tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77060714518574001352024-03-18T20:42:55.496-08:00"Come, Follow Me" with Gospel Doctrine PlusThis blog provides supplementary material for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints "Come, Follow Me" scripture lessons to enhance personal understanding or family study. It is not an official Church site, nor is it endorsed by the Church, but simply represents the personal research and testimony of the author. For the official Church website, go to www.churchofjesuschrist.org.Nancy Wyatt Jensenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14758524730006544116noreply@blogger.comBlogger271125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706071451857400135.post-29263704585520968482024-02-18T14:37:00.008-08:002024-03-12T08:30:49.221-08:00Welcome!<p>Use the links at the top of the page to find the appropriate lessons for Book of Mormon, Doctrine & Covenants, Old Testament, and New Testament, or use the search bar on the side. All four years are available, although the dates may not be current. Also, things may appear differently if you are using a phone, but the options should still be there.</p><p>By the way, if you are using a device that allows you to post a comment, please tell me where you teach. In the past, I've had comments from Afghanistan to Brazil to England to the Philippines and it's so fun to feel our world knit together in the love of the gospel of Jesus Christ!</p>Nancy Wyatt Jensenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14758524730006544116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706071451857400135.post-1971718206813365412022-12-26T08:26:00.003-08:002023-08-27T18:56:49.656-08:00New Testament Lessons<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ijlq-aaczArLTnn_Bhs6Ckf-1pMzbJpnUbo2sY_0Rm-7qAIcxd7MpsYWSgxTsrf9WmG6NB9acajY2_o7vmEarrUW9wVf8ffyKJrxg2Eg8m1DnPpJgMP4aoqlElEH9AXjpw7uJvbpdppdbrrsmGAwLRwcX0zRouBdtPgIVBiaqWvxXnHtPHYdf2pkEg/s960/Matt's%20Christ.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="757" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ijlq-aaczArLTnn_Bhs6Ckf-1pMzbJpnUbo2sY_0Rm-7qAIcxd7MpsYWSgxTsrf9WmG6NB9acajY2_o7vmEarrUW9wVf8ffyKJrxg2Eg8m1DnPpJgMP4aoqlElEH9AXjpw7uJvbpdppdbrrsmGAwLRwcX0zRouBdtPgIVBiaqWvxXnHtPHYdf2pkEg/s320/Matt's%20Christ.jpg" width="252" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Artwork by Matthew Larson, Logan, Utah</p><p style="text-align: center;">Copyrighted, used with permission</p><p>Please feel free to leave a comment as you use my lessons: I love feedback! And I love to hear in which part of the world you are teaching. (Commenting is available on tablets and computers where the website is complete. On phones it is a reduction.)</p> <a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2010/12/nt-lesson-1-that-ye-might-believe-that.html">Overview of the Gospels</a><br /><br /> <a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2011/01/nt-lesson-2-my-soul-doth-magnify-lord.html">Luke 1, Matthew 1</a><br /><br /> <a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2011/01/nt-lesson-3-unto-you-is-borna-saviour.html">Luke 2, Matthew 2</a><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2011/01/nt-lesson-4-prepare-ye-way-of-lord.html">Matthew 3-4, John 1</a><br /><br /><a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2011/01/new-testament-lesson-5-born-again.html">The Gospel of John 2-3</a><br /><br /><a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2011/01/new-testament-lesson-6-they-straightway.html">Luke 4-6, Matthew 10</a><br /><br /><a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2011/02/new-testament-lesson-7-he-took-our.html">Mark 1-5, Luke 7</a><br /><br /><a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2011/02/new-testament-lesson-8-sermon-on-mount.html">Matthew 5: The Sermon on the Mount, part 1</a><br /><br /><a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2011/02/new-testament-lesson-9-seek-ye-first.html">Matthew 6-7: The Sermon on the Mount, part 2</a><br /><br /><a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2011/02/new-testament-lesson-10-take-my-yoke.html">Matthew 11-12, Luke 7, Luke 13</a><br /><br /><a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2011/03/new-testament-lesson-11-he-spake-many.html">Matthew 13</a><br /><br /><a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2011/03/new-testament-lesson-12-i-am-bread-of.html">John 5-6, Mark 6, Matthew 14</a><br /><br /><a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2011/03/new-testament-lesson-13-i-will-give.html">Matthew 15-17</a><br /><br /><a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2011/04/new-testament-lesson-14-who-is-my.html">Matthew 18, Luke 10</a><br /><br /><a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2011/04/new-testament-lesson-15-i-am-light-of.html">John 7-8</a><br /><br /><a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2011/04/new-testament-lesson-16-i-was-blind-now.html">John 9-10</a><br /><br /><a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2011/04/new-testament-lesson-17-what-shall-i-do.html">Mark 10, 12; Luke 12, 14, 16</a><br /><br /><a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2011/05/new-testament-lesson-18-he-was-lost-and.html">Luke 15, 17</a><br /><br /><a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2011/05/new-testament-lesson-19-thy-faith-hath.html">Luke 18, 19; John 11</a><br /><br /><a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2011/05/new-testament-lesson-20-woe-unto.html">Matthew 21-23; John 12</a><br /><br /><a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2011/05/new-testament-lesson-21-what-is-sign-of.html">Matthew 24; Joseph Smith--Matthew: The Olivet Discourse</a><br /><br /><a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2011/05/new-testament-lesson-22-inherit-kingdom.html">Matthew 25</a><br /><br /><a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2011/06/new-testament-lesson-23-love-one.html">Luke 22; John 13-15</a><br /><br /><a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2011/06/new-testament-lesson-24-this-is-life.html">John 16-17 "Life Eternal"</a><br /><br /><a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2011/06/new-testament-lesson-25-not-my-will-but.html">Matthew 26, Mark 14, Luke 22</a><br /><br /><a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2011/06/new-testament-lesson-26-to-this-end-was.html">Matthew 26-27; Mark 14-15; Luke 22-23; John 18-19</a><br /><br /><a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2011/07/new-testament-lesson-27-he-is-not-here.html">Matthew 28; Luke 24; John 20-21: The Resurrection</a><br /><br /><a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2011/07/new-testament-lesson-28-we-are.html">Acts 1-5: Witnesses</a><br /><br /><a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2011/07/new-testament-lesson-29-number-of.html">Acts 6-9</a><br /><br /><a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2011/07/new-testament-lesson-30-god-is-no.html">Acts 10-15</a><br /><br /><a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2011/07/new-testament-lesson-31-and-so-were.html">Acts 15-18; Epistles to the Thessalonians</a><br /><br /><a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2011/08/new-testament-lesson-32-live-in-spirit.html">Acts 18-20, Epistle to the Galatians</a><br /><br /><a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2011/08/new-testament-lesson-33-ye-are-temple.html">1 Corinthians 1-6</a><br /><br /><a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2011/08/new-testament-lesson-34-keep-ordinances.html">1 Corinthians 11-16</a><br /><br /><a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2011/08/new-testament-lesson-35-be-ye.html">2 Corinthians</a><br /><br /><a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2011/09/new-testament-lesson-36-beloved-of-god.html">Epistle to the Romans</a><br /><br /><a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2011/09/new-testament-lesson-37-jesus-christ.html">Epistle to the Hebrews</a><br /><br /><a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2011/09/new-testament-lesson-38-thou-hast.html">Acts 21-28</a><br /><br /><a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2011/09/new-testament-lesson-39-for-perfecting.html">Epistle to the Ephesians</a><br /><br /><a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2011/10/new-testament-lesson-40-i-can-do-all.html">Epistles to the Philippians, Colossians & Phileman</a><br /><br /><a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2011/10/new-testament-lesson-41-i-have-finished.html">Timothy & Titus</a><br /><br /><a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2011/10/new-testament-lesson-42-pure-religion.html">Epistle of James: Pure Religion</a><br /><br /><a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2011/10/new-testament-lesson-43-chosen.html">Epistles of Peter & Jude</a><br /><br /><a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2011/11/new-testament-lesson-44-god-is-love.html">Epistles of John</a><br /><br /><a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2011/11/preparation-for-new-testament-lesson-45.html">Understanding the Book of Revelation</a><br /><br /><a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2011/11/new-testament-lesson-45-he-that.html">The Book of Revelation, part 1</a><br /><br /><a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2011/12/new-testament-lesson-46-he-will-dwell.html">The Book of Revelation, part 2</a><br /></div>Nancy Wyatt Jensenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14758524730006544116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706071451857400135.post-55373893284867601932022-04-15T19:35:00.010-08:002022-11-27T14:57:22.354-08:00Quick Links<p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgRLqMSzV1S4E3zGP0nzpwORokwNK4Cl9W6fj0K3B8Wv7k2xpgIhZ8AP74NQVZFQA8qOW0kcENb-RcYsjwfdgnT1md_YqbEBpBej1ivp3Z41TjSs5PFFY5lQY2x9PkDAt_3LuqzHVHNxkOOwsAAJjAFGbTKYFAN7VQtrpJpZ8VtmIk1lUCk8XGA196vEQ=s826" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="826" data-original-width="577" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgRLqMSzV1S4E3zGP0nzpwORokwNK4Cl9W6fj0K3B8Wv7k2xpgIhZ8AP74NQVZFQA8qOW0kcENb-RcYsjwfdgnT1md_YqbEBpBej1ivp3Z41TjSs5PFFY5lQY2x9PkDAt_3LuqzHVHNxkOOwsAAJjAFGbTKYFAN7VQtrpJpZ8VtmIk1lUCk8XGA196vEQ=s320" width="224" /></a></p><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Church over Jacob's Well, photo t</i><i>aken by Carolyn J. Wyatt</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Feel free to use</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2010/01/teaching-tip-easy-way-to-have-read.html" style="background-color: white; color: #cc6633; line-height: 18.915px;">Teaching Tip</a><span face="'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.915px;"> An easy and "safe" way to have scriptures read aloud by class members</span></span><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2010/01/ot-lesson-3-creation.html" style="background-color: white; color: #cc6633; line-height: 18.915px;">The Amazing King James Translation</a><span face="'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.915px;"> </span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2009/12/ot-lesson-1-this-is-my-work-and-my.html" style="background-color: white; color: #cc6633; line-height: 18.915px;">December 27-January 2</a><span face="'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.915px;"> Moses 1 as an introduction to the Bible and an excellent example of how to resist pornography</span></span><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2010/01/ot-lesson-3-creation_15.html" style="background-color: white; color: #cc6633; line-height: 18.915px;">January 3-9</a><span face="'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.915px;"> Creation</span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium; line-height: 18.915px;"><a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2010/01/ot-lesson-4-fall.html" style="color: #cc6633; line-height: 18.915px;">January 10-16</a><span face="'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif" style="line-height: 18.915px;"> The conflicting commandments given by God to Adam and Eve; mortality and redemption</span><br style="line-height: 18.915px;" /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium; line-height: 18.915px;"><a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2010/01/ot-lesson-5-if-thou-doest-well-thou.html" style="color: #cc6633; line-height: 18.915px;">January 17-23, part 1</a><span face="'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif" style="line-height: 18.915px;"> The Tree of Knowledge; Cain and Enoch</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2010/01/as-memory-aid-for-chronology-of-gospel.html" style="color: #cc6633; line-height: 18.915px;">January 17-23, part 2</a><span face="'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif" style="line-height: 18.915px;"> My Seven Dispensations Memory Aid </span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2022/01/wide-as-eternity-visions-of-enoch.html" target="_blank">January 24-30</a> The Visions of Enoch</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2010/01/ot-lesson-6-noahprepared-ark-to-saving.html" style="background-color: white; color: #cc6633; line-height: 18.915px;">January 31-February 6</a><span face="'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.915px;"> Additional insights into the story of Noah found in the Joseph Smith Translation; the Covenant of the Rainbow</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.915px;" /><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.915px;" /><a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2010/02/ot-lesson-7-abrahamic-covenant.html" style="background-color: white; color: #cc6633; line-height: 18.915px;">February 7-13, part 1</a><span face="'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.915px;"> "The Abrahamic Covenant." The Abrahamic Covenant simplified. </span><br /><a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2010/01/ot-lesson-2-thou-wast-chosen-before.html" style="background-color: white; color: #cc6633; line-height: 18.915px;">February 7-13, part 2</a><span face="'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.915px;"> Especially for members of dysfunctional families. See also the following lesson.</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.915px;" /><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.915px;" /><a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2010/02/ot-lesson-8-living-righteously-in.html" style="background-color: white; color: #cc6633; line-height: 18.915px;">February 14-20, part 1</a><span face="'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.915px;"> Abraham and Lot</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.915px;" /><a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2010/02/ot-lesson-9-god-will-provide-himself.html" style="background-color: white; color: #cc6633; line-height: 18.915px;">February 14-20, part 2</a><span face="'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.915px;"> Abraham's sacrifice as a type of Christ</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.915px;" /><a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2010/02/ishmael-our-brother-supplement-to-ot.html" style="background-color: white; color: #cc6633; line-height: 18.915px;">February 14-20, part 3</a><span face="'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.915px;"> Ishmael</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.915px;" /><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.915px;" /><a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2010/03/ot-lesson-10-birthright-blessings.html" style="background-color: white; color: #cc6633; line-height: 18.915px;">February 21-27</a><span face="'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.915px;"> Birthright blessings; marriage in the covenant</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.915px;" /><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.915px;" /><a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2010/03/ot-lesson-11-how-can-i-do-this-great.html" style="background-color: white; color: #cc6633; line-height: 18.915px;">March 7-13</a><span face="'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.915px;"> Joseph and the birthright</span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2010/03/ot-lesson-12-fruitful-in-land-of-my.html" style="background-color: white; color: #cc6633; line-height: 18.915px;">March 14-20</a><span face="'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.915px;"> Joseph as a type of Christ</span><br /><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.915px;" /><a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2010/03/ot-lesson-13-bondage-passover-and.html" style="background-color: white; color: #cc6633; line-height: 18.915px;">March 21-27</a><span face="'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.915px;"> Bondage, Passover, and Exodus</span></span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span face="'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.915px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span face="'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.915px;"><div style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2010/04/ot-lesson-14-ye-shall-be-peculiar.html" style="color: #cc6633; line-height: 18.915px;">April 4-10</a><span face="'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif" style="line-height: 18.915px;"> Journey to the Promised Land</span></span></div><div style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/7706071451857400135/5973782429238485978" target="_blank">April 11-17</a> The Seismic Shift of Easter</span></div><div style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2022/04/exodus-18-20-chainbreakers.html" target="_blank">April 18-24 </a> Chainbreakers</span></div><div style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>April 25-May 1 (no lesson available yet)</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>May 2-8 (no lesson available yet)</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><br /></span></span></div><div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2010/04/ot-lesson-17-beware-lest-thou-forget.html" target="_blank">May 16-22</a> Remembering the Lord</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2010/04/ot-lesson-18-be-strong-and-of-good.html" target="_blank">May 23-29</a> Be Strong and of a Good Courage</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2010/05/ot-lesson-19-reign-of-judges.html" target="_blank">May 30-June 5</a> The Reign of the Judges</span></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2010/05/ot-lesson-20-all-citydoth-know-thou-art.html" target="_blank">June 6-12</a> Ruth</div><div><br /></div><div>June 13-19 <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/page/edit/7706071451857400135/2335986758865970455#" target="_blank">Part 1: Hannah</a></div><div>June 13-19 <a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2010/05/ot-lesson-22-lord-looketh-on-heart.html" target="_blank">Part 2: Samuel</a></div><div><br /></div><div>June 20-26 <a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2010/06/ot-lesson-23-lord-be-between-thee-and.html" target="_blank">Part 1: Abigail and David</a></div><div>June 20-26 <a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2010/06/lesson-24-create-in-me-clean-heart.html" target="_blank">Part 2: The Rise and Fall of David</a></div><div>June 20-26 <a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2010/06/lesson-26-king-solomon-man-of-wisdom.html" target="_blank">Part 3: King Solomon</a></div><div>June 20-26 <a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2010/06/supplement-to-lesson-26-jesse-knight.html" target="_blank">Supplement: Jesse Knight</a></div><div>June 20-26 <a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2010/07/ot-lesson-27-influence-of-wicked-and.html" target="_blank">Supplement: The Division of the Kingdom</a></div><div><br /></div><div><div>June 27-July 3 <a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2010/07/ot-lesson-28-after-fire-still-small.html" target="_blank">1 Kings 17-19</a> </div><div><br /></div><div>July 4-10 <a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2010/07/ot-lesson-28-after-fire-still-small.html" target="_blank">Elijah</a></div><div>July 4-10 <a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2010/07/ot-lesson-29-he-took-up-mantle-of.html" target="_blank">The Mantle of Elijah + Bible Balderdash</a></div><div><br /></div><div>July 11-17 <a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2010/08/ot-lesson-30-come-to-house-of-lord.html" target="_blank">Hezekiah</a></div><div>July 11-17 To be posted: Josiah</div><div><br /></div><div>July 18-24 To Be Posted: Ezra and Nehemiah</div><div><br /></div><div>July 25-31 <a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2010/11/ot-lesson-45-if-i-perish-i-perish.html" target="_blank">Esther</a> </div><div><br /></div><div>August 1-7 <a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2010/08/ot-lesson-32-i-know-that-my-redeemer.html" target="_blank">Job</a></div></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2010/07/ot-lesson-29-he-took-up-mantle-of.html" target="_blank">July 4-10</a> The Mantle of Elijah + Bible Balderdash</div><div><br /></div><div>July 11-17 To Be Posted: Josiah</div><div>July 11-17 <a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2010/08/ot-lesson-30-come-to-house-of-lord.html" target="_blank">Supplement: Hezekiah</a></div><div><br /></div><div>July 18-24 To Be Posted: Ezra and Nehemiah</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2010/11/ot-lesson-45-if-i-perish-i-perish.html" target="_blank">July 25-31</a> Esther</div><div><br /></div><div>August 1-7 <a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2010/08/ot-lesson-32-i-know-that-my-redeemer.html" target="_blank">Job</a></div><div><br /></div><div>August 8-21 <a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2010/06/lesson-25-let-every-thing-that-hath.html" target="_blank">Psalms, Part 1</a></div><div><br /></div><div><div>August 22-29 Just follow this link to "Follow Him" with Michael McLean--so good!</div><div> <a href="https://youtu.be/8Bpr2Mm8TsU" target="_blank">Part 1: https://youtu.be/8Bpr2Mm8TsU</a></div><div> <a href="August 22-29 Just follow this link to "Follow Him" with Michael McLean--so good! Part 1: https://youtu.be/8Bpr2Mm8TsU Part 2: https://youtu.be/Xonhmh7kdH4" target="_blank"> Part 2: https://youtu.be/Xonhmh7kdH4</a></div><div><br /></div></div><div>(Dropped the ball here for a little while, finishing up my college degree)</div><div><br /></div><div>November 7-13 <a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2010/08/ot-lesson-34-i-will-betroth-thee-unto.html" target="_blank">Hosea</a></div><div><br /></div><div>November 14-20 <a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2010/09/ot-lesson-35-god-reveals-his-secrets-to.html" target="_blank">Amos; Obadiah</a></div><div><br /></div><div>November 21-27 <a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2010/08/ot-lesson-33-sharing-gospel-with-world.html" target="_blank">Jonah; Micah</a> (This is one of my absolute favorites!)</div><div><br /></div><div>November 28-December 4 Nahum; Habakkuk (no lesson yet)</div><div><br /></div><div>December 5-11 Haggai; Zechariah (no lesson yet)</div><div><br /></div><div>December 12-18 <a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/search?q=malachi" target="_blank">Malachi</a> (with a Book of Mormon base)</div><div><br /></div><div>December 19-25<a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2010/12/ot-lesson-47-let-us-rise-up-and.html" target="_blank"> Christmas--Ezra & Nehemiah</a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Extra Old Testament Lessons:</b><br style="font-size: 12.61px; line-height: 18.915px;" /><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.61px; line-height: 18.915px;" /><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.61px; line-height: 18.915px;" /><a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2010/06/supplement-to-lesson-26-jesse-knight.html" style="color: #cc6633; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.61px; line-height: 18.915px;">Supplement to Lesson #26</a><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.61px; line-height: 18.915px;" /><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.61px; line-height: 18.915px;" /><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.61px; line-height: 18.915px;" /><a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2010/08/happy-is-man-that-findeth-wisdom.html" style="color: #cc6633; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.61px; line-height: 18.915px;">Lesson #31</a><span face="'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12.61px; line-height: 18.915px;"> "Happy is the Man that Findeth Wisdom"</span><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.61px; line-height: 18.915px;" /><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.61px; line-height: 18.915px;" /><a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2010/08/ot-lesson-33-sharing-gospel-with-world.html" style="color: #cc6633; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.61px; line-height: 18.915px;">Lesson #33</a><span face="'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12.61px; line-height: 18.915px;"> "Sharing the Gospel With the World</span><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.61px; line-height: 18.915px;" /><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.61px; line-height: 18.915px;" /><a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2010/08/ot-lesson-34-i-will-betroth-thee-unto.html" style="color: #cc6633; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.61px; line-height: 18.915px;">Lesson #34</a><span face="'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12.61px; line-height: 18.915px;"> "I Will Betroth Thee unto Me in Righteousness"</span><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.61px; line-height: 18.915px;" /><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.61px; line-height: 18.915px;" /><a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2010/09/ot-lesson-35-god-reveals-his-secrets-to.html" style="color: #cc6633; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.61px; line-height: 18.915px;">Lesson #35</a><span face="'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12.61px; line-height: 18.915px;"> "God Reveals His Secrets to His Prophets"</span><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.61px; line-height: 18.915px;" /><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.61px; line-height: 18.915px;" /><a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2010/09/ot-lesson-36-glory-of-zion-will-be.html" style="color: #cc6633; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.61px; line-height: 18.915px;">Lesson #36</a><span face="'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12.61px; line-height: 18.915px;"> "The Glory of Zion Will Be a Defense"</span><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.61px; line-height: 18.915px;" /><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.61px; line-height: 18.915px;" /><a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2010/09/ot-lesson-37-thou-hast-done-wonderful.html" style="color: #cc6633; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.61px; line-height: 18.915px;">Lesson #37</a><span face="'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12.61px; line-height: 18.915px;"> "Thou Hast Done Wonderful Things"</span><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.61px; line-height: 18.915px;" /><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.61px; line-height: 18.915px;" /><a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2010/10/supplement-to-ot-lesson-37.html" style="color: #cc6633; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.61px; line-height: 18.915px;">Supplement to Lesson #37</a><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.61px; line-height: 18.915px;" /><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.61px; line-height: 18.915px;" /><a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2010/10/ot-lesson-38-beside-me-there-is-no.html" style="color: #cc6633; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.61px; line-height: 18.915px;">Lesson #38</a><span face="'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12.61px; line-height: 18.915px;"> "Beside Me There is No Savior"</span><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.61px; line-height: 18.915px;" /><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.61px; line-height: 18.915px;" /><a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2010/10/ot-lesson-39-how-beautiful-upon.html" style="color: #cc6633; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.61px; line-height: 18.915px;">Lesson #39</a><span face="'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12.61px; line-height: 18.915px;"> "How Beautiful Upon the Mountains"</span><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.61px; line-height: 18.915px;" /><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.61px; line-height: 18.915px;" /><a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2010/10/ot-lesson-40-enlarge-place-of-thy-tent.html" style="color: #cc6633; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.61px; line-height: 18.915px;">Lesson #40</a><span face="'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12.61px; line-height: 18.915px;"> "Enlarge the Place of Thy Tent"</span><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.61px; line-height: 18.915px;" /><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.61px; line-height: 18.915px;" /><a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2010/10/ot-lesson-41-i-have-made-thee-this.html" style="color: #cc6633; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.61px; line-height: 18.915px;">Lesson #41</a><span face="'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12.61px; line-height: 18.915px;"> "I Have Made Thee This Day ... an Iron Pillar"</span><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.61px; line-height: 18.915px;" /><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.61px; line-height: 18.915px;" /><a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2010/11/ot-lesson-42-i-will-write-it-in-their.html" style="color: #cc6633; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.61px; line-height: 18.915px;">Lesson #42</a><span face="'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12.61px; line-height: 18.915px;"> "I Will Write It in their Hearts"</span><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.61px; line-height: 18.915px;" /><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.61px; line-height: 18.915px;" /><a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2010/11/ot-lesson-43-shepherds-of-israel.html" style="color: #cc6633; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.61px; line-height: 18.915px;">Lesson #43</a><span face="'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12.61px; line-height: 18.915px;"> "The Shepherds of Israel"</span><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.61px; line-height: 18.915px;" /><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.61px; line-height: 18.915px;" /><a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2010/11/ot-lesson-44-every-thing-shall-live.html" style="color: #cc6633; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.61px; line-height: 18.915px;">Lesson #44</a><span face="'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12.61px; line-height: 18.915px;"> "Every Thing Shall Live Whither the River Cometh"</span><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.61px; line-height: 18.915px;" /><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.61px; line-height: 18.915px;" /><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.61px; line-height: 18.915px;" /><a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2010/12/ot-lesson-46-kingdom-which-shall-never.html" style="color: #cc6633; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.61px; line-height: 18.915px;">Lesson #46</a><span face="'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12.61px; line-height: 18.915px;"> "A Kingdom, Which Shall Never Be Destroyed"</span><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.61px; line-height: 18.915px;" /><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.61px; line-height: 18.915px;" /><a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2010/12/ot-lesson-47-let-us-rise-up-and.html" style="color: #cc6633; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.61px; line-height: 18.915px;">Lesson #47</a><span face="'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12.61px; line-height: 18.915px;"> "Let Us Rise Up and Build"/Christmas Lesson</span><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.61px; line-height: 18.915px;" /><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.61px; line-height: 18.915px;" /><a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2010/12/ot-lesson-48-great-and-dreadful-day-of.html" style="color: #cc6633; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.61px; line-height: 18.915px;">Lesson #48</a><span face="'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12.61px; line-height: 18.915px;"> "The Great and Dreadful Day of the Lord"</span></div></div></span></div></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span face="'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.915px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span face="'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.915px;"><br /></span></span></div>Nancy Wyatt Jensenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14758524730006544116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706071451857400135.post-50572667305300036322022-04-15T06:39:00.001-08:002022-04-15T06:39:00.184-08:00Exodus 18-20: Chainbreakers<p>The story of the exodus, wanderings, and settlement of the children of Israel into the Promised Land is a lesson about "chainbreakers." (Teaching Tip: Have the front of the room decorated with gray or black paper chains.) In Exodus 20:5; 34:7; Numbers 14:18; and Deuteronomy 5:9 the Lord says that He answers the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate Him. The children of Israel were an exception to this rule. They changed from idolatrous slavery to faithful freedom in only one generation. They were what we call "chainbreakers."</p><br />DRAGGING CHAINS<br /><br />The children of Israel were freed from bondage by the Lord through Moses and Aaron, but that first generation of free men carried their slavery with them through the wilderness. They dragged heavy spiritual chains: fear and criticism and ingratitude. After 400 years of slavery, they were so used to having their lives dictated to them, and being physically taken care of by their masters that freedom was very frightening.<br /><br />EPISODES OF FEAR, CRITICISM, AND INGRATITUDE EXPERIENCED BY THE FIRST GENERATION OF THE FREED ISRAELITES DURING THE EXODUS<br /><br />(Teaching Tip: Hand out the scriptures quoted in each event to class members at the beginning of class. As a teacher, read aloud the first part of each of the following events, ask the class member to read the Israelites' statement at the appropriate time, then read the last part.)<br /><br /><b>At The Red Sea.</b> The armies of Egypt were in hot pursuit. The Israelites were backed up against the Red Sea.<br /><i><b>"Because there were no graves in Egypt, hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness? Wherefore hast thou dealt thus with us, to carry us forth out of Egypt? Is not this the word that we did tell thee in Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For it had been better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness" (Exo. 14:11-12). </b></i><br />The Lord parted the sea for them, and brought it down upon the Egyptians, completely destroying their army.<br /><br /><b>At Marah</b>. After three days of no water, they found poisoned water at Marah. <br /><i><b>"And the people murmured against Moses, saying, 'What shall we drink?" (Exo. 15:24)</b></i><br />The Lord instructed Moses to cast a particular tree into the water, which purified it. Then, at their next stop, they found an oasis of 70 palm trees and 12 wells of water.<br /><br /><b>In the Wilderness of Sin.</b> The Israelites were starving.<br /><i><b>"Would to God we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the flesh pots, and when we did eat bread to the full; for ye have brought us forth into this wilderness, to kill this whole assembly with hunger" (Exo. 16:3).</b></i><br />The Lord sent manna from heaven, which was some type of grain that they could grind into flour and cook in a variety of ways. He also sent quail. His commandment was that they honor the Sabbath by not gathering on that day, but some went out anyway on the Sabbath, and found nothing.<br /><br /><b>At Rephidim.</b> Once again, they were without water.<br /><i><b>"Give us water to drink. Where is this that thou hast brought us up out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and our cattle with thirst?" (Exo. 17:2-3)</b></i><br />They were almost to the point of stoning Moses. The Lord had Moses smite the rock in Horeb (the site of the temple mountain, Sinai) and a spring flowed from it.<br /><br /><b>At Mt. Sinai. </b>The Israelites became afraid when Moses went into the mountain for his 40 days' instruction of the Lord in their behalf.<br /><i><b>The people gathered themselves together unto Aaron, and said unto him, 'Up, make us gods, which shall go before us; for as for this Moses, the man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we know not what is become of him" (Exo. 32:1).</b></i><br />They did not have the faith to believe in a God they could not see, once they thought Moses was dead, so they asked for an idol as reassurance. The Lord withheld from them the greater law which he had given to Moses, and Moses asked, "Who is on the Lord's side?" The Levites responded in the positive, and they then put to death 3,000 men who were rebellious. Then Moses went back up into the mountain to offer an atonement for their sin. There is no mention that the children of Israel asked forgiveness--just mention that Moses asked it in their behalf.<br /><br /><b>At Taberah.</b> The people complained. (No explanation of why or what about.) The Lord sent fire among them and burned a number of the camp.<br /><br /><b>At Kilbroth:</b> The children of Israel craved meat and vegetables.<br /><i><b>"Who shall give us flesh to eat? We remember the fish, which we did eat in Egypt freely; the cucumbers, and the melons, and the leeks, and the onions, and the garlick; But now our soul is dried away; there is nothing at all, beside this manna, before our eyes" (Num. 11:4-6).</b></i><br />Moses petitioned the Lord because his burden of carrying the people was so heavy. The Lord told him to set apart 70 more priesthood holders to help him. As for the Israelites' complaint, he sent quail down among them, enough, he told them, to eat for a month. All night long and all day long, the Israelites greedily gathered the quail (even though the Lord had said He would send it for a month). The quail became diseased and the people who ate it suffered a swift and deadly illness.<br /><br /><b>At Hazeroth. </b>Miriam and Aaron criticized Moses because he married a Cushite. They claimed to be of equal authority to him, and therefore able to condemn him.<br /><i><b>"Hath the Lord indeed spoken only by Moses? Hath he not spoken also by us?" And the Lord heard it (Num. 12:2).</b></i><br />The Lord sent leprosy upon Miriam and required her to be quarantined outside the camp for seven days, at which time He healed her.<br /><br /><b>At the Borders of Canaan. </b>After the scouts returned from testing out the land for 40 days, ten of them falsely reported that the inhabitants were too great to conquer and that the land was barren, both of these statements in direct opposition to what the Lord had consistently said regarding the Land of Canaan, and despite their finding a cluster of grapes so huge it had to be carried on a rod between two men. Two faithful scouts gave a positive report, but the Israelites chose to believe the ten.<br /><i><b>And all the congregation lifted up their voice, and cried; and the people wept that night. And all the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron: and the whole congregation said unto them, "Would God that we had died in the land of Egypt! Or would God we had died in the wilderness! And wherefore hath the Lord brought us unto this land, to fall by the sword, that our wives and our children should be a prey? Were it not better for us to return into Egypt?" And they said one to another, "Let us make a captain, and let us return into Egypt" (Num. 13:31-14:4).</b></i><br />Moses and Aaron fell on their faces, "an act of contrition and entreaty [to the Lord], in hopes of avoiding terrible consequences" (<i>Harper-Collins Study Bible). </i>When Caleb and Joshua, the two positive scouts, tried to convince them that they could easily conquer and that the land was wonderful, they started to stone them. Only the appearance of the glory of the Lord at the Tabernacle stopped them. The Lord told Moses that this generation would have to wander in the wilderness for 40 years, and that none of them but Joshua and Caleb would be allowed to enter the Promised Land. (See <a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2010/04/importance-of-number-40-in-bible.html">"The Importance of the Number 40 in the Bible."</a>) Their little children would survive the wilderness, despite their parents' fears, and be allowed entry into the land. All the men 20 years and older were killed by the Lord in a plague, including the ten scouts who slandered the Promised Land.<br /><br /><b>At the Mountain of the Canaanites.</b> The Israelites said they were repentant and that they would now go and conquer the Canaanites. All the soldiers must have been of the younger generation, since all men over 20 had been killed by the plague, although who knows how much time had lapsed between the two events. Moses condemned them and counseled them not to go to war because the Lord would not back them. They ignored his command, and were badly beaten.<br /><br /><b>At the Uprising of Korah and Company.</b> Korah, Dathan, Abiram, and 250 Levite princes defied Moses' authority.<br /><i><b>"They gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron, and said unto them, 'Ye take too much upon you, seeing all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the Lord is among them: Where then lift ye up yourselves above the congregation of the Lord? Is it a small thing that thou hast brought us up out of a land that floweth with milk and honey, to kill us in the wilderness, except thou make thyself altogether a prince over us? Moreover thou hast not brought us into a land that floweth with milk and honey, or given us inheritance of fields and vineyards" (Num. 16:3, 13-14).</b></i><br />Moses fell on his face. He suggested that the Lord might show Moses' authority by swallowing them up with an earthquake. An earthquake occurred immediately, and the three men and their kin were crushed in the crevice. Then fire from the Lord burned the other 250 to death.<br /><br /><b>After the Earthquake.</b> The people accused Moses and Aaron of murder.<br /><i><b>"Ye have killed the people of the Lord" (Num. 16:41).</b></i><br />The Lord told Moses He would consume them all. Moses and Aaron fell to their faces. Moses made Aaron run and take a censer from the tabernacle and hold it up as an atonement for the people's sins. A plague had already begun. Where he stood amid the congregation, the plague stopped, but 14,700 people were killed already.<br /><br /><b>At the Desert of Zin.</b> Once again, there was no water. Miriam died and was buried there. (She was well over 100 by this time.)<br /><i><b>"Would God that we had died when our brethren died before the Lord! And why have ye brought up the congregation of the Lord into this wilderness, that we and our cattle should die there? And wherefore have ye made us to come up out of Egypt, to bring us in unto this evil place? It is no place of seed, or of figs, or of vines, or of pomegranates; neither is there any water to drink" (Num. 20:3-5).</b></i><br />Moses and Aaron once more fell on their faces. The Lord had Moses call water out of a rock again. Moses by this time was probably very annoyed by the people's lack of trust in his authority, and understandably so. This once he failed to give the credit to the Lord, and the Lord said that therefore Moses and Aaron would be denied entrance into the Land of Canaan. This is a message: No matter how great you are, nothing you do on your own authority will suffice. You can only enter the Promised Land on the merits of Christ.<br /><br /><b>On the Journey Around Edom.</b> At this point, we see a change begin to take place. Many of the original slaves were dead, if not by old age, then by the curses of the Lord. King Arad, the Canaanite, came against Israel and fought them and took prisoners. Rather than fearing to fight the Canaanites, or fighting them on their own, this generation covenanted with the Lord that they would utterly destroy the Canaanites as He had commanded their parents to do, if He would help. And they did it. After destroying the Canaanites at Hormah, they journeyed around Edom, a very difficult path. They became discouraged and once again complained.<br /><i><b>"Wherefore have ye brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no bread, neither is there any water; and our soul loatheth this light bread?" (Num. 21:5)</b></i><br />They complained against God and Moses, just as they had learned to do from their parents. The Lord sent poisonous serpents to bite them and many died. But this generation acknowledged their guilt, and came to Moses and confessed, "We have sinned, for we have spoken against the Lord, and against thee." They asked Moses to ask the Lord to take away the serpents. The Lord told Moses to put up a serpent, as an effigy of Christ. Rather than healing them as a group through an act of their priesthood leader, as He had done after the earthquake, this time the Lord required an individual act of faith in the atonement of Christ. Each person had to have the faith to look upon the serpent to be healed. Therefore, the Lord was able to select all those who exercised faith in Christ to remain alive to enter the Promised Land.<br /><br /><b>At Beer.</b> Now when they needed water, there is no mention that they complained of the thirst, or begged to go back to Egypt, or cursed Moses. The Lord saw their need and freely gave water to them. The Israelites sang in gratitude and rejoicing for the water they fully expected to receive. The "nobles" among them dug the well themselves, following the instructions of Moses. From this point on, the strength of the Lord was with them, and they conquered everywhere they went, until they achieved residence in the Promised Land.<br /><br />THE CENSUS<br /><br />When the Israelites left Egypt, there were 600,000 men, or heads of households. After the lack of faith displayed by the Israelites repeatedly, the Lord said that those unfaithful people would not be allowed to enter the Promised Land. So they had to wander through the wilderness, while all of them were tried and tested, and a whole generation of them died, and many more as well, before the promise of the Lord was realized. This was a pretty hard way of separating the sheep from the goats, but it was necessary. 40 years later, as the children of Israel entered the Promised Land, the census count revealed almost no generational growth: 601,730. The purpose of the wandering had not been to increase the size of the nation, but to improve upon the quality of its faith. (In a very interesting article, the <a href="http://institute.lds.org/manuals/old-testament-institute-student-manual-1/ot-in1-05-lev-E.asp">Old Testament Institute Manual</a> states that many numbers in the Old Testament have been translated to be much too large, including this one. The authors of the manual believe the number of Israelites to have been around 72,000. However that does not change the point: that the number entering the promised land was about the same number that left Egypt.)<br /><br />CHAINBREAKERS TODAY<br /><br />From the 40-year efforts of Moses and the Lord to make the children of Israel a truly free people, we learn that a certain blame for sin can be placed on the environment (slavery in Egypt), or upbringing (idolatrous parents)--things over which one has no control. Children are very prone to commit the same types of sins as their parents did (criticism of Church authority, discontent with the blessings the Lord has given, memory loss relating to miracles). But we also learn that the chains of sin or abuse or wrong teaching can be broken by:<br /><br />1) recognizing the sin as a sin and repenting of it (Num. 21:7);<br />2) seeking the counsel of priesthood leadership and following it (Num. 21:9);<br />3) looking to Christ for healing (Num. 21:9);<br />4) truly changing and remaining on the Lord's side, by digging for Living Water, expressing faith and gratitude to the Lord even before blessings are received, and following the direction of the prophet (Num. 21:17-18).<br /><br />Although the iniquities of the rebellious can carry to the third and fourth generations (Exo. 20:5), when the rebellious decide to change, "know therefore that the Lord thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations" (Deut. 7:9).<br /><br />As for Moses, he was blessed to be translated straight out of the temple mount into the heavenly Promised Land (Deut. 32:50) after helping fit his people for their earthly Promised Land. (Although the Bible says he died, Deut. 34:6 JST and Alma 45:19 both say he was "taken unto the Lord," or translated.) He was spared the battles that ensued when conquering the Land of Canaan. At his death, he was honored and revered by this second generation. "And the children of Israel wept for Moses in the plains of Moab 30 days [the meaning of the Hebrew number 30 is <i>dedication</i>]: so the days of weeping and mourning for Moses were ended. And Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom; for Moses had laid his hands upon him: and the children of Israel hearkened unto him, and did as the Lord commanded Moses. And there arose not a prophet since in Israel like unto Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face" (Deut. 34:8-10).Nancy Wyatt Jensenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14758524730006544116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706071451857400135.post-59737824292384859782022-04-10T06:43:00.003-08:002022-04-16T20:14:05.129-08:00Letting Life Break Us, Letting God Rebuild Us: The Seismic Shift of Easter<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtTDga75mV4u9DbjH7Nz_yWDwm-5Ykr0zo_ergppeN8CHkTl31hR0V-kw3zx7HvlLzxIiSVV5rlgEp_yOgyVZAp-ltOJ3vrqEuXm_x7dL8bkREWR6B7jlf8YytZrRRwEoXUWIxifnN8Kmx/s1280/god-1772560_1280.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtTDga75mV4u9DbjH7Nz_yWDwm-5Ykr0zo_ergppeN8CHkTl31hR0V-kw3zx7HvlLzxIiSVV5rlgEp_yOgyVZAp-ltOJ3vrqEuXm_x7dL8bkREWR6B7jlf8YytZrRRwEoXUWIxifnN8Kmx/s320/god-1772560_1280.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">THE SYMBOL OF THE CROSS</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Few things are so closely and exclusively
associated with a single figure as is the cross with Jesus Christ. A cross on a
necklace immediately identifies the wearer as a disciple. A crucifix in a church
immediately conjures up in the mind an image of Jesus hanging in public agony. It’s a symbol that commands
attention. It reminds us of Easter. It points us to God. For the Israelite Christians
witnessing the crucifixion and death of Christ on Good Friday, however, the
cross itself meant nothing but a criminal punishment. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">And yet there <i>was</i> a very powerful symbol that stunned the early followers of Jesus Christ that day, something that had never happened before in history. It was completely
unique to the death of Jesus Christ. Witnessed by only a few, it pointed dramatically
to the eternal significance of the pivotal event of the Savior's death.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">“Jesus, when he had cried again with a
loud voice, saying, ‘Father, it is finished, thy will is done,’ yielded up the
ghost. And behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the
bottom. And the earth did quake, and the rocks rent…” (Matt. 27:50-51, <i>Joseph Smith Translation</i>).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">To understand the mind-blowing nature of
the rending of the veil, we need to know about ancient temples.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">THE TEMPLE AT JERUSALEM<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">At the time of Christ, the temple at
Jerusalem had recently been rebuilt and gloriously fitted and furnished on
about 35 acres of a hill inside the city. Multiple walls and courtyards surrounded
the temple and prevented anyone from entering without passing through a gate. Gates
on the south, on the east, and the main gate on the west allowed anyone to
enter the outer area, the Court of the Gentiles, but non-Jews could go no
further, on penalty of death.</span></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLbhUKp0o1U8MGYQoOEycoXGeSVTJA-1AmMmL4qph6kmfKd6veAIpzYT-5sNvRds81lNOlgtTBQKRkOkhHYDsfMVDAy0wHWbO3Hxho6Thy4Lm8ozwHlWwE-HSyMGOENghzGDvI4LZ04s7w/s768/The-Gate-of-Mercy-or-Shaar-HaRachamim-in-Hebrew-also-called-the-Golden-Gate-as-seen-from-inside-the-Temple-Mount-complex.-Photo-Wikimedia-Commons-768x537.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="537" data-original-width="768" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLbhUKp0o1U8MGYQoOEycoXGeSVTJA-1AmMmL4qph6kmfKd6veAIpzYT-5sNvRds81lNOlgtTBQKRkOkhHYDsfMVDAy0wHWbO3Hxho6Thy4Lm8ozwHlWwE-HSyMGOENghzGDvI4LZ04s7w/s320/The-Gate-of-Mercy-or-Shaar-HaRachamim-in-Hebrew-also-called-the-Golden-Gate-as-seen-from-inside-the-Temple-Mount-complex.-Photo-Wikimedia-Commons-768x537.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">The Golden Gate still
stands, now fitted with doors.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">https://www.israelandstuff.com/palestinians-proclaim-victory-after-opening-temple-mounts-golden-gate<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Passage into each of the inner
courtyards or rooms required increasingly more qualifications as the faithful
scaled stairways to pass through gates. Gentiles could not ascend to the Court
of the Women. Women could not ascend to the Court of the Men. Ordinary Israelites
could not climb to the Court of the Priests which contained the Brazen Sea,
resting upon twelve bronze bulls and the altar of sacrifices. Although the
people below could not enter this courtyard, they could see the smoke ascending
to heaven in their behalf.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background-color: white; background: white; color: #212121; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Further steps led up to the actual temple, a
comparatively small building. A priceless curtain, embroidered with a map of
the known world, concealed from view what lay beyond, and none except the
priest on duty was allowed to go farther. It contained the golden altar at
which incense was offered and next to it the seven-branched candelabrum and the
table with the twelve loaves of shewbread, which were replaced by fresh ones
every sabbath. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background-color: white; background: white; color: #212121; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Beyond it, behind another large curtain, lay
the Holy of Holies, which none except the high priest was allowed to enter, and
he only on the Day of Atonement. A stone designated the place where once the
Ark of the Covenant had stood [with its mercy seat between the two cherubim]” (<a href="https://www.bible-history.com/jewishtemple/">https://www.bible-history.com/jewishtemple/</a>).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(See also <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Temple#Herod's_Temple">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Temple#Herod's_Temple</a>).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background-color: white; background: white; color: #212121; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">All of these concentric gates, walls, and
courtyards surrounded one central point in this stone temple: the Holy of
Holies. Although we don’t know details about the activities in all of the
temple courts (they were sacred, exclusive, and guarded even from historians),
we do know what happened in the Holy of Holies on that single Day of Atonement each
year because it is found in the Bible. (See Lev. 16; 23:26-32.) <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Holy of Holies had only one purpose: Atonement,
the reuniting of God and man.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background-color: white; background: white; color: #212121; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It was in this place that the high priest
carried out rituals that symbolically cleansed all of Israel from sin and
potentially allowed reconciliation with God.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background-color: white; background: white; color: #212121; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF_uwh_MRc-3thkGsfQN_ZiSNOLFQizQCF4v2wpSN7yuv7ijX4InV8HSn7pL6zeSsJS_llGNOtbirMbXKN6C7wxIqhnxQ5Hwrj615xCpOhBbyV5mfbX5karNpPYfUaDzldlrDRtRFm8aCB/s810/Hindu-Temples-Structure-Human-Body-Symbolism.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="810" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF_uwh_MRc-3thkGsfQN_ZiSNOLFQizQCF4v2wpSN7yuv7ijX4InV8HSn7pL6zeSsJS_llGNOtbirMbXKN6C7wxIqhnxQ5Hwrj615xCpOhBbyV5mfbX5karNpPYfUaDzldlrDRtRFm8aCB/s320/Hindu-Temples-Structure-Human-Body-Symbolism.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background-color: white; background: white; color: #212121; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Hindu
Temple</span></i></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">The Israelites were not the only people to
have a temple. Every great civilization in the history of the world had at its
center a temple--the Egyptians, the Greeks, the Turks, the Mayans, the Aztecs, even
<a href="https://www.floridastateparks.org/learn/native-american-temple-mounds" target="_blank">Native North American civilizations</a> all had temples. On every continent, in every advanced ancient culture, the
temple was always the focal point of the greater community. (See, for example <a href="https://www.touropia.com/oldest-temples-in-the-world/">https://www.touropia.com/oldest-temples-in-the-world/</a>.)
