From the book The Essential Parley P. Pratt, Chapter 2, pages 32 - 34:
Another specimen [of criticism by a Mr. Sunderland] from the Book of "Doctrine and Covenants," Sec. 27, is brought forward by this lying deciever, but he could not make nonsense of it without altering it for the worse in three places. "Let my servant, Sidney Gilbert plant himself in the HOUSE (the revelation reads, "in this place," instead of house, and establish a Store, that he may sell goods without fraud, that he may obtain money to buy lands for the good of the Saints." This provision for colonizing the poor has become "nonsense and blasphemy."[says Sunderland]--Although the Lord could once send Peter to catch a fish in order to get a little money to pay taxes, without blaspheming; but perhaps [Mr. Sunderland] would say, that was in the days of humility and simplicity, when he was poor, and had not where to lay his head, but since he had got in possession of so many fine Temples, Chapels, Livings, Honours, Titles, Salaries, &c., his mind could not stoop to hear the cries of the poor. But he quotes still further: "Let my servant, W. W. Phelps, be planted in the house, (the Revelation reads, "in this place," instead of the house,) and let him be established as a Printer to the Church, and let all the world receive his writings." Surely this would be nonsense; for all the world cannot read--all the world have not conveyances by mail, and all the world includes more than three thousand languages and dialects; and all the world would keep our Printing Establishment very busy to print four or five hundred millions of a monthly paper, in the several thousand different tongues. But it is Mr. S. who makes nonsense, by his lying, (the passage reads thus, "and inasmuch as the world receive his writings, let him obtain all he can obtain in righteousness, for the good of the Saints.") The truth of the matter is this, that we planted a Colony in Missouri, and to that Colony was attached a Mercantile and Printing Establishment, the profits of which, were to be devoted to the purchase of lands, for the purpose of Colonizing the poor, who were unable to buy lands for themselves. The fact is, this speculating, lying hypocrite, not only falsifies almost every passage he quotes, but is continually converting the most benevolent institutions among the Saints, into nonsense, blasphemy, and money making, whereas, it is his own Order, and not Ours, that is guilty of moneyed plans, and priestcraft. Indeed, I have often heard the members of the Methodist Church complain, that the great cry of their Priests, was money, money, give, give. Indeed, whoever will read their Discipline, will find it abounding with moneyed plans; making a regular provision for the support of their hireling Priests. And whoever will read our Book of "Doctrine and Covenants," will find no provision for the support of Preachers, except to go forth without Purse or Scrip, or Two Coats, taking no thought for the morrow; freely giving and freely receiving such things as the people see fit to give. Indeed, I have preached in this city more than six months, many times a week, besides visiting the poor, the sick, &c.; and I have not mentioned money, money, nor give, give, for the support of the Gospel; neither has such a thing ever been named in any of our meetings, except by way of condemnation. But the Gospel I preach has power to fill those who receive it with charity, and it opens their hearts, so that my necessities are supplied. But nature's wants are few, I dispense with those extravagances most of the Priests are guilty of. I have preached the Gospel from Maine to Missouri, for near eight years, and all I ever received, during my whole ministry, would not amount to the yearly salary of one of the lazy, extravagant loungers, who under the name of priests, are a nuisance to the whole country.
