D&C 112

In a revelation to Thomas Marsh, the Lord described the last days saying -

"...I say unto you, darkness covereth the earth, and gross darkness the minds of the people, and all flesh has become corrupt before my face.
24 Behold, vengeance cometh speedily upon the inhabitants of the earth, a day of wrath, a day of burning, a day of desolation, of weeping, of mourning, and of lamentation; and as a whirlwind it shall come upon all the face of the earth, saith the Lord." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 112:23 - 24)

But what is interesting is what he reveals next -

"And upon my house shall it begin, and from my house shall it go forth, saith the Lord..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 112:25)

He then explains why these great tribulations will begin amongst the saints -

"First among those among you, saith the Lord, who have professed to know my name and have not known me, and have blasphemed against me in the midst of my house, saith the Lord." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 112:26)

The tribulations will begin in the last days due to the disobedience and unfaithfulness of some within the Chuch. The Lord's counsel then is -

"Therefore, see to it that ye trouble not yourselves concerning the affairs of my church in this place, saith the Lord.
28 But purify your hearts before me; and then go ye into all the world, and preach my gospel unto every creature who has not received it..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 112:27 - 28)

It seems those that concern themselves with the "affairs of my church" are those that are on the road to apostasy if they do not repent. Our obligation is to follow the Lord's called servants. We know that severe judgements feel upon the saint is Missouri due to the fact they did not abide by celestial law. President Brigham Young said -

"If the Latter-day Saints do not desist from running after the things of this world, and begin to reform and do the work the Father has given them to do, they will be found wanting, and they, too, will be swept away and counted as unprofitable servants" (in Journal of Discourses, 18:262).

And President Joseph Field Smith wrote -

"All of these things will be withheld while the nations are being punished, if the members of the Church will keep faithfully their commandments. If they will not, then we have received the warning that we, like the rest of the world, shall suffer His wrath in justice." (Progress of Man, p. 468.)

D&C 111

As the Prophet and several associates went to Salem, Massachusetts to investigate the claim that there was money or a treasure available there to payChurch debts, the Lord said -

"I, THE Lord your God, am not displeased with your coming this journey, notwithstanding your follies." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 111:1)

It sounds like the Lord knew the intent of their hearts and was pleased even though their search was fruitless. But as the Lord has taught -

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD." (Old Testament Isaiah 55:8)

It appears that the Lord was teaching there were other great treasures (not necessarily all monetary treasures) available to them in that great city. He said -

"I have much treasure in this city for you, for the benefit of Zion, and many people in this city, whom I will gather out in due time for the benefit of Zion, through your instrumentality." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 111:2)

The treasure seems to be more of a treasure of His people than money. It also seems there is a treasure of the Prophet's ancestory or family history in that city as the Lord said -

"...inquire diligently concerning the more ancient inhabitants and founders of this city..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 111:9)

Which is why Paul taught -

"Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?" (New Testament 1 Corinthians 15:29)

The Lord concludes this revelation with -

"For there are more treasures than one for you in this city." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 111:10)

The Lord sees things so much different that we do.

For there are more treasures than one for you in this city.
(Doctrine and Covenants Section 111:10)

D&C 110

As Latter-day Saints, we should remember in great gratitude the sacrifices of our forefathers in the blessings of the temple we now enjoy. The early saints sacrificed beyond measure in building the Kirtland Temple that we might receive these great blessings. The Prophet Joseph Smith taught -

"...if a man would attain to the keys of the kingdom of an endless life; he must sacrifice all things..." (Teachings, p. 322)

This is what those early saints did for us. Can you imagine the joy of these early saints as the Lord said to the Prophet -

"...behold, I have accepted this house, and my name shall be here..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 110:7)

It was because of their great sacrifice the Lord promised -

"...I will manifest myself to my people in mercy in this house.
8 Yea, I will appear unto my servants, and speak unto them with mine own voice, if my people will keep my commandments, and do not pollute this holy house.
9 Yea the hearts of thousands and tens of thousands shall greatly rejoice in consequence of the blessings which shall be poured out, and the endowment with which my servants have been endowed in this house.
10 And the fame of this house shall spread to foreign lands; and this is the beginning of the blessing which shall be poured out upon the heads of my people." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 110:7 - 10)

Today, we have receive the great blessings of restored keys that were restored that very day in His holy house because of their sacrifice. Is it any wonder -

"...Elias appeared, and committed the dispensation of the gospel of Abraham, saying that in us and our seed all generations after us should be blessed." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 110:12)

Elder Franklin D. Richards said -

"The Saints did all the work they could on the building, and then went out and obtained work here and there, and with the money they earned they purchased those things that were necessary for its completion. It was done by sacrificing all that they had; and when we had done all that we could do, Oh! how joyous it was to know the Lord accepted the work, when He stood upon the breastwork of the Temple, conversed with the Prophet Joseph and Oliver, and revealed to them their duties, and informed them that the Gospel should go from there and be preached throughout the nations of the earth." (In Conference Report, Apr. 1898, p. 17.)

