Part One: Evil Speaking? Discernment?

(Concerning the Restoration & Joseph Smith)

There has probably never been a time in the history of the world when evil speakers and deceivers have had such an instantaneous, global platform—not only to spread latter-day distortions, but to resurrect ones from the past and spread them anew. Considering this, we seem quite naïve about the machinations of “father of lies” and “a liar from the beginning.”¹

Do we not understand that every iota of God’s work will be subject to the intense focus of Lucifer and his minions? that lies will be interwoven into every aspect of God’s plan as Lucifer roams the earth ferreting out false witnesses, fomenting “anger against that which is good,”² seducing grand-standers, tempting and distracting people of covenant, infiltrating congregations, making false promises, confusing, distorting, maligning, contending, and on and on?

Do we not understand that there are many persons without conscience such as John Cook Bennett³—then and now—who have fashioned and will continue to fashion “exposés” in the manner described by William Paley:⁴

[T]heir … enquiries (if they deserve the name) are … made rather with a view of confirming themselves in those opinions they have already imbibed, than with an earnest desire to discover and embrace Truth wherever she may be found.

Beyond that, we have researchers who rely on scholarly analyses of documents and affidavits produced years ago in an environment of intense hostility and distortion,⁵ or with an agenda of recording only those witnesses that favored disparagement? What happens when we run these “proofs” through God’s witness about His servants and events?

And thus he [Satan] has laid a cunning plan, thinking to destroy the work of God; but I will require this at their hands, and it shall turn to their shame and condemnation in the day of judgment. Yea, he stirreth up their hearts to anger against this work. Yea, he saith unto them: Deceive and lie in wait to catch, that ye may destroy; behold, this is no harm. And thus he flattereth them, and telleth them that it is no sin to lie that they may catch a man in a lie, that they may destroy him. And thus he flattereth them, and leadeth them along until he draggeth their souls down to hell; and thus he causeth them to catch themselves in their own snare. And thus he goeth up and down, to and fro in the earth, seeking to destroy the souls of men  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 10:23-27).

Thus Satan thinketh to overpower your testimony in this generation, that the work may not come forth in this generation. But behold, here is wisdom, and because I show unto you wisdom, and give you commandments concerning these things, what you shall do, show it not unto the world until you have accomplished the work of translation. Marvel not that I said unto you: Here is wisdom, show it not unto the world—for I said, show it not unto the world, that you may be preserved. Behold, I do not say that you shall not show it unto the righteous; But as you cannot always judge the righteous, or as you cannot always tell the wicked from the righteous, therefore I say unto you, hold your peace until I shall see fit to make all things known unto the world concerning the matter  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 10:33-37; bold emphasis added as a caution to us all).

And well before this 1828 plot, do we imagine that Lucifer was twiddling his thumbs while Joseph Smith, Jr. and his family were being led and prepared by God for the great work of the Restoration? Or was Lucifer already at work? Joseph wrote:

So it was with me. I had actually seen a light, and in the midst of that light I saw two Personages, and they did in reality speak to me; and though I was hated and persecuted for saying that I had seen a vision [in 1820], yet it was true; and while they were persecuting me, reviling me, and speaking all manner of evil against me falsely for so saying, I was led to say in my heart: Why persecute me for telling the truth? I have actually seen a vision; and who am I that I can withstand God, or why does the world think to make me deny what I have actually seen? For I had seen a vision; I knew it, and I knew that God knew it, and I could not deny it, neither dared I do it; at least I knew that by so doing I would offend God, and come under condemnation  (Pearl of Great Price | JS-History 1:25, bold emphasis added).

… there were many things which transpired that cannot be written and my Fathers family have suffered many persecutions and afflictions … [one of which was the malicious rumor circulating in the fall of 1824 that the body of Joseph’s brother Alvin had been dug up from the place of his internment and dissected⁶].

Can we even fathom the evil that would invoke such cruelty?

How can we even begin to discern where the webs of Luciferian lies begin and end in this momentous time in world history? Are we participating in evil speaking by asserting “facts” that are really speculations, opinions, beliefs, persuasions, even outright historical fabrications—“facts” that contradict God’s witness? Are we bearing false witness?

Many seem so quick to mock “seer stones” and “glass-looking” despite:

the white stone mentioned in Revelation 2:17 [which] will become a Urim and Thummim to each individual who receives one, whereby things pertaining to a higher order of kingdoms will be made known; And a white stone is given to each of those who come into the celestial kingdom, whereon is a new name written, which no man knoweth save he that receiveth it. The new name is the key word (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 130:10-11);

all the while we spend large portions of our own day, glass-looking⁷ in our devices that magically transport megabits of data to our vision, even to the extent of taking 3-D tours of ghost towns in China—even to panning, at leisure, buildings, sites, and events no longer existing. Could God have an infinitely greater “technology," or even a simpler one like seer stones, or the Liahona⁸ that Nephi described? Technologies dependent not on batteries but on faith?

And it came to pass that I, Nephi, beheld the pointers which were in the ball, that they did work according to the faith and diligence and heed which we did give unto them. And there was also written upon them a new writing, which was plain to be read, which did give us understanding concerning the ways of the Lord; and it was written and changed from time to time, according to the faith and diligence which we gave unto it. And thus we see that by small means the Lord can bring about great things  (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 16:28-29).

How prevalent has it become to discount the witness⁹ of God, Joseph Smith, and Oliver Cowdery (the primary scribe) about the use of the Urim and Thummim in Joseph’s translation work because others did not remember or record it that way? Can we even be sure that these alleged memories / records are correctly attributed? Does the previously quoted D&C 10 not put us on notice of the “revision / false attribution” strategy of those early deceivers? Even in our own Mormon historical records, how can we be sure what is original-Joseph and what is revision-Joseph?¹⁰

Why is it that we put so much trust in the (alleged?) words, memory, and witness of fallible humans (often recorded or attributed years after an event) which contradict the witness of God? Is that not a form of evil speaking? to disregard, discount, disparage?

In the morass of deception that now floods the WorldWideWeb, how do we discern what is true? This is what Joseph said:¹¹

[W]e shall at last have to come to this conclusion, whatever we may think of revelation, that without it we can neither know nor understand anything of God, or the devil; and however unwilling the world may be to acknowledge this principle, it is evident from the multifarious creeds and notions concerning this matter that they understand nothing of this principle, and it is equally as plain that without a divine communication they must remain in ignorance (TPJS:206).

So the gist of this? Lucifer has spent millennia evil speaking and weaving webs of deceit and only the words of Christ, written and revelatory, “can carry us beyond this vale of sorrow into a far better land of promise [and truth].” In other words, we have a responsibility.

And now, my son, I would that ye should understand that these things are not without a shadow; for as our fathers were slothful to give heed to this compass (now these things were temporal) they did not prosper; even so it is with things which are spiritual. For behold, it is as easy to give heed to the word of Christ, which will point to you a straight course to eternal bliss, as it was for our fathers to give heed to this compass, which would point unto them a straight course to the promised land. And now I say, is there not a type in this thing? For just as surely as this director did bring our fathers, by following its course, to the promised land, shall the words of Christ, if we follow their course, carry us beyond this vale of sorrow into a far better land of promise. O my son, do not let us be slothful because of the easiness of the way; for so was it with our fathers; for so was it prepared for them, that if they would look they might live; even so it is with us. The way is prepared, and if we will look we may live forever. And now, my son, see that ye take care of these sacred things, yea, see that ye look to God and live (Book of Mormon | Alma 37:43-47).

Part Two: Evil Speaking? will explore the déjà vus of dissent.

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NOTE: To readers who don’t believe in scripture; who believe that Joseph’s revelations were self-serving; or who believe that everything was a hoax or fraud, this reference and reliance on scripture may, itself, seem self-serving and circular, but in this writer’s view there has to be a measure somewhere, and that measure is God’s word, though discernment is still essential considering that man has at various times, mistranslated, omitted, revised, even deliberately changed God’s word. And for those who believe that God cannot or will not add to His word, try an experiment—read the Book of Mormon and ask God if He has.

