D&C 128

As the Prophet Joseph Smith introduced what may have seemed a brand new doctrine regarding the salvation of the dead, he wrote -

"You may think this order of things to be very particular; but let me tell you that it is only to answer the will of God, by conforming to the ordinance and preparation that the Lord ordained and prepared before the foundation of the world, for the salvation of the dead who should die without a knowledge of the gospel.' (Doctrine and Covenants Section 128:5)

In his explanation, the emphasis seemed to be not only on the ordinances for the dead but on the authority to administer in the ordinances for the dead. The prophet quoted the words of the Savior anciently -

"...I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 128:10)

It was those keys that provided authority and power to bind in heaven ordinances for the living and the dead. The Prophet explained -

"Now the great and grand secret of the whole matter, and the summum bonum of the whole subject that is lying before us, consists in obtaining the powers of the Holy Priesthood. For him to whom these keys are given there is no difficulty in obtaining a knowledge of facts in relation to the salvation of the children of men, both as well for the dead as for the living." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 128:11)

Where "summum bonum" means -

"the supreme good from which all others are derived" (Merriam-Webster Dictionary)

It was in the restoration of priesthood keys in this dispensation such that -

"...there is no difficulty in obtaining a knowledge of facts in relation to the salvation of the children of men, both as well for the dead as for the living." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 128:11)

D&C 127

In writing a letter, much like the epistles of former apostles, the Prophet declared the word of the Lord -

"...I am about to restore many things to the earth, pertaining to the priesthood, saith the Lord of Hosts." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 127:8)

I sense the days remaining in the Prophets life was short and their were yet "hidden things" (see 124) that were yet to revealed to the Prophet. We know now that the Lord bestowed knowledge and keys for marriage for time and eternity (see D&C 132), temples to house sacred ordinances, endowments, and even baptism for the dead. Timing was short, and I sense the Lord was telling the saints that the crowning ordinances of the priesthood was coming very shortly.

D&C 125

One of the unique things of the Lord's restored Church is that the membership of the Church is divided into geographical boundaries of stakes and wards. Members may live where they may choose, but do not choose which congregation they attend. That is determined by the boundaries in which the member lives. Presiding priesthood leaders have keys of authority and administer and minister within those boundaries. Even in the early days of the Church, the Lord was asked -

"WHAT is the will of the Lord concerning the saints in the Territory of Iowa?" (Doctrine and Covenants Section 125:1)

Was it okay to settle in Iowa or were all the saints to live in Nauvoo? The Lord answered -

"...if those who call themselves by my name and are essaying to be my saints, if they will do my will and keep my commandments concerning them, let them gather themselves together unto the places which I shall appoint unto them by my servant Joseph, and build up cities unto my name, that they may be prepared for that which is in store for a time to come." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 125:2)

Those places being within stakes and wards. In response to the original question, the Lord continued -

"Let them build up a city unto my name upon the land opposite the city of Nauvoo, and let the name of Zarahemla be named upon it.
4 And let all those who come from the east, and the west, and the north, and the south, that have desires to dwell therein, take up their inheritance in the same, as well as in the city of Nashville, or in the city of Nauvoo, and in all the stakes which I have appointed." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 125:3 - 4)

The choice is left to the member "that have desires to dwell therein" unless an individual is called to another location.

D&C 124

As the saints began to settle Nauvoo, as He had commanded previously in four other settlements, the Lord said -

"...I command you, all ye my saints, to build a house unto me..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 124:31)

and also -

"...built unto my name..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 124:40)

For the purpose -

"...that I may reveal mine ordinances therein unto my people..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 124:40)

"For therein are the keys of the holy priesthood ordained, that you may receive honor and glory." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 124:34)

For -

"...I will show unto my servant Joseph all things pertaining to this house, and the priesthood thereof..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 124:42)

"For I deign to reveal unto my church things which have been kept hid from before the foundation of the world, things that pertain to the dispensation of the fulness of times." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 124:41)

Deign meaning -

"to condescend to give or offer" (Merriam-Webster Dictionary)

To reveal hidden things such as -

"...your anointings, and your washings, and your baptisms for the dead, and your solemn assemblies, and your memorials for your sacrifices by the sons of Levi, and for your oracles in your most holy places wherein you receive conversations, and your statutes and judgments, for the beginning of the revelations and foundation of Zion, and for the glory, honor, and endowment of all her municipals, are ordained by the ordinance of my holy house, which my people are always commanded to build unto my holy name." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 124:39

The Prophet Joseph Smith explained of the temple -

"What was the object of gathering the Jews, or the people of God in any age of the world? . . .

