Hold to the Rod - Real Deception in Our Day!

This is probably the most important video message I have ever made, which is why I received more interference from the Adversary than any other video I have ever made. I experienced so many tech problems, that I almost wasn't able to publish it. It took 2 weeks! I'll save that story for another video.

Please watch these videos in order, and I recommend watching them at regular speed. ❤️

 

The Gift of Tongues - A Look Back on Latter-day Saint History!

A couple of years ago, I wrote this article on my blog https://allstandtall.blogspot.com/2017/09/the-gift-of-speaking-in-heavenly.html all about the gift of tongues in the history of the Church. 

Last week, a fellow Latter-day Saint friend of mine who lives in Missouri, sent me this email. In his words: 

"The Lord gave me the chance to teach Gospel Doctrine yesterday on Acts 1-5. He has such a sense of humor! :) Anyway, I didn't dig into tongues too much - the Lord didn't lead me there. But I gave enough information to whet their appetites. I had 7 printed handouts that were snatched up immediately afterward and an additional 10-12 people requested I send the handout via email. It was a blessing to see that the saints were hungry for more knowledge on tongues. I've attached the handout. Please forgive the poor formatting, attributions and citations, etc. I didn't have time to do it right. Eventually I want to write a comprehensive book or article about tongues in an LDS context. Thank you for all of your research. You'll notice that I cited your blog post and used quite a few of the quotations you found. Just thought I'd share. The Lord is moving in this area and I'm very excited to be part of it. God bless you, Lindsey!"

Here is his handout. Enjoy! 

Tongues 

This handout is intended to spark your own study of the gift of tongues and other spiritual gifts. There is still much more research that could be included, but this is a bit of a start. Enjoy!
Summary:

1) There are different types of tongues mentioned in the scriptures and in Church history.
- Tongues of dialects (i.e. missionary tongues) – Acts 2
- Tongues of praise (i.e. tongues of comfort, personal prayer language, etc.) – Acts 10:46; 2   
   Nephi 31:13
- Tongues of prophecy – 1 Corinthians 12
- Tongues of angels – 1 Corinthians 13, 2 Nephi 31
- Adam’s tongue
- Tongues of “other lips” – 1 Corinthians 14:21
- Tongues of men – 1 Corinthians 13
- Cloven tongues of fire – Acts 2
- Two important theological definitions:

• Glossolalia = the speaking of heavenly tongues
• Xenoglossolalia = the ability to speak a foreign language previously unknown to the 
       speaker

2) There are a multitude of spiritual gifts we have the ability to access. There are greater and 
greater degrees of the Holy Ghost we have the potential to receive.“The gift of the Holy Ghost truly is one of the greatest blessings available to members of the Church. 

Actually, many gifts can come from the Holy Ghost. These are needed in every age and dispensation but certainly no less in the commotion-filled last days of the last dispensation. They are likewise needed at every stage and in every situation of life. ... Yet, for different reasons, many of us live far below, or are unaware of, our privileges! [The Promise of Discipleship, pp. 92-93]” —Neal A. Maxwell

"I fear that some members of the Lord's Church live far beneath our privileges with regard to the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Some are distracted by things of the world that block out the influence of the Holy Ghost, preventing them from recognizing spiritual promptings. . . . Some are spiritually deadened and past feeling because of their choices to commit sin. Others simply hover in spiritual complacency with no desire to rise above themselves and commune with the Infinite. If they would open their hearts to the refining influence of this unspeakable gift of the Holy Ghost, a glorious new spiritual dimension would come to light. Their eyes would gaze upon a vista scarcely imaginable." —Joseph B. Wirthlin

“We may be perfected by repeatedly...exercising faith in [Christ], repenting, partaking of the sacrament to renew covenants and blessings of baptism, and receiving the Holy Ghost as a constant companion to a greater degree. As we do so, we become more like Christ and are able to endure to the end, with all that that entails.”—Dale G. Renlund

“And that they may grow up in thee, and receive a fulness of the Holy Ghost, and be organized according to thy laws, and be prepared to obtain every needful thing;” —Joseph Smith (D&C 109:15) 

“Because of Christ’s Atonement, we are eligible to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost and its 
accompanying spiritual gifts. These gifts are attributes of godliness; therefore, each time we acquire a gift of the Spirit, we become more like God. No doubt that is why the scriptures enjoin us on multiple occasions to seek these gifts. “President George Q. Cannon taught: ‘No man ought to say, ‘Oh, I cannot help this; it is my nature.’ He is not justified in it, for the reason that God has promised to ... give gifts that will eradicate [our weaknesses]. ... If any of us are imperfect, it is our duty to pray for the gift that will make us perfect. ’” —Tad R. Callister

“These four words — 'Receive the Holy Ghost’— are not a passive pronouncement; rather, they constitute a priesthood injunction — an authoritative admonition to act and not simply to be acted upon (see 2 Nephi 2:26).  

The Holy Ghost does not become operative in our lives merely because hands are placed 
upon our heads and those four important words are spoken.As we receive this ordinance, each of us accepts a sacred and ongoing responsibility to desire, to seek, to work, and to so live that we indeed ‘receive the Holy Ghost’ and its attendant spiritual gifts.

‘For what doth it profit a man if a gift is bestowed upon him, and he receive not the gift? Behold, he rejoices not in that which is given unto him, neither rejoices in him who is the giver of the gift’ (D&C 88:33).” —David A. Bednar

3) As with all spiritual gifts, tongues must be used correctly or as Paul said, “...decently and in 
order” (1 Corinthians 14:40). “The answer to misuse is not disuse, but proper use.” —Lynn Ridenhour

Quotations on Tongues from Church History:

“In September 1832, brother Heber C. Kimball took his horse and wagon, brother Joseph Young and myself accompanying him and started for Kirtland to see the Prophet Joseph. We visited many friends on the way, and some Branches of the Church. We exhorted them and prayed with them, and I spoke in tongues. “We proceeded to Kirtland...to see the Prophet. We went to his father's house and learned that he was in the woods, chopping. We immediately repaired to the woods, where we found the Prophet...We soon returned to his house, he accompanying us. 
“In the evening a few of the brethren came in, and we conversed together upon the things of the 
kingdom. He called upon me to pray; in my prayer I spoke in tongues. As soon as we arose from our knees the brethren flocked around him, and asked his opinion concerning the gift of tongues that was upon me. He told them it was the pure Adamic language. Some said to him they expected he would condemn the gift brother Brigham had, but he said, ‘No, it is of God.’ 


“Two months later, Joseph writes, describing an evening: ‘At one of our interviews, Brother Brigham Young and John P. Greene spoke in tongues, which was the first time I [Joseph Smith] had heard this gift among the brethren; others also spoke, and I received the gift myself.’” —Joseph Smith

“[I] came to Kirtland to Brother Joseph Smith and heard him speak with tongues and sing in tongues also.”—Zebedee Coltrin

“At Kirtland, we were called to the School of the Prophets. At one time Joseph was in the translation room, and myself and others were talking about the gift of tongues, when the gift of tongues fell upon me and I spoke under its influence. Joseph came into the room and said, ‘God bless you, Brother Coltrin, that is the Spirit of God.’ He told me to continue, and the gift of tongues and of prophesying rested on the greater part of the brethren and we continued in tongues and prophesying through that day and the greater part of the night.”—Zebedee Coltrin

“...prior to Young introducing Joseph to the gift of tongues in September 1832, the prophet had a revelation back in March, the previous year, of the benefits of speaking in tongues. Historians believe the saints in Kirtland were already practicing the gift of tongues for at least two years before Brigham arrived.” —Lynn Ridenhour

“The members of the church were confirmed and strengthened in their faith by the enjoyment of this gift...They would have had reason to doubt whether they were true believers; but when they received tongues, together with all other promised blessings, they were no longer in doubt, but were assured, not only of the truth of the doctrine, but that they themselves were accepted of God.” —Orson Pratt

“The Church at Kirtland is sharing bountifully in the blessings of the Lord, and many have the gift of tongues and some the interpretation.” —Gideon Carter

“If a servant of God were under the necessity of acquiring in the ordinary way a knowledge of languages, a large portion of his time would be unprofitably occupied. While he was spending years to learn the language of a people sufficiently accurate to preach the glad tidings of salvation unto them, thousands would be perishing for the want of knowledge" —Orson Pratt

“There is an abundance of stories of missionaries supernaturally speaking foreign languages. Just one example: A sister identified only as a young girl working for Ann Howell Burt had an unusual experience with the gift of tongues in England. This girl had been brought up among the poorest of the poor and had never had an opportunity of learning much of anything, but she was gifted with wonderful musical ability. 

“About a week after her confirmation into the Church, she went to meeting and the gift of speaking in tongues was given to her in a most remarkable measure. When she arose to her feet, she began to sing almost beautiful song. The words and music were blended harmoniously, and although it was in an unknown tongue and no one present understood it, everyone was delighted, and the spirit that went with it was sweet and heavenly. The gift of interpretation was also given her, and she interpreted it herself in song. No one knew beforehand that the girl could sing; but afterwards she often delighted the people with her singing.

