Month: June 2017

As I Remember, Chapter 3

Joseph Dewey
This entry is part 3 of 39 in the series Ted Bio

CHAPTER 3

      It was late in the fall of the year when we finally got settled in Boise. Dad immediately went to work hauling wood. Us kids didn’t start school for a few days after we arrived. This gave me an opportunity to look the neighborhood over. Across the street and down a block, lived Aunt Mamie, Dad’s sister. The number was 410 South Third. So we weren’t alone. She had three daughters and two boys. She worked for the governor. Hawley was his name. She did cooking and housework. Quite a gal Aunt Mamie was.

      That first day out, I made a great discovery. We were about only three blocks from the beautiful Julia Davis Park. Winding through the park was a part of the Boise River. The water was clear and cool. I took off my shoes and wading. Then to my amazement, darting out from behind most every rock, was a beautiful trout. I could hardly believe my eyes. Never before had I seen anything like this! I put on my shoes and ran home. I found a shovel, went out in the back yard and began to dig for worms.

      They were plentiful and in a short time, I had a can full of night crawlers. I found some fish line and some hooks. My pocket knife was good and sharp. I headed to the park. I had no pole but there was plenty of willows growing along the creek bank. I pulled out my knife and went to work. My old Granddad had taught me well. The first hook that I tossed into the water was hit by a big one! I drug him in and run a branch of a forked willow through the gill and out the mouth. I laid him down in the water and put on a fresh worm. Time was wasting!

      A crowd began to gather around. They seemed to get a kick out of watching me catch fish after fish. I wondered why they didn’t join me. It wasn’t long until I found out why. A great, big guy wearing a badge walked up to me and grabbed the pole out of my hand. “Just what the hell do you think you are doing?” he yelled. I was startled, to say the least. “Just fishing…” I told him. He pulled the string of fish out of the water and looked them over. “Too far gone to put back.” he muttered. He turned to me. “Don’t you know that it’s against the law to fish in here?” I shook my head. “I don’t see any signs.” The guy slowly shook his head. “I didn’t think we needed any. Are you new around here?” He asked. “Yes.” I told him. “We just moved over here from the ranch below Emmett.” As I think back, this guy must of been a kid once himself. He handed me the string of fish. “Young man.” he said. “Take these and get the hell out of here. And don’t you let me catch you fishing in here again.” Anyhow, that evening, we had fish for supper.

      I guess we were country hicks alright but we caught on fast. We got started in school and I got myself a job selling newspapers. The Evening Capitol News was the name of the paper. It come out after school was let out. All us newsboys would line up in front of the window and buy any amount you wished. You got two for a nickel and sold them for five cents a piece.

      At first, I didn’t do very well. All the good corners were taken up. In front of every hotel was a newsboy. I got quite discouraged. One evening, I asked the fellow that sold us the papers.

“How does a person go about getting a good spot in this town? They seem to be all taken up.” The guy grinned at me. “Find a spot you want and move on. You might have to whip a couple of kids.” I thought this over. I could hold my own with most any kid over in the old Mountain View school house in Emmett Valley. I got a few black eyes and a bloody nose, but in a short time I was holding down the best corner in the city. The one in front of the IDANHA hotel.

      There was headlines on the paper telling the latest news of the war. I would stand there

and yell until I was sold out. I didn’t get rich on this job, but it sure kept me in spending money. At the same time, I was really learning to use my fists.

      One evening, after I had sold my papers, I come home sick. And I mean I was really sick. I was burning up with fever and black spots were dancing in front of my eyes. Mother told me to go to bed. Then she took my temperature. It was 104 and going up. When Dad come home, he looked me over and decided that I would be alright. A little thing like one of his kids getting sick didn’t bother him much.

      I put in one hell of a night. Little, red spiders were crawling everywhere. They were coming out of the walls… I yelled and screamed. Somehow I made it through the night. Mother left the light on and took my temperature every hour or so. Then she would shake her head and go for the ice box. Chop up some ice and put it on my forehead. When morning finally come, Dad and Mother held a conference. I remember him saying. “You had better call a doctor.” We didn’t have a phone but Aunt Mamie did. Mother took off on the run.

      About the only place that Mother ever went, was to church. There, she had met a young doctor. She called him. Also, she called the Bishop and told him to send over a couple of the Elders. Then she come back home. Now I know my darling mother meant well, and she did what she thought was best. Soon she come running home and told me. “You are going to be just fine now. The doctor will soon be here.” Then the doctor come walking in. He didn’t have a black bag. Just himself. He was a young man just out of school and just starting up in business. Not an M.D. But one of those bone poppers and neck twisters. Not much for credentials, but he was a good Mormon.

      I will say one thing for the guy, he wasn’t stupid. After taking my temperature, he popped all my vertebras. Then twisted my neck and gave me a good rub down. Then he turned to Mother and said; “This boy is coming down with the Measles. A new kind that has been brought over from Germany. They are very dangerous.” Then he gave her a bunch of directions. “Keep this room dark. Don’t turn on the light. Pull down all the window blinds, the light can cause permanent damage to his eyes.” And there was more. “If we can just get him to break out, the big danger will be over.” The doctor left and the Elders come. They promised me that I would live. And of course I did. For years, my eyes were weak, but I did survive. In a couple of weeks, I was back on my corner selling my newspapers.

      Then one evening, I broke all my previous records. The big four inch headlines read…

GERMAN GOVERNMENT OVERTHROWN! Everyone went crazy. A big parade come marching down the street. Everyone joined in. The Governor stood up on the balcony of the hotel and dumped sacks of flour and sugar on the screaming crowd below. For the last couple of years, these items had been rationed. No longer would they be. The big war was over.

      Shortly after this, Dad come home one evening and there was a big smile on his face. He had been seeing a lot of Mister Feldman lately. The man that owned the fruit ranch in Emmett Valley. Feldman also owned a pawn shop and loan office here in Boise. Things hadn’t been going so good at the ranch. The guy that he had hired to take care of the place, was drunk all the time. His last name was Ray. Vanilla Ray, the neighbors called him. Back in those days of prohibition, there were many sources of obtaining alcohol. One of the easiest was the Watkins and the Raleigh man. Peddlers that called on most everyone about twice a month. Two of their biggest selling items was lemon and vanilla extract. They contained about eighty percent pure alcohol.

      Feldman wanted Dad to move back on the ranch. Here, there would be work for all of us. That time Dad really used his head. We would move back alright, but under only certain conditions. Feldman must sell him half interest in the ranch. Finally they come to an agreement. Feldman would sell him half interest. Every month Dad would draw a salary of seventy five dollars a month. At the end of each year, he would receive a lump sum of five hundred dollars. This would be a bonus for the work that us kids would do. They agreed on a total price. Half of the profit each year would go as payment for Dad’s share. There was no way that we could lose. We would keep the truck. It would be needed at the ranch. This would be the only down payment.

      Now that the war was over, real estate was booming. In a short time, Dad sold the house in Boise and we were on our way back to the ranch. And I am sure that we were all in favor of this move and would be glad to be on our way back to where we called home.

      As I write this story, I think of the many things that I could tell about. But it would take a lot of time and paper to put it all down. So if I happen to miss something that you think I should of mentioned, please forgive me.

As I Remember, Chapter 2

Joseph Dewey
This entry is part 2 of 39 in the series Ted Bio

CHAPTER 2

      In 1914, World War I began. I guess lots of the men were joining the army. There were to jobs to be had. Dad and Mother moved us all over into the Emmett Valley. Dad went to work for Smith and Feldman. A couple of men that had just planted a lot of fruit orchards in the sandy slopes of the south side. For two years we stayed at what is now known as, The Earp Place.

      We were only about ten miles out of Emmett. Grandpa Dewey had bought himself a car. A two seated Flanders. About once a week, he and Grandma would come driving down with big, long, bamboo fish poles strapped to the side of the car. He also had a big sign for catching the fish that wouldn’t bite. How I loved those wonderful people. There wasn’t a fishing hole in the country that we didn’t try.

      As the years passed, Mother gave birth to more children: Ray, Dell, Jennie and Bob.

