The Return of Sidney Rigdon, Gods Spokesman
"This is the testimony last of all that WE give of Him.."
Tribute to Sidney Rigdon by Onewhoiswatching Part 1
Much of what I write and blog about regarding the Marvelous Work and a Wonder is directly related to the life and calling of Joseph Smith Jr., the Prophet of the last dispensation.
Next to the Savior himself Joseph Smith appears to be the primary servant upon which the restoration of the Church and the future Marvelous Work seems to revolve around. I suppose some people feel that I border on worshiping him. My feelings for him and what Gods word tells us about his past and future mission are cannot be adequately described.
In this article however I want to hyper-focus on, and pay tribute to, one of the many other fascinating personalities that was drawn to the light of the Gospel.. a person who arguably played as important a role in the restoration movement as Brother Joseph.
As I have pored over church historical documents during the last 20 years trying to get a better understanding of the LDS restoration movement and the endless array of fascinating personalities that were drawn to the Prophet Joseph Smith and the restoration of the Gospel, I have gained a profound love and respect for many of these people. They lived in amazing times Pentecostal times, but trying times.
There have been periods when I have been so immersed in reading historical records about these people that I felt as if I could glimpse what it must have been like living in Kirtland or Nauvoo among the Saints, but usually I have simply felt the frustration of feeling as if was had been born in the wrong time period.
Although I love all of the players who gravitated to the light of the restored gospel, I must confess I feel closer to some than others.
I revere some more than others.
One personality that I really resonate with is Sidney Rigdon. My heart loves Brother Sidney.... He is one of my heroes.
I believe that when his mission and ministry is finally completed, it will be said of him, that he was one of the greatest prophets that ever lived.
In this article I am going to spotlight what God said to and about him and for those who have the faith to believe what God has said, the proof will be indisputable that he was indeed already a great prophet during the first part of his earthly ministry.
After he returns and completes his assignments, he certainly will be one of the greatest Prophets in the short history of this earth.
Next to the Prophet Joseph Smith, Sidney is one of the most misunderstood, underrated and maligned personalities of the LDS restoration movement.
It is interesting how so many scoffers, critics and historical revisionists in and out of the Church have made such a concerted effort to show him in a bad light and to discredit him.
Authors and researchers have characterized Rigdon as a pathetic, deluded portrait of religious excess.
Of the many scoffers who have taken an interest in the LDS restoration movement, perhaps Richard Van Wagoner has put together the most comprehensive compilation of historical information on Rigdon.
He has done a world class job of building upon the foundation of many historians and researchers that preceded him. I really appreciate the information provided by Van Wagoner about Rigdon and it is my sincere hope that Van Wagoner and others of his ilk will repent before their probationary experience has expired.
Because of time restraints and ADHD, I have not been able to provide footnotes for every historical reference in this article, however, any reference not noted will probably be found his book.
It is perhaps somewhat ironic that Sidney taught the following truth to his students in the school of the prophets:
“Let us here observe, that a religion that does not require the sacrifice of all things never has power sufficient to produce the faith necessary unto life and salvation”
“For a man to lay down his all, his character and reputation, his honor, and applause, his good name among men, his houses, his lands, his brothers and sisters, his wife and children, and even his own life also -- counting all things but filth and dross for the excellency of the knowledge of Jesus Christ -- requires more than mere belief or supposition that he is doing the will of God; but actual knowledge, realizing that, when those sufferings are ended, he will enter into eternal rest, and be a partaker of the glory of God..”
If ever one of the Lords anointed sacrificed his good name and reputation in the cause of Christ certainly Rigdon did.
I promise you that if you will study the history of Rigdon through the lens of Christ’s words to and about him, you will never view him the same way again.
I realize that Rigdon was far from perfect.
Yes, he had some flaws and shortcomings. The Prophet Joseph Smith apparently pointed a few of them out..
The Lord pointed out a few of his imperfections and rebuked and corrected him on a few occasions... as he did Joseph.
He did tend to be a little bit reactionary and perhaps even a bit eccentric and certainly he was a religious fanatic... Just like Abraham, Issac, Jacob, John the Baptist, Jesus, etc.
And he may have said a few things in poor taste.. But then he was suffering for the cause of Christ in ways that none of us will probably ever fully comprehend.
Unfortunately he may be best remembered by some for his salt sermon and the “July 4th Oration” given in Far West in which he alienated some of the early members of the Church and some of the witnesses to the Book of Mormon. He also threatened retaliation upon the enemies of the Church and incited a great deal of persecution against the Church.
Others have characterized him as the primary contestant and would be usurper in the succession crises of 1844.
One of the things we are often reminded about Sidney Rigdon is that he kind of went into a hibernation state during the later years of his ministry. During this time the Saints did not hear much from him. His health and other events silenced him and took the edge off of the charismatic energy that so characterized the first seven years of his ministry.
During the first seven years, he and the Prophet Joseph Smith were inseparable but it appears that his relationship with the Prophet was somewhat strained for a period of time following that.
Although that rift between Smith and Ridgon was embellished in the sanitized version of the history of the Church, it was real and there was a legitimate reason for it, as we shall see.
We will review what history and revelation has to tell us about the silencing of God’s appointed Spokesman, Sidney Rigdon.
I have realized that when I compare the characterization of authors and historical revisionists with the words of the Lord concerning Rigdon and his associated efforts in behalf of the restored gospel that there is a real discrepancy...
I have chosen to go with the Lords version of Sidney Rigdon. That is the version of Sidney Rigdon you will read about in this article.
By doing key word searches in the D&C of the different personalities of the restoration movement and the gifts and callings bestowed upon them by the Lord, it becomes apparent that Sidney Rigdon was second only to Joseph Smith in prominence and importance. Oliver Cowdery, another maligned personality with another incredible calling.
It is important when reading what the holy and infallible word of God has to say to and about Sidney Rigdon that God knows all things, that all things past present and future are continually before Gods eyes and that he therefore has seen every person’s future actions.
He has the advantage of infinite foreknowledge when choosing his servants.
Yes, I realize that God sometimes intentionally chooses people to serve when he knows full well that they will not be valiant.
He uses such people as pawns to bring about his purposes... Judas is someone God intentionally called to a high position knowing full well that would take place.
Satan was also placed in a position of authority under Gods direction so the he could fall and fulfill the eternal purposes of an all knowing God.
The information contained in this article will enable you to better judge for yourself if Rigdon is a Judas as some would have you believe or whether he was a prophet who was rejected by a fallen people.
