Some may cry out,
"Your saying that this is the kingdom of God does that make it so?"
No, not by any means. "Your testimony," Mr. Young, "is, that
this is the kingdom of God on the earth—that which was shown to Daniel the
Prophet centuries ago." Yes, that is my testimony. "Does this make it
so?" No it does not; but let me tell you that it is true;. consequently, I
bear my testimony of its truth, though my testimony does not alter that truth
in the least, one way or the other; neither does any other man's. That is my
testimony, and has been all the time.
Why I testify of
these things is because they are revealed to me, and not to another for me.
They were not revealed to Joseph Smith for me. He had the keys to get visions
and revelations, dreams and manifestations, and the Holy Ghost for the people.
Those keys were committed to him; and through that administration, blessed be
the name of God, I have received the spirit of Christ Jesus which is the spirit
of prophecy. Our testimony does not make this true and the testimony of our
enemies that it is not the kingdom of God does not make that true or false. The
fact stands upon its own basis, and will continue so to stand, without any of
the efforts of the children of men. (JOD 5:75-76 | July 26, 1857)
