D&C 123

As I read the letter written by the Prophet Joseph Smith while in the dungeons of Liberty Jail, there were two quotes that seemed to strike me -

"...yet shall “Mormonism” stand. Water, fire, truth and God are all realities. Truth is “Mormonism.” God is the author of it. He is our shield. It is by Him we received our birth. It was by His voice that we were called to a dispensation of His Gospel in the beginning of the fullness of times. It was by Him we received the Book of Mormon; and it is by Him that we remain unto this day; and by Him we shall remain, if it shall be for our glory; and in His Almighty name we are determined to endure tribulation as good soldiers unto the end. (Ridges, David J. (2005-07-01). The Doctrine and Covenants Made Easier, Part 3 (The Gospel Studies Series)

In all the persecution and suffering, the Prophet Joseph Smith that "Mormonism" is of God.  Of anyone that knew it, he did!

“We have a fervent desire that in your general conferences everything should be discussed with a great deal of care and propriety, lest you grieve the Holy Spirit, which shall be poured out at all times upon your heads, when you are exercised with those principles of righteousness that are agreeable to the mind of God, and are properly affected one toward another, and are careful by all means to remember, those who are in bondage, and in heaviness, and in deep affliction far your sakes. And if there are any among you who aspire after their own aggrandizement, and seek their own opulence, while their brethren are groaning in poverty, and are under sore trials and temptations, they cannot be benefited by the intercession of the Holy Spirit, which maketh intercession for us day and night with groanings that cannot be uttered.

“We ought at all times to be very careful that such high-mindedness shall never have place in our hearts; but condescend to men of low estate, and with all long-suffering bear the infirmities of the weak."  (Ridges, David J. (2005-07-01). The Doctrine and Covenants Made Easier, Part 3 (The Gospel Studies Series)

Our stake has a stake conference coming up.  I think this quote has great significance with our conference.

D&C 123

I was touched this morning by the words of warning of the Prophet Joseph Smith concerning pride and how it precipitates ones downfall.  As he wrote a letter from the dungeon of Liberty Jail, the letter by which we have sections 121, 122, and 123 of the Doctrine and Covenants, as he teaches -

"...we would suggest the propriety of being aware of an aspiring spirit, which spirit has often times urged men forward to make foul speeches, and influence the Church to reject milder counsels, and has eventually been the means of bringing much death and sorrow upon the Church.

“We would say, beware of pride also; for well and truly hath the wise man said, that pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. And again, outward appearance is not always a criterion by which to judge our fellow man; but the lips betray the haughty and overbearing imaginations of the heart; by his words and his deeds let him be judged. Flattery also is a deadly poison. A frank and open rebuke provoketh a good man to emulation; and in the hour of trouble he will be your best friend; but on the other hand, it will draw out all the corruptions of corrupt hearts, and lying and the poison of asps is under their tongues; and they do cause the pure in heart to be cast into prison, because they want them out of their way.

“A fanciful and flowery and heated imagination beware of..."  (Ridges, David J. (2005-07-01). The Doctrine and Covenants Made Easier, Part 3 (The Gospel Studies Series)

These words of warning concerning pride and possibly being offended reminds me of the Lord's warning -

"...I now give unto you a commandment to beware concerning yourselves, to give diligent heed to the words of eternal life."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 84:43)

On a different matter, as I have thought much concerning these revelations mentioned above, it seems that as the Prophet took an eternal perspective, the tribulations of this life took on a different perspective.  I note as he wrote this letter, the Prophet even spoke of having a "high mountain experience" writing -

"...because the things of God are of deep import; and time, and experience, and careful and ponderous and solemn thoughts can only find them out. Thy mind, O man! if thou wilt lead a soul unto salvation, must stretch as high as the utmost heavens, and search into and contemplate the darkest abyss, and the broad expanse of eternity—thou must commune with God. How much more dignified and noble are the thoughts of God..."  (Ridges, David J. (2005-07-01). The Doctrine and Covenants Made Easier, Part 3 (The Gospel Studies Series)

D&C 123

As the Prophet wrote of the saints obligation in -

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

So , what I believe to be for the distinct purpose, that at some future date, the nation, country, and the world would come to realize what the saints suffered in patience, testimony, and obedience in their beliefs.  The truth is that would be few others that would be more oppressed in this nations history, that would never seem to take the position of a victim where society owes so much.  The saints have never taken that excuse and has been independent and industrious.