The main object was to build unto the Lord a house whereby He could reveal unto His people the ordinances of His house and the glories of His kingdom, and teach the people the way of salvation: for there are certain ordinances and principles that, when they are taught and practiced, must be done in a place or house built for that purpose.

It was the design of the councils of heaven before the world was, that the principles and laws of the priesthood should be predicated upon the gathering of the people in every age of the world. Jesus did everything to gather the people, and they would not be gathered, and He therefore poured out curses upon them. Ordinances instituted in the heavens before the foundation of the world, in the priesthood, for the salvation of men, are not to be altered or changed. All must be saved on the same principles.

It is for the same purpose that God gathers together His people in the last days, to build unto the Lord a house to prepare them for the ordinances and endowments, washings and anointings, etc. One of the ordinances of the house of the Lord is baptism for the dead. God decreed before the foundation of the world that that ordinance should be administered in a font prepared for that purpose in the house of the Lord.” (History of the Church, 5:423–24.)

D&C 124

Having heard the prayers of the Prophet Joseph Smith, the Lord instructed him -

"...you are now called immediately to make a solemn proclamation of my gospel, and of this stake which I have planted to be a cornerstone of Zion, which shall be polished with the refinement which is after the similitude of a palace.
3 This proclamation shall be made to all the kings of the world, to the four corners thereof, to the honorable president-elect, and the high-minded governors of the nation in which you live, and to all the nations of the earth scattered abroad." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 124:2 - 3)

It was not to be written with pride and arrogance but it was to -

"...be written in the spirit of meekness and by the power of the Holy Ghost, which shall be in you at the time of the writing of the same..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 124:4)

And of the contents of this proclamation -

"...it shall be given you by the Holy Ghost to know my will concerning those kings and authorities, even what shall befall them in a time to come.
6 For, behold, I am about to call upon them to give heed to the light and glory of Zion, for the set time has come to favor her.
7 Call ye, therefore, upon them with loud proclamation, and with your testimony, fearing them not, for they are as grass, and all their glory as the flower thereof which soon falleth, that they may be left also without excuse—
8 And that I may visit them in the day of visitation, when I shall unveil the face of my covering, to appoint the portion of the oppressor among hypocrites, where there is gnashing of teeth, if they reject my servants and my testimony which I have revealed unto them.
9 And again, I will visit and soften their hearts, many of them for your good, that ye may find grace in their eyes, that they may come to the light of truth, and the Gentiles to the exaltation or lifting up of Zion.
10 For the day of my visitation cometh speedily, in an hour when ye think not of; and where shall be the safety of my people, and refuge for those who shall be left of them?
11 Awake, O kings of the earth! Come ye, O, come ye, with your gold and your silver, to the help of my people, to the house of the daughters of Zion." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 124:5 - 11)

Several years later, that commandment was accomplished. In 1975 President Ezra Taft Benson, President of the Quorum of the Twelve, reaffirmed that message of the proclamation for the world saying -

"Today I shall speak doctrine, by way of warning and of testimony, and shall do so as one holding the holy apostleship, whose responsibility it is to proclaim the Lord’s message in all the world and to all people. Each of my brethren of the Council of the Twelve has the same responsibility I have to declare these things to the world and to bear record of them before all men.

Toward the end of his mortal ministry, the Lord commanded the Prophet Joseph Smith as follows:

‘Make a solemn proclamation of my gospel . . . to all the kings of the world, to the four corners thereof . . . and to all nations of the earth.’ (D&C 124:2–3.) He was to invite them to come to the light of truth, and use their means to build up the kingdom of God on earth.

In the spirit of this divine direction, on the sixth day of April 1845, and shortly after the Prophet Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum had mingled their blood with that of the other martyrs of true religion, the Council of the Twelve made such a proclamation. . . .

It seems fitting and proper to me that we should reaffirm the great truths pronounced in this declaration and that we should proclaim them anew to the world.

