BRIGHAM YOUNG'S SERMON ON MORMONS BECOMING COMMUNISTS....
- From: Christian <mormoninfo@xxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Sat, 28 Aug 2010 16:44:47 -0700 (PDT)
Brigham Young's Sermon on Mormons Becoming Communists - 4/7/1869
Journal of Discourses - Volume 13
Remarks By President Brigham Young
Responsibility for Teachings-the Word of Wisdom-Co-Operation Etc
Delivered in the New Tabernacle, Salt Lake City, April 7, 1869.
I think I shall not be under the necessity of talking long, as there
has been a great deal said to the people this afternoon. I will
commence by saying to the Latter-day Saints and to all the inhabitants
of the earth that I am responsible for the doctrine I teach; (1) but I
am not responsible for the obedience of the people to that doctrine.
My position in the presence of God, before the Angels and upon the
face of the earth, is that it is easier and more delightful to serve
God than to serve ourselves and the devil.
There has been considerable said this afternoon with regard to
redeeming and building up Zion, the Order of Enoch, &c. I see men and
women in this congregation-only a few of them-who were driven from the
central stake of Zion. Ask them if they had any sorrow or trouble;
then let them look at the beautiful land that the Lord would have
given them if all had been faithful in keeping His commandments, and
had walked before Him as they should; and then ask them with regard to
the blessings they would have received. If they tell you the
sentiments of their minds, they will tell you that the yoke of Jesus
would have been easy and his burden would have been light, and that it
would have been a delightful task to have walked in obedience to his
commands and to have been of one heart and one mind; but through the
selfishness of some, which is idolatry, through their covetousness,
which is the same, and the lustful desire of their minds, they were
cast out and driven from their homes. We have been driven many times;
but each time, if they who professed to be the servants of God had
served Him with an undivided heart, they would have had the privilege
of living in their houses, possessing their lands, attending to their
meetings, and spreading abroad on the right and the left, lengthening
the cords of Zion, and strengthening her stakes until the land had
been dedicated to the Gospel of the Son of God. Well, I have been with
the rest and I expect I have been covetous like them, and probably I
am now; but if I am, I wish somebody would tell me wherein. (2)
Brother Pratt, in his discourse, had considerable to say with regard
to the property of the Saints. I would like very much if the time was
now when the Lord would say, "Lay down your substance at the feet of
the bishops," and find out who in this Church would be willing to give
up all. This co-operative movement is only a stepping stone to what is
called the Order of Enoch, but which is in reality the Order of
Heaven. It was revealed to Enoch when he built up his city and
gathered the people together and sanctified them, so that they became
so holy and pure that they could not live among the rest of the people
and the Lord took them away. (3)
Ask any Christian in the world if he thinks the Lord rules and reigns
supreme in heaven, and he will tell you, "Yes." Is it right for the
Lord to reign? "Certainly it is." Ask him if he would delight to live
in a place where one character rules and reigns supreme, and he will
answer, "Yes, if I could go to heaven." Why? "Why, the Lord reigns
there." Just ask the Christian if he knows the Lord, and he will tell
you, "No." Did you ever see him? "No." Can you tell me anything of His
character? "No, only He is something without body, parts, and
passions." One of the apostles says that "God is love, and they who
dwell in God dwell in love." Ask the Christian world if they know
anything about God, and they will tell you they do not. Ask if He has
eyes, and they will say, "No,-yes, He is all eyes." Has he a head?
"Yes, He is all head." Has he ears? "Yes, He is all ears, He is all
mouth, He is all body, and all limbs;" and still without body, parts,
or passions. Why what do they make of Him? A monster, if He is
anything; that is what they make of Him. Would you like to go to
heaven? "O, yes," says the Christian, "the Lord reigns there." How do
you know you would like the place and the order when you get there? Do
you think you will have your farm and your substance by yourself, and
live in the gratification of your selfish propensities as you now do?