But what struck me of his writings is of all persecution, murders, tyranny, and oppressions was -

"...supported and urged on and upheld by the influence of that spirit which hath so strongly riveted the creeds of the fathers, who have inherited lies, upon the hearts of the children, and filled the world with confusion, and has been growing stronger and stronger, and is now the very mainspring of all corruption, and the whole earth groans under the weight of its iniquity."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 123:7)

The Prophet understood that the very thing that caused the persecution and hatred was the religious creeds and lies of men where men did not want to lose their control or power.  In my mind, this is priestcraft.   Nephi tells us that  -

"...priestcrafts are that men preach and set themselves up for a light unto the world, that they may get gain and praise of the world; but they seek not the welfare of Zion."  (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 26:29)

No wonder they resist the truth of the restoration of the Lord's true Church.  Thus, priestcraft exercised on people -

"...is an iron yoke, it is a strong band; they are the very handcuffs, and chains, and shackles, and fetters of hell."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 123:8)

That is why -

"...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)

That is why we cannot give up in the work of salvation -

"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)

 

D&C 122

At the very beginning of the Prophet Joseph Smith life's mission, the Prophet recorded that the angel Moroni told him -

"...that my name should be had for good and evil among all nations, kindreds, and tongues, or that it should be both good and evil spoken of among all people."  (Pearl of Great Price | JS-History 1:33)

Now many years, later the Lord again tells the Prophet -

"THE ends of the earth shall inquire after thy name, and fools shall have thee in derision, and hell shall rage against thee;
2 While the pure in heart, and the wise, and the noble, and the virtuous, shall seek counsel, and authority, and blessings constantly from under thy hand."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 122:1 - 2)

It is then that the Prophet continues to have a "high mountain" experience as the Savior provides His perspective or and Eternal perspective of eternal life as He teaches -

"If thou art called to pass through tribulation; if thou art in perils among false brethren; if thou art in perils among robbers; if thou art in perils by land or by sea;
6 If thou art accused with all manner of false accusations; if thine enemies fall upon thee; if they tear thee from the society of thy father and mother and brethren and sisters; and if with a drawn sword thine enemies tear thee from the bosom of thy wife, and of thine offspring, and thine elder son, although but six years of age, shall cling to thy garments, and shall say, My father, my father, why can't you stay with us? O, my father, what are the men going to do with you? and if then he shall be thrust from thee by the sword, and thou be dragged to prison, and thine enemies prowl around thee like wolves for the blood of the lamb..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 122:5 - 6)

I see that these were the tribulations that the Prophet was struggling with in his life.  But then the Savior adds to these tribulations, which I believe are in reference to that which the Savior Himself experienced, that the Prophet had not experienced, saying -

"And if thou shouldst be cast into the pit, or into the hands of murderers, and the sentence of death passed upon thee; if thou be cast into the deep; if the billowing surge conspire against thee; if fierce winds become thine enemy; if the heavens gather blackness, and all the elements combine to hedge up the way; and above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, 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 believe that the Savior is trying to explain that He had experienced far greater tribulation.  Itis then He asks -

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

Knowing the blessings of tribulation that came through the infinite atonement, the Savior lovingly comforts the Prophet that all this will be for your good.  I can't help but think of the teachings of Alma concerning the atonement and a blessing for good the Savior received as -

"...he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people....and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities."  (Book of Mormon | Alma 7:11 - 12)

I believe the promises of good are to all that love Him.

D&C 121

The Prophet Joseph Smith was inspired to write that -

"...the rights of the priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven, and that the powers of heaven cannot be controlled nor handled only upon the principles of righteousness."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 121:36)

In my mind, the "powers of heaven" is power that comes through the priesthood.  The rights associated with that priesthood to administer that power then can only be done so through principles of righteousness.  In other words, priesthood power or powers of heaven are one of the same and comes from holiness, faith, and righteousness.

Principles of righteousness include where -

"No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood, only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned;
42 By kindness, and pure knowledge..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 121:41 - 42)

Where pure knowledge comes as we -

"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)

Actions by which the powers of heaven cannot be administered include where  -

"...their hearts are set so much upon the things of this world, and aspire to the honors of men..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 121:35)

Also where -

"...we undertake to cover our sins, or to gratify our pride, our vain ambition, or to exercise control or dominion or compulsion upon the souls of the children of men, in any degree of unrighteousness..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 121:37)

As we come to understand and live the principles of righteousness, avoiding any works that limit the powers of heaven, the promises are -

"The Holy Ghost shall be thy constant companion, and thy scepter an unchanging scepter of righteousness and truth; and thy dominion shall be an everlasting dominion, and without compulsory means it shall flow unto thee forever and ever."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 121:46)

This is the powers of heaven.