The proposition of this article is that Rigdon was and is the real deal according to the word of God. If ever there was a man during the LDS restoration movement other than the Prophet Joseph Smith who was specifically identified by the word of God as a prophet, it was Sidney Rigdon.
God does not predict future events based on historical data and then come up with an actuarial determination of what the probabilities are that a certain event will happen... with a fallible degree of accuracy.
When God gives an unconditional promise that a future event will take place it is because he has already seen the future...
Let me repeat that, GOD HAS ALREADY SEEN THE FUTURE TAKE PLACE.
We who live in time have a chronological perception of events as they take place but God does not reside in time, he resides in eternity. His comprehension is not finite, it is infinite. His ways are not our ways, His thoughts are not our thoughts.
In order to unlock the hidden treasures of knowledge in modern revelation as well as having ones eyes opened about who Sidney Rigdon is and what his calling was and is, one must have the faith to believe the following promise of God as contained in section one of the D&C:
“Search these commandments, for they are true and faithful, and the prophecies and promises which are in them shall all be fulfilled. What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servant, it is the same.” D&C 1:37-8
That commandment and promise really tries the souls of those who take it seriously because modern revelation is full of specific unconditional promises to individuals that clearly were not fulfilled prior to their passing away in the flesh. Do you have the faith to believe God can return people to the earth in a very strange act?
In order for the eternal and infallible word of God to come true, people like Joseph and Sidney must be returned to the earth to fulfill their callings. The infallible word of God has spoken it.
If you are not familiar with the doctrine of the 2nd commission in the 3rd Watch, please take the time to review this incredible truth.
It will help to unlock your understanding of modern revelation and the relationship between the Foundation Work of the 1830-40’s and the Marvelous Work and a Wonder that is about to come forth.
It will better enable you to understand the treasures of knowledge contained in modern revelation that are spotlighted in this article. It is very important that you understand that the first commission of Joseph and Sidney back in the 1830-40’s was referred to by the Lord as the laying of the foundation.
The Marvelous Work spoken of by the ancient prophets was to come four generations after the foundation was laid. (click here to learn more about the foundation work and the Marvelous work)
One of the reasons the commandment and promise of the Lord in Section one is difficult to accept is because we Latter days Saints have lost much of the truth about the nature of God and the reality that he knows all things and cannot lie.
His unconditional promises about the future ALWAYS come to pass.
In fact, we shall see as we proceed that the Doctrine and Covenants originally was composed of two parts, the first part was the “Doctrine” portion of it comprised of what is now called the “Lectures on Faith”.
The Lectures on Faith was taken from a series of lectures taught by Sidney Rigdon in the School of the Prophets. Recent authorship studies ascribe the wording of the lectures "mainly to Sidney Rigdon," with Joseph Smith substantially involved. The second part of the cannon was the “Covenants” portion of it which was comprised of the revelations received by Joseph smith.
The doctrine part of the D&C was placed first in the cannon of scripture, among other reasons, because it taught that we cannot exercise faith in a God that does not know all things. It declares the eternal truth the God does indeed know all things and he cannot lie:
“Why is the correct idea of God”s character, perfections, and attributes necessary?
Without the idea of the existence of these attributes in the Deity, men could not exercise faith in him for life and salvation, seeing that without the knowledge of all things God would not be able to save any portion of his creatures.
For it is the knowledge which he has of all things from the beginning to the end that enables him to give that understanding to his creatures by which they are made partakers of eternal life. And if it were not for the idea existing in the minds of men that God has all knowledge, it would be impossible for them to exercise faith in him.” Lectures on Faith
In a discourse at Brigham Young University, Elder McConkie quoted certain portions of the lectures that dealt with the Deity and praised them as follows:
"In my judgment, it is the most comprehensive, intelligent, inspired utterance that now exists in the English language-that exists in one place defining, interpreting, expounding, announcing, and testifying what kind of being God is. It is written by the power of the Holy Ghost, by the spirit of inspiration. It is, in effect, eternal scripture”
On this particular issue, I am compelled to agree with Brother McConkie. The lectures on Faith were rightly sustained as the inspired doctrine of the Church. The contents of which is particularly necessary to understand in order to understand and believe the promises and prophesies contained in the revelations Joseph Smith brought forth.
Unfortunately, after being part of the scriptures and being sustained as scripture for 86 years, the Word of God known as the Doctrine and Covenants was rent asunder in 1921 when the “Doctrine” portion was removed from the “Doctrines and Covenants”.
Apparently, as the church membership became more darkened in their minds, some of the truths contained in the Lectures on Faith were deemed questionable and controversial and therefore that part of the cannon of scripture was downgraded as something profitable for study but not quite the status of scripture.
Lectures on Faith and D&C 1:37-8 teaches us that we can know assuredly that when the Lord calls specific individuals to important callings, and prophesies unconditionally that they will accomplish certain things, we can take it to the bank... we can be sure that those things will be accomplished and we would do well to show a certain degree of respect for those who have been called and anointed by the Lord, regardless of how well they are or are not respected by scoffers in the peanut gallery.
I have already shown in previous posts that according to Gods infinite, eternal and infallible word, Joseph Smith and the first laborers in the last kingdom will return to the Lords vineyard to finish their callings.
Rigdon is one of Gods Servants who will return. He is one of the First Elders of the Church. He is one of the first laborers in the last kingdom.
Again, in this tribute to Sidney Rigdon, I want to highlight the most significant aspects of his attributes, gifts and callings that God points out in modern revelation and that the events of history testify of.
The purpose of this article is to document, from the word of God the past and present role that Brother Sidney plays in Gods overall plan and in the Marvelous Work that is about to begin.
From the statements concerning Sidney Rigdon contained in 12 sections of the D&C we shall create a profile of Sidney Rigdon.
Once you view this profile and have the faith to believe it, there will be no question in your mind that he will be one of the greatest prophets to ever walk the earth.
I will show from 12 revelations contained in the D&C that all address Sidney Rigdon by name, that this world has not seen the last of Sidney Rigdon nor is the succession issue that began in 1844 over with.
Brother Sidney and Brother Joseph are scheduled to return to this earth in one form or another in the near future and all of us would be wise to prepare our hearts and our minds for the great test that is coming.
The Lord tells us in section one that “knowing the calamity which should come upon the inhabitants of the earth” he gave commandments to Joseph Smith and others that the prophecies of the prophets might be fulfilled… so what are the prophecies of the prophets that need to be fulfilled?
