Defense of the Faith and the Saints (Volume 2 of 2)Roberts, B. H. (Brigham Henry)
Religion
Defense of the Faith and the Saints (Volume 2 of 2)
Roberts, B. H. (Brigham Henry)
Latter Day Saint churches
It is perhaps a work of supererogation, yet I cannot readily resist
calling attention to the human side of the conspirators, when they came
to fall out, over the division of the spoils. Many, even Brigham Young
included, suspected Joseph Smith of misappropriating church money. [178]
Brigham, however, had his suspicions allayed, for the Lord actually put
money into his trunk. [179] This would, of course, be very convincing
evidence that a man might have much money without misappropriating
anything, even months later fail with $150,000 of liabilities and
practically though a bank established by revelation, [180] should a few
no assets, and after only eight months of business. [181]
[Footnote 178: _Deseret News,_ April 8, 1857, p. 36.]
[Footnote 179: 2 _Journal of Discourses_, 128. 7 _Deseret News_, 115.]
[Footnote 180: Statement of Warren Parrish, copied in "An Exposure
of Mormonism," 10. _Messenger and Advocate,_ January 1837, copied in
"Prophet of Palmyra," 134. _Deseret News,_ December 21, 1864, Vol. 14,
p. 94, says "under the direction of the Prophet."]
[Footnote 181: Statement of Warren Parrish, copied in "An Exposure
of Mormonism," 11. [The above sentence lacks clearness, but it is
_verbatim_ from Mr. Schroeder's article, and I do not feel at liberty
to suggest the meaning.--R.]]
At one time Cowdery, a witness to the divinity of the Book of Mormon,
invited suspicion that he was converting more than his share of the
spoils, and the following revelation was the result:
"It is not wisdom in me that he [Cowdery] should be entrusted
with the commandments, and the moneys which he shall carry unto
the land of Zion, _except one go with him who will be true and
faithful._" [182]
[Footnote 182: Doctrine and Covenants, 6:91.]
The most forceful incident of this sort, however, occurred as the
result of jealousy between Rigdon and Smith, which manifests itself
in scores of ways all through their lives. When Rigdon on his visit
to the Prophet in New York desires to be proclaimed a translator of
remaining plates given by the angel to Smith, and as having the same
power as Joseph Smith, the former's ambitions are quietly squelched by
a revelation from God to Rigdon, saying: "It is not expedient in me
that ye should translate any more until ye shall go to Ohio," [183] but
the rest of the plates never were translated. [184]
[Footnote 183: Doctrine and Covenants, Sec. 37.]
[Footnote 184: 19 _Journal of Discourses_, 18-216-218. "Reminiscences
of Joseph the Prophet," 14.]
When Cowdery and perhaps Rigdon importune their partner in fraud to
be elevated to the prophetic office, Smith resists with a revelation
in which God is made to say: "No one shall be appointed to receive
commandments and revelations in this church, excepting my servant
Joseph Smith, Jun." [185] Similar revelations seem to have been
necessary more than once. [186]
[Footnote 185: Doctrine and Covenants, 28:2.]
[Footnote 186: Doctrine and Covenants 43:8.]
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account