,bruington1 ,benjamin ,bytheway1 ,hilton ,campbell1 ,michael ,cleverly1 ,stephen ,cranney1 ,ben ,crowder1 ,tom ,de,forest1 ,cameron ,dixon1 ,eric ,heaps1 ,jason ,hills1 ,tod ,robbins4 ,,an ,,examination ,,into ,,and ,,an ,,elucidation ,,of ,,the ,,great ,,principle ,,of ,,the ,,mediation ,,and ,,atonement ,,of ,,our ,,lord ,,and ,,savior ,,jesus ,,christ4 ,,by ,,president ,,john ,,taylor4 ,wherefore the fruit of thy loins shall write1 and the fruit of the loins of ,judah shall write2 and that which shall be written by the fruit of thy loins1 and also that which shall be written by the fruit of the loins of ,judah1 shall grow together unto the confounding of false doctrines1 and laying down of contentions4--,gen41 #a1 #ca1 ,inspired ,translation4 ,for ,i command all men1 both in the east and in the west1 and in the north and in the south1 and in the islands of the sea1 that they shall write the words which ,i speak unto them3 for out of the books which shall be written1 ,i will judge the world1 every man according to their works1 according that which is written4 ,for behold1 ,i shall speak unto the ,jews1 and they shall write it2 and ,i shall also speak unto the ,nephites1 and they shall write it2 and ,i shall also speak unto the other tribes of the house of ,israel1 which ,i have led away1 and they shall write it2 and ,i shall also speak unto all nations of the earth1 and they shall write it4 ,and it shall come to pass that the ,jews shall have the words of the ,nephites1 and the ,nephites shall have the words of the ,jews2 and the ,nephites and the ,jews shall have the words of the lost tribes of ,israel2 and the lost tribes of ,israel shall have the words of the ,nephites and the ,jews4 ,and it shall come to pass that my people which are of the house of ,israel1 shall be gathered home unto the lands of their possessions2 and my word also shall be gathered in one4--#b ,nephi1 xxix1 #aa-ad4 ,,salt ,,lake ,,city1 ,,utah4 ,,deseret ,,news ,,company1 ,,printers ,,and ,,publishers1 #ahhb4 ,,contents4 ,,chapter ,i4 ,introductory--,christ's ,testimony with regard to ,his ,sufferings-- ,christ came to do the ,will of ,his ,father--,the ,testimony of the ,father at ,his ,baptism and ,transfiguration4 ,,chapter ,,ii4 ,the ,testimony of ,jesus the ,spirit of ,prophecy--,the ,declarations of the ,ancient ,servants of ,god--,extracts from the ,writings and ,testimonies of ,moses1 ,job1 ,david1 ,isaiah1 ,zechariah1 ,micah and ,hosea1 to be found in the ,old ,testament1 with remarks4 ,,chapter ,,iii4 ,extracts from the ,new ,testament1 touching the ,personal ,history of the ,lord ,jesus ,christ and the ,doctrine of the ,atonement--,remarks on the ,times of ,refreshing--,results accruing to the ,redeemer through ,his ,death on the ,cross1 etc4 ,,chapter ,,iv4 ,extracts from the ,pearl of ,great ,price and ,inspired ,translation of ,genesis--,record of ,moses regarding ,adam1 ,enoch1 ,noah1 ,abraham and ,joseph1 and of their ,faith in the ,coming of the ,savior4 ,,chapter ,v4 ,the ,book of ,mormon and the ,atonement--,extracts from the ,books of ,ether1 ,nephi1 ,mosiah1 ,alma1 ,helaman and ,mormon4 ,,chapter ,,vi4 ,extracts from the ,book of ,doctrine and ,covenants--,christ's ,testimony of ,himself1 of ,his ,power and ,calling1 etc4--,testimony of ,joseph ,smith and ,sidney ,rigdon--,record of ,john the ,baptist--,extract from a ,sermon by ,president ,brigham ,young4 ,,chapter ,,vii4 ,introduction to the ,historical ,portion of this ,treatise--,the ,dealings of ,god with ,adam1 ,cain and ,abel--,the ,institution of ,sacrifice--,the ,symbolism of this ,rite--,the ,words of the ,angel to ,adam--,lucifer--,his ,rebellion in ,heaven--,his ,conflict with ,michael for the ,body of ,moses--,he tempts ,christ--,he is cast into a ,lake of ,fire and ,brimstone4 ,,chapter ,,viii4 ,seth--,his ,sacrifice ,accepted--,rebellion in the ,heavens--,the ,gathering of the ,patriarchs in the ,valley of ,adam-ondi-,ahman-- ,sacrifices ,offered ,there4 ,,chapter ,,ix4 ,enoch1 his ,life and ,translation--,references to ,him by ,paul and ,jude--,copious ,extracts from ,his ,prophecy--,the ,prophet ,joseph ,smith on ,enoch and the ,doctrine of ,translation--,the ,office of ,translated ,saints--,enoch's ,future ,work--,translation and ,resurrection--,christ the ,creator--,summary of the ,results of ,enoch's ,faith in the ,saving ,blood of ,christ4 ,,chapter ,x4 ,noah--,his ,sacrifice--,god's ,covenant with ,him--,melchizedek--,his ,priesthood--,its ,powers--,instances thereof ,recorded in the ,bible1 in the ,book of ,mormon and in ,latter-days--,all ,power of the ,priesthood the ,result of ,faith in ,christ1 and ,impossible without the ,atonement--,the ,power of the ,priesthood the ,power of ,god--,the ,glory of ,god in the ,immortality of ,man--,christ the ,word1 the ,creator4 ,,chapter ,,xi4 ,abraham's ,record ,concerning the ,creation--,the ,council in ,heaven--,the ,father's ,plan1 the ,son's ,acceptance1 ,satan's ,rebellion--,the ,agency of ,man--,suggestions ,regarding ,satan's ,plan to ,save ,all ,mankind4 ,,chapter ,,xii4 ,abraham1 ,isaac and ,jacob--,sacrifices ,offered by ,them--,abraham and the ,gospel ,covenant--,extracts from the ,book of ,abraham and the ,writings of ,paul4 ,,chapter ,,xiii4 ,sacrifices in the ,days of ,moses--,the ,institution of the ,passover and the ,exodus--,the ,symbolism of the ,paschal ,lamb--,the ,covenant of the ,atonement between ,christ and ,his ,father--,the ,redeemed--,tokens of ,covenants--,the ,rainbow--,the ,name of ,jesus the ,only ,name--,the ,levites4 ,,chapter ,,xiv4 ,history of ,sacrifices and the ,law of ,moses among the ,nephites-- ,references to the ,books of ,nephi1 ,jacob1 ,mosiah and ,alma--,the ,testimony of ,jesus regarding the ,law of ,moses4 ,,chapter ,,xv4 ,the ,offering of ,sacrifice in the ,times of the ,restitution of all ,things--,teachings of the ,prophet ,joseph ,smith thereon--,the ,sons of ,levi--,malachi's ,prophecy--,the ,dispensation of the ,fulness of ,times4 ,,chapter ,,xvi4 ,brief ,retrospect of the ,history of ,sacrifice and its ,symbolism--,the ,passover and the ,lord's ,supper--,christ's ,relation to ,both these ,ordinances--,the ,last ,supper4 ,,chapter ,,xvii4 ,the ,atonement and the ,resurrection--,adam and ,christ--,why a ,law was ,given unto ,adam--,the ,results of ,disobedience to that ,law--,testimony of our ,first ,parents--,adam fell that ,man might be--,the ,fall a ,necessary ,portion of the ,plan of ,salvation--,god's ,plan a ,merciful ,plan--,the ,plan of ,lucifer--,man's ,free ,agency--,the ,chain ,complete4 ,,chapter ,,xviii4 ,christ as the ,son of ,god--,a ,comparison between ,his ,position1 ,glory1 etc41 and those of other ,sons of ,god--,his ,recognition by the ,father--,christ called the ,very ,eternal ,father4 ,,chapter ,,xix4 ,man as ,man--,his ,excellency and ,his ,limitations--,salvation and ,eternal ,progression ,impossible without the ,atonement--,in ,christ only can ,all be made ,alive4 ,,chapter ,,xx4 ,christ to be ,subject to ,man--,his ,descent below all ,things--,man's ,condition had there been no ,atonement--,the ,sons of ,god--,man's ,inability to ,save ,himself--,christ's ,glory before the ,world ,was-- ,necessity for an ,infinite ,atonement--,the ,father and ,son have ,life in ,themselves4 ,,chapter ,,xxi4 ,the ,relation of the ,atonement to ,little ,children--,jesus ,assumes the ,responsibility of ,man's ,transgression1 and ,bears the ,weight of his ,sins and ,sufferings--,the ,inferior ,creatures and ,sacrifice--,the ,terrors and ,agonies of ,christ's ,passion and ,death--,the ,tribulations1 ,earthquakes1 etc41 when ,he gave up the ,ghost--,universal ,nature ,trembles--,the ,prophecies of ,zenos and ,enoch--,the ,testimony of the ,centurion--,heirship1 and the ,descent of ,blessings and ,curses4 ,,chapter ,,xxii4 ,the ,operations of the ,priesthood in the ,heavens and upon the ,earth1 in ,time and ,eternity--,the ,heirs of the ,celestial ,kingdom--,those who ,die without ,law--,the ,judges of the ,earth--,priests and ,kings--,christ the ,king of ,kings--,condition of ,patriarch ,joseph ,smith1 ,apostle ,david ,patten and ,others--,moses and ,elias--,the ,visits of ,angels and their ,testimonies--,peter1 ,james and ,john--,the ,angel in the ,book of ,revelation4 ,,chapter ,,xxiii4 ,the ,laws of ,god ,unchangeable1 ,universal and ,eternal--,examples and ,definitions--,evolutionists--,kingdoms and ,light--,christ the ,creator1 etc4--,deviations from ,general ,laws--,every ,kingdom has a ,law ,given4 ,,chapter ,,xxiv4 ,the ,results of the ,atonement--,the ,debt ,paid--,justice and ,mercy-- ,extracts from the ,teachings of ,alma and ,others4 ,,chapter ,,xxv4 ,the ,resurrection--,the ,universality of the ,atonement--,the ,promises to those who ,overcome--,the ,gospel--,its ,first ,principles--,faith1 ,repentance1 ,baptism and the ,gift of the ,holy ,ghost--,its ,antiquity--,it is ,preached in ,various ,dispensations1 from ,adam until the ,present--,the ,final ,triumph of the ,saints4 ,,the ,,mediation ,,and ,,atonement ,,of ,,our ,,lord ,,and ,,savior ,,jesus ,,christ4 ,,chapter ,i4 ,introductory--,christ's ,testimony with regard to ,his ,sufferings-- ,christ came to do the ,will of ,his ,father--,the ,testimony of the ,father at ,his ,baptism and ,transfiguration4 ,in the last chapter of ,st4 ,luke's ,gospel is to be found a deeply interesting account of several events that took place on the day that the ,redeemer was resurrected4 ,amongst other incidents1 he relates that on that day two of the disciples took a melancholy journey from ,jerusalem to the neighboring village of ,emmaus4 ,whilst they walked1 the sadness of their hearts found expression on their tongues1 and they mournfully rehearsed to each other the story of the crucifixion of their ,master4 ,by and by1 they were joined by an apparent stranger1 who1 though none other than the resurrected ,savior1 was not recognized by them4 ,in answer to ,his inquiries1 they repeated the sad history of the days just passed1 and expressed the disappointment that ,his death had brought1 for they trusted that it had been ,he who should have redeemed ,israel4 ,then ,jesus said unto them1 ,o fools1 and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken6 ,ought not ,christ to have suffered these things1 and to enter into ,his glory8 ,and beginning at ,moses1 and all the prophets1 ,he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning ,himself4--,luke1 xxiv1 #be-bg4 ,when they reached ,emmaus1 with characteristic eastern hospitality1 they constrained the stranger to abide with them4 ,he consented1 and as they sat at meat ,he took bread1 and blessed it1 brake and gave unto them4 ,then their eyes were opened and they knew ,him1 and ,he vanished out of their sight4 ,and they rose up the same hour1 and returned to ,jerusalem1 and found the eleven gathered together and them that were with them1 saying1 ,the ,lord is risen indeed1 and hath appeared to ,simon4 ,and they told what things were done in the way1 and how ,he was known of them in breaking of bread4 ,and as they thus spake1 ,jesus himself stood in the midst of them1 and saith unto them1 ,peace be unto you4 ,after the ,savior had convinced the disciples then present of ,his identity1 and had partaken of some broiled fish and an honey comb1 ,he said unto them1 ,these are the words which ,i spake unto you1 while ,i was yet with you1 that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the law of ,moses1 and in the prophets1 and in the psalms1 concerning me4 ,then opened he their understanding1 that they might understand the scriptures1 and said unto them1 ,thus it is written1 and thus it behooved ,christ to suffer1 and to rise from the dead the third day3 ,and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations1 beginning at ,jerusalem4 ,and ye are witnesses of these things4 ,one great and very striking statement is here made by the ,lord ,himself1 to the effect that it behooved ,christ to suffer1 and the question at once presents itself before us1 why did it behoove ,him8 ,or why was it necessary that ,he should suffer8 ,for it would seem from ,his language1 through ,his sufferings1 death1 atonement and resurrection1 that repentance and remission of sins could be preached among all nations1 and that consequently if ,he had not atoned for the sins of the world1 repentance and remission of sins could not have been preached to the nations4 ,a very important principle is here enunciated1 one in which the interests of the whole human family throughout all the world are involved4 ,that principle is the offering up of the ,son of ,god1 as a sacrifice1 an atonement and a propitiation for our sins4 ,jesus said1 ,he came not to do ,his will1 but the will of ,his ,father1 who sent ,him4 ,he came1 as we are told1 to take away sin by the sacrifice of ,himself2 and not only did ,he come1 but ,he came in accordance with certain preconceived ideas that had been entertained and testified of by ,prophets and men of ,god in all preceding ages1 or from the days of ,adam to the days of ,john the ,baptist1 the latter being ,his precursor or forerunner1 who indeed1 when he saw ,him coming1 made the declaration1 ,behold the ,lamb of ,god1 who taketh away the sin of the world4 ,at ,his baptism the ,spirit of ,god bore witness to this testimony and descended upon ,jesus in the form of a dove1 or1 rather1 the form of a dove was the sign of the ,holy ,spirit2 whilst a voice was heard from heaven proclaiming3 ,this is my beloved ,son1 in whom ,i am well pleased4 ,this manifestation of ,god's acknowledgment of ,his beloved ,son was spoken of by personal witnesses who bore record to the facts4 ,matthew testifies3 ,then cometh ,jesus from ,galilee to ,jordan unto ,john1 to be baptized of him4 ,but ,john forbade him1 saying1 ,i have need to be baptized of thee1 and comest thou to me8 ,and ,jesus answering said unto him1 ,suffer it to be so now3 for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness4 ,then he suffered him4 ,and ,jesus1 when he was baptized1 went up straightway out of the water3 and lo1 the heavens were opened unto him1 and he saw the ,spirit of ,god descending like a dove1 and lighting upon him3 ,and lo1 a voice from heaven1 saying1 ,this is my beloved ,son1 in whom ,i am well pleased4--,matthew1 iii1 #ac-ag4 ,whilst ,mark relates1 ,and it came to pass in those days1 that ,jesus came from ,nazareth of ,galilee1 and was baptized of ,john in ,jordan4 ,and straightway coming up out of the water1 he saw the heavens opened1 and the ,spirit like a dove descending upon him4 ,and there came a voice from heaven1 saying1 ,thou art my beloved ,son1 in whom ,i am well pleased4--,mark1 i1 #i-aa4 ,and ,john1 in his ,gospel1 states that ,john the ,baptist bare record1 saying1 ,i saw the ,spirit descending from heaven like a dove1 and it abode upon him4 ,and ,i knew him not3 but he that sent me to baptize with water1 the same said unto me1 ,upon whom thou shalt see the ,spirit descending and remaining on him1 the same is he which baptizeth with the ,holy ,ghost4 ,and ,i saw and bare record1 that this is the ,son of ,god4--,john1 i1 #cb-cd4 ,we have this great truth of the open recognition of ,jesus1 by ,his ,father1 as ,his beloved ,son1 again enunciated when the three ,apostles1 ,peter1 ,james and ,john1 were on the ,mount1 and ,jesus was transfigured before them4 ,it is declared that a bright cloud overshadowed them3 and behold1 a voice out of the cloud1 which said1 ,this is my beloved ,son1 in whom ,i am well pleased2 hear ye him4--,matthew1 xvii1 #e4 ,the ,son1 thus openly acknowledged1 came not to earth to do ,his own will1 but the will of ,his ,father4 ,the will of the ,father appears to have been that the ,son should suffer1 for ,he1 ,himself1 prayed3 ,o my ,father1 if it be possible1 let this cup pass from me3 nevertheless1 not as ,i will1 but as thou wilt4 7,matthew1 xxvi1 #ci47 ,or1 as the ,new ,translation by the ,prophet ,joseph ,smith has it1 ,o my ,father1 if this cup may not pass away from me except ,i drink it1 thy will be done4 ,the ,father did not let it pass from ,him2 ,he therefore drank it1 and finally1 on the cross ,he said1 ,it is finished1 and bowed ,his head and gave up the ,ghost4 ,in regard to this ,jesus ,himself testifies4 ,first to the ,nephites3 ,behold1 ,i am ,jesus ,christ1 whom the ,prophets testified shall come into the world2 and behold1 ,i am the light and life of the world2 and ,i have drunk out of that bitter cup which the ,father hath given me1 and have glorified the ,father in taking upon me the sins of the world1 in the which ,i have suffered the will of the ,father in all things from the beginning4--iii ,nephi1 xi1 #aj1 #aa4 ,and again1 in this dispensation1 ,he bears witness3 ,for behold1 ,i1 ,god1 have suffered these things for all1 that they might not suffer if they would repent1 but if they would not repent1 they must suffer even as ,i1 which suffering caused myself1 even ,god1 the greatest of all1 to tremble because of pain1 and to bleed at every pore1 and to suffer both body and spirit3 and would that ,i might not drink the bitter cup and shrink1 nevertheless1 glory be to the ,father1 and ,i partook and finished my preparations unto the children of men4--,doc4 and ,cov41 xix1 #af-ai1 page #aah4 ,the saying of our ,savior1 to which we have already alluded1 ,thus it is written and thus it behooved ,christ to suffer1 is a very important one1 and it would seem to be necessary1 in the consideration of our subject1 for us to obtain1 from the writings of the servants of ,god that we have1 an understanding what these statements were2 how extensively they were corroborated by the sacred records2 and what is said with regard to the necessity of ,christ's sufferings thus referred to3 and1 furthermore1 we may notice the reason why they should be thus necessary4 ,in making this examination1 we will first quote from the writings of the ,old and ,new ,testaments1 and1 although we are informed by later revelations that many parts which are plain and most precious have been taken away therefrom1 yet there is a large amount of testimony left in this valuable and sacred record1 which plainly exhibits that the principle of the atonement was fully understood by the ,prophets in former ages4 ,,chapter ,,ii4 ,the ,testimony of ,jesus the ,spirit of ,prophecy--,the ,declarations of the ,ancient ,servants of ,god--,extracts from the ,writings and ,testimonies of ,moses1 ,job1 ,david1 ,isaiah1 ,zechariah1 ,micah and ,hosea1 to be found in the ,old ,testament1 with remarks4 ,in the chapter of ,luke's ,gospel1 to which we have already referred1 speaking of ,jesus1 it is written1 ,beginning with ,moses and all the prophets1 he expounded unto them in all the ,scriptures the things concerning himself4 ,if this be taken in the fullest sense1 and we know of no reason why it should not thus be received1 there is a great principle developed1 which is1 that not only ,moses1 but all the ,prophets1 testified concerning the coming ,redeemer4 ,as elsewhere stated1 this must have been the case1 for we are told that the testimony of ,jesus is the spirit of prophecy2 and this being admitted1 how could they have the spirit of prophecy1 or be ,prophets without having the testimony of ,jesus8 ,and we are told further that the ,prophets sought what manner of time the ,spirit of ,christ which was in them did signify1 when it testified beforehand the sufferings of ,christ1 and the glory that should follow4--#a ,peter1 i1 #aa4 ,these scriptures evidently show that the testimony of ,jesus was the very principle1 essence and power of the spirit of prophecy whereby they were inspired4 ,we find a great many statements corroborative of these facts in those portions of the writings and prophecies of the ancient servants of ,god1 that have been handed down to us in the ,old ,testament1 and from these testimonies we select a few to show how various and how detailed have been the inspired utterances regarding the life and death of the ,messiah4 ,the ,lord thy ,god will raise up unto thee a ,prophet from the midst of thee1 of thy brethren1 like unto me1 ,moses1 unto him ye shall hearken4 99 99 99 ,and the ,lord said unto me1 ,they have well spoken that which they have spoken4 ,i will raise them up a ,prophet from among their brethren1 like unto thee1 and will put my words in his mouth2 and he shall speak unto them all that ,i shall command him4 ,and it shall come to pass1 that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name1 ,i will require it of him4--,deut41 xviii1 #ae1 #ag-ai4 ,for ,i know that my ,redeemer liveth1 and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth3 ,and though after my skin worms destroy this body1 yet in my flesh shall ,i see ,god3 ,whom ,i shall see for myself1 and mine eyes shall behold1 and not another2 though my reins be consumed within me4--,job1 xix1 #be-bg4 ,why do the heathen rage1 and the people imagine a vain thing8 ,the kings of the earth set themselves1 and the rulers take counsel together1 against the ,lord and against his ,anointed1 saying1 ,let us break their bands asunder1 and cast away their cords from us4 ,he that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh3 the ,lord shall have them in derision4 ,then shall he speak unto them in his wrath1 and vex them in his sore displeasure4 ,yet have ,i set my king upon my holy hill of ,zion4 ,i will declare the decree3 the ,lord hath said unto me1 ,thou art my ,son2 this day have ,i begotten thee4 ,ask of me1 and ,i shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance1 and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession4 ,thou shalt break them with a rod of iron2 thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel4 ,be wise now therefore1 ,o ye kings3 be instructed1 ye judges of the earth4 ,serve the ,lord with fear1 and rejoice with trembling4 ,kiss the ,son1 lest he be angry1 and ye perish from the way1 when his wrath is kindled but a little4 ,blessed are all they that put their trust in him4--,psalm ii1 #a-ab4 ,while the first portion of the above psalm refers to the ,anointed of the ,lord1 and matters that would take place at ,his first appearing1 still many of the things1 therein mentioned1 have not yet transpired4 ,the same may be said of the following passages from ,zechariah1 which speak of ,his being pierced and of ,his rejection by the ,jews as a thing accomplished1 when at that time these events had not taken place4 ,but it does prove that ,his people would reject and pierce ,him1 and that afterwards when ,he should come as their deliverer 7like ,joseph1 whom his brethren sold1 appeared as their deliverer in ,egypt71 they should look upon ,him whom they had pierced4 ,and ,i will pour upon the house of ,david1 and upon the inhabitants of ,jerusalem1 the spirit of grace and of supplications3 and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced1 and they shall mourn for him1 as one mourneth for his only son1 and shall be in bitterness for him1 as one that is in bitterness for his first born4--,zech41 xii1 #aj4 ,and one shall say unto him1 ,what are these wounds in thy hands8 ,then he shall answer1 ,those with which ,i was wounded in the house of my friends4--,zech41 xiii1 #f4 ,for unto us a child is born1 unto us a son is given3 and the government shall be upon his shoulder3 and his name shall be called ,wonderful1 ,counsellor1 ,the mighty ,god1 ,the everlasting ,father1 ,the ,prince of ,peace4 ,of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end1 upon the throne of ,david1 and upon his kingdom1 to order it1 and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even forever4 ,the zeal of the ,lord of hosts will perform this4--,isaiah1 ix1 #f1 #g4 ,therefore1 the ,lord himself shall give you a sign2 ,behold1 a virgin shall conceive1 and beat a son1 and shall call his name ,immanuel4--,isaiah1 vii1 #ad4 ,the ,lord said unto my ,lord1 ,sit thou at my right hand1 until ,i make thine enemies thy footstool4 ,the ,lord shall send the rod of thy strength out of ,zion2 rule thou in the midst of thine enemies4 ,thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power1 in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning3 thou hast the dew of thy youth4 ,the ,lord hath sworn and will not repent1 ,thou art a priest forever after the order of ,melchizedek4--,psalm cx1 #a-d4 ,thou lovest righteousness1 and hatest wickedness3 therefore ,god1 thy ,god1 hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows4--,psalm xlv1 #g4 ,and the ,redeemer shall come to ,zion1 and unto them that turn from transgression in ,jacob1 saith the ,lord4--,isaiah1 lix1 #bj4 ,behold my servant1 whom ,i uphold2 mine elect1 in whom my soul delighteth2 ,i have put my ,spirit upon him3 he shall bring forth judgment to the ,gentiles4 ,he shall not cry1 nor lift up1 nor cause his voice to be heard in the street4 ,a bruised reed shall he not break1 and the smoking flax shall he not quench3 he shall bring forth judgment unto truth4 ,he shall not fail nor be discouraged1 till he have set judgment in the earth3 and the isles shall wait for his law4 ,thus saith ,god the ,lord1 he that created the heavens and stretched them out2 he that spread forth the earth1 and that which cometh out of it2 he that giveth breath unto the people upon it1 and spirit to them that walk therein3 ,i the ,lord have called thee in righteousness1 and will hold thine hand1 and will keep thee1 and give thee for a covenant of the people1 for a light of the ,gentiles2 to open the blind eyes1 to bring out the prisoners from the prison1 and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house4 ,i am the ,lord2 that is my name3 and my glory will ,i not give to another1 neither my praise to graven images4 ,behold1 the former things are come to pass1 and new things do ,i declare3 before they spring forth ,i tell you of them4--,isaiah1 xlii1 #a-i4 ,who hath believed our report8 and to whom is the arm of the ,lord revealed8 ,for he shall grow up before him as a tender plant1 and as a root out of a dry ground3 he hath no form nor comeliness2 and when we shall see him1 there is no beauty that we should desire him4 ,he is despised and rejected of men2 a man of sorrows1 and acquainted with grief3 and we hid as it were our faces from him2 he was despised1 and we esteemed him not4 ,surely he hath borne our griefs1 and carried our sorrows3 yet we did esteem him stricken1 smitten of ,god1 and afflicted4 ,but he was wounded for our transgressions1 he was bruised for our iniquities3 the chastisement of our peace was upon him2 and with his stripes we are healed4 ,all we like sheep have gone astray2 we have turned every one to his own way2 and the ,lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all4 ,he was oppressed1 and he was afflicted1 yet he opened not his mouth3 he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter1 and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb1 so he openeth not his mouth4 ,he was taken from prison and from judgment3 and who shall declare his generation8 for he was cut off out of the land of the living3 for the transgression of my people was he stricken4 ,and he made his grave with the wicked1 and with the rich in his death2 because he had done no violence1 neither was any deceit in his mouth4 ,yet it pleased the ,lord to bruise him2 he hath put him to grief3 when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin1 he shall see his seed1 he shall prolong his days1 and the pleasure of the ,lord shall prosper in his hand4 ,he shall see of the travail of his soul1 and shall be satisfied3 by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many2 for he shall bear their iniquities4 ,therefore will ,i divide him a portion with the great1 and he shall divide the spoil with the strong2 because he hath poured out his soul unto death3 and he was numbered with the transgressors2 and he bare the sin of many1 and made intercession for the transgressors4--,isaiah1 liii1 #a-ab4 ,rejoice greatly1 ,o daughter of ,zion2 shout1 ,o daughter of ,jerusalem3 behold1 thy king cometh unto thee3 he is just1 and having salvation2 lowly1 and riding upon an ass1 and upon a colt the foal of an ass4--,zech41 ix1 #i4 ,and ,i said unto them1 ,if ye think good1 give me my price2 and if not1 forbear4 ,so they weighed for my price thirty pieces of silver4 --,zech41 xi1 #ab4 ,when ,israel was a child1 then ,i loved him1 and called my son out of ,egypt4--,hosea1 xi1 #a4 ,regarding which prophecy ,matthew writes1 ,when he arose he took the young child ,jesus and his mother by night1 and departed into ,egypt3 and was there until the death of ,herod3 that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the ,lord by the ,prophet1 saying1 ,out of ,egypt have ,i called my ,son4--,matthew1 ii1 #ad1 #ae4 ,thus saith the ,lord2 ,a voice was heard in ,ramah1 lamentation1 and bitter weeping2 ,rachel weeping for her children1 refused to be comforted for her children1 because they were not4--,jeremiah1 xxxi1 #ae4 ,the same evangelist refers also to the fulfilment of this prophecy3 ,then ,herod1 when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men1 was exceeding wroth1 and sent forth1 and slew all the children that were in ,bethlehem1 and in all the coasts thereof1 from two years old and under1 according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men4 ,then was fulfilled that which was spoken by ,jeremy the prophet1 saying1 ,in ,ramah was there a voice heard1 lamentation1 and weeping1 and great mourning1 ,rachel weeping for her children1 and would not be comforted1 because they are not4--,matthew1 ii1 #af-ah4 ,but thou1 ,bethlehem ,ephratah1 though thou be little among the thousands of ,judah1 yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ,ruler in ,israel2 whose goings forth have been from of old1 from everlasting4--,micah1 v1 #b4 ,therefore my heart is glad1 and my glory rejoiceth3 my flesh also shall rest in hope4 ,for thou wilt not leave my soul in hell2 neither wilt thou suffer thine ,holy ,one to see corruption4--,psalm xvi1 #i1 #aj4 ,this expression of the ,psalmist evidently refers to the resurrection of the ,son of ,god4 ,it is so quoted by ,paul in his sermon at ,antioch3 ,and we declare unto you glad tidings1 how that the promise which was made unto the fathers1 ,god hath fulfilled the same unto us their children1 in that he hath raised up ,jesus again2 as it is also written in the second psalm1 ,thou art my ,son1 this day have ,i begotten thee4 ,and as concerning that he raised him up from the dead1 now no more to return to corruption1 he said on this wise1 ,i will give you the sure mercies of ,david4 ,wherefore he saith also in another psalm1 ,thou shalt not suffer thine ,holy ,one to see corruption4 ,for ,david1 after he had served his own generation by the will of ,god1 fell on sleep1 and was laid unto his fathers1 and saw corruption4 ,but he1 whom ,god raised again1 saw no corruption4--,acts1 xiii1 #cb-cg4 ,the ,spirit of the ,lord ,god is upon me2 because the ,lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek2 he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted1 to proclaim liberty to the captives1 and the opening of the prison to them that are bound2 to proclaim the acceptable year of the ,lord1 and the day of vengeance of our ,god2 to comfort all that' mourn2 to appoint unto them that mourn in ,zion1 to give unto them beauty for ashes1 the oil of joy for mourning1 the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness2 that they might be called ,trees of righteousness1 ,the planting of the ,lord1 that he might be glorified4--,isaiah1 lxi1 #a-c4 ,this prophecy is referred to in the following incident in the life of ,jesus1 narrated by ,luke3 ,and he came to ,nazareth1 where he had been brought up3 and1 as his custom was1 he went into the synagogue on the ,sabbath day1 and stood up for to read4 ,and there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet ,esaias4 ,and when he had opened the book1 he found the place where it was written1 ,the ,spirit of the ,lord is upon me1 because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor2 he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted1 to preach deliverance to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind1 to set at liberty them that are bruised1 to preach the acceptable year of the ,lord4 ,and he closed the book1 and he gave it again to the minister1 and sat down4 ,and the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him4 ,and he began to say unto them1 ,this day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears4--,luke1 iv1 #af-ba4 ,lift up your heads1 ,o ye gates2 and be ye lifted up1 ye everlasting doors2 and the ,king of glory shall come in4 ,who is this ,king of glory8 ,the ,lord strong and mighty1 the ,lord mighty in battle4 ,lift up your heads1 ,o ye gates2 even lift them up1 ye everlasting doors2 and the ,king of glory shall come in4 ,who is this ,king of glory8 ,the ,lord of hosts1 he is the ,king of glory1 ,selah4--,psalm xxiv1 #g-aj4 ,the above is made much more plain in the inspired version1 where it appears as follows3 ,lift up your heads1 ,o ye generations of ,jacob2 and be ye lifted up2 and the ,lord strong and mighty1 the ,lord mighty in battle1 who is the ,king of glory1 shall establish you for ever4 ,and he will roll away the heavens1 and will come down to redeem his people1 to make you an everlasting name1 to establish you upon his everlasting rock4 ,lift up your heads1 ,o ye generations of ,jacob2 lift up your heads1 ye everlasting generations1 and the ,lord of hosts1 the ,king of kings1 even the ,king of glory1 shall come unto you2 and shall redeem his people1 and shall establish them in righteousness4 ,selah4 ,,chapter ,,iii4 ,extracts from the ,new ,testament1 touching the ,personal ,history of the ,lord ,jesus ,christ and the ,doctrine of the ,atonement--,remarks on the ,times of ,refreshing--,results accruing to the ,redeemer through ,his ,death on the ,cross1 etc4 ,from the ,new ,testament we will first introduce some texts with regard to the birth of the ,savior1 followed by testimonies of the ,lord ,jesus with regard to ,himself1 and afterwards give extracts from the teachings and epistles of ,his disciples1 etc4 ,now the birth of ,jesus ,christ was on this wise3 ,when as his mother ,mary was espoused to ,joseph1 before they came together1 she was found with child of the ,holy ,ghost4 ,then ,joseph her husband1 being a just man1 and not willing to make her a public example1 was minded to put her away privily4 ,but while he thought on these things1 behold1 the angel of the ,lord appeared unto him in a dream1 saying1 ,joseph1 thou son of ,david1 fear not to take unto thee ,mary thy wife3 for that which is conceived in her is of the ,holy ,ghost4 ,and she shall bring forth a son1 and thou shalt call his name ,,jesus3 for he shall save his people from their sins4 ,now all this was done1 that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the ,lord by the prophet1 saying1 ,behold1 a virgin shall be with child1 and shall bring forth a son1 and they shall call his name ,emmanuel1 which being interpreted is1 ,god with us4--,matthew1 i1 #ah-bc4 ,and in the sixth month the angel ,gabriel was sent from ,god unto a city of ,galilee1 named ,nazareth1 to a virgin espoused to a man whose name was ,joseph1 of the house of ,david2 and the virgin's name was ,mary4 ,and the angel came in unto her1 and said1 ,hail1 thou that art highly favored1 the ,lord is with thee2 blessed art thou among women4 ,and when she saw him1 she was troubled at his saying1 and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be4 ,and the angel said unto her1 ,fear not1 ,mary3 for thou hast found favor with ,god4 ,and behold1 thou shalt conceive in thy womb1 and bring forth a son1 and shalt call his name ,jesus4 ,he shall be great1 and shall be called the ,son of the ,highest2 and the ,lord ,god shall give unto him the throne of his father ,david4 ,and he shall reign over the house of ,jacob forever2 and of his kingdom there shall be no end4 ,then said ,mary unto the angel1 ,how shall this be1 seeing ,i know not a man8 ,and the angel answered and said unto her1 ,the ,holy ,ghost shall come upon thee1 and the power of the ,highest shall overshadow thee3 therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee1 shall be called the ,son of ,god4 ,and behold thy cousin ,elisabeth1 she hath also conceived a son in her old age2 and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren3 for with ,god nothing shall be impossible4 ,and ,mary said1 ,behold the handmaid of the ,lord1 be it unto me according to thy word4 ,and the angel departed from her4 ,and ,mary arose in those days1 and went into the hill-country with haste1 into a city of ,juda1 and entered into the house of ,zacharias1 and saluted ,elisabeth4 ,and it came to pass1 that when ,elisabeth heard the salutation of ,mary1 the babe leaped in her womb3 and ,elisabeth was filled with the ,holy ,ghost4 ,and she spake out with a loud voice and said1 ,blessed art thou among women1 and blessed is the fruit of thy womb4 ,and whence is this to me1 that the mother of my ,lord should come to me8 ,for lo1 as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears1 the babe leaped in my womb for joy4 ,and blessed is she that believed3 for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the ,lord4 ,and ,mary said1 ,my soul doth magnify the ,lord1 and my spirit hath rejoiced in ,god my ,savior4 ,for he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden3 for behold1 from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed4 ,for he that is mighty hath done to me great things2 and holy is his name4 ,and his mercy is on them that fear him1 from generation to generation4 ,he hath shewed strength with his arm2 he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts4 ,he hath put down the mighty from their seats1 and exalted them of low degree4 ,he hath filled the hungry with good things1 and the rich he hath sent empty away4 ,he hath holpen his servant ,israel1 in remembrance of his mercy2 as he spake to our fathers1 to ,abraham1 and to his seed1 forever4--,luke1 i1 #bf-ee4 ,and it came to pass in those days1 that there went out a decree from ,cesar ,augustus1 that all the world should be taxed4 7,and this taxing was first made when ,cyrenius was governor of ,syria47 ,and all went to be taxed1 every one into his own city4 ,and ,joseph also went up from ,galilee1 out of the city of ,nazareth1 into ,judea1 unto the city of ,david1 which is called ,bethlehem 7because he was of the house and lineage of ,david71 to be taxed with ,mary his espoused wife1 being great with child4 ,and so it was1 that while they were there1 the days were accomplished that she should be delivered4 ,and she brought forth her first born son1 and wrapped him in swaddling-clothes1 and laid him in a manger3 because there was no room for them in the inn4 ,and there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field1 keeping watch over their flock by night4 ,and lo1 the angel of the ,lord came upon them1 and the glory of the ,lord shone round about them2 and they were sore afraid4 ,and the angel said unto them1 ,fear not3 for behold1 ,i bring you good tidings of great joy1 which shall be to all people4 ,for unto you is born this day1 in the city of ,david1 a ,savior1 which is ,christ the ,lord4 ,and this shall be a sign unto you2 ,ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling-clothes1 lying in a manger4 ,and suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising ,god1 and saying1 ,glory to ,god in the ,highest1 and on earth peace1 good will toward men4 ,and it came to pass1 as the angels were gone away from them into heaven1 the shepherds said one to another1 ,let us now go even unto ,bethlehem1 and see this thing which is come to pass1 which the ,lord hath made known unto us4--,luke1 ii1 #a-ae4 ,when ,jesus came into the coasts of ,cesarea ,philippi1 he asked his disciples1 saying1 ,whom do men say that ,i1 the ,son of man1 am8 ,and they said1 ,some say that thou art ,john the ,baptist3 some1 ,elias3 and others1 ,jeremias1 or one of the prophets4 ,he saith unto them1 ,but whom say ye that4 ,i am8 ,and ,simon ,peter answered and said1 ,thou art the ,christ1 the ,son of the living ,god4 ,and ,jesus answered and said unto him1 ,blessed art thou1 ,simon ,bar-jona2 for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee1 but my ,father which is in heaven4 99 99 99 ,then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was ,jesus the ,christ4--,matt41 xvi1 #ac-ag1 #bj4 ,of this same conversation ,mark records3 ,and ,jesus went out1 and his disciples1 into the towns of ,cesarea ,philippi3 and by the way he asked his disciples1 saying unto them1 ,whom do men say that ,i am8 ,and they answered1 ,john the ,baptist3 but some say1 ,elias2 and others1 one of the prophets4 ,and he saith unto them1 ,but whom say ye that ,i am8 ,and ,peter answereth and saith unto him1 ,thou art the ,christ4 ,and he charged them that they should tell no man of him4 ,and he began to teach them1 that the ,son of man must suffer many things1 and be rejected of the elders1 and of the chief priests1 and scribes1 and be killed1 and after three days rise again4 ,and he spake that saying openly4--,mark1 viii1 #bg-cb4 ,whilst ,luke testifies1 ,and it came to pass1 as he was alone praying1 his disciples were with him2 and he asked them1 saying1 ,whom say the people that ,i am8 ,they answering1 said1 ,john the ,baptist2 but some say1 ,elias2 and others say1 that one of the old prophets is risen again4 ,he said unto them1 ,but whom say ye that ,i am8 ,peter answering1 said1 ,the ,christ of ,god4 ,and he straitly charged them1 and commanded them to tell no man that thing1 saying1 ,the ,son of man must suffer many things1 and be rejected of the elders1 and chief priests1 and scribes1 and be slain1 and be raised the third day4--,luke1 ix1 #ah-bb4 ,for ,god so loved the world that he gave his only begotten ,son1 that whosoever believeth in him should not perish1 but have everlasting life4 ,for ,god sent not his ,son into the world to condemn the world2 but that the world through him might be saved4--,john1 iii1 #af1 #ag4 ,and he said unto them1 ,ye are from beneath2 ,i am from above3 ye are of this world2 ,i am not of this world4 ,i said therefore unto you1 that ye shall die in your sins3 for if ye believe not that ,i am he1 ye shall die in your sins4 ,then said they unto him1 ,who art thou8 ,and ,jesus saith unto them1 ,even the same that ,i said unto you from the beginning4 ,i have many things to say1 and to judge of you3 but he that sent me1 is true2 and ,i speak to the world those things which ,i have heard of him4 ,they understood not that he spake to them of the ,father4 ,then said ,jesus unto them1 ,when ye have lifted up the ,son of man1 then shall ye know that ,i am he1 and that ,i do nothing of myself2 but as my ,father hath taught me ,i speak these things4 ,and he that sent me is with me3 the ,father hath not left me alone2 for ,i do always those things that please him4--,john1 viii1 #bc-bi4 ,then answered ,jesus1 and said unto them1 ,verily1 verily1 ,i say unto you1 ,the ,son can do nothing of himself1 but what he seeth the ,father do2 for what things soever he doeth1 these also doeth the ,son likewise4 ,for the ,father loveth the ,son1 and sheweth him all things that himself doeth3 and he will shew him greater works than these1 that ye may marvel4 ,for as the ,father raiseth up the dead1 and quickeneth them2 even so the ,son quickeneth whom he will4 ,for the ,father judgeth no man2 but hath committed all judgment unto the ,son3 that all men should honor the ,son1 even as they honor the ,father4 ,he that honoreth not the ,son1 honoreth not the ,father which hath sent him4 99 99 99 ,but ,i have greater witness than that of ,john3 for the works which the ,father hath given me to finish1 the same works that ,i do1 bear witness of me1 that the ,father hath sent me4 ,and the ,father himself which hath sent me1 hath borne witness of me4 ,ye have neither heard his voice at any time1 nor seen his shape4 ,and ye have not his word abiding in you3 for whom he hath sent1 him ye believe not4 ,search the scriptures2 for in them ye think ye have eternal life3 ,and they are they which testify of me4--,john1 v1 #ai-bc1 #cf-ci4 ,jesus heard that they had cast him out3 and when he had found him1 he said unto him1 ,dost thou believe on the ,son of ,god8 ,he answered and said1 ,who is he1 ,lord1 that ,i might believe on him8 ,and ,jesus said unto him1 ,thou hast both seen him1 and it is he that talketh with thee4 ,and he said1 ,lord1 ,i believe4 ,and he worshipped him4 ,and ,jesus said1 ,for judgment ,i am come into this world2 that they which see not might see1 and that they which see1 might be made blind4--,john1 ix1 #ce-ci4 ,i am the good shepherd1 and know my sheep1 and am known of mine4 ,as the ,father knoweth me1 even so know ,i the ,father3 and ,i lay down my life for the sheep4 ,and other sheep ,i have1 which are not of this fold3 them also ,i must bring1 and they shall hear my voice2 and there shall be one fold1 and one shepherd4 99 99 99 ,my sheep hear my voice1 and ,i know them1 and they follow me3 and ,i give unto them eternal life2 and they shall never perish1 neither shall any pluck them out of my hand4 ,my ,father1 which gave them me1 is greater than all2 and none is able to pluck them out of my ,father's hand4 ,i and my ,father are one4--,john1 x1 #ad-af1 #bg-cj4 ,and while they abode in ,galilee1 ,jesus said unto them1 ,the ,son of man shall be betrayed into the hands of men3 and they shall kill him1 and the third day he shall be raised again4 ,and they were exceeding sorry4--,matt41 xvii1 #bb1 #bc4 ,of this same prophecy ,mark relates3 ,and they departed thence1 and passed through ,galilee2 and he would not that any man should know it4 ,for he taught his disciples1 and said unto them1 ,the ,son of man is delivered into the hands of men1 and they shall kill him2 and after that he is killed1 he shall rise the third day4 ,but they understood not that saying1 and were afraid to ask him4--,mark1 ix1 #cj-cb4 ,and ,luke states1 ,and they were all amazed at the mighty power of ,god4 ,but while they wondered every one at all things which ,jesus did1 he said unto his disciples1 ,let these sayings sink down into your ears3 for the ,son of man shall be delivered into the hands of men4 ,but they understood not this saying1 and it was hid from them1 that they perceived it not1 and they feared to ask him of that saying4--,luke1 ix1 #dc-de4 ,and as they were eating1 ,jesus took bread1 and blessed it1 and brake it1 and gave it to the disciples1 and said1 ,take1 eat2 this is my body4 ,and he took the cup1 and gave thanks1 and gave it to them1 saying2 ,drink ye all of it2 for this is my blood of the new testament1 which is shed for many1 for the remission of sins4--,matt41 xxvi1 #bf-bh4 ,and as they did eat1 ,jesus took bread1 and blessed1 and brake it1 and gave to them1 and said1 ,take1 eat3 this is my body4 ,and he took the cup1 and when he had given thanks1 he gave it to them3 and they all drank of it4 ,and he said unto them1 ,this is my blood of the new testament1 which is shed for many4 ,mark1 xiv1 #bb-bd4 ,and he took bread1 and gave thanks1 and brake it1 and gave unto them1 saying1 ,this is my body which is given for you3 this do in remembrance of me4 ,likewise also the cup after supper1 saying1 ,this cup is the new testament in my blood1 which is shed for you4--,luke1 xxii1 #ai1 #bj4 ,for the ,son of man shall come in the glory of his ,father1 with his angels2 and then he shall reward every man according to his works4--,matt41 xvi1 #bg4 ,take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones3 for ,i say unto you1 that in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my ,father which is in heaven4 ,for the ,son of man is come to save that which was lost4--,matt41 xviii1 #aj1 #aa4 ,then the eleven disciples went away into ,galilee1 into a mountain where ,jesus had appointed them4 ,and when they saw him they worshipped him3 but some doubted4 ,and ,jesus came and spake unto them1 saying1 ,all power is given unto me in heaven and in earth4 ,go ye therefore and teach all nations1 baptizing them in the name of the ,father1 and of the ,son1 and of the ,holy ,ghost2 teaching them to observe all things whatsoever ,i have commanded you3 and lo1 ,i am with you alway1 even unto the end of the world4 ,amen4--,matt41 xxviii1 #af-bj4 ,then said ,jesus unto the twelve1 ,will ye also go away8 ,then ,simon ,peter answered him1 ,lord1 to whom shall we go8 thou hast the words of eternal life4 ,and we believe1 and are sure that thou art that ,christ1 the ,son of the living ,god4--,john1 vi1 #fg-fi4 ,him1 being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of ,god1 ye have taken and by wicked hands have crucified and slain3 whom ,god hath raised up1 having loosed the pains of death3 because it was not possible that he should be holden of it4--,acts1 ii1 #bc1 #bd4 ,this ,jesus hath ,god raised up1 whereof we all are witnesses4 ,therefore being by the right hand of ,god exalted1 and having received of the ,father the promise of the ,holy ,ghost1 he hath shed forth this1 which ye now see and hear4 ,for ,david is not ascended into the heavens1 but he saith himself1 ,the ,lord said unto my ,lord1 ,sit thou on my right hand1 until ,i make thy foes thy footstool4 ,therefore let all the house of ,israel know assuredly1 that ,god hath made that same ,jesus whom ye have crucified1 both ,lord and ,christ4--,acts1 ii1 #cb-cf4 ,and now1 brethren1 ,i wot that through ignorance ye did it1 as did also your rulers4 ,but those things which ,god before had shewed by the mouth of all his prophets1 that ,christ should suffer1 he hath so fulfilled4 ,repent ye therefore1 and be converted1 that your sins may be blotted out1 when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the ,lord2 and he shall send ,jesus ,christ1 which before was preached unto you2 whom the heavens must receive1 until the times of restitution of all things1 which ,god hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets1 since the world began4 ,for ,moses truly said unto the fathers1 ,a ,prophet shall the ,lord your ,god raise up unto you1 of your brethren1 like unto me2 him shall ye hear in all things1 whatsoever he shall say unto you4 ,and it shall come to pass1 that every soul which will not hear that ,prophet1 shall be destroyed from among the people4 ,yea1 and all the prophets from ,samuel1 and those that follow after1 as many as have spoken1 have likewise foretold of these days4--,acts1 iii1 #ag-bd4 ,does it not seem from this that these men1 having committed the infamous act of crucifying ,jesus1 or consenting to ,his death1 although they may have done it ignorantly1 could not at that time1 even by repentance and conversion1 be placed in a state of salvation1 but that they would have to wait until ,jesus ,christ should come again before their sins could be blotted out2 when ,jesus ,christ should be sent1 who before was preached unto them and whom they had crucified8 ,is not this the same condition that the antediluvians were in1 when once the long suffering of ,god waited in the days of ,noah1 when they were cast into prison and remained there until the time when ,jesus went and preached to those spirits in prison8 ,in their day they rejected the offers of mercy through the atonement of ,jesus ,christ1 as the ,jews did in their time2 but afterwards they had the same ,gospel preached to them by ,jesus1 and those ,jews who had participated in those deeds1 or who had consented thereto1 to whom the ,apostle then spake1 even if they then repented1 would have to wait for forgiveness and salvation until ,jesus should come again4 ,furthermore1 the ,jews who will live in the times of the restitution in the last days1 after the testimony of the ,gospel shall have gone to the ,gentiles through this same atonement1 and the introduction of the ,gospel1 will again have it preached to them on the earth1 and will1 through ,him1 the ,elias1 or restorer1 be gathered again to their own land4 ,be it known unto you all1 and to all the people of ,israel1 that by the name of ,jesus ,christ of ,nazareth1 whom ye crucified1 whom ,god raised from the dead1 even by him doth this man stand here before you whole4 ,this is the stone1 which was set at naught of you builders1 which is become the head of the corner4 ,neither is there salvation in any other3 for there is none other name under heaven given among men1 whereby we must be saved4--,acts1 iv1 #aj-ab4 ,but he 7,stephen71 being full of the ,holy ,ghost1 looked up steadfastly into heaven1 and saw the glory of ,god1 and ,jesus standing on the right hand of ,god1 and said1 ,behold1 ,i see the heavens opened1 and the ,son of man standing on the right hand of ,god4--,acts1 vii1 #ee1 #ef4 ,the place of the ,scripture which he read was this1 ,he was led as a sheep to the slaughter1 and like a lamb dumb before his shearer1 so opened he not his mouth3 in his humiliation his judgment was taken away3 and who shall declare his generation8 for his life is taken from the earth4--,acts1 viii1 #cb1 #cc4 ,take heed therefore unto yourselves1 and to all the flock over the which the ,holy ,ghost hath made you overseers1 to feed the church of ,god1 which he hath purchased with his own blood4--,acts1 xx1 #bh4 ,the next day ,john seeth ,jesus coming unto him1 and saith1 ,behold the ,lamb of ,god1 which taketh away the sin of the world6 --,john1 i1 #bi4 ,for all have sinned1 and come short of the glory of ,god2 being justified freely by his grace1 through the redemption that is in ,christ ,jesus3 whom ,god hath set forth to be a propitiation1 through faith in his blood1 to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past1 through the forbearance of ,god4--,rom41 iii1 #bc-be4 ,but for us also1 to whom it shall be imputed1 if we believe on him that raised up ,jesus our ,lord from the dead1 who was delivered for our offences1 and was raised again for our justification4--,rom41 iv1 #bd1 #be4 ,but ,god commendeth his love toward us1 in that while we were yet sinners1 ,christ died for us4 ,much more then1 being now justified by his blood1 we shall be saved from wrath through him4 ,for if1 when we were enemies1 we were reconciled to ,god by the death of his ,son2 much more1 being reconciled1 we shall be saved by his life4 ,and not only so1 but we also joy in ,god1 through our ,lord ,jesus ,christ1 by whom we have now received the atonement4 ,wherefore as by one man sin entered into the world1 and death by sin2 and so death passed upon all men1 for that all have sinned4--,rom41 v1 #h-ab4 ,for ,i delivered unto you first of all that which ,i also received1 how that ,christ died for our sins according to the scriptures4 ,and that he was buried1 and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures3 and that he was seen of ,cephas1 then of the twelve3 after that1 he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once2 of whom the greater part remain unto this present1 but some are fallen asleep4 ,after that1 he was seen of ,james2 then of all the apostles4 ,and last of all he was seen of me also1 as of one born out of due time4 ,for ,i am the least of the apostles1 that am not meet to be called an apostle1 because ,i persecuted the church of ,god4--#a ,cor41 xv1 #c-i4 ,to the praise of the glory of his grace1 wherein he hath made us accepted in the ,beloved3 in whom we have redemption through his blood1 the forgiveness of sins1 according to the riches of his grace4--,ephesians1 i1 #f1 #g4 ,giving thanks unto the ,father1 which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the ,saints in light3 who hath delivered us from the power of darkness1 and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear ,son3 in whom we have redemption through his blood1 even the forgiveness of sins3 who is the image of the invisible ,god1 the first-born of every creature4 99 99 99 ,and he is the head of the body1 the church3 who is the beginning1 the firstborn from the dead2 that in all things he might have the pre-eminence4 ,for it pleased the ,father that in him should all fulness dwell2 and1 having made peace through the blood of his cross1 by him to reconcile all things unto himself2 by him1 ,i say1 whether they be things in earth1 or things in heaven4--,col41 i1 #ab-ae1 #ah-bj4 ,from the above passage we learn that our redemption is obtained through the blood of ,jesus2 that ,he is in the image of ,god2 again1 that ,he is the firstborn of every creature2 also that ,he is the first-born from the dead2 and furthermore1 that ,he stands preeminent as the representative of ,god in the interests of humanity pertaining to this world1 or the world which is to come1 and that ,he is the head of the ,church1 the ,grand ,medium through which all blessings flow to the human family4 ,beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit1 after the tradition of men1 after the rudiments of the world1 and not after ,christ4 ,for in him dwelleth all the fulness of the ,godhead bodily4 ,and ye are complete in him1 which is the head of all principality and power4--,col41 ii1 #h-aj4 ,for there is one ,god1 and one mediator between ,god and men1 the man ,christ ,jesus2 who gave himself a ransom for all1 to be testified in due time4--#a ,tim41 ii1 #e1 #f4 ,for unto which of the angels said he at any time1 ,thou art my ,son1 this day have ,i begotten thee8 ,and again1 ,i will be to him a ,father1 and he shall be to me a ,son8 ,and again1 when he bringeth in the first-begotten into the world1 he saith1 ,and let all the angels of ,god worship him4--,heb41 i1 #e1 #f4 ,thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet4 ,for in that he put all in subjection under him1 he left nothing that is not put under him4 ,but now we see not yet all things put under him3 but we see ,jesus1 who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death1 crowned with glory and honor2 that he by the grace of ,god should taste death for every man4 ,for it became him1 for whom are all things1 and by whom are all things1 in bringing many sons unto glory1 to make the ,captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings4 --,heb41 ii1 #h-aj4 ,here we have something said of the results accruing to the ,redeemer ,himself1 through ,his sufferings and death4 ,he stands next to the ,father1 and is on the right hand of ,god2 angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him4 7#a ,peter1 iii1 #bb47 ,or as ,he elsewhere says of ,himself1 ,all power is given unto me1 in heaven and in earth4 ,and again1 it is written that ,he forever sat down on the right hand of ,god2 from henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool2 and that at the name of ,jesus every knee shall bow1 of things in heaven1 and things in earth1 and things under the earth2 and that every tongue should confess that ,jesus ,christ is ,lord1 to the glory of ,god the ,father4 7,philippians1 ii1 #aj1 #aa47 ,for such an high priest became us1 who is holy1 harmless1 undefiled1 separate from sinners1 and made higher than the heavens2 who needeth not daily1 as those high priests1 to offer up sacrifice1 first for his own sins1 and then for the people's3 for this he did once1 when he offered up himself4 ,for the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity2 but the word of the oath1 which was since the law1 maketh the ,son1 who is consecrated forevermore4--,heb41 vii1 #bf-bh4 ,there is something peculiar pertaining to the expression here used1 forevermore1 which manifestly exhibits an eternal principle4 ,we find the same expression 7as elsewhere alluded to7 in the ,pearl of ,great ,price4 ,to ,adam it was said1 ,thou shalt do all that thou doest1 in the name of the ,son4 ,and thou shalt repent1 and call upon ,god1 in the name of the ,son forevermore4 ,the same principle continued both on the ,asiatic and on this continent2 and was recognized by all men of ,god holding the ,melchisedec ,priesthood1 and will be recognized throughout all time until the final consummation of all things1 when every knee shall bow1 and every tongue confess that ,jesus is the ,christ1 to the glory of ,god1 the ,father4 ,neither by the blood of goats and calves1 but by his own blood1 he entered in once into the holy place1 having obtained eternal redemption for us4 ,for if the blood of bulls and of goats1 and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean1 sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh3 how much more shall the blood of ,christ1 who through the eternal spirit offered himself without spot to ,god1 purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living ,god8 99 99 99 ,and almost all things are by the law purged with blood2 and without shedding of blood is no remission4--,heb41 ix1 #ab-ad1 #bb4 ,by the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of ,jesus ,christ once for all4 ,and every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices1 which can never take away sins3 but this man1 after he had offered one sacrifice for sins1 forever sat down on the right hand of ,god3 from henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool4 ,for by one offering he hath perfected forever them that are sanctified4--,heb41 x1 #aj-ad4 ,or1 as the thirteenth and fourteenth verses are rendered in the inspired translation3 ,but this man1 after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever1 sat down on the right hand of ,god2 from henceforth to reign until his enemies be made his footstool4 ,elect according to the foreknowledge of ,god the ,father1 through sanctification of the spirit1 unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of ,jesus ,christ3 ,grace unto you1 and peace1 be multiplied4 99 99 99 ,forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things as silver and gold1 from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers2 but with the precious blood of ,christ1 as of a lamb without blemish and without spot3 who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world1 but was manifest in these last times for you4--#a ,peter1 i1 #b1 #ah-bj4 ,for ,christ also hath once suffered for sins1 the just for the unjust1 that he might bring us to ,god1 being put to death in the flesh1 but quickened by the ,spirit3 by which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison2 which sometime were disobedient1 when once the long-suffering of ,god waited in the days of ,noah1 while the ark was a preparing1 wherein few1 that is1 eight souls1 were saved by water4 ,the like figure whereunto1 even baptism1 doth also now save us1 7not the putting away of the filth of the flesh1 but the answer of a good conscience toward ,god17 by the resurrection of ,jesus ,christ3 who is gone into heaven1 and is on the right hand of ,god2 angels1 and authorities1 and powers1 being made subject unto him4--#a ,peter1 iii1 #ah-bb4 ,this then is the message which we have heard of him1 and declare unto you1 that ,god is light and in him is no darkness at all4 ,if we say that we have fellowship with him1 and walk in darkness1 we lie1 and do not the truth2' but if we walk in the light1 as he is in the light1 we have fellowship one with another1 and the blood of ,jesus ,christ his ,son cleanseth us from all sin4--#a ,john1 i1 #e-g4 ,and if any man sin1 we have an advocate with the ,father1 ,jesus ,christ the righteous3 ,and he is the propitiation for our sins3 and not for ours only1 but also for the sins of the whole world4--#a ,john1 ii1 #a1 #b4 ,or as it is written in the inspired translation1 ,but if any man sin and repent1 we have an advocate1 etc4 ,and from ,jesus ,christ1 who is the faithful ,witness1 and the first-begotten of the dead1 and the ,prince of the kings of the earth4 ,unto him that loved us1 and washed us from our sins in his own blood4--,rev41 i1 #e4 ,these things1 saith the ,amen1 the faithful and true ,witness1 the beginning of the creation of ,god4--,rev41 iii1 #ad4 ,and when he had taken the book1 the four beasts1 and four and twenty elders fell down before the ,lamb1 having every one of them harps1 and golden vials full of odors1 which are the prayers of saints4 ,and they sung a new song1 saying1 ,thou art worthy to take the book1 and to open the seals thereof2 for thou wast slain1 and hast redeemed us to ,god by thy blood out of every kindred1 and tongue1 and people1 and nation2 and hast made us unto our ,god kings and priests3 and we shall reign on the earth4--,rev41 v1 #h-aj4 ,thus it would seem that the redeemed of the ,lord from all nations and peoples are indebted to the ,lord ,jesus ,christ1 through ,his atonement1 for the position that they will occupy in the state of exaltation here referred to2 and if they are exalted to be kings and priests unto ,god1 it is through the ordinances which ,he has appointed for the accomplishment of this object1 as the wise will understand4 ,as regards the ,book mentioned in the above passage1 an explanation thereof will be found in the ,key to the ,revelation of ,john4--,doc4 and ,cov41 ,sec4 lxxvii1 page #bgg4 7,latest edition47 ,and it was given unto him the ,dragon to make war with the ,saints1 and to overcome them2 and power was given him over all kindreds1 and tongues1 and nations4 ,and all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him1 whose names are not written in the book of life of the ,lamb slain from the foundation of the world4--,rev41 xiii1 #g1 #h4 ,,chapter ,,iv4 ,extracts from the ,pearl of ,great ,price and ,inspired ,translation of ,genesis--,record of ,moses regarding ,adam1 ,enoch1 ,noah1 ,abraham and ,joseph1 and of their faith in the ,coming of the ,savior4 ,we shall now introduce some extracts from the ,pearl of ,great ,price and the ,inspired ,translation of the ,book of ,genesis1 which replace some of those parts1 plain and most precious1 which are said to have been taken from the version of the ,holy ,scriptures known as ,king ,james' or the authorized version4 ,these extracts are taken from the revelations and writings of the ,prophet ,joseph ,smith4 ,and ,god spake unto ,moses1 saying1 ,behold1 ,i am the ,lord ,god ,almighty1 and ,endless is my name2 for ,i am without beginning of days or end of years2 and is not this ,endless8 ,and1 behold1 thou art my son2 wherefore look1 and ,i will show thee the workmanship of mine hands1 but not all2 for my works are without end1 and also my words2 for they never cease2 wherefore1 no man can behold all my works1 except he behold all my glory2 and no man can behold all my glory1 and afterwards remain in the 'flesh on the earth4 ,and ,i have a work for thee1 ,moses1 my son2 and thou art in the similitude of mine ,only ,begotten2 and my ,only ,begotten is and shall be the ,savior1 for he is full of grace and truth2 but there is no ,god beside me1 and all things are present with me1 for ,i know them all4--,pearl of ,great ,price4 ,and in that day the ,holy ,ghost fell upon ,adam1 which beareth record of the ,father and the ,son1 saying1 ,i am the ,only ,begotten of the ,father from the beginning1 henceforth and for ever1 that as thou hast fallen thou mayest be redeemed2 and all mankind1 even as many as will4--,ibid4 ,but ,god hath made known unto our fathers that all men must repent4 ,and he called upon our father ,adam by his own voice1 saying1 ,i am ,god3 ,i made the world1 and men before they were in the flesh4 ,and he also said unto him1 ,if thou wilt turn unto me1 and hearken unto my voice1 and believe1 and repent of all thy transgressions1 and be baptized1 even in water1 in the name of mine ,only ,begotten ,son1 who is full of grace and truth1 which is ,jesus ,christ1 the only name which shall be given under heaven1 whereby salvation shall come unto the children of men1 ye shall receive the gift of the ,holy ,ghost1 asking all things in his name1 and whatsoever ye shall ask1 it shall be given you4 ,and our father ,adam spake unto the ,lord1 and said1 ,why is it that men must repent and be baptized in water8 ,and the ,lord said unto ,adam1 ,behold1 ,i have forgiven thee thy transgression in the ,garden of ,eden4 ,hence came the saying abroad among the people1 ,that the ,son of ,god hath atoned for original guilt1 wherein the sins of the parents cannot be answered upon the heads of the children1 for they are whole from the foundation of the world4--,ibid4 ,wherefore teach it unto your children1 that all men1 everywhere1 must repent1 or they can in no wise inherit the kingdom of ,god1 for no unclean thing can dwell there1 or dwell in his presence2 for1 in the language of ,adam1 ,man of ,holiness is his name2 and the name of his ,only ,begotten1 is the ,son of ,man1 even ,jesus ,christ1 a righteous ,judge who shall come in the meridian of time4 ,therefore ,i give unto you a commandment1 to teach these things freely unto your children1 saying1 ,that by reason of transgression cometh the fall1 which fall bringeth death1 and inasmuch as ye were born into the world by water1 and blood1 and the spirit1 which ,i have made1 and so became of dust a living soul1 even so ye must be born again into the kingdom of heaven1 of water1 and of the ,spirit1 and be cleansed by blood1 even the blood of mine ,only ,begotten2 that ye might be sanctified from all sin1 and enjoy the words of eternal life in this world1 and eternal life in the world to come1 even immortal glory3 ,for by the water ye keep the commandment2 by the ,spirit ye are justified1 and by the blood ye are sanctified2 therefore it is given to abide in you2 the record of heaven2 the ,comforter2 the peaceable things of immortal glory2 the truth of all things2 that which quickeneth all things1 which maketh alive all things2 that which knoweth all things1 and hath all power1 according to wisdom1 mercy1 truth1 justice1 and judgment4 ,and now1 behold1 ,i say unto you1 ,this is the plan of salvation unto all men1 through the blood of mine ,only ,begotten1 who shall come in the meridian of time4--,ibid4 ,and he gave unto me ,enoch a commandment that ,i should baptize in the name of the ,father1 and of the ,son1 who is full of grace and truth1 and the ,holy ,ghost1 which beareth record of the' ,father and the ,son4--,ibid4 ,and behold1 ,enoch saw the day of the coming of the ,son of ,man1 even in the flesh2 and his soul rejoiced1 saying1 ,the ,righteous is lifted up1 and the ,lamb is slain from the foundation of the world2 and through faith ,i am in the bosom of the ,father1 and behold1 ,zion is with me6--,ibid4 ,and great tribulations shall be among the children of men1 but my people will ,i preserve2 and righteousness will ,i send down out of heaven2 and truth will ,i send forth out of the earth1 to bear testimony of mine ,only ,begotten2 his resurrection from the dead2 yea1 and also the resurrection of all men4--,ibid4 ,and it came to pass that ,noah continued his preaching unto the people1 saying1 ,hearken1 and give heed unto my words2 believe and repent of your sins1 and be baptized in the name of ,jesus ,christ1 the ,son of ,god1 even as our fathers did1 and ye shall receive the ,holy ,ghost1 that ye may have all things made manifest2 and if ye do not this1 the floods will come in upon you4--,ibid4 ,and if thou shalt die1 yet thou shalt possess it the land of ,canaan1 for the day cometh1 that the ,son of ,man shall live2 but how can he live1 if he be not dead8 ,he must first be quickened4 ,and it came to pass that ,abram looked forth and saw the days of the ,son of ,man1 and was glad1 and his soul found rest1 and he believed in the ,lord2 and the ,lord counted it unto him for righteousness4--,inspired ,translation1 ,gen41 xv1 #aa1 #ab4 ,the sceptre shall not depart from ,judah1 nor a lawgiver from between his feet1 until ,shiloh come3 and unto him shall the gathering of the people be4--,gen41 xlix1 #aj4 ,the ,lord hath visited me ,joseph1 and ,i have obtained a promise of the ,lord1 that out of the fruit of my loins the ,lord will raise up a righteous branch out of my loins2 and unto thee1 whom my father ,jacob hath named ,israel1 a prophet2 7not the ,messiah who is called ,shiloh27 and this prophet shall deliver my people out of ,egypt in the days of thy bondage4 ,and it shall come to pass that they shall be scattered again2 and a branch shall be broken off1 and shall be carried into a far country2 nevertheless1 they shall be remembered in the covenants of the ,lord1 when the ,messiah cometh2 for he shall be made manifest unto them in the latter days1 in the spirit of power1 and shall bring them out of darkness into light2 out of hidden darkness1 and out of captivity unto freedom4--,inspired ,translation1 ,gen41 #a1 #bd1 #be4 ,,chapter ,v4 ,the ,book of ,mormon and the ,atonement--,extracts from the ,books of ,ether1 ,nephi1 ,mosiah1 ,alma1 ,helaman and ,mormon4 ,we next quote from the ,book of ,mormon1 making our selections in chronological order2 first from the ,book of ,ether1 and afterwards from the records of the ,nephites4 ,and when he had said these words1 behold1 the ,lord showed himself unto him the brother of ,jared1 and said1 ,because thou knowest these things1 ye are redeemed from the fall2 therefore ye are brought back into my presence2 therefore ,i show myself unto you4 ,behold1 ,i am he who was prepared from the foundation of the world to redeem my people4 ,behold1 ,i am ,jesus ,christ4 ,i am the ,father and the ,son4 ,in me shall all mankind have light1 and that eternally1 even they who shall believe on my name2 and they shall become my sons and my daughters4--,ether1 iii1 #ac1 #ad4 ,and then cometh the ,new ,jerusalem2 and blessed are they who dwell therein1 for it is they whose garments are white through the blood of the ,lamb2 and they are they who are numbered among the remnant of the seed of ,joseph1 who were of the house of ,israel4 ,and then also cometh the ,jerusalem of old2 and the inhabitants thereof1 blessed are they1 for they have been washed in the blood of the ,lamb2 and they are they who were scattered and gathered in from the four quarters of the earth1 and from the north countries1 and are partakers of the fulfilling of the covenant which ,god made with their father ,abraham4--,ether1 xiii1 #aj1 #aa4 ,yea1 even six hundred years from the time that my father left ,jerusalem1 a prophet would the ,lord ,god raise up among the ,jews2 even a ,messiah2 or1 in other words1 a ,savior of the world4 ,and he also spake concerning the prophets1 how great a number had testified of these things1 concerning this ,messiah1 of whom he had spoken1 or this ,redeemer of the world4 ,wherefore all mankind were in a lost and in a fallen state1 and ever would be1 save they should rely on this ,redeemer4 ,and he spake also concerning a prophet who should come before the ,messiah to prepare the way of the ,lord2 yea1 even he should go forth and cry in the wilderness1 ,prepare ye the way of the ,lord1 and make his paths straight2 for there standeth one among you whom ye know not2 and he is mightier than ,i1 whose shoe's latchet ,i am not worthy to unloose4 ,and much spake my father concerning this thing4 ,and my father said he should baptize in ,bethabary1 beyond ,jordan2 and he also said he should baptize with water3 even that he should baptize the ,messiah with water4 ,and after he had baptized the ,messiah with water1 he should behold and bear record1 that he had baptized the ,lamb of ,god1 who should take away the sins of the world4--#a ,nephi1 x1 #d-aj4 ,and it came to pass that the angel spake unto me again1 saying1 ,look6 ,and ,i looked and beheld the ,lamb of ,god1 that he was taken by the people2 yea1 the ,son of the everlasting ,god was judged of the world2 and ,i saw and bear record4 ,and ,i1 ,nephi1 saw that he was lifted up upon the cross1 and slain for the sins of the world4--#a ,nephi1 xi1 #cb1 #cc4 ,he doeth not anything1 save it be for the benefit of the world2 for he loveth the world1 even that he layeth down his own life1 that he may draw all men unto him4 ,wherefore he commandeth none that they shall not partake of his salvation4--#b ,nephi1 xxvi1 #bd4 ,yea1 ,i know that ye know1 that in the body he shall show himself unto those at ,jerusalem1 from whence we came2 for it is expedient that it should be among them2 for it behoveth the great ,creator that he suffereth himself to become subject unto man in the flesh1 and die for all men1 that all men might become subject unto him4 ,for as death hath passed upon all men1 to fulfil the merciful plan of the great ,creator1 there must needs be a power of resurrection1 and the resurrection must needs come unto man by reason of the fall2 and the fall came by reason of transgression2 and because man became fallen1 they were cut off from the presence of the ,lord4--#b ,nephi1 ix1 #e1 #f4 ,wherefore1 ,i know that thou art redeemed because of the righteousness of thy ,redeemer2 for thou hast beheld1 that in the fulness of time he cometh to bring salvation unto men4 ,and thou hast beheld in thy youth his glory2 wherefore thou art blessed even as they unto whom he shall minister in the flesh2 for the ,spirit is the same1 yesterday1 to-day1 and forever4 ,and the way is prepared from the fall of man1 and salvation is free4 ,and men are instructed sufficiently1 that they know good from evil4 ,and the law is given unto men4 ,and by the law1 no flesh is justified2 or1 by the law1 men are cut off4 ,yea1 by the temporal law1 they were cut off2 and also1 by the spiritual law they perish from that which is good1 and become miserable for ever4 ,wherefore1 redemption cometh in and through the ,holy ,messiah2 for he is full of grace and truth4 ,behold1 he offereth himself a sacrifice for sin1 to answer the ends of the law1 unto all those who have a broken heart and a contrite spirit2 and unto none else can the ends of the law be answered4 ,wherefore1 how great the importance to make these things known unto the inhabitants of the earth1 that they may know that there is no flesh that can dwell in the presence of ,god1 save it be through the merits1 and mercy1 and grace of the ,holy ,messiah1 who layeth down his life according to the flesh1 and taketh it again by the power of the ,spirit1 that he may bring to pass the resurrection of the dead1 being the first that should rise4 ,wherefore he is the first fruits unto ,god1 inasmuch as he shall make intercession for all the children of men2 and they that believe in him shall be saved4 ,and because of the intercession for all1 all men come unto ,god2 wherefore1 they stand in the presence of him1 to be judged of him according to the truth and holiness which is in him4 ,wherefore1 the ends of the law which the ,holy ,one hath given1 unto the inflicting of the punishment which is affixed1 which punishment that is affixed is in opposition to that of the happiness which is affixed1 to answer the ends of the atonement2 for it must needs be1 that there is an opposition in all things4 ,if not so1 my first-born in the wilderness1 righteousness could not be brought to pass2 neither wickedness2 neither holiness nor misery2 neither good nor bad4 ,wherefore1 all things must needs be a compound in one2 wherefore1 if it should be one body1 it must needs remain as dead1 having no life1 neither death1 nor corruption nor incorruption1 happiness nor misery1 neither sense nor insensibility4 ,wherefore1 it must needs have been created for a thing of naught2 wherefore1 there would have been no purpose in the end of its creation4 ,wherefore1 this thing must needs destroy the wisdom of ,god1 and his eternal purposes2 and also1 the power1 and the mercy1 and the justice of ,god4 ,and if ye shall say there is no law1 ye shall also say there is no sin4 ,if ye shall say there is no sin1 ye shall also say there is no righteousness4 ,and if there be no righteousness1 there be no happiness4 ,and if there be no righteousness nor happiness1 there be no punishment nor misery4 ,and if these things are not1 there is no ,god4 ,and if there is no ,god1 we are not1 neither the earth2 for there could have been no creation of things1 neither to act nor to be acted upon2 wherefore1 all things must have vanished away4 ,and now1 my sons1 ,i speak unto you these things1 for your profit and learning2 for there is a ,god1 and he hath created all things1 both the heavens and the earth1 and all things that in them is2 both things to act1 and things to be acted upon4 ,and to bring about his eternal purposes in the end of man1 after he had created our first parents1 and the beasts of the field and the fowls of the air1 and in fine1 all things which are created1 it must needs be that there was an opposition2 even the forbidden fruit in opposition to the tree of life3 the one being sweet and the other bitter2 wherefore1 the ,lord ,god gave unto man that he should act for himself4 ,wherefore1 man could not act for himself1 save it should be that he was enticed by the one or the other4 ,and ,i1 ,lehi1 according to the things which ,i have read1 must needs suppose1 that an angel of ,god1 according to that which is written1 had fallen from heaven3 wherefore1 he became a devil1 having sought that which was evil before ,god4 ,and because he had fallen from heaven1 and had become miserable for ever1 he sought also the misery of all mankind4 ,wherefore1 he said unto ,eve1 yea1 even that old serpent1 who is the devil1 who is the father of all lies2 wherefore he said1 ,partake of the forbidden fruit1 and ye shall not die1 but ye shall be as ,god1 knowing good and evil4 ,and after ,adam and ,eve had partaken of the forbidden fruit1 they were driven out of the garden of ,eden1 to till the earth4 ,and they have brought forth children2 yea1 even the family of all the earth4 ,and the days of the children of men were prolonged1 according to the will of ,god1 that they might repent while in the flesh2 wherefore1 their state became a state of probation1 and their time was lengthened1 according to the commandments which the ,lord ,god gave unto the children of men4 ,for he gave commandment that all men must repent2 for he shewed unto all men that they were lost1 because of the transgression of their parents4--#b ,nephi1 ii1 #c-ba4 ,and now1 my brethren1 ,i have spoken plain1 that ye cannot err2 and as the ,lord ,god liveth that brought ,israel up out of the land of ,egypt1 and gave unto ,moses power that he should heal the nations1 after they had been bitten by the poisonous serpents1 if they would cast their eyes unto the serpent which he did raise up before them1 and also gave him power that he should smite the rock1 and the water should come forth2 yea1 behold ,i say unto you1 that as these things are true1 and as the ,lord ,god liveth1 there is none other name given under heaven1 save it be this ,jesus ,christ of whom ,i have spoken1 whereby man can be saved4 ,wherefore1 for this cause hath the ,lord ,god promised unto me that these things which ,i write1 shall be kept and preserved1 and handed down unto my seed1 from generation to generation1 that the promise may be fulfilled unto ,joseph1 that his seed should never perish as long as the earth should stand4 ,wherefore1 these things shall go from generation to generation as long as the earth shall stand2 and they shall go according to the will and pleasure of ,god2 and the nations who shall possess them shall be judged of them according to the words which are written2 for we labor diligently to write1 to persuade our children1 and also our brethren1 to believe in ,christ1 and to be reconciled to ,god2 for we know that it is by grace that we are saved1 after all we can do4 ,and notwithstanding we believe in ,christ1 we keep the law of ,moses1 and look forward with steadfastness unto ,christ1 until the law shall be fulfilled2 for1 for this end was the law given2 wherefore1 the law hath become dead unto us1 and we are made alive in ,christ1 because of our faith2 yet we keep the law because of the commandments2 and we talk of ,christ1 we rejoice in ,christ1 we preach of ,christ1 we prophesy of ,christ1 and we write according to our prophecies1 that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins4 ,wherefore1 we speak concerning the law1 that our children may know the deadness of the law2 and they1 by knowing the deadness of the law1 may look forward unto that life which is in ,christ1 and know for what end the law was given4 ,and after the law is fulfilled in ,christ1 that they need not harden their hearts against him1 when the law ought to be done away4--#b ,nephi1 xxv1 #bj-bg4 ,the reference1 in the above quotation1 to the serpent which ,moses raised up before the children of ,israel in the wilderness1 directly confirms the statement of our ,savior3 ,and as ,moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness1 even so must the ,son of man be lifted up2 that whosoever believeth in him should not perish1 but have eternal life4--,john1 iii1 #ad1 #ae4 ,we now return to our extracts from the ,book of ,mormon4 ,king ,benjamin teaches3 ,for behold1 the time cometh1 and is not far distant1 that with power1 the ,lord ,omnipotent1 who reigneth1 who was and is from all eternity to all eternity1 shall come down from heaven1 among the children of men1 and shall dwell in a tabernacle of clay1 and shall go forth amongst men1 working mighty miracles1 such as healing the sick1 raising the dead1 causing the lame to walk1 the blind to receive their sight1 and the deaf to hear1 and curing all manner of diseases2 and he shall cast out devils1 or the evil spirits which dwell in the hearts of the children of men4 ,and lo1 he shall suffer temptations1 and pain of body1 hunger1 thirst1 and fatigue1 even more than man can suffer1 except it be unto death3 for behold1 blood cometh from every pore1 so great shall be his anguish for the wickedness and the abominations of his people4 ,and he shall be called ,jesus ,christ1 the ,son of ,god1 the ,father of heaven and earth1 the ,creator of all things1 from the beginning2 and his mother shall be called ,mary4 ,and lo1 he cometh unto his own1 that salvation might come unto the children of men1 even through faith on his name2 and even after all this1 they shall consider him a man1 and say that he hath a devil1 and shall scourge him1 and shall crucify him4 ,and he shall rise the third day from the dead2 and behold1 he standeth to judge the world2 and behold1 all these things are done1 that a righteous judgment might come upon the children of men4 ,for behold1 and also his blood atoneth for the sins of those who have fallen by the transgression of ,adam1 who have died1 not knowing the will of ,god concerning them1 or who have ignorantly sinned4 ,but wo1 wo unto him who knoweth that he rebelleth against ,god2 for salvation cometh to none such1 except it be through repentance and faith on the ,lord ,jesus ,christ4 ,and the ,lord ,god hath sent his holy prophets among all the children of men1 to declare these things to every kindred1 nation1 and tongue1 that thereby whosoever should believe that ,christ should come1 the same might receive remission of their sins1 and rejoice with exceeding great joy1 even as though he had already come among them4 ,yet the ,lord ,god saw that his people were a stiffnecked people1 and he appointed unto them a law1 even the law of ,moses4 ,and many signs1 and wonders1 and types1 and shadows shewed he unto them1 concerning his coming2 and also holy prophets spake unto them concerning his coming2 and yet they hardened their hearts1 and understood not that the law of ,moses availeth nothing1 except it were through the atonement of his blood4 ,and even if it were possible that little children could sin1 they could not be saved3 but ,i say unto you they are blessed2 for behold1 as in ,adam1 or by nature they fall1 even so the blood of ,christ atoneth for their sins4 ,and moreover1 ,i say unto you1 that there shall be no other name given1 nor any other way nor means whereby salvation can come unto the children of men1 only in and through the name of ,christ1 the ,lord ,omnipotent4 ,for behold he judgeth1 and his judgment is just2 and the infant perisheth not that dieth in his infancy2 but men drink damnation to their own souls1 except they humble themselves and become as little children1 and believe that salvation was1 and is1 and is to come1 in and through the atoning blood of ,christ1 the ,lord ,omnipotent2 for the natural man is an enemy to ,god1 and has been from the fall of ,adam1 and will be1 for ever and ever2 but if he yields to the enticings of the ,holy ,spirit1 and putteth off the natural man1 and becometh a saint1 through the atonement of ,christ the ,lord1 and becometh as a child1 submissive1 meek1 humble1 patient1 full of love1 willing to submit to all things which the ,lord seeth fit to inflict upon him1 even as a child doth submit to his father4 ,and moreover1 ,i say unto you1 that the time shall come1 when the knowledge of a ,savior shall spread throughout every nation1 kindred1 tongue1 and people4 ,and behold1 when that time cometh1 none shall be found blameless before ,god1 except it be little children only through repentance and faith on the name of the ,lord ,god ,omnipotent4--,mosiah1 iii1 #e-ba4 ,and now1 it came to pass that when king ,benjamin had made an end of speaking the words which had been delivered unto him by the angel of the ,lord1 that he cast his eyes round about on the multitude1 and behold they had fallen to the earth1 for the fear of the ,lord had come upon them2 and they had viewed themselves in their own carnal state1 even less than the dust of the earth4 ,and they all cried aloud with one voice1 saying1 ,o have mercy1 and apply the atoning blood of ,christ1 that we may receive forgiveness of our sins1 and our hearts may be purified2 for we believe in ,jesus ,christ1 the ,son of ,god1 who created heaven and earth1 and all things2 who shall come down among the children of men4 ,and it came to pass that after they had spoken these words1 the ,spirit of the ,lord came upon them1 and they were filled with joy1 having received a remission of their sins1 and having peace of conscience1 because of the exceeding faith which they had in ,jesus ,christ who should come1 according to the words which king ,benjamin had spoken unto them4 ,and king ,benjamin again opened his mouth1 and began to speak unto them1 saying1 ,my friends and my brethren1 my kindred and my people1 ,i would again call your attention1 that ye may hear and understand the remainder of my words which ,i shall speak unto you2 for behold1 if the knowledge of the goodness of ,god at this time has awakened you to a sense of your nothingness1 and your worthless and fallen state2 ,i say unto you1 if ye have come to a knowledge of the goodness of ,god1 and his matchless power1 and his wisdom1 and his patience1 and his long suffering towards the children of men1 and also1 the atonement which has been prepared from the foundation of the world1 that thereby salvation might come to him that should put his trust in the ,lord1 and should be diligent in keeping his commandments1 and continue in the faith even unto the end of his life2 ,i mean the life of the mortal body2 ,i say that this is the man who receiveth salvation1 through the atonement which was prepared from the foundation of the world for all mankind1 which ever were since the fall of ,adam1 or who are1 or whoever shall be1 even unto the end of the world2 and this is the means whereby salvation cometh4 ,and there is none other salvation1 save this which hath been spoken of2 neither are there any conditions whereby man can be saved1 except the conditions which ,i have told you4--,mosiah1 iv1 #a-h4 ,and now ,abinadi said unto them1 ,i would that ye should understand that ,god himself shall come down among the children of men1 and shall redeem his people2 and because he dwelleth in flesh1 he shall be called the ,son of ,god3 and having subjected the flesh to the will of the ,father1 being the ,father and the ,son2 the ,father1 because he was conceived by the power of ,god2 and the ,son1 because of the flesh1 thus becoming the ,father and ,son3 ,and they are one ,god1 yea1 the very eternal ,father of heaven and of earth2 and thus the flesh becoming subject to the ,spirit1 or the ,son to the ,father1 being one ,god1 suffereth temptation1 and yieldeth not to the temptation1 but suffereth himself to be mocked1 and scourged1 and cast out1 and disowned by his people4 ,and after all this1 after working many mighty miracles among the children of men1 he shall be led1 yea1 even as ,isaiah said1 ,as a sheep before the shearer is dumb1 so he opened not his mouth2 yea1 even so he shall be led1 crucified1 and slain1 the flesh becoming subject even unto death1 the will of the ,son being swallowed up in the will of the ,father2 and thus ,god breaketh the bands of death1 having gained the victory over death2 giving the ,son power to make intercession for the children of men3 having ascended into heaven2 having the bowels of mercy2 being filled with compassion towards the children of men2 standing betwixt them and justice2 having broken the bands of death1 taken upon himself their iniquity and their transgressions3 having redeemed them1 and satisfied the demands of justice4--,mosiah1 xv1 #a-i4 ,and now it came to pass that after ,abinadi had spoken these words1 he stretched forth his hand and said1 ,the time shall come when all shall see the salvation of the ,lord2 when every nation1 kindred1 tongue and people shall see eye to eye1 and shall confess before ,god that his judgments are just2 and then shall the wicked be cast out1 and they shall have cause to howl1 and weep1 and wail1 and gnash their teeth2 and this because they would not hearken unto the voice of the ,lord2 therefore the ,lord redeemeth them not1 for they are carnal and devilish1 and the devil has power over them2 yea1 even that old serpent that did beguile our first parents1 which was the cause of their fall3 which was the cause of all mankind becoming carnal1 sensual1 devilish1 knowing evil from good2 subjecting themselves to the devil4 ,thus all mankind were lost2 and behold1 they would have been endlessly lost1 were it not that ,god redeemed his people from their lost and fallen state4 ,but remember1 that he that persists in his own carnal nature1 and goes on in the ways of sin and rebellion against ,god1 remaineth in his fallen state1 and the devil hath all power over him4 ,therefore he is as though there was no redemption made2 being an enemy to ,god2 and also is the devil an enemy of ,god4 ,and now if ,christ had not come into the world1 speaking of things to come1 as though they had already come1 there could have been no redemption4 ,and if ,christ had not risen from the dead1 or have broken the bands of death1 that the grave should have no victory1 and that death should have no sting1 there could have been no resurrection4 ,but there is a resurrection1 therefore the grave hath no victory1 and the sting of death is swallowed up in ,christ3 he is the light and the life of the world2 yea1 a light that is endless1 that can never be darkened2 yea1 and also a life which is endless1 that there can be no more death4 ,even this mortal shall put on immortality1 and this corruption shall put on incorruption1 and shall be brought to stand before the bar of ,god1 to be judged of him according to their works1 whether they be good or whether they be evil4 ,if they be good1 to the resurrection of endless life and happiness1 and if they be evil1 to the resurrection of endless damnation2 being delivered up to the devil1 who hath subjected them1 which is damnation2 having gone according to their own carnal wills and desires2 having never called upon the ,lord while the arms of mercy were extended towards them2 for the arms of mercy were extended towards them2 and they would not2 they being warned of their iniquities1 and yet they would not depart from them2 and they were commanded to repent1 and yet they would not repent4 ,and now had ye not ought to tremble and repent of your sins1 and remember only in and through ,christ ye can be saved8 ,therefore1 if ye teach the law of ,moses1 also teach that it is a shadow of those things which are to come2 teach them that redemption cometh through ,christ the ,lord1 who is the very eternal ,father4 ,amen4--,mosiah1 xvi1 #a-ae4 ,but behold1 the ,spirit hath said this much unto me1 saying3 ,cry unto this people1 saying1 ,repent ye1 and prepare the way of the ,lord1 and walk in his paths1 which are straight3 for behold1 the kingdom of heaven is at hand1 and the ,son of ,god cometh upon the face of the earth4 ,and behold1 he shall be born of ,mary1 at ,jerusalem1 which is the land of our forefathers1 she being a virgin1 a precious and chosen vessel1 who shall be overshadowed1 and conceive by the power of the ,holy ,ghost1 and bring forth a son1 yea1 even the ,son of ,god2 and he shall go forth1 suffering pains and afflictions1 and temptations of every kind2 and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith1 ,he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people2 and he will take upon him death1 that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people3 and he will take upon him their infirmities1 that his bowels may be filled with mercy1 according to the flesh1 that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities4 ,now the ,spirit knoweth all things2 nevertheless1 the ,son of ,god suffereth according to the flesh1 that he might take upon him the sins of his people1 that he might blot out their transgressions1 according to the power of his deliverance2 and now behold1 this is the testimony which is in me4--,alma1 vii1 #i-ac4 ,now ,zeezrom said unto the people1 ,see that ye remember these things2 for he said there is but one ,god2 yet he saith that the ,son of ,god shall come1 but he shall not save his people1 as though he had authority to command ,god4 ,now ,amulek saith again unto him1 ,behold1 thou hast lied1 for thou sayest that ,i spake as though ,i had authority to command ,god1 because ,i said he shall not save his people in their sins4 ,and ,i say unto you again1 that he cannot save them in their sins2 for ,i cannot deny his word1 and he hath said that no unclean thing can inherit the kingdom of heaven2 therefore1 how can ye be saved1 except ye inherit the kingdom of heaven8 ,therefore1 ye cannot be saved in your sins4 ,now ,zeezrom saith again unto him1 ,is the son of ,god the very eternal ,father8 ,and ,amulek said unto him1 ,yea1 he is the very eternal ,father of heaven and of earth1 and all things which in them is2 he is the beginning and the end1 the first and the last2 and he shall come into the world to redeem his people2 and he shall take upon him the transgressions of those who believe on his name2 and these are they that shall have eternal life1 and salvation cometh to none else2 therefore1 the wicked remain as though there had been no redemption made1 except it be the loosing of the bands of death2 for behold1 the day cometh that all shall rise from the dead and stand before ,god1 and be judged according to their works4 ,now1 there is a death which is called a temporal death3 and the death of ,christ shall loose the bands of this temporal death1 that all shall be raised from this temporal death2 the spirit and