Jeremiah spoke of the calamity that would come upon Israel at the time of her visitation.
Virtually all of the Old Testament prophets prophesied of a calamity that would take place in the end times. They sometimes refer to is as the controversy.
- Isaiah calls it the controversy of Zion
- Jeremiah notes that God will have a controversy with the nations
- Hosea informs us that the Lord will have a controversy with Israel
- Micah declares that God is going to have a controversy wherein he will plead with Israel
The calamity spoken of by Jeremiah is mentioned in the dedicatory prayer of the Kirtland Temple wherein we are comforted by the fact that the Gods people will be delivered from the calamity of the wicked:
“We know that thou hast spoken by the mouth of thy prophets terrible things concerning the wicked, in the last days—that thou wilt pour out thy judgments, without measure; Therefore, O Lord, deliver thy people from the calamity of the wicked; enable thy servants to seal up the law, and bind up the testimony, that they may be prepared against the day of burning.” D&C 109:45-46
This deliverance of Gods people from the calamity of the wicked takes place in the 3rd watch when the servants go forth for the last time to seal up the law;
“Therefore, tarry ye, and labor diligently, that you may be perfected in your ministry to go forth among the Gentiles for the last time, as many as the mouth of the Lord shall name, to bind up the law and seal up the testimony, and to prepare the saints for the hour of judgment which is to come” D&C 88:84
When the servants are returned to the earth in the 3rd watch, the scriptures refer to this as the time when the weak things of the earth come forth to break down the mighty and strong ones.
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Now look at what the Lord reveals in section one:
“Wherefore, I the Lord, Knowing the calamity which should come upon the inhabitants of the earth, called upon my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., and spoke unto him from heaven, and gave him commandments; And also gave commandments to others, that they should proclaim these things unto the world; and all this that it might be fulfilled, which was written by the prophets— The weak things of the world shall come forth and break down the mighty and strong ones, that man should not counsel his fellow man, neither trust in the arm of flesh—“
This is the section of scripture I am using to lay the foundation for the rest of this tribute. I am not including it as one of the 12 sections that I create the profile of Sidney Rigdon from because these verses don’t specifically mention Sidney Rigdon’s name like the other 12 sections do.
Nevertheless, this incredible section of scripture lays the foundation in that it makes a grand distinction between Joseph Smiths calling in the 3rd watch and OTHERS. Joseph is to receive the commandments while OTHERS PROCLAIM them!
So who are the others besides Joseph Smith that have been commanded to PROCLAIM the commandments after Joseph Smith brings them forth?
The answer to that question is one of the Grand Keys having to do with the marvelous work that will try the souls of men. While Joseph was commanded to receive commandments preparatory to the marvelous work, OTHERS were commanded to go forth in power, and PROCLAIM THEM!
By doing a key word search using the word “proclaim” you will find numerous Elders who were called to proclaim the gospel in the 2nd watch and those who were valiant will return to the vineyard in the 3rd watch to PROCLAIM the Gospel, but the primary one identified to PROCLAIM the acceptable day of the Lord and the gospel of salvation in both the 2nd watch and the 3rd watch is Sidney Rigdon.
Notice how the Lord speaks to all three members of the first presidency but it is Sidney Rigdon that is to PROCLAIM the acceptable year of the Lord :
“Now, I say unto you, my friends, let my servant Sidney Rigdon go on his journey, and make haste, and also proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the gospel of salvation, as I shall give him utterance; and by your prayer of faith with one consent I will uphold him. And let my servants Joseph Smith, Jun., and Frederick G. Williams make haste also, and it shall be given them even according to the prayer of faith; and inasmuch as you keep my sayings you shall not be confounded in this world, nor in the world to come. And, verily I say unto you, that it is my will that you should hasten to translate my scriptures, and to obtain a knowledge of history, and of countries, and of kingdoms, of laws of God and man, and all this for the salvation of Zion. Amen.” D&C 93:51
How do we know that this calling of Sidney Rigdon’s to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord pertains to the 3rd Watch as well as the 2nd Watch? I am going to paraphrase an incredible secret revealed in section 90 of the D&C… you compare it to the actual verses and see if you don’t agree with my interpretation. Notice the wording, it is clearly speaking about the marvelous work and a wonder, when the dispensation of the fullness of times has come in and the gospel is going forth for the last time:
“That through the administration of Joseph Smith, Sidney and Fredrick may receive the word, and through the administration of Sidney and Fredrick the word may go forth unto the ends of the earth, unto the Gentiles first, and then, behold, and lo, they shall turn unto the Jews. And then cometh the day when the arm of the Lord shall be revealed in power in convincing the nations, the heathen nations, the house of Joseph, of the gospel of their salvation."
Those who can discern the signs of the times realize that the calamity and controversy spoken of by the ancient prophets is about to take place. Are you ready for it?
Using unconditional promises and commandments from the Lord from 12 different revelations we will create a profile of who Sidney Rigdon really was and is. We shall see into the soul of Sidney Rigdon from God's perspective rather than from the perspective mockers and scoffers.
After we document and view the profile of Sidney in the context of several significant historical events and Gods infallible word, we will review parts of a document that was suppressed for many years. One that shows what really took place in the church trial that excommunicated Sidney Rigdon.
I am also going to make public, for the first time to my knowledge, a discourse given by Sidney Rigdon that still needs to be transcribed from the Pitman shorthand notes taken by Thomas Bullock, one of the scribes of the Prophet Joseph Smith.
The discourse is one that Rigdon gave during the succession crisis in Nauvoo. I will also provide some remarkable prophecies from a cryptic revelation that has also been rejected and suppressed for many years.
Before we begin profiling Brother Sidney according to the Word of the Lord in Modern Revelation, let us begin by remembering that long before Rigdon converted to Mormonism, he was prepared by the Lord for the work he was appointed to do.
He became a major player in the Reformed Baptist Movement and he was considered to be one of the great religious orators in America. Additionally he was considered by many to be one of the great doctrinal scholars of his time.
Sidney Rigdon stated that in his earliest infancy the fear of God "was the ruling principle in his heart, in consequence of this he was devoted to the study of the bible".[1]
Rigdon's son Wickliffe who eventually became an attorney noted that his father "was as familiar with the Bible as a child with his spelling book" [2]
Friends of Rigdon in the Reformed Baptist Movement often referred to him as a “Walking Bible”. [3]
David Whitmer, one of the three witnesses to the Book of Mormon wrote:
“Rigdon was a thorough Bible scholar, a man of fine education, and a powerful orator. He soon worked himself deep into Brother Joseph’s affections, and had more influence over him than any other man living.
