Darkened Minds

• Joseph Smith, compiled by Joseph Fielding Smith, "Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith", p. 93

Upon finding that many had been darkened in their minds regarding the subject of the government of the church, president smith remarked upon the importance of keeping order in meetings, and that each should be careful to make sure, when speaking, that they can throw light upon the subject, rather than darkness and that objections raised be founded in righteousness "which may be done by men applying themselves closely to study the mind and will of the Lord, whose spirit always makes manifest and demonstrates the truth to the understanding of all who are in possession of the Spirit."

• Joseph Smith, compiled by Joseph Fielding Smith, "Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith", p. 95

"...the condemnation which rested upon the multitude that received not His saying, was because they were not willing to see with their eyes, and hear with their ears; not because they could not, and were not privileged to see and hear, but because their hearts were full of iniquity and abominations..."

"Men are in the habit, when the truth is exhibited by the servants of God, of saying, All is mystery; they have spoken in parables, and, therefore, are not to be understood. It is true they have eyes to see, and see not, but none are so blind as those who will not see... ...[the priests of Baal] have not power to blind our eyes, and darken our understanding, if we will but open our eyes, and read with candor, for a moment."

Cross-References

• The Gift of Discernment