To the rulers and peoples of all nations, we solemnly declare again that the God of heaven has established his latter-day kingdom upon the earth in fulfillment of prophecies. Holy angels have again communed with men on the earth. God has again revealed himself from heaven and restored to the earth his holy priesthood with power to administer in all the sacred ordinances necessary for the exaltation of his children. His church has been reestablished among men with all the spiritual gifts enjoyed anciently. All this is done in preparation for Christ’s second coming. The great and dreadful day of the Lord is near at hand. In preparation for this great event and as a means of escaping the impending judgments, inspired messengers have gone, and are now going, forth to the nations of the earth carrying this testimony and warning.

The nations of the earth continue in their sinful and unrighteous ways. Much of the unbounded knowledge with which men have been blessed has been used to destroy mankind instead of to bless the children of men as the Lord intended. Two great world wars, with fruitless efforts at lasting peace, are solemn evidence that peace has been taken from the earth because of the wickedness of the people. Nations cannot endure in sin. They will be broken up, but the kingdom of God will endure forever.

Therefore, as humble servants of the Lord, we call upon the leaders of nations to humble themselves before God, to seek his inspiration and guidance. We call upon rulers and people alike to repent of their evil ways. Turn unto the Lord, seek his forgiveness, and unite yourselves in humility with his kingdom. There is no other way. If you will do this, your sins will be blotted out, peace will come and remain, and you will become a part of the kingdom of God in preparation for Christ’s second coming. But if you refuse to repent or to accept the testimony of his inspired messengers and unite yourselves with God’s kingdom, then the terrible judgments and calamities promised the wicked will be yours. . . .

When the voice of warning goes forth it is always attended by testimony. In the great declaration issued by the apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ in 1845, this is the testimony which was borne, and we who are the apostles today renew it as our witness:

"'We say, then, in life or in death, in bonds or free, that the great God has spoken in this age.—And we know it.

He has given us the Holy Priesthood and Apostleship, and the keys of the kingdom of God, to bring about the restoration of all things as promised by the holy prophets of old.—And we know it.

He has revealed the origin and the Records of the aboriginal tribes of America, and their future destiny.—And we know it.

He has revealed the fulness of the gospel, with its gifts, blessings, and ordinances.—And we know it.

He has commanded us to bear witness of it, first to the Gentiles, and then to the remnants of Israel and the Jews.—And we know it.

He has also said that, if they do not repent, and come to the knowledge of the truth, . . . and also put away all murder, lying, pride, priestcraft, whoredom, and secret abomination, they shall soon perish from the earth, and be cast down to hell.—And we know it.

He has said, that when . . . the gospel in all its fulness [is] preached to all nations for a witness and testimony, He will come, and all Saints with him, to reign on the earth one thousand years.—And we know it.

He has said that he will not come in his glory and destroy the wicked, till these warnings were given and these preparations were made for his reception.—And we know it.

Heaven and earth shall pass away, but not one jot or tittle of his revealed word shall fail to be fulfilled.

Therefore, again we say to all people, Repent, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, for remission of sins; and you shall receive the Holy Spirit, and shall know the truth, and be numbered with the house of Israel.’ " (Messages of the First Presidency, 1:263–64.)” (In Conference Report, Oct. 1975, pp. 46–49; or Ensign, Nov. 1975, pp. 32–34.)

D&C 124

To William Law, the Lord counseled -

"...let my servant William put his trust in me, and cease to fear concerning his family, because of the sickness of the land. If ye love me, keep my commandments; and the sickness of the land shall redound to your glory." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 124:87)

Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines "redound" as -

1 to become swollen or overflow
2: to have an effect for good or ill
3: to become transferred or added
4: rebound

In considering anyone of these definitions, the Lord promise that it will be "to your glory". The economic challenges of our day are probably not much different to those of William Law. I believe the same promises apply. William is further counseled -

"If he will do my will let him from henceforth hearken to the counsel of my servant Joseph, and with his interest support the cause of the poor, and publish the new translation of my holy word unto the inhabitants of the earth.
90 And if he will do this I will bless him with a multiplicity of blessings, that he shall not be forsaken, nor his seed be found begging bread." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 124:89 - 90)

In summary the Lord is teaching faith, trust in Him, follow the counsel of the prophet, support the poor and needing, and continue in teaching and preaching the gospel. By so doing, the promise is things will work out "to your glory", you will not be forsaken, and our families will not be found begging for our sustainance.