He was Brother Joseph’s private counselor, and his most intimate friend and bother for some time after they met. Brother Joseph rejoiced, believing that the Lord had sent to him this great and mighty man Sidney Rigdon, to help him in the work.” [4]
Interesting, in a revelation that Rigdon received later in life the Lord stated that “ There was no man living so well qualified to judge the divine authenticity of the book of Mormon as he was. His knowledge of the Lord’s manner of writing was such as enabled him to detect it when he saw it and thus it was that he received the book of Mormon when I the Lord sent it to him” [5]
Another complimentary attribute of Rigdon’s was his incredible speaking skills. Rigdon was arguably the greatest orator in America at that time. Alexander Campbell referred to Rigdon as the “Great orator of the Mahoning Association”[6]
Prior to his conversion, he was a close associate of Alexander Campbell, who, despite the fact that Campbell rejected the gospel, was also one of the great religious thinkers and doctrinal scholars of his day and who made a huge impact in the development of Christianity in America in the 1830's and 40's.
On my mission in the Bible Belt in the 70's I came across many Church of Christ preachers and read much of their literature. I must have heard the following phrase a hundred times:
"when the Bible speaks we speak, when the Bible is silent, we are silent".
That statement was coined by Alexander Campbell.
One of the doctrines that Rigdon and Campbell disagreed on with regard to practicing it however, in their shared desire to live in strict accordance with the pattern of Christianity set forth in the Bible, was the New Testament teaching that the Church needed to live in a communal setting having all things in common.
Another issue they parted ways over is the need for the continued blessings associated with spiritual gifts:
"Rigdon continued his search for truth and began developing his own theology. As a result, Rigdon's thinking and Campbell's thinking separated. F. Mark McKiernan, Rigdon's Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints biographer, illustrates this by drawing a distinction in the way the two men viewed creeds.
McKiernan says Campbell rejected creeds because they were divisive. Rigdon rejected creeds because they were unscriptural.
It soon became obvious that Rigdon accepted the continuance of miraculous spiritual gifts while Campbell believed these existed only in the apostolic church.
Friction grew between the two men until 1830. Rigdon and Campbell argued most over the issue of the "restoration" of a communal society. At the 1830 Mahoning Association meeting Rigdon;
“... introduced an argument to show that our pretensions to follow the apostles in all their New Testament teachings, required a community of goods; that as they established their order in the model church at Jerusalem, we were bound to imitate their example.”
Campbell believed communitarianism would result in "ruin and confusion when practiced by large multitudes of converts." McKiernan reports:
When Rigdon would not change his mind and rescind his proposal,
“there occurred at this meeting a passage at arms between Mr. Campbell and Mr. Rigdon.”
Campbell, who had often stated that his restoration represented the New Testament church was forced to argue that Rigdon’s proposal did not represent the practices of the primitive church at Jerusalem.” (See article in Christian Chronicler )
It was Rigdon's literalist views of the New Testament and his passionate integrity for wanting to duplicate the principles in the Bible as the standard for organizing Churches that caused him to part ways with Campbell and to accept an opportunity extended by a group of people living in and around Kirtland Ohio to preach to their congregation.
Little did Rigdon know that the spirit of the Lord was guiding him to prepare the hearts and minds of many people for a restoration of the Gospel and to understand the doctrine of consecration and to accept the restored gospel.
When Parley P. Pratt, Elder O. Cowdery, and Peter Whitmer, approached Rigdon and told him about the Book of Mormon and a restoration rather than a reformation of the gospel, he read the Book of Mormon and eventually allowed the Missionaries to speak to one of his congregations just before he submitted himself to baptism.
Here is an account given by PP Pratt:
“We called on Elder S. Rigdon, and then for the first time his eyes beheld the Book of Mormon; I, myself, had the happiness to present it to him in person.
He was much surprised, and it was with much persuasion and argument, that he was prevailed on to read it, and after he had read it, he had a great struggle of mind, before he fully believed and embraced it; and when finally convinced of its truth, he called together a large congregation of his friends, neighbors, and brethren, and then addressed them very affectionately, for near two hours, during most of which time, both himself and nearly all the congregation were melted into tears.
He asked forgiveness of every body who might have had occasion to be offended with any part of his former life; he forgave all who had persecuted or injured him, in any manner, and the next morning, himself and wife, were baptized by elder O. Cowdery.
I was present, it was a solemn scene, most of the people were greatly affected, they came out of the water overwhelmed in tears. Many others were baptized by us in that vicinity, both before and after his baptism, insomuch, that during the fall of 1830, and the following winter and spring, the number of disciples were increased to about one thousand, the Holy Ghost was mightily poured out, and the word of God grew and multiplied, and many priests were obedient to the faith.
Early in 1831, Mr. Rigdon having been ordained under our hands, visited elder J. Smith, Jr., in the state of New York, for the first time, and from that time forth rumour began to circulate, that he, Rigdon, was the author of the Book of Mormon.” [7]
Imagine giving up your congregation and your living as Rigdon did. If you are wondering why Rigdon felt compelled to ask forgiveness to the congregation, it is because we Latter day Saints forget that the scriptures command us to publicly confess our sins prior to Baptism.
When was the last time you witnessed a new convert stand before the Ward or a group of friends and confess their sins and ask for forgiveness prior to baptism? Rigdon took the principles of the gospel very literally and very seriously.
It appears that Sidney was baptized on or about Nov 7th 1830
Within less than a month after getting baptized Rigdon went to visit the Prophet Joseph Smith. One has to wonder if there was any jealously felt by people like Parley P. Pratt and David Whitmer and others when Rigdon immediately became one of the designated first laborers in the last kingdom and soon after, jointly held the keys of the kingdom with Joseph Smith.
In part two of this tribute to Sidney Rigdon we will begin building our scripture profile of Sidney Rigdon and consider the infallible words of the eternal God about Brother Sidney.
The Return of Sidney Rigdon, Gods Spokesman
"This is the testimony last of all that WE give of Him.."
Tribute to Sidney Rigdon by Onewhoiswatching Part 2
To be continued….
16 comments:
I realize I'm getting ahead of the blog here, but it seems you've put together a pretty good argument for Brother Sidney being the legal and lawful successor to Joseph. But am I correct in saying that had Hyrum survived his brother, he would have been the rightful prophet, seer, revelator, with Rigdon again as the mouthpiece, writer, prover (D&C secs 43,124)?