“One day a gentleman named John McMamout from India came to visit Ann's father. He was highly educated and spoke many different languages. Brother Howell invited the stranger to dine with them, that he might have an opportunity of explaining the gospel, which was his delight. The gentleman accepted the invitation, and an interesting gospel conversation ensued. Afterwards, as was the daily custom, Brother Howell rang a bell for the members of his household to assemble for devotion in a certain room which had been set apart for that purpose. After Brother Howell had prayed and said “amen,” the girl arose and spoke in a tongue unknown to all present except the stranger, who understood and interpreted.

“The girl spoke to him in several different languages, which he understood. And he marveled greatly.” —Lynn Ridenhour

“Joseph requested the congregation to speak their feelings freely and pray according to the spirit. The saints began to open their mouths; and they were filled with language unto edification: one a prayer, another an exhortation; some a doctrine and a psalm; others the gift of tongues; some the interpretation of tongues. Prophecy was also poured out upon us.

“The night was spent gloriously by the saints. Much of the gifts of the gospel rested upon us. One brother clothed with the gift of tongues laid his hands upon my head and prophesied great blessings upon me. Another brother possessing the interpretation of tongues uttered it unto me to my joy and consolation with the many blessings pronounced upon my head. Much prophecy was uttered upon the heads of many of the Saints in other languages and was interpreted which was glorious. This day and night were spent gloriously; and whose scenes will long be remembered.” —Wilford Woodruf

“...unceasing   praises   swelled   our   bosoms   for   the   space   of   half   an   hour...We   accordingly   closed   the service and returned home about two o’clock in the morning...
“Many of the others saw glorious visions; angels administered unto them as well as to myself...This all lasted until nearly 2:00 in the morning.

“The   brethren   continued   exhorting,   prophesying,   and   speaking   in   tongues   until   five   o’clock   in   themorning.” —Joseph Smith

“There were great manifestations of power, such as speaking in tongues, seeing visions, administration of angels. Many individuals bore testimony that they saw angels, and David Whitmer bore testimony that he saw three angels passing up the south aisle, and there came a shock on the house like the sound of a mighty rushing wind, and almost every man in the house arose, and hundreds of them were speaking in tongues, prophesying or declaring visions, almost with one voice.” —George A. Smith

“We believe in the gift of the Holy Ghost being enjoyed now, as much as it was in the Apostles' days; we believe that it [the gift of the Holy Ghost] is necessary to make and to organize the Priesthood, that no man can be called to fill any office in the ministry without it.

“We also believe in prophecy, in tongues, in visions, and in revelations, in gifts, and in healings, and that these things cannot be enjoyed without the gift of the Holy Ghost. We believe that the holy men of old spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost, and that holy men in these days speak by the same principle...We believe in it [this gift of the Holy Ghost] in all its fullness, and power, and greatness and glory.” —Joseph Smith

“We were visited by some ladies and gentlemen. One of the women came up and very candidly inquired of the troops which of the prisoners was the Lord whom the “Mormons’ worshiped. One of the guards pointed to me with a significant smile and said, “This is he.” The woman then turning to me inquired whether I professed to be the Lord and Savior. I replied that I professed to be nothing but a man and a minister of salvation, sent by Jesus Christ to preach the gospel. This answer so surprised the woman that she began to inquire into our doctrine, and I preached a discourse (sermon) both to her and her companions and to the wondering soldiers, who listened with almost breathless attention while I set forth the doctrine of faith in Jesus Christ, and repentance, and baptism for remission of sins, with the promise of the Holy Ghost, as recorded in the second chapter of the Acts of the Apostles.” —Joseph Smith

“During the harvest I introduced the gospel into Batavia village. I preached seven times in the 
courthouse to attentive audiences composed of many of the first men in the place and others from the country round about. This served to break down much of the prejudice through this country. Since then we have had access to many neighborhoods through this region, and many are believing in almost every direction, and the Lord works with us and confirms the work with signs following them that believe; for they speak with new tongues and interpret them, many sick are healed, and even the deaf are made to hear and the dumb to speak.” —Charles Thompson (History of the Church Vol 2)
“The baptism of water, without the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost attending it, is of no use; they are necessarily and inseparably connected.”—Joseph Smith

“Do not indulge too much in the exercise of the gift of tongues," says Joseph, or the devil will take advantage of the innocent and unwary. You may speak in tongues for your own comfort.” —Joseph Smith

“Speaking and praying, all in tongues, occupied the conference, until a late hour at night.” —(History of the Church, Vol 1)

“The Holy Ghost was poured out upon us in a miraculous manner—many of our number prophesied, whilst others had the heavens opened to their view, and were so overcome that we had to lay them on beds...” —(History of the Church, Vol 2)

“There the Spirit of the Lord, as on the day of Pentecost, was profusely poured out. Hundreds of Elders spoke in tongues. We had a most glorious and never-to-be-forgotten time. Angels were seen by numbers present. It was also at this time that Elijah the Prophet appeared, and conferred upon Joseph the keys of turning the hearts of the fathers to the children, previous to the re-institution of the ordinance of baptism for the dead.” —Benjamin Brown

“...Our Thursday meeting was again better than any former one. The hearts of the people were melted and the spirit and power of God rested down upon us in a remarkable manner. Many spoke in tongues and others prophesied and interpreted. It has been said by many who have lived in Kirtland a great whilethat such a time of love and refreshing has never been known.

“Some of the sisters engaged in conversing in tongues, their countenances beaming with joy, clasped each other’s hands and kissed in the most affectionate manner. They were describing in this way the loveand felicities of the celestial world. Although the house of the Lord was more than half filled during this time there were few dry faces.“The brethren as well as the sisters were all melted down and we wept and praised God together. Some of the prophecies delivered in tongues and interpreted were so great that I cannot begin to describe them but I do assure you Brother Hyrum Smith’s prediction that from that hour the Lord would begin to bless his people has been verily fulfilled. I believe as do many others that angers were present with us.

“A bright light shone across the house and rested upon some of the congregation. What I felt that day seemed to outweigh all the affliction and distress of mind I have suffered since I came here. We have a promise of a still better meeting next Thursday if we humble ourselves as in the dust before the Lord. This will be our fast day. May the promise be verified indeed.”
—Mary Fielding Smith

“In the evening, the new members of the Church assembled in Mr. N’s house for confirmation. God bestowed His Spirit freely and the Prophet Joseph gave much valuable instruction. Two more persons came to the Prophet and requested baptism at the meeting the next day. It was attended to and a branch of the Church was organized. Freeman Nickerson was ordained as the presiding Elder.

“The evening of this day (which was the seventh day the Prophet had been there, and came on Monday, October 24, 1833) the family were all seated around the wide, old-fashioned fire-place in the parlor listening to the Prophet’s words and full of rejoicing.

“’I would be so glad if someone who has been baptized could receive the gift of tongues as the ancient Saints did and speak to us,’ said Moses Nickerson.

“’If one of you will rise up and open your mouth it shall be filled, and you shall speak in tongues,’ replied the Prophet.

“Everyone then turned as by a common instinct to Lydia, and said with one voice, ‘Sister Lydia rise up.’

“And then the great glory of God was manifested to this weak but trusting girl. She was enveloped as with a flame, and unable longer to retain her seat, she arose and her mouth was filled with the praises of God and His glory. The spirit of tongues was upon her, and she was clothed in a shining light, so bright that all present saw it with great distinctness above the light of the fire and the candles.”—Lydia Knight’s History

“Joseph Smith then gave an explanation of the gift of tongues, that it was particularly instituted for the preaching of the Gospel to other nations and languages, but it was not given for the government of the Church.” —Joseph Smith

“As to the gift of tongues, all we can say is, that in this place, we have received it as the ancients did: we wish you, however, to be careful lest in this you be deceived. ... Satan will no doubt trouble you about the gift of tongues, unless you are careful; you cannot watch him too closely, nor pray too much. May the Lord give you wisdom in all things.”—Joseph Smith 

“I read the 13th chapter of First Corinthians [at a meeting held on December 26, 1841], also a part of the 14th chapter, and remarked that the gift of tongues was necessary in the Church; ... the gift of tongues by the power of the Holy Ghost in the Church, is for the benefit of the servants of God to preach to unbelievers, as on the day of Pentecost.” —Joseph Smith 

“Tongues were given for the purpose of preaching among those whose language is not understood; as on the day of Pentecost, etc., and it is not necessary for tongues to be taught to the Church particularly, for any man that has the Holy Ghost, can speak of the things of God in his own tongue as well as to speak in another; for faith comes not by signs, but by hearing the word of God.”—Joseph Smith 

“Be not so curious about tongues, do not speak in tongues except there be an interpreter present; the ultimate design of tongues is to speak to foreigners, and if persons are very anxious to display their intelligence, let them speak to such in their own tongues. The gifts of God are all useful in their place, but when they are applied to that which God does not intend, they prove an injury, a snare and a curse instead of a blessing.”—Joseph Smith

“We have also had brethren and sisters who have had the gift of tongues falsely; they would speak in a muttering, unnatural voice, and their bodies be distorted... ; whereas, there is nothing unnatural in the Spirit of God.”—Joseph Smith 

