Sunday, October 19, 2014

My Pioneer Ancestors

My Pioneer Ancestors

William Thomas Higginson
William Thomas Higginson (1835-1914):
  • Parents: Charles Wood Higginson and Mary Ann Bouncer
  • Relationship: William Thomas Higginson, father of George Taylor Higginson, father of Elmo Cassim Higginson, father of Julie Lynn Higginson, my mother.
  • Birth: November 1, 1835, Kenton Hall, Shifnal, Shropshire, England
  • Marriage(s): Elizabeth Jones (October 18, 1857), Christina Young (September 27, 1863), Hattie Jane Taylor (February 10, 1873)
  • Children: 13 - 8 (Christina Young), 5 (Hattie Jane Taylor)
  • Occupation(s): Jockey, Stable Boy, Farm Laborer
  • Fun Facts: His brother George was with Parley P. Pratt when he was killed.  By 1967 William Thomas Higginson had 13 children, 62 grandchildren, 246 great grandchildren, 537 great great grandchildren, 85 great great great grandchildren.
  • Pioneer Company: William B. Preston Company
  • Age at Departure: 27
  • Mission: Northern States, 1899-1900
  • Life Sketch and Other Documents: Short story, Letter Containing Testimony, etc., Same Letter with More Details, Same Letter Complete Version, Mission Call from President Lorenzo Snow 
  • Trail Experience: Individual Information, Trail Excerpt 
  • Testimony: "The next morning after I got home, there lay some Milleneum Stars on the table. I
    William T. Higginson and Christina Young
    picked one up and on the front page there was a revelation given to the Prophet Joseph and these were the words I read; 'Thus saith the Lord unto you my servant Joseph', and I asked myself the question, 'can I deny that'? And the spirit of the Lord said unto me, 'No you cannot deny it'. And from that time to this present moment I have never had no doubt in my mind as to Joseph Smith being a true Prophet of God. And after receiving that testimony I tended to the meeting at Astley and got acquainted with our father and mother and other Saints, yet I did not get baptized till July 1855, that was over one year after I received the testimony. I would have got baptized sooner but I was very bashful and did not like to ask for baptism, and as Father and were gong to a meeting we called at Tetley's and he was going to baptize a brother, so he asked me if I didn't want to be baptized. I told him yes, and so I was."
  • Death: November 29, 1914, Hatch, Bannock, Idaho, United States
  • Headstone