D&C 121

There are many Christians who undoubtably believe in the teachings of the Bible with the assumption that anything beyond what is written there must be false.  Assuming that God cannot reveal additional truths and knowledge.  Even though He did exactly that for a period after His death and resurrection.

It was while experiencing great suffering in Liberty Jail, that the Lord told the Prophet -

"God shall give unto you knowledge by his Holy Spirit, yea, by the unspeakable gift of the Holy Ghost, that has not been revealed since the world was until now..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 121:26)

And then speaking of those prophets that participated in much of the revelations and doctrines that are present in the Holy Bible, the Lord adds -

"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 121:27)

Obviously, God did not reveal all truths and doctrines in previous dispensations which would also suggest that even now He has not revealed all for -

"We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God."  (Pearl of Great Price | Articles of Faith 1:9)

We believe in this because the Lord tells us that -

"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)

Obviously, those that assume they have received all truth and knowledge are greatly mistaken.

D&C 120

While incarcerated in Liberty Jail, the Prophet Joseph Smith wrote a letter to the saints.  As he did, he was overcome by the Spirit writing -

"O GOD, where art thou? And where is the pavilion that covereth thy hiding place?
2  How long shall thy hand be stayed, and thine eye, yea thy pure eye, behold from the eternal heavens the wrongs of thy people and of thy servants, and thine ear be penetrated with their cries?
3  Yea, O Lord, how long shall they suffer these wrongs and unlawful oppressions, before thine heart shall be softened toward them, and thy bowels be moved with compassion toward them?"  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 121:1 - 3)

Even pleading -

"Remember thy suffering saints, O our God..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 121:6)

The Lord then answered this prayer with an eternal or His perspective -

"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)

And then as the Prophet continues to write the letter, the Savior teaches this eternal perspective.  As He does, you can sense the impact on the Prophet as he concludes His letter with -

"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)

This is what happens to us when we have a "high mountain" experience.  When we look at things for the Lord's or and eternal perspective.

D&C 119

As the Lord answered the Prophet Joseph Smith's supplication -

"O Lord, show unto thy servants how much thou requirest of the properties of thy people for a tithing."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 119:Heading)

...of which the Lord answered -

"...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 119:4)

At the time of this revelation, the word "interest" suggested income.  To which this law of tithing -

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

Which in my mind, means all members of the Church.  The Lord then provides this warning for those that fail to live this law -

"...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)

I have blogged much on the meaning of Zion.  In my mind, Zion is living celestial law on earth or in other words, living in a manner to someday be worthy to live with God.  If we cannot live this law, we will not have the ability to live with God or receive the blessing of a Zion life.

Some have wondered what one-tenth of income means.  Elder John A. Widstoe provided some wise guidelines -

“Tithing means one-tenth. Those who give less do not really pay tithing; they are lesser contributors to the Latter-day cause of the Lord. Tithing means one-tenth of a person's income, interest, or increase. The merchant should pay tithing upon the net income of his business, the farmer upon the net income of his farming operations; the wage earner or salaried man upon the wage or salary earned by him. Out of the remaining nine-tenths he pays his current expenses, taxes, savings, etc. To deduct living costs, taxes, and similar expenses from the income and pay tithing upon the remainder does not conform to the Lord's commandment. Under such a system most people would show nothing on which to pay tithing. There is really no place for quibbling on this point. Tithing should be given upon the basis of our full earned income. If the nature of a business requires special interpretation, the tithe payer should consult the father of his ward, the bishop” (Evidences and Reconciliations, page 86).

I will also add a personal opinion.  I believe the reason that the Lord did introduce the Law of Tithing we because I believe the United Order would never work with general commerce with the rest of the world.  Obviously as the Church would grow, even globally in a global economy, this is the only way the law of consecration could be exercised.

D&C 118

It is from this revelation that I saw, what I consider to be, one of the best examples of faithfulness and obedience.

