Twenty-Two (1827)“cursed by the gods.” A few escaped northward to another place feared by the people of
that time. This fear was based on “the traditions of their fathers”^11 and was known as “the
land [which they] called Desolation,”^12 a “land of many bones.”^13
After the two Brothers were finally able to convince these people that their fears had
no basis in reality, the few who didn’t want to be a part of the misery caused by more
modern “civilizations” traveled northward. Here they developed into some of the most
peaceful human societies the world has ever known—all under the auspices of Mathoni and
Mathonihah.
Those “Trained in the Ministry”
Modern “learned ones” depend on their training through their studies at colleges
and universities (i.e., they are “trained for the ministry,”^14 whether for religion or for
scholarly knowledge, to become “learned”). As man attempts to make sense of the world in
which he lives, he creates for himself the model of religion and other equally vain
disciplines to provide the answers. In turning to these creations of man, humankind has
listened to “Lucifer” and his “ministers,” and the “learned” in all disciplines, in order to
create an “orthodoxy” of thought. Once man has established this as his truth, agreement
provides the line of least resistance, leaving true messengers unable to shift their paradigms.
It is hard for the messenger because the “learned” and their followers will fight to preserve
their view of the world—a view that gives them the value and answers they desire.
Joseph’s education had made him more intelligent than them all. Joseph understood
not only how they came to their conclusions, but also the real truth about each one. Joseph
learned information that could have solved many of the mysteries often speculated upon
and theorized by the “learned ones.” But, as he was mandated concerning all that he knew
of real truth, Joseph kept his knowledge hidden. He was under directive to only reveal these
truths in reciprocation for how well the people treated each other. And because there were
few to none who treated others as they would want to be treated, Joseph took his
understanding of the “mysteries of God in full” to his grave, leaving only stumbling blocks
and portions of the real truth hidden in deep symbolism.
With respect to religion and worldly learning, generally, and (unbeknownst to the
LDS) Mormonism in particular, Joseph would later portray “Lucifer and his minister” in the
presentation of the LDS Temple Endowment as those who had been “trained for the
ministry...[and paid well].”^15 Part of the financial problem associated with the early Church
was that those who were claiming leadership positions expected to receive assistance from
the Church, a practice that continues to this day, in which huge sums of money are spent on
salaries and wages, justified as stipends and deserved benefits. The LDS President, Apostles,
and numerous other “called” officers of the church are paid significant salaries and receive
opulent benefits. This process of “training for the ministry,” though not unique to the
LDS/Mormons, started as a reward system for the biggest egos of the early church in
Joseph’s day. Still today, it is a very complex path to the top. Every interim position is
highly envied^16 and members are well aware of the kind of personal profile leaders are
looking for in order to find those who will be invited to join their cadre of leaders.
Of course, while the LDS Church does not associate its training process with the kind
of “training” spoken of in their own temple endowment and as that found in other
churches, still the LDS/Mormons were obviously uncomfortable with the endowment as it
was written by Joseph. Therefore, unfortunately, in 1990, the leaders of the LDS/Mormon