“Speak not in the gift of tongues without understanding it, or without interpretation. The devil can speak in tongues; the adversary will come with his work; he can tempt all classes; can speak in English or Dutch. Let no one speak in tongues unless he interpret, except by the consent of the one who is placed to preside; then he may discern or interpret, or another may.” —Joseph Smith 

“If you have a matter to reveal, let it be in your own tongue; do not indulge too much in the exercise of the gift of tongues, or the devil will take advantage of the innocent and unwary. You may speak in tongues for your own comfort, but I lay this down for a rule, that if anything is taught by the gift of tongues, it is not to be received for doctrine.” —Joseph Smith 

“Currently available evidence indicates that in the nineteenth century, speaking in tongues was quite common. At the turn of the century, such experience was still widespread in the church....Emmeline B. Wells reported an experience in the Tabernacle in February 1900, where a missionary had spoken in tongues and given interpretation. The gift of tongues was manifested in a conference in Pueblo, Colorado, October 1900, and Anthon H. Lund witnessed a sister speaking in tongues in Lehi in February 1903. In January 1901 Joseph Eckersley listened as his wife sang in tongues. His little boy ‘made the simply childlike truthful statement...that his mama sang as he had never heard her before, that it was beautiful and sounded like a violin and piano and other kinds or music all being played at one time.’...In June 1908 Anthon H. Lund heard a woman speak and sing in tongues in the Tabernacle. In general, however, the incidence of this sort of experience had begun to decline in the early twentieth century, though glossolalia declined more rapidly among men than among women.” —Thomas G. Alexander

"Great manifestations of power were witnessed in the Kirtland Temple . . . The first patriarchal
blessing meeting over which Joseph Smith, Sen., presided was one of the most striking and
noticeable features of that particular period of time. In this meeting I received the gift of singing inspirationally, and the first Song of Zion ever given in the pure language was sung by me then, and interpreted by Parley P. Pratt, and written down; of which I have preserved the original copy. It describes the manner in which the ancient patriarchs blessed their families, and gives some account of “Adam ondi Ahman.”

"The Prophet Joseph promised me that I should never lose this gift if I would be wise in using it;
and his words have been verified." —Elizabeth Ann Whitney

“The members of the Branch in Pennsylvania were the first in the Church who received the gift of tongues.

“That speaking in tongues may have been a severe test for Brigham, who had earlier been repelled by the excesses of frontier evangelical groups carried away by their religious ecstasy. (See footnote 16.) But here the context of edifying common sense and the balance of convincing rationality apparently made such emotional experiences quite different. Brigham was not only able to accept speaking in tongues as one of the appropriate signs that follow those who believe but gradually to respond personally, and evento participate in such expressions, as his own suspicion of emotion and ecstasy was calmed...

“...While with a group gathered at Heber Kimball’s house for family prayer, Brigham reports that ‘the Spirit came on them, and I spoke in tongues, and we thought only of the day of Pentecost.’...” —Eugene England

"The members of the Branch in Pennsylvania were the first in the Church who received the gift of tongues.”... "A few weeks after my baptism, I was at brother Kimball's house one morning, and while family prayer was being offered up, brother Alpheus Gifford commenced speaking in tongues. Soon the Spirit came on me, and I spoke in tongues, and we thought only of the day of Pentacost when the apostles were clothed upon with with clothen tongues of fire...In September 1832, brother Heber C. Kimball took his horse and wagon, brother Joseph Young and myself accompanying him, and started for Kirtland to see the prophet Joseph. We visited many friends on the way, and some branches of the church. We exhorted them and prayed with them, and I spoke in tongues. Some pronounced it genuine and from the Lord, and others pronounced it of the Devil...In the evening a few of the brethren came in, and we conversed together upon the the things of the Kingdom. He (the prophet Joseph) called upon me to pray; in my prayer I spoke in tongues. As soon as we arose from our knees, the brethren flocked around him, and asked his opinion concerning the gift of tongues that was upon me. He told them it was the pure Adamic language. Some said to him they expected that he would condemn the gift brother Brigham had, but he said, 'No, it is of God, and there will come a time when brother Brigham Young will preside over this Church."—Brigham Young

"I spoke in tongues and conversed with Elder Kimball in an unknown tongue..." 

"I asked the following questions and reasoned thus, - why do the people oppose the gifts and graces of the gospel?...if a man by faith and humility before God can get a testimony of Jesus Christ, and prophesy of things to come, or be able to speak in tongues or cast our devils, I ask what harm is there in all this? Does it do any harm? No, it does not..."...While in that stage we had a very interesting conversation with to Campbellite preachers, who attacked us on "Mormonism". They contended that that which was in part had been done away, and that which was perfect had come, and that there was now no need of tongues, interpretations, etc. Elder Woodruff replied - "You then have no need to contend. For if that which is perfect has come, you certainly should all see eye to eye, being in possession of perfect knowledge." - Brigham Young

"I found the saints in confusion; they had the gift of tongues among them, and the interpretation, and they were so ignorant of the nature of these gifts. that they supposed that everything which was spoken in tongues, was immediate revelation from God; a false spirit had therefore crept in, and division was the result."I taught them that when they spoke in tongues, the language might be from the Lord, but with that tongue, they spoke the things which were of their hearts, whether they were good or evil, the gift of tongues was given as a blessing to the Saints, but not to govern them, nor to control the Elders, or dictate the affairs of the Church.” —Brigham Young

"...after which I called upon Sister Whitney who stood up and invoking the gift of tongues, sang a beautiful song of Zion in tongues.The interpretation was given by her husband, bishop Whitney, and me, it related to our efforts to build this house to the privilege we now have for meeting in it, our departure shortly to the country of the Lamanites, their rejoicing when they hear the gospel and of the ingathering of Israel...I spoke in a foreign tongue, likewise brother Kimball." —Brigham Young

“In 1830, while serving as a missionary in Kirtland, Parley P. Pratt desired to move westward as he looked forward not only to converting the Indians, but to the gift of xenoglossia. Pratt ‘knew, for his Heavenly Father had told him, that when they got among the scattered tribes, there would be as great miracles wrought, as there was at the day of Pentecost...’

“From 1833 to 1836, speaking in tongues became a church-wide phenomenon. The ‘language’ spoken was often identified as the language of Adam. Because speaking in tongues was generally regarded as a sign of the truthfulness of the restored gospel rather than as a tool to be used in spreading the gospel in foreign lands, it generally took the form of glossolalia rather than xenoglossia...

“During a conference on 22 January 1833, Joseph Smith, Zebedee Coltrin, and William Smith spoke in tongues ‘after which the Lord poured out His Spirit in a miraculous manner, until all the Elders spake in tongues, and several members, both male and female, exercised the same gift’ The conference continued late into the evening. The next day, when the conference reconvened, these gifts were again manifested. On 17 January 1836, while the First Presidency, the Twelve, the Seventy, and the [High] Councilors of Kirtland and Zion were gathered together in conference, ‘the gift of tongues came on us also, like the rushing of a mighty wind.’ Five days later the gift of tongues again came to this group ‘in mighty power...’ 

“Many exercised this gift in their homes....At the dedication of the Kirtland Temple in March 1836, speaking in tongues was abundant. Joseph Smith pled in his dedicatory prayer, ‘Let it be fulfilled upon them, as upon those on the day of Pentecost; that the gift of tongues be poured out upon thy people, even cloven tongues as of fire, and the interpretation thereof’ (D&C 109:36). ‘Hundreds of Elders spoke in tongues, but, many of them being young in the Church, and never having witnessed the manifestation of this gift before, some felt a little alarmed.” Joseph prayed to the Lord to withhold the Spirit and then instructed the congregation on the nature of the gift of tongues. Later, Brigham Young gave an address in tongues which David W. Patten interpreted. Patten then gave a short exhortation in tongues himself. That day many others spoke in tongues and prophesied. Adults were not the only ones to speak in tongues. According to David Pettigrew, ‘The gift of tongues, I think, was the cause of the excitement of the opponents of the Church in Missouri. When they heard little children speaking tongues that they did not themselves understand,’ the people became alarmed at the Saints' presence.” —Lee Copeland

"Most modern Mormons understand the ‘gift of tongues’ as the ability to quickly learn a foreign 
language in the Missionary Training Center. But early Latter-day Saints had a very different concept of tongues. ...the early Mormon practice of tongues was part of what originally got me investigating Mormon history. My church claimed to have restored the gift of tongues to the world in 1906 at the Azusa Street Revival. So to learn that Mormons had beaten us to the practice by more than 70 years both intrigued me and disturbed me." —Christopher Smith 
(Non-LDS scholar, Utah State University)

"On December 15, 1897 when five of the temple sisters or ordinance workers were conversing upon spiritual and temporal blessings, one of the ladies arose and addressed Anna R Keller in tongues. Of course she could not understand the words. But another sister arose and gave the interpretation which was that her work and integrity were accepted by the Lord and that her departed husband was watching her with great interest as well as pleased with her and that all her affairs should turn to her spiritual and temporal welfare." —Anna R. Keller

Scripture References on Tongues, Baptism of Fire, Baptism of the Spirit, etc.:

- Jeremiah 31:31-33
- Isaiah 28:11-12
- Ezekiel 11:19
- 1 Corinthians 12:1-3
- Ezekiel 36:26
- 1 Corinthians 12:13
- Ezekiel 39:29
- 1 Corinthians 13:1
- Joel 2:28-29
- 1 Corinthians 14:1-5, 18, 21-28, 37-40
- Matthew 3:11
- 2 Corinthians 3:3-18
- Matthew 28:20
- Galatians 3:14, 27
- Mark 1:8
- Galatians 4:4-6
- Mark 15:17-18
- Galatians 5:22-23
- Mark 16:17
- Ephesians 2:18
- Luke 3:16
- Ephesians 3:16-17
- Luke 11:9-13
- Ephesians 4:30
- Luke 24:48-49
- 2 Thessalonians 2:13
- John 1:33
- 2 Timothy 1:7
- John 3:5
- Hebrews 10:15-16
- John 4:14
- James 3:2, 8
- John 7:37-39
- Titus 3:5
- John 14:16-18
- 1 Peter 1:2, 10-12, 22
- John 14:26
- 1 Peter 4:14
- John 15:26
- 1 John 3:24
- John 16:7, 13
- 1 John 4:13
- John 20:22
- Jude 1:20-21
- Acts 1:4-8
- 1 Nephi 5
- Acts 1:33
- 2 Nephi 31:13-14, 17
- Acts 2:4, 16-18, 33, 38, 39
- 2 Nephi 32:2
- Acts 8:15-17, 19
- Omni 1:25
- Acts 9:17
- Mosiah 5:2
- Acts 10:38
- Mosiah 27:25-26
- Acts 10:44-47
- Alma 5:14-16
- Acts 11:15-18
- 3 Nephi 9:20
- Acts 19:1-6
- 3 Nephi 12:1
- Romans 5:5
- 3 Nephi 17:15-17
- Romans 7:6
- 3 Nephi 26:14
- Romans 8:1-16, 23-27
- 3 Nephi 29:6
- Romans 14:17
- Mormon 9:7
- Ephesians 1:13-14
- Moroni 10:8, 15-16, 30
- Ephesian 6:17
- D&C 109:36-37
- 1 Corinthians 2:10-16
- D&C 46:24-26
- 1 Corinthians 3:16
- Articles of Faith 1:7- 1 Corinthians 6:11, 19

Resources:

- “Church History in the Fulness of Times” Institute manual; Chapters 10, 11, 13, 32
- “Saints, Volume 1;” Chapters 15, 16, 21, 41
- “Doctrines of the Gospel” student manual; Chapter 16
- “History of the Church,” Volumes 1-7
- “The Journal of Brigham: Brigham Young's Own Story in His Own Words”
- “Speaking in Tongues in the Restoration Churches,” Lee Copeland
o https://www.dialoguejournal.com/wp-
content/uploads/sbi/articles/Dialogue_V24N01_15.pdf
-  “The Tongues of the Saints: The Azusa Street Revival and the Changing Definition of 
Tongues,” Matthew R. Davies
o https://rsc.byu.edu/archived/joseph-f-smith-reflections-man-and-his-times/tongues-
saints-azusa-street-revival-and
- “Young Brigham,” Eugene England
o https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/new-era/1977/09/young-brigham?
lang=eng
- “Mormonism in Transition,” Thomas G. Alexander, pgs. 294-5, 305
- “The Gift of Speaking in Heavenly Languages - A Gift Gone?” Lindsey Willardson Rietzsch
o https://allstandtall.blogspot.com/2017/09/the-gift-of-speaking-in-heavenly.html?
fbclid=IwAR1FQVls2z0Xejk4L2VdFzHqnw7PBG8TFFDq3_HeZZsltFbYtVJlf5_Yu1Q
- “The Tongue of Angels: Glossolalia Among Mormonism’s Founders,” Dan Vogel and Scott C. 
Dunn
- “’We believe in the gift of tongues’: The 1906 Pentecostal Revolution and Its Effects on the 
LDS Use of the Gift of Tongues in the Twentieth Century,” Alan J. Clark
o http://mormonhistoricsites.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/We-believe-in-the-
gift-of-tongues.pdf
- “Spiritual Manifestations at the Dedication of the Kirtland Temple”
o https://www.fairmormon.org/answers/Mormonism_and_temples/Spiritual_manifes
tations_at_the_dedication_of_the_Kirtland_temple
- Just search “Tongues” in the Gospel library app.

The Benefit of the Benefit of the Doubt!

With all the hate and division happening in the headlines, comments, and social media, let's talk about the blessings & transformations attached to replacing judgement and criticism with love. It's so worth it! Also, what recent events, patterns, weather phenomenon, and signs should we be paying attention to? Watch to find out. 

 

Insight from General Conference & A Message for Now!

Here it is! What a powerful and important message I have taken away not only from General Conference, but also from the top news stories of last week. It all fits together. Did you notice too? After 18 hours of filming, editing, and uploading, I'm happy to announce that my 10-day social media fast begins right now! See you all after the 22nd. :)

Encounters with Angels and Prophecy Fulfilled

I have been a fan of the Sid Roth show for a few years now, and occasionally I share some of my favorite episodes. Here are two recent videos that really lit up my heart. The first video reminds me of the type of work 311 workers are engaged in this last hour, and the second video is a man named Mike Bickle who I have mentioned before. He started a prayer movement on 9/19/1999 (significant numbers) known as IHOP (International House of Prayer) in Missouri. In this video he shares how a prophetic minister prophesied over his life back in the 70's and it has since all come to pass.

My friend Lynn Ridenhour who founded our Believer's Building Bridges movement and also lives in Missouri, is a part of Mike Bickle's movement as well. In Lynn's books he talks about Mike Bickle, Bill Johnson, and Randy Clark who are all apart of this restoration movement in which their core beliefs are:

• Recognizes  the  prophetic; particularly  the  offices  of prophet and apostle.
• Believes in open revelation.
• Believes that God speaks today.
• Embraces  kingdom  theology;  i.e.,  the  kingdom  of God not  only will  be  established on earth
but is on the earth.
• Embraces  remnant theology that will overcome this world's present - day government.

With all of their commonalities with what we believe as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and what the prophet Joseph already has restored to the earth, we are excited to bring these groups together to become more acquainted with each other, as we believe this interfaith unity will bring about Zion.

I have provided recent videos below of Mike Bickle, Bill Johnson, and Randy Clark so you can hear their incredible testimonies and stories of faith, prayer, and healing. God is working with so many wonderful Christian men and women all over the earth to bring about His purposes. I believe we will see more of this as we continue building Zion together all throughout the world.

Baptist Minister Preaches from the Book of Mormon? Here's A Movement You Need to Know About!

Recently, I had mentioned on my YouTube channel an amazing movement that everyone needs to know about. Founded by Missouri Baptist Minister Lynn Ridenhour, who preaches support of and belief in the Book of Mormon; this ministry is called Building Bridges Ministry.

Yes, Lynn preaches from the Book of Mormon every Sunday over the pulpit of his church, and in addition to that he holds conferences and meetings in which he invites members of several denominations (LDS, RLDS, Community of Christ, Lutheran, Catholic, Baptist, etc.) to come together and share what's on their hearts as they worship together and praise the Lord. In my mind, this paints a picture of how Zion will be during the Millennium - people of diverse Christian faiths and beliefs all living together in peace and harmony, serving the Lord. The sooner we can usher in this brotherhood/sisterhood uniting in Christ, I believe the sooner we prepare the earth for our Savior's return.


I first met Lynn at a Book of Mormon Conference last month here in Layton, Utah. Having never heard of him before and not sure what his presentation was about, I felt prompted to attend and was so glad that I did! What an incredible man on an incredible mission!

Lynn is passionate about building bridges between what he terms "Book of Mormon Believers" and "Bible Believers". Yes, those who believe in the Book of Mormon also believe in and read the Bible (just so there's no confusion), but this term refers to us Bible Believers who also believe in the Book of Mormon! Over the years, Lynn's ministry has resonated with so many Latter-day Saints including our beloved prophet Gordon B. Hinckley who while President of the Church, once invited Lynn to dinner to personally meet him and thank him for his genuine message to the members of the LDS church. Upon meeting Lynn, President Hinckley said, "We've never had a Baptist preacher come to our town and ask for our forgiveness."

The reason I am thrilled beyond words about Lynn's message and ministry is because a few years ago I was searching for something like this. One day while on the phone with my sister, I expressed to her that I believed a day would soon come when these two groups would come together and be powerful for the Lord. I truly believed that there was much we could learn from our Christian brothers and sisters and also that there was much we could share with them. I truly believed that we could have these conversations without offense or contention. That we would realize we actually have more in common than we do differences.

Many of the things that the Spirit has been teaching me over the past few years are common place among Pentecostal and Charismatic Christians - as well as common place among the early Saints of the Church. For a while, I felt that I couldn't share many of these things that I was learning with my fellow LDS friends because they wouldn't understand or would not be ready to hear, but truly felt that I wouldn't have to because someday in the near future, our two groups would come together and teach each other!

