Saturday, November 27, 2010
Polygamy is Supported in the Bible
In fact, in the Bible, Abraham had at least three wives, Jacob had at least four wives, and Moses had at least two. David had his wives taken from him by God through Nathan due to infidelity with a married woman. Jesus had a parable referring to polygamy and called the five of ten, who actually went to wed the groom, wise. He was referring to all men and women in the last days, but could have referred to orphans or princes(instead of virgins)and to a king(instead of bridegroom).
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Underaged Marriage in the Bible
Nearly all of your facts about Warren Jeffs and the FLDS-Christian religion are skewed if you get your facts from anyone in the media. Along with the Bible and the Book of Mormon; the Journal of Discourses, Truth Magazine and the Doctrine and Covenants have commandments, sermons and historical relevance to FLDS people.
Today the word "child" is so often negatively referred to that we don't see the age nor the maturity of that individual. Yet at 13, a youth who is not morally inclined is free to be promiscuous in our society as long as he/she is with another young person. In this case, no-one is punished by our laws. It wouldn't even phase our senses if that young one had multiple partners. It might bother a bit to see that young teen becoming a parent. It is fine with our sick society that abortion be used here instead. Doing the right thing by marrying, on the other-hand, is severely frowned upon. Even the so-called Christian-Right fight against the thought of a 13 year young parent being married to the co-parent/partner. This is not Christ-like to force. Nowhere in the Bible does it refer to any age as preferred marriage criteria.
God has blessed the bodies of His children to develop in their early teens. Also, as far as I am aware, in the history of the FLDS or the LDS sects since 1830, that there were not more than 2 instances under the age of 14 ever married. It is not very common there with the FLDS for anyone to be married younger than 18(contrary to popular belief). Warren Jeffs is currently awaiting extradition to Texas. He was freed by Arizona and his trial in Utah was deemed a mistrial. So far he has been blessed by God like the Lord Jesus Christ and Joseph Smith was. It is just not his time.
Today the word "child" is so often negatively referred to that we don't see the age nor the maturity of that individual. Yet at 13, a youth who is not morally inclined is free to be promiscuous in our society as long as he/she is with another young person. In this case, no-one is punished by our laws. It wouldn't even phase our senses if that young one had multiple partners. It might bother a bit to see that young teen becoming a parent. It is fine with our sick society that abortion be used here instead. Doing the right thing by marrying, on the other-hand, is severely frowned upon. Even the so-called Christian-Right fight against the thought of a 13 year young parent being married to the co-parent/partner. This is not Christ-like to force. Nowhere in the Bible does it refer to any age as preferred marriage criteria.
God has blessed the bodies of His children to develop in their early teens. Also, as far as I am aware, in the history of the FLDS or the LDS sects since 1830, that there were not more than 2 instances under the age of 14 ever married. It is not very common there with the FLDS for anyone to be married younger than 18(contrary to popular belief). Warren Jeffs is currently awaiting extradition to Texas. He was freed by Arizona and his trial in Utah was deemed a mistrial. So far he has been blessed by God like the Lord Jesus Christ and Joseph Smith was. It is just not his time.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Thursday, June 17, 2010
My Rant on The Comments I Have Been Hearing
Do we make all marriages bad? Because that's what I am hearing. I can tell you that marriage is good for me. Plural marriage for me may be good too. Why restrict it? Some of the finest of God's servants had more wives than one. The Bible is full of references. Stop with the, I am better than you mask, and leave people to their religious lives. Especially when they are doing fine. I lived in the FLDS community. I don't now, so I can be objective about it. I will say, I prefer the way they do marriages over the way it is done anywhere else. The respect exhibited by the men toward the women is not as objects as some are misinformed, through propaganda, may conclude. No. Respect toward women there is admired by the youth, and that is why most children stay when they grow older. Young marriages are not common there. They are not forbidden, but are rather minuscule in number. Yet you would think that it is common, by the accounts of the media. It is not considered evil or wrong to marry young there. Because when girls think they are ready to marry, they have to have their parents agree, which is many times unlikely for the parents to agree. But when they do, they will present her to the prophet who will have her come back for multiple appointment sessions with the parents in tow. I will have you know that this is not unlike how the young men are treated. It is no laughing matter to the parents nor to the young people. The vows are taken seriously. Abuse is unlikely in case you are wondering. If a man is found to be abusive there, he will be sent out, and all he earned in his life will be given to a finer gentler more righteous man. Jeffs is being wrongfully targeted. It is due to the religious prejudices of those who hold authority in government. The laws that are being used to convict him are unconstitutional. Yet he has been hated by the media, the government and the LDS neighbors who just hate Warren Jeffs on the outset. There is no truth in their criticism except in their own paradigms.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
The (so called) New Hope
The HOPE Organization is a non-profit group dedicated to assisting survivors of abuse within polygamous relationships on their courageous journey to personal freedom.
HOPE is a St. George, Utah based 501(c)(3) charity providing assistance to individuals and families to safely transition from a polygamous lifestyle into mainstream society.
HOPE's purpose is to offer support, protection, assistance, choices, opportunities and hope for the women, children, families and young adults (both male and female) who have been kicked out or have chosen to leave this culture. Sadly, too many women and children live under immense control, oppression and fear of eternal damnation, and they are caught in the cycle of abuse without a choice or a voice . . . We want to empower them!
Laws against these crimes are based in religion, which violates the separation of church and state. They are un-American, as they attempt to homogenize the country to a certain group's idea of morality, and that they create an oppressive society, restricting personal freedoms without justification. They teach irresponsibility, by not letting people deal with the natural consequences of their actions, but rather penalizing them whether or not their actions harmed anyone else.