D&C 123

As members of the Church, we are taught charity, compassion, tolerance, love, and forgiveness - even forgive and forget. While in the Liberty Jail, the Prophet Joseph Smith was inspired to write of a very interesting doctrine. With all the righteous principles and virtues previously mentioned, the saints were instructed -

"...the propriety of all the saints gathering up a knowledge of all the facts, and sufferings and abuses put upon them..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 123:1)

The saints were to collect and keep a record -

"...of all the property and amount of damages which they have sustained, both of character and personal injuries, as well as real property..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 123:2)

"...the names of all persons that have had a hand in their oppressions..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 123:3)

"...take statements and affidavits; and also to gather up the libelous publications that are afloat..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 123:4)

"...all that are in the magazines, and in the encyclopedias, and all the libelous histories that are published, and are writing, and by whom, and present the whole concatenation of diabolical rascality and nefarious and murderous impositions that have been practised upon this people..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 123:5)

The purpose was to -

"..not only publish to all the world, but present them to the heads of government..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 123:6)

Not for revenge but for redress so -

"...that the whole nation may be left without excuse before he can send forth the power of his mighty arm." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 123:6)

The Prophet wrote -

"It is an imperative duty that we owe to God, to angels..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 123:7)

"....it is an imperative duty that we owe, not only to our own wives and children, but to the widows and fatherless, whose husbands and fathers have been murdered..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 123:9)

"...also it is an imperative duty that we owe to all the rising generation, and to all the pure in heart..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 123:11)

For the very reason that -

"...there are many yet on the earth among all sects, parties, and denominations, who are blinded by the subtle craftiness of men, whereby they lie in wait to deceive, and who are only kept from the truth because they know not where to find it..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 123:12)

In my mind, it means that we need to be prepared to tell our side of the story when confronted with the opinions of the world. This is a serious matter as the Lord emphasized -

"...we should waste and wear out our lives in bringing to light all the hidden things of darkness, wherein we know them; and they are truly manifest from heaven—
14 These should then be attended to with great earnestness.
15 Let no man count them as small things; for there is much which lieth in futurity, pertaining to the saints, which depends upon these things." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 123:13 - 15)

If we are diligent, the Prophet counsels and promises -

"...let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 123:17)

This direction given by the Prophet has reaped fruit in modern day. In conference, President Spencer W. Kimball confirmed -

"Since our last conference we have had a delightful message from Christopher S. Bond, governor of the state of Missouri, who advised us that he has rescinded the 138-year-old executive order of Governor Lilburn W. Boggs calling for the extermination or expulsion of the Mormons from the state of Missouri. Governor Bond, present Missouri governor, writes:

‘Expressing on behalf of all Missourians our deep regret for the injustice and undue suffering which was caused by this 1838 order, I hereby rescind Executive Order No. 44 dated October 27, 1838, issued by Governor Lilburn W. Boggs.’

To Governor Bond and the people of Missouri, we extend our deep appreciation for this reversal and for the present friendly associations between the membership of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the people of Missouri as it is now in effect.

In Missouri now we have five stakes in fifty-one communities, with approximately 15,000 members of the Church, who, we are confident, are law-abiding citizens of the state of Missouri. Thank you, Governor Bond." (In Conference Report, Oct. 1976, p. 4–5; or Ensign, Nov. 1976, p. 4.)

D&C 121

In a revelation on the organization and authority of the priesthood, the Lord concluded -

"...now let every man learn his duty, and to act in the office in which he is appointed, in all diligence.
100 He that is slothful shall not be counted worthy to stand, and he that learns not his duty and shows himself not approved shall not be counted worthy to stand." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 107:99 - 100)

There seems to be two important points of those that hold the priesthood. The first being the importance of learning one's duty and the second is then doing ones duty. President Thomas S. Monson recently said -