D&C 109

In the dedicatory prayer of the Kirtland Temple, the Prophet Joseph Smith prayed -

"...that no unclean thing shall be permitted to come into thy house to pollute it;
21 And when thy people transgress, any of them, they may speedily repent and return unto thee, and find favor in thy sight, and be restored to the blessings which thou hast ordained to be poured out upon those who shall reverence thee in thy house." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 109:20 - 21)

Shortly after the dedication, the Lord explained -

"...I will appear unto my servants, and speak unto them with mine own voice, if my people will keep my commandments, and do not pollute this holy house." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 110:8)

The Lord welcomes all to the temple that are worthy in that they do not pollute His holy house. But in that -

"...as all men sin..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 109:34)

He does not exclude them for -

"...when thy people transgress, any of them, they may speedily repent and return unto thee, and find favor in thy sight, and be restored to the blessings..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 109:21)

As His people "speedily repent and return", He promises that their sins will be -

"...blotted out forever." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 109:34)

Is there not a greater promise and blessing. It is through sincere repentence, worthiness, and solemnity that we -

"...reverence thee in thy house." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 109:21)

President Joseph F. Smith taught of reverence -

"Self-respect requires, among other things, that one shall behave like a true gentleman, in a house of worship. No self-respecting person will go to a house devoted to the service of God to whisper, gossip and visit; rather, it is one’s duty to put on self-restraint, to give one’s undivided attention to the speaker, and concentrate the mind upon his words that his thoughts may be grasped to one’s benefit and profit." (Gospel Doctrine, p. 334.)

Elder Bruce R. McConkie also taught -

"...the most decorous conduct—unmarred by loud laughter, unnecessary conversation, untoward actions of any sort, or even by evil thoughts—is essential to reverencing the Lord’s sanctuary. And what is said of his temples is also true of his meetinghouses." (Mormon Doctrine, p. 652.)

D&C 109

In the dedicatory prayer of the Kirtland Temple, the Prophet prayed by revelation -

"...enable thy servants to seal up the law, and bind up the testimony, that they may be prepared against the day of burning." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 109:46)

Isaiah said much the same thing -

"Bind up the testimony, seal the law among my disciples." (Old Testament Isaiah 8:16)

We also read in the 88th section regarding the Lords servants -

"Therefore, tarry ye, and labor diligently, that you may be perfected in your ministry to go forth among the Gentiles for the last time, as many as the mouth of the Lord shall name, to bind up the law and seal up the testimony, and to prepare the saints for the hour of judgment which is to come." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 88:84)

I know that the law is the commandments and doctrine that is to be taught. Testimony is the inspired utterances or witness to their truth. Hoyt W. Brewster wrote -

"...Dummelow indicated that the binding and sealing of the law is the process of actually tying up a parchment roll whereon the teachings of the prophets are recorded as a witness against those to whom the message was delivered." (Dummelow, 420)

It appears through the ordinances and covenants of the temple that the Lord's servants are endowed with power to teach and testify to the world in a manner that holds the world responsible for the law and testimony. Yet at the same time, it appears that the Lord is describing that the binding up of the testimony and the a seal so placed on that the law that is taught by the Spirit, that the actual promised blessing is poored out upon the servant for He says that it is for "my disciples", which prepares "the saints [or servants] for the hour of judgment which is to come", and "against the day of burning".

The binding up of the testimony and the sealing up of the law seems then to be in reference to the actual binding and sealing of the servant's heart. This becomes even moer apparent as we watch young men accept a mission calls, enter the temple, and then embark on a mission. And then two years later we witness with their return the results of obedience (sealing up the law) and the bearing of testimony (binding up the testimony) has done for this young man.

D&C 107

The Lord revealed to the Prophet Joseph Smith -

"...The standing high councils, at the stakes of Zion, form a quorum equal in authority in the affairs of the church, in all their decisions, to the quorum of the presidency, or to the traveling high council.
37 The high council in Zion form a quorum equal in authority in the affairs of the church, in all their decisions, to the councils of the Twelve at the stakes of Zion." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 107:36 - 37)

I wonder at times if those who serve on stake high councils sense the magnitude of their calling - I probably didn't at first. Bro. Sidney Sperry wrote -

"The Lord indicates that the High Council in Zion (Missouri) was to form a quorum equal in authority, in the affairs of the Church, to the councils of Twelve (High Councils) at the Stakes of Zion (vs. 37). And so today a High Council in any Stake of Zion is as important as that in any other Stake. The authority and power of any Stake High Council is local and confined to the boundaries of the Stake concerned." (Sperry, Compendium, p. 565.)