1. Doctrine and Covenants | Section 93:24-25 ~ And truth is knowledge of things as they are, and as they were, and as they are to come; And whatsoever is more or less than this is the spirit of that wicked one who was a liar from the beginning.
Book of Mormon | Ether 8:25 ~ For it cometh to pass that whoso buildeth it up seeketh to overthrow the freedom of all lands, nations, and countries; and it bringeth to pass the destruction of all people, for it is built up by the devil, who is the father of all lies; even that same liar who beguiled our first parents, yea, even that same liar who hath caused man to commit murder from the beginning; who hath hardened the hearts of men that they have murdered the prophets, and stoned them, and cast them out from the beginning.
Pearl of Great Price | Moses 4:4-6 ~ And he became Satan, yea, even the devil, the father of all lies, to deceive and to blind men, and to lead them captive at his will, even as many as would not hearken unto my voice. And now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field which I, the Lord God, had made. And Satan put it into the heart of the serpent, (for he had drawn away many after him,) and he sought also to beguile Eve, for he knew not the mind of God, wherefore he sought to destroy the world.
New Testament | John 8:44 ~ Ye [Pharisees] are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
2. Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 28:20 ~ For behold, at that day shall he rage in the hearts of the children of men, and stir them up to anger against that which is good.
3. Re: John Cook Bennett ~ http://dejavu-timestwo.blogspot.ca/2015/12/could-it-be.html
4. A discussion on this abbreviated quote from Twelve Letters on the Evidences of the Christian Religion by an Enquirer, First printed in the Oriental Star (1802) can be found in at https://www.metabunk.org/einstein-condemnation-without-investigation-is-the-height-of-ignorance.t7015/ ; and the source of the quote at https://books.google.ca/books?id=LQJeAAAAcAAJ&dq=%22contempt+prior%22+investigation&pg=PA10&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=%22contempt%20prior%22%20investigation&f=false
See also TPJS:118 ~ Sunday, May 6, 1838, I [Joseph Smith] preached to the Saints, setting forth the evils that existed, and that would exist, by reason of hasty judgment, or decisions upon any subject given by any people, or in judging before they had heard both sides of a question. (Joseph Smith, Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, [TPJS] selected and arranged by Joseph Fielding Smith [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1976]).
5. Doctrine and Covenants | Section 123:1, 3-7, 12-15 ~ AND again, we would suggest for your consideration the propriety of all the saints gathering up a knowledge of all the facts, and sufferings and abuses put upon them by the people of this State; … And also the names of all persons that have had a hand in their oppressions, as far as they can get hold of them and find them out. And perhaps a committee can be appointed to find out these things, and to take statements and affidavits; and also to gather up the libelous publications that are afloat; And all that are in the magazines, and in the encyclopedias, and all the libelous histories that are published, and are writing, and by whom, and present the whole concatenation of diabolical rascality and nefarious and murderous impositions that have been practised upon this people—That we may not only publish to all the world, but present them to the heads of government in all their dark and hellish hue, … It is an imperative duty that we owe to God, to angels, with whom we shall be brought to stand, and also to ourselves, to our wives and children, who have been made to bow down with grief, sorrow, and care, under the most damning hand of murder, tyranny, and oppression, supported and urged on and upheld by the influence of that spirit which hath so strongly riveted the creeds of the fathers, who have inherited lies, upon the hearts of the children, and filled the world with confusion, and has been growing stronger and stronger, and is now the very mainspring of all corruption, and the whole earth groans under the weight of its iniquity. … For there are many yet on the earth among all sects, parties, and denominations, who are blinded by the subtle craftiness of men, whereby they lie in wait to deceive, and who are only kept from the truth because they know not where to find it—Therefore, that we should waste and wear out our lives in bringing to light all the hidden things of darkness, wherein we know them; and they are truly manifest from heaven—These should then be attended to with great earnestness. Let no man count them as small things; for there is much which lieth in futurity, pertaining to the saints, which depends upon these things. … [Bold emphasis added.]
Examples from 1841 records: “List of Books: Chapter 14: Vale 1840—Enter 1841—List of Publications for and against the Church— … [recorded in History of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 7 vols., introduction and notes by B. H. Roberts [Salt Lake City: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1932-1951], 4: 250, 253, 255.]
» The Rev. Robert Hays, Wesleyan minister, Douglas, Isle of Man, published three addresses in pamphlet form, against the Latter-day Saints, which were replied to in the following order:
» "An Answer to Some False Statements and Misrepresentations," published by the Rev. Robert Hays, Wesleyan minister, in an address to his society in Douglas, and its vicinity on the subject of Mormonism, by John Taylor, October 7th, 1840.
» "Calumny Refuted, and the Truth Defended," being a reply to the second address of the Rev. Robert Hays, by John Taylor, Douglas, October 29, 1840.
» "Truth Defended and Methodism Weighed in the Balances and Found Wanting," being a reply to the third address of the Rev. Robert Hays against the Latter-day Saints and also an "Exposure of the Principles of Methodism," by John Taylor, Liverpool, December 7, 1840.
» "The Latter-day Saints and the Book of Mormon;" being a few words of warning against the Latter-day Saints, from a minister to his flock. W. J. Morrish, Ledbury, Herefordshire, September.
» A second warning by the same W. J. Morrish, October 15th.
» "A Few More Facts Relating to the Self-styled "Latter-day Saints,' " by John Simmons, Church of England minister, Dymock, Herefordshire, September 14th.
» Several letters written by Mr. Curran, and published in the Manx Liberal, Isle of Man, in October, were replied to by John Taylor.
» "Mormonism Weighed in the Balances of the Sanctuary and Found Wanting;" the substance of four lectures by Samuel Haining, published in Douglas, Isle of Man; a tract of sixty-six pages. …
» An exposure of the errors and fallacies of the self-named "Latter-day Saints." By William Hewitt, of Lane End, Staffordshire, Potteries.
» An answer to Mr. William Hewitt's tract against the Latter-day Saints. By Elder Parley P. Pratt.
» Plain Facts; showing the falsehood and folly of the Rev. C. Bush (the Church of England minister, of the parish of Peover, Cheshire); being a reply to his tract against the Latter-day Saints by Parley P. Pratt.
» A few remarks by way of reply to an anonymous scribbler, calling himself "a Philanthropist," disabusing the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, of the slanders and falsehoods which he has attempted to fasten upon it. By Samuel Bennett, Philadelphia.
» Mormonism unmasked, and Mr. Bennett's reply answered and refuted. By a Philanthropist of Chester county. Published in Philadelphia.
» An Appeal to the American People; being an account of the persecutions of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and the barbarities inflicted on them by the inhabitants of the State of Missouri, sixty closely printed pages second edition revised by authority of said Church, Joseph Smith, Jun., Sidney Rigdon, Hyrum Smith, Presidency.
» A Reply to Mr. Thomas Taylor's Pamphlet, entitled "Complete Failure," etc., and also to Mr. Richard Livesey's tract, "Mormonism Exposed" by Parley P. Pratt.
» The editor of the London Dispatch, published an article on November 8th, against the Latter-day Saints, containing some of the false statements of Captain D. L. St. Clair, in his tract against them, which was replied to by Elder Parley P. Pratt, in the November number of the Millennial Star. …
One further example regarding Joseph:
TPJS:270 ~ Mr. Sollars stated that James Mullone, of Springfield, told him as follows:—"I have been to Nauvoo, and seen Joe Smith, the Prophet: he had a gray horse, and I asked him where he got it; and Joe said, "You see that white cloud." "Yes." "Well, as it came along, I got the horse from that cloud." This is a fair specimen of the ten thousand foolish lies circulated by this generation to bring the truth and its advocates into disrepute.  (Bold emphasis added.)
6. See footnote 2 in The Papers of Joseph Smith Vol. 1: Autobiographical and Historical Writings, edited by Dean C. Jessee (Deseret Book Co., Salt Lake City, © 1989), p. 7. Note: If such persecution was already circulating in 1824, what other maliciousness was already contaminating memory and records.
7. Glass-Looking: http://dejavu-timestwo.blogspot.ca/2014/01/glass-lookers-one-and-all.html
8. Book of Mormon | Alma 37:38-41 ~ And now, my son, I have somewhat to say concerning the thing which our fathers call a ball, or director—or our fathers called it Liahona, which is, being interpreted, a compass; and the Lord prepared it. And behold, there cannot any man work after the manner of so curious a workmanship. And behold, it was prepared to show unto our fathers the course which they should travel in the wilderness. And it did work for them according to their faith in God; therefore, if they had faith to believe that God could cause that those spindles should point the way they should go, behold, it was done; therefore they had this miracle, and also many other miracles wrought by the power of God, day by day. Nevertheless, because those miracles were worked by small means it did show unto them marvelous works. They were slothful, and forgot to exercise their faith and diligence and then those marvelous works ceased, and they did not progress in their journey;
9. Doctrine and Covenants | Section 10:1 ~ NOW, behold, I say unto you, that because you delivered up those writings which you had power given unto you to translate by the means of the Urim and Thummim, into the hands of a wicked man, you have lost them.
Pearl of Great Price | JS-History 1:35 ~ Also, that there were two stones in silver bows—and these stones, fastened to a breastplate, constituted what is called the Urim and Thummim—deposited with the plates; and the possession and use of these stones were what constituted "seers" in ancient or former times; and that God had prepared them for the purpose of translating the book.
Pearl of Great Price | JS-History 1:62 ~ By this timely aid was I enabled to reach the place of my destination in Pennsylvania; and immediately after my arrival there I commenced copying the characters off the plates. I copied a considerable number of them, and by means of the Urim and Thummim I translated some of them, which I did between the time I arrived at the house of my wife's father, in the month of December, and the February following.
Pearl of Great Price | JS-History Note:1 ~ [Oliver Cowdery:] "These were days never to be forgotten—to sit under the sound of a voice dictated by the inspiration of heaven, awakened the utmost gratitude of this bosom! Day after day I continued, uninterrupted, to write from his mouth, as he translated with the Urim and Thummim, or, as the Nephites would have said, 'Interpreters,' the history or record called 'The Book of Mormon.'