"We have the hands to lift others from complacency and inactivity. We have the hearts to serve faithfully in our priesthood callings and thereby inspire others to walk on higher ground and to avoid the swamps of sin which threaten to engulf so many. The worth of souls is indeed great in the sight of God. Ours is the precious privilege, armed with this knowledge, to make a difference in the lives of others. The words found in Ezekiel could well pertain to all of us who follow the Savior in this sacred work:" 'A new heart . . . will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you. . . ." 'And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them." 'And ye shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; and ye shall be my people, and I will be your God' (Ezekiel 36:26–28)."How might we merit this promise? What will qualify us to receive this blessing? Is there a guide to follow?"May I suggest three imperatives for our consideration. They apply to the deacon as well as to the high priest. They are within our reach. A kind Heavenly Father will help us in our quest."First, learn what we should learn."Second, do what we should do."And third, be what we should be."..." Thomas S. Monson, "To Learn, to Do, to Be," Ensign, Nov. 2008, 61

We are counseled again, "to learn, to do, and to be". In section 121, in what has become known as the "constitution of the priesthood", the Lord taught -

"Let thy bowels also be full of charity towards all men, and to the household of faith, and let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; 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." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 121:45)

As we strive to come to an understanding of the fullness or doctrine of the priesthood, again we receive much the same guidance. As we learn and live (do) charity, faith, and virtue we are promised that little by little, line upon line, precept upon precept, "the doctrine of the priesthood shall distil upon our soul as the dews from heaven". What a great promise.

D&C 121

As the Prophet Joseph Smith suffered in Liberty Jail, he penned with inspiration -

"God shall give unto you knowledge by his Holy Spirit, yea, by the unspeakable gift of the Holy Ghost..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 121:26)

Hoyt W. Brewster explained -

"As an adjective, unspeakable denotes something that is inexpressible or unutterable. As a noun, it refers to "a being or thing beyond the power of language to describe." 612Experiences with the Spirit of the Holy Ghost are frequently unspeakable in that they are beyond one's capacity to describe in mortal words. To quote Elder Neal A. Maxwell, "the tongue cannot tell all it knows" (En., May 1976, p. 26).

Of this "unspeakable gift", the Prophet wrote -

"...that has not been revealed since the world was until now; 27 Which our forefathers have awaited with anxious expectation to be revealed in the last times, which their minds were pointed to by the angels, as held in reserve for the fulness of their glory..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 121:26 - 27)

Even though the Gift of the Holy Ghost has been present throughout the history of the world, it is in this last dispensation that the Gift of the Holy Ghost will become even more unspeakable than any previous dispensation. Quoting President Harold B. Lee -

“...more perfected than in the past dispensations...” (Stand Ye in Holy Places, p. 273; see also p. 322).

And it was to be in this last or final dispensation that Lord promised by this unspeakable gift that great knowledge would be given -

"A time to come in the which nothing shall be withheld, whether there be one God or many gods, they shall be manifest.
29 All thrones and dominions, principalities and powers, shall be revealed and set forth upon all who have endured valiantly for the gospel of Jesus Christ.
30 And also, if there be bounds set to the heavens or to the seas, or to the dry land, or to the sun, moon, or stars—
31 All the times of their revolutions, all the appointed days, months, and years, and all the days of their days, months, and years, and all their glories, laws, and set times, shall be revealed in the days of the dispensation of the fulness of times—
32 According to that which was ordained in the midst of the Council of the Eternal God of all other gods before this world was, that should be reserved unto the finishing and the end thereof, when every man shall enter into his eternal presence and into his immortal rest." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 121:28 - 32)

All truth shall be revealed and it cannot be stopped, for -

"How long can rolling waters remain impure? What power shall stay the heavens? As well might man stretch forth his puny arm to stop the Missouri river in its decreed course, or to turn it up stream, as to hinder the Almighty from pouring down knowledge from heaven upon the heads of the Latter-day Saints." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 121:33)

I believe great knowledge has been and will continue to be revealed both personally and collectively in these last days. As Isaiah prophecied -

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

D&C 120

During general conference, I was impressed as Robert W. Cantrell provided an audited report on the disposition of tithing funds referencing -

"VERILY, thus saith the Lord, the time is now come, that it shall be disposed of by a council, composed of the First Presidency of my Church, and of the bishop and his council, and by my high council; and by mine own voice unto them, saith the Lord." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 120:1)

Bro. Cantrell continued to explain how a budget is generated and approved each year for departments and operations by these councils according to Church policy. The departments and operations then expend sacred funds per the budget. He then explained that an independent accounting group then audits these expenditures and certifies to the Church and members that the funds have been dispersed as budgeted. President J. Reuben Clark Jr. explained this process -

"Under the direction of the First Presidency a budget is drawn up, as nearly as may be at the first of the year, which includes all of the proposed expenditures of the tithing. This budget is the result of the careful consideration of the departments which are responsible for the expenditure of the funds.

