Modern Manifestation

Stacy Kudlicki
REL 211 - Ludlow
Jesus the Christ Chapter Reflections
Chapter 41: Personal Manifestation of God the Eternal Father and of His Son Jesus Christ in Modern Times
In this chapter, Talmage reiterates the event of the First Vision, and the visits of Moroni, John the Baptist, Peter, James, and John. Some important points about these experiences that Talmage brings up include the definition of the Godhead, the evidence of the Apostasy, and the existence of current revelation in the Church. Because Joseph Smith recalled seeing two distinct personages, it is evident that God the Father is separate from His Son, to whom Joseph was commanded “Hear him”. I had not previously heard of much evidence regarding the Great Apostasy, but Talmage proposes numerous scriptures which claim to manifest the truth of it. For example, Talmage points out that John would not have said, “ And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people”, unless he was indicating a restoration. That is unclear to me: I do not understand how this verse suggests anything about a falling away or an apostasy or a restoration. John could have been referring to missionary work in the spirit world, or possibly the spread of Christianity in general. Also, if it is called the “everlasting” gospel, then why did it need restoration?