However, it seems to me that the John Hamer article you referenced regarding succession claims put forth the idea that, even if Hyrum had not died, Sidney would still have been the legal successor to Joseph as president. Does this segment of that article suggest that to you?
"Historians often say, 'Joseph left no clear successor' and that 'there were a number of competing succession options,' which had equal or nearly equal merit. However, as this document indicates, Joseph did have a legal successor — at least as far as the trusteeship for the church corporation and property was concerned. I think it may be time for us to begin to admit that Joseph did leave an obvious successor: Sidney Rigdon."
I've read the comments and discussion that follow that article, and no real consensus is obvious to me.
Actually, the real question is, who was the legal and lawful successor to Hyrum.
In 1841 (section 124)The Lord designates Hyrum as a Prophet Seer and Revelator in concert with Joseph:
"And from this time forth, I appoint unto him that he may be a prophet, and a seer; and a revelator unto my church, as well as my servant joseph; that he may act in concert also with my servant Joseph..."
A few years after this appointment of Hyrum in 1841, Joseph announced to the Church that Hyrum alone was now acting as the president of the Church.
“P.M. went to the Grove and heard Pres. J. preach on the law of the priesthood. He stated that Hyrum held the office of prophet to the church by birth-right & he was going to have a reformation and the saints must regard Hyrum for he had authority.” (Clayton Diary July 16, 1843)
“Said he would not prophecy any more.–Hyrum should be the prophet–” (Mentioned in Letter of Williard Richards)
One week after telling the Saints that Hyrum would now lead the church and that he (Joseph Smith) would no longer prophesy, he made the following statements:
“….Last Monday morning, certain men came to me and said: “Brother Joseph, Hyrum is no Prophet — he can’t lead the Church — you must lead the Church! If you resign…all things will go wrong; you must not resign; if you do the Church will be scattered.
TPJS 318; Words of Joseph Smith 234)
Hence the real question is, who was the legal and lawful successor to Hyrum.
Before we address this very important issue, lets move a little further along in the creating the profile of Rigdon..
I think that when we get finished with the profile you will be blown away with everything the Lord says about Sidney... particularly when you cross reference modern revelation with ancient revelation!
I am going to try very hard to not sound angry, but I do have strong words in regards to these blogs because I feel they do our dear Prophet Joseph a major diservice
I have read 1-18 of the blogs have some major disagreements with some of the things you have said. I do agree that Joseph Smith will have a part to play in the winding up scene, but you have completely ignored many scriptures that suggest that there is another who will take the lead and has the RIGHTS and KEYS to the Priesthood, namely John the Beloved who is translated being.
However, I was annoyed at your early enteries about the first Elders coming back to finish the "job" so to speak, but this blog just goes too far for me.
If you love Joseph so much, why dont you quote Joseph Smith's own words about Rigdon?
After accusing him of being a traitor among many other things and asking the brethren to release him from his position as Counselor:
which they refused to do.....
HC Vol 6 page 49---
"I have thrown him off my shoulders and you have again put him on me. You may carry him, but I will not."
A few of JS last words at Carthage:
in regards to the leadership of the church.
HC Vol 6 page 592---
"Could my brother Hyrum but be liberated it would not matter so much about me. Poor Rigdon, I am glad he is gone to Pittsburg out of the way; were he to preside he would lead the church to destruction in less than five years."
There is plenty more, but that should suffice it to say that Rigdon failed in what he was called to do and thus has lost his promise and his blessings.
Every blessing is predicated upon our obedience. David was greatly beloved and received unconditional promises, but others were very much conditional, which has resulted in his loss of exaltation. Do you think with all the times that Rigdon was shown to be a traitor to the Prophet, that he could merit such promises unconditionally? Joseph was truly a Prophet and he believed him to be a traitor, that is good enough for me and it should be for you to.
You may have loved who this man could have been and should have been, but that does not make him that person.
The Lord said a lot of great things about a lot of people in the D&C, but that does not mean that they stayed in favor with him.
Also, the first quote you attibuted to Rigdon was from JS Lectures on Faith 6. I am not sure why you credit Rigdon on this....he may have quoted JS, but he is not the originator of the thought and certainly did not act accordingly.
Third, I have visited church history sites which include the Community of Christ Church also known as RLDS...I have also read a couple of Biographies that I bought from them about JS Sons. What Rigdon did in using them to further his own agenda was absolutely tragic. His poor son David went insane rather than have to deal with the truth he learned about Polygomy.
No there is nothing you can say that would convince me that Rigdon was true and faithful in all things and has earned the right to the blessings that were promised him on conditions of obedience. He is not even in the same catagory as JS...and I will never say that he was one of the greatest Prophets that lived....not when JS dying words were that he would lead the church into destruction.
Liberty-
My response may take a few posts replies-
“I am going to try very hard to not sound angry, but I do have strong words in regards to these blogs because I feel they do our dear Prophet Joseph a major disservice
How sad that you have chosen to feel angry! Perhaps you should not visit this blog.. then you would not decide to feel so angry.
“I have read 1-18 of the blogs have some major disagreements with some of the things you have said.
I do agree that Joseph Smith will have a part to play in the winding up scene, but you have completely ignored many scriptures that suggest that there is another who will take the lead and has the RIGHTS and KEYS to the Priesthood, namely John the Beloved who is translated being.”
It is not that I have ignored John, its just that he isn’t main topic of this blog.
I love John just as I love Joseph. John plays an important part in the third watch just as the three Nephites and the three witnesses and many other players.. in fact there will be at least 144,000 people that play a significant part.
The point is that the spokesman and the Seer are among a small group of Ephraimite Gentiles that are referred to as the first laborers of the last kingdom and they will take the lead.
Joseph Smith claimed to be the last prophet of the last dispensation. Do you believe him? I do.
That would mean that even though John plays an important part, he is not the last primary prophet to orchestrate the final gathering of the elect.
“However, I was annoyed at your early enteries about the first Elders coming back to finish the "job" so to speak, but this blog just goes too far for me.”
All I am doing to taking modern and ancient prophecy literally.
God challenges us to believe every unconditional promise in the D&C. Apparently “going to far” in your opinion is taking God at his word.
“If you love Joseph so much, why dont you quote Joseph Smith's own words about Rigdon?
After accusing him of being a traitor among many other things and asking the brethren to release him from his position as Counselor:
which they refused to do.....