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">A temple was (and is), as Hugh Nibley calls
it “a scale model of the universe…It is the meeting point of the heavens and
the earth…The word for temple in Latin, <i>templum</i>, means the same thing as
<i>template</i>…The temple is also an observatory…a place where you take your
bearings on things. More than that, it is a working model, a laboratory for
demonstrating basic principles by use of figures and symbols, which convey to
finite minds things beyond their immediate experience” (<i>Temple and Cosmos:
Beyond This Ignorant Present, </i>Deseret Book, 1992, 15, 19).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background-color: white; background: white; color: #212121; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A survey of all of these ancient temples in all
of these cultures reveals that they all had a common purpose: “to restore the
primordial unity, that which existed before the Creation,…to restore the whole
that preceded the Creation” (Mircea Eliade, quoted in Nibley,</span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background-color: white; background: white; color: #212121; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">380-1). Even though they did
not know the God of Israel, they knew they were seeking wholeness,
reunification, restoration. Although the rites of temples in various ancient
civilizations morphed as well as decayed from the original temple experience God
revealed to Adam (Moses 5:4-9), they shared this common purpose of
reunification with their Creators or their Divine Parents in eternity.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background-color: white; background: white; color: #212121; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">But of all these temples, it was in the Hebrew
temple at Jerusalem—where the Gentiles were unfit by birth, the women were unclean
by nature, the men were unworthy, and even the priests were not holy enough to
see into the presence of the Lord—it was here in Jerusalem that all of those
barriers were torn away in a moment. God rent the veil of the temple—from the
top to the bottom!--as Christ gave up the ghost and ascended into Heaven.
Death, sorrow, separation, and sin were conquered. The passageway between
heaven and earth was opened. Entrance into the “presence of God” on earth was
now not only a possibility, but reunion with Them (<i>God</i> being plural) in
eternity was a surety. Man could now sit down on the mercy seat with God or, as
Lehi put it, “The Lord hath redeemed my soul from hell; I have beheld his
glory, and I am encircled about eternally in the arms of his love” (2 Nephi
1:15).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQUPoHYAOSc-hq4ELrHMO9fZD7FbuJ4B5hCi1LrIPQVRcwvWZIPDN00rWhm9h8O0BwesfIvwylVdSb3qSnhgiB4bVq7E4R8YGuN0Jh2tk72lieYp7k65K5ugB-wVFdjDgAXYBchHA5Zjdu/s784/temple+curtain..PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="557" data-original-width="784" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQUPoHYAOSc-hq4ELrHMO9fZD7FbuJ4B5hCi1LrIPQVRcwvWZIPDN00rWhm9h8O0BwesfIvwylVdSb3qSnhgiB4bVq7E4R8YGuN0Jh2tk72lieYp7k65K5ugB-wVFdjDgAXYBchHA5Zjdu/s320/temple+curtain..PNG" width="320" /></a><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-size: 12pt; text-align: left;"> </span></div>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background-color: white; background: white; color: #212121; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">SEISMIC SHIFTS IN HISTORY<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background-color: white; background: white; color: #212121; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Like the earthquake at the death of Jesus
Christ, catastrophic events in history can bring about seismic shifts in doctrine
and practice for God’s children.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; font: 7pt "Times New Roman"; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background-color: white; background: white; color: #212121; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">For the
Jews, the Babylonian captivity and the destruction of the temple forced them to
produce the Torah. The Torah preserved their religion which had previously been completely tied
to a particular place on earth: the temple at Jerusalem. They could now carry their religious beliefs with them wherever they
went. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; font: 7pt "Times New Roman"; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background-color: white; background: white; color: #212121; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">For the
Christians, the death of Christ completely changed their understanding of and
relationship with God, as shown in the New Testament. Jesus returned and taught
his disciples privately, and they changed their old image of God as a fearful
punisher, to God as a loving and merciful Parent. This new understanding
allowed them to bring heaven to earth in their Zion-like community.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; font: 7pt "Times New Roman"; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background-color: white; background: white; color: #212121; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">For
the Nephite colony, the destruction of Jerusalem made them realize they
were no longer an outpost, but the home base of Israelite worship on the earth. This
led to the recording of doctrine and history that became the Book of Mormon. The only Jewish temples on earth were the ones built in the New World. The Book of Mormon shows us that the Gospel of Jesus Christ existed along
with the Law of Moses from the beginning. The Old Testament does not make this obvious. (See Terryl
Givens, <i>2<sup>nd</sup> Nephi: A Brief Theological Introduction</i>, Brigham
Young University.)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background-color: white; background: white; color: #212121; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">PERSONAL SEISMIC SHIFTS<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background-color: white; background: white; color: #212121; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When cataclysmic events happen in our own
lives, our ability to make sense of the universe is shaken. The mountains are
in new places, the former home base is gone, some things are broken beyond
repair. We don’t recognize the landscape anymore. We have to get our bearings
again from a new perspective. But sometimes that is precisely what is needed to
allow us to throw off old incomplete beliefs and gain new, more accurate ones.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background-color: white; background: white; color: #212121; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As the sweet children’s book I just bought my
grandson explains it:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background-color: white; background: white; color: #212121; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Out of death, comes life. That’s how God wants
us to see Easter.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background-color: white; background: white; color: #212121; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I still don’t like dying.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background-color: white; background: white; color: #212121; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Neither do I. We were born to love life. God
loves life. But sometimes we have to let go of one thing so we can move on to
another” (Lisa Tawn Bergren, <i>God Gave Us Easter</i>, Waterbrook Press).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background-color: white; background: white; color: #212121; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When we lose a loved one (I attended the
funeral of one today), when health crises happen, when people betray us, when hatred
and war threaten and destroy, we can remember that good will come of catastrophe,
if we let God lead us. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background-color: white; background: white; color: #212121; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We can remember that the cross became the
symbol of faith, hope, and love.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background-color: white; background: white; color: #212121; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We can remember that the destruction of the
holy temple veil symbolized every man and woman’s personal access to God and His mercy. Our temples today are clear in teaching this truth—that we may reach out personally and individually for the hand of Christ and be drawn into his presence thanks to His infinite sacrifice on Easter.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background-color: white; background: white; color: #212121; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The death of Jesus Christ is the greatest
irony that ever was—the seismic shift that provided reunification and wholeness
for all, the earthquake that broke everything in order to put it right.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background-color: white; background: white; color: #212121; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIf7Pt2FkhCHyXRt0M6WKyDpKVO1FlixMPPhZzQx33W1vFKpaErTZy3xVF2xVzcpbU4QSJDcZY_SeOAuljS4IK2Dk0mqhBZa63WmDvlv4unofsehFousXyo-Lui2YR0L7KmaHeg3N1vaMN/s480/b6f0553f355468f154ebe36b5063b938.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIf7Pt2FkhCHyXRt0M6WKyDpKVO1FlixMPPhZzQx33W1vFKpaErTZy3xVF2xVzcpbU4QSJDcZY_SeOAuljS4IK2Dk0mqhBZa63WmDvlv4unofsehFousXyo-Lui2YR0L7KmaHeg3N1vaMN/s320/b6f0553f355468f154ebe36b5063b938.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background-color: white; background: white; color: #212121; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Nancy Wyatt Jensenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14758524730006544116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706071451857400135.post-58416502033666708632022-01-28T08:31:00.001-08:002022-01-28T08:31:02.479-08:00Wide as Eternity: The Visions of Enoch<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13.5pt;">The Backdrop of the Vision of Enoch<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13.5pt;">The opening verse of Moses 7 encapsulates the greatest
and most persistent problem of the family of God: that “many have believed [the
gospel as taught by Adam] and become the [children] of God, and many have
believed not, and have perished in their sins, and are looking forth with fear,
in torment, for the fiery indignation of the wrath of God to be poured out upon
them.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Because of this revelation, Enoch began to prophesy
from that time forth. (See verse 2.) As he preaches, he tells his audience
about the visions he has been shown for their benefit. Those who listened and
learned became the City of Enoch and were taken up into heaven. Although the
story of the City remained in the Old Testament, the truths learned by them
were lost from the earth until Jesus restored them in the meridian of time, and
Joseph Smith restored them in the translation of Moses 7.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13.5pt;">The vision of Enoch is a revolutionary scripture,
overturning concepts that have been the basis of most nations, religions,
cultures, and even individuals--that there is an “us” and a “them,” that we are
right, and they are wrong, and that we will achieve happiness when we are avenged
and triumph over our enemies. The vision teaches the concept that we are all
brothers and sisters and only completely uniting the family of God will lead to
a fulness of joy. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13.5pt;">This concept was revolutionary in Enoch’s day--so
revolutionary, it didn’t even make it into the Old Testament. It was again
revolutionary in Jesus’s day and formed the basis of the original Christian church.
It is revolutionary again in our day as we recover from centuries of
misunderstanding about God, about sin, about judgment and salvation, and about
the relationship between all the peoples of the earth. In restoring this truth,
Joseph Smith upended the teachings promulgated by the greatest “Christian”
thinkers and leaders since the apostles were killed. (For the history and
details of this loss, I highly recommend the books by Terryl and Fiona Givens, <i>The
God Who Weeps, All Things New, </i>and <i>The Christ Who Heals.</i> Really,
every Latter-day Saint should read at least one of these books.)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Revolutionary Concepts #1 and #2: The mighty God of
heaven is a PERSON, and He took the time to talk with one of His lowly creations.</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13.5pt;">“I saw the Lord; and he stood before my face, and he
talked with me, even as a man talketh one with another, face, face” (verse 4). <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Revolutionary Concept #3: Despite great wickedness and
wars on the earth, a group of people could become as holy as heaven</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13.5pt;">. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13.5pt;">“The Lord came and dwelt with his people, and they
dwelt in righteousness” (verse 16). “The glory [great joy] of the Lord…was upon
his people. “The Lord called his people Zion, because they
were on one heart and one mind, and dwelt in righteousness; and there was no
poor among them” (verse 18). “[Enoch, in passage of time] built a city that was
called the City of Holiness, even Zion. (verse 19). “Zion, in process of time, was taken up into
heaven” (verse 21).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Revolutionary Concept #4: God experiences emotions,
including sorrow; He cares about his children</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13.5pt;">. Although they
were “looking forth with fear, in torment, for the fiery indignation of the
wrath of God to be poured out upon them” (verse 1), God Himself was weeping at
their estrangement. While Enoch was rejoicing that Zion was safe from evil, God
was mourning the separation from “the residue of the people” who remained in
wickedness (verse 28). (Although God cursed them [verse 20], it is an indirect
cursing—simply the natural consequence of breaking His laws.) Enoch is utterly
shocked that God, who is all powerful, all knowing, eternal, kind, perfect in
every way, and has just seen the success of Zion, is now weeping (verse 31). <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Revolutionary Concept #6: Our enemies are not our
enemies, but our siblings.</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> There are groups of people mentioned in
the chapter who are hateful of each other: the people of Canaan are at war with
people of Shum (verse 7). The war brings about a barrenness in the land,
presumably from destruction of crops and other plants, and changes the climate
of the area (verses 7-8) from which it never recovers. Possibly as a
consequence of this--since it is announced in the same sentence--the people of
Canaan experience a blackening of appearance that further separates them and <i>causes
all other people to despise them</i> (verse 8). Multiple other groups of people
in lands that are unknown to us today are mentioned, and the Lord commands
Enoch to preach repentance to them (verse 9-10). Enoch preaches the gospel of
Christ, encapsulated today in our Fourth Article of Faith, to all of these groups
except the people of Canaan (verse 12). No explanation is given as to why He
didn’t preach to them. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Because of the terrifying miracles Enoch can perform
to protect his people, their enemies “fled and <i>stood afar off</i> and went
upon the land which came up out of the depth of the sea. And the giants of the
land, also, <i>stood afar off</i>…” (verses 13-15). There are wars everywhere,
violence, hatred, bloodshed—separation (verse 16). The seed of Cain still were <i>excluded
from other societies</i> because of the color of their skin (verse 22). <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Only the people of Zion are spared from war, but whereas
Enoch has previously been glorying that his city is rescued from their enemies,
the Lord points out that the enemies are Enoch’s brethren. “The Lord said unto Enoch: Behold these <i>thy
brethren…</i> (verse 32).” From this point on, the word <i>enemies</i>
disappears, replaced by <i>brethren</i> and <i>children</i>: family members!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Revolutionary Concept #5: Becoming holy does not
create complete joy; instead, holiness
brings acute awareness of the suffering of our siblings (our enemies) because
of their sins.</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> I gave unto man his agency; and unto <i>thy brethren</i>
have I said, and also given commandment, that they should love one another, and
that they should choose me [as] their Father; but behold, they are without
affection, and they hate <i>their own blood </i>(verses 32-33).” “Satan shall
be their father, and misery shall be their doom; and the whole heavens shall
weep over them, even all the workmanship of mine hands; wherefore should not
the heavens weep, seeing these shall suffer? (verse 37)? It is separation from
God and from each other that causes suffering among human beings.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13.5pt;">The heavens weep, not for the sin of the people, but
for the suffering that sin causes before their redemption (verse 37): “Until
that day they shall be in torment; wherefore, for this shall the heavens weep,
yea and all the workmanship of mine hands (verses 39-40).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Noah would build an ark to protect his family from the
flood, and God would “smile” upon it, but “the residue of the wicked” would perish.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13.5pt;">When Enoch saw this, he “wept and stretched forth his
arms, and his heart swelled wide as eternity; and his bowels yearned; and all
eternity shook” (verse 41). He “wept over his brethren, and said unto the
heavens: I will refuse to be comforted; but the Lord said unto Enoch: Lift up
your heart, and be glad; and look” (verse 44).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Revolutionary Concept #6: Christ’s atonement will
cover even those who did not learn righteousness and unity while on the earth. </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> Enoch looked and no longer saw the wicked as his
enemies, but as the <i>families of the earth,</i> and he asked when Christ
would atone for them, and “they that mourn” will be sanctified and have eternal
life (verse 45). And then he saw “the day of the coming of the Son of Man, even
in the flesh; and his soul rejoiced…” (verse 47).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13.5pt;">After the agony of the cross and the agony of the
earth in response to the crucifixion, not only do “saints” arise and to be
crowned at the right hand of God (verse 56), but also “the spirits as were in
prison came forth, and stood on the right hand of God (verse 57). But a
remainder (the word remainder suggests a small number) still waits “in chains
of darkness until the judgment of the great day.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Revolutionary Concept #7: A fulness of joy is only
achieved with complete unity.</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> The earth will finally rest when Christ
comes again and enmity is removed from the family of God. Then “righteousness and
truth will sweep the earth as with a flood” just as the waters swept the wicked
off the earth previously (verse 52). The City of Enoch will come down to join
Zion on earth, the New Jerusalem, “and we will receive them into our bosom, and
they shall see us; and we will fall upon their necks, and they shall fall upon
our necks, and we will kiss each other” (verse 63). There will be a thousand
years of peace upon the earth. Finally at the end of the world a fulness of joy
is finally achieved (verse 67).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13.5pt;">What does this mean in your life?</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13.5pt;">We are confronted many times daily, even hourly, with
the temptation to separate. We view others’ successes with jealousy. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13.5pt;">We polarize ourselves into political groups. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13.5pt;">We struggle to view other races and cultures as less
than ours, even when we are trying to be kind. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13.5pt;">We have no idea how to feel about people with nonbinary
sexual orientations. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13.5pt;">We may think our country is the greatest. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13.5pt;">We may resent immigrants or refugees or people who don’t
learn to speak our language.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13.5pt;">We may be suspicious of those who are different.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13.5pt;">We may have struggles to forgive those who have
wronged us.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13.5pt;">We may say that everyone is a child of God, but we
feel that perhaps our group contains the best children of God, as if the rest are
a different class of family members.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">In all of these daily situations, we are only
free to be truly happy when we unite ourselves with our Heavenly Father and view
all “others” as our suffering siblings. Once we have this view, the Holy Ghost
can guide us in how to love and accept others and how to share the gospel with them so that we can be one.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18px;"><br /></span></span><span lang="EN-US"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj2u1ekr5BWa1ufWlu7-_qE-Kv4uTUI0aqphggyy1MuM4mijFoycpT0WF5PM7W6aEb_yJvEeQ9sLuai95P38pMwet00Dot_cb7Yzqifk2VLsQQ3R1ZFwMSwOQPigevgQBxLv7vU4mcnlMxeaEK0Ht2YsNYm6KfGXTMz0shSmowQMahIEpJzXHROU1b9pw=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj2u1ekr5BWa1ufWlu7-_qE-Kv4uTUI0aqphggyy1MuM4mijFoycpT0WF5PM7W6aEb_yJvEeQ9sLuai95P38pMwet00Dot_cb7Yzqifk2VLsQQ3R1ZFwMSwOQPigevgQBxLv7vU4mcnlMxeaEK0Ht2YsNYm6KfGXTMz0shSmowQMahIEpJzXHROU1b9pw=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18px;">Kansas City Temple</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18px;">I hold the copyright. Feel free to use it.</span></span></div><p></p>Nancy Wyatt Jensenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14758524730006544116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706071451857400135.post-52064112953817145832021-12-24T08:42:00.003-08:002021-12-24T08:42:50.007-08:002022 Supplements<div style="text-align: left;"><h1 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-large;">2022</span></h1><span style="font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiOSB58QjdqMw3eqoRE9rRtzeVie6y0cfjJ4SrcTuqrEatOr1UrQx7l39794rFI2cmKQpyoolG7-O8KzZv5i5usdi9ke4nj-JbLgVONMASt7iCFbcl2HB8GEOGyQnQs3Bixs-sVP2pJsEpvJNxJTPCyAUpiZAvccOg5hFlZw8Nc5Ol6ocOjjBq8si2QUg=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiOSB58QjdqMw3eqoRE9rRtzeVie6y0cfjJ4SrcTuqrEatOr1UrQx7l39794rFI2cmKQpyoolG7-O8KzZv5i5usdi9ke4nj-JbLgVONMASt7iCFbcl2HB8GEOGyQnQs3Bixs-sVP2pJsEpvJNxJTPCyAUpiZAvccOg5hFlZw8Nc5Ol6ocOjjBq8si2QUg=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Lesson supplements for all of the standard works can be found at the top of the home page. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Please click on those links to find the appropriate lesson.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Best Wishes for a Joyous New Year!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Whether we get to have "precendented times" again</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">or whether it's another year of These Unprecedented Times,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">the gospel of Jesus Christ (love) is the answer to all problems (fear).</span></div></span></div>Nancy Wyatt Jensenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14758524730006544116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706071451857400135.post-87604063731148318802021-12-12T08:35:00.000-08:002021-12-12T08:35:29.646-08:00Christmas Lessons<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaogNb4w_BQglzeko1-w7Tnh8Z-ptz-bSWIeiUL_01PshiSAehiae3hPJ2ubFiry30hChTzBd_coigKHQBAciBaaAxHBcivNbibdJuIcgxbGmuI1ZLSfXX1vMdoPzeYcCXkefwlx2LlRC-/s4032/IMG_4580.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaogNb4w_BQglzeko1-w7Tnh8Z-ptz-bSWIeiUL_01PshiSAehiae3hPJ2ubFiry30hChTzBd_coigKHQBAciBaaAxHBcivNbibdJuIcgxbGmuI1ZLSfXX1vMdoPzeYcCXkefwlx2LlRC-/s320/IMG_4580.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>My Grandson Moses and the Nativity</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>I hold the copyright: please do not copy</i></div><p><a href="http://findmynotes.wordpress.com/2011/12/18/the-purpose-of-christmas/">The Purpose of Christmas</a></p><p><a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2011/01/nt-lesson-3-unto-you-is-borna-saviour.html">Unto You Is Born a Savior</a><br /><br /><a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2009/12/measure-of-our-faith.html">The Measure of Our Faith</a></p>Nancy Wyatt Jensenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14758524730006544116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706071451857400135.post-24088970358734236462021-12-09T21:30:00.003-08:002021-12-09T21:44:49.114-08:00Bonus Lessons, vaguely related to The Family Proclamation<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_YMq9zC8mFTuSrwjQhw1UpAxynZFwuPaiYhkUkggVde_WchoCuQp9VJy0lN_UtTy2danIoixgh0WXdPt1TmgfYFxZOT3RDgsLYG8mL6Awkw_IYbj1sr0pCYAQG-9apsGtELpfH5B5J_N_/s4032/IMG_4559.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_YMq9zC8mFTuSrwjQhw1UpAxynZFwuPaiYhkUkggVde_WchoCuQp9VJy0lN_UtTy2danIoixgh0WXdPt1TmgfYFxZOT3RDgsLYG8mL6Awkw_IYbj1sr0pCYAQG-9apsGtELpfH5B5J_N_/s320/IMG_4559.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><i>I hold the copyright to this photo of the Logan Temple </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>taken earlier this month, but you are most welcome </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>to copy and use it.</i></div><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">I don't have time or ability to put together a lesson on The Family Proclamation right now, but here are some great lessons that are vaguely related to it.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">The Family Proclamation gives us the ideals for family life. But...what if your family is dysfunctional? Is there hope for you? Well, there was for <a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2010/01/ot-lesson-2-thou-wast-chosen-before.html" target="_blank">Vaughan J. Featherstone and Abraham the Prophet</a>.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">And I just really love sharing this story from Church history of a family man who turned his life over to God, helped many families, and promoted family values among all his employees: <a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2010/06/supplement-to-lesson-26-jesse-knight.html" target="_blank">Jesse Knight</a></span></p>Nancy Wyatt Jensenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14758524730006544116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706071451857400135.post-1513064207828275652021-12-06T21:16:00.007-08:002021-12-11T14:10:16.994-08:00Official Declarations 1 & 2<p> <span style="font-family: "Century Schoolbook", serif; font-size: 12pt;">OFFICIAL DECLARATION
1: “THE MANIFESTO”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Century Schoolbook", serif; font-size: 12pt;">After living the law of plural marriage for several decades, it was shock to members of the Church in Utah to have the practice halted by President Woodruff. They had sacrificed so much to live this law!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #2e75b6; font-family: "Century Schoolbook",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #2E75B6; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=75000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent5; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themeshade: 191;">“It was just a coincidence that the
doctrine of polygamy was abandoned on my birthday,” </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Century Schoolbook",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #2E75B6; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=75000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent5; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themeshade: 191;">writes polygamous wife Annie
Clark Tanner</span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #2e75b6; font-family: "Century Schoolbook",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #2E75B6; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=75000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent5; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themeshade: 191;">. “My first birthday was an event made possible by it </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Century Schoolbook",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #2E75B6; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=75000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent5; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themeshade: 191;">[having been born the
child of a polygamous union]</span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #2e75b6; font-family: "Century Schoolbook",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #2E75B6; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=75000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent5; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themeshade: 191;">; my whole life had been shaped according to it;
and my faith that it was Divine and everlasting was so strong that I compare it
with the faith of the three Hebrews who were to be cast into a fiery furnace
for their convictions.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #2e75b6; font-family: "Century Schoolbook",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #2E75B6; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=75000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent5; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themeshade: 191;">“But now I was beginning to wonder: Is God ‘the
same yesterday, today, and forever?’<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #2e75b6; font-family: "Century Schoolbook",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #2E75B6; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=75000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent5; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themeshade: 191;">“I can remember so well the relief that I
felt when I first realized that the Church had decided to abandon its position.
For all of my earlier convictions </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Century Schoolbook",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #2E75B6; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=75000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent5; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themeshade: 191;">[that polygamy was necessary for highest exaltation in the Celestial Kingdom]</span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #2e75b6; font-family: "Century Schoolbook",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #2E75B6; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=75000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent5; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themeshade: 191;"> a great relief came over me. At that moment I compared
my feelings of relief with the experience one has when the first crack of dawn
comes after a night of careful vigilance over a sick patient. At such a time
daylight is never more welcome; and now the dawn was breaking for the Church. I
suppose its leaders may have realized, at last, that if our Church had anything
worthwhile for mankind, they had better work with the government of our country
rather than against it”</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Century Schoolbook",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">
(Annie Clark Tanner, <i>A Mormon Mother: An Autobiography, </i>Tanner Trust
Fund, Salt Lake City, Utah: 1991, 129-130).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsjo88cfasVJmAWNkReNRSqVvr_qDfyl04COpcMjDyDmjhiF5hmDewnLR4jPrAVlVNv3_xG6LBFF7o0dGk-3MGPF1-qhg6njT3jaRLHAaDuwe9PNuxoo0LxDXCcviD0Rm9LLXxKYp2AB35/s436/aaa-Tanner-Annie-Clark-portrait-300x436.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="436" data-original-width="300" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsjo88cfasVJmAWNkReNRSqVvr_qDfyl04COpcMjDyDmjhiF5hmDewnLR4jPrAVlVNv3_xG6LBFF7o0dGk-3MGPF1-qhg6njT3jaRLHAaDuwe9PNuxoo0LxDXCcviD0Rm9LLXxKYp2AB35/s320/aaa-Tanner-Annie-Clark-portrait-300x436.jpg" width="220" /></a></div>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Century Schoolbook",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Annie Clark Tanner<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Century Schoolbook",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">(<i><a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/come-follow-me-for-individuals-and-families-doctrine-and-covenants-2021/50?lang=eng" target="_blank">“Come,Follow Me”</a> has links to many excellent, frank, scholarly essays on the topics
of both polygamy and the Manifesto. It is well worth reading every one of them.)<o:p></o:p></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Century Schoolbook",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">From our
vantage point 130 years in their future, we have no difficulty accepting the
Manifesto—instead, we have difficulty accepting the practice of polygamy to
begin with. Some of us would like to forget it ever happened.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Century Schoolbook",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Later in life, Sister Tanner explains to her posterity why so many members entered into plural marriages:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #2e75b6; font-family: "Century Schoolbook",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #2E75B6; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=75000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent5; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themeshade: 191;">“If one can picture the sociological
conditions in Utah Territory when the principle of polygamy was openly endorsed
by the Church in 1852, one can better understand the reason for its development.
Hundreds of young women came from the overcrowded section in the old country.
They were thoroughly converted to the Gospel. To be the wife of a fine leader
in Israel was the height of their ambition. Perhaps too, the effect of the
increase in numbers it furnished to the Church was considered of some
advantage.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #2e75b6; font-family: "Century Schoolbook",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #2E75B6; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=75000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent5; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themeshade: 191;">“It must be remembered that the western
immigration movement brought to Utah all kinds of people. Concerning some of
the men folks, girls comparing their chances for matrimony, often said of a
Mormon leader, ‘I’d rather have his little finger than the whole of a man
outside the Church...’<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #2e75b6; font-family: "Century Schoolbook",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #2E75B6; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=75000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent5; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themeshade: 191;">“Many of the finest characters in Utah and
surrounding states owe their existence to this doctrine of the Mormon Church.
