The Gospel reveals
many things to us which others are unacquainted with. I knew of those terrible
events which were coming upon this nation previous to the breaking out of our
great fratricidal war, just as well as I now know that they transpired, and I
have spoken of them to many. What of that? Do I not know that a nation like
that in which we live, a nation which is blessed with, the freest, the most
enlightened and magnificent government in the world to-day, with priviliges
which would exalt people to heaven if lived up to—do I not know that if they do
not live up to them, but violate them and trample them under their feet, and
discard the sacred principles of liberty by which we ought to be govened—do I
not know that their punishment will be commensurate with the enlightenment
which they possess? I do. And I know—I cannot help but know—that there are a
great many more afflictions yet awaiting this nation. But would I put forth my
hand to help bring them on I God forbid! And you, you Latter-day Saints, would
you exercise your influence to the accomplishment of all object of that kind?
God forbid! But we cannot help but know these things. But our foreknowledge of
these matters does not make us the agents in bringing them to pass. (John
Taylor, July 3, 1881 | JOD 22:141)