We feel it necessary
at this time to give a few hints on the subject of the correction of errors in
the priesthood, as we find in different districts that much evil has arisen
from a want of knowledge of this subject. Let it not be supposed for a moment
that an officer in the church of Christ, one who has received the power and
authority of the holy priesthood, is incapable of getting into error, or that
he, in the exercise of his office, becomes infallible. Neither let it be
supposed that an officer of whatever order, committing error, either in his
public walk or in his ministerial duties, is to do so with impunity. What is it
then? We will endeavour to state the subject clearly to our readers.
On the 65th and 66th
pages of the Book of Mormon we read thus,--"Adam fell, that men might be;
and men are, that they might have joy. And the Messiah cometh in the fulness of
time, to redeem the children of men from the fall. And because that they are
redeemed from the fall, they have become free for ever, knowing good from
evil." Let it then be clearly understood that the human mind, by coming
into contact with the religion of the Lord Jesus Christ, by becoming subject to
the laws of the kingdom of God, does not thereby give up that freedom which God
has given to it, and become trammelled and bound by the worst of all slaveries,
the subjugation of the soul. God forbid! But on the contrary, that freedom of
thought, that free agency of man, of which we are all in possession, can be
fully exercised and is perfectly compatible with the acknowledgement of the
authorities of the church of God, and with a perfect obedience to all the
requisitions of his ministers when enforced in accordance with his will.
And while it is
perfectly correct that no member, for instance, has a right to rebuke an elder,
or to teach, or sit in judgment upon him, yet if such elder or other officer be
guilty of preaching false doctrine, or even of preaching truth with a wrong
spirit, and imprudently, so as to do mischief, and cause individuals to
stumble,--if that officer will not listen to the entreaties of his brother or
brethren, they have a perfect right to bring the subject before the council, or
before those authorities of the church that have power to examine and to try
the case, and also to sit in judgment upon the individual accused. Of course if
a false accusation be made, those who make it must bear the consequences and
the chastisement due to falsehood under all circumstances; but let it be
clearly understood that the most obscure member of the Church has a perfectly
legal right to appeal against erroneous teaching or conduct on the part of any
officer of whatever rank in the priesthood, in order that the authorities that
have the power may sit in judgment upon him, and that the evil may be put away.
At the same time that
we make these remarks, we would caution the saints generally against the
cultivation of a critical spirit upon the teachings and preachings of the
priesthood, and would exhort them to uphold them by prayer unto the Lord God
that they may be endowed with the spirit of wisdom and knowledge in the things
of the kingdom of God; and let this be borne in mind at all times, and let them
not be forgetful that though an individual have much talent or ability, it is
as necessary for us to lift up our hearts on his behalf as well as for the
weakest brother in the priesthood.
And let those who are
called into the ministry of the Church of Christ magnify their office, and be
not forgetful of the mission they have to fulfil, which is, not to revel with
delight in the absurdities and abominations of the religions of men, but to
proclaim the gospel in its fulness and in its original and beautiful
simplicity, with the addition that the hour of God's judgments is at hand.
There are also many great subjects connected with the work of God in the last
days, which should occupy the minds of his servants, and of which they should
bear testimony only as they arrive at the knowledge of them.
Every one will be
aware that we are surrounded by multitudes, who both from bigotry and education,
and their customary associations in life, are much prejudiced against the
truth. How foolish, then, it must be when such come to hear the gospel to find
the absurdities of their own systems principally dwelt upon, and instead of
meeting with the attractions of the cross, they meet with abundant amplifications
on the errors of their own creeds. May the Lord grant both unto the priesthood
and the people of God the spirit of supplication, that they may be endowed with
understanding in all things connected with his kingdom for Christ's sake. Amen.
(Thomas Ward, "On
the Correction of Errors in the Priesthood," Millennial Star
volume 2 no 10 [February 1842]:157-58)
