton of Missouri,
which authorized a government order for the formation of a "Mormon
Battalion."
The
Mormon people had been persecuted by mobs and ministers from state to state.
Then they were driven out of the United States into hostile Indian territory.
In addition to a shortage of food and supplies, and frequent bad weather, they
were now to be burdened with one more problem--the government asked for 500 of
their men to help fight their battle with Mexico.
[133]
Joining the U.S. Army and fighting a war for the politicians after what they
had done to them, was like putting salt on a fresh wound. The soldiers would
have to leave their wives and children to fend for themselves in the dead of
winter. Although this seemed a bitter pill to swallow, Brigham Young said he
could see the overall picture and did all he could to muster out the requested
number of men. He said he "must raise the Battalion" but that he
would out-general the men in Washington. It was a strange remark, but
eventually it proved his capabilities as a prophet and seer.
Captain
Allen, the U.S. commander of the battalion, said he would not blame the Mormons
if they did not volunteer, and he admitted that if he were in their place, he
would not volunteer because of how they had been treated in the past. It did
prove to be an unusually great sacrifice.
Many
questions have been raised concerning this great event in American history, yet
both Americans and Mormons alike seem to know very little about it. This
chapter will present several questions and answers that should provide a more
complete picture. The answers are given by Church leaders who themselves had
played a personal role in that difficult part of Mormon history.
1.What
sacrifices did members of the Battalion make when they answered the call to go
to war with Mexico?
Many of
the Battalion boys are here today, who walked over the plains and deserts; they
know what they have endured. They
left their fathers, mothers, and children on the prairie, and some of them they
have never since seen, and will not in this time, for they sleep in the silent
grave. They suffered all this in fighting for the country that had cast them
out. (Brigham Young, JD 2:186)
[134]
2.How
difficult was this Battalion march to Mexico?
Our
Battalion went to the scene of action, not in easy berths on steamboats, nor
with few months absence, but on foot over two thousand miles across trackless
deserts and barren plains, experiencing every degree of privation, hardship,
and suffering during some two years absence before they could rejoin their
families. (Brigham Young, JD 2:174)
3.How
far did the Mormon Battalion march?
The
patient, heroic endurance of the "Mormon" battalion while making
their wondrous march of 2,030 miles, the planting of the Stars and Stripes on
these mountains and in these valleys, then Mexican soil by their fathers,
brothers, sisters and wives are historical facts, and so are the circumstances
under which these things were done, historical facts establishing love for, and
loyalty to our country that no honest man can ever question. (Moses Thatcher,
JD 23:210)
4.What
conditions existed between the American Government and the Mormon people,
leading up to the calling of the Mormon Battalion?
Permit
me to draw your attention, for a moment, to a few facts in relation to raising
the Battalion for the Mexican war. When the storm cloud of persecution lowered
down upon us on every side, when every avenue was closed against us, our
leaders treacherously betrayed and slain by the authorities of the Government
in which we lived and no hope of relief could penetrate through the thick
darkness and gloom which surrounded us on every side, no voice was raised in
our behalf, and the General Government was silent to our appeals. When we had
been insulted and abused all the day long, by those in authority requiring us
to give up our arms, and by every other act of insult and abuse which the
prolific imagination of our enemies could [135] devise to test, as they said,
our patriotism, which requisitions, be it known, were always complied with on
our part; and when we were finally compelled to flee, for the preservation of
our lives and the lives of our wives and children, to the wilderness; I ask,
had we not reason to feel that our enemies were in the ascendant? that even the
Government, by their silent acquiescence, were also in favor of our
destruction? Had we not, I ask, some reason to consider them all, both the
people and the Government alike, our enemies? * * *
And
when, in addition to all this, and while fleeing from our enemies, another test
of fidelity and patriotism was contrived by them for our destruction; and
acquiesced in by the Government, (through the agency of a distinguished
politician who evidently sought, and thought he had planned, our overthrow and
total annihilation,) consisting of a requisition from the War Department, to
furnish a Battalion of five hundred men to fight under their officers, and for
them, in the war then existing with Mexico, I ask again, could we refrain from
considering both people and Government our most deadly foes? Look a moment at
our situation, and the circumstances under which this requisition was made. We
were migrating, we knew not whither, except that it was our intention to go beyond
the reach of our enemies. We had no homes, save our wagons and tents, and no
stores of provisions and clothing; but had to earn our daily bread by leaving
our families in isolated locations for safety, and going among our enemies to
labor. Were we not, even before this cruel requisition was made, unmercifully
borne down by oppression and persecution past endurance by any other community?
But under these trying circumstances we were required to turn out of our
traveling camps 500 of our most efficient men, leaving the old, the young, the
women upon the hands of the residue, to take care of and support; and in case
we refused to comply with so unreasonable a requirement, we were to be deemed
enemies to the Government, and fit only for the slaughter. (Brigham Young, JD
2:173-174)
[136]
5.What
promise did God make to the members of the Mormon Battalion?
But
God, in His Providence, did not place us in a position to imbrue our hands in
the blood of our fellowmen. And when five hundred men--after we were driven
from Illinois in 1846--were required to make up the Mormon battalion for the
Mexican war, the promise of God to these five hundred men was that they should
not be compelled to shed blood during their absence, and in a remarkable manner
this prediction was fulfilled. They never shrank from doing their duty as good,
loyal citizens and soldiers, but there was no blood-shedding by the Mormon
Battalion. (George Q. Cannon, JD 22:328)
6.What
blessings did God give to the Mormons for responding to this call?
When
the South raised the flag of rebellion, there was no well-informed Latter-day
Saint who could approve in his heart of such conduct, however much we might
have expected it, Joseph Smith having predicted, nearly thirty years before the
rebellion broke out, that it would occur--however much this might be the case
there was nothing connected with the principle of secession or rebellion that
met with the approval of the Latter-day Saints. And it is a remarkable fact
that God, through the acts of our enemies, caused us to be placed in a position
where, in the war of the rebellion, we should not be compelled to shed the
blood of our fellow-men. Had we remained in New York, where our people first
settled; or afterwards in Ohio; had we remained in Missouri, to which State we
subsequently emigrated and from whence we were cruelly driven; had we remained
in Illinois, where we afterwards took refuge, and from whence we were also
cruelly driven to the wilderness, we should have been made participants in that
dreadful strife; we should have been compelled to have taken up the weapons of
war, or the people [137] would have said we were disloyal. Inaction at such a
time would have been set down to disloyalty and sympathy with the rebellion,
and we could scarcely have escaped, in view of the prejudices against us, being
branded and treated as traitors to the Government. But we were here in the
mountains, in a position where we could do nothing in the strife. (George Q.
Cannon, JD 22:327-328)
Well,
suppose a man had stood up and prophesied before the Battalion went to
California, or when we were first driven out from Illinois, that we should ever
be prospered, clothed and fed until we could come here into these mountains and
raise food for our own sustenance, who would have believed it? (Parley P.
Pratt, JD 3:310)
I have
seen the time when our brethren have had to eat beef-hides, wolves, dogs and
skunks. You may smile, but I can tell you that it was no laughing matter at
that time, for there were many who could not get even dogs to eat. Many of the
brethren in those trying times were clothed in skins of wild animals. I felt
impressed to prophesy to them, and I said, "Never mind, boys, in less than
one year there will be plenty of clothes and everything that we shall want sold
at less than St. Louis prices;" and I thought when I came to reflect upon
it that it was a very improbable thing, and Brother Rich told me that he
thought I had done up the job at prophesying that time, but the sequel showed
the prediction to be of the Lord. In less than six months, the emigration to
California came through here laden down with good clothing, bacon, flour,
groceries and everything we wanted. The opening of the gold mines had caused
them to rush for the scene of excitement; they came with their trunks full of
the best of clothing, and they opened them and turned out a great deal of the
clothing, and the brethren and sisters bought good coats, vests, shawls and
dresses at a mere nominal price, and in this way the Lord supplied our wants,
and He will do so again if the circumstances ever require it. This is the God
that I believe in, and in Him I put my [138] trust. I know also that He will
fight our battles from this time henceforth if we will only do right. He will
turn our enemies aside and cause all things to work together for our good.
Therefore, let us trust in Him, and He will send His angels to watch over us,
and He will preserve us as in the hollow of His hand. (Heber C. Kimball, JD
10:247)
7.What
happened to those family members who were left behind at Winter Quarters?
The
families of the volunteers who formed the battalion, being thus left without
protectors, entailed much additional responsibility and labor upon those left
behind, and rendered it impossible for the companies to proceed to the Rocky
Mountains that season. They encamped at Winter Quarters, the place now called
Florence, in the Omaha country, where they built 700 log cabins and 150 caves
or dug-outs, in which a great number of the people resided through the winter.
Some two thousand wagons were scattered about in the Pottawattamie country, on
the east side of the Missouri. . . . (George A. Smith, JD 13:82)
8.Why
did the U.S. Government approve of Senator Benton's plan to enlist Mormons in a
military battalion?
The
plan of raising a battalion to march to California by a call from the war
department was devised with a view to the total overthrow of this kingdom and
the destruction of every man, woman and child, and was hatched up by Senator
Thomas H. Benton. Every day our progress was reported in Washington. Our
enemies firmly believed we would refuse to respond to the call, and they told
President Polk this would prove to him whether we were friends to the Union;
and they further advised Polk when the call would be rejected, to say to the
states of Missouri and Illinois and the mobocrats, "The Mormons are at
your mercy." (Brigham Young, Manuscript
History of Brigham Young, 1847-1850, p. 124)
[139]
9.How
serious were the plans to destroy all the Mormons--men, women and children?
. . .
as our forefathers fought under General Washington and saved the country from
the enemy, so did this Mormon Battalion save a large tract of land from being
taken by the enemy, and they saved this people from being pounced upon by the
militia of several States; for heartless villains had concocted plans to have
all this people murdered while upon the western frontiers.
"You
will all remember that I went to Washington, and I know from what I there
learned, that the Hon. Thomas H. Benton advocated the necessity of raising
troops and cutting off all the `Mormons' from the face of the earth.
Notwithstanding you had rendered your services, and offered your names to go
and serve your country in the war with Mexico, yet, while you were doing this,
one of the senators, and one of the principal men in the Senate, too, did
endeavor to induce the Senate, the Cabinet, and the House of Representatives,
to raise a force sufficiently strong to go out against the poor defenseless
`Mormon' women and children who were left upon the wild prairie unprotected.
Yes, Mr. Thos. H. Benton wanted to take troops and pounce upon your wives and
children when upon the banks of the Missouri River, and sweep them out of
existence. And when the case was argued, the question was asked: `Supposing you
cut off the men, what shall be done with the women and children?' `O,' said
Benton, `if you argue the case, and wish to know what shall be done with the
women, I say wipe them off, too.' `Well, then,' he was asked, `what shall be
done with the children?' `Why,' said Benton, `cut them off, men, women and
children, for the earth ought to drink their blood;' and the feeling was so
strong upon the question that it came within a little of magnetizing the whole
nation. * * * Yes, brethren, had it not been for this Battalion, a horrible
massacre would have taken place upon the banks of the Missouri River."
(Brigham Young, Concise History of the
Mormon Battalion, Dan Tyler, p. 349)
[140]
Suppose
it had been shown to you, that there were men in Washington, and influential,
too, men who held control of the affairs of the nation, to a great degree, who
had plotted to massacre this people, while on the frontiers in an Indian
country, you would doubtless have gone to work to circumvent their plans;
consequently, all we had to do was to beat them at their own game, which we did
most successfully. I was, and am fully persuaded that a senator from Missouri
did actually apply for, and receive permission from President Polk, to call
upon the militia of Iowa, Illinois and Missouri, and if he wished more he had
also authority to go to Kentucky and raise a force strong enough to wipe this
people out of existence, provided that those men who had been driven from their
homes should refuse to comply with the unjust demand upon us for troops. This
circumstance you are all well acquainted with, and I need not speak more about
it. (Ibid., p.352)
10.Was
President Polk aware of this conspiracy to destroy the Mormon people?
Captain
Allen did not inform the people--for the reason, probably, that he knew nothing
about it--what the design was in case the Battalion was not raised. The secret
history of the transaction is, as President Young was afterwards informed on
the best of authority, that Thomas H. Benton, United States Senator from the
State of Missouri, got a pledge from President Polk, that if the Mormons did
not raise the Battalion of five hundred, he might have the privilege of raising
volunteers in the upper counties of Missouri, to fall upon them and use them
up. (George Q. Cannon, Ibid., p.
117)
11.Did
anyone in Government position come to the defense of the Mormon people at this
time?
I will
briefly allude to Colonel Doniphan. After his return, and in a party made by
his friends, in St. Louis, [141] at which Mr. Benton was present, he made a
speech, and in his remarks, said: "I can take one thousand Mormon boys,
and do more efficient service against Mexico, than you can with the whole
American army." This I have been told by those who heard him make the
assertion. That was his testimony, and I presume he gave it openly and
publicly. I suppose he felt like giving Benton a challenge, for he was always
opposed to him in politics; but Benton was not disposed to say anything in
reply to it, at least I have heard of no reply. (Brigham Young, Ibid., p. 353)
12.How
did the U.S. military officers feel toward members of the Mormon Battalion
after getting to know them?
Captain
Allen said to me, using his own words, "I have fallen in love with your
people. I love them as I never loved a people before." He was a friend to
the uttermost. When he had marched that Mormon Battalion as far as Fort
Leavenworth, he was thrown upon a sick bed where I then believed, and do now,
he was nursed, taken care of, and doctored to the silent tomb, and the battalion
went on with God for their friend.
That
battalion took up their line of march from Fort Leavenworth by way of Santa Fe,
and over a desert and dreary route, and planted themselves in the lower part of
California, to the joy of all the officers and men that were loyal. At the time
of their arrival, General Kearney was in a straitened position, and Colonel P.
St. George Cooke promptly marched the battalion to his relief, and said to him,
"We have the boys here now that can put all things right." The boys
in that battalion performed their duty faithfully. I never think of that little
company of men without the next thoughts being, "God bless them for ever
and for ever." (Brigham Young, JD 10:106)
[142]
13.Were
the U.S. Government actions Constitutional?
[After
talking about the Mormon Battalion] Very different are these sentiments from
those uttered not many years since by a prominent Republican leader in the
House of Representatives, who, when asked if he, as a lawyer, would state to
the House that the measure introduced by him, and then under consideration by
it, was in its provisions in harmony with the Constitution, answered with a
sneer, "Why, any justice of the peace would tell the gentleman it is not constitutional, but it is a
measure we want and one we shall pass, and by the time its constitutionality is
tested, it will have accomplished the object we have in view." (Moses
Thatcher, JD 23:211)
14.Did
the attitude of the Government change toward the Mormons after the march of the
Mormon Battalion?
I have
looked upon scenes that are calculated to stir up the stoutest heart, without
shedding a tear; but I cannot look upon the procession of this day [July 24,
1852] and consider the blessings that now surround this people, without
shedding tears of gratitude, that God has so kindly delivered us out of all our
distresses, and given to us our liberty. To be sure, after working our way into
these valleys, making the roads through mountains, seeking out the route, and
coming here, our persecutions did not cease; our enemies were like the good old
Quaker when he turned the dog out of doors: said he, "I won't kill thee,
thou hast got out of my reach; I cannot kill thee, but I will give thee a bad
name;" and he hallooed out "bad dog," and somebody, supposing the
dog to be mad, shot him. So with us; after robbing us of millions of property,
and driving us cruelly from the land of our birth; after violating every
solitary law of the government, in which many of the officers were partakers;
expelling us into the wilderness, where they thought we would actually perish,
(and there is not to be found in the history of the world, a parallel case of
suffering that this people endured;) [143] while in the midst of this, the cry
of mad dog was raised, to finish, as they thought, the work of destruction and
murder. (George A. Smith, JD 1:43-44)
15.What
role did Battalion members play in the formation of civil government in the
West?
In 1847
the standard of the American nation was planted on this Temple Block. I
assisted in planting it; and many around me today participated in those early
scenes. At the same time the country lying west of the Sierra Nevada and
between it and the Pacific Coast, was held under the American flag by the
Mormon Battalion, who under General Kearney captured the State of California
from the Mexican government and held it for the United States government until
this country was ceded to the United States by treaty on the 22nd of February,
1848. The stars and stripes were planted between the Rocky Mountains on the
east and the Sierra Nevadas west by "Mormon" colonies, and west to
the Pacific coast by the "Mormon Battalion," and the country held for
the American government. We proceeded to the establishment and organization of
civil government. This great basin country between the mountains was
incorporated into the State of Deseret, a provisional government was organized
for the State of Deseret, a republican constitution was framed and adopted by
the people; the country was divided into counties and precincts, local
government was organized, laws adopted and delegates set to Congress to ask for
admission into the Union. (Erastus Snow, JD 23:86-87)
16.What
was the story about some Mormon Battalion members discovering gold?
At the
same time the gold hunters were flocking to California after the "Mormon
Battalion" revealed the first gold which they brought to light while
dragging Captain Sutter's mill race. Some of the men are still in our midst who
brought about these results, who [144] first revealed to the astonished world
the gold of California, and who raised the first furor, which resulted in
thousands flocking to the Pacific coast. (Erastus Snow, JD 23:87)
17.What
effect did the discovery of gold by Battalion members in California have on the
Saints in Deseret?
