RESTITUTION OF ALL THINGS: SOME CONCRETE MEANINGS. The everlasting gospel made known in the last days is nothing more nor less than the ancient religion restored. It is the commencement of the "restitution of all things, spoken of by all the holy prophets since the world was." It is the bringing back of ancient, eternal principles, whereby men can know God as they knew him formerly; not a vague fantasy, not a simple form, but a living reality. Its doctrines, its ordinances, its principles, its priesthood are from above, revealed from the heavens, and yet strictly in conformity with all former revelations. It has not been, it cannot be successfully controverted, either in its divine authenticity, its doctrines, ordinances, or priesthood. It is adapted to the wants of the human family, to the world morally, socially, religiously and politically. It is not a sickly, sentimental, effeminate plaything; not a ghostly, spiritual, sing-song, ethereal dream, but a living, sober, matter-of-fact reality adapted to body and spirit, to earth and heaven, to time and eternity. It enters into all the ramifications of life. It does not adapt itself to the philosophy, politics, creeds, and opinions of men, but fashions them in its divine mold. It cannot be twisted into the multitudinous latitudinarian principles of a degenerate world; but lifts all that are in the world, who will be subject to its precepts, to its own ennobling, exalted and dignified standard. It searches all truth, and grasps at all intelligence. It is the revealed living and abiding will of God to man; a connection between the heavens and the earth. It is nature, philosophy, heavens and earth, time and eternity united. It is the philosophy of the heavens and the earth, of God, and angels, and saints.    

            (John Taylor, The Gospel Kingdom)

RESTITUTION OF ALL THINGS: SOME CONCRETE MEANINGS. The everlasting gospel made known in the last days is nothing more nor less than the ancient religion restored. It is the commencement of the "restitution of all things, spoken of by all the holy prophets since the world was." It is the bringing back of ancient, eternal principles, whereby men can know God as they knew him formerly; not a vague fantasy, not a simple form, but a living reality. Its doctrines, its ordinances, its principles, its priesthood are from above, revealed from the heavens, and yet strictly in conformity with all former revelations. It has not been, it cannot be successfully controverted, either in its divine authenticity, its doctrines, ordinances, or priesthood. It is adapted to the wants of the human family, to the world morally, socially, religiously and politically. It is not a sickly, sentimental, effeminate plaything; not a ghostly, spiritual, sing-song, ethereal dream, but a living, sober, matter-of-fact reality adapted to body and spirit, to earth and heaven, to time and eternity. It enters into all the ramifications of life. It does not adapt itself to the philosophy, politics, creeds, and opinions of men, but fashions them in its divine mold. It cannot be twisted into the multitudinous latitudinarian principles of a degenerate world; but lifts all that are in the world, who will be subject to its precepts, to its own ennobling, exalted and dignified standard. It searches all truth, and grasps at all intelligence. It is the revealed living and abiding will of God to man; a connection between the heavens and the earth. It is nature, philosophy, heavens and earth, time and eternity united. It is the philosophy of the heavens and the earth, of God, and angels, and saints.    

            (John Taylor, The Gospel Kingdom)

The Gospel of salvation is perfectly calculated to cause division. It strikes at the root of the very existence of mankind in their wickedness, evil designs, passions, and wicked calculations. There is no evil among the human family, but at the foundation of which it strikes effectually, and comes in contact with every evil passion that rises in the heart of man. It is opposed to every evil practice of men, and consequently it disturbs them in the wicked courses they are pursuing.     

Whenever the Gospel is preached in towns, cities, country places, or in any community who are in darkness, it never fails to bring light; it manifests their ignorance; it distracts them, and annoys their peace. They say, "I supposed I was wise, happy, comfortable, and well enough off; but here comes something that informs me I am mistaken, that this and the other thing are wrong. It reflects light upon my understanding, and teaches me that my acts, while I live upon the earth, should tend to the glory of God and the peace of mankind. This naturally seems contrary to my feelings, disposition, passions, and traditions, and to every thing about me, except the reflection of truth upon my mind, which enlightens my understanding, and teaches me to glorify God, and do good to my fellow creatures."  Brigham Young; General Authorities, Journal of Discourses v1, Discourse By President Brigham Young (6)

The Gospel of salvation is perfectly calculated to cause division. It strikes at the root of the very existence of mankind in their wickedness, evil designs, passions, and wicked calculations. There is no evil among the human family, but at the foundation of which it strikes effectually, and comes in contact with every evil passion that rises in the heart of man. It is opposed to every evil practice of men, and consequently it disturbs them in the wicked courses they are pursuing.     

Whenever the Gospel is preached in towns, cities, country places, or in any community who are in darkness, it never fails to bring light; it manifests their ignorance; it distracts them, and annoys their peace. They say, "I supposed I was wise, happy, comfortable, and well enough off; but here comes something that informs me I am mistaken, that this and the other thing are wrong. It reflects light upon my understanding, and teaches me that my acts, while I live upon the earth, should tend to the glory of God and the peace of mankind. This naturally seems contrary to my feelings, disposition, passions, and traditions, and to every thing about me, except the reflection of truth upon my mind, which enlightens my understanding, and teaches me to glorify God, and do good to my fellow creatures."  Brigham Young; General Authorities, Journal of Discourses v1, Discourse By President Brigham Young (6)

An Account of my experience at Brigham Young University within a year of separation from active duty in the Army at Ft. Bragg

Hebrews 13:2

2 Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.

I have a tale to relate. After getting out of the Army in 1974 at Ft. Bragg, my family and I

moved to Provo, Utah, to attend BYU. This was an event which was much anticipated and

anticipated with hope and joy at the prospect of being united with like-minded people who

shared our devotion to the Lord and obtaining and doing his will. I had no idea of the subsequent

trial which would shortly befall me. I had been recently ordained a Seventy just after completing

a rather tumultuous term as an Elder’s Quorum President of the Raleigh Stake (3rd Quorum). It

turns out I was the last correctly ordained Seventy by the Church in this dispensation. I had

been wounded by the actions of the Utah Mormons in my Quorum of which I was the President,

and the issues raised during this period could not be answered by appealing to President Carter,

the Branch President of the Student Branch in which we found ourselves. One Sunday in June

of 1974, in Seventies Group meeting the Second Counselor to the Stake President announced

that he wanted to collect all of our “licenses” issued to us by the Church headquarters in which

the Church “invited all to hear our message”. He said they would be returned, and I accepted

this without hesitation or question, and surrendered the small plastic covered document which I

had in my billfold. This seemed innocent enough at the time, but as I look back on it, I now

know what this event portended... (For the complete account)

An Account of my experience at Brigham Young University within a year of separation from active duty in the Army at Ft. Bragg

Hebrews 13:2

2 Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.

I have a tale to relate. After getting out of the Army in 1974 at Ft. Bragg, my family and I

moved to Provo, Utah, to attend BYU. This was an event which was much anticipated and

anticipated with hope and joy at the prospect of being united with like-minded people who

shared our devotion to the Lord and obtaining and doing his will. I had no idea of the subsequent

trial which would shortly befall me. I had been recently ordained a Seventy just after completing

a rather tumultuous term as an Elder’s Quorum President of the Raleigh Stake (3rd Quorum). It

turns out I was the last correctly ordained Seventy by the Church in this dispensation. I had

been wounded by the actions of the Utah Mormons in my Quorum of which I was the President,

and the issues raised during this period could not be answered by appealing to President Carter,

the Branch President of the Student Branch in which we found ourselves. One Sunday in June

of 1974, in Seventies Group meeting the Second Counselor to the Stake President announced

that he wanted to collect all of our “licenses” issued to us by the Church headquarters in which

the Church “invited all to hear our message”. He said they would be returned, and I accepted

this without hesitation or question, and surrendered the small plastic covered document which I

had in my billfold. This seemed innocent enough at the time, but as I look back on it, I now

know what this event portended... (For the complete account)

Discussion of true faith and the effects which flow from it, the foundation upon which it rests.  Also false faith compared.  True faith has power, false faith leads to wicked acts, and ultimately to destruction in this world and misery in the world to come.

33 Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,

34 Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.

35 Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:

36 And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment:

37 They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented;

38 (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.

39 And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:

40 God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.

(New Testament | Hebrews 11:33–40)

Discussion of true faith and the effects which flow from it, the foundation upon which it rests.  Also false faith compared.  True faith has power, false faith leads to wicked acts, and ultimately to destruction in this world and misery in the world to come.

33 Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,

34 Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.

35 Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:

36 And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment:

37 They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented;

38 (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.

39 And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:

40 God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.

(New Testament | Hebrews 11:33–40)

JS-H 1:39

 39 He also quoted the next verse differently: And he shall plant in the hearts of the children the promises made to the fathers, and the hearts of the children shall turn to their fathers. If it were not so, the whole earth would be utterly wasted at his coming.

JS-H 1:40

 40 In addition to these, he quoted the eleventh chapter of Isaiah, saying that it was about to be fulfilled. He quoted also the third chapter of Acts, twenty-second and twenty-third verses, precisely as they stand in our New Testament. He said that that prophet was Christ; but the day had not yet come when "they who would not hear his voice should be cut off from among the people," but soon would come.

JS-H 1:41

 41 He also quoted the second chapter of Joel, from the twenty-eighth verse to the last. He also said that this was not yet fulfilled, but was soon to be. And he further stated that the fulness of the Gentiles was soon to come in. He quoted many other passages of scripture, and offered many explanations which cannot be mentioned here.

Acts 3:21

 21 Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began. 

Acts 3:22

 22 For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you. 

Acts 3:23

 23 And it shall come to pass, [that] every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people. 

Eph 1:10

 10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; [even] in him:

JS-H 1:39

 39 He also quoted the next verse differently: And he shall plant in the hearts of the children the promises made to the fathers, and the hearts of the children shall turn to their fathers. If it were not so, the whole earth would be utterly wasted at his coming.

JS-H 1:40

 40 In addition to these, he quoted the eleventh chapter of Isaiah, saying that it was about to be fulfilled. He quoted also the third chapter of Acts, twenty-second and twenty-third verses, precisely as they stand in our New Testament. He said that that prophet was Christ; but the day had not yet come when "they who would not hear his voice should be cut off from among the people," but soon would come.

JS-H 1:41

 41 He also quoted the second chapter of Joel, from the twenty-eighth verse to the last. He also said that this was not yet fulfilled, but was soon to be. And he further stated that the fulness of the Gentiles was soon to come in. He quoted many other passages of scripture, and offered many explanations which cannot be mentioned here.

Acts 3:21

 21 Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began. 

Acts 3:22

 22 For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you. 

Acts 3:23

 23 And it shall come to pass, [that] every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people. 

Eph 1:10

 10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; [even] in him: