Orson Pratt's Works by Orson Pratt

Author:Orson Pratt
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Tags: Religion

Footnotes

1. Printed in Liverpool, England, October 15, 1850.

CHAPTER VI.

More Revelation Is Indispensably Necessary

1.-In the former chapter it has been shown, that to expect more revelation is neither unscriptural nor unreasonable; hence, there is as great a probability that more will be given in our day, as in any former age. The object of this chapter is to show that more revelation is indispensably necessary,

First, for the Calling of Officers in the Church.

2.-Whenever God has called and authorized men to perform a work in any age or dispensation, it has been done by revelations, and not by mere impressions, or some undefinable, internal feelings, which leave the mind in uncertainty and doubt. Noah was called by the word of the Lord to be a preacher of righteousness, and to build an ark. Abraham, Lot, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph, were called by revelation to perform a great variety of duties. Moses and Aaron were called to the priest's office by the word of the great Jehovah. Seventy elders of Israel were called by revelation to assist Moses. Joshua was appointed by the word of the Lord through Moses to be his successor in leading Israel. The successors of Aaron were appointed to the priesthood by revelation. The Judges of Israel were called by visions, by angels and by the inspiration of the Spirit. Samuel was called by the voice of the Lord. And finally, all their officers, wise men and prophets, down to the days of Malachi, were called by new revelation.

3.-The calling of officers under the Christian dispensation continued the same. John, the forerunner of Christ, was called by the spirit of prophecy, as manifested through the angel Gabriel and his father Zacharias. Jesus was called by His Father, and appointed a priest forever after the order of Melchisedec: He is termed by St. Paul, "the Apostle and High Priest of our profession." Jesus, being an Apostle, called others to the same office, and said unto them, "ye have not chosen Me but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit" (John 15.) When Judas fell through transgression, the apostles did not appoint another to take his bishopric through a mere impression, but they called upon the Lord to show whom He had chosen; and "the lot fell upon Matthias" (Acts I 15-26). The seventy disciples were called by the word of the Lord. Paul and Barnabas were both Apostles (see Acts 14:14), and were set apart to the work of the ministry by new revelation through the inspired prophets and teachers, which were in the church at Antioch (Acts 13:1-4. That the elders of the church at Ephesus were called by revelation, is evident by the following language of Paul to them, "Take heed therefore unto yourselves and to all the flock over which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the Church of God which He hath purchased with His own blood" (Acts 20-28). Timothy, the first bishop of Ephesus, was appointed by prophecy and by the laying on of hands (I Tim.

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