Some of these priceless gems I have learned over the years are:

• How to improve my prayer closet
• How to improve my prayers
• How to strengthen my faith in healing and miracles
• Spiritual warefare
• The power of praise
• And the truth about Halloween

Truly, I feel that the Lord often uses my blog and YouTube channel as a platform to give a voice to His other children whom He is using as instruments in His hands. I am happy to share their messages and help hasten the Lord's work. He is doing a work among all of His children, not just through the members of the LDS church. Whoever is willing, He will use for His wise purposes - purposes that we are often slow to understand and comprehend. 

This post needs to be shared with everyone. It's so important for us to help build these bridges between our different Christian communities. There are so many creative ways we can do this! For example, my sister has shared with me that her ward Relief Society has arranged an interfaith worship night once a month. One night each month, many sisters from various Christian denominations come together and celebrate the Lord. A different church hosts each month. They've been doing this for a few months now and it has been amazing! My sister shared with me her favorite night when a Christian worship band took requests. My sister and I are fans of Christian contemporary music mainly KLOVE radio and The Message on Sirius XM. As my sister threw out song requests, her fellow LDS sisters were confused as they were not familiar with this music nor these artists or songs. They were amazed that my sister knew all the words and stood with her fellow Christian sisters with arms raised to the ceiling while singing along. She said they looked a little unfamiliar and awkward but she fit right in! These are the fruits of stepping outside of our Mormon bubbles - a message I have shared over the last several years and will continue to share.

As we come together and have these experiences and conversations we can eliminate the awkwardness of our different religious cultures, traditions, and terminology. As explained so eloquently in Lynn's third video below, we have more in common than we realize. We believe in many of the same things, we just call it something different. As we tear down the walls of prejudice, misjudgment, misunderstanding, and old quarrels from the past, and we lose the mentality of us vs. them or whose right and whose wrong, and instead focus on our common denominator which is our love for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and our desire to serve Him and be like Him, we will experience compassion and miracles on a level we have never experienced before! I believe this with all my heart, in Jesus' name amen. 

Here are three videos that sum up everything about this blogpost as well as offer a little more introduction about Lynn and his background. The second video is powerful!

 

An Interview You Need to Watch!

Today this video caught my attention when I saw that it was 1:13:52 in length. There's that number! After watching it I felt the importance of this man's message as he truly operates in third day power in the eleventh hour. This is the kind of faith that's needed in this eleventh hour and these are the kinds of miracles we need to be claiming. I feel we have a lot to learn from our Christian brother's and sisters when it comes to faith.

I've always been a fan of the Sid Roth show because I love the miracles and experiences that the guests often share. Miraculous healings, angelic visitations, the glory of God working in the lives of the believers. I remember at times feeling a little envious that we as Latter-day Saints aren't having these same kinds of experiences in our conferences and meeting houses. I would think about how awesome it would be if members could experience healing at church. If the hand of God would fall upon congregations and we'd witness miracles just like during the time of the Savior. How come so many other Christian leaders and congregations were experiencing these powerful miracles, acts of faith,  and witnesses, but it seemed to be lacking or seldom spoken of in our services? Our members have access to the power the Priesthood. We have the restored gospel, yet more and more of our members deal with depression, anxiety, mental illness, and suffer from physical ailments. They accept it as their cross to bear rather than asking for healing miracles through priesthood power. Why?

I was beginning to lose hope in our Latter-day generation, and felt we were slipping away from the powerful faith held by our early fore-bearers of the Church, especially in such a critical time as this eleventh hour. And then...

... at the recent General Conference, President Nelson spoke these powerful words that ushered a wake-up call to the Saints, especially the brethren. I could feel it in the sound of his voice and see it in his eyes. He knows. He knows our potential that we are not tapping into. He knows who and what this generation of Saints is supposed to be. He knows, and he'll see to it that we step into our divine roles and become powerful sons and daughters in the Lord's Kingdom.

He said;

"We see faithful women who understand the power inherent in their callings and in their endowment and other temple ordinances. These women know how to call upon the powers of heaven to protect and strengthen their husbands, their children, and others they love. These are spiritually strong women who lead, teach, and minister fearlessly in their callings with the power and authority of God!1 How thankful I am for them!

Likewise, we see faithful men who live up to their privileges as bearers of the priesthood. They lead and serve by sacrifice in the Lord’s way with love, kindness, and patience. They bless, guide, protect, and strengthen others by the power of the priesthood they hold. They bring miracles to those they serve while they keep their own marriages and families safe. They shun evil and are mighty elders in Israel. I am most thankful for them!

Now, may I voice a concern? It is this: Too many of our brothers and sisters do not fully understand the concept of priesthood power and authority. They act as though they would rather satisfy their own selfish desires and appetites than use the power of God to bless His children.

I fear that too many of our brothers and sisters do not grasp the privileges that could be theirs. Some of our brethren, for example, act like they do not understand what the priesthood is and what it enables them to do.

Priesthood power has been restored to this earth, and yet far too many brothers and sisters go through terrible trials in life without ever receiving a true priesthood blessing. What a tragedy! That’s a tragedy that we can eliminate.

Brethren, there are doors we can open, priesthood blessings we can give, hearts we can heal, burdens we can lift, testimonies we can strengthen, lives we can save, and joy we can bring into the homes of the Latter-day Saints—all because we hold the priesthood of God. We are the men who have been “called and prepared from the foundation of the world according to the foreknowledge of God, on account of [our] exceeding faith,” to do this work."

Back to the video. As wonderfully bizarre as this man's experiences may sound, I believe his example to be a blueprint for all Christians (especially Latter-day Saints), who believe in the Lord and His power, who understand prayer, who have unwavering faith, and who hear the Lord's voice and obey. The Lord can and will use us as instruments in His hands in these last days - if we are willing.

I have included a link to the full version of this interview that contains extra awesomeness, as well as a link to the transcript for the interview, if you'd prefer to read. :) Enjoy!

https://sidroth.org/television/tv-archives/henry-gruver/

https://ofm6z46z825qpxk83fa00q1a-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/IS947Transcript_Gruver.pdf

The Crossroads of Science and the Kingdom of God - Words of Parley P. Pratt

Parley P. Pratt

As promised here is the post about the book written by Parley P. Pratt titled, "Key to the Science of Theology". I have referenced this many times in my recent videos.

Wow, wow, wow! Truly I could have highlighted the entire book, but to make it easier, I didn't do that. ;) I have shared below the paragraphs I did highlight. However, if you would like to read the entire book,  I have provided a link at the bottom of the post to the book that you can read for free online.

Before, we get started I must say that what I loved most about this book it that it explains the mysteries and powers of the Kingdom as a science. Science of course, was created by God. It is made up of laws that are His laws which govern the Universe. I love this because this is how I have always explained it. If you have watched my Happy Bug workshops series on my YouTube channel, then you already know. I LOVE theology, I LOVE science, and I LOVE knowledge! Sometimes we are afraid of the words, "Theology" and "Philosophy" as we often associate them with cunning deceptions of man and the devil. Theology is simply the study of the nature of God and philosophy is the rational investigation of the truths and principles of being, knowledge, or conduct. Parley P. Pratt uses these terms quite liberally throughout his book and coming from an apostle of the Lord, his words are an added witness to what the spirit has taught me over the past several years, and this book contains everything that I love all in one read.

Alright, if you don't know much about Parley P. Pratt, here are some interesting facts about his life:

• Pratt has been called "the Apostle Paul of Mormonism" for his promotion of distinctive Mormon doctrines.
• Pratt first read a copy of the Book of Mormon owned by a Baptist deacon. He was baptized on September 1, 1830
• He is the great-great-grandfather of Mitt Romney, and the great-great-great-grandfather of Jon Huntsman Jr.
• In addition to having converted his brother Orson and preacher Sidney Rigdon, Parley Pratt introduced the Mormon faith to several future church leaders, including Frederick G. Williams, John Taylor and his wife, Leonora, Isaac Morley, and Joseph Fielding, along with his sisters, Mary and Mercy.
• Pratt was a noted religious writer and poet. His most influential works was a book entitled A Voice of Warning (1837), a work that served the church as its most powerful proselytizing tool—after the Book of Mormon—for more than a century."
• Pratt explored and surveyed Parley's Canyon in Salt Lake City, Utah (named in his honor), and subsequently built and maintained the first road for public transportation in the canyon.
• His wife Elenor (whose ex-husband murdered Pratt) was the mother of three children, a girl and two boys. Her sons were baptized, but Mr. McLean (her ex) did not accept Mormonism and did not want his children to belong to the Mormon Church, so he sent them around the Horn to New Orleans to be cared for by Elenor McLean’s parents.
• On November 14, 1855, she and Pratt underwent a "celestial marriage" sealing ceremony in the Endowment House. She was the twelfth woman to be sealed to Pratt. For religious and cultural reasons, Eleanor considered herself unmarried at the time of her sealing to Pratt, but she had not legally divorced from Hector. (This was common practice to be sealed to a righteous man whom was already married, but not be legally wed to him nor consider yourself married in this life, nor live as married or be in any way intimate with that person. It was about the ordinance. In that day many women had unrighteous husbands, or husbands who were not interested in joining the church. The women worried that they would miss their opportunity to be sealed in this life and obtain all the blessings that go with it. Therefore this was common practice then, as righteous women outnumbered righteous men. It is no longer practiced today. With modern day revelation we know that these opportunities can be provided after this life.)
• When called to serve his last mission, Parley told his first wife, Agatha that he had a feeling “I shall never come back.” While on his mission, Eleanor went back to New Orleans to get her children from her parents. Because Eleanor took the children, Hector (her ex) blamed Pratt.
• Hector pressed criminal charges, accusing Pratt of assisting in the kidnapping of his children. Pratt managed to evade him and the legal charges, but was finally arrested in Indian Territory (now Oklahoma) in May 1857. Pratt and Eleanor McLean were charged with theft of the clothing of McLean's children. (The laws of that time did not recognize the kidnapping of children by a parent as a crime.) Tried before Judge John B. Ogden, Pratt was acquitted because of a lack of evidence and Ogden's own feelings after interviewing Eleanor. Ogden sympathized with Eleanor and Pratt, because he was so disgusted by Hector's drinking and wife-beating. Shortly after being secretly released, on May 13, 1857, Pratt was shot and stabbed by Hector on a farm northeast of Van Buren, Arkansas. He died two and a half hours later from loss of blood.
• As Pratt was bleeding to death, a farmer asked what he had done to provoke the attack. Pratt said, "He accused me of taking his wife and children. I did not do it. They were oppressed, and I did for them what I would do for the oppressed any where." Pratt was buried near Alma, Arkansas, despite his desire to be buried in Utah Territory.
• His dying words were said to be, "I am dying a martyr to the faith."
• In 2008, Pratt's family received permission from an Arkansas judge to rebury his remains in the Salt Lake City Cemetery, but no human remains were found at what was believed his gravesite. No further search efforts for Pratt's burial site have been planned.

(Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parley_P._Pratt
http://jared.pratt-family.org/parley_family_histories/ann_agatha_walker_reminiscences.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=APFlh_VGvio )

Highlights from the Book

What is Theology?

First. THEOLOGY is the science of communication, or of correspondence, between God, angels, spirits, and men, by means of visions, dreams, interpretations, conversations, inspirations, or the spirit of prophecy and revelation.

Second. It is the science by which worlds are organized, sustained, and directed, and the elements controlled.

Third. It is the science of knowledge, and the key and power thereof, by which the heavens are opened, and lawful access is obtained to the treasures of wisdom and intelligence—inexhaustible, infinite, embracing the past, the present, and the future.

Fourth. It is the science of life—endless and eternal, by which the living are changed or translated, and the dead raised.

Fifth. It is the science of faith, reformation, and remission of sins, whereby a fallen race of mortals may be justified, cleansed, and restored to the communion and fellowship of that Holy Spirit which is the light of the world, and of every intelligence therein.

Sixth. It is the science of spiritual gifts, by which the blind see, the deaf hear, the lame walk, the sick are healed, and demons are expelled from the human system.

Seventh. It is the science of all other sciences and useful arts, being in fact the very fountain from which they emanate. It includes philosophy, astronomy, history, mathematics, geography, languages, the science of letters; and blends the knowledge of all matters of fact, in every branch of art, or of research. It includes, also, all the scientific discoveries and inventions—agriculture, the mechanical arts, architecture, shipbuilding, the properties and applications of the mariner's compass, navigation, and music. All that is useful, great, and good; all that is calculated to sustain, comfort, instruct, edify, purify, refine, or exalt intelligences; originated by this science, and this science alone, all other sciences being but branches growing out of this—root.

By the perversion and unlawful use of this science king Nimrod built the stupendous Tower of Babel, but was frustrated, and his works were destroyed before their completion.

By the perversion and unlawful use of this science the magicians of Egypt withstood Moses for a time, and performed their enchantments.

By it he rose, like Enoch, to a higher sphere, without returning to dust.

Finally—By this same power a mighty angel descended, shook the earth, frightened the Roman guards, rolled away the great stone, broke the seal of the tomb, and called to life the sleeping body of Jesus Christ.

By this power the risen Jesus, eating, drinking, and conversing with his disciples, after his resurrection, commissioned and instructed them in the same science, ordained them to act in the same, and to impart its power to others, in all the world, with signs following them that believed.

By this science he ascended to the Father, and lives for ever in the flesh, to shed forth the gifts and powers of the same science, according to his own will, and the will of his Father, to reign henceforth until he descends to the earth, conquers death in a last great conflict, and puts all enemies under his feet.

By this same power his Apostles, being clothed with the full powers of the same on the day of Pentecost, ministered the powers and knowledge of this science to others, both Jew and Gentile, insomuch that the sick were healed, the blind saw, the dumb spake, the deaf heard, the lame walked, devils were cast out, and the dead were raised, while everywhere, dreams, visions, the ministering of angels, and the gift of prophecy were enjoyed.

By this science the Prophets Lehi and Nephi came out with a colony from Jerusalem, in the days of Jeremiah the Prophet, and after wandering for eight years in the wilderness of Arabia, came to the sea coast, built a vessel, obtained from the Lord a compass to guide them on the way, and finally landed in safety on the coast of what is now called Chili, in South America.

By this science these twelve and others established the Gospel, Church, and ordinances of God throughout the entire western hemisphere.

By this science their sick were healed, demons were expelled, the lame walked, the blind saw, the dumb spake, the deaf heard, and their dead were raised.

By this science three of those Apostles, having a change wrought upon them, tarried in the flesh upon the earth, ministered the Gospel and its blessings nearly four hundred years, and then withdrew from the people because of their iniquity, took away the keys of Apostleship and of the Gospel, and its powers, sealed up the records, and caused the work of healing, and of gifts and miracles, to cease from among the people, because of iniquity, bloodshed, and persecution.

By this science they yet live in the flesh upon the earth, holding keys of Apostleship and power upon the western hemisphere, being now about one thousand eight hundred years old.

Loss of the Science of Theology in the Western Hemisphere

All government became extinct, and the countries overrun by tribes and bands of robbers at war with each other.

Keys of the Mysteries of the Godhead

On account of the double relationship of Jesus Christ—with God the Father on one hand, and with man on the other, many have adopted the creed, that "Two whole and perfect natures" were blended in the person of Jesus Christ; that he was every way a God, and every way a man; as if God and man were two distinct species. This error came by reason of not knowing ourselves. For just in proportion as we comprehend ourselves in our true light, and our relationships and affinities with the past, present and future, with time and eternity, with Gods, angels, spirits and men, who have gone before us, and who will come after us, so, in proportion, we may be able to benefit by the keys of the mysteries of the Godhead, or, in other words, to know and comprehend Jesus Christ and his Father.

An immortal man, possessing a perfect organization of spirit, flesh, and bones, and perfected in his attributes, in all the fulness of celestial glory, is called a God.

An immortal man, in progress of perfection, or quickened with a lesser degree of glory, is called an angel.

An immortal spirit of man, not united with a fleshly tabernacle, is called a spirit.

An immortal man, clothed with a mortal tabernacle, is called a man.

All physical element, however embodied, quickened, or refined, is subject to the general laws necessary to all existence.

Some of these laws are as follows—

First. Each atom, or embodiment of atoms, necessarily occupies a certain amount of space.

Second. No atom, or embodiment of atoms, can occupy the identical space occupied by other atoms or bodies.

Third. Each individual organized intelligence must possess the power of self motion to a greater or less degree.

Fourth. All voluntary motion implies an inherent will, to originate and direct such motion.

Fifth. Motion, of necessity, implies that a certain amount of time is necessary, in passing from one portion of space to another.

These laws are absolute and unchangeable in their nature, and apply to all intelligent agencies which do or can exist.

He associates with myriads of His own begotten sons and daughters who, by translation or resurrection, have triumphed over death.

Origins of the Universe

And it is intimated that, of the spirits thus placed upon their agency, one-third failed to keep their first estate, and were thrust down, and reserved in chains of darkness, for future judgment. As these are not permitted to multiply their species, or to move forward in the scale of progressive being, while in this state of bondage and condemnation, we will trace them no further, as their final destiny is not revealed to mortals.

During his progress in the flesh, the Holy Spirit may gradually awaken his faculties; and in a dream, or vision, or by the spirit of prophecy, reveal, or rather awaken the memory to, a partial vision, or to a dim and half defined recollection of the intelligence of the past. He sees in part, and he knows in part; but never while tabernacled in mortal flesh will he fully awake to the intelligence of his former estate. It surpasses his comprehension, is unspeakable, and even unlawful to be uttered.
When—O when, will their day dawn, and the day star of their ancient science appear above the horizon, disperse the cloud, and usher in the morning of a brighter day?

Worlds are mansions for the home of intelligences.

When the planet on which he dwells has conceived, brought forth, and nourished the number of tabernacles assigned to it in its rudimental state, by infinite wisdom, it must needs be acted upon by a chemical process. The purifying elements; for instance, fire, must needs be employed to bring it through an ordeal, a refinement, a purification, a change commensurate with that which had before taken place in the physical tabernacle of its inhabitants. Thus renovated, it is adapted to resurrected man.

Joy, in its fulness, depends on certain principles, viz.—

In order to be wealthy, eternal man must possess a certain portion of the surface of some eternal planet, adapted to his order or sphere of existence.

This inheritance, incorruptible, eternal in the heavens, must be sufficiently extensive for his accommodation, with all his family dependencies. It must also comprise a variety of elements, adapted to his use and convenience. Eternal gold, silver, precious stones, and other precious materials would be useful in the erection and furnishing of mansions, and of public and private dwellings or edifices.