We had
anticipated, when we came into these distant valleys, that we should be
entirely secluded from the world--that we should trouble no person and that no
person would trouble us. The "Mormon" Battalion had been disbanded in
California, and some of that body first discovered gold there; the news of that
discovery quickly reached the eastern states, and thousands were soon upon our
track. Instead of being secluded, we find ourselves in the great national
highway. We must be known, and we could not be in a better situation to be
known than where we are. (Brigham Young, JD 10:229-230)
18.What
else was accomplished by members of the Mormon Battalion?
And,
mark you, the first colony of settlers upon that Pacific coast after the
capture of that country through the valor of the "Mormon" Battalion,
was a "Mormon" colony shipped from the New England States, who took
with them a printing press, and planted their feet upon the shores of San
Francisco, and there issued the California
Star, in 1847, which was the first publication in the English language west
of the Rocky Mountains--the first free press hailing the American flag and
proclaiming American liberty, the principles of free government; and at the
same time we planted a free press in this city, whence was issued the Deseret News, proclaiming those
principles to all the world. (Erastus Snow, JD 23:87)
[145]
19.What
were the reactions of the Mormon Battalion members and their families toward
the U.S. government after the Battalion march?
Five
hundred men, the strength of Israel, were sent to fight the battles of their
country, leaving their wives, children and teams on the prairie. They had to
exercise faith, and so had we who remained, believing it would turn out for the
best, and it has proved so. Every member of that battalion who has remained
faithful has always rejoiced, from that day to this, that he was a member
thereof. It has proved a blessing to him, and it proved salvation to Zion.
(Wilford Woodruff, JD 13:160)
After
all this, to prove our loyalty to the Constitution and not to their infernal
meanness, we went to fight the battles of a free country to give it power and
influence, and to extend our happy institutions in other parts of this widely
extended republic. In this way we have proved our loyalty. We have done
everything that has been required of us. Can there anything reasonable and
constitutional be asked that we would not perform? No. (Brigham Young, JD
10:107)
20.Would
any other people in America have responded with a battalion as did the Mormons
after the treatment they had received?
I will
again urge upon this people to so live that they will have the knowledge they
desire, as we have knowledge not of all, but only of that which is necessary.
Have we not shown to the world that we love the Constitution of our country and
its institutions better than do those who have been and are now distracting the
nation? You cannot find a community, placed under the circumstances that we
were, that would have done as we did on the occasion of furnishing the Mormon
Battalion, after our leading men had been slain and we had been compelled to
leave our [146] farms, gardens, homes and firesides, while, at the same time,
the general Government was called upon in vain to put a stop to such a series
of abuses against an innocent people. (Brigham Young, JD 10:107)
* * *
Even
though the wicked plans to destroy the Mormons and their Kingdom of God failed
at this time, the Prince of Darkness continued his efforts to destroy Mormonism.
His next major effort came about ten years after their arrival in the Valley.
[147] Chapter 12
THE UTAH WAR OF
1857
John Taylor to Captain Marcy: Excuse me, sir,
when I say that you are merely the servants of a lamentably corrupt
administration; that your primary law is obedience to orders, and that you came
here with armed foreigners, with cannon, rifles, bayonets and broadswords,
expressly, and for the openly avowed purpose of "cutting out the loathsome
ulcer from the body politic." (Contributor
3:339)
No
sooner had the Saints arrived in the Salt Lake Valley, than a petition was sent
to the Committee on Territories of the United States against the Mormon
territory becoming a State. It was from the Beaver Island apostate group led by
James Strang and William Smith, brother to Joseph. They were establishing their
kingdom of God and didn't want Brigham Young to establish another.
When a
false story about the Mormons starting a "rebellion" reached
Washington, D.C., Pres. Buchanan over-reacted and ordered an army to go west to
stop this uprising. The government administration was incited to defend their
authority in the territory; on the other hand, the Mormons felt they had to
defend themselves for survival against a federal army.
Polygamy
had already been publicly announced in 1852 as a doctrine of Mormonism, and ten
years later Lincoln signed a law against it. The Christian ministers,
politicians and [148] the public at large were claiming plural marriage to be a
"relic of barbarism." Everyone wanted to rid the country of "the
Mormon question." President Buchanan thought this was his chance to do it.
In June
1857, a huge army was organized at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. On June 12,
Stephen A. Douglas gave his famous anti-Mormon speech saying the Mormons should
be treated as a cancer, and it was now necessary to "cut out this
loathsome and disgusting ulcer." (His complete speech was printed in the
Missouri Republican newspaper on June 18th.)
The
whole military expedition was composed of about 5,000 members, including
supplies enough for 10,000 troops. The historian Bancroft explained the reasons
for such a blunder:
It is
probable that no expedition was ever dispatched by the United States better
provisioned and equipped than was the Army of Utah, . . . [Bancroft placed the
blame] in part through the malice of a dissolute and iniquitous judge, the
spite of a disappointed mail contractor, the wire-pulling birds of prey at
Washington, and possibly in accordance with the policy of the President. . . .
(Bancroft's History of Utah, p. 497)
This
army, intended to exterminate the Mormons, was called "the Flower of the
American Army," because it was composed of the most elite forces of the
nation. It was the strongest force that could be put together at the time.
President
Buchanan was so eager to do battle against the Mormons that he didn't see the
obvious factors of fraud, stealing, bad contracts and a wide field of
speculation within his own government. Some of his close colleagues were his
[149] worst enemies. There were increasing factions within the government
headed for an internal split in the nation, and conspiracies for the South to
rise against the North were being created under Buchanan's very nose. What he
suspected of the Mormons was, in reality, happening within his own government
in the East.
The
Utah War would end up costing the government $40 million and this at a
difficult time because of the 1857 financial recession. It would also place its
main military force and equipment in the west at a time when it was most needed
in the east for the Civil War.
In
addition to all this stupidity, prejudice, corruption and waste, came warnings
from a few wise men. One of these was Congressman Sam Houston of Texas, who
could foresee the high cost, jeopardy and futility of such a war, and his
wisdom was almost prophetic. Nevertheless, his warnings went unheeded:
The
more men you send to the "Mormon War," the more you increase the
difficulty. They have to be fed. For some sixteen hundred miles you have to
transport provisions. The regiments sent there have found Fort Bridger and
other places, as they approached them, heaps of ashes. They will find Salt
Lake, if they ever reach it, a heap of ashes. They will find that they have to
fight against Russia and the Russians. Whoever goes there will meet the fate of
Napoleon's army when he went to Moscow. Just as sure as we are now standing in
the Senate, these people, if they fight at all, will fight desperately. They
are defending their homes. They are fighting to prevent the execution of
threats that have been made, which touch their hearths and their families; and
depend upon it, they will fight until every man perishes before he surrenders.
[150]
That is
not all. If they do not choose to go into conflict immediately, they will
secure their women and children in the fastness of the mountains; they will
have provisions for two years and they will carry on a guerrilla warfare which
will be most terrible to the troops you send there. They will get no supplies
there. You will have to transport them all from Independence, in Missouri. When
the fire will consume it, there will not be a spear of grass left that will not
be burnt. . . . I know not what course will be taken on the subject. I hope it
will be one of conciliation. As for the troops to conquer the Mormons, fifty
thousand would be as inefficient as two or three thousand; and in proportion as
you send troops in that vast region without supplies, and without the hope of
them, with no means of subsistence after a certain period, unless it is
transported to them, the greater will be your danger. Consider the facilities
these people have to cut off your supplies. I say your men will never return,
but their bones will whiten the valley of Salt Lake. If war begins, the very
moment one single drop of blood is drawn, it will be the signal of
extermination.
Mr.
President, in my opinion, whether we are to have a war with the Mormons or not,
will depend on the fact whether our troops advance or not. If they do not
advance, if negotiations be opened, if we understand what the Mormons are
really willing to do, that they are ready to acquiesce in the mandates of the
government, and render obedience to the Constitution, if you will take time to
ascertain that, and not repudiate all idea of peace, we may have peace. But so
sure as the troops advance, so sure they will be annihilated. You may treble
them, and you will only add to the catastrophe, not diminish human suffering.
These people expect nothing but extermination or abuse more intolerable than
even extermination would be, from your troops, and they will oppose. (Sam
Houston, Congressional Globe, 35th
Congress, 1st Sess., vol. XXIV (1857-1858), p. 874.)
[151]
Abraham O. Smoot, Judson Stoddard, and Porter Rockwell, were mail carriers who
first learned of the plan and broke the news of the government forces aimed at
the Mormons. Smoot and Stoddard were at Independence, Missouri, when they were
held up by a large caravan of troops and equipment moving west and learned that
they were on their way to make war against the Mormons. They started their race
of 1200 miles and half-way met Porter Rockwell who joined in the race to bring
the news to Brigham Young.
It was
July 24th, and the Saints were up in Big Cottonwood Canyon celebrating their
tenth anniversary of entering the Valley. Brigham Young had been on hand when
Gov. Boggs, Gen. Lucas, Col. Brockman and Gov. Ford had expressed the same
sentiments as those behind the Expeditionary Army. The Saints had experienced
enough persecution from these Americans and "Christians" to
understand their real methods. It was well known that they had always wanted to
exterminate the Mormons, and Brigham was adamant in his desire not to let them
enter the Salt Lake Valley.
Brigham
sent out spies to follow the Expedition, and some of them even joined it. Thus,
the Mormons were well informed of what Johnston's Army intended to do when it
arrived in Salt Lake City. Years later, in 1869, when John Taylor visited with
Vice President Schuyler Colfax, he revealed to him:
We had
men in all the camps, and knew what was intended. There was a continued boast
among the men and officers, even before they left the Missouri River, of what
they intended to do with the "Mormons." The houses were picked out
that certain persons were to inhabit; farms, property, and women were to be
distributed. "Beauty and booty" were their watch-words. We were to
have another grand "Mormon" [152] conquest, and our houses, gardens,
orchards, vine-yards, fields, wives and daughters were to be the spoils. (CHC
4:259)
Preparation
for war was occurring on both sides--the United States vs. the Kingdom of God.
In September of 1857 a wagon train composed of people from Arkansas and
Missouri, calling themselves "Missouri Wildcats" came through
southern Utah, boasting that they had participated in mobbing the Mormons in
Missouri and that they had the gun that killed Joseph Smith. As they traveled,
they burned crops, robbed homes, poisoned water holes, and killed Indians and
their cattle. One Mormon boy was killed, and a woman in Fillmore was poisoned,
affecting her for the rest of her life. They also said they were waiting to
join the U.S. troops so they could "kill every G--- D--- Mormon, man,
woman and child, that they could find in Utah," etc. (See Bancroft's History of Utah, p. 549.)
The
people in southern Utah were strained to the limit by the atrocities of the
wagon train. However, Brigham Young, knowing that government troops were on
their way to Utah, needed no more troubles. He sent a message down south
telling the Saints to escort the wagon train out of the territory and see that
they caused no further problems. However, the message arrived too late. The
Indians and others had already attacked the train, resulting in the loss of
several tribesmen and two chiefs. The Indians had threatened the Mormons that
either they fight with them or else they would fight against the Mormons. It
was therefore agreed to cooperate together, and the result was a terrible tragedy,
killing nearly all the members of the wagon train. It was handled very poorly;
it was at the wrong time; and it was against the wishes of Brigham Young. B. H.
Roberts aptly concluded:
[153]
The
conception was diabolical; the execution of it horrible; and the responsibility
for both must rest upon those men who conceived and executed it. (CHC 4:156)
Mormon
involvement in what has since been called the Mountain Meadows Massacre was not
the kind of publicity that the Mormon Church needed right then. It would
provide additional fuel for the fires of bias and prejudice that already
existed against the Saints.
Brigham
Young, as head of both the Church and the Kingdom of God, had his hands full.
He could see the folly of both the approaching army on the east and the
unfortunate massacre on the south, and he was caught in between. However, in
October 1857, he told Captain Van Vliet--
. . . I
did not care how many troops they sent. "Why," said he, "The
United States, with an overflowing treasury, can send out ten, twenty, or fifty
thousand troops." I replied, "I do not care anything about
that." The Captain then asked whether I had counted the cost; and I said,
"Yes, for this people I have; but I cannot estimate it for the United
States; for if they actually persist in their present tyrannical course, before
they get through they will want to let the job to sub-contractors." They
do not know the Captain of the armies of Israel; and although they profess to
believe in Him, they do not realize that He is about to hold a controversy with
them for their iniquity. (JD 5:331)
The
Government's tactic for war was to be armed to the teeth; the Mormon tactic was
to "shed no blood." Of all the battles in all the wars, this probably
"took the cake." Whoever heard of going to war, with the intent to
win, but not shed the blood of your enemy? The well-prepared enemy was planning
to make an invasion--determined to take or destroy everyone and everything. In
the face of all this power and determination, the Saints were commanded not to
shed a drop of blood!
[154]
If God were on the side of the U.S. Government, He certainly wouldn't have to
do much to achieve victory. On the other hand, if the U.S. Government were
against the Kingdom of God, it could be disastrous for the Government and those
who created the war.
Many of the Mormons who were prepared to fight
for the United States in the war with Mexico were now faced with fighting
against the U.S.
While
Capt. Van Vliet was in Salt Lake, he sent a message to Floyd, one of the military
leaders of the U.S. army, and told him that the Mormons forbid him and the
troops from entering the Salt Lake Valley--or at least it would be very unwise
to attempt it--especially so late in the season.
On
September 15, 1857, Pres. Brigham Young declared marshal law, and the Nauvoo
Legion was ordered to stop the invaders. Utah Gen. Wells sent the following
word to his troops under the command of Lot Smith:
Stampede
their animals and set fire to their trains. Burn the whole country before them,
and on their flanks. Keep them from sleeping by night surprises; blockade the
road by falling trees or destroying the river fords where you can. (History of Salt Lake, Tullidge, p. 172)
This
sounded more like a series of annoyances than the usual method of operation for
battle.
Several
detachments of Mormon troops were sent to carry out these orders. Fort Bridger
and Fort Supply were both burned to the ground so government troops could not
have supplies or protection at these two locations. General Wells and about 1300
men established hidden posts along the [155] narrow part of Echo Canyon. They
destroyed bridges, flooded and blocked roads and burned everything that could
be burned. On top of this they harassed the enemy troops by night to prevent
their sleep. Then with boldness they entered the enemy camps to burn their
wagons and supplies.
Under
cover of darkness, with only twenty-three men, Lot Smith and his band swooped
down on one train of fifty-two wagons encamped for the night. Shrewdly keeping
a number of his riders in the shadows, that the sentries might have no accurate
idea as to the size of the attacking force, Smith and his men, guns drawn,
boldly strode into the firelight, announcing to the startled leader, a Captain
Dawson, their intention of applying the torch.
"For
God's sake, don't burn the trains!" Dawson moaned aghast.
The
camp was disarmed, the arms stacked, and the men put under guard. At that
precise moment a courier arrived from Colonel Alexander warning Dawson
"that the Mormons were in the field; that captains and teamsters must not
go to sleep; that four companies of cavalry and two pieces of artillery would
arrive in the morning."
When
the Mormons retreated to the Green River Bluffs, they left behind nothing but
charred remnants of fifty-one wagon loads of precious military freight. The
remaining wagon housed the personals of the unhappy Dawson and his men.
(Kingdom of the Saints, Ray West, Jr., p. 260)
Second and third government supply trains were
also destroyed by Major Lot Smith and his men, sending a serious message to
their opponents.
Winter
was setting in, and food was scarce for Johnston's Army. All hope of getting
into the Salt Lake Valley had to be abandoned. Added to this miserable
situation winter came early that year and was very severe. It was a disastrous
[156] defeat even before reaching their field of battle. It was a victory for
the Mormons without the loss of a single man.
Temperatures
dropped to 15 degrees below zero and continued to -44 degrees, which resulted
in heavy losses of precious animals. Over 500 animals froze to death. Brigham
sent word to Gen. Johnston that he would send some assistance as a gift; but if
Johnston thought it would place himself under obligation to the Mormons, he
might pay for it if he wished. Johnston never responded. He was bent on war at
all costs with little regard for his men.
About
this time newly appointed Governor Alfred Cumming entered the valley and was
warmly greeted by Brigham Young, who showed him all the territorial records
which had been reported as being destroyed. Gov. Cumming noticed lines of
Mormon people leaving Salt Lake Valley because Pres. Young's plan was to go
into the desert so they would not have to battle with the people of the United
States. Let them destroy themselves in a civil war, he had advised. Cumming
realized this was not a rebellious people and reported this to Washington,
causing a political furor. National leaders demanded a reason for such a
preposterous expedition.
Then
came another message from Gen. Johnston, who requested more troops in order to
make an invasion of the Great Salt Lake Basin. The whole picture began to turn
around.
In the
unpredictable fashion of American Democracy, public opinion in the east was by
now undergoing a radical change. Buchanan was under fire by both Congress and
the press. Graft of the army contractors was under congressional investigation.