It is in this revelation that the Lord instructed -

"...let the Twelve be organized; and let men be appointed to supply the place of those who are fallen."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 118:1)

And then to the Twelve, He instructed them -

"...to preach from that hour, and if they will do this in all lowliness of heart, in meekness and humility, and long-suffering, I, the Lord, give unto them a promise that I will provide for their families; and an effectual door shall be opened for them, from henceforth.
4 And next spring let them depart to go over the great waters, and there promulgate my gospel, the fulness thereof, and bear record of my name."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 118:3 - 4)

And then He added a very specific commandment -

"Let them take leave of my saints in the city of Far West, on the twenty-sixth day of April next, on the building-spot of my house, saith the Lord."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 118:5)

I'm sure that the Brethren may have considered this charge to be no big deal as great progress was being had in Far West.  But "good times" did not prevail.  Little to their knowledge was that by next spring, the Prophet Joseph Smith and other followers had been incarcerated in the Liberty Jail.  The governor of the State of Missouri had issued an extermination order of all Mormons in the state.  And the saints were forced to leave the state, finding refuge in Quincy, Illinois.  It is under this condition that in the following spring, on April 26th we learn -

"...the Saints had been completely driven from Missouri and into Illinois. Not only that, some of the Missourians knew of the plan of the Twelve to leave from Far West on that date. They were determined to prevent it, so that Joseph Smith would become a false prophet, at least as far as this prophecy was concerned. Any Mormons who entered Missouri were “fair game.”

Nevertheless, the prophecy was fulfilled. Just after midnight, on April 26, 1839, Apostles Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Orson Pratt, John E. Page, John Taylor, Wilford Woodruff, and George A. Smith, along with about twenty other members of the Church, gathered at the Far West Temple site, as a preliminary to the mission of several of the Twelve to England. They sang part of a hymn, rolled a large stone up to the southeast corner of the foundation, all seven of the Apostles present offered prayers, and then the group sang the hymn “Adam-ondi-Ahman.”

We will quote from History of the Church for what happened after this:

 “Thus was fulfilled a revelation of July 8, 1838, which our enemies had said could not be fulfilled, as no ‘Mormon’ would be permitted to be in the state. “As the Saints were passing away from the meeting, Brother Turley said to Elders Page and Woodruff, “Stop a bit, while I bid Isaac Russell [an apostate and enemy to the Church] good bye;” and knocking at the door, called Brother Russell. His wife answered, ‘Come in, it is Brother Turley.’ Russell replied, ‘It is not; he left here two weeks ago;’ and appeared quite alarmed; but on finding it was Brother Turley, asked him to sit down; but the latter replied, ‘I cannot, I shall lose my company.’ ‘Who is your company?’ enquired Russell. ‘The Twelve.’ ‘The Twelve!’ ‘Yes, don't you know that this is the twenty-sixth, and the day the Twelve were to take leave of their friends on the foundation of the Lord's House, to go to the islands of the sea? The revelation is now fulfilled, and I am going with them.’ Russell was speechless, and Turley bid him farewell. “The brethren immediately returned to Quincy, taking with them the families from Tenney's Grove” "(History of the Church, Vol. 3, page 340).  Ridges, David J. (2005-07-01). The Doctrine and Covenants Made Easier, Part 3)

The reason I reference this experience as one of the greatest examples of faithfulness and obedience is that under the conditions that had transpired, I am sure the Twelve could have easily justified that leaving from Quincy would be more than justified.  Why head in the wrong direction just to begin their missions.  The fact is they followed the instructions of the Lord and the Prophet and were blessed accordingly.

D&C 117

"In February 1831, the Prophet Joseph Smith entered Newel K. Whitney’s store in Kirtland, Ohio, and exclaimed to the startled proprietor, “Thou art the man!” (The Newel K. Whitney Family, Ensign, December 1978)

Newel K. Whitney had only been a member of the Church for a few months before he was visited by the Prophet.  Apparently, Newel had established a store and had put his heart and soul into the business.  I'm sure the store continued to prosper as the Church headquarters was relocated to Kirtland. 

But only seven years later, because of persecution and apostasy, the headquarters moved to Far West, Missouri.  The Prophet had already asked the saints in Kirtland to relocate to Far West.  This must have been most difficult for Newel to leave his home, property, and business of which he had invested so much of his life.  I have great empathy for Newel as the Lord commands -

"...my servant Newel K. Whitney, let them settle up their business speedily and journey from the land of Kirtland, before I, the Lord, send again the snows upon the earth.
2 Let them awake, and arise, and come forth, and not tarry, for I, the Lord, command it."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 117:1 - 2)

To which the Lord warns -

"Therefore, if they tarry it shall not be well with them."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 117:3)

It is then that the Lord provides a greater perspective and reasoning as He explains -

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

"For 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? saith the Lord.
8 Is there not room enough on the mountains of Adam-ondi-Ahman, and on the plains of Olaha Shinehah, or the land where Adam dwelt, that you should covet that which is but the drop, and neglect the more weighty matters?"  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 117:6 - 8)

I find the words "for what is property unto me?" and "that which is but the drop, and neglect the more weighty matters?" to be very meaningful from an eternal perspective.

