Dear Mr. Jones,

I've been reading your recent correspondence with Art and I have some issues to take up with you on certain points you made. The first issue is "why you bother":

Whenever the Gospel is preached in towns, cities, country places, or in any community who are in darkness, it never fails to bring light; it manifests their ignorance; it distracts them, and annoys their peace. They say, "I supposed I was wise, happy, comfortable, and well enough off; but here comes something that informs me I am mistaken, that this and the other thing are wrong. It reflects light upon my understanding, and teaches me that my acts, while I live upon the earth, should tend to the glory of God and the peace of mankind. This naturally seems contrary to my feelings, disposition, passions, and traditions, and to every thing about me, except the reflection of truth upon my mind, which enlightens my understanding, and teaches me to glorify God, and do good to my fellow creatures." (Journal of Discourses, 26 vols., 1:, p.236)

11 Again I say unto you, that it shall not be given to any one to go forth to preach my gospel, or to build up my church, except he be ordained by some one who has authority, and it is known to the church that he has authority and has been regularly ordained by the heads of the church. (D&C 42:11)

The above only applies when the Church holds the Priesthood. The Priesthood is not limited to the Church but circumscribes it.

''An assumption frequently made is that the authors of the prophetic books of the Old Testament were the constituted authorities of the Church in their eras. This, however, was not always the case. Some of them were even considered rebels by the religious leaders of Israel in their days. Jeremiah was one such prophet who stood outside of the Church. The established Church, through its Priests, even attempted to put Jeremiah to death. Micah, Amos, Hosea, and Zephaniah were also prophets who were critical of corruption within the Church.

"These Old Testament prophets did not speak as representing the Church, but as representing the Lord. Though the prophets may have held the higher Priesthood authority, there is no Biblical indication that the general Church membership of that time was aware of it." Thus Saith the Lord; Duane S. Crowther, p. 148.

So the Priesthood exists outside of the Church. The Gospel is made up of absolute truths and the Church can depart from the Lord having its free agency being a free voting body and when they become corrupt as it did in the Church in ancient Israel or it did when the LDS gave blacks the Priesthood, the Priesthood can depart. The Catholic Church once held the Priesthood but you would agree the Lord removed the keys of the Priesthood from them, correct? An interesting fact to note is that the Priesthood was restored back in May 1829 and the Church in April 1830 so this shows that the Priesthood exists without the Church.

"During the remarks made at the opening of this conference, by President Smith. I was led to reflect, and I felt very keenly that he was actuated by the spirit of boldness and courage that came from his calling, reinforced by our Father. He did not ask what would increase his good favor among this people. He evidently had but one thought, and that thought was akin to that which inspired the Prophet Brigham when the question came up as to who was to lead the Church, and he remarked "I do not care who leads this Church, even though it were Ann Lee, but one thing I must know, and that is what God says about it." And President Smith has but one consideration. "What is the will of the Lord concerning this people," and He has given it to us-the will of the Lord. There is a passage of scripture in one of the revelations, wherein the Lord says:" (Elder George H. Brimhall., Conference Report, October 1913, Second Overflow Meeting., p.68)

Journal of Discourses, Vol.1, Pg.133, Brigham Young, April 6, 1853

"Perhaps it may make some of you stumble, were I to ask you a question--Does a man's being a Prophet in this Church prove that he shall be the President of it? I answer, no! A man may be a Prophet, Seer, and Revelator, and it may have nothing to do with his being the President of the Church. Suffice it to say, that Joseph was the President of the Church, as long as he lived: the people chose to have it so. He always filled that responsible station, by the voice of the people. Can you find any revelation appointing him the President of the Church? The keys of the Priesthood were committed to Joseph, to build up the Kingdom of God on the earth, and were not to be taken from him in time or in eternity; but when he was called to preside over the Church, it was by the voice of the people; though he held the keys of the Priesthood, independent of their voice."

The Lord's Anointed is not the President of the Church. Did you know that Joseph Smith wanted Hyrum to be the President of the Church but because the Saints refused, Joseph was elected the President.

9 And if the prophet be deceived when he hath spoken a thing, I the LORD have deceived that prophet, and I will stretch out my hand upon him, and will destroy him from the midst of my people Israel.

(Ezek 14:9)

"He (the Lord through Ezekiel) said if the Church ever departed from the Lord, they must fall. That they were dependent upon the prophet, hence were darkened in their minds, neglecting the duties devolving upon themselves (faith, judgment and mercy)..." TPJS p. 238.

"Let the Presidency of this Church, and the Twelve Apostles, and all the authorities unite and say with one voice that they will oppose that doctrine (polygamy) and the whole of them would be damned." Heber C. Kimball, JD 5:203.

."Let this Church which is called the Kingdom of God on the earth. We will summons the First Presidency, the Twelve, the High Council, the Bishopric,and all the Elders of Israel, suppose we summons them to appear here, and here declare that it is right to mingle our seed, with the black race of Cain, that they shall come in with us and be partakers with us of all the blessings that God has given to us. on that very day and hour we should do so, the Priesthood is taken from THIS CHURCH AND KINGDOM and god leaves us to our fate. The moment we consent to mingle with the seed of Cain, the Church must go to destruction we should receive the curse which has been placed upon the seed of Cain, and never more be numbered with the children of Adam who are heirs to the Priesthood until that curse be removed."

Brigham Young Addresses, Ms D, 1234, Box 48, Folder 3, dated Feb. 5, 1852, located in the LDS Historical Dept. SLC, UT.

"The next day the Prophet came to our home and stopped in our carpenter shop and stood by the turning lathe. I went and got my map for him. "Now," he said, "I will show you the travels of this people." ...You will live to see men arise in power in the Church who will seek to put down your friends and the friends of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Many will be hoisted because of their money and the worldly learning which they seem to be in possession of; and many who are the true followers of our Lord and Savior will be cast down because of their poverty."

Mosiah Hancock Journal

Art Bulla was ordained an Apostle by the proper authority called and ordained as was Moses or Aaron by the proper authority. I know that Art is the Lord's Anointed having received a witness by the Spirit. I know that you are deceived by the strong delusion to be poured by those who worship the son of perdition that sitteth in the temple of God and is worshipped as God.

Sincerely,

Aaron Kim