D&C 137

As the Prophet Joseph Smith saw in vision the celestial kingdom, he saw individuals there that somewhat surprised him including his brother. In answer to his thoughts, the Lord said -

"...I, the Lord, will judge all men according to their works, according to the desire of their hearts." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 137:9)

In my mind, that verse suggests that there are many and great variances in the weaknesses and conditions of men. It is not black and white. The Lord is saying that individuals will be judged according to their works - according to the desires of their hearts. In other words, the capacity and God given weaknesses of each individual will be considered in the great judgement. We need to be careful then how we judge.

D&C 136

At the end of mission of Zions Camp, the Lord said -

"...in consequence of the transgressions of my people, 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)

Years later at the banks of the Missouri, the Lord again revealed -

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

The Lord then proceeds to explain His conditions of saving or redeeming Zion and then concluding with -

"My people must be tried in all things, that they may be prepared to receive the glory that I have for them, even the glory of Zion; and he that will not bear chastisement is not worthy of my kingdom." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 136:31)

Again, the redemption of Zion seems to be conditional upon holiness or purity -

"Therefore, marvel not at these things, for ye are not yet pure; ye can not yet bear my glory; but ye shall behold it if ye are faithful in keeping all my words..." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 136:37)

I note that the word of the Lord seems just the same, whether from the mouth of the Prophet Joseph Smith or from Brigham Young.

"...whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 1:38)

D&C 135

As I read the words of John Taylor today, I was touched by his inspiration to include the words of Moroni -

"And it came to pass that I prayed unto the Lord that he would give unto the Gentiles grace, that they might have charity. And it came to pass that the Lord said unto me: If they have not charity it mattereth not unto thee, thou hast been faithful; wherefore thy garments shall be made clean. And because thou hast seen thy weakness, thou shalt be made strong, even unto the sitting down in the place which I have prepared in the mansions of my Father. And now I . . . bid farewell unto the Gentiles; yea, and also unto my brethren whom I love, until we shall meet before the judgment-seat of Christ, where all men shall know that my garments are not spotted with your blood..." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 135:5)

Today I learned of the passing of a dear friend - Ron Frandsen, whom I served with in the stake. I have come to love that man. He is one a few men that I have known that resembled what I would consider to be Christ-like. I reiterate the word of the Lord to Moroni -

"...thou hast been faithful; wherefore, thy garments shall be made clean. And because thou hast seen thy weakness thou shalt be made strong, even unto the sitting down in the place which I have prepared in the mansions of my Father." (Book of Mormon | Ether 12:37)

D&C 134

Oliver Cowdery penned -

"WE believe that governments were instituted of God for the benefit of man; and that he holds men accountable for their acts in relation to them, both in making laws and administering them, for the good and safety of society."
(Doctrine and Covenants | Section 134:1)

And with such governments -

"We believe that no government can exist in peace, except such laws are framed and held inviolate as will secure to each individual the free exercise of conscience, the right and control of property, and the protection of life." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 134:2)

With these three God given rights, I believe the second to be essential in the economic success of that governed. I personally believe that this is the key to economic success whereby the entire will ultimately be benefited by this principle. When government begins to increase its right to control and take property, the whole economic structure fails. There is not question that government requires sustaining taxes to administer it's obligations. But when government grows to the level that it demands more and more rights and control of properties, corruption is encouraged, waste is greater, entitlements with less self-reliance increases, and the entire population as a whole loses. Te right and control of property of the individual is paramount for the entire country or sovereignty.

D&C 133

Not long after the Church was organized, the Lord revealed -

"...they who are in the north countries shall come in remembrance before the Lord; and their prophets shall hear his voice, and shall no longer stay themselves; and they shall smite the rocks, and the ice shall flow down at their presence.
27 And an highway shall be cast up in the midst of the great deep." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 133:26 - 27)

"...even in Zion, by the hands of the servants of the Lord, even the children of Ephraim." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 133:32)

For -

"Behold, this is the blessing of the everlasting God upon the tribes of Israel, and the richer blessing upon the head of Ephraim and his fellows." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 133:34)

Over the years there has been much speculation concerning the lost ten tribes for one of our beliefs is -

"We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes..." (Pearl of Great Price | Articles of Faith 1:10)

There is much scriptural reference that the lost ten tribes presided over by Ephraim will return from the "north countries". My own opinion is that as the ten tribes were "lost" they moved to much of the countries in the northern hemisphere, particularly Europe. Many of these Europeans migrated to North America. In the early days of the Church we see masses of converts from the United States, Canada, and Great Britain. Most of these, including myself are so designated in patriarchal blessings of having the blood of Ephraim.

I believe that it is these people that are of the lost tribes of Israel that so readily heard and accepted His words.

