LESSON XXIV.
(Scripture Reading Exercise.)
THE PROPHET JOSEPH SMITH ON THE GIFTS OF THE HOLY GHOST.[A]
ANALYSIS. | REFERENCES. |
I. Conflicting Opinions of Men on the Subject, Due to the Absence of Revelation. | The citations of Scripture in the body of this lesson. |
II. Extravagant Expectations Reproved. | |
III. All the Gifts Distributed Within the Church. | |
IV. Manifestation of Spiritual Gifts Not Always Outwardly Discernable. | |
V. Admonition as to Seeking Spiritual Gifts. |
[Footnote A: The matter used in the "Discussion" is an editorial from the Times and Seasons of the 15th of June, 1842; and if not written by the Prophet was at least published with his sanction and approval. In his Journal History, the Prophet introduces the article as follows: "Issued an editorial on the 'Gift of the Holy Ghost,' as follows." (History of the Church, Vol. V, p. 26, et seq.) The side headings are not part of the original editorial.]
SPECIAL TEXT: "Follow after charity, desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye prophesy." (Paul—I Cor. xiv:1.)
DISCUSSION.
1. Not Every Supernatural Manifestation of God: "Various and conflicting are the opinions of men in regard to the gift of the Holy Ghost. Some people have been in the habit of calling every supernatural manifestation the effects of the Spirit of God, whilst there are others that think there is no manifestation [i. e., of God] connected with it at all; and that it is nothing but a mere impulse of the mind, or an inward feeling, impression, or secret testimony or evidence, which men possess, and that there is no such a thing as an outward manifestation.
"It is not to be wondered at that men should be ignorant, in a great measure, of the principles of salvation, and more especially of the nature, office, power, influence, gifts, and blessings of the gift of the Holy Ghost; when we consider that the human family have been enveloped in gross darkness and ignorance for many centuries past, without revelation, or any just criterion [by which] to arrive at a knowledge of the things of God, which can only be known by the Spirit of God. Hence it not infrequently occurs, that when the Elders of this Church preach to the inhabitants of the world, that if they obey the Gospel they shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, that the people expect to see some wonderful manifestation, some great display of power, or some extraordinary miracle performed; and it is often the case that young members of this Church for want of better information, carry along with them their old notions of things, and sometimes fall into egregious errors. We have lately had some information concerning a few members that are in this dilemma, and for their information make a few remarks upon the subject.
2. Priesthood and Church Organization Ineffective without the Holy Ghost: "We believe in the gift of the Holy Ghost being enjoyed now, as much as it was in the Apostles' days; we believe that it [the gift of the Holy Ghost] is necessary to make and to organize the Priesthood, that no man can be called to fill any office in the ministry without it;[A] we also believe in prophecy, in tongues, in visions, and in revelations, in gifts, and in healings; and that these things cannot be enjoyed without the gift of the Holy Ghost. We believe that the holy men of old spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost, and that holy men in these days speak by the same principle; we believe in its being a comforter and a witness bearer, that it brings things past to our remembrance, leads us into all truth, and shows us of things to come; we believe that 'no man can know that Jesus is the Christ, but by the Holy Ghost.' We believe in it [this gift of the Holy Ghost] in all its fullness, and power, and greatness, and glory; but whilst we do this, we believe in it rationally, consistently, and scripturally, and not according to the wild vagaries, foolish notions and traditions of men.