It is often remarked that all the headaches and heartaches caused by polygamy
have, in some measure, been compensated by the fine…results [in the children].<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #2e75b6; font-family: "Century Schoolbook",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #2E75B6; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=75000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent5; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themeshade: 191;">"The women of the Church living this principle felt themselves greatly favored above nonmember women of other parts of our country. They felt it a great privilege to have a husband of their choice, a home, and a family" </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Century Schoolbook",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #2E75B6; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=75000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent5; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themeshade: 191;">(Tanner, 23-24).</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Century Schoolbook",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Sister Tanner
noted that leadership and success was generally observed in the children of a
polygamist’s family. And as those practicing polygamy were highly religious, “religious
training was the rule in a polygamous home” (Tanner, 25).<span style="color: #2e75b6; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #2E75B6; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=75000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent5; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themeshade: 191;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Century Schoolbook",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">THE ABRAHAMIC SACRIFICE
OF PLURAL MARRIAGE<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Century Schoolbook",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Although she boldly
asserted (and evidence of the day agrees) that <span style="color: #2e75b6; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #2E75B6; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=75000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent5; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themeshade: 191;">“No one could make the
women of Utah feel that they had an inferior position,”</span> she also acknowledged
the extreme difficulties of living in polygamy.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: "Century Schoolbook",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #2E75B6; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=75000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent5; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themeshade: 191;">“I am sure that women would never have
accepted polygamy had it not been for their religion. No woman ever consented
to its practice without a great sacrifice on her part</span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #2e75b6; font-family: "Century Schoolbook",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #2E75B6; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=75000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent5; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themeshade: 191;">” </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Century Schoolbook",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">(Tanner, 132).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Century Schoolbook",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I’m not sure we
will ever be able to understand why God commanded the practice of polygamy
among the Latter-day Saints in this life, but the best thoughts I have found on
it are offered by the extremely bright mind of former BYU professor, Valerie Hudson Cassler:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: "Century Schoolbook",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">“God is not
indifferent concerning how his children marry. He actively and severely restricts
the practice of polygamy, while leaving monogamy unrestricted. One can be ‘destroyed’
for practicing polygamy without God’s sanction, becoming ‘angels to the devil’
and ‘bring[ing] your children unto destruction, and their sins heaped upon your
heads at the last day,’ but no such punishment attends the practice of monogamy
(Jacob 2:33; 3:5-6, 10-12)… <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: "Century Schoolbook",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">“Joseph Smith
restored marriage for ‘time and all eternity’ (D&C 132:18), which we now
colloquially call ‘temple marriage.’ In restoring the principle of temple
marriage, Joseph Smith restored both the general law of marriage and
the lawful exception [of polygamous temple marriage] as elucidated by Jacob
centuries before...<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Century Schoolbook",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">“No matter what
the human inventory of emotions toward polygamy--joy, sorrow, or joy and sorrow
mixed--the most mature and most knowledgeable viewpoint is that of the Lord,
who appears to be stating that he views it as an Abrahamic sacrifice.” </span><a href="https://www.squaretwo.org/Sq2ArticleCasslerPolygamy.html" style="font-family: "Century Schoolbook", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">https://www.squaretwo.org/Sq2ArticleCasslerPolygamy.html</span></a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Century Schoolbook",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">For more on what an Abrahamic sacrifice is, please go to
the link to read the rest of the article; it is too dense with scriptures for
me to justly write an overview of it, but it is the best explanation I’ve ever
read and was a great comfort to my mind.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Century Schoolbook",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">OFFICIAL DECLARATION
2: THE REVELATION ON THE PRIESTHOOD<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Century Schoolbook",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Please see my
previous post on Blacks and the Priesthood here: <a href="https://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2009/11/lesson-42-continuing-revelation.html">https://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2009/11/lesson-42-continuing-revelation.html</a>
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Century Schoolbook",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Sadly, there
was much persecution, abuse, and racism in the United States during the now 191 history of the Restoration, including among the
highly-imperfect members of the Church. Although some of the few Latter-day Saints who were slaveholders were "kind," (if such a thing cane be said of someone who is a slaveholder), some were not. But, acknowledging this, </span><span style="font-family: "Century Schoolbook", serif; font-size: 16px;">I would like to face forward in this blog post and focus on how we can be united. I hope the day comes that we don’t even use the word “race” in referring to different colors of skin and different ethnic backgrounds. We are all one race, the human race. For the solution to the problem labeled "racism</span><span style="font-family: "Century Schoolbook", serif; font-size: 12pt;">," there is no better source than Elder Ahmad Corbitt, Philadelphia native, convert to the Church along with his parents and 9 siblings, former trial attorney, past director of the New York Office of Public and International Affairs for the Church, and presently First Counselor in the Young Men's General Presidency.</span></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinL4YXe6ZXKVzzo7ShsrkyHlbBWX9RudPHHCyNw5o7yBF8LU7FfqNdbv7qvS2dFEEEFtZV1Bs76CcBdY47RN0zyMs0YNUxQCWfvdcjRAKQM5MUQN_RTVr-NE1AFMAUa2XqrEUTf6PWdHsE/s1200/ahmad-corbitt-official-portrait-2359125-print.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinL4YXe6ZXKVzzo7ShsrkyHlbBWX9RudPHHCyNw5o7yBF8LU7FfqNdbv7qvS2dFEEEFtZV1Bs76CcBdY47RN0zyMs0YNUxQCWfvdcjRAKQM5MUQN_RTVr-NE1AFMAUa2XqrEUTf6PWdHsE/s320/ahmad-corbitt-official-portrait-2359125-print.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i>Ahmad Corbitt</i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Century Schoolbook",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Speaking on a
podcast posted this week Elder Corbitt said, <span style="color: #2e75b6; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #2E75B6; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=75000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent5; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themeshade: 191;">“I believe the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints…is the most
empowered and best positioned to bring to pass racial unity and harmony
throughout the family of God, among all the international organizations in the
world.” [Firstly,] our apostles and prophets have the power and the keys to
unify all of God’s children throughout the world of whatever background to
become one in Christ. Secondly…the Church is…authorized, empowered, and
positioned to effect [the] gathering [of Israel]…from all nations, kindreds,
tongues, and people.” </span>(See D&C 45:69,71.)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #2e75b6; font-family: "Century Schoolbook",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #2E75B6; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=75000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent5; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themeshade: 191;">“If we, together, look forward with one
eye, having one faith and one baptism, ‘having our hearts knit together in
unity and love one toward another,’ we…can create a culture of total unity and
inclusivity in the Lord’s church in preparation for the Second Coming…[See
Mosiah 18:21.] <i><b>Look forward with an eye of faith and see it!</b></i><b><i> It’s prophesied
and it’s promised!</i></b>…Then do the things that lead to that kind of outcome…</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #2e75b6; font-family: "Century Schoolbook",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #2E75B6; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=75000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent5; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themeshade: 191;">"Be
careful of a lot of online stuff which can be very strident and bitter and
purport to be…carrying the banner of unity and racial harmony but kind of go
about it in the world’s way rather than in the Savior’s way…Unity among God’s
children (think of 4<sup>th</sup> Nephi, think of Moses 7, and the City of
Enoch and so on)—that’s God’s work!”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Century Schoolbook",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Elder Corbitt points
out that the Book of Mormon is the one book of scripture in which God tells one
group of people “to reach across a color barrier” to another group of people. The
sons of Mosiah reached across the barrier to the Lamanites to bring them to
Christ, and the prophet Samuel reached across the barrier back to the Nephites to
do the same. They always referred to those “others” as their “brothers.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: "Century Schoolbook",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #2E75B6; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=75000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent5; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themeshade: 191;">“So a telltale sign of a truly converted
person who really is seeking the mind of Christ is that they will see people of
different backgrounds, different appearances as their brothers and sisters and
they will refer to them as such.”</span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #2e75b6; font-family: "Century Schoolbook",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #2E75B6; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: lumm=75000; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent5; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themeshade: 191;"> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Century Schoolbook",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">(Ahmad Corbitt, with Hank Smith and John Bytheway, “Follow Him: A Come Follow
Me Podcast,” Episode 50, Part II, available to watch on YouTube here: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NNwlz5uqK3Q&t=20s">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NNwlz5uqK3Q&t=20s</a>
or listen to it on any podcast app.) </span><span style="font-family: "Century Schoolbook", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Conversely, f you catch yourself calling another political, cultural, religious, or ethnic group "them" and feeling at enmity with "them," you have some changing to do in order to build Zion. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Century Schoolbook", serif; font-size: 12pt;">(You may also want to check out <a href="https://faithmatters.org/making-sense-of-the-churchs-history-on-race/" target="_blank">"Making Sense of the Church's History on Race,"</a> by W. Paul Reeve.)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Century Schoolbook",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">GOD IS THE SAME
TODAY, TOMORROW, AND FOREVER, EVEN IF THE CHURCH IS NOT<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Century Schoolbook",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Revelations will
change the Church, alter our belief systems, implement new policies and remove
old ones as we are ready for more light and knowledge and as circumstances in
the world change. Of course, they will! We would have no need of a prophet otherwise.
But the doctrine of Christ is solid (2 Nephi 31) and His love is sure (Romans 8:35-39). If we pray to be strive
to obey to the best of our ability, and if we seek to be filled with His love,
we will be blessed.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-family: "Century Schoolbook",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28).</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Century Schoolbook",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Wherever we find ourselves in life and in the history of the House of Israel and the Restoration of the Church, whatever color our skin or whatever principles and practices are in force during our lives, we will be blessed if we keep the commandments to our best ability. (See Galatians 3:26-29.) Any sacrifices we make will be compensated so that we can feel satisfaction in our efforts in the things that mattered most. As Annie Clark Tanner wrote:</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: "Century Schoolbook",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">"It is but a small part that the average person contributes to improve mankind. My life has been simple, full of love, devotion, and service for my family. I might have thought mine a hard row to hoe had not the plants I cultivated responded so magnificently to the culture I gave them"</span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: "Century Schoolbook",serif; line-height: 17.12px; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><i style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia;"> (</i></span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: Georgia;"><i>http://www.byhigh.org/Alumni_A_to_E/Clark-Tanner/Annie.html). </i></span></p>Nancy Wyatt Jensenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14758524730006544116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706071451857400135.post-9482204743499459962021-11-30T14:27:00.002-08:002021-11-30T14:40:03.638-08:00Doctrine and Covenants 138<i>(Originally published October 24, 2009--my very first blog post!)</i><div><i><br /></i>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND</div>
<br />
In the year 1918, Joseph F. Smith was the President of the Church, and his son, Hyrum Mack Smith, was one of the apostles. Joseph had a very close attachment to his son Hyrum, and always had. Hyrum had been ordained to the apostleship when he was only 29; now he was 45. He had recently returned from the harrowing experience of being the President of the European Mission and finding himself behind enemy lines in Germany when World War I broke out. Now, in January of 1918, he suddenly became ill and died, leaving his wife with four young children, and another one due in the fall.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH0hKcv8vZSi64KNTu6ieT3Y7GPs4xh8LaqPPKvlSWWm7U0uvFUyDT6hv4R945cKQGZtBkwTNLW64nFJJj5O71fsrAHY2vhSIpT_7jSkqqj6uFyYhtc4KKcE_EuuN1HptUDJ8Zb_2E-vXM/s1600/scale.jpe" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="613" data-original-width="800" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH0hKcv8vZSi64KNTu6ieT3Y7GPs4xh8LaqPPKvlSWWm7U0uvFUyDT6hv4R945cKQGZtBkwTNLW64nFJJj5O71fsrAHY2vhSIpT_7jSkqqj6uFyYhtc4KKcE_EuuN1HptUDJ8Zb_2E-vXM/s320/scale.jpe" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hyrum Mack Smith (left) with his parents, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sarah and Joseph F. Smith</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
from FamilySearch.org</div>
<br />
The year 1918 was a bad year for almost everyone. Besides the fact that World War I was well underway, causing death and destruction around the globe, another even greater catastophe struck. On March 11th, the company cook at Fort Riley, Kansas reported in sick with a fever, sore throat, and a headache. He was quickly followed by another soldier with similar complaints. By noon, the camp's hospital had counted over 100 ill soldiers. By the end of the week, the number reached 500.<br />
<br />
The American soldiers shipping out to Europe to fight against Germany that spring did not realize that they carried a weapon more deadly than rifles, bombs, or cannons. The virus earned the name "Spanish Influenza" because eight million Spaniards died of it in May of that year. The Spanish Influenza killed faster and with less mercy than any weapon of war. It hit people from age 20-40 the hardest. In a matter of hours, a person could go from strapping good health to flat in bed unable to walk. Patients felt as if they had been beaten all over with a club. Fevers would reach 105 degrees, causing the victims to become delirious and hallucinate. In June, Great Britain reported 31,000 cases. By summer, the flu had spread to Russia, North Africa, China, Japan, the Philippines, and New Zealand.<br />
<br />
The tide of the illness waned over the summer in the U.S., only to return with a fury in the fall. At Camp Devens, near Boston, it was reported that the dead bodies were "stacked about the morgue like cordwood." In one day there, 63 men died.<br />
<br />
On September 24, in Utah, Hyrum Mack Smith's widow delivered her baby, but she died of the birthing process, leaving the prophet's five little grandchildren orphans. Many other Utahns lost loved ones at the same time, as that was the very week the Spanish Influenza hit Utah.<br />
<br />
The War ended in November of 1918, but the flu raged on. In one week that month, the town of Brevig Mission, Alaska lost 85% of its population to the flu. 30,000 San Franciscans took to the streets to celebrate the end of the war. As over 2,000 citizens of their city had died of the influenza, the revelers were required by law to wear face masks. (Sound familiar?) On November 21st, sirens announced that it was now safe to remove the masks. The next month, 5,000 new cases of influenza were reported in San Francisco.<br />
<br />
December 22nd was appointed by the Church leaders as a day of fasting "for the arrest and speedy suppression by Divine Power of the desolating scourge that is passing over the earth."<br />
<br />
Then, as quickly and mysteriously as it came, the Spanish Influenza left. It waned in mid-winter (January), with a slight resurgence in the spring, never to be seen again. To this day, neither the cause nor the cure is scientifically known. The death toll in the U.S. was 675,000--10 times the number of Americans killed in the war, and 55,000 more than were killed in the Civil War. Half of the U.S. soldiers who died in Europe died of influenza, rather than of violence. Exact numbers cannot be found, but very possibly 50 million people worldwide died of influenza. The Spanish Influenza was the most devastating epidemic in world history. It killed more in one year than the Bubonic Plague killed in four.<div><br /></div><div>A VISION OF HOPE FROM HEAVEN<br />
<br />
It was during this year of devastation that the Great Vision of the Redemption of the Dead was given from Heaven to soothe the souls of mankind. President Joseph F. Smith had been confined to his bed for six months of 1918, suffering from pneumonia, and was very near death himself. He was not able to attend to the logistics of running the Church, but his enfeebled physical state made him even more capable of attending to the things of the Spirit. The afterlife was a topic utmost in his mind all year, as it was for people all around the world. President Smith had been especially close to this topic all his life, as his father, Hyrum Smith, had been killed when he was five, his mother, Mary Fielding, had died when he was in his early teens, and of his 49 children (44 biological and 5 adopted), 14 had died (nearly one-third). Because he had meditated, researched, taught, and testified about the redemption of the dead so faithfully all his life, and because he was currently pondering the scriptures on the matter, he was prepared and blessed to witness first-hand in a vision, exactly what happens to people after they die. Through this vision to President Smith, the Lord comforted the saints around the world who were suffering intensely because of the loss of their loved ones and the fear of dying themselves.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8VGRsElhqx0uk0j6RHtam_225qbzJbx9RGFw8c0DGHNi-AyOqh6PK8mxN3AY7wS7QS1Pit1ovfJooTJnlZrhzk_rWoro6-cFjGX8pUBh856G9gnMFF3HUtLmXvZwkCBfYLfoYflrm0th4/s1600/joseph-f-smith-family_1150756_inl.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="296" data-original-width="450" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8VGRsElhqx0uk0j6RHtam_225qbzJbx9RGFw8c0DGHNi-AyOqh6PK8mxN3AY7wS7QS1Pit1ovfJooTJnlZrhzk_rWoro6-cFjGX8pUBh856G9gnMFF3HUtLmXvZwkCBfYLfoYflrm0th4/s400/joseph-f-smith-family_1150756_inl.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
President Joseph F. Smith's family in 1898</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
from <a href="https://www.lds.org/manual/presidents-of-the-church-student-manual/joseph-f-smith-sixth-president-of-the-church?lang=eng">Presidents of the Church manual</a><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
President Smith wrote the revelation down two days after he witnessed it. Within weeks, the Quorum of the Twelve had voted to accept it as a revelation. Today this vision is in our Doctrine and Covenants as Section 138. The Great Vision of the Redemption of the Dead was an answer to the questioning prayers of many, many of Heavenly Father's children, received, written, and accepted as revelation in October 1918, a month when 195,000 Americans died of influenza, the deadliest month in the history of the United States. It is often in the most hopeless of situations that God reveals His love and His plans in visions of hope. And now all of us have the comforting knowledge that our departed parents, friends, and loved ones are still alive, involved in helping others, and very much active in teaching or learning the gospel though they have left our dimension.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-v5VKsEPNaBhJsXTuCDY6EwiR3vABcplGf6rqFx_j2-FADCC_PcgHkjD526mdfsX018LRMg9Zu16HL-QbDc2-VEroTn7n6wvRVFBmEpuS7bngEFWTNgDaijxgSpcgdpD-0e0QttZcNQex/s1600/joseph-f-julina-l-smith_1024634_inl.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="325" data-original-width="227" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-v5VKsEPNaBhJsXTuCDY6EwiR3vABcplGf6rqFx_j2-FADCC_PcgHkjD526mdfsX018LRMg9Zu16HL-QbDc2-VEroTn7n6wvRVFBmEpuS7bngEFWTNgDaijxgSpcgdpD-0e0QttZcNQex/s320/joseph-f-julina-l-smith_1024634_inl.jpg" width="223" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Joseph F. and Julina Smith</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
from <a href="https://www.lds.org/manual/teachings-of-presidents-of-the-church-joseph-fielding-smith/the-life-and-ministry-of-joseph-fielding-smith?lang=eng">Teachings of Presidents of the Church manual</a></div>
<br /><br /></div><div>Be sure to check out the December 2009 Ensign, which has a wonderful
article by BYU professor George S. Tate on President Joseph F. Smith,
his intimate acquaintance with death, the catastrophic loss of life in
World War I and the Spanish Influenza, and the great vision of the
redemption of the dead. It is a wonderful piece of writing, with additional details on the family deaths, and
some beautifully poetic journal entries President Smith wrote in his
loss. It also tells us that just before the pandemic mysteriously waned in January of 1919 and then disappeared for good (with just a brief resurgence the following spring), the Church leaders had designated December 22 as a day of fasting "for the arrest and speedy suppression by Divine Power of the desolating scourge that is passing over the earth." (George S. Tate, "<a href="https://www.lds.org/ensign/2009/12/i-saw-the-hosts-of-the-dead?lang=eng">I Saw the Hosts of the Dead</a>," Ensign, December 2009, p. 54-59)<br />
<i><br /></i>
For a delightful accounting of Joseph F. Smith's intimate method of parenting, please see <a href="https://rsc.byu.edu/archived/joseph-f-smith-reflections-man-and-his-times/fathering-practices-joseph-f-smith">"The Fathering Practices of Joseph F. Smith,"</a> by Mark D. Ogletree, available at BYU Archives.<br />
<br />
(Sources: Arnold K. Garr, et.al., <i>Encyclopedia of Latter-day History</i>; Robert L. Millet, <i>Selected Writings of Robert L. Millet (Gospel Scholars Series</i>); Molly Billings, www.stanford.edu/group/virus/uda; "American Experience" at www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/influenza/; and "Grandpa Bill's General Authority Pages" at personal.bellsouth.net/lig/w/o/wo13/menu.htm)<br />
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<br />
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<i></i><i></i><i></i><i></i></div></div>Nancy Wyatt Jensenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14758524730006544116noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706071451857400135.post-41440562744060633562021-11-24T09:27:00.003-08:002021-11-24T09:33:52.741-08:00Doctrine and Covenants 136, part 3: The Miraculous Story of Latter-day Saint Migration West<span style="font-family: helvetica;"><i>There are dozens of stories of miracles that occurred in the lives of individual Mormon pioneers. These build our faith, and encourage us to know that God is there for us in our personal challenges. But when my brother laid out, in a sacrament meeting talk, the overall picture of the Latter-day Saint Migration--how Heavenly Father arranged for different groups involved in different journeys from different places to work together in an intricate and complicated fashion to accomplish the establishment of Zion in the Great Basin--my faith was strengthened exponentially! Each of these groups--the overland pioneers, the ocean pioneers, the southern pioneers, and the Mormon Battalion--went through their own excruciating trials and terrors, and yet the Lord was working through them all to create a giant miracle.<br />
<br />
I wanted to see this miracle visually, and I wanted to be able to comprehend and remember it, to be able to tell it from memory, so I laid it out in a timeline with maps. I color-coded the groups on the map and in the text (blue for the seafaring saints, red for the main body of overland pioneers, gold for the Mississippi saints, and green for the military group). I filled in more details as I discovered them, and each time, my faith was strengthened. Once I saw the timeline of the Latter-day Saint Migration, it became very difficult to believe that it could have been accomplished without Divine planning. I recalled times in my own life where I was stuck crossing a trackless prairie of problems, entirely unaware of the benevolent machinations of my Heavenly Father in other places and in other people's lives that would all come together to create a miracle that I would later see and comprehend.<br />
<br />
My trust and faith in my Heavenly Father has been strengthened through this study, and I hope yours will be as well.</i></span><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div><b><span style="color: red; font-family: helvetica; text-indent: -19.2px;">This blog post is available in PowerPoint form. </span><span style="color: red; font-family: helvetica; text-indent: -0.2in;">E-mail me if you w</span><span style="color: red; font-family: helvetica; text-indent: -0.2in;">ant a copy; I'd love for you to share it with your ward or branch! </span></b></div><div><b><span style="color: red; font-family: helvetica; text-indent: -0.2in;">thepianoisgrand@gmail.com</span></b></div><div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><span>A Table in the </span><span>Wilderness</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: helvetica;">A
Timeline of the Miraculous Latter-day Saint Migration West</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: helvetica;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH7LIX4NkHDl0LFr8_gTkNmS1-r3IhxL1_U4s9ESUkhucjuh8yx7vNPPlS_fOA1z-EATP0VovRSKFqIzYhJI1L2OWfkItEssYYtmbE4lh-lrXXeHlspfgZ0YJ1_-0pT0mgGDG0CEwkgQ7i/s1600/pioneers.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="391" data-original-width="700" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH7LIX4NkHDl0LFr8_gTkNmS1-r3IhxL1_U4s9ESUkhucjuh8yx7vNPPlS_fOA1z-EATP0VovRSKFqIzYhJI1L2OWfkItEssYYtmbE4lh-lrXXeHlspfgZ0YJ1_-0pT0mgGDG0CEwkgQ7i/s320/pioneers.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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</span><div style="text-align: center;">
<span><span style="color: red; font-family: helvetica;">Shortly
after the evacuation of Nauvoo, in a pioneer camp on the west of the
Mississippi River, a destitute Mormon mother, Sarah Leavitt, was
confronted by an antagonistic government officer.<br />
<br />
"Why,
madam," he said,
"I
see nothing before you but <br />
inevitable destruction in going off into the wilderness among savages, far from
civilization, with nothing <br />
but what you can carry in your wagon…I see nothing before you but starvation.”
<br />
<br />
Quoting
Psalm 78:19, Sarah told him, “The Lord [will] spread a table for us in the wilderness…” <br />
<br />
The
officer was right: there was no chance of success. <br />
And yet the Mormons triumphed.<br />
Here is the
timeline of their story.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: helvetica;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSYQCd0uNzuww5IVUl2UpT2bMiwW3pxbqUZe0al9xycbWdElTkQo3Y4moBrfpHtFX-IiPW3BlSS7IyA-GxNBe2nSPRm9JTfAW4JgvdnT6IDdg3as7OPp_hwZsu-Ue3S7_AYbB4KlZnMhG_/s1600/Sarah+Leavitt+Monument.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="432" data-original-width="277" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSYQCd0uNzuww5IVUl2UpT2bMiwW3pxbqUZe0al9xycbWdElTkQo3Y4moBrfpHtFX-IiPW3BlSS7IyA-GxNBe2nSPRm9JTfAW4JgvdnT6IDdg3as7OPp_hwZsu-Ue3S7_AYbB4KlZnMhG_/s320/Sarah+Leavitt+Monument.gif" width="205" /></a></span></div>
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</span><div style="text-align: center;">
<span><span style="color: red; font-family: helvetica;"><i>A statue honoring Sarah Sturtevant Leavitt is located in Santa Clara, Utah</i></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOnUuD1pgswPghPQIwJdqMSYay6DDuocvU46J7G4Bp2GDvhUzMmTawjabw6Z1mo2csyEchvBDqmC8TpXY7JtwI3K3zR7-f4kigsZEXwHByYNUR7XX4NvywZuxBaSCQrRpxkxKX-4r0hHQ4/s1600/Sarah+Leavitt+Testimony+1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><img border="0" data-original-height="285" data-original-width="551" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOnUuD1pgswPghPQIwJdqMSYay6DDuocvU46J7G4Bp2GDvhUzMmTawjabw6Z1mo2csyEchvBDqmC8TpXY7JtwI3K3zR7-f4kigsZEXwHByYNUR7XX4NvywZuxBaSCQrRpxkxKX-4r0hHQ4/s320/Sarah+Leavitt+Testimony+1.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="color: red;"><i>On the base of her statue, excerpts of her testimony are inscribed.</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
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</span>
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</span><div style="color: #1cade4; text-align: center;">
<span><span style="color: black; font-family: helvetica;">--1841--<br />
</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span>
</span>
<br />
</span><div style="color: #1cade4; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="color: black;">The </span><span style="color: black;">first American </span><span style="color: black;">overland
</span><span style="color: black;">pioneers
</span><span style="color: black;">leave
</span><span style="color: black;">Missouri
for the Oregon territory. They </span><span style="color: black;">follow
</span><span style="color: black;">existing
trails to Fort Hall in </span><span style="color: black;">Eastern
</span><span style="color: black;">Idaho,
</span><span style="color: black;">abandon
</span><span style="color: black;">their
wagons when the trail </span><span style="color: black;">ends
</span><span style="color: black;">but
safely </span><span style="color: black;">reach
</span><span style="color: black;">Oregon.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span>
</span>
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</span><div style="color: #1cade4; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span>
</span><span></span>
</span><div style="text-align: center;">
<span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: helvetica;">--1842--</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">
</span><span><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #2b00fe;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">
Congress sends Army Captain
John C. Fremont on a series of exploratory expeditions to the western
territories. Copies of his maps are given to Mormon Church leaders by an
Illinois senator.<span> </span></span></div>
<div style="color: #1cade4; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixaH28kuWJaNL4Ff2rjYOZXmSLIb9xa9qx46q8oLseR7abwp_Vw1o6f_Y45JAx0epfd8IuGowlt7oBy-W-U3f4ImfOKP3E8_FGXf7cjpeIR5FC2hR7CD-VS4OXFsLvB6Um7Yfr2XCP753F/s1600/fremont+map.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1010" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixaH28kuWJaNL4Ff2rjYOZXmSLIb9xa9qx46q8oLseR7abwp_Vw1o6f_Y45JAx0epfd8IuGowlt7oBy-W-U3f4ImfOKP3E8_FGXf7cjpeIR5FC2hR7CD-VS4OXFsLvB6Um7Yfr2XCP753F/s320/fremont+map.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #1cade4; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #1cade4; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black;">--1843--<br /><br />
</span></div>
<div style="color: #1cade4; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black;"> </span><span style="color: black;">L</span><span style="color: black;">arge numbers of American </span><span style="color: black;">pioneers
a</span><span style="color: black;">re </span><span style="color: black;">migrating
westward to California and </span><span style="color: black;">Oregon
on the Oregon Trail.</span></div>
<div style="color: #1cade4; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4zg6SC5A8cUndmtFHzvG9WXgmVer7Zgm95aeQ2xUTOgLRzdzlHxjhUT0Z475RFkwL74Qu_Gp3_42Czy5m5oFx5HswV4O-MNEE-ZXqutzzPvY-qbHDRGEC24UZdVe1zRQTv955Duhbv13L/s1600/OregonTrailMap.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="471" data-original-width="1100" height="137" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4zg6SC5A8cUndmtFHzvG9WXgmVer7Zgm95aeQ2xUTOgLRzdzlHxjhUT0Z475RFkwL74Qu_Gp3_42Czy5m5oFx5HswV4O-MNEE-ZXqutzzPvY-qbHDRGEC24UZdVe1zRQTv955Duhbv13L/s320/OregonTrailMap.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #1cade4; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #1cade4; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;">--June 27, 1844--<br /><br />
</span></div>
<div style="color: #1cade4; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;">Joseph Smith is murdered at Carthage Jail. </span><br />
<span style="color: red;">Persecutions increase for the
Latter-day Saints in Nauvoo.</span></div>
<div style="color: #1cade4; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #1cade4; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;">--October 1845--<br />
<br />
The Quincy Convention calls for all Mormons to leave Nauvoo by May of 1846.
<br />
<br />
A few days later, the Carthage Convention calls for their forced removal by
militia, should they fail to meet the deadline.<br />
<br />
12,000 saints in Nauvoo and another 2,000-3,000 in the surrounding states will soon be homeless.</span></div>
<div style="color: #1cade4; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #1cade4; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;">--October </span><span style="color: red;">11, </span><span style="color: red;">1845--</span><span style="color: red;"> </span><span style="color: red;"><br />
<br />
President Brigham Young calls team captains </span><span style="color: red;">for the move west </span><span style="color: red;">and
Nauvoo saints begin gathering supplies and making wagons. Saints in other areas
are called to gather with them and go west. The plan is that they will all go together in one gigantic 2,500-wagon train in an organized fashion.</span></div>
<div style="color: #1cade4; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #ffa400;"><b><span>--January 1846--</span><span> </span><span><br />
</span> </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #ffa400;"><b><span>John Brown is </span><span>sent
from Nauvoo to </span><span>collect the families he baptized
on his mission three years earlier in Monroe County, Mississippi to join the
expedition west. The congregation of saints there includes whites and blacks. Most of the black saints are slaves.</span></b></span></div>
<div style="color: #1cade4; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #ffc000;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHEqmnWJ4994eKHGrZBFHq6m9Qmq6cDCxhE__NGr7KXPr8XrJjlYuoWpN-SJrBgkJBdyxhE38LhyG1Lqs5k3hsuYx313Un1v0kc3ZW9uLwXwVCp_foQHdh0pHbEzVGlFe0xXoHvgGVzzvL/s1600/Pioneer+Map+1a.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="674" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHEqmnWJ4994eKHGrZBFHq6m9Qmq6cDCxhE__NGr7KXPr8XrJjlYuoWpN-SJrBgkJBdyxhE38LhyG1Lqs5k3hsuYx313Un1v0kc3ZW9uLwXwVCp_foQHdh0pHbEzVGlFe0xXoHvgGVzzvL/s320/Pioneer+Map+1a.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><i>(I'm sorry I put the blue star on Boston instead of New York--</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><i>by I'm not sorry enough to fix it!)</i></span></div>
<div style="color: #1cade4; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #ffc000;"><br /></span></div>
</span><span style="color: #1cade4;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #2683c6;">Meanwhile, a </span><span style="color: #2683c6;">community </span><span style="color: #2683c6;">of </span><span style="color: #2683c6;">converts
on the east </span><span style="color: #2683c6;">coast,
too poor to make the overland trek, pools its money to charter the Ship
Brooklyn. They will take a dangerous voyage around Cape Horn to the west coast,
stopping off in Chile and Hawaii on the way. From there, they will travel to
meet the saints at their final destination. Sam Brannan is called to lead the
group.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #ffc000;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #ffc000;"><br /></span></div>
</span><span style="color: red;"><div style="text-align: center;">
--February 4, 1846-<span style="color: #1cade4;">-</span></div>
</span><span style="color: red;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Because
of violence and threats, the first saints leave Nauvoo. The organized plan is abandoned, and there are eventually three exoduses over the following 9 months or so.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</span><span style="color: #2683c6;"><div style="text-align: center;">
--also February
4, 1846--</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The very same day, the Ship
Brooklyn
leaves New
York City with
238 saints
living between-decks in 2,500 feet of space. The lower hold is full of cows,
pigs, chickens, sawmills, a gristmill, seeds, tools, a printing press and
everything they need to set up a civilization from scratch.<br />
<br /></div>
</span><br />
</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLR6G4H0RhRLXyX9q3aRUO2c5xc9ayBNNuy586IviYGLHAZIffNNjJB5PNiIk3qQu7F1gkmCrmoy8H9QaB3GtDWV3kHPG-p82U_VlOK3h3lctWvz1aoHNiMgUGfvVgr2gYCNZWLnhAK9S2/s1600/Pioneer+Map+2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="674" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLR6G4H0RhRLXyX9q3aRUO2c5xc9ayBNNuy586IviYGLHAZIffNNjJB5PNiIk3qQu7F1gkmCrmoy8H9QaB3GtDWV3kHPG-p82U_VlOK3h3lctWvz1aoHNiMgUGfvVgr2gYCNZWLnhAK9S2/s320/Pioneer+Map+2.png" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: helvetica;">--The Nauvoo Covenant--</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: helvetica;">Time
has not been adequate to prepare wagons and supplies for all the saints in
Nauvoo. Many do not have the means, having been unable to sell their homes at
fair prices. A covenant is made that those who leave first will stop at a safe
spot along the trail and send wagons and teamsters back and forth for all those
who wish to come. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="color: red;">
</span>
<br />
</span><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: helvetica;">By
spring, there are over 10,000 saints scattered across Iowa, obtaining jobs to
earn money along the way. The Nauvoo Brass Band plays concerts for pay as they
travel. Pioneers build temporary settlements with crops planted for those who
follow.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="color: red;">
</span>
<br />
</span><div style="text-align: center;">
<span><span style="color: red; font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: helvetica;">Pres. Young calls Jesse Little to go to Washington, D.C. to petition
the government for a contract to build roads and forts on their way west in
order to finance the trek.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br />
</span><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: helvetica;">--Early Spring 1846--</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: helvetica;">The Ship Brooklyn has blown nearly to Africa before finding trade winds to blow her back to the Cape. She's made it safely around Cape Horn, chipping ice ahead of her in the water, and she's survived the
oppressive heat of the tropical doldrums. Now a huge storm blows her away from Chile, where
the passengers had planned to resupply. So instead, the captain steers them to the
Juan Fernandez Islands. </span></div>
<span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: helvetica;"><span>
</span>
<br />
</span><div style="direction: ltr; language: en-US; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0pt; mso-line-break-override: none; punctuation-wrap: hanging; text-align: center; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: helvetica;"><span>There they </span><span>are able to obtain fresh water, fish,
fruit, potatoes and firewood at a cost hundreds of dollars less than Chilean
prices. It i</span><span>s </span><span>another
“table in the wilderness.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1cade4; font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6glmxeOFDovvsPePvMqcGxYjQpk6zWTbAG_k3Qn9kyDqVrGRdQP7YFckizCtLf_9CrMYyw0rqgA5Uu8IdJG1ILwllDK5jbEKeys81p4Cj0c9Bv_pqipYQivoD6EJhEdhHGtw3W4Bdc6KK/s1600/250px-CL_Pacific_islands.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><img border="0" data-original-height="250" data-original-width="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6glmxeOFDovvsPePvMqcGxYjQpk6zWTbAG_k3Qn9kyDqVrGRdQP7YFckizCtLf_9CrMYyw0rqgA5Uu8IdJG1ILwllDK5jbEKeys81p4Cj0c9Bv_pqipYQivoD6EJhEdhHGtw3W4Bdc6KK/s1600/250px-CL_Pacific_islands.PNG" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ffa400; font-family: helvetica;"><b><span>--April </span><span>8,
</span><span>1846--</span><span><br /><br />
</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="color: #ffa400;"><b><span><span>The first </span><span>group
of </span></span><span><span>Mississippi
saints leaves to join the Nauvoo saints and travel to the west. There are 43 in
the company</span><span>.</span></span></b></span><span style="color: #ffc000;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ffc000; font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUpQ8xXkcNTuZI-U6hs402XK8obl3M1d1V9ys41ebY_YbYbaYpnBiQjLVEL9K8fciCE07Mnpr9VRdWnGPwrz-A5z-V-dby3dy1yajaBZ7oo7T4xopOt-2eoDHEBAAz2OdxSV4J_ujU-ya6/s1600/Pioneer+Map+3.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="674" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUpQ8xXkcNTuZI-U6hs402XK8obl3M1d1V9ys41ebY_YbYbaYpnBiQjLVEL9K8fciCE07Mnpr9VRdWnGPwrz-A5z-V-dby3dy1yajaBZ7oo7T4xopOt-2eoDHEBAAz2OdxSV4J_ujU-ya6/s320/Pioneer+Map+3.png" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #ffc000; font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="color: red;">--May 1, 1846--<br />
<br />
The Nauvoo Temple is finally dedicated, although temple work had ceased in
February. Over </span><span style="color: red;">the winter, 6,000 saints had received their endowments in the completed
portions of the Nauvoo Temple. </span><span style="color: red;">The temple is immediately put up for sale, but </span><span style="color: red;">n</span><span style="color: red;">o
reasonable offer is made. They ask $200,000 and years later finally receive $5,000.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="color: red;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: red;"><span>Even while in this distress, a few men are called on missions to Europe
straight from the refugee camps.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><span><br /></span></span>
<br />
</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="color: #3e8853;">--May
</span><span style="color: #3e8853;">13, </span><span style="color: #3e8853;">1846-</span><span style="color: #3e8853;">-</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3e8853; font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="color: #3e8853;">The
U.S</span><span style="color: #3e8853;">. declares war on </span><span style="color: #3e8853;">Mexico</span></span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="color: #3e8853; font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: helvetica;"><span style="color: #3e8853;">--May
</span><span style="color: #3e8853;">21, </span><span style="color: #3e8853;">1846-</span><span style="color: #3e8853;">-</span></span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; language: en-US; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0pt; mso-line-break-override: none; punctuation-wrap: hanging; text-align: center; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: helvetica;"> </span></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: helvetica;"><span style="color: #3e8853;">Jesse </span><span style="color: #3e8853;">Little
arrives in Washington, realizes the government’s focus is now the war, and </span><span style="color: #3e8853;">petitions U.S. </span><span style="color: #3e8853;">President James </span><span style="color: #3e8853;">Polk </span><span style="color: #3e8853;">to
contract a battalion of Mormon men to fight in the war. It is a very bold move, considering the government had just forced the Mormons to surrender all their weapons the year before because of the conflict in Missouri. Polk is highly dubious,
but amazingly, Little convinces him and wins the contract.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: helvetica;"><span style="color: #3e8853;">The formation of the Mormon Battalion </span><span style="color: #3e8853;">puts
Brigham Young and the Mormons on the same team as the U.S. </span><span style="color: #3e8853;">government at</span><span style="color: #3e8853;">
last, </span><span style="color: #3e8853;">and
ends the very real </span><span style="color: #3e8853;">threat
</span><span style="color: #3e8853;">of
governmental interference on the trek west.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b><span style="color: orange;">--May 26,
1846--</span><br />
<span style="color: orange;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: orange;">John Brown and the Mississippi saints arrive in Independence,
Missouri, the jumping-off point for all travel to the west, hear wild stories about Mormons killing people in the west, and
assume that Brigham Young has gone on ahead of them. They decide to head west
to catch up, rather than go north to Nauvoo</span><span style="color: #1cade4;">.</span></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="color: #ffc000;">
</span>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: helvetica;">--June 20, 1846--</span></div>
<span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: helvetica;"><span>
</span>
<br />
</span><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: helvetica;">The Ship Brooklyn
stops
in Hawaii
to deliver a load of cargo. </span></div>
<span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: helvetica;"><span>
</span><span></span>
<br />
</span><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: helvetica;">12 people have died on the voyage. The U.S. Navy is stationed at Pearl Harbor,
preparing for war with Mexico.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="color: #1cade4;">
</span>
<br />
</span><div style="direction: ltr; language: en-US; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0pt; mso-line-break-override: none; punctuation-wrap: hanging; text-align: center; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: helvetica;">--June 29, 1846--</span></div>
<span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="color: red;">
</span>
<br />
</span><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: helvetica;">The Nauvoo refugees
arrive
at the Missouri
River.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="color: red;">
</span><span style="color: red;"></span>
<br />
</span><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: helvetica;">U.S. Army Captain
James
Allen meets
them & musters
540 men for the Mormon Battalion. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="color: red;">
</span><span style="color: red;"></span>
<br />
</span><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: helvetica;">Pres. Young
delays
the journey
west
for a year to allow time for the Battalion to earn money. He establishes
Winter Quarters in Nebraska.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="color: red;">
</span>
<br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #ffc000; font-family: helvetica;"><b>--July 10,
1846--</b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b><span style="color: #ffc000;">
</span>
<br />
</b></span><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #ffc000; font-family: helvetica;"><b>Meanwhile, the Mississippi wagon train has hurried all the way to Laramie,
Wyoming before a passing traveler (it's a busy road these days) tells them that no Mormons are ahead of them
on the trail. At the invitation of a trapper, they leave the trail
to
wait out the winter at Pueblo, Colorado
with the group of trappers and their Spanish and Indian wives. </b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="color: #ffc000;">
</span>
<br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="color: #00b050;">--July 21,
1846--</span><br />
<span style="color: #00b050;">The Mormon Battalion
leaves Winter Quarters, the only
religiously-based military unit in the history of the United States. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="color: #00b050;">
</span><span style="color: #00b050;"></span>
<br />
</span><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #00b050; font-family: helvetica;">Brigham Young promises them that none will die in battle. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="color: #00b050;">
</span>
<br />
</span><div style="direction: ltr; language: en-US; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0pt; mso-line-break-override: none; punctuation-wrap: hanging; text-align: center; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="color: #00b050; font-family: helvetica;">They head south to be outfitted at Fort Leavenworth.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><i>(There's an itty-bitty green line down from Winter Quarters.)</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: helvetica;">--July 31, 1846--</span></div>
<span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: helvetica;"><span>
</span><span></span>
<br />
</span><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: helvetica;">After a 24,000-mile voyage, the Ship Brooklyn saints arrive at
present-day San Francisco, then just a small town, and find out that an
American warship had sailed into the harbor just 3 weeks earlier, and planted a
flag. They are
back in the United States! </span></div>
<span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: helvetica;"><span><span></span><br /></span>
<br />
</span><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: helvetica;"><span><span>One passenger later writes, “Of all the memories of my life, not one is so bitter as that dreary
six months’ voyage, in an emigrant ship, round the Horn.” </span></span><br />
<span><span><br /></span></span>
<span><span>San Francisco immediately becomes an overwhelmingly Mormon community. They start farming while they await instruction from Brigham Young.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="color: #1cade4;">
</span>
<br />
</span><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #ffc000; font-family: helvetica;"><b>--August 7,
1846-- </b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b><span style="color: #ffc000;">
</span>
<br />
</b></span><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b><span style="color: #ffc000;">The Mississippi saints arrive at Pueblo with plenty of summer left to</span><span style="color: #ffc000;"> build homes and a log church, earning food by working for the trappers.</span></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b><span style="color: #ffc000;">
</span><span style="color: #ffc000;"></span>
<br />
</b></span><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #ffc000; font-family: helvetica;"><b>John Brown
returns east
to meet with Pres. Young and then bring more saints from Mississippi. </b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="color: #ffc000;">
</span>
<br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #3e8853; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">
--August 1846--</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #3e8853; font-family: helvetica;">The Mormon Battalion
leaves Fort Leavenworth,
marching southwest to fight Mexico. They are given a clothing allowance of $42
each ($21,000 total), which they immediately turn over to the Church, opting to
wear their old clothes. Through their term of service, they earn $50,000, an
enormous sum of money, which finances the pioneer emigration west.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="color: #3e8853;">
</span>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="color: #ffc000;"> </span><span style="color: red;">--September 13, 1846--</span></span></div>
<div style="color: red; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">
The Battle of Nauvoo</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: helvetica;">Less than 1,000 of the most destitute Mormons remain in Nauvoo, including Hyrum
Smith’s widow, Mary Fielding Smith, with her children, as well as Truman O. Angell, the future architect of the Salt Lake, St. George and Logan Temples. These stragglers are
attacked by anti-Mormons, and forced to sign the surrender of the city three
days later, whereupon they are
driven out at gunpoint.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="color: red;">
</span>
<br />
</span><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: helvetica;">--September 14, 1846--</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: helvetica;">At Winter Quarters, an 11-man rescue party leaves to bring the last saints out
of Nauvoo, knowing nothing about the attack.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="color: red;">
</span>
<br />
</span><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: helvetica;">--September 25, 1846-- <br />
</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="color: red;">Reports </span><span style="color: red;">of the
Battle of Nauvoo reach Winter Quarters, and another rescue party is sent with
20 wagons.<br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: red;">--October 6, 1846</span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: red;">The rescue party arrives at the "poor camps" outside Nauvoo to find the situation much more desperate than they are prepared to meet. The rescue captain, Orville Allen, sends some of his men into the surrounding area to purchase more supplies. Meanwhile the people are starving.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="color: red;">--October 9, 1846--<br />
<br />Thousands of exhausted quail suddenly fly into the refugee
camp, flopping onto the ground all around the wagons and tents, and even onto the
arms and the heads of the pioneers. </span><span style="color: red;">E</span><span style="color: red;">ven the sick can easily pick up a
bird with no resistance at all. The suffering saints eat well that day at a “table in the wilderness.” The quail stop coming at 3:00 p.m. The men arrive back with the supplies and the rescue team heads back with the first group at 4:30.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="color: #3e8853;">--October 1846--<br />
<br />
The Mormon Battalion arrives at Santa Fe. Many members have fallen ill
along the way. The sick </span><span style="color: #3e8853;">Battalion </span><span style="color: #3e8853;">members are </span><span style="color: #3e8853;">sent to Pueblo, </span><span style="color: #3e8853;">Colorado. </span><span style="color: #00b050;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: orange; font-family: helvetica;"><b><span style="color: #ffc000;">--October 1846--</span><span style="color: #1cade4;"><br />
</span><span style="color: #ffc000;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="color: orange;"><b><span style="color: #ffc000;">John
</span><span style="color: #ffc000;">Brown
</span><span style="color: #ffc000;">arrives
back </span><span style="color: #ffc000;">at
Winter </span><span style="color: #ffc000;">Quarters.
Pres. Young requests that he enlist several strong Mississippi men to join his
advance team and wait to emigrate the rest of the Mississippi saints the next
year.</span></b></span><span style="color: #ffc000;"><br />
</span><span style="color: #ffc000;"><br />
</span><span style="color: #00b050;">The
sick Battalion members arrive at Pueblo to find the Mississippi saints waiting there--surprise! To add to the reunion, the leader of the sick contingent is James Brown, another missionary who served in Monroe, Mississippi. </span><span style="color: #00b050;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span>--October 24, 1846-</span><span>-<br />
</span><span><br />
Sam Brannan </span><span>publishes
</span><span>an
early </span><span>edition
of </span><span style="font-style: italic;">The California S</span><span>tar newspaper, printed on the Mormon </span><span>press.<br />
<br />
--January 9, 1847<br />
<br />
The first subscriptions are delivered by hand, or hawked on street corners in
San Francisco, and </span><span>a</span><span>re
sent east and to Great Britain on ships.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #1cade4;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ffc000; font-family: helvetica;"><b>--January 1847--<br /><br />
</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b><span style="color: #ffc000;">John </span><span style="color: #ffc000;">Brown
arrives back in </span><span style="color: #ffc000;">Mississippi. He selects four
white men with four black slaves for the journey. Two of the slaves die before
reaching Winter Quarters. The other two are brothers, Oscar Crosby and Hark Lay, who are owned by different masters.</span></b><span style="color: #1cade4;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: helvetica;"><span style="color: #00b050;">--January </span><span style="color: #00b050;">22,
</span><span style="color: #00b050;">1847--<br /><br />
</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;"><span>The Mormon Battalion </span><span>arrives at San </span><span>Diego,
having walked 2,000 miles, the longest military march in history. </span><span> </span><span>It has been an almost unimaginably difficult journey. </span><span>The war is
over, so they are assigned to </span><span>garrison duty and civic </span><span>improvement.
20 men have died on the journey due to sickness or injury, and all the
men are nearly starved to death, but they have seen no armed confli</span><span>ct.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #00b050; font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="color: red;">--April </span><span style="color: red;">5, </span><span style="color: red;">1847--<br /><br />
</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="color: red;">The advance </span><span style="color: red;">pioneer
party leaves Winter Quarters, led by Pres. </span><span style="color: red;">Young. There are 148 in the party,
including the four men from Mississippi and an additional black Mormon slave from
the south already there (a friend of the other two) named Green Flake. Green remains faithful all his life, and later works as a servant in the home of Brigham Young.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b><span style="color: #ffc000;"><i>(Green Flake)</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #ffc000;"><i><br /></i></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ffc000; font-family: helvetica;"><b>--May 1847--</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b><span style="color: #ffc000;">Seventeen
saints from the group waiting at Pueblo watch two weeks for Brigham Young’s
arrival on the </span><span style="color: #ffc000;">t</span><span style="color: #ffc000;">rail at Fort Laramie.</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="color: red;">--June 3, 1847--</span><span style="color: red;"><br />
</span><span style="color: red;"><br />
Pres</span><span style="color: red;">. </span><span style="color: red;">Young’s
advance team </span><span style="color: red;">arrives </span><span style="color: red;">at Fort Laramie. Those waiting from Pueblo join the group, and one of
the apostles in the team, Amasa Lyman, goes to Pueblo to bring the rest to the Great Basin.</span><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span>--June </span><span>30, </span><span>1847--<br />
<br />
Sam Brannan, having made his way back from California, reports to Pres. Young
at his camp along the trail. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="color: #00b050;">--July </span><span style="color: #00b050;">16,
</span><span style="color: #00b050;">1847--</span><span style="color: #00b050;"><br />
</span><span style="color: #00b050;"><br />
The Mormon Battalion </span><span style="color: #00b050;">is mustered out of service at Los
Angeles </span><span style="color: #00b050;">and
the men begin to </span><span style="color: #00b050;">make their way </span><span style="color: #00b050;">north.<br />
</span><span style="color: #00b050;">S</span><span style="color: #00b050;">ome
head straight to the Salt Lake Valley to get on the trail back to Winter Quarters to get family. <br />Others go north to San Francisco to join with the Brooklyn saints in the biggest Mormon community in the west, and earn money
to take back to Salt Lake. </span><span style="color: #00b050;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="color: red;">--July </span><span style="color: red;">22, </span><span style="color: red;">1847--<br /><br />
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<span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="color: red;">Happily surprised </span><span style="color: red;">to find the cut-off</span><span style="color: red;"> from the Oregon Trail down </span><span style="color: red;">to the Great </span><span style="color: red;">Basin
has already been blazed (by </span><span style="color: red;">the Donner </span><span style="color: red;">party, who were following bad advice about it being a great shortcut to California), the first </span><span style="color: red;">advance </span><span style="color: red;">party (including the three black slaves) </span><span style="color: red;">arrives
in Salt Lake </span><span style="color: red;">Valley far ahead of schedule and immediately plants crops.<br />
Two days later, on what is now celebrated as Pioneer Day in Utah, Pres</span><span style="color: red;">.
Young’s party arrives in Salt Lake </span><span style="color: red;">Valley. Sam Brannan teaches the
Saints to make adobe bricks for houses, a skill he learned in California.</span><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;"><span>--September 8-11, </span><span>1847-</span><span>-<br />
</span><span><br />About 100 </span><span>Battalion
members find work building a saw mill for John Sutter on the American River
near San Francisco</span><span>.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="color: #00b050;">--Autumn 1847--<br />
<br />The first Battalion </span><span style="color: #00b050;">members </span><span style="color: #00b050;">arrive
in the </span><span style="color: #00b050;">Salt
Lake </span><span style="color: #00b050;">Valley
from <br />
Los Angeles. They are able to teach the saints invaluable skills for desert farming and irrigation which they learned from the Pueblo Indians and the Mexicans as they toiled through the southwest.</span></span><span style="color: #00b050;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: helvetica;"><span>--January </span><span>24, </span><span>1848--<br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Gold is discovered at Sutter's Mill. The location of the biggest find is dubbed “Mormon Island” because of the Mormons who worked there. Word travels quickly by mouth and ship first to Oregon, Hawaii and Latin
America. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: helvetica;"><span><br />
--March 15, 1848--</span><span><br />
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<span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="color: blue;"><span> </span><span style="font-style: italic;">The Californian</span></span><span><span style="color: blue;">
newspaper publishes the first article proclaiming the discovery of gold. </span></span></span></div>
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<span><span style="color: blue; font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span><span style="color: blue; font-family: helvetica;">--June 10, 1848--</span></span></div>
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<span><span style="color: blue; font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span><span style="color: blue;">Sam Brannan's <i>California Star </i>publishes the cautiously optimistic opinion that there is room for another 50,000 prospectors without ruining the area. This news is dispatched back east by Mormon Battalion express riders. Four days later, they suspend publication so that the staff can rush to the gold fields themselves. Eventually tens of thousands around the world rush to California
to get rich.</span></span><br />
<span>
</span><span style="color: #42ba97;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="color: red;">--Summer 1848--<br />
<br />
Many more Mormon families emigrate. To avoid harassment from anti-Mormon
pioneers, they travel on the north of the Platte River, rather than on the
Oregon Trail to the south. This separation contributes to a better survival rate
for the Mormons, thanks to the organization and cleanliness of their camps, and
the avoidance of cholera contamination left behind <br />
by Oregon Trail travelers.<br />
</span><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="color: red;">--Summer 1848--</span><span style="color: red;"><br />
</span><span style="color: red;"><br />
Insects, frost and drought destroy much of the crop in the Great Basin. The
saints nearly starve through the </span><span style="color: red;">winter. In the midst of </span><span style="color: red;">this </span><span style="color: red;">crisis,
Heber C. Kimball, a</span><span style="color: red;"> </span><span style="color: red;">counselor
in the First Presidency, </span><span style="color: red;">prophesies </span><span style="color: red;">that “</span><span style="color: red;">States’ goods </span><span style="color: red;">would be sold in the streets of Salt Lake City cheaper than in New
York, and that the people would be abundantly supplied with food and clothing.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: helvetica;"><span>--1849--</span><span><br />
</span><span><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="color: red;"><span>The tools of the settlers in Salt Lake City are wearing out with no chance of replacement. The
California </span><span>Gold
</span><span>Rush
brings many fortune-seekers out west. Merchants race from the east to make a
profit off the prospectors; hearing that merchant ships have beat them to San Francisco, some overlanders change their minds, head down to Salt Lake City, and sell
their wares at extremely low prices in order to lighten their loads and rush
ahead to prospect for themselves. The prices are </span><span>lower </span><span>than in New York </span><span>City
by half. The presence of the prospectors also greatly inflates the prices the Mormon retailers and tradesmen can charge. In addition, prospectors drop tools and supplies all along the trail near Utah in order to lighten their loads and speed their journey, knowing they can buy more in California. Mormon men go along the trail and pick up amazing amounts of tools, wagons, stoves, even food like beans and bacon. </span><span>It’s another “table in the wilderness.”</span></span><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span><span style="color: blue; font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: helvetica;"><span>--May 25, 1849--<br />
<br />
Apostle </span><span>Amasa</span><span>
Lyman arrives in San Francisco and encourages the Brooklyn saints to come to
the Salt Lake Valley. Increasing lawlessness in California provides additional
incentive. Besides gold-prospecting, Mormons have made money from the
prospectors themselves. </span><span>Alondus</span><span> Buckland sells his Buckland House hotel, situated on a corner lot in
downtown San Francisco, for an estimated $10,000, donating some to the Church
and using some to emigrate his extended family and the rest of his hometown
back east.<br />
<br />
--July 14, 1849--<br />
<br />
The wagon company, later known as “The Gold Train,” leaves for Utah, heavily
loaded with gold. It is a dangerous journey, as the company dodges would-be
thieves on the busy road.<br />
</span><span><br />
A</span><span>bout
1/3 of the Brooklyn saints eventually leave California to resettle in Utah.</span></span></div>
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<span><span style="color: blue; font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: helvetica;"><span>--September 28, 1849--<br />
<br />
“The Gold Train” arrives in Salt Lake City, and nearly $15,000 is deposited in
the Church’s bank account. With this money, Pres</span><span>. Young </span><span>establishes the </span><span>Perpetual
Emigration </span><span>Fund
which funds the emigration of an additional 100,000 saints over the following
years, mostly from Europe.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1cade4; font-family: helvetica;">-----</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="color: red;">60,000-70,000 </span><span style="color: red;">Mormon pioneers </span><span style="color: red;">eventually </span><span style="color: red;">emigrate over </span><span style="color: red;">land<br />
until </span><span style="color: red;">1869
when the transcontinental railroad is completed. </span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: red;">Most of them are converts from the European Mission.<br />
</span><span style="color: red;"><br />
The </span><span style="color: red;">death
rate among the Mormon pioneers is unknown, but is estimated at less than 10%
(including the Martin/Willie handcart disaster, and the deaths at Winter
Quarters). This is about 5% lower than other pioneers, despite the fact that
Mormon wagon trains consisted of many more inexperienced </span><span style="color: red;">travelers;
</span><span style="color: red;">old,
disabled or ill </span><span style="color: red;">people; </span><span style="color: red;">and families with young children.<br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: helvetica;"><span>Sarah Leavitt was right.</span><span>
The Lord did prepare a table in the wilderness.</span></span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="color: #1cade4;"><br /></span>
<br />
</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #1cade4; font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: helvetica;">Bibliography</span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span>•</span><span>Stewart
R. Wyatt, Sacrament </span><span>m</span><span>eeting
</span><span>t</span><span>alk,
Boise, Idaho, 22 July 2012</span></span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; line-height: 90%; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-top: 14pt; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.2in; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span>•</span><span>Sarah
Sturtevant Leavitt, personal history</span></span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; line-height: 90%; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-top: 14pt; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.2in; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span>•</span><span>William
G. Hartley, “<a href="https://www.lds.org/ensign/1997/06/the-pioneer-trek-nauvoo-to-winter-quarters?lang=eng">The Pioneer Trek: Nauvoo to Winter Quarters</a>,” </span><span style="font-style: italic;">Ensign,</span><span> June 1997</span></span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; line-height: 90%; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-top: 14pt; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.2in; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span>•</span><span>Joan
S. Hamblin, “<a href="https://www.lds.org/ensign/1997/07/voyage-of-the-brooklyn?lang=eng">Voyage of the Brooklyn</a>,” </span><span style="font-style: italic;">Ensign,</span><span>
July 1997</span></span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; line-height: 90%; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-top: 14pt; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.2in; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span>•</span><span>Leonard
J. Arrington, “<a href="https://www.lds.org/ensign/1977/06/mississippi-mormons?lang=eng">Mississippi Mormons</a>,” </span><span style="font-style: italic;">Ensign, </span><span>June
1977</span></span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; line-height: 90%; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-top: 14pt; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.2in; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span>•<a href="http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/additional-resource/mormon-battalion-fact-sheet">Mormon Battalion Fact Sheet</a></span><span>, MormonNewsroom.org</span></span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; line-height: 90%; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-top: 14pt; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.2in; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span>•</span><span>Susan
Easton Black, “<a href="https://www.lds.org/ensign/1998/07/i-have-a-question?lang=eng">I Have a Question</a>,” </span><span style="font-style: italic;">Ensign, </span><span>July 1998</span></span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; line-height: 90%; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-top: 14pt; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.2in; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span>•</span><span>William
G. Hartley, “<a href="https://www.lds.org/ensign/1997/09/on-the-trail-in-september?lang=eng">On the Trail in September</a>," </span><span style="font-style: italic;">Ensign, </span><span>September
1997</span><br />
<span><br /></span>
<span style="text-indent: -0.2in;">•"The Excitement and Enthusiasm of Gold Washing Still Continues--Increases," <i>California Star, </i>accessed at </span><span style="text-indent: -0.2in;"> <a href="http://www.sfmuseum.org/hist6/star.html">The Virtual Museum of the City of San Francisco</a></span></span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; line-height: 90%; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-top: 14pt; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.2in; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span>•</span><span>Clair
L. Wyatt, </span><span style="font-style: italic;">The True Story of Nancy Laura Aldrich: Ship Bro</span><span style="font-style: italic;">oklyn Pioneer, </span><span>2000</span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="text-indent: -0.2in;"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="text-indent: -0.2in;">•Richard
E. Bennett, </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-style: italic; text-indent: -0.2in;">We’ll Find the Place: The Mormon Exodus, 1846-1848, </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="text-indent: -0.2in;">Deseret
Book</span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="text-indent: -0.2in;"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="text-indent: -0.2in;">•Margaret
Blair Young and Darius Aidan Gray, </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-style: italic; text-indent: -0.2in;">One More River to Cross, </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="text-indent: -0.2in;">Deseret
Book</span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="text-indent: -0.2in;"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="text-indent: -0.2in;">•Leonard
J. Arrington, </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-style: italic; text-indent: -0.2in;">Great Basin Kingdom, </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="text-indent: -0.2in;">Deseret
Book</span><br />
<span>
</span><br />
<span style="text-indent: -0.2in;"><br /></span>
</span></div>
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</div>
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</div></div>Nancy Wyatt Jensenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14758524730006544116noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706071451857400135.post-57213842467309422832021-11-24T09:15:00.000-08:002021-11-24T09:15:08.302-08:00Doctrine and Covenants 136, part 2: Rescuing the Saints<div class="MsoNormal"><u>Rescuing the Nauvoo Saints</u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We often hear of the rescue of the Martin and Willie Handcart Companies (in fact, that is the topic of next week's lesson) but seldom do we hear about the many other rescues among the pioneer companies both before and after that. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Long before the Saints left for the Great Basin, in the October 1839 conference, Brigham Young proposed to
the saints that they promise to <span style="color: #2b00fe;">“stand by and assist each other to the utmost
of our abilities in removing from [the state of Missouri], and that we will
never desert the poor who are worthy…”</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> </span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">This “Missouri Covenant” had been signed by 214 saints.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>Now they made a
similar covenant to help the Saints out of Jackson County, Missouri, which they kept.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In 1845, persecutions in Illinois became so great that President Young (president of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles)
proposed a similar covenant, this one called "The Nauvoo Covenant," and it passed unanimously.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Their promise was to remove each other and all their brothers and sisters out of the reach of the exterminating order issued by Governor Boggs. </span>He then promised, <span style="color: #2b00fe;">“If you will be faithful to
your covenant, I will now prophesy that the great God will shower down means
upon this people, to accomplish it to the very letter.” </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiy5Ilmjl2msynrCchZpEU0VzJXf4sBCVEdKbfcrTwErRBFeV1xD6tskzUjBZJehl7v8nB3YnxeYVLmIc3Tqq1LSydDnmc5pwUIs6OyKRVNp-rApMKcZVVfPxo1-_JVf8y0CQMvyxcINtV/s358/nauvoo.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="179" data-original-width="358" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiy5Ilmjl2msynrCchZpEU0VzJXf4sBCVEdKbfcrTwErRBFeV1xD6tskzUjBZJehl7v8nB3YnxeYVLmIc3Tqq1LSydDnmc5pwUIs6OyKRVNp-rApMKcZVVfPxo1-_JVf8y0CQMvyxcINtV/s320/nauvoo.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Photo from <a href="https://www.familysearch.org/en/blog/historic-nauvoo-illinois" target="_blank">Family Search</a></div></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
More than 11,000 members departed Nauvoo in small groups.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They crossed Iowa and camped along the
Missouri River, over 300 miles from their former home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remaining in Nauvoo were hundreds who lacked
the means to leave, either financially or physically.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many were new arrivals who had expected
Nauvoo to be the end of their journey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Orville M. Allen was charged with heading up a rescue company to return
to Nauvoo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He took 20 wagons and a few
men, collecting more provisions along the way as they could.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
While Brother Allen was on his trek across Iowa, armed men
entered Nauvoo and forced the remaining poor and sick men, women and children
across the Mississippi River into the wilderness of Iowa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Therefore when the rescue team arrived at these
so-called “Poor Camps” (present-day Montrose) that October, they were astonished
and overwhelmed by the need.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Poverty-stricken themselves, they found their brothers and sisters in
dire circumstances.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How could they
follow their commitment and rescue the 300 or more people they found, when they
had used all they had to rescue so many others so recently?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had done their best, and it was not
nearly enough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the Lord honored
these covenant-keeping men and, as Brigham Young had promised, He literally
“showered down means to accomplish” the task.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Three days after the arrival of the rescue (the word <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">after</i> is key here—it was <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">after</i> they had kept their covenant, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">after</i> they had done all they could) a
miracle occurred.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All morning and into
the afternoon, flocks of quail flew near the camps and simply flopped around on
the ground.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They did not run or fly
away, but just waited for the starving saints to pick them up in their
hands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Soon they had all the meat they
could desire to eat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
About 3:00 in the afternoon, the quail stopped coming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Right then, Church trustees who had been
working in Nauvoo to sell property arrived with shoes, clothing, molasses, salt
pork, and salt as well as $100 they had received from non-Mormon citizens they
had solicited up and down the Mississippi River.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
About 4:30, Captain Allen started the return trip, taking
157 people and 28 wagons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(They used the
wagons that had been in the Poor Camp as well as the ones he had brought.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A second rescue team arrived at the end of
October to bring the rest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>About 300
saints from the Poor Camps were rescued by their brothers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(William G. Hartley, “<a href="http://www.lds.org/ensign/1997/10/how-shall-i-gather?lang=eng">How Shall I Gather</a>?” <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Ensign, </i>October 1997, p. 5-9)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u>The Rescue from Iowa</u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
All of the saints had been rescued, but to what?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To the entirely inadequate camp they called
Winter Quarters in Nebraska.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>D&C 136
was received in the dead of winter with instructions on how to organize the
trek.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The vanguard wagon trains headed
for the Great Basin the following spring, but many, many saints were left
behind, wondering how they would ever make the trip to Zion.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A committee was sent to Washington to seek government
employment for financing the move to the west, headed by Jesse C. Little.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>President James Polk finally agreed to enlist
500 Mormon men to march west and fight in the Mexican War.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were to blaze trails along the way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each recruit would receive $42 for his
uniform, which each of them immediately turned over to the church and marched
in his own clothing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Altogether, the
Mormon Battalion brought over $50,000 to the church for their one-year enlistment;
the equivalent in today’s U.S. dollars would be around $1.5 million.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Leonard J. Arrington, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Great Basin Kingdom, </i>p. 21)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Another miracle occurred.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Mormon Battalion members, having completed their enlistment, traveled
north from San Diego to northern California where a group of L.D.S. members
were now living and prospering. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>In
fact, at the end of 1846, most of the white settlers in California were Mormon.