The Essential Parley P. Pratt, Ch. 3, pages 61 - 62:
… I have made the above remarks in order to impress deeply upon the minds of our modern teachers and learners the importance of arousing from the slumber of ages on this subject, and of ceasing to teach and impress upon the youthful mind the gloomy thoughts of [a belief in the permanency of] death, and the melancholy forebodings of a long slumber in the grave, in order in inspire them with solemn fear and dread, and thus move them to the duties of religion and morality. Experience has proved, in innumerable instances, that this course is insufficient to restrain vice, and to lead to the practice of virtue and religion. The wayward and buoyant spirits of youth feel weighed down and oppressed, when oft reminded of such gloomy and melancholy subjects [as nihilism]. All the more cheerful faculties of the soul are thus paralyzed, or more or less obstructed in their operations; the fine toned energies of the mind cease to act with their accustomed vigor, the charms of nature seem clothed in mourning and sackcloth. We conceive a distaste for the duties as well as the enjoyments of life. Courage, fortitude, ambition, and all the stimulants which move man to act well his part in human society, are impaired and weakened in their operations, and the mind, thus soured and sickened, finds itself sinking under deep melancholy and settled gloom, which soon becomes insupportable. He at length sinks in despair,--becomes insane, or groans under various diseases brought upon his physical system by the anguish of his mind; or, with a desperate effort, tears himself from friends and society, and from all the social duties and enjoyments of life, to lead a life of solitude within the walls of a convent, or in the gloomy caverns of the monk. But more frequently the youthful mind when laboring under these gloomy impressions makes a desperate effort to free itself from its dreadful burden, by plunging into all the allurements of vice and dissipation; endeavoring by these means to drive from them the memory all those gloomy impressions, and to lose sight of, or cease to realize, the sure and certain approach of death. Let us then cease to give lessons on death and the grave to the rising generation, and confine ourselves more exclusively to the proclamation of eternal life. What a glorious field in intelligence now lies before us, yet but partially explored. What a boundless expanse for contemplation and reflection now opens to our astonished vision. What an intellectual banquet spreads itself invitingly to our appetite, calling into lively exercise every power and faculty of the mind, and giving full scope to all the great and ennobling passions of the soul. Love, joy, hope, ambition, faith, and all the virtuous principles of the human mind may here expand and grow, and flourish, unchecked by any painful emotions or gloomy fears. Here the youthful mind may expand its utmost energies, and revel, uncontrolled by remorse, unchecked by time or decay, in the never-fading sweets of eternity, and bask forever in the boundless ocean of delight.
The Essential Parley P. Pratt, Ch. 9, p. 115:
In the resurrection, and the life to come, men that are prepared will actually possess a material inheritance on the earth. They will possess houses, and cities, and villages, and gold and silver, and precious stones, and food, and rayment, and they will eat, drink, converse, think, walk, taste, smell and enjoy. They will also sing and preach, and teach, and learn, and investigate; and play on musical instruments, and enjoy all the pure delights of affection, love, and domestic felicity. While each, like the risen Jesus can take his friend by the hand and say: "Handle me and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have."
The Essential Parley P. Pratt, Ch. 10, p. 127-128:
Know then Oh man, that aided and directed by the light of heaven the sources of thy happiness are within and around thee. Instead of seeking unto God for a mysterious change to be wrought, or for your affections and attributes to be taken away and subdued, seek unto him for aid, and wisdom to govern, direct and cultivate them in a manner which will tend to your happiness and exaltation, both in this world and in that which is to come. Yea, pray to him that every affection, attribute, power and energy of your body and mind may be cultivated, increased, enlarged, perfected and exercised for his glory and for the glory and happiness of yourself, and of all those whose good fortune it may be to be associated with you. As we said in the beginning of this subject, we say again; that our intellect and our affection, only buds in time, and ripens in eternity. There we shall know and love our kindred and our friends: and there we shall be capable of exercising all those pure emotions of friendship and love, which fill our hearts with such inexpressible delight in this world. And not only so, but our love will be far more strong and perfect in many respects. First, because we shall know and realize more. Secondly, because our organs of thought will be more strong and durable. Thirdly, because we shall be free from those mean, selfish, groveling, envious and disagreeable influences which disturb, and hinder the free exercise of our affections in this world. And lastly, because we shall be associated with a more extensive and numerous society, of those who are filled with the same freedom of spirit and affection that we are; and therefore are objects truly worthy of our love. While those of a contrary nature will be banished to their own place, and not suffered to mingle in the society, or mar the peace of those who have gotten the victory. Having discovered and set forth in plainness the origin, purpose, and destiny of man's physical organization and the powers, attributes, energies, affections and