Catching the "criminals" involved is an expensive affair. Victimless crimes draw manpower and funds away from crimes that do hurt innocent parties, and enforcement of the laws is not consistent enough to be an effective deterrent. I argue that actions to help people deal with problems caused by these illegal activities are effectively prevented by their criminalization -- for example, no one could be helped about their drinking problems during Prohibition. Additionally, he details how laws against victimless crimes paved the way for organized crime. from Wikipedia: Ain't Nobody's Business if You Do: The Absurdity of Consensual Crimes in Our Free Country by Peter McWilliams
HOPE is a St. George, Utah based 501(c)(3) charity providing assistance to individuals and families to safely transition from a polygamous lifestyle into mainstream society.
HOPE's purpose is to offer support, protection, assistance, choices, opportunities and hope for the women, children, families and young adults (both male and female) who have been kicked out or have chosen to leave this culture. Sadly, too many women and children live under immense control, oppression and fear of eternal damnation, and they are caught in the cycle of abuse without a choice or a voice . . . We want to empower them!
Laws against these crimes are based in religion, which violates the separation of church and state. They are un-American, as they attempt to homogenize the country to a certain group's idea of morality, and that they create an oppressive society, restricting personal freedoms without justification. They teach irresponsibility, by not letting people deal with the natural consequences of their actions, but rather penalizing them whether or not their actions harmed anyone else.
Catching the "criminals" involved is an expensive affair. Victimless crimes draw manpower and funds away from crimes that do hurt innocent parties, and enforcement of the laws is not consistent enough to be an effective deterrent. I argue that actions to help people deal with problems caused by these illegal activities are effectively prevented by their criminalization -- for example, no one could be helped about their drinking problems during Prohibition. Additionally, he details how laws against victimless crimes paved the way for organized crime. from Wikipedia: Ain't Nobody's Business if You Do: The Absurdity of Consensual Crimes in Our Free Country by Peter McWilliams
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Muhammad was Christian
I don't know who says Muhammad was illiterate. I am not excusing Islam as it is written in the Koran. I just know that Muhammad was learned in Christianity. His successors were not Christians even though he taught about Jesus. I believe they were blood hungry after Muhammad died. The so-called Christians back then were not kind to these people and they needed a leader. Muslims were defended back then, God saw they were humble and prayerful. I am Mormon. I love Christ. Prayer and humility and faith in Christ are the power in the Holy Ghost.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
The Ongoing Cases Against FLDS by Authorities
I say when you excuse Texas Judge Walther for all of the false righteousness and indignation toward a religious organization with no care for the Constitution, I am disappointed. Don't you know that your rights are at risk when others' are taken. Self righteousness has too much power here. These are God-fearing, praying and honest people. I know, I was one of them long ago. There is no evil intent in their hearts.
The way the raids were handled, was by itself, criminal. YFZ Ranch was designed as a gated community with a religious effort. It was an early Mormon plan since Joseph Smith Jr. made it an important goal. There was no one person who ran every household.
All evidence should be returned and all efforts while using the evidences stolen by authorities legally cannot be used. The search warrant was not legal that day of the raid.
The way the raids were handled, was by itself, criminal. YFZ Ranch was designed as a gated community with a religious effort. It was an early Mormon plan since Joseph Smith Jr. made it an important goal. There was no one person who ran every household.
All evidence should be returned and all efforts while using the evidences stolen by authorities legally cannot be used. The search warrant was not legal that day of the raid.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Killing is wrong, including abortion
Killing is one of the worst crimes because of the impact it has on the victim. Killing deprives the victim of life. The loss of life is the greatest possible loss anyone can suffer because it deprives us of all the experiences and enjoyments that otherwise would have been part of our futures, which we now value or would have come to value. If the loss of our valuable future is what makes killing you and me wrong, then abortion is equally wrong, because it deprives the fetus of its “future like ours”.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
My Discussion With A couple of Commenters on a news article
IMoronMoronI: From the accounts that I have read, stealing from the government is part of the culture of the people of Hildale. A man that has one wife recognized by the government and than other spiritual wives not recognized by the government, receiving welfare as "single mothers" is fraudulent, dishonest and immoral. Normal people not of that culture have a hard time believing that if they are thieving liars without conviction on one hand, what prevents them from being thieving liars on the other? The most bothersome thing to me is that somehow their religious views justify this behavior. No wonder so many people are turned off against religion! Who wants to go to heaven, if heaven is filled with the same kind of lying cheaters that make hell on earth?
I replied: You read from misinformed hearsay from prejudiced people then. I will tell you that there is very little, if any fraud. These people are not allowed to use the tax write-offs and other sneaky legal ways that you or I would be able to use, to help them. You see, we can use, for example, up to 4 children as a write-off. But what if there were 18 children? I think that if they are not permitted to use the same methods that you or I would use to supplement their livelihood, then why not use an unusually available legal method then? You think like a Collective Moralist and not as an open minded, spiritual individual. Don't talk to me about how laws are to be followed, when those who breach it in the government, like Presidents Obama and George Bush who wanted to change the Constitution to their political benefit.
I replied to mormonssuck: You have no idea how honest and honorable these service-men and women are. How sad that they are being politically targeted.
IMoronMoronI: Honest? Honorable? You're one of them, right? So tell me, how can a religion esteem themselves so highly and everyone outside of their religion so low? To make matters worse and more unbelievable is that this religion is ripping us, "low" unbelieving people, off! I don't like using the word cult, because I'm not sure of a religion that isn't a cult, but this religion really makes religion look bad. Underage marriage, multiple spiritual wives adds up to perversion. Not finishing their homes in some kind of scheme to avoid taxes, welfare fraud adds up to greed and thievery. Kicking out boys for wanting to date girls, adds up to heartless and cruel.
Honest and honorable you say! Hm-mm! I can only go by outward appearance, but God is going to judge the heart.
I Replied: I am not one of "them." I am sad to report that I don't measure-up like you don't measure-up to them. You see, We are on the outside looking in. The only difference between us is that I know who God is, and how to become like him. You do not, my friend. These godly prayerful people are persecuted and prosecuted for their beliefs and those bureaucrats have no idea of Christianity, who seek to destroy any sign of it, are setting the area on fire by themselves.