D&C 133

As the Lord commands -

"HEARKEN, O ye people of my church, saith the Lord your God, and hear the word of the Lord concerning you—" (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 133:1)

...my thoughts were are two principles He commands us to hearken to -

"...prepare ye, prepare ye, O my people; sanctify yourselves; gather ye together, O ye people of my church, upon the land of Zion, all you that have not been commanded to tarry.
5 Go ye out from Babylon. Be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 133:4 - 5)

First we must worthily commit to sanctify or consecrate ourselves to the Lord and be clean in our thoughts and doings. Second as we go out from
"spiritual" Babylon -

"...let him not look back lest sudden destruction shall come upon him." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 133:15)

In my mind, looking back is somewhat longing for the days of Babylon. The consequence could be catastropic in the one may fall or experience sudden destruction. We -

"...must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ..." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 31:20)

But in doing so -

"...let not your flight be in haste, but let all things be prepared before you..." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 133:15)

D&C 132

There are a few in the Church that believe that once they are married for time and all eternity, all is done. The Lord said -

"...as pertaining to the new and everlasting covenant, it was instituted for the fulness of my glory; and he that receiveth a fulness thereof must and shall abide the law, or he shall be damned, saith the Lord God." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 132:6)

Note the emphasis on "shall abide the law". The Lord continues -

"...the conditions of this law are these: All covenants, contracts, bonds, obligations, oaths, vows, performances, connections, associations, or expectations, that are not made and entered into and sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise, of him who is anointed, both as well for time and for all eternity, and that too most holy, by revelation and commandment through the medium of mine anointed, whom I have appointed on the earth to hold this power (and I have appointed unto my servant Joseph to hold this power in the last days, and there is never but one on the earth at a time on whom this power and the keys of this priesthood are conferred), are of no efficacy, virtue, or force in and after the resurrection from the dead; for all contracts that are not made unto this end have an end when men are dead." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 132:7)

The conditions are these that 1) they made or entered into, 2) by one having authority to do so, and 3) sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise. They Holy Spirit may seal and even unseal do to the faithfulness of the individual. This becomes apparent as the Lord shares this example -

"...I say unto you, if a man marry a wife, and make a covenant with her for time and for all eternity, if that covenant is not by me or by my word, which is my law, and is not sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise, through him whom I have anointed and appointed unto this power, then it is not valid neither of force when they are out of the world, because they are not joined by me, saith the Lord, neither by my word; when they are out of the world it cannot be received there..." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 132:18)

I believe the wording "not by me or by my word" suggests obedience to His words or commandments for -

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, except ye abide my law ye cannot attain to this glory.
22 For strait is the gate, and narrow the way that leadeth unto the exaltation and continuation of the lives, and few there be that find it, because ye receive me not in the world neither do ye know me." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 132:21 - 22)

In the new and everlasting covenant, all conditions have to be satisfied to receive the promised blessings.

D&C 131

Scriptural verses tend to teach us true principles and doctrine. But they are not always exclusive of themselves. That is the error many scriptural scholars make. As we read and study the scriptures, we need to combine all principles to understand the fulness of the doctrine. There are many scriptures that suggest that if we do this single principle, we will be saved. But more is usually required. By revelation, the Prophet Joseph Smith taught -

"It is impossible for a man to be saved in ignorance." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 131:6)

This condition suggests that even through the atonement of Jesus Christ, there still is an obligation for man to receive knowledge and with that I would add that man must then use their agency.

Elder John A. Widstoe taught -

"Knowledge tested and tried is the beginning of faith. For that reason, 'it is impossible for a man to be saved in ignorance.' The extent of a person's faith depends in part on the amount of his knowledge. The more knowledge he gathers, the more extensive becomes his field of faith. The degree of faith possessed by any man depends not upon the extent of his knowledge, but upon the certainty of his knowledge, which leads to the proper use of his knowledge. Thus a man of great knowledge may have weak faith, while one of limited information may have strong faith. (Alma 32:34-41.)" (John A. Widtsoe, JS, p. 163.)

The Prophet Joseph Smith also taught -

"A man is saved no faster than he gets knowledge, for if he does not get knowledge, he will be brought into captivity by some evil power in the other world, as evil spirits will have more knowledge, and consequently more power than many men who are on the earth. Hence it needs revelation to assist us, and give us knowledge of the things of God." (Joseph Smith, HC 4:588.)

