Tag: Joseph Smith

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This entry is part 5 of 34 in the series 2010B

Posted May 10, 2010

My Friends,
I’ve come across a rare book privately published in 1971 derived from an even rarer book published in 1960. It has no copyright notice so I believe it is in the public domain. This is one of those stories that makes you wonder how much is true and how much fiction. Thanks goes to Larry Woods for his final edit. Take a read and decide for yourselves.

I’ll post it in several sections. Here is part 1.

The Great White Chief and Indian Messiah

“THE CHOICE SEER”

By NORMAN C. PIERCE

“For Joseph truly testified, saying: A seer shall the Lord my God raise up, who shall be a choice seer unto the fruit of my loins. ” (2Ne. 3:6) Behold, The Man Whose Name Is The BRANCH!

Foreword

This account of the Great White Chief, Echa Tah Echa Nah, was first published in 1960, in Los Angeles by Mother Mary, who says that she received it from an Indian. It appears to be a first person account of two explorers or archaeologists, who are brothers and who do not identify themselves any further than as “Paul and I, ” except to say that they are of Indian blood, and that their parents lived in Chinle, Arizona, in Navajo country.

We are impressed by the great similarity of this story to the one given us by Natoni Nezbah, also a Navajo, which received wide circulation in 1945, both in manuscript and printed form. We did not publish that story. It just went on its own by being copied and re-copied, until finally someone published it.

The events mentioned in the following account appear to have taken place during a three year period in the mid-thirties, and we accept it at its face value as a true account of their adventures and experiences among these White Indians in their sacred city located somewhere near the Guatemala-Yucatan border. We have sought their permission to reprint this part of their account, and purposely omitted the parts concerning their explorations in Peru, and also their discussions of tribal laws, beliefs, marriage laws, and laws of punishment among various North American tribes, as our main interest is in the Chigaraguans and their Great White Chief, Echa Tah Echa Nah, The Mighty and Wise One, whose name is Joseph, the same as his father before him. (From other Indian sources.) IV V

We believe that the Chigaraguans are, indeed, of true Josephite-Nephite lineage, preserved in the protective custody of the Lord from Book of Mormon times to the present, and that they most certainly possess original copies of the ancient Nephite records, also other sacred records and relics which are described herein. Is not all this specifically promised in the following words found in 2 Nephi, 25:21-22 ?

“Wherefore, for this cause hath the Lord God promised unto me (Nephi) that these things which I write shall he kept and preserved, and handed down unto my seed, from generation to generation, that the promise may be fulfilled unto Joseph (my brother), that his seed should never perish as long as the earth should stand. Wherefore, these things shall go from generation to generation as long as the earth shall stand. . . . and the nations who shall possess them shall be judged of them according to the words which shall be written. “

Is it not logical that the name of Joseph, the brother of Nephi, should be passed along from father to son until this very day to give this people their identity as the descendents of Lehi’s son Joseph, as well as Joseph of Egypt, as premised by Father Lehi in the 3rd Chapter of 2nd Nephi? “For his name shall be called Joseph, and it shall be after the name of his father. “

Is it too much to believe that this Great White Chief received the Keys of the Kingdom in 1932, as set forth in my book, THE 3 1/2 YEARS? There are seven sections or chapters in that book about this Great Prophet, whose name is The BRANCH, that deserve your reviewing. When he comes should we not readily and whole heartedly accept him as rightly having authority over us, as promised in 3 Nephi, 16:12? Does it not clearly state that we “Believing Gentiles” shall not have power or authority over them? So it follows that they must have power or authority over us.

And let us not be disturbed over the apparent advanced age of this Great Prophet. If he is not already translated, he very soon will be, for it is his promise in The Testament of Levi that: (See also D&C, 8(4:33)

“After that the Lord bath sent vengeance upon them in the Priesthood, then God will raise up a new Priest unto whom all the Lord’s word shall be opened, and he shall execute true judgment upon the earth. . . As a king shall he . shed forth the Light of Knowledge. . . and he shall be magnified over all the world. . . The Heavens shall be opened, and out of the Temple of Glory shall sanctification (or translation) come with the Father’s voice. He shall give abundantly to his children in truth for ever more, and none shall succeed him to the end of the world. “

And what of the Indian Messiah? We know that the Prophet Joseph Smith twice prophesied that the Messiah would come about 1890. (See. D&C, 130:14-17, and also History of the Church, Vol. 2:182. ) Should not this then be a divine admonition to us to accept the Walker Lake event at its full face value? Where else do you find such a complete fulfillment?

One thing for sure, we will know the facts about all this and much more when the Indian’s DAY OF PURIFICATION comes; which they say is now at hand!

(Please note that the footnotes in the pages of THE GREAT WHITE CHIEF, are ours. We have also shortened some of the chapter titles and provided a few of the subtitles; otherwise the material comes as it was written by the Indian author. -NCP. ) It is our sincere hope The Great White Chief is here when you read this?

CHAPTER I

A FEW PARTING THOUGHTS

The Great White Chief

(The two archaeologists have just completed an account of their explorations of ancient cities in Peru, known as Machu Picchu, Cuzco and Chan Chan. And now they resume their story as they come into Central America.)

After passing through the Panama Canal, we soon were in the extreme southern part of Guatemala where we remained for a few days before crossing over into the extreme northern part of Nicaragua, where we heard of a lost city over in the Mesquite Indian country.

Soon we were on our way in search of these orphan-like lost cities. Consulting our relief maps, we failed to find the above mentioned cities, so we decided they were too small to chart, and decided to go in search of them.

After twelve days of hiking through swampy jungle country, we got our first glimpse of one of the smaller cities. We found twenty buildings almost completely covered by jungle growth at this one site. We remained at this place five days, and we knew that this had once been inhabited by the Toltecs.

Very little information could be gathered here so we decided to make ‘a large circle in a tour of the other cities, before retracing our steps hack to civilization. At no place did we find more than twelve buildings, and gained next to no data, so we finally abandoned the hope of finding anything worthwhile. We headed straight for the larger modern city known as Quetzal Uenango, and after eleven days of rough traveling, we arrived at our destination and went at once in search of a bathtub, hair cut with all the trimmings, and soma clean clothes. X

We heard of several larger cities in the northern part of Guatemala and some in Honduras. There were stories of one particular temple located in the central part of Honduras that sounded quite interesting. The explorer who had been very near this temple, informed us that he had come to within five miles of this site, and that this temple was truly in taboo country. Native members of his safari refused to go any closer than they were.

The data that he had received from various natives, made it a fact that this temple contained carvings and statues of monkeys. He was so interested in seeing this one great building that he pressed the safari to accompany him into it, but they steadfastly refused to do so and threatened, unless he took them away from this taboo country, they would rebel, leaving him alone to get out the best way he could. He then tried to get the services of other natives, but it seemed that all were superstitious of this taboo country.

He then informed us that we would need a month’s supply of food to carry us through. Paul and I at once got a safari together and started out to outfit It with supplies, and in telling the safari where we were going, they all left us flat, no further questions asked, so that was that. Searching about in our minds, Guatemala City seemed to be a place of opportunity and excitement, so we started out for there.

After arriving at Guatemala City, we loafed around, sightseeing and spending our time in a leisurely fashion, but finding nothing of particular interest. So we left there to go to the Playa of the Quiche. Here we visited some of the extremely old ruins, and took a few day s trip back into the jungle before returning to Guatemala City. We had heard of interesting places in Mexico, and decided to visit Mitla and Monte Alban.

CHAPTER II

Our First Visit

During our preliminary work at Mitla, we had heard so many stories or tales of the White or Chigaraguan Indians. Some of the stories seemed reasonable, while others were doubtful. The director of our expedition requested me to take the necessary supplies and go back to make a survey, if possible, of these White Indians.

Paul had agreed to remain at Mitla and interpret for the group. We talked for a while with the two guides, and made ready to leave. At daybreak the following day, we -left on horseback for the east. By noon we had left the lowlands and were gradual climbing. Jungle growth did not bother us until the late afternoon of our first day, are made camp by the river, and had to build several smudge fires to ward off the mosquitoes and other flying insects.

After a fitful night of tossing, sweating and, bug and insect interference, we pulled up camp before daylight and trekked toward the southeast. By ten o’clock we had made good time and decided to rest, but we had stopped only about an hour, when out of a clear sky a tropical storm broke. It rained off and on until noon. The heat became almost unbearable, so WI! pushed on.

We were slowly climbing again and the jungle growth became bad. After cutting our way C rough dense jungle foliage, we were able to go on until near sundown. Then we made camp. The King River was about a mile above us, so the insects were not so bad, but the day had been a grueling one and we were ready ‘to sleep. 4

Soon after moonrise our horses became frightened and were on the verge of stampeding. I got up to quiet them and soon found out what caused the trouble A young panther on his first raid was causing the commotion.

After five days of traveling through very rugged and mountainous terrain, I first saw the wall that surrounds the domain of the White Chigaraguan Indians! After descending a long slope, and then riding over a level valley, we came to a very large gate. Some of the Chigaraguan men were at the entrance, looking very stoical and remaining silent.

After a preliminary talk by the two guides. I was introduced to the people at the gate. After talking to them in their native language, an Aztec dialect, for some time, I was informed that they had no hostile feelings for me, an outsider. After a short conversation with them I was introduced to their historian.

After a few sand writings and general talk in regard to myself and my people, I was permitted to come into the city. I was greatly impressed by their buildings and homes. All were in very light or white color, and were constructed of stone or wood. They were colored with a substance something like our whitewash. All of them were of one story structure, with two or three rooms approximately 12 x 14 feet, but there were also others that had six or eight rooms of the same size.

The most notable feature of the people was the clothes they wore. Instead of the customary shirt and trousers that most of the Indians of North America wear, the Chigaraguan clothing consisted of a robe made very similar to a bathrobe (with marks and symbols on it). The sleeves are very long and the robe ties in front with three tie strings. The length of 5

the robe is usually to the arch of the foot, or at least to the ankle. Also there is a cowl or hood. Everyone wears the same, men, women and children. All are made of homespun wool, very soft, and of a porous weave. They wear light, white boots of a soft, white leather. -Such is the dress of the Chigaraguans.

