Sidney Rigdon

“ A great many persons, for want of proper reflection, have supposed, that an instrument of writing, such as a will, or deed, or some such thing, could make one person another's heir; but a minute's reflection would correct the error; for it is not more the instrument of writing which makes the heir, than it is the power to husband the heirship; for if the legatee has not power to manage the legacy, his heirship is more nominal than real. ”

“ If a person is to partake of only part of the heirship of Christ, then, part of his qualifications will be sufficient; but if he is to be a joint heir, and be an equal partaker with Christ, then, nothing short of the same powers which Christ possesses, will enable him to do it.
The query which now arises to the mind is this, Is the human mind capable of possessing such power, and such authority? If it is, perfection, as far as it relates to man, consists in obtaining it; for without it, no person can be perfect, for where there is one attainment wanting that person is not perfect. ”

“ There can be nothing more ridiculous to the ear of a correct biblical student, than to hear the men of this generation talking about perfection, and about men's getting perfect, while they deny the very existance [existence] of such a thing: for they openly declare that all the powers of the spiritual kingdom have ceased, and are to be exercised no more. ”

“ On examining the subject of perfection closely, it will be found that the ancients, such we mean as were under divine influence, had views quite different from those entertained by the men of our day; they set it forth as something of a very God-like nature. Paul says, when speaking of the privileges of the saints, that they were to be heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ Jesus. ”

“ Because that, and that only, would crown them with glory, honor, and immortality, and without it, their religion would be vain, yea, worse than vain; for instead of its adding to their happiness, it would make them of all men most miserable. ”

“ Let it here be observed, that when men in days of old had obtained this power with God, that they could exercise power over the earth, and over the elements, they were said to be perfect: as was the case of Noah, of Abraham &c. And those who had not this power, were never said to be perfect, no, nor never will be by the God of heaven. ”

“ The former day saints could by their faith stop the mouths of lions, quench the violence of fire, escape the edge of the sword, put the armies of the aliens to flight, receive their dead children to life again, heal the sick, cast out devils, speak with tongues, interpret tongues, prophecy, dream dreams, see visions, &c. ”