      Smith and Feldman, the owners of the orchards couldn’t get along and split up. They divided the orchards. Feldman, a rich Jew from Boise, built a new house up close to the hill. We moved in and Dad went to work for him.

      Dad had bought himself a new model T Ford. So had everyone else around the valley.

      I was now going to school at the one room school house, Mountain View. It had one teacher who taught all eight grades. There were about twenty pupils in all.

      Dad wasn’t happy just working for wages there on the ranch. He decided to go into something different. He traded the model T in on a new Maxwell truck. It was a one toner and had all hard rubber tires. One day, he and Mother took off for Boise. When they come back, they had great news. Dad had got a job with the Boise, Payette Lumber Co. delivering firewood. He would get paid a dollar a load.

      They had also bought a house. It was close to the mill at 307 South Third. We would move over right away. It took several trips with the truck to get us moved over. We even took along a cow. After her, there was one more load. Cecil and me were still at the ranch house gathering up the last remaining things. Such as; the chickens and the rabbits. Mother had left the house in tip-top condition. The floors all scrubbed and the windows washed. So that whoever moved in would have nothing to complain about.

      We had a lot of tame rabbits of may different colors. Some of them were in pens but most of them run loose. Living wherever they could find shelter. Catching them was going to be a problem. Then Cecil came up with a bright idea. We would leave the barn door open and put a lot of feed inside. While they were eating, we would close the door. Then they would be easily caught. As far as the chickens were concerned, when they went to roost, they would be easily captured.

      Everything went along great. We caught all the rabbits and put them in crates. Likewise,

the chickens. We had nailed slats on the tops of old picking boxes to make enough crates for everything. We crammed them in and waited. Early the next morning the phone rang. It was Dad. He had called to tell us that something had come up and he wouldn’t be over for a couple of days. We told him that there was still plenty to eat here and not to worry.

      The next morning, we looked at the chickens and rabbits jammed tight in those boxes. It would be impossible for them to eat and drink. We must do something about this we decided. There seemed to be only one sensible answer. Turn the chickens loose in the living room and the rabbits in the remaining ones. We could throw in a bale of hay for the rabbits and open a sack of wheat for the chickens. Leave plenty of water and everything should be lovely. Penned up in here, they would be easily caught when the truck arrived. Besides, the water had just been turned off in the farmers ditch and the fishing would be great.

      P.S. It wasn’t until about a year later that we returned. Mother could never figure out how she had acquired the reputation of being such a filthy house keeper.

As I Remember, Chapter 1

Joseph Dewey
This entry is part 1 of 39 in the series Ted Bio

AS I REMEMBER

BY

TED DEWEY

INTRODUCTION

      The following story, I dedicate to my kids. It will be a brief history of my past life. As I will be writing from memory only, It will be impossible to remember all the correct dates. Also, the events in the order of which they happened. Most of this happened a long time ago. I will just try and cover the high-lights. So if I leave out something that you think should be there, please forgive me.

      I know that writing this will bring back a lot of memories. Most of them good, some them sad. What inspired me to write this was a telephone message I received from my daughter Sandra a few days ago. She asked me to write the story of my life. So here at Prescot Arizona, on the fifth day of July 1982, I begin this story. Without any notes I will start back as far as I can remember and just cover the high spots. I will not go back and edit it or look for miss-spelled words. Which there will probably be a good many. If you would like to correct them, go ahead. So now I will begin…

Sept. 3, 1982.

      Just finished the story this morning. At least for now. Hope all of you enjoy it.

 

Chapter 1

      It was a cold winter day that January 5th, 1910, when my mother gave birth to me at Grandpa and Grandma’s place in Emmett, Idaho. Of course this I don’t remember. But my dear mother told me about it many times.

           I was about two years old when Dad and Mother took up a one hundred and sixty acre homestead in the desert between Caldwell and New Plymouth. They built a one room shack on it and stayed there for two years. When we moved on to this place covered with nothing but sage brush, there was just three of us kids and one on the way. Brother Cecil was the oldest. About two and a half years younger was sister Afton. Then come myself and brother Ray was in the making. Later would come Del, Jennie and Bob.

      During those years that we stayed there, a couple of events are still vivid in my mind. Even though I was only three or four years old, I will tell about them. The first one first.

      We had gone to Emmett to visit Grandpa and Grandma. It was early in the spring of the year and still quite cold. Dad and Mother was riding up in the high seat of the big freight wagon. Us kids were in the back. We were almost home. It had been raining and most of the snow had melted. Up just ahead of us was a large, shallow pond of water. Dad yelled whoa to the horses and stopped the wagon. Everyone was on their feet. There was no way around. We would ford the water, then go on.

      Then suddenly, just across the pond, appeared a big Coyote. He just stood there looking at us. Dad responded quickly. The twenty two rifle, which he always took along, was in his hands. Then the report of gun… The bullet missed, but the Coyote just stood there.

      It was a Winchester pump action rifle. He attempted to throw another shell into the barrel, but the gun jammed. The fired shell was stuck in the chamber. Dad swore. That Coyote pelt was worth money. Once more he tried and failed. Then the Coyote laughed. Did you ever hear a Coyote laugh? Well, this one did. This was too much for Dad. He jumped into the seat, swung the gun around his head a few times, then hurled it at the laughing Coyote. It landed out in the middle of the pond with a big splash. The Coyote chuckled once more and went on his way. Dad was a very angry man as he waded out into that little lake to retrieve his rifle.

      There was one more incident that I will never forget. Brother Cecil was eight or nine years old. There were lots of badger holes around and in some of them were real live badgers. Dad had several steel traps; he decided to catch some of them. I went along and watched.      

      Cecil had learned from Dad and I would learn from him. When we would come to a fresh badger hole, he would set the trap and slide it down into the hole. He would then wire the trap

chain to the nearest sage brush, then go on looking for another hole.

      After watching him set several of the traps, I decided to set some of my own. I couldn’t press down the springs of these that he was using. I would just have to figure out something else. And I did. Now don’t laugh. After all, I was only three or four years old. I went back to the house and found what I thought would get the job done. A half dozen old mason fruit jar rubbers. Also a ball of twine and an old pair of scissors. When I would come to a fresh badger hole, I would tie one end of the string around the rubber and push it down the hole. Then I would cut it off and tie it to the nearest sage brush. I didn’t catch any badgers but I had a lot of fun trying. Just last summer, brother Cecil and I were talking about old times. I told him about these two experiences as I remembered them. He listened, then slowly nodded his head. His only remark was, “Well I’ll be damned.”

 

Here are links to Ted’s other books which are free online:
They Always Smile
Beyond the Bend in the River
Just A Little Bit Crazy

Reincarnation and Mormonism, Part 5

Joseph Dewey
This entry is part 5 of 6 in the series Reincarnation & Mormonism

THE SECOND COMING

OF JOSEPH SMITH

When one considers the doctrine of reincarnation his mind would naturally wonder what the previous lifetimes were of some of the early brethren in the church.

It’s quite possible that their incarnations on the earth began even before the days of Adam for Hyrum Smith said: “There were prophets BEFORE Adam, and Joseph has the spirit and power of all the prophets.” Millenial Star Vol. 23:Pg 406.

Orson Hyde also said: “The world was peopled before the days of Adam as much as it was before the days of Noah.” J.D. 2:79

It is true that the ancient continents of Atlantis and Lemuria did exist and some of the more recent prophets also struggled as teachers of mankind back at that ancient time.

We see from the scriptures evidence of the past lives of some of the early brethren. For instance, there is a strong indication that Oliver Cowdrey was Aaron. Oliver was told: “You have another gift, which is the gift of Aaron; behold it hath told you many things; Behold, there is no other power, save the power of God, that can cause this gift of Aaron to be with you. Therefore, doubt not, for it is the gift of God, and you shall hold it in your hands.” D&C 8:6-8

This scripture is even more striking when one considers that a very important word here has been changed. The first edition of the Doctrine and Covenants read “rod of Aaron” instead of “gift of Aaron”. The word “gift” does not make sense because Oliver was told he would hold it in his hands. It is not a coincidence, then, that Oliver was given a Rod just as Aaron was, and his Rod generated power just as Aaron’s did.

