D&C 8

As Oliver Cowdery suggested his desire to be granted the gift of translation, the Lord responded -

"...that assuredly as the Lord liveth, who is your God and your Redeemer, even so surely shall you receive a knowledge of whatsoever things you shall ask in faith, with an honest heart, believing that you shall receive a knowledge..."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 8:1)

In a previous revelation, the Lord had already told Oliver that he had been given the gift of revelation.  It is then that the Lord explains how revelations are received teaching him -

"...behold, I will tell you in your mind and in your heart, by the Holy Ghost...."  (Doctrine and Covenants   Section 8:2)

I couldn't help but ponder what He meant by being told in one's "heart" and in one's "mind".  The heart has always suggested on most inward and true desires and feelings.  Thus, being told in one's heart would suggest strong impressions are feelings.  This would suggest to me that as we follow, in faith, these feelings, impressions, and/or promptings, that this is the beginning of receiving revelation.  As we move forward in faith, following those righteous feelings more specific revelation follows.  The mind would suggest to me the thought provoking or reasoning part of revelation.  This type of revelation seems to be more specific, where we have distinct thoughts, answers, and intelligence...evening hearing the still small voice of the Lord in our minds.  Thus the Lord tells us -

"...behold, this is the spirit of revelation..."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 8:3)

Maybe it could also be said, "this is the process of revelation".  There is one more thing that I think is important where again the Lord said -

"...I will tell you in your mind and in your heart, by the Holy Ghost, which shall come upon you and which shall dwell in your heart."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 8:2)

When the Lord tells us that the Holy Ghost will dwell in our hearts, suggests to me, that if we live righteously, worthy to have the companionship of the Gift of the Holy Ghost, He will be there all the time.  Having the Holy Ghost with us all the time, or in other words, dwelling in our hearts, suggests that revelatory feelings and impressions will constantly lead us.  If we follow those feelings, in faith and obedience, distinct and specific revelations will come into our mind as the Lord chooses.  The Lord followed with -

"...therefore, whatsoever you shall ask me to tell you by that means, that will I grant unto you, and you shall have knowledge concerning it.
10 Remember that without faith you can do nothing; therefore ask in faith..."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 8:9 - 10)

D&C 7

As the Prophet Joseph Smith received a revelation of that recorded by John on parchment, the Lord said to Peter -

"If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? For he desired of me that he might bring souls unto me, but thou desiredst that thou mightest speedily come unto me in my kingdom.
5 I say unto thee, Peter, this was a good desire; but my beloved has desired that he might do more, or a greater work yet among men than what he has before done."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 7:4 - 5)

I think "greater work" was defined by "do more" in this life.  Peter's work would continue on the other side of the veil.  But what caught my attention was the instruction to Peter -

"...I will make thee to minister for him and for thy brother James; and unto you three I will give this power and the keys of this ministry until I come."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 7:7)

I interpet that to mean the these three holds the keys of this ministry or the Church and is senior and presides over all other Church presidencies since the ministry of the Savior.  Is it any wonder that these three conferred the keys of the Melchizedek priesthood to the Prophet Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery.  We see their leadership in much of our holy teachings.

D&C 6

It is in this revelation given to the Prophet Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery that we learn -

"...that thou mayest know that there is none else save God that knowest thy thoughts and the intents of thy heart."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 6:16)

God in this scenario surely would include the members of the Godhead...the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.  It was by the Holy Ghost that Alma knew the thoughts of Zeezrom. 