I replied: All I know is the oil that the virgins carried that were able to see the bridegroom was a reference to the "Spirit of God". You can't have it and still be able to accuse these good people of evils.
You think that the government can't be the enemy?
You think you know the good book enough to tell me that the government has no evil intent toward the Godly?
You didn't read the Book of Daniel well enough.
IMoronMoronI: First off, God's Word says that those who do good need not fear the government.
Second, do tell-you know how to be like Him and you know HIM and you believe that I do not. Explain to me what your extraordinary discernment, or perhaps prophetic bussom burnings are telling you. How are you going to become like Him and what does that mean? And what disqualifies me from becoming like Him?
BTW, they are persecuted and prosecuted for their organized crime. The government carries not it's sword in vain.
IMoronMoronI: Of course I think the government can be the enemy. In fact in Acts we are asked, "shall I obey God rather than man?" and He went on to prove, even unto death that he would obey God. But the evils that come out of Hildale are not hidden under a rock. They are set out before us and every normal person knows that their dealings are dishonest, and that is their own doing and not our poor judgment. I'm sure there are some good people that that are ignorant to the corruption, God bless them.
I'm sure you are familiar with this text but I want to send--
IMoronMoronI: for any religious person that has overlooked it. Revelation 22:18 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:
Rev 22:19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but this is what the BOM has done and if there was an angel of light that bore testimony to the BOM in addition to what God had already spoken Paul says let them be accursed.
Much more could be said, for now i will say that there is a better way. Start at the beginning, at the historical Word of God. Take a look at all of the artifacts found and being found that give support. Once you have gained trust in the entire Word, then proceed to newer works and see if they harmonize.
I replied: I wish you your happy night. I also wish you could try to pray and not use the Bible as a beginning and end to God's dealings with man. As far as the Book of Revelations goes, could you tell me if Paul was the last to write or was John? Revelations was written by John, but the compilers may not know who finished their writings last. What I am saying is that the reference was to his revelation and not to the Bible. You have been duped by your preacher. God will always inspire man as long as he lives, and is receptive to His Spirit.
I replied: You read from misinformed hearsay from prejudiced people then. I will tell you that there is very little, if any fraud. These people are not allowed to use the tax write-offs and other sneaky legal ways that you or I would be able to use, to help them. You see, we can use, for example, up to 4 children as a write-off. But what if there were 18 children? I think that if they are not permitted to use the same methods that you or I would use to supplement their livelihood, then why not use an unusually available legal method then? You think like a Collective Moralist and not as an open minded, spiritual individual. Don't talk to me about how laws are to be followed, when those who breach it in the government, like Presidents Obama and George Bush who wanted to change the Constitution to their political benefit.
I replied to mormonssuck: You have no idea how honest and honorable these service-men and women are. How sad that they are being politically targeted.
IMoronMoronI: Honest? Honorable? You're one of them, right? So tell me, how can a religion esteem themselves so highly and everyone outside of their religion so low? To make matters worse and more unbelievable is that this religion is ripping us, "low" unbelieving people, off! I don't like using the word cult, because I'm not sure of a religion that isn't a cult, but this religion really makes religion look bad. Underage marriage, multiple spiritual wives adds up to perversion. Not finishing their homes in some kind of scheme to avoid taxes, welfare fraud adds up to greed and thievery. Kicking out boys for wanting to date girls, adds up to heartless and cruel.
Honest and honorable you say! Hm-mm! I can only go by outward appearance, but God is going to judge the heart.
I Replied: I am not one of "them." I am sad to report that I don't measure-up like you don't measure-up to them. You see, We are on the outside looking in. The only difference between us is that I know who God is, and how to become like him. You do not, my friend. These godly prayerful people are persecuted and prosecuted for their beliefs and those bureaucrats have no idea of Christianity, who seek to destroy any sign of it, are setting the area on fire by themselves.
I replied: All I know is the oil that the virgins carried that were able to see the bridegroom was a reference to the "Spirit of God". You can't have it and still be able to accuse these good people of evils.
You think that the government can't be the enemy?
You think you know the good book enough to tell me that the government has no evil intent toward the Godly?
You didn't read the Book of Daniel well enough.
IMoronMoronI: First off, God's Word says that those who do good need not fear the government.
Second, do tell-you know how to be like Him and you know HIM and you believe that I do not. Explain to me what your extraordinary discernment, or perhaps prophetic bussom burnings are telling you. How are you going to become like Him and what does that mean? And what disqualifies me from becoming like Him?
BTW, they are persecuted and prosecuted for their organized crime. The government carries not it's sword in vain.
IMoronMoronI: Of course I think the government can be the enemy. In fact in Acts we are asked, "shall I obey God rather than man?" and He went on to prove, even unto death that he would obey God. But the evils that come out of Hildale are not hidden under a rock. They are set out before us and every normal person knows that their dealings are dishonest, and that is their own doing and not our poor judgment. I'm sure there are some good people that that are ignorant to the corruption, God bless them.
I'm sure you are familiar with this text but I want to send--
IMoronMoronI: for any religious person that has overlooked it. Revelation 22:18 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:
Rev 22:19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but this is what the BOM has done and if there was an angel of light that bore testimony to the BOM in addition to what God had already spoken Paul says let them be accursed.
Much more could be said, for now i will say that there is a better way. Start at the beginning, at the historical Word of God. Take a look at all of the artifacts found and being found that give support. Once you have gained trust in the entire Word, then proceed to newer works and see if they harmonize.