It is also ironic that Oliver was the first with Joseph to receive the Aaronic Priesthood from John the Baptist and he was the first one in this dispensation to be ordained in an earthly ordinance to this priesthood by another mortal, namely Joseph Smith. Oliver was told that he was “called and ordained even as Aaron.” D&C 27:8

Edward Partrigde was told that “he is like unto Nathanael of old, in whom there is no guile.” D&C 41:11 Could this be the Lord’s way of hinting at his identity in a previous lifetime?

Many of the brethren were conspicuously called strange ancient names in various revelations. No logical explanation of this has ever been given by the church. Again, was the Lord hinting at past identities?

Hyrum was Hyrum, King of Tyre from the Old Testament. Brigham Young was King Solomon. Just as King Solomon built the temple without the sound of a hammer (I Kings 6:7) so did Brigham construct the tabernacle in Salt Lake without hammer or nails. Furthermore, Solomon has sculptured lions on both sides of his throne and ornamenting his house just as Brigham had two of them guarding the entrance to his home he named “The Lionhouse”. Brigham was often referred to as “the Lion of the Lord”. You will also notice that many of Brigham’s sermons sound amazingly like the books of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes written by Solomon.

The Lord identified Joseph Smith in a dual manner. He said: “Thou art Joseph, and wast chosen to do the work of the Lord.” D&C 3:9 Which Joseph was the Lord referring to? Was this his method of telling him that he was Joseph who was sold into Egypt? Was this why Joseph of old, when prophesying of the mission of Joseph Smith, wrote of him: “He shall be like unto me.” II Nephi 3:15 Was he really writing of his own future mission?

Why did the Lord say that Joseph was “called and chosen to WRITE the Book of Mormon”? D&C 24:1 We know that, as Joseph, he did not write the book, but translated it. If the word of God is literally true then Joseph had to have been Mormon, for Mormon wrote the abridged book. Was this why, when describing his unusual traits as a young boy, his mother said: “During our evening conversations, Joseph would occasionally give us the most amusing recitals that could be imagined. He could describe the ancient inhabitants of this continent, their dress, mode of traveling, and animals upon which they rode; their cities; their buildings with every particular; their mode of warfare; and also their religious worship. This he would do with as much ease, seemingly, AS IF HE HAD SPENT HIS WHOLE LIFE WITH THEM.” Lucy Smith Biographical Sketches; Pg 85.

It is interesting that Mother Smith was speaking of Joseph as a young boy before he had any revelations. It sounds as if he was merely recalling his past life experiences just as numerous young people do today in increasing degrees.

Of course, Joseph and the other brethren had many other lives that are too numerous to mention here, but more interesting than their past lives are their possible future ones.

Many of the brethren were quite surprised that Joseph and Hyrum were killed because of certain things the Prophet told them. For instance, he said: “I prophesy and bear record this morning that all the combined powers of earth and hell shall not and cannot overthrow or overcome this boy, FOR I HAVE A PROMISE FROM THE ETERNAL GOD.” DHC 5:554

Because God had promised Joseph he would overcome all of his enemies he was very confident in expressing it. A reference is found in the scriptures: “I feel like Paul, to glory in tribulation; for to this day has the God of my fathers delivered me out of them all, AND WILL DELIVER ME FROM HENCEFORTH; for behold, and lo, I SHALL TRIUMPH OVER ALL MY ENEMIES, FOR THE LORD GOD HATH SPOKEN IT.” D&C 127:2

Joseph indicated that this overcoming all of our enemies is essential to obtain salvation: “Salvation is nothing more or less than to triumph over all our enemies and put them under our feet IN THIS WORLD, and a knowledge to triumph over all evil spirits in the world to come, THEN we are saved.” DHC 5:387

According to this then, Joseph was not saved for he did not triumph over his enemies “in this world”, but they overcame him and took his life.

Brigham Young was one of those who expected greater things of Joseph: “Yet he (Joseph) will lay a plan to speculate as large as ancient Joseph did; he will have power to buy up all the rest of the world.” DHC 6:16

Also the Lord said: “But a small moment and thy voice shall be more terrible in the midst of thine enemies than the fierce lion.” D&C 122:4

Joseph Smith was also promised that he would redeem Zion. (See D&C 105:26-27,37) He said he would be a witness to the whole world and then the end would come. DHC 6:363

The Book of Mormon tells us that he is the one like Moses mentioned in D&C 103:15-16. (See II Nephi 3:6-17) He said his father in a blessing “anointed my head, and sealed upon me the blessings of Moses, to lead Israel in the latter days, even as Moses lead them in the days of old.” DHC 2:380

Joseph’s patriarchal blessing even makes this promise: “Thou shalt hold the keys of this ministry, even the presidency of this church both in time and eternity…Thou shalt stand on Mount Zion when the tribes of Jacob come shouting from the North, and with thy brethren, the Sons of Ephriam, crown them in the name of Jesus Christ.” OUR LINEAGE (Salt Lake City: Genealogical Society of Utah, 1933)

We can clearly see then, without quoting further, why the brethren did not expect Joseph to be overcome and killed by his enemies. It was even the Lord’s intention that Joseph and Hyrum escape martrydom for he said: “I…will be with thee even unto the end of the world, and through eternity…Behold, I have seen all your sacrifices, and will forgive all your sins; I have seen your sacrifices in obedience to that which I have told you. Go, therefore, and I WILL MAKE A WAY FOR YOUR ESCAPE, as I accepted the offering of Abraham of his son Isaac.” D&C 132:49-50

Just as the Lord prepared the way for the saving of the physical life of Isaac so would the Lord have saved the life of Joseph, and, unknown to most, God fulfilled his part of this promise for the Lord did reveal to him a way to escape.

When all the forces of evil came crushing down on Joseph and Hyrum and it seemed as if there was no way to escape with their lives, the Lord did give Joseph a revelation and told him to cross the Missouri and go west. However, his friends called him a coward for doing so and upon hearing this from a letter sent by his wife he replied “If my life is worth nothing to my friends it is worth nothing to me.”

This decision was his alone for neither God nor the heavens were allowed to interfere. They could only look on realizing the unalterable fate of his perilous decision. Although either choice required great courage, his love for the saints compelled him to return to face martrydom. The setback of his premature death was anticipated, however, and all the promises concerning him will yet be fulfilled.

Joseph was once asking the Lord concerning the time of the second coming of Christ and received the answer: “Joseph, my son, IF THOU LIVEST UNTIL THOU ART EIGHTY-FIVE YEARS OLD, thou shalt see the face of the Son of Man; therefore, let this suffice, and trouble me no more on this matter.” D&C 130:15

This revelation led Joseph to later say: “I prophesy in the name of the Lord God, and let it be written, the Son of Man WILL NOT COME in the clouds of heaven TILL I AM EIGHTY-FIVE YEARS OLD.” DHC 5:336

If he would have lived to age eight-five as hoped he would have prepared the way so the Christ could have reappeared and the promise concerning the building of the temple in Jackson County in his generation (D&C 84:4) would have been fulfilled. As it is the promise has been delayed because the saints wanted their prophet to prove he was a hero more than they wanted the words of eternal life.

All the promises made to Joseph shall be fulfilled for he will overcome all his enemies and will yet live in the flesh to the age of eighty-five and see the face of the Son of Man. He will not do it in an immortal resurrected body, but as a mortal walking among us again. Eliza R. Snow, the true author of PRAISE TO THE MAN knew what she was writing when she said: “Millions shall know Brother Joseph again.”