the body shall be re-united again in its perfect form2 both limb and joint shall be restored to its proper frame1 even as we now are at this time2 and we shall be brought to stand before ,god1 knowing even as we know now1 and have a bright recollection of all our guilt4 ,now this restoration shall come to all1 both old and young1 both bond and free1 both male and female1 both the wicked and the righteous2 and even there shall not so much as a hair of their heads be lost2 but all things shall be restored to its perfect frame1 as it is now1 or in the body1 and shall be brought and be arraigned before the bar of ,christ the ,son1 and ,god the ,father1 and the ,holy ,spirit1 which is one eternal ,god1 to be judged according to their works1 whether they be good or whether they be evil4--,alma1 xi1 #ce-dd4 ,now ,i say unto you1 that ye must repent1 and be born again3 for the ,spirit saith1 ,if ye are not born again1 ye cannot inherit the kingdom of heaven2 therefore come and be baptized unto repentance1 that ye may be washed from your sins1 that ye may have faith on the ,lamb of ,god1 who taketh away the sins of the world1 who is mighty to save and to cleanse from all unrighteousness4--,alma1 vii1 #ad4 ,and the angel said unto me1 ,look6 ,and ,i looked1 and beheld three generations pass away in righteousness2 and their garments were white1 even like unto the ,lamb of ,god4 ,and the angel said unto me1 ,these are made white in the blood of the ,lamb1 because of their faith in him4--#a ,nephi1 xii1 #aa4 ,therefore they were called after this holy order1 and were sanctified1 and their garments were washed white through the blood of the ,lamb4--,alma1 xiii1 #aa4 ,and this ,i know1 because the ,lord hath said1 ,he dwelleth not in unholy temples1 but in the hearts of the righteous doth he dwell2 yea1 and he has also said1 ,that the righteous shall sit down in his kingdom1 to go no more out3 but their garments should be made white1 through the blood of the ,lamb4--,alma1 xxxiv1 #cf4 ,o then1 ye unbelieving1 turn ye unto the ,lord3 cry mightily unto the ,father in the name of ,jesus1 that perhaps ye may be found spotless1 pure1 fair and white1 having been cleansed by the blood of the ,lamb1 at that great and last day4--,mormon1 ix1 #f4 ,behold1 ,i give unto you a sign2 for five years more cometh1 and behold1 then cometh the ,son of ,god to redeem all those who shall believe on his name4--,helaman1 xiv1 #b4 ,for behold1 he must surely die1 that salvation may come2 yea1 it behoveth him1 and becometh expedient that he dieth1 to bring to pass the resurrection of the dead1 that thereby men may be brought into the presence of the ,lord2 yea1 behold this death bringeth to pass the resurrection1 and redeemeth all mankind from the first death--that spiritual death2 for all mankind by the fall of ,adam1 being cut off from the presence of the ,lord1 are considered as dead1 both as to things temporal and things spiritual4 ,but behold1 the resurrection of ,christ redeemeth mankind1 yea1 even all mankind1 and bringeth them back into the presence of the ,lord4--,helaman1 xiv1 #ae-ag4 ,arise and come forth unto me1 that ye may thrust your hands into my side1 and also that ye may feel the print of the nails in my hands1 and in my feet1 that ye may know that ,i am the ,god of ,israel1 and the ,god of the whole earth1 and have been slain for the sins of the world4--#c ,nephi1 xi1 #ad4 ,behold1 he created ,adam1 and by ,adam came the fall of man4 ,and because of the fall of man1 came ,jesus ,christ1 even the ,father and the ,son2 and because of ,jesus ,christ came the redemption of man4 ,and because of the redemption of man1 which came by ,jesus ,christ1 they are brought back into the presence of the ,lord2 yea1 this is wherein all men are redeemed1 because the death of ,christ bringeth to pass the resurrection1 which bringeth to pass a redemption from an endless sleep1 from which sleep all men shall be awoke by the power of ,god when the trump shall sound2 and they shall come forth1 both small and great1 and all shall stand before his bar1 being redeemed and loosed from this eternal band of death1 which death is a temporal death2 and then cometh the judgment of the ,holy ,one upon them1 and then cometh the time that he that is filthy shall be filthy still2 and he that is righteous shall be righteous still2 he that is happy shall be happy still2 and he that is unhappy shall be unhappy still4--,mormon1 ix1 #ab-ad4 ,,chapter ,,vi4 ,extracts from the ,book of ,doctrine and ,covenants--,christ's ,testimony of ,himself1 of ,his ,power and ,calling1 etc4--,testimony of ,joseph ,smith and ,sidney ,rigdon--,record of ,john the ,baptist--,extract from a ,sermon by ,president ,brigham ,young4 ,we now turn to the ,book of ,doctrine and ,covenants3 ,behold1 ,i am ,jesus ,christ1 the ,son of ,god4 ,i am the same that came unto my own1 and my own received me not4 ,i am the light which shineth in darkness1 and the darkness comprehendeth it not4--,sec4 vi1 #ba1 p4 #ia4 ,behold1 ,i am ,jesus ,christ1 the ,son of the living ,god1 who created the heavens and the earth2 a light which cannot be hid in darkness4--,sec4 xiv1 #i1 p4 #aji4 ,remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of ,god2 for1 behold1 the ,lord your ,redeemer suffered death in the flesh2 wherefore1 he suffered the pain of all men1 that all men might repent and come unto him4 ,and he hath risen again from the dead1 that he might bring all men unto him1 on conditions of repentance4 ,sec4 xviii1 #aj-ab1 p4 #aad4 ,i am ,alpha and ,omega1 ,christ the ,lord2 yea1 even ,i am ,he1 the beginning and the end1 the ,redeemer of the world4 ,i1 having accomplished and finished the will of him whose ,i am1 even the ,father1 concerning me--having done this that ,i might subdue all things unto myself4--,sec4 xix1 #a1 #b1 p4 #aag4 ,i am ,jesus ,christ2 ,i came by the will of the ,father1 and ,i do his will4--,sec4 xix1 #bd1 p4 #aai4 ,for1 behold1 ,i will bless all those who labor in my vineyard with a mighty blessing1 and they shall believe on his words1 which are given him through me by the ,comforter1 which manifesteth that ,jesus was crucified by sinful men for the sins of the world1 yea1 for the remission of sins unto the contrite heart4--,sec4 xxi1 #i1 p4 #aca4 ,listen to the voice of ,jesus ,christ1 your ,redeemer1 the great ,i ,,am1 whose arm of mercy hath atoned for your sins4--,sec4 xxix1 #a1 p4 #adb4 ,be faithful unto the end1 and lo1 ,i am with you4 ,these words are not of man1 nor of men1 but of me1 even ,jesus ,christ1 your ,redeemer1 by the will of the ,father4 ,amen4--,sec4 xxxi1 #ac1 p4 #aea4 ,my son ,orson1 hearken and hear and behold what ,i1 the ,lord ,god1 shall say unto you1 even ,jesus ,christ your ,redeemer2 the light and the life of the world2 a light which shineth in darkness1 and the darkness comprehendeth it not2 who so loved the world that he gave his own life1 that as many as would believe might become the sons of ,god3 wherefore you are my son4--,sec4 xxxiv1 #a-c1 pp4 #aec-d4 ,listen to the voice of the ,lord your ,god1 even ,alpha and ,omega1 the beginning and the end1 whose course is one eternal round1 the same to-day as yesterday1 and forever4 ,i am ,jesus ,christ1 the ,son of ,god1 who was crucified for the sins of the world1 even as many as will believe on my name1 that they may become the sons of ,god1 even one in me as ,i am in the ,father1 as the ,father is one in me1 that we may be one4--,sec4 xxxv1 #a1 #b1 p4 #aee4 ,thus saith the ,lord your ,god1 even ,jesus ,christ1 the great ,i ,,am1 ,alpha and ,omega1 the beginning and the end1 the same which looked upon the wide expanse of eternity1 and all the seraphic hosts of heaven1 before the world was made3 the same which knoweth all things1 for all things are present before mine eyes3 ,i am the same which spake1 and the world was made1 and all things came by me3 ,i am the same which have taken the ,zion of ,enoch into mine own bosom2 and verily4 ,i say1 even as many as have believed in my name1 for ,i am ,christ1 and in mine own name1 by the virtue of the blood which ,i have spilt1 have ,i pleaded before the ,father for them2 but behold1 the residue of the wicked have ,i kept in chains of darkness until the judgment of the great day2 which shall come at the end of the earth4--,sec4 xxxviii1 #a--e1 pp4 #aei1 #afj4 ,hearken and listen to the voice of him who is from all eternity to all eternity1 the great ,i ,,am1 even ,jesus ,christ1 the light and the life of the world2 a light which shineth in darkness and the darkness comprehendeth it not3 the same which came in the meridian of time unto my own1 and my own received me not4--,sec4 xxxix1 #a-c1 p4 #afd4 ,listen to him who is the ,advocate with the ,father1 who is pleading your cause before him1 saying1 ,father1 behold the sufferings and death of him who did no sin1 in whom thou wast well pleased2 behold the blood of thy ,son which was shed--the blood of him whom thou gavest that thyself might be glorified2 wherefore1 ,father1 spare these my brethren that believe on my name1 that they may come unto me and have everlasting life4--,sec4 xlv1 #c-e1 p4 #ahc4 ,to some it is given by the ,holy ,ghost to know that ,jesus ,christ is the ,son of ,god1 and that he was crucified for the sins of the world2 to others it is given to believe on their words1 that they also might have eternal life if they continue faithful4--,sec4 xlvi1 #ac1 #ad1 p4 #aib4 ,hear ,o ye heavens1 and give ear ,o earth1 and rejoice ye inhabitants thereof1 for the ,lord is ,god1 and beside him there is no ,savior3 ,great is his wisdom1 and marvellous are his ways1 and the extent of his doings none can find out2 his purposes fail not1 neither are there any who can stay his hand2 from eternity to eternity he is the same1 and his years never fail4--,sec4 lxxvi1 #a-d1 p4 #bfe4 ,by the power of the ,spirit our eyes were opened and our understandings were enlightened1 so as to see and understand the things of ,god--even those things which were from the beginning before the world was1 which were ordained of the ,father1 through his ,only ,begotten ,son1 who was in the bosom of the ,father1 even from the beginning1 of whom we bear record1 and the record which we bear is the fulness of the gospel of ,jesus ,christ1 who is the ,son1 whom we saw and with whom we conversed in heavenly vision4--,sec4 lxxvi1 #ab-ad1 p4 #bff4 ,and while we meditated upon these things1 the ,lord touched the eyes of our understandings and they were opened1 and the glory of the ,lord shone round about2 and we beheld the glory of the ,son1 on the right hand of the ,father1 and received of his fulness2 and saw the holy angels and they who are sanctified before his throne1 worshiping ,god1 and the ,lamb1 who worship him for ever and ever4 ,and now1 after the many testimonies which have been given of him1 this is the testimony last of all1 which we give of him1 that he lives2 for we saw him1 even on the right hand of ,god1 and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the ,only ,begotten of the ,father--that by him and through him1 and of him the worlds are and were created1 and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto ,god4--,sec4 lxxvi1 #ai-bd1 p4 #bff1 #bfg4 ,that he came into the world1 even ,jesus1 to be crucified for the world1 and to bear the sins of the world1 and to sanctify the world1 and to cleanse it from all unrighteousness2 that through him all might be saved whom the ,father had put into his power and made by him1 who glorifies the ,father1 and saves all the works of his hands1 except those sons of perdition1 who deny the ,son after the ,father has revealed him4--,sec4 lxxvi1 #da-dc1 p4 #bfh-i4 ,these are they whose names are written in heaven1 where ,god and ,christ are the judge of all4 ,these are they who are just men made perfect through ,jesus the mediator of the new covenant1 who wrought out this perfect atonement through the shedding of his own blood4--,sec4 lxxvi1 #fh1 #fi1 p4 #bga4 ,verily1 thus saith the ,lord1 it shall come to pass that every soul who forsaketh their sins and cometh unto me1 and calleth on my name1 and obeyeth my voice1 and keepeth my commandments1 shall see my face and know that ,i am1 and that ,i am the true light that lighteth every man that cometh into the world2 and that ,i am in the ,father1 and the ,father in me1 and the ,father and ,i are one3 the ,father because he gave me of his fulness1 and the ,son because ,i was in the world and made flesh my tabernacle1 and dwelt among the sons of men4 ,i was in the world and received of my ,father1 and the works of him were plainly manifest2 and ,john saw and bore record of the fulness of my glory1 and the fulness of ,john's record is hereafter to be revealed4 99 99 99 ,and ,i1 ,john1 saw that he received not of the fulness at the first1 but received grace for grace3 and he received not of the fulness at first1 but continued from grace to grace1 until he received a fulness2 and thus he was called the ,son of ,god1 because he received not of the fulness at the first4 ,and ,i1 ,john1 bear record1 and lo1 the heavens were opened1 and the ,holy ,ghost descended upon him in the form of a dove1 and sat upon him1 and there came a voice out of heaven saying1 ,this is my beloved ,son4 ,and ,i1 ,john1 bear record that he received a fulness of the glory of the ,father2 and he received all power1 both in heaven and on earth1 and the glory of the ,father was with him1 for he dwelt in him4--,sec4 xciii1 #a-f1 #ab-ag1 pp4 #cbh-i4 ,but1 behold1 ,i say unto you1 that little children are redeemed from the foundation of the world through mine ,only ,begotten4--,sec4 xxix1 #df1 p4 #adg4 ,every spirit of man was innocent in the beginning1 and ,god having redeemed man from the fall1 men became again in their infant state1 innocent before ,god4 ,sec4 xciii1 #ch1 p4 #cca4 ,and then shall the ,lord set his foot upon this mount1 and it shall cleave in twain1 and the earth shall tremble and reel to and fro1 and the heavens also shall shake1 and the ,lord shall utter his voice1 and all the ends of the earth shall hear it2 and the nations of the earth shall mourn1 and they that have laughed shall see their folly1 and calamity shall cover the mocker1 and the scorner shall be consumed1 and they that have watched for iniquity shall be hewn down and cast into the fire4 ,and then shall the ,jews look upon me and say1 ,what are these wounds in thine hands and in thy feet8 ,then shall they know that ,i am the ,lord2 for ,i will say unto them1 ,these wounds are the wounds with which ,i was wounded in the house of my friends4 ,i am he who was lifted up4 ,i am ,jesus that was crucified4 ,i am the ,son of ,god4 ,and then shall they weep because of their iniquities2 then shall they lament because they persecuted their ,king4 ,and then shall the heathen nations be redeemed1 and they that knew no law shall have part in the first resurrection2 and it shall be tolerable for them2 and ,satan shall be bound that he shall have no place in the hearts of the children of men4--,sec4 xlv1 #dh-ee1 p4 #ahg-h4 ,from a discourse by ,president ,brigham ,young1 ,august #h1 #aheb3 ,christ is the ,author of this ,gospel1 of this earth1 of men and women1 of all the posterity of ,adam and ,eve1 and of every living creature that lives upon the face of the earth1 that flies in the heavens1 that swims in the waters1 or dwells in the field4 ,christ is the ,author of salvation to all this creation1 to all things pertaining to this terrestrial globe we occupy4 ,,chapter ,,vii4 ,introduction to the ,historical ,portion of this ,treatise--,the ,dealings of ,god with ,adam1 ,cain and ,abel--,the ,institution of ,sacrifice--,the ,symbolism of this ,rite--,the ,words of the ,angel to ,adam--,lucifer--,his ,rebellion in ,heaven--,his ,conflict with ,michael for the ,body of ,moses--,he tempts ,christ--,he is cast into a ,lake of ,fire and ,brimstone4 ,having thus gathered in one numerous testimonies from the writings of the ancient inspired servants of ,god who dwelt on either hemisphere1 and joined therewith extracts from the revelations of the present dispensation1 with regard to the fore-ordination1 mission1 lifework and death of the ,only ,begotten ,son1 we shall now proceed to trace1 from the sacred volumes1 the revelation of our ,savior1 and the prophecy of his advent from the earliest ages of recorded history1 until ,he fulfilled in ,himself all1 even all that1 as offering1 sacrifice1 sacrament1 vision or prophetic word1 had foreshadowed ,his appearing1 or typified the mystery of ,his all-atoning blood4 ,we shall commence this portion of our subject by showing that sacrifices have been offered from the very earliest times1 and that when performed under divine instruction1 they prefigured and typified the sacrifice of the ,son of ,god1 and that it was with this view these sacrifices were offered up4 ,it is recorded in the fourth chapter of the ,book of ,genesis that1 ,adam knew ,eve1 his wife2 and she conceived1 and bare ,cain1 and said1 ,i have gotten a man from the ,lord4 ,and she again bare his brother ,abel3 and ,abel was a keeper of sheep1 but ,cain was a tiller of the ground4 ,and in process of time it came to pass1 that ,cain brought of the fruit of 'the ground an offering unto the ,lord4 ,and ,abel1 he also brought of the firstings of his flock1 and of the fat thereof4 ,and the ,lord had respect unto ,abel1 and to his offering3 but unto ,cain1 and to his offering1 he had not respect4--,genesis1 iv1 #a-e4 ,as these sayings found in ,king ,james' translation of the ,bible are very limited1 and somewhat obscure1 we will here refer1 as a starting point on this subject1 to the account given of these events in the ,pearl of ,great ,price1 which is a selection from the revelations1 translations and narrations of ,joseph ,smith1 the ,prophet1 ,seer and ,revelator of the ,church of ,jesus ,christ of ,latter-day ,saints4 ,for in that translation it is stated that ,adam1 previous to these acts of ,abel and ,cain1 offered up a sacrifice by the direct command of ,god4 ,it is there written that the ,lord gave unto ,adam and ,eve commandments1 that they should worship the ,lord their ,god2 and should offer the firstlings of their flocks for an offering unto the ,lord4 ,and ,adam was obedient unto the commandments of the ,lord4 ,and after many days1 an angel of the ,lord appeared unto ,adam1 saying1 ,why dost thou offer sacrifices unto the ,lord8 ,and ,adam said unto him1 ,i know not1 save the ,lord commanded me4 ,and then the angel spake1 saying1 ,this thing is a similitude of the sacrifice of the ,only ,begotten of the ,father1 which is full of grace and truth2 wherefore thou shalt do all that thou doest in the name of the ,son4 ,and thou shalt repent1 and call upon ,god1 in the name of the ,son1 for evermore4 ,we are further informed that ,adam and ,eve blessed the name of ,god2 and they made all things known unto their sons and their daughters4 ,from the above it would seem that ,adam1 until instructed by the angel1 did not know the reasons for the offering up of sacrifices1 nor the object that the ,lord had in view in requiring this offering at his hands2 for1 being asked by the angel why he performed this rite1 he said1 ,i know not1 save the ,lord commanded me2 and the object of the visit of this holy being to ,adam evidently was to show him why he was called to offer a sacrifice to the ,lord1 as1 on ,adam expressing his ignorance of the intent of this offering1 the angel stated very explicitly that this thing was a similitude of the sacrifice of the ,only ,begotten of the ,father4 ,we have here given a reason why ,adam offered up this sacrifice4 ,we may hereafter explain why it was necessary that the sacrifice of the ,son of ,god should be made4 ,these sacrifices1 which were similitudes of the sacrifice of the ,only ,begotten1 were continued from that time until1 as is stated in the ,scriptures1 ,jesus came to offer his own body once for all4--,heb41 x1 #aj4 ,we will now return to the sacrifices offered by ,cain and ,abel1 and give the statement in relation thereto contained in the ,pearl of ,great ,price4 ,it is as follows3 ,and ,cain loved ,satan more than ,god4 ,and ,satan commanded him1 saying1 ,make an offering unto the ,lord4 ,and in process of time it came to pass1 that ,cain brought of the fruits of the ground an offering unto the ,lord4 ,and ,abel1 he also brought1 of the firstlings of his flock1 and of the fat thereof2 and the ,lord had respect unto ,abel1 and to his offering2 but unto ,cain1 and to his offering1 ,he had not respect4 ,now ,satan knew this1 and it pleased him4 ,and ,cain was very wroth and his countenance fell4 ,and the ,lord said unto ,cain1 ,why art thou wroth8 ,why is thy countenance fallen8 ,if thou doest well1 thou shalt be accepted1 and if thou doest not well1 sin lieth at the door1 and ,satan desireth to have thee1 and except thou shalt hearken unto my commandments1 ,i will deliver thee up1 and it shall be unto thee according to his desire2 and thou shalt rule over him1 for from this time forth thou shalt be the father of his lies4 ,thou shalt be called ,perdition1 for thou wast also before the world1 and it shall be said in time to come1 that these abominations were had from ,cain1 for he rejected the greater counsel1 which was had from ,god2 and this is a cursing which ,i will put upon thee1 except thou repent4 ,and ,cain was wroth1 and listened not any more to the voice of the ,lord1 neither to ,abel his brother1 who walked in holiness before the ,lord4 ,from the above it would appear that ,satan1 or ,lucifer1 was also before the world1 and that the term also refers to another personage1 and that personage was the ,messiah1 the ,christ1 the ,well ,beloved ,son1 who1 we are told1 was the ,lamb slain from before the foundation of the world2 and it is obvious that ,lucifer1 who is elsewhere called the ,son of the ,morning1 had an important role to play upon the earth as well as the ,messiah1 and that he occupied a very prominent position before the world was1 and still occupies that position in opposition to his ,heavenly ,father1 to the ,son of ,god1 and to the interests of humanity2 which opposition will continue1 we are informed1 until he shall not only be bound1 but cast into the bottomless pit2 as stated by the ,apostle ,john in the ,book of ,revelations3 ,and ,i saw an angel come down from heaven1 having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand4 ,and he laid hold on the dragon1 that old serpent1 which is the ,devil1 and ,satan1 and bound him a thousand years1 and cast him into the bottomless pit1 and shut him up1 and set a seal upon him1 that he should deceive the nations no more1 till the thousand years should be fulfilled2 and after that he must be loosed a little season4--,rev41 xx1 #a-c4 ,and a little further on we read that after the thousand years have passed1 ,satan shall be loosed out of his prison1 and shall go out to deceive the nations and gather them to battle against the ,saints1 when fire from heaven will devour them4 ,and the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone1 where the beast and the false prophet are1 and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever4--,rev41 xx1 #aj4 ,the operations of ,satan in opposition to the designs and purposes of ,god are frequently noticed in ,holy ,writ4 ,reference has already been made to his control over ,cain and the results thereof1 and unfortunately for them1 ,cain was not the only one in that early age of the world's history over whom ,satan gained the mastery4 ,for he went abroad amongst the inhabitants of the earth1 saying1 ,i am also a son of ,god2 99 99 99 and they loved ,satan more than ,god4 ,and men began1 from that time forth1 to be carnal1 sensual1 and devilish4 ,and so they continued increasing in wickedness1 until all flesh had corrupted its way upon the earth1 and the waters of the flood had to accomplish the work which the preaching of ,noah could not effect4 ,in later years we hear of ,satan contending with the archangel1 ,michael1 for the body of ,moses4 ,jude writes3 ,yet ,michael1 the archangel1 when contending with the devil1 he disputed about the body of ,moses1 durst not bring against him a railing accusation1 but said1 ,the ,lord rebuke thee4 ,this is again exhibited in the part he took in tempting the ,savior1 after ,his baptism and recognition by ,his ,heavenly ,father4 ,of this event it is written3 ,then was ,jesus led up of the ,spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil4 ,and when he had fasted forty days and forty nights1 he was afterward an hungered4 ,and when the tempter came to him1 he said1 ,if thou be the ,son of ,god1 command that these stones be made bread4 ,but he answered and said1 ,it is written1 ,man shall not live by bread alone1 but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of ,god4 ,then the devil taketh him up into the holy city1 and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple4 ,and saith unto him1 ,if thou be the ,son of ,god1 cast thyself down1 for it is written1 ,he shall give his angels charge concerning thee1 and in their hands they shall bear thee up1 lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone4 ,jesus said unto him1 ,it is written again1 ,thou shalt not tempt the ,lord thy ,god4 ,again1 the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain1 and showeth him all the kingdoms of the world1 and the glory of them2 and saith unto him1 ,all these things will ,i give thee if thou wilt fall down and worship me4 ,then saith ,jesus unto him1 ,get thee hence1 ,satan3 for it is written1 ,thou shalt worship the ,lord thy ,god1 and him only shalt thou serve4 ,then the devil leaveth him2 and behold1 angels came and ministered unto him4--,matt41 iv1 #a-aa4 ,or to give the words of the inspired translation3 ,then ,jesus was led up of the ,spirit into the wilderness1 to be with ,god4 ,and when he had fasted forty days and forty nights1 and had communed with ,god1 he was afterwards an hungered1 and was left to be tempted of the devil4 ,and when the tempter came to him1 he said1 ,if thou be the ,son of ,god1 command that these stones be made bread4 ,but ,jesus answered and said1 ,it is written1 ,man shall not live by bread alone1 but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of ,god4 ,then ,jesus was taken up into the holy city1 and the ,spirit setteth him on the pinnacle of the temple4 ,then the devil came unto him and said1 ,if thou be the ,son of ,god1 cast thyself down1 for it is written1 ,he shall give his angels charge concerning thee1 and in their hands they shall bear thee up1 lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone4 ,jesus said unto him1 ,it is written again1 ,thou shalt not tempt the ,lord thy ,god4 ,and again1 ,jesus was in the ,spirit1 and it taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain1 and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and the glory of them4 ,and the devil came unto him again1 and said1 ,all these things will ,i give unto thee1 if thou wilt fall down and worship me4 ,then said ,jesus unto him1 ,get thee hence1 ,satan2 for it is written1 ,thou shalt worship the ,lord thy ,god1 and him only shalt thou serve4 ,then the devil leaveth him4 ,again1 ,john in the ,revelations1 when referring to the latter days1 exclaims1 ,wo to the inhabitants of the earth1 and of the sea6 for the devil is come down unto you1 having great wrath1 because he knoweth he hath but a short time4 ,rev41 xii1 #ab4 ,and by and by the same writer tells us1 in a passage already quoted1 that ,satan's time is finished1 and he is bound and cast into the bottomless pit4 ,,chapter ,,viii4 ,seth--,his ,sacrifice ,accepted--,rebellion in the ,heavens--,the ,gathering of the ,patriarchs in the ,valley of ,adam-ondi-,ahman-- ,sacrifices ,offered ,there4 ,the next eminent personage that appears is ,seth4 ,concerning him1 it is said in the ,old ,testament3 ,and ,adam knew his wife again1 and she bare a son1 and called his name ,seth3 ,for ,god1 said she1 hath appointed me another seed instead of ,abel1 whom ,cain slew4--,gen41 iv1 #be4 ,there is a principle developed here pertaining to the economy of ,god with the human family4 ,abel held a representative position1 as also did ,cain1 and that position1 it would seem1 associated ,abel with what may be denominated the chosen seed4 ,cain slew ,abel2 but 7that1 the purposes relating to the perpetuation of that seed might stand1 and the plan of ,god not be frustrated by the adversary1 ,he gave to ,adam ,seth1 who inherited the priesthood and promises of his martyred brother2 in this substantiating a principle that ,paul refers to1 when he writes1 ,that the purpose of ,god1 according to election1 might stand1 not of works1 but of him that calleth4 ,rom41 ix1 #aa4 ,yet1 although ,seth was one of the leading characters spoken of in the ,scripture1 and one to whom and through whom the promises were made1 and who actually stood in the place of or represented his brother1 ,abel1 yet there is nothing said in the ordinary translation pertaining to his offering sacrifices2 we therefore again refer to the ,pearl of ,great ,price4 ,it is there stated that ,adam glorified the name of ,god1 for he said1 ,god hath appointed me another seed instead of ,abel1 whom ,cain slew4 ,and ,god revealed himself unto ,seth1 and he rebelled not1 but offered an acceptable sacrifice like unto his brother ,abel4 ,seth1 we are here told1 rebelled not1 but offered an acceptable sacrifice1 thus carrying out the same idea of the atonement of the ,only ,begotten4 ,in this connection we must remember that there had been a rebellion in heaven1 and many of the angels1 they which kept not their first estate1 ,jude1 #f1 were cast out4 ,lucifer was the leader of these rebellious ones who were then cast down to the earth4 ,he had rebelled against ,god1 his ,father1 and it would seem1 from revelations that we shall hereafter draw attention to1 that his rebellion had its origin in his rejection of the counsel given to him by his ,father pertaining to the salvation and exaltation of mankind4 ,when man was placed upon the earth1 ,lucifer1 or ,satan1 still manifested the same animus and spirit2 and through his influence he operated upon ,cain1 for ,cain listened to his wiles1 and being controlled by him1 he also rebelled against his father and his ,god4 ,thus the rebellion in the heavens was transmitted to a rebellion on the earth1 and all who became subject to this influence placed themselves in a state of enmity and antagonism to ,god1 and one of the first results exhibited was covetousness and murder1 even the murder by ,cain of his brother ,abel4 ,thus we find the first man slain 7,abel7 was one holding the holy ,priesthood1 and the same vindictive spirit manifested against the servants of ,god of all later ages1 gave the martyr ,stephen good reason to ask his persecutors1 ,which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted8 and they have slain them which showed before of the coming of the ,just ,one2 of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers4--,acts1 vii1 #eb4 ,although there is nothing said in the ,book of ,genesis in relation to sacrifices offered up by ,enos1 who was the son of ,seth1 nor by his descendants1 ,canaan1 ,mahalaleel1 ,jared1 ,enoch and ,methuselah1 all of whom held the ,high ,priesthood1 and were consequently prophets of the ,lord1 yet it is quite reasonable to suppose that they1 being of the promised seed through whom the ,messiah was to come1 did offer up sacrifices as commemorative of that great promised event4 ,further1 in relation to this subject1 we are informed in the ,book of ,doctrine and ,covenants ,section #ajg1 par4 #ec-eg1 p4 #chi1 that three years previous to the death of ,adam1 he called ,seth1 ,enos1 ,cainan1 ,mahalaleel1 ,jared-,enoch and ,methuselah the persons mentioned above1 who were all ,high ,priests1 with the residue of his posterity who were righteous1 into the valley of ,adam-ondi-,ahman1 and there bestowed upon them his last blessing4 ,and the ,lord appeared unto them1 and they rose up and blessed ,adam1 and called him ,michael1 the ,prince1 the ,archangel4 ,and the ,lord administered comfort unto ,adam1 and said unto him1 ,i have set thee to be at the head--a multitude of nations shall come of thee1 and thou art a prince over them for ever4 ,and ,adam stood up in the midst of the congregation1 and notwithstanding he was bowed down with age1 being full of the ,holy ,ghost1 predicted whatsoever should befall his posterity unto the latest generation4 ,these things were all written in the ,book of ,enoch1 and are to be testified of in due time4 ,although1 in the above1 there is nothing directly said about the offering of sacrifices1 yet1 as this was a usual ceremony1 and it belonged to the ,priesthood and to the promised seed to offer sacrifices1 it would be reasonable to suppose that ,adam did then and there officiate in that rite2 indeed1 it was stated by the ,prophet ,joseph ,smith1 in our hearing1 while standing on an elevated piece of ground or plateau near ,adam-ondi-,ahman,a 7,davis ,co41 ,missouri171 where there were a number of rocks piled together1 that the valley before us was the valley of ,adam-ondi-,ahman2 or in other words1 the valley where ,god talked with ,adam1 and where he gathered his righteous posterity1 as recorded in the above revelation1 and that this pile of stones was an altar built by him when he offered up sacrifices1 as we understand1 on that occasion4 ,if ,adam then offered up sacrifices in the presence of these prominent men1 he being the ,president of these ,high ,priests1 he would officiate for them as well as for himself2 while it is quite reasonable to believe that they assisted in the offerings made upon that altar4 ,regarding this the ,saints sing3 ,footnote ,a3 ,revelation to ,joseph1 the ,seer1 given near ,wight's ,ferry1 at a place called ,spring ,hill1 ,davis ,county1 ,missouri1 ,may #aith1 #ahch1 wherein ,spring ,hill is named by the ,lord1 ,adam-ondi-,ahman1 ,because1 said he1 it is the place where ,adam shall come to visit his people1 or the ,ancient of days shall sit1 as spoken of by ,daniel the ,prophet4--,doc4 and ,cov4 ,sec4 #aaf1 p4 #dae4 ,this earth was once a garden place1 ,with all her glories common1 ,and men did live a holy race1 ,and worship ,jesus face to face1 ,in ,adam-ondi-,ahman4 ,we read that ,enoch walk'd with ,god1 ,above the power of mammon1 ,while ,zion spread herself abroad1 ,and ,saints and angels sung aloud1 ,in ,adam-ondi-,ahman4 ,her land was good and greatly blest1 ,beyond old ,israel's ,canaan2 ,her fame was known from east to west1 ,her peace was great1 and pure the rest ,of ,adam-ondi-,ahman4 ,hosannah to such days to come-- ,the ,savior's second coming1 ,when all the earth in glorious bloom1 ,affords the ,saints a holy home1 ,like ,adam-ondi-,ahman4 ,,chapter ,,ix4 ,enoch1 his ,life and ,translation--,references to ,him by ,paul and ,jude--,copious ,extracts from ,his ,prophecy--,the ,prophet ,joseph ,smith on ,enoch and the ,doctrine of ,translation--,the ,office of ,translated ,saints--,enoch's ,future ,work--,translation and ,resurrection--,christ the ,creator--,summary of the ,results of ,enoch's ,faith in the ,saving ,blood of ,christ4 ,we next come to ,enoch1 who presents a very important figure among the antediluvians1 and of whom there are some very marvelous things related4 ,the ,bible record of him is as follows3 ,and ,jared lived an hundred1 sixty and two years1 and he begat ,enoch4 99 99 99 ,and ,enoch lived sixty and five years1 and begat ,methuselah3 and ,enoch walked with ,god after he begat ,methuselah three hundred years1 and begat sons and daughters2 and all the days of ,enoch were three hundred1 sixty and five years2 and ,enoch walked with ,god1 and he was not2 for ,god took him4--,gen41 v1 #ah1 #ba-bd4 ,this is certainly a very meagre history of so great a personage1 and to supply the deficiency we must have recourse to other testimonies3 one important fact1 however1 is here stated1 that he walked with ,god2 another is1 that ,god took him4 ,there was evidently a book written by this ,patriarch1 which is called the ,book of ,enoch1 for ,jude says3 ,and ,enoch also1 the seventh from ,adam1 prophesied of these1 saying1 ,behold1 the ,lord cometh with ten thousand of his saints1 to execute judgment upon all1 and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed1 and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him4--,jude1 i1 #ad1 #ae4 ,from the above it would seem that not only had ,enoch written a book1 but that ,jude had access to it2 or if not had had a communication or revelation from ,enoch1 as referred to by ,joseph ,smith1 hereafter1 for we discover that he had a knowledge of the ,son of ,god1 the ,messiah4 ,it is true1 the ,only ,begotten1 as ,he is spoken of elsewhere1 is not here mentioned1 but only the ,lord is referred to2 yet the circumstances connected therewith are indicative of it being that personage2 for ,paul expresses the same sentiment in regard to the second coming of the ,messiah1 and says3 ,and to you1 who are troubled1 rest with us1 when the ,lord ,jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels1 in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not ,god1 and that obey not the gospel of our ,lord ,jesus ,christ3 who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the ,lord1 and from the glory of his power2 when he shall come to be glorified in his saints1 and to be admired in all them that believe 7because our testimony among you was believed7 in that day4--#b ,thes41 i1 #g-aj4 ,moreover1 ,jesus ,himself makes the following remarks concerning the same subject3 ,when the ,son of man shall come in his glory1 and all the holy angels with him1 then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory3 and before him shall be gathered all nations3 and he shall separate them one from another1 as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats4--,matt41 xxv1 #ca1 #cb4 ,thus showing that it was the same personage that was referred to by ,enoch4 ,paul1 in his epistle to the ,hebrews1 writes3 ,by faith ,enoch was translated1 that he should not see death2 and was not found1 because ,god had translated him2 for before his translation he had this testimony1 that he pleased ,god4--,heb41 xi1 #e4 ,these declarations are very strongly corroborated by the following extracts from a revelation given to the ,prophet ,joseph ,smith1 relating to the prophecy of ,enoch1 and published in the ,pearl of ,great ,price3 ,and from that time forth ,enoch began to prophesy1 saying unto the people1 ,that1 as ,i was journeying1 and stood in the place ,mahujah1 and cried unto the ,lord1 there came a voice out of heaven1 saying1 ,turn ye1 and get ye upon the ,mount ,simeon4 ,and it came to pass that ,i turned and went up on the mount2 and as ,i stood upon the mount1 ,i beheld the heavens open1 and ,i was clothed upon with glory1 and ,i saw the ,lord2 and he stood before my face1 and he talked with me1 even as a man talketh one with another1 face to face2 and he said unto me1 ,look1 and ,i will show unto thee the world for the space of many generations4 99 99 99 ,and the ,lord said unto me1 ,go forth to this people and say unto them1 ,repent1 lest ,i come out and smite them with a curse1 and they die4 ,and he gave unto me a commandment that ,i should baptize in the name of the ,father1 and of the ,son1 who is full of grace and truth1 and the ,holy ,ghost1 which beareth record of the ,father and the ,son4 ,and it came to pass that ,enoch continued to call upon all the people1 save it were the people of ,cainan1 to repent2 and so great was the faith of ,enoch1 that he led the people of ,god1 and their enemies came to battle against them2 and he spake the word of the ,lord1 and the earth trembled1 and the mountains fled1 even according to his command2 and the rivers of water were turned out of their course2 and the roar of the lions was heard out of the wilderness2 and all nations feared greatly4 99 99 99 ,and there went forth a curse upon all the people who fought against ,god2 and from that time forth there were wars and bloodshed among them2 but the ,lord came and dwelt with his people1 and they dwelt in righteousness4 ,and the fear of the ,lord was upon all nations1 so great was the glory of the ,lord1 which was upon his people4 99 99 99 ,and it came to pass that ,enoch talked with the ,lord2 and he said unto the ,lord1 ,surely1 ,zion shall dwell in safety for ever4 ,but the ,lord said unto ,enoch1 ,zion have ,i blessed1 but the residue of the people have ,i cursed4 ,and it came to pass that the ,lord showed unto ,enoch all the inhabitants of the earth2 and he beheld1 and lo1 ,zion1 in process of time1 was taken up into heaven6 ,and the ,lord said unto ,enoch1 ,behold mine abode for ever4 ,the ,prophet ,joseph ,smith1 when speaking of ,enoch and his people and the doctrine of translation1 said2 ,if ,cain had fulfilled the law of righteousness as did ,enoch1 he would have walked with ,god all the days of his life1 and never failed of a blessing4 ,gen41 v1 #bb3 ',and ,enoch walked with ,god after he begat ,methuselah three hundred years1 and begat sons and daughters2 and all the days of ,enoch were three hundred and sixty-five years2 and ,enoch walked with ,god and he was not1 for ,god took him4' ,now this ,enoch ,god reserved unto ,himself1 that he should not die at that time1 and appointed unto him a ministry unto terrestrial bodies1 of whom there has been but little revealed4 ,he is reserved also unto the ,presidency of a dispensation1 and more shall be said of him and terrestrial bodies in another treatise4 ,he is a ministering angel1 to minister to those who shall be heirs of salvation1 and appeared unto ,jude as ,abel did unto ,paul3 therefore ,jude spoke of him1 #adth and #aeth verses3 ',and ,enoch1 the seventh from ,adam1 revealed these sayings3 ,behold1 the ,lord cometh with ten thousand of his ,saints4' ,paul was also acquainted with this character1 and received instructions from him3 ,heb41 xi1 #e3 ',by faith ,enoch was translated1 that he should not see death1 and was not found1 because ,god had translated him2 for before his translation he had this testimony1 that he pleased ,god2 but without faith it is impossible to please him1 for he that cometh to ,god must believe that he is1 and that he is a revealer to those who diligently seek him4' ,now the doctrine of translation is a power which belongs to this ,priesthood4 ,there are many things which belong to the powers of the ,priesthood and the keys thereof1 that have been kept hid from before the foundation of the world2 they are hid from the wise and prudent1 to be revealed in the last times4 ,many may have supposed that the doctrine of translation was a doctrine whereby men were taken immediately into the presence of ,god1 and into an eternal fulness1 but this is a mistaken idea4 ,their place of habitation is that of the terrestrial order1 and a place prepared for such characters ,he held in reserve to be ministering angels unto many planets1 and who as yet have not entered into so great a fulness as those who are resurrected from the dead4 ,see ,heb41 xi1 part of #ceth verse1 ',others were tortured1 not accepting deliverance1 that they might obtain a better resurrection4' ,now it is evident that there was a better resurrection1 or else ,god would not have revealed it unto ,paul4 ,wherein then can it be said a better resurrection8 ,this distinction is made between the doctrine of the actual resurrection and translation3 translation obtains deliverance from the tortures and sufferings of the body1 but their existence will prolong as to the labors and toils of the ministry1 before they can enter into so great a rest and glory4 ,on the other hand1 those who were tortured1 not accepting deliverance1 received an immediate rest from their labors4 ,see ,revelations1 xiv1 #ac3 ',and ,i heard a voice from heaven1 saying1 ,blessed are the dead who die in the ,lord1 for from henceforth they do rest from their labors and their works do follow them4' ,they rest from their labors for a long time1 and yet their work is held in reserve for them1 that they are permitted to do the same works after they receive a resurrection for their bodies4--,history of ,joseph ,smith1 ,deseret ,news1 ,vol4 ,,iv1 ,no4 #cj4 ,he ,president ,joseph ,smith explained the difference between an angel and a ministering spirit2 the one a resurrected or translated body1 with its spirit1 ministering to embodied spirits2 the other a disembodied spirit1 visiting or ministering to disembodied spirits4 ,jesus ,christ became a ministering spirit 7while his body was lying in the sepulchre7 to the spirits in prison1 to fulfil an important part of his mission1 without which he could not have perfected his work1 nor entered into his rest4 ,after his resurrection he appeared as an angel to his disciples1 c4 ,translated bodies cannot enter into rest until they have undergone a change equivalent to death4 ,translated bodies are designed for future missions4 ,the angel that appeared to ,john on the ,isle of ,patmos was a translated or resurrected body4 ,jesus ,christ went in body1 after his resurrection1 to minister to translated and resurrected bodies4 ,there has been a chain of authority and power from ,adam down to the present time4--,history of ,joseph ,smith1 ,deseret ,news1 ,vol4 ,v1 ,no4 #aa4 ,it would appear that the translated residents of ,enoch's city are under the direction of ,jesus1 who is the ,creator of worlds2 and that ,he1 holding the keys of the government of other worlds1 could1 in ,his administrations to them1 select the translated people of ,enoch's ,zion1 if ,he thought proper1 to perform a mission to these various planets1 and as death had not passed upon them1 they could be prepared by ,him and made use of through the medium of the ,holy ,priesthood to act as ambassadors1 teachers1 or messengers to those worlds over which ,jesus holds the authority4 ,we read in the ,times and ,seasons3 ,truly ,jesus ,christ created the worlds1 and is ,lord of ,lords1 and1 as the ,psalmist said1 'judges among the ,gods4' ,then ,moses might have said with propriety1 he is the 'living ,god1' and ,christ1 speaking of the flesh1 could say1 ,i am the ,son of ,man2 and ,peter1 enlightened by the ,holy ,ghost1 ,thou art the ,son of the living ,god1 meaning our ,father in ,heaven1 and who1 with ,jesus ,christ ,his first begotten ,son1 and the ,holy ,ghost1 are one in power1 one in dominion1 and one in glory1 constituting the ,first ,presidency of this system and this eternity4 ,but they are as much three distinct persons as the sun1 moon and earth are three different bodies4 ,and again1 the 'twelve kingdoms1' which are under the above-mentioned ,presidency of the ,father1 ,son and ,holy ,ghost1 are governed by the same rules1 and destined to the same honor4 ,book ,doc4 and ,cov41 page #ace1 par4 #ac4;,a ,for1 ',behold1 ,i will liken these kingdoms unto a man having a field1 and he sent forth his servants into the field1 to dig in the field2 and he said unto the first1 ,go ye and labor in the field1 and in the first hour ,i will come unto you1 and ye shall behold the joy of my countenance3 and he said unto the second1 ,go ye also into the field1 and in the second hour ,i will visit you with the joy of my countenance2 and also unto the third1 saying1 ,i will visit you2 and unto the fourth1 and so on unto the twelfth4' ,footnote ,a3 ,page #caj1 ,new ,edition4 ,it is further stated in this section3 ,therefore1 unto this parable will ,i liken all these kingdoms1 and the inhabitants thereof2 every kingdom in its hour1 and in its time1 and in its season2 even according to the decree which ,god hath made4--,verse #fa4 ,that is1 each kingdom1 or planet1 and the inhabitants thereof1 were blessed with the visits and presence of their ,creator1 in their several times and seasons4 ,it is recorded that to ,jesus has been given all power in heaven and in earth1 and from the foregoing quotations ,he evidently had power which ,he used to commission the citizens of the ,zion of ,enoch to go to other worlds on missions4 ,in4 an extract from the teachings of the ,prophet ,joseph 7elsewhere inserted7 it is written3 ,elijah was the last prophet that held the keys of this ,priesthood1 and who will1 before the last dispensation1 restore the authority and deliver the keys of this ,priesthood1 in order that all the ordinances may be attended to in righteousness4 ,it is true that the ,savior had authority and power to bestow this blessing2 but the sons of ,levi were too prejudiced4 ,here ,jesus paid deference to the ,priesthood1 who held keys relating to the ministration of its powers and blessings1 but it is not unreasonable to suppose1 when other worlds are concerned1 over whom also ,he holds the keys of salvation1 that these considerations would not necessarily interpose1 and that ,he would send or commission members of the translated ,priesthood of ,enoch's ,zion amongst terrestrial worlds whithersoever it pleased ,him1 in the interests of the peoples thus situated4 ,we now resume our extracts from the prophecy of ,enoch2 ,and ,enoch beheld angels descending out of heaven1 bearing testimony of the ,father and of the ,son2 and the ,holy ,ghost fell on many1 and they were caught up by the power of heaven into ,zion4 99 99 99 ,and it came to pass that ,enoch looked2 and from ,noah1 he beheld all the families of the earth2 and he cried unto the ,lord1 saying1 ,when shall the day of the ,lord come8 ,when shall the blood of the ,righteous be shed1 that all they that