This budget is then taken before the Council on the Expenditure of the Tithing, composed, as the revelation provides, of the First Presidency, the Council of the Twelve, and the Presiding Bishopric. This council considers and discusses the budget so submitted, approving or disapproving, as the case may be, individual items, but finally passing the budget.

The approved budget as it comes from that meeting is then turned over for its expenditures to a Committee on Expenditures. This committee then passes upon and authorizes the expenditures of the tithing. So that there is a complete check upon all of the tithing which is paid into the Church. None of it is expended except upon the approval and authorization of this committee." (In Conference Report, Oct. 1943, p. 12.)

In 1911, the First Presidency explained -

"...The Latter-day Saints believe in tithing. It is a principle of their faith. It is an ancient observance reaching back to patriarchal times, as related in the Bible. It was established in the Church in the year 1838. The manner of its payments and disbursement is revealed by Divine authority and has appeared in the Church books ever since that date. It is complied with religiously by the Church authorities themselves. It is not the property of the President. He does not claim it or collect it. Tithing is received by the local bishops in the respective wards, who are under the supervision of the local presidents of stakes. The whole income is accounted for to the presiding bishopric of the Church and is under their direction. Their office contains complete records of all the tithing paid during each year. Every tithepayer will find in that office his record. The entire receipts and disbursements are there accounted for in the most complete detail. An auditing committee, composed of men well known in the community for their independence of character and business integrity, not of the leading authorities of the Church, chosen by the general conference, thoroughly inspect and report annually upon them. The funds thus received are not the property of the President of the Church or his associates, nor of the presiding bishopric, nor of the local bishops. They belong to the Church and are used for Church purposes." (In Clark, Messages of the First Presidency, 4:228–29.)

D&C 119

As the Church was to continue to grow throughout the world, the Lord revealed -

"...this shall be the beginning of the tithing of my people.
4 And after that, those who have thus been tithed shall pay one-tenth of all their interest annually; and this shall be a standing law unto them forever, for my holy priesthood, saith the Lord." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 119:3 - 4)

I believe it would have been very difficult with the growth of the Church to administer the united order with the law of consecration and stewardship with different world governments and monetary systems. Even though the law of tithing may be considered as a schoolmaster preparatory for the saints to abide the law of the Celestial Kingdom, for some it may be just as demanding. The law of tithing was a more uniform law that would allow obedience by members at varying stages of gospel maturity and allow more uniform administration. With this law, the saints were warned -

"...if my people observe not this law, to keep it holy, and by this law sanctify the land of Zion unto me, that my statutes and my judgments may be kept thereon, that it may be most holy, behold, verily I say unto you, it shall not be a land of Zion unto you." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 119:6)

Elder Melvin J. Ballard said -

"Do we not hope and expect to have an inheritance in the celestial kingdom, even upon this earth in its redeemed and sanctified state? [D&C 88:25–26; 130:9.] What are the terms under which we may obtain that inheritance? The law of tithing is the law of inheritance. It leads to it. No man may hope or expect to have an inheritance on this celestial globe who has failed to pay his tithing. By the payment of his honest tithing he is establishing a right and a title to this inheritance, and he cannot secure it upon any other terms but by complying with this and other just requirements; and this is one of the very essential things." (In Conference Report, Oct. 1929, p. 51.)

Obedience to the law of tithing is a requirement to attend the temple. This only makes sense for how can one covenant to obey the law of consecration without obedience to this lesser law? With the growth of the Church the Lord commanded -

"...this shall be an ensample unto all the stakes of Zion." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 119:7)

President Joseph F. Smith wrote -

"By this principle (tithing) the loyalty of the people of this Church shall be put to the test. By this principle it shall be known who is for the kingdom of God and who is against it. By this principle it shall be seen whose hearts are set on doing the will of God and keeping His commandments, thereby sanctifying the land of Zion unto God, and who are opposed to this principle and have cut themselves off from the blessings of Zion. There is a great deal of importance connected with this principle, for by it it shall be known whether we are faithful or unfaithful." (Gospel Doctrine, p. 225.)