The dramatic evacuation of the Mormon people had [157] caught public fancy.
Brigham Young, instead of being the world's most obscene rascal, was suddenly
being lauded by the press as another Prince Orange, and a hero. The New York Tribune had come out flatly in support
of the Mormons and their stand.
President
Buchanan now began knowing what it was to be on the barbed side of public
opinion. (Holy Smoke, Paul Bailey,
p. 118)
Isn't
it strange how God can turn the tide of battle and diminish the power of the
enemy? This is an excellent example of the nation at first being opposed to the
Mormons, and then practically overnight, be turned in their favor. From the New
York Times came the following:
No
dispassionate person, whatever his political partialities, can fail to see that
the various enterprises undertaken by Mr. Buchanan do not seem to prosper in
his hands. The latest news from Utah places the administration in a position
marked by a singular mixture of farce and tragedy, and the whole story of the
war is crowded by as much ignorance, stupidity, and dishonesty as any
government ever managed to get in the annals of a single year. An army was sent
to chastise rebels before it was clearly ascertained whether or not there were
any rebels to chastise. (June 17, 1858)
One of
the great armies of the kingdoms of the world was being embarrassed by the
"army" of the Kingdom of God. But there's still more--
General
Johnston was stunned. He was getting ready to do battle with the Mormon
"enemies" while Pres. Buchanan signed a "Proclamation of
Pardon" for the Mormons. Johnston was bent on war and told the President,
"I have ordered that when they are met in arms, they be treated as
enemies." But Gen. Johnston had a very poor military record on this
expedition. For example:
[158]
1.He
was always bent on war rather than reconciliation.
2.He
refused food when his troops were starving.
3.He
countermanded the wise military decisions of his junior officers.
4.He
attempted to drive his troops in the dead of winter to certain death in
freezing storms.
5.He
chose to attack through Echo Canyon, which would be considered a colossal
military blunder.
6.He
refused to have any correspondence with Brigham Young.
7.He
continued to prepare his troops for battle after the U.S. President had settled
the issue with the Mormons.
8.He
asked for more troops when the "war" was already over.
9.He
refused to accept Gov. Cumming's statement that the Mormons were not in a state
of rebellion.
10.He
was a blood-thirsty general whose heart delighted in carnage, death and
destruction, and was unfit to represent the United States.
All of
these characteristics proved even more true when the Civil War broke out.
Albert Sidney Johnston, who had claimed the Mormons were treasonous and
rebellious, joined the South and was part of the rebels who fought against the
United States.
Johnston's
Army was allowed to march on through Salt Lake until they reached Camp Floyd,
several miles south of Salt Lake. There these "Christian" Americans
were caught up in their usual drunkenness, gambling, immoralities, thieving and
disorderly conduct. Once again, they demonstrated their
"Christianity" to the Mormons as they had done in Ohio, Missouri and
Illinois; but this time the Mormons had the upper hand and played no part in
it.
[159]
So what was the end result of sending this army to Utah? Did they put down a
rebellion? Did they win anything, prove anything or accomplish anything? Did
the Mormons lose their homes, their families or their wealth or political
offices? Did the U.S. Government demonstrate their power, might and wisdom to
the Mormons? Did the U.S. Government gain anything financially through their
great sacrifice and tremendous efforts? Of course not!
Politically,
the government was embarrassed by the whole Expedition. The news media and the
citizens of the U.S. turned against Pres. Buchanan, and he left office in
disgrace. Financially, the government spent millions on that humiliating
fiasco. When the army left Camp Floyd in 1861 to go fight in the Civil War,
government agents sold at auction four million dollars worth of property and
supplies for less than a hundred thousand dollars. The Mormons profited greatly
in this last chapter of "Buchanan's Blunder."
The
great "war" was over for the Mormons, but it was just the beginning
for the United States. The costly and devastating Civil War was about to begin,
and its greatest battles, with the most fatalities, would be fought in the very
states that had so wickedly persecuted the Mormons.
In the
East the U.S. Government had allowed mobs to burn, rape and pillage the Mormons
without any excuse and with just the words, "Your cause is just, but we
can do nothing for you." They continued to plot their destruction--first
by creating the Battalion and then by sending an army against them. Soon they
began to pass laws against them. Certainly the Mormons had every reason to join
the Confederacy; but in the first message from Utah sent over the telegraph
lines to the East, Brigham Young stated, "Utah has not seceded, but is
firm for the Constitution and laws of our once happy country." (History of S.L., Tullidge, p. 250)
[160]
Brigham Young offered his services to the country. Lincoln sent word for him to
establish a force of men to protect the overland mail, freight lines, and
passengers moving through the west. Strange that Lot Smith, who once burned
those freight lines and wagons, was now hired to protect them.
Ironic
is the fact that the Mormons who had played such a conspicuous role in the Utah
War--Brigham Young, Daniel H. Wells, Lot Smith and Robert T. Burton--were now
valiantly serving the Union, while Jefferson Davis, John B. Floyd, and Albert
Sidney Johnston, who had fiercely denounced the Mormons for alleged treasonable
utterances and actions, were now enlisted under the rebel flag. (Mormonism, Americanism and Politics,
Richard Vetterli, p. 520)
If the
Mormon people would have enlisted on the side of the Confederates, the
direction of the Civil War could easily have been changed:
Is it
unreasonable to assume that with the Saints actively on the warpath against the
federal government, and combined with the Confederates, a condition which
strategists in both the North and South held highly probable, the designs of
the South might well have been realized, and perhaps the course of the Civil
War and consequently the history of the world changed measurably? (Ibid., pp. 538-539)
John
Floyd, who helped lead the Expedition against the Saints, was soon led into
another war with fate. Brigham Young prophesied that "he will become a
stink and a byword among his friends, and will rot; and many of you will see it
come to pass." (JD 8:357) Eventually in 1860 he was fired by the President
because of the crooked army contracts he made and was later indicted by the
Dept. of Interior for fraud. Then he turned against the government and joined
the Confederate [161] Army. His corruption showed up in the South, as well, and
he was relieved of his command. He was shunned by both the North and the South
and died a broken man in 1863.
Because
of demands from the general public, the media and Congress, Col. Johnston was
dismissed from his command. As a traitor in the Confederate Army, he was later
killed at Shiloh.
* * *
The
U.S. expeditionary army had been out-generaled, out-maneuvered and out-classed.
It was one of the strangest defeats of any war because no blood was spilled on
either side. It was a victory for Brigham Young, similar to the war against
Jehoshaphat when the Lord fought the battle for ancient Israel. When
Jehoshaphat saw the enemy coming against him, he told the Lord:
We have
no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we
what to do: but our eyes are upon thee. * * *
Thus
saith the Lord unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great
multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's." (2 Chron. 20:12, 15)
As a
result, the next day they found all of the enemy had died. And Jehoshaphat and
his people "found among them in abundance both riches with the dead
bodies, and . . . they were three days in gathering of the spoil, it was so
much." (Ibid., 20:25)
Thus,
the tide was changing, and for a time the Kingdom of God enjoyed a little peace
and prosperity in the western valleys.
[162] Chapter 13
THE CLASH OF
KINGDOMS
And
Jesus answered and said unto them [His disciples], . . . nation shall rise
against nation, and kingdom against
kingdom: ... then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill
you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake. (Matt. 24:4, 7,
9)
It
seems that when the Kingdom of God is presented to the people of the earth,
they would rejoice, sing and weep for joy. The coming of that Kingdom to
mortals should bring peace, happiness and prosperity. It could answer all their
problems and bring heavenly hosts to earth--even Jesus would visit them with
blessings and eternal life. But this is not necessarily the case. On the
contrary. As history has shown from generation to generation, it has been
associated instead with destruction, war and even the murder of God's most holy
prophets.
In His
wisdom, God has appointed the devil to come to earth and allows him to present
choices to the Saints of God. Jedediah Grant called it a "mission"
for Lucifer:
In
relation to spirits, for it seems to be the subject introduced today, I have
this idea, that the Lord our God absolutely gave Lucifer a mission to this
earth; I will call it a mission. You may think it strange that I believe so
good a being as our Father in heaven would actually send such an odd missionary
as Lucifer. You [163] may call him a missionary, or anything else you please,
but we learn he was thrust out of heaven, the place where the Lord dwells, to
this earth; and his mission, and the mission of his associates who were thrust
down with him, and of those whom he is successful in turning away from God's
children who have tabernacles, is to continue to oppose the Almighty, scatter
His Church, wage war against His kingdom, and change as far as possible His
government on the earth. He could take the Savior upon the pinnacle of the
temple, and show him the kingdoms of this world, and could perform many
wonderful works in the days of Jesus. When the Priesthood of God is upon the
earth, then the priesthood of the devil may be seen operating, for he has got
one. When the kingdom of God is on the earth, you may expect to see a special
display or manifestation of the opposite to the Gospel of the kingdom, . . .
(JD 2:11)
We live
in a time of relative peace and prosperity now, but the big battle is soon to
begin with great losses on both sides. Mormonism has fallen into the sand traps
of Babylon, but eventually there will be a victory for the Kingdom of God as
promised by the prophets.
Not all
wars are started because both sides want to kill each other; some wars are
created by the wicked trying to destroy the innocent. All wars started by the
devil are intended to destroy everything good. The Kingdom of God does not try
to start wars with the kingdom of the devil; rather the opposite is true.
According to Brigham Young--
Who has
sought for war? Have we? No. We have preached the Gospel to Saints and
strangers, when strangers would come and tarry long enough to hear it. We do
not want to stand here and talk about war. There is nothing so repugnant to my
feelings as to injure or destroy. But what is upon us? Nothing, only another
manifestation of the opposition of the Devil to [164] the Kingdom of God. War
has been declared against the Saints over twenty-seven years, and our enemies
have only fallen back so as to gain strength and pretexts for making another
attack. Will that spirit increase? If it does, and we love our religion, let me
tell you that we will increase faster than our enemies will. (JD 5:340)
Wars
against the Kingdom of God do not always come from the most wicked people on
earth. Many times they originate from sources we never would have expected. Men
become apostates and turn to fight against the principles they once embraced.
Innocent people can be influenced to oppose God's work because of the
deceptions of others who should know better--such as Christian ministers of our
day. Even when Jesus presented the Kingdom to the Jews, who were hoping and
waiting for the Kingdom, they rejected both Him and the Kingdom. Furthermore,
Jesus said it would be the same when His disciples would present the Kingdom of
God.
They
shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever
killeth you will think that he doeth God service. (John 16:2)
We need
not expect the devil to take a vacation, be converted, or die of old age. He
will battle against the Kingdom of God for as long as this earth remains.
Fortunately,
the devil's power against the Saints does not diminish them in numbers or in
strength. On the contrary, it can serve as a hidden blessing. Brigham Young
explained:
Christ
and Belial cannot be made friends; the devil is at war with the Kingdom of God
on the earth, and always has been, and will continue to be, until he is bound.
They do not personally hate you, nor me, any more than they did Joseph Smith,
whom they have slain; they do not hate the Latter-day Saints any more [165] now
than they did twenty years ago. The same deadly hatred was then in the heart of
every one who had the privilege of hearing the doctrines of this Church and
refused to embrace them, that we see exhibited at this day. If they had the
power twenty or twenty-five years ago, they would have slain the Prophet Joseph
as readily and with as much rejoicing as they did when they massacred him in
Carthage Jail, in the State of Illinois. It is not any particular doctrine or
men and women that they are opposed to, but they are opposed to Christ and to
the Kingdom of God on the earth. I
observed here last Sabbath, "Let the wicked rage and the people mock on,
for now is their day, and it will soon be over." Let them do all they can,
and if they have power to destroy any more of this people, Amen to it; what
will it do? It will only augment the cause of Zion, spread the Gospel of
Salvation, and increase the Kingdom of
God on the earth. Their persecutions will never destroy this people, or the
everlasting Gospel. Every time they have killed any of this people and opposed
the Gospel, both have increased ten fold, and the work has spread still the
more; yes, more than it would have done had they let it alone, and not have
come against the Saints to drive them from their possessions. If it is wisdom
that the Saints should be driven again, it would be the greatest blessing that
could come to this people, for it would
give greater permanency to the Kingdom of God on the earth. (JD 2:319-320)
The
main reason the gentiles opposed the Mormons was because of their beliefs. If
the Mormons would only live and believe like the apostate Christians, there
would be harmony. When the Mormons give up enough of their principles,
doctrines and ordinances, then persecution will stop. When persecution stops,
it indicates that we have a different gospel.
The
devil's opposition to the work of God is in proportion to the faith, strength
and goodness of the Saints. The Lord does not allow the devil to tempt or
oppose the Saints any more than they can withstand. Said Heber C. Kimball:
[166]
The
trials in the last days will be numerous, but to the faithful they will be of
but small moment, for they will live above these things, they will increase in
power. the work of God is bound to increase, and just in that proportion will
the devil's kingdom rise in power and strength, and walk up to battle against
us. The adversary is bent on having a war with this people, we shall have him
right by the side of us, and you will find that he will keep you very busy, if
you strive to come off victorious. (JD 4:6)
As the
Saints grow in strength and power, so will the opposition. However, if we
decrease in our faith, testimony and power, it does not mean that the devil
will lose his strength and power. Also, if the devil backs off from his fight
against the Saints, it does not mean that he is giving up or has lost his
power.
If we
live, we shall see the nations of the earth arrayed against this people; for
that time must come, in fulfillment of prophecy. Tell about war commencing!
Bitter and relentless war was waged against Joseph Smith before he had received
the plates of the Book of Mormon; and from that time till now the wicked have
only fallen back at times to gain strength and learn how to attack the kingdom
of God. (Brigham Young, JD 5:339)
When
the Lord begins His judgments upon the earth, it will be a war of "kingdom
against kingdom" (Matt. 24:7), which, of all the wars ever fought, this
one will be the most justified and the most needed. "Ye shall hear of wars
and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must
come to pass. . . ." (Matt. 24:6) This war is necessary to prepare the
world for the millennium of peace. The time of this war will be when the glory
of men shall be hoisted to its highest, and the glory of God will be at its
lowest.
[167]
This will be the "abomination of desolation spoken of by Daniel the
prophet" (Matt 24:15), which will be a clash of two supreme powers in a
war for world supremacy. It will once again be between Satan and his plan and
Jesus Christ and his program.
This
final war will be when most of the hosts on earth will be living according to
Lucifer's plan, whether they know it or not; but as in most wars, being on the
wrong side can be fatal. Cleansing the earth of the wicked will be a gigantic
undertaking "for then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since
the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be." (Matt.
24:21)
If you
walk along the beach, you have little fear of being attacked by sharks; but if
you swim in deep water, it could be disastrous. If you live away from Babylon,
you may be quite safe; but if you swim in their waters, you will be consumed.
Brigham Young asked the question--
How
long will it take us to establish Zion, the way we are going on now? . . . I
suppose, and say, "If forty years has brought a large percentage of
Babylon into the midst of this people, how long will it take to get Babylon out
and actually to establish Zion? (JD 15:133)
We
might ask the question today, "Since we have 100% of Babylon in our midst,
how long will it take to establish Zion?"
However
it has also been said:
I
beheld, and the same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them;
until the Ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the
most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom. (Dan.
7:21-22)
[168]
This was also mentioned by John in Revelations:
And it
was given unto him [the devil] to make war with the saints, and to overcome
them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.
(Rev. 13:7)
In
nearly every war there are losses and casualties, and the great final battle
will be no exception. In such a battle we must consider the losses and be
willing to pay the price. The Saints may suffer losses and death, but the devil
will lose more. We should take the attitude of that valiant fighter, John
Taylor, who said:
We have
got within us the principles of eternal life. If our bodies shall crumble into
the dust, we shall move in another sphere and associate with other
intelligences that are connected with the same kingdom and government, and
continue to live and roll forth the purposes of God. And if we should have a
war and a few things like this, never mind: who cares? Just grin and bear it.
Do right and cleave to God, and all will go off well. (JD 6:114)
In one
of Jesus' parables about the Kingdom of God, He compared it to a seed; but
nature tells us that when a seed is placed in the ground, it takes awhile for
it to germinate and grow above ground. The little seed of the Kingdom in the
latter days has made an appearance, but its growth seems to have been stunted.
Today the kingdoms of the world are prospering, gaining power and dominion, but
the Kingdom of God seems to be temporarily dormant.
[169] Chapter 14
THE GREAT BEAST
And the
angel said unto me, Wherefore didst thou marvel? I will tell thee the mystery
of the woman, and of the beast that carrieth her, . . . (Rev. 17:7)
History
is full of the accounts of tyrants and despots who have had the goal of ruling
over the world. They are usually led by vain ambition, personal motives and
wicked practices. They believe that the end justifies their means.
Names
of those ancient aspirants, like an echo, keep returning--Pharaoh, Caesar,
Gengis Kahn, etc. More recently, there were Hitler, Mussolini, Tojo, Stalin and
Mao Tse Tung. We now have a new crop of names--possibly more subtle--to add to
the list, i.e., Rothschild, Rockefeller, Kennedy, Kissenger, Bush, etc. Their
vanity is the same, their deeds are the same, and their desire to rule the
world is the same. Ancient or modern, the plan to rule the world still would be
by wealth and politics, by death and destruction. This time, however, the plan
may be more successful, for it is written that, "she [Babylon] made all
nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication." (Rev. 14:8)
If all
the kingdoms of the world under the direction of corrupt atheists, dictators and
murderers were to establish the New World Order under the United Nations,
imagine what it would be like! With no honor among thieves, total chaos and
control would result.
[170]
Our society today is a sorrowful catalog of all that the kingdom of Satan represents.
We are plagued by drugs, fraud, rape, robbery and murder. Even back as far as
1973, facts show that over eight million babies were killed by legal abortion.
Homosexuality is commonplace. Our schools have tossed out the Bible, prayer,
God and the Ten Commandments. The majority of all major crimes are being
committed by youth under 21. The international bankers and oil barons create
and control inflation, depression, shortages and even wars. There is nothing
they won't do to satisfy their greed. Our prisons, mental institutions, and
hospitals are all over crowded. We truly live in a sick society. Wilford
Woodruff predicted:
The day
is not far distant when nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against
kingdom, and State against State, and there will be sorrow such as never was
among men. Watch the signs of the times, for we are living in an important age.
The prophecies relating to our time are rolling in upon us. Are we prepared to
meet them? It is important for men and angels to note the events of this age.
We live in the commencement of a new era of the dealings of God with the world.
The earth has been under the dominion of the Devil almost from its creation.
But in our day the Lord has set up his kingdom, never to be destroyed. (JD
6:120)
We do
little or nothing to clean up political traitors, bribery, vast indebtedness,
cover-ups and corruption. Today the house of God sits on a slumbering, smoking
volcano. This corrupt condition was mentioned by Daniel when he spoke of mixing
clay with iron. (See Dan. 2:43.)
[171] NEBUCHADNEZZAR'S DREAM
KINGDOMS
Head of
GoldAssyio-Babylonish Monarchy
671-538
B.C.
Breast
and Arms of SilverMedo-Persian Empire
538-331
B.C.
Belly
and Thighs of BrassGreco-Macedonian Kingdom
331-160
B.C.
Legs of
IronThe Great Roman Empire
160 B.C. to 488 A.D.
Feet
and Toes -Kingdoms of the (10) Toes
Part
Iron and Part Clay496 to 1829 A.D.
(as
they originated)
The
beasts mentioned in Daniel and Revelation have often been interpreted to be
representative of portions of the Kingdom of God. This was not only the
interpretation of many sectarian churches, but also on one occasion of a Mormon
Elder. The Prophet Joseph interpreted these "beasts."
I will
endeavor to instruct you in relation to the meaning of the beasts and figures
spoken of. I should not have called up the subject had it not been for this
circumstance. Elder Pelatiah Brown, one of the wisest old heads we have among
us, and whom I now see before me, has been preaching concerning the beast which
was full of eyes before and behind; and for this he was hauled up for trial
before the High Council.
[172]
The
High Council undertook to censure and correct Elder Brown, because of his
teachings in relation to the beasts. Whether they actually corrected him or
not, I am a little doubtful, but don't care. Father Brown came to me to know
what he should do about it. The subject particularly referred to was the four
beasts and four-and-twenty elders mentioned in Rev. 5:8-- "And when he had
taken the book, the four beasts and four-and-twenty elders fell down before the
Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odors, which are
the prayers of saints."
Father
Brown has been to work and confounded all Christendom by making out that the
four beasts represented the different kingdoms of God on the earth. The wise
men of the day could not do anything with him, and why should we find fault?
Anything to whip sectarianism, to put down priestcraft, and bring the human
family to a knowledge of the truth. A club is better than no weapon for a poor
man to fight with.
Father
Brown did whip sectarianism, and so far so good; but I could not help laughing
at the idea of God making use of the figure of a beast to represent His kingdom
on the earth, consisting of men, when He could as well have used a far more
noble and consistent figure. What! the Lord made use of the figure of a
creature of the brute creation to represent that which is much more noble,
glorious, and important--the glories and majesty of His kingdom? By taking a
lesser figure to represent a greater, you missed it that time, old gentleman;
but the sectarians did not know enough to detect you.
When
God made use of the figure of a beast in visions to the prophets, He did it to
represent those kingdoms which had degenerated and become corrupt, savage and
beast-like in their dispositions, even the degenerate kingdoms of the wicked
world; but He never made use of the
figure of a beast nor any of the brute kind to represent His kingdom.
Daniel
says (ch. 7, v. 16) when he saw the vision of the four beasts, "I came
near unto one of them that stood by, and asked him the truth of all this,"
the angel interpreted the vision to Daniel; but we find, by [173] the
interpretation that the figures of
beasts had no allusion to the kingdom of God. You there see that the beasts
are spoken of to represent the kingdoms
of the world, the inhabitants whereof were beastly and abominable
characters; they were murderers, corrupt, carnivorous, and brutal in their
dispositions. (TPJS, pp. 288-289)
So,
according to Joseph Smith, the interpretation of beasts in the visions of
Daniel and John should not be pointed in our direction. Instead, they refer to
corrupt governments of the world.
But in
addition to the smaller beasts, there is to be one great beast which will
overshadow all the others. It was to be composed of the melting together of all
the others. This would be the last great kingdom on earth to meet in a final
contest with the Kingdom of God.
So where
and when does this great beast come forth in the last days? The answer lies in
those who claim the power, authority, means and wisdom to rule the whole world.
The
first embryo of that worldly organization was introduced as "The League of
Nations" by members of a combination of men who were both public and
private. Those who were hidden held the power and control and were the most
dangerous. By definition, the League of Nations is--
The
International body for the promotion of peace, security, and cooperation among
all the nations of the world, and between individual member states. (New Modern Enc., p. 588)
It was
organized January 10, 1920, but never reached full steam. It gradually faded by
the wayside without the full support of the nations that did not trust the
over-reaching powers that could easily destroy their nation's sovereignty and
rights.
[174]
But the death of one monster did not prevent the birth of another. Like a
phoenix from the ashes came the United Nations. It was born with all the ugly features
of a savage, corrupt, murderous beast. Although these characteristics did not
show on its outward appearance, they were nevertheless hidden in its heart and
mind. The banners of world-wide "understanding," "good
will," "unity" and "our last best hope for peace,"
were marvelous labels, but even a bomb can be deceitfully wrapped with cheerful
paper and colored ribbons. And this was certainly the case with the
organization of the United Nations.
This
beast was born January 22, 1942, and on June 26, 1945, a conference was held in
San Francisco where they adopted an international charter. The main creators of
the United Nations were Alger Hiss, Harry Dexter White and Lauchlin Currie--all
dedicated Communists. Ironically, Hiss and Currie were aids to President
Roosevelt. On the surface, the U.N. would promote world peace, which Adolf
Hitler, Joseph Stalin and Mao Tse Tong and other tyrants of the past had also
claimed. Peace can be defined in two ways: (1) freedom and liberty, or (2) the
absence of war. By the latter definition, people living under an absolute
tyranny and dictatorship could be living in peace. For Communist and
Internationalist dictatorial one-worlders to be on peace-keeping missions, is
like the Mafia supervising the prevention of crime. Interestingly, the United
Nations Constitution and the Soviet Constitution are very similar, and in some
places are word for word.
The
governments of the United Nations, Communist China and the Soviet Union are
based on rights given to the people by the government. The American government
was designed to be just the reverse: the government should derive its rights
from the people.
[175]
Edward Griffin wrote an excellent book on the United Nations in which he
summarized his findings with the following:
I challenge
the illusion that the U.N. is an instrument of peace . . . it could not be less
of a cruel hoax if it had been organized in Hell for the sole purpose of aiding
and abetting the destruction of the United States. (Fearful Master, Griffin, p. 158)
United
Nations headquarters in New York City
The
"gospel" of the United Nations is called the New World Order. It is
simply a system of total control over finance, education, judiciary, military,
politics and religion. Even our individual rights would be owned by this
super-sized all inclusive government. Thomas Jefferson warned:
[176]
. . .
when all government, domestic and foreign, in little as in great things, shall
be drawn to Washington as the center of all power, it will render powerless the
checks provided of one government or another, and will become as venal and
oppressive as the government from which we separated. (Wisdom of Thomas Jefferson, Edward Boykin, pp. 105-106)
These
events were described in the prophecies of the past. For example, the parts of
Daniel's image were interpreted by Joseph Smith:
Daniel's
image, whose head was gold, and body, arms, legs and feet, were composed of the
different materials described in his vision, represents different governments.
The gold head was to represent Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon; the other
parts, other kings and forms of government which I shall not now mention in
detail, but confine my remarks more particularly to the feet of the image. The policy of the wicked spirit is to
separate what God has joined together, and unite what He has separated,
which the devil has succeeded in doing to admiration in the present society,
which is like unto iron and clay. (TPJS, p. 103)
This
great New World Order has not only been conceived and approved, but it has been
nursed and nourished with the riches from America. It has been said the Lord
saved some of his greatest spirits for the last days; undoubtedly, the devil
has done the same thing. These two powerful factions have created two super and
opposing governments--the kingdoms of Christ and the anti-Christ.
Unfortunately, the Kingdom of God has been growing weaker, while the kingdoms
of the world are growing stronger. It is similar to the contrast of power
between David and Goliath--only on a much larger scale. But the day will come
when there will be a battle between these two--and the anti-Christ will finally
be destroyed.
[177]
The goal of a conspiracy is to cleverly turn people's minds from one thing to
another without their even knowing it. It is to convince people that black is
white and vice versa. But to change people's ideals pertaining to religion,
government, morals and correct principles is not easy. It involves very special
tactics and evil designs to seduce a moral priest to be immoral, a policeman to
turn into a criminal, a military man to fight for the enemy, or a patriot to
become a traitor. Some individuals in these conspiracies have labored all their
lives to see the fulfillment of their objectives, even knowing that they may
not occur until years and years later. Such diligence and patience has to be
admired, but also pitied and exposed.
Americans
and Mormons alike have been blinded by the "secret combinations"
which have infiltrated into the United States Government. We have been warned
but have failed to see and recognize the enemy because the camouflage made it
too difficult to detect. We have opened the gates and let in a modern Trojan
horse. (See adaptation of illustration on following page.)
Today
the United Nations government, consisting of more than 180 member nations, is
the biggest government on earth--and should be our biggest concern.
That
great mastermind of evil, who presented his plan in the Pre-existence to
overthrow the Kingdom of God, has "patiently" worked on earth for
6,000 years to accomplish that objective. With his tools of wealth, power,
deception and wickedness, he has almost achieved his objective. He has bought
up the armies, navies and governments of the world and will soon reign with
blood and terror over all the earth.
[178]
"Where There Is No Vision, The People Perish."
Proverbs
29:18
The Largest TROJAN HORSE
In History
[179] Chapter 15
THE RISE AND FALL OF
BABYLON
We
should leave Babylon. Twenty-four hours of improvement now, are worth as much
as a year a hundred years ago. * * * The small lights that God has given are
sufficient to lead us out of Babylon; when we get out, we shall have the
greater light. (Joseph Smith, TPJS, p. 104)
It has
been prophesied that the strength and power of the devil's kingdoms will one
day battle against the Kingdom of God. We are told, however, that the battle is
the Lord's, and He will provide the means of overcoming the power of the great
beast. Joseph Smith said:
I listened,
and lo! I heard a voice, and it was the voice of my Shepherd, saying, Listen,
all ye lions of the forest, and all ye beasts of the field, give ear. Ye have
sought to injure the innocent, and your hands have been lifted against the
weak, the injured, and the oppressed. Ye have pampered the libertine, the
calumniator, and the base. Ye have winked at vice, and trodden under foot the
virtuous and the pure. Therefore hear, all ye lions of the forests. The Lord
God will take from you your teeth, so that you shall no longer devour. He will
pluck out your claws, so that you can no longer seize upon your prey. Your
strength will fail you in the day of trouble, and your voice will fail, and not
be heard afar off; but mine elect will I uphold with mine arm, and my chosen
shall be supported by my power. And when mine anointed shall be exalted, [180]
and all the lions of the forest have lost their strength, then shall they
remember that the Lord he is God. (DHC 5:276-277)
Isaiah
had uttered a similar prophecy:
I [Christ]
have trodden the winepress alone; and of the people there was none with me: for
I will tread them in mine anger, and trample them in my fury; and their blood
shall be sprinkled upon my garments, and I will stain all my raiment. For the
day of vengeance is in mine heart, and the year of my redeemed is come. ***
And I
will tread down the people in mine anger, and make them drunk in my fury, and I
will bring down their strength to the earth. (Isa. 63:3-4, 6)
In the
latter days the Lord again repeated this information and added even more.
(Refer to D & C 133:46-51.)
These
passages refer to the Second Advent of Christ, because it talks of anger,
vengeance and bloodshed coming to His enemies. His First Advent was one of
love, peace, mercy and kindness, while the second one will destroy all
governments on earth, will wipe out all the wicked and will cleanse every
people. So bad will be this vengeance that Christ's own garments will be
stained with blood.
Prior
to this massive destruction, God will touch the hearts of the elect and warn
them to "gather" together and stand in holy places. God will hide
them and remove them from worldly and evil places. These are to be the
"first fruits" of His harvest. The world will be unconscious of this
gathering until it is too late--much like Noah shutting the door of the ark and
destruction coming upon the wicked. Jesus prophesied, "As it was in the
days of Noah, so it shall be also at the coming of the Son of Man." (Matt.
24:44, Insp. Ver.)
[181]
When these days of tribulation have passed, these passages of scripture will be
so clear that it will amaze the readers that they did not understand them
before.
The
investiture of the Son of Man, David's Son, with the Kingdom, and the
bestowment of judgment or rulership upon the saints associated with Him, is
done by the Ancient of Days, for the Kingdom is given by Him to the Son of Man
and His saints. But this is done here on the earth--as the representation in
its entire scope demands--even while the anti-Christian power, so arrogant and
hostile, is in existence and holds sway over the nations. (The Theocratic Kingdom, George Peters, 3:25)
When
all the earth is turned against the Saints and the Kingdom, the Lord shall come
out of his hiding place to vex these nations. Knowing the tremendous,
overwhelming odds, He had promised to fight their battles and left them with
the consolation, "Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good
pleasure to give you the kingdom." (Luke 12:32) And then according to
Paul, "For the Kingdom of God is not in word but in power." (I Cor.
4:20)
In the
latter days the Lord revealed that the inhabitants of the earth will be made to
feel the "chastening hand of an Almighty God, until the consumption
decreed hath made a full end of all nations." (D & C 87:6) In His
wrath, the Lord will eliminate the competition. Brigham Young explained:
You
have heard brother Kimball testify that this kingdom will stand for ever. It
will begin to roll onto and mash the toes of the great image, and by-and-by it
will fill the whole earth, and no power of earth or hell can hinder it. The
Lord Almighty will reign until he puts all enemies under his feet. That is the
promise--that is the decree of the Father, that Jesus shall begin to reign on
this earth in the latter days; and his kingdom [182] will increase upon the
right and upon the left, until, by-and-by, it becomes a great kingdom and fills
the whole earth, when he will begin to reign King of nations, as he now reigns
King of Saints. It is and has been a warfare with Satan, and the war will
continue until Jesus puts all enemies under his feet, disposing of death and
him who has the power of it, who is the devil. (JD 8:69)
Do we
appreciate the blessings of this our mountain home, far removed from the war,
blood, carnage, and death that are laying low in the dust thousands of our
fellow-creatures in the very streets where we have walked and in the cities and
towns where we have lived? If we constantly live under a proper sense of the
greatness of our blessings, the stone in the mountains will soon begin to
attain colossal proportions and roll with crushing weight upon the toes of the
"great image." (JD 9:170)
And
from Wilford Woodruff:
It is
the decree of the Almighty God, that the kingdom of heaven shall be
established, and shall never again be overthrown, that judgments shall lay
waste the nations, enough at least to give that kingdom room to grow, and
spread, and prosper. This is the truth, and you will all find it so. Those
judgments have begun, that will never leave the earth until it is swept as with
the besom of destruction, until thrones are cast down and kingdoms overthrown,
until each man draws his sword against his neighbor, and every nation and
kingdom that exists will be at war with each other, except the inhabitants of
Zion. The Lord has spoken it, and it will come to pass. (JD 2:201)
In the
last days the Kingdom of God will not prevail without conflict, violence and
war. John describes a woman in pain and travail to deliver the man child. It
was so in the meridian of time, and it will be so in the latter days. As the
[183] Jewish nation opposed the Kingdom and was smashed to pieces, so it will
be with the kingdoms of the world for opposing the Kingdom of God in the latter
days.
For
true and righteous are his judgments: for he hath judged the great whore, which
did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his
servants at her hand. (Rev. 19:2)
Just as
Pharaoh lost his whole army, so shall the armies of the world be destroyed.