I replied: I wish you your happy night. I also wish you could try to pray and not use the Bible as a beginning and end to God's dealings with man. As far as the Book of Revelations goes, could you tell me if Paul was the last to write or was John? Revelations was written by John, but the compilers may not know who finished their writings last. What I am saying is that the reference was to his revelation and not to the Bible. You have been duped by your preacher. God will always inspire man as long as he lives, and is receptive to His Spirit.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
My response to a news article about Warren Jeffs
Warren is a hot political potato. Attorney Generals are re-elected on such controversial type pawns. He means little more to them. Jeffs has only done what his predecessors have done since Joseph Smith Jr. was alive.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Mark Shurtleff is running for U.S Senate
Some people don't know that Shurtleff has been promising to be the advocate for gays and lesbians, and has been behind the prosecution of YFZ Ranch, FLDS people in Texas. Where there are now needless suffering babies, children and wives who are awaiting the release of their fathers and husbands. fathers whose only crime was to continue practicing the Early Mormon beliefs started and upheld by the same religious leaders Mark professes to follow and revere. yet he claims to be an advocate of the family. There are many stories throughout Utah also, where prejudices of the few friends of Shurtleff have tortured the hearts of many patriotic freedom loving Utahans. So what if they are Fundamentalist Mormons.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
A reply to comments accompanying 75 year sentence of Merril Jessop Jr.
We are not able to see how the wife in question wanted nothing to do with the prosecution. You think that she had to have been assaulted. No. Shame on all of those prosecutors. Shame on you who hate Merrill Jessop. I am embarrassed for you. Just a few short years ago, it was not illegal for them to marry, by age requirements. It was not legal since 1880 for anyone to marry a plural wife, especially because the religious organization LDS Church required it as a tenant of the religious laws. basically, the unconstitutional law against a religion is upheld and has been for way too long. FLDS should have been excused for polygamy and bigamy as long as it was performed by the religious organization.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Another of my replies to media
I am an ex-FLDS and want you to know that you have no true connection to what you are talking about. You should try to inform yourself. There is so few marriages between men and any female younger than 18. When you assume this, you can lose your credibility.
Try to understand that age is not a true definer of readiness for marriage.
There is no case where children are raped.
Also I want you to know that I believe, when marriage is made, there should be no law keeping them from consummating that union.
If you believe that good men of the Bible were polygamists, then you should at least give FLDS men the benefit of the doubt.
The "Lost Boys" is a sensationalized media event.
If you interviewed most of the crew that were representing that bunch of boys, you would find that they were invited under false pretenses to that meeting and their names on a list didn't reflect the facts. My brother was one of the ones mentioned, but was not truly affiliated with that movement.
Try to understand that age is not a true definer of readiness for marriage.
There is no case where children are raped.
Also I want you to know that I believe, when marriage is made, there should be no law keeping them from consummating that union.
If you believe that good men of the Bible were polygamists, then you should at least give FLDS men the benefit of the doubt.
The "Lost Boys" is a sensationalized media event.
If you interviewed most of the crew that were representing that bunch of boys, you would find that they were invited under false pretenses to that meeting and their names on a list didn't reflect the facts. My brother was one of the ones mentioned, but was not truly affiliated with that movement.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
A response of mine to a media reader's comment
Are you aware that FLDS do not trade their precious daughters?
There are no FLDS men that I know who would let his daughter go to just any man.
The Prophet is the matchmaker. He is the last one who has the decision that she is ready. He does choose who marries who. The young ladies are expected to be responsible, kind, and prayerful before they are deemed worthy to marry. The parents of the potential bride are the first to give their blessing to her by bringing her to visit the prophet or his counselors on her behalf.
She had to be willing and able to marry someone she is matched with. She is aware of her decision and is most likely anxious to be placed by a man who is chosen by the preacher/leader.
The man that the girl(usually 18-22) will be chosen for is quite young himself(usually 20-30). There few are exceptions.
There are no FLDS men that I know who would let his daughter go to just any man.
The Prophet is the matchmaker. He is the last one who has the decision that she is ready. He does choose who marries who. The young ladies are expected to be responsible, kind, and prayerful before they are deemed worthy to marry. The parents of the potential bride are the first to give their blessing to her by bringing her to visit the prophet or his counselors on her behalf.
She had to be willing and able to marry someone she is matched with. She is aware of her decision and is most likely anxious to be placed by a man who is chosen by the preacher/leader.
The man that the girl(usually 18-22) will be chosen for is quite young himself(usually 20-30). There few are exceptions.
Sunday, December 27, 2009
True Christianity, LDS, FLDS -vs- Gays
Jude 1:3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort [you] that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.
Jude 1:4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.
Jude 1:5 I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not.
Jude 1:6 And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.
Jude 1:7 Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.
Jude 1:8 Likewise also these [filthy] dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities.
Jude 1:9 Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.
Jude 1:10 But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves.
Jude 1:11 Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.
Jude 1:12 These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds [they are] without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;
Jude 1:13 Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever.
Jude 1:14 And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints,
Jude 1:15 To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard [speeches] which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.
Jude 1:16 These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling [words], having men's persons in admiration because of advantage.
Jude 1:17 But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ;
Jude 1:18 How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts.
Jude 1:19 These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.
Jude 1:20 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,
Jude 1:21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
Jude 1:22 And of some have compassion, making a difference:
Jude 1:23 And others save with fear, pulling [them] out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.
Jude 1:24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present [you] faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,
Jude 1:25 To the only wise God our Saviour, [be] glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.
Jude 1:4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.
Jude 1:5 I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not.
Jude 1:6 And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.
Jude 1:7 Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.
Jude 1:8 Likewise also these [filthy] dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities.
Jude 1:9 Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.
Jude 1:10 But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves.
Jude 1:11 Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.
Jude 1:12 These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds [they are] without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;
Jude 1:13 Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever.
Jude 1:14 And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints,
Jude 1:15 To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard [speeches] which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.
Jude 1:16 These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling [words], having men's persons in admiration because of advantage.