D&C 117

In our earthly desires to acquire the comforts of life the Lord teaches a greater perspective commanding the saints to -

"...repent of all their sins, and of all their covetous desires, before me, saith the Lord; for what is property unto me?..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 117:4)

He explains to those of faith -

"...have I not the fowls of heaven, and also the fish of the sea, and the beasts of the mountains? Have I not made the earth? Do I not hold the destinies of all the armies of the nations of the earth?
7 Therefore, will I not make solitary places to bud and to blossom, and to bring forth in abundance?..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 117:6 - 7)

"Is there not room enough...that you should covet that which is but the drop, and neglect the more weighty matters?" (Doctrine and Covenants Section 117:8)

The Lord has promised those who magnify their callings considering the more "weighty matters" -

"...all that my Father hath shall be given unto him." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 84:38)

Which makes much more sense as the Lord said "that which is but the drop" in things.

President Spencer W. Kimball related this experience -

"One man I know of was called to a position of service in the Church, but he felt that he couldn’t accept because his investments required more attention and more of his time than he could spare for the Lord’s work. He left the service of the Lord in search of Mammon, and he is a millionaire today.

But I recently learned an interesting fact: If a man owns a million dollars worth of gold at today’s prices, he possesses approximately one 27-billionth of all the gold that is present in the earth’s thin crust alone. This is an amount so small in proportion as to be inconceivable to the mind of man. But there is more to this: The Lord who created and has power over all the earth created many other earths as well, even ‘worlds without number’ (Moses 1:33); and when this man received the oath and covenant of the priesthood (D&C 84:33–44), he received a promise from the Lord of ‘all that my Father hath’ (v. 38). To set aside all these great promises in favor of a chest of gold and a sense of carnal security is a mistake in perspective of colossal proportions. To think that he has settled for so little is a saddening and pitiful prospect indeed; the souls of men are far more precious than this." (“The False Gods We Worship,” Ensign, June 1976, p. 5.)

D&C 116

After the Prophet Joseph Smith visited Spring Hill, he recorded -

"SPRING Hill is named by the Lord Adam-ondi-Ahman, because, said he, it is the place where Adam shall come to visit his people, or the Ancient of Days shall sit, as spoken of by Daniel the prophet." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 116:1)

What Daniel saws was -

"I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire.
10 A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened.
11 I beheld then because of the voice of the great words which the horn spake: I beheld even till the beast was slain, and his body destroyed, and given to the burning flame.
12 As concerning the rest of the beasts, they had their dominion taken away: yet their lives were prolonged for a season and time.
13 I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him.
14 And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed." (Old Testament Daniel 7:9 - 14)

Of this event, President Joseph Fielding Smith wrote that it would be -

"...of the greatest importance to this world. At that time there will be a transfer of authority from the usurper and impostor, Lucifer, to the rightful King, Jesus Christ. Judgment will be set and all who have held keys will make their reports and deliver their stewardships, as they shall be required. Adam will direct this judgment, and then he will make his report, as the one holding the keys for this earth, to his Superior Officer, Jesus Christ. Our Lord will then assume the reins of government; directions will be given to the Priesthood; and He, whose right it is to rule, will be installed officially by the voice of the Priesthood there assembled. This grand council of Priesthood will be composed, not only of those who are faithful who now dwell on this earth, but also of the prophets and apostles of old, who have had directing authority. Others may also be there, but if so they will be there by appointment, for this is to be an official council called to attend to the most momentous matters concerning the destiny of this earth.

When this gathering is held, the world will not know of it; the members of the Church at large will not know of it, yet it shall be preparatory to the coming in the clouds of glory of our Savior Jesus Christ as the Prophet Joseph Smith has said. The world cannot know of it. The Saints cannot know of it—except those who officially shall be called into this council—for it shall precede the coming of Jesus Christ as a thief in the night, unbeknown to all the world." (Way to Perfection, pp. 290–91.)

