SUMMARY: The Lord has repeatedly instructed us that all MUST come unto Him, that is have a close personal relationship with Him and be led by the Spirit. Those who do this become members of the Church of the Firstborn entitled to commune with the General Assembly and Church of the Firstborn and ultimately are taken to God the Father by the Savior.

           Another way of saying this is that God has asked us to climb the mountain to come to Him in person. This is exactly the same request that the Lord made to ancient Israel that ancient Israel REFUSED to do. See D&C 84:21-27; Ex 20:19; Deut. 5:5.

           A small incident recounted in Numbers provides a glimpse of the obvious exasperation of Moses at the hard heartedness of the people and their unwillingness to come unto the Lord gives us a very important lesson for us today.

Numbers 11:27-29: And there ran a young man, and told Moses, and said, Eldad and Medad do prophesy in the camp.

            And Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of Moses, one of his young men, answered and said, My lord Moses, forbid them.

            And Moses said unto him, Enviest thou for my sake? Would God that all the Lord’s people were prophets, and the Lord would put his spirit upon them!

II. "THE PROPHET CANNOT LEAD ASTRAY" IS CONTRARY TO BOTH 1) SCRIPTURE AND 2) THE TEACHINGS OF JOSEPH, BRIGHAM AND OTHER EARLY BRETHREN

          First, It is directly contrary to the scriptural principle to “Trust Not In The Arm of Flesh” - see this exact heading in the Topical Guide (LDS scriptures at pages 540-41 of the LDS Bible citing some 31 verses of scripture. Following are a few of these verses along with other related verses:

2 Nephi 28:31 Cursed is he that putteth his trust in man, or maketh flesh his arm, or shall hearken unto the precepts of men, save their precepts shall be given by the power of the Holy Ghost.

32 Wo be unto the Gentiles, saith the Lord god of Hosts! For notwithstanding I shall lengthen out mine arm unto them from day to day, they will deny me; nevertheless, I will be merciful unto them, saith the Lord God, if they will repent and come unto me; for mine arm is lengthened out all the day long, saith the Lord God of Hosts.

D & C 1:19-20 The weak things of the world shall come forth and break down the mighty and strong ones, that man should not counsel his fellow man, neither trust in the arm of flesh--

20 But that every man might speak in the name of God the Lord, even the Savior of the world;

D&C 45:56 And at that day, when I shall come in my glory, shall the parable be fulfilled which I spake concerning the ten virgins.

57 For they that are wise and have received the truth, and have taken the Holy Spirit for their guide, and have not been deceived--verily I say unto you, they shall not be hewn down and cast into the fire, but shall abide the day.

Matt 24:37 (Inspired Revision) And whoso treasureth up my word shall not be deceived, for the Son of Man shall come, and he shall send his angels before him with the great sound of a trumpet, ...

            Also consider D&C 107:81-84:

81 There is not any person belonging to the church who is exempt from this council of the church.

82 And inasmuch as a President of the High Priesthood shall transgress, he shall be had in remembrance before the common council of the church, who shall be assisted by twelve counselors of the High Priesthood;

83 And their decision upon his head shall be an end of controversy concerning him;

84 Thus, none shall be exempted from the justice and the laws of God, that all things may be done in order and in solemnity before him, according to truth and righteousness.

           COMMENT: If the teaching that the Prophet will never lead the Church astray is correct, pray tell, why then has the Lord established a procedure for impeaching the Prophet?

          Second, the “doctrine” that the Prophet won’t lead astray was specifically spoken against by the early prophets of this dispensation as evidenced by the following statements on the subject:

JOSEPH SMITH: Millennial Star, Vol 14, Number 38, pages 593-595.

We have heard men who hold the priesthood remark that they would do anything they were told to do by those who preside over them [even] if they knew it was wrong; but such obedience as this is worse than folly to us; it is slavery in the extreme; and the man who would thus willingly degrade himself, should not claim a rank among intelligent beings, until he turns from his folly. A man of God would despise the idea. Others, in the extreme exercise of their almighty authority have taught that such obedience was necessary, and that no matter what the saints were told do by their presidents they should do it without any questions. When Elders of Israel will so far indulge in these extreme notions of obedience as to teach them to the people, it is generally because they have it in their hearts to do wrong themselves.

Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, Section Five 1842–43, p.237-38.

President Joseph Smith read the 14th chapter of Ezekiel - said the Lord had declared by the Prophet, that the people should each one stand for himself, and depend on no man or men in that state of corruption of the Jewish church - that righteous persons could only deliver their own souls - APPLIED IT TO THE PRESENT STATE OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS - SAID IF THE PEOPLE DEPARTED FROM THE LORD, THEY MUST FALL - THAT THEY WERE DEPENDING ON THE PROPHET, HENCE WERE DARKENED IN THEIR MINDS, in consequence of neglecting the duties devolving upon themselves, envious towards the innocent, while they afflict the virtuous with their shafts of envy.

            COMMENT: I would encourage the reader to read carefully the 14^th Chapter of Ezekiel, then carefully consider the Prophet Joseph’s comments above on the message of that chapter, especially in light of our clear duty as laid out by the scriptures in Part I. above. These two extraordinarily clear and powerful statements from the Prophet Joseph should be sufficient to obliterate all doubts as to the incorrectness of any teaching that “the Prophet will never lead the church astray.” For those not so persuaded then read on.

Brigham Young at the Provo, Utah Bowery Conference in 1867

Brethren, this Church will be led onto the very brink of hell by the leaders of this people. Then God will raise the one mighty and strong spoken of in the 85th Section of the Doctrine and Covenants, to save and redeem this church.

          COMMENT: This statement by Pres. Young is is an extraordinarily powerful warning against this doctrine.

The Unwillingness of Church Members to Hear And Live Truth:

Teachings of The Prophet Joseph Smith, pg. 331. But there has been great difficulty in getting anything into the heads of this generation. It has been like splitting hemlock knots with a corn dodger [stick of corn bread] for a wedge, and a pumpkin for a beetle [hammer]. Even the Saints are slow to understand.

         I have tried for a number of years to get the minds of the Saints prepared to receive the things of God; but we frequently see some of them, after suffering all they have for the work of God, will fly to pieces like glass as soon as anything comes that is contrary to their traditions: they cannot stand the fire at all. How many will be able to abide a celestial law, and go through and receive their exaltation, I am unable to say, as many are called, but few are chosen.

           COMMENT: I have heard this statement quoted occasionally in Church, usually followed by laughter because of the Prophet’s colorful imagery. In reality, it is a terribly sad comment by the Prophet that he felt he had essentially failed in his efforts to raise the Saints up because of their collective unwillingness to hear and obey truth.

Journal of Discourses, Vol.9, p.322, Brigham Young, July 6, 1862

The people generally would NOT have the revelations which the Lord delivered to Joseph Smith, unless he would give them a law of carnal commandments like that which he gave to the children of Israel, and how long was it before they were in conversation with the spirit world, BEING LED TO DESTRUCTION BY STRONG DELUSION WHICH GOD SENT THEM, BECAUSE THEY WOULD NOT RECEIVE THE TRUTH? "And when they say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter; should not a people seek unto their God?" They would NOT receive revelations from God, but, as they were told, God suffered them to have revelations that they would believe, that they might believe lies and be damned. Moses tried to give the children of Israel the law of the Gospel, but they would not receive it. The Gospel was revealed in those days, as much as in the days of Christ and his Apostles. They had the Melchizedek Priesthood, and were entitled to all the promises and blessings then as in the days of the Apostles.

           COMMENT: Here Brigham clearly tells the Saints that if they will NOT hear the truth, then the Lord WILL send them a strong delusion to lead them to destruction. This is a little known and understood but VERY important and powerful eternal principle discussed in greater detail in Part III below.

Journal of Discourses, Vol.15, p.361 - p.362, Orson Pratt, March 9, 1873

This is plain preaching, and perhaps some of you will not like it. I can not help it, these are the things that present themselves before my mind... 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 conform 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.

Duty to Obtain Personal Revelation:

Journal of Discourses, Vol.6, p.100, Brigham Young, November 29, 1857

The First Presidency have of right a great influence over this people; and IF WE SHOULD GET OUT OF THE WAY AND LEAD THIS PEOPLE TO DESTRUCTION, WHAT A PITY IT WOULD BE! How can you know whether we lead you correctly or not? Can you know by any other power than that of the Holy Ghost? If have uniformly exhorted the people to obtain this living witness each for themselves; then no man on earth can lead them astray.

Brigham Young, Jour. of Disc., vol. 4, p. 59

How often it has been taught that if you depend entirely upon the voice, judgment and sagacity of those appointed to lead you, and neglect to enjoy the spirit for yourselves, how easily you may be led into error...

Journal of Discourses, Vol.9, p.151, Brigham Young, January 12, 1862

What a pity it would be if we were led by one man to utter destruction! Are you afraid of this? I am more afraid that this people have so much confidence in their leaders that they will not inquire for themselves of God whether they are led by Him. I AM FEARFUL THEY SETTLE DOWN IN A STATE OF BLIND SELF-SECURITY, TRUSTING THEIR ETERNAL DESTINY IN THE HANDS OF THEIR LEADERS WITH A "RECKLESS CONFIDENCE" THAT IN ITSELF WOULD THWART THE PURPOSES OF GOD IN THEIR SALVATION, AND WEAKEN THAT INFLUENCE THEY COULD GIVE TO THEIR LEADERS, did they know for themselves, by the revelations of Jesus, that they are led in the right way. Let every man and woman know, by the whispering of the Spirit of God to themselves, whether their leaders are walking in the path the Lord dictates, or not. This has been my exhortation continually.

          COMMENT: This particular statement of Brigham Young was included in the manual or quoted by every instructor in virtually every one of the annual lessons on priesthood leadership that I sat through during at least my first two decades of church membership.

THE GOOD SHIP ZION JD 5:329 (Brigham Young, on several occasions, spoke about the Good Ship Zion, its course, captain, and destination. Following are excerpts from two such occasions.)

           Many onboard are there only for a pleasure trip; some strictly for business. Some few are there because they love God and His Truth, and the Ship is taking them to the Port.