According to an 1880 revelation to Wilford Woodruff:
The
devil is ruling over his kingdom and my spirit has no place in the hearts of
the rulers of this nation, and the devil stirs them up to defy my power and to
make war upon my Saints. * * *
This
nation is ripened in iniquity and the cup of the wrath of mine indignation is
full and I will not stay my hand in judgments upon this nation or the nations
of the earth. * * *
As I
the Lord have spoken so will I fulfill. I will spare none who remain in
Babylon, but I will burn them up, saith the Lord of Hosts. As I the Lord have
suffered, so will I put all enemies under my feet. For I the Lord utter my word
and it shall be obeyed. * * *
And
thus, with the sword and by bloodshed, and with famine and plagues and
earthquakes and the thunder of heaven and the vivid lightnings shall this
nation and the nations of the earth be made to feel the chastening hand of an
Almighty God until they are broken up and destroyed and wasted away from under
heaven, and no power can stay my hand. (Revelations,
1880-1890, Pioneer Press, pp. 8, 10, 11)
How
will all these terrible destructions affect the population of America?
According to three early prophets:
[184]
President
Heber C. Kimball while at the Endowment House prophesied that when the final,
last struggle came to this nation, it would be at the Hill Cumorah, where both
of the former nations were destroyed. (Wilford
Woodruff Jrnl., Dec. 17, 1866)
And now
I [Joseph Smith] am prepared to say by the authority of Jesus Christ, that not
many years shall pass away before the United States shall present such a scene
of bloodshed as has not a parallel in the history of our nation; pestilence,
hail, famine and earthquake will sweep the wicked of this generation from off
the face of the land, to open and prepare the way for the return of the lost
tribes of Israel. . . . (TPJS, p. 17)
Joseph
Smith once said, on the stand in Nauvoo, Ill., "That if the government of
the United States did not redress the wrongs of the Mormon people inflicted
upon them in the State of Missouri, the whole nation should be distracted by
mobs from one end to the other; and that they would have mobs to the full, and
to their hearts' content." (Mill. Star, quoted by Orson Hyde, 24:18, May
3, 1862)
. . .
God will lay his hand upon this nation, and they will feel it more terribly
than ever they have done before; there will be more bloodshed, more ruin, more
devastation than ever they have seen before. (John Taylor, JD 20:318)
Since
America has become a part of Babylon, its laws and rulers have become a part of
the great beast that is to fall:
Factions
now sprang up as if by magic. Capital had entrenched itself against labor, and
throughout the land labor was organized in opposition to capital. The voice of
the wise sought to tranquilize their powerful factors in vain. Excited
multitudes ran wildly about, strikes increased, lawlessness sought a place in
the regular government.
[185]
At this
juncture, I saw floating in air a banner whereon was written, "Bankruptcy,
famine, floods, cyclones, blood, and plagues." Mad with rage, men and
women rushed upon each other. Blood flowed down the streets of cities like
water. Thousands of bodies lay unentombed in the streets. Men and women fell
dead from the terror inspired by fear. This was but the precursor of the bloody
work of the morrow. All around lay the mournfulness of a past in ruins.
(Charles D. Evans Vision, Visions of the
Latter Days, Pioneer Press, pp. 59-60)
The
millions of Mormons who have taken part in administering the laws and promoting
the international programs of the New World Order and also in supporting these
wicked kingdoms of the world will not be exempt from the catastrophes of these
last days.
The
people had become indifferent to the counsel and advice of the authorities of
the Church, and were more interested in the accumulating of wealth than they
were in living their religion, and at this time there began to be war and
bloodshed.
He
[John Taylor] saw blood running down the gutters of Salt Lake City as though it
were water. People were fighting among themselves until it became so serious
that the entire Church records were all taken across the Colorado River.
President Taylor said to her [Mrs. Edward Lunt in Cedar City]: "If you are
alive at that time, be sure that you are not far behind the records, because
after the Church records leave and are secure, the very powers of hell will be
turned loose, and there will be such destruction that but very little life will
remain.
Not
only Salt Lake but other adjoining cities will be destroyed, and in the east,
in Missouri, in Jackson County, civilization will become entirely extinct. All
means of transportation, such as railroads and high-ways, will be destroyed;
the only means of travel will be on foot, and all manufacturing of all kinds will
be [186] entirely destroyed." ("The Vision of John Taylor,"
related by Edward Lunt, Visions of the
Latter Days, p. 100)
For the
last century both Americans and Mormons have been supporting, to some degree,
the wrong laws and the wrong kingdom. By now, the ride of a modern Paul Revere
is too late; the emergency sirens have been silent too long; and the armies of
Israel have overslept! The fate of this nation is sealed, and the prophecies of
destruction will be fulfilled.
If the
Kingdom of God could finally get established enough so that the enemies could
not interfere, scatter, or destroy it, there would be enough good fruit
produced to convince the people of its virtues. But people will not need to be
convinced of the greatness of the Kingdom by academic or scriptural proofs,
because it will demonstrate its own goodness and power. Heber C. Kimball
explained:
There
are enough of us; for the Lord is going to manifest his power and to play with
our enemies as he did with Pharaoh and all his host. Now, mark it, and see if
it does not come so, or something similar. (JD 5:220)
Pharaoh
relinquished his kingdom to the mandates of the Kingdom of God because he had
to. The children of Israel did literally nothing because God did it all. God
made Pharaoh say the words, "Let them go." God will direct this
nation and all nations in such a way that eventually they will say, "Let
God rule over us."
[187] Chapter 16
DECLINE OF THE
KINGDOM
The
decline of millennialism in Mormon history thus coincided with the decline of
the belief in the political kingdom of God. (Quest for Empire, Klaus Hansen, p. 23)
Mormonism's
opponents thought they could destroy the Saints with mobs, martyrdoms, Mormon
Battalion, Utah War and government-appointed lawyers and judges. But all these
tactics failed. The new plan was to attack the Mormons for polygamy, which
would create more support for their anti-Mormon legislation. This was a subject
that resulted in media headlines, lies and false propaganda from the pulpits,
and the wrath of politicians. The Mormons tried to defend themselves by writing
and preaching in favor of the principle of plural marriage. For example, Parley
P. Pratt explained to Rev. Briggs:
As
polygamists, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob are approved and commended by Jesus
Christ, who expressly declares that, "many shall come from the east, and
from the west, and from the north, and from the south; and shall sit down with
Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the Kingdom of God." While, at the same time,
he declares that, "those wicked and adulterous persons, who in that age,
considered themselves the children of the Kingdom should be thrust out." I
sincerely hope my mistaken friends here will learn, ere that eventful day, to
distinguish between a house of Polygamy and a crowd of adulterers; but they
might by [188] mistake consider the kingdom of God a house of ill fame, and go
with the wrong crowd. * * *
Again
sir, John the Revelator describes the eternal Jerusalem of Heaven, the Royal
City of God, as peopled and governed by the great family of polygamists; which,
in its lineage, includes Jesus and the holy prophets and apostles of all ages.
The pearly gates are embellished with the names of twelve polygamists, the sons
of four women by one man.
While,
on the other hand, this same John expressly declares that the place for all
liars, sorcerers, whoremongers, and adulterers is outside; and that there shall
in no wise enter into the city anything that defileth or maketh a lie. (Autobiography of Parley P. Pratt, 1979
pb. ed., pp. 419-420)
But
such explanations usually fall on deaf ears.
Another
plan to destroy the Mormons and their kingdom was to bring in an influx of
gentiles with their laws and customs. This was accomplished with the coming of the
railroad, bringing a new breed of people into the Salt Lake Valley. Numerous
gentiles, merchants, land speculators and lawyers all flocked to the valleys to
see if they could personally enrich themselves. Historian Leonard Arrington
described this condition:
The
completion of the Pacific railroad in 1869 posed three threats to the Mormon
Kingdom in the Great Basin: (1) Offering, as it did, opportunities for eastern
and midwestern enterprisers to exploit new mines and markets, the railroad
threatened the continuance of theocratic
control of the region: (2) entailing increased commercial intercourse, it
threatened the economic autonomy of the exclusively Mormon commonwealth; and
(3) by involving the Mormons increasingly in "worldly" trade and
exchange, the railroad threatened to break up the Kingdom of Saints into conflicting segments and to secularize
economic relationships generally. (Great
Basin Kingdom, Arrington, p. 234)
[189]
Brigham Young also described this condition in a letter to his son:
We have
had quite an influx of lawyers into the city of late. Like the birds of prey
they snuff the carcass from afar. Business is poor where they have been; but
they imagine that with the land claims and other business the enemies of the
truth promise them here, they will reap an abundant harvest. Armies have not
been found to operate well in breaking us up, but it is now hoped that
vexatious law suits and setting up and enforcing claims for our land may do it.
(Mill. Star 28:604)
Along
with the increase of gentiles, came the emphasis on making money and personal
profit--and mining. In 1866, a women by the name of C.V. Waite published a
book, The Mormon Prophet, in which she wrote:
Among
the agencies already at work to accomplish this desirable end, and to redeem Utah
from her enthrallment, may be mentioned the discovery of mines of precious
metals, and the large influx of miners.
These
hidden riches, thank God, have been brought to light. Miners are flocking in by
the thousands, and their rights will be protected, if necessary by the strong
arm of a strong government. Mormonism will soon give way before the advancing
tide of American civilization. (pp. 279-280)
Unfortunately, this "tide of American
civilization" was the kind of tide that destroys--not builds up. The
Mormon "enthrallment" referred to the Kingdom of God; the American
civilization included thieves, drunks, murderers and prostitutes. In 1872 Alta
had a population of 5,000 with 23 saloons, two breweries, a long line of houses
of prostitution and a list of over 100 miners killed in fights and saloon
brawls. It was the same in many other "American" settlements. Thanks
to the [190] railroads, "American civilization" had arrived in Utah.
The Mormons had had experience with this "civilization" in Missouri
and Illinois and had gone west to try to get away from it. About 20 years later
"enemy settlers" followed and infiltrated.
Near
the close of the Civil War, Col. Connor ("The Father of Utah Mining")
and Gov. Harding worked together to publish a short-lived anti-Mormon newspaper
called The Vendetta. These two took an active step to cooperate with corrupt
politicians and apostate Mormons in opposing Brigham Young--similar to what had
happened to Joseph Smith. This renewed verbal attack would continue for another
25 years.
During
the late sixties the non-Mormon and anti-Mormon elements began in earnest their
attacks against polygamists. This effort was so volatile, it had the potential
of war. In 1870 a political caucus was organized for a new "Utah Liberal
Party." Their newspaper was called The Tribune.
Mormon
political, economic and religious rights were being increasingly denied.
Politicians saw Utah as a place of vast economic and political advantages. Like
gold miners dashing to the gold fields, government agents rushed to the Utah
territory to confiscate Mormon personal, private and church properties. Even
though it was all un-Constitutional, it was "legal."
A
similar transition had occurred when the Romans supposedly became Christians.
It is written that in 325 A.D. the Romans became Christians, but in reality the
Christians became Romans.
It was
evident that the battle for the Kingdom was not going as victoriously, or as
courageously, as did the Utah War. It appeared all would be lost. Klaus Hansen
elaborated:
[191]
When it
became apparent that the enemy was willing to retreat in return for some
painful concessions, and that the Lord was not about to destroy the adversaries
of the kingdom, hopes for a miraculous delivery receded. The decline of
millennialism in Mormon history thus coincided with the decline of the belief
in the political kingdom of God. (Quest
for Empire, Hansen, p. 23)
As the
Mormons' faith in the Millennialism Kingdom began to wane, so did their
interpretation of it. Their efforts toward maintaining a practical kingdom
began to lean more toward just a theoretical hope of it. They believed their
enemies were too powerful. The situation was similar to when the Israelites
perceived their enemy to be giants, and they told Moses, "we were in our
own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight." (Num. 13:33)
However, the Lord had told the Israelites to go up against their enemies, but
when they refused, "the Amalekites came down, and the Canaanites which
dwelt in that hill, and smote them, and discomfited them...." (Num. 14:45)
Because they had failed to fight, their losses were greater than if they had
gone to battle as God had commanded.
If we
didn't know better, it would seem that the modern Mormons were the children of
Israel reincarnated. As persecution increased, the Saints' belief in and
support of the Kingdom of God decreased.
During
the 1880's there were over 20 bills against the Mormons that were presented to
Congress. Most of these bills and laws were prejudicial and were aimed at taking
property and political power. Passing legislation against the Mormons became
politically popular and gained votes for their party. It was like kicking a
wounded dog, knowing he couldn't bite back. Both Democrats and Republicans
tried to outdo each [192] other to gain votes by attacking the Mormons, and
most of the bills presented became laws:
Morrill
Bill, 1862
Wade
Bill, 1866
Cragin
Bill, 1867
Ashley
Bill, 1869
Cullom
Bill, 1870
Poland
Bill, 1874
Arthur
Bill, 1881
Edmunds
Bill, 1882
Segregation
Ruling, 1884
Edmunds-Tucker
Bill, 1887
Very
little thought went into these anti-Mormon bills as to their Constitutionality.
Even Mark Twain made more sense than the Congressmen. He spoke to Lillian
Whiting who was crusading against the Mormons and said:
Am I a
friend of the Mormon religion? No, I would like to see it extirpated, but
always by fair means, not these Congressional rascalities. If you destroy it
with a book--by arguments and facts, but not brute force--you will do a good
and wholesome work."(Brigham Young,
M. R. Werner, p. 359)
It was
not the law, the facts, the Constitution, or individual rights that the federal
lawmakers were interested in; it was politics, popularity and money.
Are we
to assume that Washington legislators who were committing adultery and had
mistresses and prostitutes, were really concerned about immorality of the
Mormon marriage system? Immorality in Washington then was no different than it
is now. How can we expect Bill Clinton to understand Biblical morality and the
marriage commitments of Mormonism?
[193]
Polygamy was just the obvious and most unpopular aspect of Mormonism that the
government could turn public opinion against. But in reality, there were more deep-seated threats that
the politicians were concerned about, i.e. the political Kingdom of God and the
economic system of the United Order.
They
knew that with the passage and enforcement of all these anti-Mormon laws, the
very foundation of Mormonism would begin to crumble. All three of the basic
fundamentals upon which the Mormons had built their empire were in jeopardy:
(1) their political Kingdom of God; (2) their temporal power in the United
Order; and (3) their population growth through plural marriage. Leonard
Arrington recorded the eventual abandonment of these three fundamentals:
The
most influential of all the "Anti-Mormon" bills was the Edmunds Act,
passed in 1882, which in essence, removed the government of Utah from the hands
of the Mormons and placed it in the hands of a commission appointed by the
national president. It was quickly followed, in 1887, by the Edmunds-Tucker
Act, in which Congress provided for the confiscation of the properties of the
Mormon Church. Eventually, church leaders found it necessary to give up the
unequal struggle and attempted to bring their ideas and practices more into
conformity with the prevailing sentiment of the federal Congress. National
leaders and church leaders are said to have entered into a "compact."
We do not know whether such a "compact" was actually made, but at
least the agreement and actions which it is said to have involved did take
place. In the supposed "compact," national leaders are said to have
promised statehood for Utah provided three things were done: (1) plural
marriage was abandoned; (2) the church political party was dissolved; and (3)
the church dissolved its relations with the economy. Plural marriage, of
course, was abandoned with the Manifesto of 1890; the Peoples' party was
dissolved in 1891 [194] and the people were divided between Republicans and
Democrats; and the church began to take steps to withdraw from many of its
economic activities. ("Religion and Economics in Mormon History,"
Arrington, BYU Studies, 3:31-32)
The
"compact" had a disastrous effect upon the basic structure of
Mormonism and the Kingdom of God. By the turn of the century, the Mormons had
abandoned their economic (United Order), their political (Kingdom of God), and
their social (polygamy) doctrines. They not only shook hands with the enemy,
but actually joined their ranks as well.
President
Buchanan had sent an army against the Mormons to prove to the Democrats that he
was opposed to at least one of the "twin relics of barbarism."
However, after negotiations with the Mormons and a peace settlement was made,
it still did not stop the tide of prejudice and hatred against the Mormons:
Nevertheless,
the handwriting was on the wall for Young's Mormon kingdom; further government
attacks on polygamy and the political kingdom were delayed only by the Civil
War. Beginning in the 1870's, the United States Congress exerted increasing
pressure on the Mormons, who, in 1890, were forced to relinquish polygamy and
the political kingdom as the price of their religion's survival. Mormon
president Wilford Woodruff's manifesto disavowing any further sanctioning of
plural marriages by the church symbolized the passing of an era and the
beginning of the reconciliation of Mormonism with the world. (The Enc. of Religion, Simon &
Shuster, vol. 9, p. 110)
Klaus
Hansen summarized the rise and fall of the Kingdom council:
[195]
[Joseph]
Smith organized a secret Council of Fifty in the spring of 1844. This council
continued as one of the most influential organizations in Mormon history until
about the turn of the century. As long as the influence of the council persisted,
Mormonism was bent on establishing itself as a political as well as an
ecclesiastical authority. The suspected goals and activities of the Council of
Fifty and the political kingdom of God were, therefore, the primary cause for
the harrowing persecutions which the Saints suffered throughout the nineteenth
century. But because of the intense secrecy, the Mormons could always deny,
with some success, the accusations of their enemies. Yet they could not deny
polygamy. Hence, the Gentiles deliberately crusaded against polygamy in order
to destroy the political kingdom of God. The disappearance of the Council of
Fifty, therefore, far exceeds in significance the demise of polygamy. The death
of the political kingdom clearly marked the most incisive watershed in the
history of Mormonism. (Quest for Empire,
Hansen, frontispiece)
It was
very clear that Washington wanted to destroy the social structure, the
political power and the economic order of Mormonism. Pres. Wilford Woodruff
stood on dangerous ground by giving the Saints his "advice" to give
up plural marriage when he issued the Manifesto. However, his compromise with
the enemy to give up the United Order and the Kingdom of God in exchange for
statehood was even more serious.