Book of Mormon | Alma 37:23-25 ~ And the Lord said: I will prepare unto my servant Gazelem, a stone, which shall shine forth in darkness unto light, that I may discover unto my people who serve me, that I may discover unto them the works of their brethren, yea, their secret works, their works of darkness, and their wickedness and abominations. And now, my son, these interpreters were prepared that the word of God might be fulfilled, which he spake, saying: I will bring forth out of darkness unto light all their secret works and their abominations; and except they repent I will destroy them from off the face of the earth; and I will bring to light all their secrets and abominations, unto every nation that shall hereafter possess the land.
10. Re Mormon history revision: All the following quotes are from History of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 7 vols., [purported author, Joseph Smith], introduction and notes by B. H. Roberts [Salt Lake City: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1932-1951]. (All bold emphasis added.) Note: To date, we do not seem to know what BY meant by revising—just grammar and style errors or something more?
» Moreover, since the death of the Prophet Joseph, the history has been carefully revised under the strict inspection of President Brigham Young, and approved by him, (1:v-vi; 7:243.)
» Tuesday, April 1, 1845.—I [Brigham Young] commenced revising the History of Joseph Smith at Brother Richards' office: Elder Heber C. Kimball and George A. Smith were with me. President Joseph Smith had corrected forty-two pages before his massacre. It afforded us great satisfaction to hear Brother Richards read the history of the infancy of the church. Adjourned at eleven p.m. having read one hundred and forty pages in Book 'A'.
» Wednesday, [April] 2 [1845].—Engaged at Elder Richards' office with Elders Kimball and Smith revising Church History. (7:389.)
» Saturday, [May] 10 [1845].—Brother George A. Smith called upon me this morning and I [BY] accompanied him to the Historian's Office where we read and revised Church History. …
» Monday, [May] 12 [1845].—Evening, with Brothers Heber C. Kimball, W. Richards and George A. Smith at Brother Edward Hunter's revising history.
» Tuesday, [May] 13 [1845].—With Elders Heber C. Kimball, W. Richards and George A. Smith reading and revising Church History at Brother Edward Hunter's where we had retired to keep out of the way of writs reported to have been issued against us. (7:408.) …
» Wednesday, [May] 14 [1845].—Continued at Brother Edward Hunter's as yesterday; my health, and that of Brother Richards poor; but we read and revised history all day. …
» Friday, [May] 16 [1845].—I spent the day at Brother Hunter's in company with Brothers Heber C. Kimball, Willard Richards, George A. Smith and N. K. Whitney revising history: …
» Saturday, [May] 17 [1845].—Revising history as yesterday, with the addition of Brother John Taylor: … (7:411.)
» Tuesday, {May] 20 {1845].—With the brethren named I remained at Brother Pierce's; Willard Richards and George A. Smith joined us. We read and revised fifty-seven pages of History of Joseph Smith from Book 'B': … (7:414.)
» Wednesday, [June] 18 [1845].—I met with Elders Heber C. Kimball, John Taylor and George A. Smith at Brother Taylor's; we revised a portion of the History of Joseph Smith. …
» Thursday, [June] 19 [1845].—I spent the day with Brothers H. C. Kimball and George A. Smith revising history. …
» Friday, [June] 20 [1845].—Elders H. C. Kimball, Orson Pratt, George A. Smith, and myself engaged revising Church History. (7:427-428.)
» Saturday, [November] 8 [1845].—Revising history in company with Brothers Heber C. Kimball, Willard Richards and George A. Smith till 4 p.m. (7:514.)
» Monday, [November] 10 [1845].—I spent the day with Elders Heber C. Kimball, Willard Richards and George A. Smith revising Church History; …
» Tuesday, [November] 11 [1845].—Forenoon, Elders Willard Richards and George A. Smith revising history.
Afternoon, Elder Kimball and I joined them, and assisted in revising history. (7:519.)
» Wednesday, [November] 26 [1845].—At the Historian's Office with Elder George A. Smith and revised fifty pages history. …
» Friday, [November] 28 [1845].—I went to the Trustees' Office, attending to church business. Elders Willard Richards and George A. Smith read and revised history to the end of 1843. (7:532.)
» Monday, [December] 29 [1845].— … Elders George A. Smith and Amasa Lyman revised history. (7:556.)
11. More discernment quotes from Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith [TPJS], selected and arranged by Joseph Fielding Smith [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1976]:
TPJS: 202 ~ It is evident from the Apostles' writings, that many false spirits existed in their day, and had "gone forth into the world," and that it needed intelligence which God alone could impart to detect false spirits, and to prove what spirits were of God. The world in general have been grossly ignorant in regard to this one thing, and why should they be otherwise—for "the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God."
TPJS: 203 ~ "Try the spirits," but what by? Are we to try them by the creeds of men? What preposterous folly—what sheer ignorance—what madness! Try the motions and actions of an eternal being (for I contend that all spirits are such) by a thing that was conceived in ignorance, and brought forth in folly—a cobweb of yesterday! Angels would hide their faces, and devils would be ashamed and insulted, and would say, "Paul we know, and Jesus we know, but who are ye?" Let each man of society make a creed and try evil spirits by it, and the devil would shake his sides; it is all that he would ask—all that he would desire. Yet many of them do this, and hence "many spirits are abroad in the world."
TPJS: 203 ~ One great evil is, that men are ignorant of the nature of spirits; their power, laws, government, intelligence, etc., and imagine that when there is anything like power, revelation, or vision manifested, that it must be of God.
TPJS: 204-205 ~ Every one of these professes to be competent to try his neighbor's spirit, but no one can try his own, and what is the reason? Because they have not a key to unlock, no rule wherewith to measure, and no criterion whereby they can test it. Could any one tell the length, breadth or height of a building without a rule? Test the quality of metals without a criterion, or point out the movements of the planetary systems, without a knowledge of astronomy? Certainly not; and if such ignorance as this is manifested about a spirit of this kind, who can describe an angel of light? If Satan should appear as one in glory, who can tell his color, his signs, his appearance, his glory, or what is the manner of his manifestation? Who can detect the spirit of the French prophets with their revelations and their visions, and power of manifestations? Or who can point out the spirit of the Irvingites, with their apostles and prophets, and visions and tongues, and interpretations, etc. Or who can drag into daylight and develop the hidden mysteries of the false spirits that so frequently are made manifest among the Latter-day Saints? We answer that no man can do this without the Priesthood, and having a knowledge of the laws by which spirits are governed; for as no man knows the things of God, but by the Spirit of God, so no man knows the spirit of the devil, and his power and influence, but by possessing intelligence which is more than human, and having unfolded through the medium of the Priesthood the mysterious operations of his devices; without knowing the angelic form, the sanctified look and gesture, and the zeal that is frequently manifested by him for the glory of God, together with the prophetic spirit, the gracious influence, the godly appearance, and the holy garb, which are so characteristic of his proceedings and his mysterious windings.
TPJS: 205 ~ A man must have the discerning of spirits before he can drag into daylight this hellish influence and unfold it unto the world in all its soul-destroying, diabolical, and horrid colors; for nothing is a greater injury to the children of men than to be under the influence of a false spirit when they think they have the Spirit of God. Thousands have felt the influence of its terrible power and baneful effects. Long pilgrimages have been undertaken, penances endured, and pain, misery and ruin have followed in their train; nations have been convulsed, kingdoms overthrown, provinces laid waste, and blood, carnage and desolation are habiliments in which it has been clothed.
TPJS: 205-206 ~ As we have noticed before, the great difficulty lies in the ignorance of the nature of spirits, of the laws by which they are governed, and the signs by which they may be known; if it requires the Spirit of God to know the things of God; and the spirit of the devil can only be unmasked through that medium, then it follows as a natural consequence that unless some person or persons have a communication, or revelation from God, unfolding to them the operation of the spirit, they must eternally remain ignorant of these principles; for I contend that if one man cannot understand these things but by the Spirit of God, ten thousand men cannot; it is alike out of the reach of the wisdom of the learned, the tongue of the eloquent, the power of the mighty. And we shall at last have to come to this conclusion, whatever we may think of revelation, that without it we can neither know nor understand anything of God, or the devil; and however unwilling the world may be to acknowledge this principle, it is evident from the multifarious creeds and notions concerning this matter that they understand nothing of this principle, and it is equally as plain that without a divine communication they must remain in ignorance. The world always mistook false prophets for true ones, and those that were sent of God, they considered to be false prophets, and hence they killed, stoned, punished and imprisoned the true prophets, and these had to hide themselves "in deserts and dens, and caves of the earth," and though the most honorable men of the earth, they banished them from their society as vagabonds, whilst they cherished, honored and supported knaves, vagabonds, hypocrites, impostors, and the basest of men.
TPJS: 206-207 ~ A man must have the discerning of spirits, as we before stated, to understand these things, and how is he to obtain this gift if there are no gifts of the Spirit? And how can these gifts be obtained without revelation? "Christ ascended into heaven, and gave gifts to men; and He gave some Apostles, and some Prophets, and some Evangelists, and some Pastors and Teachers." And how were Apostles, Prophets, Pastors, Teachers and Evangelists chosen? By prophecy (revelation) and by laying on of hands—by a divine communication, and a divinely appointed ordinance—through the medium of the Priesthood, organized according to the order of God, by divine appointment. The Apostles in ancient times held the keys of this Priesthood—of the mysteries of the Kingdom of God, and consequently were enabled to unlock and unravel all things pertaining to the government of the Church, the welfare of society, the future destiny of men, and the agency, power and influence of spirits; for they could control them at pleasure, bid them depart in the name of Jesus, and detect their mischievous and mysterious operations when trying to palm themselves upon the Church in a religious garb, and militate against the interest of the Church and spread of truth. We read that they "cast out devils in the name of Jesus," and when a woman possessing the spirit of divination, cried before Paul and Silas, "these are the servants of the Most High God that show unto us the way of salvation," they detected the spirit. And although she spake favorably of them, Paul commanded the spirit to come out of her, and saved themselves from the opprobrium that might have been heaped upon their heads, through an alliance with her, in the development of her wicked principles, which they certainly would have been charged with, if they had not rebuked the evil spirit.