It was the smile and the serene greeting of the people that became so noticeable during the short time I was first among them. Shortly I was taken to their great leader, The Mighty and Wise One, Echa Tah Echa Nah.

At their most sacred Temple, the people gather for religious purposes only. It is here that the most sacred rites are administered, marriages, baptisms, blessings, and the last rites for the dead. Every thirteenth and twenty-sixth day are set aside for the gathering of the people to this most sacred Temple.

Always present at these meetings are his counselor, Yin Nah She, Aban Kar, his second counselor, his twelve council members, and the tribal historian. A complete record is kept of all proceedings for future reference.

A small room adjoining the sacred Temple is set aside for the library where both sacred and historical records are kept. They date back prior to 480 B. C. and have been written on parchment and skins, and some are on metal plates. There are records in many ancient languages. Many are written in hieroglyphics pictographs, and petroglyphs.

There is no disease, vice, crime or tension among these people. Theirs is a true Utopia, I was given a beautiful blessing in one of the temples, and saw many of their sacred records. 6

As the two guides and I made ready to depart, we were invited into the temple, blessed and given gifts from each of the sixteen council members. An invitation was extended for us to return anytime. Reluctantly, we took leave of the Chigaraguan people, and after five day’s travel, we returned to Mitla.

CHAPTER III

The Mitla Legend

MITLA, without a doubt, proved one of the most interesting cities of any we had the pleasure of working in during our entire three year expedition. We found the most beautiful stone work and mosaic of fine inlay patterns. The precision with which the city was laid out was remarkable. We found many interesting artifacts and secured a great deal of data by our daily contacts with the Indian people living nearby.

I had the pleasure of learning a very interesting legend of Natla during one of the ceremonies held by the Indian people. This was told us by one of the wise old men of the tribe. He started by saying:

“Many, many suns ago before the mountains had grown, a great city thrived where the ruins now stand. The people were happy and gay. There was harmony and peace, and abundance and industry. They reached a high degree of development and enjoyed an advanced civilization and culture because of their education and seeking after the higher truths.

“There were great teachers among them, white-robed ones who had come from afar, they knew not where. The wisdom and perfection gained from their teaching was far beyond the knowledge the inhabitants could have gleaned from their own efforts. Then pride and lust for power took hold of the people. The greed for wealth and the desire for domination over their brothers began to creep into their lives, 8

“They hearkened less and less to the teachings and truths of the noble, white-robed ones, who had brought them up to such a peak of perfection and civilization. The people were drunk with independence, wealth and power. Crime began to enter their lives, Then immorality and dissolute living turned them away forever from the high morals and righteous teachings of their white-robed mentors. They were warned to repent and cease their wickedness, but they had become hardened and turned deaf ears to all pleadings.

“Destruction descended upon them. One morning they who had arrived, awoke to behold a flat, barren earth before them. The beautiful city was gone. The white-robed beings had departed. Nothing but desolation stretched before them. Only the foundations of the beautiful buildings remained; and to this day it remains thus. One can see only the subterranean city of empty foundations, which is all that remains of the once beautiful city of culture and learning and high attainment. “

CHAPTER IV

Chi Chi Suma

After visiting several sights in the Quiche country, Paul and I Were guests of Chi Chi Suma, who was the leader of all the Quiche Indian people throughout Guatemala. The Quiche have a very peculiar law, A person from the outside world is not welcome among them until Chi Chi Suma accepts them and makes known to the people that the outsider is welcome among them. Anyone who breaks this law and accepts an outsider without the approval from the chief, has a mental curse put upon him. There have been many cases of this curse known. Infect, Chi Chi Suma put a curse upon his own daughter for breaking this secret law, and she dwindled away and died not long after.

The Quiche’s mode of living is somewhat similar to the Chigaraguans, but not to the same extent, owing to the fact that the Chigaraguans are in such an isolated place, having no contact with the outside world. Whereas the Quiches live near many of the thriving cities of Guatemala, and are in daily contact with the outside.

Living among the Quiches, for a short period, Paul and I were accepted and later on adopted by Chi Chi Suma, and accepted by all the people. We were taught many things pertaining to their laws, rituals and traditions, and were soon permitted to take an active part in all their daily activities.

Not long after this adoption, we were taken to one of the more remote villages where we were informed by Chi Chi Sutra that the people were preparing for the Fire Dance, which was to take place during the near future. After making ourselves comfortable to remain there, we started to take part in their preparations also, upon an invitation extended to us by Chi Chi Suma. 10 11

We busies. . ourselves for several days under the watchful eyes and instructions of one of the elder sages who had taught many of the Quiches their part in this magnificent, ceremonial Fire Dance. Each one taking part in this sacred ritual, must make his entire costume as described by the old sage, and we were no exception.

Working very diligently weaving the short skirts and the breast harness (made similar to a lady’s brassier), also a long cape of the color chosen by the instructor, to be worn over the entire costume, our regalia was completed when the time came to use it. The feather headdresses are made of exquisite bird plumage of one color. The white pad-boots are made similar to those worn by the Chigaraguan people.

Paul and I trained faithfully to take part in this magnificent spectacle. We had both taken part in many dances and ceremonials, but none so elaborate or more sacred that the Fire Dance. It was necessary to remain with this group of dancers until the part in the ceremonial was perfected. We practiced from four to six hours each day to the music of the tom toms, reeds and an instrument similar to that of the xylophone. They simply beat sticks together in the rhythm of the music, at times making a cymbal-like crash.

When the dance was mastered to the satisfaction of our tutor, information came that it was expected of us, not only to take part in the ceremonial dance, but to accept also the honor and distinction of marching in the grand procession, walking side by side with Chi Chi Suma and his great council circle, each bearing his firestick.

Three days before the celebration of this gala event, all dancers taking part were summoned before Chi Chi Suma, who gave a lengthy talk in regard to the significance of the Fire Dance, and he praised all who had practiced so faithfully. The second day prior to the dance was spent in giving thanks and praise to Itla, the Fire God. The last day prior to the dance, last minute inspections were made to be sure all things might be in readiness by dawn of the following day.

All during the night people from nearby villages and many from distant villages, made pilgrimages to the site to witness the ceremonial, which had not been portrayed for fifty-two years.

Next morning at daybreak, came the hour of prayer. Then all the dancers, dressed in the ceremonial costumes, met at the Playa of the Quiches. Chi Chi Suma and all of his councilmen were dressed in all of their ceremonial splendor to head the great procession.

The one who lights the firestick is the one who was born on the day of the last Fire Dance, fifty-two years ago. On this occasion there were three who were born on that day, two ladies and one man. Chi Chi Suma bade all three place their torches in the great firepot and light their torches. Then, to the beating of the tom toms and the music of the reed-blowers, this grand ceremonial parade started its trek to the great amphitheatre-like recess hidden away in the nearby mountains. The procession was led by the three torch bearers, followed by Chi Chi Suma, Paul and me. Immediately in the rear were his great council, followed by all the dancers, making one of the most colorful processions ever to be witnessed.

As the procession slowly wound its way toward the great amphitheatre, all the people reviewing this parade chanted in the rhythm of the reed-blowers and tom toms. Upon the arrival of this procession at the amphitheatre, Chi Chi Suma, with his council, and Paul and I were seated in respective places of dignity. 13 12

The three torch bearers entered into the arena followed by all the dancers who were to take part. Half the reed-blowers and drummers were seated on each side of the arena, while the remaining half of the musicians took their places among the spectators to relieve the others at a designated time during the dance.

Soon the great amphitheatre was filled with spectators. At a signal by Chi Chi Suma, the stick crackers gave a crash with their sticks and a hush fell over this tremendous crowd. Chi Chi Suma arose and addressed the people and gave a short prayer. Then upon a gesture from him the Fire Dance started.

The three torch bearers touched their torches to a large fire bowl filled with a pitch-like substance and a great flame shot upward. Surrounding this bowl were thirteen young ladies, each having two sticks in her hand. They thrust these into the flames and withdrew the burning sticks. Then, turning from the bowl, they faced a great circle of male dancers. The length of these sticks was about eighteen inches.

With a quick, underhand motion, each girl in her turn, threw the lighted firestick to the male dancer opposite her, who caught it as it made the second complete turn in the air. Then the action went to the dancer next to the first. After all the firesticks had been lighted, and each dancer held his stick aloft in his right hand to the music of the reeds and tom lams and sticks, they marched twice around the arena each dancer taking his respective position.

Immediately the drums and the sticks ceased making any sound, and to the music of the reeds, started one of the most beautiful and precise juggling acts that one could ever hope to see. These many torches were exchanged between the dancers, each being tossed high into the air with perfect timing and precision, in many different patterns. All the while the reed- blowers were playing shrill, plaintive music. During this time, all the lady dancers gradually withdrew, leaving only the male dancers in the arena. This, we consider one of the greatest displays of juggling ever to be accomplished. At a certain pitch from the reed-blowers, the tom toms gradually broke in. The act of juggling decreased and soon each torch bearer was holding his lighted firestick aloft in his right hand.

The music abruptly stopped and the chanting of praise from the spectators was under way. Upon a signal from the drummers, all the male dancers slowly marched out of the arena, leaving only the great flaming fire bowl in the center. The first part of the dance was over.

Many of the spectators remained in their seats while others walked about to stretch their legs and to discuss current events. Paul and I excused ourselves from Chi Chi Suma and went among the people, chatting here and there, and winding up at the huge food center to help ourselves to the many delicacies spread before us. Here the people discussed the dance they had just witnessed or, on the other hand, if this was the first dance they had witnessed, excitement ran high in their eloquence of its enjoyment. All spectators were arrayed in the very finest raiment.

Paul and I returned to Chi Chi Suma and his councilmen, and described to him how highly we had enjoyed the event thus far. Chi Chi Suma signaled to the drummers, and they in turn started a slow muffled beat on the tom toms, calling the people to assemble again for the last part of the dance.

As the people gathered to their respective places, Chi Chi Suma called one of the ladies holding the sacred firestick, and bade her bring it to him. He and his chief adviser arose, turning to Paul and me, he placed the burning firestick in my hand and informed 15

me that I was to take his place as leader of the people, and Paul would be my chief counselor during this part of the dance, while Chi Chi Suma and his chief counselor went fo; a much needed rest.