            Some look at the Captain and say, "wherever you sail, that is where I'll go" (Ruth 1:16). Others don't even say that much. They walk on the deck, bask in the sun and go in a certain direction simply because the planks under their feet pull them in that direction. Some few say "the compass gives me a reading, I see that the captain is heading in the correct bearing, therefore he is taking me to my destination."

            But as sometimes happens a storm blows up, and the Good Ship is mightily buffeted. Many are the course corrections, many are the listings to port and then to starboard, but in it all the compass that the some few possess confirms the course of the captain. He is still heading for Port. Most below deck hardly are aware of the storm. To them business goes on as usual, sometimes increasing the sales of sea-sick pills, or in money made by the ship's porters because of food not eaten by the passengers during the troublous times, sometimes even a depression of sales in the souvenir shop occurs. But the dances go on and the drinking of the world's liquids hardly falter.

            Then comes a stress that is felt by all, the many and the few. All aboard are buffeted, all least temporarily to port, then back to starboard, then the buffetings appear to ease. Out on deck the storm has passed, the skies seem clear as before and the ship is still moving onward. On deck and below all officers and passengers continue on their appointed tasks with the precision begotten by years of disciplined practice. But as the few check their compass, they find that during the last storm, there indeed has been a pronounced change, the course is no longer directed to the Port. There has been a change, yet all else seems the same. Seems normal. The captain is not at the helm, as before, yet the new captain at the helm is one of the first mates of the old captain - always trusted and respected before, and yet the new course persists! When others are consulted, the few are assured that the skies are clear, there is health and wealth and success on every hand, and that daily the number of passengers taken on by the Ship increases as they desire to go wherever the Ship is heading. Also that the first mate, one in whom the previous captain had confidence is at the helm and they are not in any position to question him. Yet the course persists! The Port has certainly not moved. The magnetic lines are yet oriented in the same direction and the compass accurately, as it always has, indicates the true direction. Yet the course persists!

           The few are certainly not in an enviable position. If they say much they shall be cast overboard by the strong-armed porters to be left adrift as the ship is powered on its way with no one on board able to assist or succor them lest they also find themselves expelled. If they say nothing and with the shared confidence of their fellow passengers continue aboard, each will find themselves further from the Port, and if persisted long enough the moment of action will long have passed. The Ship's destination will be their destination. (It is hard to forget that those aboard the Ship Old Testament Congregation trusted in its various captains, and arrived at its destination. But its destination was and still is the Telestial Kingdom, a Noble Kingdom indeed and is certainly a worthy Port to put into, but still a severe disappointment for one on whose ticket was originally stamped "THE HOLY CITY OF ZION," a beautiful port situated hard by The Celestial City of God). If, when YOU make anchor, you find that your ship making its regular call at Port is docked at the Port of Babylon, and you feel it wasn't your fault, you wanted to go to Zion, and it is the Captain's fault and therefore he ought to bear the blame. Know most assuredly that it IS his fault, he will bear the blame, but you will still be aground in Babylon! (Sept 24, 1890)

            Of those who are cast overboard, many flounder and are eaten by the patriarchal sharks that infest the waters devouring whatever comes their way.

           Like bees around a frightened victim they seem to sense the odor of those that hate the Good Ship and its present crew. There are those who are cast overboard who are fortunate enough not to attract the sharks and who, wary of one false guide, can no longer trust their fate to any man, even though he be God's servant. Soon their legs and arms fail for carrying their own weight and those around them and as life departs from those severed from the true vine, they quietly settle down into a cold and lonely and independent grave. Some few of those cast out of the Ship find their compass still functions for they have not even as yet violated the rules of the Ship nor let the world's water jam its functions, and they can yet paddle the best they can on toward The Port, with God's help avoiding the sharks and the lone swimmers who floundering try to grab others as they are going down. And, as they paddle on, a quiet voice from over their shoulder says "You seem to be holding the same bearing as I" - that familiar voice of the old Captain. His present Dingy boat is small and unattractive, it seems crowded and presents many hardships and challenges, and even the Captain bears the wounds of a previous struggle (especially on his hands and feet) but it is a haven where one can become dried from the world's waters, where the Captain's voice can be constantly heard, and where the course set on your compass (when you first set to sea at the age of eight) is the course he constantly pursues. You will soon arrive at The Port, even the Celestial City of God, the Holy City Zion, to be received by those with outstretched hand.

Only a Few:

Journal of Discourses, Vol.2, p.183 - p.184, Brigham Young, February 18, 1855

God will preserve a portion of the meek and humble of this people 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;

Journal of Discourses, Vol.11, p.145, Heber C. Kimball, October 6, 1865

To be a Saint is an individual work, and it is out of the power of God, angels, or men to make a Saint of a man who is determined to be a sinner... But the day will come when the Lord will choose a people out of this people, upon whom he will bestow his choicest blessings.

Heber C. Kimball Deseret News, Nov.9, 1865

But the time will come when the Lord will choose a people OUT OF THIS PEOPLE upon whom He will bestow His choicest blessings.