How did they get west ahead of the rest of the saints?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Coincidentally on the very same day the
Nauvoo saints had crossed the Missouri River, these impoverished saints had set
sail from New York Harbor on the chartered Ship Brooklyn, sailed nearly to
Africa before they found winds to carry them around Cape Horn, back up to Chile
and nearly out to Hawaii, before finally blowing back to a northern California
settlement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was an experiment in a cheaper
way to get west than overland travel, but the trip was fearsome and treacherous
and was not attempted again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The town of
Yerba Buena swelled to a small city with their arrival.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today it is called San Francisco. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Joan S. Hamblin, <a href="http://www.lds.org/ensign/1997/07/voyage-of-the-brooklyn?lang=eng">"Voyage of 'The Brooklyn',"</a> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Ensign, </i>July 1997)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
About 80 members of the Mormon Battalion found work there
while waiting for Brigham Young to come west.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Some worked at Sutter’s Mill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
rest is history:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The California Gold
Rush of 1949!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, it was a Mormon,
Sam Brannan, who published the news of the gold discovery to the rest of the
U.S. in his newspaper, <i>The California Star</i>, as a 2-inch filler on an inside page.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Mormon Battalion members were hired as express riders to deliver the paper to the major cities back east, hoping to promote growth. (Church video, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HkEloXio-rU">"A Legacy More Precious Than Gold"</a>.) </span>The Mormons just
wanted to get back to their families and were waiting for Brigham Young’s call,
but in the meantime, they discovered the fabulous “Mormon Island,” the richest
find of the gold rush.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(<a href="http://californiapioneer.org/destinations/mormon-island">California Pioneer</a>)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Salt Lake economy swelled as prospectors passed through,
and the Brooklyn saints got rich in San Francisco, both from gold and from the
booming economy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Alondus D. Buckland
built a hotel called “The Buckland House” on the corner of Kearny and Pacific
in San Francisco.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When President Young
called the Brooklyn Saints back to Salt Lake City, a corner lot was worth
$10,000.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Alondus left California with Thomas
Rhoads’ company, later nicknamed “The Gold Train,” bringing altogether
$30,000-40,000 in gold with them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(<i>Okay,
have to brag:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Alondus is my ancestor and
I’m proud of him</i>.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over $80,000 came
into the church’s accounts between 1848 and 1851 from the California
Saints.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Stewart R Wyatt, “The Life and
Times of Alondus de Lafayette Buckland, p. 24-29.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His source on the dollar amount is J. Kenneth
Davies, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Mormon Gold: The Story of
California’s Mormon Argonauts, </i>p. xv.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Another great miracle occurred.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The pioneers had now been in Salt Lake City a couple of years, were running out of
supplies and their tools were wearing out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Salt Lake City Fourth Ward Bishop Benjamin
Brown published the story of this miracle:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span>“There we were, completely shut out from the world…the first
shop was a thousand miles off…</span><br />
<br />
<span>“Information of the great discovery of gold in California
had reached the States, and large companies were formed for the purpose of
supplying the gold diggers with food and clothing and implements of every kind
for digging, etc…In fact, these persons procured just the things they would
have done, had they been forming companies purposely for relieving the Saints,
and had they determined to do it as handsomely as unlimited wealth would allow.</span><br />
<br />
<span>“When these companies, after crossing the plains, arrived
within a short distance of Salt Lake City, news reached them that ships had
been dispatched from many parts of the world, fitted out with goods for
California.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This threatened to flood the
market.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The companies feared that the
sale of their goods would not repay the expense of conveyance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here was a ‘fix’—the companies were too far
from the States to take their goods back, and they would not pay to carry them
through, and when to this was added the fact, that the companies were half
crazy to leave trading, and turn gold diggers themselves, it will easily be
seen how naturally the difficulty solved itself into the decision which they
actually came to—‘Oh here are these Mormons, let us sell the goods to them.’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Accordingly they brought them into the
Valley, and disposed of them…at least at half the price for which the goods
could have been purchased in the states.”</span></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> </span>
</span>(Arrington, p. 67)<br />
<br />
In addition, the trail from Fort Laramie, Wyoming to Salt
Lake City was littered with abandoned items, which Mormon teams collected for
nothing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Howard Standsbury reported collecting:</div>
<ul>
<li>11 broken wagons</li>
<li>
bar-iron and steel</li>
<li>
large blacksmiths’ anvils and bellows</li>
<li>
crowbars</li>
<li>
drills</li>
<li>
augers</li>
<li>
gold-washers</li>
<li>
chisels</li>
<li>
axes</li>
<li>
lead</li>
<li>
trunks</li>
<li>
spades</li>
<li>
ploughs</li>
<li>
large grindstones</li>
<li>
baking-ovens</li>
<li>
cooking-stoves “without number”</li>
<li>
kegs</li>
<li>
barrels</li>
<li>
harness</li>
<li>clothing</li>
<li>
bacon</li>
<li>
beans</li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
These, he said,<span style="color: #2b00fe;"> <span>“were found along the road in pretty much
the order in which they have been here enumerated…In the course of this one day
[July 27, 1849] the relics of 17 wagons and the carcasses of 27 dead oxen have
been seen.”</span></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Arrington, p. 70)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The needs of the 49er’s traveling through Salt Lake greatly
inflated the prices of goods the Mormons could offer them, as well.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The infusion of money to the church economy allowed the
First Presidency to implement a wonderful new plan:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Perpetual Emigration Fund.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once again, it was October Conference 1849,
when this new rescue plan was approved as the leaders asked, “Shall we fulfill
the covenant, or shall we not?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
announcement was issued by the First Presidency on October 12<sup>th</sup>,
1849:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe;">“Ye poor and meek of the earth,
lift up your heads and rejoice in the Holy One of Israel, for your redemption
draweth nigh…but in your rejoicings be patient, for though your turn to
emigrate may not be the first year, or even the second, it will come, and its
tarrying will be short, if all the Saints who have, will be as liberal as those
in the valley.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The first PEF wagon train was organized in 1850.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first year’s funds of $5,000 were taken
to Iowa, and used to purchase livestock for the journey back to Salt Lake
City.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The livestock was then sold, and
that money was taken back to Iowa and the process repeated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After just one year of operation, the PEF had
nearly $20,000.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In 1852, 10,000 saints came to Utah from the Missouri River
area, and “all the exiles from Nauvoo who wished to come had been removed to
Zion,” and “the obligations of the Nauvoo pledge of 1846 had been faithfully
discharged.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Hartley, p. 9-10)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u>Why so hard?</u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was less than 20 years later that the transcontinental
railroad was completed, making overland travel so much easier.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why did the Lord not inspire and implement
the faster and easier transportation of trains at the time of the Mormon Exodus, when
it was so desperately needed?<br />
<br />
The Lord was not simply interested in getting the pioneers out west. He was interested in making saints of the pioneers. The
difficult process of gathering to Zion provided a refining process.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Not all made the cut: </span>Scattered along the Mormon Trail are not only
the graves of those who died getting to the earthly Zion, but many casualties
of spiritual infirmities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some saints
gave up and stayed behind or turned back along the way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those who pushed through the challenges of
conversion, persecution and migration could weather any storm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Part of this refining process was brought
about by the great effort required of the saints to rescue each other and bring all
to Zion while in poverty themselves.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u>The Rescue Today</u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is not enough for us today to be converted ourselves, or
to reach financial prosperity ourselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> After his terrible ordeal on the Brooklyn, his building role in San Francisco, his gathering with the saints in Salt Lake City, and his contributions to the Church funds, Alondus Buckland returned overland with a great deal of his money, fulfilled a mission in the east, and then returned as captain of a wagon train of 200 people, including his friends, converts and family members who had not been able to afford passage on the Brooklyn, financing much of their supplies himself. On the return journey, he died of cholera and was wrapped in a sheet and buried in a trunk as a makeshift coffin. He gave his all for the cause of Zion, leaving a great example for us. (Wyatt, p. 34-37)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaefqphcsb7cgKgSGDFXUmkhWDDTxSiXxxjfDj5l79UCzf9Brl3Te9w7rw3NSsFNzPhshZ2X_xRwZBePYkxEz7S7LAuhFo5_uy-IDNaQwoPDEDTvxcD-l8G4o6lyBcK5Pl6-LNgenKp_h_/s678/alondus+buckland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="678" data-original-width="454" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaefqphcsb7cgKgSGDFXUmkhWDDTxSiXxxjfDj5l79UCzf9Brl3Te9w7rw3NSsFNzPhshZ2X_xRwZBePYkxEz7S7LAuhFo5_uy-IDNaQwoPDEDTvxcD-l8G4o6lyBcK5Pl6-LNgenKp_h_/s320/alondus+buckland.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Alondus deLafayette Buckland</div><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>Even in our weaknesses, even in our poverty, we must turn around and
rescue our brothers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> We cannot sit in our church and ignore the spiritually or physically needy. </span>We may not <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>know
how their rescue will be accomplished, but if we heed the call and start along the trail,
the Lord will “shower <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>down blessings from heaven” and means will
appear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All we must do is our wholly
inadequate best. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="MsoNormal">(At this point, you may be able to tell that I'm a little bit of a pioneer nerd...and I still have more to post...)</div><div><br /></div></div>
Nancy Wyatt Jensenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14758524730006544116noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706071451857400135.post-4328782336802130452021-11-24T08:54:00.010-08:002021-11-24T11:10:05.090-08:00Doctrine and Covenants 136, Part 1: Black Saints; Choosing Joy in Hard Times<p> <u>MOVING ON FROM TRAGEDY</u></p><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />When the Prophet Joseph Smith was killed, most of the apostles were on missions to the eastern United States, including Parley P. Pratt. The only two in Illinois were Willard Richards and John Taylor, both of whom had been with Joseph and Hyrum at Carthage. Parley was the first to return, having been “constrained by the Spirit” to head back to Nauvoo from New York before he had planned to. While on a canal boat, enroute,</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span>“…a strange and solemn awe came over me, as if the powers of hell were let loose. I was so overwhelmed with sorrow I could hardly speak;</span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> and after pacing the deck for some time in silence, I turned to my brother William and exclaimed—'Brother William, this is a dark hour; the powers of darkness seem to triumph, and the spirit of murder is abroad in the land, and it controls the hearts of the American people, and a vast majority of them sanction the killing of the innocent.' </span></span><span face=""helvetica" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 12px;">…</span>…This was June 27<sup>th</sup>, 1844, in the afternoon, and as near as I can judge, it was the same hour that the Carthage mob were shedding the blood of Joseph and Hyrum Smith, and John Taylor, near one thousand miles distant.”</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />All of the other members of the quorum reported feeling a terrible sadness on that day. In Wisconsin, passengers boarded the boat Parley was on, gloating over the news that Joseph and Hyrum had been killed. When Parley got off in Chicago, he found a great hubbub as the press was issuing extras “announcing the triumph of the murderous mob in killing the Smiths.”</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /><span style="color: #0070c0;">“I felt so weighed down with sorrow and the powers of darkness that it was painful for me to…speak to any one, or even to try to eat or sleep. I really felt that if it had been my own family who had died, and our beloved Prophet been spared alive, I could have borne it…I had loved Joseph with a warmth of affection indescribable for about 14 years. I had associated with him in private and in public, in travels and at home, in joy and sorrow, in honor and dishonor, in adversity of every kind…But now he was gone to the invisible world, and we and the Church of the Saints were left to mourn in sorrow and without the presence of our beloved founder and Prophet.</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /><span style="color: #0070c0;">“As I walked along over the plains of Illinois, lonely and solitary, I reflected as follows: …in a day or two I shall be there. How shall I meet the sorrowing widows and orphans? How shall I meet the aged and widowed mother…? How shall I console and advise 25,000 people who will throng about me in tears, and in the absence of my President and the older members of the now-presiding council, will ask counsel at my hands? …When I could endure it no longer, I cried aloud, saying: O Lord! In the name of Jesus Christ I pray Thee, show me what these things mean, and what I shall say to Thy people? On a sudden the Spirit of God came upon me, and filled my heart with joy and gladness indescribable, and while the spirit of revelation glowed in my bosom with as visible a warmth and gladness as if it were fire, the Spirit said unto me: ‘Lift up your head and rejoice; for behold! It is well with my servants Joseph and Hyrum…Go and say unto my people in Nauvoo, that they shall continue to pursue their daily duties and take care of themselves, and make no movement in Church government to reorganize or alter anything until the return of the remainder of the Quorum of the Twelve. But exhort them that they continue to build the House of the Lord…’</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="color: #0070c0;">“This information caused my bosom to burn with joy and gladness and I was comforted above measure; all my sorrow seemed in a moment to be lifted as a burden from my back.” </span>(<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Autobiography of Parley P. Pratt</i>, p. 292-294) (A timeline of Parley's life with brief and interesting notes is available at <a href="http://jared.pratt-family.org/parley_histories/parley_in_nauvoo3.html">Jared Pratt Family Website</a>.)</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />At a time of great trial, the commandment to Parley was to “lift up your head and rejoice,” and the comforting presence of the Spirit made it possible to obey that commandment. “Lift” is a verb, requiring action. To lift your head would imply that you would be looking upward, towards heaven, or seeing with an eternal perspective. It would also imply that you would be looking forward at what to do next, rather than backward in regret. When you lift up your head symbolically, rejoicing then will naturally follow.</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /><u>WE ARE COMMANDED TO CHOOSE JOY</u></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Candy Jars Guessing Game:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Prepare small jars with the following numbers of candies such as M&Ms in them: 13, 195, 117, 197, 351, 410. Write the words below on the chalkboard (without the corresponding numbers). </span>Ask class members to write on their paper scraps how many times they think each word is found in the scriptures. Then tell them the jars of M&Ms correspond to each word. The closest guess to each word count wins the jar with that number of M&Ms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For extra insight into latter-day church history, I have included in parentheses how many of those are found in the D&C.</i></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />Sad/Sadness --13 (1 in D&C)</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Sorrow--195 (8 in D&C*)</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Weep--117 (9 in D&C**)</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Glad/Gladness—197 (21 in D&C)</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Joy—351 (34 in D&C)</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Rejoice—410 (42 in D&C)</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />*Half of these refer to the wicked. The others counsel saints regarding sorrow, promise no sorrow, or are prayers offered in behalf of the sorrowing saints.</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">**One of these 9 refers to weeping for joy. 7 of them refer to the wicked.</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />The message is clear: The gospel is a message of gladness.</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />2 Nephi 2:25 – <span style="color: red;">“Adam fell that men might be, and men are that they might have joy.” </span>Ours is a doctrine of rejoicing.</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />D&C 133:42-44 – <span style="color: red;">“O Lord, thou shalt come down to make thy name known to thine adversaries, and all nations shall tremble at thy presence— When thou doest terrible things, things they look not for; Yea, when thou comest down, and the mountains flow down at thy presence, thou shalt meet him who rejoiceth and worketh righteousness, who remembereth thee in thy ways.” </span>This scripture gives a definition of saints caught up to meet Christ in the last days: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are 1) rejoicing, 2) working righteousness, 3) remembering Christ and his ways.</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />D&C 112:4 – <span style="color: red;">“Let thy heart be of good cheer before my face; and thou shalt bear record of my name, not only unto the Gentiles, but also unto the Jews; and thou shalt send forth my word unto the ends of the earth.”</span> This scripture implies that you must be of good cheer to be a missionary.</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />D&C 107:22-24 – <span style="color: red;">“Of the Melchizedek Priesthood, three Presiding High Priests, chosen by the body, appointed and ordained to that office, and upheld by the confidence, faith, and prayer of the church, form a quorum of the Presidency of the Church. The twelve traveling councilors are called to be the Twelve Apostles, or special witnesses of the name of Christ in all the world—thus differing from other officers in the church in the duties of their calling. And they form a quorum, equal in authority and power to the three presidents previously mentioned.” </span><span style="color: red;"> </span><span>This revelation told the saints that the Quorum of Twelve Apostles had all the authority needed to run the Church in Joseph's absence.</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /><u>THE MISSISSIPPI PIONEERS</u></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />And so Brigham Young led the saints west. Although he fully intended to make the trek in 1846, they actually began April 8, 1847, for reasons noted below.</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Brigham Young started out from Winter Quarters with 143 men, 3 women and 2 children, but he ended up in the Salt Lake Valley with more than that, and it has to do with some amazing converts from a largely unproductive mission to the Southern States. This is their very little-known (although well-documented) story and it’s very interesting to hear.</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH9YzxqZf7th8VJidDu5s_KqAfav_dzezj2lebhbZP6Bcxxmazdb8eLjWHv_nE30owk5kWbbFRhA9bYYRgHd0XMRwooi7YL9QWB3jbimvzHlB_Fg-NAvqw-7NATik_DfQ8ZSX6a091W6dP/s1600/john-brown1820-1896.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH9YzxqZf7th8VJidDu5s_KqAfav_dzezj2lebhbZP6Bcxxmazdb8eLjWHv_nE30owk5kWbbFRhA9bYYRgHd0XMRwooi7YL9QWB3jbimvzHlB_Fg-NAvqw-7NATik_DfQ8ZSX6a091W6dP/s400/john-brown1820-1896.jpg" width="291" /></a></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"> <i>Picture from <a href="http://www.orsonprattbrown.com/Daniel-CJB-bro/john-brown1820-1896.html">Orson Pratt Brown Family website</a></i></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">In 1843, John Brown, a convert from Tennessee who had gathered to Nauvoo, was called on a mission to the South. Generally speaking, the South was very infertile ground for missionary work, but in one place, he and the other missionaries found a motherlode: Monroe County, Mississippi. 150-200 people were converted, most of them related to each other. John married one of them.<br /><br />He was called back to Nauvoo after the martyrdom to work on the Temple. When the 1846 exodus began, John was sent back to Mississippi to gather the saints there into the fold and help them cross the plains. He left for Mississippi (a 1,000-mile trip) in January in snow and storm. He collected 43 people and 19 wagons and they left their homes on April 8<sup>th</sup>. His father-in-law, William Crosby, led the train.</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />In Independence, they heard wild rumors about Mormons committing atrocities on the Oregon Trail, so they assumed the saints had gone west. They joined with a six-wagon party of Oregon Trailers at Independence and picked up a few other Latter-day Saints and headed out across the plains to meet<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Brigham Young. They got to the Platte River and there was no Brigham Young. They stopped for one day to think it over, and decided he must have gone on and they pressed full speed ahead to catch up. They suffered all kinds of difficulties, but made it nearly halfway to the Great Basin before they found out that there were no Mormons ahead of them on the trail<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Leonard J. Arrington, “<a href="https://www.lds.org/ensign/1977/06/mississippi-mormons?lang=eng">Mississippi Mormons</a>,” <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Ensign, </i>June 1977; also Richard E. Bennett, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">We’ll Find the Place,</i> p. 172-173).</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />Now, of course, Brigham Young had fully intended to go west that year, 1846, in an advance wagon train, but the saints didn't want him to leave them; they tried to keep up with him, and by doing so, they slowed him greatly.</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"> <span style="color: #0070c0;">“Our president don’t stick [hesitate] at anything that tends to advance the gathering of Israel, or promote the cause of Zion in these last days,” </span>wrote Thomas Bullock, clerk to the twelve. <span style="color: #0070c0;">“He sleeps with one eye open and one foot out of bed, and when anything is wanted, he is on hand and his counselors are all of one heart with him in all things” </span>(quoted in Richard E. Bennett, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">We’ll Find the Place</i>, p. 59). </div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Brigham and the other leaders—Heber C. Kimball, etc.—had a year’s supply of food in their wagons, but it was quickly depleted since many others had not taken that counsel in their zeal. In addition, the terribly muddy weather slowed their travel unbelievably. The Mormon Battalion had been called up for a year’s duty, and the use of the funds they would be paid for their service would be very beneficial to the trek.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So they had camped at Winter Quarters, with groups of saints strung out in encampments all along the trail in Iowa.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">So when John Brown and his company were beyond Chimney Rock, they met John Richards (pronounce <i>REE-shaw</i>), a French trapper who told them there were no Mormons on the trail ahead. They decided to winter on the trail rather than go back. John Richards invited them to stay at Fort Pueblo, Colorado with him. Fort Pueblo was occupied by 6-8 mountain men and their Spanish and Indian wives. The Mormons built a little community of log homes outside the church/school. With their Southern gentility, they hosted dances there and invited the mountain men, but they didn’t forget to be missionaries: When the mountain men arrived to dance with the fair Southern belles, they found they had to listen to a gospel sermon first! </div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPaj0AwrLFnwXLcvufiQlgQK9mJU2ytR5DPhgOSE-ha9d1am5P9EdFxYXmzzXSSvwBvlEdlrvcO-i2jnki_BMofi-eoY5K5fyBt8t2WH6Dv2_OUmfxQ75aK6HC9Jts5JicdRWaAw8CtViL/s1600/fortpueblo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPaj0AwrLFnwXLcvufiQlgQK9mJU2ytR5DPhgOSE-ha9d1am5P9EdFxYXmzzXSSvwBvlEdlrvcO-i2jnki_BMofi-eoY5K5fyBt8t2WH6Dv2_OUmfxQ75aK6HC9Jts5JicdRWaAw8CtViL/s400/fortpueblo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">John Brown headed back east to meet with President Young and reached Winter Quarters in October. That same month, 154 Mormon Battalion members, discharged because of illness, arrived from the southwest to winter at Fort Pueblo. Their captain was none other than another of the missionaries who had converted many of the Mississippi saints, James Brown. They built 18 more cabins for the Battalion.</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />Arriving back at Winter Quarters, John Brown received word from Brigham Young not to bring the rest of the converts still in Mississippi west that year. Instead he was to handpick a few strong men to join Brigham’s vanguard company which would be traveling west that spring. So John headed south, in January again, where he picked 4 white men and 4 Black men who were enslaved to them. Two of the Black men died along the way (Arrington). The two remaining were brothers Oscar Crosby, 32, and Hark Lay, 22. They had different last names because they had different masters. Oscar “belonged” to John’s father-in-law, William Crosby, and had been converted through James Brown’s missionary efforts (the Battalion Leader). William Crosby had shared the gospel with the Lays, Hark’s masters. (Margaret Blair Young and Darius Aidan Gray, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">One More River to Cross, </i>p. 257. Note: I highly recommend this trilogy of books about early Black Latter-day Saints: <i>Standing on the Promises.</i>. <a href="https://www.encyclopedia.com/education/news-wires-white-papers-and-books/gray-darius" target="_blank">Darius Gray</a> is a past president of the Church's <a href="https://www.deseret.com/faith/2021/10/23/22741028/genesis-group-celebrates-50th-anniversary-as-official-latter-day-saint-organization-for-blacks" target="_blank">Genesis group</a> for Black members, started in 1973 before the removal of the priesthood ban.)</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />At Winter Quarters, the two were joined by another Black slave, 19-year-old Green Flake, who was a friend of theirs, and had gone to Nauvoo with his master, James Flake. Green had been baptized at the age of 16 by John Brown. </div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="color: #0070c0;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="color: #0070c0;">“It may strike you as funny that a Brown baptized a black named Green, but that’s how it was—colorful.” </span>(Young/Gray, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>p. 249)</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ZDRndgPNyUGrLn8dT8vU0k_fSuOqK1h0wEwP13ziNp6doUo9b38MaBd7LZyD2hnYjyn62bwF5JexGI19rOCjDqRA9wGjXzYxVBEz0sGAW6N7cNPCxGtFfK14XupTzVD31mXBW6ZGfyEw/s1600/green+flake.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ZDRndgPNyUGrLn8dT8vU0k_fSuOqK1h0wEwP13ziNp6doUo9b38MaBd7LZyD2hnYjyn62bwF5JexGI19rOCjDqRA9wGjXzYxVBEz0sGAW6N7cNPCxGtFfK14XupTzVD31mXBW6ZGfyEw/s400/green+flake.JPG" width="273" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Green Flake remained a faithful Latter-day Saint</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>all his life </i></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">At this point I need to interject that some of the early saints felt that slave-owning was acceptable if the slaves (or what they euphemistically called “colored servants”) were treated kindly, since there was counsel in the Bible on how slaves and masters should treat each other. Slavery had been an institution in every civilization since the beginning of the world. It was a confusing time in the pre-Emancipation Proclamation United States in that respect. Utah was not a state and was neither "slave" nor "free." </div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />Actually, it was quite remarkable for that time that the missionaries even taught the gospel to Black slaves (with the permission of their masters); it was remarkable that they considered them children of God. Sadly they generally were not considered as <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">quite</i> the same class, though, even after they joined the Church. For instance, while white saints were called by their last names (Sister Smith), Black saints were called by their first (Sister Jane), following the manner of address given to slaves and servants. Still, many Church members loved their “servants” <i>almost</i> as dearly as family members.</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />When Green Flake’s master left the south for Nauvoo upon his baptism, he offered freedom to all of his slaves, but Green chose to remain with him as a slave, along with two of his friends. Later in life, Green Flake became a (free) servant of Brigham Young’s<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Young/Gray, p. 256).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />Hark, true to his name, had a beautiful singing voice, and he and Green would often sing together. The Negro Spirituals floated across the plains, along with “Come, Come, Ye Saints?” Hark would also dance a mean jig to the music of the fiddle playing in the evenings<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Young/Gray). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />The names of Green Flake, Hark Lay, and Oscar Crosby are immortalized as members of the first Mormon pioneer company on the Brigham Young monument which was first displayed at the Chicago World’s Fair (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brigham_Young_Monument">Wikipedia</a>), then was installed in downtown Salt Lake City, Utah at the intersection of Main and South Temple Streets, and now sits at the entrance to This Is The Place State Park.<br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIjlGtKgugdS3TlT0xr8V6-pkawNW9QtgZA03b2ACwjLK5INJTHfjf1cgaJSlNuHu2G-jysdwZTJCtO6yJmFRO1IbgBto7S461YP8LEzXt9KUfs06UTQ8vLie25OsVfdzClAENly6g6eom/s1600/monument.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIjlGtKgugdS3TlT0xr8V6-pkawNW9QtgZA03b2ACwjLK5INJTHfjf1cgaJSlNuHu2G-jysdwZTJCtO6yJmFRO1IbgBto7S461YP8LEzXt9KUfs06UTQ8vLie25OsVfdzClAENly6g6eom/s400/monument.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Brigham Young's wagon train left Winter Quarters on April 8, 1847, and reached Fort Laramie on June 3. Seventeen of the Pueblo Saints had been there waiting and watching for them for 2 weeks and were ecstatic to recognize from a distance the apostles leading the wagon train. Apostle Amasa Lyman was sent to gather up the rest of the members still in Pueblo and bring them to the Great Basin. The body of Mississippi Saints arrived in Salt Lake 5 days after Brigham Young’s vanguard group, but the three Black men were in Brigham Young's party. The main group arrived in the Salt Lake Valley on July 22, and Brigham (since he was in the sick group that went a little slower) on July 24 (now celebrated as a state holiday, Pioneer Day). Black men were actually in Salt Lake Valley before President Young.<br /><br />After helping plant and build and settle, John Brown and his party headed back east on August 26 to get the rest of the Mississippi Saints, traveling with Brigham Young as far as Winter Quarters. Once again, John Brown arrived in Mississippi in the dead of winter--December this time--and immediately made preparations to cross the plains for the fifth time in less than two years. He and his converts left Mississippi on March 10, 1848. There were 13 families, including 56 white saints and 34 Black. They arrived in Salt Lake City in October, bringing the total population of the Valley to about 200 white and 37 Black Mississippi saints.</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />The first Mormon community in Utah outside of Salt Lake City was settled by these Saints. It was called Cottonwood and is presently called Holladay after one of the Mississippians who was bishop there. In March of 1851, the Mississippi Saints were sent to colonize Southern California with Charles Rich. They founded the city of San Bernadino. Later, many of them helped colonize Southern Utah and Arizona as well.<br /><br />The Mississippi Saints were classy, as well as being hard workers. They raised the level of frontier society with their Southern drawl, hospitality, and etiquette. They were also excellent record keepers and even recorded funny incidents. </div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="color: #0070c0;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="color: #0070c0;">“One of the children at the school in San Bernardino asked the teacher how to spell rat. The teacher replied ‘R-A-T.’ The child said, ‘I don’t mean mousy rat. Anybody knows how to spell that! What I mean is like in “do it rat now!”’”</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />Very likely the first Black teacher of white children in the United States was a Mormon, Alice Rowan Johnson, who taught in Riverside, California, and was the daughter of two of the enslaved people who had come west with John Brown (<a href="https://www.lds.org/ensign/1977/06/mississippi-mormons?lang=eng">Arrington</a>).</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /><u>CHOOSING JOY</u></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />The road west was rough for the Mormon pioneers, no doubt. But<span style="color: #2b00fe;"> </span><span style="mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themetint: 153;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">“while many wept at the inexplicable tragedy of it all, others chose deliberately to wear a happier face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>‘How can I go without you?’ inquired Irene Hascall of her non-supportive parents in New England. “Or how can you stay behind?...Do not worry anything about it, there will be some way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I suppose father would not like to travel across the Rocky Mountains but I should think he might like it real well for he can hunt all the way. I think probably [we] will cross the Rocky Mountains to a healthier climate. What good times we will have journeying and pitching our tents like the Israelites”</span><span style="color: #548dd4;"> </span></span>(Bennett, p. 23). Irene was a happy camper.</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />Helen Mar Whitney was buoyed by the beauties of nature as she trekked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span><span style="color: #2b00fe; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themetint: 153;">“This day the sky was cloudless and beautiful, and I was happy…Our tent was pitched on a gentle slope, and below, some distance away, was a crystal stream of water babbling over the rocks down through a little grove of trees and willows, where I accompanied [my husband] Horace the next day, Sunday, to fish, taking along our books to read.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was his favorite pastime, and in which he indulged every opportunity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was the most delightful spot we had seen, the whole landscape around us was lovely, they called it rolling prairie, and it had such a variety of hills and dales, all dressed anew in their bright velvety robes of spring.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span><span style="color: #548dd4; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themetint: 153;"><span style="color: blue;">“The first morning I took an early stroll to enjoy the scene, and I was almost enchanted as I stood there alone gazing at the glorious sight as the sun was peeping over the hills—and to lend more to the scene of enchantment here came a beautiful fawn and also an antelope, skipping fearlessly over hill and dale and out of sight, with naught to disturb them nor the peace and tranquility of my thoughts…”</span> </span>(Helen Mar Whitney, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">A Woman’s View,</i>p. 363-364).<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Once Irene Hascall arrived in the Salt Lake Valley, she wrote to her parents again, <span style="color: #548dd4; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themetint: 153;"><span style="color: blue;">“This is our place of residence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is in the midst of the rocky mountains surrounded on every side by impassable mountains and just one passage in and another on the west side which will not take much labor to stop an army of ten thousand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now let the mobbers rage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Lord has provided this place for us and if we are faithful the trouble and calamities of the Gentile nation will not harm.”</span> </span>[Truer words were never spoken, as the expulsion from Missouri completely removed the saints, both black and white, from the one of the greatest hotbeds of destruction in the Civil War. For a fascinating tangent, see <a href="http://findmynotes.wordpress.com/2012/01/28/the-civil-war-in-missouri-and-illinois/">The Civil War in Missouri and Illinois</a>.]<span style="color: #548dd4; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themetint: 153;"><span style="color: #548dd4;"> </span><span style="color: blue;">“When all is past we will step forth from our hiding place…I wish you would come and stay with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You would if you could see the future”</span> </span>(Bennett, p. 351).</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />Parley P. Pratt chose joy and the presence of the Spirit at the martyrdom of Joseph Smith, when he was “weighed down as it were unto death.”</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />Hark Lee and Green Flake sang and danced their way across the plains, though they were slaves.</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />Helen Mar Whitney chose to rejoice in nature, rather than whine about sore feet.</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br />We would do well to carry the optimism after tragedy that these saints possessed. Paraphrasing the words of Irene Hascall,<span><span style="color: blue;"> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe;">“[We] would if [we] could see the future.”</span></span></div><div><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span></span></div>Nancy Wyatt Jensenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14758524730006544116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706071451857400135.post-50547697272763842852021-11-21T08:03:00.001-08:002021-11-24T08:24:45.194-08:00Doctrine and Covenants 135<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">PARALLELS IN THE LIVES OF JESUS CHRIST AND JOSEPH SMITH</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;"><i>I suggest you read the list below without the title and ask your class who is being described. If you want more participation, print out and cut up the items and pass them among class members to read aloud.</i></span></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">He was foreordained and his mission was prophecied of thousands of years before his birth. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">He was born of goodly parents and raised in a righteous home.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">He was born into poverty and stayed poor all of his life.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">He had many siblings.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">As a young teen, his spiritual vision confounded and surpassed that of religious leaders of the day.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">He traveled through the country preaching the new truths of the gospel.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">He depended upon others for room and board.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">He trained twelve apostles to help in the ministry.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">His actions directly affected our salvation</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">He called those who followed him "brothers" and "friends."</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">He treated children, women, and minorities with unusual kindness (for the culture in which he lived).</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">He revolutionized religion and by so doing alienated himself from religious leaders.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">He was subject to temptation but was not overcome.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">He was never allowed much privacy because of his fame.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">He performed many miracles: healing the sick, giving sight to the blind, casting out devils.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">He was visited by angels.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">He was betrayed by friends.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">He was tried illegally and unjustly, convicted of crimes he did not commit.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">He prophesied of his own death repeatedly, yet it was still a shock to his followers.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">He went of his own free will to his death.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">He was comforted by friends and the singing of hymns in his last hours.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">He was martyred in the prime of his life, leaving his widowed mother to the care of others.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">The church was in turmoil at his death.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">At the time of his death, his vision for the church was only in its infancy.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">After his death, he appeared to church leaders to give them added counsel and direction.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">No one who met him had a neutral opinion of him: they either loved him or despised him, or sometimes they did both--one after the other.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">Some who testified passionately of his divine calling later denied the testimony.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">He forgave even those who turned against him or persecuted him even unto death.</span></span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">EYE-WITNESS DESCRIPTIONS OF JOSEPH SMITH </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">Parley P. Pratt described Joseph Smith thus:</span> </span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;">"President Joseph Smith was in person tall and well built, strong and active, of light complexion, light hair, blue eyes, very little beard, and of an expression peculiar to himself, on which the eye naturally rested with interest, and was never weary of beholding. His countenance was ever mild, affable, beaming with intelligence and benevolence; mingled with a look of interest and an unconscious smile, or cheerfulness, and entirely free from all restraint or affectation of gravity; and there was something connected with this serene and steady penetrating glance of his eye, as if he would penetrate the deepest abyss of the human heart, gaze into eternity, penetrate the heavens, and comprehend all worlds.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;">"He possessed a noble boldness and independence of character; his manner was easy and familiar; his rebuke terrible as the lion; his benevolence unbounded as the ocean; his intelligence universal, and his language abounding in original eloquence peculiar to himself--not polished--not studied--not smoothed and softened by education and refined by art; but flowing forth in its own native simplicity, and profusely abounding in variety of subject and manner. He interested and edified, while, at the same time, he amused and entertained his audience; and none listened to him that were ever weary with his discourse. I have even known him to retain a congregation of willing and anxious listeners for many hours together, in the midst of cold or sunshine, rain or wind, while they were laughing at one moment and weeping the next. Even his most bitter enemies were generally overcome, if he could once get their ears" <span style="color: black;">(Parley P. Pratt, <i>Autobiography of Parley P. Pratt, </i>p. 31-32).</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">A former mayor of Boston, Josiah Quincy, who visited Joseph Smith just a few months before Joseph was killed wrote: </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">"It is by no means improbable that some future textbook for the use of generations yet unborn will contain a question like this: What historical American of the nineteenth century has exerted the most powerful influence upon the destinies of his countrymen? And it is by no means impossible that the answer to that interrogatory may be thus written: Joseph Smith, the Mormon Prophet. And the reply, as absurd as it doubtless seems to most men now living, may be an obvious commonplace to their descendants...Fanatic, imposter, charlatan, he may have been; but these hard names furnish no solution to the problem he presents to us.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">"Born in the lowest ranks of poverty, without book-learning, and with the homeliest of all human names, he had made himself at the age of 39 a power upon earth, His influence, whether for good or for evil, is potent today, and the end is not yet. If the reader does not known just what to make of Joseph Smith, I cannot help him out of the difficulty. I myself stand helpless before the puzzle" <span style="color: black;">(B.H. Roberts, <i>A Comprehensive History of the Church, </i>2:349-50, also quoted in Kelly, <i>Latter-day History..., </i>p. 271).</span></span></span></span><br />