Soon the tom toms stopped beating, Chi Chi Suma bade Paul and me stand up, and while I was still holding the lighted firestick, Chi Chi Suma removed my cape, while his chief counselor removed Paul’s cape. Then Chi Chi Suma placed his cape around my shoulders, and his counselor did likewise for Paul. Chi Chi Suma then removed my feathered headdress and placed his own special headdress upon my head. His counselor did the same for Paul.

Chi Chi Soma called to his people and said, “My son shall. be your leader, and his brother shall be his adviser until this part of the Fire Dance is over. I ask your approval. ” Immediately a cry of approval arose From the people, who rose to their feet, shouting, “Chek Ta! Chek Ta!” (approval).

Chi Chi Some very rapidly described to me what I should do, and he and his counselor quietly retired from the tribunal box. Immediately after Chi Chi Suma’s departure, I rose to my feet, which was the signal for the reed-blowers, tom toms and stick clackers to begin the music. I motioned to one of the three ladies who carried the firesticks, to come to me. ‘often she approached, I stooped from the tribunal box and touched my lighted firestick to the one she held, lighting it. She then turned and walked away. Another of the three came to the tribunal box and in the same manner her firestick was lighted. The third lady who approached me, had no firestick in her hand, so I leaned down from the tribunal box and placed my lighted firestick in her band.

On each side of the great, burning fire bowl stood two rows of lady dancers, twenty-five on one side and twenty four on the other side, with unlighted fire-sticks in their right hands. The one to whom I had given my firestick headed the line of twenty-four, she making the twenty-fifth dancer in that line. The other two ladies who carried the lighted firesticks, walked down the lines on opposite sides of the fire bowl and lighted the firesticks of each dancer.

The costumes of the women were made of a sieve-less, form-fitting blouse of about a Chinese-red color. The skirt, of the same material and color, reached just below the knees and was very full. Around the waist they wore a three-inch blue sash. A head-band to match was worn over their shoulder length hair. All wore white pack-boots, reaching to about three inches below the kneecap,

As soon as all the firesticks were lighted, and the fifty-two dancers started to chant, the music at once changed. The drummers and stick-clackers ceased and only the reed-blowers produced music for this part of the dance. As soon as the tom toms and sticks ceased to play, the ladies marched to the huge fire-bowl to the music of the reeds, first in single file, then each one touching her left hand to the right hand of the firestick bearer behind her. Breaking from this pattern, they formed pairs and marched around the firebowl. From this they broke into single file again, intertwining as they marched around the fire-bowl.

This part of the dance is quite slow, but the pattern of the dance changes rapidly and it lasts for apparently thirty minutes. Just before time for the dance to end, the tom toms and sticks took up the rhythm, indicating that this part of the dance was ended; upon which the ladies marched in single file to the exits of the arena amid the wild applause of the spectators. IV , 16

A recess of several hours was in progress until late afternoon, when the third and final part of the dance was to begin. Everyone again partook of food and chatted with each other and played with the children. Chi Chi Suma and his counselor mingled with the people, and Paul and I enjoyed this close contact with the people on a day set aside for so sacred an occasion.

Chi Chi Suma pointed to a shadow on the rocks and reminded the people that it was time for everyone to assemble in the arena for the last part of the dance. Slowly the great arena began to fill. The reed-blowers started to make music. When the shadow reached a certain mark on the stone marker, Chi Chi Suma signaled for the final part of the dance to begin.

Turning to Paul and me he said, “My son, you and your brother will go to the arena and take your part in the ceremony that you have been taught. ” We adjusted our own headdresses and went down the runway and entered into the arena by the same way all the other dancers had entered. We looked about for our instructor, and soon found him conversing with some of the other dancers. He saw us and beckoned us to come to him. After a few final hasty words of instruction, he gave Paul and me an unlighted firestick each and told us to take our respective places among the dancers.

The stick-clackers, upon a signal from Chi Chi Suma, started the slow rhythmic beat, and a silence fell over the entire arena. When all was quiet, Chi Chi Suma and his council members all arose and Chi Chi Suma immediately began to pray. Upon conclusion of the prayer, he signaled for the reed-blowers and the drummers along with the stick-clackers to begin and the final part of the Fire Dance was under way.

Paul took a very brief part and immediately left the arena. Upon completion of my part I left the arena, too, and together Paul and I joined Chi Chi Suma and the council members, to witness the final part of the grand spectacle.

All the fifty-two men and fifty-two women appeared in this final part- Each dancer marched by the fire-bowl and lighted his firestick at the beginning of the dance. This is the most sacred part of the dance, and was very quietly and precisely carried out. There was no wild scampering or twirling of the firesticks here. The dancers marched and entwined in twos and fours to perfection.

Near the close of the dance, two members entered the arena while the dance was still in progress, and on the left side of the firebowl from the council members, set a huge drum upon a low pedestal. At the same time two members entered carrying a large pottery jar of water which they set on the right side of the firebowl. The clackers and drummers ceased their rhythmic beating, leaving only the plaintive music of the reeds to be heard.

There came a very brief pause and the two who had brought in the big drum started to beat out deep, intonating sounds which signaled the reed-blowers to cease their playing. The drummers beat upon the huge drum for about three minutes and immediately came to a pause. Chi Chi Suma arose at this brief pause and announced to the people that the sacred ceremonial dance had been danced in honor of Itla the Fire God, whom he knew was well pleased and would bestow his blessings upon the earth people. In a very humble and reverent voice he said that fifty-two years would pass before another dance would be held, and he knew he would not be there to see the third one. He gave his blessing to the people and a special blessing to Paul and me; and to the music of the reed-blowers and the tom tom beaters, all the people returned to their homes. 18

That night Paul and I sat and talked with Chi Chi Suma and he related many incidents that had happened in the long, dead past, as well as many things that had happened during his life. We stayed among the Quiches and made ready to go up into Mexico or Yucatan.

On our day of departure, we had a lengthy visit with Chi Chi Suma and his counselors. As we left the Quiche people, Chi Chi Suma rode a short distance with us, and gave Paul and me a very beautiful blessing. Then he turned slowly to return to the land of the Quiches, and Paul and I went on our way, always remembering Chi Chi Suma as a great man, both in intelligence and in spirituality.

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The Great White Chief Part 5

Index for Older Archives in the Process of Updating

This entry is part 9 of 34 in the series 2010B

Posted May 14, 2010
CHAPTER XX
The Great Trek North

After the dead will have been buried and the injured healed, and all is quiet and peaceful again, he, Echa Tah Echa Nah, will call all the survivors of the great holocaust, who live in his country and prepare them for the great trek from their land to the north. At this time he will send runners to Chi Chi Suma, who is second in command, bidding him to call the survivors in his part of the country to prepare themselves for a great journey they would embark upon, for they were now to leave their country forever.

Many months before starting preparations will proceed by all the people getting together to raise all the foodstuffs that will be necessary, also all other things that the people will need for their survival. The pottery workers will immediately prepare containers of adequate size and shape to transport the grains and foodstuffs. The basket makers will do likewise. Leather workers will prepare all articles necessary to be used during this great trek. Weavers will make blankets, robes and all other articles of clothing needed, until the people can again be settled in their new homes.

TEMPLE STONES PREPARED

All this is in the future, and the people are waiting for the time to come when they will abide by what he has instructed them to do. During this period of waiting, the people are not idle for they have hand-hewn and polished all the stone blocks to be used in the Great Temple, and hand polished the white mountain mahogany wood that will be used to beautify this most sacred edifice.

Each stone is cut so that it will be interlocked to the stone adjoining it. Dumbbell-like keystones link them together. No nails will be used in the building of this unique structure. All woodwork will be fitted together with wooden pegs or pins. Only the most precious metals will be used for decorative purposes. However, these will have no face value during this period for there will be no medium of exchange. Semi-precious stones such as jasper, turquoise, sardonyx, lapis lazuli, and amethyst will he used to add splendor to the exterior of this Most Holy Temple.

As previously mentioned, after the disasters, two great people will leave the Chigaraguan country forever to begin their trek to the site where this Great Temple is to be erected. Following divine guidance and inspiration, the place will not be difficult to locate. There they will make preparations and begin work on the Holy Temple, and the Holy City within walls.

Echa Tah Echa Nah, having previously notified the people to prepare themselves for this long trek, will call his council members together to tell them that the time has now come for them to begin the task of final preparation for embarking upon this journey. At the close of this council meeting, the council members will go, each to his own community and personally supervise the final preparations, seeing that all is in readiness for this move. A great bustling about will begin as the people round up the livestock, pack grain and foodstuffs and other useful things for their departure from the land of the Chigaraguans.

One of the last acts of preparations will be the tremendous task of moving the stones for the Great Temple, the responsibility of which has been placed upon one of the council members. These 84 85

stones are already prepared and carefully stored in the queries from which they have been cut, and will have to be moved with caution due to their overwhelming weight, and to Protect the finish given them. By crude means of transportation, these massive blocks will be moved to the shore line, where huge barges will have been constructed to carry them to their destination.

TREK TO BEGIN FROM LAKE PITZCUARO

After all the stones and hand-polished wood will have been loaded on the barges, and all is in readiness, the council member in charge will not depart until word comes from Echa Tah Echa Nah. When the runner brings word that Echa Tah Echa Nah’s group has started the trek from the agreed point at Lake Pitzcuaro to journey north, the council member will give the command for the barges to shove off and slowly drift with the current near the coast line, following it to the north. Thus will start the first group led by Echa Tah Echa Nah like Moses and the Children of Israel.