Jude 1:17 But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ;
Jude 1:18 How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts.
Jude 1:19 These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.
Jude 1:20 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,
Jude 1:21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
Jude 1:22 And of some have compassion, making a difference:
Jude 1:23 And others save with fear, pulling [them] out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.
Jude 1:24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present [you] faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,
Jude 1:25 To the only wise God our Saviour, [be] glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
More proof that LDS members as Government officials are persecuting FLDS
Feds are stymied in probes of FLDS
Federal authorities have been probing allegations of crimes involving the Fundamentalist LDS Church and its leader Warren Jeffs for years -- but have been unable to develop enough probable cause to launch a full-scale investigation or bring charges.
"Those cases where you hear rumor and innuendo about child brides and corruption, we have to have reasonable suspicion to open an investigation," U.S. Attorney for Utah Brett Tolman said Thursday. "Beyond that, we have to have probable cause to even get search warrants and grand jury subpoenas. That we have not been able to establish on numerous occasions."
In an extensive interview with the Deseret News on Thursday, Tolman and Tim Fuhrman, the special agent-in-charge of the Salt Lake City office of the FBI, detailed their efforts to investigate crimes within the FLDS Church. They also spoke against the need for a federal task force on polygamy-related crimes, despite a push by the U.S. Senate majority leader and the Utah and Arizona attorneys general.
"The crimes that are being alleged or that there is suspicion, these are predominantly state crimes," Tolman said. "I think it's a rush to judgment to think that a federal task force is the answer."
Investigations
The U.S. Attorney for Utah confirmed to the Deseret News his office has looked at the FLDS Church for possible violations of Mafia-style racketeering and corruption laws.
"We remain open to pursuing that line of investigation," Tolman said. "Investigating a RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act) charge is labor intensive, requires someone on the inside and has to be done with great patience. It's certainly not something that would result in a raid on the FLDS and all the members and families in the community. We still would have to provide probable cause on each and every individual that's the target of the investigation."
Right now, Tolman said that all his office has is suspicion and nothing more. Child abuse, rape and incest are all state-level crimes. So is bigamy.
"We have the ability to prosecute transferring or crossing state lines for purposes of sex, and we had a case a couple of years ago that we investigated," Tolman said. "When the young woman was interviewed, she indicated that no sex had ever occurred. At that point we're very limited outside some evidence to help us establish probable cause."
It is a problem their state-level counterparts can relate to.
"That's been the challenge with these closed polygamy groups. You can't infiltrate them," said Kirk Torgensen, chief deputy of the Utah Attorney General's Office. "Getting intelligence and information is difficult."
It isn't for lack of trying, authorities insist.
"We open and close more investigations than we prosecute," said Fuhrman.
Probable cause
In 2003, a joint state and federal task force was convened to look into crimes within all of Utah's polygamous groups.
"We asked them to come out and take a more comprehensive look at things," Torgensen said. "The agencies came back and said, 'We're not finding anything."'
The U.S. Attorney's Office said it did not develop enough for subpoenas, search warrants or indictments.
"The fact that everyone may think something's going on ... ask Elliot Ness how easy it was," Tolman said. "He knew, and he knew Al Capone was involved. It still took quite a bit. It takes a lot, and it takes a concerted effort. Even though everyone may be clamoring, it doesn't make for a federal case."
Tolman said they still need probable cause.
"No matter what, we still have to abide by the Constitution and our criminal procedure rules," he said.
An attorney acting as a spokesman for the FLDS Church declined to comment on Tolman's remarks but said he could appreciate their approach toward probable cause.
"That's a much more responsible approach than what's been taken in Texas with respect to the Constitution," said Rod Parker.
The raid on the YFZ Ranch began April 3, when someone claiming to be a 16-year-old girl named "Sarah" called a family crisis shelter in San Angelo, Texas, saying she was pregnant and in an abusive polygamous marriage. Authorities are now investigating if the call was a hoax.
When Texas child welfare workers responded to the ranch, authorities said they found evidence of other abuse, including teenage mothers. That prompted a judge to order the removal of more than 450 children from the FLDS compound. They have since been placed in foster care homes across Texas.
Warren Jeffs
Federal prosecutors have leveled a charge against Warren Jeffs for unlawful flight to avoid prosecution.
Jeffs, at the time on the FBI's Ten Most Wanted list, was arrested outside Las Vegas during a traffic stop in 2006. Typically, when a fugitive is arrested, federal authorities dismiss the charge. Instead, Jeffs was indicted by a grand jury.
The 52-year-old FLDS leader was convicted last year in Utah of rape as an accomplice, accusing him of performing a marriage between a 14-year-old girl and her 19-year-old cousin. In Arizona, Jeffs is facing more charges accusing him of similar crimes.
Ben Winslow Deseret News
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4188/is_20080502/ai_n25395626/?tag=rel.res4
Federal authorities have been probing allegations of crimes involving the Fundamentalist LDS Church and its leader Warren Jeffs for years -- but have been unable to develop enough probable cause to launch a full-scale investigation or bring charges.
"Those cases where you hear rumor and innuendo about child brides and corruption, we have to have reasonable suspicion to open an investigation," U.S. Attorney for Utah Brett Tolman said Thursday. "Beyond that, we have to have probable cause to even get search warrants and grand jury subpoenas. That we have not been able to establish on numerous occasions."
In an extensive interview with the Deseret News on Thursday, Tolman and Tim Fuhrman, the special agent-in-charge of the Salt Lake City office of the FBI, detailed their efforts to investigate crimes within the FLDS Church. They also spoke against the need for a federal task force on polygamy-related crimes, despite a push by the U.S. Senate majority leader and the Utah and Arizona attorneys general.
"The crimes that are being alleged or that there is suspicion, these are predominantly state crimes," Tolman said. "I think it's a rush to judgment to think that a federal task force is the answer."