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A correspondent to the New York <i>Herald</i> stopped by Nauvoo, a place he called the nucleus of a Western Empire, and wrote the following description of the prophet:<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">"Joseph Smith, the president of the Church, prophet, seer and revelator, is 36 years of age, six feet high in [heels], weighing 212 pounds. He is a man of the highest order of talent and great independence of character--firm in integrity, and devoted to his religion; in fact, he is a <i>per-se</i>, as President Tyler would say. As a public speaker he is bold, powerful and convincing<i>...</i>as a leader, wise and prudent, yet fearless as a military commander; brave and determined as a citizen, worthy, affable and kind; bland in his manners, and of noble bearing. His amiable lady, too, the <i>electa cyria, </i>is a woman of superior intellect and exemplary piety--in every respect suited to her situation in society, as the wife of one of the most accomplished and powerful chiefs of the age.</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394;">"Hyrum Smith, the patriarch of the Church and brother of Joseph, is 42 years of age, five feet, eleven and a half inches high, weighing 193 pounds. He, too, is a prophet, seer and revelator, and is one of the most pious and devout Christians in the world. He is a man of great wisdom and superior excellence, possessing great energy of character and originality of thought"</span> (Holzapfel, <i>A Woman's View: Helen Mary Whitney's Reminiscences of Early Church History, </i>p. 147-148).<br />
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<i>There is an excellent church video that coordinates with this lesson that could be played at this point: "Joseph Smith: The Prophet of the Restoration" from the video collection "Teachings from the Doctrine and Covenants and Church History." (This is not the hour-long movie the church made, but a 13-minute clip. Please see Lanise's comment at the end of this post for directions on downloading it from the Church's website. Thanks, Lanise!)</i><br />
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DISCUSSION<br />
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What impresses you the most about Joseph Smith?<br />
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THE PROPHET'S HYMN<br />
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In conclusion, you may want to sing, or have performed, the hymn "Praise to the Man." The lyricist of this hymn was William W. Phelps. Brother Phelps had been a stalwart member of the church, helping to print The Book of Commandments, The Doctrine and Covenants, and the first hymnbook, contributing $500 to the building of the Kirtland Temple, and writing "The Spirit of God" for its dedication, but when questions arose regarding his mismanagement of the purchase of lands in Missouri for the Saints, he was excommunicated. For two years, he was one of the Prophet's bitterest enemies, inflicting great harm upon the church and contributing substantially to a sentence to prison. But Brother Phelps fast realized his error and sought forgiveness in a letter to Joseph Smith. President Smith read the letter to the congregation of the church and then sent this reply to him:<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">"It is true, that we have suffered much in consequence of your behavior--the cup of gall, already full enough for mortals to drink, was indeed filled to overflowing when you turned against us...'Had it been an enemy, we could have borne it'...'Come on, dear brother, since the war is past, For friends at first, are friends again at last..."</span> (quoted in Gordon B. Hinckley, <a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2006/04/the-need-for-greater-kindness?lang=eng">April 2006 General Conference</a>; also see Susan E. Black, <i>Who's Who in the Doctrine and Covenants, </i>p. 224-225).<br />
<br />
Elder Phelps once again began publishing for the prophet, served as his spokesman, and rode with the prophet to Carthage, also visiting him in the Carthage Jail on the morning of his death. Shortly after the martyrdom, he wrote this hymn.<br />
<br />
<i>Praise to the Man </i>is Hymn no. 27 available at this <a href="https://www.lds.org/music/library/hymns/praise-to-the-man?lang=eng">link</a>. Many lovely recordings of the hymn can be found on YouTube, including one by the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZ2mf4n3OO0">MTC Choir</a> (5 minutes long).<br />
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FURTHER RESOURCE<br />
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<i>Wikipedia has an article which contains a lot of historical details about the martyrdom at this <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_of_Joseph_Smith">link</a></i>.Nancy Wyatt Jensenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14758524730006544116noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706071451857400135.post-35370838474426476042021-11-15T14:48:00.009-08:002021-11-16T11:15:01.015-08:00Doctrine and Covenants 133-134 <p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">THE ELEPHANT IN THE SECTION</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Rather than providing lesson material for all of Sections 133-134, this post will focus solely on the verse in Section 134 that "Come, Follow Me" did not mention: </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="background-color: white;">"...we do not believe it right to interfere with </span><a class="study-note-ref" data-scroll-id="note12b" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/134?lang=eng#note12b" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><sup class="marker" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: normal; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">b</sup>bond-servants</a><span style="background-color: white;">, neither preach the gospel to, nor baptize them contrary to the will and wish of their masters, nor to meddle with or influence them in the least to cause them to be dissatisfied with their situations in this life, thereby jeopardizing the lives of men; such interference we believe to be unlawful and unjust, and dangerous to the peace of every government allowing human beings to be held in </span><a class="study-note-ref" data-scroll-id="note12c" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/134?lang=eng#note12c" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><sup class="marker" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: normal; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">c</sup>servitude</a>"</span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> </span>(D&C 134:12).</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">I'm sure you all know that "bond-servants" is a euphamism for "slaves." </span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Wow. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white;">I don't feel competent to address this topic. I'm Danish and English. I don't have the perspective of Black or Native American Saints. </span><span style="background-color: white;">None of my ancestors were enslaved. I recently discovered one was a slaveholder, which appalls me!</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;">But despite my lack of experience, I feel it would be worse to ignore this verse than to write something with flaws. So if you are Black or Native American, please give me your grace as you read my bumbling efforts, and please feel free to share any helpful insights or perspectives in the comments (if you are on a computer--phones don't have the option).</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">THE CRIME OF SLAVERY</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Today when we discover someone has been held captive and forced to labor for another (a case of which was just discovered today by police in my home state of Utah), we are aghast, appalled, incensed, and our stomachs literally turn. And rightly so! It's insane for "civilized," "cultured," rich, educated people to think that it is okay to enslave others to do their bidding.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span>And yet, in 1835, not only tradition but scientific evidence</span></span><span style="background-color: white;"> supported the "fact" that there was a natural human hierarchy: that whites, Blacks, and Native Americans were all completely different "races," and one of those was fit to be the master (even master/benefactor!) of the others, one was fit for hard labor, and one was simply savage. And since the Bible advised slaves to obey their masters, religion could back it up as well. (For example, see Ephesians 6:5.)</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">The truth is that the economy of the cotton plantations and a few other industries absolutely depended on free labor to flourish. The truth is that the white colonists needed free land upon which to expand their farms and cities. The truth is that when a civilization thinks it needs something morally reprehensible, it finds justification for it. And the truth is that when an ethnic group is oppressed, they behave in a way that justifies the belief that they are inferior. For example, it was illegal in almost every state of the Union to teach an enslaved person to read, for fear that they would be able to use words as tools and weapons to rise above their "station." (See, for example: <a href="http://www.historyisaweapon.com/defcon1/slaveprohibit.html" target="_blank">North Carolina law</a>.) White people knew in their hearts that their slaves had reason to be deadly angry with them. If Latter-day Saint missionaries shared the gospel with slaves, they would teach them to read the Book of Mormon, they would give them potential tools of rebellion. The economy absolutely required Blacks to remain illiterate. And since enslaved Blacks remained illiterate, they seemed less intelligent.</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">In many ways, the world has become more evil as time goes on. But in many ways, it has become much, much better. The fact that a scripture like this would never, ever be found among the writings of the leaders of any but the most extreme religions today is reason to rejoice. The fact that a religion in most countries of the world, certainly in the western world, would never need to consider how to deal with converts who had not the legal freedom to choose anything but their own thoughts is reason to rejoice. Although I would love to meet the Prophet Joseph Smith, I would never want to live in the society of Joseph Smith's day. Joseph Smith became more and more opposed to slavery as his life progressed, making manumission (the gradual freeing of enslaved people--considered by many a safer and more manageable solution for both Blacks and whites than abolition) part of his platform as a candidate for United States President, but the membership of the Church was still mostly European. He had a pretty homogenous population to work with. </span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">SLAVERY IN UTAH</span></span></p><p><span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">When Brigham Young led the Church, the issue of racism became more pronounced because there was a large group of Southern families from Mississippi who joined the Church. Naturally, they had slaves. Slavery was the biggest political issue in the United States--so big that it would later cause the deadliest war in the United States. Although the body of the Church moved west and completely escaped the horrors of the Civil War, they took some racist ideas with them. In fact, they took some actual slaveholders with them: those Mississippi Saints. Some of these Church members did not free their slaves. They had never known life without servants; perhaps they did not know how to live without them. Definitely they were wrong in keeping slaves--all of us know this today--but even Brigham Young thought slavery had Biblical precedence and went with the prevailing opinion that slavery was okay with God, as long as masters treated their slaves kindly.</span></span></p><p><span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Crazy, right?</span></span></p><p><span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Blacks were not the only enslaved people in Utah. </span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: #ffffef;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">"The arrival of the pioneers in 1847 disrupted a thriving trade in Native American slaves. Utah-based Indians, particularly Chief Walkar’s band of Utes, served as procurers and middlemen in a slave-trading network that extended from Santa Fe, New Mexico, to Los Angeles, California, and involved Spanish, Mexican, American, and Native American traders" (<a href="https://historytogo.utah.gov/slavery/" target="_blank">History To Go</a>).</span></span></p><p><span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> Brigham Young advised the Saints to buy Native children who were offered for sale in order to give them a better life and raise them in the gospel. They were going to be sold anyway, and this way they would be in a safer, kindlier place. One chief brutally murdered an infant in front of settlers when they refused to purchase the child, then blamed them for its death. No one wanted that to happen again! But by buying the children--into either adoption or temporary servitude--the white Utahns unwittingly increased the slave trade.</span></span></p><p><span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">THE PRIESTHOOD BAN</span></span></p><p><span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">The policy that evolved into banning Blacks from priesthood ordination, including temple familial priesthood, was based on racist traditions and interracial conflict. It was unfair. It was hurtful to many. It took place within a society that was poorly informed and ill-equipped to be fair.</span></span></p><p><span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">We know that Church leaders have made mistakes because they are imperfect humans, but we beg to ask, "Why would God not intervene and give a revelation on it?" My best answer is that He did intervene, but in His timeframe, which seems really, really slow in our timeframe because His intervention will not supercede agency, even the agency of an entire culture. (Read my thoughts on the priesthood ban <a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2009/11/lesson-42-continuing-revelation.html" target="_blank">here</a>.)</span></span></p><p><span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white;">It is absolutely impossible to understand the past without living in it. And yet we must learn from the past in order to improve the future.</span><span style="background-color: white;"> We</span><span style="background-color: white;"> Saints are sorely flawed and will continue to make mistakes as did the Saints of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. </span><span style="background-color: white;">Let's just make sure they are not the same ones. Look around your ward, neighborhood, school, workplace! Make sure everyone is valued, everyone is included, everyone is heard. </span><span style="background-color: white;">Sometimes the best thing we can do is consider that our assumptions or traditions might be wrong, and then listen without our defenses up. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white;">One thing is sure: The gospel is the way to lasting joy for everyone. We are more alike than we are different, and in 2021, with global travel and instant communication, we are more alike than we have ever been throughout history. We must avoid polarization. There is only one race of humans. There is only one family of God. We are all on the same team. Let's embrace everyone equally and celebrate the uniqueness of each child of God. </span><span style="background-color: white;">In the heavens, all will be made more than fair--all will be made glorious through Christ.</span></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTjBYnxTzUyh6RxrrDJPj-IrtTVx8lHlE9PTSrP-LJJVjnfvO1YgrMoi25z_XtaL1WZDzVY-Mk4X_y_lAasb0xIxvm7q8popQxrSoo82XlB8I7SaZqLePKcDK14YJNGLnkWCd6aTzEoFMb/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTjBYnxTzUyh6RxrrDJPj-IrtTVx8lHlE9PTSrP-LJJVjnfvO1YgrMoi25z_XtaL1WZDzVY-Mk4X_y_lAasb0xIxvm7q8popQxrSoo82XlB8I7SaZqLePKcDK14YJNGLnkWCd6aTzEoFMb/" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">(Picture from Church Media collection)</span></div><p></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #3a3a3a; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #3a3a3a; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 17.5px; margin: 0px;"><br /></p>Nancy Wyatt Jensenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14758524730006544116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706071451857400135.post-54536518841876094522021-11-07T15:11:00.001-08:002021-11-07T15:11:34.366-08:00Doctrine and Covenants 129-132<p class="verse" data-aid="128362753" id="p20" style="--height: 96.6875px; background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0.65em; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Section 130 contains one of my favorite scriptures of all time:</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: red;">"There is a law, irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundations of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated--and when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated"</span> (D&C 130:20-21).</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">I love how this scripture teaches that God rewards those who keep His laws, even if they do not know they are keeping God's laws. Many people consider they are being rewarded by "the universe" or by the "Law of Attraction," but they are merely receiving the fruits of obeying the laws set in motion by God. He loves all His children and provides means for them to learn His laws and obtain as much happiness as they are willing to receive. His children in all cultures and times learn a measure of these laws as they see the results. I love knowing that we are not the only people who are blessed by keeping God's laws.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">God rewards those who keep His laws even if those laws are temporary, as in the case of plural marriage. This was an extremely difficult commandment to obey, and many people obeyed it even though doing so demanded that they give up some of their dearest hopes and dreams.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">For Section 132 and the practice of plural marriage in the history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I point to contributions by three women scholars--one in a written essay, one in an audio podcast, and one in a YouTube video. All three have come to the same conclusion after their studies on the subject--that polygamy was a temporary exception to the Lord's law of monogamy, an "Abrahamic sacrifice"--and I invite you to choose any one of the three to read, hear, or watch. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMyVgv5296cu0ljD_IdYcrSSbtLaf5fGVYll1M8NEUFG1ZNdZI7K3Z8XDSmw4df9pg6pHagun8cdvf-w_ojjAjtPiHNGYD_ADTn7zhFV8EfWyoWiT9LPQtIcUOyeXgOC_kyo8U9PGjrh2u/s711/36dfbaef48074ece00902132ff1db45a--mormon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="711" data-original-width="474" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMyVgv5296cu0ljD_IdYcrSSbtLaf5fGVYll1M8NEUFG1ZNdZI7K3Z8XDSmw4df9pg6pHagun8cdvf-w_ojjAjtPiHNGYD_ADTn7zhFV8EfWyoWiT9LPQtIcUOyeXgOC_kyo8U9PGjrh2u/s320/36dfbaef48074ece00902132ff1db45a--mormon.jpg" width="213" /></span></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Valerie Hudson Cassler,<a href="https://www.squaretwo.org/Sq2ArticleCasslerPolygamy.html" target="_blank"> "Polygamy," </a><i>Square Two Journal: </i>Volume 3, Number 10, Spring 2010</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-0Tet_7uBC-FcGT0xaHNQkvi2Y7uhNMrsGmb4qwS2oZSf3oS67Ay2kIwE_MqwYHnS6_0-Ppn3-oapGr5l77MByVsiGwrJkwRc8XpasCH1xCft_kvYpZcfvuDah_CJ84oKncl97i97fMTW/s800/KHheadshot20201009-2B9A0935-2-e1603377088802-800x400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="800" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-0Tet_7uBC-FcGT0xaHNQkvi2Y7uhNMrsGmb4qwS2oZSf3oS67Ay2kIwE_MqwYHnS6_0-Ppn3-oapGr5l77MByVsiGwrJkwRc8XpasCH1xCft_kvYpZcfvuDah_CJ84oKncl97i97fMTW/s320/KHheadshot20201009-2B9A0935-2-e1603377088802-800x400.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Kate Holbrook, <a href="https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/26e1cfdf-ff1f-4747-b8bb-735ad1730354/episodes/c5fcef5a-bfb0-4032-b5e4-46972e923e83/follow-him-a-come-follow-me-podcast-featuring-hank-smith-john-bytheway-doctrine-covenants-129-132-part-2-dr-kate-holbrook?refMarker=dm_wcp_af_r&ref=dm_sh_eJKlEPxHpm5cm9aGDeck2tZA5&returnFromLogin=1&" target="_blank">"Follow Him" podcast</a>, with Hank Smith & John Bytheway, November 6, 2021</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV2UDvtSmqdmO8ZJHSSLMJvISBd2smBj1hK-VxIwdR8JTGedYNjCEJVKj88HfEDEhmaKhwD4FJ10UfNV6DEr7_AVXYineXL7kufNxmQLm5OvuVW6GMk-HxLnOGtjRIURSSGtoW-2MDQE4o/s575/Wilson_Lynne_Hilton_Author_pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="575" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV2UDvtSmqdmO8ZJHSSLMJvISBd2smBj1hK-VxIwdR8JTGedYNjCEJVKj88HfEDEhmaKhwD4FJ10UfNV6DEr7_AVXYineXL7kufNxmQLm5OvuVW6GMk-HxLnOGtjRIURSSGtoW-2MDQE4o/s320/Wilson_Lynne_Hilton_Author_pic.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Lynne Hilton Wilson, <a href="Hard Questions in Church History with Lynne Hilton Wilson: Week 46b (D&C 132, Nov 8-14)" target="_blank">"Hard Questions in Church History, Episode 46b: The Law of Plural Marriage,"</a> Doctrine & Covenants Central, October 28, 2021</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">I have great-grandmothers in my family tree who were second or third wives in polygamous families. Their lives were very difficult, but they still experienced the blessings of the gospel and the joy of the Saints. Their children were great blessings to them and grew to live righteous and faithful lives. These women lived as they believed and were blessed by the Lord for their sacrifices. I honor their lives. I wouldn't trade places with them, however I'm not sure they would trade places with me. Each of us has our own challenges in this life, but one thing is sure: the Lord blesses us as we seek to obey his commandments.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">I'm grateful that today the New and Everlasting Covenant of Marriage has reverted to the standard of one man and one woman, and I'm grateful for the sealing power of the temple in making those marriages eternal. I recently discovered this darling photograph in my mother-in-law's photo album, depicting my husband (the oldest child) and his family just after they were sealed in the Logan Temple. I am also grateful that there are so many more temples today that a struggling young family living in Delaware is no longer in the Logan Temple district, and I'm so happy that 134 more temples are being built or planned in the world today.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR2uYK0x2i03vMJC0FDjBsJx1_DzUO_I7ysiX54t7RDxNbv-_j-NhWJAZVT1DMDTZ-oS8qLFAhBkfjcTfB03hSeyBQZkTd_47BKhJxjRuumGTRwMdaPp40CnTHFSMr-BtjAnotNygxRLXw/s2048/gary+family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1990" data-original-width="2048" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR2uYK0x2i03vMJC0FDjBsJx1_DzUO_I7ysiX54t7RDxNbv-_j-NhWJAZVT1DMDTZ-oS8qLFAhBkfjcTfB03hSeyBQZkTd_47BKhJxjRuumGTRwMdaPp40CnTHFSMr-BtjAnotNygxRLXw/s320/gary+family.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p>Nancy Wyatt Jensenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14758524730006544116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706071451857400135.post-18703292101181078862021-10-31T06:58:00.001-08:002021-10-31T06:58:19.196-08:00Doctrine and Covenants 125-128: Baptism for the Dead<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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VICARIOUS ORDINANCE WORK IN EARLY CHURCH HISTORY</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh83Dj7KF40KaKSj1Wpa8zMzkKi7ZsPXmMeZwtwjEEXuhngCY7oD6_aF_Sga9BXsZkw3LrxF082wOLvtPrtYGoXe1MDBdnAzKig-lZrlQZ6aZRxAFYgHWN-mxvuQEXADA5Q3p8QU0GGDcw8/s1600/Temple_Doors_by_Jennasis.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh83Dj7KF40KaKSj1Wpa8zMzkKi7ZsPXmMeZwtwjEEXuhngCY7oD6_aF_Sga9BXsZkw3LrxF082wOLvtPrtYGoXe1MDBdnAzKig-lZrlQZ6aZRxAFYgHWN-mxvuQEXADA5Q3p8QU0GGDcw8/s400/Temple_Doors_by_Jennasis.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Love this gorgeous photo of the Nauvoo Temple doors</i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<i>I found on <a href="http://jennasis.deviantart.com/art/Temple-Doors-156239430">DeviantArt</a>. </i><u> </u></div>
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<u>The Funeral of Seymour Brunson</u></div>
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<b><span style="color: red;">D&C 124:127-130.</span></b><span style="color: red;"> I
give unto you my servant Brigham Young to be a president over the Twelve
traveling council; Which Twelve hold the keys to open up the authority of my
kingdom upon the four corners of the earth, and after that to send my word to
every creature. They are Heber C. Kimball, Parley P. Pratt, Orson Pratt, Orson
Hyde, William Smith, John Taylor, John E. Page, Wilford Woodruff, Willard
Richards, George A. Smith; David Patten I have taken unto myself; behold, his
priesthood no man taketh from him; but, verily I say unto you, another may be
appointed unto the same calling. </span>The 11 living apostles are named, and
the Lord states that he has received David Patten, the apostle killed at
Crooked River, unto himself and that he still retains his priesthood on the
other side of the veil.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="color: red;">D&C 124:131-132. </span></b><span style="color: red;">And
again, I say unto you, I give unto you a high council, for the cornerstone of
Zion—Namely, Samuel Bent, Henry G. Sherwood, George W. Harris, Charles C. Rich,
Thomas Grover, Newel Knight, David Dort, Dunbar Wilson—Seymour Brunson I have
taken unto myself; no man taketh his priesthood, but another may be appointed
unto the same priesthood in his stead; and verily I say unto you, let my
servant Aaron Johnson be ordained unto this calling in his stead—David Fullmer,
Alpheus Cutler, William Huntington. </span>The high councilors are named, and
the Lord states that he has received Seymour Brunson of that council, unto
himself, and that he also retains his priesthood on the other side of the veil.</div>
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Seymour Brunson was a veteran of the war of 1812, who
gave his life in the service of God. He was baptized at the age of 30 by
Soloman Hancock. (The one who wrote the cute little poem, “Once I was a
Methodist, Glory Hallelujah…”) He immediately served a mission, and was sad to
observe the persecution of those he baptized. After he moved to Kirtland, he
experienced this type of thing firsthand.<span style="color: #0b5394;"> “He was physically attacked and
captured by mobbers, and only narrowly escaped by putting his shoes on backward
to mislead his pursuers and treading lightly through the snow.” </span>Eventually he
made it through the persecutions to dwell in safety in Illinois, but he chose
to return to Missouri to try to help Parley P. Pratt escape from prison. He was
not successful, but by being on this journey, he was able to help the Joseph
Smith Sr. family get safely ferried across the Mississippi to Illinois. He only
lived two more years after the Missouri persecution. He served on the Nauvoo
high council, in the Nauvoo Legion, as a colonel in the Hancock County militia,
and as a body guard for Joseph Smith. In July of 1840, he became overly chilled
after herding cattle, got very ill, and died on the 10<sup>th</sup> of August
in the home of Joseph Smith. He was 40 years old.</div>
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What is so interesting to consider when reading those two
passages of scripture which we just read, is that in Heber C. Kimball’s account
of Seymour’s death, he said, <span style="color: #0b5394;">“Seymour Brunson is gone. David Patten came after
him. The room was full of angels that came…to waft him home.”</span></div>
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Seymour was very well-loved and had many mourners. The
procession to the gravesite, according to Brother Kimball, was a mile long.
Joseph Smith chose this very poignant occasion, attended by a very large crowd,
honoring a faithful servant of the Lord, to introduce a wonderful doctrine: Baptism
for the dead. How marvelous that he chose this occasion! Those in attendance
were lifted from sorrow to great joy. Vilate Kimball said that she had never
seen anything more joyful than the funeral procession to Seymour Brunson’s
burial, <span style="color: #0b5394;">“on account of the glory that Joseph set forth.”</span> (All this information from Susan E. Black, <i>Who's Who in the Doctrine and Covenants</i>,
p. 36-38)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjfow0Xwpy5XzSAafX3zkFP2Hdiw3VbY7j3PKxR7cvAj5pL4oMtoci4akkDhy53h4tGoOww_w63gRm39Aar6pG3wclJk3bfITJO5Y9Lmu3wnTik_hoayrIVCB7PPb6pRRxW6ibGAJzqkVI/s1600/SeymourBrunsonGrave.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjfow0Xwpy5XzSAafX3zkFP2Hdiw3VbY7j3PKxR7cvAj5pL4oMtoci4akkDhy53h4tGoOww_w63gRm39Aar6pG3wclJk3bfITJO5Y9Lmu3wnTik_hoayrIVCB7PPb6pRRxW6ibGAJzqkVI/s1600/SeymourBrunsonGrave.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Probably every person at the funeral had experienced the
death of an immediate family member, more likely the deaths of <i>several</i> immediate family members. And
the Church having been organized only 10 years, many of these had not received
baptism before they died. Baptisms for the dead began immediately, before any
order could be established, because the joy and enthusiasm of the people was so
impatient. Following the funeral sermon, Jane Neyman asked Harvey Olmstead to
baptize her in the Mississippi River in behalf of her son Cyrus, who had died
at the age of 14. Many others did the same. Vilate Kimball wrote in a letter to
Heber C., <span style="color: #0b5394;">“Since this order has been preached here, the waters have been
continually troubled. During conference there were sometimes from 8 to 10
elders in the river at a time baptizing.”</span> (Jeni & Richard Holzapfel, editors, <i>A Woman's View: Helen Mar Whitney's Reminiscences of Early Church History</i>, p. 179)<br />
Wilford
Woodruff recorded that the brethren barely had time to eat or rest, since they
were constantly in the river, baptizing people for their loved ones who had
died. Emma Smith was among the first to participate. She had received word that
both her parents had died, so she was baptized for them, as well as her uncle,
her sister and several aunts. (Gracia N. Jones, <i>Emma and Joseph: Their Divine Mission</i>, p. 222)<br />
Later,
the guideline was set forth that you had to be the same sex as the person whose
work you were doing, so those who were not done that way were redone.</div>
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<u>Commandment to Build a Temple</u></div>
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The following January, 1841 was when Section 124 was
received, in which the saints were commanded to build the Nauvoo Temple for the performance of baptisms for the dead. <b><span style="color: red;">D&C 124:28-31. </span></b><span style="color: red;">For there is not a place found on earth that he may come to
and restore again that which was lost unto you, or which he hath taken away,
even the fulness of the priesthood. For a baptismal font there is not upon the
earth, that they, my saints, may be baptized for those who are dead— For this
ordinance belongeth to my house, and cannot be acceptable to me [outside a temple], only in the days
of your poverty, wherein ye are not able to build a house unto me. But I
command you, all ye my saints, to build a house unto me; and I grant unto you a
sufficient time to build a house unto me; and during this time your baptisms
shall be acceptable unto me. </span><br />
Outdoor baptisms for the dead continued
until October 3<sup>rd</sup> of that year when Joseph said that they now needed
to wait until they could do it in the temple. The baptismal font was dedicated
the next month. </div>
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<u>Elijah Fordham, Builder of the Font</u></div>
July 22, 1839 was the day
of miraculous healing at the site of the future town of Nauvoo. Many, many of
the saints were deathly ill with malaria. Joseph Smith called upon the Lord in
mighty prayer, and went forth to heal all those that he and his wife were
caring for in their home and in tents in their yard. Then he continued on
through the makeshift community and into Montrose. He went to Brigham Young’s
and healed him; he called Wilford Woodruff along after passing by his door. Without a word,
they crossed the city square and entered the house of Elijah Fordham. Elijah
was within minutes of death; he was speechless and unconscious. After rousing
him and speaking with him briefly, Joseph commanded him in the name of Jesus of
Nazareth to rise up and walk. Elijah immediately was healed, and jumped up out
of bed, kicking off his foot poultices, asked for some bread and milk, and
after consuming it, put on his hat and continued along with them down the
street to heal others.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwyni_dSkkSgwhoEq4lSiDd32ReOQt0_2WICwSojKBCXHHKkVeKsa3UL-NA1M5uz7ZyxzCKKPpSC1gA0tkTzYtSwYGVyURXtjCEUvr0rqkRPl1PiR44au70vIKo-So-HkNoy88ZIbTMxaY/s1600/Elijah-Fordham_PPM_pg233e.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwyni_dSkkSgwhoEq4lSiDd32ReOQt0_2WICwSojKBCXHHKkVeKsa3UL-NA1M5uz7ZyxzCKKPpSC1gA0tkTzYtSwYGVyURXtjCEUvr0rqkRPl1PiR44au70vIKo-So-HkNoy88ZIbTMxaY/s1600/Elijah-Fordham_PPM_pg233e.jpg" width="246" /></a></div>
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The baptismal font in the basement of the Nauvoo Temple
was mounted on 12 oxen and built of Wisconsin pine by Elijah Fordham.
Apparently his healing blessing “stuck,” as he outlived all those who were
there to witness it. He died in 1879 in Wellsville, Utah.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi36wEfRmHdvXxA7ylSMa2kTKlNvvS2o6sqJt0LiUsYTLOOYrJGyRv1AdZSIgu3h0xrLF4MVgrWgIqCH49OxMwzvKVNmRf1ZjhyOs0RrLBwu1JWW4vpwRIrO9bOEkCPUb1IkB96L2nbr00D/s1600/20170529_114858.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi36wEfRmHdvXxA7ylSMa2kTKlNvvS2o6sqJt0LiUsYTLOOYrJGyRv1AdZSIgu3h0xrLF4MVgrWgIqCH49OxMwzvKVNmRf1ZjhyOs0RrLBwu1JWW4vpwRIrO9bOEkCPUb1IkB96L2nbr00D/s320/20170529_114858.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Gravestone of Elijah Fordham, in Wellsville Cemetery</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi06ic6LE2JNtA_T-q7qv0GY9bXADjNpioaOEeaZmTBylDtDjYPIQxP313zVbTnGyVgE8ab0M7FJk6L7HVHMxj_lr5IP55eDTEYutEcsiggnxZ1PDZ3g1xvFYVkXnCh83dDcLgiZ-pAi4Fj/s1600/IMGNauvooSite.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi06ic6LE2JNtA_T-q7qv0GY9bXADjNpioaOEeaZmTBylDtDjYPIQxP313zVbTnGyVgE8ab0M7FJk6L7HVHMxj_lr5IP55eDTEYutEcsiggnxZ1PDZ3g1xvFYVkXnCh83dDcLgiZ-pAi4Fj/s400/IMGNauvooSite.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Just for fun: a picture of my husband and me with our first five children, standing on the remains of the baptismal font at the Nauvoo Temple foundation site in 1997.</i></div>
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<i>Who knew then that it would be back before these kids were grown?</i></div>
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<i>Below: the rebuilt font</i></div>
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<i>Our youngest four children at the entrance</i></div>
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<i>to the rebuilt Nauvoo Temple in 2006.</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<u>Samuel Rolfe, Temple Carpenter and Assistant
Doorkeeper</u></div>
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<b><span style="color: red;">D&C 124:142. </span></b><span style="color: red;">And
again, I say unto you, Samuel Rolfe and his counselors for priests, and the
president of the teachers and his counselors, and also the president of the
deacons and his counselors, and also the president of the stake and his
counselors. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: red;"></span>Thomas B. Marsh, an apostle who had
become a bitter apostate over a pint of cream, upon returning to the Church
with a broken and repentant heart, quoted David from the Bible and said, <span style="color: #0b5394;">“I
would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of God than to dwell in the tents of
wickedness.”</span> (Black, p. 189) Well, Samuel Rolfe was the personification of that
desire. In fact, he was not even a doorkeeper in the house of God, he was an <i>assistant</i> doorkeeper of the Kirtland
Temple. He was not a prominent figure in church history. But he was always
steadily serving where he could. When in December of 1835, the Prophet Joseph
was in financial distress, several of the brethren gave him money. The Prophet
was so grateful, he itemized them and their donations in his <i>History of the Church </i>and wrote along
with it, <span style="color: #0b5394;">“My heart swells with gratitude inexpressible when I realize the great
condescension of the heavenly Father, in opening the hearts of these my beloved
brethren to administer so liberally to my wants. And I ask God, in the name of
Jesus Christ, to multiply blessings without number upon their heads…And whether
my days are many or few, whether in life or in death, I say in my heart, O
Lord, let me enjoy the society of such brethren.”</span> Elijah Fordham and Samuel
Rolfe are both on that list, Elijah having given $5.25, and Samuel $1.25. (Joseph Smith, <i>History of the Church</i>
2:327) At the time, Samuel was a carpenter, working on the Kirtland Temple.</div>
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<br /></div>
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When the saints began the Nauvoo Temple, Samuel was
called to be one of the full-time carpenters there as well. The Nauvoo Temple was finished and dedicated room by room
and story by story. The baptismal font, which Elijah Fordham had built, was in
the basement to symbolize dying before being reborn, and therefore it was the first part
completed. A very unusual blessing took place there for Samuel Rolfe. He was
seriously afflicted with a “felon,” an acute and painful inflammation of the
deeper tissues of a finger. This would, of course, be a real problem for a
carpenter working on the temple. <span> </span>Samuel
Rolfe apparently did not keep a journal, nor did any of his descendants write
his history, as far as we know, but according to Edward Stevenson’s biography,
Samuel Rolfe was promised that if he would dip his finger in the baptismal
font, he would be healed. He did so, and was healed.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Just before Joseph’s death, he asked for volunteers to go
west scouting for a new home for the Saints. Samuel was one of the few who
volunteered. Because of the martyrdom, they did not go. Instead Samuel served
as a bishop in Winter Quarters, and a captain of a pioneer company. He died in
Utah at the age of 72. (Black, p. 250-251)</div>
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<u>The Triumph of the Nauvoo Temple</u></div>
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Samuel Rolfe and Elijah Fordham are two of the many, many
early Saints who did a great work behind the scenes. The Nauvoo Temple itself
did not last. Although ordinances were performed in each room as it was
finished and dedicated, the entire temple wasn’t finally dedicated until May 1<sup>st</sup>,
1846, after most of the saints had already left Nauvoo, and as you can see by
the For Sale sign, it was placed on the market that very month. A few years
later, an arsonist burned it down, and the stones were gradually carted away to
be used in other buildings in the area.</div>
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But it was not a tragedy, it was a triumph. Because of
the temple-building efforts of Samuel and Elijah and the others, many members
of the Church were able to have the great joy of receiving their temple
ordinances, and being baptized for their deceased family members before they
headed out west. It would be 31 years before there would be another temple on
the earth (in St. George, Utah).</div>
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GENEALOGY AND ORDINANCE WORK IN OUR DAY</div>
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<u>One Genealogist’s Dream</u></div>
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Fast forward to the year 2001. On February 20th, in Lindon, Utah a church member named Natalie Harris had a remarkable
dream. She saw a lone Black man. Turning and looking back, she saw a huge line
of Black people. She said, <span style="color: #0b5394;">“I go up to the man leaning against the wall and
say, 'I know what you want,' and then I turn and all of the people come running
toward me.”</span><br />
<br />
She woke up then, with an overwhelming feeling of love. She got
right up, went to her computer genealogy database with some names she had heard
in her dream and found an ancestor who had a large plantation and many slaves.
She knew those were the people she had seen in her dream, begging her to do
their work and connect their families.</div>
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<br /></div>
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She had a very busy week and couldn’t get right on it, so
she made a promise in prayer that she would start doing the research in one
week. In the meantime, she asked around among her genealogy friends about how
to find records of slaves. No one knew.</div>
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<br /></div>
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February 27, 2001 was exactly one week from the day she
had had her dream and made her promise. She sat down at the computer to start
the work and was interrupted by a phone call from her husband, who was
“absolutely flabbergasted.” On his way into work he had heard the press
announcement that the Church had completed their research on the Freedman Bank
records, and was now releasing a CD with names of 484,000 former slaves to
anyone who wanted to buy it for $6.95!</div>
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<br /></div>
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The Freedman’s Bank Savings
and Trust Company was a charter after the Civil War to help former slaves and Black soldiers with their new financial responsibilities as freed men.
Unfortunately, due to mismanagement and fraud, the bank collapsed nine years
later, adding more tragedy to the lives of the African-Americans. But a wonderful
treasure trove remained in the records of that bank. Not only were the
depositors’ names and finances recorded, but the names of their spouses,
children, parents, in-laws, and other relatives, including details about who
had been sold away into slavery elsewhere. There were even oral histories
taken.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<u>How the Freedman Bank CD Became Available</u></div>
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KBYU wanted to do a documentary series on genealogy and
entitle it “Ancestors.” They appealed to PBS to get a grant, but the woman in
charge of the grants thought there would be no audience for a series on
genealogy. To surmount this problem, KBYU decided to present her with her own
genealogy, so she could see how fascinating it could be. They assigned an
employee, Marie Taylor, to do this genealogy, but Marie found it to be
incredibly difficult because the woman was African-American. Marie searched
everywhere for the information, but it wasn’t until she came across the
Freedman Bank records that she found the links she needed. The woman was moved,
and KBYU got the grant.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Marie, however, was just getting started. She had found
that reading these Freedman Bank records was like translating Ancient Egyptian
hieroglyphics. They were extremely difficult to wade through, but Marie could
see how incredibly valuable they were.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5iOv635y97FvpNd8GxIk_dQvo21S3cc9_gGyDPFuGnmJuNGsahCGnW-KVcorYyJnewbXPSSV59VWWvmtc1LJnFiar1cnCf01kU5HsAJeE5z6_4LrQ0ChYcE_dhJcSg5p7I12hyM7q1j6s/s1600/FreedmanBankRecord.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5iOv635y97FvpNd8GxIk_dQvo21S3cc9_gGyDPFuGnmJuNGsahCGnW-KVcorYyJnewbXPSSV59VWWvmtc1LJnFiar1cnCf01kU5HsAJeE5z6_4LrQ0ChYcE_dhJcSg5p7I12hyM7q1j6s/s1600/FreedmanBankRecord.jpg" width="285" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>An example of a record from the Freedman Bank</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5V9HGzekEvS9zLCZ_j_Go8XrEP4LlEUgMtAgtoYMXfHcoip7Md138uCrzQgNwXSLjjS1PYFMcV9AE0EdbWnhfLL46-v1q2Spsh2zeDq9r0G3LjQaRReg5_umgp8JyOsf6Ac43spSuN40u/s1600/darius-gray.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5V9HGzekEvS9zLCZ_j_Go8XrEP4LlEUgMtAgtoYMXfHcoip7Md138uCrzQgNwXSLjjS1PYFMcV9AE0EdbWnhfLL46-v1q2Spsh2zeDq9r0G3LjQaRReg5_umgp8JyOsf6Ac43spSuN40u/s320/darius-gray.jpg" width="262" /></a></div>
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<i>Darius Gray</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
She enlisted Darius (pronounced Da-RYE-us) Gray, a prominant Church
member with African-American ancestry, to help her to find a way to index this information and make it
available. It was going to take an enormous amount of work, so they looked for
groups who would help them, and one group after another fell through. Finally,
they turned to the South Point Family History Center. The South Point Family History Center is located within the walls and bars of the Utah State Penitentiary.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkfGygYstfmpA5vL_Jjow-lMdzRqKTuneEl7M7udl33W8kX9sTK5Stszr9ZPtdwA8JmDdGwv1CQbKc88AtMCroy4T9BrxSlMPVrwnrWovm8qpWfUYDZw64FuM1uhHs4aeHiCmSN7zeCrT_/s1600/Indexing-Program-Utah-State-Prison-580.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkfGygYstfmpA5vL_Jjow-lMdzRqKTuneEl7M7udl33W8kX9sTK5Stszr9ZPtdwA8JmDdGwv1CQbKc88AtMCroy4T9BrxSlMPVrwnrWovm8qpWfUYDZw64FuM1uhHs4aeHiCmSN7zeCrT_/s400/Indexing-Program-Utah-State-Prison-580.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>This photo from lds.org, <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/news/prisoners-rescuing-prisoners-indexing-at-utah-state-prison?lang=eng">Prisoners Rescuing Prisoners</a></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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They called upon the
prisoners to volunteer to help with this huge name extraction, and the prisoners
clamored to work on the project.</div>
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<br /></div>
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It took 11 years and the labor of more than 550
prisoners. Those who volunteered and qualified were required to attend church
meetings of their choice, read the scriptures daily, and pray morning and
evening. They called themselves the “spiritual parole board,” as they felt they
were letting prisoners go free. But they themselves were also being freed.