Keys of Knowledge Power and Government 

First. The Gods, composed of embodied spirits, who inhabit tabernacles of immortal flesh and bones in their most refined state, and who are perfected in all the attributes of intelligence and power.

Second. The Angels, who are also composed of spirits and immortal flesh and bones, less refined, and endowed with vast intelligence and power, but not a fulness.

Third. Embodied Spirits, without a tabernacle of flesh and bones. These are they who hate passed the veil of death, and are awaiting a resurrection.

Fourth. Embodied Spirits, with mortal tabernacles, as in the present world.

Fifth. Embodied Spirits, who have not yet descended to be clothed upon with mortality, but who are candidates for the same.

There is also a sixth division, but of those we need not speak, as they are not, as yet, included in the scale of progressive being, not having kept their first estate.

The spirits of all men in their primeval states, were intelligent. But among these intelligences some were more noble, that is to say, more intelligent than others.

And God said, these will I make rulers in my kingdoms.[A] Upon this principle was manifested the election, before the foundation of the world, of certain individuals to certain offices, as written in the Scriptures.

In other words, certain individuals, more intelligent than the others, were chosen by the Head, to teach, instruct, edify, improve, govern, and minister truth and salvation to others; and to hold the delegated powers or keys of government, in the several spheres of progressive being.

These were not only chosen, but set apart, by a holy ordinance in the
eternal worlds, as Embassadors, Foreign Ministers, Priests, Kings,
Apostles, &c., to fill the various stations in the vast empire of the
Sovereign of all.

Although the chosen instruments to hold the keys of this Priesthood must be the literal lineage of Israel, yet that lineage are not all thus commissioned, nor indeed are any of them Priests merely because they are of the chosen seed. Such an instrument must be revealed, and his ordination which he had before the world began, be renewed and confirmed upon his fleshly tabernacle, or he cannot be a Priest on earth.

Oh the weariness, the painful suspense, the watchings, the wanderings, the anxieties, the pains and sorrows of eighteen centuries! Oh the mist of ages which has shrouded a nation as it were in the gloom of an endless night!

When—O when, will their day dawn, and the day star of their ancient science appear above the horizon, disperse the cloud, and usher in the morning of a brighter day?

When the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.

When they shall welcome a messenger in the name of the Lord.

That dispensation will fulfil the times of the Gentiles, complete their fulness, restore the kingdom to Israel, gather home their twelve tribes, organize them into a theocratic government, that is, a government founded and guided by Prophets, Priesthood, visions and revelations. It will, in fact, not only restore to them the ministration of angels, but receive its final consummation, by the resurrection of the ancient Saints, and their return to the earth, accompanied by the Son of God, in his own proper person. To this dispensation, all nations must submit.

Revival of the Science in This Present Age

In the midst of all this scene, the Prophet's presence of mind did not forsake him. He saw his brother Hyrum fall, stiffen and die. He then exclaimed, in the anguish of his soul—"O my brother!" and sprang for the window, amid showers of ball as thick as hail. He instantly threw himself from the upper story into the midst of the bristling bayonets of the enemy, and, on alighting, was pierced with a shower of balls, and instantly died without a struggle or a groan.

A modern Prophet! Yes, a mighty Seer!
From Israel's royal line, must next appear;
Clad in the spirit of Elijah's power,
To prune the vineyard in th' eleventh hour;
To light the dawn of that effulgent day,
When King Messiah shall his sceptre sway.

Thus ended the mortal career of a youth who had revealed the ancient history of a continent; restored to man the keys and powers of the divine science of Theology; organized the Church and kingdom of God, and revealed, and re-established those principles, which will eventually prevail, and govern the sons of earth, in countless ages yet unborn. "The good shepherd," said Jesus, "layeth down his life for the sheep."

Keys of Initiation 

The candidate is now initiated into the first principles of the science of Divine Theology. His mind is quickened, his intellectual faculties are aroused to intense activity. He is, as it were, illuminated. He learns more of divine truth in a few days, than he could have learned in a life time in the best merely human institutions in the world.

This law of spiritual fluid, its communicative properties, and the channel by which it is imparted from one person to another, bear some resemblance, or analogy, to the laws and operations of electricity. Like electricity, it is imparted by the contact of two bodies, through the channel of the nerves.

Having passed through this ordinance, the hands of some one, or more, of the authorised Priesthood, are next laid upon the head of the candidate, in the same sacred names, and the gift of the Holy Spirit is confirmed upon him. This baptism of water and of the Spirit is called a new birth; and it is in reality a repetition of the natural birth, or entrance into the elements of a new existence.

The embryo formation of the human body, is commenced and sustained by blood and spirit, in the womb of nature, where, until the period of birth, it floats in the element of water. At birth, then, it is literally born of water, that is, it emerges from that element in which it has been so long immersed, into a different element, called the atmosphere, which then becomes a necessary element of existence.

The candidate is now initiated into the first principles of the science of Divine Theology. His mind is quickened, his intellectual faculties are aroused to intense activity. He is, as it were, illuminated. He learns more of divine truth in a few days, than he could have learned in a life time in the best merely human institutions in the world.

He also feels the spirit of prayer and watchfulness continually, and pours out his soul in the same, and finds he is answered in all things which are expedient. He is now in a fit capacity to exercise some one or more of the spiritual gifts.

The Philosophy of Miracles

An agent filled with this heavenly fluid cannot impart of the same to another, unless that other is justified, washed, cleansed from all his impurities of heart, affections, habits or practices, by the blood of atonement, which is generally applied in connexion with the baptism of remission.

This spiritual substance is the most refined, subtle, and powerful element in the universe. It is endowed with all wisdom, all knowledge, all intelligence and power. In short, it is the light, life, power and principle of all things, by which they move; and of all intelligences, by which they think.

The mandates of angels, or of holy men, in order to be legal, or of due force and power, must be issued in the name of Jesus Christ, or of the three who compose the Head Council; and must be in accordance with their united mind and will. The Holy Spirit then goes forth and executes their mandates. This agency being invisible, and the effect visible, the act performed appears to those who are unacquainted with spiritual agency, as a miracle, or an effect without a cause.

All these gifts and miracles were the workings of that one, and the self same Spirit given to the members of the Church of the Saints, while the world did not partake of a sufficient measure of the Spirit to possess these gifts. The reason of this is, that they did not repent, and believe in Jesus Christ, and be baptized in his name, and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, by the laying on of the hands of the Priesthood—these duties and ordinances, being the legal or appointed channel by which the gift of the Holy Spirit was imparted. The reason why these gifts of the Spirit have not been enjoyed in all ages of the so called "Christian Church" is because it is not the true Church; nor, is the true ministry or Apostleship to be found among the Church, or Churches, where these gifts are denied. Every minister and member of such institutions have need to repent, and be baptized, in the name of Jesus Christ, for remission of sins; and to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, by the laying on of hands of those who have authority, in order to enter into the kingdom of God.

These ordinances, ministered by a legal Priesthood, being divinely appointed, are the only legitimate means by which man may receive and exercise these divine powers; or, in other words, they are the means ordained of God, by which one being may communicate or impart a portion of this divine substance to another, so as to place that other in communication with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and with angels, and the spirits of just men in the world of spirits, and with the members of the true Church on the earth.

To heal a person by the touch, or by the laying on of hands in the name of Jesus Christ, or to impart the Holy Spirit by the laying on of hands, is as much in accordance with the laws of nature, as for water to seek its own level, an apple to fall to the ground when loosened from the tree where it grew, quicksilver to attract its own affinities, or the magnet to obey its own laws.

The usual channel for all spiritual fluids, whether holy or impure, in their operations upon the human system, or in their passage from one animal body to another, is the nerves.

A person commissioned of Jesus Christ, and filled with this spiritual substance, can impart of the same to another, provided there is a preparation of heart, and faith on the part of the receiver. Or if, as in cases of healing, casting out devils, &c., it happens that the receiver has no command of his own mind—as in cases of little children, persons swooned, fainted, deranged, or dead, then the faith of the administrator alone, or in connexion with other friends and agents, in his behalf, is sufficient, in many cases, to perform the work.

However, the touch, or laying on of hands, is not the only means of communicating the gift of healing. A word spoken, a mandate issued, or even a handkerchief, apron, or other garment, worn or touched by a person full of this Spirit, and conveyed to another, has, according to sacred history, and also the experience of the present age, proved sufficient to communicate the spiritual fluid, between minds of strong and mutual faith. So well acquainted was the Prophet Elisha with this principle, that he sent his servant to lay his staff upon a dead child, in order to raise it from the dead; but, in this instance, the undertaking failed. The Prophet could only resuscitate the child by placing face on face, eye to eye, mouth to mouth, hand to hand, &c., so as to give the greatest possible effect to the imparting of the spirit of life.

When the miracles and gifts of the divine Spirit ceased from among men, Christianity ceased, the Christian ministry ceased, the Church of Christ ceased.

That ministry which sets aside modern inspiration, revelation, prophecy, angels, visions, healings, etc., is not ordained of God; but is Anti-Christian in spirit. In short, it is that spirit of priestcraft and kingcraft, by which the world, for many ages, has been ruled as with a rod of iron.

