In a conference dated April 6 1843, Orson Pratt discussed the identity of the “Ancient of Days” in Daniel 7. It would later be published, in part, in the 15 May 1843, issue of the Times and Seasons.
What is important is that Orson negates
the theory that the Ancient of Days is the Father. This was said in the presence of Joseph Smith and received no correction from Joseph or any of his
contemporaries. Why is this significant? Adam-God proponents, who believe that
Adam/Michael/Ancient of Days is the Father (with Jesus being the son and Elohim
being the Heavenly “Grandfather”) was taught by Joseph Smith:
The following is part
of a discourse, delivered by Elder Orson Pratt, at the conference:--THE ANCIENT
OF DAYS.
Who is the Ancient of
Days? This is a question frequently asked by the biblical student, especially
those who have studied the prophecies of Daniel with any degree of attention.
The most careless reader will have observed that the Ancient of Days is one of
the most prominent personages introduced before Daniel, while he was wrapped in
his prophetic visions. Daniel had previously become extensively acquainted with
the future history of the world. He had seen the rise, progress, and downfall
of nations and kingdoms. Four great and powerful monarchies, which should bear
rule over all the earth, and hold universal empire, had successively passed
before him. In a former vision he had seen the last of these monarchies divided
and subdivided into smaller kingdoms; and finally, after having viewed earthly
governments in their various forms from his own day down for many generations,
and having seen their corruptions and great wickedness, his mind was carried
onward to a time when another or fifth kingdom should be established, bearing
rule in righteousness over all the earth. He saw that this last kingdom,
instead of originating from those which had formerly held dominion, through the
vain aspiring ambition of man, was established by the God of heaven, before
which all other kingdoms wasted away till no place was found for them.-These
grand events of future time which opened to his astonished vision, were
calculated, no doubt, to excite an intense desire to become more extensively
informed in relation to futurity, especially concerning the organization and
establishment of the kingdom of God, which he saw was eventually to sway a
universal sceptre over all the earth. The great God who is ever willing to
satisfy the desires of those who honestly serve him, was pleased to unfold to
him more of the particulars concerning the introduction of that glorious era
when the saints were to bear rule. The prophet was again enwrapt in a vision of
the Almighty, and saw the same things which he had formerly seen, and being
more prepared by experience, and more enlightened by the spirit of truth, his
views were greatly enlarged. In this wonderful vision he saw the ANCIENT OF
DAYS SIT, clothed in great power and majesty; he was attended by unnumbered
millions from the heavenly worlds-a grand council was organized upon the earth,
over which he presided-the books were opened, and among the most important
business which came before them, was the condemnation and judgment of some of
the corrupt powers of the earth, and also the confirming of more power upon the
saints, that they might be prepared for the reception of their Great King-the
Son of Man, who was to come and take the kingdom, and reign in the greatness of
splendor, in the midst of his people forever. The Great King, having sent forth
the Ancient of Days, with the grand council of heaven, as messengers to set all
things in their most perfect order, at length, appears in the clouds of heaven.
He comes in royal splendor, and in the greatness of his strength, to the
Ancient of Days who delivers up the kingdom into his hands, and henceforth all
people, nations, and languages serve and obey him. O glorious period! O happy
time!! How these glorious visions must have cheered the heart of Daniel in his
long captivity! And how blessed, and how inexpressibly happy will that people
be who inherit the earth in that day! But who is this Ancient of Days,
that is to act this glorious and conspicuous part in the grand councils of the
last days, and finally deliver up the kingdom organized and prepared, into the
hands of the Great King? It cannot be the Son of God, for he afterwards comes
to the Ancient of Days. It cannot be the Father, for if the Saints were
prepared to meet the Father and set in council with him, they would also be
prepared to meet the Son, for the glory of the Father is equal to that of the
Son. Who then can it be? Let us reflect for a moment.-THE ANCIENT OF
DAYS!-It must be some very ancient personage, and probably the most ancient
personage that ever lived in days, and hence is called by that name, in
distinction from all others that lived after. But thanks be given to the Most
High God, for he has not left his saints in uncertainty about this matter, but
has raised up a prophet, through whom he has revealed this mystery; thus the
saints will not be left in the dark in regard to the great purposes and events
of the last days. The Ancient of Days then, is ADAM-the great progenitor of the
human race. He has a mission to perform for the benefit of his children, in the
last times. As he performed the first mission on the earth in the
beginning of the first dispensation, so he will perform a mission in the
ending of the last dispensation. In the first he presided over a
few; in the last he will preside over unnumbered millions. (“Ancient
of Days,” in Times and Seasons 4, no. 13 [15 May 1843]:204)