William Plummer Tippets (1812-1877):
  • Parents: John Tippets IV and Abigail Pierce
    William Plummer Tippets
  • Relationship: William Plummer Tippets, father of Abigail Eliza Tippets, mother of Mary Sophia Tippets, mother of Reba Marchant, mother of Jacquelyn Tebbs, mother of Ralph Cornel Hancock, my father.
  • Birth: June 26, 1812, Wilton, Hillsborough, New Hampshire, United States
  • Marriage(s): Caroline Tippets (July 30, 1835), Jeanette Stebbans (1837), Sophia Burnham Mead (January 1, 1842) 
  • Children: 10 - 1 (Caroline Tippets), 9 (Sophia Burnham Mead)
  • Occupation(s): Farmer
  • Fun Facts: The pioneer company that William Tippets traveled with transported almost 5,000 pounds of freight destined for Brigham Young and Newel K Whitney.
  • Pioneer Company: Edward Hunter Company
  • Age at Departure: 37
  • Mission: 
  • Life Sketch and Other Documents: Building a Log House, Incomplete History, History
  • Trail Experience: Individual information, Trail Excerpt
  • Testimony:
  • Death: March 29, 1877, Cause of Death, Typhoid Fever
  • Headstone
William Marks Miles (1828-1897):
  • Parents: Samuel Miles and Prudence Marks
    William Marks Miles
  • Relationship: William Marks Miles, father of Emmeline Emilia Miles, mother of Jeremiah Hatch, father of Lelia Hatch, mother of Julie Lynn Higginson, my mother
  • Birth: May 28, 1828, Attica, Genesee, New York, United States
  • Marriage(s): Orpha Ann Alexander (1853), Martha Jane Curtis (1859), Margaret E. Lawrence (December 11, 1859)
  • Children: 12 - 3 (Orpha Ann Alexander), 9 ( Martha Jane Curtis)
  • Occupation(s): Farmer, Stone Cutter, "It had always been my ambition to have a good farm and raise horses and cattle.  I, being twelve years old this year, was able to raise a garden and also hire out to do light work in many types of construction. I got what schooling I could along with working long hours to help make a living for my younger brother and sister." / "William Marks Miles, was a stone cutter by trade, even helping with the building of several temples. He was also called by President Brigham Young to be an Indian Interpreter and Peace Maker. The Indians learned to love William and asked him to wear a small bunch of whiskers on his chin to identify him, so that they would not kill him during any of the frequent uprisings. (Although it was customary to wear whiskers in those days, William was always clean shaven.)"
  • Fun Facts: William and his family knew the prophet Joseph. Smith and his contemporaries personally, and resisted mob persecution (his family was once held prisoner by the mobs), and they traveled to Adam-Ondi Ahman and Nauvoo.  He quarried granite from the mouth of Little Cottonwood Canyon for the construction of the Salt Lake Temple. William also helped build a rock dam in the Cottonwood river.  He was a friend of the Indians. 
  • Pioneer Company: Ezra T. Benson Company, Jedediah M. Grant-Joseph B. Noble Company
  • Age at Departure: 21 
  • Mission: Temple builder, Indian Interpreter and Peace Maker
  • Life Sketch and Other Documents: Autobiography of William Marks Miles, History of William Marks Miles 
  • Trail Experience: "I had gained much experience through my contacts with the captains and wagon masters and working and riding with the guides and frontiersmen the last few years. l learned a lot about the ways of the Indian and learned to talk their sign language. l had become quite handy at driving oxen and pulled many a family out of the mire that were driving horses."
  • Testimony: "Our farm joined that of Dr. Warren Cowdery, he and my father being brothers-in- law. His wife being Patience Simonds, a sister to Father’s first wife, Sarah Simonds, and being a brother to Oliver Cowdery. We early became acquainted with the rise of the church known as Mormons. It wasn‘t till the winter of 1833-34 that the Elders visited the town. Father learned of a meeting to be held in an adjoining town, Farmersville. Father and some of my older brothers attended the meeting held in Ira L. Hatch’s house. After the meeting closed, a few proceeded to a nearby stream where the ice was cut, it being mid-winter, and some baptisms were tended to. In a few weeks our town was visited by Elders John Murdock, Orson Pratt and others. A large branch was raised up. My parents were early baptized. Warren A. Cowdery was appointed and set apart as president of the Branch Other members included Hyman Hyde and family, Thomas Graven, Ira C. Hatch, the Cheaneys, the McPherson family, the Caulkins brothers, Lyman and Israel; Benjamin F. Wheeler and his wife, Eliza, my sister, Isaac Decker and family (they were baptized after moving to Ohio), also my brother. Joel. Mother's brother. William Marks, visited us at this time and attended our meetings. He became a convert to the truth of the gospel and was shortly afterward baptized... l was baptized in March 1836 by Solomon Warner. In April 1836 Father and Mother received their Patriarchal Blessings under the hands of Joseph Smith, Sr., who visited the branch."  His creed was: "Let your conscience be your guide."  
  • Death: July 7, 1897, Moreland, Bingham, Idaho, United States
  • Headstone
Thomas Henry Wright
Thomas Henry Wright:
  • Parents: Joseph Wright, Frances Green
  • Relationship: Thomas Henry Wright, father of Elizabeth Wright, mother of Earnest Wright Marchant, father of Reba Marchant, mother of Jacquelyn Tebbs, mother of Ralph Cornel Hancock, my father.
  • Birth: April 18, 1818, Woolwich, Kent, England
  • Marriage(s): Elizabeth Barrett (March 9, 1846), Caroline Eliza West (February 8, 1869)
  • Children: 20 total - 15 (Elizabeth Barrett), 5 (Caroline Eliza West)
  • Occupation(s): ? 
  • Fun Facts: He had some disagreements while crossing the plains, and he was even accused of murdering a man's wife, but she actually just died of cholera: "I Tho. H. Wright of the Church of Jesus Christ of L.D. Saints do charge Bro. Edward Middlemass With Falsly & Wantonly accusing Me of Killing his Wife & Makeing Me out to be a Murderer When it is Well known she died from the effects of a severe attack of Cholera." / A wagon wheel ran over his daughter's leg, but her leg did not break.
  • Pioneer Company: Seth M. Blair / Edward Stevenson Company
  • Age at Departure: 37
  • Mission: ?
  • Life Sketch and Other Documents: 
  • Trail Experience: Trail Excerpt, Trail Excerpt
  • Testimony: ?
  • Death: May 27, 1881
  • Headstone
Simmons Philander Curtis:

Robert Nish:
Robert Nish
Josiah Howe Call:
  • Parents: Cyril Call and Sarah Tiffany
    Josiah Howe Call
  • Relationship: Josiah Howe Call, father of Lydia Rosetta Call, mother of Alzina C. Loveland, mother of Elmo Cassim Higginson, father of Julie Lynn Higginson, my mother
  • Birth: August 12, 1821 Madison, Geauga, Ohio, United States
  • Marriage(s): Henrietta Caroline Williams (March 11, 1846), Christence Nielsdatter (January 14, 1856)
  • Children: 8 - 7 (Henrietta Caroline Williams), 1 (Christence Nielsdatter)
  • Occupation(s): Farmer, Collier, Sheriff, Alderman
  • Fun Facts: Although he was friendly with the Indians, he was killed by a hostile bunch of Indians.  He fought bravely, like a bear, to preserve his life, but the Indians showed him no mercy: "An Indian, wearing Grandfather's hat, came six months later to the home of my grandmother. Grandmother's six frightened children clung to her apron while he told the story. Grandfather begged for his life. He told them he had six little papooses and a squaw that he would like to go home to; that they needed him, He offered to trade them anything for his life. They refused him. When an Indian says he'll do a thing he usually does it. He told her they took his right arm as a sign of Bravery."
  • Pioneer Company: Allen Taylor Company
  • Age at Departure: 27
  • Mission: Pioneer, Settle Pauvant Valley (Fillmore, Utah), Bishop
  • Life Sketch and Other Documents: A Short Story of Josiah Howe Call, Tell Me a Story, Story by Granddaughter, Indian Massacre
  • Trail Experience: Individual Information, Trail Excerpt
  • Testimony: Josiah and his family heeded prophetic counsel: "Josiah had married Henrietta Williams, March lst, 1846 in Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois. Josiah and his brothers and families were part of the first 10 Wagons of Brigham Young's company. They traveled westward and they overtook a 52 Wagon company, and also overtook the George Miller company on the Platte River Where they received instructions July 22, 1846 to go no farther. There Josiah and the others erected 125 cabins to a fort. In February of 1847 Apostles arrived with instructions for these to return to Winter Quarters. Some of the them­ ­weren't in favor of returning te Winter Quarters; but the Call's heeded the instructions and returned to Winter Quarters."
  • Death: October 7, 1858 Chicken Creek Camp, Juab, Utah Territory, United States, Cause of Death: Scalping, shot by Indians, and right arm cut off
  • Headstone
Jeremiah Hatch:
Jeremiah Hatch
Michael Wheatley:
Michael Wheatley
  • Parents: John Wheatley and Sarah Moore
  • Relationship: Michael Wheatley, father of Heber Kimball Wheatley, father of Zina Maria Wheatley, mother of Lelia Hatch, mother of Julie Lynn Higginson, my mother
  • Birth: August 19, 1834 Dale Abbey, Derby, England
  • Marriage(s): Martha Anna Varley (February 24, 1851), Elizabeth Eliza Berrow (October 26, 1905)
  • Children: 2 - 2 (Martha Anna Varley)
  • Occupation(s): Coal Miner, Farmer  
  • Fun Facts: One of Michael's brothers died in a coal mine blast, and he himself had many narrow escapes from dangerous situations in the coal mines, his back was scarred from falling coal / 
  • Pioneer Company: ?
  • Age at Departure: ?
  • Mission: ?
    Michael and Martha Wheatley
  • Life Sketch and Other Documents: History of Michael Wheatley, Life Sketch, Obituary,  
  • Trail Experience: ?
  • Testimony: ?
  • Death: December 28, 1916 Calls Fort, Box Elder, UT
  • Headstone
Hezekiah Hatch:
Joseph Harrison Tippets:
Joseph Harrison Tippets
  • Parents: Joseph Tippets and Abigail Lewis
  • Relationship: Joseph Harrison Tippets, father of Brigham Lewis Tippets, father of Mary Sophia Tippets, mother of Reba Marchant, mother of Jacquelyn Tebbs, mother of Ralph Hancock, my father
  • Birth: June 4, 1814, Lewis, Essex, New York, United States
  • Marriage(s): Rosalia Elvira Perry (January 1, 1837), Amanda Melvina Perry (June 26, 1842), Rose Wickham (May 10, 1865)
  • Children: 14, 2 (Rosalia Elvira Perry), 9 (Amanda Melvina Perry), 3 (Rose Wickham)
  • Occupation(s): Locksmith and Cabinet Maker, Farmer 
  • Fun Facts: Joseph was the youngest child.  Joseph was very friendly with the Indians and he spoke their language as well as his own.  The Natives loved him and did not want him to move.  Sadly, he accidentally shot his second wife while cleaning his gun.  He made the most beautiful and best quality chairs of the time.  Many of his descendents became carpenters and poets just like him.  He was very kind and tender hearted, and his eyes would well up with tears for the sorrows and trials of others. Because of his kindness to the Indians, many were in attendance at his funeral services.  Joseph attended the school of the prophets and helped work on the Kirtland Temple.  He and his family were driven out of their home in Missouri by the mob.  The mob burned another one of his homes to the ground.  It has been said that Joseph and his family were living close enough to Carthage that they heard the shots that killed the Prophet and Hyrum.  There is also a very interesting letter that he wrote to the prophet Joseph Smith.  Joseph H. Tippets gave $98.67 in cash and $120.37 in property to the Church of Jesus Christ for the purchasing of lands in Jackson County Missouri.  On March 7, 1835 Joseph H. Tippets was one of 119 men who received a blessing from the prophet Joseph Smith for helping to build the Kirtland Temple.  He also wrote fantastic poetry.  
  • Pioneer Company: John B. Walker Company
  • Age at Departure: 38
  • Mission: 
  • Life Sketch and Other Documents: Life sketch, and here
  • Trail Experience: Trail Experience, Trail Excerpt
  • Testimony: "Joseph Harrison Tippets was born 4 June 1814, at Lewis, Essex County, New York. When he was a young man he heard about the Book of Mormon and Joseph Smith and traveled to Illinois to learn more about it. He embraced the Gospel with all his heart and soul and was so overjoyed at finding the truth that he wrote a few verses to his mother who was a Methodist and still in New York. / He became well acquainted with the Prophet Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum. It is said that he lived near enough to the jail and heard the shots that were fired and witnessed the disturbances of that awful night when Joseph and his brother were martyred."  / Joseph walked fifteen miles to obtain a copy of the Book of Mormon when he first heard about it.  (See also this poem, same as above)
  • Death: October 12, 1868, Brigham City, Utah
  • Headstone
Gustavus Adolphus Perry:
  • Parents: Abijah Perry, Jr. and Elizabeth Tippets
  • Relationship: Father of Amanda Melvina, Mother of Brigham Lewis, Father of Mary Sophia Tippets, Mother of Reba Marchant, Mother of Jacquelyn Tebbs, Mother of Ralph Hancock, my Father
  • Birth: January 4, 1797, Wilton, Hillsboro, New Hampshire, United States
  • Marriage(s): Eunice Wing (1816), Sarah ("Sally") Jenkins (March 22, 1847), Elizabeth Wray
  • Children: 8, 7 (Eunice Wing), 1 (Sarah Jenkins)
  • Occupation(s): Farmer
