The source of these questions and answers can be found in the first installment of this series. It bears repeating for newcomers that the person(s) answering these questions is/are not identified, and that the answers given here are not necessarily current teaching. The chief value of these columns today is in seeing what issues were on the minds of ordinary Church members 60 years ago, and in noting what has changed since then, or what issues we consider modern concerns were being discussed that long ago.

Q. Is it possible for one, after receiving a definite testimony of the Gospel, through apostasy and unrighteousness to have that knowledge taken from him? Or would he be just “kicking against the pricks.” – C.A., Thornton, Ida.

A. “The devils also believe and tremble.” Such a person as you describe would be just kicking against the pricks. Recall the apostates in the days of Joseph Smith. They did not lose their knowledge of the truth of the gospel and the divine calling of the Prophet. They fought him with a full knowledge of the truth. We pride ourselves that although some of the witnesses to the Book of Mormon left the church and became bitter toward the Prophet, nevertheless they held true to their testimony of the book. if they had lost their knowledge of the truth, would they have thus held steadfast to their testimony of the divinity of the Book of Mormon during their apostate condition? The New Testament recites instances where devils cast out of individuals by the Savior, acknowledged Him as the Christ. They had not lost their knowledge, devils though they were.

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Due to popular demand — well, okay, it was one request, and ellen was more politely eager than demanding, but still — our serial posts will appear on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday afternoons. Cue organ music …

Enemy’s Son

by Margaret F. Bach

Illustrated by Lynnette Moench

The story of a little immigrant who was looking for a home – and love.

Previous Chapter

Chapter 4.

Hans closed the door quietly and walked to the head of the stairs. He could hear Aunt Minnie and Ann Lane talking below and as he started to put one foot on the stairs he heard Ann say, “He looks just like Dick – I’m sorry Minnie, I know you don’t want his name mentioned but I just had to say it. Oh, Minnie, aren’t you happy that you decided to have him with you?”

Hans realized that they were talking about him. He didn’t want to eavesdrop but the braided stair treads blotted out the sound of his footsteps. Perhaps if he hurried down – . He ran down three steps when his aunt’s words froze him in his tracks.

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(See here for background)

From 1958 –

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