[Quorum of Twelve to First Presidency letter]
The Council of the Twelve, to whom was referred the work of Elder B.H. Roberts, 'The Truth, the Way, the Life,' for consideration, beg to report that they do not regard said work in its present form as a suitable study for the Priesthood quorums of the Church.
Their objections to Elder Roberts's work are clearly set forth in the exceptions taken by their sub committee, who with Brother Roberts read the manuscript carefully and discussed the doctrinal points in question. Elder Roberts declined to make the changes or modifications suggested by the Twelve.
Th Twelve now submit herewith a copy of the exceptions referred to and also a letter addressed by Elder Roberts to the sub committee, dated April 28, in which he defines his attitude in regard to his work covered by the manuscript.
Sincerely your brethren,
[Attachment]
Doctrinal points questioned by the Committee which read the Manuscript of Elder B. H. Roberts, entitled ' THE TRUTH, THE WAY, THE LIFE. Ch. Page Subject 16 7 That the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil had in it the seeds of life and death, is questioned by the committee. 19 9 The committee questions the advisability of stating any give time when the spirit unites with the body. This question has never been definitely settled although it has been asked of the First presidency from time to time. The record in the Book of Mormon where Nephi received the word that the savior was to come into the world is not looked upon as a criterion by which we are to be governed. 27 5 Intelligence and Spirit as used in this chapter are confusing terms. The thought may be gathered that 'Intelligence' ' that eternal entity which was not created, may, and some times does, rebel against truth and God. We do not so understand it. Those who revealed in the world of spirits were begotten spirits, who, if they had remained faithful, were prepared to come into this mortal world. The revelation which speaks of intelligence says: 'Man was in the beginning with God.' (when was this beginning?) Then this thought follows: 'Intelligence, or the light of truth, was not created or made, neither indeed can be.' Again we are taught that Light an truth' ' intelligence ' 'forsaketh that evil one.' This being true, and treating intelligence as an entity, then that entity cannot rebel against light an truth, for it would rebel against itself. 27 12 The use of the expression 'Spirit-body of Christ,' and 'the Word,' is not made clear to us, and we are left to wonder if these terms apply to the 'Intelligence' or to the begotten spirit of Jesus Christ. 27 12 The use of 'Mind, spirit, and soul,' appears confusing to us. 29 5 'Baptisms for the remission of sins.' We question the plural. 30 6 The place of man in the order of creation is questioned, as it is taught in this chapter. The expression, 'the first flesh upon the earth also,' is not interpreted by member of the committee as you have expressed it here. We feel that the arguments as give contradict the accounts given in all our scriptures, and more especially in the temple ceremonies. As we understand it the term, 'first flesh also' doe not have reference to Adam as being the first living creature of the creation on the earth, but that he, though the 'fall' became the first 'flesh,' or mortal soul. The term 'flesh' in reference to mortal existence is of common usage. We find it so used in the scriptures. Adam having partaken of the fruit became mortal and subject to death, which was not the condition until that time. We are taught in the Temple as well as in the scriptures that man was the last creation placed upon the earth, before death was introduced. Adam was the first to partake of the change and to become subject to the flesh. This is the view expressed by President Joseph F. Smith and President Anthon H. Lund. ...
This entire chapter deals with the question of 'pre-Adamites. 'This doctrine is not taught by the Church; it is not sustained in the scriptures. It can only be treated as an hypothesis, and the result will be uncertain, confusing, for after all is said it is speculation leading to endless controversy. We are aware that one of the brethren ...
[Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Letter to the First Presidency, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
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