It is also in this revelation that I feel that much of the counsel given to Joseph and Oliver also apply to me as the Lord counsels -

"Therefore be diligent; stand by my servant Joseph, faithfully, in whatsoever difficult circumstances he may be for the word's sake.
19 Admonish him in his faults, and also receive admonition of him. Be patient; be sober; be temperate; have patience, faith, hope and charity."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 6:18 - 19)

Everyone in the Church has a file leader.  Therefore this should apply to everyone especially thosed called to be counselors.  The Lord continues in regards to His servants that He has called and qualified -

"...I have spoken unto thee because of thy desires; therefore treasure up these words in thy heart. Be faithful and diligent in keeping the commandments of God, and I will encircle thee in the arms of my love."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 6:20)

"...Fear not to do good, my sons, for whatsoever ye sow, that shall ye also reap; therefore, if ye sow good ye shall also reap good for your reward.
34 Therefore, fear not, little flock; do good; let earth and hell combine against you, for if ye are built upon my rock, they cannot prevail.
35 Behold, I do not condemn you; go your ways and sin no more; perform with soberness the work which I have commanded you.
36 Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 6:33 - 36)

In was touched with the testimony of Jesus Christ -

"Behold, I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I am the same that came unto mine own, and mine own received me not. I am the light which shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehendeth it not."  (Doctrine and Covenants Section 6:21)

"Behold the wounds which pierced my side, and also the prints of the nails in my hands and feet; be faithful, keep my commandments, and ye shall inherit the kingdom of heaven..."  (Doctrine and Covenants   Section 6:37)

D&C 6

In a revelation to Olivery Cowdery, the Lord seems to summarize what all Latter-day saints should do -

"...keep my commandments, and seek to bring forth and establish the cause of Zion..." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 6:6)

The cause of Zion would be the cause to live in such a manner where the people are -

"...of one heart and one mind, and dwelt in righteousness; and there was no poor among them."  (Pearl of Great Price | Moses 7:18)

And in doing so -

"Seek not for riches but for wisdom, and behold, the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto you, and then shall you be made rich..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 6:7)

For -

"...he that hath eternal life is rich."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 6:7)

And to establish the cause of Zion and learn wisdom -

"Say nothing but repentance unto this generation; keep my commandments, and assist to bring forth my work, according to my commandments, and you shall be blessed."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 6:9)

Obviously, to establish the cause of Zion would then be to teach true gospel doctrine, commandments, and principles, thus bringing many to repentance, or in other words, would be saying or leading to nothing but repentance.

 

D&C 5

As Martin Harris visited the Prophet Joseph Smith in hopes to see the ancient plates, the Lord provides the Prophet instructions on how he was to answer Martin Harris.  But I read this section, what I seemed to derive was the importance of obedience to the Lord even when it may not necessarily seem reasonable to man or to man's council.  This seems apparent as the Lord instructs the Prophet first -

"...I have caused you that you should enter into a covenant with me, that you should not show them except to those persons to whom I commanded you; and you have no power over them except I grant it unto you."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 5:3)

Even though there may be a tendency to show others so they would stop mocking oneself, the commandment was otherwise.  The Lord even goes to suggest -

"Behold, if they will not believe my words, they would not believe you, my servant Joseph, if it were possible that you should show them all these things which I have committed unto you."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 5:7)

And thus -

"...I command you, my servant Joseph, to repent and walk more uprightly before me, and to yield to the persuasions of men no more;
22 And that you be firm in keeping the commandments wherewith I have commanded you; and if you do this, behold I grant unto you eternal life, even if you should be slain."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 5:21 - 22)

And in addition to this strict commandment -

"And you have a gift to translate the plates; and this is the first gift that I bestowed upon you; and I have commanded that you should pretend to no other gift until my purpose is fulfilled in this; for I will grant unto you no other gift until it is finished."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 5:4)

As the Lord announces that He would allow three witnesses to not only see the plates, interpreters, and other things, even a voice from heaven declaring such, He acknowledges that Martin Harris might be considered to be one of those witnesses and instructs -

"...I say unto him, he exalts himself and does not humble himself sufficiently before me; but if he will bow down before me, and humble himself in mighty prayer and faith, in the sincerity of his heart, then will I grant unto him a view of the things which he desires to see.
25 And then he shall say unto the people of this generation: Behold, I have seen the things which the Lord hath shown unto Joseph Smith, Jun., and I know of a surety that they are true, for I have seen them, for they have been shown unto me by the power of God and not of man."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 5:24 - 25)

Again giving explicit instructions or commandments on what he should do with no variance or additions, therefore, continuing -