I've wondered at times if this event has already taken place.

D&C 115

As I read today the Lord's declaration to His priesthood leaders including -

"...my servant Edward Partridge, and his counselors..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 115:2)

to -

"...Arise and shine forth, that thy light may be a standard for the nations..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 115:5)

my thoughts seemed to focus on Edward Partridge. Early in the organization of the Church -


"...The Prophet said that Edward Partridge "was a pattern of piety, and one of the Lord's great men." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 36:Heading)

The Lord called Edward Partridge to be the first Bishop saying -

"I have called my servant Edward Partridge; and I give a commandment, that he should be appointed by the voice of the church, and ordained a bishop unto the church, to leave his merchandise and to spend all his time in the labors of the church..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 41:9)

That was a significant charge requiring a great deal of sacrifice on behalf of Bishop Partridge. And he was reminded -

"...that if he transgress another shall be appointed in his stead." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 42:10)

It was to Bishop Partridge that the Lord gave the responsibility to administer the "united order" in Zion saying -

"...let my servant Edward Partridge, and those whom he has chosen, in whom I am well pleased, appoint unto this people their portions, every man equal according to his family, according to his circumstances and his wants and needs." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 51:3)

With other revelations, it becomes apparent that Bishop Partridge was not perfect in his calling as the Lord said -

"...in this thing my servant Edward Partridge is not justified; nevertheless let him repent and he shall be forgiven." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 50:39)

"... I have sent you hither, and have selected my servant Edward Partridge, and have appointed unto him his mission in this land.
15 But if he repent not of his sins, which are unbelief and blindness of heart, let him take heed lest he fall.
16 Behold his mission is given unto him, and it shall not be given again." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 58:14 - 16)

"...my servant Edward Partridge, behold, he hath sinned, and Satan seeketh to destroy his soul; but when these things are made known unto them, and they repent of the evil, they shall be forgiven." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 64:17)

My thoughts today is that Bishop Partridge was not perfect nor are many bishops of today - even though they sacrifice a great deal. It seems the Bishop Partridge continued to strive to be better and repented as needed. We as members should show greater patience for bishops. I find it interesting after all this, the Lord later said speaking of Lyman Wight -

"That when he shall finish his work I may receive him unto myself, even as I did my servant David Patten, who is with me at this time, and also my servant Edward Partridge, and also my aged servant Joseph Smith, Sen., who sitteth with Abraham at his right hand, and blessed and holy is he, for he is mine." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 124:19)

What really matters is then how we serve and strive to serve.

D&C 113

In regards to the question -

"WHO is the Stem of Jesse spoken of in the 1st, 2d, 3d, 4th, and 5th verses of the 11th chapter of Isaiah?" (Doctrine and Covenants Section 113:1)

By revelation, the Prophet answered -

"...thus saith the Lord: It is Christ." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 113:2)

But then two questions and there respective answers at first seem kind of confusing -

"What is the rod spoken of in the first verse of the 11th chapter of Isaiah, that should come of the Stem of Jesse?
4 Behold, thus saith the Lord: It is a servant in the hands of Christ, who is partly a descendant of Jesse as well as of Ephraim, or of the house of Joseph, on whom there is laid much power." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 113:3 - 4)

"What is the root of Jesse spoken of in the 10th verse of the 11th chapter?
6 Behold, thus saith the Lord, it is a descendant of Jesse, as well as of Joseph, unto whom rightly belongs the priesthood, and the keys of the kingdom, for an ensign, and for the gathering of my people in the last days." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 113:5 - 6)

As one ponders both answers, it only seems logical that the Prophet is somwhat tactfully referring to himself. But how can an individual be both the rod that comes from the stem or base while at the same time, be the root also? Though I may not be correct, my thoughts this morning seemed to consider both foreordination in the pre-earth life and then the actual result in the present life. Alma taught of receiving the priesthood in -

"...the manner after which they were ordained—being called and prepared from the foundation of the world according to the foreknowledge of God, on account of their exceeding faith and good works..." (Book of Mormon Alma 13:3)

Verse 6 reflects this being the case as it states "unto whom rightly belongs the priesthood, and the keys of the kingdom". In this manner, I can understand how one could be both the root and the rod.