capabilities of his intellect, till we find him standing erect in God-like majesty, with organs of strength beyond the reach of death: and powers of thought, capable of spaning the heavens, and comprehending all things: We must now inquire into the nature of his employment in that eternal world of joy and bliss. On this subject as on most others, where investigation has been considered a sin, men have greatly erred. They have supposed that this short life was the only active one; and that the world to come was a life of repose, or of inactive and eternal rest; where all our powers of body and mind would remain dormant, or only be engaged in shouts, songs and acclamations. To prove this we offer here quotations like the following: "There is no work, nor device, nor knowledge in the grave whither thou goest." "As the tree falleth so it lieth." "As death leaves us, so judgment will find us." To the first of these we would reply that the spirit never goes to the grave; and the body does not stay in it long. And beyond it, in the regions of eternal life there is abundance of work, knowledge and device. To the second, we would say, that the tree lieth as it falleth until it is removed, and used for some other purpose. And to the third, we reply, that it is a sectarian proverb, instead of a scripture; and by the by a false one too. For death leaves us in the grave, with body and spirit separated; and judgment finds us risen from the grave, and spirit and body united. Thus organized a new, we are prepared to enter upon a life of business and usefulness, in a sphere vastly enlarged and extended. ... The field of our labors may then extend for aught we know to the most distant worlds--to climes where mortal eye never penetrated. Or we may visit the dark and gloomy regions of the spirits in prison, and there, like a risen Jesus, preach the gospel to those who are dead; "that they may be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit." Or we may be called upon, with the other sons of God to shout for joy, at the organization of new systems of worlds, and new orders of being; over which we may reign as kings, or to whom we may minister as priests. These ideas may be considered by some as mere flights of fancy no where supported by positive evidence. But we contend that the very nature of our existence and of our priesthood is such as to warrant the conclusion to which we have arrived. But if proof were wanting, we have only to refer, as a precedent, to the active life and ministry of a risen Jesus; and to his administration as king of kings and lord of lords: as well as to the promises made by him to those whom he had sent. It appears that Jesus Christ after rising from the dead, immediately entered upon a most active ministry; in which he taught, expounded, opened the scriptures, commanded, commissioned, prophesied and blessed. By this means he laid the foundation for his kingdom to be established not only among the Jews and Gentiles; but also among the Nephites and the lost tribes of Israel. He also visited the spirits of the dead and preached the gospel unto them, as is recorded in one of the Epistles of Peter. Not only so, but he assended to realms of exalted glory, where seated on a throne, he still is active both as a king and priest. And, if we look into the future, we shall find that he has yet a great work to do upon the earth, not only as a judge, king and priest; but as an executor, warrior, and a military commander. For he will tread them in his anger and trample them in his fury, and stain his raiment with their blood; while all the armies in heaven follow him in martial splendor, mounted on white horses, and all arrayed in a uniform of spotless white. This same Jesus confered on his apostles an everlasting priesthood, after his own order: as it is written: "As the father hath sent me, even so I send you." "And the works that I do shall you do also." He also promised to be with them always even unto the end of the world; and therefore is yet with them in their labors and ministry, whether as men or angels. Those who suppose a man's office or priesthood to end with this life have been in the habit of applying that promise, as if it only ment them and their successors; but he said no such thing. But rather that he would be with them always unto the end of the world. If they had successors, it was then time enough for similar promises to be made to them, when they in turn should enter upon their holy and sacred office of the apostleship and priesthood. These apostles not only hold the perpetual office of the apostleship and priesthood: but also partake of kingly power. Hence it is written "they shall sit on twelve thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel." And this too, when the son of man shall come in his glory. Then will be fulfilled that which was recorded by John, saying: "thou hast made us unto our God kings and priests; and we shall reign on the earth." In view of an eternal kingdom, and of an immortal reign and ministry, they might well rejoice when arraigned before the dreadful tribunals of earthly tyrants, knowing as they did that they should reign in turn, and that their persecutors would be in turn arraigned before a judgment bar. From all these and a thousand other promises made to prophets and apostles, we feel safe in the conclusion, that a field wide as eternity and boundless as the ocean of God's benevolence, extends before the servants of God. A field where, ambition knows no check, and zeal no limits; and where the most ardent aspirations may be more than realized. A field where crowns of glory, thrones of power and dominions of immortality are the rewards of dilligence. And where man--once a weak and helpless worm of dust may sit enthroned in majesty on high, and occupy an exalted station among the councils of the sons of God.