"...I the Lord command him, my servant Martin Harris, that he shall say no more unto them concerning these things, except he shall say: I have seen them, and they have been shown unto me by the power of God; and these are the words which he shall say.
27 But if he deny this he will break the covenant which he has before covenanted with me, and behold, he is condemned.
28 And now, except he humble himself and acknowledge unto me the things that he has done which are wrong, and covenant with me that he will keep my commandments, and exercise faith in me, behold, I say unto him, he shall have no such views, for I will grant unto him no views of the things of which I have spoken."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 5:26 - 28)

In summary the Lord tells the Prophet -

"...I have given unto thee these commandments.
34 Yea, for this cause I have said: Stop, and stand still until I command thee, and I will provide means whereby thou mayest accomplish the thing which I have commanded thee.
35 And if thou art faithful in keeping my commandments, thou shalt be lifted up at the last day..."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 5:33 - 35)

D&C 4

In a revelation to the father of the Prophet Joseph Smith, the Lord provides instruction to any and all saints saying -

"...O ye that embark in the service of God, see that ye serve him with all your heart, might, mind and strength, that ye may stand blameless before God at the last day."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 4:2)

And then reviews the eternal laws related to such diligent service -

"...behold the field is white already to harvest; and lo, he that thrusteth in his sickle with his might, the same layeth up in store that he perisheth not, but bringeth salvation to his soul..."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 4:4)

Suggesting that if one desires salvation and exaltation, it is conditional up serving God with "all your heart, might, mind and strength", or in other words, doing the best you can.

The field is white would suggest to me that there are many of the elect or those that will accept the gospel, repent in such a manner that the "fruit" will be made white through the atonement of Jesus Christ.  We are reminded of this harvest -

"That the work of the gathering together of my saints may continue, that I may build them up unto my name upon holy places; for the time of harvest is come, and my word must needs be fulfilled.
65 Therefore, I must gather together my people, according to the parable of the wheat and the tares, that the wheat may be secured in the garners to possess eternal life, and be crowned with celestial glory..."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 101:64 - 65)

In my mind, the garners then would be "upon holy places", one of which would be His Holy Temple.  This is our purpose in harvesting the ripe field for -

"...ye are called to bring to pass the gathering of mine elect; for mine elect hear my voice and harden not their hearts..."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 29:7)

D&C 3

As the Lord gives the Prophet Joseph Smith somewhat of a chastisement through the Urim and Thummim, He teaches -

"THE works, and the designs, and the purposes of God cannot be frustrated, neither can they come to naught.
2 For God doth not walk in crooked paths, neither doth he turn to the right hand nor to the left, neither doth he vary from that which he hath said, therefore his paths are straight, and his course is one eternal round.
3 Remember, remember that it is not the work of God that is frustrated, but the work of men..."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 3:1 - 3)

In my mind, "one eternal round" suggests that over and over, in any circumstance, the Lord and His doctrine is consistent.  And then the Lord provides this warning which I believe applies to any priesthood or Church leaders -

"...although a man may have many revelations, and have power to do many mighty works, yet if he boasts in his own strength, and sets at naught the counsels of God, and follows after the dictates of his own will and carnal desires, he must fall and incur the vengeance of a just God upon him."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 3:4)

Referring to Martin Harris, the Lord calls him a wicked man.   The Lord then describes His definition of a wicked man in regards to this revelation as one -

"Who has set at naught the counsels of God, and has broken the most sacred promises which were made before God, and has depended upon his own judgment and boasted in his own wisdom."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 3:13)

These are great warnings to all.  But at the same time, we learn the compassion and love of the Savior, as He reminds us -

"...remember, God is merciful; therefore, repent of that which thou hast done which is contrary to the commandment which I gave you, and thou art still chosen, and art again called to the work..."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 3:10)

We have all errored in our callings.  Thanks be to God for His tenders mercies.