Angels and Spirits

SPIRITS are those who have departed this life, and have not yet been raised from the dead.

These are of two kinds, viz.—Good and evil.

These two kinds also include many grades of good and evil.

The good spirits, in the superlative sense of the word, are they who, in this life, partook of the Holy Priesthood, and of the fulness of the Gospel.

This class of spirits minister to the heirs of salvation, both in this world and in the world of spirits. They can appear unto men, when permitted; but not having a fleshly tabernacle, they cannot hide their glory. Hence, an unembodied spirit, if it be a holy personage, will be surrounded with a halo of resplendent glory, or brightness, above the brightness of the sun.

Whereas, spirits not worthy to be glorified will appear without this brilliant halo; and, although they often attempt to pass as angels of light, there is more or less of darkness about them.

Many spirits of the departed, who are unhappy, linger in lonely wretchedness about the earth, and in the air, and especially about their ancient homesteads, and the places rendered dear to them by the memory of former scenes. The more wicked of these are the kind spoken of in Scripture, as "foul spirits," "unclean spirits," spirits who afflict persons in the flesh, and engender various diseases in the human system. They will sometimes enter human bodies, and will distract them, throw them into fits, cast them into the water, into the fire, &c. They will trouble them with dreams, nightmare, hysterics, fever, &c. They will also deform them in body and in features, by convulsions, cramps, contortions, &c., and will sometimes compel them to utter blasphemies, horrible curses, and even words of other languages. If permitted, they will often cause death. Some of these spirits are adulterous, and suggest to the mind all manner of lasciviousness, all kinds of evil thoughts and temptations.

A person, on looking another in the eye, who is possessed of an evil spirit, will feel a shock—a nervous feeling, which will, as it were, make his hair stand on end; in short, a shock resembling that produced in a nervous system by the sight of a serpent.

Some of these foul spirits, when possessing a person, will cause a disagreeable smell about the person thus possessed, which will be plainly manifest to the senses of those about him, even though the person thus afflicted should be washed and change his clothes every few minutes.

There are, in fact, most awful instances of the spirit of lust, and of bawdy and abominable words and actions, inspired and uttered by persons possessed of such spirits, even though the persons were virtuous and modest so long as they possessed their own agency.

Some of these spirits cause deafness, others dumbness, etc.

Among the diversified spirits abroad in the world here are many religious spirits, which are not of God, but which deceive those who have not the keys of Apostleship and Priesthood, or, in other words, the keys of the science of Theology to guide them. Some of these spirits are manifested in the camp-meetings of certain sects, and in nearly all the excitements and confusions in religious meetings falsely called "revivals." All the strange extacies, swoonings, screamings, shoutings, dancings, jumpings, and a thousand other ridiculous and unseemly manifestations, which neither edify nor instruct, are the fruits of these deceptive spirits.

We must, however, pity, rather than ridicule, or despise, the subjects or advocates of these deceptions. Many of them are honest, but they have no Apostles, nor other officers, nor gifts to detect evil, or to keep them from being led by every delusive spirit.

There is still another class of unholy spirits at work in the world—spirits diverse from all these, far more intelligent, and, if possible, still more dangerous. These are, the spirit of divination, vision, foretelling, familiar spirits, "Animal Magnetism," "Mesmerism," &c., which reveal many and great truths mixed with the greatest errors, and also display much intelligence, but have not the keys of the science of Theology—the Holy Priesthood.

These spirits, generally, deny the divinity of Christ, and the great truths of the atonement, and of the resurrection of the body. Of such are the Shakers of the United States, and their revelations. They deny the resurrection of the body. From this source are the revelations of Emmanuel Swedenborg, which also deny the resurrection. From this source, also, are the revelations of Andrew Jackson Davis, of Poughkeepsie, New York, which deny the resurrection and the atonement. From this source are all the revelations which deny the ordinances of the Gospel, and the keys and gifts of the Holy Apostleship.

Last of all, these are they who climb up in some other way, besides the door, into the sheepfold; and who prophesy or work in their own name, and not in the name of Jesus Christ.

No man can do a miracle in the name and by the authority of Jesus
Christ, except he be a good man, and authorized by him.

Dreams

When the outward organs of thought and perception are released from their activity, the nerves unstrung, and the whole of mortal humanity lies hushed in quiet slumbers, in order to renew its strength and vigour, it is then that the spiritual organs are at liberty, in a certain degree, to assume their wonted functions, to recall some faint outlines, some confused and half defined recollections, of that heavenly world, and those endearing scenes of their former estate, from which they have descended in order to obtain and mature a tabernacle of flesh. Their kindred spirits, their guardian angels then hover about them with the fondest affection, the most anxious solicitude. Spirit communes with spirit, thought meets thought, soul blends with soul, in all the raptures of mutual, pure, and eternal love.

It is the pure in heart, the lovers of truth and virtue, that will appreciate these remarks, for they know, by at least a small degree of experience, that these things are so.

Those who are habitually given to vice, immorality and abomination; those who walk in the daily indulgence of unlawful lust; those who neither believe in Jesus Christ, nor seek to pray to him, and keep his commandments; those who do not cultivate the pure, refined and holy joys of innocent and heavenly affection, but who would sacrifice every finer feeling at the shrine of lawless pleasure and brutal desires—those persons will not understand and appreciate these views, because their good angels, their kindred spirits have long since departed, and ceased to attend them, being grieved and disgusted with their conduct.

The Spirit of the Lord has also been grieved, and has left them to themselves, to struggle alone amid the dangers and sorrows of life; or to be the associates of demons and impure spirits. Such persons dream of adultery, gluttony, debauchery, and crimes of every kind. Such persons have the foreshadowings of a doleful death, and of darkness, and the buffetings of fiends and malicious spirits.

The Spirit World

As to its location, it is here on the very planet where we were born; or, in other words, the earth and other planets of a like sphere, have their inward or spiritual spheres, as well as their outward, or temporal. The one is peopled by temporal tabernacles, and the other by spirits. A vail is drawn between the one sphere and the other, whereby all the objects in the spiritual sphere are rendered invisible to those in the temporal.

To discern beings or things in the spirit world, a person in the flesh must be quickened by spiritual element, the vail must be withdrawn, or the organs of sight, or of hearing, must be transformed, so as to be adapted to the spiritual sphere. This state is called vision, trance, second sight, clairvoyance, etc.

The former bid farewell to the world of spirits on the third day, and returned to his tabernacle of flesh, in which he ascended to thrones, principalities, and powers, while the latter is, no doubt, improving in the spirit world, and waiting, believing, hoping for the redemption of the body.

Again, those who obey the Gospel in the present age will rise from the spirit world, and from the grave, and reign on the earth during the great thousand years; while those who reject it will remain in condemnation in the spirit world, without a resurrection, till the last trump shall sound, and death and hell deliver up their dead.

Resurrection

The second will take place in a few years from the present time, and will be immediately succeeded by the coming of Jesus Christ, in power and great glory, with all his Saints and Angels. This resurrection will include the Former and Latter-day Saints—all those who have received the Gospel since the former resurrection.

But in the resurrection which now approaches, and in connexion with the glorious coming of Jesus Christ, the earth will undergo a change in its physical features, climate, soil, productions; and in its political, moral, and spiritual government.

Mineralogy will also be greatly improved, and its knowledge extended. Its hidden treasures will be developed, and gold, silver and the most precious and beautiful stones will be the building materials in most common use, and will compose the utensils and furniture of the habitations of man.

Why, then, should his aspirations not reach forth, his mind expand, his bosom swell with love, and his heart beat with the boundless, fathomless infinitude of thought, of feeling, and of love? Why not be noble and boundless in charity, like the God whom he calls his father? Why does he not rise from his groveling sphere in this small island, which floats in the ocean of space, as a small black speck, amid the numberless shining orbs? The reason is obvious; it is not for the want of noble aspirations; it is not for the want of grand conceptions; it is not for the lack of will. It is because the body is chained, imprisoned, confined here, by the operation or attraction of surrounding elements, which man has not yet discovered the means to control. It may be said that the powers of earth enslave him, and chain him down, beyond the possibility or hope of escape.

Now, if it were possible to overcome the resisting elements, so as to increase the speed of conveyance for your body—that is, if there were no resisting element to be overcome, your will might dictate, and your body would move through actual space with the speed of light, or electricity. There is no apparent limit to the speed attainable by the body when unchained, set free from the elements which now enslave it, and dictated by the will.

Planets will be visited, messages communicated, acquaintances and friendships formed, and the sciences vastly extended and cultivated.

Next in order, will be the field of prophetic science. The spirit of prophecy will be poured upon the immortal mind, till, from seeing in part, and knowing in part, man will be able to gaze upon a boundless prospective, a future of still increasing glory, knowledge, light, love, might, majesty, power and dominion, in which the sons of God-the kings and priests of heaven and earth, and of the heaven of heavens, and all their retinue of kingdoms and subjects, will find ample room for boundless increase and improvement, worlds without end. Amen.

In his last chapter he talks about Celestial marriage and polygamy, but because I had nothing highlighted in that chapter, I didn't share here. 

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