ns," an
immaterial nothing.[1521]

But it had been determined in the councils of heaven, that after many
centuries of benighted ignorance the world should be illumined anew by
the light of truth. Through the operation of the genius of intelligence,
which is the Spirit of Truth, the soul of the race had been undergoing a
preparation, like unto the deep plowing of a field, for the planting of
the gospel afresh. The principle of the mariner's compass was revealed
by the Spirit; the material embodiment thereof was invented by man; and
by its aid the unknown oceans were explored. Toward the end of the
fifteenth century Columbus was led by the inspiration of God to the
discovery of the New World, whereon dwelt the degenerate posterity of
Lehi, a dark-skinned remnant of the house of Israel--the American
Indians. In due time the good ships _Mayflower_ and _Speedwell_ brought
to the western world the Pilgrim Fathers, as the vanguard of a host
escaping from exile and seeking a new home wherein they could worship
according to the dictates of their consciences. The coming of Columbus
and the later immigration of the Puritan Pilgrims had been predicted
nearly six hundred years before Christ; their respective missions had
been as truly appointed unto them as has been the sending of any prophet
with a message to deliver and a work to do.[1522] The war between the
American Colonies and the Mother Country, and the victorious issue
thereof in the emancipation of the American nation once and forever from
monarchial rule, had been foretold as further steps in preparation for
the restoration of the gospel. Time was allowed for the establishment of
a stable government, for the raising up of men chosen and inspired to
frame and promulgate the Constitution of the United States, which
promises to every man a full measure of political and religious freedom.
It was not meet that the precious seed of the restored gospel be thrown
upon unplowed soil, hardened by intolerance, and fit to produce only
thorns of bigotry and rank weeds of mental and spiritual serfdom. The
gospel of Jesus Christ is the embodiment of liberty; it is the truth
that shall make free every man and every nation who will accept and obey
its precepts.

At the appointed time, the Eternal Father and His Son Jesus the Christ
appeared to man upon the earth, and inaugurated the Dispensation of the
Fulness of Times.

NOTES TO CHAPTER 40.

1. Cessation of Revelation on the Wester