D&C 2

The first chronological revelation included in the Book of Commandments as well as our current Doctrine and Covenants, was one delivered by Moroni and the night of his first visit to the Prophet Joseph Smith, repeating with some variation of the words previously delivered by Malachi -


"BEHOLD, I will reveal unto you the Priesthood, by the hand of Elijah the prophet, before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.
2And he shall plant in the hearts of the children the promises made to the fathers, and the hearts of the children shall turn to their fathers.
3If it were not so, the whole earth would be utterly wasted at his coming."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 2:1 - 3)

What is this Priesthood that was to be revealed or restored by the hand of Elijah?  It is the keys and authority associated with with binding or sealing spiritual things up on earth and simultaneous in heaven for as taught in the LDS Bible Dictionary -

"We learn from latter-day revelation that Elijah held the sealing power of the Melchizedek Priesthood and was the last prophet to do so before the time of Jesus Christ. He appeared on the Mount in company with Moses (also translated) and conferred the keys of the priesthood on Peter, James, and John (Matt. 17:3). He appeared again, in company with Moses and others, on April 3, 1836, in the Kirtland (Ohio) Temple and conferred the same keys upon Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery. All of this was in preparation for the coming of the Lord, as spoken of in Malachi 4:5–6 (D&C 110:13–16). As demonstrated by his miraculous deeds, the power of Elijah is the sealing power of the priesthood by which things bound or loosed on earth are bound or loosed in heaven. Thus the keys of this power are once again operative on the earth and are used in performing all the ordinances of the gospel for the living and the dead."  (Bible Dictionary | E Elijah:Entry)

Of that event, we read -

"...another great and glorious vision burst upon us; for Elijah the prophet, who was taken to heaven without tasting death, stood before us, and said:
14 Behold, the time has fully come, which was spoken of by the mouth of Malachi—testifying that he [Elijah] should be sent, before the great and dreadful day of the Lord come—
15 To turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the children to the fathers, lest the whole earth be smitten with a curse—
16 Therefore, the keys of this dispensation are committed into your hands; and by this ye may know that the great and dreadful day of the Lord is near, even at the doors."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 110:13 - 16)

It is this keys and power that links exalted families and saints into one great family of the House (or family) of Israel.  This sealing power is essential for such.  Obviously, without such authority, the world or plan of salvation would be frustrated, cursed, or as Moroni said "utterly wasted at his coming."

D&C 1

In His preface to His latter day revelations, the Lord describes that state of much of the world nigh unto His coming -

"For they have strayed from mine ordinances, and have broken mine everlasting covenant;

16 They seek not the Lord to establish his righteousness, but every man walketh in his own way, and after the image of his own god, whose image is in the likeness of the world, and whose substance is that of an idol, which waxeth old and shall perish in Babylon, even Babylon the great, which shall fall.  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 1:15 - 16)

Even those the preface was given some 180 years ago, it seems more and more applicable today.  It seems more and more, eveyone walks in his own way, his own philosophy (religion) and not the Lord's way.  The Lord then explains what His plan is for the last days -

"...I the Lord, knowing the calamity which should come upon the inhabitants of the earth, called upon my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., and spake unto him from heaven, and gave him commandments;
18 And also gave commandments to others, that they should proclaim these things unto the world; and all this that it might be fulfilled, which was written by the prophets—
19 The weak things of the world shall come forth and break down the mighty and strong ones, that man should not counsel his fellow man, neither trust in the arm of flesh—"  (Doctrine and Covenants Section 1:17 - 19)


Why this plan? He continues -

"...that every man might speak in the name of God the Lord, even the Savior of the world..."  (Doctrine and Covenants   Section 1:20)

"That faith also might increase in the earth..."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 1:21)

"That mine everlasting covenant might be established..."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 1:22)

"That the fulness of my gospel might be proclaimed by the weak and the simple unto the ends of the world, and before kings and rulers...after the manner of their language, that they might come to understanding."  (Doctrine and Covenants   Section 1:23 - 24)

That -

"...inasmuch as they erred it might be made known..."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 1:25)

That the people might know what is correct and what is not.  That -

"...inasmuch as they sought wisdom they might be instructed..."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 1:26)