  • Fun Facts: He was the oldest of six children.  His grandfather was a Revolutionary War soldier at Fort Ticonderoga.  After the death of his father, Gustavus left home when he was only 10 yrs. old because he did not like his step-father.  He and his family were converted to the Gospel in a miraculous way, and they experienced many miracles.  Gustavus may have lived in Far West, and he lived in Nauvoo.  He was also one of the delegates to the political convention in Nauvoo at the time that Joseph Smith was nominated to be a candidate for President of the United States in May of 1844.  Gustavus became a Mason on April 24, 1845.  After marrying Eunice Wing, he married a younger woman (Sarah Jenkins) who had been abandoned by her husband.  On March 27, 1847 Gustavus was sealed in celestial marriage to both of his wives at Winter Quarters by Brigham Young.  He and his family joined the John B. Walker company of pioneers and cross the plains, arriving in Utah in early October, 1852.  Gustavus married a third wife, Elizabether Wray Walker, whose husband had left her to seek gold in California (and who subsequently perished in a snow slide).  Gustavus is the great, great grandfather of Apostle Elder L. Tom Perry.    
  • Pioneer Company: John B. Walker Company
  • Age at Departure: 55
  • Mission: Pioneer, Missouri, Nauvoo, and Farmington Utah
  • Life Sketch and Other Documents: Life Sketch, Early History of Perry, Utah, Night Visitor, see also here, and here
  • Trail Experience: Trail Experience, Trail Excerpt
  • Testimony: "Close to the year 1830 one dark, stormy evening the family were all gathered in the kitchen, the latch strings drawn in for the night. The front door opened and they heard someone coming through the house toward the kitchen where the family was assembled when he entered the kitchen they saw that it was an old man with a white flowing beard. Although it was a stormy night there were no signs of raindrops on his clothes. He said 'God Bless You' and asked for food, and if he could spend night with them. Although they were poor and had little bread they gave him food and shelter. When he came in, he had a knapsack on his back with a little pup which he gave to the children to play with. During the evening he took from tis pocket, a book from which he read telling them it was soon to come forth and telling them to get one at their first opportunity. As he was leaving the next morning he promised them that they would never want for bread, which promise was literally fulfilled. That very next day a man who owed them some money asked if they would take wheat for the debt. Although it was broad daylight when the stranger left none of neighbors saw him leave. Sometime after the visit of the old gentleman, two elders with a Book of Mormon came to their door. The family obtained one and in reading the book they recognized passages of scriptures the stranger had read to them on the night of his visit. In the year 1832 the family joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints.”  Here is an audio recording of Elder L. Tom Perry's account of the story.  
  • Death: May 2, 1868, Three Mile Creek, Box Elder, Utah, United States
  • Headstone   
George Taylor:
George Taylor
Cyril Call:
  • Parents: Joseph Call and Mary Sanderson
    Cyril Call
  • Relationship: Cyril Call, father of Fanny Call, mother of Anson Cassim Loveland, father of Alzina C. Loveland, mother of Elmo Cassim Higginson, father of Julie Lynn Higginson Hancock, my mother
  • Birth: June 29, 1785, Woodstock, Windsor, Vermont
  • Marriage(s): Sarah Tiffany (April 6, 1806)
  • Children: 15 (Sarah Tiffany)
  • Occupation(s):  Farmer, School Teacher, Soldier in the War of 1812, Warden of a Masonic Lodge, etc.
  • Fun Facts: Cyril Call was the youngest son of Joseph Call, a Baptist minister for many years who also served in the Revolutionary War under General George Washington. Cyril left the Baptist Church to join the Methodists before his conversion to the Gospel.  After his conversion, the Prophet Joseph Smith visited his house many times, and even held his twins Omer and Homer on his knee.  Cyril and his family endured much persecution and were driven out of Missouri by the mobs.       
  • Pioneer Company: Warren Foote Company
  • Age at Departure: 64
  • Mission: Temple Builder, Pioneer
  • Life Sketch and Other Documents: Life Sketch, 
  • Trail Experience: Pioneer Trek
  • Testimony: "In 1832, Cyril was introduced to a strange book called The Book of Mormon. He learned about Joseph Smith who was believed to be a latter-day prophet who claimed to have seen God and had translated the book. Cyril studied and prayed and became converted to Mormonism. In November 1832, Cyril was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Elder John Murdock. As he was the only member of his family to join the Church at this time, Cyril faced resistance and ridicule not only from the community, but also from members of the Call family." (Life Sketch)
  • "To become a convert to an unpopular religion, whose leaders were severely persecuted and members as well, requires great stamina and bravery. Cyril Call met the challenge and duties of life with rare courage and fidelity. There was not the slightest trace of hypocrisy or cowardice in his whole make-up. He stood for principle and had great faith in the religion he has espoused. It was while they lived near Kirtland that Cyril and his family became acquainted with the Prophet Joseph Smith. He loved the prophet in scriptural measure, heaped up, pressed down, and running over, and Joseph Smith loved him. They belonged to the same Masonic order, the Rising Sun, and Cyril was a warden in this organization. The prophet visited his home many times and rocked his twin sons, Omer and Homer, on his knee."
  • "On account of the persecutions of the Mormons in Ohio, he and two of his sons went to Missouri in the spring of 1838 and was with the Saints at Zions Camp. He purchased land near Far West and returned to Ohio to get his family. The Missourians in the meantime had started their persecutions of the Saints so he remained on the Illinois side of the river locating near Warsaw. It was here, in the fall of 1845, that his home was visited by a mob. There are a number of versions as to what was said at the time of this visit, but they are in general agreement. The leader of the mob said something like this: 'Mr. Call, you are a good citizen and we like you. If you will renounce Mormonism and Joe Smith, we will not burn you home.' Cyril replied: 'Joseph Smith is a prophet of God and Mormonism has been divinely instituted.' The mob proceeded to burn his house down. His wife and children were forced to make their beds in a cornfield until help came to relived the dreadful situation. Following this catastrophe, he moved his family to Nauvoo where they remained durning the following year. They started west in 1846, remaining in Iowa and Nebraska until the spring of 1849, and arrived in the Salt Lake Valley in the fall of that year. His son Anson and some of his daughters preceded him to Utah, Anson arriving in 1848." - Cyril's grandson, Benjamin C. Call
  • Death: May 23, 1873
  • Headstone
Enos Curtis:
  • Parents: Edmond Curtis and Poly Mary Averell
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  • Birth: October 9, 1783
  • Marriage(s): Ruth Franklin, Tamma Durfee
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On Friendship