Parley P. Pratt was out of state when he heard of the Prophet’s death. He couldn’t understand why his life was taken before the Lord’s promises concerning Joseph were fulfilled. Wondering how he was going to explain Joseph’s death to the people when he returned to Nauvoo, he prayed: “O Lord! In the name of Jesus Christ I pray thee, show me what these things mean, and what I shall say unto thy people? On a sudden the Spirit of God came upon me, and filled my heart with joy and gladness indescribable; and which the spirit of revelation glowed in my bosom with as visible a warmth and gladness as if it were a fire. The Spirit said unto me:   ‘Lift up your head and rejoice; for behold! It is well with my servants Joseph and Hyrum. My servant Joseph still holds the keys of my kingdom in this dispensation, AND HE SHALL STAND IN DUE TIME ON EARTH IN THE FLESH, AND FULFILL THAT TO WHICH HE IS APPOINTED.” Autobiography of Parley P. Pratt; Page 333.

In answer to this revelation given to Elder Pratt the average Latter-Day Saint, without thinking twice, would merely say it has reference to Joseph Smith coming again in an immortal resurrected body, but an important point he forgets is that an immortal person never does the work of a mortal. After all, why did not Moroni translate the plates? It would have been more convincing perhaps, but it is the decree of God that man must work out his own salvation and resurrected beings do not interfere with that.

The Lord promised Parley P. Pratt that Joseph would again would stand again on the earth and fulfill that to which he was appointed. What was he appointed to do that he did not accomplish? We shall name nine things and point out that they do not fit the works of a resurrected being.

FIRST:   He was to achieve salvation by overcoming all of his enemies ON THE EARTH. It would be an unfair advantage with no victory, and contrary to the laws of heaven, for a resurrected being of great power to fight against mere mortals. If he is to overcome his enemies he must return as a mortal and face them on even ground.

SECOND: The Lord indicated that Joseph would live until he was eighty-five old. This he could only do as a mortal.

THIRD:   Brigham Young said Joseph Smith would be able to buy up the world as ancient Joseph did. Can you imagine the Lord sending a resurrected being to do this?

FOURTH: Joseph was promised that he would lead his people as Moses. Moses was a mortal so Joseph could not be like Moses if he was an immortal – he would be like Jehovah who was guiding Moses.

FIFTH: Joseph was promised he would be the one to redeem Zion. (See D&C 105:26-27,37) The one who will do this is referred to as the “marred” servant. (See Isa 52:24 and III Nephi 20:44) Does it make sense that Joseph Smith would appear to lead the Saints to Zion in a resurrected immortal body that is also marred? The prophecy of the marred servant would have to concern a mortal man.

SIXTH: Joseph was also promised that he would restore all things. We know that all things have not yet been restored. An example is the golden plates which were sealed. The Lord told Joseph: “I am the Lord thy God, and gave unto thee, my servant Joseph, an appointment, and RESTORE ALL THINGS. Ask what ye will and it shall be given you according to my word…For I have conferred upon you the keys and power of the priesthood, wherein I restore all things, and make KNOWN UNTO YOU ALL THINGS in due time.” D&C 132:40 & 45

SEVENTH: One of the things Joseph was to restore was the fulness of the record of John: “And John saw and bore record of the fulness of my glory, and the fulness of John’s record is hereafter to be revealed…And it shall come to pass, that if you are faithful YOU SHALL RECEIVE the fulness of the record of John.” D&C 93:6&18

Joseph Smith was faithful wasn’t he? Then where is the fulness of the record of John? Obviously this can only be fulfilled in a future life.

EIGHTH: Joseph is to reveal all mysteries “until”the Lord comes: “And I have given unto him the keys of the mystery of those things which were from the foundation of the world, AND THE THINGS WHICH SHALL COME FROM THIS TIME UNTIL THE TIME OF MY COMING, if he abide in me.” D&C 35:18 Also see DHC 2:32

NINETH: Joseph Smith is to be the “One Mighty and Strong” and “Set in order the house of God”.

Let us expand this final point and quote the reference concerning this Coming One, for it is the most controversial writing in all the Standard Works, misunderstood by orthodox and fundamentalist Mormon alike.

“And it shall come to pass that I, the Lord God, will send one mighty and strong, holding the scepter of power in his hand, clothed with light for a covering, whose mouth shall utter words, eternal words; while his bowels shall be a fountain of truth to SET IN ORDER THE HOUSE OF GOD, and to arrange by lot the inheritances of the saints whose names are found, and the names of their fathers, and of their children, enrolled in the book of the law of God; While that man who was called of God, and appointed, that putteth forth his hand to steady the ark of God, shall fall by the shaft of death, like as a tree that is smitten by a vivid shaft of lightening…These things I say not of myself; THEREFORE, AS THE LORD SPEAKETH, HE WILL ALSO FULFILL.” D&C 85:7-8,10

And how does the church explain this powerful scripture? They say that Edward Partridge, the first bishop of the church, was bungling things up, and the Lord was thinking of sending One Mighty and Strong to straighten him out, but Partridge repented and thus the prophesied person did not need to come. Thus the authorities have tried to negate the word of God for this is one prophesy with a promise of fulfillment. It is written: “He (God) will also fulfill…” D&C 85:10

The present day authorities like to think that this scripture cannot pretain to them. They do not like the idea that the church may be out of order and will require a new Moses to be sent to straighten things out.

As upsetting as it may be to the present day heirarchy we have definite proof that this warning was not to Edward Partridge as is claimed. Oliver Cowdery stated: “Brother Joseph says that the item in his letter (section 85) that says that the man that is called etc. and puts forth his hand to steady the arc of God, DOES NOT MEAN THAT ANYONE HAD AT THE TIME, but was given for a caution to those in HIGH STANDING TO BE WARE, lest they should fall by the shaft of death.” THE REVELATIONS OF JOSEPH SMITH by Lyndon W. Cook; Page 179; Published By Deseret Book

Furthermore, the prophecy pertains to the redemption of Zion which has not yet occurred and could not have been fulfilled in Joseph’s day. In addition we have a second witness to the Coming One in Isaiah: “Behold, the Lord hath a MIGHTY AND STRONG ONE, which as a tempest of hail and a destroying storm, as a flood of mighty waters overflowing, shall cast down to the earth with the hand. The crown of pride, the drunkards of Ephriam, shall be trodden under foot…The priest and the PROPHET HAVE ERRED through strong drink (doctrine), they are swallowed up of wine, (knowledge); they are out of the way; they err in vision, they stumble in judgement.” Isa 28:2-3, 7

Thus the coming of the One Mighty and Strong is established by two scriptural witnesses, which is discreetfully swept under the rug by those who do not want to be set in order.

Since the One Mighty and Strong will set the house of God in order, then that must mean that it will be out of order. In fact the church was not in order even in the days of Joseph. The Prophet said he planned “to organize the Church in its PROPER ORDER as soon as the (Nauvoo) temple is completed.” DHC 4:604

Unfortunately, he was killed before the temple was completed so he never had a change to set the church in order as he had hoped, and no one since that time has claimed to have had any revelation concerning the setting in order.

Joseph explained that the setting in order would be after the similitude of the parable of the wheat and the tares and that “the corruptions of the church are represented by the tares, which are sown by the enemy.” He said that the tares will be removed when the wheat gets sufficiently strong.

Who is this One Mighty and Strong? Some think it will be Joseph Smith because he said the revelation ‘often times…maketh my bones to quake…” D&C 85:6. But a more conclusive proof is found in another revelation which tells us he will spend numerous lifetimes setting the church and kingdom in order. “and this shall be your business and mission ALL YOUR LIVES, to preside in council, AND SET IN ORDER ALL THE AFFAIRS OF THIS CHURCH AND KINGDOM.” D&C 90:16

Some believe that Joseph will come as a resurrected and glorified personage because we are told the One Mighty and Strong will be “clothed with light for a covering”. D&C 85:7 But they do not understand that all men have some sort of light for a covering for we are all surrounded with a colorful aura which can be seen with sensitive eyes. Also, saints often noticed a light that surrounded Joseph when he was speaking by inspiration. There were those who said his face sometimes glowed as if there were a searchlight in his head. Thus Joseph could be a mortal with light for a covering and will also have the “scepter of power” which will be a rod like unto that of Moses.

