Gathering Our Own Light

by Joseph Warren Grammer

The ultimate source of divine communication and direction personally comes from Jesus Christ and God the Father. To help us arrive at that important point in our spiritual progression we are given the Gift of the Holy Ghost to be our guide and companion, so long as we are true and faithful to the prompting of the Holy Spirit. John wrote, “.... the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” (John 14:26.) And Moroni said, “And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.” (Moro. 10:5.) So it is the Holy Ghost that is the source of all truth.

The Value of True Prophets of God
The importance of receiving personal revelation from God, above all other sources of knowledge, cannot be overemphasized. This is an important concept as we seek the fulness of the Father and the Son, for without personal, one-on-one revelation from the divine source, there can be no fulness. However, because of man’s human weakness, the Lord sends living prophets to help teach, warn and point the way to Christ. But those prophets are not to stand in the way between man and his God. We are not told that anyone other than the Holy Ghost teaches the truth of all things, and a true prophet will teach all men to follow the Spirit that leads to Christ. As Latter-day Saints we believe that God ordains living prophets in these last days, such as the Prophet Joseph Smith, for this purpose. Therefore, the assumptive stance of this writing will be that all members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints understand and accept the necessity for real living prophets in these latter days.

It is important to pay close attention to the words of real living prophets. All prophets of the past have known that they were prophets and affirmatively so stated. So it is today and in the future. A living prophet of God will testify to their calling with power, authority and the Spirit, such as did the Prophet Joseph Smith. Such real prophets receive prophetic revelation and testify to such, and they are not ambiguous about it. So any reference to prophets in this book refer to real prophets, not to those people who claim to be prophets.

All things are spiritual to the Lord (D&C 29:34), and though a prophet’s counsel may be hard, that counsel should be considered as from the Lord and acted upon in faith as directed by the Spirit. On addressing this subject, Brigham Young once said, “I defy any man on earth to point out the path a Prophet of God should walk in, or point out his duty, and just how far he must go, in dictating temporal or spiritual things. Temporal and spiritual things are inseparably connected, and ever will be.” (JD 10:364.)

The importance of prophets in the Church is related by Wilford Woodruff as he spoke of Brigham Young addressing a group in the presence of the Prophet Joseph Smith. It is recorded:

“Brother Brigham took the stand, and he took the Bible and laid it down; he took the Book of Mormon, and laid it down; and he took the Book of Doctrine and Covenants, and laid it down before him, and he said, ‘There is the written word of God to us, concerning the work of God from the beginning of the world, almost, to our day. And now,’ said he, ‘when compared with the living oracles, those books are nothing to me; those books do not convey the word of God direct to us now, as do the words of a Prophet or a man bearing the Holy Priesthood in our day and generation. I would rather have the living oracles than all the writing in the books.’ That was the course he pursued. When he was through, Brother Joseph said to the congregation: ‘Brother Brigham has told you the word of the Lord, and he has told you the truth.’” (CR, October 1897, pp. 18-19; as quoted in God, Family, Country, p. 339.)

Here Brigham Young stated that the words of a living prophet are more important than the scriptures. This statement is true when a REAL LIVING PROPHET speaks by the power and influence of the Holy Spirit. His words, then, ARE scripture. In fact, anyone who speaks by the influence of the Holy Ghost speaks the words of Christ, and their words thus spoken under divine influence can, in reality, be considered scripture. (2 Ne. 32:3.)

It is a serious matter how we respect the prophets of God and consider their words. The scriptures tell us that we need to “beware how [we] receive the oracles of God ... Lest they are accounted as a light thing, and [we] are brought under condemnation thereby.” (D&C 90:5.) We know that the Prophet Mormon said that his “mouth was shut,” and that he was “forbidden” to preach unto the people; “for behold they had wilfully rebelled against their God; and the beloved disciples were taken away out of the land, because of their iniquity.” (Morm. 1:16.)

During his last verbal address to the Saints in a general conference, President Ezra Taft Benson testified with a warning voice about our respect toward the living prophets: “I testify that throughout the ages God has spoken to His children through His prophets (see Amos 3:7, Helaman 8:13-20). Only when His children rejected the prophets were the prophets taken out of their midst, and then tragedy followed (see 1 Ne. 3:17-18, 7:14; Hel. 13:24-27).” (CR, October 1988, p. 102.) Even though president Benson lived a few more years, yet this was the last time he verbally spoke to us in general conference. Perhaps there is a message here.

The Infallibility Doctrine
We must understand what the Prophet Joseph Smith meant when he said that “a prophet was a prophet only when he was acting as such.” (DHC 5:265; TPJS, p. 278.) This sounds as though there are times when a man called to be a prophet may not be acting as a prophet. And so it is true.

In the back of the Doctrine and Covenants are found some words from President Wilford Woodruff, who stated: “The Lord will never permit me or any other man who stands as President of this Church to lead you astray.” (D&C, Declaration 1, p. 292, 1984 edition.) This is the oft-quoted statement that many Latter-day Saints will hang their obedient hats on in justification for their NOT DOING their duty before God. (Later we will learn what that duty is.)

Because of this statement by President Woodruff, there are some who want us to believe that if we only listen to the prophets we do not have to listen to the Spirit. They claim there is never any conflict between what prophets say and what the Spirit says. Consequently, they feel we never need to pray about what the prophets say to find out whether or not they are speaking for God. This approach is akin to believing that the prophet is infallible—a doctrine analogous to the doctrine taught by the Catholic Church, that is, the “Infallibility of the Pope.”

From the beginning of the restoration of the Church, the “Infallibility of the Pope” doctrine has been one that members of the LDS Church have never accepted. But in recent years it seems they have drawn closer to accepting that concept themselves. “The President of the Church will never lead you astray” doctrine is much like the infallibility doctrine found in the Catholic Church. This author has found this doctrine taught and believed in various wards and stakes of the Church—to the extreme. It has gone so far that some have even taught that we are to follow any Church leader, no matter what they say. By so doing, it is believed, we will be blessed, and the false leader will be IMMEDIATELY removed from his position of authority if he teaches or instructs wrongly.

For example, this author knew one Elders’ quorum president who believed that all he taught was good, because if it wasn’t he would have been removed from his position. And since he was still the Elders’ quorum president, and had not been removed from his office at that point, he believed all he taught and demanded of his subjects must be of God. This is a false doctrine as we will soon discover. The Lord will deal with such pride and arrogance in His own due time, and not necessarily “immediately.”

Instead of following “blindly,” we are to seek and follow the Holy Spirit, because he speaks the words of Christ. This has always been so. “Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ. Wherefore, I said unto you, feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do.” (2 Ne. 32:3.) One thing we learn from this scripture is that the Holy Ghost speaks the words of Christ. We are to “feast upon the words of Christ,” and respectfully, we have never been told to feast upon the words of any mortal no matter what position he may hold.

In bringing this subject to light, President James E. Faust made a brief but pointed statement concerning this matter in “The First Presidency Message” of The Ensign. He said, “We make no claim of individual infallibility or perfection as the prophets, seers, and revelators.” ( The Ensign, August 1996, p. 7.)

The statement of Wilford Woodruff, quoted above, was not the total of what President Woodruff had to say on the subject. A year-and-a-half before the quote from which the prevailing incorrect doctrine was spun off, President Woodruff said, “God will not permit me, or any other President who holds the keys, to intentionally lead you astray.” (Deseret Evening News, April 13, 1889.) The operative word here is “intentionally,” meaning, on purpose. It therefore follows that “unintentional” false directive could occur. As we continue we will find what other authorities had to say which corroborates this thesis.

There are also many statements from Brigham Young which relate to this subject. At one time President Young said, “The Lord Almighty leads this Church, and he will never suffer you to be led astray if you are found doing your duty ... for if they should try to do so the Lord would quickly sweep them from the earth.” (JD 9:289.) What is the key to not being led astray, as this quotation suggests? It is “doing your duty.” As we continue our study, the reader will learn that “duty,” which is one of the keys of coming to Jesus Christ.

The prophets are not to be treated as infallible. They are not intended to be. They are only prophets when they speak as a prophet. They are also as human as everyone else, and they can still have their own beliefs and opinions. They are still subject to the same feelings and emotions experienced by other people. Anyone who has studied the scriptures and Church history can attest to that.

The word of God comes not only through the canonized scriptures, but from the words of a living prophet as that prophet is led by the Holy Ghost; then, and only then, is he speaking the words of Christ as a prophet and he will never lead the Church astray. Our responsibility is to do our duty and obtain a witness, through personal revelation, that the prophet is indeed speaking for God.

The “Arm of Flesh”
When speaking of following man, we are making reference to what the Lord calls, “the arm of flesh.” First, we find that Nephi, in expressing words of praise, conveys his confidence in the Lord instead of man when he said, “O Lord, I have trusted in thee, and I will trust in thee forever. I will not put my trust in the arm of flesh; for I know that cursed is he that putteth his trust in the arm of flesh. Yea, cursed is he that putteth his trust in man or maketh flesh his arm.” (2 Ne. 4:34.)

As Nephi teaches his brethren, he prophesies about the last days, saying, “Cursed is he that putteth his trust in man, or maketh flesh his arm, or shall hearken unto the precepts of men, save their precepts shall be given by the power of the Holy Ghost.” (2 Ne. 28:31.)

The Lord spoke in Doctrine and Covenants, Section 1, and said that, “The weak things of the world shall come forth and break down the mighty and strong ones, that man should not counsel his fellow man, neither trust in the arm of flesh—” (D&C 1:19.)

On May 10, 1966, President Benson was a member of the Quorum of the Twelve and sustained as a prophet, seer and a revelator. On that date he spoke to the studentbody at Brigham Young University. Concerning this subject he said,

“Six of the original twelve apostles selected by Joseph Smith were excommunicated. The three witnesses of the Book of Mormon left the Church. Three of Joseph Smith’s counselors fell—one even helped plot his death.
“A natural question that might arise would be that if the Lord knew in advance that these men would fall, as he undoubtedly did, why did he have his prophet call them to such high office? The answer is, to fill the Lord’s purposes. For even the Master followed the will of the Father by selecting Judas. President George Q. Cannon suggested an explanation, too, when he stated, ‘Perhaps it is his own design that faults and weaknesses should appear in high places in order that his saints may learn to trust in him and not in any man or men.’” (Millennial Star, 53:658.) And this would parallel Nephi’s warning, put not your “trust in the arm of flesh.” (2 Nephi 4:34) (An Enemy Hath Done This, p. 290.)

