Joseph Smith Biography

Twenty (1825)

appropriately, and would then know the true reason for our mortal state. This

would invalidate the purpose of mortality by restricting the full exercise of

our free agency to act according to our unrestricted mortal nature. Thus,

“their true identity” is kept from us.

Another important truth that Joseph wanted to interpolate into this part of

the presentation of the endowment is that all true prophets act and agree in the

same way in all that they do. None would counter what another has done,

and all agree to the plan of salvation and their role in allowing it to be

followed properly. For this reason, here, and only here, the endowment

presents James and John concurring with Peter by each agreeing, “We will go

down.” Ordinarily, only one prophet is sent to a particular culture or people

upon the earth at any given time in order to prevent the possibility of

confusion. However (as the agreement of James and John figuratively

shows), in every case, the teachings of a true prophet will agree with what all

the others have taught.^64 Once making his appearance among men, no true

prophet would ever reveal his understanding of the mysteries of God (thus

“disclosing [his true] identity”) unless he was commanded to do so at the

appropriate time for “casting of Satan out of their midst” or, in other words,

revealing the truth in plainness.

It is important to review some of what has already been covered thus far and

expound more fully upon the important real truths (reality) being taught at

this point in the endowment:

God commands the One assigned to this solar system to send down “Peter,

James, and John without disclosing their true identity.” Later, God will send

down the same three men “in their true character as apostles of the Lord Jesus

Christ.” The characteristic of these three is figurative only, and not required to

exist within three literal beings, but rather is to be found only in the one

chosen at any given time on the earth to teach and reveal the real truth.^65

The names “Peter, James, and John” are relevant to the figurative nature in which

they are presented together. The publication of this book [SNS] stands in as the

figurative mission of “Peter, James, and John.” The author’s name actually means

“Bearer of Christ” on purpose.^66 Only through this work has the true meaning of

the temple endowment ever been properly revealed. This work has brought

forth to the world the sealed portion of the Book of Mormon.^67 Under the

direction of John himself, the true meaning of his words hidden in the book of

Revelation has been explained in plainness in the book 666, The Mark of

America.^68 This work stands alone with the ability to awaken the memories of the

experiences and learning we received in the Garden of Eden from our Creators.

Through common sense and a childlike attitude, the Holy Spirit (as it has been

explained properly) within each individual will reveal that this work is indeed

from a true messenger sent from God to cast Satan out from among you, as

referred to in this part of the presentation of the endowment. (Always keep in