mourn may be sanctified1 and have eternal life8 ,and the ,lord said1 ,it shall be in the meridian of time1 in the days of wickedness and vengeance4 ,and behold1 ,enoch saw the day of the coming of the ,son of ,man1 even in the flesh2 and his soul rejoiced1 saying1 ,the ,righteous is lifted up1 and the ,lamb is slain from the foundation of the world2 and through faith ,i am in the bosom of the ,father1 and behold1 ,zion is with me6 99 99 99 ,enoch continued his cry unto the ,lord1 saying1 ,i ask thee1 ,o ,lord1 in the name of thine ,only ,begotten1 even ,jesus ,christ1 that thou wilt have mercy upon ,noah and his seed1 that the earth might never more be covered by the floods8 ,and the ,lord could not withhold2 and he covenanted with ,enoch1 and sware unto him with an oath1 that he would stay the floods2 that he would call upon the children of ,noah2 and he sent forth an unalterable decree1 that a remnant of his seed should always be found among all nations1 while the earth should stand2 and the ,lord said1 ,blessed is he through whose seed ,messiah shall come2 for he saith1 ,i am ,messiah1 the ,king of ,zion1 the ,rock of ,heaven1 which is broad as eternity2 and whoso cometh in at the gate and climbeth up by me1 shall never fall4 99 99 99 ,and the ,lord said unto ,enoch1 ,look2 and he looked and beheld the ,son of ,man lifted up on the cross1 after the manner of men2 and he heard a loud voice2 and the heavens were veiled2 and all the creations of ,god mourned2 and the earth groaned2 and the rocks were rent2 and the ,saints arose1 and were crowned at the right hand of the ,son of ,man1 with crowns of glory2 and as many of the spirits as were in prison came forth1 and stood on the right hand of ,god2 and the remainder were reserved in chains of darkness until the judgment of the great day4 99 99 99 ,and it came to pass that ,enoch saw the day of the coming of the ,son of ,man1 in the last days1 to dwell on the earth in righteousness for the space of a thousand years4 99 99 99 ,and the ,lord showed ,enoch all things1 even unto the end of the world2 and he saw the day of the righteous1 the hour of their redemption1 and received a fulness of joy2 and all the days of ,zion1 in the days of ,enoch1 were three hundred and sixty-five years2 and ,enoch and all his people walked with ,god1 and he dwelt in the midst of ,zion2 and it came to pass that ,zion was not1 for ,god received it up into his own bosom2 and from thence went forth the saying1 ,zion is fled4 ,from the foregoing extracts we learn amongst other truths1 all based upon ,enoch's faith in the atoning blood of the ,lamb slain from before the foundation of the world1 the following3 ,that ,enoch was clothed with glory and saw the ,lord1 who talked with ,him as one man talks with another1 even face to face4 ,that the ,lord commanded ,enoch to preach repentance2 and to baptize in the name of the ,father1 and the ,son1 which is full of grace and truth1 and the ,holy ,spirit1 which bears record of the ,father and the ,son4 ,that so great was the faith of ,enoch that he led the people of ,god1 overthrew their enemies1 and at his word the earth trembled1 whilst the mountains1 rivers and seas obeyed his command4 ,that through this faith ,enoch saw the days of the coming of the ,son of ,man in the flesh1 and by it he obtained a covenant from the ,lord that after ,noah's day ,he would never again cover the earth by a flood1 and obtained an unalterable decree that a remnant of his seed should always be found among all nations while the earth should stand4 ,that the ,lord showed ,enoch the world and its future history for the space of many generations1 even unto the end of the world4 ,that so great was the faith and righteousness of ,enoch and his people1 that the ,lord came down and dwelt with them1 and in process of time ,enoch's ,city1 ,zion1 was taken up into heaven1 and many1 through the testimony of the ,father and the ,son1 were afterwards caught up by the powers of ,heaven into ,zion4 ,and1 further1 that while ,enoch1 through the favor of the ,almighty1 not only had a mission to preach the ,gospel and to gather the people1 but that he was also empowered to have the people that he had thus gathered1 and taught and instructed in the laws of life1 and the city in which they dwelt1 translated and taken into the bosom of the ,father1 there to be preserved until the latter times1 while the threatened calamities should overtake the world4 ,but he also further obtained a promise that the future peopling of the earth should come through his seed2 thus making him one of the great agencies to administer salvation in the heavens and upon the earth4 ,,chapter ,x4 ,noah--,his ,sacrifice--,god's ,covenant with ,him--,melchizedek--,his ,priesthood--,its ,powers--,instances thereof ,recorded in the ,bible1 in the ,book of ,mormon and in ,latter-days--,all ,power of the ,priesthood the ,result of ,faith in ,christ and ,impossible without the ,atonement--,the ,power of the ,priesthood the ,power of ,god--,the ,glory of ,god in the ,immortality of ,man--,christ the ,word1 the ,creator4 ,after the waters of the flood had subsided1 we are told1 ,noah and his family came forth out of the ark3 ,and ,noah builded an altar unto the ,lord1 and took of every clean beast and of every clean fowl1 and offered burnt offerings on the altar4 ,and the ,lord smelled a sweet savour2 and the ,lord said in his heart1 ,i will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake2 for the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth2 neither will ,i again smite any more every thing living1 as ,i have done4 ,while the earth remaineth1 seed-time and harvest1 and cold and heat1 and summer and winter1 and day and night1 shall not cease4--,gen41 viii1 #bj-bb4 ,the details of this act are given us somewhat differently in the inspired translation3 it is there written3 ,and ,noah builded an altar unto the ,lord1 and took of every clean beast1 and of every clean fowl1 and offered burnt offerings on the altar2 and gave thanks unto the ,lord1 and rejoiced in his heart4 ,and the ,lord spake unto ,noah1 and he blessed him4 ,and ,noah smelt a sweet savour1 and he said in his heart1 ,i will call on the name of the ,lord1 that he will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake1 for the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth2 and that he will not smite any more every thing living1 as he hath done1 while the earth remaineth2 and that seed time and harvest1 and cold and heat1 and summer and winter1 and day and night may not cease with man4 ,thus1 we discover that the first act after the destruction of the world by a flood was a recognition of the great expiatory principle of the atonement1 which was to be made by the ,only ,begotten ,son of ,god1 as revealed by the angel to ,adam4 ,and as ,god recognized ,adam's and ,abel's offerings1 so ,he also recognized that of ,noah3 and as a result1 the ,patriarch obtained great promises1 in which the people of all ages1 then to come1 would be interested4 ,for ,god spake unto ,noah1 and to his sons with him1 saying1 ,and ,i1 behold1 ,i will establish my covenant with you1 which ,i made unto your father ,enoch1 concerning your seed after you4 ,and it shall come to pass1 that every living creature that is with you1 of the fowl1 and of the cattle1 and of the beast of the earth that is with you1 which shall go out of the ark1 shall not altogether perish3 neither shall all flesh be cut off any more by the waters of a flood2 neither shall there any more be a flood to destroy the earth4 ,and ,i will establish my covenant with you1 which ,i made unto ,enoch1 concerning the remnants of your posterity4 ,and ,god made a covenant with ,noah1 and said1 ,this shall be the token of the covenant ,i make between me and you1 and for every living creature with you1 for perpetual generations1 ,i will set my bow in the cloud2 and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth4 ,and it shall come to pass1 when ,i bring a cloud over the earth1 that the bow shall be seen in the cloud2 and ,i will remember my covenant1 which ,i have made between me and you1 for every living creature of all flesh4 ,and the waters shall no more become a flood to destroy all flesh4 ,and the bow shall be in the cloud2 and ,i will look upon it1 that ,i may remember the everlasting covenant1 which ,i made unto thy father ,enoch2 that1 when men should keep all my commandments1 ,zion should again come on the earth1 the city of ,enoch1 which ,i have caught up unto myself4 ,and this is mine everlasting covenant1 that when thy posterity shall embrace the truth1 and look upward1 then shall ,zion look downward1 and all the heavens shall shake with gladness1 and the earth shall tremble with joy2 and the general assembly of the ,church of the ,first-born shall come down out of heaven and possess the earth1 and shall have place until the end come4 ,and this is mine everlasting covenant1 which ,i made with thy father ,enoch4 ,and the bow shall be in the cloud1 and ,i will establish my covenant unto thee1 which ,i have made between me and thee1 for every living creature of all flesh that shall be upon the earth4--,inspired ,translation1 ,gen41 ix1 #ae-bd4 ,we will now turn to ,melchizedek1 of whom it is written in ,king ,james' translation3 ,and ,melchizedek1 king of ,salem1 brought forth bread and wine3 and he was the priest of the most high ,god4 ,and he blessed him1 and said1 ,blessed be ,abram of the most high ,god1 possessor of heaven and earth3 and blessed be the most high ,god1 which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand4 ,and he gave him tithes of all4--,gen41 xiv1 #ah-bj4 ,this passage is given with greater completeness in the inspired translation1 where it appears as follows3 ,and ,melchizedek1 ,king of ,salem1 brought forth bread and wine2 and he brake bread and blessed it2 and he blessed the wine1 he being the priest of the ,most ,high ,god2 and he gave to ,abram1 and he blessed him1 and said1 ,blessed ,abram1 thou art a man of the ,most ,high ,god1 possessor of heaven and of earth2 and blessed is the name of the ,most ,high ,god1 which hath delivered thine enemies into thine hand4 ,and ,abram gave him tithes of all he had taken4 ,in this action of ,melchizedek1 in administering the bread and wine1 by virtue of his priestly office1 is there not a representation of the body and blood of our ,lord and ,savior ,jesus ,christ1 as also indicated by the ,messiah ,himself when ,he partook of the passover with ,his disciples8 ,for ,melchizedek was a great ,high ,priest1 of the same order and like ,priesthood as was held by the ,son of ,god4 ,so great1 indeed1 that before his day it was called the ,holy ,priesthood1 after the order of the ,son of ,god2 but out of respect or reverence to the name of the ,supreme ,being1 to avoid the too frequent repetition of his name1 they1 the church1 in ancient days1 called that ,priesthood after ,melchizedek1 or the ,melchizedek ,priesthood4--,doc4 and ,cov41 ,sec4 #ajg1 ,par4 #c1 #d1 p4 #chc4 ,paul1 also1 in reasoning on this subject in his epistle to the ,hebrews1 chapter vii1 writes3 ,for this ,melchizedek1 king of ,salem1 priest of the most high ,god1 who met ,abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings1 and blessed him2 to whom also ,abraham gave a tenth part of all2 first being by interpretation ,king of righteousness1 and after that also ,king of ,salem1 which is1 ,king of peace2 without father1 without mother1 without descent1 having neither beginning of days1 nor end of life2 but made like unto the ,son of ,god2 abideth a priest continually4 ,now consider how great this man was1 unto whom even the patriarch ,abraham gave the tenth of the spoils4 ,and verily they that are of the sons of ,levi1 who receive the office of the priesthood1 have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law1 that is1 of their brethren1 though they come out of the loins of ,abraham3 but he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes of ,abraham1 and blessed him that had the promises4 ,and without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better4 ,to make the matter still plainer we transcribe the third verse from the inspired translation3 ,for this ,melchizedek was ordained a priest after the order of the ,son of ,god1 which order was without father1 without mother1 without descent1 having neither beginning of1 days nor end of life4 ,and all those who are ordained unto this priesthood are made like unto the ,son of ,god1 abiding a priest continually4 ,in ,genesis1 inspired translation1 chapter xiv1 it is also stated regarding ,melchizedek3 ,thus1 having been approved of ,god1 he was ordained an high priest after the order of the covenant which ,god made with ,enoch1 it being after the order of the ,son of ,god2 which order came1 not by man1 nor the will of man2 neither by father1 nor mother2 neither by beginning of days1 nor end of years2 but of ,god4 ,and it was delivered unto men by the calling of his own voice1 according to his own will1 unto as many as believed on his name4 ,for ,god having sworn unto ,enoch and unto his seed with an oath by himself1 that every one being ordained after this order and calling should have power1 by faith1 to break mountains1 to divide the seas1 to dry up waters1 to turn them out of their course1 to put at defiance the armies of nations1 to divide the earth1 to break every band1 to stand in the presence of ,god2 to do all things according to his will1 according to his command1 subdue principalities and powers2 and this by the will of the ,son of ,god1 which was from before the foundation of the world4 ,and men having this faith1 coming up unto this order of ,god1 were translated and taken up into heaven4 ,and now1 ,melchizedek was a priest of this order2 therefore he obtained peace in ,salem1 and was called the ,prince of peace1 and his people wrought righteousness1 and obtained heaven1 and sought for the city of ,enoch which ,god had before taken2 separating it from the earth1 having reserved it unto the latter-days1 or the end of the world1 and hath said1 and sworn with an oath1 that the heavens and the earth should come together2 and the sons of ,god should be tried so as by fire4 ,and this ,melchizedek1 having thus established righteousness1 was called the king of heaven by his people1 or1 in other words1 the ,king of peace4 ,from the above it would seem that this people possessed the power of ,translation1 and that they obtained heaven1 and sought for the city of ,enoch which ,god had before taken1 or which was before translated4 ,the principle of power also over the varied creations of ,god1 above spoken of1 pertaining to the ,holy ,priesthood after the order of the ,son of ,god1 has1 by faith1 been manifested to the world in the lives and actions of numbers of the servants of the ,most ,high4 ,the power of ,enoch1 wherein he caused the earth to tremble1 whilst mountains fled at his command1 and rivers were turned out of their course1 has already been referred to4 ,by this power1 exercised in mighty faith1 ,melchizedek stopped the mouths of lions and quenched the violence of fire2,a by it the waters of the ,red ,sea were divided by ,moses1 and the children of ,israel passed through dry shod2,b by it ,elijah,c and ,elisha,d smote the waters of the ,jordan and crossed on dry land2 by it ,daniel escaped the ferocity of the lions1,e and the three ,hebrew children were delivered from the fiery furnace4,f ,footnote ,a3 ,inspired ,trans4 ,gen41 xiv1 #bf4 ,footnote ,b3 ,exodus1 xiv1 #ba4 ,footnote ,c3 #b ,kings1 ii1 #g1 #h4 ,footnote ,d3 #b ,kings1 ii1 #ad4 ,footnote ,e3 ,daniel1 vi1 #af-bc4 ,footnote ,f3 ,daniel1 iii1 #ai-bg4 ,by this same power in the ,messianic dispensation the ,apostles were delivered from bonds and imprisonment2 by it ,paul shook off the viper that had fastened upon his hand2,a by it ,philip,b was caught away by the ,spirit of the ,lord after he had baptized the ,ethiopian eunuch2 by it ,john was preserved when he was cast into a cauldron of boiling oil1 that it did not hurt him2 by it the dead were raised1 the lepers cleansed1 the sick healed1 devils cast out1 and other mighty works performed by ,jesus and ,his disciples2 and by it ,christ broke the bands of death and became the resurrection and the life1 the first fruits of them that slept1 the conqueror of death1 the ,savior of the world and ,redeemer of mankind4 ,footnote ,a3 ,acts1 xxviii1 #c-f4 ,footnote ,b3 ,acts1 viii1 #ci4 ,again1 on this continent1 one of the ,nephite ,prophets1 ,jacob1 the son of ,lehi1 records3 ,we truly can command in the name of ,jesus1 and the very trees obey us1 or the mountains1 or the waves of the sea4 7,jacob1 iv1 #f47 ,by faith the brother of ,jared1 who held this power1 said unto the mountain ,zerin1 ,remove2 and it was removed2,a by it ,alma and ,amulek caused the walls of the prison in ,ammonihah to tumble to the ground2,b by it ,nephi and ,lehi wrought the surpassing change upon the ,lamanites that they were baptized with fire and the ,holy ,ghost2,c by it ,amnion and his brethren wrought so great a miracle in the conversion of the ,lamanites2,d and by it also the disciples of ,jesus who tarried amongst the ,nephites showed forth the power spoken of in the following passage3 ,footnote ,a3 ,ether1 xii1 #cj ,footnote ,b3 ,alma1 xiv1 #bf-bi4 ,footnote ,c3 ,helaman1 v1 #dc-di4 ,footnote ,d3 ,alma1 xvii-xxvii4 ,therefore they did exercise power and authority over the disciples of ,jesus who did tarry with them1 and they did cast them into prison3 but by the power of the word of ,god1 which was in them1 the prisons were rent in twain1 and they went forth doing mighty miracles among them4 ,nevertheless1 and notwithstanding all these miracles1 the people did harden their hearts1 and did seek to kill them1 even as the ,jews at ,jerusalem sought to kill ,jesus1 according to his word2 and they did cast them into furnaces of fire1 and they came forth receiving no harm2 and they also cast them into dens of wild beasts1 and they did play with the wild beasts even as a child with a lamb2 and they did come forth from among them1 receiving no harm4--#d ,nephi1 i1 #cj-cc4 ,this same power has also been abundantly manifested in these latter days in the midst of the ,saints of ,god1 in deliverances from evil1 in escapes from enemies1 in the quelling of mobs1 in the stilling of the angry waves of the sea1 in the healing of the sick1 in the casting out of unclean spirits1 and in many other miraculous manifestations of the power and goodness of ,god1 and of the authority with which ,he has invested ,his servants who are endowed and clothed upon with the ,priesthood1 which is endless and after the order of the ,son of ,god4 ,thus1 through the atonement of ,jesus1 and the salvation and redemption brought about by that atonement these wonderful manifestations and deliverances have been accomplished by faith in ,god2 and the ,priesthood being after the order of the ,son of ,god1 and proceeding from ,him1 through the atonement1 those who held this ,priesthood possessed1 according to their faith1 the above mentioned powers2 and without that atonement this power never could have existed1 for men without that sacrifice could not have been brought into that relationship to ,god1 by which they would have the right1 the power and authority to act in ,his name1 or to be ,his representatives to fallen humanity4 ,in fact1 the power manifested by the ,priesthood is simply the power of ,god1 for ,he is the head of the ,priesthood1 with ,jesus as our ,president and great ,high ,priest2 and it is upon this principle that all the works of ,god have been accomplished1 whether on the earth or in the heavens2 and any manifestation of power through the ,priesthood on the earth is simply a delegated power from the ,priesthood in the heavens1 and the more the ,priesthood on the earth becomes assimilated with and subject to the ,priesthood in the heavens the more of this power shall we possess4 ,hence ,paul1 in speaking on this subject1 says3 ,through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of ,god1 so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear4--,heb41 xi1 #c4 ,the work of ,god and the glory of ,god is to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man2 as it is written3 ,for this is my work and my glory1 to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man4 7,pearl of ,great ,price47 ,the creation of man and the multiplication of man was one thing1 the immortality and eternal life of man and his exaltation is another thing2 and in the organization of the world1 and in the calculations of the ,almighty pertaining to this immortality and eternal life1 it would seem that it was decreed that the ,only ,begotten ,son was provided for the purpose of accomplishing this object2 and hence ,christ was the ,lamb slain1 according to the eternal purposes of ,god1 before the foundation of the world4 ,in relation to the creation of the worlds1 as above referred to by ,paul1 ,john1 in the commencement of his ,gospel1 somewhat after the manner of a preface or introduction1 writes3 ,in the beginning was the ,word1 and the ,word was with ,god1 and the ,word was ,god4 ,the same was in the beginning with ,god4 ,all things were made by him2 and without him was not anything made that was made4 ,in him was life2 and the life was the light of men4 ,and the light shineth in darkness2 and the darkness comprehended it not4 7,john1 i1 #a-e47 ,or to give the passage1 in the wording of the inspired translation3 ,in the beginning was the ,gospel preached through the ,son4 ,and the ,gospel was the word1 and the word was with the ,son1 and the ,son was with ,god1 and the ,son was of ,god4 ,the same was in the beginning with ,god4 ,all things were made by him2 and without him was not anything made which was made4 ,in him was the ,gospel1 and the ,gospel was the life1 and the life was the light of men2 and the light shineth in the world1 and the world perceiveth it not4 ,from the testimony of ,john1 as given in the ,book of ,doctrine and ,covenants1 we also extract the following3 ,and he bore record1 saying1 ,i saw his glory that he was in the beginning before the world was2 therefore in the beginning the ,word was1 for he was the ,word1 even the messenger of salvation1 the light and the ,redeemer of the world2 the ,spirit of truth1 who came into the world1 because the world was made by him1 and in him was the life of men and the light of men4 ,the worlds were made by him3 men were made by him3 all things were made by him1 and through him1 and of him4 ,and ,i1 ,john1 bear record that ,i beheld his glory1 as the glory of the ,only ,begotten of the ,father1 full of grace and truth1 even the ,spirit of truth1 which came and dwelt in the flesh1 and dwelt among us4--,sec4 xciii1 #g-aa1 p4 #cbi4 ,paul1 likewise1 in his ,epistles1 more than once directs attention to this great truth4 ,in writing to the ,colossians he says3 ,for by him were all things created1 that are in heaven1 and that are in earth1 visible and invisible1 whether they be thrones1 or dominions1 or principalities1 or powers3 all things were created by him1 and for him3 and he is before all things1 and by him all things consist4--,col41 i1 #af1 #ag4 ,and to the ,hebrews he writes1 that ,god hath in these last days spoken unto us by his ,son1 whom he hath appointed heir of all things1 by whom also he made the worlds2 who being the brightness of his glory1 and the express image of his person1 and upholding all things by the word of his power1 when he had by himself purged our sins1 sat down on the right hand of the ,majesty on high4--,heb41 i1 #b1 #c4 ,god revealed these things unto ,moses2 but his words in relation thereto are among the precious things that have been taken from the ,scriptures by the iniquity of man2 amongst those restored to us by modern revelation are the following words of ,god to that ,patriarch with regard to the creation3 ,and by the word of my power have ,i created them1 which is mine ,only ,begotten ,son1 who is full of grace and truth4 ,and worlds without number have ,i created2 and ,i also created them for mine own purpose2 and by the ,son ,i created them1 which is mine ,only ,begotten4 ,and the first man of all men have ,i called ,adam1 which is many4 ,but only an account of this earth1 and the inhabitants thereof1 give ,i unto you4 ,for behold1 there are many worlds which have passed away by the word of my power4 ,and there are many also which now stand1 and numberless are they unto man1 but all things are numbered unto me1 for they are mine and ,i know them4--,pearl of ,great ,price4 ,,chapter ,,xi4 ,abraham's ,record ,concerning the ,creation--,the ,council in ,heaven--,the ,father's ,plan1 the ,son's ,acceptance1 ,satan's ,rebellion--,the ,agency of ,man--,suggestions ,regarding ,satan's ,plan to ,save ,all ,mankind4 ,the ,lord also revealed to ,abraham many great and glorious principles and truths relating to the creation4 ,we extract the following from the fragment of the writings of that ,patriarch1 which has been graciously restored to us by the ,lord in these days3 ,and the ,gods prepared the earth to bring forth the living creature after his kind1 cattle and creeping things1 and beasts of the earth after their kind2 and it was so1 as they had said4 ,and the ,gods organized the earth to bring forth the beasts after their kind1 the cattle after their kind1 and everything that creepeth upon the earth after their kind2 and the ,gods saw they would obey4 ,and the ,gods took counsel among themselves and said1 ,let us go down and form man in our image1 after our likeness2 and we will give them dominion over the fish of the sea1 and over the fowl of the air1 and over the cattle1 and over all the earth1 and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth4 ,so the ,gods went down to organize man in their own image1 in the image of the ,gods to form they him1 male and female1 to form they them2 and the ,gods said1 ,we will bless them4 ,and the ,gods said1 ,we will cause them to be fruitful1 and multiply1 and replenish the earth1 and subdue it1 and to have dominion over the fish of the sea1 and over the fowl of the air1 and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth4 ,and the ,gods said1 ,behold1 we will give them every herb bearing seed that shall come upon the face of all the earth1 and every tree which shall have fruit upon it1 yea1 the fruit of the tree yielding seed to them we will give it2 it shall be for their meat2 and to every beast of the earth1 and to every fowl of the air1 and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth1 behold1 we will give them life1 and also we will give to them every green herb for meat1 and all these things shall be thus organized4 ,and the ,gods said1 ,we will do every thing that we have said1 and organize them2 and behold1 they shall be very obedient4 ,and it came to pass that it was from evening until morning they called night2 and it came to pass that it was from morning until evening that they called day2 and they numbered the sixth time4 ,and thus we will finish the heavens and the earth1 and all the hosts of them4 ,and the ,gods said among themselves1 ,on the seventh time we will end our work which we have counseled2 and we will rest on the seventh time from all our work which we have counseled4 ,and the ,gods concluded upon the seventh time1 because that on the seventh time they would rest from all their works which they 7the ,gods7 counseled among themselves to form1 and sanctified it4 ,and thus were their decisions at the time that they counseled among themselves to form the heavens and the earth4 ,and the ,gods came down and formed these the generations of the heavens and of the earth1 when they were formed in the day that the ,gods formed the earth and the heavens1 according to all that which they had said concerning every plant of the field before it was in the earth1 and every herb of the field before it grew2 for the ,gods had not caused it to rain upon the earth when they counseled to do them1 and had not formed a man to till the ground2 but there went up a mist from the earth1 and watered the whole face of the ground4 ,and the ,gods formed man from the dust of the ground1 and took his spirit 7that is1 the man's spirit17 and put it into him1 and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life1 and man became a living soul4 ,although this matter of the ,council or ,conference is not so fully exhibited in the ,old ,testament ,scriptures as in this revelation to ,abraham1 yet it is definitely stated in the ,book of ,genesis that ,god said1 ,let us make man in our image1 after our likeness2 and again1 after ,adam had taken of the forbidden fruit the ,lord said1 ,behold1 the man has become as one of us2 and the inference is direct that in all that related to the work of the creation of the world1 there was a consultation2 and though ,god spake as it is recorded in the ,bible1 yet it is evident ,he counseled with others4 ,the ,scriptures tell us there are ,gods many and ,lords many4 ,but to us there is but one ,god1 the ,father4 7#a ,cor41 viii1 #e47 ,and for this reason1 though there were others engaged in the creation of the worlds1 it is given to us in the ,bible in the shape that it is2 for the fulness of these truths is only revealed to highly favored persons for certain reasons known to ,god2 as we are told in the ,scriptures3 ,the secret of the ,lord is with them that fear him2 and he will show them his covenant4--,psalms1 xxv1 #ad4 ,it is consistent to believe that at this ,council in the heavens the plan that should be adopted in relation to the sons of ,god who were then spirits1 and had not yet obtained tabernacles1 was duly considered4 ,for1 in view of the creation of the world and the placing of men upon it1 whereby it would be possible for them to obtain tabernacles1 and in those tabernacles obey laws of life1 and with them again be exalted among the ,gods1 we are told1 that at that time1 the morning stars sang together1 and all the sons of ,god shouted for joy4 ,the question then arose1 how1 and upon what principle1 should the salvation1 exaltation and eternal glory of ,god's sons be brought about8 ,it is evident that at that ,council certain plans had been proposed and discussed1 and that after a full discussion of those principles1 and the declaration of the ,father's will pertaining to ,his design1 ,lucifer came before the ,father1 with a plan of his own1 saying1 ,behold ,i1 send me1 ,i will be thy ,son1 and ,i will redeem all mankind1 that one soul shall not be lost1 and surely ,i will do it2 wherefore1 give me thine honor4 ,but ,jesus1 on hearing this statement made by ,lucifer1 said1 ,father1 thy will be done1 and the glory be thine forever4 ,from these remarks made by the well beloved ,son1 we should naturally infer that in the discussion of this subject the ,father had made known ,his will and developed ,his plan and design pertaining to these matters1 and all that ,his well beloved ,son wanted to do was to carry out the will of ,his ,father1 as it would appear had been before expressed4 ,he also wished the glory to be given to ,his ,father1 who1 as ,god the ,father1 and the originator and designer of the plan1 had a right to all the honor and glory4 ,but ,lucifer wanted to introduce a plan contrary to the will of his ,father1 and then wanted ,his honor1 and said3 ,i will save every soul of man1 wherefore give me thine honor4 ,he wanted to go contrary to the will of his ,father1 and presumptuously sought to deprive man of his free agency1 thus making him a serf1 and placing him in a position in which it was impossible for him to obtain that exaltation which ,god designed should be man's1 through obedience to the law which ,he had suggested2 and again1 ,lucifer wanted the honor and power of his ,father1 to enable him to carry out principles which were contrary to the ,father's wish4 ,and further1 in regard to agency2 if man had not had his agency1 or if he had been deprived of his agency1 he could not have been tempted of the devil1 or of any other power2 for if the will of ,god prevailed1 and was carried out without man's action or agency1 it would have been impossible for him to have done anything wrong1 for he would have been deprived of the power of doing that wrong4 ,this was the position that ,satan desired to place1 not only the spirits in the heavens1 but also mankind upon the earth4 ,and ,satan said1 ,surely ,i will save every one of them1 wherefore1 give me thine honor4 ,but ,god's plan was different from this1 and1 as stated above1 had been decided upon in the ,councils of heaven2 and the ,father had made a decree as to how these things should be done2 and that both the inhabitants of heaven and the inhabitants of earth should have their free agency4 ,it was against this that ,lucifer rebelled2 and he could not have rebelled against a plan or commandment that had not been given2 for rebellion signifies a violation of law1 command1 or authority2 and he was cast out of heaven because of this rebellion4 ,this rebellion could not have existed without a free agency2 for without a free agency they would all have been compelled to do the will of the ,father4 ,but having the free agency1 they used it2 and ,lucifer and a third part of the angels were cast out because they rebelled and used this agency in opposition to their heavenly ,father4 ,and not only because they rebelled1 but because1 as stated1 they sought to destroy the agency of man2 and their agency would have been used in opposition to the interests1 happiness and eternal exaltation of mankind1 which were proposed to be accomplished through the atonement and redemption provided by ,jesus ,christ4 ,in accordance with this we find the following statements in the revelations given to the ,prophet ,joseph ,smith3 ,behold1 the devil was before ,adam1 for he rebelled against me1 saying1 ,give me thine honor1 which is my power3 and also a third part of the hosts of heaven turned he away from me because of their agency2 and they were thrust down1 and thus came the devil and his angels4 ,and1 behold1 there is a place prepared for them from the beginning1 which place is hell3 and it must needs be that the devil should tempt the children of men1 or they could not be agents unto themselves1 for if they never should have bitter1 they could not know the sweet4--,doc4 and ,cov41 xxix1 #cf-ci1 p4 #adf4 ,and again2 ,and this we saw also1 and bear record1 that an angel of ,god who was in authority in the presence of ,god1 who rebelled against the ,only ,begotten ,son1 whom the ,father loved1 and who was in the bosom of the ,father--was thrust down from the presence of ,god and the ,son1 and was called ,perdition1 for the heavens wept over him--he was ,lucifer1 a son of the morning4 ,and we beheld1 and lo1 he is fallen6 is fallen6 even a son of the morning4 ,and while we were yet in the ,spirit1 the ,lord commanded us that we should write the vision1 for we beheld ,satan1 that old serpent--even the devil--who rebelled against ,god1 and sought to take the kingdom of our ,god and his ,christ4 ,doc4 and ,cov41 lxxvi1 #be-bh1 p4 #bfg4 ,the ,father accepted the offer of ,his well beloved ,son1 and proceeded to carry out the decision of the ,council1 and1 as we are informed in the ,bible 7inspired translation71 ,god said to ,his ,only ,begotten1 ,let us make man in our image1 after our likeness1 and it was so4 ,there are other questions mixed up with this rebellion besides those above referred to1 and those questions are directly connected with the atonement4 ,in the event of man having his free will and being subject to the power of temptation1 the weakness of the flesh1 the allurements of the world1 and the powers of darkness1 it was known that he must necessarily fall1 and being fallen1 it would be impossible for him to redeem himself1 and that1 according to an eternal law of justice1 it would require an infinite1 expiatory atonement to redeem man1 to save him from the effects and ruin of the ,fall1 and to place him in a condition where he could again be reinstated in the favor of ,god1 according to the eternal laws of justice and mercy2 and find his way back to the presence of the ,father4 ,satan 7it is possible7 being opposed to the will of his ,father1 wished to avoid the responsibilities of this position1 and rather than assume the consequences of the acceptance of the plan of the ,father1 he would deprive man of his free agency1 and render it impossible for him to obtain that exaltation which ,god designed4 ,it would further seem probable that he refused to take the position of redeemer1 and assume all the consequences associated therewith1 but he did propose1 as stated before1 to take another plan and deprive man of his agency1 and he probably intended to make men atone for their own acts by an act of coercion1 and the shedding of their own blood as an atonement for their sins2 therefore1 he says1 ,i will redeem all mankind1 that one soul shall not be lost2 and surely ,i will do it2 wherefore1 give me thine honor4 ,his plan1 however1 was rejected as contrary to the counsel of ,god1 his ,father4 ,the well beloved ,son then addressed the ,father1 and instead of proposing to carry out any plan of his own1 knowing what ,his ,father's will was1 said1 ,thy will be done2 ',i will carry out thy plans and thy designs1 and1 as man will fall1 ,i will offer myself as an atonement according to thy will1 ,o ,god4 ,neither do ,i wish the honor1 but thine be the glory2' and a covenant was entered into between ,him and ,his ,father1 in which ,he agreed to atone for the sins of the world2 and ,he thus1 as stated1 became the ,lamb slain from before the foundation of the world4 ,in this connection it is related by ,abraham3 ,and there stood one among them that was like unto ,god1 and he said unto those who were with him1 ,we will go down1 for there is space there1 and we will take of these materials1 and we will make an earth whereon these may dwell2 and we will prove them herewith1 to see if they will do all things whatsoever the ,lord their ,god shall command them2 and they who keep their first estate1 shall be added upon2 and they who keep not their first estate1 shall not have glory in the same kingdom with those who keep their first estate2 and they who keep their second estate1 shall have glory added upon their heads for ever and ever4 ,and hence1 as ,jesus ,himself said1 ,thus it is written and thus it behooved ,christ to suffer1 and to rise from the dead the third day2 and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations1 beginning at ,jerusalem4 ,we will now give in full the quotation from the ,pearl of ,great ,price with regard to the above matter1 and also add a short recapitulation4 ,and ,i1 the ,lord ,god1 spake unto ,moses1 saying1 ,that ,satan1 whom thou hast commanded in the name of mine ,only ,begotten1 is the same which was from the beginning1 and he came before me1 saying1 ,behold ,i1 send me1 ,i will be thy son1 and ,i will redeem all mankind1 that one soul shall not be lost1 and surely ,i will do it2 wherefore give me thine honor4 ,but1 behold1 my ,beloved ,son1 which was my ,beloved and ,chosen from the beginning1 said unto me1 ,father1 thy will be done1 and the glory be thine for ever4 ,wherefore1 because that ,satan rebelled against me1 and sought to destroy the agency of man1 which ,i1 the ,lord ,god1 had given him1 and also1 that ,i should give unto him mine own power1 by the power of mine ,only ,begotten ,i caused that he should be cast down1 and he became ,satan1 yea1 even the ,devil1 the father of all lies1 to deceive1 and to blind men1 and to lead them captive at his will1 even as many as would not hearken unto my voice4 ,from the above we gather3 ,first1 that the proposition of ,lucifer was an act of rebellion against me--,god4 ,second1 that ,god had already decreed that man should have his free agency1 and this agency had been given to him by the ,lord1 as it is said1 which ,i1 the ,lord ,god1 had given him4 ,third1 that ,lucifer coveted and asked for a power which was the prerogative of the ,almighty and alone belonged to ,god2 and which ,he called mine own power4 ,fourth1 that for this rebellion ,lucifer was cast out and became ,satan4 ,fifth1 that the power by which he was cast out1 was by a certain power or ,priesthood which had been conferred by ,god on ,his ,only ,begotten2 for he said1 ,by the power of mine ,only ,begotten ,i caused that he should be cast down4 ,sixth1 that being cast down and becoming ,satan1 even the devil1 the father of lies1 his office was to deceive and to blind men2 as it is stated1 to deceive1 and to blind men1 and to lead them captive at his will even as many as would not hearken unto my voice4 ,,chapter ,,xii4 ,abraham1 ,isaac and ,jacob--,sacrifices ,offered by ,them--,abraham and the ,gospel ,covenant--,extracts from the ,book of ,abraham and the ,writings of ,paul4 ,we will now return to ,abraham1 who is denominated the ,father of the ,faithful1 and who1 as we have before seen1 was a contemporary of ,melchizedek4 ,the testimony in the ,bible is direct and explicit that ,abraham fulfilled the law requiring the offering of sacrifices1 and furthermore was in possession of the principles of the ,gospel and understood the saving value of the atonement4 ,in the historical narrative of the ,book of ,genesis1 we have numerous testimonies that ,abraham offered up sacrifices1 in connection with his worship of the ,almighty4 ,for instance1 it is written3 ,and ,abram passed through the land unto the place of ,sichem1 unto the plain of ,moreh4 ,and the ,canaanite was then in the land4 ,and the ,lord appeared unto ,abram1 and said1 ,unto thy seed will ,i give this land2 and there builded he an altar unto the ,lord1 who appeared unto him4 ,and he removed from thence unto a mountain on the east of ,beth-el1 and pitched his tent1 having ,beth-el on the west1 and ,hai on the east3 and there he builded an altar unto the ,lord1 and called upon the name of the ,lord4--,gen41 xii1 #f-h4 ,in the next chapter we are told that ,abraham went on his journeys from the south even to ,beth-el1 unto the place where his tent had been at the beginning1 between ,beth-el and ,hai2 unto the place of the altar1 which he had made there at the first3 and there ,abram called on the name of the ,lord4--,gen41 xiii1 #c1 #d4 ,and afterwards he removed his tent1 and came and dwelt in the plain of ,mamre1 which is in ,hebron1 and built there an altar unto the ,lord4--,gen41 xiii1 #ah4 ,the ,book of ,abraham gives some further details on these matters4 ,the ,patriarch therein states3 ,now ,i1 ,abraham1 built an altar in the land of ,jershon1 and made an offering unto the ,lord1 and prayed that the famine might be turned away from my father's house1 that they might not perish2 and then we passed from ,jershon through the land1 unto the place of ,sechem4 ,it was situated in the plains of ,moreh1 and we had already come into the borders of the land of the ,canaanites1 and ,i offered sacrifice there in the plains of ,moreh1 and called on the ,lord devoutly1 because we had already come into the land of this idolatrous nation4 ,and the ,lord appeared unto me in answer to my prayers1 and said unto me1 ,unto thy seed will ,i give this land4 ,and ,i1 ,abraham1 arose from the place of the altar which ,i had built unto the ,lord1 and removed from thence unto a mountain on the east of ,bethel1 and pitched my tent there1 ,bethel on the west1 and ,hai on the east3 and there ,i built another altar unto the ,lord1 and called again upon the name of the ,lord4--,pearl of ,great ,price4 ,although full details are not given of the mode of sacrifice in those ancient times1 nor of all the creatures that were acceptable unto the ,lord1 in the performance of this rite1 yet the narrative of the contemplated sacrifice of ,isaac by his father is indicative of the principle being well understood4 ,we are told that the young man said3 ,my ,father3 and he said1 ,here am ,i1 my son4 ,and he said1 ,behold the fire and the wood1 but where is the lamb for a burnt-offering8 ,and ,abraham said1 ,my son1 ,god will provide himself a lamb for a burnt-offering4--,gen41 xxii1 #g1 #h4 ,it is evident from other scriptures that ,abraham offered up these sacrifices in token of the great expiatory sacrifice of the ,son of ,god4 ,indeed the ,redeemer himself told the ,jews1 ,your father ,abraham rejoiced to see my day3 and he saw it1 and was glad4--,john1 viii1 #ef4 ,in confirmation of this statement we read in the inspired translation of the ,book of ,genesis that the ,lord said to ,abraham1 in relation to his possession of the land of ,canaan1 ,though thou wast dead1 yet am ,i not able to give it thee8 ,and if thou shalt die1 yet thou shalt possess it1 for the day cometh that the ,son of ,man shall live2 but how can he live if he be not dead8 ,he must first be quickened4 ,and it came to pass1 that ,abram looked forth and saw the days of the ,son of ,man1 and was glad1 and his soul found rest1 and he believed in the ,lord2 and the ,lord counted it unto him for righteousness4 ,again1 ,paul1 in writing to the ,galatians1 states3 ,and the scripture1 foreseeing that ,god would justify the heathen through faith1 preached before the gospel unto ,abraham1 saying1 ,in thee shall all nations be blessed4 ,so then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful ,abraham4--,gal41 iii1 #h1 #i4 ,this promise is corroborated by the statements of ,peter to the ,jews3 ,ye are the children of the prophets1 and of the covenant which ,god made with our fathers1 saying unto ,abraham1 ,and in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed4 ,unto you first1 ,god1 having raised up his ,son ,jesus1 sent him to bless you1 in turning away every one of you from his iniquities4--,acts1 iii1 #be1 #bf4 ,the record of this covenant is to be found in the ,book of ,genesis1 as follows3 ,now the ,lord had said unto ,abram1 ,get thee out of thy country1 and from thy kindred1 and from thy father's house1 unto a land that ,i will show thee2 and ,i will make of thee a great nation2 and ,i will bless thee1 and make thy name great2 and ,i will bless them that bless thee1 and curse him that curseth thee1 and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed4--,gen41 xii1 #a-c4;,a ,footnote ,a3 ,see also ,genesis1 xviii1 #ah2 xxii1 #ah4 ,it will be noticed in the above quotation from the ,book of ,genesis1 that no reference is made to the preaching of the ,gospel to ,abraham in connection with these great promises as spoken of by ,paul4 ,this deficiency is supplied by the ,book of ,abraham1 wherein the covenant between ,god and ,his faithful servant is given at greater length in that covenant we find the following3 ,my name is ,jehovah1 and ,i will make of thee a great nation and ,i will bless thee above measure1 and make thy name great among all nations1 and thou shalt be a blessing unto thy seed after thee1 that in their hands they shall bear this ministry and priesthood unto all nations1 and ,i will bless them through thy name2 for as many as receive this ,gospel shall he called after thy name1 and shall be accounted thy seed1 and shall rise up and bless thee1 as their father2 and ,i will bless them that bless thee1 and curse them that curse thee2 and in thee 7that is1 in thy priesthood7 and in thy seed1 7that is1 thy priesthood17 for ,i give unto thee a promise that this right shall continue in thee1 and in thy seed after thee1 7that is to say1 the literal seed1 or the seed of the body17 shall all the families of the earth be blessed1 even with the blessings of the ,gospel1 which are the blessings of salvation1 even of life eternal4 ,of the personal history of ,isaac we have but a very meagre account in the ,bible2 however1 sufficient is said to inform us that he1 like his father1 offered up sacrifices1 that his offering was acceptable to ,god1 and that ,he renewed with him the covenant previously made with ,abraham4 ,of ,isaac it is written3 ,and he went up from thence to ,beer-sheba4 ,and the ,lord appeared unto him the same night1 and said1 ,i am the ,god of ,abraham thy father3 fear not1 for ,i am with thee1 and will bless thee1 and multiply thy seed for my servant ,abraham's sake4 ,and he builded an altar there1 and called upon the name of the ,lord4--,gen41 xxvi1 #bc-be4 ,jacob followed in the footsteps of his father4 ,he worshipped the true and living ,god1 and had the blessings of his fathers confirmed on him4 ,regarding sacrifices we are informed that1 after his sudden departure from ,laban and their later somewhat stormy interview1 ,jacob offered sacrifice upon the mount 7,gen41 xxxi1 #eb72 and again1 shortly after1 by command of the ,lord1 he journeyed to ,bethel1 and he built there an altar and called the place ,el-beth-el1 or the ,house of ,god4--,gen41 xxxv1 #g4 ,,chapter ,,xiii4 ,sacrifices in the ,days of ,moses--,the ,institution of the ,passover and the ,exodus--,the ,symbolism of the ,paschal ,lamb--,the ,covenant of the ,atonement between ,christ and ,his ,father--,the ,redeemed--,tokens of ,covenants--,the ,rainbow--,the ,name of ,jesus the ,only ,name--,the ,levites4 ,in regard to the offering of sacrifices1 it is very evident that in the days of ,moses the children of ,israel were quite familiar with this rite1 as also were the ,egyptians4 ,for one great request which ,moses and ,aaron made of ,pharaoh1 ,king of ,egypt1 was1 ,let us go1 we pray thee1 three days' journey into the desert1 and sacrifice unto the ,lord our ,god2 and as a reason why they should thus go into the wilderness it