HC Vol 6 page 49---
"I have thrown him off my shoulders and you have again put him on me. You may carry him, but I will not."
A few of JS last words at Carthage:
in regards to the leadership of the church.
HC Vol 6 page 592---
"Could my brother Hyrum but be liberated it would not matter so much about me. Poor Rigdon, I am glad he is gone to Pittsburg out of the way; were he to preside he would lead the church to destruction in less than five years."
It appears that your LDS history knowledge base is limited to the sanitized history of the church.
I have show in futures articles that you have not read yet that there is much more information showing that Joseph later apologized for making those accusations against Rigdon.
He did so based on false information that others had given him.
It appears from the testimony of some people that Joseph and Sidney were actually on very good terms right before the martyrdom…
to be continued..
Liberty
You said,
“There is plenty more, but that should suffice it to say that Rigdon failed in what he was called to do and thus has lost his promise and his blessings.”
No offense, but I don’t think you are qualified nor authorized to pass judgment on the Lords Spokesman.
You might want to read the JST and the Book of Mormon prophesies about Rigdon, they suggest that his calling continues into the 3rd watch.
One of the greatest LDS historians is a man by the name of Karl Anderson. He Wrote Joseph Smiths Kirtland. He has probably forgotten about 100 times more than you will ever know about LDS church history.
In an interview he was asked,
“RICHARD: As you study the lives of other early Kirtland leaders, who do you feel deserves more attention or credit from historians and others?”
Of all of the fascinating and important personalities of the restoration movement that Karl could have addressed. He picked Rigdon.
You may be surprised to see what he said about Rigdon,
“KARL: The one that deserves more credit, a very clear answer, is one
that many people do not like— Sidney Rigdon…
—we need to begin to forgive him and consider him in a more positive light.
Many members of the Church have not
forgiven Sidney for the confrontation with Brigham Young or the supposed statement of Sidney in the Liberty Jail, of which I am not sure we have an
accurate recording…
He was taken out and tarred and feathered because of his leadership role in the
Church as first counselor to Joseph Smith. I think doctors today would agree that, according to the descriptions, his beating could have caused a severe
brain concussion, which can alter personality. I think his later problems are traceable back to the tarring and feathering.
I view Sidney Rigdon as being a great general who fell in battle—that battle being the tarring and feathering—with the adversary directing those
who administered the injuries.
The Lord told Sidney that he was like John the Baptist, which is certainly one of the greatest callings anybody could have. Like John, he was given the mission to prepare for Christ and Elijah
to come to Kirtland.
He was called to watch over Joseph. He was also called
to be Joseph’s scribe and spokesman. In all those missions, he served well; and by the end of the Kirtland years, he essentially had fulfilled them all. But
he’s never gotten credit for that.
I feel bad that his name is not prominently displayed in the restoration of Kirtland. I think we need to begin to recognize
Sidney for what he did. He sacrificed everything—his life, his famiy Mormon Historical Studies
ly—and he sacrificed it all in Kirtland for the Church.
Joseph said that Sidney’s success in life was assured if Sidney would have stayed as a minister
in Mentor. His wants were not only supplied but anticipated. He was looked to for advice. He was provided a house. Joseph Smith said that Sidney stood to lose everything when he joined the Church.
He sacrificed everything
monetarily; he sacrificed for the Church. One day, he will be recognized.”
I don’t know you from Adam, Liberty, but I am making a guess that you have not sacrificed your income and standing in the community like Rigdon did.
to be continuted..
“Every blessing is predicated upon our obedience. David was greatly beloved and received unconditional promises, but others were very much conditional, which has resulted in his loss of exaltation.
Do you think with all the times that Rigdon was shown to be a traitor to the Prophet, that he could merit such promises unconditionally?
Joseph was truly a Prophet and he believed him to be a traitor, that is good enough for me and it should be for you to.
You may have loved who this man could have been and should have been, but that does not make him that person.
The Lord said a lot of great things about a lot of people in the D&C, but that does not mean that they stayed in favor with him.”
Again, Liberty, you have no clue what you are talking about.
Rigdon sacrificed more for the church during the first few months he was in it than most people do in a life time. Don’t judge the man. You are only embarrassing yourself and showing your ignorance.
“Also, the first quote you attibuted to Rigdon was from JS Lectures on Faith 6. I am not sure why you credit Rigdon on this....he may have quoted JS, but he is not the originator of the thought and certainly did not act accordingly.”
Actually there are several credible LDS historians who believe that Rigdon was the primary author of the Lectures on Faith, if not the sole author… again, you are speaking out of your back end and showing your ignorance.
“No there is nothing you can say that would convince me that Rigdon was true and faithful in all things and has earned the right to the blessings that were promised him on conditions of obedience. He is not even in the same catagory as JS...and I will never say that he was one of the greatest Prophets that lived....not when JS dying words were that he would lead the church into destruction.”
It is not my responsibility or desire to convince you of anything. My goal is to motivate people to dig into the scriptures and the history of the Church, something you should do..
Are you aware that the RLDS site shows about 10 people who signed sworn affidavits that they were in the presence of JS when he said that Brigham Young would lead the church to hell if he ever presided over it?
What if they were telling the truth?
Are you now going to leave church because of that? You put way to much emphasis on obscure statements and recollections from people with obvious agendas.
If you are so offended after just 15 of my posts about Rigdon you will be mortified when you get to the article I wrote about Rigdon. We haven’t even left the milk yet. I am afraid you would choke on the meat.
I have just tried to send my reply, but I am going to have to break it up...
When I said I did not want to sound angry was because my words were not going to be sapped in sweetness which may sound angry. I am not angry...shocked would be more the words.
I want to make sure I understand what you are saying because in an earlier blog someone asked about the rebult Nauvoo Temple and it sounded like you were against that...my husband and I may have misunderstood you....? So, in your last response to me you suggest that others had ageneda's....am I understanding that you are suggesting that Brigham Young and others had an agenda and that is why Rigdon has been falsly accused and the church history is wrong?
If that is the case, it seems to me that what you are saying is that what we know as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is being led by false leaders because the succession did not follow God's will.
If this what you are saying, then this may be where we split hairs. It is about fruit that is produced.
I had family who lived in Nauvoo during this time, went west, and then dealt with on going accusations by Joseph's son David and Joseph over the polygamy issue(which my family comes from)and then was asked to leave their homes again and settle other territories, etc...