Season of Lies?

(An Epiphany!?!)

There is probably no good time to ask these comparative questions, but let us consider them anyway. We are now two weeks past Christmas with about 40 weeks to go before the next blitz begins. Theoretically, 40 weeks should give us ample time to make other plans—enough time to set in motion new traditions based on truth.¹

But first, for those who are outraged by criticisms of long-standing, cultural traditions or who feel there is no harm in the make-believe and excesses of Christmas, it might be advisable to begin a round of deep breathing  before reading further because in this writer’s view, it is past time to jettison the entire corrupted miasmas—hook, line, and sinker. So here goes.

Supposedly at Christmas, we are celebrating the birth of the One who is “the way, the truth, and the life,”² YET ironically (diabolically?) the real focus of the season has become layered with pretense on pretense; lie upon lie.

I speak chiefly of the presiding presence of Santa:³

▪  he is fictional, but we swear to children that he lives at the North Pole;
▪  his lifeless red-suit must be donned by jolly pretenders to give life to the charade;
▪  he headlines exotic parades which glorify his persona and hype the season of marketing, mammon, and malls;
▪  he enthrones himself to solicit information from duped children in the presence of parents or guardians so these adults can (attempt to) secretly fulfill wishes and then pretend that they didn’t;
▪  he is promoted as the great gift-giver, receiving credit for “wonderful things,” when he has never so much as wrapped a gift or spent a dime;
▪  his “promises” pressure good parents to finance his myth with additional gifts they would not have otherwise purchased, and usually cannot afford;
▪  he is a marketeer in sheep-fringed clothing, hawking everything from triple-A batteries to zombie themes;
▪  his promoters propagandize “love” and “nice-rewards” with the giving and receiving of material stuff;
▪  etc., etc., etc.

So the questions are: Who do we know⁴ who

▪  doesn’t have a body, but takes on another’s form whenever he can?
▪  caters to human greed, desire, and envy by asking: “What do you want?”?
▪  crafts endless lies and is called the father of lies?
▪  convinces others to lie for and about him and to do his work?
▪  presents himself as THE good guy, an “angel of light,” the real, original deal?
▪  styles himself as a gift-giver and the real hope of blessing/saving mankind?
▪  is adept at creating or intertwining the symbols and signs of his materialistic empire (aka Babylon) with Christian expression and practice?
▪  takes full, unabashed credit for the work and ideas of others?
▪  pursues the limelight?
▪  promotes “buy now, pay later”?
▪  encourages people to live beyond their means?
▪  is more than willing to ensconce himself on the throne of God (or any available throne for that matter)?
▪  and so forth.

And last, but not least, who might crave to have his existence acknowledged in subtle, clever ways (like an anagram of his name?—like Santa?), and then laugh at the gullibility and culpability of his dupees?

Wo, wo, wo unto this people; [notice, it is not ho, ho, ho, BUT] wo unto the inhabitants of the whole earth except they shall repent; for the devil laugheth, and his angels rejoice, because of the slain of the fair sons and daughters of my people; and it is because of their iniquity and abominations that they are fallen! (Book of Mormon | 3 Nephi 9:2)

And if we think that “abominations” is too strong a word, perhaps we should ask what God thinks when His Son’s (supposed) “season of remembrance” is pre-empted by an image sustained by deception and distraction. We sophisticates may not worship Santa, but we seem to spend more time and money in his temples during the Xmas⁵ season than in any religious place. (Perhaps we are just manifesting another sad, historical déjà vu in God’s eyes.)

SO, what is to be done with our 21st-Century Santa?

How about we jettison him and all the corrupted parallels and similitudes we have contrived to justify his Xmas coup de vu.

Let us, at last, become a peculiar people⁶ and cast the Santa-mythos into the abyss.

Let us not be stiff-necked, clinging to bankrupt, corrupted traditions.⁷

Let us sit down with the children and spill the beens and has-beens.

Let us confess our lies and ask for their (and God’s) forgiveness.

»  Tell them we have participated in the corruption of Christ’s remembrance and that we are infinitely sorry.
»  Tell them that Santa has become one of the great deceptions of the world and that, according to prophecy, more deceptions are on the way.
»  Tell them they must study to know and love God and His Son above all else.
»  Teach them about discernment and to reject every deception and false tradition.
»  Tell them all this worldly stuff is as nothing. It is soul-numbing distraction.
»  Tell them we adults need their help to overcome our own indoctrinations and addictions to the things of this world.
»  Ask them to help teach us the simple truths of God.
»  Tell them we’re all in this together and that with one heart and one mind fixed upon God we can survive whatever Babylon contrives.

Let us begin anew to

… talk of Christ, … rejoice in Christ, … preach of Christ, … prophesy of Christ, and … write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins. (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 25:26)

Let us teach and practice

be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; (New Testament | Ephesians 6:10-18; bold emphasis added).

Let us forsake the lies and the Christ substitutes and imposters.

Let our motivations for giving and good works center in Christ—not in faux-Christs.

Let us generously give as anonymous,⁸ inspired servants of God—not as secret Santas.

Let us tutor children in the light of the Holy Spirit.

Let us, as individuals and families, begin now to plan for a new season of truth and truth-telling.

Now, a final word to those offended by this “attack” on their beloved Santa traditions. It might help to remember that the Creator gives each of us agency to think, speak, and write according to the dictates of our own conscience, and then to bear witness for truth-telling in the manner prompted. You are free to take or leave this—as your conscience directs, but perhaps first consider:

For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, (New Testament | 2 Peter 1:16)

And they [some] shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. (New Testament | 2 Timothy 4:4)

