Happiness is Design of Our Existence
History of the Church 5:134, 141; “Happiness is the object and design of our existence; and will be the end thereof, if we pursue the path that leads to it; and this path is virtue, uprightness, faithfulness, holiness, and keeping all the commandments of God. But we cannot keep all the commandments without first knowing them, and we cannot expect to know all, or more than we now know unless we comply with or keep those we have already received. That which is wrong under one circumstance, may be, and often is, right under another.”
141 “It is not positively known what occasioned the writing of this essay; but when it is borne in mind that at this time the new law of marriage for the Church—marriage for eternity, including plurity [sic] of wives under some circumstances—was being introduced by the Prophet, it is very likely that the article was written with a view of applying the principles here expounded to the conditions created by introducing said marriage system.”
John 17:17; “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.”
Confusing indeed are the words of Joseph Smith in this example and we’ll take a look at the second part of the quote in a moment. However, first let’s take a look at how Smith was trying to confuse the masses.
Truth is not relative – it’s absolute and there’s nothing anyone can do to change truth whether or not you agree.
1. It’s impossible for us to keep all the commandments of God, thus He sent His Son in our stead.
2. Happiness is NOT the design of our existence. God created us to have fellowship with us, but in no way shape or form did He ever promise us we’d always be happy.
3.It’s impossible for the Mormon people to live in the idea or theory the things he mentioned here like Christians do when instilled with the fruits of the Holy Spirit as it says in Galatians 5:22-23. He’s the one that produces any good thing in our lives although man does try.
4. Smith’s words are meant to confuse and is circular reasoning. He basically told them if you want have happiness you have to obey and to do this you have to know the commandments. To know all the commandments though you have to obey.
What are we obeying and why?
5. Jesus asked the Father to sanctify believers through the word of God and for Mormons this is impossible because they’ve rejected it!
And finally…
6. The Church lied in the last section I’ve posted here. They know exactly why Joseph said these things.
Joseph Smith approached Sidney Rigdon’s 19 year old daughter Nancy about being his wife. When he went into her room and locked the door she told him exactly what she thought of him and suddenly Mr. Smith had another revelation to justify his behavior. The section from History of the Church is his response.
The Church isn’t telling you the truth when it said it’s not known what was meant.
You can read more about her experience in “The Letter of the Prophet, Joseph Smith to Miss Nancy Rigdon,” Joseph Smith Collection, LDS archives or in Oliver Cowdery’s writings here.
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