That -

"...inasmuch as they sinned they might be chastened, that they might repent..."  (Doctrine and Covenants   Section 1:27)

An that -

"...inasmuch as they were humble they might be made strong, and blessed from on high, and receive knowledge from time to time."   Doctrine and Covenants   Section 1:28)

And that it is important to understand that -

"...I the Lord cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance..."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 1:31)

And that -

"...he that repents not, from him shall be taken even the light which he has received; for my Spirit shall not always strive with man, saith the Lord of Hosts."  (Doctrine and Covenants   Section 1:33)

And how was this plan to be executed -

"Search these commandments, for they are true and faithful, and the prophecies and promises which are in them shall all be fulfilled.

38 What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 1:37 - 38)

This doctrine was to come forth by His servants with the power of the Holy Ghost.  The Lord declares -

"...the Lord is God, and the Spirit beareth record, and the record is true, and the truth abideth forever and ever."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 1:39)

D&C 1

Having again completed another reading and blogging of the Book of Mormon, I am now turning my study to the Doctrine and Covenants.  I should note that whatever I am studying, I strive to read a chapter in the Book of Mormon even while studying the Book of Mormon.  In other words, I can easily be reading in two different places in the Book of Mormon at a time.

But as much as I love the Book of Mormon, the deep doctrine of modern day revelations seem to have a great impact on my soul.  I feel the Doctrine and Covenants was written directly to and for me.  It seems to tie in all other scriptures and answers pending questions of the other historical scriptures.

Though most of the sections in the Doctrine and Covenants are in chronological order, section one was written as a preface to the first 65 revelations to be included in the original "Book of Commandments".  This section is the only preface in all of scripture provided directly by the Lord. 

There is so much doctrine in each verse that it makes it difficult to cover all the doctrine in a daily blog.  The Lord begins his preface of modern revelations with the command -

"HEARKEN, O ye people of my church..."  (Doctrine and Covenants
Section 1:1)
And also -  

"...Hearken ye people from afar; and ye that are upon the islands of the sea, listen together."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 1:1)  

In my mind, this means everyone.  Hearken is a strong word to listen and obey -  

"For verily the voice of the Lord is unto all men, and there is none to escape; and there is no eye that shall not see, neither ear that shall not hear, neither heart that shall not be penetrated."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 1:2)  

Herein is the doctrine that all will have a "fair" chance to hear, accept, and choose to follow the Lord.  The key words to me is not only to see (eye) or hear (ear), but to truly understand in ones heart (most inward desires and works).  I believe that this will be the test as the Lord judges with equity, justice and mercy.  Did the Lord's voice truly penetrate and reach one's heart.  If it did, then by judging the use of agency will be the determinant of the final judgement, when -  

"...the rebellious shall be pierced with much sorrow; for their iniquities shall be spoken upon the housetops, and their secret acts shall be revealed."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 1:3)  

"...when the wrath of God shall be poured out upon the wicked without measure— 10 Unto the day when the Lord shall come to recompense unto every man according to his work, and measure to every man according to the measure which he has measured to his fellow man."  (Doctrine and Covenants Section 1:9 - 10)

The level the voice of the Lord penetrates the heart will be by the works of those with authority (see verse 6) -

"...who go forth, bearing these tidings unto the inhabitants of the earth, to them is power given to seal both on earth and in heaven, the unbelieving and rebellious..."  (Doctrine and Covenants
Section 1:8)  

Therefore the Savior commands -  

"Prepare ye, prepare ye for that which is to come, for the Lord is nigh; 13 And the anger of the Lord is kindled, and his sword is bathed in heaven, and it shall fall upon the inhabitants of the earth.
14 And the arm of the Lord shall be revealed; and the day cometh that they who will not hear the voice of the Lord, neither the voice of his servants, neither give heed to the words of the prophets and apostles, shall be cut off from among the people..."  (Doctrine and Covenants   Section 1:12 - 14)

Moroni 10

As Moroni records his final thoughts before sealing up the records to come forth at some future date, he chooses to conclude with the importance of the Holy Ghost that -