D&C 107

The Lord taught -

"The power and authority of the higher, or Melchizedek Priesthood, is to hold the keys of all the spiritual blessings of the church—
19 To have the privilege of receiving the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, to have the heavens opened unto them, to commune with the general assembly and church of the Firstborn, and to enjoy the communion and presence of God the Father, and Jesus the mediator of the new covenant." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 107:18 - 19)

In these verses, I believe the Lord is teaching a duel meaning of keys of the Melchizedek priesthood. First are keys of administration held by presidents over priesthood organizations with the president of the Church holding all keys with authority to exercise all those keys of administration and all blessings in the Church. In this position holds the keys of revelation for the Church. The Prophet Joseph Smith taught -

"The Melchizedek High Priesthood was no other than the Priesthood of the Son of God; . . . there are certain ordinances which belong to the Priesthood, from which flow certain results; and the Presidents or Presidency are over the Church; and revelations of the mind and will of God to the Church, are to come through the Presidency. This is the order of heaven, and the power and privilege of this Priesthood." (History of the Church, 2:477.)

But keys also represent the tool to unlock. Abraham described his desire to hold the Melchizedek priesthood saying -

"...finding there was greater happiness and peace and rest for me, I sought for the blessings of the fathers, and the right whereunto I should be ordained to administer the same; having been myself a follower of righteousness, desiring also to be one who possessed great knowledge, and to be a greater follower of righteousness, and to possess a greater knowledge, and to be a father of many nations, a prince of peace, and desiring to receive instructions, and to keep the commandments of God, I became a rightful heir, a High Priest, holding the right belonging to the fathers." (Pearl of Great Price Abraham 1:2)

Abraham understood that he needed to receive this priesthood to "possess a greater knowledge". The same is true of the saints today. Receiving the priesthood is the key for -

"...this greater priesthood administereth the gospel and holdeth the key of the mysteries of the kingdom, even the key of the knowledge of God." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 84:19)

The Prophet Joseph Smith taught that the Melchizedek priesthood -

“...is the channel through which all knowledge, doctrine, the plan of salvation, and every important matter is revealed from heaven” (History of the Church, 4:207)

I believe this would be in reference to the Church as a whole and the individual. President Spencer W. Kimball also explained how the Melchizedek priesthood is the key to all spiritual blessings in the Church -

"It is the means whereby the Lord acts through men to save souls. Without this priesthood power, men are lost. Only through this power does man ‘hold the keys of all the spiritual blessings of the church,’ enabling him to receive ‘the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, to have the heavens opened’ unto him enabling him to enter the new and everlasting covenant of marriage and to have his wife and children bound to him in an everlasting tie, enabling him to become a patriarch to his posterity forever, and enabling him to receive a fullness of the blessings of the Lord.” (“The Example of Abraham,” Ensign, June 1975, p. 3.)

D&C 107

As the Lord revealed the structure and organization of the priesthood with its many offices, appendages, and leadership quorums and presidencies, He also revealed His manner of administration saying -

"...every decision made by either of these quorums must be by the unanimous voice of the same; that is, every member in each quorum must be agreed to its decisions, in order to make their decisions of the same power or validity one with the other—" (Doctrine and Covenants Section 107:27)

A doctrine of unity seems apparent as presidencies and leadership must be unanimous to bring sufficient validity and power to that decision. Suggesting in my mind that each member must receive guidance of the same Spirit in any decision. Also suggesting that the Church is not a democracy where majority rules in doctrine or policy. The doctrine of unity then requires -

"...decisions of these quorums, or either of them, are to be made in all righteousness, in holiness, and lowliness of heart, meekness and long suffering, and in faith, and virtue, and knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness and charity..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 107:30)

It is apparent that the burden is on leaders to prepare and live by these principles in order to be guided in unity. The Lord promises that as they strive and live in this manner or -

"...if these things abound in them they shall not be unfruitful in the knowledge of the Lord." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 107:31)

That is why we can claim that the Savior is the Head of this Church and continually leads the Church according to His mind and will.

D&C 105

With the members of Zions Camp at Fishing River prepared to redeem Zion, the Lord said -

"...were it not for the transgressions of my people, speaking concerning the church and not individuals, they might have been redeemed even now." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 105:2)

But there was one great drawback -

"...behold, they have not learned to be obedient to the things which I required at their hands, but are full of all manner of evil, and do not impart of their substance, as becometh saints, to the poor and afflicted among them..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 105:3)

The word of the Lord in both the Book of Mormon and Bible is consistent to the essential nature of caring for the poor and afflicted. At Fishing River, the Lord again teaches that the saints in Zion -

are not united according to the union required by the law of the celestial kingdom;
5 And Zion cannot be built up unless it is by the principles of the law of the celestial kingdom; otherwise I cannot receive her unto myself." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 105:4 - 5)

"For he who is not able to abide the law of a celestial kingdom cannot abide a celestial glory." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 88:22)

Again, the union required by the law of the celestial kingdom is the law of consecration and stewardship. As a consequence of the failure of the saints to live this law, the Lord said to Zions Camp -