was urged by them1 when the ,egyptian monarch said1 ,go ye1 sacrifice to your ,god in the land1 that it is not meet so to do2 for we shall sacrifice the abomination of the ,egyptians to the ,lord our ,god3 lo1 shall we sacrifice the abomination of the ,egyptians before their eyes1 and will they not stone us8 ,we will go three days' journey into the wilderness1 and sacrifice to the ,lord our ,god1 as he shall command us4--,ex41 viii1 #bf1 #bg4 ,it is further stated1 that after a time1 when all other judgments had failed to bring about the desired effect with ,pharaoh1 that ,moses said1 ,thus saith the ,lord1 ,about midnight will ,i go out into the midst of ,egypt3 and all the first-born in the land of ,egypt shall die1 from the first-born of ,pharaoh that sitteth upon his throne1 even unto the first-born of the maid-servant that is behind the mill2 and all the first-born of beasts4 ,and there shall be a great cry throughout all the land of ,egypt1 such as there was none like it1 nor shall be like it any more4 ,but against any of the children of ,israel shall not a dog move his tongue1 against man or beast3 that ye may know how that the ,lord doth put a difference between the ,egyptians and ,israel4--,ex41 xi1 #d-g4 ,the next chapter gives the history of the fulfilment of this threatened judgment and the results that flowed therefrom4 ,it is recorded3 ,and the ,lord spake unto ,moses and ,aaron in the land of ,egypt1 saying1 ,this month shall be unto you the beginning of months2 it shall be the first month of the year to you4 ,speak ye unto all the congregation of ,israel1 saying1 ,in the tenth day of this month they shall take to them every man a lamb according to the house of their fathers1 a lamb for an house3 and if the household be too little for the lamb1 let him and his neighbor next unto his house take it according to the number of the souls3 every man according to his eating shall make your count for the lamb4 ,your lamb shall be without blemish1 a male of the first year3 ye shall take it out from the sheep or from the goats3 and ye shall keep it up until the fourteenth day of the same month3 and the whole assembly of the congregation of ,israel shall kill it in the evening4 ,and they shall take of the blood1 and strike it on the two side-posts1 and on the upper door-post of the houses1 wherein they shall eat it4 ,and they shall eat the flesh in that night1 roast with fire1 and unleavened bread2 and with bitter herbs they shall eat it4--,ex41 xii1 #a-h4 ,and thus shall ye eat it2 with your loins girded your shoes on your feet1 and your staff in your hand3 and ye shall eat it in haste2 it is the ,lord's passover4 ,for ,i will pass through the land of ,egypt this night1 and will smite all the first-born in the land of ,egypt1 both man and beast3 and against all the gods of ,egypt ,i will execute judgment3 ,i am the ,lord4 ,and the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are3 and when ,i see the blood1 ,i will pass over you1 and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you1 when ,i smite the land of ,egypt4 ,and this day shall be unto you for a memorial2 and ye shall keep it a feast to the ,lord throughout your generations3 ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance for ever4-- ,ex41 xii1 #aa-ad4 ,then ,moses called for all the ,elders of ,israel1 and said unto them1 ,draw out1 and take you a lamb1 according to your families1 and kill the passover4 ,and ye 'shall take a bunch of hyssop1 and dip it in the blood that is in the basin1 and strike the lintel and the two side-posts with the blood that is in the basin3 and none of you shall go out at the door of his house until the morning4 ,for the ,lord will pass through to smite the ,egyptians2 and when he seeth the blood upon the lintel1 and on the two side-posts1 the ,lord will pass over the door1 and will not suffer the destroyer to come in unto your houses to smite you4 ,and ye shall observe this thing for an ordinance to thee and to thy sons for ever4--,ex41 xii1 #ba-bd4 ,and the children of ,israel went away1 and did as the ,lord had commanded ,moses and ,aaron1 so did they4 ,and it came to pass1 that at midnight the ,lord smote all the first-born in the land of ,egypt1 from the first-born of ,pharaoh that sat on his throne1 unto the first-born of the captive that was in the dungeon2 and all the first-born of cattle4 ,and ,pharaoh rose up in the night1 he1 and all his servants1 and all the ,egyptians2 and there was a great cry in ,egypt3 for there was not a house where there was not one dead4 ,and he called for ,moses and ,aaron by night1 and said1 ,rise up1 and get you forth from among my people1 both ye and the children of ,israel3 and go1 serve the ,lord1 as ye have said4 ,also take your flocks and your herds1 as ye have said1 and be gone3 and bless me also4 ,and the ,egyptians were urgent upon the people1 that they might send them out of the land in haste2 for they said1 ,we be all dead men4--,ex41 xii1 #bh-cc4 ,it is further said3 ,and it shall be when thy son asketh thee in time to come1 saying1 ,what is this8 that thou shalt say unto him1 ,by strength of hand the ,lord brought us out from ,egypt1 from the house of bondage2 and it came to pass1 when ,pharaoh would hardly let us go1 that the ,lord slew all the first-born in the land of ,egypt1 both the first-born of man1 and the first-born of beasts2 therefore ,i sacrifice to the ,lord all that openeth the matrix1 being males2 but all the first-born of my children ,i redeem4--,ex41 xiii1 #ad1 #ae4 ,from the above quotations1 amongst other important matters1 it appears1 that when the destroying angel passed by the houses of the children of ,israel he found the blood of a lamb sprinkled on the door post2 which was a type of the blood of ,christ1 the ,lamb of ,god4 ,the angel who was the executor of justice could not touch those who were protected by that sacred symbol2 because that prefigured the sacrifice of the ,son of ,god1 which was provided at the beginning of creation for the redemption of the human family1 and which was strictly in accordance with provisions then made by the ,almighty for that purpose--the ,lamb slain from before the foundation of the world--and accepted in full as an atonement for the transgressions of mankind1 according to the requirements of eternal justice and agreed to by the ,savior and ,his ,father4 ,a proposition is made to meet the requirements of justice1 which proposal is accepted by the contracting parties1 all these contracting parties being satisfied with the arrangement thus made4 ,hence it is said by one of the prophets3 ,then he is gracious unto him1 and saith1 ,deliver him from going down to the pit3 ,i have found a ransom4--,job1 xxxiii1 #bd4 ,and further3 ,therefore the redeemed of the ,lord shall return1 and come with singing unto ,zion2 and everlasting joy shall be upon their head3 they shall obtain gladness and joy2 and sorrow and mourning shall flee away4--,isaiah1 li1 #aa4 ,who are the redeemed1 except those who have accepted the terms of the ransom thus provided8 ,the ransom being provided and accepted1 the requirements of justice are met1 for those contracts are provided and sanctioned by the highest contracting parties that can be found in the heavens1 and the strongest1 most indubitable and infinite assurances are given for the fulfilment of that contract1 and until the contract is fulfilled the sacrifices are offered as a token and remembrance of the engagements and covenants entered into ,god gave a token to ,noah1 of a rainbow1 which should be a sign between ,him and mankind that ,he would nevermore destroy the earth by water2 ,he accepted these sacrifices as a token of the covenant that the ,messiah should come to take away sin by the sacrifice of ,himself1 and thus fulfil the covenant1 pertaining to this matter1 made before the world was4 ,and again there was another token1 which was given to ,adam by an angel4 ,this holy messenger said to our great father1 ,thou shalt do all that thou doest in the name of the ,son4 ,and thou shalt repent1 and call upon ,god1 in the name of the ,son for evermore4 7,pearl of ,great ,price47 ,for1 as expressed in the ,new ,testament1 there is none other name under heaven given among men1 whereby we must be saved4 7,acts iv1 #ab47 ,or1 to quote from the ,book of ,mormon1 ,there shall be no other name given1 nor any other way nor means whereby salvation can come unto the children of men1 only in and through the name of ,christ1 the ,lord ,omnipotent4 ,and furthermore1 that name1 or token1 will continue to be given until the ,scripture is fulfilled which saith3 ,wherefore ,god also hath highly exalted him1 and given him a name which is above every name3 that at the name of ,jesus every knee shall bow1 of things in heaven1 and things in earth1 and things under the earth2 and that every tongue should confess that ,jesus ,christ is ,lord1 to the glory of ,god the ,father4--,phil41 ii1 #i-aa4 ,again1 the ,lord1 through the sprinkling of the blood of a lamb on the door-posts of the ,israelites1 having saved the lives of all the first-born of ,israel1 made a claim upon them for their services in ,his cause4 ,it is written3 ,and ,i1 behold1 ,i have taken the ,levites from among the children of ,israel instead of all the first-born that openeth the matrix among the children of ,israel2 therefore the ,levites shall be mine2 because all the first-born are mine2 for on the day that ,i smote all the first-born in the land of ,egypt ,i hallowed unto me all the first-born in ,israel1 both man and beast2 mine they shall be3 ,i am the ,lord4--,num41 iii1 #ab1 #ac4 ,but the first-born of the ,egyptians1 for whom no lamb as a token of the propitiation was offered1 were destroyed4 ,it was through the propitiation and atonement alone that the ,israelites were saved1 and1 under the circumstances they must have perished with the ,egyptians1 who were doomed1 had it not been for the contemplated atonement and propitiation of ,christ1 of which this was a figure4 ,hence the ,lord claimed those that ,he saved as righteously belonging to ,him1 and claiming them as ,his ,he demanded their services2 but afterwards1 as shown in the above quotation1 ,he accepted the tribe of ,levi in lieu of the first-born of ,israel2 and as there were more of the first-born than there were of the ,levites1 the balance had to be redeemed with money1 which was given to ,aaron1 as the great ,high ,priest and representative of the ,aaronic ,priesthood1 he being also a ,levite4 7,see ,numbers1 iii1 #ej1 #ea47 ,,chapter ,,xiv4 ,history of ,sacrifices and the ,law of ,moses among the ,nephites-- ,references to the ,books of ,nephi1 ,jacob1 ,mosiah and ,alma--,the ,testimony of ,jesus regarding the ,law of ,moses4 ,from the ,bible we turn to the ,book of ,mormon1 with a view to discover to what extent the law of sacrifice1 as a type of the offering up of the promised ,messiah1 was observed among that branch of the house of ,israel which ,god planted on this continent4 ,in perusing the pages of this sacred record1 we shall find several important facts and ideas1 in connection with this subject1 presented very prominently by the ancient ,nephite historians3 among them-- ,first1 that the law of ,moses1 with all its rites1 ordinances1 and sacrifices1 was strictly observed by the faithful ,nephites from the time of their arrival on the promised land1 until it was fulfilled in ,christ1 and by his command ceased to be observed4 ,second1 that when the ,nephites brought any of the ,lamanites to the knowledge and worship of the true ,god1 they taught them to observe this law4 ,third1 that those who apostatized from the ,nephites1 as a general thing1 ceased to observe this law4 ,fourth1 that the true import of the law of ,moses1 and of its ceremonies and sacrifices1 as typical of the atonement yet to be made by our ,lord and ,savior1 was thoroughly taught by the ,priesthood among that people1 and very generally understood by them4 ,fifth1 that associated with the observance of this law1 there were continued admonitions given that salvation was in ,christ and not in the law1 which was but the shadow and type of that of which he was the prototype and reality4 ,sixth1 that temples were erected of the same pattern as that of ,solomon at ,jerusalem1 evidently for the reason that they were to be used for the same purposes4 ,seventh1 that the ,gospel was preached in connection with the law1 and churches were established and organized according to the ,gospel requirements1 and that the higher ,priesthood1 although not fully organized in all its parts1 ministered to the ,nephites as well as the lesser4 ,eighth1 it appears indubitable from the two records1 the ,bible and the ,book of ,mormon1 that the intent and true meaning of the law of ,moses1 of its sacrifices1 etc41 were far better understood and comprehended by the ,nephites than by the ,jews4 ,but in this connection1 it must not be forgotten1 that a great many most plain and precious things1 as the ,book of ,mormon states1 have been taken from the ,bible1 through the ignorance of uninspired translators or the design and cunning of wicked men4 ,as might naturally be expected1 we find that ,lehi1 like his forefathers of the ,mosaic age1 offered sacrifices to the ,lord during his journeyings in the wilderness4 ,these sacrifices were occasions of thanksgiving and praise to ,god4 ,as examples1 we note the occasion of the safe return of ,lehi's sons from ,jerusalem with the records1 when1 we are told by ,nephi1 their parents did rejoice exceedingly1 and did offer sacrifice and burnt offerings unto the ,lord2 and they gave thanks unto the ,god of ,israel4 ,and after they had given thanks unto the ,god of ,israel1 my father1 ,lehi1 took the records which were engraven upon the plates of brass1 and he did search them from the beginning4--#a ,nephi1 v1 #i1 #aj4 ,another occasion was when ,nephi and his brethren again returned from the ,holy ,city1 bringing with them ,ishmael and his family4 ,of this ,nephi writes3 ,after ,i and my brethren1 and all the house of ,ishmael1 had come down unto the tent of my father1 they did give thanks unto the ,lord their ,god2 and they did offer sacrifice and burnt offerings unto him4--#a ,nephi1 vii1 #bb4 ,after the arrival of the colony on the promised land and the death of ,lehi1 his sons and their families divided into two communities1 or nationalities2 the one righteous and ,godfearing1 the other rebellious and debased4 ,owing to the contentious and quarrelsome disposition of the latter1 who recognized ,laman1 ,lehi's eldest son1 as their head1 the portion who sought to serve the ,lord1 for the sake of peace and security moved some distance to the northward4 ,nephi was their leader1 and of them he records3 ,and all those who were with me1 did take upon them to call themselves the people of ,nephi4 ,and we did observe to keep the judgments1 and the statutes1 and the commandments of the ,lord in all things1 according to the law of ,moses4 ,and the ,lord was with us3 and we did prosper exceedingly4--#b ,nephi1 v1 #i--aa4 ,one of the first things that the ,nephites did on their arrival at their new home was to build a temple4 ,they could not keep the judgments1 the commandments1 and the statutes of the ,lord in all things1 according to the law of ,moses1 unless they did so2 and necessarily it was fashioned after the one at ,jerusalem1 for it was to be used for the same purposes2 in it the same ordinances were to be performed1 the same sacrifices were to be offered4 ,nephi writes3 ,and ,i1 ,nephi1 did build a temple3 and ,i did construct it after the manner of the temple of ,solomon1 save it were not built of so many precious things2 for they were not to be found upon the land2 wherefore1 it could not be built like unto ,solomon's temple4 ,but the manner of the construction was like unto the temple of ,solomon2 and the workmanship thereof was exceeding fine4--#b ,nephi1 v1 #af4 ,thus the fulfilling of the ,divine commandments was provided for2 a place was erected where the law of ,moses could be carried out1 and the sacrifices be offered which formed so important a part of that code4 ,the ,nephites were not left by their ,priesthood in ignorance of the intent and symbolism of these ceremonies4 ,they were not unmeaning1 burdensome1 spiritless performances to them4 ,nephi and his successors were particularly careful in explaining that these ordinances1 like all other rites of the ,church of ,god1 had their value in their association with or being directly typical of the great1 infinite sacrifice of atonement to be offered up by the ,lamb of ,god in ,his own person4 ,nephi informs us3 ,behold1 my soul delighteth in proving unto my people the truth of the coining of ,christ3 for1 for this end hath the law of ,moses been given2 and all things which have been given of ,god from the beginning of the world1 unto man1 are the typifying of him4--#b ,nephi1 xi1 #d4 ,and a little later he writes3 ,and notwithstanding we believe in ,christ1 we keep the law of ,moses1 and look forward with steadfastness unto ,christ1 until the law shall be fulfilled2 for1 for this end was the law given2 wherefore the law hath become dead unto us1 and we are made alive in ,christ1 because of our faith2 yet we keep the law because of the commandments2 and we talk of ,christ1 we rejoice in ,christ1 we preach of ,christ1 we prophesy of ,christ1 and we write according to our prophecies1 that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins4 ,wherefore1 we speak concerning the law1 that our children may know the deadness of the law2 and they1 by knowing the deadness of the law1 may look forward to the life which is in ,christ1 and know for what end the law was given4 ,and after the law is fulfilled in ,christ1 that they need not harden their hearts against him1 when the law ought to be done away4--#b ,nephi1 xxv1 #bd-bg4 ,which agrees with the statement of ,paul3 ,wherefore the law was our schoolmaster1 to bring us unto ,christ1 that we might be justified by faith4 ,so firm a foundation having been laid for the faith of the ,nephite people1 we find that in every period of their history they retained their reverence for the law of ,moses1 though disputations sometimes arose1 by reason of iniquity1 with regard to its symbolism or its saving quality4 ,the apostates1 who separated themselves from the ,church1 occasionally fell into the grievous error ef exalting the law above the ,gospel1 and1 whilst maintaining its divine origin1 they ignored its typical value and denied that it was a preparatory system leading to a higher1 holier and more perfect law2 they refused to recognize it as a schoolmaster to bring them to ,christ4 ,the first of these apostacies occurred in the days of ,jacob1 the brother of ,nephi4 ,with regard to the people in general1 he writes3 ,behold1 they believed in ,christ and worshipped the ,father in his name1 and also we worship the ,father in his name4 ,and for this intent we keep the law of ,moses1 it pointing our souls to him2 and for this cause it is sanctified unto us for righteousness1 even as it was accounted unto ,abraham in the wilderness1 to be obedient unto the commandments of ,god in offering up his son ,isaac1 which is a similitude of ,god and his only begotten ,son4--,jacob1 iv1 #e4 ,but while the majority of the ,nephites fully recognized these saving truths1 there arose a man named ,sherem1 who disputed and denied that the law pointed the souls of men to ,christ1 as the great ,propitiator for sin and the ,redeemer of the world4 ,this ,sherem declared unto the people that there should be no ,christ1 and his flatteries and sophistries led away many people4 ,of him and his doings ,jacob writes3 ,and it came to pass that he came unto me2 and on this wise did he speak unto me1 saying3 ,brother ,jacob1 ,i have sought much opportunity that ,i might speak unto you3 for ,i have heard and also know1 that thou goest about much1 preaching that which you call the gospel1 or the doctrine of ,christ2 and ye have led away much of this people1 that they pervert the right way of ,god1 and keep not the law of ,moses1 which is the right way3 and convert the law of ,moses into the worship of a being1 which ye say shall come many hundred years hence4 ,and now behold1 ,i1 ,sherem1 declare unto you1 that this is blasphemy2 for no man knoweth of such things2 for he cannot tell of things to come4 ,and after this manner did ,sherem contend against me4 ,but behold1 the ,lord ,god poured in his ,spirit into my soul1 insomuch that ,i did confound him in all his words4 ,and ,i said unto him1 ,deniest thou the ,christ who should come8 ,and he said1 ,if there should be a ,christ1 ,i would not deny him2 but ,i know that there is no ,christ1 neither has been1 nor ever will be4 ,and ,i said unto him1 ,believest thou the scriptures8 ,and he said1 ,yea4 ,and ,i said unto him1 ,then ye do not understand them2 for they truly testify of ,christ4 ,behold1 ,i say unto you1 that none of the prophets have written1 nor prophesied1 save they have spoken concerning this ,christ4 ,and this is not all3 it has been made manifest unto me1 for ,i have heard and seen and it also has been made manifest unto me by the power of the ,holy ,ghost2 wherefore1 ,i know1 if there should be no atonement made1 all mankind must be lost4--,jacob1 vii1 #f-ab4 ,somewhat similar was the argument that took place between the martyr ,abinadi and the apostate priests of the iniquitous ,noah1 king of the land of ,lehi-,nephi4 ,they officiated in the ,temple1 observed the outward forms of the ,mosaic law1 but revelled in licentiousness1 covetousness1 gluttony and all manner of iniquity4 ,to them was ,abinadi sent to warn them and their king of the results of their mutual wrong doing4 ,in the account of this mission of ,abinadi we read that he said3 ,ye have not applied your hearts to understanding2 therefore1 ye have not been wise4 ,therefore1 ,what teach ye this people8 ,and they said1 ,we teach the law of ,moses4 ,and again he said unto them1 ,if ye teach the law of ,moses why do ye not keep it8 ,why do ye set your hearts upon riches8 ,why do ye commit whoredoms and spend your strength with harlots1 yea1 and cause this people to commit sin1 that the ,lord has cause to send me to prophesy against this people1 yea1 even a great evil against this people8 ,know ye not that ,i speak the truth8 ,yea1 ye know that ,i speak the truth2 and you ought to tremble before ,god4 ,and it shall come to pass that ye shall be smitten for your iniquities3 for ye have said that ye teach the law of ,moses4 ,and what know ye concerning the law of ,moses8 ,does salvation come by the law of ,moses8 ,what say ye8 ,and they answered and said1 that salvation did come by the law of ,moses4 ,but now ,abinadi said unto them1 ,i know if ye keep the commandments of ,god ye shall be saved2 yea1 if ye keep the commandments which the ,lord delivered unto ,moses in the mount of ,sinai4--,mos41 xii1 #bg-cc4 ,he then rehearsed to them the commandments2 after which he again inquired3 ,have ye taught this people that they should observe to do all these things8 for to keep these commandments8 ,i say unto you nay2 for if ye had1 the ,lord would not have caused me to come forth and to prophesy evil concerning this people4 ,and now ye have said that salvation cometh by the law of ,moses4 ,i say unto you that it is expedient that ye should keep the law of ,moses as yet2 but ,i say unto you1 that the time shall come when it shall no more be expedient to keep the law of ,moses4 ,and moreover1 ,i say unto you1 that salvation doth not come by the law alone2 and were it not for the atonement which ,god himself shall make for the sins and iniquities of his people1 that they must unavoidably perish1 notwithstanding the law of ,moses4 ,and now ,i say unto you1 that it was expedient that there should be a law given to the children of ,israel1 yea1 even a very strict law2 for they were a stiff-necked people2 quick to do iniquity1 and slow to remember the ,lord their ,god2 therefore there was a law given them1 yea1 a law of performances and of ordinances1 a law which they were to observe strictly1 from day to day1 to keep them in remembrance of ,god1 and their duty towards him4 ,but behold1 ,i say unto you1 that all these things were types of things to come4 ,and now1 did they understand the law8 ,i say unto you1 ,nay1 they did not all understand the law2 and this because of the hardness of their hearts2 for they understood not that there could not any man be saved1 except it were through the redemption of ,god4 ,for behold1 did not ,moses prophesy unto them concerning the coming of the ,messiah1 and that ,god should redeem his people1 yea1 and even all the prophets who have prophesied ever since the world began8 ,have they not spoken more or less concerning these things8--,mos41 xiii1 #be-cc4 ,at this time the righteous ,nephites in the land of ,zarahemla were keeping the law of ,moses strictly1 so far as its outward ordinances were concerned1 and understandingly with regard to its symbolism and similitudes4 ,when the obedient ,nephites were led out of the land of ,nephi by ,mosiah1 they found in the land1 afterwards called ,zarahemla1 a people who proved to be a branch of the house of ,israel1 but who1 owing to the fact that they had no records nor scriptures1 had corrupted their language1 failed to observe the law of ,moses1 and had so far fallen that they actually denied the existence of ,god4 ,mosiah and the ,nephites amalgamated with this people1 taught them their language1 instructed them in the worship of ,god and built a temple in that land1 which indeed they made their permanent home4 ,mosiah had a son called ,benjamin1 who ruled in righteousness all the days of his long life4 ,shortly before his death he instructed his son ,mosiah to gather the people to the temple1 that he might give them a charge and nominate his successor4 ,it is written3 ,after ,mosiah had done as his father had commanded him1 and had made a proclamation throughout all the land1 that the people gathered themselves together throughout all the land1 that they might go up to the temple to hear the words which king ,benjamin should speak unto them4 ,and there were a great number1 even so many that they did not number them2 for they had multiplied exceedingly1 and waxed great in the land4 ,and they also took of the firstlings of their flocks1 that they might offer sacrifice and burnt offerings1 according to the law of ,moses4--,mos41 ii1 #a-c4 ,here we observe that the law in relation to sacrifices and burnt offerings was still faithfully observed1 although nearly five hundred years had passed since ,lehi left ,jerusalem2 for the colony which he led started on their eventful journey six hundred years before the birth of ,christ1 whilst this gathering took place one hundred and twenty-five years before that same most important appearing4 ,during the days that the ,judges ruled the ,nephites the righteous portion of that people continued to observe the requirements of this law4 ,we will simply give two quotations from the ,book of ,alma on this point1 though the references are numerous4 ,the first is3 ,yea1 and they did keep the law of ,moses2 for it was expedient that they should keep the law of ,moses as yet1 for it was not all fulfilled4 ,but notwithstanding the law of ,moses1 they did look forward to the coming of ,christ1 considering that the law of ,moses was a type of his coming1 and believing that they must keep those outward performances1 until the time that he should be revealed unto them4 ,now they did not suppose that salvation came by the law of ,moses2 but the law of ,moses did serve to strengthen their faith in ,christ2 and thus they did retain a hope through faith1 unto eternal salvation1 relying upon the spirit of prophecy1 which spake of those things to come4--,alma1 xxv1 #ae1 #af4 ,with this the words of ,paul1 when speaking on this subject1 precisely agree3 ,but before faith came1 we were kept under the law1 shut up unto the faith1 which should afterwards be revealed4 ,wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto ,christ1 that we might be justified by faith4--,gal41 iii1 #bc1 #bd4 ,the second quotation is3 ,therefore it is expedient that there should be a great and last sacrifice2 and then shall there be1 or it is expedient that there should be1 a stop to the shedding of blood2 then shall the law of ,moses be fulfilled2 yea1 it shall be all fulfilled2 every jot and tittle1 and none shall have passed away4 ,and behold1 this is the whole meaning of the law2 every whit pointing to that great and last sacrifice2 and that great and last sacrifice will be the ,son of ,god3 yea1 infinite and eternal4--,alma1 xxxiv1 #ac1 #ad4 ,but some of those who apostatized from the ,nephites and organized churches of their own ceased to keep this law4 ,such a sect were the ,zoramites1 of whom it is written3 ,now the ,zoramites were dissenters from the ,nephites2 therefore they had the word of ,god preached unto them4 ,but they had fallen into great errors1 for they would not observe to keep the commandments of ,god1 and his statutes1 according to the law of ,moses2 neither would they observe the performances of the church1 to continue in prayer and supplication to ,god daily1 that they might not enter into temptation2 yea1 in fine1 they did pervert the ways of the ,lord in very many instances4--,alma1 xxxi1 #h-aa4 ,shortly after the appearance of the signs that betokened the birth of the ,savior at ,bethlehem1 there arose a few among the ,nephites who endeavored to prove by the ,scriptures that it was no more expedient to observe the law of ,moses4 ,now in this thing they did err1 having not understood the ,scriptures4 ,but it came to pass that they soon became converted1 and were convinced of the error which they were in1 for it was made known unto them that the law was not yet fulfilled4--#c ,nephi1 i1 #bd1 #be4 ,after ,his resurrection1 ,jesus1 in ,his ministrations in the midst of the ,nephites1 perceiving that they wondered regarding the fulfilment of the law of ,moses1 said unto the listening multitude1 ,behold1 ,i say unto you that the law is fulfilled that was given unto ,moses4 ,behold1 ,i am he that gave the law1 and ,i am he who covenanted with my people ,israel2 therefore the law in me is fulfilled1 for ,i have come to fulfil the law2 therefore it hath an end4 ,behold1 ,i do not destroy the prophets1 for as many as have not been fulfilled in me1 verily ,i say unto you1 shall all be fulfilled4 ,and because ,i said unto you that old things hath passed away1 ,i do not destroy that which hath been spoken concerning things which are to come4 ,for behold1 the covenant which ,i have made with my people is not all fulfilled2 but the law which was given unto ,moses hath an end in me4--#c ,nephi1 xv1 #d-h4 ,,chapter ,,xv ,the ,offering of ,sacrifice in the ,times of the ,restitution of all ,things--,teachings of the ,prophet ,joseph ,smith thereon--,the ,sons of ,levi--,malachi's ,prophecy--,the ,dispensation of the ,fulness of ,times4 ,it would appear that1 when everything shall have been accomplished pertaining or relating to the sacrifice and atonement of the ,son of ,god1 in the time of the restitution of all things the sons of ,levi will offer up an acceptable offering unto the ,lord2 what this offering will be does not distinctly appear4 ,there are many things associated with the final salvation of man1 and the working out and accomplishment of the purposes of ,god in relation to the human family1 which lie yet in the future3 the peculiar position which the children will occupy1 also the position of the heathen who have died without law1 and of those who have been translated1 and who it would appear have a specified labor to perform associated with their mission to the terrestrial worlds2 the letting loose of ,satan after the thousand years1 and many other things which it is not permitted for us at the present time to comprehend in full4 ,these will all be revealed in the due time of the ,lord4 ,the ,prophet ,joseph makes the following statement with regard to the offerings above referred to3 ,thus we behold the keys of this ,priesthood consisted in obtaining the voice of ,jehovah1 that ,he talked with him ,noah in a familiar and friendly manner1 that ,he continued to him the keys1 the covenants1 the power and the glory with which ,he blessed ,adam at the beginning2 and the offering of sacrifice1 which also shall be continued at the last time2 for all the ordinances and duties that ever have been required by the ,priesthood1 under the directions and commandments of the ,almighty1 in any of the dispensations1 shall all be had in the last dispensation2 therefore all things had under the authority of the ,priesthood at any former period1 shall be had again1 bringing to pass the restoration spoken of by the mouth of all the holy ,prophets2 then shall the sons of ,levi offer an acceptable sacrifice to tho ,lord4 ,see ,malachi1 iii1 #c3 ',and he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver1 and he shall purify the sons of ,levi1 and purge them as gold and silver1 that they may offer unto the ,lord4' ,it will be necessary here to make a few observations on the doctrine set forth in the above quotation1 as it is generally supposed that sacrifice was entirely done away when the ,great ,sacrifice was offered up1 and that there will be no necessity for the ordinance of sacrifice in future2 but those who assert this are certainly not acquainted with the duties1 privileges1 and authority of the ,priesthood1 or with the ,prophets4 ,the offering of sacrifice has ever been connected with and forms a part of the duties of the ,priesthood4 ,it began with the ,priesthood1 and will be continued until after the coming of ,christ1 from generation to generation4 ,we frequently have mention made of the offering of sacrifice by the servants of the ,most ,high in ancient days1 prior to the law of ,moses2 which ordinances will be continued when the ,priesthood is restored with all its authority1 power and blessings4 ,elijah was the last ,prophet that held the keys of this ,priesthood1 and who will1 before the last dispensation1 restore the authority and deliver the keys of this ,priesthood1 in order that all the ordinances may be attended to in righteousness4 ,it is true that the ,savior had authority and power to bestow this blessing1 but the sons of ,levi were too prejudiced4 ',and ,i will send ,elijah the ,prophet before the great and terrible day of the ,lord1' etc41 etc4 ,why send ,elijah8 ,because he holds the keys of the authority to administer in all the ordinances of the ,priesthood1 and without the authority is given1 the ordinances could not be administered in righteousness4 ,it is a very prevalent opinion that the sacrifices which were offered were entirely consumed4 ,this was not the case2 if you read ,leviticus1 second chapter1 second and third verses1 you will observe that the priest took a part as a memorial and offered it up before the ,lord1 while the remainder was kept for the maintenance of the priests1 so that the offerings and sacrifices are not all consumed upon the altar1 but the blood is sprinkled1 and the fat and certain other portions are consumed4 ,these sacrifices1 as well as every ordinance belonging to the ,priesthood1 will1 when the ,temple of the ,lord shall be built1 and the sons of ,levi be purified1 be fully restored and attended to in all their powers1 ramifications and blessings4 ,this ever did and will exist when the powers of the ,melchizedek ,priesthood are sufficiently manifest1 else how can the restitution of all things spoken of by all the holy ,prophets be brought to pass8 ,it is not to be understood that the law of ,moses will be established again with all its rites and variety of ceremonies4 ,this has never been spoken of by the ,prophets1 but those things which existed prior to ,moses' day1 namely1 sacrifice1 will be continued4 ,it may be asked by some1 ,what necessity for sacrifice1 since the ,great ,sacrifice was offered8 ,in answer to which1 if repentance1 baptism and faith existed prior to the days of ,christ1 what necessity for them since that time8 ,the ,priesthood has descended in a regular line from father to son1 through their succeeding generations4 ,see ,book of ,doctrine and ,covenants4--,history of ,joseph ,smith1 ,deseret ,news1 ,vol4 ,,iv41 ,no4 #cj4 ,the remarks of ,president ,joseph ,smith are very plain and explicit1 and are a strong confirmation of the passage he himself refers to1 pertaining to the times of the restitution of all things2 which will embrace all systems1 doctrines1 ordinances1 dispensations1 and ,priesthoods connected with the ,church and ,kingdom of ,god4 ,that there will be a full manifestation of all these things1 relating to the various times and dispensations1 is assured2 yet1 as ,joseph ,smith has very properly said1 the details of those rituals and observances cannot now be fully defined4 ,but as ancient ,israel preserved in the ,ark of the ,covenant memorials of ,god's power1 goodness and mercy1 manifested during the exodus from ,egypt1 in the two tables of stone and the pot of manna2 and of the recognition of the ,aaronic ,priesthood in ,aaron's rod that budded2 and as the sword of ,laban1 the sacred plates already revealed1 as well as numerous others yet to be made manifest1 and a ,urim and ,thummim were preserved on this continent2 so will there be an exhibition an evidence1 a memorial1 and an actual manifestation of matters pertaining to laws1 ordinances1 ceremonies and dispensations1 from the commencement of the world to the present time1 preserved and manifested in the dispensation that the ,lord in ,his loving kindness has now inaugurated4 ,this will be in accordance with the eternal plans and purposes of ,god1 and with the rights1 ceremonies and ordinances belonging to the ,priesthoods of ,god in the different ages1 pertaining to the organization of this world1 the proposed mediation and atonement of the ,son of ,god1 the manifestations and developments of the ,melchizedek ,priesthood1 as the ,prophet ,joseph has referred to1 as well relating to sacrifices in early days as in other matters1 the introduction of the ,aaronic ,priesthood1 together with the ,ark and the ,tabernacle1 which we are told were made after the patterns shown unto ,moses in the mount--patterns which existed in the heavens2 the eternal existence1 authority and power of both ,priesthoods as connected with ,god and administering in time and eternity2 the attempts of ,satan to overthrow the dynasty1 power and authority of ,jehovah and his complete failure and discomfiture2 exhibiting in a panorama all the leading1 prominent details of the creation1 atonement1 redemption1 salvation and exaltation of the world and man1 the organization of a new heaven and a new earth1 and all the purposes of ,god1 ,his plans and ordinances1 manifested through the ,priesthood from the first inception of the organization of the world to the final consummation1 purification and exaltation of the world and its inhabitants1 according to the foreknowledge and determinate counsel of the ,almighty4 ,for as these memorials of the atonement were used by the ancient ,patriarchs and ,prophets to manifest to ,god their faith in the plan of redemption and in the coming ,redeemer2 so will these great types be again introduced as exhibiting the sacrifice of the great antitype1 ,jesus1 the ,mediator of the ,new ,covenant1 and as a perpetual recognition of the eternal salvation and exaltation wrought out by ,him for the human family by the sacrifice of ,himself4 7,see also #c ,nephi1 xv1 #d-h1 previously quoted47 ,,chapter ,,xvi4 ,brief ,retrospect of the ,history of ,sacrifice and its ,symbolism--,the ,passover and the ,lord's ,supper--,christ's ,relation to both these ,ordinances--,the ,last ,supper4 ,as before stated1 these sacrifices which were offered up from the days of ,adam until the time of our ,savior's advent1 were typical of the great expiatory sacrifice which ,he was to make by the sacrifice of ,himself4 ,they were so many types1 shadows and forms of which ,he was the great prototype--the substance1 the reality prefigured and foreshadowed by the other sacrifices which had been offered up from the beginning4 ,when the law was given by ,moses1 all the forms pertaining to the sacrificial ceremonies were revealed in detail1 and the instructions in relation thereto were not simply of a general nature1 but they entered into minute particulars in relation to all things connected with those who officiated1 the form and pattern of the sacred utensils and of the vestments of the ,priesthood1 the creatures to be sacrificed1 the order of the proceedings1 and indeed of all matters associated with the observance of these rites4 ,almost the whole of the book of ,leviticus1 and considerable of the book of ,numbers1 is occupied with these instructions and kindred matters4 ,this ,mosaic law1 with all its duties1 observances1 ceremonies and sacrifices1 continued in force until ,christ's death4 ,the time having come when the great atonement should be made by the offering up of ,himself1 ,christ told ,peter and ,john to go and prepare a place where ,he might1 according to ,his custom1 eat the ,passover with ,his disciples4 ,eat what with ,his disciples8 ,the ,passover4 ,was it the ,passover1 or the ,sacrament of the ,lord's ,supper8 ,the ,lord1 in ,egypt1 passed by1 or passed over the houses of the ,israelites whose door posts had been sprinkled with the blood of the lamb sacrificed for that purpose2 and the ,israelites were commanded to observe this ,passover in all their generations4 ,jesus1 in compliance with this command1 directed that a place be made ready where ,he might eat the ,passover with ,his ,apostles2 for ,he1 the great prototype1 was going to offer up ,himself as a lamb without spot or blemish2 not only for the ,israelites1 but for all nations1 for every people1 and kindred1 and tongue under the face of the whole heavens3 ,for ,god so loved the world1 that he gave his only begotten ,son1 that whosoever believeth in him should not perish1 but have everlasting life4 ,for ,god sent not his ,son into the world to condemn the world2 but that the world through him might be saved4 ,but previous to the offering up of ,himself1 as the great expiatory sacrifice1 having fulfilled the law and made it honorable1 and having introduced the ,gospel1 ,he met with ,his disciples1 as already noticed1 to eat the ,passover4 ,he then told them1 ,with desire ,i have desired to eat this passover with you before ,i suffer4 ,to eat what with you8 ,the ,passover4 ,to eat what with you8 ,the ,sacrament of the ,lord's ,supper4 ,thus ,he eat both1 for the two ceremonies centered in ,him1 ,he was the embodiment of both1 ,he was the ,being provided before the foundation of the earth1 and prophesied of by men of ,god throughout all the preceding ages2 and also on account of whom the sacrifices were offered up by all the servants of the ,lord1 from the fall of ,adam to that time2 and all the various atonements heretofore offered pointed to ,him1 for whom they were all made and in whom they all centered4 ,on the other hand1 ,he it was who introduced the more perfect law1 and offering ,himself once for all1 an infinite atonement1 ,he1 through this sacrifice1 accomplished that which was designed by the ,almighty before the world was1 and of which the blood of bullocks1 of goats and of lambs was merely the shadow4 ,in view of what was almost immediately to take place1 ,he instituted the sacrament of the ,lord's ,supper in commemoration of this great crowning act of redemption4 ,when at the table1 ,he took bread1 and gave thanks1 and brake it1 and gave unto them1 saying1 ,this is my body which is given for you3 this do in remembrance of me2 afterwards1 ,he took the cup1 and gave thanks1 and gave it to them saying1 ,drink ye all of it2 for this is my blood of the new testament which is shed for many for the remission of sins4 ,in reality1 this act of the atonement was the fulfilment of the sacrifices1 of the prophesying1 of the ,passover1 and of all the leading1 prominent acts of the ,patriarchs and ,prophets relating thereto2 and having performed this1 the past and the future both centered in ,him4 ,did these worthies offer sacrifices8 ,they prefigured ,his appearing and atonement4 ,did they prophecy8 ,it was of ,him1 for the testimony of ,jesus is the spirit of prophecy4 ,did they keep the ,passover8 ,he ,himself was the great expiatory offering4 ,were the people called upon afterwards to commemorate this event8 ,they did it in remembrance of ,him1 as a great memorial among all of ,his disciples in all nations1 throughout all time2 of the sacrifice of ,his broken body and spilt blood2 the antitype of the sacrificial lamb slain at the time of the ,passover2 of ,him2 as being the ,mediator1 the ,messiah1 the ,christ1 the ,alpha and ,omega1 the ,beginning and the ,end3 the ,son of the living ,god4 ,as from the commencement of the world to the time when the ,passover was instituted1 sacrifices had been offered as a memorial or type of the sacrifice of the ,son of ,god2 so from the time of the ,passover until that time when ,he came to offer up ,himself1 these sacrifices and types and shadows had been carefully observed by ,prophets and ,patriarchs2 according to the command given to ,moses and other followers of the ,lord4 ,so also did ,he ,himself fulfil this requirement1 and kept the ,passover as did others2 and now we1 after the great sacrifice has been offered1 partake of the' ,sacrament of the ,lord's ,supper in remembrance thereof4 ,thus this act was the great connecting link between the past and the future2 thus ,he fulfilled the law1 met the demands of justice1 and obeyed the requirements of ,his ,heavenly ,father1 although laboring under the weight of the sins of the world1 and the terrible expiation which ,he had to make1 when1 sweating great drops of blood1 ,he cried3 ,father1 if it be possible let this cup pass from me2 nevertheless not my will but thine be done2 and when expiring in agony upon the cross ,he cried1 ,it is finished1 and gave up the ghost4 ,during this ever memorable supper1 the ,savior said unto ,his disciples1 ,but ,i say unto you1 ,i will not drink henceforth of the fruit of the vine1 until that day when ,i drink it new with you in my ,father's kingdom4 ,he was the ,lamb proposed to be slain from before the foundation of the world2 ,he was the ,lamb spoken of by the ,prophets in the different ages1 and for which sacrifices were made2 in ,him was now fulfilled everything that prefigured ,his approach1 and that was prophesied of ,him pertaining to the atonement4 ,he also was to burst the barriers of the tomb1 become the first fruits of those that slept1 and introduce the resurrection1 and indeed to be the ,resurrection and the ,life4 ,he was also to ascend to the heavens1 resurrect ,his ,saints1 and after resurrecting them1 drink of the fruit of the vine with them in ,his ,father's kingdom4 ,every knee should yet bow to ,him1 and every tongue confess that ,he was the ,christ to the glory of ,god the ,father4 ,every nation1 kindred1 and tongue should bow to ,his sceptre1 and the earth through ,him be filled with the knowledge of ,god1 as the waters cover the sea1 the earth be redeemed and become celestial1 a new heaven and a new earth be instituted1 wherein dwelleth righteousness1 and the redemption and resurrection of the living and the dead1 according to the eternal plan of ,jehovah1 should be brought about through ,his mediation and atonement4 ,,chapter ,,xvii4 ,the ,atonement and the ,resurrection--,adam and ,christ--,why a ,law was given unto ,adam--,the ,results of ,disobedience to that ,law--,testimony of our ,first ,parents--,adam fell that ,man might be--,the ,fall a ,necessary ,part of the ,plan of ,salvation--,god's ,plan a ,merciful ,plan--,the ,plan of ,lucifer--,man's ,free ,agency--,the ,chain ,complete4 ,in the economy of ,god and the plan proposed by the ,almighty1 it was provided that man was to be placed under a law apparently simple in itself1 yet the test of that law was fraught with the gravest consequences4 ,the observance of that law would secure eternal life1 and the penalty for the violation of that law was death4 ,for1 we are told1 in ,adam all die1 and hence the declaration1 ,it is appointed for man once to die4 ,there is another principle associated with this1 which is1 that the atonement provided a means and plan whereby death could be overcome1 and the resurrection of the body from death be brought about1 for it is written1 ,as in ,adam all die1 even so in ,christ shall all be made alive4 ,but without this atonement the resurrection of the body could not be brought about2 hence ,jesus1 when on earth1 proclaimed1 ,i am the ,resurrection and the ,life1 and ,he ,himself was the first fruits of them that slept4 ,men could not have been tested without a law4 ,the penalty for the violation of that law was death4 ,if the law had not been broken1 man would have lived2 but would man thus living have been capable of perpetuating his species1 and of thus fulfilling the designs of ,god in preparing tabernacles for the spirits which had been created in the spirit world8 ,and further1 could they have had the need of a mediator1 who was to act as a propitiation for the violation of this law1 which it would appear from the circumstances was destined to be broken2 or could the eternal increase and perpetuity of man have been continued1 and his high exaltation to the ,godhead