Investigations
The U.S. Attorney for Utah confirmed to the Deseret News his office has looked at the FLDS Church for possible violations of Mafia-style racketeering and corruption laws.
"We remain open to pursuing that line of investigation," Tolman said. "Investigating a RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act) charge is labor intensive, requires someone on the inside and has to be done with great patience. It's certainly not something that would result in a raid on the FLDS and all the members and families in the community. We still would have to provide probable cause on each and every individual that's the target of the investigation."
Right now, Tolman said that all his office has is suspicion and nothing more. Child abuse, rape and incest are all state-level crimes. So is bigamy.
"We have the ability to prosecute transferring or crossing state lines for purposes of sex, and we had a case a couple of years ago that we investigated," Tolman said. "When the young woman was interviewed, she indicated that no sex had ever occurred. At that point we're very limited outside some evidence to help us establish probable cause."
It is a problem their state-level counterparts can relate to.
"That's been the challenge with these closed polygamy groups. You can't infiltrate them," said Kirk Torgensen, chief deputy of the Utah Attorney General's Office. "Getting intelligence and information is difficult."
It isn't for lack of trying, authorities insist.
"We open and close more investigations than we prosecute," said Fuhrman.
Probable cause
In 2003, a joint state and federal task force was convened to look into crimes within all of Utah's polygamous groups.
"We asked them to come out and take a more comprehensive look at things," Torgensen said. "The agencies came back and said, 'We're not finding anything."'
The U.S. Attorney's Office said it did not develop enough for subpoenas, search warrants or indictments.
"The fact that everyone may think something's going on ... ask Elliot Ness how easy it was," Tolman said. "He knew, and he knew Al Capone was involved. It still took quite a bit. It takes a lot, and it takes a concerted effort. Even though everyone may be clamoring, it doesn't make for a federal case."
Tolman said they still need probable cause.
"No matter what, we still have to abide by the Constitution and our criminal procedure rules," he said.
An attorney acting as a spokesman for the FLDS Church declined to comment on Tolman's remarks but said he could appreciate their approach toward probable cause.
"That's a much more responsible approach than what's been taken in Texas with respect to the Constitution," said Rod Parker.
The raid on the YFZ Ranch began April 3, when someone claiming to be a 16-year-old girl named "Sarah" called a family crisis shelter in San Angelo, Texas, saying she was pregnant and in an abusive polygamous marriage. Authorities are now investigating if the call was a hoax.
When Texas child welfare workers responded to the ranch, authorities said they found evidence of other abuse, including teenage mothers. That prompted a judge to order the removal of more than 450 children from the FLDS compound. They have since been placed in foster care homes across Texas.
Warren Jeffs
Federal prosecutors have leveled a charge against Warren Jeffs for unlawful flight to avoid prosecution.
Jeffs, at the time on the FBI's Ten Most Wanted list, was arrested outside Las Vegas during a traffic stop in 2006. Typically, when a fugitive is arrested, federal authorities dismiss the charge. Instead, Jeffs was indicted by a grand jury.
The 52-year-old FLDS leader was convicted last year in Utah of rape as an accomplice, accusing him of performing a marriage between a 14-year-old girl and her 19-year-old cousin. In Arizona, Jeffs is facing more charges accusing him of similar crimes.
Ben Winslow Deseret News
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4188/is_20080502/ai_n25395626/?tag=rel.res4
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Are You Saved? Part 3
The Latter-day Saint, who is far from the bosom of the Church, whose home is in distant climes, sighs, and earnestly prays each day of his life for the Lord to open his way, that he may mingle with his brethren in Zion, for he supposes that his happiness would then be complete, but in this his expectations will be in a measure vain, for happiness that is real and lasting in its nature cannot be enjoyed by mortals, for it is altogether out of keeping with this transitory state.
If a man's capacity be limited to the things of this world, if he reach no further than he can see with his eyes, feel with his hands, and understand with the ability of the natural man, still he is as earnestly engaged in securing his salvation, as others are, who possess a superior intellect, and are also pursuing the path of salvation, in their estimation, though it result in nothing more than a good name, or the honors of this world. Each, according to his capacity—to the natural organization of the human system, which is liable to be operated upon by the circumstances and influences by which it is surrounded, is as eager to obtain that which he supposes is salvation, as I am to obtain salvation in the Eternal world.
The object of a true salvation, correctly and minutely understood, changes the course of mankind. Persons who are taught by their teachers, friends, and acquaintances, are traditionated, from their youth up, into the belief that there is no God, or intelligent beings, other than those that they see with the natural eye, or naturally comprehend; that there is no hereafter; that at death, all life and intelligence are annihilated. Such persons are as firm in their belief, and as strenuous in argument, in support of those doctrines, as others are in the belief of the existence of an Eternal God. The early customs and teachings of parents and friends, to a greater or less degree, influence the minds of children, but when they are disposed to inquire at the hands of Him who has eternal intelligence to impart to them, when their understandings are enlarged, when their minds are enlightened by the Spirit of truth, so that they can see things that are unseen by the natural eye, they may then be corrected in their doctrine and belief, and in their manner of life, but not until then.