"...by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things."  (Book of Mormon
Moroni 10:5)  

For -

"...ye may know that he is, by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore I would exhort you that ye deny not the power of God; for he worketh by power, according to the faith of the children of men, the same today and tomorrow, and forever."  (Book of Mormon  Moroni 10:7)

And it is by the Holy Ghost that special gifts are given.  Moroni writes -

"...I exhort you, my brethren, that ye deny not the gifts of God, for they are many; and they come from the same God. And there are different ways that these gifts are administered; but it is the same God who worketh all in all; and they are given by the manifestations of the Spirit of God unto men, to profit them."  (Book of Mormon  Moroni 10:8)  

Moroni describes many of  these gifts and then continues -  

"...all these gifts come by the Spirit of Christ; and they come unto every man severally, according as he will."  (Book of Mormon  Moroni 10:17)  

And such gifts -

"...which are spiritual, never will be done away, even as long as the world shall stand, only according to the unbelief of the children of men."  (Book of Mormon  Moroni 10:19)   Again it all comes down to faith and faithfulneess -   "Wherefore, there must be faith; and if there must be faith there must also be hope; and if there must be hope there must also be charity. 21 And except ye have charity ye can in nowise be saved in the kingdom of God; neither can ye be saved in the kingdom of God if ye have not faith; neither can ye if ye have no hope.
22 And if ye have no hope ye must needs be in despair; and despair cometh because of iniquity.
23 And Christ truly said unto our fathers: If ye have faith ye can do all things which are expedient unto me."  (Book of Mormon   Moroni 10:20 - 23)

Moroni then warns -

"...that if the day cometh that the power and gifts of God shall be done away among you, it shall be because of unbelief.
25 And wo be unto the children of men if this be the case; for there shall be none that doeth good among you, no not one. For if there be one among you that doeth good, he shall work by the power and gifts of God.
26 And wo unto them who shall do these things away and die, for they die in their sins, and they cannot be saved in the kingdom of God; and I speak it according to the words of Christ; and I lie not."  (Book of Mormon  Moroni 10:24 - 26)

He concludes with this great summary of the plan of salvation -

"...come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness; and if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ; and if by the grace of God ye are perfect in Christ, ye can in nowise deny the power of God.
33 And again, if ye by the grace of God are perfect in Christ, and deny not his power, then are ye sanctified in Christ by the grace of God, through the shedding of the blood of Christ, which is in the covenant of the Father unto the remission of your sins, that ye become holy, without spot."  (Book of Mormon  Moroni 10:32 - 33)

Moroni 9

As we experience the divisiveness of this current political season, some of the words of Mormon written to his son, Moroni, seem quite revealing and applicable.  Recently, we have heard words like "revenge" and "to show more anger".  It is troubling.  Mormon spoke of his people writing -

"...they do not repent, and Satan stirreth them up continually to anger one with another."  (Book of Mormon  Moroni 9:3)

"...they have lost their love, one towards another; and they thirst after blood and revenge continually."  (Book of Mormon  Moroni 9:5)

It becomes obvious as the people do not repent they reject the Spirit of the Lord and the Light of Chirst.  And thus -

"...they have become strong in their perversion; and they are alike brutal, sparing none, neither old nor young; and they delight in everything save that which is good; and the suffering of our women and our children upon all the face of this land doth exceed everything; yea, tongue cannot tell, neither can it be written."  (Book of Mormon  Moroni 9:19)

Event though this may be to the extreme, it seems the less we obey the commandments, the less charity exists.  And thus divisiveness and anger prevail for Satan persuaded no man to do good.  This change can happen overnight without righteous leadership for Mormon asks -

"O my beloved son, how can a people like this, that are without civilization—
12 (And only a few years have passed away, and they were a civil and a delightsome people)
13 But O my son, how can a people like this, whose delight is in so much abomination—
14 How can we expect that God will stay his hand in judgment against us?"  (Book of Mormon  Moroni 9:11 - 14)