been accomplished1 without the propitiatory atonement and sacrifice of the ,son of ,god8 ,jesus said1 ,thus it is written1 and thus it behooved ,christ to suffer4 ,could it have behooved ,christ to suffer if man had not sinned1 and was it not part of the eternal plan of ,god that man should violate that law1 that an atonement might be provided and had1 and by this means man be purified and perfected1 through the struggles and trials incident to his coming in contact with the powers of darkness1 and1 through the mediation and atonement of ,jesus ,christ1 and his own obedience to the requirements of the law associated therewith1 be raised to a higher state of existence than it would have been possible for him to have obtained without the transgression of that law8 ,these points are made exceedingly plain in the ,pearl of ,great ,price4 ,it is there stated3 ,and ,adam called upon the name of the ,lord1 and ,eve also1 his wife2 and they heard the voice of the ,lord from the way towards the garden of ,eden1 speaking unto them1 and they saw him not2 for they were shut out from his presence4 ,and he gave unto them commandments1 that they should worship the ,lord their ,god1 and should offer the firstlings of their flocks1 for an offering unto the ,lord4 ,and ,adam was obedient unto the commandments of the ,lord4 ,and after many days an angel of the ,lord appeared unto ,adam1 saying1 ,why dost thou offer sacrifices unto the ,lord8 ,and ,adam said unto him1 ,i know not1 save the ,lord commanded me4 ,and then the angel spake1 saying1 ,this thing is a similitude of the sacrifice of the ,only ,begotten of the ,father1 which is full of grace and truth4 ,wherefore1 thou shalt do all that thou doest in the name of the ,son1 and thou shalt repent and call upon ,god in the name of the ,son for evermore4 ,and in that day the ,holy ,ghost fell upon ,adam1 which beareth record of the ,father and the ,son1 saying1 ,i am the ,only ,begotten of the ,father from the beginning1 henceforth and for ever1 that as thou hast fallen thou mayest be redeemed2 and all mankind1 even as many as will4 ,and in that day ,adam blessed ,god and was filled1 and began to prophesy concerning all the families of the earth1 saying1 ,blessed be the name of ,god1 for because of my transgression my eyes are opened1 and in this life ,i shall have joy1 and again in the flesh ,i shall see ,god4 ,and ,eve1 his wife1 heard all these things and was glad1 saying1 ,were it not for our transgression we never should have had seed1 and never should have known good and evil1 and the joy of our redemption1 and the eternal life which ,god giveth unto all the obedient4 ,and ,adam and ,eve blessed the name of ,god2 and they made all things known unto their sons and their daughters4 ,thus we find3 ,firstly4 ,that ,adam and ,eve both considered that they had gained1 instead of suffered loss1 through their disobedience to that law2 for they made the statement1 that if it had not been for their transgression they never would have known good and evil4 ,and again1 they would have been incapable of increase2 and without that increase the designs of ,god in relation to the formation of the earth and man could not have been accomplished2 for one great object of the creation of the world was the propagation of the human species1 that bodies might be prepared for those spirits who already existed1 and who1 when they saw the earth formed1 shouted for joy4 ,secondly4 ,by pursuing the course they did1 through the atonement1 they would see ,god as they had done before2 and furthermore1 they would be capable of exaltation1 which was made possible only through their fall1 and the atonement of ,jesus ,christ2 and also1 they might have the comforting influence of the ,spirit of ,god1 and ,his guidance and direction here1 as well as eternal lives and exaltations in the world to come4 ,paul1 in his ,epistle to the ,romans1 also writes very directly upon these truths2 he says3 ,nevertheless1 death reigned from ,adam to ,moses1 even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of ,adam's transgression1 who is the figure of him that was to come4 ,but not as the offence1 so also is the free gift4 ,for if1 through the offence of one many be dead1 much more the grace of ,god1 and the gift by grace1 which is by one man1 ,jesus ,christ1 hath abounded unto many4 ,and not as it was by one that sinned1 so is the gift2 for the judgment was by one to condemnation1 but the free gift is of many offences unto justification4 ,for if by one man's offence death reigned by one2 much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one ,jesus ,christ4 ,therefore1 as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation2 even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life4 ,for as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners1 so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous4 ,moreover1 the law entered1 that the offence might abound4 ,but where sin abounded1 grace did much more abound3 that as sin hath reigned unto death1 even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life1 by ,jesus ,christ our ,lord4 --,romans1 v41 #ad-ba4 ,whilst in the ,book of ,mormon ,lehi teaches3 ,and now1 behold1 if ,adam had not transgressed1 he would not have fallen2 but he would have remained in the garden of ,eden4 ,and all things which were created1 must have remained in the same state which they were1 after they were created2 and they must have remained for ever1 and had no end4 ,and they would have had no children2 wherefore1 they would have remained in a state of innocence1 having no joy1 for they knew no misery2 doing no good1 for they knew no sin4 ,but behold1 all things have been done in the wisdom of ,him who knoweth all things4 ,adam fell that men might be2 and men are1 that they might have joy4 ,and the ,messiah cometh in the fulness of time1 that he may redeem the children of men from the fall4 ,and because that they are redeemed from the fall1 they have become free for ever1 knowing good from evil2 to act for themselves1 and not to be acted upon1 save it be by the punishment of the law at the great and last day1 according to the commandments which ,god hath given4 ,wherefore1 men are free according to the flesh2 and all things are given them which are expedient unto man4 ,and they are free to choose liberty and eternal life1 through the great mediation of all men1 or to choose captivity and death1 according to the captivity and power of the devil2 for he seeketh that all men might be miserable1 like unto himself4--#b ,nephi1 ii1 #bb-bg4 ,in the same book it is written3 ,yea1 ,i know that ye know1 that in the body he shall show himself unto those at ,jerusalem1 from whence we came2 for it is expedient that it should be among them2 for it behooveth the great ,creator that he suffereth himself to become subject unto man in the flesh1 and die for all men1 that all men might become subject unto him4 ,for as death hath passed upon all men1 to fulfil the merciful plan of the great ,creator1 there must needs be a power of resurrection1 and the resurrection must needs come unto man by reason of the fall2 and the fall came by reason of transgression2 and because man became fallen1 they were cut off from the presence of the ,lord4 ,wherefore it must needs be an infinite atonement4 ,save it should be an infinite atonement1 this corruption could not put on incorruption4 ,wherefore1 the first judgment which came upon man must needs have remained to an endless duration4 ,and if so1 this flesh must have laid down to rot and to crumble to its mother earth1 to rise no more4 ,o the wisdom of ,god6 his mercy and grace6 ,for behold1 if the flesh should rise no more1 our spirits must become subject to that angel who fell from before the presence of the eternal ,god1 and became the devil1 to rise no more4--#b ,nephi1 ix1 #e-h4 ,there is a principle developed in the above quotation to the effect that death was passed upon all men to fulfill the merciful plan of the great ,creator2 and furthermore1 that the resurrection came by reason of the fall4 ,for if man had not sinned1 there would have been no death1 and if ,jesus had not atoned for the sin1 there would have been no resurrection4 ,hence these things are spoken of as being according to the merciful plan of ,god4 ,this corruption could not have put on incorruption1 and this mortality could not have put on immortality1 for1 as we have elsewhere shown1 man by reason of any thing that he himself could do or accomplish1 could only exalt himself to the dignity and capability of man and therefore it needed the atonement of a ,god1 before man1 through the adoption1 could be exalted to the ,godhead4 ,again1 if the body could not have been resurrected1 it would have had to crumble to its mother earth1 and remain in that condition without the capability of ascending to the ,godhead3 and furthermore1 not only would our bodies have lost their entity1 their life and power1 but the spirit also would have been placed in a state of subjection to that angel who fell from before the presence of the eternal ,god1 and became the devil1 without a capability or even hope of life1 salvation and exaltation1 and would have been deprived of all free agency and power1 and subject to the influences1 dominion and eternal destruction of ,lucifer1 the enemy of man and of ,god4 ,hence1 on this ground1 and because of the terrible effects which would have resulted to humanity from the proposed plan to deprive man of his free agency1 and in seeking to do away with the atonement1 ,lucifer was cast out of heaven1 as were also those associated with him in the same diabolical plans and purposes4 ,the testimony of the ,book of ,doctrine and ,covenants is in full accord with the revelations in the ancient scriptures4 ,in it we are instructed that ,god created man1 male and female1 after his own image and in his own likeness created he them1 and pave unto them commandments that they should love and serve him1 the only living and true ,god1 and that he should be the only being whom they should worship4 ,but by the transgression of these holy laws1 man became sensual and devilish1 and became fallen man4 ,wherefore the ,almighty ,god gave his ,only ,begotten ,son1 as it is written in those scriptures which have been given of him4 ,he suffered temptations1 but gave no heed unto them2 he was crucified1 died1 and rose again the third day2 and ascended into heaven1 to sit down on the right hand of the ,father1 to reign with almighty power according to the will of the ,father4--,doc4 and ,cov41 sec4 xx1 #ah-bd1 p4 #abc4 ,again1 we read from the same source3 ,behold1 ,i gave unto him that he should be an agent unto himself2 and ,i gave unto him commandment1 but no temporal commandment gave ,i unto him1 for my commandments are spiritual1 they are not natural nor temporal1 neither carnal nor sensual4--,doc4 and ,cov41 sec4 xxix1 #ce1 p4 #adf4 ,wherefore1 it came to pass that the devil tempted ,adam1 and he partook the forbidden fruit and transgressed the commandment1 wherein he became subject to the will of the 'devil1 because he yielded unto temptation4 ,wherefore1 ,i the ,lord ,god caused that he should be cast out from the garden of ,eden1 from my presence1 because of his transgression1 wherein he became spiritually dead1 which is the first death1 even that same death1 which is the last death1 which is spiritual1 which shall be pronounced upon the wicked when ,i shall say1 ,depart1 ye cursed4 ,but1 behold1 ,i say unto you1 that ,i the ,lord ,god gave unto ,adam and to his seed that they should not die as to the temporal death1 until ,i the ,lord ,god should send forth angels to declare unto them repentance and redemption1 through faith on the name of mine ,only ,begotten ,son4 ,and thus did ,i1 the ,lord ,god1 appoint unto man the days of his probation2 that by his natural death he might be raised in immortality unto eternal life1 even as many as would believe4--,doc4 and ,cov41 xxix1 #dj-dc1 p4 #adg4 ,in accordance with this we find it written in the ,pearl of ,great ,price1 that the ,lord did send an angel to ,adam 7as elsewhere quoted71 who taught unto him the ,gospel4 ,thus it would appear that if any of the links of this great chain had been broken1 it would have interfered with the comprehensive plan of the ,almighty pertaining to the salvation and eternal exaltation of those spirits who were ,his sons1 and for whom principally the world was made2 that they through submission to the requirements of the eternal principle and law governing these matters might possess bodies1 and these bodies united with the spirits might become living souls1 and being the sons of ,god1 and made in the image of ,god1 they1 through the atonement might be exalted1 by obedience to the law of the ,gospel2 to the ,godhead4 ,,chapter ,,xviii4 ,christ as the ,son of ,god--,a ,comparison between ,his ,position ,glory1 etc41 and ,those of other ,sons of ,god--,his ,recognition by the ,father--,christ called the ,very ,eternal ,father4 ,it may here be asked1 ,what difference is there between the ,son of ,god1 as the ,son of ,god1 the ,redeemer1 and those who believe in ,him and partake of the blessings of the ,gospel8 ,one thing1 as we read1 is that the ,father gave ,him power to have life in ,himself3 ,for as the ,father hath life in himself1 so hath he given to the ,son to have life in himself2 and further1 ,he had power1 when all mankind had lost their life1 to restore life to them again2 and hence ,he is the ,resurrection and the ,life1 which power no other man possesses4 ,another distinction is1 that having this life in ,himself1 ,he had power1 as ,he said1 to lay down ,his life and to take it up again1 which power was also given ,him by the ,father4 ,this is also a power which no other being associated with this earth possesses4 ,again1 ,he is the brightness of ,his ,father's glory and the express image of ,his person4 ,also1 ,he doeth what ,he seeth the ,father do1 while we only do that which we are permitted and empowered to do by ,him4 ,he is the ,elect1 the ,chosen1 and one of the ,presidency in the heavens1 and in ,him dwells all the fulness of the ,godhead bodily1 which could not be said of us in any of these particulars4 ,another thing is1 that all power is given to ,him in heaven and upon earth1 which no earthly being could say4 ,it is also stated that ,lucifer was before ,adam2 so was ,jesus4 ,and ,adam1 as well as all other believers1 was commanded to do all that he did in the name of the ,son1 and to call upon ,god in ,his name for ever more2 which honor was not applicable to any earthly being4 ,he1 in the nearness of ,his relationship to the ,father1 seems to occupy a position that no other person occupies4 ,he is spoken of as ,his well beloved ,son1 as the ,only ,begotten of the ,father--does not this mean the only begotten after the flesh8 ,if ,he was the first born and obedient to the laws of ,his ,father1 did ,he not inherit the position by right to be the representative of ,god1 the ,savior and ,redeemer of the world8 ,and was it not ,his peculiar right and privilege as the firstborn1 the legitimate heir of ,god1 the ,eternal ,father1 to step forth1 accomplish and carry out the designs of ,his ,heavenly ,father pertaining to the redemption1 salvation and exaltation of man8 ,and being ,himself without sin 7which no other mortal was71 ,he took the position of ,savior and ,redeemer1 which by right belonged to ,him as the first born4 ,and does it not seem that in having a body specially prepared1 and being the offspring of ,god1 both in body and spirit1 ,he stood preeminently in the position of the ,son of ,god1 or in the place of ,god1 and was ,god1 and was thus the fit and only personage capable of making an infinite atonement8 ,hence we read3 ,wherefore1 when he cometh into the world1 he saith1 ,sacrifice and offering thou wouldst not1 but a body hast thou prepared me3 in burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure4 ,then said ,i1 ,lo1 ,i come 7in the volume of the book it is written of me7 to do thy will1 ,o ,god4 ,above1 when he said1 ,sacrifice and offering and burnt-offerings and offering for sin thou wouldst not1 neither hadst pleasure therein2 which are offered by the law2 then said he1 ,lo1 ,i come to do thy will1 ,o ,god ,he taketh away the first1 that he may establish the second4--,heb41 x1 #e-i4 ,we are told1 in the ,pearl of ,great ,price1 that when ,satan proposed a plan of his own1 promising to redeem every soul of man1 but wherein the free agency of man would be destroyed1 and said1 ,wherefore give me thine honor1 the ,only ,begotten said1 ,father1 thy will be done1 and the glory be thine for ever ,i am prepared to carry out thy plan4 ,the ,apostle above quoted states1 ,a body hast thou prepared me4 99 99 ,then said ,i1 ,lo1 ,i come to do thy will1 ,o ,lord4 ,hence from the above we learn that though others might be the sons of ,god through ,him1 yet it needed ,his body1 ,his fulfilment of the law1 the sacrifice or offering up of that body in the atonement1 before any of these others1 who were also sons of ,god by birth in the spirit world1 could attain to the position of sons of ,god as ,he was2 and that only through ,his mediation and atonement4 ,so that in ,him1 and of ,him1 and through ,him1 through the principle of adoption1 could we alone obtain that position which is spoken of by ,john3 ,beloved1 now are we the sons of ,god2 and it doth not yet appear what we shall be3 but we know that when he shall appear we shall be like him1 for we shall see him as he is4 ,thus ,his atonement made it possible for us to obtain an exaltation1 which we could not have possessed without it4 ,his name shall be called ,immanuel1 which being interpreted is1 ,god with us4 ,hence ,he is not only called the ,son of ,god1 the ,first ,begotten of the ,father1 the ,well ,beloved1 the ,head1 and ,ruler1 and ,dictator of all things1 ,jehovah1 the ,i ,am1 the ,alpha and ,omega1 but ,he is also called the ,very ,eternal ,father4 ,does not this mean that in ,him were the attributes and power of the ,very ,eternal ,father8 ,for the angel to ,adam said that all things should be done in ,his name4 ,a voice was heard from the heavens1 when ,jesus was baptized by ,john the ,baptist1 saying1 ,this is my beloved ,son1 in whom ,i am well pleased1 and when the ,father and the ,son appeared together to the ,prophet ,joseph ,smith they were exactly alike in form1 in appearance1 in glory2 and the ,father said1 pointing to ,his ,son1 ,this is my beloved ,son2 hear ,him4 ,there the ,father had ,his apparent tabernacle1 and the ,son had ,his apparent tabernacle2 but the ,son was the agency through which the ,father would communicate to man2 as it is elsewhere said1 ,wherefore1 thou shalt do all that thou doest in the name of the ,son4 ,and thou shalt repent1 and shalt call upon ,god1 in the name of the ,son1 for evermore4 ,,chapter ,,xix4 ,man as ,man--,his ,excellency and ,his ,limitations--,salvation and ,eternal ,progression ,impossible without the ,atonement--,in ,christ only can ,all be made ,alive4 ,man1 as man1 can only make use of the powers which are possessed by man4 ,made1 indeed1 as represented in the ,scriptures1 in the image of ,god1 as monarch of the universe he stands erect on the earth in the likeness of his ,great ,creator2 beautifully constructed in all his parts1 with a body possessing all the functions necessary for the wants of humanity2 standing1 not only by right1 but by adaptability1 beauty1 symmetry and glory1 at the head of all creation2 possessing also mental powers and the capacity of reflecting upon the past1 with capabilities to reason upon cause and effect1 and by the inductive powers of his mind1 through the inspiration of the ,almighty1 to comprehend the magnificent laws of nature as exhibited in the works of creation2 with the capacity also of using the elements and forces of nature1 and of adapting them to his own special benefit2 and by his powers penetrating into the deep1 ascending into the heavens1 rushing with mighty velocity across the earth1 making use of the separate or combined forces of nature with which he is surrounded and subjugating them to his will2 as1 likewise1 by his intelligence1 he has dominion over the fishes of the sea1 over the fowls of the air1 and over the cattle4 ,he can girdle the earth with the electric fluid and convey his thoughts to any land or zone2 by the same subtle influence he can talk with his fellows1 and be heard when hundreds of miles apart4 ,he can apply the forces of earth1 air1 fire and water to make them subservient to his will1 and stands proudly erect as the head of all creation and the representative of ,god upon the earth4 ,but while he occupies this exalted position1 and is in the image of ,god1 yet he possesses simply1 as a man1 only the powers which belong to man2 and is subject to weakness1 infirmity1 disease and death4 ,and when he dies1 without some superior aid pertaining to the future1 that noble structure lies silent and helpless1 its organs1 that heretofore were active1 lively and energetic1 are now dormant1 inactive and powerless4 ,and what of the mind1 that before went back into eternity and reached forward into eternity8 ,and what of its powers8 ,or what of that spirit1 which1 with its ,godlike energies1 its prescience and power1 could grasp infinity8 ,what of it1 and where is it8 ,the ,scriptures say that the body returns to the dust and the spirit returns to ,god who gave it4 ,but what of its powers as made known to us1 what of the hereafter8 ,the philosophy of the world tells us that the spirit dies with the body1 and like it is dissipated in surrounding nature1 but as an entirety no longer exists2 and all the power the being ever had was to propagate its own species and to impart the powers of the body and the mind to its posterity4 ,such philosophers can comprehend nothing pertaining to the future--no glory1 no exaltation1 no eternal progression1 only as developed by a succession of manhood4 ,if1 then1 there is a spirit in man which reaches into futurity1 that would grasp eternal progress1 eternal enjoyments1 and eternal exaltations2 then those glories1 those exaltations1 those capabilities and those powers must be the gift of some superior being1 power1 or authority to that which exists in man2 for the foregoing is a brief exhibition of the powers and capabilities of humanity4 ,it is of this gift that we now speak4 ,it is of a principle that emanates from ,god1 that originates with a superior intelligence1 whose plans1 and powers1 and capabilities are exalted above those of mortal man1 as the heavens are above the earth1 or as the majestic works of the ,great ,creator throughout the infinitude of space are superior to the puny efforts of the children of mortality4 ,it is for the exaltation of man to this state of superior intelligence and ,godhead that the mediation and atonement of ,jesus ,christ is instituted2 and that noble being1 man1 made in the image of ,god1 is rendered capable not only of being a son of man1 but also a son of ,god1 through adoption1 and is rendered capable of becoming a ,god1 possessing the power1 the majesty1 the exaltation and the position of a ,god1 ,as it is written1 ,beloved1 now are we the sons of ,god2 and it doth not yet appear what we shall be3 but we know that1 when he shall appear1 we shall be like him2 for we shall see him as he is4 ,as a man through the powers of his body he could attain to the dignity and completeness of manhood1 but could go no further2 as a man he is born1 as a man he lives1 and as a man he dies2 but through the essence and power of the ,godhead1 which is in him1 which descended to him as the gift of ,god from his heavenly ,father1 he is capable of rising from the contracted limits of manhood to the dignity of a ,god1 and thus through the atonement of ,jesus ,christ and the adoption he is capable of eternal exaltation1 eternal lives and eternal progression4 ,but this transition from his manhood to the ,godhead can alone be made through a power which is superior to man--an infinite power1 an eternal power1 even the power of the ,godhead3 for as in ,adam all die1 so in ,christ only can all be made alive4 ,through ,him mankind are brought into communion and communication with ,god2 through ,his atonement they are enabled1 as ,he was1 to vanquish death2 through that atonement and the power of the ,priesthood associated therewith1 they become heirs of ,god and joint heirs with ,jesus ,christ1 and inheritors of thrones1 powers1 principalities and dominions in the eternal worlds4 ,and instead of being subject to death1 when that last enemy shall be destroyed1 and death be swallowed up in victory1 through that atonement they can become the fathers and mothers of lives1 and be capable of perpetual and eternal progression4 ,,chapter ,,xx4 ,christ to be ,subject to ,man--,his ,descent ,below all ,things--,man's ,condition had there been no ,atonement--,the ,sons of ,god--,man's ,inability to ,save ,himself--,christ's ,glory before the ,world ,was-- ,necessity for an ,infinite ,atonement--,the ,father and ,son have ,life in ,themselves4 ,again we will return to the quotation from the ,book of ,mormon4,a ,satan1 as we have remarked before1 wanted to deprive man of his agency1 for if man had his agency1 it would seem that necessarily the ,lord would be subject to him2 as is stated1 ,for it behooveth the ,great ,creator that he suffereth himself to become subject unto man in the flesh1 and die for all men1 that all men might become subject unto him4 ,footnote ,a3 #b ,nephi1 ix1 #e-g4 ,the ,lord being thus subjected to man1 ,he would be placed in the lowest position to which it was possible for ,him to descend2 because of the weakness1 the corruption and the fallibility of human nature4 ,but if man had his free agency1 this necessarily would be the result1 and hence1 as it is said1 ,jesus descended below all things that ,he might be raised above all things2 and hence also1 while ,satan's calculation was to deprive man of his free agency1 and to prevent himself or the ,only ,begotten from being subject to this humiliation and infamy1 the ,lord's plan was to give man his free agency1 provide a redeemer1 and suffer that redeemer to endure all the results incidental to such a position1 and thus1 by offering himself as a substitute and conquering death1 hell and the grave1 he would ultimately subjugate all things unto himself2 and at the same time make it possible for man to obtain an exaltation that he never could have had without his agency4 ,it is said1 as already stated1 ,for behold1 if the flesh should rise no more1 our spirits must become subject to that angel who fell from before the presence of the eternal ,god1 and became the devil1 to rise no more2 and hence the plan of ,satan it appears would have frustrated the designs of the ,almighty1 and have deprived man of that exaltation and glory which his ,heavenly ,father contemplated4 ,it is further written3 ,and our spirits must have become like unto him1 and we become devils1 angels to a devil1 to be shut out from the presence of our ,god1 and to remain with the father of lies2 in misery1 like unto himself2 yea1 to that being who beguiled our first parents2 who transformeth himself nigh unto an angel of light1 and stirreth up the children of men unto secret combinations of murder1 and all manner of secret works of darkness4 ,o how great the goodness of our ,god1 who prepareth a way for our escape from the grasp of this awful monster2 yea1 that monster1 death and hell1 which ,i call the death of the body1 and also the death of the spirit4 ,and because of the way of deliverance of our ,god1 the ,holy ,one of ,israel1 this death1 of which ,i have spoken1 which is the temporal1 shall deliver up its dead2 which death is the grave4 ,and this death of which ,i have spoken1 which is the spiritual death1 shall deliver up its dead2 which spiritual death is hell2 wherefore1 death and hell must deliver up their dead1 and hell must deliver up its captive spirits1 and the grave must deliver up its captive bodies1 and the bodies and the spirits of men will be restored one to the other2 and it is by the power of the resurrection of the ,holy ,one of ,israel4 ,o how great the plan of our ,god6 ,for on the other hand1 the paradise of ,god must deliver up the spirits of the righteous1 and the grave deliver up the body of the righteous2 and the spirit and the body is restored to itself again1 and all men become incorruptible and immortal1 and they are living souls1 having a perfect knowledge like unto us in the flesh save it be that our knowledge shall be perfect2 wherefore1 we shall have a perfect knowledge of all our guilt2 and our uncleanness1 and our nakedness2 and the righteous shall have a perfect knowledge of their enjoyment1 and their righteousness1 being clothed with purity1 yea1 even with the robe of righteousness4 ,and it shall come to pass1 that when all men shall have passed from this first death unto life1 insomuch as they have become immortal1 they must appear before the judgment seat of the ,holy ,one of ,israel2 and then cometh the judgment1 and then must they be judged according to the holy judgment of ,god4 ,and assuredly1 as the ,lord liveth1 for the ,lord ,god hath spoken it1 and it is his eternal word1 which cannot pass away1 that they who are righteous1 shall be righteous still1 and they who are filthy1 shall be filthy still2 wherefore1 they who are filthy1 are the devil and his angels2 and they shall go away into everlasting fire1 prepared for them2 and their torment is as a lake of fire and brimstone1 whose flame ascendeth up for ever and ever1 and has no end4 ,o the greatness and the justice of our ,god6 ,for he executeth all his words1 and they have gone forth out of his mouth1 and his law must be fulfilled4--#b ,nephi1 ix1 #i-ag4 ,in the economy of ,god pertaining to the salvation of the human family1 we are told in the ,scriptures that it was necessary that ,christ should descend below all things1 that ,he might be raised above all things2 as stated above1 ,he had to become subject to man in the flesh4 ,it was further necessary that ,he should descend below all things1 in order that ,he might raise others above all things2 for if ,he could not raise ,himself and be exalted through those principles brought about by the atonement1 ,he could not raise others2 ,he could not do for others what ,he could not do for ,himself1 and hence it was necessary for ,him to descend below all things that ,he might be raised above all things2 and it was necessary that those whom ,he proposed to save should also descend below all things1 that by and through the same power that ,he obtained ,his exaltation1 they also1 through ,his atonement1 expiation and intercession1 might be raised to the same power with ,him2 and1 as ,he was the ,son of ,god1 that they might also be the adopted sons of ,god2 hence ,john says3 ,beloved1 now are we the sons of ,god2 and it doth not yet appear what we shall be3 but we know that1 when he shall appear1 we shall be like him2 for we shall see him as he is4--#a ,john1 iii1 #b4 ,and by this power we shall overcome and sit down on ,his throne1 as ,jesus overcame and sat down upon the throne of ,his ,father4 ,we are told in the foregoing quotation from the ,book of ,mormon that the atonement must needs be infinite4 ,why did it need an infinite atonement8 ,for the simple reason that a stream can never rise higher than its fountain2 and man having assumed a fleshly body and become of the earth earthy1 and through the violation of a law having cut himself off from his association with his ,father1 and become subject to death2 in this condition1 as the mortal life of man was short1 and in and of himself he could have no hope of benefitting himself1 or redeeming himself from his fallen condition1 or of bringing himself back to the presence of his ,father1 some superior agency was needed to elevate him above his low and degraded position4 ,this superior agency was the ,son of ,god1 who had not1 as man had1 violated a law of ,his ,father1 but was yet one with ,his ,father1 possessing ,his glory1 ,his power1 ,his authority1 ,his dominion4 ,as ,he1 ,himself1 prayed3 ,and now1 ,o ,father1 glorify thou me with thine own self1 with the glory which ,i had with thee before the world was4--,john1 xvii1 #e4 ,a man1 as a man1 could arrive at all the dignity that a man was capable of obtaining or receiving2 but it needed a ,god to raise him to the dignity of a ,god4 ,for this cause it is written1 ,now are we the sons of ,god2 and it doth not yet appear what we shall be3 but we know that when he shall appear we shall be like him4 ,and how and why like ,him8 ,because1 through the instrumentality of the atonement and the adoption1 it is made possible for us to become of the family of ,god1 and joint heirs with ,jesus ,christ2 and that as ,he1 the potential instrument1 through the oneness that existed between ,him and ,his ,father1 by reason of obedience to divine law1 overcame death1 hell and the grave1 and sat down upon ,his ,father's throne1 so shall we be able to sit down with ,him1 even upon ,his throne4 ,thus1 as it is taught in the ,book of ,mormon1 it must needs be that there be an infinite atonement2 and hence of ,him1 and by ,him1 and through ,him are all things2 and through ,him do we obtain every blessing1 power1 right1 immunity1 salvation and exaltation4 ,he is our ,god1 our ,redeemer1 our ,savior1 to whom1 with the ,father and the ,holy ,spirit1 be eternal and everlasting praises worlds without end4 ,again1 ,jesus testifies of ,himself3 ,verily1 verily1 ,i say unto you1 ,the hour is coming1 and now is1 when the dead shall hear the voice of the ,son of ,god3 and they that hear shall live4 ,for as the ,father hath life in himself1 so hath he given to the ,son to have life in himself2 and hath given him authority to execute judgment also1 because he is the ,son of man4 ,marvel not at this3 for the hour is coming1 in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice1 and shall come forth2 they that have done good1 unto the resurrection of life2 and they that have done evil1 unto the resurrection of damnation4--,john1 v1 #be-bi4 ,it would seem from the above that the ,son hath life inherent in ,himself1 even as the ,father hath life in ,himself1 ,he having received this power from the ,father4 ,also1 that ,he had power in ,himself1 as elsewhere stated1 to lay down this body1 and also to take it up again2 and in this respect ,he differed from others4 ,while man dies and lays down his body1 he has not power under any circumstance to raise it again1 only through the power of ,jesus and ,his intercession and atonement2 for the ,redeemer has proclaimed ,himself to be the ,resurrection and the ,life2 and it is by this resurrective power which ,he possesses1 as the gift of ,god through obedience to the will of the ,father1 that the dead shall hear the voice of ,god and shall live4 ,hence ,he not only becomes the first fruits of those that slept1 having conquered death ,himself and triumphed over it1 but ,he also becomes the means of the resurrection of all men from the dead4 ,hence ,he says3 ,therefore doth my ,father love me1 because ,i lay down my life1 that ,i might take it again4 ,no man taketh it from me1 but ,i lay it down of myself4 ,i have power to lay it down1 and ,i have power to take it again4 ,this commandment have ,i received of my ,father4--,john1 x1 #ag1 #ah4 ,thus1 when ,he says ,he has power to lay down ,his life and power to take it up again1 ,he speaks of a power never before exhibited among men upon this earth2 and which power1 indeed1 does not belong to man in and of himself4 ,,chapter ,,xxi4 ,the ,relation of the ,atonement to ,little ,children--,jesus ,assumes the ,responsibility of ,man's ,transgression1 and ,bears the ,weight of his ,sins and ,sufferings--,the ,inferior ,creatures and ,sacrifice--,the ,terrors and ,agonies of ,christ's ,passion and ,death--,the ,tribulations1 ,earthquakes1 etc41 when ,he gave up the ,ghost--,universal ,nature ,trembles--,the ,prophecies of ,zenos and ,enoch--,the ,testimony of the ,centurion--,heirship1 and the ,descent of ,blessings and ,curses4 ,the ,redeemer ,himself1 when tabernacling in the flesh1 said to ,his disciples on the ,eastern ,continent1 ,suffer little children to come unto me1 and forbid them not3 for of such is the kingdom of ,god4 ,verily ,i say unto you1 ,whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of ,god as a little child shall in no wise enter therein4--,luke1 xviii1 #af1 #ag4 ,and after ,his crucifixion and resurrection ,he repeated this same admonition to ,his ,nephite disciples3 ,and again ,i say unto you1 ,ye must repent1 and be baptized in my name and become as a little child1 or ye can in no wise inherit the kingdom of ,god4--#c ,nephi1 xi1 #ch4 ,without ,adam's transgression those children could not have existed2 through the atonement they are placed in a state of salvation without any act of their own4 ,these would embrace1 according to the opinion of statisticians1 more than one-half of the human family1 who can attribute their salvation only to the mediation and atonement of the ,savior4 ,thus1 as stated elsewhere1 in some mysterious1 incomprehensible way1 ,jesus assumed the responsibility which naturally would have devolved upon ,adam2 but which could only be accomplished through the mediation of ,himself1 and by taking upon ,himself their sorrows1 assuming their responsibilities1 and bearing their transgressions or sins4 ,in a manner to us incomprehensible and inexplicable1 he bore the weight of the sins of the whole world2 not only of ,adam1 but of his posterity2 and in doing that1 opened the kingdom of heaven1 not only to all believers and all who obeyed the law of ,god1 but to more than one-half of the human family who die before they come to years of maturity1 as well as to the heathen1 who1 having died without law1 will1 through ,his mediation1 be resurrected without law1 and be judged without law1 and thus participate1 according to their capacity1 works and worth1 in the blessings of ,his atonement4 ,again1 there is another phase of this subject that must not be forgotten4 ,from the commencement of the offering of sacrifices the inferior creature had to suffer for the superior4 ,although it had taken no part in the act of disobedience1 yet was its blood shed and its life sacrificed1 thus prefiguring the atonement of the ,son of ,god1 which should eventually take place4 ,the creature indeed was made subject to vanity not willingly1 but by reason of ,him who hath subjected the same in hope4 ,millions of such offerings were made1 and hecatombs of these expiatory sacrifices were offered in view of the great event that would be consummated when ,jesus should offer up ,himself4 ,with man this was simply the obedience to a command and a given law1 and with him might be considered simply a pecuniary sacrifice3 with the animals it was a sacrifice of life4 ,but what is the reason for all this suffering and bloodshed1 and sacrifice8 ,we are told that without shedding of blood is no remission of sins4 ,this is beyond our comprehension4 ,jesus had to take away sin by the sacrifice of ,himself1 the just for the unjust1 but1 previous to this grand sacrifice1 these animals had to have their blood shed as types1 until the great antitype should offer up ,himself once for all4 ,and as ,he in ,his own person bore the sins of all1 and atoned for them by the sacrifice of ,himself1 so there came upon ,him the weight and agony of ages and generations1 the indescribable agony consequent upon this great sacrificial atonement wherein ,he bore the sins of the world1 and suffered in ,his own person the consequences of an eternal law of ,god broken by man4 ,hence ,his profound grief1 ,his indescribable anguish1 ,his overpowering torture1 all experienced in the submission to the eternal fiat of ,jehovah and the requirements of an inexorable law4 ,the suffering of the ,son of ,god was not simply the suffering of personal death2 for in assuming the position that ,he did in making an atonement for the sins of the world ,he bore the weight1 the responsibility1 and the burden of the sins of all men1 which1 to us1 is incomprehensible4 ,as stated1 the ,lord1 your ,redeemer1 suffered death in the flesh2 wherefore he suffereth the pains of all men2 and ,isaiah says3 ,surely he hath borne our griefs and carried our sorrows1 also1 ,the ,lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all1 and again1 ,he hath poured out his soul unto death1 and he was numbered with the transgressors2 and he bare the sins of many2 or1 as it is written in the ,second ,book of ,nephi3 ,for behold1 he suffereth the pains of all men2 yea1 the pains of every living creature1 both men1 women and children1 who belong to the family of ,adam2 whilst in ,mosiah it is declared3 ,he shall suffer temptations1 and pain of body1 hunger1 thirst and fatigue1 even more than man can suffer1 except it be unto death2 for behold1 blood cometh from every pore1 so great shall be his anguish for the wickedness and abominations of his people4 ,groaning beneath this concentrated load1 this intense1 incomprehensible pressure1 this terrible exaction of ,divine justice1 from which feeble humanity shrank1 and through the agony thus experienced sweating great drops of blood1 ,he was led to exclaim1 ,father1 if it be possible1 let this cup pass from me4 ,he had wrestled with the superincumbent load in the wilderness1 ,he had struggled against the powers of darkness that had been let loose upon him there2 placed below all things1 ,his mind surcharged with agony and pain1 lonely and apparently helpless and forsaken1 in his agony the blood oozed from ,his pores4 ,thus rejected by ,his own1 attacked by the powers of darkness1 and seemingly forsaken by ,his ,god1 on the cross ,he bowed beneath the accumulated load1 and cried out in anguish1 ,my ,god1 my ,god1 why hast thou forsaken me6 ,when death approached to relieve ,him from ,his horrible position1 a ray of hope appeared through the abyss of darkness with which ,he had been surrounded1 and in a spasm of relief1 seeing the bright future beyond1 ,he said1 ,it is finished6 ,father1 into thy hands ,i commend my spirit4 ,as a ,god1 ,he descended below all things1 and made ,himself subject to man in man's fallen condition2 as a man1 ,he grappled with all the circumstances incident to ,his sufferings in the world4 ,anointed1 indeed1 with the oil of gladness above ,his fellows1 ,he struggled with and overcame the powers of men and devils1 of earth and hell combined2 and aided by this superior power of the ,godhead1 ,he vanquished death1 hell and the grave1 and arose triumphant as the ,son of ,god1 the very eternal ,father1 the ,messiah1 the ,prince of peace1 the ,redeemer1 the ,savior of the world2 having finished and completed the work pertaining to the atonement1 which ,his ,father had given ,him to do as the ,son of ,god and the ,son of man4 ,as the ,son of ,man1 ,he endured all that it was possible for flesh and blood to endure2 as the ,son of ,god ,he triumphed over all1 and forever ascended to the right hand of ,god1 to further carry out the designs of ,jehovah pertaining to the world and to the human family4 ,and again1 not only did ,his agony affect the mind and body of ,jesus1 causing ,him to sweat great drops of blood1 but by reason of some principle1 to us unfathomable1 ,his suffering affected universal nature4 ,world upon world1 eternal things1 ,hang on thy anguish1 ,king of kings4 ,when he gave up the ghost1 the solid rocks were riven1 the foundations of the earth trembled1 earthquakes shook the continents and rent the isles of the deep darkness overspread the sky1 the mighty waters overflowed their accustomed bounds1 huge mountains sank and valleys rose1 the handiwork of feeble men was overthrown1 their cities were engulphed or consumed by the vivid shafts of lightning1 and all material things were convulsed with the throes of seeming dissolution4 ,thus was brought to pass that which was spoken by the prophet ,zenos3 ,the rocks of the earth must rend2 and because of the groanings of the earth1 many of the kings of the isles of the sea shall be wrought upon by the ,spirit of ,god to exclaim1 ,the ,god of nature suffers4 #a ,nephi1 xix1 #ab4 ,and it is recorded1 that so confessed the ,centurion1 and they that were with him watching the body of ,jesus4 ,for when they witnessed the earthquake1 and the other things that were done1 they feared greatly1 saying1 ,truly this was the ,son of ,god4 ,so also was fulfilled that which is written in the prophecy of ,enoch3 ,and the ,lord said unto ,enoch1 ,look2 and he looked and beheld the ,son of ,man lifted up on the cross1 after the manner of men2 and he heard a loud voice2 and the heavens were veiled2 and all the creations of ,god mourned2 and the earth groaned2 and the rocks were rent2 and the ,saints arose1 and were crowned at the right hand of the ,son of ,man1 with crowns of glory2 and as many of the spirits as were in prison came forth1 and stood on the right hand of ,god2 and the remainder were reserved in chains of darkness until the judgment of the great day4--,pearl of ,great ,price4 ,thus1 such was the torturing pressure of this intense1 this indescribable agony1 that it burst forth abroad beyond the confines of ,his body1 convulsed all nature and spread throughout all space4 ,the statement previously quoted1 ,the ,lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all1 could only be in reference to the transgression of our first parent1 who1 acting as the progenitor and head of the human family1 assumed a responsibility not only for himself1 but for all of his seed2 for the whole of the human family not having then been born1 could not be responsible1 personally1 for acts that transpired before they had an existence on the earth4 ,but as children inherit blessings from their fathers1 so it would also seem that they must inherit curses1 or share in their calamities4 ,the ,lord1 in speaking to the children of ,israel1 said ,he would visit the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate him2 and furthermore a bastard shall not enter into the congregation of the ,lord1 even to his tenth generation4 ,this ostracism or punishment could be for no personal act of their own1 for they had no part in the sin of their parents2 any more than ,adam's progeny had in the original sin or transgression4 ,but it seems to be a principle admitted1 that if they share the blessings accruing to their father for righteous acts1 they must also share the condemnation for acts that are unrighteous4 ,hence comes in the atonement of the ,messiah1 which amply covers all of these acts1 and more than that1 for as ,paul says3 ,but not as the offence1 so also is the free gift4 ,for if through the offence of one many be dead1 much more the grace of ,god1 and the gift by grace1 winch is by one man1 ,jesus ,christ2 hath abounded unto many4 ,hence we say1 as above1 the atonement covered more1 apparently1 than the transgression2 for ,adam1 without the transgression1 would have had no increase4 ,that transgression opened the way for the increase1 as stated by ,eve1 ,were it not for our transgression1 we never should have had seed1 and never should have known good and evil1 and the joy of our redemption1 and the eternal life which ,god giveth unto all the obedient4 ,that being the case1 all children born among any people1 not having arrived at the years of accountability1 are saved through the atonement of ,jesus ,christ1 as stated by ,moroni3 ,little children cannot repent2 wherefore it is awful wickedness to deny the pure mercies of ,god unto them1 for they are all alive in him because of his mercy4 ,and he that saith1 that little children need baptism1 denieth the mercies of ,christ1 and setteth at naught the atonement of him and the power of his redemption4 ,wo unto such1 for they are in danger of death1 hell1 and endless torment4 ,i speak it boldly1 ,god hath commanded me4 ,listen unto them and give heed1 or they stand against you at the judgment seat of ,christ4 ,for behold1 that all little children are alive in ,christ1 and also all they that are without the law4 ,for the power of redemption cometh on all they that have no law2 wherefore1 he that is not condemned1 or he that is under no condemnation1 cannot repent2 and unto such baptism availeth nothing4 ,but it is mockery before ,god1 denying the mercies of ,christ1 and the power of his ,holy ,spirit1 and putting trust in dead works4--,moroni1 viii1 #ai-bc4 ,,chapter ,,xxii4 ,the ,operations of the ,priesthood in the ,heavens and upon the ,earth1 in ,time and ,eternity--,the ,heirs of the ,celestial ,kingdom--,those who ,die without ,law--,the ,judges of the ,earth--,priests and ,kings--,christ the ,king of ,kings--,condition of ,patriarch ,joseph ,smith1 ,apostle ,david ,patten and ,others--,moses and ,elias--,the ,visits of ,angels and their ,testimonies--,peter1 ,james and ,john--,the ,angel in the ,book of ,revelation4 ,there is something peculiarly interesting in the contemplation of events associated with the future destiny of mankind4 ,among other things it will be seen that there is a very close connection or affinity between the operations of the ,priesthood in the heavens and the ,priesthood upon earth4 ,in examining this subject we find it written3 ,the ,lord redeemeth none such that rebel against him and die in their sins2 yea1 even all those that have perished in their sins ever since the world began1 that have wilfully