Some of you may wish to ask, “Do
you really believe that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God?” We answer this
question “No and yes.” We do not think he was perfect. We do not think he was
infallible. We do not think he was inspired at all times. We do not think he
was more than a man. Indeed, we do not believe any of the prophets of old were
perfect, infallible, continually inspired, no more than men. So our
answer depends on the understanding of the questioner as to what he thinks a
prophet is. Allow us to explain our meaning, and we say we believe he was at
times inspired by the Holy Ghost. In this light we say “yes.” With the popular
understanding of the word prophet, we say “no.” (J. W. Peterson, Who Was Joseph Smith? Was
He a False Prophet? [Independence, Miss.: Ensign Publishing House, 1897],
16-17)
He was not infallible. No prophet
ever was. When not inspired (and no man was ever inspired only at times), he
was like other uninspired men, and his words worth no more than others when not
speaking by the Spirit. When inspired he was as other inspired men. Inspiration
does not indicate infallibility in the man speaking. I cannot better prove this
thought than by referring you again to the January Arena of 1896, as
before quoted. Also the following from the same issue, page 188: “It is also
true and demands special emphasis that God is ever the same, that revelation is
continuous and eternal, that inspiration is given in all ages to all who meet
the conditions, that there has never been more than one dispensation, and that
the Holy Spirit has been given from the time of the first man, and in equal
degree to all who have equally opened their hearts to him.” Again on page 189: “The
idea, then, of God’s immediate, eternal and inspiring presence ought to be
preached and emphasized. By preaching otherwise the race has been robbed of a
glorious hope, civilization has been retarded, and tradition has usurped the
throne of reason.”
We do not look upon Joseph Smith
as it is reported of us, for it is said, “he as prophet was entitled to all
obedience,” and our faith compelled us to accept everything he said. Nothing
could be further from the truth. We accept the Bible as a rule of faith and
practice, and could not therefore accept anything that is not in harmony with
that. (Ibid., 33-34)