Joseph Smith was aware that this was not his last life on the earth for in speaking to the Nauvoo Legion he said: “You have faithfully performed your duty, in preserving the lives of the people as well as mine. You shall be called the first Elders of this church….And your mission will be to the nations of the earth to preach the gospel, and you will gather many people to the fastness of the Rocky Mountains, and many of those who will come in under your ministery because of their learning will seek for position and they will gain eminence over you, and you will walk in low places unnoticed. Yet you will know all that transpires in your midst. Those who are your friends are my friends AND I PROMISE YOU WHEN I COME AGAIN I WILL LEAD YOU FORTH, so that where I am you shall be with me.” LIFE STORY OF WANDLES MACE, By Himself; Pages 131-132

Joseph will keep his promise and come again, for today there are many of the most enlightened saints who are walking “in low places unnoticed” who will be raised up to a point where they can be a light unto the world.

Also that “in life they were not divided, and in death they were not separated!” D&C 135:3 It is most probable they will be the two witnesses as prophesied by John in chapter 11 of Revelations for Joseph said he would be a witness to the world and then the end would come. In addition they will be the One like Moses and the Spokesman as prophesied in II Nephi chapter three. Indeed, we have glorious events to look forward to in the near future!

There is not time in this short article for more elaboration. That will be given later. The most important thing is to consider the words we have written. Remember that the Lord answers no one who takes “no thought save it was to ask me.” D&C 9:7.   So study this out first. Search the scriptures and your heart and then ask God with a sincere heart about the truth of these things and the Spirit will tell you that the principle of reincarnation is a true, holy, and just principle.

We bear witness to the principle of rebirth. We have tested the Spirit and know it is true and we know that he will reveal this and other great mysteries to all true seekers of light.

Let us remember the words of Joseph: “We should gather all the good and true principles in the world and treasure them up, or we shall not come out true Mormons.” DHC 5:517

Index to the Book of Principles

Joseph Dewey

The Parable of the Secure Foundation

Joseph Dewey

June 27, 1999

The Parable of the Secure Foundation

I received a criticism of the Song of the 144,000. The person thought that the mentioning of destructive forces was negative and should be replaced with positive words. After this I gave a silent prayer and asked, “Would the Song be better if it was 100 per cent positive?”

The voice of the Spirit came unto me and spoke: “Joseph, my young brother. The principles I have taught already have illustrated the importance of preparing for the negative as well as the positive.

“Do you not remember the parable of the house built upon rock and the other of sand? This teaching I have taught to many in numerous renditions according to need. Now the need has arisen again. Take the parable written anew that I have put in your mind and heart, and write. Write so a child can understand yet a man of learning will be silenced by the wisdom. Write with the sword of Spirit and Truth that penetrates all hearts that do not resist.”

The Parable

There was once a loving father with two sons who had just taken wives and had need for a home of their own. He therefore, called them to him and spoke.

“My sons. The time has come for you to have a home of your own and I am willing to help you obtain this desire. Each of you may choose a parcel of land from any part of my vast estate and partake of the building materials I have available. You will have to build your homes yourselves with your own labor. I would encourage you to work together as some of the labor is difficult for one alone.

The two sons were enthused about this idea and they both traveled the Father’s estate looking for the ideal place to build their homes. The sons traveled to many locations and finally to the most pleasant part of the estate, a beautiful sandy beach graced with pleasant splashing waters, fresh salty air and sunny skies.

“I love this place,” said the second son. This is where I will build my house and live a life of sweet enjoyment. If you build your house here also we can have a fine association. We can live off the wild fruit that grows nearby, do a little fishing and hunting and have much free time relax, play, travel or whatever we wish. What say you my brother?”

“That sounds tempting,” said the first son, “but I have several concerns. Presently the weather is peaceful and sunny, but I have heard from nearby residents that in times past there have been some fierce storms, even hurricanes here and that every home that was made upon the sandy beach was swept away never to be seen again.”

“Do not fear my brother,” said the second son. “If such a storm did happen it was a long time ago, but times are different now. Tune in to the spirit of nature and you can feel the peace and inwardly know that the God of nature would never send such a fabled storm as long as we live here in peace together.”

“Why do you think such thoughts?” asked the first son. “Twenty years ago a storm came here and killed over 100 people and left more hundreds homeless. Are we somehow better than they were?”

“Not necessarily better, my brother, but wiser. You see people who are destroyed by a storm have their lives ruled by fear and worry. They accept turbulence into their lives through that which they accept and decide. I refuse to see storms and turbulence inside and outside and because I chose the path of peace I can live in any location and no storm will be drawn to me. I refuse to let it become a part of my reality.”

“Where did you get such a philosophy?” asked the first son. “Our father never taught us such things?”

“Maybe not, but while you have stayed at home and worked in Father’s fields, I have traveled to other lands and learned much wisdom.”

“And what is this wisdom?”

“I met a wise old philosopher who lived in a cave and he took me under his wing and taught me a great mystery of manifestation.”

“And what is this mystery?”

The second brother paused and continued: “He taught me about the power of thought and that thought creates reality. People draw fearful things to them because of their fearful thoughts. If I can eliminate my own fearful thoughts then nothing will manifest in my life that has not been created by my thought. Therefore, if I build a house here I will think only peace and good weather shall be a continual thing. I worry about you though, my brother. Because of your fears you may draw storms to yourself.”

“You misunderstand me,” said the first son. “I do not fear any storm; nevertheless the season of storms will come whether I believe in them or not, or fear them or not. You have not thoroughly tested this philosophy of yours and yet you are willing to bet your life and that of your family on it? I believe it would be wise to make preparations for storms, then we can live in peace even though we have an awareness of turbulence. Your false philosopher teaches you to be in peace through denial of reality. As for me and my house, we realize that there are destructive forces in the world and we need to make necessary preparations to withstand them.”

“How little you understand,” said the second son. “The wise man taught me that destructive forces are illusion and that to prepare for them is to acknowledge their existence and feed them with power. The future is so simple. All I have to do is to not feed the forces of evil and then there will be no evil or turbulence or storms in my reality.”

“But you fell and hurt yourself the other day,” said the first brother. “Were you doing or thinking an evil that caused this to happen?”

“I let my guard down. Also there was a lesson that I needed to learn from the fall and I was not hurt badly so all ended well.”

“Well, to prevent a hurricane is a much greater accomplishment than preventing a fall. If you have not achieved protection on a small scale what makes you believe you can achieve it on a grand scale?”

Because of what I feel and receive within myself,” said the second son. “Inside myself is a great peace and I know that nothing will disturb it.”

“You have one witness, a witness I also have. Internally,” said the first son. “I have peace also and my communion tells me that dualities exist in this world and we must make preparations for them. In addition to this I have a second witness and that is my observations of the outside world. I see that storms do come periodically and preparations must be made for them. I do not fear them because I am ready for them when they come. You do not fear them at present because you are in denial, but if you do not prepare you will fear when you are forced to face that which you deny.”

The second son replied, “We shall see. You are just caught up in old beliefs, but for me I am letting them go and will build my carefree home on sand and live and play amongst the lovely beaches, not allowing the thought of a storm to cross my mind.”

“I am going to build my home several miles inland,” said the first son. “I know of a place that is shielded by mountains and trees. There I can lay a house on a sure foundation of hard concrete so it will be impervious to any storm.”

The two brothers drew up their plans and met again in the hope of working together as the father had said.

“This is not fair,” said the second son. “Your house will take ten times the work to build as mine. My foundation is sand, yours is concrete. My roof is grass, yours is heavy expensive tile. My trusses are branches, yours are fine steel. And many other time consuming items you have added. You are really fearful about a storm aren’t you, my brother.”

“I keep telling you that fear has nothing to do with it. To make preparations to deal with possible realities is caused by a sense of responsibility and such responsibility destroys the possibility of fear. Do I fear when I drive down the highway even though there is the possibility of an accident? No because I drive responsibly in such a way that accidents are avoided. Such prevention of destructive forces eliminates fear.”

The second brother kept staring at the plans. “This will not do,” he said. “You are going to have to build your house and me mine; otherwise I will spend ninety per cent of my time helping you.”

“That doesn’t have to be,” said the first son. “I can see you are determined to build here by the beach. How about if we set back your house a little where there is some solid ground and I will help you build a house like mine with many reinforcements? Even though you have no shield from mountains and trees here we can give you a good fighting chance if a hurricane comes.”