Millennial Star: Vol. 42:584, 1880

Before the great day of the Lord shall come, and the day of righteousness and peace dawn upon this fair creation, two potent cleansing processes shall be in active operation. The first of these is the preparation of a choice people, purified by an application of their lives as individuals and a community, of the principles of the Gospel of peace. Such a body will EVOLVE FROM THOSE CALLED LATTER-DAY SAINTS, ...Out of this community...will emanate the nucleus or foundation from which will spring the righteous Millennial population of our globe.

Daniel H. Wells Deseret News, Nov. 10, 1876

A people will come forth FROM AMONG US, who will be zealous of good works, willing to do the bidding of the Lord, who will be taught in His ways and who will walk in His paths.

Daniel H. Wells Deseret News, Dec. 9, 1882

 If we as a people do not hold ourselves on the alter ready to be used, 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 which has been talked about so much.

Orson F. Whitney Deseret Weekly, Aug. 11, 1889

Many of this people are perhaps preparing themselves, by following after the world in its mad race...but I KNOW THAT 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, a people who will stand up for God, fearing not man nor what man can do....

            COMMENT: The principal of only a few applies not only to those who will actually be involved in bringing forth the true Zion, but also eternally. Read now some startling statements from the Prophet Joseph and Pres. Romney.

Joseph Smith in TPJS at top of pg. 325 & Documentary History of the Church, Vol 6, pp. 50-52.

The DISAPPOINTMENT of hopes and expectations at the resurrection would be INDESCRIBABLY DREADFUL.

Elder Marion G. Romney, Improvement Era, #52, Dec. 1949, p. 754, on the preceding statement.

We might take a lesson from an account given by the Prophet of a vision of the resurrection in which he records that one of the saddest things he had ever witnessed was the sorrow of the members of the Church who came forth to a resurrection below that they had taken for granted they would receive.

           CONCLUDING COMMENT: Two chapters in the Book of Mormon, 2 Nephi 28 & Mormon 8, contain detailed descriptions of the state of the “holy church of God” in the latter days (Mormon 8:38). In both of these chapters the following statements clearly say that only a “few” are on the right path: “there are none SAVE A FEW ONLY who do not lift themselves up in the pride of their hearts,...” (Mormon 8:35) and “THEY HAVE ALL GONE ASTRAY SAVE IT BE A FEW, who are the humble followers of Christ; nevertheless they are led, that in many instances they do err because they are taught by the precepts of men. O the wise, and the learned, and the rich, that are puffed up in the pride of their hearts and all those who preach false doctrines, ..., and pervert the right way of the Lord, wo, wo, wo be unto them, saith the Lord God Almighty, for they shall be thrust down to hell!” (2 Nephi 28:15-16)

           This particular message that only a “few” are on the right track should cause every LDS person great concern and prompt them to very seriously and prayerfully ponder what one needs do to be among the few rather than among the many who are left behind. To me it’s obvious that the answer is found in doing what the Lord has asked us to do as spelled out in Part I above. Again we encourage those interested in this to read “Experiencing The Mighty Change” mentioned above.

More On “Look Only To God”:

George Q. Cannon, Gospel Truth, Vol. 1, p.319

Do not, brethren, put your trust in man though he be a Bishop, an Apostle or a President; if you do, they will fail you at some time or place; they will do wrong or seem to, and your support be gone; but if we lean on God, He never will fail us. When men and women depend on God alone and trust in Him alone, their faith will not be shaken if the highest in the Church should step aside. They could still see that He is just and true, that truth is lovely in His sight and the pure in heart are dear to Him.

J. Golden Kimball, Conference Report, April 1904, p.29

I feel a good deal, or at least I imagine I do, like a man does when held up by a burglar and he is looking into the muzzle of a six-shooter. I would quietly and willingly hold my hands up, but during the time would think very profoundly of what I would do if given my liberty. We are in a similar position today, but all the men in the United States cannot prevent a man from thinking. There are not Apostles enough in the Church to prevent us from thinking, and they are not disposed to do so; but some people fancy because we have the Presidency and Apostles of the Church they will do the thinking for us. There are men and women so mentally lazy that they hardly think for themselves. To think calls for effort, which makes some men tired and wearies their souls. Now, brethren and sisters, we are surrounded with such conditions that it requires not only thought, but the guidance of the Holy Spirit. LATTER-DAY SAINTS, YOU MUST THINK FOR YOURSELVES. NO MAN OR WOMAN CAN REMAIN IN THIS CHURCH ON BORROWED LIGHT. I am a strong believer in the following statement made by my father in the House of the Lord in 1856 "We think we are secure in the chambers of the everlasting hills, but the time will come when we will be so mixed up that it will be difficult to tell the face of a Saint from the face of an enemy to the people of God. Then, brethren, look out for the great sieve, for there will be a great sifting time, and many will fall; for I say unto you there is a test, a test, a TEST coming, and who will be able to stand?"

Ezra Taft Benson, Conference Report, October 1963, p.16

Those of us who think ". . . all is well in Zion . . ." (2 Nephi 28:21) in spite of Book of Mormon warning might ponder the words of Heber C. Kimball when he said, "Yes, we think we are secure here in the chambers of these everlasting hills . . . but I want to say to you, my brethren, the time is coming when we will be mixed up in these now peaceful valleys to that extent that it will be difficult to tell the face of a Saint from the face of an enemy against the people of God. Then is the time to look out for the great sieve, for there will be a great sifting time, and many will fall. For I say unto you there is a test, a Test, a TEST coming." (Heber C. Kimball, 1856. Quoted by J. Golden Kimball, Conference Report, October 1930, pp. 59-60.)

