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
In their present state they are adapted to the rudimental state of
man. They are, as it were, the nurseries for man's physical embryo
formation. Their elements afford the means of nourishing and
sustaining the tabernacle, and of engendering and strengthening the
organ of thought and mind, wherein are conceived and generated
thoughts and affections which can only be matured and consummated in a
higher sphere--thoughts pregnant with eternal life and love.
As the mind enlarges, the aspirations of an eternal being, once
ennobled and honoured in the councils of heaven, among the sons of
God, reach forth too high, and broad, and deep, to be longer adapted
to the narrow sphere of mortal life. His body is imprisoned, chained
to the earth, while his mind would soar aloft, and grasp the
intelligence, wisdom and riches of the boundless infinite.
His rudimental body must therefore pass away, and be changed, so as to
be adapted to a wider and more glorious sphere of locomotion,
research, action and enjoyment.
When the planet on which he dwells has conceived, brought forth, and
nourished the number of tabernacles assigned to it in its rudimental
state, by infinite wisdom, it must needs be acted upon by a chemical
process. The purifying elements; for instance, fire, must needs be
employed to bring it through an ordeal, a refinement, a purification,
a change commensurate with that which had before taken place in the
physical tabernacle of its inhabitants. Thus renovated, it is adapted
to resurrected man.
When man, and the planet on which he lives, with all its fulness,
shall have completed all their series of progressive changes, so as to
be adapted to the highest glories of which their several characters
and species are capable, then, the whole will be annexed to, or
numbered with the eternal heavens, and will there fulfil their eternal
rounds, being another acquisition to the mansions, or eternally
increasing dominions of the great Creator and Redeemer.
Worlds are mansions for the home of intelligences.
Intelligences exist in order to enjoy.
Joy, in its fulness, depends on certain principles, viz.--
Life Eternal. Love Eternal. Peace Eternal. Wealth Eternal. &c.
Without the first, enjoyment lacks durability.
Without the second, it can hardly be said to exist.
Without the third, it would not be secure.
Without the fourth, it must be limited, &c.
Eternal life, in its fulness, implies a spiritual intelligence,
embodied in the likeness of its own species and clothed upon with an
outward tabernacle of eternal, incorruptible flesh and bones. This
state of existence can only be attained by the resurrection of the
body, and its eternal re-union with the spirit.
Eternal life thus attained, and endowed with the eternal attributes of
intelligence and love, could never exercise, or derive enjoyment from
the affections of the latter, unless associated with other beings
endowed with the same attributes.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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