How difficult it is to teach the natural man, who comprehends nothing more than that which he sees with the natural eye! How hard it is for him to believe! How difficult would be the task to make the philosopher, who, for many years, has argued himself into the belief that his spirit is no more after his body sleeps in the grave, believe that his intelligence came from eternity, and is as eternal, in its nature, as the elements, or as the Gods. Such doctrine by him would be considered vanity and foolishness, it would be entirely beyond his comprehension. It is difficult, indeed, to remove an opinion or belief into which he has argued himself from the mind of the natural man. Talk to him about angels, heavens, God, immortality, and eternal lives, and it is like sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal to his ears; it has no music to him; there is nothing in it that charms his senses, soothes his feelings, attracts his attention, or engages his affections, in the least; to him it is all vanity. To say that the human family are not seeking salvation, is contrary to my experience, and to the experience of every other person with whom I have any acquaintance. They are all for salvation, some in one way, and some in another; but all is darkness and confusion. If the Lord does not speak from heaven, and touch the eyes of their understanding by His Spirit, who can instruct or guide them to good? who can give them words of eternal life? It is not in the power of man to do it; but when the Lord gives His Spirit to a person, or to a people, they can then hear, believe, and be instructed. An Elder of Israel may preach the principles of the Gospel, from first to last, as they were taught to him, to a congregation ignorant of them; but if he does not do it under the influence of the Spirit of the Lord, he cannot enlighten that congregation on those principles, it is impossible. Job said that "There is a spirit in man, and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding." Unless we enjoy that understanding in this probation, we cannot grow or increase, we cannot be made acquainted with the principles of truth and righteousness so as to become exalted. Admit that the Spirit of the Lord should give us understanding, what would it prove to us? It would prove to me, at least, and what I may safely say to this congregation, that Zion is here. Whenever we are disposed to give ourselves perfectly to righteousness, to yield all the powers and faculties of the soul (which is the spirit and the body, and it is there where righteousness dwells); when we are swallowed up in the will of Him who has called us; when we enjoy the peace and the smiles of our Father in Heaven, the things of His Spirit, and all the blessings we are capacitated to receive and improve upon, then are we in Zion, that is Zion. What will produce the opposite? Hearkening and giving way to evil, nothing else will.
If a community of people are perfectly devoted to the cause of righteousness, truth, light, virtue, and every principle and attribute of the holy Gospel, we may say of that people, as the ancient Apostle said to his brethren, "Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates;" there is a throne for the Lord Almighty to sit and reign upon, there is a resting place for the Holy Ghost, there is a habitation of the Father and the Son. We are the temples of God, but when we are overcome of evil by yielding to temptation, we deprive ourselves of the privilege of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, taking up their abode and dwelling with us. We are the people, by our calling and profession, and ought to be by our daily works, of whom it should be truly said, "Ye are the temples of our God." Let me ask, what is there to prevent any person in this congregation from being so blessed, and becoming a holy temple fit for the in-dwelling of the Holy Ghost? Has any being in heaven or on earth done aught to prevent you from becoming so blessed? No, but why the people are not so privileged I will leave you to judge. I would to God that every soul who professes to be a Latter-day Saint was of that character, a holy temple for the in-dwelling of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, but it is not so. Is there any individual within the sound of my voice to day, that has received the Holy Ghost through the principles of the Gospel, and at the same time has not received a love for them? I will answer that question. Wait and see who it is that falls out by the way; who it is in whom the seed of truth has been sown, but has not taken root; and then you will know the individuals who have received the truth, but have never received a love of it—they do not love it for itself. What a delightful aspect would this community present if all men and women, old and young, were disposed to leave off their own sins and follies, and overlook those of their neighbors; if they would cease watching their neighbors for iniquity, and watch that they themselves might be free from it! if they were trying with all their powers to sanctify the Lord in their hearts, and would prove, by their actions, that they had received the truth and the love of it! if all individuals would watch themselves, that they do not speak against the Father, the Son, the Holy Ghost, nor in short against any being in heaven or on earth. Strange as this may appear, there have been men in 'this Church that have done it, and probably will be again! If this people would be careful not to do anything to displease the spirits of those who have lived on the earth, and have been justified, and have gone to rest, and would so conduct themselves, that no reasonable being upon the face of the earth could find fault with them, what kind of society should we have? Why every man's mouth would be filled with blessings, every man's hand would be put forth to do good, and every woman and child in all their intercourse would be praising God, and blessing each other. Would not Zion be here? It would. What hinders you from doing this? What is the Lord or the people doing to cause this one and that one to commit sin with a high hand, in secret and in the open streets?
If Elders of Israel use language which is not proper for the lips of a Saint, such Elders are under condemnation, and the wrath of God abides upon them, those who do it have not the love of truth in their hearts, they do not love and honor the truth because it is the truth, but because it is powerful, and they wish to join with the strongest party. Do they love light because it is light? virtue because it is virtue? righteousness because it is righteousness? No. But these principles are almighty in their influence, and like the tornado in the forest, they sweep all before them, no argument can weigh against them, all the philosophy, knowledge, and wisdom of men may be set in array against them, but they are like chaff before a mighty wind, or like the morning dew before the sun in its strength such Elders embrace truth because it is all-powerful. When a man of God preaches the principles of the Gospel, all things give way before it, and some embrace it because it is so mighty. But by and bye those characters will fall out by the way, because the soil has not depth to nourish the seeds of truth. They receive it, but not the love of it; it dies, and they turn away. If every person who has embraced the Gospel would love it as he loves his life, would not society wear a different aspect from that of the present?
If a man's capacity be limited to the things of this world, if he reach no further than he can see with his eyes, feel with his hands, and understand with the ability of the natural man, still he is as earnestly engaged in securing his salvation, as others are, who possess a superior intellect, and are also pursuing the path of salvation, in their estimation, though it result in nothing more than a good name, or the honors of this world. Each, according to his capacity—to the natural organization of the human system, which is liable to be operated upon by the circumstances and influences by which it is surrounded, is as eager to obtain that which he supposes is salvation, as I am to obtain salvation in the Eternal world.
The object of a true salvation, correctly and minutely understood, changes the course of mankind. Persons who are taught by their teachers, friends, and acquaintances, are traditionated, from their youth up, into the belief that there is no God, or intelligent beings, other than those that they see with the natural eye, or naturally comprehend; that there is no hereafter; that at death, all life and intelligence are annihilated. Such persons are as firm in their belief, and as strenuous in argument, in support of those doctrines, as others are in the belief of the existence of an Eternal God. The early customs and teachings of parents and friends, to a greater or less degree, influence the minds of children, but when they are disposed to inquire at the hands of Him who has eternal intelligence to impart to them, when their understandings are enlarged, when their minds are enlightened by the Spirit of truth, so that they can see things that are unseen by the natural eye, they may then be corrected in their doctrine and belief, and in their manner of life, but not until then.