The Essential Parley P. Pratt, Ch. 19, p. 201 - 202:
When man, and the planet on which he lives, with all its fulness, shall have completed all their series of progressive changes, so as to be adapted to the highest glories of which their several characters and species are capable, then, the whole will be annexed to, or numbered with the eternal heavens, and will there fulfil their eternal rounds, being another acquisition to the mansions, or eternally increasing dominions of the great Creator and Redeemer. Worlds are mansions for the home of intelligences. Intelligences exist in order to enjoy. Joy, in its fulness, depends on certain principles, viz.-- Life Eternal. Love Eternal. Peace Eternal. Wealth Eternal. &c. Without the first, enjoyment lacks durability. Without the second, it can hardly be said to exist. Without the third, it would not be secure. Without the fourth, it must be limited, &c. Eternal life, in its fulness, implies a spiritual intelligence, embodied in the likeness of its own species and clothed upon with an outward tabernacle of eternal, incorruptible flesh and bones. This state of existence can only be attained by the resurrection of the body, and its eternal re-union with the spirit. Eternal life thus attained, and endowed with the eternal attributes of intelligence and love, could never exercise, or derive enjoyment from the affections of the latter, unless associated with other beings endowed with the same attributes. Hence the object, or necessity of eternal kindred ties, associations, and affections, exercised as the attributes of that charity which never ends. …
In order to be wealthy, eternal man must possess a certain portion of the surface of some eternal planet, adapted to his order or sphere of existence. This inheritance, incorruptible, eternal in the heavens, must be sufficiently extensive for his accommodation, with all his family dependencies. It must also comprise a variety of elements, adapted to his use and convenience. Eternal gold, silver, precious stones, and other precious materials would be useful in the erection and furnishing of mansions, and of public and private dwellings or edifices. These edifices combined, or arranged in wisdom, would constitute eternal cities. Gardens, groves, walks, rivulets, fountains, flowers and fruits, would beautify and adorn the landscape, please the eye, the taste, the smell; and thus contribute gladness to the heart of man. Silks, linens, or other suitable materials would be necessary to adorn his person, and to furnish and beautify his mansions. In short, eternal man, in possession of eternal worlds, in all their variety and fulness, will eat, drink, think, converse, associate, assemble, disperse, go, come, possess, improve, love and enjoy. He will increase in riches, knowledge, power, might, majesty and dominion, in worlds without end.
The Essential Parley P. Pratt, Ch. 10, p. 126:
The man who, through a mistaken zeal, or through the influence of ignorant teachings or incorrect traditions, so far mistakes the object and purpose of his being, as to withdraw from all these; to shut himself from the world, and to seek to overcome and subdue the natural affections with which God has endowed him, is not a religious man at all. On the contrary, he is opposing the will and commandments of God, and neglecting the duties of religion. How often do we hear of persons, and even whole societies who hold that a religious man or community should have nothing to do with politics, government, and office. Such persons judge of the depth of a man's religion by his indifference to, or retirement from the arduous duties of family, church, or state. How different is this notion from the facts of the case, if we may judge either from common sense, or from precepts and examples set before us by God's people. Witness, Adam, Noah, Abraham, Joseph, Moses, Joshua, Samuel, David, Solomon, Elijah, Daniel, Mordica, Esther, and thousands of others of God's prophets and wise men, all medling with civil religious, and political government, and with temporal duties, and financial interests! and who so well qualified as they for to forecast devices, and manage affairs for the good and salvation of man? Think of Jesus himself who came into the world for the very purpose of being a king, and who is yet waiting for the glorious time when he will descend to earth again, and reign over all the kingdoms of the world. Think of Paul, who declares that the saints shall judge the world, and judge angels, how much more than the smaller matters? …
Man, know thy self,--study thine own nature,--learn thy powers of body,--thy capacity of mind. Learn thine origin, thy purpose and thy destiny. Study the true source of thine own mind. Learn thine origin, thy purpose and thy destiny. Study the true source of thine own happiness, and the happiness of all beings with which thou art associated. Learn to act in unison with thy true character, nature and attributes; and thus improve and cultivate the resources within and around thee. This will render you truly happy, and be an acceptable service to your God. And being faithful over a few things, you may hope to be made ruler over many things.