Here we find that President Benson quotes President George Q. Cannon, formerly a member of the First Presidency, stating that there could be “weaknesses” appearing “in high places.” We have two apostles witnessing to this possibility, one of which was called to be the President of the Church and Prophet, Seer, and Revelator. From this quote, it should be obvious that President Benson is speaking about leaders within the Lord’s Church; and it will be noted that he equates the term, “arm of flesh,” with those who hold high office within the Church. He says they are the same.

Now if the doctrine that the prophet will not lead astray, then President Benson’s statement must be true. Right? Off course Not! President Benson’s statement, itself, refutes that false idea.

Two years after the death of the Prophet Joseph Smith, there was a revelation given to Apostle Orson Hyde at Nauvoo, Illinois, in April of 1846. Among other things, the Spirit moved upon Elder Hyde and he wrote the following:

3. Evil men, ambitious of power, must needs arise among you, and they shall be led by their own self-will and not by me. Yet they are instruments in my hands, and are permitted to try my people, and to collect from among them those who are NOT the elect, and such as are UNWORTHY of eternal life.
4. Grieve NOT after them, neither mourn nor be alarmed.
5. My people know my voice and also the voice of my spirit, and a stranger they will not follow:
6. Therefore such as follow strangers are not my people. (Millennial Star, 7:10, May 15, 1846, pp. 157-58: Unpublished Revelations, 1:65, pp. 104-05.)

In this revelation to one of the Lord’s apostles we are told that there will be “evil men” in power that will be permitted to “try” God’s people; but, those who are truly of God will not follow after the wicked because God’s people know His voice and the voice of His Spirit. Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” (John 10:27.) Speaking of trusting in man, the arm of flesh, the Lord had the Prophet Jeremiah prophetically write:

5. Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD.
6. For he shall be like the heath in the desert, and shall not see when good cometh; but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, in a salt land and not inhabited.
7. Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is.” (Jer. 17:5-7.)

In Section 45 of the Doctrine and Covenants the Lord points out one of the problems we Gentiles will have in the latter days. Now we must remember that the term “Gentile,” as used in the Book of Mormon, refers to we Latter-day Saints through whom the Book of Mormon came. The title page of that book says that it was to “come forth in due time by way of the Gentile.” That’s us! And in the Doctrine and Covenants we read, concerning the Book of Mormon, that it “contains ... the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles...” (D&C 20:9.) So, we Latter-day Saints are considered to be Gentiles. Now let’s read a couple of verses from Section 45:

28. And when the times of the Gentiles is come in, a light shall break forth among them that sit in darkness, and it shall be the fulness of my gospel;
29. But they receive it not; for they perceive not the light, and they turn their hearts from me because of the precepts of men. (D&C 45:28-29.)

These verses very plainly point out that when the times of the Gentiles (that us) comes in (which is now), a great light will “break forth” unto us. That light will be the “fulness” of the Gospel.

What is the fulness? That subject is covered quite thoroughly in my study entitled, the “Fulness of the Gospel.” Briefly put, that fulness is: 1) beholding the face of God, 2) enduring His presence, and 3) entering into His rest. (See 93:1.)

But verse 29 goes on to say that “they (we the Gentiles) receive it (the light or fulness) not.” Why have we, the Gentiles, not received the light of the fulness? It is because we will not “perceive,” or comprehend that light. And why don’t we perceive the light? Because we turn our hearts from Him “because of the precepts of men.” And what is the “precepts of men”? It is the decree or edict that we follow the voices of men — the “arm of flesh” — instead of the Spirit of the Living God.

Like most young couples, there was a time many years ago when my wife and I were in financial difficulty. During that stressful period the bishop counseled us to not pay our tithing, but instead, use the money to clear up a few bills. My wife said, “If we do that, we wouldn’t be worthy of a temple recommend!” To this the bishop replied, “Maybe you can’t afford a temple recommend.” He tried to justify his advice by saying that he and his wife did this when they were getting started, and it would be okay for us to do the same. It didn’t take long to spiritually consider the matter and determine that the bishop did not have the right to try and override one of the Lord’s basic commandments—only God could do that. The paying of tithes was continued.

At this point it might be fitting to reread a statement from Brigham Young: “If a bishop or any other officer in this Church shall counsel the people to violate any of the laws of God, and to sustain and build up the kingdoms of this world, I will justify them, and the Lord will justify them in refusing to obey that counsel.” (JD 12:161.)

That is, the Lord would justify a person who refuses to obey false counsel that comes from any officer in the Church. Brigham’s statement seems to refute the idea that if we follow bad counsel we will be blessed for so doing. If anyone truly believes that a President of the Church will not lead anyone astray, then they will have to believe these words of President Brigham Young.

Is there any doubt what is meant by the term, “arm of flesh”? It is important to be in tune with the Spirit instead of man, whoever that man may be. It is so important that we follow God, rather than man, that he relegates those who follow man to the Telestial Kingdom, not the Celestial. In the following the Lord puts it this way:

98. And the glory of the telestial is one, even as the glory of the stars is one; for as one star differs from another star in glory, even so differs one from another in glory in the telestial world;
99. For these are they who are of Paul, and of Apollos, and of Cephas.
100. These are they who say they are some of one and some of another—some of Christ and some of John, and some of Moses, and some of Elias, and some of Isaiah, and some of Enoch;
101. But received not the gospel, neither the testimony of Jesus, neither the prophets, neither the everlasting covenant. (D&C 76:98-101.)

The heirs of the Telestial Kingdom are those who follow man and the influence of man, instead of God and His influence. The Holy Ghost gives a testimony of Jesus, and without that testimony we cannot even qualify for the second sphere of glory, the Terrestrial Kingdom. It is by the Spirit of God that a testimony of Jesus comes; therefore, we must have a witness of the Spirit, not just of man. If all we do is rely on man, the arm of flesh, we are worthy of no more than the lowest kingdom. We must trust in God above all else.

No Real Contradiction
Because of the teaching, “The Prophet will never lead us astray,” some of us may be neglecting our duty in receiving our own revelation concerning what our authorities say is from God—some call this following blindly. George Q. Cannon spoke on this theme when he said, “... do not, brethren, put your trust in a man though he be a Bishop, an Apostle, or a President; if you do, they will fail you at some time or place ...” (Millennial Star, 53:674.) Again, if we truly believe the Brethren will not lead anyone astray, then we will have to believe these words also.

The scriptures tell us that in the last days false and vain doctrines will be taught, and that apostasy will abound because of false teachers. Nephi tells us that, “... they have all gone astray save it be a few, who are the humble followers of Christ; nevertheless, they are led, that in many instances they do err because they are taught by the precepts of men.” (2 Ne. 28:24.) From this we learn that even some of the humble may be falsely led away. President Brigham Young warned all of us to obtain our own revelations so we will not have to depend on man. He taught this when he said,

“What a pity it would be if we were led by one man to utter destruction! Are you afraid of this? I am more afraid that this people have so much confidence in their leaders that they will not inquire for themselves of God whether they are led by Him. I am fearful they settle down in a state of blind self-security, trusting their eternal destiny in the hands of their leaders with a reckless confidence that in itself would thwart the purpose of God in their salvation, and weaken that influence they could give to their leaders, did they know for themselves, by the revelations of Jesus, that they are led in the right way. Let every man and woman know, by the whispering of the Spirit of God to themselves, whether their leaders are walking in the path the Lord dictates, or not.” (JD 9:150.)

“... you and I must have the testimony of Jesus within us, or it is of but little use for us to pretend to be servants of God. We must have that living witness within us. We need the light of the Holy Spirit continually, day by day, as you have been told hundreds of times. How easy it would be for your leaders to lead you to destruction, unless you actually knew the mind and will of the Spirit yourselves. That is your privilege”. (JD 4:368.)

Of the two quotes above, the first was also quoted by President Faust in the “First Presidency Message,” found on page seven of the August 1996 issue of The Ensign. That article is highly recommended. It contains good counsel on the subject of “Continuing Revelation,” which happens to be the title of the article.

What we are considering here is the difference between general counsel and specific counsel. Specific counsel, as used here, refers to specific or personal revelation. When we receive general counsel concerning Church matters, that counsel is expected to be followed, because the general authority giving the counsel is responsible for the Church in general. The Prophet Joseph Smith said, “It is also the privilege of any officer in this Church to obtain revelations, so far as [it] relates to his particular calling and duty in the Church.” (TPJS, p. 111.) Thus, revelation and counsel from the general Church leaders are for the Church in general. But as President Brigham Young said, we have the privilege to receive personal direction from the Holy Spirit.

Some may believe that what we have been considering is contradictory in nature: the opposing thoughts being that (1) we should follow the prophet and Church leaders in all things, and (2) we should rely on the Spirit and not put our trust in man, there being times when we might be justified in “refusing to obey their counsel.” There is no conflict, however, when we realize that we are to sustain the prophet and president of the Church, general authorities, and other Church leaders, by the Spirit of revelation. That is, we are not to take a prophet for granted, but we are to have our own witness from the Holy Ghost that he is, indeed, speaking for the Lord. When he speaks, we should obtain that testimony from the Holy Ghost that his message is from the Divine source. That is one of the reasons we were given the gift of the Holy Ghost at the time of confirmation, to help us discern such things.

Brethren Have Their Own Opinions
Let’s try to get a better understanding of what we have been discussing. There are two sides to the discussion: (1) Some believe that Church authorities, though they may be led by the Spirit much of the time, nevertheless are human and may make decisions not based upon the Spirit; thus, those members feel that they ought to be free to pray and receive a witness of their leader’s Divine direction; and (2) others believe that our Church leaders will never lead us astray and that we should follow them no matter what they say.

Earlier we quoted the Prophet Joseph as saying that “a prophet was a prophet only when he was acting as such.” (DHC 5:265; TPJS, p. 278.) This is important to always keep in mind.

From that oft-quoted general authority, Elder Bruce R. McConkie, we find that prophets are mortal men with their own imperfections: “With all their inspiration and greatness, prophets are yet mortal men with imperfections common to mankind in general. They have their opinions and prejudices and are left to work out their own problems without inspiration in many instances.... Thus the opinions and views even of prophets may contain error unless those opinions and views are inspired by the Spirit.” (Mormon Doctrine, 1958 Edition, p. 547.)