How difficult it is to teach the natural man, who comprehends nothing more than that which he sees with the natural eye! How hard it is for him to believe! How difficult would be the task to make the philosopher, who, for many years, has argued himself into the belief that his spirit is no more after his body sleeps in the grave, believe that his intelligence came from eternity, and is as eternal, in its nature, as the elements, or as the Gods. Such doctrine by him would be considered vanity and foolishness, it would be entirely beyond his comprehension. It is difficult, indeed, to remove an opinion or belief into which he has argued himself from the mind of the natural man. Talk to him about angels, heavens, God, immortality, and eternal lives, and it is like sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal to his ears; it has no music to him; there is nothing in it that charms his senses, soothes his feelings, attracts his attention, or engages his affections, in the least; to him it is all vanity. To say that the human family are not seeking salvation, is contrary to my experience, and to the experience of every other person with whom I have any acquaintance. They are all for salvation, some in one way, and some in another; but all is darkness and confusion. If the Lord does not speak from heaven, and touch the eyes of their understanding by His Spirit, who can instruct or guide them to good? who can give them words of eternal life? It is not in the power of man to do it; but when the Lord gives His Spirit to a person, or to a people, they can then hear, believe, and be instructed. An Elder of Israel may preach the principles of the Gospel, from first to last, as they were taught to him, to a congregation ignorant of them; but if he does not do it under the influence of the Spirit of the Lord, he cannot enlighten that congregation on those principles, it is impossible. Job said that "There is a spirit in man, and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding." Unless we enjoy that understanding in this probation, we cannot grow or increase, we cannot be made acquainted with the principles of truth and righteousness so as to become exalted. Admit that the Spirit of the Lord should give us understanding, what would it prove to us? It would prove to me, at least, and what I may safely say to this congregation, that Zion is here. Whenever we are disposed to give ourselves perfectly to righteousness, to yield all the powers and faculties of the soul (which is the spirit and the body, and it is there where righteousness dwells); when we are swallowed up in the will of Him who has called us; when we enjoy the peace and the smiles of our Father in Heaven, the things of His Spirit, and all the blessings we are capacitated to receive and improve upon, then are we in Zion, that is Zion. What will produce the opposite? Hearkening and giving way to evil, nothing else will.
If a community of people are perfectly devoted to the cause of righteousness, truth, light, virtue, and every principle and attribute of the holy Gospel, we may say of that people, as the ancient Apostle said to his brethren, "Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates;" there is a throne for the Lord Almighty to sit and reign upon, there is a resting place for the Holy Ghost, there is a habitation of the Father and the Son. We are the temples of God, but when we are overcome of evil by yielding to temptation, we deprive ourselves of the privilege of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, taking up their abode and dwelling with us. We are the people, by our calling and profession, and ought to be by our daily works, of whom it should be truly said, "Ye are the temples of our God." Let me ask, what is there to prevent any person in this congregation from being so blessed, and becoming a holy temple fit for the in-dwelling of the Holy Ghost? Has any being in heaven or on earth done aught to prevent you from becoming so blessed? No, but why the people are not so privileged I will leave you to judge. I would to God that every soul who professes to be a Latter-day Saint was of that character, a holy temple for the in-dwelling of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, but it is not so. Is there any individual within the sound of my voice to day, that has received the Holy Ghost through the principles of the Gospel, and at the same time has not received a love for them? I will answer that question. Wait and see who it is that falls out by the way; who it is in whom the seed of truth has been sown, but has not taken root; and then you will know the individuals who have received the truth, but have never received a love of it—they do not love it for itself. What a delightful aspect would this community present if all men and women, old and young, were disposed to leave off their own sins and follies, and overlook those of their neighbors; if they would cease watching their neighbors for iniquity, and watch that they themselves might be free from it! if they were trying with all their powers to sanctify the Lord in their hearts, and would prove, by their actions, that they had received the truth and the love of it! if all individuals would watch themselves, that they do not speak against the Father, the Son, the Holy Ghost, nor in short against any being in heaven or on earth. Strange as this may appear, there have been men in 'this Church that have done it, and probably will be again! If this people would be careful not to do anything to displease the spirits of those who have lived on the earth, and have been justified, and have gone to rest, and would so conduct themselves, that no reasonable being upon the face of the earth could find fault with them, what kind of society should we have? Why every man's mouth would be filled with blessings, every man's hand would be put forth to do good, and every woman and child in all their intercourse would be praising God, and blessing each other. Would not Zion be here? It would. What hinders you from doing this? What is the Lord or the people doing to cause this one and that one to commit sin with a high hand, in secret and in the open streets?
If Elders of Israel use language which is not proper for the lips of a Saint, such Elders are under condemnation, and the wrath of God abides upon them, those who do it have not the love of truth in their hearts, they do not love and honor the truth because it is the truth, but because it is powerful, and they wish to join with the strongest party. Do they love light because it is light? virtue because it is virtue? righteousness because it is righteousness? No. But these principles are almighty in their influence, and like the tornado in the forest, they sweep all before them, no argument can weigh against them, all the philosophy, knowledge, and wisdom of men may be set in array against them, but they are like chaff before a mighty wind, or like the morning dew before the sun in its strength such Elders embrace truth because it is all-powerful. When a man of God preaches the principles of the Gospel, all things give way before it, and some embrace it because it is so mighty. But by and bye those characters will fall out by the way, because the soil has not depth to nourish the seeds of truth. They receive it, but not the love of it; it dies, and they turn away. If every person who has embraced the Gospel would love it as he loves his life, would not society wear a different aspect from that of the present?
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