Relinquishing
these three vital Priesthood doctrines placed the Church in a similar position
to the ancient Israelites who, by rejecting the higher laws, then functioned
under the order of the Aaronic Priesthood. Salvation and exaltation depend upon
the laws we live. The Lord has made this very clear:
[196]
For he
who is not able to abide the law of a celestial kingdom cannot abide a
celestial glory. (D & C 88:22)
And
[the church] are not united according to the union required by the law of the
celestial kingdom; and Zion cannot be built up unless it is by the principles
of the law of the celestial kingdom; otherwise I cannot receive her unto
myself. (D & C 105:4-5)
Brigham
Young also clarified:
. . .
no person can be exalted in the kingdom of heaven without first submitting
himself to the rules, regulations, laws and ordinances of that kingdom, and
being perfectly subject to them in every respect. (JD 15:220)
If we
obey the laws of a gentile kingdom, can we expect to receive the blessings of
God's kingdom?
Orson
Pratt saw danger signs for the Mormons as he read some of the prophecies, and
he tried to warn the Saints:
"Behold,
I say unto you, the redemption of Zion must needs come by power; therefore, I
will raise up unto my people a man who shall lead them like Moses led the
children of Israel. For ye are the children of Israel, and of the seed of
Abraham, and ye must needs be led out of bondage by power, with an outstretched
arm. And as your fathers were led at the first, even so shall the redemption of
Zion be." (D & C 103:15-18) ***
It seems,
then, that this people, at some future time in their sojourn here in this land,
may possibly be in bondage greater than they are at the present time. I try to
hope for the best, and to think that the bondage we are in and have been in for
years, in consequence of the efforts of those who are striving to take away our
rights as American citizens, and to trample us down in the dust; I say I have
been in hopes that that would be all the bondage that was meant here in this
prophecy, [197] but I do not know but what there may be a greater signification
to these words. I do not know what the purposes of the Lord are in relation to
this particular thing. It may be that we shall have our rights completely taken
from us; it may be, if we do not live sufficiently faithful before the Lord,
that he will yet bring us into still greater tribulation than that which we
have hitherto had. It may be that we shall yet be in bondage like the
Israelites in the land of Egypt;.... (JD 17:289, 303)
It
should not be difficult for the Latter-day Saints to realize we are now in both
temporal and spiritual bondage--and that the Kingdom of God has declined to the
point that it is collectively non-existent.
[198] Chapter 17
THE FLAG OF THE
KINGDOM
(flag)
Zion's Standard
Lo! the
Gentile chain is broken;
Freedom's
banner waves on high;
List,
ye nations! by this token,
Know
that your redemption's nigh.
See, on
yonder distant mountain,
Zion's
standard wide unfurled,
Far
above Missouri's fountain,
Lo! it
waves for all the world.
--Parley
P. Pratt (CHC 3:276-277)
[199]
Flags or ensigns are used for representation and patriotic purposes, such as
those seen at post offices and schools, in parades, etc., but they are also a
means of recognition. The flags on ships, military vehicles, old-time forts,
and at the front lines of battles are for the purpose of identification--both
for their own troops as well as for the enemy.
By
definition, an ensign is referred to as "a flag flown as the symbol of
nationality; a badge of office, rank, or power." (Webster's New Cyclopedic Dic., p. 334)
In
speaking of the last days, Isaiah prophesied:
And he
shall set up an ensign for the nations,
and shall assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of
Judah from the four corners of the earth. (Isa. 11:12)
Thus,
the flag can be used as a rallying point, or standard, which a people, nation
or king can use as their symbol. It distinguishes nations, kings, estates,
clans, and military organizations. If a king wanted to make a proclamation, or
needed to gather his people, he would determine their loyalty by seeing how
many would rally around their flag.
It is
interesting that symbols, emblems and ensigns have always been important to
people. Even in the Pre-Existence it was recorded that they had a special
meaning. Mosiah Hancock, who saw a great panorama of that world, stated:
We who
were faithful to the Father and the Son, had a white star upon us, and the
others chose a red star; about one-third of the males and females would not
accept of either star, but withdrew from the conflict. . . . (Mosiah Hancock Jrnl., Pioneer Press, p.
72)
[200]
The
star symbol carried over into mortality and was used on many flags. It became a
significant part of all the United States flags.
Every
nation has its symbolic ensign. Some have beasts, some birds, some fishes, some
reptiles on their banners. Our fathers chose the Stars and Stripes--the red
telling of the blood shed by them for their country, the blue telling of the
heavens and their protection, and the [white] stars announcing the different
States embodied in one nationality, E Pluribus Unum. (Our Flag, Campbell, p. 58)
The
first official recorded account of the adoption of our "Stars and
Stripes" was very brief. On June 14, 1777, a resolution was passed by the
Congress at Philadelphia, which was nearly a year after the Declaration of
Independence. The resolution read:
Resolved,
that the flag of the thirteen United States be thirteen stripes alternate red
and white; and that the union be thirteen stars, white, in a blue field,
representing a new constellation. (Ibid., p. 55)
[201]
In Nauvoo, just before his martyrdom, Joseph Smith mentioned a special flag
that was to be a "Standard of the Nations" and their ensign. In his
journal he recorded:
June
22, 1844: * * * At 7 p.m. I instructed General Dunham [of the Nauvoo Legion] to
cause the regiment of the 2nd Cohort to turn out tomorrow, and work by turns
three or four hours each, with entrenching tools, and to take the best measures
in case of attack. I also gave orders
that a standard be prepared for the nations. (DHC 6:528)
Five
days later the Prophet was dead. The Saints realized they would have to leave
the United States for protection. Joseph had left instructions for going out
west to the mountains, and it was now even more evident they would need to do
so. Though the Prophet was dead, his presence and influence were not far away.
. . .
while they were fasting and praying daily on the subject [the migration west],
President Young had a vision of Joseph Smith, who showed him the mountain that
we now call Ensign Peak, immediately north of Salt Lake City, and there was an
ensign fell upon that peak, and Joseph said, "Build under the point where
the colors fall and you will prosper and have peace. (George A. Smith, JD
13:85)
Before
leaving Nauvoo, Brigham Young declared that he knew how to make that flag:
Pres.
B. Young said that the saying of the Prophets would never be verified unless
the House of the Lord be reared in the Tops of the Mountains & the Proud
Banner of Liberty wave over the valleys that are within the Mountains & I
[B.Y.] know where the spot is & I know how to make this Flag. Jos[eph] sent
the colours and said where the colours settled there would be the spot.
(recorded in John D. Lee Diary, Jan. 13, 1846)
[202]
On May 29, 1947, while the pioneers were on their way to the Salt Lake Valley,
camping on the Platte River, Brigham Young addressed the members, and some
non-members, of the Church. He spoke of how this "ensign" or
"standard of Zion" would be raised and that it would function to
protect the rights of both Mormons and non-Mormons. According to Wilford Woodruff:
He
[B.Y.] then spoke of the "standard" or "ensign" that would
be reared in Zion to govern the kingdom of God, and the nations of the earth,
for every nation would bow the knee and every tongue confess that Jesus was the
Christ; and this will be the standard--"The Kingdom of God and His
Law." * * * And on the standard would be a flag of every nation under
heaven, so there would be an invitation to all nations under heaven to come
unto Zion. (Wilford Woodruff Jrnl.,
May 29, 1847, as quoted in CHC 3:276)
Two
days after entering the Salt Lake Valley, Brigham Young said he wanted to climb
up the hill [Ensign Peak] so he could have a better view. He went with Heber C.
Kimball, George A. Smith, Wilford Woodruff, Richards, Ezra T. Benson,
Carrington, Clayton, and L.D. Young--Woodruff being the first to make it to the
top. From there, with the aid of a telescope, they platted out the city. They
also formed a circle of prayer and dedication and hoisted Kimball's spotted
yellow bandanna on Richards' cane. (See "`A Banner is Unfurled:' Mormonism's
Ensign Peak," Ronald W. Walker, Dialogue 26:4, p. 81.)
Some
reports state that the U.S. flag was flown on Ensign Peak right after the
pioneers' arrival. However, according to B. H. Roberts, this is not the case:
Considering
the circumstance under which the little company of the Pioneers ascended this
mount, it becomes utterly impossible that they should raise the [203] flag of
the United States upon it. They did not leave their encampment that morning of
July 26th with any intent to climb that or any other mountain. They started out
to examine the nature of the Salt Lake valley--the plains northward of their
encampment. The ascent of the mount they named "Ensign Peak," as
above described, was an unintended incident that developed after they started
on their exploring trip. CHC 3:271-272)
Utah's
Congressional delegate, William H. Hooper, when speaking to the House of
Representatives against the Ashley Bill to dismember the territory of Utah,
explained:
"The
Ensign" that these Latter-day Saint Pioneers had in mind, and of which
they had frequently spoken en route, was something larger and greater than any
national flag whatsoever; and what it was meant to represent was greater than
any earthly kingdom's interest, and I speak not slightingly of earthly kingdoms
either; but this "Ensign" in the minds of the "Mormon"
Pioneers concerned not one nation, but all nations; not one epoch or age, but
all epochs and all ages; not nationality but humanity, is its scope and
concern. It was the sign and ensign of the Empire
of the Christ; it was a prophecy of the time to come when the kingdoms of
this world would become "the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and
he shall reign forever and forever." (Rev. 11:15) (Congressional Globe, Feb. 25, 1869, as quoted in CHC 3:275)
On the
one-year celebration of the July 24th entrance into the valley, with 4,000 in
attendance, a 104-foot pole was raised with the Kingdom flag on it. (See
"Minutes of Meetings," Tom Bullock, July 23, 1849.) This was one week
before they first applied for statehood. For many years during the celebration
of Pioneer Days, both flags were raised. We celebrate this event every time we
sing:
[204]
High on the mountain top a banner is unfurled.
Ye
nations, now look up; It waves to all the world.
In
Deseret's sweet, peaceful land,
On
Zion's mount behold it stand!
For God
remembers still His promise made of old
That he
on Zion's hill Truth's standard would unfold!
Her
light should there attract the gaze
Of all
the world in latter days.
His
house shall there be reared, His glory to display,
And
people shall be heard in distant lands to say:
We'll
now go up and serve the Lord,
Obey
his truth and learn his word.
For
there we shall be taught the law that will go forth,
With
truth and wisdom fraught, to govern all the earth.
Forever
there his ways we'll tread,
And
save ourselves with all our dead.
(Hymns . . ., p. 62)
It was
a considerable time after the Saints had arrived in the Salt Lake Valley that a
"Kingdom" flag was made. Some references about ten years later said
that it was completed and used. For example, in a letter to his mother on July
7, 1859, William Knight wrote:
The
Mormons were celebrating the day with a flag of their own, firing cannon and
marching about to Yankee music. (California
Pioneer, Bertha Knight Power, p. 19)
Ronald
Walker referred to the age-old patterns and customs that had interested the
Mormons:
The
Mormons were re-enacting patterns as ancient as humankind itself. As religious
people had done for millennia, they used symbols such as Ensign Peak to
consecrate their new land, reminding themselves and generations to follow of
their sacred [205] purpose. But they were doing more than settling and claiming
a new land. They knew that they were actors, not just observers. In God's latter-day
drama, they were bringing in Christ's millennial reign. ("`A Banner is Unfurled:' . . ."
Walker, Dialogue 26:4, Winter 1993,
p. 91)
It has
been recorded that this Kingdom flag has been raised on Ensign Peak on at least
a few occasions. It was also seen at the funeral services for such great
pioneers as Brigham Young and Heber C. Kimball. Though disagreeing with B. H.
Roberts, author Don Maguire described the appearance and use of this flag:
Kindly
note, gentle reader, that Utah history states that the flag known as the Stars
and Stripes was placed on Ensign Peak about the twenty-ninth [sic] day of July
1847. The so-called flag of the Stars and Stripes placed there on that occasion
was a flag having in its upper left-hand corner a blue field with a circle of
twelve stars and in the center a large white star. The stripes on that flag,
instead of being red and white stripes, were blue and white stripes, and it was
to be the flag denoting Mormon sovereignty over an area that they had now taken
possession of . . . for good and sufficient reasons the so-called flag of Stars
and Stripes raised on Ensign Peak above Salt Lake City in July 1847 was never
again seen in public until the day of Brigham Young's funeral when it hung from
a second-story window of Heber C. Kimball's residence. That flag was exposed to
public view on that morning September 1877 and it may be supposed that between
the hours of eleven o'clock and two o'clock of the same day, it was carefully
folded and laid away in the redwood casket containing the mortal remains of
Brigham Young, there to rest with him unto the morning of the Resurrection. (Holy Murder, the Story of Porter Rockwell,
Maguire, pp. 93-94)
[206]
The ensign, or flag of the Kingdom, represents a very interesting part of
Mormon history--the government of God's Kingdom on the earth. That was
something no other flag represented. It frequently was flown at the side of the
nation's stars and stripes.
To the
Mormon people there would be another flag allied with the American national flag
which would have a higher symbolism and meaning. It would be broader than
national, extending to international; it would mean more than civil, extending
to spiritual loyalties; and finally it would be a banner for all the house of
Israel to gather to the Kingdom of God. It would not supplant the flag of the
United States, but support it. They would fly together.
In a
small city park at the base of Ensign Peak are displayed three flags: the
American flag, the Utah State flag, and the flag of the Kingdom. However, the
Kingdom flag should have a field of blue with white stars, instead of the
reverse, as pictured below:
(picture of three
flags)
[207]
There is some very probable symbolism connected to this flag: the 13 stripes
represent the 13 tribes, or nations, of ancient Israel, with Ephraim as the
13th. The twelve stars represent the 12 original sons of Jacob or the 12
apostles of Christ, with the large star in the middle representing Christ
Himself.
As
previously mentioned, there are always two opposing powers or kingdoms in the
world. Thus, as there should be, there are two ensigns or flags representing
these two kingdoms. Both are universal flags rather than national; both are
backed by people with their own Constitution; both represent peace to the
world; and both contain the colors of light blue and white. However, one flag
represents the Kingdom of God, while the other the kingdoms of the world.
(picture
of two flags, The Kingdom of God Flag and The United Nations Flag)
[208] The
final triumph of this flag and what it represents was described in a vision to
Patriarch Charles D. Evans:
A voice
was now suddenly heard declaring these words: "In the distant mountain
tops are to be found the true lovers of freedom and equal rights, . . . . Go
there." . . . when suddenly
appeared on Ensign Peak near Salt Lake City, a beautiful flag standing for
"Human Liberty throughout the world," . . . Tyrants were hurled down
. . . one unbroken nation whose banner
waved for all the world. (Ensign of
Nations, Francis M. Darter, p. 11)
If this
flag will have such a powerful destiny among the nations of the world,
shouldn't it be given more understanding and respect today?
[209] Chapter 18
THE MILLENNIAL
KINGDOM
The world has had a fair trial for six
thousand years; the Lord will try the seventh thousand Himself. (Joseph Smith,
TPJS, p. 252)
If the
Kingdom of God is so important that Jesus said, "Seek ye first the
Kingdom," then it must be essential for us to understand what it is in
order to identify its organization, purpose and blessings. We need to realize
that the Kingdom is not just a heavenly place, an attitude, a philosophy or a
peaceful feeling. John Taylor gives us a better idea of the power of this
Kingdom:
The
same power that governs in the heavens, that rules and regulates the planetary
system, that causes seed-time and harvest, day and night, summer and winter,
and all the regular changes of the heavenly bodies in their proper succession,--this
same intelligence is required to govern the world, produce order out of chaos,
and bring back that same state of things which has been forfeited in
consequence of the transgressions of man,--to restore correct government,
legitimate rule and dominion, true religion, morals, and science, and every
other correct principle; for there is no good or perfect gift that does not
proceed from God, in regard to religion, government, mechanism, or science. (JD
7:324)
Throughout
history many worldly kingdoms, great and small, have come and gone.
Archaeologists find remains of [210] their bones, pots and buildings. They try
to learn all they can about their civilizations. Why did they rise and why did
they fall? Why didn't these kingdoms last longer? And we might ask, would the
Kingdom of God be any different?
We have
a thousand different churches throughout our country, but few if any even claim
the Kingdom of God. It has been prophesied that in the latter days God will
restore two things--His Church and His Kingdom. Both will be established under
the direction of His authority or priesthood. But ministers and priests of
today preach, teach and build churches, but never mention the kingdom. What is
missing in their calling from God? Could it be lack of understanding of the
Kingdom or lack of priesthood authority?