President Harold B. Lee lets us know that not all words from the General Authorities are inspired, which could deliver a real blow to some in our Mormon culture.

“It is not to be thought that every word spoken by the General Authorities is inspired, or that they are moved upon by the Holy Ghost in everything they write. I don’t care what his position is, if he writes something or speaks something that goes beyond anything that you can find in the standard church works, unless that one be the prophet, seer, and revelator—please note that one exception—you may immediately say, ‘Well, that is his own idea.’ And if he says something that contradicts what is found in the standard church works, you may know by that same token that it is false, regardless of the position of the man who says it. We can know or have the assurance that they are speaking under inspiration if we so live that we can have a witness that what they are speaking is the word of the Lord. There is only one safety, and that is that we shall live to have the witness to know. President Brigham Young said something to the effect that ‘the greatest fear I have is that the people of this Church will accept what we say as the will of the Lord without first PRAYING ABOUT IT and GETTING THE WITNESS WITHIN THEIR OWN HEARTS that what we say is the word of the Lord.’” (Stand Ye In Holy Places, pp. 162-63.)

Let’s return to Joseph Smith who makes a startling statement that the Twelve could err, and make mistakes. The Prophet wrote in his history: “I decided that the High Council had nothing to do with the Twelve, or the decisions of the Twelve. But if the Twelve erred they were accountable only to the General Council of the authorities of the whole Church, according to the revelations.” (DHC 2:285; TPJS, pp. 91-92.) This being true, wouldn’t it be possible for bishops, stake presidents, and other officers in the Church to falter in their stewardship?

With these thoughts in mind, let’s consider a statement made by President Spencer W. Kimball in General Conference, October 1976: “We warn you against the dissemination of doctrine which are not according to the scriptures and which are alleged to have been taught by some of the general authorities of past generations. Such for instance, is the Adam/God theory. We denounce that theory and hope that everyone will be cautioned against this and other kinds of false doctrine.” (The Ensign, November 1976, p. 77.)

When studying about the Adam-God doctrine, we will find, with just a little investigation, that Brigham Young definitely and often preached affirmatively on the subject, and at length, along with others of the brethren in his day. (JD 1:50-51; 10:231; 13:311; Manuscript Addresses of Brigham Young, Feb. 19 & Oct. 8, 1854; Oct. 8, 1861;Wilford Woodruff Journal, Oct. 8, 1854; Dec. 16, 1867; etc.)

Elder Francis M. Lyman, President of the Quorum of the Twelve (1903), once made this interesting observation: “I have heard of a man who was cut off [excommunicated] because he would not believe that Adam was our Father and God.” Today, many are condemned by the Church for believing in the Adam-God doctrine, but apparently there was a time when people were cut off for NOT believing in that doctrine. Elder Lyman continued: “How ironic that a man was excommunicated for NOT believing that Adam was God—and then a hundred years later some were excommunicated FOR believing that he was.” (Millennial Star, 24:99, Feb. 15, 1862; Kraut, Michael/Adam, pp. 157-58.)

First, it should be noted that this author is not trying to promote the Adam-God doctrine . The Adam-God doctrine is not the point of this discussion. The point of this discussion is that Church authorities can have differing opinions on a particular subject.

Now, if President Kimball was right, then President Brigham Young must have been wrong. If Brigham Young was right, then Spencer W. Kimball must have been wrong. Can both be right, or can one of them be wrong? The first point to be made here is not who was right or wrong, it is that each of the general authorities can have his own opinions about something. The next point to be made is that it’s up to the members to receive personal revelation concerning what those authorities say on a particular issue—to learn for themselves if something is the will or doctrine of the Lord.

This may be a good time to present another statement by Brigham Young on the subject: “Do you know why some men give counsel different one from another? Because they undertake to give counsel without the Spirit of the Lord to dictate them. But when the Spirit dictates, then each one knows what to do, and their counsel will be the same. Adam, Seth, Enoch, Noah, all the Patriarchs and Prophets, Jesus and the Apostles, and every man that has ever written the word of the Lord, have written the same doctrine upon the same subject; and you never can find that Prophets and Apostles clashed in their doctrines IN ANCIENT DAYS: neither will they now, IF all would at all times be led by the Spirit of salvation.” (JD 5:328-29; 1857.)

Our Covenant to Sustain
When we sustain any of our Church leaders, we take upon ourselves a very serious obligation, one that the Lord expects us to uphold. President John Taylor spoke of this subject as he said,

“We have been voting for our officers and for those holding places in the church and kingdom of God in this stake of Zion. And it is well for us sometimes to understand what we do in relation to these matters. We hold up our right hand when voting in token before God that we will sustain those for whom we vote; and if we cannot feel to sustain them, we ought not to hold up our hands, because to do this, would be to act the part of hypocrites. And the question naturally arises, how far shall we sustain them? Or in other words, how far are we at liberty to depart from this covenant which we make before each other and before our God? For when we lift up our hands in this way, it is in token to God that we are sincere in what we do, and that we will sustain the parties we vote for. This is the way I look at these things. How far then should we sustain them, and how far should we not? This is a matter of serious importance to us; if we agree to do a thing and do not do it, we become covenant breakers and violators of our obligations, which are, perhaps, as solemn and binding as anything we can enter into.” (JD 21:207.)

He continued, “When we vote for men in the solemn way in which we do, shall we abide by our covenants? or shall we violate them? If we violate them, we become covenant-breakers. We break our faith before God and our brethren, in regard to the acts of men whom we have covenanted to sustain.” (JD 21:208.)

However, there is another responsibility that rests upon the shoulders of those that sustain a leader. President Taylor further stated:

“But supposing he should do something wrong, supposing he should be found lying or cheating, or defrauding somebody; or stealing or anything else, or even become impure in his habits, would you still sustain him? It would be my duty then to talk with him as I would with anybody else, and tell him that I had understood that things were thus and so, and that under these circumstances I could not sustain him; and if I found that I had been misinformed, I would withdraw the charge; but if not, it would then be my duty to see that justice was administered to him, that he was brought before the proper tribunal to answer for the things he had done; and in the absence of that I would have no business to talk about him.” (JD 21:208.)

We see that there can be a remedy afforded the faithful follower of leaders; that is, he can approach that leader with his suspicions. And if those suspicions are founded, it would be his “duty to see that justice was administered to him, that he was brought before the proper tribunal.” Sometimes this tribunal may not be one of this world, in that the devil has power over his own dominion. Therefore, some issues will have to be turned over to God. He will deal with them in His own time and in His own manner, for justice will be served.

The president of the Church is not infallible but very fallible. He is so fallible, or human, that the Lord even provided that he be disciplined if he comes up short in his duties and faithfulness. From D&C 107 we read:

81. There is not any person belonging to the church who is exempt from this council of the church.
82. And inasmuch as a President of the High Priesthood shall transgress, he shall be had in remembrance before the common council of the church, who shall be assisted by twelve counselors of the High Priesthood;
83. And their decision upon his head shall be an end of controversy concerning him.
84. Thus, none shall be exempted from the justice and the laws of God, that all things may be done in order and in solemnity before him, according to truth and righteousness. (D&C 107:81-84)

The “council of the church” referred to was instituted as a “permanent” High Council (D&C 102:8; provisions for filling vacancies) that was organized in Kirtland, Ohio, on February 7, 1834. It was a council for the whole Church (D&C 102:9) and not for any particular organized Stake of the Church. It was to be separate from the Quorum of the Twelve, and was to function at the “seat of the First Presidency.” (D&C 102:26-27.) The purpose of this general High Council is stated in D&C 102:2, 13-26. Though the President of the Church was to preside over that council, nevertheless, all members of the Church, including the President and members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles were subject to that council’s decisions; hence the statement in verse 84, “NONE shall be exempted from the justice and the laws of God.” This is in harmony with what the Lord said to the Prophet Joseph Smith: “... because of transgression, if you art not aware thou wilt fall. ... repent of that which thou hast done which is contrary to the commandment which I gave you,... Except thou do this, thou shalt be delivered up and become as other men, and have no more gift.” (D&C 3:9-11.)

Concerning this High Council and the Quorum of the Twelve, in September of 1835 the Prophet Joseph said, “I decided that the High Council had nothing to do with the Twelve, or the decisions of the Twelve. But if the Twelve erred they were accountable only to the General Council of the authorities of the whole Church, according to the revelations.” (DHC 2:285, TPJS, p. 92.)

Now if the President of the “High Priesthood,” which is the President of the Church in this instance, can “transgress,” and if members of the Twelve can make mistakes, then is it not possible for a bishop, a stake president, or any other Church official to transgress, thereby becoming subject to disciplinary action? The Lord said, “none shall be exempted from the justice and the laws of God.”

In retranslating the New Testament, through the inspiration of God, the Prophet Joseph Smith gave us new insights into what is written in Mark 9:43-48. We can find his translation of this scripture in the appendix of the LDS edition of the Holy Bible. The italicized words are the Prophet’s own additions, and they appear below as they are found in the Joseph Smith translation. It would be good for the reader to contemplate them, for isn’t that the reason the Lord gave them to us? And isn’t that why our current general authorities thought it important to include them in the new edition of our scriptures?

40. Therefore, if thy hand offend thee, cut it off; or if thy brother offend thee and confess it not and forsake not, he shall be cut off. It is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands, to go into hell.
41. For it is better for thee to enter into life without thy brother, than for thee and thy brother to be cast into hell; into the fire that never shall be quenched, where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.
42. And again, if thy foot offend thee, cut it off; for he that is thy standard, by whom thou walkest, if he become a transgressor, he shall be cut off.
43. It is better for thee, to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell; into the fire that never shall be quenched.
44. Therefore, let every man stand or fall, by himself, and not for another; or not trusting another.
45. Seek unto my Father, and it shall be done in that very moment what ye shall ask, if ye ask in faith, believing that ye shall receive.
46. And if thine eye which seeth for thee, him that is appointed to watch over thee to show thee light, become a transgressor and offend thee, pluck him out.
47. It is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God, with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire.
48. For it is better that thyself should be saved, than to be cast into hell with thy brother, where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. (JST Mark 9:40-48.)