rebelled against ,god1 that have known the commandments of ,god1 and would not keep them2 these are they that have no part in the first resurrection4--,mosiah1 xv1 #bf4 ,but on the other hand it is promised that those who would have received the ,gospel if they had had the opportunity shall yet have that privilege4 ,the ,prophet ,joseph ,smith records in his history3 ,thus came the voice of the ,lord unto me1 saying1 ,all those who have died without a knowledge of this ,gospel1 who would have received it if they had been permitted to tarry1 shall be heirs of the celestial kingdom of ,god2 also all that shall die henceforth without a knowledge of it1 who would have received it with all their hearts1 shall be heirs of that kingdom1 for ,i1 the ,lord1 will judge all men according to their works1 according to the desire of their hearts4--,deseret ,news1 ,vol4 ,,ii1 ,no4 #bb4 ,with this agree the words of the ,apostle ,paul1 that those who have died without law shall be judged without law2 whilst the ,lord further reveals to the ,prophet ,joseph that that which is governed by law is also preserved by law1 and perfected and sanctified by the same4 ,that which breaketh a law1 and abideth not by law1 but seeketh to become a law unto itself1 and willeth to abide in sin1 and altogether abideth in sin1 cannot be sanctified by law1 neither by mercy1 justice1 nor judgment4 ,therefore they must remain filthy still4 ,with this teaching is associated a grand principle connected with the everlasting ,priesthood1 which administers in time and in eternity4 ,when we reflect upon the statement of creatures being judged without law1 the question arises as to who are to be their judges4 ,we may here state that ,christ is called the judge of the quick and the dead1 the judge of all the earth4 ,we further read that the ,twelve ,apostles who ministered in ,jerusalem shall sit upon twelve thrones1 judging the twelve tribes of ,israel4 7,matt41 xix1 #bh47 ,also the following3 ,and again1 verily1 verily1 ,i say unto you1 and it hath gone forth in a firm decree1 by the will of the ,father1 that mine apostles1 the ,twelve who were with me in my ministry at ,jerusalem1 shall stand at my right hand at the day of my coming in a pillar of fire1 being clothed with robes of righteousness1 with crowns upon their heads1 in glory even as ,i am1 to judge the whole house of ,israel1 even as many as have loved me and kept my commandments1 and none else4--,doc4 and ,cov41 ,sec4 xxix1 #ab1 p4 #adc4 ,and ,nephi writes in the ,book of ,mormon3 ,and the angel spake unto me1 saying1 ,behold the twelve disciples of the ,lamb1 who are chosen to minister unto thy seed4 ,and he said unto me1 ,thou rememberest the twelve apostles of the ,lamb8 ,behold1 they are they who shall judge the twelve tribes of ,israel2 wherefore1 the twelve ministers of thy seed shall be judged of them2 for ye are of the house of ,israel4 ,and these twelve ministers1 whom thou beholdest1 shall judge thy seed4 ,and1 behold they are righteous for ever2 for because of their faith in the ,lamb of ,god1 their garments are made white in his blood4--#a ,nephi1 xii1 #h-aj4 ,this exhibits a principle of adjudication or judgment in the hands1 firstly1 of the ,great ,high ,priest and ,king1 ,jesus of ,nazareth1 the ,son of ,god2 secondly1 in the hands of the ,twelve ,apostles on the continent of ,asia1 bestowed by ,jesus ,himself2 thirdly1 in the ,twelve ,disciples on this continent1 to their peoples1 who it appears are under the presidency of the ,twelve ,apostles who ministered at ,jerusalem2 which presidency is also exhibited by ,peter1 ,james and ,john1 the acknowledged presidency of the ,twelve ,apostles2 they1 holding this ,priesthood first on the earth1 and then in the heavens1 being the legitimate custodians of the keys of the ,priesthood1 came and bestowed it upon ,joseph ,smith and ,oliver ,cowdery4 ,it is also further stated that the ,saints shall judge the world4 ,thus ,christ is at the head1 ,his ,apostles and disciples seem to take the next prominent part2 then comes the action of the ,saints1 or other branches of the ,priesthood1 who it is stated shall judge the world4 ,this combined ,priesthood1 it would appear1 will hold the destiny of the human family in their hands and adjudicate in all matters pertaining to their affairs2 and it would seem to be quite reasonable1 if the ,twelve ,apostles in ,jerusalem are to be the judges of the ,twelve ,tribes1 and the ,twelve ,disciples on this continent are to be the judges of the descendants of ,nephi1 then that the brother of ,jared and ,jared should be the judges of the ,jaredites1 their descendants2 and1 further1 that the ,first ,presidency and ,twelve who have officiated in our age1 should operate in regard to mankind in this dispensation1 and also in regard to all matters connected with them1 whether they relate to the past1 present1 or future1 as the aforementioned have done in regard to their several peoples2 and that the ,patriarchs1 the ,presidents1 the ,twelve1 the ,high ,priests1 the ,seventies1 the ,elders1 the ,bishops1 ,priests1 ,teachers and ,deacons should hold their several places behind the veil1 and officiate according to their calling and standing in that ,priesthood4 ,in fact1 the ,priesthood is called an everlasting ,priesthood2 it ministers in time and in eternity4 ,moses speaks of the ,levitical ,priesthood as an everlasting ,priesthood4 7,ex41 xl1 #ae47 ,paul refers to the ,melchizedek ,priesthood as being without father1 without mother1 without descent1 having neither beginning of days1 nor end of life4 7,heb41 vii1 #c47 ,whilst the ,prophet ,joseph ,smith states that this ,priesthood continueth in the ,church of ,god in all generations1 and is without beginning of days or end of years4 7,doc4 and ,cov41 ,sec4 lxxxiv1 #ag1 p4 #bij47 ,this being the case1 it necessarily follows that those holding the ,priesthood on the earth continue in the exercise of that ,priesthood in the heavens1 their operations being changed from this to another state of existence2 and when the dead1 small and great1 shall be judged1 while ,god stands at the head1 and ,jesus is the great ,high ,priest of our profession1 all those who have ever lived who are worthy will stand in their proper positions1 according to their callings1 ,priesthood1 ordinations or quorums4 ,it is written that they without us can not be made perfect1 and that we without them can not be made perfect4 ,we have commenced to build temples1 and to administer in them according to the decrees1 purposes and foreknowledge of ,god4 ,when we have got through with our personal affairs connected with our individual families and interests1 so far as we can legitimately trace them1 then it becomes a question as to the position of those that are behind the veil of whom we have no personal knowledge4 ,does it not seem consistent that to the ancient as well as the modern ,patriarchs1 ,prophets1 ,presidents1 ,apostles1 ,seventies1 ,high ,priests1 ,elders1 ,bishops and others would be committed the manipulation and judgment of those who are behind the veil2 and with whom we1 at present1 have nothing to do8 ,and if temples are to be built here and ordinances performed in them in the interest of those who have died without law1 and in the adjudication of all these matters1 that the ,priesthood behind the veil1 to whom is committed the judgment of these things1 should communicate with the ,priesthood upon the earth1 that they may be administered for by proxy in the temples erected by us1 and those who shall follow after us2 that all things may be done according to equity1 law1 and justice1 and that none but those worthy to receive those great blessings and high exaltations can participate in the same2 being thus sanctioned by the ,priesthood in heaven and the ,priesthood upon the earth8 ,hence1 while they are saviors1 preach to the spirits in prison and judge the dead1 we build temples and administer for them upon the earth1 and thus become1 as it is written1 saviors upon ,mount ,zion2 operating and cooperating with the ,priesthood behind the veil1 in the interest1 happiness1 salvation and exaltation of the human family4 ,thus shall we also become legitimately and by right1 through the atonement and adoption1 ,kings and ,priests--,priests to administer in the holy ordinances pertaining to the endowments and exaltations2 and ,kings1 under ,christ1 who is ,king of ,kings and ,lord of ,lords1 to rule and govern1 according to the eternal laws of justice and equity1 those who are thus redeemed and exalted4 ,in corroboration of these ideas is the statement1 in the ,book of ,doctrine and ,covenants1 that ,father ,joseph ,smith1 who was the first ,patriarch to the ,church in this dispensation1 is now at the right hand of ,abraham1 who was also a presiding ,patriarch4 ,the passage reads3 ,that ,i may receive him unto myself1 even as ,i did 99 99 99 my aged servant1 ,joseph ,smith1 sen41 who sitteth with ,abraham at his right hand1 and blessed and holy is he1 for he is mine4--,doc4 and ,cov41 cxxiv1 #ai1 p4 #dca4 ,it is also stated of ,david ,patten1 one of the ,twelve ,apostles1 who was slain by the mobbers in ,missouri1 that ,david ,patten ,i have taken unto myself2 behold1 his ,priesthood no man taketh from him2 but1 verily ,i say unto you1 another may be appointed unto the same calling4--,doc4 and ,cov41 cxxiv1 #acj1 p4 #dde4 ,the same is said of ,seymour ,brunson1 one of the ,high ,council1 and of ,edward ,partridge1 the first ,bishop of the ,church1 both of whom were dead3 ,seymour ,brunson ,i have taken unto myself1 no man taketh his ,priesthood1 but another may be appointed unto the same ,priesthood in his stead4--,doc4 and ,cov41 ,sec4 cxxiv1 #acb1 p4 #dde4 ,that when he shall finish his work1 that ,i may receive him unto myself1 even as ,i did my servant ,david ,patten1 who is with me at this time1 and also my servant ,edward ,partridge4--,doc4 and ,cov41 ,sec4 cxxiv1 #ai1 p4 #dca4 ,we read that ,moses and ,elias came to administer to ,jesus1 on the ,mount1 while ,peter1 ,james and ,john were with him4 ,who were this ,moses and this ,elias8 ,moses was a great ,prophet1 appointed by the ,lord to deliver ,israel from ,egyptian bondage1 and lead them to the promised land2 and he held the keys of the gathering dispensation1 which keys he afterwards conferred upon ,joseph ,smith in the ,kirtland ,temple4 ,who was ,elias8 ,elijah2 which name in the old ,scriptures is made synonymous with ,elias2 and who held1 according to the testimony of ,joseph ,smith as elsewhere stated1 the keys of the ,priesthood4 ,these men1 who held those keys and officiated upon the earth1 having left the earth1 now come1 associated with ,jesus1 to administer to ,peter1 ,james and ,john1 and confer upon them the ,priesthood which they hold2 and these three ancient ,apostles conferred the ,priesthood upon ,joseph ,smith and ,oliver ,cowdery in this dispensation4 ,this principle is very clearly illustrated in the following quotation from the ,book of ,doctrine and ,covenants1 ,sec4 cxxviii1 #bj1 #ba1 p41 #deg3 ,and again1 what do we hear8 ,glad tidings from ,cumorah6 ,moroni1 an angel from heaven1 declaring the fulfilment of the prophets--the book to be revealed4 ,a voice of the ,lord in the wilderness of ,fayette1 ,seneca ,county1 declaring the three witnesses to bear record of the book4 ,the voice of ,michael on the banks of the ,susquehanna1 detecting the devil when he appeared as an angel of light4 ,the voice of ,peter1 ,james and ,john in the wilderness between ,harmony1 ,susquehanna county1 and ,colesville1 ,broome county1 on the ,susquehanna river1 declaring themselves as possessing the keys of the kingdom1 and of the dispensation of the fulness of times4 ,and again1 the voice of ,god in the chamber of old ,father ,whitmer1 in ,fayette1 ,seneca ,county1 and at sundry times and in divers places through all the travels and tribulations of this ,church of ,jesus ,christ of ,latter-day ,saints4 ,and the voice of ,michael1 the archangel2 the voice of ,gabriel1 and of ,raphael1 and of divers angels1 from ,michael or ,adam1 down to the present time1 all declaring their dispensation1 their rights1 their keys1 their honors1 their majesty and glory1 and the power of their ,priesthood2 giving line upon line1 precept upon precept2 here a little and there a little--giving us consolation by holding forth that which is to come1 confirming our hope4 ,hence their ,priesthood was everlasting1 it administered in time and in eternity4 ,in consonance with the same idea is a remark made by a mighty angel1 to be found in the ,revelation received by ,st4 ,john on the ,isle of ,patmos4 ,after this angel had communicated to ,john many great and important events yet to transpire1 the ,apostle was so overawed by his presence that he fell at his feet to worship him2 whereas the angel said1 ,see that thou do it not2 ,i am thy fellow servant1 and of thy brethren that have kept the testimony of ,jesus3 worship ,god2 for the testimony of ,jesus is the spirit of prophecy4 7,rev41 xix1 #aj47 ,in other words1 he had held the holy ,priesthood on the earth and had officiated therein2 he had been subjected to all the obloquy1 contumely and reproach which the ,prophets of ,god generally suffered4 ,but now the scene was changed2 he was officiating in another sphere1 and was revealing unto the ,apostle ,john1 who had a peculiar mission on the earth1 some of the great and important truths or events that should be developed in the accomplishment of the purposes of ,god4 ,all of these men1 having held the everlasting ,priesthood on earth1 still retain the power and authority conferred upon them1 and stand forth as prominent examples of the perpetuity of the everlasting ,priesthood1 administering on the earth or in the heavens1 as the purposes of ,god and the fulfilment of their duties render necessary1 or the circumstances require4 ,,chapter ,,xxiii4 ,the ,laws of ,god ,unchangeable1 ,universal and ,eternal--,examples and ,definitions--,evolutionists--,kingdoms and ,light--,christ the ,creator1 etc4--,deviations from ,general ,laws--,every ,kingdom has a ,law ,given4 ,there is an inexorable law of ,god that requires from ,his professed followers the principles of virtue1 honor1 truth1 integrity1 righteousness1 justice1 judgment and mercy1 as exhibited in the following ,scriptures3 ,justice and judgment are the habitation of thy throne3 mercy and truth shall go before thy face4--,psalm lxxxix1 #ad4 ,thou lovest righteousness1 and hatest wickedness3 therefore ,god1 thy ,god1 hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows4--,psalm xlv1 #g4 ,lord1 who shall abide in thy tabernacle8 who shall dwell in thy holy hill8 ,he that walketh uprightly1 and worketh righteousness1 and speaketh the truth in his heart4 ,he that backbiteth not with his tongue1 nor doeth evil to his neighbor1 nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbor4 ,in whose eyes a vile person is contemned2 but he honoreth them that fear the ,lord4 ,he that sweareth to his own hurt1 and changeth not4 ,he that putteth not out his money to usury1 nor taketh reward against the innocent4 ,he that doeth these things shall never be moved4--,psalm xv1 #a-e4 ,who shall ascend into the hill of the ,lord8 or who shall stand in his holy place8 ,he that hath clean hands1 and a pure heart2 who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity1 nor sworn deceitfully4 ,he shall receive the blessing from the ,lord1 and righteousness from the ,god of his salvation4--,psalm xxiv1 #c-e4 ,who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire8 who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings8 ,he that walketh righteously1 and speaketh uprightly2 he that despiseth the gain of oppressions1 that shaketh his hands from holding of bribes1 that stoppeth his ears from hearing of blood1 and shutteth his eyes from seeing evil4 ,he shall dwell on high2 his place of defence shall be the munitions of rocks3 bread shall be given him2 his waters shall be sure4--,isaiah1 xxxiii1 #ad-af4 ,there are eternal1 unchangeable laws associated with ,god1 and with all ,his plans1 ,his works and ways1 the requirements of which must be met2 nor can they be evaded or changed1 except on certain principles provided for and contained in the laws themselves4 ,when man had transgressed1 an atonement had to be made commensurate with the act1 and fully adequate to meet the inexorable demands of justice2 so that1 as stated1 justice might be satisfied1 which1 if it had not been1 the law pertaining to this matter could not have been carried out1 and must necessarily have been violated4 ,all the works of ,god connected with the world which we inhabit1 and with all other worlds1 are strictly governed by law4 ,so accurate are the movements of the heavenly bodies that even with our limited knowledge we can compute1 after the departure of most of these bodies1 the time of their return to a minute4 ,the sun rises and sets with great regularity1 and we can tell to a moment1 by calculating the revolution of the earth1 at what time it will make its appearance in the morning and disappear in the evening2 the same rule applies to the moon1 the whole of the solar system1 and to all bodies that can be reached by our instruments4 ,there is perfect regularity1 exactitude and order associated with all worlds2 a departure from which would produce incalculable evil and irretrievable destruction and ruin4 ,with regard to the matter of which the earth is composed1 it is also governed by strict1 unchangeable laws2 matter possessing the same properties under the same conditions1 in all parts of the world4 ,the various grasses1 herbs1 plants1 shrubs1 flowers1 minerals1 metals1 waters1 fluids or gases1 when under the same conditions1 are subject to or governed by unchangeable laws2 and by those laws chemists or scientists are enabled to apply tests to demonstrate the properties of the various elements in nature1 which they find are always immutable1 and the same degree of accuracy applies to the laws and various formations of crystallization1 under the same circumstances4 ,the animal and vegetable creations are governed by certain laws1 and are composed of certain elements peculiar to themselves4 ,this applies to man1 to the beasts1 fowls1 fish and creeping things1 to the insects and to all animated nature2 each one possessing its own distinctive features1 each requiring a specific sustenance1 each having an organism and faculties governed by prescribed laws to perpetuate its own kind4 ,so accurate is the formation of the various living creatures that an intelligent student of nature can tell by any particular bone of the skeleton of an animal to what class or order it belongs4 ,these principles do not change1 as represented by evolutionists of the ,darwinian school1 but the primitive organisms of all living beings exist in the same form as when they first received their impress from their ,maker4 ,there are1 indeed1 some very slight exceptions1 as for instance1 the ass may mix with the mare and produce the mule2 but there it ends1 the violation of the laws of procreation receives a check1 and its operations can go no further4 ,similar compounds may possibly be made by experimentalists in the vegetable and mineral kingdoms1 but the original elements remain the same4 ,yet this is not the normal1 but an abnormal condition with them1 as with animals1 birds1 etc42 and if we take man1 he is said to have been made in the image of ,god1 for the simple reason that he is a son of ,god2 and being ,his son1 he is1 of course1 ,his offspring1 an emanation from ,god1 in whose likeness1 we are told1 he is made4 ,he did not originate from a chaotic mass of matter1 moving or inert1 but came forth possessing1 in an embryotic state1 all the faculties and powers of a ,god4 ,and when he shall be perfected1 and have progressed to maturity1 he will be like his ,father--a ,god2 being indeed ,his offspring4 ,as the horse1 the ox1 the sheep1 and every living creature1 including man1 propagates its own species and perpetuates its own kind1 so does ,god perpetuate ,his4 ,there are different organisms possessing different qualities1 from which the same results are uniformly obtained4 ,the body of a sheep produces wool1 that of a goat produces hair1 the flesh of certain kinds of fish produces scales1 the flesh of birds produces feathers1 and by the coverings of the various kinds of animals1 birds and fishes1 may their originals be known4 ,it is true that some of these coverings may be slightly changed by a removal of the creature from the arctic to the torrid zone1 or vice versa2 wool may assume a nearer approach to hair in length and texture1 or hair may become more woolly1 but these modifications are slight1 and this covering of the animal is predisposed to return to its original qualities when the creature is replaced in his natural habitat4 ,paul1 in speaking on the resurrection1 refers to the different qualities of flesh as follows3 ,but ,god giveth it a body as it hath pleased him1 and to every seed his own body4 ,all flesh is not the same flesh2 but there is one kind of flesh of men1 another flesh of beasts1 another of fishes1 and another of birds4--#a ,cor41 xv1 #ch1 #ci4 ,these different qualities seem to be inherent in the several species1 as much so as the properties of silver1 gold1 copper1 iron and other minerals are inherent in the matter in which they are contained1 whilst herbs1 according to their kind1 possess their specific properties1 or as the leading properties of earth1 air1 and water1 are distinct from one another2 and hence1 on physiological grounds1 this principle being admitted1 and it cannot be controverted1 it would be impossible to take the tissues of the lower1 or1 indeed1 of any order of fishes1 and make of them an ox1 a bird1 or a man2 as impossible as it would be to take iron and make it into gold1 silver1 or copper1 or to produce other changes in the laws which govern any kind of matter4 ,and when the resurrection and exaltation of man shall be consummated1 although more pure1 refined and glorious1 yet will he still be in the same image1 and have the same likeness1 without variation or change in any of his parts or faculties1 except the substitution of spirit for blood4 ,this principle of exactitude in all the works of ,god represents the principles that dwell in ,god ,himself4 ,he is called in ,scripture the ,i ,,am1 in other words1 ,i ,,am ,,that ,i ,,am1 because of those inherent principles1 which are also eternal and unchangeable2 for where those principles exist1 ,he exists2 and when speaking of the worlds by which we are surrounded1 it is said1 ,behold1 all these are kingdoms1 and any man who hath seen any1 or the least of these1 hath seen ,god moving in his majesty and power4--,doc4 and ,cov41 sec4 lxxxviii1 #dg1 p4 #caj4 ,and again it is written3 ,he comprehendeth all things1 and all things are before him1 and all things are round about him3 and he is above all things1 and in all things1 and is through all things1 and is round about all things2 and all things are by him1 and of him1 even ,god1 for ever and ever4 ,and again1 verily ,i say unto you1 he hath given a law unto all things1 by which they move in their times and their seasons4--,ibid41 #da1 #db1 p4 #cji4 ,and again1 in the same revelation1 we read3 ,as also he is in the sun1 and the light of the sun1 and the power thereof by which it was made4 ,as also he is in the moon1 and is the light of the moon1 and the power thereof by which it was made4 ,as also the light of the stars1 and the power thereof by which they were made4 ,and the earth also1 and the power thereof2 even the earth upon which you stand4 ,and the light which now shineth1 which giveth you light1 is through him who enlighteneth your eyes1 which is the same light1 that quickeneth your understandings2 which light proceedeth forth from the presence of ,god to fill the immensity of space4 ,the light which is in all things2 which giveth life to all things3 which is the law by which all things are governed3 even the power of ,god who sitteth upon his throne1 who is in the bosom of eternity1 who is in the midst of all things4--,ibid41 #g-ac1 p4 #cjf4 ,the world was made by ,him1 and without ,him was not anything made that was made1 and1 therefore1 having made all things ,he has given to all things a law2 and hence those laws which we have briefly alluded to1 are the productions of ,his comprehensive1 intelligent1 and infinite mind3 ,he is the ,alpha and ,omega1 the ,beginning and the ,end1 the ,fountain of all life1 of all light1 of all truth1 of all intelligence1 of all existence4 ,he is also the sustainer of all life and all light in all created beings2 in ,him all animal life of every form has its being4 ,there are some apparent deviations from general laws4 ,but these apparent deviations are merely appendages to the great general law1 in order that creation may be perfect in all its parts4 ,for instance1 there is a general law of what is termed gravitation which causes bodies to fall to the earth from a given height1 with the same velocity according to their specific gravity4 ,but there are other local laws which disturb the normal conditions1 so far as they extend1 of what may be termed the general law4 ,as1 for example1 the magnet1 in its limited sphere1 is more powerful than the general law of gravity1 it attracting certain matter to itself in opposition to the general law1 while the magnet itself is subject to the general law4 ,there is also another principle1 called capillary attraction1 which causes water and other fluids to ascend in the earth1 in tubes1 etc4 ,take away these local agencies and everything resumes its normal condition4 ,a bird1 through the use of its wings1 possesses the power of locomotion through the air2 let that bird1 however1 lose its mechanism and power by being maimed or killed1 and it is governed by the same law of gravitation and drops to the earth4 ,balloons will ascend and carry a specified weight with them to great altitudes1 but this is owing to a modification of one part of the law of gravitation2 which causes denser bodies to cling with greater tenacity to the earth1 and the gas that enters the balloons is more rarified than the atmosphere immediately contiguous to the earth2 which dense atmosphere forces the lighter gases to their proper place1 causing them to bound upwards2 this being done and the equilibrium obtained1 if the gas is permitted to escape1 the materials of which the balloon is composed1 together with its occupants1 are precipitated1 according to the general laws of gravitation1 to the earth4 ,god is unchangeable1 so are also his laws1 in all their forms1 and in all their applications1 and being ,himself the essence of law1 the giver of law1 the sustainer of law1 all of those laws are eternal in all their operations1 in all bodies and matter1 and throughout all space4 ,it would be impossible for ,him to violate law1 because in so doing ,he would strike at ,his own dignity1 power1 principles1 glory1 exaltation and existence4 ,the book of ,doctrine and ,covenants states3 ,and again1 verily ,i say unto you1 that which is governed by law is also preserved by law1 and perfected and sanctified by the same4 ,that which breaketh a law1 and abideth not by law1 but seeketh to become a law unto itself1 and willeth to abide in sin1 and altogether abideth in sin1 cannot be sanctified by law1 neither by mercy1 justice1 nor judgment4 ,therefore they must remain filthy still4 ,all kingdoms have a law given3 and there are many kingdoms2 for there is no space in the which there is no kingdom2 and there is no kingdom in which there is no space1 either a greater or a lesser kingdom4 ,and unto every kingdom is given a law2 and unto every law there are certain bounds also and conditions4 ,all beings who abide not in those conditions are not justified2 for intelligence cleaveth unto intelligence2 wisdom receiveth wisdom2 truth embraceth truth2 virtue loveth virtue2 light cleaveth unto light2 mercy hath compassion on mercy1 and claimeth her own2 justice continueth its course1 and claimeth its own2 judgment goeth before the face of him who sitteth upon the throne1 and governeth and executeth all things4--,sec4 lxxxviii1 #cd-dj1 p4p4 #cjh1 #cji4 ,hence1 the law of atonement had to be met as well as all other laws1 for ,god could not be ,god without fulfilling it4 ,jesus said1 ,if it be possible1 let this cup pass4 ,but it was not possible2 for to have done so would have been a violation of the law1 and he had to take it4 ,the atonement must be made1 a ,god must be sacrificed4 ,no power can resist a law of ,god4 ,it is omnipresent1 omnipotent1 exists everywhere1 in all things1 through all things and round about all things4 ,we read3 ,o the greatness of the mercy of our ,god1 the ,holy ,one of ,israel6 ,for he delivereth his saints from that awful monster the devil1 and death1 and hell1 and that lake of fire and brimstone1 which is endless torment4 ,o how great the holiness of our ,god6 ,for he knoweth all things1 and there is not any thing1 save he knows it4 ,and he cometh into the world that he may save all men1 if they will hearken unto his voice2 for behold1 he suffereth the pains of all men2 yea1 the pains of every living creature1 both men1 women1 and children1 who belong to the family of ,adam4 ,and he suffereth this1 that the resurrection might pass upon all men1 that all might stand before him at the great and judgment day4 ,and he commandeth all men that they must repent1 and be baptized in his name1 having perfect faith in the ,holy ,one of ,israel1 or they cannot be saved in the kingdom of ,god4 ,and if they will not repent and believe in his name1 and be baptized in his name1 and endure to the end1 they must be damned2 for the ,lord ,god1 the ,holy ,one of ,israel1 has spoken it2 ,wherefore he has given a law2 and where there is no law given1 there is no punishment2 and where there is no punishment1 there is no condemnation2 and where there is no condemnation1 the mercies of the ,holy ,one of ,israel have claim upon them1 because of the atonement2 for they are delivered by the power of him2 for the atonement satisfieth the demands of his justice upon all those who have not the law given to them1 that they are delivered from that awful monster1 death and hell1 and the devil1 and the lake of fire and brimstone1 which is endless torment2 and they are restored to that ,god who gave them breath1 which is the ,holy ,one of ,israel4 ,but wo unto him that has the law given2 yea1 that has all the commandments of ,god like unto us1 and that transgresseth them1 and that wasteth the days of his probation1 for awful is his state4--#b ,nephi1 ix1 #ai-bg4 ,,chapter ,,xxiv4 ,the ,results of the ,atonement--,the ,debt ,paid--,justice and ,mercy-- ,extracts from the ,teachings of ,alma and ,others4 ,from the facts in the case and the testimony presented in the ,scriptures it becomes evident that through the great atonement1 the expiatory sacrifice of the ,son of ,god1 it is made possible that man can be redeemed1 restored1 resurrected and exalted to the elevated position designed for him in the creation as a ,son of ,god3 that eternal justice and law required the penalty to be paid by man himself1 or by the atonement of the ,son of ,god3 that ,jesus offered ,himself as the great expiatory sacrifice2 that this offering being in accordance with the demands or requirements of the law1 was accepted by the great ,lawgiver2 that it was prefigured by sacrifices1 and ultimately fulfilled by ,himself according to the eternal covenant4 ,he was wounded 7as prophesied of7 for our transgressions1 he was bruised for our iniquities1 the chastisement of our peace was upon him1 and with his stripes we are healed4 ,the ,savior thus becomes master of the situation--the debt is paid1 the redemption made1 the covenant fulfilled1 justice satisfied1 the will of ,god done1 and all power is now given into the hands of the ,son of ,god--the power of the resurrection1 the power of the redemption1 the power of salvation1 the power to enact laws for the carrying out and accomplishment of this design4 ,hence life and immortality are brought to light1 the ,gospel is introduced1 and ,he becomes the author of eternal life and exaltation4 ,he is the ,redeemer1 the ,resurrector1 the ,savior of man and the world2 and ,he has appointed the law of the ,gospel as the medium which must be complied with in this world or the next1 as ,he complied with ,his ,father's law2 hence he that believeth shall be saved1 and he that believeth not shall be damned4 ,the plan1 the arrangement1 the agreement1 the covenant was made1 entered into and accepted before the foundation of the world2 it was prefigured by sacrifices1 and was carried out and consummated on the cross4 ,hence being the mediator between ,god and man1 ,he becomes by right the dictator and director on earth and in heaven for the living and for the dead1 for the past1 the present and the future1 pertaining to man as associated with this earth or the heavens1 in time or eternity1 the ,captain of our salvation1 the ,apostle and ,high-,priest of our profession1 the ,lord and ,giver of life4 ,is justice dishonored8 ,no2 it is satisfied1 the debt is paid4 ,is righteousness departed from8 ,no2 this is a righteous act4 ,all requirements are met4 ,is judgment violated8 ,no2 its demands are fulfilled4 ,is mercy triumphant8 ,no2 she simply claims her own4 ,justice1 judgment1 mercy and truth all harmonize as the attributes of ,deity4 ,justice and truth have met together1 righteousness and peace have kissed each other4 ,justice and judgment triumph as well as mercy and peace2 all the attributes of ,deity harmonize in this great1 grand1 momentous1 just1 equitable1 merciful and meritorious act4 ,the ,book of ,mormon is very explicit on these principles4 ,we read therein3 ,and behold1 ,i say unto you1 this is not all3 ,for ,o how beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings1 that is the founder of peace3 yea1 even the ,lord1 who has redeemed his people3 yea1 him who has granted salvation unto his people3 ,for were it not for the redemption which he hath made for his people1 which was prepared from the foundation of the world2 ,i say unto you1 were it not for this1 all mankind must have perished4 ,but behold1 the bands of death shall be broken1 and the ,son reigneth1 and hath power over the dead2 therefore1 he bringeth to pass the resurrection of the dead4 ,and there cometh a resurrection1 even a first resurrection2 yea even a resurrection of those that have been1 and who are1 and who shall be1 even until the resurrection of ,christ3 for so shall he be called4 ,and now1 the resurrection of all the prophets1 and all those that have believed in their words1 or all those that have kept the commandments of ,god1 shall come forth in the first resurrection2 therefore1 they are the first resurrection4 ,they are raised to dwell with ,god who has redeemed them3 thus they have eternal life through ,christ1 who has broken the bands of death4 ,and these are those who have part in the first resurrection2 and these are they that have died before ,christ came1 in their ignorance1 not having salvation declared unto them4 ,and thus the ,lord bringeth about the restoration of these2 and they have a part in the first resurrection1 or have eternal life1 being redeemed by the ,lord4 ,and little children also have eternal life4 ,but behold1 and fear1 and tremble before ,god2 for ye ought to tremble3 for the ,lord redeemeth none such that rebel against him1 and die in their sins2 yea1 even all those that have perished in their sins ever since the world began1 that have wilfully rebelled against ,god1 that have known the commandments of ,god1 and would not keep them2 these are they that have no part in the first resurrection4 ,therefore had ye not ought to tremble8 ,for salvation cometh to none such2 for the ,lord hath redeemed none such2 yea1 neither can the ,lord redeem such2 for he cannot deny himself2 for he cannot deny justice when it has its claim4--,mosiah1 xv1 #ah-bg4 ,the next is a portion of a sermon of the ,prophet ,amulek1 the companion of ,alma1 to the ,zoramites3 ,my brother has called upon the words of ,zenos1 that redemption cometh through the ,son of ,god1 and also upon the words of ,zenoch2 and also he has appealed unto ,moses1 to prove that these things are true4 ,and now behold1 ,i will testify unto you of myself that these things are true4 ,behold1 ,i say unto you1 that ,i do know that ,christ shall come among the children of men1 to take upon him the transgressions of his people1 and that he shall atone for the sins of the world2 for the ,lord ,god hath spoken it2 for it is expedient that an atonement should be made2 for according to the great plan of the eternal ,god1 there must be an atonement made1 or else all mankind must unavoidably perish2 yea1 all are hardened2 yea1 all are fallen and are lost1 and must perish1 except it be through the atonement which it is expedient should be made2 for it is expedient that there should be a great and last sacrifice2 yea1 not a sacrifice of man1 neither of beast1 neither of any manner of fowl2 for it shall not be a human sacrifice2 but it must be an infinite and eternal sacrifice4 ,now there is not any man that can sacrifice his own blood1 which will atone for the sins of another4 ,now if a man murdereth1 behold will our law1 which is just1 take the life of his brother8 ,i say unto you nay4 ,but the law requireth the life of him who hath murdered2 therefore there can be nothing which is short of an infinite atonement1 which will suffice for the sins of the world2 therefore it is expedient that there should be a great and last sacrifice2 and then shall there be1 or it is expedient there should be a stop to the shedding of blood2 then shall the law of ,moses be fulfilled2 yea1 it shall be all fulfilled2 every jot and tittle2 and none shall have passed away4 ,and behold1 this is the whole meaning of the law3 every whit pointing to that great and last sacrifice2 and that great and last sacrifice will be the ,son of ,god3 yea1 infinite and eternal2 and thus he shall bring salvation to all those who shall believe on his name2 this being the intent of this last sacrifice1 to bring about the bowels of mercy1 which overpowereth justice1 and bringeth about means unto men that they may have faith unto repentance4 ,and thus mercy can satisfy the demands of justice1 and encircles them in the arms of safety1 while he that exercises no faith unto repentance1 is exposed to the whole law of the demands of justice2 therefore only unto him that has faith unto repentance1 is brought about the great and eternal plan of redemption4 ,therefore may ,god grant unto you1 my brethren1 that ye may begin to exercise your faith unto repentance1 that ye begin to call upon his holy name1 that he would have mercy upon you4--,alma1 xxxiv1 #g-ag4 ,and again1 to quote from the commandments of ,alma to his son ,corianton3 ,and now1 my son1 ,i perceive there is somewhat more which doth worry your mind1 which ye cannot understand1 which is concerning the justice of ,god1 in the punishment of the sinner2 for ye do try to suppose that it is injustice that the sinner should be consigned to a state of misery4 ,now1 behold1 my son1 ,i will explain this thing unto thee3 for behold1 after the ,lord ,god sent our first parents forth from the ,garden of ,eden1 to till the ground1 from whence they were taken2 yea1 he drew out the man1 and he placed at the east end of the ,garden of ,eden1 ,cherubim1 and a flaming sword which turned every way1 to keep the tree of life4 ,now we see that the man had become as ,god1 knowing good and evil2 and lest he should put forth his hand1 and take also of the tree of life1 and eat and live for ever1 the ,lord ,god placed ,cherubim and the flaming sword1 that he should not partake of the fruit2 and thus we see1 that there was a time granted unto man to repent1 yea1 a probationary time1 a time to repent and serve ,god4 ,for behold1 if ,adam had put forth his hand immediately1 and partook of the tree of life1 he would have lived for ever1 according to the word of ,god1 having no space for repentance2 yea1 and also the word of ,god would have been void1 and the great plan of salvation would have been frustrated4 ,but behold1 it was appointed unto man to die2 therefore as they were cut off from the tree of life they should be cut off from the face of the earth1 and man become lost for ever2 yea1 they became fallen man4 ,and now we see by this1 that our parents were cut off1 both temporally and spiritually1 from the presence of the ,lord2 and thus we see they became subjects to follow after their own will4 ,now behold1 it was not expedient that man should be reclaimed from this temporal death1 for that would destroy the great plan of happiness2 therefore1 as the soul could never die1 and the fall had brought upon all mankind a spiritual death as well as a temporal2 that is1 they were cut off from the presence of the ,lord2 it was expedient that mankind should be reclaimed from this spiritual death2 therefore1 as they had become carnal1 sensual1 and devilish by nature1 this probationary state became a state for them to prepare2 it became a preparatory state4 ,and now remember1 my son1 if it were not for the plan of redemption1 7laying it aside17 as soon as they were dead1 their souls were miserable1 being cut off from the presence of the ,lord4 ,and now there was no means to reclaim men from this fallen state which man had brought upon himself1 because of his own disobedience2 therefore1 according to justice1 the plan of redemption could not be brought about1 only on conditions of repentance of men in this probationary state2 yea1 this preparatory state2 for except it were for these conditions1 mercy could not take effect except it should destroy the work of justice4 ,now the work of justice could not be destroyed2 if so1 ,god would cease to be ,god4 ,and thus we see that all mankind were fallen1 and they were in the grasp of justice2 yea1 the justice of ,god1 which consigned them for ever to be cut off from his presence4 ,and now the plan of mercy could not be brought about1 except an atonement should be made2 therefore ,god himself atoneth for the sins of the world1 to bring about the plan of mercy1 to appease the demands of justice1 that ,god might be a perfect1 just ,god1 and a merciful ,god also4 ,now repentance could not come unto men1 except there were a punishment1 which also was eternal as the life of the soul should be1 affixed opposite to the plan of happiness1 which was as eternal also as the life of the soul4 ,now1 how could a man repent1 except he should sin8 ,how could he sin1 if there was no law8 ,how could there be a law1 save there was a punishment8 ,now there was a punishment affixed1 and a just law given1 which brought remorse of conscience unto man4 ,now if there was no law given if a man murdered he should die1 would he be afraid he would die if he should murder8 ,and also1 if there was no law given against sin1 men would not be afraid to sin4 ,and if there was no law given if men sinned1 what could justice do1 or mercy either2 for they would have no claim upon the creature8 ,but there is a law given1 and a punishment affixed1 and a repentance granted2 which repentance1 mercy claimeth2 otherwise1 justice claimeth the creature1 and executeth the law1 and the law inflicteth the punishment3 if not so1 the works of justice would be destroyed1 and ,god would cease to be ,god4 ,but ,god ceaseth not to be ,god1 and mercy claimeth the penitent1 and mercy cometh because of the atonement2 and the atonement bringeth to pass the resurrection of the dead2 and the resurrection of the dead bringeth back men into the presence of ,god2 and thus they are restored into his presence1 to be judged according to their works2 according to the law and justice2 for behold1 justice exerciseth all his demands1 and also mercy claimeth all which is her own2 and thus1 none but the truly penitent are saved4 ,what6 do ye suppose that mercy can rob justice8 ,i say unto you1 nay2 not one whit4 ,if so1 ,god would cease to be ,god4 ,and thus ,god bringeth about his great and eternal purposes1 which were prepared from the foundation of the world4 ,and thus cometh about the salvation and the redemption of men1 and also their destruction and misery4--,alma1 xlii1 #a-bf4 ,in the first place1 according to justice men could not have been redeemed from temporal death1 except through the atonement of ,jesus ,christ2 and in the second place1 they could not be redeemed from spiritual death1 only through obedience to ,his law4 ,,chapter ,,xxv4 ,the ,resurrection--,the ,universality of the ,atonement--,the ,promises to those who ,overcome--,the ,gospel--,its ,first ,principles--,faith1 ,repentance1 ,baptism and the ,gift of the ,holy ,ghost--,its ,antiquity-- ,it is ,preached in ,various ,dispensations1 from ,adam until the ,present--,the ,final ,triumph of the ,saints4 ,the great pre-requisites having been fulfilled1 it now becomes our duty to enquire what next had to be done to consummate the great object obtainable through the fulfilment of this law1 or what was accomplished by the atonement4 ,first1 the ,resurrection4 ,the penalty of the broken law in ,adam's day was death2 and death is passed upon all4 ,the word of the ,lord was1 ,in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die4 ,the atonement made by ,jesus ,christ brought about the resurrection from the dead1 and restored life4 ,and hence ,jesus said3 ,i am the ,resurrection and the ,life2 he that believeth in me1 though he were dead1 yet shall he live2 and ,jesus ,himself became the first fruits of those who slept4 ,the next question that arises is1 how far does this principle extend and to whom is it applicable8 ,it extends to all the human family2 to all men of every nation3 as it is written3 ,for1 if by one man's offence death reigneth by one2 much more they which receive abundance of grace1 and of the gift of righteousness1 shall reign in life by one1 ,jesus ,christ4 ,therefore1 as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation1 even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life4--,romans1 v1 #ag1 #ah4 ,this will not all take place at once4 ,but every man in his own order3 ,christ1 the first fruits2 afterward they that are ,christ's at his coming4--#a ,cor41 xv1 #bc4 ,but the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished4--,rev41 xx1 #e4 ,hence what was lost in ,adam was restored in ,jesus ,christ1 so far as all men are concerned in all ages1 with some very slight exceptions arising from an abuse of privileges4 ,transgression of the law brought death upon all the posterity of ,adam1 the restoration through the atonement restored all the human family to life4 ,for since by man came death1 by man came also the resurrection of the dead4 ,for as in ,adam all die1 even so in ,christ shall all be made alive4 ,so that whatever was lost by ,adam1 was restored by ,jesus ,christ4 ,the penalty of the transgression of the law was the death of the body4 ,the atonement made by ,jesus ,christ resulted in the resurrection of the human body4 ,its scope embraced all peoples1 nations and tongues4 ,for all my ,lord was crucified1 ,for all1 for all my ,savior died4 ,this is one part of the restoration4 ,this is the restoration of the body4 ,the next question for us to examine is1 ,how1 and in what manner are men benefitted by the atonement and by the resurrection8 ,in this1 that the atonement having restored man to his former position before the ,lord1 it has placed him in a position and made it possible for him to obtain that exaltation and glory which it would have been impossible for him to have received without it2 even to become a son of ,god by adoption2 and being a son then an heir of ,god1 and a joint heir with ,jesus ,christ2 and that1 as ,christ overcame1 ,he has made it possible1 and has placed it within the power of believers in ,him1 also to overcome2 and as ,he is authorized to inherit ,his ,father's glory which ,he had with ,him before the world was1 with ,his resurrected body1 so through the adoption1 may we overcome and sit down with ,him upon ,his throne1 as ,he has overcome and has sat down upon ,his ,father's throne4 ,and as he has said1 ,i and the ,father are one1 so are the obedient saints one with ,him1 as ,he is one with the ,father1 even as ,he prayed3 ,that they all may be one2 as thou1 ,father1 art in me1 and ,i in thee1 that they also may be one in us2 that the world may believe that thou hast sent me4 ,and the glory which thou gavest me1 ,i have given them2 that they may be one1 even as we are one2 ,i in them1 and thou in me1 that they may be made perfect in one2 and that the world may know that thou hast sent me1 and hast loved them as thou hast loved me4--,john1 xvii1 #ba-bc4 ,being the sons of ,god through the atonement and adoption1 and through faith in ,jesus ,christ1 they rise to the dignity and glory of the ,godhead1 even to be ,gods2 as it is promised3 ,him that overcometh1 will ,i make a pillar in the temple of my ,god1 and he shall go no more out3 and ,i will write upon him the name of my ,god1 and the name of the city of my ,god1 which is new ,jerusalem1 which cometh down out of heaven from my ,god3 and ,i will write upon him my new name4--,rev41 iii1 #ab4 ,again1 ,to him that overcometh will ,i grant to sit with me in my throne1 even as ,i also overcame1 and am set down with my ,father in his throne4--,rev41 iii1 #ba4 ,yet again1 ,he that overcometh