III.
WHAT IS A PROPHET?
First of all, a word of definition: This term "prophet"—what do you make of it? Generally, when you speak of a "prophet," you have in mind a predictor of future events, one who foretells things that are to come to pass, and indeed that is, in part, the office of a prophet—in part what is expected of him. But really this is the very least of his duties. A prophet should be a "forth-teller" rather than a fore-teller. Primarily he must be a teacher of men, an expounder of the things of God. The inspiration of the Almighty must give him understanding, and when given he must expound it to his people, to his age. He must be a Seer that can make others see. A Teacher sent of God to instruct a people—to enlighten an age. This is the primary office of a prophet. And now I want to show you how well and faithfully our Prophet performed such duties.
To do this it is necessary that I say something about the ideas prevailing in the world at the Prophet's advent among men—I mean as to their religions and philosophies, the doctrines by which they were influenced. And this not only as to truth, but also as to error—and chiefly as to error, for, among other things, a prophet must correct the errors of men. It is a capital method of teaching truth—this correcting of errors.