D&C 130

The Prophet Joseph Smith taught a bold doctrine revealing -

"...that same sociality which exists among us here will exist among us there, only it will be coupled with eternal glory, which glory we do not now enjoy." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 130:2)

Why would it not if pure and righteous sociality brings us joy in this life. Elder Orson Pratt taught -

"A Saint who is one in deed and in truth, does not look for an immaterial heaven, but he expects a heaven with lands, houses, cities, vegetation, rivers, and animals; with thrones, temples, palaces, kings, princes, priests, and angels; with food, raiment, musical instruments, etc." (Orson Pratt, JD 14:40-41)

D&C 129

In is in this revelation that we learn a physical property characteristic between a spirit and one with a physical body -

"If he be the spirit of a just man made perfect he will come in his glory; for that is the only way he can appear—" (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 129:6)

I sense from these words that the glorious nature of a spirit cannot be clothed. It seems that a spirit with a body of flesh and bones can control the glory emmitted. This may explain why the Father and the Son appeared unto the Prophet Joseph and he was able to bear their presence.

D&C 128

As terrible as was the Prophet Joseph Smith's experience in Liberty Jail, I wonder that within these months of captivity, humility, and meditation, that the Prophet received the pure revelation or intelligence on his final work in this last dispensation. It seems that after this event, that the prophet's work seemed more focused on ordinances and work of salvation and of exaltation associated with the temple.

While in hiding, his letters now known as sections 127 and 128, seemed to reflect a great desire to communicate with the saints the importance of this last work. Not only baptism for the dead, but the Prophet says -

"And not only this, but those things which never have been revealed from the foundation of the world, but have been kept hid from the wise and prudent, shall be revealed unto babes and sucklings in this, the dispensation of the fulness of times." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 128:18)

Because of the sacred nature of things, I'm sure the Prophet could not provide greater detail on the matter for -

"...It is sufficient to know, in this case, that the earth will be smitten with a curse unless there is a welding link of some kind or other between the fathers and the children..." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 128:18)

Eventually these sacred thing were and our now revealed and administered in His holy temple. The Prophet made it clear of its purpose -

"...for it is necessary in the ushering in of the dispensation of the fulness of times, which dispensation is now beginning to usher in, that a whole and complete and perfect union, and welding together of dispensations, and keys, and powers, and glories should take place, and be revealed from the days of Adam even to the present time." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 128:18)

This welding link in my mind is synoymous to being sealed.

D&C 125

As the question was asked if the saints should gather in Iowa, 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..." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 125:2)

The Lord had previously revealed and substantiated herein -

"...there is none other place appointed than that which I have appointed; neither shall there be any other place appointed than that which I have appointed, for the work of the gathering of my saints—
21 Until the day cometh when there is found no more room for them; and then I have other places which I will appoint unto them, and they shall be called stakes, for the curtains or the strength of Zion." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 101:20 - 21)

It is clear that the saints were to be appointed to reside in stakes of Zion are they are organized. The saints were to attend and be a part of stakes in which they dwell as the Lord said -

"...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, saith the Lord." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 125:4)

These combination of all stakes were to be under the administration of the Quorum of the Twelve as we read in the History of the Church -

"It should, further, be remembered that, at a Conference held at Nauvoo, August 16th, 1841, the Prophet Joseph, with this Revelation in mind, stated that, 'The time has come when the Twelve should be called upon to stand in their place next to the First Presidency, and attend to the settling of emigrants and the business of the Church at the Stakes, and to assist to bear off the kingdom victoriously to the nations.' (HC 4:403.)

D&C 124

In reference to Lyman Wight, the Lord said -

"...continue in preaching for Zion, in the spirit of meekness, confessing me before the world; and I will bear him up as on eagles' wings; and he shall beget glory and honor to himself and unto my name." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 124:18)

And then the Lord says something very interesting -

"...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..." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 124:19)

It seems apparent to me that the wording "I may receive him unto myself" was referring to death. And then the Lord states -

"I am the Lord your God, and will save all those of your brethren who have been pure in heart, and have been slain in the land of Missouri, saith the Lord." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 124:54)

It would then reason that in death, when the Lord receives one unto himself, that it is synonymous to being saved in His kingdom. Being one that is saved, being pure in heart, and received of the Lord to substantiate the belief -

"We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel." (Pearl of Great Price | Articles of Faith 1:3)

D&C 124

As the Lord was speaking of the officers belonging to His priesthood, he said -

"...I give unto you a high council, for the corner-stone of Zion..." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 124:131)

...or in my mind, the corner-stone for a stake of Zion. I am a builder and recognize that the cornerstone provides stability and strength for a structure of the building. I see the stake high council as exactly that. That which provides stability and integrity of the stake.