"...it is expedient in me that mine elders should wait for a little season for the redemption of Zion—" (Doctrine and Covenants Section 105:9)

Having said that Zion would not be redeemed for a season, what seems somewhat hidden in this revelation is the Lords instruction -

"...let those commandments which I have given concerning Zion and her law be executed and fulfilled, after her redemption." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 105:34)

It seems to me that this verse is suggesting the united order is being put on hold and will later be restored at some future date after Zion is some day redeemed. President J. Reuben Clark Jr. commented -

"It was under these circumstances, with the Saints scattered and sometimes hunted like wild animals, with their property gone, their organization largely broken up, wounded in mind and spirit, with the condemnation of the Lord pronounced upon their heads because of their unfaithfulness, not to say wickedness, with ‘Zion’ to all intents and purposes destroyed, that the Lord commanded them, in the great revelation given at Fishing River... It is interesting to note that after this pronouncement, the Lord practically never referred to the United Order in his revelations to the Prophet. The people had had their opportunity and failed. He then gave them the law of tithing in a revelation given in Missouri itself, in Zion, (July 18, 1838, Sec. 119), which is still in full force and effect. . . .

"Thus the Lord directed that the law he had given regarding the setting up of the United Order in Zion was to be ‘executed and fulfilled’ after the redemption of Zion, that is, in the meaning in which the Lord was then using the word Zion, the ‘redemption,’ the reestablishment of the people in Missouri. This has not yet been accomplished." (“The United Order and Law of Consecration As Set Out in the Revelations of the Lord,” Church News, 15 Sept. 1945, p. 9.)

D&C 104

As mentioned in the previous blog, the united order is the law of consecration and stewardship. The Lord said -

"I, the Lord, stretched out the heavens, and built the earth, my very handiwork; and all things therein are mine.
15 And it is my purpose to provide for my saints, for all things are mine." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 104:14 - 15)

Everything we possess or believe we own are all gifts by His providence. And -

"...it is expedient that I, the Lord, should make every man accountable, as a steward over earthly blessings, which I have made and prepared for my creatures." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 104:13)

President J. Reuben Clark Jr. stated -

"The basic principle of all the revelations on the United Order is that everything we have belongs to the Lord; therefore, the Lord may call upon us for any and all of the property which we have, because it belongs to him. This, I repeat, is the basic principle." (Church News, 1 Sept. 1945, p. 4.)

President Spencer W. Kimball explained -

"In the Church a stewardship is a sacred spiritual or temporal trust for which there is accountability. Because all things belong to the Lord, we are stewards over our bodies, minds, families, and properties. (See D&C 104:11–15.) A faithful steward is one who exercises righteous dominion, cares for his own, and looks to the poor and needy. (See D&C 104:15–18.)

These principles govern welfare services activities. May we all learn, obey, and teach these principles. Leaders, teach them to your members; fathers, teach them to your families. Only as we apply these truths can we approach the ideal of Zion." (In Conference Report, Oct. 1977, pp. 124–25; or Ensign, Nov. 1977, p. 78).

And this -

"...must needs be done in mine own way; and behold this is the way that I, the Lord, have decreed to provide for my saints, that the poor shall be exalted, in that the rich are made low." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 104:16)

President Lee explained the concept of rich and poor -

"the poor shall be exalted” and “the rich . . . made low...When I tell you that the poor shall be exalted, the definition we followed is, ‘to be lifted up to pride and joy to success.’ That is the definition we followed, and the rich being made low isn’t communistic, it isn’t socialistic. It means that those who have leadership, who have skills, who have means, that are willing to contribute, we put that strong man to work with the one who is in need, and we go to work on their problems." (Church News, 8 July 1961, p. 15.)

I conclude with N. Eldon Tanner's testimony -

"...I know of no situation where happiness and peace of mind have increased with the amassing of property beyond the reasonable wants and needs of the family." (In Conference Report, Oct. 1979, p. 120; or Ensign, Nov. 1979, pp. 81–82.)

D&C 104

The Lord had previously promised the saints -

"...they shall also be crowned with blessings from above, yea, and with commandments not a few, and with revelations in their time—they that are faithful and diligent before me." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 59:4)

His commandments and laws are the blessings that He promises to bestow upon the saints conditional upon faithfulness and obedience. But with all laws and commandments, there is condemnation to those who fail to keep their covenants with the Lord. His laws are given that man may abide the Celestial Kingdom -

"For he who is not able to abide the law of a celestial kingdom cannot abide a celestial glory." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 88:22)

These celestial laws in include the laws of sacrifice, consecration, and stewardship. In the early days of the Church, the united order was introduced by revelation to administer these laws. The Lord said -

"...I say unto you, my friends, I give unto you counsel, and a commandment, concerning all the properties which belong to the order which I commanded to be organized and established, to be a united order, and an everlasting order for the benefit of my church, and for the salvation of men until I come—
2 With promise immutable and unchangeable, that inasmuch as those whom I commanded were faithful they should be blessed with a multiplicity of blessings..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 104:1 - 2)

But with that commandment -

"But inasmuch as they were not faithful they were nigh unto cursing.
4 Therefore, inasmuch as some of my servants have not kept the commandment, but have broken the covenant through covetousness, and with feigned words, I have cursed them with a very sore and grievous curse." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 104:3 - 4)

Why?