It is
evident in reading the New Testament how frequently the Lord and His Apostles
refer to the Kingdom compared to their mention of the Church. But today the
reverse is true--ministers frequently refer to the Lord's church but seldom to
His kingdom. It is interesting to compare references to the Kingdom and the
Church--in both the New Testament and the Doctrine and Covenants:
New
Testament:
Kingdom240
times
Church
92 times
Doctrine
and Covenants:
Kingdom132
times
Church
17 times
Regarding
the re-establishment of the Kingdom of God in the latter days, it is
interesting to note how similar Rev. George Peters' interpretations of the
prophecies are to the beliefs of the Latter-day Saints:
[211]
Thus in
Ezek. 36:8-38 there is a profusion of circumstances irreconcilable with any
other view than the one adopted. In the enumeration of them there are (1) the
gathering out of all countries and the bringing again into their own land; (2)
they shall dwell in the land given to their fathers; (3) they shall be also
converted; (4) the desolate land is to be tilled and sown; (5) man and beast
are to be multiplied on it; (6) the cities shall again be inherited and the
wastes builded; (7) they shall be settled after their "old estates:"
(8) God "will do better unto you than at your beginnings;" (9) the
land shall be for an inheritance: (10) the land shall no more be bereaved; (11)
it shall not be burdened with the shame of the heathen; (12) the identical land
defiled by Israel's sins is the one thus again obtained; (13) the removal from
the land caused by sin; (14) the return to it caused by God's mercy and
faithfulness; (15) the fruit of the tree and the increase of the field so sure
as to prevent famine; (17) the land once desolate to become like the Garden of
Eden; (18) the heathen that are left shall acknowledge the Lord's power when
this is done; (19) the house of Israel shall be increased with flocks of men
and the waste cities with the same. So circumstantial and minute are details
given that no unprejudiced mind can resist their force. (The Theocratic Kingdom, Peters, 2:63)
There
are many purposes and benefits for the Kingdom of God mentioned throughout the
Bible. These correspond to information given by early LDS leaders. Though
certainly not a complete list, a few are listed here.
Proper Authority
I
[Brigham Young] will now refer you directly to the building up of the Kingdom
of God in the last days. What do we see next? Joseph as an Apostle of the Lamb,
with the keys of the eternal Priesthood committed unto him by Peter, James and
John. What for? To build up the Kingdom of God on the earth. (Brigham Young, JD
1:135)
[212]
Gathering
Again,
the kingdom of God must be concentrated--the people must be together and gathered
into one place. How would the king of France or England look undertaking to
reign over a kingdom, when their subjects were scattered all over the world,
except in France of England? So with the Saints, they must be gathered
together. (Brigham Young, Manuscript
History of B.Y., p. 140)
Freedom of Worship
If they
wish to worship a white dog, they will have the privilege; if they wish to
worship the sun, they will have the privilege; if they wish to worship a man,
they will have the privilege, and if they wish to worship the "unknown
God," they will have the privilege. This kingdom will circumscribe them
all and will issue laws and ordinances to protect them in their rights--every
right that every people, sect and person can enjoy, and the full liberty that God
has granted to them without molestation. * * *
But the
kingdom of God, when it is established and bears rule, will defend the
Methodists in their rights just as much as Latter-day Saints, but it will not
allow them to infringe upon the rights of their neighbors; this will be
prohibited. (Brigham Young, JD 17:156)
Temporal Wealth
The
earth and the kingdoms thereof will be given unto the Saints of the Most High
God. Will they be rich then? Do you not think they will possess the gold mines
and treasures of the earth? Yes. (Brigham Young, JD 10:332)
Protection
Now I
want to give you these few words--the kingdom of God will protect every person,
every sect and all people upon the face of the whole earth, in their legal
rights. I shall not tell you the names of the members of this kingdom, neither
shall I read to you [213] its constitution, but the constitution was given by
revelation. The day will come when it will be organized in strength and power.
Now, as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints, we work our way along
the best we can. Can you understand this? (Brigham Young, JD 17:157)
Joseph
commenced the organization of a Council for the purpose of taking into
consideration the necessary steps to obtain redress for the wrongs which had
been inflicted upon us by our persecutors and also the best manner to settle
our people in some distant and unoccupied territory; where we could enjoy our
civil and religious rights, without being subject to consistent oppression and
mobocracy, under the protection of our own laws, subject to the Constitution.
(Brigham Young, Mill. Star 26:328)
Righteousness
The
kingdom of God is a righteous kingdom, all its laws are righteous, its
government is a righteous government, and the king who governs and controls it
does so upon righteous and eternal principles, and we must act upon the same
principles of righteousness. Who cannot see that if a man seeks first the
kingdom of heaven and its righteousness, that he will become righteous and
hence he will be blessed. (Wilford Woodruff, Discourses of Wilford Woodruff, p. 173)
Correct Principles
The
Almighty has established this kingdom with order and laws and every thing
pertaining thereto, that we might understand his will and operate in his
kingdom, that we might be taught of God and understand correct principles, that
when the nations shall be convulsed, we may stand forth as saviours, and do
that which will be best calculated to produce the well-being of the human
family and finally redeem a ruined world, not only in a religious but in a
political point of view. (John Taylor, JD 9:342)
[214]
Freedom from Bondage
In any
government or kingdom the citizens are subject to various kinds of bondage,
some more easily detected than others. A corrupt government will bring its
people into slavery, while a righteous one helps free its citizens from
bondage. Note the different kinds of bondage that we are under:
1.Physical
(slavery, kidnapping, addiction)
2.Economic
(servitude to banking structure and national debts; excessive taxation)
3.Political
(dictatorships; unrighteous dominion of an elect group; legal power structure)
4.Ideological
(control by the media; conspirators, capitalists, criminals and propaganda)
5.Spiritual
(apostate churches; ignorance of the truth; sin, disobedience and crime)
With
the establishment of the Kingdom of God, all these evils will be eliminated.
That alone will be like heaven itself.
So when
will these conditions and benefits be realized? When will the Saints be able to
enjoy such peace and safety? According to Micah, when Babylon has fallen, a
beacon of light and hope will break forth from the mountains. It will be the
Kingdom of God!
And
many nations shall come, and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the
Lord, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways,
and we will walk in his paths: for the law shall go forth of Zion, and the word
of the Lord from Jerusalem. And he shall judge among many people, and rebuke
strong nations afar off; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and
their spears into pruning hooks: nation shall not lift up a sword against
nation, neither shall they learn war any more. (Micah 4:1-3)
[215]
Both ancient and modern prophets have prophesied of the marvelous effects, both
physical and spiritual, that the Kingdom of God will have on the earth.
Government, people, the land and all things will be transformed for the better
to exemplify the power and organization and blessings from God. Buildings and
temples will reflect the Spirit of God, tremendous knowledge will be
available--as the following vision of Patriarch Charles D. Evans describes:
Among
the many banners, I saw one inscribed thus: "The government based on the
Constitution now and forever!" On another there was: "Liberty of
Conscience!" And there were several others, both religious and political.
The
light of the Gospel, which had but dimly shone because of abominations, now
burst forth with a lustre that filled the earth. Cities appeared in every
direction, one of which was in the center of the continent.
It was
an embodiment of architectural science after the pattern of eternal perfection.
Its towers glittered with a radiance emanating from the sparkling of emeralds,
rubies, diamonds, and other precious stones set in a canopy of gold, and so elaborately
and skillfully arranged as to shed forth a brilliancy which dazzled and
enchanted the eye. It excited admiration and developed a taste for the
beautiful beyond anything man had ever conceived.
Fountains
of crystal water shot upwards through transparent jets, which, in the brilliant
sunshine, formed ten thousand rainbow tints at once, so delightful to the eye.
Gardens, the perfection of whose arrangement confound all our present attempts
at such genius, were bedecked with flowers to develop and refine the taste and
strengthen man's love for these--nature's choicest endowments.
Schools
and universities were erected to which all had access. In the latter, Urims
were placed for the study of the past, present, and future, and for obtaining a
knowledge of heavenly bodies and of the construction of worlds and universes.
The inherent [216] properties of matter, its arrangements, laws, and mutual
relation, were revealed and taught and made plain as the primer lesson of a
child.
The
conflicting theories of geologists regarding the foundation and age of the
earth, were settled forever. All learning was based on eternal certainty.
Angels brought forth the treasures of knowledge which had lain in the midst of
the dumb and distant past hidden from the world.
The
appliances for making learning easy surpass all conjecture. Chemistry was
rendered extremely simple by the power which Urim conferred on man of looking
into the very elements themselves. A stone furnished no more obstruction to
human vision than the air itself. Not only were the elements and all their
changes and transformations plainly understood, but the construction, operation
and laws of spirit elements were also rendered equally plain as those which
govern the coarser elements. (Vision of Charles D. Evans, originally published
in the Contributor, vol. 15; quoted in Visions
of the Latter Days, Pioneer Press, pp. 62-63)
In
reality, we are not waiting on the Lord for these things to happen; He is
waiting for us. Daniel Wells said, "So fast as He can get a people who
will be able to bear the kingdom off, He will roll it onward." (JD 7:293)
How can we as Latter-day Saints bear off the Kingdom if we think it is in
heaven, or it is just a burning in our bosom, or it is the LDS Church? It is
similar to an army going into battle with an incorrect map!
For
centuries, Christians have prayed to God "thy Kingdom come;" but when
it came, they didn't recognize it. It is obvious they don't know what they are
praying for, so they couldn't recognize it when they saw it. Jesus predicted it
would be that way in a parable. A certain king was preparing for a marriage and
sent his servants out to make the announcement, but some "made light of
it, and went their [217] ways," while others took the servants and "entreated
them spitefully, and slew them." The king then "destroyed those
murderers and burned up their city." So then his "servants went out
into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad
and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests." (See Matt. 22:4-10.)
Babylon
is a huge world-wide monster that must be destroyed before God's Kingdom can
exist in all its power. The devil must be chained, and the evils of his kingdom
eliminated. It will be a time of great rejoicing. This Millennial Kingdom will
last a thousand years. Increasing knowledge, powers and blessings will be
enjoyed by the people during that time. The telestial order of the earth today
will change to a terrestrial order. Then after that thousand years, the earth
will become the celestial kingdom of God.
[218] Chapter 19
THE KINGDOM OF
HEAVEN
Wherefore,
may the kingdom of God go forth, that the kingdom of heaven may come, that
thou, O God, mayest be glorified in heaven so on earth, that thine enemies may
be subdued; for thine is the honor, power and glory, forever and ever. Amen. (D
& C 65:6)
The
Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of Heaven are often used synonymously without
much distinction between them. They do have many similarities, i.e., the ruling
power, government organization, and purpose. The main distinction is locality.
The Kingdom of Heaven is God's kingdom in the heavens, while the Kingdom of God
can be either in heaven or on the earth.
The
Kingdom of Heaven is interwoven so closely with the earth that there is a great
connection between them. The Lord's prayer states, "Thy Kingdom come. Thy
will be done in earth, as it is in heaven." (Matt. 6:10) When we do the
will of God, then we will experience a little of the spirit of the Kingdom of
Heaven here on earth.
Many
people have seen short glimpses of paradise or the spirit world, but rarely has
anyone actually seen the Kingdom of Heaven. On one occasion the Prophet Joseph
and Sidney Rigdon were able to see and record the final destiny of mankind in
the three major divisions of heaven:
[219]
And
thus we saw, in the heavenly vision, the glory of the telestial, which
surpasses all understanding; and no man knows it except him to whom God has
revealed it. And thus we saw the glory of the terrestrial which excels in all
things the glory of the telestial, even in glory, and in power, and in might,
and in dominion. And thus we saw the glory of the celestial, which excels in
all things--where God, even the Father, reigns upon his throne forever and
ever; . . . (D & C 76:89-92)
Many of
those who have witnessed a short view of the spirit world (near-death
experience), think it is heaven because it is so beautiful. Yet even the
telestial degree of heaven far surpasses mortal earth or paradise.
Everyone
will be exceedingly happy in the glory he or she receives. These three kingdoms
of glory will be the final "resting place" for people of all nations.
Because of the glorious conditions there, no one will want, nor be required, to
be reincarnated back to this wicked world. Paul said:
There
are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial; but the glory of the
celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another. There is one
glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the
stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory. So also is the
resurrection of the dead. (I Cor. 15:40-42)
As all
stars have a different brightness, so also are the variations of man's glory in
the resurrection. The earth itself has passed through stages and will
eventually be resurrected in glory as a heaven. Orson Pratt explained:
When
the Lord brings up the children of Israel out of their graves, he will do it
just as Ezekiel saw it in vision. The materials that form the bones will come
together; first, the anatomy or framework, the most [220] part of the system;
then the flesh, afterwards the skin, and then the Spirit of the living God will
enter into them, and they will live as immortal beings, no more to be subject
to death. And when they leave, instead of going away off to a heaven
inconceivable, such as we find in the articles and creeds of men--a
"heaven beyond the bounds of time and space"--a place supposed to be
beyond infinity, they will actually come here and be brought to the land of
Israel, as immortal beings, male and female. They will have kings and priests
among them, and they will reign on the earth. And if you want to know how long,
you can learn it from the revelation which John had. He says, "a thousand
years." But that "the rest of the dead lived not again until the
thousand years were finished." After the thousand years here referred to,
this earth will die; it will pass through a change similar to that of our
bodies; it will pass away, as an organized world, but not a particle, however,
will be destroyed or annihilated; it will all exist, and when it is resurrected
again, it will be a new earth. Then those immortal beings who come up out of
their graves, at the beginning of the thousand years, will again descend from
heaven upon the new earth; and the earth will be eternal; and the beings that
inhabit it will be eternal. (Masterful
Discourses of Orson Pratt, Lundwall, pp. 286-287)
Orson's
brother, Parley, also was familiar with the future of mankind and earth:
Every
person knows, by reflection, that intelligence may be imparted without
diminishing the store possessed by the giver. Therefore it follows, that
millions of individual beings may each receive all the attributes of eternal
life, and light, and power.
Again
it follows that in the use of this power, by consent and authority of the Head,
any one of these Gods may create, organize, people, govern, control, exalt,
glorify, and enjoy worlds on worlds, and the inhabitants thereof; or, in other
words, each of them can find room in the infinitude of space, and unoccupied
[221] chaotic elements in the boundless storehouse of eternal riches, with
which to erect for himself thrones, principalities and powers, over which to
reign in still increasing might, majesty and dominion, for ever and ever. (Key to the Science of Theology, 5th
ed., Pratt, pp. 35-36)
The modern ministers of Christianity preach
about heaven, but they have never seen it. They talk and write about an
eternity of "playing a harp" or "staring at Jesus." It is a
blessing for us to have the revealed word of the Lord through prophets to
provide us with something more significant and important than these phony
theories. The Prophet Joseph Smith gave some very important information
regarding man's progress and destiny when he said:
When
you climb up a ladder, you must begin at the bottom, and ascend step by step,
until you arrive at the top; and so it is with the principles of the
Gospel--you must begin with the first, and go on until you learn all the principles
of exaltation. But it will be a great while after you have passed through the
veil before you will have learned them. It is not all to be comprehended in
this world; it will be a great work to learn our salvation and exaltation even
beyond the grave. (TPJS, pp. 347-348)
On the
pioneer trek from Nauvoo, Brigham Young explained how this eternal increase can
be accomplished:
For
your satisfaction I will show you a rule by which you may comprehend the
exaltation of the faithful. I will use myself as a figure, and say that I am
ruling over 10 sons or subjects and soon each one of them would have 10 men
sealed to them and they would be ruler over them and that would make me ruler
over 10 Presidents or Kings whereas I was ruler over 10 subjects only, or in other
words I ruled over one Kingdom but now I rule over 10. Then let each one get 10
more. Then I would be ruler over 100 Kingdoms [222] and so on, continued to all
eternity, and the more honor and glory that I could bestow upon my sons, the
more it would add to my exaltations. (Wilford
Woodruff Jrnl., Feb. 16, 1847)
Merely
belonging to the Church of Jesus Christ will not save a man in God's Kingdom.
Neither will holding the Priesthood or holding a high office in the Church.
Preparation for the Kingdom begins in the heart and mind, as Orson Whitney
explained:
Ah,
reader, the redemption of Zion is more than the purchase or recovery of lands,
the building of cities, or even the founding of nations. It is the conquest of
the heart, the subjugation of the soul, the sanctifying of the flesh, the
purifying and ennobling of the passions. Greater is he who subdues himself, who
captures and maintains the citadel of his own soul, than he who, misnamed
conqueror, fills the world with the roar of drums, the thunder of cannon, the
lightning of swords and bayonets, overturns and set up kingdoms, lives and
reigns a king. . . ." (Life of
Heber C. Kimball, Whitney, p. 65)
In the
resurrection, every loss, sacrifice and pain for the Gospel's sake will be
rewarded. This world provides continual opportunities to gain rewards. We will
be proud of every offering we have made and every difficulty we have endured.