Seduction of The Members by “Babylon” or The Pleasures of The World:

D&C 86:3 And after they have fallen asleep the great persecutor of the church, the apostate, the whore, even Babylon, that maketh all nations to drink of her cup, in whose hearts the enemy, even Satan, sitteth to reign--behold he soweth the tares; wherefore, the tares choke the wheat and drive the church into the wilderness.

Journal of Discourses, Vol.4, p.38, Brigham Young, August 31, 1856

When "Mormonism" finds favor with the wicked in this land, it will have gone into the shade; but until the power of the Priesthood is gone, "Mormonism" will never become popular with the wicked. "Mormonism" is not one farthing better than it was in the days of Joseph.

Journal of Discourses, Vol.10, p.32, Brigham Young, April 8, 1862

There is nothing that would so soon weaken my hope and discourage me as to see this people in full fellowship with the world, and receive no more persecution from them because they are one with them. In such an event, we might bid farewell to the Holy Priesthood with all its blessings, privileges and aids to exaltations, principalities and powers in the eternities of the Gods.

Journal of Discourses, Vol.10, p.273, Brigham Young, October 6, 1863

I am willing that we should be forgiving. I do not know that I have one single feeling against any man or woman upon earth; I do not love wickedness, and I mean to hate it in myself and in everybody else, and wherever I see it, from this time and henceforth and for ever. When we see the time that we can willingly strike hands and have full fellowship with those who despise the Kingdom of God, know ye then that the Priesthood of the Son of God is out of your possession. Let us be careful how we make friends with and fellowship unrighteousness, lest the curse of God descends heavily upon us.

Discourses of Brigham Young, p.112

There never has been a day for ages and ages, not since the true church was destroyed after the days of the Apostles, that required the faith and the energy of godly men and godly women, and the skill, wisdom and power of the Almighty to be with them, so much as this people require it at the present time. There never was that necessity; there never has been a time on the face of the earth, from the time that the church went to destruction, and the Priesthood was taken from the earth, that the powers of darkness and the powers of earth and hell were so embittered, and enraged, and incensed against God and Godliness on the earth, as they are at the present. And when the spirit of persecution, the spirit of hatred of wrath, and malice ceases in the world against this people, it will be the time that this people have apostatized and joined hands with the wicked, and never until then; which I pray may never come. 4:326.

Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses, Vol.18, p.262, October 8, 1876

If the Latter-day Saints do not desist from running after the things of this world, and begin to reform and do the work the Father has given them to do, they will be found wanting, and they, too, will be swept away and counted as unprofitable servants.

Deseret News, 11th August 1889

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; a people who will stand up for God, fearing not man nor what man can do, but believing as the Prophet Joseph Smith says, that all things we suffer are for our best good, and that God will stand by us forever and ever.

J. Golden Kimball, Conference Report, October 1930, p.59

           "A spirit of speculation and extravagance will take possession of the Saints, and the results will be financial bondage."

           COMMENT: If the spirit of materialism and a hunger for the “good things of life” and the recognition and praise of the world were matters of great concern more than a century ago to these early Brethren, what do you think they would say now about the present day attitudes, practices and life styles of the church and its members?

A Few Statements on Plural Marriage:

Matthias F. Cowley, Wilford Woodruff & His Life and Labors, p.542

Concerning the Patriarchal Order of Marriage, President Taylor said: "If we do not embrace that principle soon, the keys will be turned against us. If we do not keep the same law that our Heavenly Father has kept, we cannot go with Him. A man obeying a lower law is not qualified to preside over those who keep a higher law." In harmony with the remarks of President Taylor Elder Woodruff observed: "The reason why the Church and Kingdom of God cannot advance without the Patriarchal Order of Marriage is that it belongs to this dispensation just as baptism for the dead does, or any law or ordinance that belongs to a dispensation. Without it the Church cannot progress. The leading men of Israel who are presiding over stakes will have to obey the law of Abraham, or they will have to resign."