Upon reading this scripture, it might be well to ponder: Who is our foot, the one who is to be our standard by whom we walk, or the one we follow? Who is our eye, the one who is appointed to see for us, watch over us, show us the light, and be a seer? Joseph Smith understood the importance of personal revelation very well, as indicated by other quotes cited by him in this and the next chapter. Joseph Smith pointed out in his translation that it is possible for authorities to transgress, and that if those who are to be our example and show us the way transgress, they are to be cut off; pointing out the importance of us receiving our own witness concerning the Lord’s will, regardless from what source it comes. At this point it might be fitting to reread a statement from Brigham Young:

“If a bishop counsels the people of his ward to swear shall they swear? No. If he counsels them to steal shall they steal? No. If he counsels them to lie and bear false witness shall they do these wrongs? No. If he teaches them to break the Sabbath shall they break the Sabbath? No. If a bishop or any other officer in this Church shall counsel the people to violate any of the laws of God, and to sustain and build up the kingdoms of this world, I will justify them, and the Lord will justify them in REFUSING to obey that counsel.” (JD 12:161.)

Let’s referring back to the“infallibility” or “never lead you astray” doctrine of the current LDS Church, which includes following church authorities even if they are wrong. How does the doctrine square with Brigham Young’s statement we just read? If the “never lead you astray” doctrine is correct, then President Brigham Young must have been wrong. If Brigham Young was right, then the doctrine must be wrong. It’s either one or the other. The situation, itself, nullifies the doctrine. Both views cannot be true.

Everyone Entitled to Their Own Opinion
President Joseph F. Smith testified before the U. S. Congress that a Latter-day Saint can reject messages from the Church president, possess his own opinion, and not accept all that’s revealed—so long as he remains moral. And this he can do without Church action against him. He said,

“[Church members] ... are given the largest possible latitude of their convictions, and if a man rejects a message that I may give to him but is still moral and believes in the main principles of the gospel and desires to continue in his membership in the Church, he is permitted to remain.
“ ... members of the Mormon church are not all united on every principle. Every man is entitled to his own opinion and his own views and his own conceptions of right and wrong so long as they do not come in conflict with the standard principles of the Church. If a man assumes to deny God and to become an infidel we withdraw fellowship from him. But so long as a man believes in God and has a little faith in the Church organization, we nurture and aid that person to continue faithfully as a member of the Church though he may not believe all that is revealed.” (The Reed Smoot Hearings, pp. 97-98; as quoted in the AMCAP JOURNAL, January 1984, p. 14.)

President Smith said, “... members of the Mormon church are not all united on every principle. Every man is entitled to his own opinion and his own views and his own conceptions of right and wrong so long as they do not come in conflict with the standard principles of the Church.” This is a basic principle that must be observed if Church members are to maintain their personal and separate identities and their right to agency. The Prophet Joseph Smith had to deal with this problem in Kirtland. The Prophet records that the High Council took action against a Brother Pelatiah Brown which reveals our right to believe what we like without censorship.

“Elder Pelatiah Brown, one of the wisest old heads we have among us, and whom I now see before me, has been preaching concerning the beast which was full of eyes before and behind; and for this he was hauled up for trial before the High Council.
“I did not like the old man being called up for erring in doctrine. It looks too much like the Methodists, and not like the Latter-day Saints. Methodists have creeds which a man must believe or be asked out of their church. I want the liberty of thinking and believing as I please. It feels so good not to be trammeled. It does not prove that a man is not a good man because he errs in doctrine.
“The High Council undertook to censure and correct Elder Brown, because of his teachings in relation to the beasts. Whether they actually corrected him or not, I am a little doubtful, but don’t care. Father Brown came to me to know what he should do about it.” (Documentary History of the Church, 5:340.)

The result of the Prophet’s intervention in Brother Brown’s behalf resulted in Brother Brown’s reinstatement. It might be good to remember the Eleventh Article of Faith, which reads, “We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.”

The word “claim” is a very important word. It means to maintain, profess, declare, or assert that privilege. The privilege doesn’t just happen; we must claim that privilege. We have a responsibility to see that this privilege stays viable. When we do not stand up for that which is rightfully ours, others will try and take it away. Therefore, we must CLAIM that which is rightfully ours.

Obtaining Our Own Witness
The principle of gaining our own spiritual witness is so important that Heber C. Kimball said that if we do not have the Spirit for ourselves in the last days, we cannot stand the persecution and other difficulties which will come.

“Let me say to you, that many of you will see the time when you will have all the trouble, trial and persecution that you can stand, and plenty of opportunities to show that you are true to God and his work. This Church has before it many close places through which it will have to pass before the work of God is crowned with victory. To meet the difficulties that are coming it will be necessary for you to have a knowledge of the truth of this work for yourselves. The difficulties will be of such a character that the man or woman who does not possess this personal knowledge or witness will fall. If you have not got the testimony, live right and call upon the Lord and cease not till you obtain it. If you do not you will not stand.
“The time will come when no man nor woman will be able to endure on borrowed light. Each will have to be guided by the light within himself. If you do not have it, how can you stand?” (Life of Heber C. Kimball, pp. 449-450.)

Because of these critical times, we must rely on the Holy Spirit to be our guide. In addressing the subject of the Holy Ghost, Wilford Woodruff related an incident that happened to Brigham Young. While President Young was in Winter Quarters, Elder Woodruff said that the Prophet Joseph Smith appeared to Brigham and said, “Brother Young, you exhort this people to obtain the Holy Spirit; with it they can do anything that is necessary; without it they cannot build up the kingdom of God.” (JD 23:329.)

The Prophet Joseph not only appeared to Brigham Young in a dream, but the deceased Brigham Young appeared to President Wilford Woodruff, while President Woodruff was in Arizona. President Woodruff asked Brigham, “Can you speak to us?” Brigham’s admonition to President Woodruff was similar to that of Joseph Smith:

“‘No,’ he replied, ‘I have done bearing my testimony in the flesh ... I want you to teach the Latter-day Saints to labor to obtain the Holy Spirit. It is one of the most important gifts that the Saints of the living God can possess. You all need this ... in order to build Zion. If you have not this Spirit—the Spirit of the Holy Ghost, the testimony of Jesus, the testimony of the Father and Son you cannot get along. But if you are in possession of this Spirit, your minds will be open to comprehend the things of God.’ This is true. There is not a man in this Church and kingdom today, who, if he is in possession of this spirit, will set his heart upon the things of this world. Any man that loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him ...
“Then, we should labor to obtain this Spirit while we are upon the earth that we may overcome every evil.” (JD 23:329.)

Brigham Young made an interesting statement concerning the trial of Sidney Rigdon. On that occasion William Marks, one of the local Church leaders, claimed that he had written documentation in Sidney Rigdon’s defense. About this claim Brigham Young pointedly said, “I have known that Brother Marks had no evidence but the written word;” But if this people have no evidence but the written word, it is quite time to go to the river and be baptized for the remission of their sins.” (Times and Seasons 5:666.)

The “written word” is not sufficient when it comes to spiritual matters. The evidence that matters comes from the Lord through personal revelation. And as Brigham appeared to mean by his statement, if people can’t get personal revelation, and all they have to rely on is the printed page, they need to repent of that sin and be re-baptized.

We are to put our trust in the Spirit, for the Lord plainly taught us when He said, “And now, verily, verily, I say unto thee, put your trust in that Spirit which leadeth to do good—yea, to do justly, to walk humbly, to judge righteously; and this is my Spirit.” (D&C 11:12.)

Being in Tune with the Spirit
There are some guides that help us know if counsel is from the Lord through his leaders. Let’s read what Moroni has to say about recognizing instruction which comes from the Spirit.

12. Wherefore, all things which are good cometh of God; and that which is evil cometh of the devil; for the devil is an enemy unto God, and fighteth against him continually, and inviteth and enticeth to sin, and to do that which is evil continually.
13. But behold, that which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do good continually; wherefore, every thing which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God. (Moro. 7:12-13.)

We may know if something is of God as it ALWAYS encourages us to do good and to come unto Christ. The devil cannot encourage us to do good, unless that good is fraught with deception; then even the good can be considered fraud because it is for the purpose of deceiving.

We are to gain our own testimonies of a prophet’s divine inspiration, but if you or I do not get that testimony it does not mean that he is not speaking for the Lord. Many have prayed to know if Joseph Smith was a prophet or if the Book of Mormon was from God, but they didn’t gain the relevant witness. That, in itself, does not mean that Joseph Smith was not a prophet or that the Book of Mormon is not true. It only means something was lacking in that person’s spiritual motivation.

There are those who have their own agenda and strong, determined beliefs. They search the scriptures for justification of those beliefs and resulting behaviors. Such a determined belief, if founded on false principles, can thwart the influence of the Lord’s Spirit, resulting in no witness, or a false witness. Our testimony of living prophets must be built upon the knowledge and rock of personal revelation, not upon the sandy faith of someone else’s testimony.

What then is the key? WE need to be in tune with the agenda of the Holy Spirit. Only in that way can we know for ourselves if our Church leaders are guiding us righteously. Let’s return again to Brigham Young. He had a few more words to say about how not to be led astray. He simply said that we must have the Holy Ghost if we are to know if we are being led properly: “How can you know whether we lead you correctly or not? Can you know by any other power than that of the Holy Ghost? I have uniformly exhorted the people to obtain this living witness, each for themselves; then no man on earth can lead them astray.” (JD 6:100.)

We must keep in mind: although we may get a witness that a particular person may be called to be a prophet, yet he is only a prophet when he speaks as a prophet, as Joseph Smith said. The way we can tell if our leaders are speaking by the power of the Spirit is when the listener is moved upon by the Holy Ghost. President J. Reuben Clark, former member of the First Presidency, taught: “We can tell when the speakers are moved upon by the Holy Ghost only when we, ourselves, are moved upon by the Holy Ghost. In a way, this completely shifts the responsibility from them to US to determine when they so speak ... Church members will know by the testimony of the Holy Ghost in the body of the members whether the brethren in voicing their views are moved upon by the Holy Ghost; and in due time that knowledge will be made manifest.” (Church News, July 31, 1954.) President Faust used part of this quote on page 7 of the 1996 Ensign article previously mentioned; and President Benson referred to it in his book, An Enemy Hath Done This, p. 295. And this supports Brigham Young’s words who said:

“I have often said to the Latter-day Saints—'Live so that you will know whether I teach you truth or not.' Suppose you are careless and unconcerned, and give way to the spirit of the world, and I am led, likewise, to preach the things of this world and to accept things that are not of God, how easy it would be for me to lead you astray! But I say to you, live so that YOU will know for YOURSELVES whether I tell the truth or not. That is the way we want all Saints to live.” (JD 18:248.)