“Not necessary my brother. I desire the simple life and if I spend all my time building a house such as yours I will not have time to enjoy this beautiful place. I can throw up simple living arrangements in a few days and my wife and I will soon be living the good life while you work away at unnecessary protections.”

The first son looked on in sorrow. “I do not fear for myself, for I will make sure my family is protected, but I do have great concern for you, for you are my brother and I love you and want no harm to come to you.”

“And I worry about you not having a life,” said the other.

Thus the two brothers failed to work together as one and went their separate ways and built their homes.

The second brother finished his simple home quite quickly and when he was finished he spent many leisure hours by the beach, fishing, boating and enjoying the sun. Even though the peaceful rays of the sun were nice he grew bored and decided to pay his brother a visit. He found his brother working hard on a sturdy, but beautiful home that was about half finished.

“I knew this was going to take a lot of work,” he said. “Who is this guy helping you?”

“I can’t do all this alone,” said the first son, “so I had to hire someone help me do that which you would have been doing if we had helped each other. We are working many hard hours here, but I have great joy in my labors because I know that we will have protection from all destructive forces that will ever rise against us.

“There you go worrying about destructive forces again.” Then he got a little agitated. “If you would just let go of your fears about these storms that only exist in your mind then we could enjoy some great fishing together.

“I’ll have my whole life to fish when my house is done. On the other hand, I think it may be you and not I who has the fear. I perceive that one of the reasons you are in denial about the possibility of a storm is that you fear it. By burying a belief in current reality you think you can bury fear, but you are deceiving yourself. A buried fear sprouts and grows forth like a weed and eventually looms much bigger than ever.”

“There is no denied fear in me, but only peace and love.”

“I hope so,” said the first son.

“Even if I do lose my home, which I won’t, but if I do I will not lose much for I have little investment. But look at you. You have made a great effort and have much to lose if something happened to your home.”

“A home is more than an investment. It is a means of protection and that protection is worth any investment necessary.”

Time passed and the first son finished his home and had children and raised them there. The second son also had children and raised them at the beach.

For a long time it seemed as if his philosophy was working for the weather was peaceful for a number of years and the second son grew secure in his safety by reason of his thought process.

Then came a day that a great storm gathered. This storm had a life of its own and recognized the thoughts and intentions of no man. The storm drove across the first son’s residence, but was resisted by the mountains and trees so when it passed over the home the foundation and secure beams held everything in place. All during the storm the children played inside with their toys with smiles on their faces as if the sun were shining outside.

The storm passed on to the beach and as the second son saw it approaching his heart began to fear. He kept telling himself over and over to not fear and to have peace, but nothing seemed to work. The storm was upon him and there was nothing he could do for his family. His home was lifted up like a frail leaf and blackness was all he saw.

After what seemed like an eternity he awoke on the beach with several people working to bring him to life.

He got up and looked for his family, his wife and children, but the storm devoured them and they were never seen again. He looked up at the skies and shouted “Why God! Why did you allow this to happen?”

He shouted it out three times and then hung his head in silence as he thought he heard a still small voice reply:

“My son. Why did you allow this to happen?”

Copyright by J J Dewey

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The Vegetarian Diet

Joseph Dewey
This entry is part 11 of 40 in the series 2012A

Thanks for your comments on my meat-eating article.  If I had more than 600 words a lot of your concerns would have been covered.  I think I’ll expand the article for the web page and then submit the shorter version.

DK emphasizes a vegetarian diet for aspirants and such a diet is essential for times when new energies are coming into play for the seeker as he goes through the first and second initiations.  After that he must follow his soul as to when he must assume the practice.

Overall it is the destiny of humanity to move toward a vegetarian diet although I believe there will be some eating of meat for some time to come.

You will note that many of the initiates of the past ate meat – among them are Winston Churchill, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, Abraham Lincoln, H. P. Blavatsky, the Apostle Paul, the twelve apostles and Jesus according to the Bible.  You will remember that Jesus fed 5000 people by multiplying fish.

Alice A. Bailey, who I would guess ate meat, expressed a common sense approach as follows:

I am convinced that there comes a phase in the life of all disciples when they must be vegetarians.  In the same way, there must come a life in which a man or woman should be a celibate.  This they must be in order to demonstrate that they have learned control of the physical nature.  Once they have learned that control and once they can no longer be swayed by the appetites of the flesh, they can be married or not married, they can eat meat or not eat meat as seems best to them and as their karma may indicate or their circumstances dictate.  Once that has been proven, the situation is altered.  The physical disciplines are a phase of training and when the lesson is learnt they are no longer needed.

The argument for vegetarianism, based on the cruelty of animal eating, may not be as sound as it appears to the emotional and sentimental types.  I worried about this a great deal, because I love animals.  I would like here to make two suggestions which I have found helpful.  There is a law of sacrifice governing all the evolutionary process.  The vegetable kingdom draws its sustenance out of the mineral kingdom, for its roots are in the mineral kingdom.  The animal kingdom, on a very large scale, draws its sustenance out of the vegetable kingdom and it lives by the life of that kingdom.  Some of the higher animals are carnivorous and, under the law of evolution, prey upon each other, but they are not incited thereto by man’s thought, as some fanatics claim.  Sequentially, then, the human kingdom might well be regarded as drawing its sustenance out of the animal kingdom and, because man is the macrocosm for all the three lower kingdoms, he might be supposed, normally, to draw his life from all the three, and he does.  In the ancient scriptures of the East, it is pointed out that the human kingdom is “the food of the gods” and in that statement the great “chain of sacrifice” is complete.  My second point has reference to the law of cause and effect, or of Karma, as the Theosophists call it.  In the early days of primitive man, men were the victims of the animal kingdom and they were quite defenseless.  The wild animals of the past preyed upon human beings.  In all kingdoms the Law of Retribution works.  It is possible that it is this law which is one of the factors inclining humanity towards meat eating.  I worked this out in my own consciousness in due course of time but not rapidly.

Unfinished Autobiography, Page 153-154

Here are some good quotes from DK on the subject:

But unless the goal of a vegetarian diet is this field of service (reading the akashic records), the arguments for its following and for that form of diet are usually futile and of no real moment.  From the standpoint of the eternal verities, what a man eats or wears are seen in a connotation very different to that of the one-pointed fanatic.  Let me again reiterate  that this whole problem of the taking of life (whether in the vegetable or the animal kingdom) is a far bigger one than we know, and should be approached from an angle different (not only in degree but in kind) to that of the taking of life in the human family.  The three aspects of divinity meet in man, and with the destiny of a divine son of God no one must interfere.  Where the two aspects of divinity are concerned, as in the subhuman kingdoms, the attitude can be otherwise, and the emerging truth is different to that which the little minds believe.

Esoteric Psychology, Vol 1, Pages 241-242

No set diet could be entirely correct for a group of people on differing rays, of different temperaments and equipment and at various ages.  Individuals are every one of them unlike on some points; they require to find out what it is that they, as individuals, need, in what manner their bodily requirements can best be met, and what type of substances can enable them best to serve.  Each person must find this out for himself.  There is no group diet.  No enforced elimination of meat is required or strict vegetarian diet compulsory.

Pages: 1 2

Teachings and Thoughtforms

Joseph Dewey

June 25, 1999

Teachings and Thoughtforms

I was asked what the Masters do when the disciple they may be working with starts making mistakes or gets centered in the ego.

When this happens (as it often does) the Masters sit back and do nothing. They do not tell the disciple he is in error unless he sincerely petitions to know. Sometimes the disciple will discover his errors and sometimes he does not. If he does not he must come back in a future life and set things straight.

This is the reason soul contact is so important in any group. If a good portion of the group have such contact then they will sense that the teacher is in error and voice their concern and this will sometimes cause the teacher just reflection. If the teacher’s ego is in the way he is likely to turn into a dictator.