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1. (as guided by the Holy Spirit as taught in Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 32:3-5 ~ Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ. Wherefore, I said unto you, feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do. Wherefore, now after I have spoken these words, if ye cannot understand them it will be because ye ask not, neither do ye knock; wherefore, ye are not brought into the light, but must perish in the dark. For behold, again I say unto you that if ye will enter in by the way, and receive the Holy Ghost, it will show unto you all things what ye should do.)
2. New Testament | John 14:6 ~ Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
3. For some history on how truth, legend, pagan myth, and good intentions gradually evolved, mingled, and merged into the western Santa mythos, see: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santa_Claus See also: http://www.history.com/topics/christmas/santa-claus and http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2013/12/131219-santa-claus-origin-history-christmas-facts-st-nicholas/
4. Satan/Lucifer: For instances of possession of mortal bodies by demons/devils see New Testament | Matthew 9:32; 12:22; Mark 1:24; 5:7; Luke 8:30; Acts 19:15, etc.
Old Testament | Isaiah 14:12-14 ~ How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.
New Testament | 2 Corinthians 11:14 - 15 ~ And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.
Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 2:17-18 ~ And I, Lehi, according to the things which I have read, must needs suppose that an angel of God, according to that which is written, had fallen from heaven; wherefore, he became a devil, having sought that which was evil before God. And because he had fallen from heaven, and had become miserable forever, he sought also the misery of all mankind. … yea, even that old serpent, who is the devil, who is the father of all lies, ...
Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 9:8-9 ~ O the wisdom of God, his mercy and grace! For behold, if the flesh should rise no more our spirits must become subject to that angel who fell from before the presence of the Eternal God, and became the devil, to rise no more. And our spirits must have become like unto him, and we become devils, angels to a devil, to be shut out from the presence of our God, and to remain with the father of lies, in misery, like unto himself; yea, to that being who beguiled our first parents, who transformeth himself nigh unto an angel of light, and stirreth up the children of men unto secret combinations of murder and all manner of secret works of darkness.
Doctrine and Covenants | Section 29:36 ~ And it came to pass that Adam, being tempted of the devil—for, behold, the devil was before Adam, for he rebelled against me, saying, Give me thine honor, which is my power; and also a third part of the hosts of heaven turned he away from me because of their agency;
Doctrine and Covenants | Section 93:24 - 25 ~ And truth is knowledge of things as they are, and as they were, and as they are to come; And whatsoever is more or less than this is the spirit of that wicked one who was a liar from the beginning.
Pearl of Great Price | Moses 1:12 - 22 ~ And it came to pass that when Moses had said these words, behold, Satan came tempting him, saying: Moses, son of man, worship me. And it came to pass that Moses looked upon Satan and said: Who art thou? For behold, I am a son of God, in the similitude of his Only Begotten; and where is thy glory, that I should worship thee? For behold, I could not look upon God, except his glory should come upon me, and I were transfigured before him. But I can look upon thee in the natural man. Is it not so, surely? Blessed be the name of my God, for his Spirit hath not altogether withdrawn from me, or else where is thy glory, for it is darkness unto me? And I can judge between thee and God; for God said unto me: Worship God, for him only shalt thou serve. Get thee hence, Satan; deceive me not; for God said unto me: Thou art after the similitude of mine Only Begotten. And he also gave me commandments when he called unto me out of the burning bush, saying: Call upon God in the name of mine Only Begotten, and worship me. And again Moses said: I will not cease to call upon God, I have other things to inquire of him: for his glory has been upon me, wherefore I can judge between him and thee. Depart hence, Satan. And now, when Moses had said these words, Satan cried with a loud voice, and ranted upon the earth, and commanded, saying: I am the Only Begotten, worship me. And it came to pass that Moses began to fear exceedingly; and as he began to fear, he saw the bitterness of hell. Nevertheless, calling upon God, he received strength, and he commanded, saying: Depart from me, Satan, for this one God only will I worship, which is the God of glory. And now Satan began to tremble, and the earth shook; and Moses received strength, and called upon God, saying: In the name of the Only Begotten, depart hence, Satan. And it came to pass that Satan cried with a loud voice, with weeping, and wailing, and gnashing of teeth; and he departed hence, even from the presence of Moses, that he beheld him not.
Pearl of Great Price | Moses 4:1-6 ~ AND I, the Lord God, spake unto Moses, saying: That Satan, whom thou hast commanded in the name of mine Only Begotten, is the same which was from the beginning, and he came before me, saying—Behold, here am I, send me, I will be thy son, and I will redeem all mankind, that one soul shall not be lost, and surely I will do it; wherefore give me thine honor. But, behold, my Beloved Son, which was my Beloved and Chosen from the beginning, said unto me—Father, thy will be done, and the glory be thine forever. Wherefore, because that Satan rebelled against me, and sought to destroy the agency of man, which I, the Lord God, had given him, and also, that I should give unto him mine own power; by the power of mine Only Begotten, I caused that he should be cast down; And he became Satan, yea, even the devil, the father of all lies, to deceive and to blind men, and to lead them captive at his will, even as many as would not hearken unto my voice. And now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field which I, the Lord God, had made. And Satan put it into the heart of the serpent, (for he had drawn away many after him,) and he sought also to beguile Eve, for he knew not the mind of God, wherefore he sought to destroy the world.
5. Yes, I know that X in Xmas is said to be shorthand for Christ, but it can also mean "to cancel or cross out." If Lucifer or any of his namesakes or devotees were to make the choice, which would it be?
6. Peculiar people: Old Testament | Exodus 19:5 ~ Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine:
Old Testament | Deuteronomy 14:2 ~ For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God, and the LORD hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth.
Old Testament | Deuteronomy 26:18 ~ And the LORD hath avouched thee this day to be his peculiar people, as he hath promised thee, and that thou shouldest keep all his commandments;
Old Testament | Psalms 135:4 ~ For the LORD hath chosen Jacob unto himself, and Israel for his peculiar treasure.
New Testament | Titus 2:13-14 ~ … our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
New Testament | 1 Peter 2:9 ~ But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
7. Traditions: New Testament | Matthew 15:3 ~ But he [Jesus] answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?
New Testament | John 7:24 JST ~ Judge not according to your traditions, but judge righteous judgment.
Joseph Smith, Jr. ~ “To become a joint heir of the heirship of the Son, one must put away all his false traditions.” (Teaching of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 321)
Book of Mormon | Alma 21:17 ~ And it came to pass that the Lord began to bless them, insomuch that they brought many to the knowledge of the truth; yea, they did convince many of their sins, and of the traditions of their fathers, which were not correct.
Book of Mormon | Alma 25:6 ~ For many of them, after having suffered much loss and so many afflictions, began to be stirred up in remembrance of the words which Aaron and his brethren had preached to them in their land; therefore they began to disbelieve the traditions of their fathers, and to believe in the Lord, and that he gave great power unto the Nephites; and thus there were many of them converted in the wilderness.
Book of Mormon | Helaman 15:7-8 ~ And behold, ye do know of yourselves, for ye have witnessed it, that as many of them as are brought to the knowledge of the truth, and to know of the wicked and abominable traditions of their fathers, and are led to believe the holy scriptures, yea, the prophecies of the holy prophets, which are written, which leadeth them to faith on the Lord, and unto repentance, which faith and repentance bringeth a change of heart unto them—Therefore, as many as have come to this, ye know of yourselves are firm and steadfast in the faith, and in the thing wherewith they have been made free.
Book of Mormon | Helaman 15:15 ~ For behold, had the mighty works been shown unto them which have been shown unto you, yea, unto them who have dwindled in unbelief because of the traditions of their fathers, ye can see of yourselves that they never would again have dwindled in unbelief. 
8. New Testament | Matthew 6:1- 4 ~ TAKE heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.

Through a Child’s Eyes ?

(Source at footnote 2)

In several places the Lord’s servants warn us about the traditions of the fathers [and mothers] and how such traditions have handicapped the children.¹ So, as we wind-down this Christmas season, perhaps we should reflect on some of our own traditions and unexamined beliefs.

Let’s take a recent example. During this season, a picture of a wide-eyed baby was profiled on the cover of a ward bulletin with the words: “We miss something if we don’t see Christmas through a child’s eyes.”²

As usual my perpetually questioning mind³ immediately challenged those words as my memory flashed back to decades of witnessing the grip of Babylon on religious observance⁴ and children’s expectations.

Are we too prone to spout platitudes? too quick to say, “Isn’t that precious,” without ever “proving the words”?^[3] Have we fallen into the trap of idealizing things that are not ideal?

WHAT does a child see at Christmas? What do we introduce infants to before they can even process meaning? How much pretense do we stage as we tack brief “Nativities” onto “sugar-plum” programs? Or troop children through reenactments after we have primed their minds to be anxiously engaged with the “promised appearance of Santa”?

WHO becomes more central for most children—the most important person to ever live OR a fictional Santa who never will live, though we swear to the children that he does? We tell fantastic tales—that this red-attired, “gift-giver” flies with a sleigh and reindeer; that his corpulence pristinely descends and ascends through narrow chimneys, and on-and-on. Do we really think such fabrications are harmless? Do we imagine that false symbols, faux parallels, and commercialized substitutes have no consequence?

What have we acculturated children to focus on and expect? a Santa who gives them stuff—endless, fashionable, hot-item, market-tested stuff—manufactured and mass-marketed by the profiteers of Babylon? And in the hours and days that follow “Santa’s delivery,” how many times do we hear the children query each other with that inevitable, comparative, déjà vu question: “What did you get?”?

So what is this pictured infant seeing? What is that unknown image in those wide eyes? Is this child’s first Christmas encounter one of confused wonder at the wonders of a commercialized world?⁵ And in the years thereafter, do we set them up for the prolonged focus and wonder of  “What am I going to get?”

Our Christmas culture reminds me of a 10-year old boy’s comment about our Easter culture. “I really like Easter,” he said. “The candy part; not all the religious stuff.”⁶ If he and most other children were equally frank about Christmas, they might confess: “I really like Christmas—all the gifts and candy parts; not all that religious stuff.”

Yes, we are counseled:⁷

Therefore, whoso repenteth and cometh unto me as a little child, him will I receive, for of such is the kingdom of God. Behold, for such I have laid down my life, and have taken it up again; therefore repent, and come unto me ye ends of the earth, and be saved (Book of Mormon | 3 Nephi 9:22);

and to be

as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 3:19);

but there is a vast difference between these aspects of a child’s nature and the “me-mine” traits that we nurture at Christmas and that the Apostle Paul put away:

When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things  (New Testament | 1 Corinthians 13:11).

That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; (New Testament | Ephesians 4:14).

Now to a final few questions: When we read criticisms of our traditions, do we become reflexively angry or do we open ourselves to reflection? to pondering possible truths and consequences? to considering how we might become the peculiar people that God desires? to changing our ways to reflect more of His ways? to rejecting incorrect traditions that distract and deflect us from the true light and life of the world?