"In friendship...we think we have chosen our peers. In reality a few years' difference in the dates of births, a few more miles between certain houses, the choice of one university instead of another...the accident of a topic being raised or not raised at a first meeting--any of these chances might have kept us apart. But, for a Christian, there are, strictly speaking no chances. A secret master of ceremonies has been at work. Christ, who said to the disciples, 'Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you,' can truly say to every group of Christian friends, 'Ye have not chosen one another but I have chosen you for one another.' The friendship is not a reward for our discriminating and good taste in finding one another out. It is the instrument by which God reveals to each of us the beauties of others."

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Friday, October 17, 2014

Millions Shall Know Brother Joseph Again

"He called me by name, and said unto me that he was a messenger sent from the presence of God to me, and that his name was Moroni; that God had a work for me to do; and that my name should be had for good and evil among all nations, kindreds, and tongues, or that it should be both good and evil spoken of among all people." (Joseph Smith-History 1:33)

Joseph Smith is a true prophet of God.  The Holy Ghost has testified to my heart and confirmed in my mind on occasions too numerous to count that Joseph Smith saw God the Father and His Beloved Son Jesus Christ, that he was the chosen instrument for the Restoration of the Gospel, that he translated the Book of Mormon by the gift and power of God, and that he lived great and died great in the eyes of God and his people.  I echo the testimony of his close friend and fellow servant:

“I testify before God, angels, and men, that [Joseph] was a good, honorable, [and] virtuous man— … [and] that his private and public character was unimpeachable—and that he lived and died as a man of God.” - John Taylor (see also D&C 135:3)

Joseph Smith himself declared: "I shall speak with authority of the Priesthood in the name of the Lord God, which shall prove a savor of life unto life, or of death unto death. . . . If you wish to go where God is, you must be like God, or possess the principles which God possesses, for if we are not drawing towards God in principle, we are going from Him and drawing towards the devil. . . Search your hearts, and see if you are like God. I have searched mine, and feel to repent of all my sins."

How well do you know the Prophet Joseph Smith?