It will have been previously arranged between Echa Tah Echa Nah and Chi Chi Suma that at the same time Echa Tah EchaNah was preparing to move to the north, Chi Chi Suma’s group will leave from their same point on their journey northward. The exact preparations that will have been made by Echa Tah Echa Nah, will also be made by Chi Chi Suma. The same technique will be followed in moving all their earthly possessions, as well as constructing barges, loading and transporting the stones from the guaries located in Chi Chi Suma’s country (which is a great deal further south than Echa Tah Echa Nah’s country. )

Prior to the departure of this second group, word will have been sent to all Indian tribes extending into South America, that the people should make preparations and gradually move to the north and inhabit the abandoned places left by the people of Chi Chi Suma and Echa Tah Echa Nah. As the South American Indians inhabit the vacated cities, they will be instructed to remain at these places until after the Holy Temple and the city with the walls have been built. 1

As Echa Tah Echa Nah’s group leisurely winds its way northward, _Chi Chi Suma’s group will he following the same route at the same pace. Each group will have a forward vanguard, followed by the livestock, pack horses, and carts; the women and children traveling next to the rear guard. Their mode of transportation will not be as it is in these modern times, for the destruction will have done away with all forms of modernization, leaving only the most primitive.

Constant contact between Echa Tah Echa Nah’s group on land and those taking the water route north, will be kept by runners. Should the barges in any respect, come into difficulty, the land forces will immediately dispatch assistance to them.

HALT AT RIVER FLOWING WEST TO EAST

After traveling for many days to the north, the advance scouts of Echa Tah Echa Nah will report to him that they have found the body of water that flows from the west to the east, which will be the first goal of Echa Tah Echa Nah’s group. Immediately after crossing this body of water, preparations will be made for the people to remain there until the Arrival of Chi Chi Suma’s group. 2

1) The Lord promises them the desolate cities of the Gentiles to inhabit. ” (3 Nephi, 22:3). So it is clear who will occupy America at this time.

2) Natoni Nezbah places this spot at or near Laredo on the Rio Grande. 86

The first barges will be instructed to anchor in the gulf until the arrival of the other barges belonging to Chi Chi Suma’s group. Chi Chi Suma’s other group, coming by land, slowly and laboriously fallowing the same route taken by Echa Tah Echa Nah, should arrive at the river five days after.

Chi Chi Suma’s advance scouts will report, after many days of travel to the north, that they have sighted the first group encamped north of the river which flows from the west to the east. Soon the two great forces will be united at this river and Echa Tah Echa Nah with his council members will hold a conference with Chi Chi Suma and his council members, and there will be great rejoicing among the people.

Both groups, after a short period of resting will prepare to move on from this point. Runners will have been sent to take word to the barges to make ready to start. When all is in readiness to depart, Echa Tah Echa Nah will call his councilmen, and Chi Chi Sums will call his councilmen; and together they will map a route which each will take. Echa Tah Echa Nah will instruct Chi Chi Suma’s group to take charge of all the barges carrying the stones, and proceed for many days to the east until they arrive at the great body of water that flows from the north to the south. ‘

CHI CHI SUMA TO FOLLOW RIVER NORTH

Chi Chi Suma will follow Echa Tah Echa Nah’s instructions, and by the slow, laborious way of traveling, they shall arrive in due course of time at the designated body of water. Upon finding this body of water, many changes will have to be made. Smaller barges will have to be made, and the stones transferred to them enabling them to travel by the river to the north without too much difficulty.

1) This is obviously the Mississippi River.

Upon completion of these changes, Chi Chi Suma will resume his trek to the north, and they shall journey up the river following its west bank. 1 The advance scouts of this second party will continuously search for a great, white, flat stone on the west side of the river, which will be their final destination.

After traveling for an unspecified period of time, the scouts will report finding this great white stone. Knowing that they have at last arrived at the end of their journey, Chi Chi Suma and his councilmen will draw up plans of procedure to start at once the preparations for the construction of the Holy Temple and the city within a wall. This group will build temporary structures in which to live while building the Temple. The barges of stone will be unloaded and soon the task of building the Temple will be fully underway.

Immediately after the departure of Chi Chi Suma and his group and the barges to the east, Echa Tah Echa Nah with his group will start trekking to the west. His advance scouts will be continuously searching for a low range of mountains running from the north to the south. After slowly trekking toward the west for many days, the scouts will report the finding of the mountains they are in search of and when the group arrives at this low range of mountains, they will rest for a few days, making preparations to continue their journey to the north. 2

1) The west bank of the Mississippi will lead to the west bank of the Missouri River.

2) This low range of mountains must be somewhere in Arizona, because their route takes them to the Hopi, Navajo, and other Indians, and then to the surviving Mormons in their “Cities of Refuge” in southern Utah, and finally to the Great Salt Lake, to be joined by the Ten tribes and others from the north under John the Beloved. 88

THEY ARRIVE AT THE GREAT SALT LAKE

89 After the people and the animals have rested, they will follow this range of mountains to the north, keeping on the east side of this range at all times. As this group slowly travels to the north, other survivors of this great holocaust of destruction, will timidly seek to join with the Chigaraguan people on their great trek.

These survivors will not be able to understand the words of the Chigaraguans, north Chigaraguans understand the words of the survivors, yet each will recognize the other by their marks, signs and symbols. The Chigaraguans will welcome the survivors to join them on their trek. As they advance slowly to the north, almost daily other survivors will join them.

Echa Tah Echa Nah’s advance scouts will be on the lookout for a great stone marker not far from a vast area surrounded by a very white substance. This white substance will surround a tremendous inland body of water. Yet, at all times Echa Tah Echa Nah’s group shall stay on the east side of the range of mountains. 1

Soon his scouts will report the finding of the great stone marker, 2 and upon arriving at this marker will remain there for many days. During their stay at this marker, Echa Tah Echa Nah’s group will be joined by other people from the north. 3

1) The Great Salt Lake and the Oquirrhs.

2) This great stone marker could be the Temple, which is about all that will be left of S. L. C.

3) The other people from the north, must be the Ten Tribes under John the Beloved. There are tracts of land in Idaho dedicated for their use, and according to The White Horse Vision, they will help to build the Great Temple in the New Jerusalem.

ON TO THE NEW JERUSALEM!

When the time comes, the people will be advised by their leaders to make preparations to trek eastward, to seek out the designated spot where Chi Chi Suma with his group will have made preparations to build the Holy Temple within a wall. They will continue their trek eastward, and soon the scouts will inform Echa Tah Echa Nah that they have sighted Chi Chi Suma and his people, and soon both groups will be reunited. Chi Chi Suma will openly welcome the arrival of Echa Tah Echa Nah and his group, and great rejoicing will be among all the people.

As survivors will have joined Echa Tah Echa Nah, so will other survivors also have joined the group of Chi Chi Suma. Although the people of Chi Chi Suma’s group do not speak the tongue of those who will have joined Echa Tah Echa Nah, there will be perfect unison and harmony and they will be welcomed with open arms. Many of the survivors, who will have joined the two groups, will have very fair skin and very blonde hair bothers will be Indian people, but all will have the same purpose in view as the groups of Echa Tah Echa Nah and Chi Chi Suma, -that of taking part in the building of this magnificent edifice of worship to their God, -the Temple of His Coming!

As the construction of this Most Holy Temple continues, the people who are taking part in its construction are happy in their daily tasks, -and nighttime slowly descends upon the day after tomorrow.

1) The Ten Tribes.

The End 91

CHAPTER XXI

A Few Parting Thoughts

WHY WE MUST BE NUMBERED WITH THEM

There is no place in the scriptures that calls for the Indians (Nephites, Lamanites, etc. ) to come and be numbered with the LDS Believing Gentiles, as we are called in the chapter heading of 3 Nephi , 16. But there are at least four places where it says that we must repent and be numbered with them, if we are to survive the DAY OF PURIFICATION, or what we call the 3i year judgment period. Here they are:

1) THE WORDS OF AN ANGEL TO NEPHI THE SON OF LEHI. (See 1 Nephi, 14:2-3. )

“If the (LDS) Gentiles shall hearken unto the Lamb of God in that day that He shall manifest Himself unto them in word, and also in power, in very deed, unto taking away of their stumbling blocks -and harden not their hearts against the Lamb of God, THEY SHALL BE NUMBERED AMONG THE SEED OF THY FATHER, YEA THEY SHALL BE NUMBERED AMONG THE HOUSE OF ISRAEL. “

The next verse states that the penalty for not being so numbered is “the casting of the soul into that hell which bath no end. “

2) CHRIST, SPEAKING TO THE NEPHITES AND LAMANITES ABOUT THE (LDS) BELIEVING GENTILES WHEN THEY SHALL SIN AGAINST HIS GOSPEL AND COMMIT ALLMANNER OF INIQUITIES: (See 3 Nephi, 16:13-14. )

“But if the Gentiles will repent and return unto me, saith the Father, behold they shall be numbered among my people, O house of Israel, and I will not suffer my people, who are of the house of Israel, to ‘go through among them, and tread them down saith the Father. ” (See also 3 Nephi, 21:12).

3) CHRIST, SPEAKING TO THE NEPHITES AND LAMANITES ABOUT THE DESTINY OF THE (LDS) GENTILES IN THE LAST DAYS. (See 3 Nephi, 21:22. )

“But if the (LDS) Gentiles will repent and hearken unto my words, and harden not their hearts, I will establish my church among them (the Church of the remnant of Jacob or the Indians), and they shall come in unto the covenant and be numbered among the remnant of Jacob, unto whom I have given this land for their inheritance. “

4) CHRIST COMMANDS THAT A PROCLAMATION BE MADE TO ALL KINGS, PRESIDENTS, GOVERNORS, ETC. (See D&C, 124:2. ) IN IT THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT IS MADE ABOUT ALL BELIEVING GENTILES.

“For be it known unto you, that the only salvation which remains for the Gentiles, is for them to be identified in the same covenant, and to worship at the same altar with Israel. In short, they must come to the same standard for there shall be one Lord, and His name one, and He shall be King over all the earth. “

THIS IS THE DAY FOR THE NATURAL BRANCHES OF ISRAEL! The bitter branches and evil fruit will be pruned from the vineyard as indicated in the Book of Mormon, Jacob, 5:33-58. Remember, this is the day when every tub must stand on its own bottom. Know for yourself through Christ, what is true!

-Amen.

THE INDIANS SHALL INHERIT THE DESOLATED CITIES OF THE WHITE MAN

THE SAVIOR QUOTES FROM THE PROPHECIES OF ISAIAH WHILE ADDRESSING THE NEPHITES AND LAMANITES:

“For thou shalt break forth on the right hand and on the left, and thy seed shall inherit the Gentiles and make the desolate cities to be inhabited. ” (3 Nephi, 22:1, or Isa. 52:3).