The only answer can be -

"...notwithstanding their hardness, let us labor diligently; for if we should cease to labor, we should be brought under condemnation; for we have a labor to perform whilst in this tabernacle of clay, that we may conquer the enemy of all righteousness, and rest our souls in the kingdom of God."  (Book of Mormon   oroni 9:6)

Moroni 8

Though the theme of this letter or epistle from Mormon was mainly in regards to -

"...this thing shall ye teach—repentance and baptism unto those who are accountable and capable of committing sin; yea, teach parents that they must repent and be baptized, and humble themselves as their little children, and they shall all be saved with their little children.
11 And their little children need no repentance, neither baptism. Behold, baptism is unto repentance to the fulfilling the commandments unto the remission of sins.
12 But little children are alive in Christ, even from the foundation of the world..."  (Book of Mormon  Moroni 8:10 - 12)

But what touched my mind this morning were the words -

"...behold that all little children are alive in Christ, and also all they that are without the law. For the power of redemption cometh on all them that have no law; wherefore, he that is not condemned, or he that is under no condemnation, cannot repent; and unto such baptism availeth nothing—"  (Book of Mormon  Moroni 8:22)

"...for repentance is unto them that are under condemnation and under the curse of a broken law."  (Book of Mormon   Moroni 8:24)

From these words we begin to understand that fairness and justice will come to all in the exercising of their agency, understanding, and works.  For Peter also taught -

"For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:
19 By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison..."  (New Testament  1 Peter 3:18 - 19)

"For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit."  (New Testament 1 Peter 4:6)

All suggesting that justice can only be satisfied if one becomes fully accountable.  Being accountable is a hard thing to do which suggests that only God can really determine accountability.  That is why President Joseph F. Smith said of a vision -

"I beheld that the faithful elders of this dispensation, when they depart from mortal life, continue their labors in the preaching of the gospel of repentance and redemption, through the sacrifice of the Only Begotten Son of God, among those who are in darkness and under the bondage of sin in the great world of the spirits of the dead.
58 The dead who repent will be redeemed, through obedience to the ordinances of the house of God,
59 And after they have paid the penalty of their transgressions, and are washed clean, shall receive a reward according to their works, for they are heirs of salvation."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 138:57 - 59)

I am convinced that justice and fairness will in the end be administered.

Moroni 7

Moroni shares one of the great discourses in the Book of Mormon by his father.  After Mormon teaches us that evil and good can't co-exist he then teaches us how to discern good from evil saying -

"...the Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil; wherefore, I show unto you the way to judge; for every thing which inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ; wherefore ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of God.
17 But whatsoever thing persuadeth men to do evil, and believe not in Christ, and deny him, and serve not God, then ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of the devil; for after this manner doth the devil work, for he persuadeth no man to do good, no, not one; neither do his angels; neither do they who subject themselves unto him."  (Book of Mormon  Moroni 7:16 - 17)

And then he follows -

"...how is it possible that ye can lay hold upon every good thing?"  (Book of Mormon  Moroni 7:20)

First it is by faith in Jesus Christ and the words of His prophets -

"For behold, God knowing all things, being from everlasting to everlasting, behold, he sent angels to minister unto the children of men, to make manifest concerning the coming of Christ; and in Christ there should come every good thing.
23 And God also declared unto prophets, by his own mouth, that Christ should come.
24 And behold, there were divers ways that he did manifest things unto the children of men, which were good; and all things which are good cometh of Christ; otherwise men were fallen, and there could no good thing come unto them.
25 Wherefore, by the ministering of angels, and by every word which proceeded forth out of the mouth of God, men began to exercise faith in Christ; and thus by faith, they did lay hold upon every good thing..."  (Book of Mormon  Moroni 7:22 - 25)

Therefore, the Savior has declared -

"...Whatsoever thing ye shall ask the Father in my name, which is good, in faith believing that ye shall receive, behold, it shall be done unto you."  (Book of Mormon  Moroni 7:26)

And then Mormon asks an interesting question -

"...my beloved brethren, have miracles ceased because Christ hath ascended into heaven, and hath sat down on the right hand of God, to claim of the Father his rights of mercy which he hath upon the children of men?"  (Book of Mormon   Moroni 7:27)

