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Re: auxiliariesDavid,
I do not agree. You have not shown that the statement you quoted at the beginning of this thread was part of a revelation from God. If it was, where is it found in the Doctrine & Covenants? Just because it is recorded in church history does not mean it qualifies as a "thus saith the Lord".
Very interesting reply Cezoram and very surprising. Joseph Smith III was thought to be a living prophet, (and I personally believe he was) one in tune with the will of God. He was also privy to the conversations, teachings and inspiration of our early church leaders. To me, (and note: I do not expect you to accept it.) the significance of these few words, from the pulpit of a conference that was foretold, spoken by the man many believed was the seer, revelator and prophet of almighty God weighs heavy.
As far as I can ascertain, this statement was given as Joseph's opinion. He can be mistaken. He is human. I feel that if Joseph Smith III made this statement, he did not understand what the Book of Mormon and the Doctrine & Covenants really are.
Many people changed their lives based upon Joseph's opinion. His words carried much influence on the restoration. I am a bit taken aback at your response to it "only" being his opinion. Especially since you seem to judge the entire body of Christ today on the utterances of one man now.
The Book of Mormon does not limit itself to being just an additional witness or auxiliary of the Bible. The Book of Mormon is quite clear that it is a record of a fallen people which lived in the Americas. As I have already said, the Bible is a record of the Jews in the Middle East. Both books would have to cover the same group of people in the same region of the world at the same period of time, in order for one of the books to be an auxiliary of the other.
Would you forgive me if I disagreed? First... the three books are telling the same story. They all share the same purpose. They are trying to teach the world about God and His creation. They are all trying to help the world learn from the mistakes of the past so we can grow as a people. They all have one message. They all are trying to get a sinful world to accept salvation in Christ and approach the Holy throne of God through the Grace of the ultimate sacrifice. So, with this in mind, I can safely say the Bible is an auxiliary of the Book of Mormon. Second... (Webster: 1a: Offering or providing help b: functioning in a subsidiary capacity {an auxiliary branch of the state university.})
If the statement you quoted was actually given by Joseph Smith III, it demonstrates that he lacked understanding of the importance and the role of the Book of Mormon.
Or, it demonstrates that our scriptures work in concert with one another. A violin is beautiful to listen to, a viola is also mesmerizing and a cello speaks to the emotion of my heart. Played separately they are beautiful. Bring those same three instruments together, reading from the same 'guidance' and attempting to achieve the same goal, they are more full and rich. Each playing their own part to bring a melody that inspires the heart. Throw in the classical base (the disciple) and this quartet can make a difference to all those that hear it. (That was better than I intended... I'm going to have to use that elsewhere... grin)
You have not shown that this statement is from God, so I do not view it as "one of many examples of how God continues to reveal His purpose for us today as in years past". Sorry.
Cezoram
Well, I tried... you gotta give me that much.
David