This slurring presumption counts for naught, for the editor of the Herald knows nothing pertaining to the revelations we have received, or what we think of them. Nor is he fair to President Joseph F. Smith in this quotation from the record of the investigation, for it does not convey the belief or knowledge, or the true expression of President Smith, and was purposely misapplied, which a careful reading of his testimony will show.
To presume to speak in the name of the Lord is a serious matter, and woe be to the man who speaks in the name of the Lord when he has not been commanded. It is far better never to receive a revelation than to follow after those who receive "revelations" that the Lord has not given. The "revelations" given by the Reorganite president to the "Reorganized" Church, need only to be read to convince one of their spurious character. They are weak, puerile, and it takes a very little of the spirit of discernment to know what source they are of. However, if they are acceptable to the "Reorganization," that is their business. We are satisfied.
But the people who lack in discernment may be deceived through the pretenses of men and accept for facts and revelations that which the Lord has not commanded. If there are any who are honestly deceived pertaining to the revelations of this man who presumes to be the "President of the High Priesthood" and "the mouthpiece of God," we will respectfully call their attention to one or two items in his pretended revelations.
This is from section 116, "revelation" given May 4, 1865:
"Be not hasty in ordaining men of the negro race to offices in my church, for verily I say unto you, All are not acceptable unto me as servants, nevertheless I will that all may be saved, but every man in his own order, and there are some who are chosen instruments to be ministers to their own race. Be ye content, I the Lord have spoken it."
The Prophet Joseph Smith taught the Saints that the negroes could not hold the Priesthood, for the Lord had cursed them as pertaining to the Priesthood. This is supported by the revelation in the Book of Abraham, which was translated by the Prophet. It reads:
"Now the first government of Egypt was established by Pharaoh, the eldest son of Egyptus, the daughter of Ham, and it was after the manner of government of Ham, which was patriarchal.
"Pharaoh, being a righteous man, established his kingdom and judged his people wisely and justly all his days, seeking earnestly to imitate that order established by the fathers in the first generations, in the days of the first patriarchal reign, even the reign of Adam, and also of Noah, his father, who blessed him with the blessings of the earth, and with the blessings of wisdom, but cursed him as pertaining to the Priesthood. Now, Pharaoh being of the lineage by which he could not have the right of Priesthood, notwithstanding the Pharaohs would fain claim it from Noah, through Ham, therefore my father was led away by their idolatry." (Book of Abraham 1:25-27).
The Lord did not tell Abraham that the children of Ham were cursed as pertaining to the Priesthood, and then command Joseph Smith of the "Reorganization" to be slow in ordaining them. In the "Reorganized" Church they have a few, at least, of the negro race, that they have "ordained to the priesthood" but it is contrary to the word of God. This Reorganite revelation is spurious.
Here is an extract from another:
"The quorum of twelve, my servants, may choose and appoint one of their number to take the place of my servant Alexander H. Smith, and if they shall choose William H. Kelley, from among them for this place, it will be pleasing unto me; NEVERTHELESS, IF directed by the spirit of revelation and wisdom they may choose another." (Sec. 124:3).