And then He answers -

"...Nay; neither have angels ceased to minister unto the children of men.
30 For behold, they are subject unto him, to minister according to the word of his command, showing themselves unto them of strong faith and a firm mind in every form of godliness."  (Book of Mormon  Moroni 7:29 - 30)

I note that miracles are only shown to them of strong faith.  Even -

"...will he, so long as time shall last, or the earth shall stand, or there shall be one man upon the face thereof to be saved?"  (Book of Mormon   Moroni 7:36)

There is a another condition for faith and for miracles -

"...that ye have faith in Christ because of your meekness; for if ye have not faith in him then ye are not fit to be numbered among the people of his church."  (Book of Mormon  Moroni 7:39)

And then he teaches that hope and faith go hand in hand saying -

"Wherefore, if a man have faith he must needs have hope; for without faith there cannot be any hope."  (Book of Mormon   Moroni 7:42)

And again -

"...that he cannot have faith and hope, save he shall be meek, and lowly of heart."  (Book of Mormon  Moroni 7:43)

And finally, which seems the fruit of hope and faith is charity -

"...for none is acceptable before God, save the meek and lowly in heart; and if a man be meek and lowly in heart, and confesses by the power of the Holy Ghost that Jesus is the Christ, he must needs have charity; for if he have not charity he is nothing; wherefore he must needs have charity.
45 And charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity but rejoiceth in the truth, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
46 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, if ye have not charity, ye are nothing, for charity never faileth. Wherefore, cleave unto charity, which is the greatest of all, for all things must fail—
47 But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him."  (Book of Mormon  Moroni 7:44 - 47)

The conditions of obedience for the plan seem so simple - faith, hope, charity.

Moroni 6

As Moroni, supposing that he would not write more, and finding that he has yet perished, tells us -

"Wherefore, I write a few more things, contrary to that which I had supposed; for I had supposed not to have written any more; but I write a few more things, that perhaps they may be of worth unto my brethren, the Lamanites, in some future day, according to the will of the Lord."  (Book of Mormon  Moroni 1:4)

He chooses first to instruct us of the manner of the "organized" church of Christ in regards to receiving the Holy Ghost, ordaining priesthood authority, administering the sacrament, performing baptisms, etc.  Of candidates desiring to be baptized, he taught the conditions that should be satisfied to be baptized for -

"...they were not baptized save they brought forth fruit meet that they were worthy of it.
2 Neither did they receive any unto baptism save they came forth with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, and witnessed unto the church that they truly repented of all their sins.
3 And none were received unto baptism save they took upon them the name of Christ, having a determination to serve him to the end."  (Book of Mormon  Moroni 6:1 - 3)

Just because one wants to be baptized, does not qualify for baptism.  But must show (by fruits) and witness (be interviewed and testify) to authorized priesthood leaders to be worthy to be baptized with a sincere committment to serve the Lord to the end.  It was not to end there, there was an obligation on theirs and the members of the Church the responsibility that -

"...after they had been received unto baptism, and were wrought upon and cleansed by the power of the Holy Ghost, they were numbered among the people of the church of Christ; and their names were taken, that they might be remembered and nourished by the good word of God, to keep them in the right way, to keep them continually watchful unto prayer, relying alone upon the merits of Christ, who was the author and the finisher of their faith."  (Book of Mormon   Moroni 6:4)

In my mind, being "numbered" would suggest administration where their records are tracked and statistics are kept.  "Names" taken would suggest ministering where individual wants and needs are ministered to including being remembered, visited, and nourished by the word of God.  And with that obligation to serve him to the end would include helping others that are baptized and to -

"...meet together oft, to fast and to pray, and to speak one with another concerning the welfare of their souls.
6 And they did meet together oft to partake of bread and wine, in remembrance of the Lord Jesus.
7 And they were strict to observe that there should be no iniquity among them..."  (Book of Mormon  Moroni 6:5 - 7)

This is what it means to serve him or endure to the end.  This is the doctrine of Christ