"For I, the Lord, am not to be mocked in these things—" (Doctrine and Covenants Section 104:6)

And He provides with the law of consecration, the law of stewardship saying -

"...a commandment I give unto you, that ye shall organize yourselves and appoint every man his stewardship;
12 That every man may give an account unto me of the stewardship which is appointed unto him.
13 For it is expedient that I, the Lord, should make every man accountable, as a steward over earthly blessings...and all things therein are mine." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 104:11 - 14)

And with the giving of these celestial laws the Lord explains -

"...it is my purpose to provide for my saints, for all things are mine.
16 But it must needs be done in mine own way; and behold this is the way that I, the Lord, have decreed to provide for my saints, that the poor shall be exalted, in that the rich are made low." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 104:15 - 16)

Though the administration of the law of consecration and steward known as the united order has been discontinued, the laws and associated covenants have not been discontinued but are required so that the saints will be able to abide the glory of the celestial kingdom.

D&C 103

As the Lord revealed that Zion would be redeemed, He promised -

"...I have decreed a decree which my people shall realize, inasmuch as they hearken from this very hour unto the counsel which I, the Lord their God, shall give unto them.
6 Behold they shall, for I have decreed it, begin to prevail against mine enemies from this very hour.
7 And by hearkening to observe all the words which I, the Lord their God, shall speak unto them, they shall never cease to prevail until the kingdoms of the world are subdued under my feet, and the earth is given unto the saints, to possess it forever and ever." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 103:5 - 7)

The more I thought about this promise, the more it seemed to me that the Lord was outlining a process that would take place suggesting that from this very hour that he saints would "begin" to prevail. And this process would be ongoing to the point that all the kingdoms of the world would be subdued. I sense that Lord is saying -

"Zion shall be redeemed in mine own due time." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 136:18)

The more I think about this, the more I realize that it is a process as the Lord said -

"...in order that all things be prepared before you, observe the commandment which I have given concerning these things—
70 Which saith, or teacheth, to purchase all the lands with money..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 101:69 - 70)

I sense that this purchase of money will be an easy things for prophets have testified -

"For the LORD shall comfort Zion: he will comfort all her waste places..." (Old Testament Isaiah 51:3)

Waste places in my mind are abandoned or uninhabited land. Where Jerimiah said of Zion -

"Set up the standard toward Zion: retire, stay not: for I will bring evil from the north, and a great destruction.
7 The lion is come up from his thicket, and the destroyer of the Gentiles is on his way; he is gone forth from his place to make thy land desolate; and thy cities shall be laid waste, without an inhabitant." (Old Testament Jeremiah 4:6 - 7)

I have thought that Zion will be redeemed whant the land is a waste place easy to be purchased by money. In modern day we read -

"They that remain, and are pure in heart, shall return, and come to their inheritances, they and their children, with songs of everlasting joy, to build up the waste places of Zion—
19 And all these things that the prophets might be fulfilled." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 101:18 - 19)

Brigham Young said of this return -
"...Are we going back to Jackson County? Yes. When? As soon as the way opens up. Are we all going? O no! of course not. The country is not large enough to hold our present numbers."
(In Journal of Discourses, 18:355.)

And it becomes even more clear as he said -

"...a portion of the Priesthood will go and redeem and build up the centre Stake of Zion." (in Journal of Discourses, 11:16)

In that the Lord said -

"...the place which is now called Independence is the center place..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 57:3)

And -

"...that the city New Jerusalem shall be built by the gathering of the saints, beginning at this place..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 84:4)

D&C 102

In 1834, in Kirtland, Ohio -

"...a general council of twenty-four high priests assembled at the house of Joseph Smith, Jun., by revelation, and proceeded to organize the high council of the church of Christ, which was to consist of twelve high priests, and one or three presidents as the case might require." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 102:1)

The Lord describes one of the purposes of this organization was that -

"The high council was appointed by revelation for the purpose of settling important difficulties which might arise in the church, which could not be settled by the church or the bishop's council to the satisfaction of the parties." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 102:2)

These men were to -

"...after the evidence is examined, in its true light before the council; and every man is to speak according to equity and justice." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 102:16)

This was not to be like a civil trial were there is prosecution and a defense. All members were to speak according to equity and justice. In my mind, equity and justice would suggest justice according to natural law or right, with freedom from bias or favoritism. That in itself requires good and honest individuals striving to do the will of the Lord.