“And my people who are a remnant of Jacob, (the Indians) shall be among the Gentiles, yea, in the midst of them as a lion among the beasts of the forest, as a young lion among the flocks of sheep, who, if he go through both treadeth down and teareth in pieces, and none can deliver. Their hand shall be lifted up upon their adversaries, and all their enemies shall be cut off. “

(See 3 Nephi, 21:12-13. )

“Therefore repent ye, and humble yourself before Him, lest He shall come out in justice against you -lest a remnant of the seed of Jacob (the Indians) shall go forth among you as a lion, and tear you in pieces and there is none to deliver. ” (Mormon, 5:24).

BELIEVE THE WORDS OF THE GREAT WHITE CHIEF 92

Introduction

WAS THE PROPHET JOSEPH SMITH A TRUE PROPHET WHEN HE PROPHESIED IN 1835 AS FOLLOWS?

“President Smith then stated****it was the will of God that those who went to Zion, with a determination to lay down their lives, if necessary, should be ordained to the ministry, and go forth to prune the vineyard for the last time, or the coming of the Lord, which was nigh -even fifty-six years should wind up the scene. ” (Statement made Feb. 14, 1835. See Church History, Vol. 2:182. )

Note: Feb. 14, 1835, plus 56 years = Feb. 14, 1891.

AND AGAIN HE STATED IN THE DOCTRINE AND COVENANTS, 130:14-16 AS FOLLOWS:

“I was once praying very earnestly, to know the time of the coming of the Son of Man, when 1 heard a voice repeat the following:

“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.

“I was left thus, without being able to decide whether this coming referred to the beginning of the millennium, or to some previous appearing, or whether I should die and thus see his face. “

Note: The Prophet Joseph was born Dec. 23, 1805. Hence he would have been eighty-five years old on Dec. 23, 1890.

NOW READ ABOUT THE GREAT EVENT THAT HAPPENED AT WALKER LAKE, NEVADA, IN 1890, AND SEE FOR YOURSELF IF JOSEPH SMITH PROPHESIED TRULY OR NOT:

The Indian Messiah

The American Indian is often depicted as a man without religion or scruples, or faith in a supreme being. This may be largely due to his reluctance to adopt the ways of the white man, and become what we regard as “a good Christian, ” which in the light of today’s business practices, ethics and morals, is an attainment of doubtful distinction, and hardly worth emulating.

After reading L. Taylor Hansen’s book, “He Walked The Americas, ” which reveals the personal contacts of Christ with almost every Indian tribe in North, South and Central America, and in Hawaii, as reflected in their legends, one must admit that they, indeed, have strong foundations of their own for a belief in a Supreme Being.

There are some artists and sculptors who have expressed in stone and colors, the Indian’s deep spiritual feelings in his appeal to the Great Spirit for help and guidance, and for redress of the great wrongs inflicted upon him by the white man.

Perhaps the high point of the American Indian’s religious expression in the past century occurred in the year 1890, at Walker Lake, Nevada, when their own Indian Messiah appeared to a large gathering of delegates from some sixteen tribes, including a delegation of white Indians from a highly civilized tribe in Central America known as the Chigaraguans. These white Indians are a hold-over from the Golden Age of ancient America, when they possessed a culture and civilization that was nothing short of a perfect Utopia, -and still is! 96 97

Some writers have mistakenly confused this Indian Messiah of Walker Lake, Nevada, with a counterfeit of that area known as Wovoka, a Flute, of no particular talents or charisma, and who could speak only Piute. This Wovoka may have been responsible for the Ghost Dance so widely accepted among the North American Indians, but for little else. In the Ghost Dance, they would dance in a circle until some of them collapsed into an hypnotic trance. When they came to, they would assert that their spirits had made a visit with their ancestors in the Spirit World, and that they had predicted many good things for the down-trodden Indian, and that great, beneficial changes were coming for them that would bring judgment upon the white man and justice and betterment for the Indian.

The real Indian Messiah could make His speech understood to all the tribes present in the mixed gathering of some sixteen or seventeen different tongues. He could appear and disappear at will. And He also displayed the marks of His crucifixion, or the scars on His hands and wrists, and feet and on His side. Furthermore, He appointed twelve apostles to represent Him, eleven of whom were the White Indians from Central America, and the twelfth one was a Cheyenne named Porcupine from Montana.

NUMEROUS PRESS REPORTS

The nation’s press of 1890, carried many stories of this very unusual event at Walker Lake, Nevada. Many of them were reported in “The Deseret News” of Salt Lake City, some of which we quote in the following references. The Indians were so agitated on at least sixteen reservations that General Miles of the U. S. Army, found it necessary to make a tour of all army installations at or near these reservations, to see what could be done about all this excitement over an Indian Messiah.

The so-called “Messiah Craze” had become the inspiration for Chief Sitting Bull of the Sioux to believe that he could arouse the Indians to another victory greater than the defeat of Custer’s forces at the Little Big Horn, for the Messiah had promised them that the Whites should be destroyed from off the face of this land, and that the land would be given back to the Indians, from whom the Whites had so unfairly taken it, and had broken so many treaties concerning this land. Infect, it is claimed by some that Sitting Bull was “accidentally’ on purpose killed to put an end to his Indian Messiah activities, and to stop the dreaded Ghost Dance, which had been outlawed.

In “The Deseret News” for Nov. 7, 1890, there is a report from “The St. Paul Dispatch” under the title of, “The Indian Messiah, ” as follows:

“General Miles is here on his return from his western tour. He says, ‘I have been to Utah, Montana and Cheyenne Reservations investigating. You have no doubt heard that the Indian tribes are reported to believe that the Messiah has come, whois to restore them to their former glory, and drive the Whites from the land. I have learned that this belief exists among sixteen tribes. There is no doubt that some Indians, who are holding this belief in the Indian Messiah, are sincere, and a few certainly have seen some person on whom they look to be that Messiah.

“‘Several small parties of Indians have gone from their tribes to some point in Nevada. There they have been shown someone disguised as the Messiah, and have spoken with him. I am inclined to believe that there is more than one person impersonating the Messiah, as when the Sioux have spoken with him, he replied in the Sioux tongue. . . and so on with the representatives of each nation. ‘ (General 99 98

Miles could not allow for a Pentecostal gift of tongues in this case, because then he would have to admit that this Messiah was genuine. -NCP. )

“General Miles gave his opinion that ‘the Mormons are prime movers in it. . . It is noteworthy, ‘ says he, ‘that this so-called Messiah tells Indians that when he comes to reign over them, firearms will no longer be used. . . that he will draw a line behind which he will gather all Indians, land then he will roll the earth back upon the Whites. This has naturally excited the Indians and large numbers have accepted the new belief. None is more ardent than Chief Sitting Bull, who is intensely Indian in all his ideas. The argument Indians use is: The Whites have had their Messiah, and the Indians now have theirs!'”

In “The Deseret News” for Nov. 8, 1890, an article dated Nov. 4th, taken from “The Kansas City Dispatch, ” from Ft. Reno, Special, quotes Sitting Bull as follows:

“The Messiah said He had come to save the White Man, but they persecuted Him, and now He had come to deliver the long tormented Indians. . . All day Christ instructed them and gave them evidence of His powers. He, Sitting Bull, told his people His story, and asked that Porcupine be sent for to verify it. (Porcupine was one of the twelve Indian apostles. ) He, Porcupine, returned with the same tale, and presently all were converted. “

“We have a large number of extracts from different newspapers (says the editor) on this subject of ‘The Indian Christ, ‘ claiming to embody the assertions of the aborigines who state that they have seen the Messiah and heard Him talk. That a personage exhibiting supernatural powers has shown Himself:

1) The Hopi Indians claim this gathering will soon take place in Hopi land for all Indians.

and that He showed the marks of spikes having been driven through His hands. Be had offered to save the Whites, and they had refused to accept Him. And now the day of the Indians, who are to be restored to ownership of the land, had come. . . He also taught them to be honest, peaceful, cleanly, and to give up all bad habits.

To this the editor adds: “To say the least, it is a wonderful movement, and one is puzzled in endeavoring to account for it. “

“He sternly denies General Miles’ suggested idea that the Mormons are connected with this event: ‘Indeed, many Mormons are themselves conjecturing as to the meaning of this extraordinary agitation among the aborigines, and are puzzled to know what it means. ‘”

About the only official Mormon reaction that we can find, comes from Susa Young Gates, editor of “The Young Woman’s Journal, ” (a Mormon periodical, ) In Vol. 1:477, she states:

“Few, if any, of the leading Brethren doubt the probability of a certain, if exaggerated, foundation for these stories. Our Lord is evidentially setting His hand to prepare the scattered remnants of Israel for the great event about to take place.”

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The Great White Chief Part 6

This entry is part 10 of 34 in the series 2010B

Posted May 15, 2010
THE JOSEPH SMITH PROPHECY

The Mormons regard the Indians as a remnant of Israel, as related in the Book of Mormon, and believe that the Messiah has a special work to accomplish with these people; all of which is in agreement with the teachings of the Indian Messiah.

They were also especially concerned about this reported appearance of the Indian Messiah because their own Prophet Joseph Smith had twice predicted 100 101

that Christ would come about 1890, probably as a preliminary coming to His final coming in glory for His Millennial Reign.

The first prediction appears in the LDS Church History, Vol. 2182, under date of Feb. 14, 1835, and states that “. . . the coming of the Lord, which is nigh—even fifty-six years should wind up the scene. ” This comes out to Feb. 14, 1891.

The other prediction was made eight years later under the date of April 2, 1843, and is found in the LDS Doctrine and Covenants, 130:14-16. In it the Lord says that if he (Joseph) “should live to be eighty-five years of age, he should see the face of the Son of Man. ” The Prophet Joseph admits that this coming could refer to one prior to the Millennium, or even to his death at age eighty-five. But his death came at age thirty-nine, so the Lord did not have that in mind. Joseph Smith was born on Dec. 23, 1805, so this comes out to Dec. 23, 1890!

