History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Volume 1Smith, Joseph, Jr.
Religion
History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Volume 1
Smith, Joseph, Jr.
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; Smith, Joseph, Jr., 1805-1844
On the foregoing exegesis, which is the one commonly accepted by
orthodox Christians, I make the following several observations:
_First:_ The phrase with reference to the little Stone, "cut out of
the Living Rock," is one introduced by Dr. Smith, from whose "Old
Testament History" [28] the above analysis of Daniel's interpretation is
taken. The language of the Bible is, "cut out of the mountain without
hands." Why it is changed by the Doctor one may not conjecture, unless
it is to lay the foundation of an argument not warranted by the text
of Daniel's interpretation. It is enough here to note that the change
in phraseology is wholly gratuitous and unwarranted.
_Second:_ The claim that the "little Stone cut from the mountain
without hands," is
the "_Spiritual Kingdom of Christ_"--if by that "spiritual kingdom" is
meant not a real kingdom, actually existing, visible and tangible--is
an assumption of the Doctor's. It is not the language of the Bible, nor
is there any evidence in Scripture for believing that the "kingdom,"
represented by "the stone cut out of the mountain without hands,"
is any less a _material_ kingdom than those which preceded it. The
differences between this kingdom of God and the other kingdoms of the
vision are not in the kingdom being "spiritual," but in these: (1) that
the kingdom which God shall set up will never be destroyed; (2) never
left to another people: (3) will break in pieces and consume all other
kingdoms: (4) it shall fill the whole earth; (5) and stand forever. We
are warranted in the belief, however, that it will be a tangible, _bona
fide_, government of God on earth, consisting of a king; subordinate
officers; laws; subjects; and the whole earth for its territory--for
its dominion. The coming forth of such a government, the founding of
such a kingdom, is in harmony with all the hopes of all the saints,
and the predictions of all the prophets who have touched upon the
subject. It is the actual reign of Christ on earth with His Saints, in
fulfillment of the hopes held out to them in every dispensation of the
Gospel. It is to be the burden of the song of the redeemed out of every
kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation, that Christ has made them
unto their God kings and priests--"and we shall reign on the earth." [29] It
is to be the chorus in {XXXIX} heaven--the kingdoms of this world are
become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ; and He shall reign
for ever and ever. [30] And the elders in heaven shall say:
We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and
art to come; because thou hast taken to thee Thy great power, and
hast reigned. And the nations were angry, and Thy wrath is come,
and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that Thou
shouldst give reward unto Thy servants the prophets, and to the
saints, and them that fear Thy name, small and great; and shouldst
destroy them which destroy the earth. [31]
And still again:
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