The following resources may be helpful in your quest to know the Prophet Joseph Smith better, and to better understand the marvelous work and a wonder that the Lord brought about through him:


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Tuesday, October 14, 2014

What is Political Philosophy?


"This volume provides an unequaled introduction to the thought of chief contributors to the Western tradition of political philosophy from classical Greek antiquity to the twentieth century. Written by specialists on the various philosophers, this third edition has been expanded significantly to include both new and revised essays." - The History of Political Philosophy

"There is no inquiry into the history of philosophy that is not at the same time a philosophical inquiry." - Leo Strauss

What is political philosophy?  This is as good a place to start as any.  (The Leo Strauss Center)
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The Whole Future of Civilization

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10 Blessed Blogs





Here is a short list of virtuous, lovely, of good report and praiseworthy blogs from which to gain edification, inspiration, instruction and enlightenement:


1. LDS Newsroom
2. FAIR Mormon Blog
3. The Soul and the City, Ralph Hancock
4. Sic et Non, Daniel Peterson
5. Mormon Scholars Testify
6. Forn Spǫll Fira, John Gee
7. Ether's Cave, Matthew Roper
8. Enigmatic Mirror, William Hamblin
9. Sixteen Small Stones, J. Max Wilson
10. The Millenial Star

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Monday, October 13, 2014

Loeb Classical Library

Loeb Classical Library
Just as I was beginning to think that the everything virtuous, lovely, of good report and praiseworthy on the internet had already been mined and synthesized onto this blog, my dad informed me that the Loeb Classical Library is now available online.  Amazing!

“Here is 1,400 years of human culture, all the texts that survive from one of the greatest civilizations human beings have ever built—and it can all fit in a bookcase or two. To capture all the fugitive texts of the ancient world, some of which survived the Dark Ages in just a single moldering copy in some monastic library, and turn them into affordable, clear, sturdy accurate books, is one of the greatest accomplishments of modern scholarship—and one of the most democratic.”—Adam Kirsch


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The Sura of Light

"God is the light of the heavens and the earth. A metaphor for His light is a niche in which there is a lamp placed in a glass. The glass is like a shining star which is lit from a blessed olive tree that is neither eastern nor western. Its oil almost lights up even though it has not been touched by the fire. It is light upon light. God guides to His light whomever He wants. God uses various metaphors. He has the knowledge of all things." - The Sura of Light, Qur'ān 24:35

A lot could be written about this verse, and much ink has already been spilt in reference to this verse. In fact, the Persian mystic theologian and philosopher Al-Ghazali wrote an entire book based on the ideas expressed in this verse.

The Sura of Light

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Sunday, October 12, 2014

The Testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith

"To the youth listening today or reading these words in the days ahead, I give a specific challenge: Gain a personal witness of the Prophet Joseph Smith. Let your voice help fulfill Moroni’s prophetic words to speak good of the Prophet. Here are two ideas: First, find scriptures in the Book of Mormon that you feel and know are absolutely true. Then share them with family and friends in family home evening, seminary, and your Young Men and Young Women classes, acknowledging that Joseph was an instrument in God’s hands. Next, read the testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith in the Pearl of Great Price or in this pamphlet, now in 158 languages. You can find it online at LDS.org or with the missionaries. This is Joseph’s own testimony of what actually occurred. Read it often. Consider recording the testimony of Joseph Smith in your own voice, listening to it regularly, and sharing it with friends. Listening to the Prophet’s testimony in your own voice will help bring the witness you seek." - Elder Neil L. Anderson

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Saturday, October 11, 2014

Meet the Mormons


Have you seen Meet the Mormons yet?  If so, what did you think?  If not, when will you see it?

After watching, and enjoying the film tonight, it occurred to me that I had just met (on the screen at least) some exemplary and exceptionally talented members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  And this is as it should be.  There are certainly many exemplary and exceptionally talented Mormons.

Without going into too much detail, the film Meet the Mormons is a Christ-centered, family focused, service oriented, and genuinely edifying production.  It is simultaneously warm, inviting, light-hearted and humorous.  The testimony of Christ, the Book of Mormon, and the basic doctrinal components of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints were all unabashedly present throughout the film, though mostly implicit in the lives of the six families represented.  In short, however it may be received by national or international audiences, Meet the Mormons is a wonderful montage of biographies that pays homage to the vitality and vibrancy of a growing faith.

The beautiful scenery and the variety of personalities in the film accentuate the beauty of the subject matter.  From Alabama to Maryland, from Costa Rica to Germany, from Nepal to Utah, Meet the Mormons invites audiences to take a glimpse into the lives of some ordinary people, who, by small and simple things, have begun to make an extraordinary impact for good in the lives of others.

Meet the Mormons emphasizes the common ground that members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints share with people of all races, ethnicities, religions and backgrounds without sacrificing the unique aspects of the faith.  It shows that each of us has an important piece to play in the symphony of life, and that each of us, with God's help, has the potential to play that piece inspiringly well.

Go see Meet the Mormons.






