CHAPTER X.

THE CHOICE SEER.

As ancient Israel was in error in misinterpreting prophecy, so the Latter Day Saints are in error in misinterpreting modern prophecy. As I have said, a distinction must be made between the gospel or doctrine of Christ, and prophecy. It is plain to be seen from the scriptures that it is not the Lord’s purpose to reveal prophecy in as great plainness as the gospel and doctrine of Christ. Scripture prophecy refers to events that are to transpire in the Lord‘s work; and it is not his purpose to reveal in plainness at this time, all the mysteries and plans of his great work among the children of men in the future. Such has been the case in all ages past. The prophecies to the Jews regarding the way in which Christ was to come, were obscure, and they were only understood by those who had the spirit to understand them. They could have been written so plain that any person could understand them correctly; but it was not God’s purpose to do so. The Book of Mormon tells us that the book of prophecy of John‘s Revelation is hard to understand, but when God’s own due time comes, it is to be unfolded and made plain; but the gospel and doctrine of Christ is so plain in the New Covenant of the Book of Mormon, that a child can understand it. Christ says, “And I give you these commandments, because of the disputations which have been among you. And blessed are ye if ye have no disputations among you.” Also, that you might “know of the true points of my (Christ‘s) doctrine.” (Nephi viii:9 and ix:11). But prophecy is another matter outside of the gospel or doctrine of Christ; it can only be interpreted correctly by the enlightenment of the Holy Ghost. Peter says, “We have also a more sure word of `prophecy’; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth