"Brother and Sister Price, Right On!!!"

This is the subject line of a former center place discussion topic which has since been removed. It is the board which contained the strong accusations against the Prices. In the Monday Morning Rant (15) I dealt with those and especially the aspect of the youthful son of one of the critics. I was advised that he was “only nineteen years old.”

A commenter noted the last comment, “don’t send a boy to do a man’s work,” pointing out that among others, David and Joseph Smith, Jr represented God’s use of youngsters to do his work. Not one to question God’s choices of servants to do His will I sought to find out if they were more accurately defined as men or boys.

Let’s take a look at I Samuel 16 (Inspired Version) to get a little background on David. Saul proceeded through the sons of Jesse to locate the one whose heart was with the Lord to anoint. The final choice turned out to be the youngest of the group. When Saul was looking for an excellent harp player a servant suggested David. He was described in verse 18 as follows: “Then answered one of the servants, and said, Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, that is cunning in playing, and a mighty valiant man, and a man of war, and prudent in matters, and a comely person, and the Lord is with him.” Later in I Samuel 17.34-36, while pleading with Saul to represent the Israelites against the champion offered by the Philistines, we read: “And David said unto Saul, Thy servant kept his father’s sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock. (35) And I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered it out of his mouth; and when he arose against me, I caught him by his beard, and smote him and slew him. (36) Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God.”

Whew! There’s a day’s work. Slaying a lion and a bear at one sitting in chapter 17 seems to validate the assertion in chapter 16 that he was indeed “a man of war.” Being the youngest son does not necessarily mean one remains a child forever. Obviously he was younger than his brothers, but I can’t read this and see a callow youth. When compared to Goliath at 9’6” (six cubits and a span) he would look like a child regardless of his size. Young, yes; but, definitely a man. And, most important, imbued with skills acquired as a shepherd and enhanced by the Spirit of God.

Now, we proceed to Joseph Smith, Jr.. At the rough age of 17 years, 9 months, young Joseph received the announcement of the existence of the plates, the next day he viewed the plates and was told to wait. For whatever reason, it was four years to the day that Joseph was actually permitted to receive the plates. At 21 years, 9 months the work of translating the plates began. The young husband—he had married eight months earlier—had gained experience and maturity and apparently God found him ready. It was three years later in 1830 that the book of Mormon was published and in April, the church organized. Yes, he was young, but surely no longer a child.

Part of the comment I received to the Rant concerned the distribution of papers from older folks that were “utter nonsense.” I certainly agree. Having just re-read the eighty pages of the postings on that board, the evidence is overwhelming that it’s not just younger persons who choose to misunderstand the doctrines, laws and traditions of the church. There are comments there by some seasoned adults which border on the ridiculous.

In the final paragraph of the comment the observation is made that, “Often times those ‘most qualified’ lack certain qualities that the Lord requires to promote His standards (I Cor 1:27-28.)” I can’t imagine that the Lord has any problem evaluating who has the qualities He needs. “Most qualified” is a designation dreamed up by men. The further insinuation is made that the lad’s claims come as a messenger of God to correct me. While I can certainly stand correction on occasion, my experience with God has always been far more direct. He has consistently granted healing, direction and encouragement. These experiences have never been subtle or third hand. I always speak plainly to my Lord and He has always responded in kind. A full reading of Zion Beckons will reveal sin, forgiveness, repentance and, I hope, a sincere effort to be pleasing to God accompanied by an all out effort to do His will. Thankfully, I will only have One Judge.

This is the third time this year that some one from the center place, when faced with comment or inquiry, instead of responding with a logical argument, has questioned my status as a Christian. I noticed, reading the board, that the most popular posture when faced with facts and objections is to plead “hate” on the part of the questioner. Once the allegation of “hate” is established we are treated to a dreary paragraph or two about how much love they have for everyone. People who love don’t describe others as “haters.” They also don’t attack venerable servants who disagree with their opinions with false allegations and invective. I still haven’t seen anything which vaguely resembles an apology to Richard Price for his defamation.

In His abiding love,

Cecil Moon