As Daniel H. Wells described:
How
often have I witnessed the pride and joy the brethren have felt in relation to
this in their reunions at the parties of the "Mormon Battalion," the
"Pioneers" and "Zion's Camp" and other associations. How
many have said to me, "I was with you at such a place, and such a place;
and I was with the Saints in their troubles in Illinois and Missouri." And
they speak of it as though they were proud to have been there. And even in the
times of trouble we had in our early settlement here, when clothing and
provisions were [223] scarce, the same feeling is manifested. "I was
here," says one, "and I," says another, and they feel glad that
they were counted worthy to endure these trials and stand firm. It is a matter
of satisfaction to every one who has proven himself worthy thus far; and when
we shall have passed a little further along, and have got through this state of
mortal existence, will we not, in that great reunion beyond the grave, feel
still more to congratulate ourselves and each other that we have passed safely
through, and that we have had virtue, strength and integrity sufficient for our
day? And we shall be glad and rejoice that the difficulties we encountered were
thrown in our way, and that we had the opportunity of proving ourselves before
the Heavens. (JD 12:234-235)
When we
arrive in heaven, this world will become just a memory, but we will be glad and
honored that we passed through it and experienced its challenges.
"This
people have I formed for myself; they shall shew forth my praise." (Isa.
43:21) It is a great joy to God to create His spiritual children, just as it is
for a father to have a beautiful family of mortal children. As a child obeys
and honors his father, both receive satisfaction and joy. So it is with our
Father in Heaven and us mortals. It is a joy to the Saints to serve their King,
and in turn for the King to shower His choicest blessings upon them. One
compliments the other; each labors to the benefit and joy of the other in the
Kingdom. Love and devotion grow and spread throughout the Kingdom like the
warmth of the morning sun, growing in brightness and glory.
When most
mortals receive this final reward, they will then know how merciful, kind and
loving God really is. No one will ask for more, for happiness will then be
known and shared by all in the Kingdom of God.
[224] Chapter 20
CONCLUSION:
Where Is the Kingdom
Now?
The
building up of Zion is a cause that has interested the people of God in every
age; it is a theme upon which prophets, priests and kings have dwelt with
peculiar delight; they have looked forward with joyful anticipation to the day
in which we live; and fired with heavenly and joyful anticipations they have
sung and written and prophesied of this our day; but they died without the
sight; we are the favored people that God has made choice of to bring about the
Latter-day glory. (Joseph Smith, TPJS, p. 231)
The final clash between the two great kingdoms
is imminent. At present, however, they are very unequal in power. The great
powers displayed by contemporary Babylon are fulfilling the desires of every
conqueror and tyrant. The kingdoms of the world possess all the economic,
military, and legal powers they desire. Combined together there is very little
that stands in the way of this "super-power" and its "super-government."
By
contrast, the Kingdom of God has become less and less powerful. It has been
mis-identified and disorganized. It has no wealth, no identity and no organized
body. The very people who were given the Kingdom of God over 150 years ago now
willingly participate in and work for the kingdoms of the world.
[225]
The sample prayer that Christ gave us to pattern ours after includes these two
important phrases: "Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is
in heaven;" and "For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the
glory forever." (Matt. 6:10, 13)
When
these words are repeated by Christians of all denominations, it is doubtful
that they know what they are praying for or they wouldn't have rejected it when
it was restored. The Prophet Joseph Smith received a revelation in 1831 which
he identified as a prayer. It could be considered as additional material for
the Lord's prayer and should be heeded just as diligently:
The
keys of the kingdom of God are committed unto man on the earth, and from thence
shall the gospel roll forth unto the ends of the earth, as the stone which is
cut out of the mountain without hands shall roll forth, until it has filled the
whole earth.
Yea, a
voice crying--Prepare ye the way of the Lord, prepare ye the supper of the Lamb,
make ready for the Bridegroom. Pray unto the Lord, call upon his holy name,
make known his wonderful works among the people. Call upon the Lord, that his kingdom may go forth upon the earth,
that the inhabitants thereof may receive it, and be prepared for the days
to come, in the which the Son of Man shall come down in heaven, clothed in the
brightness of his glory, to meet the
kingdom of God which is set up on the earth.
Wherefore,
may the kingdom of God go forth, that
the kingdom of heaven may come, that thou, O God, mayest be glorified in
heaven so on earth, that thine enemies may be subdued; for thine is the honor,
power and glory, forever and ever. Amen. (D & C 65:1-6)
Will
the great body of Mormons be qualified to go back to Missouri to redeem Zion
and establish the Kingdom of God over the world? Not by any means. According to
prophecy, [226] there will be only a few called and chosen to do that work, as
the following prophecies explain.
Joseph Smith:
. . .
the Lord will have a place whence His word will go forth, in these last days,
in purity; for if Zion will not purify herself, so as to be approved of in all
things, in His sight, He will seek another
people; for His work will go on until Israel is gathered, and they who will
not hear His voice, must expect to feel His wrath. (TPJS, p. 18)
Brigham Young:
God
will preserve a portion of this people,
of the meek and the humble, to bear off the kingdom to the inhabitants of the
earth, and will defend His Priesthood; for it is the last time, the last gathering
time. (Contributor 20:362)
We are
gathering a few that will be faithful
in the midst of this people, and prepare themselves to be crowned kings and
priests unto God. (JD 9:138)
Heber C. Kimball:
But the
day will come when the Lord will choose a
people out of this people, upon whom he will bestow his choicest blessings.
(Des. News, Nov. 9, 1865; see also
JD 11:145)
John Taylor:
What
would be necessary to bring about the results nearest the hearts of the
opponents of Mormonism? Simply to renounce, abrogate, or apostatize from the
New and Everlasting Covenant of Marriage in its fulness. Were the Church to do
that as an entirety, God would reject the Saints as a body. the authority of
the Priesthood would be withdrawn with its gifts and powers and there would be
no more heavenly recognition of the administrations. The heavens would
permanently withdraw themselves, and the
Lord would raise up another people of greater valor and stability, for his
work must, according to his [227] unalterable decrees, go forward; for the time
of the second coming of the Savior is near, even at the doors. (Des. News, April 23, 1885)
Daniel H. Wells:
Many
will doubtless make shipwreck of their faith, and will be led away by the
allurements of sin into by and forbidden paths; yet the kingdom will not be
taken from this people and given to another, but a people will come forth from among us, who will be zealous of good
works, . . . (JD 18:96)
And if
we as a people do not hold ourselves on the altar ready to be used with our
means and all that God has bestowed upon us, according to the Master's bidding,
for the upbuilding of His kingdom upon the earth, He will pass on and get
somebody else; because He will get a people that will do it. I do not mean to
say that He will pass on and leave this people; no, there will come up from the midst of this people that
people that has been talked so much about. (Des. News, Dec. 9, 1882)
Orson F. Whitney:
Many of
this people are perhaps preparing themselves, by following after the world in
its mad race for wealth and pleasure, to go down with Babylon when she crumbles
and falls; but I know there is a people, in
the heart's core of this people, that will arise in their majesty in a day
that is near at hand, and push spiritual things to the front; . . . (Des. News, Aug. 11, 1889)
Orson Pratt:
I do
not know but that it would be an utter impossibility to commence and carry out
some principles pertaining to Zion right in the midst of this people. They have
strayed so far that to get a people who would confirm to heavenly laws, it may
be needful to lead some from the midst
of this people and commence anew somewhere in the regions round about in
these mountains. (JD 15:361)
[228]
Even the scriptures themselves testify to this idea:
Behold,
there are many called, but few are
chosen. And why are they not chosen? Because their hearts are set so much
upon the things of this world, and aspire to the honors of men. . . . (D &
C 121:34-35)
Let's
recap, then, the major points from these references:
1.Most
Mormons will fail to participate in that great work because they seek wealth
and the pleasures of the world.
2.The
Kingdom will not be taken away from this people.
3.Another
people will come out of the midst of the Mormon people to establish the Kingdom
of God.
4.Many
Mormons will go down with Babylon.
5.A few
select people will push spiritual things, rather than temporal, to the front.
6.It is
impossible to prepare this entire people for the Kingdom, because they have
strayed so far from heavenly laws.
7.This
will be a very important event that people have talked about for a long time.
8.The
Mormons would eventually give up celestial (plural) marriage.
9.They
aspire to the honors of men.
Even in
the days of Brigham Young, he saw the failure of the Elders to accomplish their
responsibilities:
There
are thousands of our Elders who ought now to be teachers, and to know enough to
commence the kingdom of God on the earth, and establish it, and continue to
lead, guide, and direct it, leading the people directly through the gate into
the celestial kingdom of our Father and God, and yet they need to be taught
like children. (JD 9:279)
[229]
When we look at the political and moral trash in our government and nation, we
wonder what is left that has any worth.
The
time could be approaching when the question will be not whether America can be
saved, but whether America is worth saving. Sodom and Gomorrah were not. Only
the moral deserve to be free. (Tom Anderson, Utah Independent, Sept. 9, 1970)
The Jewish nation rejected the Kingdom of God
and was responsible for the crucifixion Christ. So the Lord took away their
Priesthood, caused them to be killed by their enemies, burned their temple,
destroyed their city and made an end of their nation. Then he scattered the
remnant throughout the world.
History
seems to be repeating itself. In the latter days, enemies have tried to destroy
the restored Kingdom of God. They formed mobs to burn the homes and crops of
the Mormons. They persecuted them, driving them from state to state and killing
hundreds of them. They murdered their Prophet in an attempt to break up their
religion and scatter the believers. Then they demanded them to fight a war with
Mexico, while about ten years later they turned around and sent an army out to
destroy the Mormons. Their final and perhaps most effective evil deed, was to
appoint federal lawyers, judges and constables who would try to force the
Mormons to confirm to these unconstitutional laws of Babylon. This final
outrageous act of wickedness caused the Saints to compromise and give up
spiritual laws, their economic order and the political Kingdom of God.
Compromise
became a comfortable solution, and the Mormons soon mastered its techniques.
Within a century they became the most prominent supporters of the laws of the
land. [230] But by that time the laws of the land had become the laws of the
great beast which Daniel saw and part of the secret combination that Moroni
saw.
What
will be the result? Isaiah predicted: "Thy men shall fall by the sword,
and thy mighty in the war." (Isa 3:25) Six out of every seven men will be
killed. But who shall escape? Isaiah continued:
Behold,
the day of the Lord cometh, cruel both with wrath and fierce anger, to lay the
land desolate: and he shall destroy the sinners thereof out of it. * * *
And I
will punish the world for their evil, and the wicked for their iniquity; and I
will cause the arrogancy of the proud to cease, and will lay low the
haughtiness of the terrible.
I will
make a man more precious than fine gold; even a man than the golden wedge of
Ophir. (Isa 13:9, 11, 12)
Such
men are few because they are expected to devote their all to the building of
God's Kingdom. According to Brigham Young:
If you
give anything for the building up of the Kingdom of God, give the best you
have. What is the best thing you have to devote to the Kingdom of God? It is
the talents God has given you. How many?
Every one of them. (JD 8:346)
When a
person loves God with all his might, mind and strength, he will freely devote
all to the building up of His Kingdom. Remember, we are told to seek first the
Kingdom of God and all else will be added.
Who are
these men more precious than fine gold? How will they be identified? According
to prophecy, they will be the elect who will establish the Kingdom of God over
the earth.
[231]
It is not the great, the wealthy, the learned or the powerful that will come
forth with the Kingdom of God. Nor will the mass of Mormons accomplish it. John
Young said:
I heard
brother Brigham say that, if there are not more than fifty that keep the faith
and are united, the kingdom will be sure to stand. (JD 5:370)
And
Joseph Smith narrowed it down even more:
. . . I
say, in the name of the Lord, that the Kingdom of God was set up on the earth
from the days of Adam to the present time. Whenever there has been a righteous
man on earth unto whom God revealed His word and gave power and authority to
administer in His name, and where there is a priest of God--a minister who has
power and authority from God to administer in the ordinances of the gospel and
officiate in the priesthood of God, there is the kingdom of God;... (TPJS, p.
271)
According
to Brigham Young, the day will come when the enemies of the Kingdom will
attempt to exterminate some of the defenders of the Kingdom here in Utah:
Thurs.,
3rd, 1895: Went to fast meeting. . . . Pres. D. D. MacArthur spoke of a
prophecy uttered by Brigham Young in the year 1857, that the time would come
when in S.L. City an armed force would persecute and slay those of the Saints
who would not renounce their allegiance to the Kingdom of God and come over on
their side. I referred to a prophecy of Brigham on the 24th of July 1857, up
Big Cottonwood Canyon when some of the brethren brought word that the U.S. Army
were then on the plains marching for Utah to wipe out the Saints. He said,
"The time would come when the whole world would be arrayed against this
people just as much as the United States are at this time." (Charles Walker Jrnl., p. 46)
[232]
We can learn a great deal from the story of King Arthur who built the
beautiful, peaceful kingdom of Camelot. But because of human weaknesses and
frailties, the kingdom was divided and destroyed. The king watched his kingdom
being gradually dissolved by the very people who had been commissioned to build
it. What extreme sorrow he felt as he saw his subjects, his friends, his family
and his noble knights clashing in conflict over the kingdom of Camelot. Soon
there was little or nothing of the kingdom left. But then he saw a young lad
who knew about the legend and glory of Camelot, and King Arthur realized his
hopes for the kingdom were not entirely lost. Within the heart and mind of that
child, he had planted the seeds of a future kingdom.
So also
the Kingdom of God has suffered from war, conflict, and deceit. Its enemies
came from both within and without--until little of the Kingdom is left. But the
Lord left us a glimmer of hope. When all seems lost and the Kingdom has
crumbled, the "weak things of the world," like a burning ember, would
rise up and ignite the flames of liberty and "shall come forth and break
down the mighty and strong ones." (D & C 1:19) A few weak and humble
Saints shall roll forth like a tiny stone to fill the world with the Kingdom of
our God.
* * * * *
* * *
*
[234] DIAGRAM OF THE
KINGDOM OF GOD
(Taken from the Millennial Star,
Vol. 9, pp. 23-24)
(diagram of the Kingdom of God)
The
above diagram shows the order and unity of the kingdom of God. The eternal
Father sits at the bead, crowned King of kings and Lord of lords. Whereever the
other lines meet, there sits a king and a priest unto God, bearing rule,
authority, and dominion under the Father. He is one with the Father, because
his kingdom is joined to his Father's and becomes part of it.
[235]
The most eminent and distinguished prophets who have laid down their lives for
their testimony (Jesus among the rest), will be crowned at the head of the
largest kingdoms under the Father, and will he one with Christ as Christ is one
with his Father; for their kingdoms are all joined together, and such as do the
will of the Father, the same are his mothers, sisters, and brothers. He that
has been faithful over a few things, will be made ruler over many things; he
that has been faithful over ten talents, shall have dominion over ten cities,
and he that has been faithful over five talents, shall have dominion over five
cities, and to every man will be given a kingdom and a dominion, according to
his merit, powers, and abilities to govern and control. It will be seen by the
above diagram that there are kingdoms of all sizes, an infinite variety to suit
all grades of merit and ability. The chosen vessels unto God are the kings and
priests that are placed at the head of these kingdoms. These have received
their washings and anointings in the temple of God on this earth; they have
been chosen, ordained, and anointed kings and priests, to reign as such in the
resurrection of the just. Such as have not received the fulness of the
priesthood, (for the fulness of the priesthood includes the authority of both
king and priest) and have not been anointed and ordained in the temple of the
Most High, may obtain salvation in the celestial kingdom, but not a celestial
crown. Many are called to enjoy a celestial glory, yet few are chosen to wear a
celestial crown, or rather, to be rulers in the celestial kingdom.
While
this portion of eternity that we now live in, called time, continues, and while
the other portions of eternity that we may hereafter dwell in, continue, those
lines in the foregoing diagram, representing kingdoms, will continue to extend
and be lengthened out; and thus, the increase of our kingdoms will increase the
kingdom of our God, even as Daniel hath said: "Of the increase of his
kingdom and government there shall be no end." All these kingdoms are one
kingdom, and there is a King over kings, and a Lord over lords. There are Lords
many, and Gods many, for they are called Gods to whom the word of God comes,
and the word of God comes to all these kings and priests. But to our branch of
the kingdom there is but one God, to whom we all owe the most perfect
submission and loyalty; yet our God is just as subject to still higher
intelligences, as we should be to him.
The
great fault of all nations has been that they would worship more Gods than one.
They well knew that there was more than one God, and vainly sought to worship
all they imagined. We well know that there are more sovereigns than one over
the kingdoms of this world, but would it not be folly in the extreme for an
Englishman to attempt to serve other kings and rulers, while a subject of her
Majesty, and living within her dominions? Most certainly it would: his Queen
would be jealous of him, but if there was no other power to serve, she never
would be jealous; there would be no room for fear or suspicion. If there was
only one man on earth, that one man would never be jealous of his wife. Our God
says that he is a jealous God; but how could he be jealous if he were the Only
God? These kingdoms, which are one kingdom, are designed to extend till they
not only embrace this world, but every other planet that rolls in the blue
vault of heaven. Thus will all things be gathered in one during the
dispensation of the fulness of times, and the Saints will not only possess the
earth, but all things else, for, says Paul, "All things are yours, whether
Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things
present, or things to come; all are yours, and ye are Christ's, and Christ is
God's."