Joseph Smith Biography

Without Disclosing My True Identity

we may feel what is the right thing to do, we often act in opposition to our

conscience. This is because of the power that we have been given to choose

and act for ourselves, and the fact that we cannot remember anything of our

past existence [prior to this mortal life].

“Without disclosing your identity” is simply the mandate given to true prophets

of God to teach the people in such a way that the real truth remains hidden

from them. When prophets follow this divinely-mandated pedagogy, the

people rarely understand the true reason for being left on an earth to

themselves without the intervention of the Advanced Human Beings who

put them here. Unable to remember, mortals naturally give in to the enticings

of the flesh (Lucifer/Satan),^62 and thus it is said that “he” rules over them.^63

Our probation period upon this earth proves that most free-willed beings

will not exercise discretion if given power over others or over the laws of

nature. This life is a time to prove to ourselves that we are not capable of

being trusted with the power of a God. The analogy of an employee and how

he or she acts and performs his or her job when the boss is not around gives a

proper understanding of why most of us cannot be trusted with

responsibility. Every human being who has been put into a position of power

upon this earth in mortality has failed to treat all equally in righteousness.

Well was it said that, though we have all been “called” (created) to be free-

willed beings, few are “chosen” to control the “powers of heaven”:

Behold, there are many called, but few are chosen. And why are they not chosen?

Because their hearts are set so much upon the things of this world, and aspire to the

honors of men, that they do not learn this one lesson—That the rights of the

priesthood (ascribed to the “Robes of the Holy Priesthood” as presented in the

endowment) are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven, and that the

powers of heaven cannot be controlled nor handled only upon the principles of

righteousness. (D&C, 121:34–6)

Later in the presentation of the endowment, Peter, James, and John are sent

down, “in their true character, as apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ.” At that time,

“Satan” is “cast out.” (This will be explained in greater detail later.) What is

important to understand is that, while we are mortal, it is expected that

“...Satan is there,” in order to “learn whether Adam has been true to the token and

sign given to him in the Garden of Eden.” Mortality is the time that we, as free-

willed beings, are being tested on how well we listen to and act on the sure

feelings of our conscience (the token and sign [foundation of experience and

learning] given to us in the Garden of Eden) or to see if we choose to follow the

enticements of the flesh.

If we truly knew that real messengers of our Creator were among us (as they

are), and if God and angels were allowed to be visible in the flesh [(which

they aren’t)], we would be prone to act appropriately. If we knew of Them,

by virtue of Their continual presence[,] we would be spurred to act