Journal of Discourses, Vol.24, p.232 - p.233, John Taylor

Now, as I have already said, the reason was very obvious why a law of this kind should be had. As a people we professed to be Latter-day Saints. We professed to be governed by the word, and will, and law of God. We had a religion that might do to live by, but we had none to die by. But this was a principle that God had revealed unto us, and it must be obeyed. I had always entertained strict ideas of virtue, and I felt as a married man that this was to me, outside of this principle, an appalling thing to do. The idea of my going and asking a young lady to be married to me, when I had already a wife! It was a thing calculated to stir up feelings from the innermost depth of the human soul. I had always entertained the strictest regard for chastity. I had never in my life seen the time when I have known of a man deceiving a woman--and it is often done in the world, where notwithstanding the crime, the man is received into society, and the poor woman is looked upon as a pariah and an outcast--I have always looked upon such a thing as infamous, and upon such a man as a villain, and I hold today the same ideas. Hence, with the feelings I had entertained, nothing but a knowledge of God, and the revelations of God, and the truth of them, could have induced me to embrace such a principle as this. We seemed to put off, as far as we could, what might be termed the evil day. Some time after these things were made known to us, I was riding out of Nauvoo on horseback, and met Joseph Smith coming in, he, too, being on horseback. Some of you who were acquainted with Nauvoo, know where the graveyard was. We met upon the road going on to the hill there. I bowed to Brother Joseph, and having done the same to me he said; "Stop;" and he looked at me very intently. "Look here," said he, "those things that have been spoken of must be fulfilled, and if they are not entered into right away, the keys will be turned." Well, what did I do? Did I feel to stand in the way of this great, eternal principle, and treat lightly the things of God? No. I replied: "Brother Joseph, I will try and carry these things out," and afterwards did, and I have done it more times than once; but then I have never broken a law of the United States in doing so, and I am at their defiance to prove to the contrary.

Journal of Discourses, Vol.5, p.204 - p.205, Heber C. Kimball, October 12, 1856

You might as well deny "Mormonism," and turn away from it, as to oppose the plurality of wives. Let the Presidency of this Church, and the Twelve Apostles, and all the authorities unite and say with one voice that they will oppose that doctrine, and the whole of them would be damned. What are you opposing it for? It is a principle that God has revealed for the salvation of the human family. He revealed it to Joseph the Prophet in this our dispensation; and that which he revealed he designs to have carried out by his people.

          COMMENT: The “Manifesto” was signed ONLY by Pres. Wilford W. Woodruff; it was never signed by his two counselors in the First Presidency. It was only AFTER the Manifesto that Pres. Woodruff first began teaching that the Prophet would not lead the Saints astray.

A Few Scriptures on the Cleansing of the Latter Day Church:

Alma 60:23: Captain Moroni said, "Now I would that ye should remember that God has said that the inward vessel shall be cleansed first, and then shall the outer vessel be cleansed also.”

1 Peter 4:17,18: For the time must come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?

D&C 112:24-26: Behold, vengeance cometh speedily upon the inhabitants of the earth, a day of wrath, a day of burning, a day of desolation, of weeping, of mourning, and of lamentation; and as a whirlwind it shall come upon all the face of the earth, saith the Lord. And upon my house shall it begin, and from my house shall it go forth, saith the Lord; First among those among you, saith the Lord, who have professed to know my name and have not known me, and have blasphemed against me in the midst of my house, saith the Lord.

D&C 64:38-40: For it shall come to pass that the inhabitants of Zion shall judge all things pertaining to Zion. And liars and hypocrites shall be proved by them, and they who are not apostles and prophets shall be known. And even the bishop, who is a judge, and his counsellors, if they are not faithful in their stewardships shall be condemned.

Mormon 8:38: O ye pollutions, ye hypocrites, ye teachers, who sell yourselves for that which will canker, why have you polluted the holy church of God? Why are ye ashamed to take upon you the name of Christ? Why do ye not think that greater is the value of an endless happiness than that misery which never dies -because of the praise of the world?

III. THE CONSEQUENCES FOR THOSE WHO WILL NOT HEAR TRUTH (excerpted by permission from “Experiencing The Mighty Change”, Chap. 26, pp. 3-8)God has granted man agency, that is, the innate ability to chose. FREEDOM is a consequence of free agency and is the divine right granted to us by God in this life to chose for ourselves from an almost endless list of alternative courses of action. This FREEDOM is given for the express purpose of allowing us to determine our eternal destiny; however, there are only TWO eternal destinies. The Lord says that the consequences of our choices result in either, (1) PEACE AND ETERNAL LIFE or (2) CAPTIVITY AND DESTRUCTION. 1 Nephi 14:7

One of the most startling concepts in Holy Writ is the DELIVERANCE PRINCIPLE based on man's God-given right of free agency. The Lord has revealed that we have the right to select our own delusions, that is a sincere belief in untruths or lies, through the power of our free agency. Through the Spirit of the Holy Ghost, God guides our minds and feelings to see through our delusions and follow the path that leads to Eternal Life. The Lord, however, warns that, "His spirit will not always strive with man for that he also is flesh." Gen 6:3 This would indicate that the natural man is an enemy to God who refuses to "yield to the enticings of the Holy Spirit." Mosiah 3:19 The consequence of this refusal to obey the promptings of the Holy Ghost is to experience the:

DELIVERENCE ... [over] to the HARDNESS OF THEIR HEARTS AND THE BLINDNESS OF THEIR MINDS UNTO THEIR BEING BROUGHT DOWN INTO CAPTIVITY. 1 Nephi 14:7

A classic example of the DELIVERANCE UP principle is found in 1 Samuel chapter 8 when the Lord allowed the Elders of Israel to follow their own bad choice (delusion) and change their form of government. The Elders of Israel met with the Prophet Samuel at Ramah and said, "Now make us a king to judge us like all the nations." This displeased Samuel but he went and prayed to the Lord about it. The Lord answered and said, "They have rejected me, that I should not reign over them ... They have forsaken me and served other gods." 1 Samuel 8:5-8 However, the Lord revealed to Samuel that He was willing to deliver them up to their delusion, but He told Samuel, "To protest solemnly unto them." The Lord told Samuel to warn the Elders of the consequences of their choice. The results would be the following: the king would (1) take their fields, (2) make them servants, (3) declare war, and (4) require their children to be instruments of war. Samuel also informed them that due to these oppressions Israel would "cry out to the Lord because of their afflictions." Samuel prophetically warned that when they cried out, "The Lord would not hear you in that day." 1 Samuel 8:11-18 The Elders of Israel refused to obey the voice of Samuel and said, "But nay, we will have a king over us that we may be like all the nations." 1 Samuel 8:19 Samuel rehearsed in the ears of the Lord through prayer their determination to follow their delusion. Subsequently, the Lord told Samuel, "Hearken unto their voice and make them a king." Vs 22 Consequently they were DELIVERED UP to the torments predicted by the Lord to which their subsequent history so vividly attests.

A poet has clearly written of God's respect for man's free agency in these words:

Know this that every soul is free

To choose his life and what he'll be

For this eternal truth is given

That God will force no man to Heaven.

He'll call, persuade, direct aright,

and bless with wisdom, love and light,

In nameless ways be good and kind,

But never force the human mind.

The Lord obviously did not "force the human mind" of the Elders of Israel when they demanded a king, but "called, persuaded, and directed aright." We should take warning that the Lord will deal with each of us in the same manner and deliver us to our own delusions after striving with us through His Spirit. However, this sad fate will occur only if we resist the enticings of the Holy Ghost because of the HARDNESS OF OUR HEARTS. Paul, speaking of sinners, says that, "God gave them over (delivered) to a reprobate mind (depraved thoughts) to DO THOSE THINGS WHICH ARE NOT CONVENIENT (proper)." Romans 1:28 To the same effect is the message in Chapter 14 of Ezekiel, referred to by the Prophet Joseph, above, at page 4 - see particularly verses 4-5, 7-10 & 23.

Paul also says that delusions originate with men because they have "itching ears" and want to hear only things they agree with. In 2 Tim 4:3-4 Paul says:

For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears: and they shall turn away their ears from the truth and shall be turned unto fables.

Paul refers to deluded people as being "bewitched ... that ye should not obey the truth." Gal 3:1 He also declared that some church members, "having swerved, have turned aside unto vain jangling .... and give heed to fables." I Tim 1:4,6 In 1 Tim 1:6 he asserts "others have given heed to seducing spirits." 1 Tim 4:1 He also declared that others have "erred concerning the truth, having a form of godliness but denying the power thereof." 2 Tim 3:5 He also states that "some profess that they know God but in their works they deny Him." Titus 1:16

There is yet another possible consequence of failing to hear and obey truth. It clearly appears from the scriptures that our Heavenly Father can become so unhappy with our performance or lack of performance that He will send us a tailor-made delusion. What! Why would God go to the trouble to delude anyone when there are so many demons and people that seem to be engaged in the work on a full time basis? Isn't it the major work of God to keep us from being deceived or deluded?

Let's see what Paul the Apostle had to say on this subject:

And then shall that Wicked One be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of His mouth and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; BECAUSE they RECEIVED NOT the LOVE OF THE TRUTH, that they might be saved. And for this cause GOD SHALL SEND THEM STRONG DELUSION, THAT THEY SHOULD BELIEVE A LIE: THAT THEY ALL MIGHT BE DAMNED WHO BELIEVED NOT THE TRUTH, but HAD PLEASURE IN UNRIGHTEOUSNESS. 2 Thess 2:8-12

          Are we to believe Paul? Does God send to the unrighteous "strong delusion that they should believe a lie?" Vs 11 Is it not easy to look at the uncountable contradictions in such fields as science philosophy and religion and realize that Paul is a very credible witness. The hardest part is to trace the origin of a delusion to its source. Do we have any idea how many delusions come from God? We do not; but, there is something that we definitely learn from Paul, namely attitudes that our Heavenly Father abhors. These attitudes are:

1. Not receiving or loving Truth; and

2. Enjoying wickedness and unrighteousness.

Nephi also had something to say about not wanting any more from God:

Wo be unto him that shall say: We have received the word of God, and WE NEED NO MORE of the word of God, for WE HAVE ENOUGH! For behold, thus saith the Lord God: I will give unto the children of men line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little; and blessed are those who hearken unto my precepts, and lend an ear to my counsel, for they shall learn wisdom; for unto HIM THAT RECEIVETH I WILL GIVE MORE; and from them that shall say, WE HAVE ENOUGH, FROM THEM SHALL BE TAKEN AWAY EVEN THAT WHICH THEY HAVE. 2 Nephi 28:29-30

Not wanting to learn more of the things of God can cause us to lose what knowledge has already been given to us. This creates a vacuum. Does this vacuum remain empty? Or is it filled with a delusion from any one of a number of sources?