Needless to say, there was some disappointment among the Mormons that Christ had elected to appear to the lowly Indians at Walker Lake, Nevada, instead of to the good Latter-day Saints, awaiting Him in Utah. But sad to say, by 1890, the LDS had already rejected the practice of Christ’s major doctrines such as United Order, Plural Marriage, and the Adam-God doctrine, and others, because they felt that persecution was too intense, and the general opposition was too strong. Many of the Indians, however, have for generations lived their manner of United Order and Plural Marriage regardless of opposition.

THE TESTIMONY OF APOSTLE PORCUPINE

There were many other articles in the nation’s press in the year 1890, about this Indian Messiah, but by far the best and most impressive account comes from the eye-witness testimony given by one of the twelve Indian apostles, appointed by the Indian Messiah, a Cheyenne by the name of Porcupine. Porcupine delivered a sermon at Ft. Custer, Montana. before an audience of some forty civilian and military personnel, with a few Indians present also. Fortunately, there was a newspaper reporter present from “The Boston Journal, ” by the name of F. K. Upham, and his paper published the story in their issue of July 5, 1890.

It tells how a righteous young Indian by the name of Porcupine from the Cheyennes, was, like certain wise men of the East, inspired to make this long arduous pilgrimage to Walker Lake, Nevada, to see the Messiah. He was accompanied by his wife and two other Indians; and, like the wise men of the East, they were very content with the high reward of their journey, for they, in truth, had seen the Messiah.

According to a report in “The Chicago Dispatch” and reprinted in “The Deseret News” for Nov. 18, 1890, Porcupine was also interviewed by Lt. Robinson of Ft. Custer, Montana, “General Miles had assigned Lt. Robinson to make a careful investigation of this new religion, and his principal interviews were with Apostle Porcupine, and with Big Beaver, who had accompanied Porcupine on his visit to see the Messiah.

“Porcupine told Lt. Robinson that there were several hundred Indians at Walker Lake at the time, including representatives of the Cheyenne, Sioux, Arapahoes, Gros-Ventres, Utes, Navajos, Bannocks, and other strange tribes. –Some were White Indians from a far distance the he did not know. “

However, the story by F. K. Upham in “The Boston Journal” gives the most detailed account of 103 102

Apostle Porcupine’s experience, and it is, indeed, an inspiring one, and one that clearly eliminates the lowly Wovoka, who spoke only Piute, as this most gifted Messiah. We will give Porcupine’s account here as Mr. Upham reports it.

“Before commencing his talk, Porcupine gave an almost inaudible prayer, that lasted fully five minutes, during which the other Indians with him sat with heads bowed. Porcupine stood erect, his hands extended upwards, Then he alternately placed his hands across his breast, and dropped them to his sides, as if following a sacred ritual.

“It was in the vicinity of Walker Lake, Nevada, and it was in the mountains where Porcupine found himself with many strange Indians whose language he could not speak, and who, like himself, had come from far off -but all had come to see the Messiah.

“At sundown the Indians collected in large numbers, and after it became dark, He appeared to them -a large fire being built to throw the light upon Dim. He was not as dark as an Indian nor as light as a white man, and His dress was partly like each. He sat for a long time in perfect silence with His head bowed, during which time the Indians neither moved nor spoke. They were told that if they even whispered, the Christ would know it and be displeased.

“After a time He raised His head, and then Porcupine saw that He was fair to look upon, that His face bad no beard, and was youthful, and that His bright hair extended to His waist. (This may be an error in reporting, because in another news article Sitting Bull describes the Indian Messiah as having a beard. –NCP. ) he was able to see the scars of the nails in the hands of the Indian Christ when He raised them. In His feet he could not see the marks of the nails by reason of the moccasins, but he was told they were there, and that in His side were spear marks which were concealed by the shirt He wore.

“Porcupine was told that HIS OWN COMING, HAD, WITH ELEVEN OTHERS, BEEN FORETOLD BY THE CHRIST, WHO HAD SENT FOR THEM, and that is why he had involuntarily taken the long journey. (The other eleven were the White Indians from Mexico. -NCP. )

“The Christ spoke to them, and took Porcupine by the hand and told them they were all His children. He talked to them until it was day, telling them that He had made them, and all things around them; that in the beginning God had made the earth, and after a time had sent Him on the earth to teach the people what was right; but the people were afraid of Him, and ‘this is what they did to Me, ‘ showing the scars.

“He said, when He found that the children were so bad, He went back above, and promised to return after many hundred years. Now the time was up and God had told Him the earth was old and worn out, and sent Him again to renew it, and make things better. He Said all the dead were to be resurrected and brought back to life on this earth, which was now too small to hold them all; but He would do away with heaven and make the earth large enough to hold them all.

“He spoke about fighting, that it was bad, and that Indians must not do it anymore, that the earth hereafter was to be all good and everybody must love one another.

“Porcupine had heard that the Christ of the white man had been nailed to the cross, and looking “He said He would send among them those who could heal wounds, and cure the sick by the laying on of the hands, and that the good would live here forever, and the buffalo would come back.

“He said it was wrong to kill men of any kind, that if any man disobeyed these teachings, he would be banished from the face of the earth; that the Indians must believe all that He now told them, and not say that Belied, for He would know their thoughts, no matter what part of the world they were in, and they could not expect to deceive Him.

“Among those whom Porcupine saw, were some who appeared like white men, (the White Indians from far South) but they all seemed good -and all listened and believed what the Christ told them.

“During Porcupine’s stay of many days, the Christ appeared several times and repeated these talks and told the Indians that when they returned to their people, they must tell them all these things. But He was not all the time visible, and could disappear at will. ‘He is here among us tonight and knows all that we are talking about. ‘ said Porcupine. . . ‘When you have seen the Christ once, you can see Him in your sleep, that is, if you have shaken His hand. and through Him you c6n go to heaven and see your friends who are dead. I see Him often in my sleep and He told me there was trouble for the Cheyennes. The next night He came to me and told me that all would be well in the end. ‘

“Of Porcupine’s sincerity, there can be no doubt. As he says of himself, he is no medicine man, ‘ and he seems to have no wish to become one. That he has seen the Person Whom he describes as the Christ, there seems to be no question. ” (Note: This article was also reprinted in the LDS “Millennial Star” for Aug. 18, 1890, Vol. 52;532-535. ) Also Deseret Weekly Aug 2, 1890, Page 180

OTHER INDIAN TESTIMONIES

A story in “The Deseret Weekly, ” published by “The Deseret News, ” dated Dec. 27th, 1890, tells about Sitting Bull, or Short Bull, the Arapahoe, and Porcupine, concerning their testimonies of the Indian Messiah. This evidence should remove all remaining doubt that this most unusual Personage could have been Wovoka, the Piute. “The Deseret Weekly” quotes a story taken from the current “Illustrated American, ” of the time as follows:

“Just when and where the present Messiah craze arose is uncertain. The evidence at present obtainable indicates that it has resulted more from a process of evolution than from the preaching of any one man. The first Indian who preached the coming of the Red Christ in a manner that attracted attention was Short Bull, or Sitting Bull, an Arapahoe, who must not be confused with Sitting Bull, the Sioux chief who took part in the Custer massacre. This Sitting Bull, or Short Bull, arrived at the Shoshone agency at Fort Washakie in Wyoming, about a year ago and announced that he had seen the Christ. The new Messiah, he said, told of His previous life upon the earth 1900 years ago, , and how the people refused to accept Him and showed the scars in Ella hands and feet where He had been nailed to the cross. He promised that the buffalo and other game should return in their former abundance. Then the Messiah gave the Indian buffalo meat to eat, and Sitting Bull fell asleep. When he awoke he found that he had been transported a long distance in his sleep.

“Indians do not communicate with one another by letter, but send their messages by runners. By word of mouth, Sitting Bull’s story was made known to many tribes, and a year ago a sort of council was held at a place supposed to be on the shores of Walker Lake, in western Nevada. At this council, the Messiah showed Himself. Representatives of sixteen tribes are said to have been present. Near the camp, the sage brush and rose bushes had been cut off close to the ground over a circle perhaps 100 feet in diameter. Here is one of the accounts of the appearance of Christ.

“The next day, as the sun was setting low, the people all assembled about this circle, and presently a Man was seen walking into it. The people stood about until He had reached the middle of the circle and then they went to meet Him. He stood in their midst and talked to them, appearing to be able to talk all languages and to make Himself understood by all the tribes present. He told the people that things were going to be changed; that the buffalo and the game would be brought back; that they should have again their own country, and that the world would be turned upside down.

“Be closed His speech by saying that in the night He would go up to Heaven to see God. Next morning about nine or ten o’clock the people again gathered about the circle and presently the Messiah walked in among them. He told them He had just returned from Heaven where He had seen God.

“Among the Indians present at the council was Porcupine, a northern Cheyenne, who has since been one of the foremost prophets of the new Messiah. His story is as follows:

“‘What I am going to say is the truth. The two men sitting near me were with me, and will bear witness that I speak the truth. All the Indians and white people are brothers and sisters, I was told there. I never knew this before. The fish-eaters near Pyramid Lake, Nevada, told me that the Christ had appeared on earth again. They said that Christ knew that he (Porcupine)was coming, and that 107

eleven of His children were coming from a far land. (The White Indians from Mexico. -NCP. ) It appeared that Christ had sent for me to go there, and that was why, unconsciously, I took my journey. It had been foreordained. They told me when I got there that my Great Father was there also, but I did not know who He was.

“The people assembled, called a council and the chief’s son went to see the Great Father, who sent word for us to remain 14 days in that camp, and that He would come and see us. At the end of two days, on the third morning, hundreds of people gathered at this place. They cleared a place near the agency in the form of a circus ring, and we all went there. Just before sundown, I saw a great many people, mostly Indians, coming dressed in white man’s clothes. The Christ was with them. They all formed in this ring and around it; and they put up sheets all around the circle, as they had no tents.