Darkened Minds
In a previous chapter we considered ancient Israel as they rejected God in favor of following a man. The Lord wanted Moses to sanctify the people that they might behold His face. The people rejected that offer and chose to follow the arm of flesh where they were more comfortable. Consequently, they were given a lesser gospel, a preparatory gospel. Section 84 gives us some information concerning this event.

23. Now this Moses plainly taught to the children of Israel in the wilderness, and sought diligently to sanctify his people that they might behold the face of God;
24. But they hardened their hearts and could not endure his presence; therefore, the Lord in his wrath, for his anger was kindled against them, swore that they should not enter into his rest while in the wilderness, which rest is the fulness of his glory.
25. Therefore, he took Moses out of their midst, and the Holy Priesthood also;
26. And the lesser priesthood continued, which priesthood holdeth the key of the ministering of angels and the preparatory gospel;
27. Which gospel is the gospel of repentance and of baptism, and the remission of sin, and the law of carnal commandments.... (D&C 84:23-27.)

We find here that our ancient forbears neglected their duty to God because of their hardened hearts, or pride. It was easier for them to go to Moses, the arm of flesh, than to repent and prepare to be presented before God and receive the fulness of the glory of the Lord. This rejection of God, in favor of Moses, caused the Lord to take away the precious and Holy Priesthood, and give them a lesser law, even that of a preparatory gospel. It was an introductory gospel, if you will. (See the study entitled, “The Fulness of the Gospel,” for a fuller discussion on the fulness.)

The Apostle Paul wrote to the Galatians and said, “Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.” (Gal. 3:24-25.)

Paul explains here that Israel had the “schoolmaster,” or the preparatory gospel, to show them the way unto Christ. Why? It was because they were not ready for the meat of the gospel, as Paul so pointedly preached to the Hebrews:

11. Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing.
12. For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.
13. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.
14. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. (Heb. 5:11-14.)

Paul told the Hebrews that they were dull of hearing, and that they needed to still be taught the first principles of God. Isn’t this what the Lord said was the preparatory gospel, as we read in D&C 84:27? The people needed to still be sucking on the milk of the gospel, instead of enjoying the fulness of the meat of the presence of the Lord, which can only come from personal revelation.

If we go a little further into the 84th section, we find that the Lord explains why the Church is still under condemnation.

54. And your minds in times past have been darkened because of unbelief, and because you have treated lightly the things you have received—
55. Which vanity and unbelief have brought the whole church under condemnation.
56. And this condemnation resteth upon the children of Zion, even all.
57. And they shall remain under this condemnation until they repent and remember the new covenant, even the Book of Mormon and the former commandments which I have given them, not only to say, but to do according to that which I have written— (D&C 84:54-57.)

One might wonder why the Lord placed the reference to the ancient children of Israel rejecting his fulness with the statement that the Church is still under condemnation. Could they be related? In verses 54 through 57 we find that the minds of the people were darkened because of unbelief, and they treated lightly what they received from the Lord.

We know that treating lightly the Book of Mormon is part of that condemnation, but what are the former commandments the Lord mentions in the 57th verse? If we go back in Church history, and through the earlier sections of the Doctrine and Covenants, we find that the Lord gave modern Israel the same opportunity that He gave their forebears over three thousand years ago. Modern Israel had an opportunity to repent, sanctify themselves, and receive the fulness and glory of the Lord’s presence, which only comes through personal revelation. But did they? No, they did not. They wanted to rely on Joseph Smith, their arm of flesh. Therefore, they received a condemnation as in ancient times.

In an unpublished manuscript, noted gospel scholar Hugh Nibley wrote: “Many have noted the strong tendency of Latter-day Saints to avoid making waves. They seem strangely touchy on controversial issues. This begets an extreme lack of candor among the saints, which in turn is supported by A NEW DOCTRINE according to which we have A PROPHET at our head who relieves us of all responsibility for seeking knowledge beyond a certain point, making decisions or taking action on our own. From this it follows that one must never question a Manual or Lesson Book, even though it may swarm with errors and evasions. But obedience, the first step in enlightenment, is not the last.” (Endowment History, June 1986, p. 75.)

Once when the Prophet Joseph addressed the Relief Society, he spoke of the Saints having their minds darkened, and the cause of that darkness. Concerning this Joseph Fielding Smith relates: “President Joseph Smith read the 14th chapter of Ezekiel—said the Lord had declared by the Prophet, that the people should each one stand for himself, and depend on no man or men in that state of corruption of the Jewish church—that righteous persons could only deliver their own souls—applied it to the present state of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—said if the people departed from the Lord, they must fall—that they were depending on the Prophet, hence were darkened in their minds, in consequence of neglecting the duties devolving upon themselves, envious towards the innocent, while they afflict the virtuous with their shafts of envy.” (TPJS, pp. 237-238.)

What did he say causes a darkening in the minds of the people? It was because they were depending on the Prophet. He said that they should not depend on any man or men, and that no one could deliver his own soul but himself. And what duties were they neglecting? It was their duty to receive their own personal revelations and witnesses of the Savior, instead of depending on their leader which, in this case, was the Prophet Joseph Smith, himself.

From what the Prophet said here, it also seems that those who would not, or could not, gain their own witnesses were envious of those that could get their own witnesses, namely the innocent. Consequently, the innocent are afflicted by the others.

As we referred to the “never lead you astray” doctrine of the current LDS Church, regarding Brigham Young's statement, above, we do the same with Joseph Smith statement we just read, that if we depend upon the “prophet” we shall have “darkened minds.” If the “never lead you astray” doctrine is correct — that the Prophet will never lead us astray — then Joseph Smith must have been wrong. If Joseph Smith was right, then the doctrine must be wrong. Again, it’s either one way or the other. The statements, themselves, nullifies the doctrine. Both views cannot be true.

Worldly Cares Can Prevent Personal Revelation
We often worry about the cares of the world around us, causing us to fear. Worry, thereby, thwarts personal revelation because worry is based on fear, not love. The Lord has given us the Holy Ghost as a guide, to teach us and testify to us of Christ. But we must take time to listen. Worry, or fear, makes it difficult to hear and understand what God is saying because it blocks the Spirit.

On this note let us turn our attention to the Prophet Lehi. Apparently, even being a prophet of God is no guarantee of understanding revelation. We read in the Book of Mormon that Lehi did not discern the meaning of a revelation he received through a dream concerning the tree of life, a river of filthy water, a great and spacious building, and so forth. (1 Ne. 8:1-35.) Lehi seemed to understand the meanings of most of the elements of the dream, but it was only Nephi who understood what the river of filthy water represented. After being questioned by his brothers, note what Nephi says about his father Lehi in regard to the fountain of filthy water: “And they said unto me: What meaneth the river of water which our father saw? And I said unto them that the water which my father saw was filthiness; and so much was his mind swallowed up in other things that he beheld not the filthiness of the water.” (1 Ne. 15:26-27.)

Now, here was a prophet of God who did not understand what he was beholding due to apparent heavy involvement in “other things.” If a prophet of the Living God can be so taken with other things that he misses what the Lord intended in a vision, is it any wonder that we sometimes miss what the Lord has attempted to teach us? Can we not be so “swallowed up” with our own things in life—pride, vanity, stubbornness, selfishness, busyness, anger, vindictiveness, fault-finding, greed, fears, and the like—that we “behold not the filthiness” around us? Do we totally miss what the Lord is trying to tell us, what He is warning us about, and what He is also encouraging us to do? That is, if such a thing could happen to a prophet such as Lehi, could it not happen to our top Church authorities today?

We must let go of the things of the world, no matter how important they might seem, and take time to listen to that Still Small Voice (which does not shout) as we make our choices in getting our lives spiritually right with God. That Still Small Voice is the “word of God” through personal revelation, as represented by the rod of iron in Lehi’s dream. (1 Ne. 11:25.) That Still Small Voice, which is as strong and sure as iron is our conscience. It is what helps lead us along our individual paths to the tree of life. To get it right with God, we must first let go of fear and trust Him in love, holding on to that iron rod, trusting that Still Small Voice. After we have been found true and faithful to that Still Small Voice, we may then receive the baptism of fire and have the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost which leads to all truth and seals all blessings.

Our Personal Accountability
In the quote cited earlier by the Prophet Joseph Smith, he said that each of us is to stand for himself, and depend on no man, and that those who depend on the Prophet instead of the Lord for their spiritual direction are darkened in their minds. And remember he also said,“a prophet was a prophet only when he was acting as such.” (DHC 5:265; TPJS, p. 278.) Turning again to some of his authoritative words, the Prophet Joseph said,

“We have heard men who hold the priesthood remark that they would do anything they were told to do by those who preside over them even if they knew it was wrong; but such obedience as this is worse than folly to us; IT IS SLAVERY IN THE EXTREME; and the man who would thus willingly degrade himself, should not claim a rank among intelligent beings, until he turns from his folly. A MAN OF GOD WOULD DESPISE THE IDEA. Others, in the extreme exercise of their almighty authority have taught that such obedience was necessary, and that no matter what the saints were told to do by their presidents, they should do it without any questions. When Elders of Israel will so far indulge in these extreme notions of obedience as to teach them to the people, it is generally because they have it in their hearts to do wrong themselves.” (Millennial Star, Volume 14, Number 38, pages 593-595 [393-395].)

Joseph Smith said that it is not correct to follow those who preside over us if that presiding officer is wrong. He says that, “A man of God would despise the idea.” He also said, “The object with me is to obey and teach others to obey God in just what He tells us to do. It mattereth not whether the principle is popular or unpopular, I will always maintain a true principle, even if I stand alone in it.” (TPJS, p. 332.) And remember what Brigham Young said: “If a bishop or any other officer in this Church shall counsel the people to violate any of the laws of God, and to sustain and build up the kingdoms of this world, I will justify them, and the Lord will justify them in refusing to obey that counsel.” (JD 12:161.)