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Friday, October 10, 2014

Mormonism, Liberalism, Conservatism

Mormonism, Liberalism, Conservatism
A Discussion with R. Davis & R. Hancock
BYU 250 SWKT


Which way?

R. Hancock

Introductory thoughts on The Liberal Soul: Applying the Gospel of Jesus Christ in Politics

The Meaning of “Liberal”
· Moral virtue, self-mastery, moderation
· “Liberality” expansive, open to others, communal

Liberalism in American Tradition combined these: Moral Self-Government

Moral self-government depends on shared morality of larger community
· Freedom requires limits, moral framework
· Freedom without limits is not freedom, but radical individualism

Conserving Liberalism
· American Liberalism became its own worst enemy by rejecting defining limits of liberty
· Liberal generosity of spirit severed from traditional moral foundations
· 2 rejections of the limits of liberty – limited constitutional government sacrificed to boundless confidence in bureaucratic state
· Liberty as moral self-government
· Relativism

Bob Dylan: “A self-ordained professor’s tongue…(Eric Clapton)”

The Reign of “Equality”
· Pierre Manent (the adjective “equal” has overwhelmed the noun “liberty”)
· Equality as spiritual ideal = perfect community, ZION?
· But removed from moral & religious context, equality has no content, no rudder

Liberalism as Equality minus Moral Liberty
· Modern liberalism vs. limited constitutional government
· MODERN LIBERALISM PROMOTES BOTH EXTREME INDIVIDUALISM AND EXTREME STATISM
· Zion grounds equality equality in moral & spiritual UNITY: ZION works from the inside out (the state works from the outside in)

Critique of The Liberal Soul
· Challenge is not that we have too much confidence in traditional morality
· Counsel from Apostles and Prophets clearly contradicts the New Liberalism
· E.g. Family Proclamation, Elder Oaks, Elder Christofferson, etc.
· “A God who makes no demands…” – Christofferson

To love liberty truly is to embrace the true boundaries... To love liberalism well, one must love it conservatively

R. Davis

(For a prior discussion of his book, see here.)
Practical Political Scientist
Practical, Welfare, Economic State Liberalism – In Line with the Gospel
Church’s mission: “Care for the Poor and the Needy”
Government as a supplement to caring for the poor and the needy / Government is a tool
Church welfare system vs. Government welfare system - Complementary
Family and Community Resources / Church welfare system is a supplement
Enormous burden to the Church without the government
Goods: Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, Grants, Loans
Embrace economic liberalism rather than opposing it
Ezra T. Benson (speaking as an individual, not espousing Church doctrine) / Cleon Skousen
We accept services from the government, but say that government is bad
Social Justice = Idea that we treat other people at an equal level, considering those who are most vulnerable to get the most attention, women, religious minorities, racial and ethnic minorities, homosexuals (LDS were considered a persecuted minority before)
How will government policies help the poor?  How do we balance the playing field?
“I am not being dogmatic… I have seen the opposite though.”
Diversity, celebrate political and other aspects of diversity
“Be sensitive” to those who are liberal
“Tone” – venue, time for political discussions
The Liberal Soul is an attempt to fill a hole… to show that there are other people that think differently (Left) – open discussions

Hancock and Davis

- Shared truths, common ground
- Both against extremist economic libertarianism (Glenn Beck, Cleon Skousen, etc.)
- Democratic Party and Republican Party (economic, and political)
- How can you be a Democrat and be LDS? (A question that Davis responds to in his book)
- Social issues
- Self-Reliance, moral self-government cannot be taught by government (Hancock)
- LDS are much too complacent about the pursuit of wealth as a way of life

Questions from the audience: 

- White middle class – tendency toward Republican party?
- Church welfare system is so effective, why? More effective than overarching welfare system by the government, too large, detached?
- Transparency in government?
- What do you think that the government or Church welfare systems could change to improve the care of the poor?
- Do you know of any particular points in the Republican platform that go against Church doctrine? Davis' response = Gun control, Republicans are willing to be neglectful of the poor

A couple of thoughts from Church Leaders that came to my mind:

- "Now, lest I be accused of proposing quixotic global social programs or of endorsing panhandling as a growth industry, I reassure you that my reverence for principles of industry, thrift, self-reliance, and ambition is as strong as that of any man or woman alive. We are always expected to help ourselves before we seek help from others. Furthermore, I don’t know exactly how each of you should fulfill your obligation to those who do not or cannot always help themselves. But I know that God knows, and He will help you and guide you in compassionate acts of discipleship if you are conscientiously wanting and praying and looking for ways to keep a commandment He has given us again and again." - Elder Jeffrey R. Holland
- “Even with the universally accepted desire to help the poor and needy, the Lord concurs in our goal but warns, “But it must needs be done in mine own way” (D&C 104:16). Otherwise, in our efforts to help, we may actually hurt them. The Lord has taught us the need to promote self-reliance. Even if we are able to help, we should not give or provide what they can and should do for themselves. Everywhere it is tried, the world learns the evils of the dole. Truly God knows best.” - Elder Stanley G. Ellis
- “This peer pressure tries to change a person’s attitudes, if not behavior, by making one feel guilty for giving offense. We seek respectful coexistence with those who point fingers, but when this fear of men tempts us to condone sin, it becomes a “snare” according to the book of Proverbs (see Proverbs 29:25). The snare may be cleverly baited to appeal to our compassionate side to tolerate or even approve of something that has been condemned by God. For the weak of faith, it can be a major stumbling block.” - Elder Lynn G. Robbins

See here for Professor Richard Davis' follow up response in the Deseret News.
See here for a response by one who considers himself to be a Mormon Iconoclast.