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1. Book of Mormon | Mosiah 1:5 ~ I say unto you, my sons, were it not for these things, which have been kept and preserved by the hand of God, that we might read and understand of his mysteries, and have his commandments always before our eyes, that even our fathers would have dwindled in unbelief, and we should have been like unto our brethren, the Lamanites, who know nothing concerning these things, or even do not believe them when they are taught them, because of the traditions of their fathers, which are not correct.
Book of Mormon | Alma 3:8 ~ And this was done that their seed might be distinguished from the seed of their brethren, that thereby the Lord God might preserve his people, that they might not mix and believe in incorrect traditions which would prove their destruction.
Book of Mormon | Alma 9:16-17 ~ For there are many promises which are extended to the Lamanites; for it is because of the traditions of their fathers that caused them to remain in their state of ignorance; therefore the Lord will be merciful unto them and prolong their existence in the land. And at some period of time they will be brought to believe in his word, and to know of the incorrectness of the traditions of their fathers; and many of them will be saved, for the Lord will be merciful unto all who call on his name.
Book of Mormon | Alma 17:9, 15 ~ And it came to pass that they journeyed many days in the wilderness, and they fasted much and prayed much that the Lord would grant unto them a portion of his Spirit to go with them, and abide with them, that they might be an instrument in the hands of God to bring, if it were possible, their brethren, the Lamanites, to the knowledge of the truth, to the knowledge of the baseness of the traditions of their fathers, which were not correct. … Thus they were a very indolent people, many of whom did worship idols, and the curse of God had fallen upon them because of the traditions of their fathers; notwithstanding the promises of the Lord were extended unto them on the conditions of repentance.
Book of Mormon | Alma 19:14 ~ Now Ammon seeing the Spirit of the Lord poured out according to his prayers upon the Lamanites, his brethren, who had been the cause of so much mourning among the Nephites, or among all the people of God because of their iniquities and their traditions, he fell upon his knees, and began to pour out his soul in prayer and thanksgiving to God for what he had done for his brethren; and he was also overpowered with joy; and thus they all three had sunk to the earth.
Book of Mormon | Alma 21:17 ~ And it came to pass that the Lord began to bless them, insomuch that they brought many to the knowledge of the truth; yea, they did convince many of their sins, and of the traditions of their fathers, which were not correct.
Book of Mormon | Alma 23:3 ~ And thus they might go forth and preach the word according to their desires, for the king had been converted unto the Lord, and all his household; therefore he sent his proclamation throughout the land unto his people, that the word of God might have no obstruction, but that it might go forth throughout all the land, that his people might be convinced concerning the wicked traditions of their fathers, and that they might be convinced that they were all brethren, and that they ought not to murder, nor to plunder, nor to steal, nor to commit adultery, nor to commit any manner of wickedness.
Book of Mormon | Alma 24:7 ~ Now, these are the words which he said unto the people concerning the matter: I thank my God, my beloved people, that our great God has in goodness sent these our brethren, the Nephites, unto us to preach unto us, and to convince us of the traditions of our wicked fathers.
Book of Mormon | Alma 25:6 ~ For many of them, after having suffered much loss and so many afflictions, began to be stirred up in remembrance of the words which Aaron and his brethren had preached to them in their land; therefore they began to disbelieve the traditions of their fathers, and to believe in the Lord, and that he gave great power unto the Nephites; and thus there were many of them converted in the wilderness.
Book of Mormon | Alma 26:24 ~ For they said unto us: Do ye suppose that ye can bring the Lamanites to the knowledge of the truth? Do ye suppose that ye can convince the Lamanites of the incorrectness of the traditions of their fathers, as stiffnecked a people as they are; whose hearts delight in the shedding of blood; whose days have been spent in the grossest iniquity; whose ways have been the ways of a transgressor from the beginning? Now my brethren, ye remember that this was their language.
Book of Mormon | Alma 47:36 ~ Now these dissenters, having the same instruction and the same information of the Nephites, yea, having been instructed in the same knowledge of the Lord, nevertheless, it is strange to relate, not long after their dissensions they became more hardened and impenitent, and more wild, wicked and ferocious than the Lamanites—drinking in with the traditions of the Lamanites; giving way to indolence, and all manner of lasciviousness; yea, entirely forgetting the Lord their God.
Book of Mormon | Helaman 15:7-8 ~ And behold, ye do know of yourselves, for ye have witnessed it, that as many of them as are brought to the knowledge of the truth, and to know of the wicked and abominable traditions of their fathers, and are led to believe the holy scriptures, yea, the prophecies of the holy prophets, which are written, which leadeth them to faith on the Lord, and unto repentance, which faith and repentance bringeth a change of heart unto them—Therefore, as many as have come to this, ye know of yourselves are firm and steadfast in the faith, and in the thing wherewith they have been made free.
Book of Mormon | Helaman 15:15 ~ For behold, had the mighty works been shown unto them which have been shown unto you, yea, unto them who have dwindled in unbelief because of the traditions of their fathers, ye can see of yourselves that they never would again have dwindled in unbelief.
2. “Christmas through a child’s eye”s: LDS Media Library: https://www.lds.org/media-library/images/wixom-quote-christmas-1187968?lang=eng&category=
3. New Testament | 1 Thessalonians 5:21 ~ Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
4. Particularly the excessive, obsessive collection (to the tune of thousands of dollars) of Christmas décor, especially the display (and storing) of hundreds of “unique” nativities—from miniature mice to Disney characters and everything in between and beyond.
5. New Testament | John 8:12 ~ Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
Book of Mormon | Mosiah 16:9 ~ He [Christ] is the light and the life of the world; yea, a light that is endless, that can never be darkened; yea, and also a life which is endless, that there can be no more death.
Book of Mormon | Alma 28:14 ~ And thus we see the great call of diligence of men to labor in the vineyards of the Lord; and thus we see the great reason of sorrow, and also of rejoicing—sorrow because of death and destruction among men, and joy because of the light of Christ unto life.
Book of Mormon | Alma 38:9 ~ And now, my son, I have told you this that ye may learn wisdom, that ye may learn of me that there is no other way or means whereby man can be saved, only in and through Christ. Behold, he is the life and the light of the world. Behold, he is the word of truth and righteousness.
Book of Mormon | 3 Nephi 9:18 ~ I am the light and the life of the world. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end.
Book of Mormon | 3 Nephi 11:11 ~ And behold, I am the light and the life of the world; and I have drunk out of that bitter cup which the Father hath given me, and have glorified the Father in taking upon me the sins of the world, in the which I have suffered the will of the Father in all things from the beginning.
Doctrine and Covenants | Section 11:28 ~ Behold, I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I am the life and the light of the world.
Doctrine and Covenants | Section 34:1-3 ~ … behold what I, the Lord God, shall say unto you, even Jesus Christ your Redeemer; The light and the life of the world, a light which shineth in darkness and the darkness comprehendeth it not; Who so loved the world that he gave his own life, that as many as would believe might become the sons of God. …
Doctrine and Covenants | Section 93:8-9 ~ Therefore, in the beginning the Word was, for he was the Word, even the messenger of salvation— The light and the Redeemer of the world; the Spirit of truth, who came into the world, because the world was made by him, and in him was the life of men and the light of men.
6. http://dejavu-timestwo.blogspot.ca/2013/03/blissfully-ignorant-ii.html
7. New Testament | Matthew 18:2-4 ~ And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
New Testament | Mark 10:14-15 ~ Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.
New Testament | Luke 18:16-17 ~ But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.
Book of Mormon | 3 Nephi 11:37-41 ~ And again I say unto you, ye must repent, and become as a little child, and be baptized in my name, or ye can in nowise receive these things. And again I say unto you, ye must repent, and be baptized in my name, and become as a little child, or ye can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God. Verily, verily, I say unto you, that this is my doctrine, and whoso buildeth upon this buildeth upon my rock, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against them. And whoso shall declare more or less than this, and establish it for my doctrine, the same cometh of evil, and is not built upon my rock; but he buildeth upon a sandy foundation, and the gates of hell stand open to receive such when the floods come and the winds beat upon them. Therefore, go forth unto this people, and declare the words which I have spoken, unto the ends of the earth. [All bold emphasis added.]

Could It Also Be?

Joseph Smith, Jr. (1805-1844)
(for source info. see footnote 7)

(More questions¹ for the questioners of Joseph Smith’s legacy and the direction of things after his martyrdom. To better understand this post, please read the post: “Could It Be?” of December 15, 2015.)

Since God knows:

» the continual contest between flesh and spirit;
» the cunning psychopathy and agenda of Lucifer;
» the susceptibility of every soul to distractions, deceptions, sin, and self-will;
» that Christ has paid the price for all if they would repent;

then, could it also be:

▪ that God’s redemptive work—revealed in greater fullness through Joseph Smith—continues with every seeking soul and leader in every splinter group of “Mormonism” AND within every nation, kindred, tongue, [religion,] and people?

▪ that in the days following the martyrdom of Joseph Smith, God continued to work His redemptive plan, as He saw fit, with both those who adopted latter-day polygamy and those who denounced it?