Many times with this group I have stressed that I could be wrong on any point that I present and the only way you will know for sure is through your own inner contacts. I can see why many teachers in the past have not done this – because there is always the danger that those who are in the personality will accuse the teacher of error and disrupt the flow when the teacher may yet be in the soul. Nevertheless, this is something that we must face in the great age that is approaching. It is a small price to pay for the group to seek and receive true soul contact.

I was asked to comment on the thoughtforms that the teachers of humanity make available for us.

Indeed the great ones do project inspired ideas and concepts our direction

Let me give you a couple of these.

(1) The concept that there are a group of disciples on the earth that are scattered among all people and groups, yet as a whole identify with none. The fact that there are this group of “new world servers” is a thoughtform available to the masses.

(2) The realization that we can hurt by attempting to help through wrong methods. From this comes the idea than an “enabler” may prolong pain rather than solve it.

(3) Over the past ten years the differences in political thought have been accentuated, forcing many people to formulate their beliefs in the light of day.

(4) Over the past thirty years businesses have become more group conscious and some see employees as an extended family giving more benefits through free will.

These four improvements are sample areas where the Masters send a general energy that can be picked up by those who are ready to help with the progress of the world.

On the other hand, specific teachings that stimulate higher evolution are not thrown out randomly into the ethers for all to pick up.

It is true that all truth is available through the soul when the disciple is ready, but as far as the work of the Masters is concerned, they are very discerning about the specific knowledge that they make available to disciples.

There is much knowledge, keys and formulas that have been sealed up for thousands of years that the Brotherhood will not yet release and would cause great harm if they did. It has been written that “a little knowledge is a dangerous thing.” Perhaps it should be written “a little premature knowledge is a dangerous thing.”

When new specific teachings are given out they are presented in an orderly manner with very little duplication. Duplication of efforts by giving the teachings to many would violate two laws the Brotherhood live by which are:

(1) The law of economy

And

(2) The principle of incorruption.

It is the disciple’s job to give the teachings to the many.

Let us take the keys of knowledge for instance. It would take a lot of duplication of effort to give them out to a dozen disciples. To accomplish this task the Masters would have to neglect other work, thus they rely on the law of economy.

Through following the principle of incorruption the Masters attempt to present new teachings in as pure of a form as the written word can be. If the same teachings were given to a dozen disciples they would all present them in a dozen different variations causing much confusion as to who has the best version. The end results is that there would be much division and no good version would be accepted by the masses.

The teachers of the human race must work with the limitation of words which often make the transmission of core truths difficult. This is why soul contact is so essential.

Let us take the teachings given through Alice A. Bailey with which I know you are familiar. The Masters picked one person for the above stated reasons. There was not disciple A, B and C out there giving out similar teachings. The teachings were uniquely given out through her and there was nothing out there to compete with them for the Brotherhood do not compete with each other in the normal sense.

The inhabitants of the Kingdom of God work like a finely tuned engine. Each entity has his part to play that is not in competition with the other parts. When each does play his part correctly the engine runs smoothly. The Masters do not say “we need a spark plug so let us make this known to a thousand disciples.” How then could the engine run with a thousand spark plugs and no spark plug wires or other parts?

There is a part for all according to desire and ability, but we all have different roles to play at various times. We do change roles from time to time, but when you move on your job must be replaced by another.

Yes, my projections on the group do sound visionary and possibly impractical, but there are two important reasons why it may just happen.

(1) The teachings I present are confirmed by soul contact.

(2) I will not take my attention away from putting energy into the group. the promotion of The Immortal Series and other writings to be published.

A Course in Miracles and other inspired books are often distorted by self deceived teachers to the extent that the general public receives a very erroneous impression of their true value. The teachers of the race do their best to avoid this corruption, but until the majority receive soul contact no inspired teaching will be correctly understood by the masses and many of the teachers.

Copyright by J J Dewey

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Enhancing Communication

Joseph Dewey

June 13, 2017

Enhancing Communication

We have covered the reasons for the political divide and the fact that the two sides do not effectively communicate with each other because they speak two different esoteric languages. This problem of lack of communication and understanding has been greatly acerbated in recent times. It goes beyond the natural differences in focus to a willful refusal to do anything to reach any harmony or compromise with the other side.

This is evidenced by the fact that the voting in Congress has been close to 100% different on each side. This has not only happened with major legislation such as Obamacare as well as its repeal, but even with the recent Supreme Court nominee, Neil Gorsuch, where the vote was basically along party lines. This is unusual as in the past party lines have been crossed to insure that the important vacancies can be filled, even though the nominee is far from their choice.

The last conservative the Democrats embraced was Scalia in 1986. The vote was 98-0 to confirm. A new tone was set the next year when 54 Democrats voted to prevent Robert Bork from a position on the Supreme Court. This trend continued with the next conservative nominee – Clarence Thomas who was barely voted in with 46 Democrats voting against.

As recently as 1993 all but three Republicans voted for Ruth Bader Ginsburg, perhaps the most liberal justice of all time.

The attitude of cooperation from both sides has changed and we will not see much cooperation again unless the general public demands it. Casting their actual vote on election day has the most powerful effect. If voters reject those who are stuck on the extreme partisan position then our representatives will start turning around fast.

The question that arises is what can be done to shake the politicians loose from their fixation on their bias and sincerely look for what is for the good of the country more than maintaining power for their party?

What I think is in favor of the people is that there is still a majority in this country who do not lean to the extreme but sincerely desire to move the country ahead in a positive direction. These people normally do not raise their voices loudly or march in the streets, but quietly go about their lives in the hope that common sense will prevail in the end.

This silent majority vote and that has been the main way that they have made their voices heard, but they could be roused to more action if they saw a way.

I have introduced a plan that can harness the power of this majority that could take us back to ta rule by common sense. Here is the link.

Another thing I would like to see would be the creation of a group that would do a lot of mass advertising that corrects the distortions in the media. They could just be short sound bytes, but could be very powerful as long as they were true. They would go something like this:

This is what you have been told.

Here is the real proven truth:

(Then present a short explanation of truth and common sense)

The big problem is that the vast majority of the people are polarized so much to the left or right that their judgment is affected and they cannot see the truth in the middle. Some are affected much more than others, but few there are that look to the left, the right and then the middle with an objective mind. These few need to step forward and lead the battle toward common sense and a new Aquarian Age of liberty, justice, abundance and right human relations.

I have written the Principles of Political unification, which is composed of twenty statements that most common people can endorse, but which our representatives and leaders need to absorb and apply in their own lives. A lot of the division we experience would be healed if we lived by these principles.

 

The Principles of Political Unification

(1) I seek that which is good for my country and the world above that which is good for my party.

(2) I support the principle of free speech. All shall be allowed to express their political and spiritual views, however repulsive, without legal restrictions.

(3) I support the principle of freedom and work toward securing the greatest possible freedom for individuals and groups in every situation. I accept the principles of freedom enunciated in the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights.

(4) I commit myself to sending good will and the spirit of friendship to all involved in the political process, especially those with differing political views.

(5) Even though the majority may not always support my views, I realize that the majority, when properly informed, rarely will lead us on a dangerous path. I therefore seek to honor the majority will of the people. When I disagree with the will of the people, I will not seek to forcefully control them or change them, but will use peaceful means to inform, educate and enlighten them.

(6) There are a number of issues that cause division, heated debate and anger; examples are abortion, gun control, climate change, social programs, drug legalization, military activities and others. Most cannot be resolved in the near future through the conversion of the other side to my side. I support the following unifying approach: to support the principle of fairness on controversial issues, both sides must be heard even though the other side may be repulsive to me. Free speech and thought is the most important principle and the prime directive of unification and ultimate peace. I therefore commit to the principle of fair play, realizing that both sides deserve to be heard and have their representatives in positions of power. Both sides should have freedom to present their views without legal restriction. Fairness is not to be forced, but allowed and tolerated.

(7) I believe in integrity and honesty, and will seek to be truthful no matter what the opponents do. I seek not to distort or lie for the benefit of my party or for personal gain.

(8) I accept that we must be fiscally responsible and will do all in my power to create a balanced budget, except in times of national crisis. I will only support programs for which funds can be raised without adding to the national debt.