As stakes in Zion were organized, so were high councils organized in each stake with much the same purpose. But this was not to be the sole purpose of stake high councils. Through modern instruction, we learn of stake high councils -

“High councilors play a vital role in the administration of the stake. Figuratively speaking, they constitute the right arm of the stake presidency. The degree to which they are faithful, efficient, and willing to work determines their value to the stake presidency and goes far in determining the progress made by the stake and ward organizations in which they have been called to serve.

The duties and assignments of high councilors are very extensive and varied. Such assignments absorb much time in stakes where the stake presidencies fully utilize their high councilors in carrying forward the Church program. Experience has shown that it is wisdom for stake presidencies to make very extensive use of their high councilors, because the progress of the work of the Lord within a stake and the efficiency with which it is carried forward will be determined to a large extent by the use made of high councilors by the stake presidency." (“Melchizedek Priesthood: Responsibilities of High Councilors,” Improvement Era, Feb. 1954, p. 112.)

I note that the Lord called each member of the council - as a councilor, not councilman. A name that differential these brethren from the world.

D&C 101

With the challenges of the saints in acquiring redress and justice, the Lord taught a very simple parable -

"There was in a city a judge which feared not God, neither regarded man.
83 And there was a widow in that city, and she came unto him, saying: Avenge me of mine adversary.
84 And he would not for a while, but afterward he said within himself: Though I fear not God, nor regard man, yet because this widow troubleth me I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 101:82 - 84)

I see the meaning of the parable is persistence in that we have the obligation to do all we can in bringing about the cause of Zion. Suggesting also that we will be under condemnation if we do not pursue all avenues in doing the Lord's work. The Lord concluded the parable -

"Thus will I liken the children of Zion." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 101:85)

And with this parable the Lord provide this instruction for the saints -

"Let them importune at the feet of the judge;
87 And if he heed them not, let them importune at the feet of the governor;
88 And if the governor heed them not, let them importune at the feet of the president..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 101:86 - 88)

It is then He promises -

"And if the president heed them not, then will the Lord arise and come forth out of his hiding place, and in his fury vex the nation..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 101:89)

"And in his hot displeasure, and in his fierce anger, in his time, will cut off those wicked, unfaithful, and unjust stewards, and appoint them their portion among hypocrites, and unbelievers..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 101:90)

There are many current political issues regarding morality and policy. The Lord expects the saints to do all that is possible before He will fully fight the battle.

D&C 101

I have commented about ripeness before. Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines ripe as -

1: fully grown and developed : mature
2: having mature knowledge, understanding, or judgment

In recent litigation I was involved in, ripeness also suggested that every avenue or option was undertaken. To the saints, the Lord declared -

"Mine indignation is soon to be poured out without measure upon all nations; and this will I do when the cup of their iniquity is full." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 101:11)

Or in a sense - ripe. The Lord has so stated -

"For the hour is nigh and the day soon at hand when the earth is ripe; and all the proud and they that do wickedly shall be as stubble; and I will burn them up, saith the Lord of Hosts, that wickedness shall not be upon the earth..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 29:9)

Suggesting the parable of the wheat and tares -

"...let the wheat and the tares grow together until the harvest is fully ripe; then ye shall first gather out the wheat from among the tares, and after the gathering of the wheat, behold and lo, the tares are bound in bundles, and the field remaineth to be burned." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 86:7)

This promise can be quite disheartening, yet the Lord also promises -

"...in that day all who are found upon the watch-tower, or in other words, all mine Israel, shall be saved." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 101:12)

Which means -

"...they that have been scattered shall be gathered.
14 And all they who have mourned shall be comforted.
15 And all they who have given their lives for my name shall be crowned.
16 Therefore, let your hearts be comforted concerning Zion; for all flesh is in mine hands; be still and know that I am God.
17 Zion shall not be moved out of her place, notwithstanding her children are scattered.
18 They that remain, and are pure in heart, shall return, and come to their inheritances, they and their children, with songs of everlasting joy, to build up the waste places of Zion—" (Doctrine and Covenants Section 101:13 - 18)

And these gathering places -

"...they shall be called stakes, for the curtains or the strength of Zion.
22 Behold, it is my will, that all they who call on my name, and worship me according to mine everlasting gospel, should gather together, and stand in holy places..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 101:21 - 22)

It is those that are diligent in that covenants, that worship in stakes, that are those that stand upon the watch tower.

D&C 100

Having been instructed to go out and preach the gospel, it appears that while the Prophet Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon were in New York, they had become somewhat concerned for their families. in that it was the will of the Lord that they preach at this time, the Lord consoles them by saying -

"...my friends Sidney and Joseph, your families are well; they are in mine hands, and I will do with them as seemeth me good; for in me there is all power." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 100:1)

These words brought back some personal memories. While my son served his mission in Brazil, there was a period of great concern on my behalf for my son and the challenges he faced while serving the Lord. One morning in regular prayer, as I continued to plead for his protection and support, there came into my mind the powerful and peaceful words - "I am". It was so powerful that it almost caught my breath. I knelt there for a period just marveling at this answer. From that point on, I never doubted that my son would overcome the challenges he faced.