▪ that God gives opportunity upon opportunity for every soul who has erred to turn their life over or back to His will and ways?

▪ that even deceived persons can, at times, receive God-inspired dreams, visions, guidance and even wisdom, in order to bless people who are under their stewardship or influence, while God works to correct, humble, and refine everyone? Example:

AND the Lord was not pleased with Solomon for he made affinity with Pharaoh king of Egypt, and took Pharaoh's daughter to wife , and brought her into the house of David until he had made an end of building his own house, and the house of the Lord, and the wall of Jerusalem round about. And the Lord blessed Solomon for the people’s sake only  (Old Testament | 1 Kings 3:1 JST; bold emphasis added).

▪ that leaders (like everyone else) are susceptible to deceptions in practice and doctrine, so God counsels us to “trust not in the arm of flesh,”² but to always exercise discernment and “to prove all things and hold fast to that which is good”?³

▪ that God uses all kinds of circumstances and human failings (in both laity and leaders) to tutor His children in the ways of discernment and of the Holy Spirit?

▪ that God (as exemplified by Captain Mormon,⁴ and many others) loves and teaches all His children, even in the midst of their sins (even iniquity) right up until the point of no-return?

▪ that any person who seeks with real intent to know of and accept the work that Christ did through Joseph Smith can experience the confirming witness of the Holy Spirit?

▪ that every soul who comes unto Christ through the work and ministry of Joseph Smith is receiving more of what God has to offer in these last days?⁵ 

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 unto 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. (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 28:30) 

▪ that God’s voice and witness concerning the integrity of His servant, Joseph Smith is to be received and believed above every contrary voice or “witness”?

▪ that God’s purposes may be mysterious to mortal man, but they fail not?⁶

------------------------------------/
1. See the Déjà Vu Times II post of December 15, 2015, “Could It Be?” at http://dejavu-timestwo.blogspot.ca/2015/12/could-it-be.html
2. Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 4:34 ~ O Lord, I have trusted in thee, and I will trust in thee forever. I will not put my trust in the arm of flesh; for I know that cursed is he that putteth his trust in the arm of flesh. Yea, cursed is he that putteth his trust in man or maketh flesh his arm.
Book of Mormon | 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.
Doctrine and Covenants | Section 1:19 ~ 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—
3. New Testament | 1 Thessalonians 5:21 ~ Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
4. Book of Mormon | Moroni 9:3-6 ~ And now behold, my son, I fear lest the Lamanites shall destroy this people; for they do not repent, and Satan stirreth them up continually to anger one with another. Behold, I am laboring with them continually; and when I speak the word of God with sharpness they tremble and anger against me; and when I use no sharpness they harden their hearts against it; wherefore, I fear lest the Spirit of the Lord hath ceased striving with them. For so exceedingly do they anger that it seemeth me that they have no fear of death; and they have lost their love, one towards another; and they thirst after blood and revenge continually. And now, my beloved son, notwithstanding their hardness, let us labor diligently; for if we should cease to labor, we should be brought under condemnation; for we have a labor to perform whilst in this tabernacle of clay, that we may conquer the enemy of all righteousness, and rest our souls in the kingdom of God. (See also Book of Mormon | Mormon chapters 3 and 5)
5. Book of Mormon | Alma 12:9-11 ~ And now Alma began to expound these things unto him, saying: It is given unto many to know the mysteries of God; nevertheless they are laid under a strict command that they shall not impart only according to the portion of his word which he doth grant unto the children of men, according to the heed and diligence which they give unto him. And therefore, he that will harden his heart, the same receiveth the lesser portion of the word; and he that will not harden his heart, to him is given the greater portion of the word, until it is given unto him to know the mysteries of God until he know them in full. And they that will harden their hearts, to them is given the lesser portion of the word until they know nothing concerning his mysteries;
Book of Mormon | 3 Nephi 26:8-10 ~ And these things have I written, which are a lesser part of the things which he taught the people; and I have written them to the intent that they may be brought again unto this people, from the Gentiles, according to the words which Jesus hath spoken. And when they shall have received this, which is expedient that they should have first, to try their faith, and if it shall so be that they shall believe these things then shall the greater things be made manifest unto them. And if it so be that they will not believe these things, then shall the greater things be withheld from them, unto their condemnation.
New Testament | Matthew 13:10-12 ~ And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables? He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath.
6. Doctrine and Covenants | Section 76:1-4 ~ HEAR, O ye heavens, and give ear, O earth, and rejoice ye inhabitants thereof, for the Lord is God, and beside him there is no Savior. Great is his wisdom, marvelous are his ways, and the extent of his doings none can find out. His purposes fail not, neither are there any who can stay his hand. From eternity to eternity he is the same, and his years never fail.
Old Testament | Lamentations 3:22 ~ It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.
[Bold emphasis added in footnoted scriptures.]
7. Image Source: Joseph Smith, Jr. (1805-1844), head-and-shoulders portrait, facing front. Charles William Carter - Library of Congress ~ circa 1885 (reproduction of painting) at https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Smith,_Jr.#/media/File:Ovalportrait-josephsmith-Carter.jpg | This is a faithful photographic reproduction of a two-dimensional, public domain work of art. The work of art itself is in the public domain for the following reason: This work is in the public domain in its country of origin and other countries and areas where the copyright term is the author's life plus 70 years or less.

Could It Be?

(Questions for the questioners of Joseph Smith’s legacy.)

*

Having encountered several references to John Cook Bennett¹ in recent studies of Mormon history, I wonder if it might be fruitful² to review the characteristics of a sociopath/psychopath.

From the BBC documentary, Psychopath:³

▪ “There are few more emotive words in the English language than psychopath—a clinical word for a condition that has only recently begun to be properly defined.”
▪ “[There are] tens of thousands of other people out there who are psychopaths but are not serial killers.”
▪ “And by far the vast majority are neither criminal nor in prison. But the kind of harm that psychopaths can cause at home and in the workplace is deeply damaging and costly in every sense.”
▪ “There is something missing. [The psychopath] has no compunctions.”
▪ “They are dangerous, without a conscience, and all around us.”
▪ “In the workplace, they often disrupt and destroy the good working of the business or an operation …”
▪ “[They are] “Public Enemy #1.”

In fact, most sociopaths/psychopaths (hereafter just called sociopath) inflict their harm and chaos in hidden, subtle ways⁴ through:

◦ pathological lying;
◦ cunning, conning, and manipulation;
◦ charm, sincerity, earnestness (when it suits their purpose);
◦ remorseless, callous behaviors;
◦ seeding contention and confusion;
◦ denial, maligning, blaming others, refusing responsibility;
◦ living without conscience; without empathy.

Granted, many people think the whole, initial “Mormon” bunch were all villains, but what if these many cynics and critics are just blindly fulfilling prophecy concerning a divinely-called Joseph Smith:

He called me by name, and said unto me that he was a messenger sent from the presence of God to me, and that his name was Moroni; that God had a work for me to do; and that my name should be had for good and evil among all nations, kindreds, and tongues, or that it should be both good and evil spoken of among all people  (Pearl of Great Price | JS-History 1:33, emphasis added).

Since evil-speaking of Joseph Smith is so rampant in this internet age, we can perhaps “thank” Mr. Cook Bennett, in large measure, for “cooking the polygamy books,” so to speak.

So how might a “saintly scoundrel,”⁵ like Cook Bennett stir the pot to provoke evil-speaking for generations while furthering his own fantasies of grandeur and seduction?

If he followed the path of the sociopath, he would:

▪  curry favor with perceived power;
▪  jockey for position and trust;
▪  play people one off against the other;
▪  claim inside knowledge and favor with the “elites”;
▪  fabricate, without conscience, to advance his own passions and agendas;
▪  solicit oaths of secrecy when revealing his “knowledge” (i.e., fabrications) to others, especially those perceived as subordinates or victims;
▪  claim to speak for or reveal “secrets” about leader(s);
▪  cook up devious, contorted schemes to entrap, confuse, and compromise others;
▪  solicit others to admire him, front for him, or do his “dirty” work;
▪  claim his own questionable conduct is sanctioned—even ordained—by the leader(s);
▪  be addicted to the drama and adrenalin of his power-plays;
▪  lose track of what is true and what is fabricated;
▪  frequently invoke the “pity ploy”⁶;
▪  when confronted, deny everything or accuse or blame others for “mistakes” or slip-ups (for as long as possible);
▪  display excessive, “distressed” remorse and repentance (and plead for mercy and secrecy), if caught in undeniable lies;
▪  immediately revert to fabrications and seductions with increased care, secrecy, and pity-ploys;
▪  take offense easily;
▪  fantasize and foment reprisal;
▪  fantasize about replacing the “leader.”