Concluding thoughts:
-A lot depends upon one's view of human nature
-For an interesting prophecy from a non-authoritative source, see here

Hanging by a thread?

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A Play Proposal

The young C.S. Lewis
"One might imagine a play in which the dramatist introduced himself as a character into his own play and was pelted off the stage as an impudent impostor by the other characters.  It might be a rather good play; if I had any talent for the theatre I'd try my hand at writing it.  But since (as far as I know) such a play doesn't exist, we had better change to a narrative work; a story into which the author puts himself as one of the characters.

We have a real instance of this in Dante's Divine Comedy.  Dante is (1) the muse outside the poem who is inventing the whole thing, and (2) a character inside the poem, whom the other characters meet and with whom they hold conversations.  Where the analogy breaks down is that everything the poem contains is merely imaginary, in that the characters have no free will.  They (the characters) can say to Dante only what Dante (the poet) has decided to put into their mouths.  I do not think we humans are related to God in that way.  I think God can
The not as young C.S. Lewis
make things which not only--like a poet's or novelist's characters--seem to have a partially independent life, but really have it.  But the analogy furnishes a crude model of the Incarnation in two respects: (1) Dante the poet and Dante the character are in a sense one, but in another sense two.  This is a faint and far-off suggestion of what theologians mean by the 'union of the two natures' (divine and human) in Christ.  (2) The other people in the poem meet and see and hear Dante; but they have not even the faintest suspicion that he is making the whole world in which they exist and has a life of his own, outside it, independent of it.

It is the second point which is most relevant. For the Christian story is that Christ was perceived to be God by very few people indeed; perhaps, for a time only by St Peter, who would also, and for the same reason, have found God in space.  For Christ said to Peter, 'Flesh and blood have not taught you this.'  The methods of science do not discover facts of that order." C. S. Lewis, The Seeing Eye, pp. 231-232


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Thursday, October 9, 2014

A Divine Analogy

"Christians believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God because He said so.  The other evidence about Him has convinced them that He was neither a lunatic nor a quack.  Now of course the statement cannot mean that He stands to God in the very same physical and temporal relation which exists between offspring and male parent in the animal world.  It is then a poetical statement.  And such expression must here be necessary because the reality He spoke of is outside our experience...
A man who is both a good son and a good father, and who is continually urged to become a better son and a better father by meditation on the Divine Fatherhood and Sonship, and who thus comes in the end to make that Divine relation the norm to which his own human sonship and fatherhood are still merely analogical, is best receiving the revelation." - C.S. Lewis, The Language of Religion
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C.S. Lewis Says No to Drugs


C.S. Lewis
"Finally, in all our joys and sorrows, religious, aesthetic, or natural, I seem to find things (almost indescribably) thus. They are about something. They are a by-product of the (logically) prior act of attending to or looking towards something. We are not really concerned with the emotions: the emotions are our concern about something else.  Suppose that a mother is anxious about her son who is on active service. It is no use going to her with the offer of some drug or hypnotism or spell that would obliterate her anxiety. What she wants is not the cessation of anxiety but the safety of her son (I mean, on the whole. On one particular wakeful night, she might, no doubt, be glad of your magic.) Nor is it any use offering her a magic which would prevent her from feeling any grief if her son were killed: what she dreads is not grief but the death of her son.  Similarly, it is no use offering me a drug which will give me over again the feelings I had on first hearing the overture to The Magic Flute. The feelings, by themselves- the flutter in the diaphragm- are of very mediocre interest to me. What gave them their value was the thing they were about.  So in our Christian experiences.  No doubt we experience sorrow when we repent and joy when we adore.  But these were by-products of our attention to a particular Object." - C.S. Lewis, The Language of Religion



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Wednesday, October 8, 2014

The Simple, Naked Truth

"All I want is to get the simple, naked truth, and the whole truth...

...If Jesus Christ was the Son of God, and John discovered that God the Father of Jesus Christ had a Father, you may suppose that He had a Father also. Where was there ever a son without a father? And where was there ever a father without first being a son? Whenever did a tree or anything spring into existence without a progenitor? And everything comes in this way. Paul says that which is earthly is in the likeness of that which is heavenly, Hence if Jesus had a Father, can we not believe that He had a Father also? I despise the idea of being scared to death at such a doctrine, for the Bible is full of it."

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