I'm sure the Prophet and Sidney felt much the same as he heard the words -

"...they are in mine hands, and I will do with them as seemeth me good..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 100:1)

Changing the subject, as we prepare for our stake handcart trek - Our Trek to Zion, the promises of the Lord stood out this morning -

"...I will raise up unto myself a pure people, that will serve me in righteousness..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 100:16)

D&C 98

With all the persecution and unconstitutional activities taking place in Missouri, the Lord teaches three laws- 1) the law of retaliation, 2) the law of war, and 3) the law of forgiveness. With the law of retaliation, He says -

"...if men will smite you, or your families, once, and ye bear it patiently and revile not against them, neither seek revenge, ye shall be rewarded;
24 But if ye bear it not patiently, it shall be accounted unto you as being meted out as a just measure unto you.
25 And again, if your enemy shall smite you the second time, and you revile not against your enemy, and bear it patiently, your reward shall be an hundred fold.
26 And again, if he shall smite you the third time, and ye bear it patiently, your reward shall be doubled unto you four-fold;
27 And these three testimonies shall stand against your enemy if he repent not, and shall not be blotted out.
28 And now, verily I say unto you, if that enemy shall escape my vengeance, that he be not brought into judgment before me, then ye shall see to it that ye warn him in my name, that he come no more upon you, neither upon your family, even your children's children unto the third and fourth generation.
29 And then, if he shall come upon you or your children, or your children's children unto the third and fourth generation, I have delivered thine enemy into thine hands;
30 And then if thou wilt spare him, thou shalt be rewarded for thy righteousness; and also thy children and thy children's children unto the third and fourth generation.
31 Nevertheless, thine enemy is in thine hands; and if thou rewardest him according to his works thou art justified; if he has sought thy life, and thy life is endangered by him, thine enemy is in thine hands and thou art justified." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 98:23 - 31)

The Lord promises great blessings as His saints -

"...bear it patiently and revile not..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 98:23)

Of the law of war, the Lord says -

"...this is the law that I gave unto mine ancients, that they should not go out unto battle against any nation, kindred, tongue, or people, save I, the Lord, commanded them.
34 And if any nation, tongue, or people should proclaim war against them, they should first lift a standard of peace unto that people, nation, or tongue;
35 And if that people did not accept the offering of peace, neither the second nor the third time, they should bring these testimonies before the Lord;
36 Then I, the Lord, would give unto them a commandment, and justify them in going out to battle against that nation, tongue, or people.
37 And I, the Lord, would fight their battles, and their children's battles, and their children's children's, until they had avenged themselves on all their enemies, to the third and fourth generation.
38 Behold, this is an ensample unto all people, saith the Lord your God, for justification before me." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 98:33 - 38)

And then there is the law of forgiveness -

"...if after thine enemy has come upon thee the first time, he repent and come unto thee praying thy forgiveness, thou shalt forgive him, and shalt hold it no more as a testimony against thine enemy—
40 And so on unto the second and third time; and as oft as thine enemy repenteth of the trespass wherewith he has trespassed against thee, thou shalt forgive him, until seventy times seven.
41 And if he trespass against thee and repent not the first time, nevertheless thou shalt forgive him.
42 And if he trespass against thee the second time, and repent not, nevertheless thou shalt forgive him.
43 And if he trespass against thee the third time, and repent not, thou shalt also forgive him.
44 But if he trespass against thee the fourth time thou shalt not forgive him, but shalt bring these testimonies before the Lord; and they shall not be blotted out until he repent and reward thee four-fold in all things wherewith he has trespassed against thee.
45 And if he do this, thou shalt forgive him with all thine heart; and if he do not this, I, the Lord, will avenge thee of thine enemy an hundred-fold;
46 And upon his children, and upon his children's children of all them that hate me, unto the third and fourth generation.
47 But if the children shall repent, or the children's children, and turn to the Lord their God, with all their hearts and with all their might, mind, and strength, and restore four-fold for all their trespasses wherewith they have trespassed, or wherewith their fathers have trespassed, or their fathers' fathers, then thine indignation shall be turned away;
48 And vengeance shall no more come upon them, saith the Lord thy God, and their trespasses shall never be brought any more as a testimony before the Lord against them." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 98:39 - 48)

Again, great promises are made to those that forgive. I believe all this is very interesting counsel as the saints were suffering under the hand of persecutors. In regards to the law of war, President David O. Mckay taught -

"There are . . . two conditions which may justify a truly Christian man to enter—mind you, I say enter, not begin—a war: (1) An attempt to dominate and to deprive another of his free agency, and (2) Loyalty to his country. Possibly there is a third, viz., Defense of a weak nation that is being unjustly crushed by a strong, ruthless one.