(9) I agree that the people are taxed enough and seek to keep the budget within the range of current tax revenues (or preferably lower) and to not raise the percentage of taxes on anyone unless the majority of taxpayers agree.

(10) I agree to put the security of my country and the world above the views or actions of my own political party. If others of my party sabotage national security, or undermine a just effort toward the elimination of threats, I will be just as critical of them as the opposing party.

(11) I accept the fact that there is great waste and inefficiency in government spending and commit myself to eliminate waste and increase efficiency wherever and whenever possible.

(12) I accept and support the idea that we can save ourselves much grief by learning from the mistakes of history so we do not repeat them. It is therefore of extreme importance that the youth be accurately taught, without censorship, national and world history in a way that is of interest and will be absorbed by them. I will oppose all those who revise history in a distorted fashion for political gain or in support of a political agenda.

(13) I agree that extremism has been and is the cause of many problems in the world and seek to not impose extreme views on the people. If I happen to have extreme views that I believe to be of value, I will seek to persuade by education rather than by force.

It is also a problem when political opponents are called extremists when over a third of the public supports them. Such accusations are extremist in disguise. I seek to not be extreme myself in distorting the image of opponents by calling them extremists when such is not true. For instance, it is not extremism to be simply for or against abortion, as there are many on both sides of the equation.

(14) I support the elimination of poverty but realize there are two approaches to this. The first is to give a helping handout and the second is to provide circumstances so the person may help himself. Extremists on this issue have warred against each other and have been the cause of much division. I reject extremism on both sides and seek to recognize the value of both sides. There are times of helplessness when people need direct assistance, and times when they need to be encouraged to stand on their own feet. I do not support handouts to those who are capable of helping themselves and refuse to do so.

(15) I support the separation of church and state, but reject extremism on both sides. I reject the extreme that the government should endorse any specific religious influence on public policy even though all religions have the freedom to express their views. I also reject the other extreme that any mention of God, religious values, or the public display of religious symbols is not to be tolerated.

(16) I support equal rights for all races, both sexes and members of all religions and ideologies. I recognize that the large majority of both sides of the political spectrum seek what is best for all races and minorities (even though the opposition has a different approach) and refuse to manufacture accusations for political gain.

(17) I recognize that the large majority on both sides of the political spectrum seeks what is best for the environment, but, again, both sides have a different approach.

Two extremes causing division are: the first is preserving the environment even if there is strong economic and job loss. The second is seeking profits at the expense of the environment. The truth is the two are interdependent. A strong economy can provide funds to help the environment and a healthy environment provides for a good long-term economy. I seek, therefore, to work with both sides of this issue and will desire cooperation rather than assigning blame. I seek to aid the environment without harming the economic structure.

(18) I recognize we are a nation of laws and will not support the subversion of law for political gain. I will condemn such subversion of those who share my views as well as those who do not.

(19) I will support the establishment of necessary law as well as the elimination of bad, as well as useless laws that clutter the system.

(20) In the end, I support the example of John Kennedy who, while campaigning, found good things to say about his opposition. Instead of tearing them down, he said, “we can do better.” I support the idea of converting by good works and ideas rather than tearing down the opposition, who represents approximately half the country, many of whom are my friends and neighbors.

For Part 1 of this Treatise go HERE  Part 2 HERE

Copyright by J J Dewey

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Two Different Languages

Joseph Dewey

 

June 13, 2017

Two Different Languages

So we have established why there is a black hole interfering with the right and the left communicating with and understanding each other. The right tries to convince through analytical reasoning and the left through appeal to the emotions. When the emotions conflict with mind then we have the Men are from Mars and Women are from Venus effect. It is as if people from two different worlds were trying to talk to each other.

That which each side is trying to say and that which is heard are often two different things, as if different languages were spoken.

Here are some examples.

WELFARE

The Left says: We must make food stamps available to all those in need.

What the Right hears: We must throw additional borrowed money at this problem and much of it will be wasted.

The Right says: An increase in spending will increase our debt as all the tax money is already spent. We must make sure food stamps are given to those in need and not taken advantage of.

What the Left hears: The right is happy to see people starve because they just want to funnel money to their pet projects.

THE BUDGET

The Left says: Reducing spending would hurt the poor and disadvantaged.

What the Right hears: I’m willing to spend borrowed money whether we can pay it back or not. What I want is the most important thing.

The Right says: We are $20 Trillion in debt and do not have the money to spend endlessly. We must cut back or suffer eventual collapse.

What the Left hears: I am a soulless human being willing to balance the budget on the backs of the poor.

IMMIGRATION

The Left says: We are a nation of immigrants and must open our doors to them. We need them.

What the Right hears: We must have completely open borders, ignore all immigration laws and make the illegals citizens as they will become new voters for Democrats.

The Right says: I am for legal immigration. We must have just laws that control border crossing as we are limited in the number we can assimilate. We must also take measures to prevent terrorists from crossing.

What the Left hears: I am a racist who wants to discriminate against darker skinned people. Immigrants are bad people, even terrorists.

We could supply many other examples, but this should suffice to give the reader an idea of the language barrier that exists.

It is interesting that we are leaving the Age of Pisces, which for over 2000 years strongly influenced humanity. Pisces is the most emotionally charged of all the signs and is ruled by the sixth ray of idealism. Despite all the emotionally charged wars and conflicts much good has come out of it. We had the great example of love, sacrifice and the ideal human being presented to us by the Christ. People are much more centered on helping and loving each other than they were 2000 years ago.

We are now entering the Age of Aquarius. Aquarius is an air sign symbolic of the dominance of mind and reason and is ruled by Ray 7 which favors the analytical side, ceremony, business, law and order.

During this transition period the conflict of the two energies will be great as those centered in the passing energies will fight with all their power to preserve the dominance of feeling.

This is why we see many emotional marches, protests and even violence from the left in attempting to silence or stop the progression from the right. In addition we see almost daily attempts by the left to prevent people from the right from speaking. If authorities cannot be convinced to reject them as speakers they will protest the speech and often enter with the the audience and shout down the speakers.

This type of emotional behavior comes almost exclusively from the left and is a sign of a last Hail Mary resistance before the new energies of mind settle in and dominate.

What we have seen from the recent left is the negative side of the feeling aspect. As the Aquarian energies begin to dominate we will see more of the positive side put to use that works toward a practical ideal and puts emphasis on love for humanity and right human relations.

As the Aquarian energies take hold we will see both the feeling and analytical natures satisfied as never before. For instance:

  • Nations will experience problems from overspending to the point where they will be forced to deal with the problem and correct it. We will eventually develop a plan to live within our means.
  • The disadvantaged will be assisted but we will not have to borrow from our grandchildren to do it. A logical plan will manifest.
  • After a number of points of tension the world will achieve stability so nations will not have to spend so much on the military.
  • Poorer nations will achieve more economic stability so there will be little need of illegal crossing of borders. This will cause borders to be more open, similar to the situation with Canada and the United States.
  • Alternative sources of energy will become readily available reducing the conflict between the climate alarmists and skeptics. It will not matter who is right if our energy sources are clean.
  • As logical non discriminatory plans are set in motion and more minorities achieve success race relations will improve.
  • Education, will trim itself of the non essentials and refocus on efficient learning. Salman Khan, founder of Khan Academy is an initiate who has set the new tone for this to develop.
  • It may be some time before most agree on the actual language around LGBT rights, but tolerance is on the increase and people as a whole will develop a live and let live attitude toward those different than themselves.
  • Attention will shift away from traditional religion toward one that focuses on spiritual values. Value will be seen in the different belief systems.
  • Increasingly, people will get discouraged with traditional medicine and turn to alternative and preventive medicine. This, as well as greater efficiency, will eventually cause medical expenses to go down.

The extremists relish the conflict of the two sides, but their days are numbered. Progress is on the side of unity even though it may not be obvious. When the day comes that people’s basic needs are met the angry divisive voices will not garner as much attention.

For Part 1 of this Treatise go HERE

Copyright by J J Dewey

Index for Older Archives in the Process of Updating

Index for Recent Posts

Easy Access to All the Writings

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