Now, how does Joseph Smith's statement square with the “never lead you astray” doctrine? It has to be either one way or the other. The statements, themselves, annul the doctrine. Both cannot be correct. And to stress this point even more, let's reread President Young's statement which we quoted toward the beginning of our study: “... do not, brethren, put your trust in a man though he be a Bishop, an Apostle, or a President; if you do, they will fail you at some time or place ...” (Millennial Star, 53:674.) And again: “I have often said to the Latter-day Saints —' Live so that you will know whether I teach you truth or not'... how easy it would be for me to lead you astray! ... live so that YOU will know for YOURSELVES whether I tell the truth or not...” (JD 18:248.) So, if we truly believe the Brethren will not lead us astray, then we MUST believe these words as well. The problem is, the words of Joseph Smith and Brigham Young contradict the current "infallibility" doctrine. Therefore, again, the situation annuls the doctrine. It cannot be both ways. The Savior said, "...if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand. (Mark 3:25.)

Jesus said of Himself: “Listen to the voice of the Lord your God, even Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, whose course is one eternal round, the same today as yesterday, and forever.” (D&C 35:1; see also 1 Ne. 10:10, Moro. 9:9.) Considering what the Lord said, and since both Joseph Smith and Brigham Young were prophets of the living God, the same message is true today; there is no variableness in God’s teachings, no matter who claims to speak otherwise.

Here is another statement from President Young relevant to the subject. The second paragraph was quoted in, Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young, page 288, which was used as the priesthood manual for 1998—1999, while the first one which preceded it was not:

“Salvation is an individual operation. I am the only person that can possibly save myself.... There are those among this people who are influenced, controlled, and biased in their thoughts, actions, and feelings by some other individual or family, on whom they place their dependence for spiritual and temporal instruction, and for salvation in the end. These persons do not depend upon themselves for salvation, but upon another of their poor, weak, fellow mortals. ‘I do not depend upon any inherent goodness of my own,’ say they, ‘to introduce me into the kingdom of glory, but I depend upon you, brother Joseph, upon you, brother Brigham, upon you, brother Heber, or upon you, brother James; I believe your judgment is superior to mine, and consequently I let you judge for me; your spirit is better than mine, therefore you can do good for me; I will submit myself wholly to you, and place in you all my confidence for life and salvation; where you go I will go, and where you tarry there I will stay; expecting that you will introduce me through the gates into the heavenly Jerusalem.’ (JD 1:312.)
“We read in the Bible that there is one glory of the sun, another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars. In the book of Doctrine and Covenants, these glories are called telestial, terrestrial and celestial, which is the highest. These are worlds, different departments, or mansions, in our Father’s house. Now those men, or those women, who know no more about the power of God, and the influences of the Holy Spirit, than to be led entirely by another person, suspending their own understanding, and pinning their faith upon another’s sleeve, will never be capable of entering into the celestial glory, to be crowned as they anticipate; THEY WILL NEVER BE CAPABLE OF BECOMING GODS. They cannot rule themselves, to say nothing of ruling others, but they must be dictated to in every trifle, like a child. They cannot control themselves in the least, but James, Peter, or somebody else must control them. They never can become Gods, nor be crowned as rulers with glory, immortality, and eternal lives. They never can hold scepters of glory, majesty, and power in the celestial kingdom. Who will? Those who are valiant and inspired with the true INDEPENDENCE OF HEAVEN, who will go forth boldly in the service of their God, leaving others to do as they please, determined to do right, though all mankind besides should take the opposite course.” (Discourses of Brigham Young, pp. 382-383; JD 1:312-313.)

President Hugh B. Brown, of the First Presidency, once alluded to the fact that it is possible for any Church authority, even the General Authorities, to fail in their assignment: “If I by reason of sins of commission or omission lose what I might have had in the hereafter, I myself must suffer and, doubtless, my loved ones with me. But if I fail in my assignment as a bishop, a stake president, a mission president, or one of the General Authorities of the Church—if any of us FAIL to teach, lead, direct, and help to save those under our direction and within our jurisdiction, then the Lord will hold us responsible if they are lost as the result of our failure.” (CR, Oct. 1962, p. 84.)

As stated in a former example, it isn’t a matter of who is right, it’s a matter of WHAT is right. And the only way to get that witness is through personal revelation from God. The doctrine that the president of the Church will never lead us astray can only be justified if we follow President Young’s addition to that statement; at least, that is as this author sees it. For convenience, that statement will again be quoted: “The Lord Almighty leads this Church, and he will never suffer you to be led astray if you are found doing your duty ... for if they should try to do so the Lord would quickly sweep them from the earth.” (JD 9:289.) As can be seen here, the key to not being led astray is that we are to be doing our duty. And what is that duty? It is following the Spirit. It is Satan who inspires man to make laws that are contrary to God’s laws. And when we choose to follow the laws of man, instead of the Spirit of God, then we are following Satan.

At this time I would like to string together three more statements from President Brigham Young, for he had much to say about gathering our own testimony and following the Spirit instead of man:

“I cannot be satisfied with myself, neither can I be satisfied with this people, unless they live in the enjoyment of the Spirit of the Lord Jesus Christ, having the testimony of Jesus within them. When they live in that manner, they are prepared to judge of all matters that come before them; they are then capable of discerning between truth and error, light and darkness. They can then readily discover the things that are not of God, and distinguish them from those that are. This is the only way for you to know that your leaders are leading you in the path that leads to heaven. WITHOUT TAKING THIS COURSE, A PEOPLE OR NATION IS LIABLE TO BE LED ASTRAY BY THEIR LEADERS, and thereby be prepared to be destroyed; but when the people understand for themselves—when they know and understand the things of God by the Spirit of revelation, they are not only satisfied but safe.” (JD 5:2.)

“Some may say, ‘Brethren, you who lead the Church, we have all confidence in you, we are not in the least afraid but what everything will go right under your superintendence; all the business matters will be transacted right; and if brother Brigham is satisfied with it, I am.’ I do not wish any Latter-day Saint in this world, nor in heaven, to be satisfied with anything I do, unless the Spirit of the Lord Jesus Christ, the spirit of revelation, makes them satisfied. I wish them to know for themselves and understand for themselves, for this would strengthen the faith that is within them. Suppose that the people were heedless, that they manifested no concern with regard to the things of the kingdom of God, but threw the whole burden upon the leaders of the people, saying, ‘If the brethren who take charge of matters are satisfied, we are,’ THIS IS NOT PLEASING IN THE SIGHT OF THE LORD.
“Every man and woman in this kingdom ought to be satisfied with what we do, but they never should be satisfied without asking the Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, whether what we do is right. When you are inspired by the Holy Ghost you can understandingly say, that you are satisfied; and that is the only power that should cause you to exclaim that you are satisfied, for without that you do not know whether you should be satisfied or not. You may say that you are satisfied and believe that all is right, and your confidence may be almost unbounded in the authorities of the Church of Jesus Christ, but if you asked God, in the name of Jesus, and RECEIVE KNOWLEDGE FOR YOURSELF, through the Holy Spirit, would it not strengthen your faith? It would.” (JD 3:45.)

“I wish to impress upon the minds of the Saints the importance of so living that they will always know the voice of the Good Shepherd. When they hear the voice of the Spirit of inspiration—the power of God, through any person, let the feelings and sensibilities of every one who professes to know anything of the things of God, be in a state to know and discern between that which is of God and that which is not.... How often has it been taught that if you depend entirely upon the voice, judgment, and sagacity of those appointed to lead you, and neglect to enjoy the Spirit for yourselves, HOW EASILY YOU MAY BE LED INTO ERROR, and finally be cast off to the left hand?” (JD 8:59.)

As mentioned before, the key to not being led astray is that we need to be found doing our duty. Which is receiving our own witness that we are being led by divine revelation. According to Joseph Smith, without that knowledge, our minds become darkened.

Scriptural Examples
I have often heard the question: “Do we obey all counsel, the righteous and the unrighteous as well?” This question is of particular interest to the Latter-day Saints who love the agency with which God has endowed them, and it is a question that has basically been answered. But let’s pursue it a little more.

Many feel if we obey all counsel, even that which is unjust and may infringe on our agency, God will bless us for that obedience. Yet some feel that only good advice is to be obeyed. There are, however, instances which indicate that the Lord honors those who obey His laws over the laws and poor advice of man. Although we have basically answered this question, let’s still refer to some scriptural examples.

In the book of Daniel we find three young men, Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego, who refused to worship the golden image that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up. It was the law of the land, for all “people, nations, and languages,” were to worship it. This was quite an edict for those who worshiped the only true and living God. It must have taken a lot of faith to not comply with such an unjust decree. And as we might suspect, someone snitched on them. However, most of us know the rest of the story of how the Lord preserved them after they were thrown into the fiery furnace. (Dan. Chap. 3.)

There is another such story in this book of Daniel. It was when the priests of King Darius convinced him “to establish a royal statute, and to make a firm decree, that whosoever shall ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days, save of [King Darius] shall be cast into the den of lions ... Wherefore King Darius signed the writing and the decree.” Daniel, of course, defied that law. We read that he, “... went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.” Daniel followed his own conscience instead of the bad advice of those in position over him. The rest of the story is also well known. (Dan. 6:4-28.)

Similar examples can be found at the time of the Apostle Peter. The high priest of the Sadducees, who cast Peter and the Apostles into prison, commanded them not to preach. “Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us. Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.” (Acts 5:28-29.)

What about the wise men who were searching for the baby Jesus, did they return to Herod with word about the baby Jesus when asked? No, they did not! They obeyed their inspired dream to return to their own country without doing so. Were the soldiers doing well by obeying Herod’s unrighteous command to slay the little children at the time of Jesus’ birth? Do we really believe those soldiers were blessed for obeying such an order? (Matt. 1:1-18.)

Let’s consider the midwives in Egypt, during the captivity of Israel, when the midwives were commanded by Pharaoh to slay every man child born in Israel. the midwives refused, “Therefore God dealt well with the midwives ...” (Ex. 1:15-20.)

And again, from Exodus, we find that both the mother and sister of Moses did not submit to Pharaoh’s law, but saved Moses. Would they have been righteous if they had submitted to the Pharaoh’s decree? (Ex. 2:1-10.)