Recidivism (or relapse into crime) among those who worked on this project
plummeted. Commonly inmates take a personality profile when they come into
prison. One man’s profile was so different after he had worked on the project
for a while that he didn’t test as the same person! Another prisoner who begged
to work on the project had received a blessing the night before he left home
for prison in which he was promised the prison would become a temple to him.</div>
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<br /></div>
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The symbolism doesn’t stop there: The project was
finished on Independence Day 2000.<br />
<br />
The CD was released to the public in
February of 2001 to commemorate Black History Month. The original 10,000 CDs
sold out in days and another 20,000 were pressed. Darius Gray said, <span style="color: #0b5394;">“The whole
thing reminds me of an old Negro spiritual: “When the Lord Gets Ready, You’ve
Got to Move.” </span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span>
An executive at the Distribution Center said, <span style="color: #0b5394;">“I don’t know of
any other time during my years here that we have ever released a product that has
given our telephone operators the kind of impressions and feedback from our
customers, both member and particularly non-members, that this product is
producing. We have people literally weeping on the phone and wanting to know
who we are, what other products we have, why we do this type of thing, why it
doesn’t cost more money.”</span> (This information on the Freedman Bank story comes from Maurine Proctor, <a href="https://ldsmag.com/article-1-5660/">"Let My People Go: The Healing Story Behind the Freedman Bank Records,"</a> published online in Meridian Magazine, accessed July 2013.)</div>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<u>Our Great Commission to Free the Prisoners</u></div>
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The Utah State Prison inmates at the South Point Family
History Center join Samuel Rolfe and Elijah Fordham as backstage workers who
each did a little bit, within their own capacity, to redeem the dead.</div>
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<br /></div>
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When Joseph Smith gave that sermon at Seymour Brunson’s
funeral, he quoted the words of Paul to the Corinthians regarding baptism for
the dead. Other than that little bit of vicarious work mentioned there by Paul,
the redeeming of the dead has been left almost entirely to our dispensation. It
wasn’t until Christ preached to the spirits in prison after his death that the
missionary work among them commenced. Then, here on the earth, the Great
Apostasy occurred, and not until the Restoration through Joseph Smith could the
ordinances for those converted in the Spirit World be begun.</div>
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Is it surprising at all, then, to realize that although
Priesthood ordinances and offices were revealed line upon line as the Church
grew and developed, the importance of the work for the dead was pressed upon
the young Joseph Smith by the Angel Moroni before a temple was built, before
the Priesthood was restored, before the Church was organized, even 4 years
before he took the golden plates from the hill? Moroni appeared to Joseph Smith
in his bedroom three times in one night preparing him for the great work of the
Restoration, giving him instructions and quoting scriptures, and each time, the
first scripture he quoted was Malachi 4:<span style="color: red;"></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;">JS-H 1:36-39 –
“After telling me these things, he commenced quoting the prophecies of the Old
Testament. He first quoted part of the third chapter of Malachi; and he quoted
also the fourth or last chapter of the same prophecy, though with a little
variation from the way it reads in our Bibles. Instead of quoting the first
verse as it reads in our books, he quoted it thus: For behold, the day cometh
that shall burn as an oven, and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly
shall burn as stubble; for they that come shall burn them, saith the Lord of
Hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch. And again, he quoted
the fifth verse thus: Behold, I will reveal unto you the Priesthood, by the
hand of Elijah the prophet, before the coming of the great and dreadful day of
the Lord. He also quoted the next verse differently: And he shall plant in the
hearts of the children the promises made to the fathers, and the hearts of the
children shall turn to their fathers. If it were not so, the whole earth would
be utterly wasted at his coming.”</span></div>
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<span style="color: red;">D&C 128:17 “And again, in
connection with this quotation I will give you a quotation from one of the
prophets, who had his eye fixed on the restoration of the priesthood, the
glories to be revealed in the last days, and in an especial manner this most
glorious of all subjects belonging to the everlasting gospel, namely, the
baptism for the dead; for Malachi says, last chapter, verses 5th and 6th:
Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and
dreadful day of the Lord: And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the
children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite
the earth with a curse.” </span> </div>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<u>Challenge</u></div>
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The work for the dead is the most glorious
subject of the gospel. Why? Because this doctrine shows so clearly the love and
mercy of God for <i>all </i>of his children. This glorious gospel of Jesus Christ is a gospel of second chances.</div>
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</div>
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Every bit of research and ordinance work you do (even
your own ordinances!) welds this link. Each family night lesson you teach about
an ancestor, every photo you put in an album (or a shoebox – but labeled!),
every family reunion you drag your kids to, every Memorial Day gravesite visit,
every journal entry knits this eternal project together. I hope you can see how
many things you are already doing in the spirit of Elijah. Pat yourself on the
back and continue! If you feel you could do more, pick one additional thi<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null"></a>ng that you will do this year and get started.</div>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: red;">D&C 127:4 – And again, verily
thus saith the Lord: Let the work of my temple, and all the works which I have
appointed unto you, be continued on and not cease; and let your diligence, and
your perseverance, and patience, and your works be redoubled, and you shall in
nowise lose your reward, saith the Lord of Hosts.</span></div>
Nancy Wyatt Jensenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14758524730006544116noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706071451857400135.post-25357869311860109062021-10-31T06:57:00.002-08:002021-10-31T07:07:57.886-08:00Doctrine and Covenants 124-128<p>Rather than posting a new lesson for these sections, I'm sharing links to old related posts. I so enjoyed researching and writing about these topics! I hope you will find them useful.</p><p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2013/07/doctrine-and-covenants-lesson-29.html" target="_blank">Nauvoo</a></p><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2009/10/d-lesson-40-finding-joy-in-temple-and.html" target="_blank">Emma Smith's Temple Work</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2013/07/doctrine-and-covenants-lesson-31.html" target="_blank">Our Oldest Temple: St. George, Utah</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2013/07/doctrine-and-covenants-lesson-30.html" target="_blank">Baptism for the Dead</a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMWXr5yJT_BVk_FqUNPea9hd2kmhxT-atsw3VwJfJe1Chd-XV2zZVuuy6u5Na_l1OeFOyRbnybokJinfR13GMPmvwIRUry_R7XmaUVX_f54jz-n6Q0u9SwXyD5CBagGAfEoDgsQg2OqMln/s3911/IMG_4083.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2923" data-original-width="3911" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMWXr5yJT_BVk_FqUNPea9hd2kmhxT-atsw3VwJfJe1Chd-XV2zZVuuy6u5Na_l1OeFOyRbnybokJinfR13GMPmvwIRUry_R7XmaUVX_f54jz-n6Q0u9SwXyD5CBagGAfEoDgsQg2OqMln/s320/IMG_4083.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>I have a tradition of doing a puzzle </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>while I watch General Conference at home. </i><i> </i></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>This fun puzzle is called <a href="https://www.cedarfort.com/products/celebrating-the-restoration-temple-puzzle" target="_blank">"Celebrating the Restoration." </a></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Nancy Wyatt Jensenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14758524730006544116noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706071451857400135.post-89383381772279670802021-10-30T06:57:00.000-08:002021-10-31T07:45:33.501-08:00Doctrine and Covenants 121-123<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">LESSONS FROM MISSOURI</div>
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<i>Make a chart: "How Do We Approach Life?" Draw a vertical line down the middle beneath it. Label one side "Eternal Perspective: Faith, Hope, Charity, Humility." Label the other side: "Short-Sightedness: Fear, Despair, Hatred, Pride." As you relate the stories below, you can list the people's names under the appropriate side.</i></div>
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In the Saints' experiences and the responses to them in Missouri, we find many dramatic examples and extraordinary stories. As my brother-in-law is fond of saying, "If you can't be a good example, at least be a horrible warning." Both are found among the Missouri Saints and their neighbors.</div>
<br />
<br />
EXAMPLES OF FEAR<br />
<br />
James Campbell: <span style="color: #0b5394;">"Zion's Camp was located on the bank of the Grand River. After the meeting in Liberty, James Campbell, one of the residents of Jackson County, decided to return to Jackson, raise an army, and go out and meet Joseph Smith and Zion's Camp. Campbell vowed, 'The eagles and turkey buzzards shall eat my flesh if I do not fix Joe Smith and his army so that their skins will not hold shucks, before two days are passed.' </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">"They went to the ferry and undertook to cross the Missouri River after dusk, and the angel of God saw fit to sink the boat about the middle of the river, and seven out of the twelve that attempted to cross, were drowned. Thus, suddenly and justly, went they to their own place. Campbell was among the missing. He floated down the river some four or five miles, and lodged upon a pile of drift wood, where the eagles, buzzards, ravens, crows and wild animals ate his flesh from his bones, to fulfill his own words." <span style="color: black;">(Joseph Smith, <i>History of the Church 2:99)</i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;"><i> </i></span></span><br />
Mr. Bazill: <span style="color: #0b5394;">"A young lawyer named Bazill, who came into Independence and wanted to make himself conspicuous, joined the mob, and swore he would wade in blood up to his chin.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">"He was shot with two balls through his head, and never spoke. There was another man, whose name I fail to remember, that lived on the Big Blue, who made a similar boast. He was also taken at his word. His chin was shot off, or so badly fractured by a ball that he was forced to have it amputated, but lived and recovered, though he was a horrible sight afterwards." <span style="color: black;">(Philo Dibble, quoted in Brian and Petrea Kelly, <i>Latter-day History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints</i>)<i> </i></span> </span><br />
<br />
Church Leaders who were excommunicated:<br />
<br />
John Whitmer, misused Church funds (see <i>Church History in the Fulness of Times, </i>p. 184-185)<i> </i><br />
<br />
W.W. Phelps, misused Church funds, and later returned dramatically and wrote "Praise To the Man"--more on that in another lesson. (ibid.)<br />
<br />
Oliver Cowdery, sued Church leaders, sought to destroy the character of Joseph Smith, disobeyed Church leaders, sold Jackson County lands (later returned). (See <i>CHFT, </i>p. 186-187.)<br />
<br />
David Whitmer, broke Word of Wisdom, usurped authority, wrote letters of dissension to apostates. (See <i>CHFT, </i>p. 184.)<br />
<br />
Lyman Johnson, "brought distress to the innocent," assaulted another brother, skipped meetings, broke Word of Wisdom, conducted himself "unrighteously" (Susan Black, <i>Who's Who in the Doctrine and Covenants, </i>p. 159).<br />
<br />
Thomas Marsh (D&C 112:1,2,10) When his wife got in a dispute with a neighbor over cream, and it seemed quite obvious that she was lying, he "declared that he would sustain the character of his wife, even if he had to go to hell for it" (George A. Smith, quoted in Black, p. 159) (later returned).<br />
<br />
Orson Hyde "affixed his signature to a slanderous affidavit of Thomas B. Marsh that villified the Prophet" (Black, p. 142). When he returned to the Church just a few months later, he said, "Few men pass through life without leaving some traces which they would gladly obliterate. Happy is he whose life is free from stain and blemish...I sinned against God and my brethren; I acted foolishly...I seek pardon of all whom I have offended, and also of my God" (Quoted in Black, p. 142).<br />
<br />
D&C 105:24-25 <br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">"We all felt more sorrowful at seeing Apostles leave the Church than we did over our trials and persecutions" <span style="color: black;">(Elizabeth Barlow, quoted in <i>Church History in the Fulness of Times, </i>p. 190).</span></span><br />
<br />
The four apostles who apostacized were replaced by John Taylor, John Page, Wilford Woodruff, and Willard Richards.<br />
<br />
EXAMPLES OF FAITH<br />
<br />
Alexander Doniphan, non-Mormon general and lawyer: Defended and aided the saints and saved the life of the Prophet at risk of a court-martial. When commanded to shoot the Prophet and others, he refused, calling it cold-blooded murder. <span style="color: #0b5394;">"He warned the general who commanded the militia that if he continued his efforts to kill these men, 'I will hold you responsible before an earthly tribunal, so help me God'"</span> (<i>Our Heritage, </i>p. 49).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_kcHTsv4lXpyGO2I48ag0qgBqBeVuFeuuB238qa5jfE6R8vwn1Jscn9ouzV6ozn97H3CoKXi8nnLyQPW3C4DmQy2BwK_hPgZTee8FH4SAR6kObbYwbgAmOyIMqCvahYuAud9QKw-KrNFJ/s1600/1-Philo+Dibble.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="1200" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_kcHTsv4lXpyGO2I48ag0qgBqBeVuFeuuB238qa5jfE6R8vwn1Jscn9ouzV6ozn97H3CoKXi8nnLyQPW3C4DmQy2BwK_hPgZTee8FH4SAR6kObbYwbgAmOyIMqCvahYuAud9QKw-KrNFJ/s320/1-Philo+Dibble.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Philo Dibble</i></div>
<br />
Philo Dibble, a church member, was mortally wounded in a battle with the mob in Independence, shot with a ball and two buckshot in the belly. Taken to a former war doctor the next day, the doctor replied it was a worse wound than he had ever seen in someone who lived, and told him he would definitely die. David Whitmer, however, sent word that he would live. A blessing was given by Newel Knight, after which Brother Dibble felt a powerful energy course through his body from his head to his toe in a ring. He felt the ring encircle the bullet holes. He immediately rose up and "discharged three quarts of blood or more" including some fabric from his clothing that had entered his body with the bullets. He got up, dressed himself, and went out. The next day he walked around a field, the second day he rode a horse eight miles, and the third day he walked three miles (Kelly, <i>Latter-day History, </i>p. 131).<br />
<br />
Benjamin Johnson, a 20-year-old church member, was shot at three times at point-blank range, and the gun did not discharge. On the fourth try, the gun exploded and killed the mobster instantly (See <i>Our Heritage, </i>p. 49).<br />
<br />
David Patten, mortally wounded at Crooked River battle. At his death-bed, he said of those who had apostacized, "O that they were in my situation! For I feel that I have kept the faith." Turning to the men in the room, he begged, "Brethren, you have held me by your faith, but do give me up, and let me go, I beseech you." He very shortly passed on. (See <i>Church History in the Fulness of Times, </i>p. 200 or <i>Our History, </i>p. 46-47.)<br />
<br />
Amanda Smith's husband and son were killed at Haun's Mill. In the carnage, she found her littlest son, still alive but with his hip shot out. She begged the Lord to show her how to heal the hip, which she was told in great detail by a voice, and which instructions she followed exactly. She promised her son that the Lord would make him a new hip. Five weeks later, he was able to walk; his body had grown a flexible gristle in replacement of the hip socket and joint. (See <i>Church History in the Fulness of Times, </i>p. 204 or <i>Our History, </i>p. 47-48.)<br />
<br />
Joseph Smith, of course, endured great trials, and although he nearly despaired, he never gave up.<br />
<br />
ANSWERS REGARDING TRIALS<br />
<br />
D&C 121:<br />
<ul>
<li>v. 1-6 Joseph's faith in God. He knew God was in charge and the saints would triumph; his only question was when.</li>
<li>v. 7-10 Words of comfort from God; promise</li>
<li>v. 11-15 Why the persecution was allowed to continue</li>
<li>v. 13-25 Consequences to the wicked</li>
<li>v. 26-32 Consequences to the faithful</li>
<li>v. 33 Reassurance that God and Zion will prevail </li>
</ul>
Our blackboard chart, in God's words (add each reference to the appropriate spot on the chart):<br />
<ul>
<li>v. 34-36 How do we approach life? </li>
<li>v. 37-40 Fear, Despair Hatred</li>
<li>v. 41-46 Faith, Hope, Charity</li>
</ul>
D&C 122:9 <span style="color: #cc0000;">"Their bounds are set; they cannot pass."<span style="color: black;"> There is one thing that could not be taken away by the mob, and cannot be taken away from us, whatever our trials may be: Our right to choose which side of the line we will be on. If we <span style="color: #cc0000;">"hold on [our] way...the Priesthood shall remain with [us]," and "God shall be with [us] forever and ever."</span></span> </span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"> </span>Nancy Wyatt Jensenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14758524730006544116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706071451857400135.post-61534364208702918212021-10-03T02:25:00.008-08:002021-10-03T02:28:44.489-08:00General Conference<p> Fun facts about General Conference:</p><p><a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/church/news/a-brief-history-of-general-conference?lang=eng#:~:text=The%20origins%20of%20the%20Church%E2%80%99s%20general%20conference%20date,conference%20was%20held.%20Only%2027%20members%20were%20present. " target="_blank">"A Brief History of General Conference"</a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioet8JvrkpTVx33X_kCMPZNCCJc17snIPeEf_mEu14efpvFjRnvceyY6VxrWhaOpuGHiaf57mMaS-t0SF0fM0aRxkDJKzR3Kg0kG5O2QhnqT4R7hGP4eFEM_sZ3B9g-qiPW17uUR0l_3ZL/s1370/Salt-Lake-Tabernacle-Seismic-Upgrade-Renovation_Banner-1_Images-for-Dev.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="580" data-original-width="1370" height="135" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioet8JvrkpTVx33X_kCMPZNCCJc17snIPeEf_mEu14efpvFjRnvceyY6VxrWhaOpuGHiaf57mMaS-t0SF0fM0aRxkDJKzR3Kg0kG5O2QhnqT4R7hGP4eFEM_sZ3B9g-qiPW17uUR0l_3ZL/s320/Salt-Lake-Tabernacle-Seismic-Upgrade-Renovation_Banner-1_Images-for-Dev.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Photograph from JacobsenConstruction.com</i></div><p><br /></p>Nancy Wyatt Jensenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14758524730006544116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706071451857400135.post-76943597566795151262021-09-27T09:21:00.015-08:002021-09-28T12:11:28.505-08:00Doctrine and Covenants 109-110<p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">THE TRAGEDY AND TRIUMPH OF THE INDEPENDENCE AND KIRTLAND TEMPLES</span></p><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLEXPimNX-4PBvcv0yp8Tj6MGuJHpqDYCh1Q2aRYEQt56hg_Zg0_EcjtbiWt1XPUHP0SO94WxtTKIvx8dr0hMrhynWHTcNN5B4D21vy0n6hDKYtKACuqx8n5xNSD66dfmSwBo45dOq4qYd/s1600/rane-kirtland-temple_MD.jpg" style="color: #bb3300; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLEXPimNX-4PBvcv0yp8Tj6MGuJHpqDYCh1Q2aRYEQt56hg_Zg0_EcjtbiWt1XPUHP0SO94WxtTKIvx8dr0hMrhynWHTcNN5B4D21vy0n6hDKYtKACuqx8n5xNSD66dfmSwBo45dOq4qYd/s400/rane-kirtland-temple_MD.jpg" style="border: 1px solid rgb(187, 187, 187); margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding: 4px;" width="400" /> </span></a></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">This painting by the amazing Walter Rane is from <a href="http://www.josephsmith.net/josephsmith/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=299679179acbff00VgnVCM1000001f5e340aRCRD" style="color: #bb3300;">JosephSmith.net</a>.</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">The early Saints were commanded to build a temple in Independence, Missouri, in 1831.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">They had no idea what a temple was. Nobody in America had a temple. Nobody in Europe had a temple. No religion on earth was still operating a temple like the one Jesus Christ taught in as a 12-year-old boy. Was it a house of worship? Was it a house of education? </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">So it's not too surprising that they didn't start right away, especially in Independence, which was such a rough, raw, frontier town. Bishop Partridge purchased the land in 1831. Joseph Smith dedicated it in July. The 12 Apostles symbolically laid the foundation in August. And then nothing happened. (See <a href="https://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/independence-temple/" target="_blank">Independence Temple</a>.) </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Fear, ignorance, contention, greed, poverty, land speculation--all these things got in the way of even learning what the glory of the temple would be in Independence.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">But the plan didn't go away. Two years later Joseph revealed the blueprints for the city of Zion and it contained 24 temples! The vision of the Prophet was still glorious!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">And still nothing happened. The Independence Saints were dealing with day-to-day terrors of mob violence, contention among their leaders, an influx of impoverished converts, the purchase and holding of land for investment by some greedy Saints. Nobody had the vision of the temple or of the unity of Zion with Heaven that it encapsulated. And few of the leaders had good feelings for Joseph Smith at the time, some highly critical of him for not moving to Independence. He received some scathing letters. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: white; color: #141414;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #141414;">Joseph Smith wrote in a reply to the leaders in Missouri, “The Lord approves of us [the Kirtland stake] & has accepted us, & established his name in Kirtland for the salvation of the nations. </span><span class="span-ellipsis" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #141414; white-space: nowrap;">. . .</span><span style="color: #141414;"><span style="background-color: white;"> The Lord commanded us in Kirtland to build a house of God, & establish a school for the Prophets, this is the word of the Lord to us, & we must—yea the Lord helping us we will obey” (</span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #141414;">Craig K. Manscill, <a href="https://rsc.byu.edu/eye-faith/hyrum-smiths-building-kirtland-temple" target="_blank">“Hyrum Smith's Building of the Kirtland Temple,</a>” in </span><em style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #141414;">An Eye of Faith: Essays in Honor of Richard O. Cowan</em><span style="color: #141414;">, ed. Kenneth L. Alford and Richard E. Bennett (Provo, UT: Religious Studies Center; Salt Lake City, 2015), 47–67.)</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">But the Kirtland Saints also had no idea what a temple was. Was it the same thing as the schoolhouse they were commanded to build? Was it a meetingplace for sacrament service? Was it something else altogether? They had no access to records about what may have taken place in the temple in Jerusalem beyond what little the Bible said. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">There also was not a single Latter-day Saint architect in Kirtland. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">But here is what the Kirtland Saints did that the Independence Saints did not do: they started!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Joseph Smith called a building committee of three: Hyrum Smith, Reynolds Cahoon, and Jared Carter. Not one of these men knew a single thing about building anything other than a log cabin. They studied it out while trying to secure funds and land.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">On June 1st, 1833, when the revelation that is now Section 95 was received, rebuking them for not doing more, they suddenly understood the importance of the temple.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white;"><p class="verse" data-aid="128373283" id="p1" style="--height: 104.688px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0.65em; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span class="verse-number" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 700; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1 </span>Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you whom I love, and whom I <a class="study-note-ref" data-scroll-id="note1a" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/95?lang=eng#note1a" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><sup class="marker" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: normal; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">a</sup>love</a> I also chasten that their sins may be <a class="study-note-ref" data-scroll-id="note1b" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/95?lang=eng#note1b" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><sup class="marker" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: normal; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">b</sup>forgiven</a>, for with the <a class="study-note-ref" data-scroll-id="note1c" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/95?lang=eng#note1c" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><sup class="marker" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: normal; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">c</sup>chastisement</a> I prepare a way for their <a class="study-note-ref" data-scroll-id="note1d" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/95?lang=eng#note1d" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><sup class="marker" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: normal; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">d</sup>deliverance</a> in all things out of <a class="study-note-ref" data-scroll-id="note1e" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/95?lang=eng#note1e" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><sup class="marker" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: normal; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">e</sup>temptation</a>, and I have loved you—</span></p><p class="verse" data-aid="128373284" id="p2" style="--height: 58.6875px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0.65em; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span class="verse-number" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 700; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">2 </span>Wherefore, ye must needs be chastened and stand rebuked before my face;</span></p><p class="verse" data-aid="128373285" id="p3" style="--height: 81.6875px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0.65em; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span class="verse-number" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 700; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">3 </span>For ye have sinned against me a very grievous sin, in that ye have not considered the great commandment in all things, that I have given unto you concerning the building of mine <a class="study-note-ref" data-scroll-id="note3a" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/95?lang=eng#note3a" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><sup class="marker" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: normal; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">a</sup>house</a>;</span></p><p class="verse" data-aid="128373286" id="p4" style="--height: 104.688px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0.65em; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span class="verse-number" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 700; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">4 </span>For the preparation wherewith I design to prepare mine apostles to <a class="study-note-ref" data-scroll-id="note4a" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/95?lang=eng#note4a" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><sup class="marker" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: normal; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">a</sup>prune</a> my vineyard for the last time, that I may bring to pass my <a class="study-note-ref" data-scroll-id="note4b" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/95?lang=eng#note4b" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><sup class="marker" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: normal; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">b</sup>strange act</a>, that I may <a class="study-note-ref" data-scroll-id="note4c" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/95?lang=eng#note4c" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><sup class="marker" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: normal; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">c</sup>pour out</a> my Spirit upon all flesh—</span></p><p class="verse" data-aid="128373287" id="p5" style="--height: 81.6875px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0.65em; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span class="verse-number" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 700; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">5 </span>But behold, verily I say unto you, that there are many who have been ordained among you, whom I have called but few of them are <a class="study-note-ref" data-scroll-id="note5a" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/95?lang=eng#note5a" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><sup class="marker" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: normal; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">a</sup>chosen</a>.</span></p><p class="verse" data-aid="128373288" id="p6" style="--height: 58.6875px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0.65em; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span class="verse-number" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 700; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">6 </span>They who are not chosen have sinned a very grievous sin, in that they are <a class="study-note-ref" data-scroll-id="note6a" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/95?lang=eng#note6a" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><sup class="marker" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: normal; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">a</sup>walking</a> in <a class="study-note-ref" data-scroll-id="note6b" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/95?lang=eng#note6b" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><sup class="marker" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: normal; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">b</sup>darkness</a> at noon-day.</span></p><p class="verse" data-aid="128373289" id="p7" style="--height: 127.688px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0.65em; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span class="verse-number" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 700; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">7 </span>And for this cause I gave unto you a commandment that you should call your <a class="study-note-ref" data-scroll-id="note7a" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/95?lang=eng#note7a" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><sup class="marker" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: normal; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">a</sup>solemn assembly</a>, that your <a class="study-note-ref" data-scroll-id="note7b" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/95?lang=eng#note7b" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><sup class="marker" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: normal; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">b</sup>fastings</a> and your <a class="study-note-ref" data-scroll-id="note7c" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/95?lang=eng#note7c" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><sup class="marker" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: normal; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">c</sup>mourning</a> might come up into the ears of the Lord of <a class="study-note-ref" data-scroll-id="note7d" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/95?lang=eng#note7d" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><sup class="marker" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: normal; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">d</sup>Sabaoth</a>, which is by interpretation, the <a class="study-note-ref" data-scroll-id="note7e" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/95?lang=eng#note7e" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><sup class="marker" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: normal; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">e</sup>creator</a> of the first day, the beginning and the end.</span></p><p class="verse" data-aid="128373290" id="p8" style="--height: 81.6875px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0.65em; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="iconPointer-3wC_9 icon-PRSAW icon-2c0Xg" data-pointer-type="media" data-scroll-id="p8" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; inset-inline-end: 20px; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; text-indent: initial; transform: translateY(-0.15em); user-select: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><button class="iconPointerButton-3NyLf" style="border-color: initial; border-style: none; border-width: initial; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: inline-flex; padding: 0px; position: relative; top: var(--spacing8);"><svg class="Icon-3RNe_" role="presentation" style="height: 1.5rem; width: 1.5rem;" viewbox="0 0 24 24" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"></svg><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><path d="M21.523 8.984l.014 12.478H6.028L6.023 8.977l15.5.007zm-17-.772v14c0 .414.335.75.75.75h17a.75.75 0 00.75-.75v-14a.75.75 0 00-.75-.75h-17a.75.75 0 00-.75.75zm11.624 7.32c.242-.342.638-.334.88.01l2.853 4.041c.245.347.106.629-.33.629H8.089c-.418 0-.566-.286-.335-.634l3.99-6.018c.233-.35.606-.355.843.003l2.398 3.616 1.162-1.647zm2.428-2.32a1.5 1.5 0 100-3 1.5 1.5 0 000 3zM17.477 1.026a.75.75 0 01.885.434l.033.096 1.314 4.905h-1.547l-1.015-3.77L2.173 6.694l1.349 5.028v5.804L.526 6.344A.75.75 0 01.96 5.46l.096-.033 16.42-4.4zm-2.86 3.613a1.5 1.5 0 011.841 1.823h-2.906a1.5 1.5 0 011.065-1.823z" fill="currentColor"></path></span></button></span><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span class="verse-number" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 700; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">8 </span>Yea, verily I say unto you, I gave <span class="page-break" data-page="186" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; height: 0px; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; pointer-events: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span>unto you a commandment that you should <a class="study-note-ref" data-scroll-id="note8a" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/95?lang=eng#note8a" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><sup class="marker" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: normal; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">a</sup>build</a> a house, in the which house I design to <a class="study-note-ref" data-scroll-id="note8b" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/95?lang=eng#note8b" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><sup class="marker" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: normal; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">b</sup>endow</a> those whom I have <a class="study-note-ref" data-scroll-id="note8c" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/95?lang=eng#note8c" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><sup class="marker" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: normal; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">c</sup>chosen</a> with power from on high;</span></p><p class="verse" data-aid="128373291" id="p9" style="--height: 58.6875px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0.65em; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span class="verse-number" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 700; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">9 </span>For this is the <a class="study-note-ref" data-scroll-id="note9a" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/95?lang=eng#note9a" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><sup class="marker" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: normal; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">a</sup>promise</a> of the Father unto you; therefore I command you to tarry, even as mine apostles at Jerusalem.</span></p><p class="verse" data-aid="128373292" id="p10" style="--height: 104.688px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0.65em; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span class="verse-number" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 700; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">10 </span>Nevertheless, my servants sinned a very grievous sin; and <a class="study-note-ref" data-scroll-id="note10a" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/95?lang=eng#note10a" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><sup class="marker" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: normal; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">a</sup>contentions</a> arose in the <a class="study-note-ref" data-scroll-id="note10b" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/95?lang=eng#note10b" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><sup class="marker" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: normal; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">b</sup>school</a> of the prophets; which was very grievous unto me, saith your Lord; therefore I sent them forth to be chastened.</span></p><p class="verse" data-aid="128373293" id="p11" style="--height: 81.6875px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0.65em; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span class="verse-number" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 700; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">11 </span>Verily I say unto you, it is my will that you should build a house. <a class="study-note-ref" data-scroll-id="note11a" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/95?lang=eng#note11a" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><sup class="marker" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: normal; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">a</sup>If</a> you keep my commandments you shall have power to build it.</span></p><p class="verse" data-aid="128373293" id="p11" style="--height: 81.6875px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0.65em; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #141414;">Verse 8 "referred to the revelation given initially in December 1830 (D&C 37) and expanded on January 2, 1831, commanding the Saints to 'go to the Ohio; </span><span class="span-ellipsis" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #141414; white-space: nowrap;">. . .</span><span style="color: #141414;"> and there you shall be endowed with power from on high (D&C 38:32). </span><span style="color: #141414;">This was a watershed moment for Joseph and the Kirtland Saints. This unexpected realization changed everything. Any ambiguity about the urgency of the work was eliminated" (Manscill, 49).</span></span></p><p class="verse" data-aid="128373293" id="p11" style="--height: 81.6875px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0.65em; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #141414;">That very day, the committee sent a letter to the Saints, expressing the urgency which they now understood</span>: “Unless we fulfill this command . . . we may all
despair of obtaining the great blessing that God has promised to the
faithful of the Church of Christ."</span></p><p class="verse" data-aid="128373293" id="p11" style="--height: 81.6875px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0.65em; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span>It still took time to raise money. Land had been purchased in early 1833. And still the committee did not know what to build. Hyrum delegated the design back to the First Presidency, Joseph Smith, Frederick G. Williams, and Sidney Rigdon. As the three knelt in prayer, the design came to them in a magnificent 3-D vision. (Is it too irreverent to say it seems similar to the way Tony Stark’s designs appear in </span><span>the Marvel movies?)</span></span></p><p class="verse" data-aid="128373293" id="p11" style="--height: 81.6875px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0.65em; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKfRK-BTBwWINkoHfEdRDOWT4XP7eFHBjM9BbE2hpXPItAx6DRCWLkA9zHTfi4UKfqQHjcfhR0G07O89RRJKxxvyc8QLxbXWuEZJpiBqF3ftPp4mBBpLosUv5arCdZ7T4KWMWSIMBzJq76/s1600/kirtland.jpg" style="color: #bb3300; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKfRK-BTBwWINkoHfEdRDOWT4XP7eFHBjM9BbE2hpXPItAx6DRCWLkA9zHTfi4UKfqQHjcfhR0G07O89RRJKxxvyc8QLxbXWuEZJpiBqF3ftPp4mBBpLosUv5arCdZ7T4KWMWSIMBzJq76/s400/kirtland.jpg" style="border: 1px solid rgb(187, 187, 187); margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding: 4px;" width="400" /></a></span></p><p class="verse" data-aid="128373293" id="p11" style="--height: 81.6875px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0.65em; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">When Joseph Smith shared the design with the building committee, Hyrum ran to the farmhouse and grabbed some tools to begin clearing the land. Within days, the committee went to a rock quarry and hauled some stones they thought would be suitable. They dug the trench for the foundation and laid the rocks. In the meantime, they had been making their own bricks for the temple because they could not afford to buy bricks, but when they went to lay them, they discovered they were no good. </span></p><p class="verse" data-aid="128373293" id="p11" style="--height: 81.6875px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0.65em; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span><span>Hyrum found out from Brigham Young that a new convert in Canada, Artemus Millet, was a professional mason. Brother Millet came down in October for a consultation and recommended they use a different type of construction called <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rubble_masonry" target="_blank">rubble</a> and stucco. It’s basically building with junk rocks and then covering them over. They began stockpiling supplies for Brother Millet’s return in he spring. </span><span>But then they found out the Independence Saints were in crisis and Zion's Army was called out to the rescue. </span></span><span>When Brother Millet arrived,</span><span> only 10 or 15 men remained in Kirtland to help. Nevertheless, they got the walls up.</span></span></p><p class="verse" data-aid="128373293" id="p11" style="--height: 81.6875px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0.65em; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #0070c0;">“Our women were engaged in knitting and spinning, in order to clothe those who were laboring at the building. And the Lord only knows the scenes of poverty, and tribulation and distress, which we all passed through to accomplish it. My wife [Vilate Kimball] would toil all summer. She took 100 pounds of wool to spin on shares which, with the assistance of a girl, she spun, in order to furnish clothing for those engaged in building the temple. And although she had the privilege of keeping half the quantity of wool for herself, as her recompense for her labor, she did not reserve even so much as would make a pair of stockings. She spun and wove and got the cloth dressed and cut and made up into garments, and gave them to the laborers. Almost all the sisters in Kirtland labored in knitting, sewing, spinning, etc, for the same purpose, while we went up to Missouri” </span>(Heber C. Kimball quoted in Kelly, <i>Latter-day History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,</i> 163).</span></p><p class="verse" data-aid="128373293" id="p11" style="--height: 81.6875px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0.65em; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">As the temple went up, the money disappeared too fast. Hyrum and his committee went on multiple missions to ask the Saints scattered throughout the Eastern United States to donate. They also had to travel to buy supplies back east, and ask banks to secure loans in a very volatile economy. Just as things were looking rough something good would happen and they could limp along a little further. For example, a convert from Hyrum's missionary work several years earlier, Noah Packard, loaned the Church $1,000. Vienna Jacques, a single working woman, gained a testimony of the truthfulness of the gospel on her own in Boston through reading the Book of Mormon. She moved to Ohio to join the Saints and brought $1,400 in savings with her, which she consecrated to the Church (Susan Easton Black, <i>Who's Who in the Doctrine and Covenants, </i>Bookcraft, 145-7).</span></p><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span>In early 1835, another new convert, John Tanner, saved the day</span><span>. He had outlived two wives, and then married a third (having a total of 21 children!) when the missionaries found him in New York. He was healed of an infected leg and immediately was baptized. He committed to help the church and sustain the prophet. He was so wealthy that he used six wagons to move his family from New York to Kirtland, and provided ten more for other converts there.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">The day after his arrival in Kirtland in early 1835, he met with Joseph Smith and the high council and lent them $2,000 to pay off the mortgage on the temple property, plus another $13,000 for other purposes. He contributed to the temple building fund, and he signed a $30,000 note for merchandise to help Saints move to Kirtland. ($30,000 in 1835 would be almost $1,000,000 today!)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">He gave it all. When he moved his family from Kirtland to gather with the saints in Missouri three years later, he had to borrow a wagon. He had very little money left. He endured all the trials of Missouri and Illinois. Despite his humble circumstances, a few months before Joseph Smith was killed, <span style="color: #0070c0;">“John returned the $2,000 noted signed in Kirtland as a gift to the Prophet and was blessed by Joseph that he and his posterity would never beg for bread” </span>(Garr, Cannon and Cowan, <i>Encyclopedia of Latter-day Saint History, </i>p. 1219-1220).</span></div></div><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white;">(See </span><a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/history/topics/kirtland-temple?lang=eng" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank">Kirtland Temple</a><span style="background-color: white;">.)</span></span></p><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">SACRIFICE REWARDED</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Although the Kirtland Saints had to leave their temple behind after only two years of service, they took with them the blessings they had received through sacrificing to build the temple and through their participation in the temple after it was built. The physical body of the temple decayed (later to be restored) but the spirit of the temple moved on with the Saints and is still with us today. Vienna Jacques was blessed by her covenants despite suffering poverty, persecution, a failed marriage, the exodus across the plains (driving her own wagon), and decades living alone. She died at the age of 96, and her obituary reported she had lived "true to her covenants and esteemed the restoration of the Gospel as a priceless treasure" (Black, 147). </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Take the time to prayerfully read for yourself the glorious blessings promised to those who make temple covenants in <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/109?lang=eng" target="_blank">D&C 109 and 110</a>.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Now the question to ask is, "What do I have to sacrifice to become a covenant person?" </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span><span>If you have not yet made your temple covenants, or if you have not returned for a long time, you only need to do one thing, the same thing Hyrum Smith, Reynolds Cahoon, and Jared Carter did: </span></span><span>Start! </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span>Wherever you are right now, just start. Whatever kind of family you have, whatever kind of history you have, wherever you live, whatever you own, however long you've been a member, however far away you live from a temple, just start. </span><span>Whether or not the way seems impossible is entirely irrelevant.</span><span> </span><span>The Lord will give you the vision, the knowledge, and the means if you will just start. Don't be bogged down by the day-to-day challenges, the contentions around you, the faith crises of family members, the limitations of your budget, the judgments of others, or the wounds of your sins. Just start. The way will not be easy, but it will be opened for you. And the blessings will be as glorious for you as they were for the Saints in Kirtland.</span></span></div>Nancy Wyatt Jensenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14758524730006544116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706071451857400135.post-16852391565976668172021-09-20T09:00:00.008-08:002021-09-20T09:26:03.951-08:00Doctrine and Covenants 106-108<p><span face="Abadi, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Rather than focus specifically on the verses and history of Sections 106-108, which are about priesthood and its order, I am going to focus this post on how to use priesthood in our everyday lives as women and men of God. (Also because I spent all my time this week preparing this for a sacrament meeting talk in the married student ward in which I serve and received a great deal of enlightenment personally as I did so.)</span></p><p><span face="Abadi, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">THE ORDER OF THE PRIESTHOOD</span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Abadi",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">The oath and covenant of the priesthood
can be found in Doctrine and Covenants 84:33-44. Here is the first part of it.</span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Abadi",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">“For whoso is faithful unto the
obtaining these two priesthoods of which I have spoken [Melchizedek and Aaronic],
and the magnifying their calling, are sanctified by the Spirit unto the
renewing of their bodies.</span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Abadi",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">“They become the sons [and daughters—the
present temple ceremony shows us this term is neutral] of Moses and of Aaron
and the seed of Abraham, and the church and kingdom, and the elect of God.</span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Abadi",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">“And also all they who receive this priesthood
receive me, saith the Lord;</span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Abadi",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">“For he that receiveth my servants
receiveth me;</span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Abadi",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">“And he that receiveth me receiveth my Father;</span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Abadi",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">“And he that receiveth my Father
receiveth my Father’s kingdom; therefore all that my Father hath shall be given
unto him.</span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Abadi",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">“And this is according to the oath and
covenant which belongeth to the priesthood.</span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Abadi",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">“Therefore, all those who receive the
priesthood, receive this oath and covenant of my Father, which he cannot break,
neither can it be moved” (D&C 84:33-41).</span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Abadi",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Elder M. Russell Ballard has told us, “The
blessings and promises of the oath and covenant of the priesthood pertain to
both men and women” (M. Russell Ballard, Visiting Teaching Message, Ensign,
April 2014).</span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Abadi",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">SO WHAT IS THE OATH?</span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Abadi",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">The oath comes from God our Father, an
immutable promise that the ordinances that issue from the Melchizedek
Priesthood will save and exalt us. (See Heb. 7:21.)</span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Abadi",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">THE COVENANT</span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Abadi",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">The covenant is the promise we make with
God to use priesthood power to gather, unite, and sanctify our family and His
entire family through the saving ordinances offered through His Restored Church.
This is the New and Everlasting Covenant of the Gospel, the highest order of
which is the New and Everlasting Covenant of Marriage.</span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Abadi",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">President Ezra Taft Benson said, “Adam
and his posterity were commanded by God to be baptized, to receive the Holy
Ghost, and to enter into the order of the Son of God… This order is…an order of
family government where a man and woman enter into a covenant with God—just as
did Adam and Eve—to be sealed for eternity, to have posterity, and to do the
will and work of God throughout their mortality” (ETB, August 1985 Ensign).</span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Abadi",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">President Oaks tell us, “The Church
exists to provide the doctrine, the authority, and the ordinances necessary to
perpetuate family relationships into the eternities” (DHO, April 2020 General
Conference).</span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Abadi",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">My husband created this visual of the scaffolding currently around the Salt Lake Temple which illustrates this idea
perfectly. The scaffolding is like the Church priesthood organization that
supports and strengthens the family priesthood organization.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj-I_KO4aqHYN1c7TVbb4XemamLW7rVoH3bcXgLMqLOeqzsDw2F-Ws1BVALtP4ErcFGl8-XRNgfWsR6hyphenhyphenqcMm4lMvE4NS2Wy66CGUZBe2afDujUn6KwmIGUD53Yfm_nKNlByKj_tGcXJp-/s352/Picture1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="249" data-original-width="352" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj-I_KO4aqHYN1c7TVbb4XemamLW7rVoH3bcXgLMqLOeqzsDw2F-Ws1BVALtP4ErcFGl8-XRNgfWsR6hyphenhyphenqcMm4lMvE4NS2Wy66CGUZBe2afDujUn6KwmIGUD53Yfm_nKNlByKj_tGcXJp-/s320/Picture1.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Please feel free to copy or print this.</div><p align="left" class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Abadi",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">FAMILIAL PRIESTHOOD</span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Abadi",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">When we enter into the Fulness of the
Melchizedek Priesthood in the temple, we enter into a Family Priesthood and we
covenant, with our temple sealing, to bring spirit sons and daughters to earth
and nurture them to return to our Heavenly Parents.</span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Abadi",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Elder Oaks said, “The greatest power God
has given to His sons cannot be exercised without the companionship of one of
His daughters, because only to His daughters has God given the power ‘to be a
creator of bodies’” (General Conference April 2014). But His daughters also
cannot do it without His sons.</span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Abadi",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">In the conception of a child, a mother
and a father are the conductors of priesthood power, connecting heaven and
earth and physically facilitating the entry of a spirit child into an earthly
body. In pregnancy, childbirth, and infancy, ideally, a mother’s body creates
an environment of safety and nourishes the baby as it grows through the power
of God.</span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Abadi",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">My husband and I have had the marvelous privilege
of being parents through biology, through adoption, and through guardianships.
In every instance, we can testify that priesthood power accompanied the
entrance of that child into our family.</span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Abadi",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">ECCLESIASTICAL PRIESTHOOD</span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Abadi",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Just as priesthood power in the family
brings spirit children to earth and ideally into family life, priesthood power
in the Church brings humans back to God. As there is only one way to enter
earth life—in a family—there is only one way to enter the Celestial Kingdom: being
reborn into the Family of God, the House of Israel. We do this by entering into
the New and Everlasting Covenant of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and accepting
all the ordinances carried out by those authorized and ordained with priesthood
authority. After this life (which includes earth life and spirit world life),
Christ’s ultimate priesthood power allows the spirit to re-enter a now
glorified resurrected physical body.</span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Abadi",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">PRIESTHOOD AUTHORITY</span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Abadi",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Priesthood authority is an order of
stewardships that helps you know who you can trust as authorized leaders to
receive revelation for the Church or for you. It also makes sure that everyone
has a link to priesthood blessings.</span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Abadi",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Priesthood keys are the authority to
give authority. “Whoever functions in an office or calling received from one
who holds priesthood keys exercises priesthood authority in performing her or
his assigned duties” (DHO 2014).</span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Abadi",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">For example, our ward chorister can
receive revelation by virtue of priesthood authority about which hymn to sing
when it is particularly important. Last week in our ward, the speaker had hoped
and prayed that “Have I Done Any Good in the World Today?” might be sung in the
meeting to emphasize the message of her talk, but asking for a hymn change at
the last minute is insensitive to the practice efforts of the organist. The
chorister, however, had previously been inspired to choose that very hymn. This
is priesthood authority exercised in a Church calling.</span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Abadi",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">As spouses and parents, we also have
familial priesthood authority. We can receive revelation for our family members
and the spirit can ratify it to them. Can you think of times in your life that
those in stewardship over you have guided you through revelation?</span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Abadi",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">HOW PRIESTHOOD OPERATES</span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Abadi",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">To the woman at the well in Samaria, Jesus
Christ offered living water. Water was the greatest force known to ancient
Israel. They didn’t know about electricity or jet propulsion. But they knew
about water and its mighty power—to heal, to give and sustain life, and to
change the shape of the land.</span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Abadi",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">The Priesthood is a living power, a flow
from God through humans to other humans, linking them back to God. A person
ordained to the priesthood is not really a priesthood “holder” but a priesthood
<i>bearer</i>, a conductor through which God’s power can flow to others. Knowing
this is essential to understanding how to call upon this power. You have never
heard anyone—not even a prophet of the Lord—say, “I was terribly sick, but fortunately
I hold the Priesthood so I gave myself a blessing.”</span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Abadi",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">The key to using priesthood power is the
desire to bless others. It’s an inverted pyramid scheme, with Christ at the
point on the bottom serving everyone who ever lived. In our ward, the Bishop
and the Relief Society president are at the bottom. In the home, it’s the
parents, forgoing their wants for their children’s needs. You are more like
Christ when you are at the bottom, washing feet and faces, stopping issues of
blood, looking for those on the fringes, watching for prodigals to return,
giving even your body for others. This is where the real joy is: in helping
others to progress. This is God’s work and His glory.</span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Abadi",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">The rules for using priesthood power are
clearly laid out in D&C 121:</span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Abadi",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">The short version is to:</span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Abadi",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">“Let thy bowels also be full of charity
towards all men, and to the household of faith, and let virtue garnish thy
thoughts unceasingly;</span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Abadi",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">“THEN shall thy confidence wax strong in
the presence of God; and the doctrine of the priesthood shall distil upon thy
soul as the dews from heaven. The Holy Ghost shall be thy constant companion,
and thy scepter an unchanging scepter of righteousness and truth; and thy
dominion shall be an everlasting dominion, and without compulsory means it
shall FLOW unto thee forever and ever” (D&C 121:45-46).</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Abadi",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">PRIESTCRAFT</span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Abadi",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Satan will try to influence you into
abandoning your covenants, your priesthood power. I guarantee it. He will do
this through priestcraft. Priestcraft is not a flow of power to others but a
hoarding of power to oneself. This is contrary to the nature of God. Study the
Book of Mormon carefully to recognize priestcraft.<i> Never give up your
covenants, no matter what!</i></span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Abadi",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Signs that you are being influenced by
priestcraft include desires that are focused on yourself.</span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;"></p><ul><li><span face=""Abadi",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">The desire to have more
authority. </span></li><li><span face=""Abadi",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">The desire to refute,
negate, or counter those authorized by Christ</span></li><li><span face=""Abadi",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">The desire to keep
autonomy rather than basing your life’s purpose on the growth of your family.</span></li><li><span face=""Abadi",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">The desire to be
negative: cynical, critical, sarcastic, pessimistic. </span></li><li><span face=""Abadi",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">The desire to be seen
in a positive “light” by those of the world, rather than by the light of
Christ.</span></li><li><span face=""Abadi",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">The desire to think in
terms of “us” and “them.” </span></li><li><span face=""Abadi",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">The desire to rush
revelation rather than study, prepare, and wait for it to come in the Lord’s
time.</span></li><li><span face=""Abadi",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">The desire to avoid
forgiving offense and hold onto pain instead of handing it to Christ. </span></li></ul><p></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal">
</p><!--[if !supportLists]--><p></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Abadi",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Rather than being shocked by new
information that challenges your viewpoint of the Church or the gospel, get
excited! Revelation comes in response to questions. This is your chance to
“level up!” If you are interested enough to ask and motivated enough to study
and trusting enough to wait for answers, God knows you have the capacity to
receive and be responsible for the answers.</span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Abadi",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">In a similar vein, do not think there is
something wrong when you have problems. You will have lots of big problems! Our
purpose on earth is to solve problems as we covenant with God, receive
priesthood power, use it to bless others, and draw heaven and earth together in
one eternal family. This brings great joy (eventually if not immediately).</span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Abadi",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">CHALLENGE</span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Abadi",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">General Relief Society President Linda
K. Burton issued this call to every female member of the Church through the
Visiting Teaching Message in April 2014: “I invite you to memorize the oath and
covenant of the priesthood, which can be found in Doctrine and Covenants
84:33-44. By doing so, I promise you that the Holy Ghost will expand your
understanding of the priesthood and inspire and uplift you in wonderful ways”
(Visiting Teaching Message, Ensign, April 2014).</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx0kDLmdWk-kv8Sx3ml-NGMzokZaEU8IZHuKm1WlgyLQ7IFN8ScveMQXC8Wg-y1fAqnSvl4KWTWY1oqVWHd4eoXHKD7tmeHG1mZ9uJ7kwoDro_wR2qrCy5teUEE3Eg1VmjFKZ_qcRdJyyc/s2048/Relief-Society-Presidency-Burton-2012.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1638" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx0kDLmdWk-kv8Sx3ml-NGMzokZaEU8IZHuKm1WlgyLQ7IFN8ScveMQXC8Wg-y1fAqnSvl4KWTWY1oqVWHd4eoXHKD7tmeHG1mZ9uJ7kwoDro_wR2qrCy5teUEE3Eg1VmjFKZ_qcRdJyyc/s320/Relief-Society-Presidency-Burton-2012.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><p align="left" class="MsoNormal">President Linda K. Burton</p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Abadi",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">To ensure that this call reached every
woman in the Church, President Burton’s invitation and promise was quoted in
General Conference that month by Elder Oaks (April 2014).</span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Abadi",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">President Nelson restated the call to
women to study the Oath and Covenant of the Priesthood in the October 2019
General Conference. You men, of course, have also been encouraged to memorize
the Oath and Covenant of the Priesthood. If we have the oath and covenant
memorized, we can take it to the temple with us and learn more from the
blessings there.</span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Abadi",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Recently President Nelson has said, “The
heavens are just as open to women who are endowed with God’s power flowing from
their priesthood covenants as they are to men who bear the priesthood. I pray
that truth will register upon each of your hearts because I believe it will
change your life” (RMN, “Spiritual Treasures,” October 2019 General
Conference).</span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Abadi",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">THE MELCHIZEDEK FAMILIAL PRIESTHOOD IN
THE NEW TESTAMENT</span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Abadi",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">After his resurrection, Jesus Christ
appeared to his followers and invited them to accept “the promise [the oath] of
the Father” if they would tarry in Jerusalem until they were “endued with power
from on high” (Luke 24:49).</span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Abadi",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">“[The 11 remaining disciples then] went
up into an upper room [and] continued with one accord in prayer and
supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his
brethren” (Acts 1:13-15). The congregation numbered about 120. They kept their
sacramental covenant to meet together to worship and remember Christ.</span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Abadi",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">At the day of Pentecost, 50 days after
the Passover during which Jesus was crucified, this same group “were all with
one accord in one place.” (Acts 2:1). The sound of the power of God came as a
rushing wind and filled the house where they were sitting and “cloven tongues
like as of fire…sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy
Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them
utterance” (Acts 2:2-4). Word of this spread and many came to see.</span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Abadi",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Peter announced to them, “This is that
which was spoken by the prophet Joel; and it shall come to pass in the last
days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and
your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your
old men shall dream dreams: and on my servants and on my handmaidens I will
pour out in those days of my Spirit…” (Acts 2:16-18).</span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Abadi",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">“Then they that gladly received his word
were baptized: and the same day there were added about 3,000 souls” (Acts
2:41). Notice the genderless term “souls” instead of “men.”</span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Abadi",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">TESTIMONY</span></p><p>
</p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Abadi",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">I add my testimony to President
Nelson’s, President Oaks’, and President Burton’s that an ongoing effort to
better understand and experience priesthood power in our families and in our
callings will change our lives and the lives of those we influence. It will
insulate us against the power of the Adversary and fortify us to meet the
challenges life will hold for us with faith and confidence in the Lord. If we
cling to our covenants, we will experience the incredible joy of union with our
Heavenly Parents and family.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal"><span face="Abadi, sans-serif"><br /></span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal"><span face="Abadi, sans-serif">Additional source: Barbara Gardner, <i>The Priesthood Power of Women: In the Temple, Church, and Family, </i>Deseret Book, 2019</span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><p></p>Nancy Wyatt Jensenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14758524730006544116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706071451857400135.post-91391431485890684612021-09-20T08:17:00.003-08:002021-09-20T08:17:40.801-08:00Doctrine and Covenants 102-105 <p> ZION'S CAMP</p><br />Parley P. Pratt and Lyman Wight took an arduous journey from Jackson to Kirtland to report the persecutions to Joseph Smith, arriving on February 22, 1834. The Prophet said he would go to redeem Zion and the High Council ratified this decision. 30-40 of the men present volunteered. "That same day Joseph Smith received a revelation concerning the recruitment and size of this army...They were to recruit a company of 500 men if possible--but no fewer than 100...(see D&C 103:11,15,22,29-40)" Pairs of missionaries headed off to the branches in the eastern states to recruit. The result was not favorable. Joseph was displeased. Better success was found in Kirtland. On the appointed day, May 1, only 20 people were ready to go on the 1,000-mile march. They started off. May 5, over 80 joined them with Joseph Smith as commander. They mustered a few more recruits on the way, and by the time the various camps joined on June 8th, there was a total of 207 men, 11 women, 11 children and 25 baggage wagons.<br /><br />The march was as challenging as most army marches: The men walked beside the wagons carrying packs and guns. They often marched 35 miles a day in the oppressive heat and humidity. They suffered hunger, thirst and blisters. They woke at 4:00 a.m. to the bugle call. Feeding and watering the group was very challenging. Sometimes the best they had was rancid butter, maggot-infested bacon, rotten ham, cornmeal mush...Sometimes they had to drive swamp water full of mosquito larvae, which they strained with their teeth. (Ewww!) Although they drank milk while marching through an area that was infected with "milk sickness" and "puking fever," the Prophet promised they would not get the sicknesses and they didn't.<br /><br />Often they were frightened by the threats of enemies around them. They tried to keep their identity and purpose a secret. When marching through Indianapolis under great threat, the Prophet promised they would be safe. They divided into small groups and all got through the city undetected.<br /><br />"Potential enemies notwithstanding, quarreling and contention within the camp became its most vexing problem..." (Church History in the Fulness of Times, p. 141-145)<br /><br />The following are some notes on the bickering and fighting that occurred within the camp:<br /><br /><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<![endif]--><br /><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="color: #0b5394;">"<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Sylvester [Smith]</span> is remembered for his quarrelsome spirit on the march with Zion’s Camp. His criticism of camp leaders for the way in which they prepared for the journey, and his complaints about the strain on the men and teams pulling the heavy wagons, sparked dissension."</span> (Susan Easton Black, <i>Who's Who in the Doctrine and Covenants, </i>Sylvester Smith entry.)</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><u>Levi Hancock, Wilford Woodruff</u>: <span style="color: #0b5394;">The Prophet confronted him about it…[and] <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Sylvester</span> defiantly replied that “even if Joseph Smith was a prophet he was not afraid and would contradict him in the face of all present.”</span> (Autobiography of Levi Hancock, and journal of Wilford Woodruff, quoted in Black, <i>Who’s Who in the Doctrine and Covenants</i>, p. 298)</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><u>George A. Smith</u>: <span style="color: #0b5394;">On Wednesday, 14<sup>th</sup> of May, we had been unable to obtain sufficient baking and cooking utensils, and as our commissary had been disappointed in getting a supply of bread…we began to be straitened for the staff of life. Men were sent on to Bellefontaine to have a supply baked by the time we should arrive, and although every measure practicable had been taken, <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Sylvester Smith</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>murmured against the Prophet because the Camp was not supplied with bread…</span></div><span style="color: #0b5394;"></span><br /><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><span style="color: #0b5394;"></span><br /><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="color: #0b5394;">May 16<sup>th</sup>: During the day being very much fatigued with carrying my musket I put it into the baggage wagon, which was customary, and when I arrived at camp in the evening my gun could not be found. This circumstance was exceedingly mortifying to me and many of the brethren accused me of carelessness, and ridiculed me about loading my gun. <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jenkins </span>Salisbury took the most pleasure in ridiculing me for my carelessness. I afterwards learned…that the gun was pawned for whiskey by one of our company, and have always believed that Jenkins Salisbury, who was very fond of the good creature, disposed of it in that way. </span>(George A. Smith, “My Journal,” <i>The Instructor</i>, 81, [1946] 78, 95)</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><u>Wilford Woodruff</u>: <span style="color: #0b5394;">We were followed by <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">spies</span> hundreds of miles to find out the object of our mission. We had some boys in the camp. George A. Smith was among the youngest. When they could get him alone they would question him, thinking that he looked green enough for them to get what they wanted out of him. </span>(Smith, <i>History of the Church</i>, 2:67)</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><u>Joseph Smith: </u><span style="color: #0b5394;">The 17<sup>th</sup> of May we crossed the state line of Ohio, and encamped for the Sabbath just within the limits of Indiana, having traveled about forty miles that day…We had our sentinels posted every night, on account of <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">spies</span> who were continually striving to harass us, steal our horses, etc.</span></div><span style="color: #0b5394;"></span><br /><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><span style="color: #0b5394;"></span><br /><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="color: #0b5394;">This evening there was a difficulty between some of the brethren and <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Sylvester Smith</span>…Finding a rebellious spirit in Sylvester Smith, and to some extent in others, I told them they would meet with misfortunes, difficulties and hindrances and said, “and you will know it before you leave this place,” exhorting them to humble themselves before the Lord and become united, that they might not be <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">scourged</span>… On Sunday morning [the following], when we arose, we found almost <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">every horse in the camp so badly foundered </span>that we could scarcely lead them a few rods to the water. The brethren then deeply realized the effects of discord. When I learned the fact, I exclaimed to the brethren, that for a witness that God overruled and had His eye upon them, all those who would humble themselves before the Lord should know that the hand of God was in this misfortune, and their horses would be restored to health immediately; and by twelve o’clock the same day the horses were as nimble as ever, with the exception of one of Sylvester Smith’s, which soon afterwards died.</span> (HC 2:68-69)</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><u>George A. Smith</u>: <span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Prophet Joseph</span> took a full share of the fatigues of the entire journey…While most of the men in the camp complained to him of sore toes, blistered feet, long drives, scanty supply and provisions, poor quality of bread, bad corndodger, frozen butter, strong honey, maggoty bacon and cheese, etc., even a dog could not bark at some men without their murmuring at Joseph. If they had to camp with bad water, it would nearly cause a rebellion, yet we were in the Camp of Zion, and many of us were prayerless, thoughtless, careless, heedless, foolish or devilish, and yet we did not know it. Joseph had to bear with us, and tutor us, his children.</span> (Memoirs of George A. Smith, p. 25)</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><u>Heber C. Kimball</u>:<span style="color: #0b5394;"> June 3rd: While we were refreshing ourselves and teams, about the middle of the day, Brother Joseph got up in a wagon and said that he would deliver a <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">prophecy</span>…the Lord had told him that there would be a <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">scourge</span> come upon the camp in consequence of the fractious and unruly spirits that appeared among them, and they would die like sheep with the rot; still if they would repent and humble themselves before the Lord, the scourge in a great measure might be turned away, “but, <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">as the Lord lives, this camp will suffer for giving way to their unruly temper.</span>”</span> (Whitney, <i>Life of Heber C. Kimball</i>, p. 47-48)</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><u>Joseph Smith</u>: <span style="color: #0b5394;">At the commencement [of the cholera attack], I attempted to <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">lay on hands for their recovery</span>, but I quickly learned by painful experience, that when the great Jehovah decrees destruction on any people, and makes known His determination, man must not attempt to stay His hand. The moment I attempted to rebuke the disease I was attacked, and had I not desisted in my attempt to save the life of a brother, I would have sacrificed my own.</span> (HC 2:114)</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">BIRTH OF LEADERSHIP</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing">Although Zion was not redeemed, because the Saints clearly were not ready, and Zion's Camp returned home apparently unsuccessful, the future leadership of the Church was refined and purified through the march. Nine of the Twelve Apostles and all of the Seventy were chosen from Zion's Camp.</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: black;">As Joseph Smith said, </span>"Brethren, some of you are angry with me, because you did not fight in Missouri; but let me tell you, God did not want you to fight. He could not organize His kingdom with twelve men to open the Gospel door to the nations of the earth, and with seventy men under the direction to follow in their tracks, unless He took them from a body of men who had offered their lives, and who had made as great a sacrifice as did Abraham" <span style="color: black;">(<i>HC </i>2:182)</span></span></div>Nancy Wyatt Jensenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14758524730006544116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706071451857400135.post-4737531478644987902021-09-05T12:57:00.003-08:002021-09-05T16:59:47.726-08:00Doctrine and Covenants 98-101<p> <span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">THE SIMMERING POT OF JACKSON COUNTY</span></p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span>"The Prophet Joseph and those who accompanied him to Missouri in the summer of 1831 were joyful to learn that Jackson County was the location of the latter-day Zion. They did not realize that within two years the Saints would be driven from their homes in western Missouri...</span><br /><span><br /></span><span>"The year 1833 was one of tribulation for the Saints in Jackson County, Missouri. Irreconcilable conflicts developed with their neighbors over several issues...</span><br /><span><br /></span><span>"By the end of 1832 there were 800 Saints gathered into five branches in Jackson County. New people were arriving almost every week..."</span></span><br /><br />There was a clear organization of Church leadership set up in Jackson County by the Prophet. </span><span style="color: #2b00fe;">"Some members, however, tried to circumvent the Church leaders in Missouri by ignoring their authority to preside...</span></span><div><div><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span><br /></span><span>"Other difficulties arose in Zion. Petty jealousies, covetousness, light-mindedness, unbelief, and general neglect in keeping the commandments of God came to the attention of the Prophet. Some people in Zion even charged Joseph Smith with 'seeking after monarchical power and authority' and said that he was purposely putting off settling in Zion...</span><br /><span><br /></span><span>"The Prophet wrote back in the spirit of peace and sent a copy of the 'Olive Leaf' (D&C 88)...</span><br /><span><br /></span><span>"Following receipt of the Olive Leaf revelation, a council of high priests met on 26 February 1833 and called for solemn assemblies to be held in each of the branches (see D&C 88:70). David Pettigrew wrote in his journal that Bishop Partridge appointed them 'as a day of confession and repentance.'"</span></span><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">The Lord was pleased with this new spirit...(D&C 90:34) Peace began to prevail. A "school of elders," like the Kirtland "school of prophets" was organized. Prophecies were being publicized in the Church newspapers and <i>The Book of Commandments </i>was being printed. The plan for the City of Zion was drawn up, which included dwellings for 15,000-20,000 people in 1 square mile with a complex of 24 temples (probably more like the Kirtland Temple--meetinghouses/temples--as the fulness of temple worship wasn't instituted until the Nauvoo Temple). Farmers and merchants alike would live "in town," the farmers commuting to work outside town each day.<br /><br /><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span>"The happy and favorable circumstances of the Saints in Jackson County ended suddenly in July of 1833. The original inhabitants of the area became increasingly suspicious as the number of Church members in Jackson County grew rapidly...</span><br /><br /><span>"Jackson County's residents were a rough-and-ready group who had come from the mountainous regions of several southern states to the western edge of the United States to find freedom from societal restraints...Many of them indulged in profanity, Sabbath-breaking, horse-racing, cock-fighting, idleness, drunkenness, gambling, and violence...</span><br /><br /><span>"By July 1833 the Mormon population in the county was almost 1,200 with more arriving each month. Some members boasted that thousands more were coming to live in the county...</span><br /><span><br /></span><span>"Protestant ministers...resented the Mormon intrusion" into their territory. "In addition, Mormon merchants and tradesmen successfully took over a portion of the lucrative Santa Fe Trail trade previously dominated by the Missourians...</span><br /><span><br /></span><span>"The Missouri frontiersmen feared and hated the [Native Americans]" who were being settled nearby by the government. "The first Mormon missionaries came into this tense atmosphere declaring the prophetic destiny of the native Americans. The old settlers were afraid the Saints would use the [Native Americans] to help them conquer the area for their New Jerusalem...</span><br /><span><br /></span><span>"The conflict between the Saints and the old settlers came to a head over the slavery issue. Missouri had come into the Union as a slave state...Some of the Saints brought abolitionist sentiments from the North and East...Missourians were highly aroused early in 1832 by rumors that the Saints were trying to persuade slaves to disobey their masters or run away."</span></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"> </span> (Quotes are all from the Institute manual, <a href="https://www.lds.org/manual/church-history-in-the-fulness-of-times-student-manual?lang=eng">Church History in the Fulness of Times</a>, p. 127-132)</span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">SUMMARY OF THE LORD'S WORDS TO SAINTS IN TROUBLE</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">The chapter summaries in the scriptures can often give us great clarity on the words of the Lord. In the case of Sections 98 and 101, written to the Saints in Jackson County in the time of their worst affliction, we can look at them as a list. Each point is also relevant to us in our various situations throughout the world. In the United States, I think it is instructive in regards to the current polarization of political idiologies and the criticism towards or disregard for the Constitution.</span></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">The afflictions of the Saints will be for their good.</span></li><li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">The Saints are to befriend the constitutional law of the land.</span></li><li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Honest, wise, and good men should be supported for secular government.</span></li><li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Those who lay down their lives in the Lord’s cause will have eternal life.</span></li><li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Renounce war and proclaim peace.</span></li><li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">The Saints in Kirtland are reproved and commanded to repent.</span></li><li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">The Lord reveals His laws governing the persecutions and afflictions imposed on His people:</span></li><ul><li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">War is justified only when the Lord commands it.</span></li><li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">The Saints are to forgive their enemies, who, if they repent, will also escape the Lord’s vengeance.</span></li></ul><li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">The Saints are chastened and afflicted because of their transgressions.</span></li><li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">The Lord’s indignation will fall upon the nations, but His people will be gathered and comforted.</span></li><li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Zion and her stakes will be established.</span></li><li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">The nature of life during the Millennium is set forth.</span></li><li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">The Saints will be blessed and rewarded then.</span></li><li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">The parable of the nobleman and the olive trees signifies the troubles and eventual redemption of Zion.</span></li><li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">The Saints are to continue gathering together.</span></li><li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">The Lord established the Constitution of the United States.</span></li><li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">The Saints are to importune for the redress of grievances, according to the parable of the woman and the unjust judge.</span></li></ul><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">In the end, although they had to endure severe trials and many lost their lives or their faith, those who remained with the Church ended up completely escaping the most devastating war in the history of the United States, the Civil War. Jackson County, Missouri was one of the hottest points of the Civil War, and when the war was over, <a href="https://civilwaronthewesternborder.org/encyclopedia/general-order-no-11" target="_blank">General Order #11</a> was issued by Union General Thomas Ewing on August 25, 1863, forcing the Jackson County residents to move or be burned out. Although the Saints endured terrible trials, those very trials--their expulsion from Missouri and later Illinois--caused them to completely escape the horror of the Civil War, as Utah was not even a state yet.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">THE LORD'S WORDS TO US IN OUR TIMES OF TROUBLE</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span face="Palatino, Palatino Linotype, Palatino Italic, Palatino-Italic, Pahoran, Pahoran ldsLat, Noto Sans Myanmar, NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">The beginning of the revelation in Section 98 is one of the most comforting in all scripture. It has been not only a comfort to the Saints in the time it was originally received, but to many individuals since in their own personal trials. It is one of those scriptures through which Heavenly Father can clearly speak to us:</span></span></div></div><div><span face="Palatino, Palatino Linotype, Palatino Italic, Palatino-Italic, Pahoran, Pahoran ldsLat, Noto Sans Myanmar, NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><p class="verse" data-aid="128373356" id="p1" style="--height: 81.6875px; background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0.65em; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span class="verse-number" face="Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino Bold", Palatino-Bold, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 700; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1 </span>Verily I say unto you my friends, <a class="study-note-ref" data-scroll-id="note1a" href="https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/98?lang=eng#note1a" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><sup class="marker" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: normal; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">a</sup>fear not</a>, let your hearts be comforted; yea, rejoice evermore, and in everything give <a class="study-note-ref" data-scroll-id="note1b" href="https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/98?lang=eng#note1b" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><sup class="marker" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: normal; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">b</sup>thanks</a>;</span></p><p class="verse" data-aid="128373358" id="p2" style="--height: 104.688px; background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0.65em; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span class="verse-number" face="Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino Bold", Palatino-Bold, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 700; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">2 </span><a class="study-note-ref" data-scroll-id="note2a" href="https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/98?lang=eng#note2a" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><sup class="marker" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: normal; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">a</sup>Waiting</a> patiently on the Lord, for your prayers have entered into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth, and are recorded with this seal and testament—the Lord hath sworn and decreed that they shall be granted.</span></p><p class="verse" data-aid="128373360" id="p3" style="--height: 104.688px; background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0.65em; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span class="verse-number" face="Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino Bold", Palatino-Bold, Pahoran, "Pahoran ldsLat", "Noto Sans Myanmar", NotoSansMyanmar, SaysetthaldsLao, NotoSerifTamil, serif" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 700; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">3 </span>Therefore, he giveth this promise unto you, with an immutable covenant that they shall be fulfilled; and all things wherewith you have been <a class="study-note-ref" data-scroll-id="note3a" href="https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/98?lang=eng#note3a" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><sup class="marker" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: normal; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">a</sup>afflicted</a> shall work together for your <a class="study-note-ref" data-scroll-id="note3b" href="https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/98?lang=eng#note3b" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><sup class="marker" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: normal; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">b</sup>good</a>, and to my name’s glory, saith the Lord.</span></p><p class="verse" data-aid="128373360" id="p3" style="--height: 104.688px; background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0.65em; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Today there are <b>groups of Saints</b> who feel marginalized, oppressed, misunderstood, or underappreciated within the cultures in which they live and sometimes within the Church. There are doctrines we do not understand or which have not yet been fully revealed, because the Restoration is ongoing. We are still learning where faithful Saints who have gender issues, such as same-sex attraction or gender dysphoria, fit in the present-day Kingdom of God on earth, as well as in the eternal doctrine of the family. We are still learning more about the role of women in the priesthood. We still don't fully understand why early Church leaders could be inspired of God and still have views that were racist.</span></p><p class="verse" data-aid="128373360" id="p3" style="--height: 104.688px; background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0.65em; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">There are also <b>individual Saints </b>who are going through other severe trials that are hard to understand. Every one of us will fall into this category at some time in our life because developing trust in God is a key component of our progression toward Godhood. Our trials also teach us very important lessons about each other and ourselves, and they reveal to us our total dependence upon our Savior.</span></p><p class="verse" data-aid="128373360" id="p3" style="--height: 104.688px; background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0.65em; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">If either of these categories describes you at this present time, I encourage you to read, re-read, and possibly even memorize these three verses of comfort and promise from the Lord of Sabaoth (the Lord of Heavenly Armies) and know that He is on your side if you are on His. If your prayers are inspired and ratified by the Holy Ghost, they will be answered. </span></p><p class="verse" data-aid="128373360" id="p3" style="--height: 104.688px; background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0.65em; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">MY TESTIMONY OF GOD'S CARE</span></p><p class="verse" data-aid="128373360" id="p3" style="--height: 104.688px; background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0.65em; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Although I usually try to not make this blog about me, I feel impressed to indulge in telling a personal story about these verses as a follow-up to the story I shared in <a href="http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2021/08/doctrine-and-covenants-94-97.html" target="_blank">the last post</a>.</span></p><p class="verse" data-aid="128373360" id="p3" style="--height: 104.688px; background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0.65em; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="verse" data-aid="128373360" id="p3" style="--height: 104.688px; background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0.65em; vertical-align: baseline;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6CBjtQnpVXkXTGTTfiJu01RJdx-ftEBxaOPNXOpwmbEzV9VoUiaABJWRGpGAZ1J6YT-2xgfoRD0IZtmLWk50j-KPAP6fclpLIgDsdDn6KxLqHk2XFFj79Unl7MFCHwiu4H509h4CEgXJ4/s533/pic12.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6CBjtQnpVXkXTGTTfiJu01RJdx-ftEBxaOPNXOpwmbEzV9VoUiaABJWRGpGAZ1J6YT-2xgfoRD0IZtmLWk50j-KPAP6fclpLIgDsdDn6KxLqHk2XFFj79Unl7MFCHwiu4H509h4CEgXJ4/s320/pic12.gif" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="verse" data-aid="128373360" id="p3" style="--height: 104.688px; background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0.65em; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">For several years of our married life, right around the turn of the 21st century, my husband, who is a space sciences engineer, was working on a joint satellite project between the United States and Russia. This work required him to travel frequently to Moscow for ten days or two weeks at a time. I was at our home raising 6 children, from an infant to teenagers. It was hard on our family to have our father gone so much of the time. It was hard on his health to have to flip his days and nights so frequently as he drastically changed time zones. It was very hard on me to be a single parent. These feelings of frustration worsened as it became increasingly obvious that two mighty countries with two massive governments who functioned in completely different ways would never trust each other enough to get this satellite off the ground. The project would never be completed and launched. </span></p><p class="verse" data-aid="128373360" id="p3" style="--height: 104.688px; background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0.65em; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">One day it occurred to me that, although I had complained quite a bit about this situation of family separation, I had never asked in prayer for the Lord to take it away. Immediately I dropped to my knees beside my bed, but as I began to pray I was suddenly infused with the knowledge that I was going to pray for the wrong thing. I was immediately filled with peace and purpose in my role as the sometimes sole parent at home. I did offer a prayer, but it ended up being a prayer of gratitude for the knowledge that the travel was important in God's plan. I never felt to complain again.</span></p><p class="verse" data-aid="128373360" id="p3" style="--height: 104.688px; background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0.65em; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">As Gary walked the streets of Russia in the early years of his work there, street children would flock around him, begging for money. It was heartbreaking. It was the early days of the democracy experience for Russia and their economy had collapsed. Most of these children were orphaned or abandoned. He learned to always carry coins in his pocket to throw for the children, like one might throw candy in an American parade. This got money to the children and also got them off him so he could continue down the street. By about the year 2000 as Russia became more stable, the children gradually disappeared from the streets, placed into orphanages. Gary's flights home from Russia began to be increasingly filled with American parents and their newly adopted Russian infants and children. </span></p><p class="verse" data-aid="128373360" id="p3" style="--height: 104.688px; background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0.65em; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Since the birth of our sixth child, we had always felt an incompleteness in our family. Several times I had accidentally told people we had seven children! Yet the seventh child did not appear in the usual way. </span></p><p class="verse" data-aid="128373360" id="p3" style="--height: 104.688px; background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0.65em; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">In the meantime, my husband's supervisors invited the spouses of the team to travel to Russia to tour with them in conjunction with one of their business trips. I'm not a great traveler and I had never wanted to go to Russia, but I felt I would always regret it if I didn't take advantage of the offer. It ended up being a wonderful experience. At the conclusion of the tour, I then personally experienced an airline flight from Moscow to New York City with about fifteen newly-adopted children and their American parents. </span></p><p class="verse" data-aid="128373360" id="p3" style="--height: 104.688px; background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0.65em; vertical-align: baseline;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYEvyrV3bxmWbfgWGa8xr9SblXl3E2rbKc0CPhdljIWlyLKJ5LyZrCq9C0zxpNlGZDsQZTDX-rYKPXX41vimR1D5B4nzKFWcgNDsqEzJ9KQMJy-nU5POk8YIBhVEba4i2jrgkoNSDtivXZ/s2048/IMG_0076.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1327" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYEvyrV3bxmWbfgWGa8xr9SblXl3E2rbKc0CPhdljIWlyLKJ5LyZrCq9C0zxpNlGZDsQZTDX-rYKPXX41vimR1D5B4nzKFWcgNDsqEzJ9KQMJy-nU5POk8YIBhVEba4i2jrgkoNSDtivXZ/s320/IMG_0076.jpg" width="207" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>I hold the copyright to this photo. It may not be copied.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">We began to wonder whether the Lord wanted us to adopt from Russia. It seemed silly, since we already had six biological children and since there are children in America who also need parents if we wanted to adopt one. We also didn't have the funds for a foreign adoption. But we asked the question in prayer over the next several weeks and our prayers were powerfully and unmistakenly answered: YES! And we knew the child was a four-year-old girl. We began the process of adoption. </span><p></p><p class="verse" data-aid="128373360" id="p3" style="--height: 104.688px; background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0.65em; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHXjx0cHrreDWWcN2fznl89XOsg-FHKneMRmUErEsdaDy-wJtmYYn0SCwKY1yexymOtWigX5TpOMe2Il6YDb6UaN7PMYnZ7LtZC73hUmQ7VGMlvuxqzcwqBr9HAQj5zNm172SwMFEKHxJA/s1600/IMG_0076.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHXjx0cHrreDWWcN2fznl89XOsg-FHKneMRmUErEsdaDy-wJtmYYn0SCwKY1yexymOtWigX5TpOMe2Il6YDb6UaN7PMYnZ7LtZC73hUmQ7VGMlvuxqzcwqBr9HAQj5zNm172SwMFEKHxJA/s320/IMG_0076.JPG" width="320" /></i></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><i>I hold the copyright to this photo. It may not be copied.</i></span></div><p></p><p class="verse" data-aid="128373360" id="p3" style="--height: 104.688px; background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0.65em; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span>We traveled to Krasnodar, Russia and met a beautiful little 4-year-old girl. We were told we would be able to return in six weeks to adopt her. But just before we were to return, we were told her paperwork had not been filed correctly and we would have to wait a little longer. Then the birthmother (from within prison, where she was serving a drug sentence) sent a letter to the child and promised to come back to get her. We would have to wait to see if she would follow through. Then adoptions in the region halted for months while a new regional Board of Education (which oversees adoptions) was appointed. </span><span>We ran out of money and took out a second mortgage on our home. Our paperwork, home study, and official documents expired so we did it all again. And we waited. I carried an almost constant knot in my stomach and had to make myself eat. We could not see how this stalemate would ever resolve.</span></span></p><p class="verse" data-aid="128373360" id="p3" style="--height: 104.688px; background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0.65em; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">During this time, my visiting teacher, whose three children were all adopted, shared with me the scripture mentioned above, D&C 98:1-3. It had carried a personal message to her from God when she had been despairing during the long wait for their second child. I hoped it was a message for us as well.</span></p><p class="verse" data-aid="128373360" id="p3" style="--height: 104.688px; background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0.65em; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">We were sent pictures of other children to adopt, but as we prayed for guidance about whether we should change direction, we always got the answer to just continue waiting. Our ward fasted and prayed with us for our adoption. Then our Russian adoption agent suddenly emigrated to America (with our money) and we were left high and dry.</span></p><p class="verse" data-aid="128373360" id="p3" style="--height: 104.688px; background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0.65em; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">It was right then, when all hope seemed lost, almost two years after we started the adoption process, that suddenly the way cleared. We found a new Russian adoption agent through connections on an Internet support group who was more knowledgeable, more powerful and who had integrity. The area was reopened for foreign adoption, and we were sent a photograph of a sweet little four-year-old girl. The minute I saw that first photo, I knew <i>this</i> was our daughter. We redid all our expensive paperwork (again!) and booked our flights. We drove from Krasnodar to the orphanage in Afipsky with our new adoption agent, who said, "I was raised an atheist, but one cannot work in adoption and remain an atheist." We met a little girl with a big smile, and as I measured our new daughter for clothing, I discovered she had <i>exactly</i> the same measurements as the first little girl--even down to the shoe size! </span></p><p class="verse" data-aid="128373360" id="p3" style="--height: 104.688px; background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0.65em; vertical-align: baseline;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioLeYfv718MBk1yORVtlA04eAXj2QmjgcA8oYpsMl0AayqfPEsTIcU_Di-5A1sTXvq3mWJ8HKFbhFLe_oT_wGxf0coUw9-_h7x_kMZgx9UhBxOr8jV00hMFlyVM6myBowZVbY4m7Gsv7k8/s1527/IMG_1285_0032.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1193" data-original-width="1527" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioLeYfv718MBk1yORVtlA04eAXj2QmjgcA8oYpsMl0AayqfPEsTIcU_Di-5A1sTXvq3mWJ8HKFbhFLe_oT_wGxf0coUw9-_h7x_kMZgx9UhBxOr8jV00hMFlyVM6myBowZVbY4m7Gsv7k8/s320/IMG_1285_0032.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">I hold the copyright to this photo. It may not be copied.</span></i></div><p></p><p class="verse" data-aid="128373360" id="p3" style="--height: 104.688px; background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0.65em; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">The new Board of Education was not eager to allow adoptions into large families, but simply because we had waited so long and never given up, they allowed us to complete the last America adoption in that region before they shut it down again, and on October 11, 2004, our family was finally complete. </span></p><p class="verse" data-aid="128373360" id="p3" style="--height: 104.688px; background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0.65em; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">As time went on, we were able to see, more and more, how everything had worked out exactly according to Heavenly Father's plan for our family: Our daughter had not actually entered the orphanage system at the time we first traveled. God sent us that early, not only so that the new Board of Education would admire us for our persistence, but so that we could meet and photograph a darling little boy and help facilitat</span><span style="font-size: medium;">e his adoption into another Latter-day Saint family in our home town. That boy recently completed a mission to Michigan. God also chose a child for our first attempt who looked just like our actual daughter would look two years later, so that our new agent would be able to easily find the right one just by appearance once she was available. We hope that the first little girl was successfully reunited with her mother, and that her mother has been motivated to stay clean from drugs for the benefit of her child. And all those times that I "accidentally" said we had seven children, we really did because our daughter was born in Russia 9 months before our youngest son was born in Utah.</span></span></p><p class="verse" data-aid="128373360" id="p3" style="--height: 104.688px; background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0.65em; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">This experience, which was at first the greatest trial of my faith, turned into the miracle that has become one of the greatest anchors to my faith. As one of the members of our ward said today in his testimony, "When in doubt, zoom out." If we can "zoom out" of the moment, get a long-range, eternal perspective, and trust that God knows what He is doing, trials of faith can become anchors of faith.</span></p></div></div>Nancy Wyatt Jensenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14758524730006544116noreply@blogger.com0