D&C 123

Though the general message of the Prophet in this revelation is the obligation and imperative duty of the in -

"...bringing to light all the hidden things of darkness..." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 123:13)

But the closing statement brings great incite in the working of the Lord in all our matters -

"Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, 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)

For -

"In your patience possess ye your souls." (New Testament | Luke 21:19)

D&C 122

The Lord counciled the Prophet Joseph Smith -

"...know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 122:7)

On this subject, I was touched by the comments of Elder Orson Whitney almost a century ago -

"It remained for the Prophet Joseph Smith to . . . set forth the why and wherefore of human suffering; and in revealing it he gave us a strength and power to endure that we did not before possess. For when men know why they suffer, and realize that it is for a good and wise purpose, they can bear it much better than they can in ignorance. . . .

The fall of Adam and Eve was a great calamity, but it brought forth a wonderful blessing; it gave us our bodies, with endless opportunities to advance and achieve. It brought death into the world, but it also brought forth the human family. There was the compensation. 'Adam fell that men might be: and men are, that they might have joy.' [2 Nephi 2:25.] The crucifixion of Christ was a terrible calamity, but the atonement connected with it was the foreordained means of man's salvation. Israel's calamitous fate proved a blessing to the world in general. God's promises to Abraham had to be made good. 'In thee and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed.' [Abr. 2:11.] This promise was fulfilled in Christ, but an important part of the fulfillment began when the children of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob were flung broadcast over the world, and the barren wastes of unbelief might be sprinkled with the blood that believes, and made fruitful of faith and righteousness.

So it is with all our troubles and sorrows; there is a compensation for them. . . .

When the sky darkens and the tempest threatens, where do we go for shelter? To the sagebrush or the willow? No, rather to some spreading oak that has withstood the storms of ages and become stronger because of the fierce winds that have swayed its branches and caused its roots to strike deeper and deeper into the soil. When we want counsel and comfort, we do not go to children, nor to those who know nothing but pleasure and self-gratification. We go to men and women who have suffered themselves and can give us the comfort that we need. Is not this God's purpose in causing his children to suffer? He wants them to become more like himself. God has suffered far more than man ever did or ever will, and is therefore the great source of sympathy and consolation. Who are these arrayed in white, nearest to the throne of God? asked John the Apostle, wrapt in his mighty vision. The answer was: 'These are they who have come up through great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.' [Rev. 7:13-14.]

There is always a blessing in sorrow and humiliation. They who escape these things are not the fortunate ones. 'Whom God loveth he chasteneth.' [Heb. 12:6.] When he desires to make a great man he takes a little street waif, or a boy in the back-woods, such as Lincoln or Joseph Smith, and brings him up through hardship and privation to be the grand and successful leader of a people. Flowers shed most of their perfume when they are crushed. Men and women have to suffer just so much in order to bring out the best that is in them." (Orson F. Whitney, IE, November 1918, pp. 5-7)

D&C 121

From the beginning, as Adam and Eve learned that there was "opposition in all things", the Lord told them -

"...in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life;
18 Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee..." (Old Testament | Genesis 3:17 - 18)

In my mind, the Lord was saying that opposition and afflictions were to part of every man and woman's life. George Q. Morris related -

"The Prophet Joseph Smith one time said, when someone had remarked that somebody had affliction because of his sins, that it is an unhallowed statement to make, that afflictions come to all. . . ." (George Q. Morris, CR, October 1958, pp. 70-72.)

So while in great affliction in the Liberty Jail, the Lord lovingly said to the Prophet -

"My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment;
8 And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high..." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 121:7 - 8)

Even in all of his afflictions -

"Thou art not yet as Job..." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 121:10)

And with his afflictions -

"...know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 122:7)

I concludes with one of the greatest questions -

"The Son of Man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than he?" (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 122:8)

D&C 121

The Savior said during His mortal ministry -

"...An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign..." (New Testament | Matthew 12:39)

And in modern day -

"...I, the Lord, am not pleased with those among you who have sought after signs and wonders for faith, and not for the good of men unto my glory." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 63:12)

And even though many signs have been given -


"...he that seeketh signs shall see signs, but not unto salvation." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 63:7)

In other words, in my mind, they are blind to such and availeth them nothing, for signs -

"...are given for the benefit of those who love me and keep all my commandments, and him that seeketh so to do; that all may be benefited that seek or that ask of me, that ask and not for a sign that they may consume it upon their lusts." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 46:9)

As the Prophet Joseph Smith suffered in Liberty Jail, the Lord explained this same doctrine -

"...that God hath set his hand and seal to change the times and seasons, and to blind their minds, that they may not understand his marvelous workings; that he may prove them also and take them in their own craftiness;
13 Also because their hearts are corrupted..." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 121:12 - 13)

The Lord prophecied as a sign of the corrupt that had born false witness, even -

"...they who do charge thee with transgression, their hope shall be blasted, and their prospects shall melt away as the hoar frost melteth before the burning rays of the rising sun..." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 121:11)

This was a sign that the corrupt would never see because of their blindness of their minds.