shall inherit all things2 and ,i will be his ,god1 and he shall be my son4--,rev41 xxi1 #g4 ,hence1 through ,his atonement1 believers in ,christ1 and those who obey ,his law1 partake of ,his glory and exaltation1 and are inheritors of the ,godhead2 whilst those who do not obey ,his law although resurrected cannot inherit this exaltation2 they are raised from the dead1 but cannot inherit a celestial glory without being obedient to a celestial law1 and thus we come again to a scripture quoted before4 ,jesus said1 ,thus it is written1 and thus it behooved ,christ to suffer1 and to rise from the dead the third day3 and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations1 beginning at ,jerusalem4 ,having noticed the great blessings1 privileges1 powers and exaltations that are placed within the reach of man1 through the atonement of ,jesus ,christ1 it next becomes our duty to enquire what is required of man to place him in possession of them4 ,that the world might be benefitted through the redemption brought about by ,jesus ,christ1 ,he called and ordained twelve ,apostles1 and commanded them to go forth into all the world1 and preach the ,gospel to every creature1 saying1 ,he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved2 but he that believeth not shall be damned1 or condemned4 ,thus placing it within the reach of every man to obtain the glory and exaltation referred to above1 and leaving all men without excuse who would not obey the law and be subject to the conditions imposed4 ,the penalty of ,adam's sin having been removed through the atonement1 it now became the privilege of all men1 in all nations1 to partake of the salvation provided by the great ,mediator4 ,and this provision applies not only to the living1 but also to the dead1 so that all men who have existed in all ages1 who do exist now1 or who will exist while the earth shall stand1 may be placed upon the same footing1 and that all men may have the privilege1 living or dead1 of accepting the conditions of the great plan of redemption provided by the ,father1 through the ,son1 before the world was2 and that the justice and mercy of ,god may be applied to every being1 living or dead1 that ever has existed1 that does now exist1 or that ever will exist4 ,the conditions required of the human family to enable them to obtain the high exaltation which the atonement makes it possible for them to receive1 are3 ,first1 ,faith in ,god as our ,father and the great ,supreme ,ruler of the universe2 in whose hands are the destinies of the human family2 in whom we live and move and have our being4 ,and in ,his ,son ,jesus ,christ1 as the ,lamb slain from before the foundation of the world1 as the great ,mediator and great propitiatory sacrifice provided by the ,father before the creation1 and consummated by the offering of ,himself upon the cross4 ,for ,god so loved the world1 that he gave his only begotten ,son1 that whosoever believeth in him should not perish1 but have everlasting life4 ,or1 to use the words of the ,nephite ,king ,benjamin3 ,believe in ,god2 believe that he is1 and that he created all things1 both in heaven and in earth2 believe that he has all wisdom1 and all power1 both in heaven and in earth2 believe that man doth not comprehend all the things which the ,lord can comprehend4 ,or as ,paul writes2 ,he that cometh to ,god must believe that he is1 and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him4 ,the second principle of the ,gospel of salvation1 is repentance4 ,it is a sincere and godly sorrow for and a forsaking of sin1 combined with full purpose of heart to keep ,god's commandments4 ,as is written by the ,prophet ,isaiah3 ,let the wicked forsake his way1 and the unrighteous man his thoughts2 and let him return unto the ,lord1 and he will have mercy upon him2 and to our ,god1 for he will abundantly pardon4 ,and to quote from the ,book of ,mormon3 ,and again3 ,believe that ye must repent of your sins and forsake them1 and humble yourselves before ,god2 and ask in sincerity of heart that he would forgive you2 and now1 if you believe all these things1 see that ye do them4--,mosiah1 iv1 #aj4 ,thirdly1 ,baptism for the remission of sins1 of our personal transgressions1 which1 through this means1 provided by divine mercy1 are1 by reason of the atonement1 blotted out4 ,to use the words of ,paul3 ,therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death3 that like as ,christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the ,father1 even so we also should walk in newness of life4 ,for if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death1 we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection4 ,next1 the reception of the ,holy ,ghost through the laying on of hands of those who have received the ,holy ,priesthood1 and are duly authorized1 ordained1 and empowered to impart this blessing3 ,thus ,peter preached on the day of ,pentecost3 ,repent1 and be baptized every one of you in the name of ,jesus ,christ1 for the remission of sins1 and ye shall receive the gift of the ,holy ,ghost4 ,for the promise is unto you1 and to your children1 and to all that are afar off1 even as many as the ,lord our ,god shall call4--,acts1 ii1 #ch1 #ci4 ,these are the introductory or first principles of the everlasting1 unchangeable ,gospel of our ,lord and ,savior ,jesus ,christ1 that is and has been the same to all men1 amongst all nations1 in all ages1 whenever1 or wherever it has been taught by the authority of heaven4 ,hence we read3 ,it was preached from the beginning1 being declared by holy angels1 sent from the presence of ,god1 and by his own voice1 and by the gift of the ,holy ,ghost4 ,and thus all things were confirmed unto ,adam1 by an holy ordinance1 and the ,gospel preached1 and a decree sent forth1 that it should be in the world1 until the end thereof4--,pearl of ,great ,price4 ,and in that day the ,lord ,god called upon men by the ,holy ,ghost everywhere1 and commanded them that they should repent2 and as many as believed in the ,son1 and repented of their sins1 should be saved2 and as many as believed not and repented not1 should be damned2 and the words went forth out of the mouth of ,god in a firm decree2 wherefore they must be fulfilled4--,ibid4 ,this same ,gospel was preached to ,seth1 and to all the antediluvian ,patriarchs1 and they ministered under its authority4 ,by its power1 as we have already shown1 ,enoch and his people were translated4 ,of ,noah it is written3 ,and the ,lord ordained ,noah after his own order1 and commanded him that he should go forth and declare his gospel unto the children of men1 even as it was given unto ,enoch4 ,and further1 to quote from the testimony of ,noah before the flood3 ,and it came to pass that ,noah continued his preaching unto the people1 saying1 ,hearken1 and give heed unto my words2 believe and repent of your sins1 and be baptized in the name of ,jesus ,christ1 the ,son of ,god1 even as our fathers did1 and ye shall receive the ,holy ,ghost1 that ye may have all things made manifest2 and if ye do not this1 the floods will come in upon you4 ,from this we learn that the principles of the ,gospel in the first ages of the world were identical with those taught in our day4 ,the ,gospel and the ,holy ,priesthood continued from ,noah to ,abraham4 ,abraham received the priesthood from ,melchizedek1 who received it through the lineage of his fathers1 even till ,noah4 7,doc and ,cov41 lxxxiv1 #ad1 p4 #bhi47 ,as ,paul writes1 ,and the ,scripture1 foreseeing that ,god would justify the heathen through faith1 preached before the ,gospel unto ,abraham1 saying1 ,in thee shall all nations be blessed2 whilst ,jesus declared1 ,abraham saw my day and was glad4 ,the knowledge and practice of the ,gospel were perpetuated through ,isaac1 ,jacob1 ,joseph and other ,patriarchs1 until the age of ,moses1 who1 it is said1 esteemed the reproach of ,christ greater riches than the treasures in ,egypt2 and of the ,israelites1 of whom he was the great lawgiver1 ,paul writes3 ,moreover1 brethren1 ,i would not that ye should be ignorant how that all our fathers were under the cloud1 and all passed through the sea2 and were all baptized unto ,moses in the cloud and in the sea2 and did all eat the same spiritual meat2 and did all drink the same spiritual drink3 7,for they drank of that spiritual ,rock that followed them3 and that ,rock was ,christ47 ,but with many of them ,god was not pleased3 for they were overthrown in the wilderness4--#a ,cor41 x1 #a-e4 ,the further history of the ,gospel in its relation to the house of ,israel is briefly told in the following paragraphs from the ,book of ,doctrine and ,covenants3 ,now this ,moses plainly taught to the children of ,israel in the wilderness1 and sought diligently to sanctify his people that they might behold the face of ,god2 but they hardened their hearts and could not endure his presence1 therefore the ,lord in his wrath 7for his anger was kindled against them7 swore that they should not enter into his rest while in the wilderness1 which rest is the fulness of his glory4 ,therefore he took ,moses out of their midst1 and the ,holy ,priesthood also2 and the lesser priesthood continued1 which priesthood holdeth the key of the ministering of angels and the preparatory gospel2 which gospel is the gospel of repentance and of baptism1 and the remission of sins1 and the law of carnal commandments1 which the ,lord in his wrath caused to continue with the house of ,aaron among the children of ,israel until ,john1 whom ,god raised up1 being filled with the ,holy ,ghost from his mother's womb2 for he was baptized while he was yet in his childhood1 and was ordained by the angel of ,god at the time he was eight days old unto this power1 to overthrow the kingdom of the ,jews1 and to make straight the way of the ,lord before the face of his people1 to prepare them for the coming of the ,lord1 in whose hand is given all power4--,sec4 lxxxiv1 #bc-bh1 p4 #bij1 #bia4 ,it was this same ,gospel that the crucified ,redeemer commanded ,his disciples to preach1 when he said unto them1 ,go ye into all the world1 and preach the gospel to every creature4 ,he that believeth and is baptized1 shall be saved2 but he that believeth not shall be damned4 ,and these signs shall follow them that believe3 ,in my name shall they cast out devils2 they shall speak with new tongues2 they shall take up serpents2 and if they drink any deadly thing1 it shall not hurt them2 they shall lay hands on the sick1 and they shall recover4--,mark1 xvi1 #ae-ah4 ,and ,mark testifies3 ,they went forth1 and preached every where1 the ,lord working with them1 and confirming the word with signs following4 ,hence we find on the day of ,pentecost1 ,peter1 the senior of the ,apostles1 in answer to the cry of the believing multitude1 ,men and brethren1 what shall we do8 replying in the words already quoted3 ,repent and be baptized1 every one of you1 in the name of ,jesus ,christ1 for the remission of sins2 and ye shall receive the gift of the ,holy ,ghost4 ,for the promise is unto you and your children1 and to all that are afar off1 even as many as the ,lord our ,god shall call4-- ,acts1 ii1 #ch1 #ci4 ,again1 it was this same everlasting1 unalterable1 unchangeable ,gospel whose restoration to the earth ,john1 the ,apostle1 spoke of as follows3 ,and ,i saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven1 having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth1 and to every nation1 and kindred1 and tongue1 and people1 saying with a loud voice1 ,fear ,god and give glory to him2 for the hour of his judgment is come3 and worship him that made heaven1 and earth1 and the sea1 and the fountains of waters4--,revelation1 xiv1 #f1 #g4 ,from the ,bible1 we turn to the ,book of ,mormon1 and in its pages discover that the same ,gospel which ,jesus directed ,his disciples to go into all the world and preach1 was preached on this continent1 from the earliest ages4 ,the ,jaredites became acquainted with it through the revelations given to the brother of ,jared2 in one of which ,jesus said unto him3 ,behold1 ,i am he who was prepared from the foundation of the world to redeem my people4 ,behold1 ,i am ,jesus ,christ4 ,i am the ,father and the ,son4 ,in me shall all mankind have light and that eternally1 even they who shall believe on my name2 and they shall become my sons and my daughters4--,ether1 iii1 #ad4 ,and he ministered unto him1 even as he ministered unto the ,nephites4--,ether1 iii1 #ah4 ,the principles of this ,gospel were very fully understood by the ,nephites before the advent of the ,messiah4 ,we quote from a sermon of the younger ,alma4 ,he says3 ,now if it had not been for the plan of redemption1 which was laid from the foundation of the world1 there could have been no resurrection of the dead2 but there was a plan of redemption laid1 which shall bring to pass the resurrection of the dead1 of which has been spoken4 ,and now behold1 if it were possible that our first parents could have went forth and partaken of the tree of life1 they would have been for ever miserable1 having no preparatory state2 and thus the plan of redemption would have been frustrated1 and the word of ,god would have been void1 taking none effect4 ,but behold1 it was not so2 but it was appointed unto man that they must die2 and after death they must come to judgment2 even that same judgment of which we have spoken1 which is the end4 ,and after ,god had appointed that these things should come unto man1 behold1 then he saw that it was expedient that man should know concerning the things whereof he had appointed unto them2 therefore he sent angels to converse with them1 who caused men to behold of his glory4--,alma1 xii1 #be-bi4 ,it will be seen from this1 in the first place1 that1 as we have before stated1 ,god's plan in relation to man was that he should fall1 and having fallen and obtained a knowledge of good and evil1 7which knowledge he could not have obtained without placing himself in that position17 then it became necessary that he should know concerning the atonement and redemption which should be brought about through the mediation of ,jesus ,christ2 and hence the angel communicated1 as before related1 this knowledge to ,adam1 and ,alma's testimony on this continent is found to agree precisely with the testimony given in the ,pearl of ,great ,price1 pertaining to the revelation of ,god's will through an angel to ,adam4 ,we again quote from the same discourse3 ,and they began from that time forth to call on his name2 therefore ,god conversed with men1 and made known unto them the plan of redemption1 which had been prepared from the foundation of the world2 and this he made known unto them according to their faith and repentance1 and their holy works2 wherefore he gave commandments unto men1 they having first transgressed the first commandments as to things which were temporal1 and becoming as ,gods1 knowing good from evil1 placing themselves in a state to act1 or being placed in a state to act according to their wills and pleasures1 whether to do evil or to do good2 therefore ,god gave unto them commandments1 after having made known unto them the plan of redemption1 that they should not do evil1 the penalty thereof being a second death1 which was an everlasting death as to things pertaining unto righteousness2 for on such the plan of redemption could have no power1 for the works of justice could not be destroyed1 according to the supreme goodness of ,god4 ,but ,god did call on men1 in the name of his ,son1 7this being the plan of redemption which was laid17 saying1 ,if ye will repent1 and harden not your hearts1 then will ,i have mercy upon you1 through mine only begotten ,son2 therefore1 whosoever repenteth1 and hardeneth not his heart1 he shall have claim on mercy through mine only begotten ,son1 unto a remission of his sins2 and these shall enter into my rest4 ,and whosoever will harden his heart1 and will do iniquity1 behold1 ,i swear in my wrath that he shall not enter into my rest4--,alma1 xii1 #cj-ce4 ,when ,jesus ,himself appeared to the ,nephites1 ,he preached the same identical principles that ,he had previously taught to the ,jews1 adding occasionally further truths1 because of the greater faith of the first named people2 ,and he did expound all things1 even from the beginning even until the time he should come in his glory4 ,amongst other things ,he said3 ,whosoever will hearken unto my words and repenteth1 and is baptized1 the same shall be saved4 ,search the prophets1 for many there be that testify of these things4--#c ,nephi1 xxiii1 #e4 ,and it is this same ,gospel1 attended by the same power and spirit1 blessed by the same inspiration1 and led by the same ,priesthood1 that is now being preached to all the world for a witness4 ,through its principles1 and by its power the ,kingdom of ,god will be established1 righteousness spread1 evil overcome1 and ,satan be vanquished2 by it ,zion and the ,new ,jerusalem will be built up1 ,enoch and his city be received1 the work of the ,millennium be done1 the renovation of the earth accomplished1 and all ,god's glorious will be fulfilled1 until the vision becomes a reality which ,daniel saw and wrote3 ,behold1 one like the ,son of man came with the clouds of heaven1 and came to the ,ancient of days1 and they brought him near before him4 ,and there was given him dominion1 and glory1 and a kingdom1 that all people1 nations1 and languages should serve him2 his dominion is an everlasting dominion1 which shall not pass away1 and his kingdom1 that which shall not be destroyed4 99 99 99 ,and the kingdom and dominion1 and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven1 shall be given to the people of the saints of the ,most ,high1 whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom1 and all dominions shall serve and obey him4--,daniel1 vii1 #ac1 #ad1 #bg4 ,,appendix4 ,the ,ideas of a ,general ,atonement and ,redemption1 ,entertained by ,ancient ,heathen ,nations1 ,derived ,originally from the ,teachings of ,earlier ,servants of ,god4 ,the following are some natural deductions drawn from the theories entertained by men and recorded in history1 which tend to establish rather than to overturn the principles which are so clearly demonstrated in the foregoing pages1 exhibiting and showing that the atonement was a great plan of the ,almighty for the salvation1 redemption and exaltation of the human family2 and that the pretenders in the various ages had drawn whatever of truth they possessed1 from a knowledge of those principles taught by the ,priesthood from the earliest periods of recorded time2 instead of ,christianity being indebted1 as some late writers would allege1 to the turbid systems of heathen mythology and to pagan ceremonials4 ,we believe in the foregoing pages it has been clearly demonstrated to all ,latter-day ,saints1 that the prophecy and promise of the coming of the ,son of ,god was fully understood in every dispensation of ,god's providence from the earliest period of the world's history1 down through the succeeding ages1 everywhere and at all times when the ,church of ,god existed on the earth4 ,furthermore1 that the doctrine of the atonement1 as understood by us1 was understood in like manner by the ancient servants of the ,lord1 and that it was the central principle of their faith1 the foundation of their hope for eternal felicity and salvation1 and their only trust for the resurrection of their bodies and life everlasting in the presence of the ,father4 ,again that the ancient ,patriarchs1 ,seers1 ,prophets1 ,high ,priests and others1 were almost as intimately acquainted with the earthly life and ministry of the ,savior1 by and through the gift of prophecy and the spirit of revelation1 as we are by the perusal of ,his history1 given to us in the sacred ,scriptures4 ,these worthies of olden time knew where ,he would be born and the names that would be given to ,him2 that ,his mother would be called ,mary1 and be a virgin of the tribe of ,judah and house of ,david4 ,herod's massacre of the ,innocents1 and the flight of the holy family into ,egypt1 were not hidden from them4 ,they spake of ,christ's baptism by ,john in ,jordan1 and of the ,divine approval that would follow2 they prophesied of ,his ministry1 rejoiced in ,his wonderful works of power and deeds of charity and love2 they understood that ,he should be betrayed for thirty pieces of silver2 they mourned at the vision of ,his sufferings and death1 and rejoiced at his triumph and resurrection4 ,even the minor details of the soldiers parting ,his raiment among them1 ,his death between two malefactors1 and ,his burial in the rich man's tomb were revealed2 and still further1 ,his descent into ,hades1 ,his preaching to the spirits in prison1 ,his visits to the ,nephites and ,his ultimate ascension to the ,father1 were all comprehended4 ,they knew that ,he would triumph over death1 hell and the grave1 be crowned with glory at the right hand of the ,majesty on high1 and that all power would be given to ,him in heaven and on earth4 ,these and many more details were understood1 prophesied of1 talked about and rejoiced in by the ,priesthood and ,saints from the days of ,adam to the hour that they began to be fulfilled by ,his advent and incarnation4 ,it is needless for us to go backward to the days before the flood to learn to what extent these truths were understood by the antediluvian races2 for all the accounts that we have of those peoples come down to us through the channel of the ,holy ,priesthood1 and all the records1 books1 traditions1 etc41 of those early inhabitants of our globe were brought to the children of the renovated earth through one family1 that of ,noah2 and that ,patriarch1 by right of universal fatherhood to the new generations1 ruled them as ,high ,priest1 ,patriarch and ,king1 as one to whom the living ,god revealed ,his mind and will1 through whom the keys1 rights and powers of the everlasting ,priesthood were continued upon the earth1 and with whom special covenants were made by the ,almighty and the bow set in the clouds as an everlasting token of their perpetuity and unchangeableness4 ,it will be perceived that in the first days after the flood there was but one religion1 and that was the worship of the true ,god under the ministration and guidance of ,his duly authorized servants4 ,further1 that the belief of the first inhabitants of the postdiluvian age was not only the true one1 but it was accompanied by the power and authority of the ,holy ,priesthood1 which received revelations direct from the ,almighty4 ,thus the young world1 like the old1 was opened with a dispensation of ,god's mercy1 and the posterity of ,noah were not left to grope in the dark for light and truth1 anymore than had been the immediate descendants of our great original father4 ,the effects of thus repeopling the earth under the direct and immediate guidance of ,jehovah1 through ,his duly appointed servants1 have been felt through all succeeding generations2 for men1 as they scattered over the earth1 took with them the seeds of ,divine truth1 and though1 frequently1 in after ages1 they disfigured it with false and base theories of their own1 introduced all manner of corruptions into their forms of worship1 established orders of uninspired and unauthorized priesthood1 and replaced the worship of the true ,god by idolatry1 yet the fact of the existence of ,god the universal ,father was not entirely forgotten1 nor was the doctrine of the atonement ever utterly obliterated from the minds of men4 ,so strong and so universal a hold had this principle in the varied religions of antiquity1 that its very strength has been used as an argument against the doctrine2 and it has been vigorously asserted that the ,gospel taught by the ,savior was of pagan origin1 and that ,he was simply a reformer who took the most excellent wisdom of past ages and framed it into a code of morals and system of religious faith to suit ,his own ideas and accomplish ,his own purposes1 however noble those purposes might have been4 ,the earliest departures from the straight and narrow path to the lives that are eternal1 appear to have been made in ,chaldea and ,egypt4 ,in the former land1 ,nimrod was one of the first leaders in apostacy and wickedness4,a ,these evils so rapidly spread1 that as early as the days of ,melchizedec and ,abraham1 the worship of false deities and idols seems to have become almost universal2 and even those who did not worship graven images1 the starry hosts of heaven1 or the forces of nature1 had so far perverted the principles of the ,gospel1 that they taught numerous soul destroying errors1 totally inconsistent with the plan devised by heaven4 ,in ,egypt the apostacy began1 and an unauthorized priesthood was established as early as the days of the grandson of ,ham4 ,the origin of this defection is explained in the ,book of ,abraham1 as follows3 ,footnote ,a3 ,josephus' ,antiquities1 ,book ,i1 ,chap4 #d4 ,now the first government of ,egypt was established by ,pharaoh1 the eldest son of ,egyptus1 the daughter of ,ham1 and it was after the manner of the government of ,ham1 which was ,patriarchal4 ,pharaoh being a righteous man1 established his kingdom and judged his people wisely and justly all his days1 seeking earnestly to imitate that order established by the fathers in the first generations1 in the days of the first ,patriarchal reign1 even in the reign of ,adam1 and also of ,noah1 his father1 who blessed him with the blessings of the earth1 and with the blessings of wisdom1 but cursed him as pertaining to the ,priesthood4 ,now1 ,pharaoh being of that lineage by which he could not have the right of ,priesthood1 notwithstanding the ,pharaohs would fain claim it from ,noah1 through ,ham4 ,as the idolatries of ,chaldea and ,egypt gave marked tone and color to the mythologies of the dominant races of antiquity on the eastern hemisphere1 we shall not trace the growth and development of the religions of ,persia1 ,greece1 ,rome1 etc41 through their various branches and ramifications4 ,such an effort would require a volume2 but we shall confine ourselves simply to a brief consideration of the doctrine of the atonement1 as understood by the ancient ,gentile nations2 referring only to such other theories and ideas as have naturally a bearing on that doctrine4 ,as a starting point we believe we may state with assurance of its truth that the expectation of the coming of a ,son of ,god1 a ,messiah1 in the flesh was universal with all the leading nations that flourished in the ages previous to the advent of the ,redeemer4 ,this is true of the people of ,egypt1 ,babylon1 ,arabia1 ,persia1 ,hindostan1 ,greece and ,rome2 as also of the races that inhabited the ,american continent4 ,and so strong in certain cases had this idea grown that by gradual stages it became changed into the belief that that expected ,son of ,god had already come1 and such a being was reverenced and worshiped under various names4 ,in ,greece and ,rome this idea became so prevalent that nearly every very eminent man was thought to be a son of one of the gods2 and evil designing men sometimes personated these deities on purpose to seduce the virtuous of the other sex1 whose chastity they could overcome in no other way than by falsely declaring themselves to be the god for whom such women had particular reverence and esteem4,a ,whilst on the other hand young women who found themselves mothers without husbands would cunningly declare that their children were the offspring of a god2 or1 to use the words of the historian ,grote1 when speaking of ,greece1 the furtive pregnancy of young women1 often by a god1 is one of the most frequently recurring incidents in the legendary narratives of the country4 ,to such an extent did this excess run1 that at a later period a decree was issued subjecting to a very severe penalty any woman who should pretend that her child was of divine parentage4 ,one writer states3 ,many are the cases noted in history of young maidens claiming a paternity for their male offspring by a god4 ,in ,greece it became so common that the reigning king issued an edict1 decreeing the death of all young women who should offer such an insult to ,deity as to lay to him the charge of begetting their children4 ,whilst on this point ,mr4 ,draper writes3 ,immaculate conceptions and celestial descents were so currently received in those days1 that whoever had greatly distinguished himself in the affairs of men was thought to be of supernatural lineage4 ,even in ,rome1 centuries later1 no one could with safety have denied that that city owed its founder1 ,romulus1 to an accidental meeting of the god ,mars with the virgin ,rhea ,sylvia1 as she went with her pitcher for water to the spring4 ,the ,egyptian disciples of ,plato would have looked with anger on those who rejected the legend that ,perictione1 the mother of the great philosopher1 a pure virgin1 had suffered an immaculate conception through the influences of ,apollo1 and that the god had declared to ,ariston1 to whom she was betrothed1 the parentage of the child4 ,when ,alexander issued his letters1 orders and decrees1 styling himself ',king ,alexander1 the son of ,jupiter ,amnion1' they came to the inhabitants of ,egypt and ,syria with an authority that now can hardly be realized4 ,the freethinking ,greeks1 however1 put on such a supernatural pedigree its proper value4 ,olympias ,alexander's mother1 who1 of course1 better than all others knew the facts of the case1 used jestingly to say1 that 'she wished ,alexander would cease from incessantly embroiling her with ,jupiter's wife4'--,draper's ,conflict between ,religion and ,science4 ,footnote ,a3 ,see ,josephus' ,antiquities1 ,book xviii1 ,chapter iii4 ,returning to ,egypt where1 as before stated1 a priesthood1 disowned of ,god1 had been set up1 we are informed,a that those who were initiated into the inner mysteries of its mythology1 were taught that ,god created all things at the first1 by ,his first born1 who was the author and giver of all knowledge in heaven and on earth1 being at the same time the wisdom and the word of ,god4 ,the incarnation and earthly life of this important being constituted the grand mystery of their entire religious system4 ,so great was their faith in the advent of this ,holy ,one1 that they had chambers prepared in their temples for ,his nativity4 ,footnote ,a3 ,see ,osborn's ,religions of the ,world4 ,the priesthood of the ,egyptians1 though entirely without ,divine authority1 taught many great truths which they had received from ,noah1 through ,ham and ,pharaoh1 and it took generations before these ,gospel truths were so entirely overlaid and corrupted by falsehood and pagan innovations1 that they became undiscernable to all but the initiated4 ,it is an important fact1 holding good of other ancient civilizations as well as that of ,egypt1 that the farther we trace back their religious beliefs and mythologies1 the purer does the creed become1 the nearer it approaches to heavenly truth1 and the stronger and more evident are the traces of ,gospel teachings4 ,this fact alone is sufficient to prove that paganism had its origin in the revelations of heaven1 from which1 in its various diverse branches1 it had turned and strayed1 and by gradual growth1 had become the vile1 inconsistent1 degrading and loathsome system which is abhorred by all pure minded1 honorable and intelligent people4 ,had the various forms of ancient dominant pagan worship been radically and entirely different1 with only those features in common that could reasonably be attributed to accident or the inter-communication of races1 the inference would be strong that they had different origins2 but when1 as is the case1 there is a strong family likeness1 and that likeness grows stronger the further it is traced back1 and continually points to a common parentage1 and that parentage is the truth as taught by the early patriarchs and inspired servants of heaven1 our conclusions must necessarily be that these correct and ,god-given teachings were the source from whence the whole sprang1 and the differences in development arose from the varied incidents in the history1 and the peculiar surroundings of the various races that gave a local hue and tinge to their forms of belief4 ,it is also noteworthy that the fundamental principles of the everlasting plan devised by infinite wisdom1 and which were the most widely taught and accepted1 are those which prevailed the most extensively in pagan creeds1 and which longest retained their hold in the faith of the different races4,a ,amongst these ideas or principles we will mention a few that were so general that they might almost be called universal3 ,footnote ,a3 ,see writings of ,hitzig1 ,hyde1 ,faber1 ,goodsir1 ,higgins1 ,osborn1 ,levy1 etc4 #ast4 ,the belief in one great father ,god4 #b;d1 ,the expectation of the coming of ,his ,son to dwell in the flesh and redeem mankind4 #c;d4 ,the belief in a resurrection1 and in future rewards and punishments for acts done in this life4 #dth4 ,the observance of the rite of sacrifice4 #eth4 ,the doctrine of repentance1 and in certain cases the ordinance of baptism4 ,we ask1 when it is proved that all these principles were taught by the duly appointed servants of ,god in the earliest ages1 where else but from them could the ancient ,gentile races have obtained their knowledge thereof8 ,men have been ever prone to apostacy2 our fallen nature is at enmity with a godly life2 sometimes in one way1 sometimes in another1 ,satan led men from the right path and under the influences of a false or diabolic inspiration many errors were introduced2 as well as through the natural corrupt ambition of men who sought to obtain power over their fellows by promulgating new theories in the name of ,god and under the auspices of religion4 ,the ologies of to-day would have been impossible in the days of ,pharaoh and ,nimrod4 ,the style of apostacy was necessarily fashioned by the condition of men's minds1 their advance in civilization1 and their understanding of physical laws4 ,in the rudimentary condition of the nations who scattered at ,babel1 the easiest thing for them to do was to worship their dead ancestors and the heavenly orbs4 ,in due course naturally followed the framing of idols1 which at first only represented the being or thing worshiped1 but which were afterwards regarded as gods themselves1 and as such reverenced4 ,the idea of ,god's anger at men's sins1 associated with the law of sacrifice1 led mankind to believe that the more precious and beloved was the offering to him who offered it1 the more acceptable would it be to heaven4 ,as a result1 men soon began to offer up their sons and their daughters to appease the wrath of their gods4 ,abraham informs us3 ,now1 at this time it was the custom of the priest of ,pharaoh1 the king of ,egypt1 to offer up upon the altar which was built in the land of ,chaldea1 for the offering unto these strange gods1 men1 women and children4 ,and it came to pass that the priest made an offering unto the god of ,pharaoh1 and also unto the god of ,shagreel1 even after the manner of the ,egyptians4 ,now the god of ,shagreel was the ,sun4 ,even the thank-offering of a child did the priest of ,pharaoh offer upon the altar which stood by the hill called ,potiphar's ,hill1 at the head of the plain of ,olishem4 ,now1 this priest had offered upon this altar three virgins at one time1 who were the daughters of ,onitah1 one of the royal descent directly from the loins of ,ham4 ,these virgins were offered up because of their virtue2 they would not bow down to worship gods of wood or of stone1 therefore they were killed upon this altar1 and it was done after the manner of the ,egyptians4--,book of ,abraham4 ,this practice of offering human sacrifices had become very general on the eastern continent in ,abraham's day4 ,one peculiar phase of false doctrine with regard to the atonement had grown strong in the days of this ,patriarch4 ,it was that the blood of the righteous ,abel was shed for sins4,a ,this was a very natural mental outgrowth among people who believed in the consequences of the fall of ,adam and had been taught the necessity of a redeemer4 ,it was a very easy thing to fall into the error that as ,adam had transgressed1 so his immediate son atoned by his blood for his father's act4 ,and in the spread of this incorrect idea of ,abel's atonement amongst the early peoples1 may be found the origin of the many diversified legends of a sacrificed redeemer4 ,this theory was taught at a day so early in the world's history1 that it spread with the migrating races in every direction1 so that traces of it can be found from ,hindostan to ,spain1 from the ,baltic to ,ethiopia4 ,of course1 every people in their own language had their peculiar name for this savior1 and each race claimed him as theirs1 as ,abel certainly belonged as much to one as the other1 having no posterity2 and by degrees they wove many fanciful and mythical legends round his life and death1 varying according to the tastes1 imaginative power and environment of the different races4 ,this1 to a very great extent1 explains that enigma to ,christians1 who believe that ,gospel truths were first taught by ,jesus when in the flesh1 how the knowledge of the principle of the atonement and the tradition of a ,savior was so wide spread throughout the world before ,his actual coming4 ,footnote ,a3 ,inspired translation of ,genesis1 xvii1 #g4 ,there is another way by which the knowledge of these truths was taught4 ,we refer to the extended preaching of such worthies as ,melchizedec1 ,abraham1 ,jethro1 ,job1 ,jeremiah1 ,jonah and others2 and above all to that of the ,apostles after the ,redeemer's death4 ,dispensation succeeded dispensation1 as age succeeded age2 time and time again the people apostatized1 but each time some little remnant of divine truth remained with them4 ,jesus ,christ was preached by name soon after the creation1 as ,cyrus was named by divine revelation about two hundred years before his birth4 ,thus1 in some languages1 we have accounts of great men of ,god or gods1 as the case may be1 whose acts are said to have been1 in a greater or less degree1 the counterpart of those of the ,messiah when ,he tabernacled in the flesh2 and whose names bear a most remarkable likeness to that of the ,son of ,god4 ,hence we have ,checsna or ,chrishna of ,hindostan1 and ,hesus of the ,druids1 both of which names bear a marked similarity to those of the ,redeemer2 the first to ,christ1 the second to ,jesus4 ,it appears altogether probable that the histories of these men are simply the shadowy traditions of the ,savior1 the faint recollection of the teachings of inspired men1 which were localized to suit sectional vanity or pride of race2 or that some ancient teacher of their own peoples has been clothed with the attributes and works of ,christ1 and during the lapse of ages the acts and deeds of the two lives have been intermingled in one1 until at this day a rightful separation is impossible4 ,this habit of mixing and mingling the great deeds of several distinct persons1 and forming therefrom one grand1 if not altogether harmonious whole is one well understood by those who have studied the traditions of mankind2 it is not peculiar to any age or race1 and even in our day we often find a certain anecdote1 whether real or imaginary1 told of various celebrities1 some of whom may be yet living1 while others are among the recent dead4 ,the effects of this habit1 when continued through long ages1 amongst semi-civilized or barbarous nations1 went far to fashion the history of their gods1 and often to manufacture deities out of altogether imaginary personages4 ,modern revelation has restored another most important key to unlock the mystery of the almost universal knowledge of the ,redeemer and of the plan of the atonement4 ,it is found in the statement that ,jesus1 after his resurrection1 visited at least the inhabitants of two distinct portions of the earth1 which could not have been reached through the ministry of ,his ,jewish ,apostles4 ,these two peoples were the ,nephites on this land1 and the ,ten ,tribes in their distant northern home4 ,the knowledge that the ,mexicans1 and other aboriginal races of ,america had1 at the time of their discovery by the ,spaniards1 of the life of the ,savior1 was so exact1 that the ,catholics suggested two theories 7both incorrect1 however7 to solve the mystery4 ,one was that the devil had invented an imitation gospel to delude the ,indians2 the other1 that the ,apostle ,thomas had visited ,america and taught its people the plan of salvation4 ,the story of the life of the ,mexican divinity1 ,quetzalcoatl1 closely resembles that of the ,savior2 so closely1 indeed1 that we can come to no other conclusion than that ,quetzalcoatl and ,christ are the same being4 ,but the history of the former has been handed down to us through an impure ,lamanitish source1 which has sadly disfigured and perverted the original incidents and teachings of the ,savior's life and ministry4 ,regarding this god1 ,humboldt writes3 ,how truly surprising is it to find that the ,mexicans1 who seem to have been unacquainted with the doctrine of the migration of the soul and the ,metempsychosis should have believed in the incarnation of the only ,son of the supreme ,god1 ,tomacateuctli4 ,for ,mexican mythology1 speaking of no other ,son of ,god1 except ,quetzalcoatl1 who was born of ,chimelman1 the virgin of ,tula 7without man71 by ,his breath alone1 by which may be signified his word or will1 when it was announced to ,chimelman1 by the celestial messenger1 whom ,he dispatched to inform her that she should conceive a son1 it must be presumed this was ,quetzalcoatl1 who was the only son4 ,other authors might be adduced to show that the ,mexicans believe that this ,quetzalcoatl was both ,god and man2 that ,he had previously to ,his incarnation existed from eternity1 and that ,he had been the ,creator both of the world and man2 and that ,he had descended to reform the world by endurance1 and being king of ,tula1 was crucified for the sins of mankind1 etc41 as is plainly declared in the tradition of ,yucatan1 and mysteriously represented in the ,mexican paintings4 ,the following brief extracts relating to ,quetzalcoatl1 are from ,lord ,kingsborough's ,antiquities of ,mexico4 ,speaking of a certain plate1 he observes3 ,quetzalcoatl is there painted in the attitude of a person crucified1 with the impression of nails in his hands and feet1 but not actually upon the cross4 ,again3 ,the seventy-third plate of the ,borgian ,,ms4 is the most remarkable of all1 for ,quetzalcoatl is not only represented there as crucified upon a cross of ,greek form1 but his burial and descent into hell are also depicted in a very curious manner4 ,in another place he observes3 ,the ,mexicans believe that ,quetzalcoatl took human nature upon him1 partaking of all the infirmities of man1 and was not exempt from sorrow1 pain or death1 which he suffered voluntarily to atone for the sins of man4 ,rosales1 in his history1 when speaking of the people of the extreme southern portion of ,america1 states3 ,they had heard their fathers say1 a wonderful man had come to that country 99 99 99 who performed many miracles1 cured the sick with water1 caused it to rain that their crops of grain might grow1 kindled fire at a breath1 healing the sick and giving sight to the blind2 and that he spoke with as much propriety and elegance in the language of their country as if he had always resided in it1 addressing them in words very sweet and new to them1 telling them that the ,creator of the universe resided in the highest place of heaven1 and that many men and women1 resplendent as the sun1 dwelt with him4 ,thus we see that in the tradition's with regard to this especial ,god1 we have an almost complete life of the ,savior1 from the announcement of ,his birth to ,his virgin mother by an angel1 to ,his resurrection from the grave4 ,had we space1 other extracts could be given1 showing that there were many details1 not above mentioned1 ascribed to ,quetzalcoatl1 that relate to incidents in the life of ,christ4 ,the ,book of ,mormon alone explains the mystery4 ,the account there given of ,christ's ministrations amongst the forefathers of these peoples makes the whole thing plain4 ,we understand1 through that record1 how and by what means they obtained this great knowledge1 and can also readily perceive how the unworthy descendants of those whom the ,savior visited1 gradually added much childish rubbish to the original facts2 making their story1 like almost all other mythology1 an unseemly compound of heavenly truth and puerile fable4 ,but1 in view of these facts1 when all things are considered1 it is almost a wonder that so much of the truth was retained to the days when ,america became known to ,europeans4 ,we find1 in the mythology of the ,northmen1 certain traditions that lead us to imagine that it is possible that the visit of the ,savior to the ,ten ,tribes was by some means communicated to them4 ,but this is simply a conjecture4 ,however1 it is asserted that they claimed that ,woden1 one of their principal deities1 was a descendant of ,king ,david1 a very curious circumstance1 that it is difficult to explain1 only on the supposition of ,christ's visit1 and that ,woden1 with them1 occupied the place that ,quetzalcoatl did with the ,mexicans4 ,there is yet another source from which the ancients obtained their ideas of the life and mission of the ,son of ,god4 ,it is to be found in the translation of ,enoch and his city4 ,the fact of ,enoch's translation was generally known by the people who lived immediately after the flood4 ,it had occurred so short a time before1 that it was almost a matter of personal recollection with the sons of ,noah4 ,they must also have been acquainted with the fact that others were caught up by the power of heaven into ,zion1 and it would appear strongly probable that ,melchizedec and many of his people were also translated4 ,revelation does not state this in so many words1 but the inference to be drawn from what is said1 points clearly in that direction4 ,the fact of these translations1 the frequent visits of angels to men holding the ,priesthood1 and the manifestation of ,god's power over the elements of nature made manifest through ,his servants1 laid a foundation for many of the fables of ancient mythology2 some of which1 if we were to change the names and localities to those of ,bible history1 would not be as far from the truth as many suppose4 ,this era of inter-communication with the holy beings of the other world was easily magnified and distorted into the ,golden ,age when gods dwelt with men1 associated with much of earth life1 and were swayed by passions very much as were their mortal companions4 ,and1 as before remarked1 the simplicity of these traditions was greatly changed as the ages rolled around1 until they were completely overlaid and hidden by abominable and monstrous fables1 invented1 taught and used by the priests and their associates for their own sinister and unholy purposes4 ,from the whole of these statements1 we gather that while men1 who have written in relation to the various gods1 or virgins who have1 each in her turn1 conceived and borne a god or a messiah1 would argue that the accounts of the birth1 ministry1 death1 resurrection1 etc41 of the ,savior1 were simply a backing up and resuscitating of some of the old legends of heathen mythology which had been in existence in ages long antecedent to ,his advent1 and that1 therefore1 the account of the life and works of the ,redeemer was simply an act of priestcraft1 to introduce another messiah1 and another establishment of religion in the interests of the projectors1 and that ,christianity was simply a copy of the old paganisms that had exhibited themselves in the forms above referred to1 whereas the reverse is clearly demonstrated in the foregoing chapters on the atonement4 ,the fact is clearly proved1 instead of ,christianity deriving its existence and facts from the ideas and practices of heathen mythologists1 and from the various false systems that had been introduced by apostacy1 unrecognized pretensions and fraud1 that those very systems themselves were obtained from the true ,priesthood1 and founded on its teachings from the earliest ages to the advent of our ,lord and ,savior ,jesus ,christ2 that those holy principles were taught to ,adam1 and by him to his posterity2 that ,enoch1 ,noah1 ,abraham1 and the various ,prophets had all borne testimony of this grand and important event1 wherein the interest and happiness of the whole world were concerned1 pertaining to time and to eternity4 ,the ,gospel is a system1 great1 grand and comprehensive1 commencing in eternity1 extending through all time1 and then reaching into the eternities to come2 and the ideas with regard to these disjointed materials1 that are gathered together from the turbid waters of heathen mythology1 are so much clap trap and nonsense1 calculated only to deceive the unwary1 superstitious and ignorant1 and are as far below those great and eternal principles of heavenly truth which permeate through all time1 penetrate into the heavens1 and are interwoven with all the interests1 happiness and exaltation of man1 as the earth is below the heavens above4 ,the object of placing this statement before our brethren1 is to prove and demonstrate1 what was stated in the commencement1 that these truths should grow together unto the confounding of false doctrines1 and laying down of contentions4