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INSPIRATION

A beautiful landscape might inspire the artist or the poet, each in his talent. Circumstances, audiences, etc., may be said to inspire a public singer or speaker. Murder is sometimes inspired by jealousy, etc., etc. And the child of God should be so inspired by the teachings of Jesus, the Apostles, and Prophets, as to act and teach in harmony with them.

But let no one forget that these, though proper uses of our English word inspired, yet, when used in Scripture the word has a much deeper meaning. It there means, that the “Scriptures given by inspiration of God” are given not by inspiration of circumstances, nor by inspiration of the teachings of others, but are a special inspiration, or infusion of knowledge direct from God. Thus only Apostles and Prophets ever spoke to the Church.

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— February, 1883 —