Paramount among these reasons, of course, is the defense of man’s freedom. An attempt to rob man of his free agency caused dissension even in heaven. . . .

To deprive an intelligent human being of his free agency is to commit the crime of the ages. . . .

So fundamental in man’s eternal progress is his inherent right to choose, that the Lord would defend it even at the price of war. Without freedom of thought, freedom of choice, freedom of action within lawful bounds, man cannot progress. . . .

The greatest responsibility of the state is to guard the lives, and to protect the property and rights of its citizens; and if the state is obligated to protect its citizens from lawlessness within its boundaries, it is equally obligated to protect them from lawless encroachments from without—whether the attacking criminals be individuals or nations." (In Conference Report, Apr. 1942, pp. 72–73.)

D&C 98

After the wrongful persecution and illegal practices of some Missourians, the Lord said -

"...concerning the laws of the land, it is my will that my people should observe to do all things whatsoever I command them.
5 And that law of the land which is constitutional, supporting that principle of freedom in maintaining rights and privileges, belongs to all mankind, and is justifiable before me." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 98:4 - 5)

You can sense His inspirational influence in the constitution as He says -

"...I, the Lord, justify you, and your brethren of my church, in befriending that law which is the constitutional law of the land;
7 And as pertaining to law of man, whatsoever is more or less than this, cometh of evil.
8 I, the Lord God, make you free, therefore ye are free indeed; and the law also maketh you free." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 98:6 - 8)

So He then instructs -

"Wherefore, honest men and wise men should be sought for diligently, and good men and wise men ye should observe to uphold; otherwise whatsoever is less than these cometh of evil." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 98:10)

I note the two conditions the Lord admonishes voters to consider - honesty and wisdom. In my mind, wisdom is following the counsel of the Lord as He says -

"I give unto you a commandment, that ye shall forsake all evil and cleave unto all good, that ye shall live by every word which proceedeth forth out of the mouth of God." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 98:11)

Elder Mark E. Petersen was a great advocate of our freedom and the constitution. He wrote -

“When the Kirtland Temple was to be dedicated and the Prophet Joseph sought direction from the Lord in accomplishing this important responsibility, the Lord gave to the Prophet the dedicatory prayer for the occasion. It was revelation—the word of the Lord—and not of man. Yet in it, the Lord directed the prophet to pray: “. . . may those principles, which were so honorably and nobly defended, namely, the Constitution of our land, by our fathers, be established forever.’ (D&C 109:54.) This is significant!

Let us recall again the words of the Lord to the Nephites. Said he, in speaking of this mighty nation of the Gentiles that he said would be established on this land in latter days: ‘For it is wisdom in the Father that they should be established in this land, and be set up as a free people by the power of the Father. . . .’ (3 Nephi 21:4. Italics added.)

Without the Constitution there would be no government such as the Lord had in mind. The Lord gave us that government by providing the Constitution written by the hands of wise men whom he raised up for this very purpose. It was an act of God. It was another step in establishing the free conditions under which the gospel could be restored and then taken by the believing Gentiles to all other nations.

As the Lord indicated so plainly through Nephi and likewise in his own declaration to the Nephites after his resurrection as quoted above, it was a giant step in the divine plan to fulfill the promise made to Abraham, that God would recover his scattered seed by the preaching of the gospel. (See 1 Nephi 22:7–11; 3 Nephi 21:4.) His sheep would know his voice.

This, then, is why there is a United States.

The Prophet Joseph Smith said that ‘the Constitution of the United States is a glorious standard; it is founded in the wisdom of God. It is a heavenly banner. . . .’ (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 147. Italics added.)

He also said, ‘I am the greatest advocate of the Constitution of the United States there is on earth.’ (Ibid., p. 326.)

The Constitution provided freedom of religion, speech, press, and assembly. Therefore, under the Constitution the Lord could restore the gospel and reestablish his church. The preparation of the Constitution was the work of his own hand. The restoration of the gospel was likewise his work. Both were part of a greater whole. Both fit into his pattern for the latter days.

There would be no state church in America to interfere. All men in this land now were given the right to worship God according to the dictates of their own conscience, and that included Joseph Smith and his followers. It is true they were persecuted, as the people of God always have been, but the law—the Constitution—provided the very thing the Lord had in mind: freedom to reestablish his work in these last days, for he had so arranged it. . . .

For years the Church has held that the Constitution is an inspired document. But how many know why it was inspired and what the Almighty had in mind in giving such inspiration?

May we never forget the underlying reasons for it all: to provide a proper place for the restoration of the gospel and to allow for the worldwide preaching of that sacred word.

Let us always remember that its formation was one of the vital steps preparatory to the second coming of the Savior.” (Great Prologue, pp. 74–75, 78.)