“‘Just after dark, some of the Indians told me that Christ’s Father had arrived. I looked around to find Him and finally saw Him sitting on one side of the ring. He was dressed in a white robe. The next morning He told us He was going away for that day, but would be back the next morning and talk to us. I heard that Christ had been crucified, and I looked to see, and I saw a scar on His wrist and one on His face, and He seemed to be the man. I could not see His feet. He would talk to us all day. That evening we all assembled again to see Him depart. The following morning the Christ was back with us and wanted to talk with us. He said I am the man who made everything you see around you. I am not lying to you, my children. I made this earth and everything on it. I have been to Heaven and have seen your dead friends, and have seen my own Father and Mother. 108

“‘He spoke to us about fighting and said that it was bad, and that we must keep from it. The earth was to be all good hereafter, and that we must be friends with one another. He said that if any man disobeyed what He ordered, his tribe would be wiped from the face of the earth. Ever since the Christ talked to me, I have thought what He said was good. I have seen nothing bad in it. When I got back, I knew my people were bad and had heard nothing of this, so I got them together and warned them to listen to it for their own good. I told them just what has been told to you here today. ‘

“Porcupine’s tale met with belief wherever he told it. It will be observed that Porcupine’s account of the Red Christ’s message makes it one of peace.

“The next development of the belief was furnished by Kicking Horse, whose visit to Heaven had been compared with that of Tecumseh’s brother, the prophet. Kicking Horse is a Sioux. To him are accredited the feature of the craze involved in the belief of the resurrection of all dead Indians, and of the over-whelming of the whites.

“His story is that he was taken to Heaven through a hole in the clouds, and talked to the Great Spirit, who told him that His children, the Indians, have suffered enough, and the time would come when they should occupy the earth again. They must not kill nor molest the whites, the Great Spirit said, for He Himself, would wipe the wicked people from off the face of the earth by sending a wave of mud 20 feet or more in depth, over the country. The dead Indians would be restored to life, and there would be buffalo and horses aplenty.

The following is an account given in The American, ” of the experience which Sitting Bull, or Short 109

Bull, claims to have passed through.

“While hunting alone near the Shoshone Mountain, he became lost, and for a long time wandered about aimlessly. Finally a strange feeling came over him, and he involuntarily began to follow a certain star, which moved before him and led him many miles up into the mountains. Just at daybreak, the star became stationary over a beautiful mountain valley, and he sank to rest on a couch of moss.

“While he rested, estrange vision appeared to him. He saw a great spirit dance, and the participants were dead Arapahoe warriors, led by the dead chiefs of the past. Suddenly he was awakened by a voice, and he saw before him a strange being dressed in a blanket of pure white. The strange being said that He was the same Christ who was upon the earth 1900 years ago to save the white men; and that He would soon return to save the red men. The people who have so long persecuted and robbed the Indian would be driven out of the land and across the sea, never to return again. All day the Messiah conversed with Sitting Bull, revealing to him many things, and also showing him the scars of nails in His hands and feet, and wounds in His side. When night came the Messiah disappeared. “

It appears that Porcupine was the only one of the Twelve Indian Apostles to carry the Messiah’s message among the North American Indians. The other eleven White Indians retired to their sacred city in the far south of Mexico. Apparently they were under covenant not to promulgate their gospel to the rest of the world until they were so commanded by the Messiah. 110 111

NATONI NEZBAH, THE NAVAJO

Back in 1945, this writer interviewed a Navajo Indian by the name of Natoni Nezbah, who claimed that he had visited the sacred city of White Indians in the far south of Mexico, and that he had met and received teachings from their Great White Chief, Echa Tah Echa Nah, The Mighty and Wise One, whose name is Joseph, which was also the name of his father before him.

Toni, as we called him, also asserted that Echa Tah Echa Nah had been acclaimed as the Super Chief of all other Indian chiefs at a great conference of leading Indians from North, South and Central America, which was held at Lake Pitzcuaro in the Mexican state of Michoacan, in April of 1940. Toni told a lengthy, detailed story about these White Indians, and their beliefs, culture and Utopian society that seemed to be ideal. And bow it was their plan to soon make a massive migration to the North, and how they would amalgamate with the Mormons. But he was presenting a time table that was far ahead of the actual event, which must come after the 3i years of unprecedented tribulation.

Needless to say, I was fascinated with the story and soon put it into manuscript form, being very faithful to the detail. * as he related them to me. However, one copy of this manuscript got out of my hands, and soon it received a wide circulation by being copied and re-copied, mimeographed and printed. Infect, one of the general authorities of the Church, who should know, informed me that if he had a dime for every copy of it, he would be a rich man.

Chief Howard L. LaHurreau of the Pottawattomie Indians, when interviewed by Milton R. Hunter and others at or near Ft. Wayne, Indiana, June 15, 1951, verified that Natoni Nezbah had been taught in this “Star City” of the White Indians, but that he had broken his Indian vows by contacting the Mormons and offering to take any of them to this Sacred City.

Once more 1955, this same story received wide circulation again in a booklet published by The New Age Publishing Company, operated by Dorothy Thomas of Glendale, California. Strangely enough Mrs. Thomas soon received an invitation from Chief Dan Kat chongva of the Hopi Indians to come and visit him on this matter.

THE HOPI TESTIMONY

The venerable old chief, who is said to be now 110 years old, verified the story, although he declared that Natoni Nezbah was not a true authorized messenger of Echa Tah Echa Nah. Nevertheless, he asserted that the story was basically true, and that the Hopi Indians were looking forward to the coming of The Great White Chief, together with The True White Brother. The True White Brother had led them to their present homeland, and had given them some sacred tablets to keep until He returns with other tablets that will match them, and the sacred inscriptions thereon can then be revealed.

These powerful leaders, he said, will be able to unite all the North American Indians together as one nation, and gather them to Hopi Land to escape THE DAY OF PURIFICATION, or Judgment Day, that is about to come upon the world. This is the time according to Indian prophecies, that evil doers will be swept off from the face of the earth, and mostly Indians will be left to inherit the land of America. A well known Indian prophecy states that the White-man’s money will soon become worthless; then they will almost destroy themselves by fighting among themselves and the Negroes. Then after further judgments 112

are visited upon the land, the Indian will be left to inherit his own land once again.

THE HOPI PROPHECY

The Hopi version of the prophecy about the Day of Purification, was recently published on the front page of “The Prescott Courier, ” for August 9, 1970, when old Chief Dan Katchongva visited there to witness a series of foretold UFO sightings. He was seeking a long awaited sign from them. These UFO sightings were witnessed by hundreds of people, and were also photographed and the pictures published on the front page of the Courier, along with the Hopi story. Infect, the UFO stories were featured for three days. (See also FATE Magazine for April, 1971. )

The Hopi prophecy from the front page of “The Prescott Courier” follows:

“The Hopi believe that the human race will pass through three stages of life since its origin. Three being a sacred number. At the end of each stage, human life has to be purified or punished by certain acts of the Great Spirit, due mainly to corruption, greed and turning away from the Great Spirit’s teachings. The last great destruction was by flood, which destroyed all but a few faithful ones.

“The Hopi now await the next Purification Day, at which time all wicked or wrong doers shall be punished or destroyed, after which real peace, brotherhood and everlasting life will be brought about.

“They believe that a big fire and explosion will signal the coming of the True White Brother. This, they believe, will be a sign for an Indian migration from Mexico, Central and South America to begin.

“The Hopi believe that their True White Brother, when he comes, will be all powerful and he will wear a red cap or a red cloak. He will be (with)a large population, and belong to no religion but his very own. He will bring with him the Sacred Stone Tablets. Great will be his coming. None will be able to stand against him. All power in this world will be placed in his hands, and he will come swiftly and in one day get control of this whole continent. The Hopi have been warned never to take up arms. “

HOPI GET PROPHECY SIGN FROM UFO’s

This event was again reported in “The Albuquerque Journal” for Oct. 10, 1970, where a feature article carried these headlines: HOPI GET PROPHECY SIGN FROM UFO’s, and a five column story follows.

“We have seen the flying saucers and have heard their message to us, ” said Chief Dan Katchongva, declaring that the Day of Purification was near at hand. Chief Dan Katchongva was the leader of a delegation of Hopis who went to the United Nations in 1959, to warn the assembled world leaders of the impending Day of Purification, and to warn them also of the great need for them to repent and establish and maintain peace in the world, or suffer the consequence of the Day of Purification. “

The article concludes with the old Chief’s words: “We know the faithful are to be gathered to escape Purification Day. Therefore, when the great fire and explosion takes place, it will be seen all over North, South end Central America, and the earth shall shake. Therefore, when the True White Brother comes, listen to him and gather when the power comes from the South.

“We give you our testimony, and all that we tell you is true, ” the Chief said, “So you have no excuse that you were not told. “

Can we deny it? Truly the day of the Indian is about to dawn, while the day of the white man is already in twilight, and rapidly approaching darkness. 115

A Few Parting Thoughts

Your attention is called to Isaiah, 30:26, where it speaks of the moon becoming “as the light of the sun, and the light of the sun shall be sevenfold, as the light of seven days. ” This could be the light signal, visible a1 over the Americas, that is to mark the start of the great Indian migration from the south.

The True White Brother appears to be Christ, whose own presence will be in this great migration, according to the Doctrine and Covenants, 103:19-20: “Therefore, let not your hearts faint, for I say unto you as I said unto your fathers: Mine angel shall go up before you, but not my presence, But I say unto you: Mine angels shall go up before you, and also my presence, and in time ye shall possess the goodly land. “

The red cape and cap of the True White Brother is clarified in the Doctrine and Covenants, 133:50-51: “And his voice shall be heard: I have trodden the wine press alone, and have brought judgment upon all people; and none were with me. And I have trampled them in my fury, and I did tread upon them in mine anger, and their blood have I sprinkled upon my garments, and stained all my raiment; for this was the day of vengeance which was in my heart. “

As to the great gathering of the Indians to escape the Day of Purification, we call attention to the promise of Christ in the Book of Mormon, in 3 Nephi, 20:13-16, where He promises “to gather the remnants (or Indians) from the north, south, east, and west, to bring them to a knowledge of the Lord their God, who hath redeemed them. And the Father bath commanded me that I SHOULD GIVE UNTO YOU (the Nephites and Lamanites, etc. ) THIS LAND FOR YOUR INHERITANCE. “

President John Taylor indicated that only 10% to 25% of the LDS would survive the tests that we must face during the setting-in-order and judgment period.

Isaiah also indicated that a tenth would be spared when he asked the Lord about it: “Then said I, Lord, how long? And he answered, until the cities be wasted without inhabitant, and the houses without man, and the land be utterly desolate, and the Lord have removed men far away, and there be a great forsaking in the midst of the land.

“But yet in it shall be a TENTH, and it (the Tenth) shall return, —the holy seed shall be the substance thereof. ” (The holy seed for the millennial population. ) -See Isaiah, 6:11-13.

Let us not suppose that because the White Indians of necessity, had to limit their population growth inside their small, hidden valley, that this situation will prevail once they migrate to the New Jerusalem. Infect, Isaiah speaks of this very situation concerning those who survive the judgments in the days of The BRANCH Prophet: (Isa. 4:1-3)

“In that day seven women shall take hold of one man, saying, We will eat our own bread, and wear our own apparel: only let us be called by thy name to take away our reproach. (of barrenness. )

“In that day shall The BRANCH of the Lord be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the earth shall be excellent and comely for them that are escaped of Israel. And it shall come to pass that he that is left in Zion, and he that remaineth in Jerusalem, shall be called holy, even everyone that is written among the living in Jerusalem. “

Yes, stand on your own two feet, like a tub on its own bottom, and work out your own salvation!

The End

Gathering Attempts

Index for Older Archives in the Process of Updating

This entry is part 15 of 34 in the series 2010B

Posted May 27, 2010

Ruth Writes:
Joseph Smith failed at his mission and that changed the course of some events or prophecies for the future.

Do you believe that this “failure” of this mission will be an ongoing thing or will it truly come to pass this time around? Is this like the 3 and a half cycle, so this time, Zion will really materialize in our lifetime? This mission has failed 3 times already.

JJ
At the end of each age there is an attempted gathering. Moses was quite successful as far as numbers go but had to destroy the first set a tablets containing the higher law because he discovered the people were reverting back to worshiping the golden calf. Raising the consciousness was not very successful.

Jesus attempted a gathering and wept outside of Jerusalem because people did not respond.

Joseph attempted a gathering and was mildly successful and then after his death people had the opportunity to establish Zion on their own piece of land in the Utah area. Instead of Zion they created and authoritarian system resembling the Taliban, even resorting to blood atonement (murder) to keep people in line. The LDS are very ignorant of this period of their own history.

The U.S. Government did the Mormons a favor by forcing them to comply with the laws of the land as Zion was not being created.

The most successful gathering in history has been the one to the America which was not particularly religious in nature but resulted in greater freedoms for the world.

We have about 150 years or so before we are solidly into the age of Aquarius. Additional gathering attempts will surely be made and hopefully we can have an initial one underway by 2030.

The shift of the age at this time is not only a shift of ages, but ages of ages and if the time were to come that a successful gathering has not been made then mankind could lose much of its civilization it has acquired.

If one disciple fails, another may be available but the substitute could bungle the whole thing worse than the original. God is limited in helping us because of our free will.

For Free Book go HERE and other books HERE

JJ’s Amazon page HERE

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Branches of the Tree of Life

Index for Older Archives in the Process of Updating

This entry is part 17 of 34 in the series 2010B

Posted June 4, 2010
Alex, who is a member of the Keys s well as an LDS related list in which I have been posting the mission series asks essentially this.

If the Mormon Church is corrupt and many of its teachings are flawed then why would the Spirit or soul give any witness related to it or guide anyone to join it?

This is a good question and is one I expected to receive.

The problem is that there is no person or organization that is perfect. The first lesson the seeker after truth must realize as he seeks an inner verification is that the Spirit never witnesses to infallibility.

Of course, many people who think they received a witness merely received a good emotional feeling about something that sounded good. On the other hand, some do receive an true inner verification from the Spirit through the soul. What they often fail to do, however, is not carefully reflect on just what it was that was that was verified.

The Spirit verifies truth in two major areas.
Direction and true principles

(1) Direction.
There is a path that takes us back to union with God. As we begin the path it is as if we have choices of many branches, like the top of a tree of life. Now even though there are many branches, and some are stronger than others, it is still a true principle that even the smallest and most imperfect among them receive life giving force from the Source. Therefore, if the seeker has a choice of merging with one of the branches or being separate from all branches the Spirit will witness to him that merging with the available branch is desirable.

The religions and churches of the world are the first branches of the Tree of Life.

None of them are perfect and all of them have many flaws and just criticism can be made against them. Even so, they are the kindergartens and elementary schools that take us on the path out of darkness and point us toward light and life.

Many of those reading this have been associated with a church in their past. Consider this question: Did you learn things of value from your association with it? I would guess the answer is yes. My answer is certainly yes, even though I outgrew it and they kicked me out. The church, as imperfect as it is, was the initial source that set me on the quest for the meaning of life and search for truth.

My initial experiences in the church were invaluable.

Therefore, when the seeker, who is not yet connected with a branch leading to greater connections with the Tree of Life, has a choice to hold on to a branch or no branch at all, the spirit will verify to him that he should move forward.

If he seeks it the verification or witness may be to join the LDS, the Catholics, Protestants, Buddhism or any particular school that will just pull him into the system whereas he begins to contemplate the meaning of things.

A person can also receive inner direction on various choices in life such as marriage, career or place of residence. If an inner verification is sought and none is received it means that the partner, career or location will not make much difference to your progression. But sometimes you may need to marry a specific person or follow a certain career and in this case you will receive a witness or verification.

Such verification does not mean that you will have smooth sailing, but it does mean that you will either spiritually benefit yourself or help others progress because of it.

So the spirit therefore gives witness to true direction – a direction that leads the One Path.

(2) True Principles.

The language of the soul is the language of principles. Facts are so relative that rarely is any inner witness relative to them. Instead, on reflection, the seeker will find that an inner witness is related to some principle.

Many people read the Bible and receive an inner verification and then assume that the whole thing is infallible but what is it that was really verified? It could be one or more of a number of things:

That Higher intelligence (God) does exist and there are beings of a higher order that work with us to aid us in our progression.

That there is an inner Christ or God that we can access for guidance.

That supernatural events and miracles are possible.

That there is a higher or spiritual love that we should embrace.

That we should see ourselves as servants willing to give a helping hand to our neighbors.

Now when a seeker reads the Bible or joins a church and receives an inner warm confirmation of any of these principles he is likely to interpret such as confirmation that the whole of the church of the Bible is 100% true and infallible.

The same goes for the LDS church, Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon. When a person receives a witness in connection with them it is either connected with direction or some true principle revealed. When I was in the church I never received a witness of the Book of Mormon as a whole but I did receive some powerful witnesses of some of the principles taught.

My first witness happened shortly after I started reading the book and came across this scripture:

“For he that diligently seeketh shall find; and the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto them, by the power of the Holy Ghost, as well in these times as in times of old, and as well in times of old as in times to come; wherefore, the course of the Lord is one eternal round.” I Nephi 10:19

I have applied this teaching throughout my life and it is indeed a true principle.

Another thing that struck a powerful chord with my soul was the teaching that little children do not need baptism to be saved from original sin.

Then, here’s another scripture that registered within:
“But behold, that which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do good continually; wherefore, every thing which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God.” Moroni 7:13

Similarly, there are a number of teachings and experiences of Joseph Smith, despite his imperfections, that call forth an inner witness. One thing that brings forth the Spirit verifying that at least, at that moment, he was in the Spirit was Parley P. Pratt’s account at Liberty Jail:

The incident takes place in Richmond, Missouri, sometime in November of 1838. The Prophet and his associates had been taken prisoner at Far West, Missouri, and were awaiting trial at Richmond in some rough log houses situated near the courthouse.

Six men at a time were chained around the ankles with a long chain that was held to each ankle by a lock. Parley poignantly recounts: “In one of those tedious nights [imprisoned in Richmond in a rough log house] we had lain as if in sleep till the hour of midnight had passed, and our ears and hearts had been pained, while we had listened for hours to the obscene jests, the horrid oaths, the dreadful blasphemies and filthy language of our guards, Colonel Price at their head, as they recounted to each other their deeds of rapine, murder, robbery, etc., which they had committed among the “Mormons” while at Far West and vicinity. They even boasted of defiling by force wives, daughters and virgins, and of shooting or dashing out the brains of men, women and children,

I had listened till I became so disgusted, shocked, horrified, and so filled with the spirit of indignant justice that I could scarcely refrain from rising upon my feet and rebuking the guards; but had said nothing to Joseph, or any one else, although I lay next to him and knew he was awake. On a sudden he arose to his feet, and spoke in a voice of thunder, as the roaring lion, uttering, as near as I can recollect, the following words:   

“SILENCE, ye fiends of the infernal pit. In the name of Jesus Christ I rebuke you, and command you to be still; I will not live another minute and bear such language. Cease such talk, or you or I die THIS INSTANT!”

  He ceased to speak. He stood erect in terrible majesty. Chained, and without a weapon; calm, unruffled and dignified as an angel, he looked upon the quailing guards, whose weapons were lowered or dropped to the ground; whose knees smote together, and who, shrinking into a corner, or crouching at his feet, begged his pardon, and remained quiet till a change of guards.

  I have seen the ministers of justice, clothed in magisterial robes, and criminals arraigned before them, while life was suspended on a breath, in the courts of England; I have witnessed a Congress in solemn session to give laws to nations; I have tried to conceive of kings, of royal courts, of thrones and crowns; and of emperors assembled to decide the fate of kingdoms; but dignity and majesty have I seen but once, as it stood in chains, at midnight, in a dungeon in an obscure village of Missouri.”

Autobiography of Parley P. Pratt, pp. 209-211.
http://www.artbyandrewk.com/majesty.html

The seeker gains valuable knowledge when he realizes that many people of widely differing belief systems have received inner verification of true principles and direction. This is why it is so important to be cautions in making negative judgments of others. Maybe your friend has received an inner direction to follow a path that you consider to be in error, but for him such a path will lead to his next step on the path of liberation. If we are not careful a condemning judgment may prove to be a great error.

Brother Little was an atheist and the inner verification that God exists that he received from reading and praying about the Book of Mormon was a good thing and thus he began treading the path to liberation.