Nephi slew Laban, which was not only against the law of the land, but also against the law of God—“Thou shalt not kill.” Was Nephi right to have followed a personal revelation from the Spirit instead of the prevailing law of the land? (1 Ne. 4:1-18.) Those with the Spirit of the Lord know the right answer.

Taking one more example, let’s consider Abraham’s willingness to offer his most beloved son, Isaac, as a sacrifice. From D&C 132, we find out that the Lord justified Abraham because of his obedience. “Abraham was commanded to offer his son Isaac; nevertheless, it was written: Thou shalt not kill. Abraham, however, did not refuse, and it was accounted unto him for righteousness.” (D&C 132:37.) For his obedience to God’s command, Abraham was blessed. “Thou shalt not kill,” was not only a law from God, but also the law of the land; yet, God overrode His own law and commanded Abraham to go against it. Why? For some it may be a hard question to answer. However, there is a transcending principle here. God’s ways are not our ways. (Isa. 55:8.) It is His prerogative to command what He will, and it is our duty to follow that command. For Abraham, God provided an escape (D&C 132:50), but for Nephi, in slaying Laban, He did not. Both Abraham and Nephi, however, obeyed the command and both were blessed.

Man Punished for His Own Sins
From the Articles of Faith we read, “We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam’s transgression.” (2nd Art. of Faith.)

There is a moral character within each of us that innately teaches us right from wrong, regardless of what others say or do. If we are justified in spite of wrong leadership then, perhaps, taking a good look at the results of the Nuremberg trials, following World War II, could help dispel that belief. Those that know their history have found that German officers were NOT exonerated for their part in committing atrocities during the war just because their superiors gave the orders to do so; there were more far-reaching moral issues at stake than just following orders. The German officers on trial were held accountable for their own sins, and not for Hitler’s transgressions. Elder Orson F. Whitney once helped explain the nature of sin:

“What is Sin?—Sin is the transgression of divine law. A man sins when he violates his conscience, going contrary to light and knowledge—not the light and knowledge that has come to his neighbor, but that which has come to himself. HE SINS WHEN HE DOES THE OPPOSITE OF WHAT HE KNOWS TO BE RIGHT.” (Saturday Night Thoughts, p. 225; Cowley and Whitney on Doctrine, pp. 435-36; TLDP: 631.)

This great nation was founded upon certain eternal principles, among which is that of freedom and one’s accountability thereto. The Constitution of this nation was founded by God that “every man may act in doctrine and principle pertaining to futurity, according to the MORAL AGENCY which [God has] given unto him, that every man may be ACCOUNTABLE FOR HIS OWN SINS in the day of judgment.” (D&C 88:78 [77-80].)

It has become a common fallacy that we are to obey all counsel and commands, whatever they may be or from whomever they come. Our personal duty is to follow the promptings that come to us from the Spirit of God, which pricks our moral conscience, causing us to be accountable for the choices we make.

Some people like the idea of blindly following others because it takes responsibility from them, and they think they won’t be held accountable for what any Church authority, or political leader, tells them to do or believe. That is a very comfortable way to live, but it is not God’s way. He would have us make our own decisions in life; it is only in that way that we can become responsible. That is the blessing and responsibility of free agency. However, some do not want to be responsible and they look for a scapegoat. They want a prophet or someone else to blame when things go wrong, like Israel blamed Moses for their sins. Unfortunately, most of us are not righteous enough to receive God’s word on a personal basis and act upon that word, so we want a scapegoat. Those people who advocate blindly following are not true followers of Christ but the followers of man, the arm of flesh.

Charles W. Penrose, former member of the First Presidency, said this about the words of President Wilford Woodruff and our duty to seek the Lord’s will through personal prayer: “President Wilford Woodruff is a man of wisdom, but we do not believe his personal views or utterances are revelation from God; and when ‘Thus saith the Lord’ comes from him, the Saints investigate it; they do not shut their eyes and take it down like a pill.” (Millennial Star, 54:191.)

It is easy to be told what to do, and go blithely about doing it without any sure reason for it other than a man told us to, as taking a pill prescribed by a physician. That is a weak faith, but for some it may be all they can muster. However, our personal responsibility is to investigate it and pray as we have been counseled, and receive a sure testimony that what our leaders tell us is from God. Joseph Smith stated, “... Jesus in His teachings says, ‘Upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.’ What rock? Revelation.” (TPJS, pp. 273-274.)

While Moses and the children of Israel were in camp, he gathered the seventy elders around the tabernacle. The Lord came and spoke and gave the spirit to the seventy elders. “And the spirit rested upon [Eldad and Medad] ... and they prophesied in the camp.” Joshua went and asked Moses to “forbid them” from prophesying. “And Moses said unto him, Enviest thou for my sake? would God that all the Lord’s people were prophets, and that the Lord would put his spirit upon them!” (Num. 11:24-29.)

What Moses was trying to tell Joshua here was that he wished all men could have the spirit of prophecy. Moses was basically saying, “If all of the Lord’s people were prophets, you would have no need of me. You would be receiving your own personal revelation straight from the Lord Himself, as it ought to be.” If they were prophets they could lead themselves as the Holy Spirit of God came upon them. In fact, Brother Joseph said that we cannot even minister the gospel unless we are prophets: “Salvation cannot come without revelation; it is in vain for anyone to minister without it. No man is a minister of Jesus Christ without being a Prophet. No man can be a minister of Jesus Christ except he has the testimony of Jesus; and this is the spirit of prophecy.” (TPJS, p. 160.)

Let us read again from the Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith: “... the people should each one stand for himself, and depend on no man or men in that state of corruption of the Jewish church — that righteous persons could only deliver their own souls — applied it to the present state of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints — said if the people departed from the Lord, they must fall—that they were depending on the Prophet, hence were darkened in their minds, in consequence of neglecting the duties devolving upon themselves, envious towards the innocent, while they afflict the virtuous with their shafts of envy.” (TPJS, pp. 237-38.)

The Prophet Joseph said that if the people departed from the Lord and depended upon the Prophet they would become “darkened in their minds.” He said that they should not depend on any man or men, and that no one could deliver his own soul but himself. Now what duties were they neglecting? It was their duty to receive their own personal revelations through the Holy Spirit; the same duty toward which Brigham Young said we had a responsibility. Instead, the people were depending on their leader which, in this case, was the Prophet Joseph Smith, himself. And from what the Prophet said here, it also seems that those who would not gain their own witnesses were envious of those who could, namely the innocent. Consequently, the innocent are enviously afflicted by those who have no personal witness.

The Only Way Unto Christ
There is no scripture that teaches us that we will be saved if we follow leaders that teach wrongly or lead unrighteously. If that were the case, then we would not need to send missionaries to preach repentance to the world. They would all be saved for believing false doctrine and following bad examples.

In Section 76 we learn that no one is saved in the celestial kingdom by being deceived. Just read who will inherit the terrestrial kingdom. “These are they who are honorable men of the earth, who were blinded by the craftiness of men.... Wherefore they are bodies terrestrial, and not bodies celestial,... These are they who are NOT valiant in the testimony of Jesus; wherefore, they obtain not the crown over the kingdom of our God.” (D&C 76:75, 78-79.) Some of the terrestrial will be those who chose not to be valiant in following the promptings of the Holy Spirit when received, but chose to be deceived by the influences of man and the world around them.

Have we ever been asked by any president of the Church to NOT follow the promptings we receive from the Spirit, but follow their teachings instead? Can that question be answered with a simple “Yes” or “No”? I believe it can, and I believe it is “No”! Others may teach that philosophy, but that is not the Lord’s doctrine. Some people like it because it takes responsibility from them, and they think they won’t be held accountable for what any Church authority tells them to do or believe. That’s a very comfortable way to live, but it’s not God’s way. He would have us make our own decisions in life; it is only in that way that we can become responsible. That’s the blessing and responsibility of free agency. However, some do not want to be responsible, and they look for a scapegoat. They want a prophet to blame when things go wrong, like Israel blamed Moses for their sins. Unfortunately, most of us are not righteous enough to receive God’s word on a personal basis and act upon that word. Because of this, the Lord sends prophets among us to help us get it right. But, even then, we still need personal revelation to ascertain the source of their teaching.

No prophet has ever taught us to follow the leaders instead of the Spirit; that is contrary to what the Lord has taught. Yes, there is something to be said for following without knowledge, as Adam did in the Garden of Eden when he was told to offer sacrifices and didn’t understand why. But he was told to do so by the Lord Himself. We should follow our leaders with the assurance that they are led by the Lord. This is God’s way, as we have been taught time and time again.

As stated earlier, some might say, “There will never be any conflict between what a prophet says and what the Spirit dictates, so there’s no need to pray about it.” That is not the issue. The issue is that it is the responsibility of the individual to seek his own personal witness that what a prophet speaks is from God. Any true prophet will encourage that witness to be received, and welcome it. Shouldn’t everyone else welcome it also? Unfortunately, that is not always the case. Those people who advocate blindly following are not true followers of Christ but the followers of man, the arm of flesh.

A prophet may not be a prophet although he may appear to be. Often we think that a prophet is a prophet when he utters a prophecy and the prophecy comes true. This is not always the circumstance, as the Lord taught through Moses: “If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder, And the sign or the wonder come to pass, whereof he spake unto thee, saying, Let us go after other gods, which thou hast not known, and let us serve them; Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for the LORD your God proveth you, to know whether ye love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul. Ye shall walk after the LORD your God, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey his voice, and ye shall serve him, and cleave unto him.” (Deut. 13:1-4.)

How do we obey his voice? By following the promptings of His Spirit. And, of course, showing signs and wonders is not an indication that a prophet is a prophet of the living God.

It is easy to be told what to do, and go blithely about doing it without any sure reason for it other than a man told us to, as taking a pill prescribed by a physician. That is a weak faith, but for some it may be all they can muster. However, our personal responsibility is to investigate it and pray as we have been counseled, and receive a sure testimony that what our leaders tell us is from God. We then can have that sure foundation of knowledge, the knowledge that comes through personal revelation which is the rock upon which we should stand, not the shifting sand of blind obedience. It is a basic law of witnesses that we have a second witness to truth; the word of a prophet is one witness, and the confirmation of the Holy Ghost is the second. As previously quoted, the Prophet Joseph Smith stated, “... Jesus in His teachings says, ‘Upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.’ What rock? Revelation.” (TPJS, pp. 273-274.)

Alma gave us instruction on how to gather our own light of truth. In Alma 32, he speaks about the good seed, its planting, nourishment, sprouting, and the good fruit gathered therefrom. It is pointed out that the good seed is often planted by the apostles of the Church, but it is up to us to properly nourish it to see if it will bear good fruit—meaning, was the seed planted of God? That can only take place by our doing our duty to seek the Spirit of the Lord in the matter. When the seed is a good seed, being of God, it will grow and bear good fruit. Some are called to plant the seed, but it is up to us to nourish and take care of it and gain our own personal witness that it is a good seed. No one else can do it for us—not even a prophet of God.

The Rod of Iron, as portrayed in Lehi’s dream, is not the scriptures or the words of the living prophets as some would suppose. The Rod of Iron is PERSONAL REVELATION. That is what we are to take hold of, and of which we are never to let go. During the time of our Lord’s mortal ministry the scriptures were available to the Jews, and they dogmatically leaned upon them. However, they did not fare too well. They also had living prophets to teach them, even John the Baptist and Jesus Christ, but that fact didn’t help them either. They lacked personal revelation.

Let’s consider the words of Jesus Himself. Recall when He came to the coast of Caesarea Philippi, he asked His disciples who they thought He was. After a few answers, “Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” To which Jesus said to him, “Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.” (Matt. 16:13-17.) Peter did not receive the witness that Jesus was the Christ through the scriptures, which is written by the hand of man (flesh and blood), or from a prophet (who happen to be the Lord Himself), but he received it through PERSONAL REVELATION from his Father in Heaven. Jesus was telling His disciples that God is to be the source of personal revelation, not man.

While Moses and the children of Israel were in camp, he gathered the seventy elders around the tabernacle. The Lord came and spoke and gave the spirit to the seventy elders. “And the spirit rested upon [Eldad and Medad] ... and they prophesied in the camp.” Joshua went and asked Moses to “forbid them” from prophesying. “And Moses said unto him, Enviest thou for my sake? would God that all the Lord’s people were prophets, and that the Lord would put his spirit upon them!” (Num. 11:24-29.)

What Moses was trying to tell Joshua here was that he wished all men could have the spirit of prophecy. Moses was basically saying, “If all of the Lord’s people were prophets, you would have no need of me. You would be receiving your own personal revelation straight from the Lord Himself, as it ought to be.” If they were prophets they could lead themselves as the Spirit of God came upon them. In fact, the Prophet Joseph Smith said that we cannot even minister the gospel unless we are prophets: “Salvation cannot come without revelation; it is in vain for anyone to minister without it. No man is a minister of Jesus Christ without being a Prophet. No man can be a minister of Jesus Christ except he has the testimony of Jesus; and this is the spirit of prophecy.” (TPJS, p. 160.)

Let’s consider what the Apostle Paul had to say regarding the subject. Paul was very zealous in persecuting the church of God, and as he was traveling on the road to Damascus he received a personal revelation from the resurrected Lord. (Acts 9:1-20.) Here is what he wrote to the Galatians about that great event.

13. For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it:
14. And profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers.
15. But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace,
16. To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:
17. Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus.
18. Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days. (Gal. 1:13-18.)

Notice that, first, Paul received a personal revelation about the divinity of Christ. He did not receive it from the testimony of any mortal. Second, he did not confer with any “flesh and blood” (v. 16). Third, it was only after three years in Arabia (probably with fasting and prayer) that he returned and met with Peter, the chief Apostle. It is important to note that Paul acted upon personal revelation and not from the witness of man, or flesh and blood as he put it, although he did have a visitation from Ananias, who the Lord sent to heal Paul of his temporary blindness. (Acts 9.)

When we put man’s word before the promptings of the Spirit, even if that man is a president of the Church, we are placing that man before God. When we do that, we have created a false god. Anyone who teaches that we are to follow someone else, instead of the whisperings of the Spirit, that person is the same as Korihor the antichrist. (Alma 30.) And any man who allows himself to be followed, before following the Spirit of God, is putting himself in the place of God; that makes him a false God and an antichrist. We need to be taught from on high. No true prophet has taught otherwise.

Now, let’s turn again to the words of Brigham Young when he said, “Let every man and woman know, by the whispering of the Spirit of God to themselves, whether their leaders are walking in the path the Lord dictates, or not.... We must have that living witness within us.... That is your privilege.”

As we discussed earlier, when we have a personal revelation we will have no need to teach our neighbor or our brother, for they will know the Lord for themselves. (Jer. 31:31-34.) Even the least of His people will know Him. They shall be His people and He will be their God.

Concluding Thoughts
How important is the principle of receiving revelation by way of the Spirit? It is so important that the editors of Deseret News, who were the Brethren at the time, said, “... all men the world over, may know when they hear a sermon read from the pulpit, that God has no hand in that matter; and the preacher is not sent of God; and is not God’s servant.” (Editorial, Deseret News, Sept. 4, 1852; Calling and Election, Kraut, p. 80.) This is rather a profound statement when considering that God is never changing.

Some of the things we have considered in this chapter may have seemed rather pointed, or strong. However, because of this, the reader is not to assume that this author is trying to claim, teach, profess, or maintain in any way that any authority of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is intentionally leading, has deliberately led, or will purposely lead the Church or its members into forbidden paths. Nor is he trying to undermine the leadership ability of any of the Church authorities on any level. The presentation has only been an attempt to show that: (1) various authorities of the Church, on all levels, are men, and God allows them their own opinions; (2) Church members are to follow the counsel of Church leaders only as those leaders are led by the Holy Spirit, and as Church members gain a witness of that fact; (3) individuals are to follow their own personal and spiritual promptings as they receive such from the Holy Spirit above any other that might be received from man, no matter who that man is; (4) no true prophet has ever taught otherwise; (5) any teaching to the contrary puts the counsel of man—the arm of flesh—above that of the Lord; and (6) that the prevailing doctrine of the Church that its leaders will never lead the people astray needs to be seriously re-evaluated in light of the foregoing evidence; for if Joseph Smith, Brigham Young, and others are right, that current doctrine is a false doctrine. On the other hand, if the doctrine that the Church leaders will never lead the members astray is true, then Joseph Smith, Brigham Young, and others have lead us astray. It either has to be one or the other; it cannot be both. Nevertheless, either case nullifies the doctrine.

Some want their Church authorities to be their direct file-leader, the one they feel should be next in line to give them council and direction—probably because its an easy road to take. Brigham Young taught differently. He said our file-leader is Jesus Christ. “... the greatest and most important of all requirements of our Father in heaven and of his Son Jesus Christ, is, to his brethren or disciples, to believe in Jesus Christ, confess him, seek to him, cling to him, make friends with him. Take a course to open and keep open a communication with your Elder Brother or file-leader—our Saviour. Were I to draw a distinction in all the duties that are required of the children of men, from first to last, I would place first and foremost the duty of seeking unto the Lord our God until we open the path of communication from heaven to earth—from God to our own souls. Keep every avenue of your hearts clean and pure before him.” (JD 8:339.)

What a great burden it is for a man, even a prophet of God, to feel that the only direction the people have is from him alone. Moses felt that weight. As Moses was sitting to judge the people, Jethro asked him why he burdened himself in that way. Moses replied, “... Because the people come unto me to enquire of God.” Considering Jethro’s inspired suggestion, Moses organized heads of tens, fifties, hundreds, and thousands to rule and judge the people. (See Ex. 18:13-26.) Now if the people had sanctified themselves, as God commanded (D&C 84:23-27), they could have received their own personal revelation, relieving Moses of that burden. Isn’t it also interesting that Moses, the Prophet of the time, took council from one under his leadership? What a humble man—accepting the fact that a subordinate could be led by the Spirit.

The Prophet Joseph Smith also felt that weight many times, as a quick glance at Church history clearly reveals. He said,

“Search the scriptures—search the revelations which we publish, and ask your Heavenly Father, in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, to manifest the truth unto you, and if you do it with an eye single to his glory nothing doubting, He will answer you by the power of His Holy Spirit. You will then know for yourselves and NOT FOR ANOTHER. You will NOT THEN BE DEPENDENT ON MAN for the knowledge of God; nor will there be any room for speculation. No; for when men receive their instruction from Him that made them, they know how He will save them.” (TPJS, pp. 11-12.)

Our duty is to help relieve our Church leaders of that burden. Above all things, we are to follow the Spirit of the Lord; it is our “privilege.” With all due respect to their calling and position, Prophets and Apostles, and even the Church itself, are only here to teach and point the way back to God, not to stand in the way between man and God.

Following the Holy Spirit on a personal basis is the only way back to dwell with our Heavenly Father and His only begotten Son. It is the only avenue towards the fulness of the gospel. The children of Israel wanted Moses to save them, but he could not. No man can take us back to the Father. No man can do it for us except Christ Himself. The Prophet Joseph Smith taught, “How can we escape the damnation of hell, except God be with us and REVEAL to us?” (TPJS, p. 349.)

When truth collides with our traditional beliefs to which we want to tenaciously cling, we may choose to become very uncomfortable. Truth has been presented here, an abundance of truth, and for some, very uncomfortable truth; for many want to lay the burden of accountability for their decisions and actions upon the shoulders of others instead of assuming it themselves. Sir Winston Churchill is reported to have said, “Most people, sometimes in their lives, stumble across truth. Most jump up, brush themselves off, and hurry on about their business as if nothing had happened.”

So how are we going to take the truth that has been presented here? Will it be ignored for the sake of being accepted by those around us, remaining in our comfortable complacency? Or, will it turn our hearts to Christ, causing us to desire following His Holy Spirit in spite of what any man, regardless of rank or office, has to say? Our eternal salvation depends upon the answer.

Doctrine and Covenants, 84:49-53

49. And the whole world lieth in sin,
and groaneth under darkness and under the bondage of sin.
50. And by this you may know they are under the bondage of sin,
because they come not unto me.
51. For whoso cometh not unto me is under the bondage of sin.
52. And whoso receiveth not my voice
is not acquainted with my voice, and is not of me.
53. And by this you may know the righteous from the wicked,
and that the whole world groaneth under sin and darkness even now.

Christopher Columbus

“Nothing that results from human progress
is achieved with unanimous consent,
and those that are enlightened before the others
are condemned to pursue that light in spite of the others.”