"O, no, we expect to be made pure and holy." Where will you begin to
be pure and holy? If you do not begin here, I do not know where you
will begin. "O," says the Christian, "if we are going to heaven, where
God and angels dwell, and live where one-man power prevails, we should
all be satisfied, I expect." We, Latter-day Saints, say so, too. We
like to see that power manifested by those whom God calls to lead the
people in righteousness, purity, and holiness. This opens up a subject
that I am not going to talk about. (4)
Brother Orson has spoken on the Word of Wisdom. The people have done
pretty well in keeping it for the last year or two. But are they going
to continue, or will they return to their old habits like the dog to
his vomit, or like the sow that is washed, to her wallowing in the
mire? The sale of tobacco, tea, and coffee is increasing in the midst
of this people at the present time. What does this prove? It proves
that, stealthily or openly, the people are eating and drinking that
which is not good for them. Hot drinks, tobacco, and spirits are not
good for them. Will the people continue to keep the Word of Wisdom, or
will they become like the brutes in the parable, or, like fools,
return to that which will injure and destroy them? The elders of
Israel have talked a great deal to the people upon the principles of
life and about the course they should pursue to lay a foundation for
health. Let a mother stimulate her system with tobacco, tea, coffee,
or liquor, or suffer herself to hanker after such things at certain
times, and she lays the foundation for the destruction of her
offspring. Do they realize this? No, and in very many instances they
care nothing about it. With all the teachings given to this people I
think they are very much like the rest of the world, or like the dumb
brute beasts that are made to be taken and destroyed. And it almost
seems that the last comparison is the most appropriate, for
intelligence is given us to preserve ourselves, to preserve our health
and prolong our natural lives, preserve our posterity, preserve and
beautify the earth and make it like the Garden of Eden. But what is
the disposition of the people? It is true we are in advance of the
world, but we are only just commencing to learn the things of God. I
know that some say the revelations upon these points are not given by
way of commandment. Very well, but we are commanded to observe every
word that proceeds from the mouth of God. (5)
I cannot say that my family is clear in this respect. They want a
little of this and a little of that that is not wise to use, and I
suppose it is the same in other families. Every man, I expect,
indulges his wife and children and allows them to take this or that
when he knows it is not the best for them. But we, in and of
ourselves, ought to be independent; every son and daughter in Israel
should say, we will keep the "Word of Wisdom" independent of father,
mother, or any elder in the church; we know what is right and we will
do it. By so doing this people will increase health in their systems,
and the destroying angel, when he comes along, will pass them by. (6)
Will you take this course? I, as the leader and dictator of this
people, feel disgraced when I think they are becoming slothful and
negligent and are returning to their former foolish and useless
habits; and, refusing to hearken to the least counsel, are turning
away to the counsel of the Evil One and doing that which leads to
death. (7)
I want to say a few words still further to the people with regard to
their faith in temporal things. If the people called Latter-day Saints
do not become one in temporal things as they are in spiritual things,
they will not redeem and build up the Zion of God upon the earth. This
co-operative movement is a stepping stone. We say to the people, take
advantage of it, it is your privilege. Instead of giving it into the
hands of a few individuals to make their hundreds and thousands, let
the people, generally, enjoy the benefit arising from the sale of
merchandize. I have already told you that this will stop the
operations of many little traders, but it will make them producers as
well as consumers. You will find that if the people unitedly hearken
to the counsel that is given them, it will not be long before the
hats, caps, bonnets, boots and shoes, pants, coats, vests and
underclothing of this entire community will all be made in our midst.
What next? Shall we have to run to London, Paris, or New York for the
fashions? When I see the disposition among the Latter-day Saints to
follow the fashions and customs of the world, I think, why do you stay
here? You had better go back again. I am tired of this everlasting
ding-dong about fashions. If I happen to have a coat on that is not
what is called fashionable, some of my wives will be sure to say,
"Husband, or Mr. President, may I give this away;" or, "I wish it was
out of sight, it is not fashionable." If I were to tell the truth I
should say, who cares for the fashions of the world? I do not; if I
get anything that is comfortable and sits well, and suits my system,
it is all I ask. I do not care who wears a bonnet that is six feet
above the head behind, twelve feet in front, or that sits close to the
crown of her head, or whether it is three straws thrown over the head
with ribbons to them. But to see a people who say, "We are the
teachers of life and salvation," and yet are anxious to follow the
nasty, pernicious fashions of the day, I say it is too insipid to talk
or think about. (8) It is beneath the character of the Latter-day
Saints that they should have no more independence of mind or feeling
than to follow after the grovelling customs and fashions of a poor,
miserable, wicked world. All who do not want to sustain co-operations
and fall into the ranks of improvement, and endeavour to improve
themselves by every good book and then by every principle that has
been received from heaven, had better go back to England, Ireland,
France, Scandinavia, or the Eastern States; we do not care where you
go, if you will only go. (9)
I will take up my text again-I am responsible for the doctrine I
teach. I will say to this people, as I have said ever since I
commenced to lift up my voice to the inhabitants of the earth, I will
read to them out of the Book of Life. If they will hear it, well; if
they will not, I am clear of their blood. I read to the Latter-day
Saints out of the Book of Life, and I can give them lessons that will
lead them back to the presence of God in the celestial kingdom. But
oh, the slothfulness, negligence, and the low, groveling feelings in
the midst of this people are a disgrace to them. Will we improve? Yes,
let us try and redeem the time and commence anew. (10)
Yesterday we explained a little with regard to co-operation; we can
explain just as far as the people wish to hear and know. Those who
rise up against this or any other measure do it because darkness and
the spirit of the Evil One reign within them. There is not a man and
woman in this Church and Kingdom, who is in possession of the Holy
Ghost, but what will lift up their hands to heaven and say, "Blessed
be God, there is somebody to lead and improve the people," when they
contemplate this movement and the results it will work out; and they
who fight against it and feel to murmur are actuated by a spirit from
beneath. (11)
I frequently think of the difference between the power of God and the
power of the devil. To illustrate, here is a structure in which we can
be seated comfortably, protected from the heat of summer or the cold
of winter. Now, it required labour, mechanical skill and ingenuity and
faithfulness and diligence to erect this building, but any poor,
miserable fool or devil can set fire to it and destroy it. That is
just what the devil can do, but he never can build anything. The
difference between God and the devil is that God creates and
organizes, while the whole study of the devil is to destroy. Every one
that follows the evil inclinations of his own natural evil heart is
going to destruction, and sooner or later he will be no more. I pray
you Latter-day Saints to live your religion. Amen. (12)
Critique of Brigham Young’s Sermon Delivered on April 7, 1869
1) Overweight Brigham Young deceived simple-minded Mormons who were
mostly foreigners.
Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses,
contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. For those
who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly,
and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the
simple. Romans 16:17-18
2) The Christian Gospel is not building up the Mormon kingdom in Utah.
Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to
you, which also you received and in which you stand, by which also you
are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you—unless
you believed in vain. For I delivered to you first of all that which I
also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the
Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third
day according to the Scriptures, and that He was seen by Cephas, then
by the twelve. 1 Corinthians 15:1-4.
(3) Mormons were to practice communism where Brigham Young and the
Mormon hierarchy were the benefactors.
In the Latter Day Saint movement, the United Order (also called the
United Order of Enoch) was one of several 19th century church
collectivist programs. Early versions of the Order beginning in 1831
attempted to implement the Law of Consecration, a form of Christian
communism, modeled after the New Testament church which had "all
things in common". These early versions ended after a few years. Later
versions within Mormonism, primarily in the Utah Territory,
implemented less-ambitious cooperative programs, many of which were
very successful. The Order's full name invoked the city of Enoch,
described in Latter Day Saint scripture as having such a virtuous and
undefiled people that God had taken it to heaven. Like the United
Order established by Joseph Smith, Young's experiment with the United
Order was short-lived. By the time of Brigham Young's death in 1877,
most of these United Orders had failed. Wikipedia Encyclopedia.
(4) Brigham Young misrepresented Orthodox Christianity and he actually
became a foolish pagan.
For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are
clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His
eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because,
although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were
thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish
hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools, and
changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like
corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.
Romans 1:20-23.
(5) The Mormon "Words of Wisdom" doctrine is actually a demon
doctrine.
Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart
from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of
demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared
with a hot iron, forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from
foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who
believe and know the truth. For every creature of God is good, and
nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving; for it
is sanctified by the word of God and prayer. 1 Timothy 4:1-5.
(6) The Mormon "Words of Wisdom" doctrine does not come from a
Christian perspective.
Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such
a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit”; whereas
you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It
is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.
Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we shall live and do
this or that.” James 4:13-15.
(7) Brigham Young the dictator should never be confused with true
Christian leadership.
And He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, “If anyone
desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.” Then
He took a little child and set him in the midst of them. And when He
had taken him in His arms, He said to them, “Whoever receives one of
these little children in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me,
receives not Me but Him who sent Me.” Mark 9:35-37.
(8) Brigham Young was trying to isolate Mormons from the outside
world.
A cult leader seeks to isolate his followers from outsiders. In the
name of pastoring or shepherding or protecting the flock, he seeks to
ensure that his followers will only hear the cult leader’s propaganda.
Cult Isolation Techniques.
(9) Christians are to reach out to the rest of the world and not be
isolated.
And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been
given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of
all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the
Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I
have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of
the age.” Amen. Matthew 28:18-20.
(10) Brigham Young never taught the Christian Kingdom of God.
Then Paul dwelt two whole years in his own rented house, and received
all who came to him, preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the
things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, no one
forbidding him. Acts 28:30-31.
(11) The Christian Kingdom of God has nothing to do with physical
necessities.
I know and am convinced by the Lord Jesus that there is nothing
unclean of itself; but to him who considers anything to be unclean, to
him it is unclean. Yet if your brother is grieved because of your
food, you are no longer walking in love. Do not destroy with your food
the one for whom Christ died. Therefore do not let your good be spoken
of as evil; for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but
righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. For he who serves
Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by men.
Romans 14:14-18.
(12) God is love and His purpose is the salvation of people who have
placed their faith in Jesus Christ and not in the words of Brigham
Young.
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that
whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
John 3:16.
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