You are asking me to believe RLDS accounts about Brigham being the one who would lead the church to destruction over my own ancestors who sacrificed life and home based on the testimony they received of who to follow?
You suggested that Rigdon's actions or thought process was due to being hurt, how many others went through the same things, including Joseph? I am not suggesting that Rigdon has lost his salvation or anything like that, but I am suggesting that the promises you talked abou earlier, may certainly have been lost. His earlier commitment to the Lord and His Prophet is certainly worthy of example, just like Emma's faithfulness or even King David's. However, the Lord also saw fit to use David as an example of how one can lose their reward, when we do not cross ourselves in every matter.
I am really confused and trying to understand where you are coming from...Who do you believe had the right to leadership? Rigdon or the Twelve?
If you believe it was the Twelve, then it is about the fruit that Rigdon throughout his whole life, not just a part, produced. If he truly had a genuine heart, then he would have humbled himself, come west and not have convinced Joseph the 3rd that he was the true leader who then charged his brother to go into UT to "reclaim them." That church does not even acknowledge the Book of Mormon any more..that is the fruit of that church, that was begun by Rigdon.
I am going to continue to read the blogs in hopes that maybe I am going to get some clarification on your stance. There are points in the first 18 blogs that I am going to go back over and hope you can answer some of the questions I have in regards to them. It will take me some time as I do not have internet access every day.
You asked about what I have sacrificed for the church? No, at this point I have not had to sacrifice ALL of my income or lay down my life, but I have faithfully paid my tithes and offerings(which has not been an easy thing to do on many occasion, including now) and have supported a full time missionary and getting ready to support another.
I do this not based on traditional beliefs that have been handed down from my family members, but on my own personal study of the scriptures and witness that I have received. I am not one to just read or study the scriptures...I am one who searches deeply for the truths, this is why some of the things you said in earlier post does not coincide with what I have learned....maybe I just dont understand what you are implying?
However, I would not normally talk about what I have personally done or at what cost being a member of the church has brought to me, but since you dont know me from Adam....I have risked reputation to bring the gospel to others and have lost friends by doing so. I have been accused of using my "position" to "coerce" and or "brainwash" others into believing the Gospel once the anit's got a hold of them after their baptisms. I will not go into what that accusation cost me.
I have been accused in a public setting of stealing from a parent organization (without proof mind you)and forced to resign because there was only one person willing to stand up for me (due to them being fearful of the same treatment)all because I am LDS. I had to deal with the embarrasment, as well as my family, for several years until it was finally proven that I did not do what I was accused of and the motive behind such accusation(which was not made public, only established in the organization meeting).However, many people came and went and never heard the truth, so Yes, my name is still attached to dishonesty...why???? Beause the people who did this to me, were Athiests and hated "Mormons" and had their own agenda.
There are many people through out the establishment and history of the church who have sacrificed all for the cause of truth. It will yet happen again in the near future which will once again establish the wheat from the tares.
Again I have no problem establishing the faithfulness of Rigdon in the early days. We have much to learn from that, but I do have issues with establishing him as one who will come back and lead the saints again based on what was said during those years. I do believe the words of the Lord and as always his blessing were based on continued faithfulness....I have to believe those words, too.
"I have just tried to send my reply, but I am going to have to break it up..."
Yes, one of the problems with the blog services provided by blogger is that it limits replies.
"When I said I did not want to sound angry was because my words were not going to be sapped in sweetness which may sound angry. I am not angry...shocked would be more the words."
I'm sorry, I misunderstood you.. although some of the comments you made after that did sound angry to me.
"So, in your last response to me you suggest that others had ageneda's....am I understanding that you are suggesting that Brigham Young and others had an agenda and that is why Rigdon has been falsly accused and the church history is wrong?"
Everyone has agendas. The quorum of the twelve had their own secret meetings shortly after the martyrdom to determine who they wanted to follow and what course of action they wanted to take.
Having an agenda isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
I am not saying that everything in the history of the church is wrong. I quote from it all the time. I am saying that many things in the original history of the church have been altered or deleted by well meaning people in high places in an effort to strengthen testimonies and soften some of the very difficult events that would otherwise be stumbling blocks to peoples testimonies.
"You are asking me to believe RLDS accounts about Brigham being the one who would lead the church to destruction over my own ancestors who sacrificed life and home based on the testimony they received of who to follow?"
First of all, the fact that you have ancestors that sacrificed and had a belief in the gospel and in Brigham Young, is not a worthy foundation for your own testimony.
No I am not asking you to believe those accounts.
I was simply making a point. You had quoted a few accounts from people claiming they had heard Joseph make disparaging remarks about Rigdon. Some of those statements have since been found to be questionable in their accuracy. Even if some of them were true, Joseph was not perfect, he would sometimes over react or say something based on false information and then later retract his statements.
I was simply using those affidavits by people claiming that JS had made disparaging remarks about Brigham to illustrate that you can find the same kind of historical evidence against Brigham or virtually anyone else and it should only be viewed through the eyes of the scriptures, the Holy Ghost, other corroborating statements and events in history and the actual fruits the person brought forth, to provide an accurate context.
“You suggested that Rigdon's actions or thought process was due to being hurt, how many others went through the same things, including Joseph?”
Actually I was quoting Karl Anderson the historian. He made those remarks. I have researched the same topic and I agree with him, I am convinced that Rigdon sustained long term brain damage that plagued him for the rest of his life… I agree with the assessment of karl Anderson.
I disagree with you that lots of others made a similar sacrifice. I Think very few people suffered in the way he did physically, emotionally and spiritually. Very few saw God and Jesus Christ. You must prove to God that you are willing to sacrifice before you can see his face.
It was also Anderson that said that church members like you need to forgive Rigdon.
I would take it a step further. I hope Rigdon will forgive the church… including people like you that passed judgment on him.
“ I am not suggesting that Rigdon has lost his salvation or anything like that, but I am suggesting that the promises you talked abou earlier, may certainly have been lost.”
I disagree.
May I suggest that you feel the way you do because you don’t understand the difference between “conditional” prophecy and “unconditional prophecy”.
There are times when God makes a conditional prophecy such as “you will do such and such in the future IF you are obedient, etc”. It is true that those promises and prophesies may not come true, they are based on the actions of others…
But there are other times when the Lord makes unconditional prophecies such as “thus sayeth the Lord it shall come to pass that such and such will take place and so and so will do this and that”
When the Lord God makes an unconditional promise or prophecy IT ALWAYS WILL BE FULFILLED even if he needs to bring that person back from the dead to do it and even if you don’t think the person is worthy of the promise from your mortal, fallible point of view.
