Key to the Science of TheologyPratt, Parley P. (Parley Parker)
Religion
Key to the Science of Theology
Pratt, Parley P. (Parley Parker)
Latter Day Saint churches; Latter Day Saint churches -- Doctrines
Jesus Christ, a little babe like all the rest of us have been, grew to
be a man, was filled with a divine substance or fluid, called the Holy
Spirit, by which he comprehended and spake the truth in power and
authority; and by which he controlled the elements, and imparted
health and life to those who were prepared to partake of the same.
This man died, being put to death by wicked men.
He arose from the dead the third day, and appeared to his disciples.
These disciples, on seeing him, supposed him to be a spirit only.
They may have possessed some of the vague ideas of men in more modern
times, in regard to an immaterial existence beyond the grave: an
existence unconnected with any real or tangible matter, or substance.
But their risen Lord adopted the most simple means of dispersing their
_mysticism_, their _spiritual vagaries_ or _immateriality_. He called
upon them to handle him and see, "_For_" said he, "_a spirit hath not
flesh and bones, as ye see me have_."
They accordingly handled him, examined the prints of the nails in his
hands and feet, and the mark of the spear in his side. But, as if this
was not enough in order to familiarize them still more with the facts
of a material or tangible immortality, he ate and drank with
them--partaking of a broiled fish and an honey-comb.
In short, he was with them for forty days, in which he walked, talked,
ate, drank, taught, prophesied, commanded, commissioned, reasoned with
and blessed them, thus familiarizing to them that immortality and
eternal life which he wished them to teach in all the world.
He then ascended up in their presence, toward that planet where dwelt
his Father and their Father, his God and their God.
While he was yet in sight in the open firmament, and they stood gazing
upward, behold! two men stood by them in white raiment, and said--
"_Ye men of Galilee why stand ye gazing up into heaven? This same
Jesus which is taken up from you into heaven shall so come in like
manner as ye have seen him go into heaven_."
Here, then, we have a sample of an immortal God--a God who is often
declared in the Scriptures to be like his father, "_being the
brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person_," and
possessing the same attributes as his Father, in all their fulness; a
God not only possessing body and parts, but flesh and bones, and
sinews, and all the attributes, organs, senses, and affections of a
perfect man.
He differs in nothing from his Father, except in age and authority,
the Father having the seniority, and, consequently, the right,
according to the Patriarchal laws of eternal Priesthood, to preside
over him, and over all his dominions, for ever and ever.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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