When we hear men say that apostles and prophets are no longer necessary, and that we have outgrown their functions in these very enlightened times, they really admit that instead of having outgrown the necessity of these things, mankind has fallen away from the principles of the Gospel. When men cease to obey the commandments of God, they cease to receive the blessings that come from God.
We need heavenly guidance today just as much as any people have ever needed it. God knew that in these latter days, we would be living in perilous times, but in his mercy he made it possible for us to enjoy the ministry of apostles and prophets.
He declared through his ancient prophet that in latter days he would pour out his Spirit again upon the earth, that men would be inspired by the Holy Ghost, and that they would prophesy, and that they would see visions and dream dreams. He declared further that in the latter days he would send his holy angels to minister again unto mankind.
If these holy angels were to come in latter to whom would they come? To whom did they in ancient times, except those of the authorized ministry of Jesus Christ.
Holy angels of God came in modern times likewise to that same type of individual-to the authorized servants of Almighty God. We are here to testify to you today that angels have flown in these last days, that God has sent them to the earth, that the Holy Ghost ministers unto mankind today, and that God has raised up apostles and prophets in this year to whom he gives guidance, and to whose ministry you are entitled.
We testify to you that God has established upon the earth in these days the true Church of Jesus
Christ, possessed of all the powers, gifts, keys, and blessings known to the Church in the days of the apostle Paul.
We testify to you that within this Church are apostles, prophets seers, and revelators, who are divinely appointed to give guidance to men in these last days, and direct them in the path of salvation.
ELDER MARK E. PETERSEN.