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MESSENGER 
Of the Fullness of the Gospel
“He that will not reason is a bigot; He that cannot reason is a fool;and he that dare not reason is a slave.”
U.S. Vol. 2, Issue 11 Feb – Mar ‘06
CONTENTS
Towards the TempleWho Judges the Prophets?The Poet and the ProphetAbortion – the New HolocaustAs God Now Is, Man Once Was
Issue 11, Feb – Mar 2006
 
Towards the Temple
During one of the periods of Israel's exile, they became subject to adecree outlawing devotion to anyone except Darius who had them in bondage, and so any form of worship (private or public) became a punishable offence. While those who had previously prayed toward idolsturned their allegiance to the king and his edicts, Daniel defied the lawsof man in preference to obeying God. With his windows wide open, heshowed that he was not afraid of the arm of flesh, and drew out his heartto the Lord, petitioning Him that the way would be opened for theIsraelites to return to their temple, its ordinances, and their former righteousness. Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went intohis house; and his windows being open in his chamber towardJerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God.
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For this the prescribed penalty was to be cast into a den of lions, but still he did not fear, he knew God would deliver him. What anexample this serves to us, of standing apart from the world and for thethings of God. We would be wise to follow the counsel of Joseph Smithwhen he instructed the twelve to cast their lot with men who, as thehymn says, 'Dare to be like Daniel'.Make yourselves acquainted with those men who like Daniel pray three times a day toward the House of the Lord.
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This raises the questions; “why was it so important for him (andus) to pay our devotion in the direction of the temple? Of what benefitcan any earthly building be to us, in our communications with heaven?”We begin to comprehend the answer to these questions when we realizethe purpose of the ordinances that take place in that edifice.In God's house our hearts turn to our ancestors, and we have anatural concern to offer them the rites through which they may attain the blessings we have had in this life. Our love is also directed to our spouseand children with whom we hope to spend eternity. Still greater thoughthan the work for the deceased, or the sealing to us of our family, is the preparation we are given that will enable us if diligent to come into the
1Daniel 6:102Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith 161 (History of the Church 3:391)
 
 presence of God, not just in the next life but while in our mortal probation.This area is often neglected when we speak of all the things wethink the temple is for, and yet it is the prime reason our Heavenly Father designed to have such a place built. Having Him place His hands upon usand confirming us heirs to all that He has is the most noble of aspirations, and when reached is the greatest attainment. The temple isthe key to fulfilling 'the measure of our creation', and only through itsdoors can be opened all the knowledge and blessings that our HeavenlyFather desires for us to receive.So while the rest of the world seeks for material wealth, is itinappropriate that we should turn away from temporal corruptible thingsand seek the spiritual rewards and advancement that are offered throughthe house of the Lord? While there are still countries where dictators tryto force allegiance and salutes to themselves and symbols of their power,we can voluntarily show our dedication and obedience to the very beingwho created the world on which we stand. Solomon recognized the power greater than him which was the influence behind the building of the temple in his day, and its dedication pleaded thus:Yet have thou respect unto the prayer of thy servant, and to hissupplication, O LORD my God, to hearken unto the cry and tothe prayer, which thy servant prayeth before thee to day: Thatthine eyes may be open toward this house night and day, [even]toward the place of which thou hast said, My name shall bethere: that thou mayest hearken unto the prayer which thy servantshall make toward this place. And hearken thou to thesupplication of thy servant, and of thy people Israel, when theyshall pray toward this place: and hear thou in heaven thydwelling place: and when thou hearest, forgive. If any mantrespass against his neighbour, and an oath be laid upon him tocause him to swear, and the oath come before thine altar in thishouse: Then hear thou in heaven, and do, and judge thy servants,condemning the wicked, to bring his way upon his head; and justifying the righteous, to give him according to hisrighteousness. When thy people Israel be smitten down beforethe enemy, because they have sinned against thee, and shall turnagain to thee, and confess thy name, and pray, and makesupplication unto thee in this house: Then hear thou in heaven,and forgive the sin of thy people Israel, and bring them againunto the land which thou gavest unto their fathers. When heavenis shut up, and there is no rain, because they have sinned against
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