So, in light of the above, conjoined with Bennett’s long trail of iniquity and mendacity, does it not occur to historians and others:

▪ that the word or witness of John Cook Bennett is utterly bankrupt?
▪ that every other word or witness that has root in his poison is equally bankrupt?
▪ that the enemy of all righteousness is more than adept at convincing (limitless) self-serving or compromised “witnesses” that they are doing God a favor when torquing or hiding truth for the sake of (their vision of) the “kingdom”?
▪ that loyalty, dogma, fear, expectation, repetitive lies, and so forth can warp memory and morals?
▪ that Joseph, in all his sermons and writings, unequivocally sustained monogamous marriage and denounced polygamy in the latter-day church (as did his brother, Hyrum)?⁷
▪ that trust and truth reside in God and His prophetic word—not in the “recall” of natural-men or -women⁸—especially ones who have been seduced?

So, could it be:

▪ that the adversary knew “that God had a work for [Joseph] to do” and trotted out his most effective historical, distracting weapon—multiple wives and concubines—and combined that weapon with a far-reaching conspiracy, intent on destroying God’s work and the veracity of His servant Joseph?
▪ that many in the early church (even high officials or former officials) were persuaded, by an avalanche of fabrication, intrigue, (and temptation) to believe the words of a self-willed, self-serving, charming Bennett (aided by his converts and Cochranite⁹ believers)—to place “new doctrine” above the word of God and God’s beleaguered seer? (Oh, déjà vu from ancient days.)
▪ that there were secret, proxy “sealings” to Joseph¹⁰ without his knowledge or presence so others could assert his complicity and sanction; and thus justify their own  “spiritual wifery”?
▪ that covenants of secrecy barred participants from revealing details of “sealings”—with the added caution to not even expect Joseph’s acknowledgement of his “wives”—because of: 1) the need to keep such “special doctrine” hidden from less-chosen ones; 2) the alleged jealous, hostile Emma (Joseph’s wife); and 3) whatever other reason served the conspirators’ purposes?
▪ that when Joseph of Egypt said that a future Joseph would be “like unto me” (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 3:15) , he was also meaning that the future Joseph would likewise be falsely accused?
▪ that 173 years after Bennett’s exposure and excommunication, we are still ingesting the poison and fall-out of his fabrications?
▪ that God’s “lemonade”¹¹ for Bennett’s presence in Nauvoo proved three-fold: 1) to test the “saints”; 2) to give Bennett one more opportunity (in the company of many good people and principles) to turn his life back to the will and ways of God; and 3) to give the “latter-day world” a choice in prophetic fulfillment?

So, what is the choice we have made concerning Joseph?

THE ends of the earth shall inquire after thy name, and fools shall have thee in derision, and hell shall rage against thee; While the pure in heart, and the wise, and the noble, and the virtuous, shall seek counsel, and authority, and blessings constantly from under thy hand. And thy people shall never be turned against thee by the testimony of traitors. And although their influence shall cast thee into trouble, and into bars and walls, thou shalt be had in honor; and but for a small moment and thy voice shall be more terrible in the midst of thine enemies than the fierce lion, because of thy righteousness; and thy God shall stand by thee forever and ever. If thou art called to pass through tribulation; if thou art in perils among false brethren; if thou art in perils among robbers; if thou art in perils by land or by sea; If thou art accused with all manner of false accusations; if thine enemies fall upon thee; … and thine enemies prowl around thee like wolves for the blood of the lamb; … and above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good. The Son of Man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than he? Therefore, hold on thy way, and the priesthood shall remain with thee; for their bounds are set, they cannot pass. Thy days are known, and thy years shall not be numbered less; therefore, fear not what man can do, for God shall be with you forever and ever (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 122:1-9, bold emphasis added).

What if, at the judgment, we latter-day gentiles and other children of promise get a preliminary, defining question:

Did you speak good of my servant Joseph or did you speak evil?¹²

---------------------------/
CAUTION: to those who flippantly class Joseph amongst the likes of Bennett, perhaps it would be wise to repent and undertake an intensive study of Joseph’s life, his writings, and God's work through and prophecies about him—before it is too late. (In other words, seek to avoid the perennial déjà vus of the natural man of footnote 8—who believing himself to be informed and learned, believes himself also to be wise. See Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 9:28. A caution for us all.)
1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_C._Bennett ; also
http://www.mormonwiki.com/John_C._Bennett ; also
Chapter 7 “Dr. Bennett Laid the Foundation of Polygamy at Nauvoo” from Joseph Smith Fought Polygamy, Vol. 1 at http://restorationbookstore.org/articles/nopoligamy/jsfp-vol1/chp7.htm
2. New Testament | Matthew 7:20 ~ Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
3. BBC documentary, Psychopath at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5LE-UlvzmoM
4. Some of this list comes from Prof. Robert Hare’s Checklist and some from other observations. Hare’s Checklist for the full psychopathy spectrum can be found at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychopathy_Checklist .
See also prior Déjà Vu posts concerning this subject at
http://www.dejavu-times.blogspot.ca/2014/10/public-enemy-1.html
http://www.dejavu-times.blogspot.ca/2014/05/a-plague-of-psychopaths.html
http://dejavu-timestwo.blogspot.ca/2014/12/without-conscience.html
5. The Saintly Scoundrel: The Life and Times of Dr. John Cook Bennett by Andrew F. Smith (1997).
See also the many chapters dealing with Bennett in Joseph Smith Fought Polygamy, Vols. 1 & 2 at http://restorationbookstore.org/jsfp-index.htm
6. The Pity Ploy at http://dejavu-timestwo.blogspot.ca/2014/12/the-pity-ploy.html
7. Marriage doctrine preached during Joseph’s life: Review; Chapter 6: “Early Efforts to Eradicate Polygamy”; Chapter 19: “Joseph's Sermon against Polygamy” in Joseph Smith Fought Polygamy, Vol. 1 and Chapter 15, Subhead: “A Review of Some of the Important Documents Published against Polygamy in 1842” found in Joseph Smith Fought Polygamy, Vol. 2; both volumes available through the books’ index at http://restorationbookstore.org/jsfp-index.htm
8. New Testament | 1 Corinthians 2:14 ~ But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
Book of Mormon | Alma 26:21 - 22 ~ And now behold, my brethren, what natural man is there that knoweth these things? I say unto you, there is none that knoweth these things, save it be the penitent. Yea, he that repenteth and exerciseth faith, and bringeth forth good works, and prayeth continually without ceasing—unto such it is given to know the mysteries of God; yea, unto such it shall be given to reveal things which never have been revealed; yea, and it shall be given unto such to bring thousands of souls to repentance, even as it has been given unto us to bring these our brethren to repentance.
Book of Mormon | Mosiah 3:19 ~ For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father. (Bold emphasis added,)
9.   A polygamous sect that early Mormon missionaries encountered in the 1830s.
See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacob_Cochran and also Joseph Smith Fought Polygamy Vol. 1 chapters 1-4 and Joseph Smith Fought Polygamy Vol. 2, chapters 8-11 at http://restorationbookstore.org/jsfp-index.htm
10. Proxy Sealings: from Chapter 14 “William Smith Provided Further Insights into the Origin of Polygamy” from the book Joseph Smith Fought Polygamy, Vol. 2 at http://restorationbookstore.org/articles/nopoligamy/jsfp-vol2/2chp14.htm

SAN BERNARDINO, California,
December 31st, 1883.
Mrs. Mary Ralph being duly sworn, deposes and says: I lived in Nauvoo, Illinois, close to the house of Joseph Smith, just across the road, sometime. ... and I believe he was a true prophet of God. I was well acquainted with the two Partridge girls and the two Walker girls and their two brothers William and Lorin Walker, they were orphans, and all lived in the family of Joseph Smith, but I never knew they were any of them his wives; but I saw Susy Walker in 1847 and she had a young baby in her arms, she told me she had been sealed to Joseph for eternity and to Heber C. Kimball for time, and Bro. Heber was acting proxy for Bro. Joseph. Dianthy [Diantha] Farr, daughter of Aaron Farr, told me she was sealed in the same way and W[m]. Clayton was acting proxy for Bro. Joseph with her. The first I ever heard of the proxy and sealing business was in 1846. Bathsheba Smith, wife of Geo. A., told me of it then.
MARY RALPH.
Sworn to before me this 31st day of December, 1883, W. J. Curtis, Notary Public in and for San Bernardino county, state of California. (Bold emphasis added.)

11. "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade" is a proverbial phrase used to encourage optimism and a positive can-do attitude in the face of adversity or misfortune. (Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/.../When_life_gives_you_lemons,_make_lemonade)
12. Though the following sites may prove offensive to many Mormons and their traditional beliefs, they may also prove thought-provoking and enlightening:
Joseph Smith Fought Polygamy at http://restorationbookstore.org/jsfp-index.htm
In Defense of Joseph at http://www.defendingjoseph.com/ (several posts 2008 to 2015)
Joseph Smith’s Monogamy: Exploring a Counter-narrative Regarding Plural Marriage at https://www.scribd.com/doc/290575587/JosephSmithsMonogamy-pdf

(* Wolf in sheep’s clothing image / license source: Bing.com ~ Free to use ...)