Sophocles wrote:The problem presented by any canon of "official doctrine" is that it would become a power and authority higher than the general authorities of the church. A constitution to which they would be beholden, as it were. This cannot be. The prophets and apostles are the highest authority in the church, not some founding document or scriptural canon to which they must account. Were it not so, the members could judge their leaders according to words on a page.
Therefore, the only truly official doctrine of the church is that the prophet is the boss.
And that's why the church remains "culty." The members cannot appeal to God or to scriptures for redress from ecclesiastical abuse and error. Obedience is the final word.
Parley P. Pratt wrote:We must lie to support brother Joseph, it is our duty to do so.
The Church did not publish the Journal of Discourses.
bcspace is right.
Letter From The First Presidency
Elder Samuel W. Richards, and the Saints abroad.
Dear Brethren—It is well known to many of you, that Elder George D. Watt, by our counsel, spent much time in the midst of poverty and hardships to acquire the art of reporting in Phonography, which he has faithfully and fully accomplished; and he has been reporting the public Sermons, Discourses, Lectures, &c., delivered by the Presidency, the Twelve, and others in this city, for nearly two years, almost without fee or reward. Elder Watt now proposes to publish a Journal of these Reports, in England, for the benefit of the Saints at large, and to obtain means to enable him to sustain his highly useful position of Reporter. You will perceive at once that this will be a work of mutual benefit, and we cheerfully and warmly request your co-operation in the purchase and sale of the above-named Journal, and wish all the profits arising therefrom to be under the control of Elder Watt. BRIGHAM YOUNG, HEBER C. KIMBALL WILLARD RICHARDS, First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
