Darkness and sin were permitted to come on this earth. Man partook of the forbidden fruit in accordance with a plan devised from eternity, that mankind might be brought in contact with the principles and powers of darkness, that they might know the bitter and the sweet, the good and the evil, and be able to discern between light and darkness, to enable them to receive light continually.--J. of D., Vol. VII., p, 158. I will not say, as do many, that the more I learn the more I am satisfied that I know nothing; for the more I learn the more I discern an eternity of knowledge to improve upon.--J. of D., Vol. VII., p. 162. This American continent will be Zion, for it is so spoken of by the prophets. Jerusalem will be rebuilt and will be the place of gathering, and the tribe of Judah will gather there; but this continent of America is the land of Zion.--J. of D., Vol. V., p. 4. One-third part of the spirits that were prepared for this earth rebelled against Jesus Christ, and were cast down to the earth, and they have been opposed to him from that day to this, with Lucifer at their heard. He is their great General Lucifer, the Son of the Morning, He was once a brilliant and influential character in heaven, and we will know more about him hereafter.--J. of D., Vol. V., p. 55. It is the man who works hard, who sweats over the rock, and goes to the canyons for lumber, that I count more worthy of good food and dress than I am.--J. of D., Vol. V., p. 99. Chastisements are grievous when they are received; but if they are received in patience, they will work out salvation for those who cheerfully submit to them.--J. of D., Vol. V., p. 124. Mourning for the righteous dead springs from the ignorance and weakness that are planted within the mortal tabernacle, the organization of this house for the spirit to dwell in. No matter what pain we suffer, no matter what we pass through, we cling to our mother earth, and dislike to have any of her children leave us. We love to keep together the social family relation that we bear one to another, and do not like to part with each other; but could we have knowledge and see into eternity, if we were perfectly free from the weakness, blindness and lethargy with which we are clothed in the flesh, we should have no disposition to weep or mourn.--J. of D., Vol. IV., p. 131. First reform in your moral character and conduct one towards another, so that every man and woman will deal honestly and walk uprightly with one another, and extend the arm of charity and benevolence to each other, as necessity requires. Be moral and strictly honest in every point, before you ask God to reform your spirit.--J. of D., Vol. IV., p. 61.