I am so far from believing that any government upon this earth has
constitutions and laws that are perfect, that I do not even believe
that there is a single revelation, among the many God has given to the
Church, that is perfect in its fulness. The revelations of God contain
correct doctrine and principle, so far as they go; but it is impossible
for the poor, weak, low, grovelling, sinful inhabitants of the earth to
receive a revelation from the Almighty in all its perfections. He has
to speak to us in a manner to meet the extent of our capacities, as we
have to do with these benighted Lamanites; it would be of no benefit
to talk to them as I am now speaking to you. Before you can enter into
{62} conversation with them, give them your ideas, you are under the
necessity of condescending to their low estate, so far as communication
is concerned, in order to exalt them. 2:314.
The construction of the electric telegraph and the method of using
it enabling the people to send messages from one end of the earth to
the other, is just as much a revelation from God as any ever given.
The same is true with regard to making machinery, whether it be a
steamboat, a carding machine, threshing machine, or anything else, it
makes no difference--these things have existed from all eternity and
will continue to all eternity, and the Lord has revealed them to his
children. 13:305.
Many are pleading for revelations; do you suppose that Saints lack
revelations? They have plenty of them, and they are stored in the
archives of those who have understanding of the principles of the
Priesthood, ready to be brought forth as the people need. 3:337.
Men who know nothing of the Priesthood receive revelation and prophecy,
and yet these gifts belong to the Church, and those who are faithful
in the Kingdom of God inherit them and are entitled to them; and all
ought to live so as to enjoy the spirit of these gifts and callings
continually. 11:325.
Should you receive a vision or revelation from the Almighty, one that
the Lord gave you concerning yourselves, or this people, but which
you are not to reveal on account of your not being the proper person,
or because it ought not to be known by the people at present, you
should shut it up and seal it as close, and lock it as tight as heaven
is to you, and make it as secret as the grave. The Lord has no {63}
confidence in those who reveal secrets, for he cannot safely reveal
himself to such persons. 4:288.
Take a course to open and keep open a communication with your Elder
Brother or file-leader--our Savior. Were I to draw a distinction in
all the duties that are required of the children of men, from first
to last, I would place first and foremost the duty of seeking unto
the Lord our God until we open the path of communication from heaven
to earth--from God to our own souls. Keep every avenue of your hearts
clean and pure before him. 8:339.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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