DISCERNING OF SPIRITS
Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith
Page 204–206
As part of a long discussion of true and false spirits, and in explaining how they may be distinguished, the Prophet Joseph Smith said:
“A man must have the discerning of spirits before he can drag into daylight this hellish influence and unfold it unto the world in all its soul-destroying, diabolical, and horrid colors; for nothing is a greater injury to the children of men than to be under the influence of a false spirit when they think they have the Spirit of God. Thousands have felt the influence of its terrible power and baneful effects. Long pilgrimages have been undertaken, penances, endured, and pain, misery and ruin have followed in their train; nations have convulsed, kingdoms overthrown, provinces laid waste, and blood, carnage and desolation are habiliments in which it has been clothed.”
DISCERNING OF SPIRITS
Bruce R. McConkie
Mormon Doctrine, page 270–273
It follows that the discerning of spirits is and can be practiced in righteousness only where the true Church and kingdom of God is found.
In the final analysis, it takes apostles, prophets, priesthood, the gift of the Holy Ghost, and a knowledge of God’s laws and the manner in which he operates, in order to separate the spirits into their two opposing camps.
Only where these things are found can error be segregated from truth, because only there are the channels of revelation open.