I suggest you read section 1:37-38 very very carefully and then do some soul searching to see if you really have the faith it takes to take God at his word.
If you do think that you can believe his infallible promise in those scriptures, then put them to the test. In this case you should look up everything God has unconditionally promised and prophesied about Joseph and Sidney. Then do some more soul searching. Are you still able to believe what God says in verses 37-38?
If so, you will not mock Gods word by sneering at the prospects that Joseph will return to finish the job he started because the word of God says he will come back.
Additionally, you will begin treating Gods anointed Spokesman with the reverence and respect that he deserves and you will quit assassinating his character like many did at the time of the succession controversy.
Gods word always takes precedence over the supposed view of history.
“Again I have no problem establishing the faithfulness of Rigdon in the early days. We have much to learn from that, but I do have issues with establishing him as one who will come back and lead the saints again based on what was said during those years.”
It is God that has established his spokesman to come back. It is not up to us to decide that. It is up to us to accept it or reject it.
The Word of God tells us the Spokesman will return with the Seer to finish the job they started. They will probably be teaching and doing things that will make you feel very uncomfortable.
If you reject them, you will not inherit the highest glory.
“I am going to continue to read the blogs in hopes that maybe I am going to get some clarification on your stance.”
Let me suggest that perhaps this blog is not something you should read right now.
Frankly, if you have had problems with what has been discussed so far, you are going to freak out as you get to where this is leading you.
You have been spoon fed the milk of the gospel and of church history up to now.
Are you really ready for the meat?
You are clearly a very good person that has strong views and a desire to do good, however, I don’t sense that you are quite ready for this information.
If you ever have an epiphany telling you that perhaps your comprehension of the gospel and the restoration movement is based on what you have been told in Sunday school, rather than on what you have diligently searched out for yourself without preconceived biases, then at that point this blog might be something that may prove useful in sparking thought and directing you to scriptures that might be helpful.
I hope I have not offended you.
I do feel your sincere desire to understand where I am coming from, and I know you sincerely want to do what the Lord wants you to do and to be a faithful Latter-day Saint.
May the Lord bless you in your quest for deeper understanding of Gods word and plan for you.
I always find it interesting that if you do not agree with someones conclusions, especially in the church, that they accuse you of not having intelligence, not searching the scriptures and/or being deceived.
I have just spent the last 8 months diligently searching and learning what it means to covenant with the Lord and vise versa. I have spent hours a day learning what it means to have covenant blessings and covenant curses. I have spent hours a day learning what it means to have an unconditional covenant vs. a conditional covenant.....with that said I will take your challenge to study Rigdon's personal promises as I am actually just re-reading the D&C and am now in the chapters where Sidney Rigdon has been introduced.
Of note however is that I have no need or reason to forgive Rigdon. He was not my servant, he was not my friend/associate, he was not my leader and he did not lie to me about what my father had taught and practiced leading me away from the True Church.
I simply disagree with your assesment that he lived up to his part of the covenants that gives him the honor of fulfilling a second commission in the last days.
Your assesment would not matter much to me if it were not for the fact that this is doctrine that you are teaching about "covenants."
You still did not answer my question in regards to what you believe about the Twelve being the Leaders of the Church which subsequently has given us all the modern Prophets since.
Section 1:38-39 does not give unconditional promises to individuals. The Lord simply states that HE will keep His promises, espcially in reagrds to the redemption of Zion and the destruction of the wicked. Personal promises are always conditional until we have proven our loyalty, then we are given unconditional promises.(see 2 Samuel 7:15-29) but certain promises are always predicated upon our continued faithulness.
I know that God will give the most amount of mercy that He can give and that no one can walk in another's shoes. However, there is one thing that He requires of us all in order to inherit what He has and be where He is..... and that is obedience and endurance until the end.
The Lords own words in this regards is found in the D&C 82:10(124:47) "I the Lord am bound when you do what I say, but if ye do not what I say, ye have no proimise"
We cannot expect to fulfill only part of our missions in this life and expect a great reward.
I know that you feel that he did not fail in that mission, but the bottom line for me is that he was the means in teaching Joseph's sons that his father did not introduce nor practiced polygamy and that Brigham Young usurped authority that was not given him. This act alone betrayed Joseph and robbed his sons of their inheritances. HOw then could he possibly be worthy of being able to fulfill a second comission in the last days?
I am also curious what books you have read beyond our Church History that gives you more insight into our History? If they are outside sources, what makes them more reliable or trusted than ours?
Anyway, I am also sure that you are a great man and I have agreed with with what you have said in the earlier blogs in regards to the greater work of the Lord being accomplished at a different time than the beginning.
Liberty
You said
"You still did not answer my question in regards to what you believe about the Twelve being the Leaders of the Church which subsequently has given us all the modern Prophets since."
There are two reasons I did not answer your question.
One is that it would be a disservice to answer it at this point. It would be more meaningful and make more sense to you after you get to the end of the posts on this blog and then to some other things I have written elsewhere.
The more important reason I did not give you my opinion on that is that my opinion, although it inevitably finds its way into my posts, is not what it important.
As I state on the side of this blog and in other posts, the only thing of real importance to you is to treasure up the word of God and take the Holy Spirit as your guide.
If I say anything within my opinions on this blog to encourage people to study the scriptures more and to perhaps view them in a more accurate way, that is great, beyond that, my opinions really only pertain to my own individual salvation.
If you really want to know how I feel about Gods church you will either need to keep reading the posts on this blog or finish reading the additional parts of the series I wrote about brother Sidney.
I have actually done most of the work for you as far as identifying each of the unconditional promises that God made to him and Joseph Smith.
I came across this blog. My 1st cousin was Sidney Rigdon. I just have recently started to study the mormon book and recently learned we are related. However I have questions on a more personal spiritual level that I need help with in regards to him. I would love someone to write me back so I may find some answers or some insight. I personslly have seen him and hundreds of other unexplained happenings for years. Im not crazy and it wasnt until I read about him did it make some sense . I want to know if it true that he will come back, and what do you call that? a incarnation, reincarnation , ressurection , Please someone write to me at angelonfire_1961@yahoo.com Sincerly Christina
It was really cool getting to listen to your voice. You're a really good teacher. You should in all your spare time create a podcast.
Ryan What is a Podcast exactly?
25334586Ryan, What is or does a Podcast do?
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