Millennial Star, Vol. 55, No. 36, Sept. 4, 1893, p. 585 “On May 23, 1843, I listened to a discourse preached in the 
Nauvoo temple, which was then only partially finished. Brother Joseph was talking on the pre-existence of our spirits, and
our relations to God in the spirit world, and our standing in the family circle of our Father. Now I am telling the truth, and I remember that while thus talking he suddenly turned around to the Apostles sitting on the stand and said in effect: ‘Brethren, if I were to tell you all I know of the kingdom of God, I do know that you would rise up and kill me.’ Brother Brigham arose and said, ‘Don’t tell me anything that I can’t bear, for I don’t want to apostatize.’ Brother Joseph, addressing the Apostles, then said: ‘The weight of this kingdom has been as a millstone around my neck, but I am going to roll it off on your shoulders, and then the kingdom of God will go on.’ There were eleven of the Apostles present at this time. Among them I saw Parley Pratt, Orson Pratt, Willard Richards, Geo. A. Smith, Brigham Young and John Taylor. I don’t remember the others.” – Anthon H. Lund, publisher
1 Timothy 1:15; “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.”
The first thing someone who’s called of God should do is share the gospel! 1st Timothy is a great example of what to say when introducing Christ to the world. Another is 2 Corinthians 5:21 –
“For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”
With that in mind, there are a few things to look at today in the Mormon reference we’re
using –
1.Smith said –
‘Brethren, if I were to tell you all I know of the kingdom of God, I do know that you would rise up and kill me.’
What Christian would rise up to kill anyone, let alone a true prophet called of God?
2.He also said –
‘The weight of this kingdom has been as a millstone around my neck…’
Why would God’s Kingdom be like a millstone? Jesus said His “yoke is easy and the burden light” – Matthew 11:30.
3.The last thing we’re looking at is his statement –
‘I am going to roll it off on your shoulders, and then the kingdom of God will go on’
Newsflash: the lifespan of the Kingdom of God isn’t dependent upon mankind. God alone adds to His Kingdom, and Matthew 16:18 tells us the gates of hell won’t prevail against His Kingdom, so why would Smith say this?
The Kingdom belongs to God, and Smith has no say how long the Kingdom will go on.
Besides all that…being in the Kingdom of God is awesome! Why is he making it sound like he’s in charge of it, and why is it a burden? God doesn’t tell us His Kingdom is a burden!
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