What a beautiful and singular harmony is presented between the nature of this great promise and the principles set forth in the present writing--the Gospel to the dead as well as the living. In the dispensation of the meridian of time, introduced by the Redeemer in person, the heavenly message of glad tidings was, as herein exhibited, not only to men dwelling in the flesh, but also to those living in the spirit. The Latter-day Saints claim that the latter-day dispensation was opened by the raising up of the Prophet Joseph Smith. That great and good man, and his brother Hyrum, Patriarch of the Church, met a fate similar to that of the Savior. They were slain by a furious mob of religious bigots, for no other reason than asserting that God had again spoken from heaven as of old. Like the ancient prophets they clung to their integrity with their latest breath, and sealed their testimony with their blood. But, like their great Master, their mission was not confined to the sphere of the living. As in His case, it extended also to that of the spirits of the departed. Hence, when the prophet had accomplished the work by revelation from God, of setting up the true Church of Christ, with {190} apostles and prophets, high priests, seventies, elders, priests, teachers, deacons, and every other officer, and all the necessary councils, courts and other organizations, as in former days, he was called hence to open up a new and later dispensation in the life beyond. The work he had been the honored instrument in inaugurating here could be perpetuated, under divine guidance, by those remaining behind who held similar priesthood and authority to that which had been conferred upon him, and which belongs to him in eternity. That same commission that enabled him to perform a work here, is of effect in the realms beyond the grave. Thus an unbroken chain is formed, welding the visible Church of the First Born on this side with the same eternal system behind the veil. By this means there is established a common bond of union between the children--the obedient in this generation--and the fathers who have passed to the other sphere.