Isaiah tells us of the condition of his people in the year that King Uzziah died. He had a vision in which he saw the Lord. Then Isaiah wrote of his experience as follows:

Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a PEOPLE OF UNCLEAN LIPS: for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts. Isa 6:5

           Isaiah is immediately filled with the spirit of repentance. A live coal is placed upon his lips by one of the seraphim, telling him that his iniquity is taken away, and that his sin is purged, or "forgiven" in today's language:

Then Isaiah heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom will I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me. And He (the Lord) said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but UNDERSTAND NOT; and see ye indeed, but PERCEIVE NOT. MAKE THE HEART OF THIS PEOPLE FAT AND MAKE THEIR EARS HEAVY, AND SHUT THEIR EYES: LEST THEY SEE WITH THEIR EYES, AND HEAR WITH THEIR EARS, AND UNDERSTAND WITH THEIR HEART, AND CONVERT, AND BE HEALED.

Then said I Lord, HOW LONG? And he answered, Until the cities be wasted without inhabitant, and the houses without man, and the land be utterly destroyed. And the Lord have removed men far away, and there be a great forsaking in the midst of the land. Isa 6:8-12

It seems that this is one of the most incomprehensible assignments ever given to a prophet in the history of the world. Isaiah simply responded, "How long?" It is doubtful that Isaiah knew that the carrying of Israel captive into Babylon was approximately 138 years into the future.

The "why" of the assignment becomes clearer as the Lord again gives the following description of Israel's lifestyle:

Yea, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delighteth in their abominations. I also WILL CHOOSE THEIR DELUSIONS, and will bring their fears upon them; because when I called, NONE did answer, when I spake, THEY DID NOT HEAR; BUT THEY DID EVIL before mine eyes, and chose that in which I delighted not. Isa 66:3-4

           The scriptures tell us that the people did not want to serve the Lord. They walked in their own way, not wanting what the Lord had for them. The scriptures tell us that with this unholy attitude and behavior, they qualified to be deluded. And the Lord was not going to leave the delusions up to anyone else; He would choose the nature, kind and extent of their delusions. The Lord specifically stated, "I will choose their delusions." Vs 4

           There is yet another example in Holy Writ that supports this scriptural statement that God would send a delusion. The story is found in the twenty-second chapter of I Kings.

The setting of this event is that Jehoshaphat is King of Judah. Ahab is king of Israel. There has been three years of peace between Syria and Israel, but the spoils of Ramoth in Gilead is awfully tempting to Ahab. He invites Jehoshaphat to go to war with him and Jehoshaphat agrees to go, but wants a confirmation from the Lord:

Jehoshaphat said unto the king of Israel, Inquire, I pray thee, at the word of the Lord today. Then the king of Israel gathered the prophets together, about four hundred men, and said unto them, SHALL I GO AGAINST RAMOTH-GILEAD TO BATTLE, OR SHALL I FORBEAR? And they said, GO UP, FOR THE LORD SHALL DELIVER IT INTO THE HAND OF THE KING. Vs 5-6

For some reason Jehoshaphat seems uneasy with the unity of all the prophets. Are they just currying favor with the king? He wonders if there isn't another prophet and asks:

Is there not here a prophet of the Lord besides, that we might inquire of him? And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, There is yet one man, Micaiah ... by whom we may inquire of the Lord: but I hate him; for he doth not prophesy good concerning me, but evil. And Jehoshaphat said, Let not the king say so. Vs 7-8

Micaiah is in prison. Ahab instructs an officer to bring Micaiah from prison to satisfy the concern of Jehoshaphat. The officer tried to persuade Micaiah to go along with the rest of the prophets -- to prophesy nothing but good for Ahab, but Micaiah was unmoved:

And Micaiah said, As the Lord liveth, what the Lord saith unto me, that will I speak. Vs 14

On the way to the king's chamber, he changed his mind and decided to have a little fun with the king. When asked if they should go up to war against Ramoth-Gilead, he said:

Go and prosper, for the Lord shall deliver it into the hand of the king.

All of the other prophets must have smiled at this, but Ahab wasn't smiling:

How many times shall I adjure thee that thou tell me nothing but that which is true in the name of the Lord? Vs 16

It is time for the truth. Micaiah speaks:

I saw all Israel scattered upon the hills, as sheep that have not a shepherd: and the Lord said, These have no master: [indicating that Ahab will be killed in battle] let them return every man to his house in peace. Vs 17

Ahab is incensed, saying:

Did I not tell thee that he would prophesy no good concerning me, but evil? Vs 19

Micaiah speaks again. The vision must be told. Ahab must know of a certainty:

Hear thou therefore the word of the Lord: I saw the Lord sitting on his throne, and all the host of heaven standing by him on his right hand and on his left. And the Lord said, Who shall persuade Ahab, that he may go up and fall at Ramoth-Gilead? And one said on this manner and one said on that manner. And there came forth a lying spirit, and stood before the Lord, and said, I will entice him. And the Lord said unto him, Wherewith? And he said, I will go out and be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets. And the Lord said, Thou shalt entice him, and thou shalt also prevail; go out and do even so; for all these have sinned against me. Now therefore, behold, the LORD HAS FOUND A LYING SPIRIT IN THE MOUTH OF THESE THY PROPHETS, and the Lord hath spoken evil against thee. (underlining indicates JST revisions in II Chron. 18:21-22)

The king's anger at this point reached the boiling point:

Put this fellow in the prison, and feed him with the bread of affliction and with the water of affliction, until I come