How hard it must have been for Newel to be chastised of the Lord with -

"Let my servant Newel K. Whitney be ashamed of the Nicolaitane band and of all their secret abominations, and of all his littleness of soul before me, saith the Lord, and come up to the land of Adam-ondi-Ahman, and be a bishop unto my people, saith the Lord, not in name but in deed, saith the Lord."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 117:11)

(The Nicolaitane band were followers of Nicolas mentioned in the Book of Revelation that professed to be Christians but still indulged in unrighteous personal gratifications.)

I know many people that probably would have left the Church receiving such chastisement.  But Newel humbly accepted this rebuke and came to Far West.  Is this one of the greater representations of faithfulness in the history fo the Church.  I personally honor Newel K. Whitney.

D&C 116

Daniel saw in vision -

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...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)

It is apparent to me that this vision was of the last days before the second coming of the Savior for it is in the day that "thrones were cast down".  Joseph Smith prophesied concerning the days before His second coming prophesying -

"And thus, with the sword and by bloodshed the inhabitants of the earth shall mourn; and with famine, and plague, and earthquake, and the thunder of heaven, and the fierce and vivid lightning also, shall the inhabitants of the earth be made to feel the wrath, and indignation, and chastening hand of an Almighty God, until the consumption decreed hath made a full end of all nations..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 87:6)

Thrones cast down would be the same as the "full end of all nations".  I wonder if many nations of the world will fall before the "Ancient of Days" (Adam) will be visited by the Savior, where thousand thousands (1,000,000) will be ministering to Adam and ten thousand times ten thousand (100,000,000) will be present. 

This will all take place at Spring Hill, Missouri where -

"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)

D&C 115

Not long ago, I visited Independence, Missouri as well as Far West, Missouri.  I had longed to visit Independence, to see the temple site and the area that the Prophet declared to be Zion.  As I did, I was surprised to experience a dark and cold feeling at the temple site and throughout the town.  Only in the LDS visitor center did I feel that warm, truthful experience of the Holy Ghost.

During our visit, we decided to stop by Far West, Missouri.  Even though there is little left of the early LDS settlement, I felt a strong and warm feeling of the Holy Ghost as I stood at the temple site there.  This again was surprising to me.

I was touched this morning as I read -

"Let the city, Far West, be a holy and consecrated land unto me; and it shall be called most holy, for the ground upon which thou standest is holy." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 115:7)

I have no other explanation of this experience other than that Satan maintains a powerful hold in Independence and not at Far West were that property continues to be holy.

D&C 113

I previously blogged on the visit of Moses where -

"...Moses appeared before us, and committed unto us the keys of the gathering of Israel from the four parts of the earth..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 110:11)

Concerning our day, Isaiah pleaded years before  -

"AWAKE, awake; put on thy strength, O Zion; put on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city: for henceforth there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean.
2 Shake thyself from the dust; arise, and sit down, O Jerusalem: loose thyself from the bands of thy neck, O captive daughter of Zion."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 52:1 - 2)

The question was asked of the Prophet Joseph Smith -

"What are we to understand by Zion loosing herself from the bands of her neck...?"  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 113:9)

To which he answered -

"...The bands of her neck are the curses of God upon her, or the remnants of Israel in their scattered condition among the Gentiles."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 113:10)

Thus, because of the unfaithfulness of Israel, they were curse with the curse of being scattered throughout the gentiles without the gospel.  The curse then would be being taught the philosophies of men and not the truth of the gospel.  With restored preisthood keys and authority, Israel is now being gathered from the gentiles to Zion or her stakes of Zion.  This is the great missionary or reclamation effort prophecied by Isaiah.

 

D&C 112

With the word of the Lord being given to Thomas Marsh, at that time the president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, I can't help but liken many of the words of instruction and counsel to me in my calling and others that serve in their leadership callings.  Thes words of counsel and warning include -

"Verily I say unto you, there have been some few things in thine heart and with thee with which I, the Lord, was not well pleased.
3 Nevertheless, inasmuch as thou hast abased thyself thou shalt be exalted; therefore, all thy sins are forgiven thee."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 112:2 - 3)

"Let thy heart be of good cheer before my face..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 112:4)

"Be thou humble; and the Lord thy God shall lead thee by the hand, and give thee answer to thy prayers."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 112:10)

"...Be not partial towards them in love above many others, but let thy love be for them as for thyself; and let thy love abound unto all men, and unto all who love my name."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 112:11)

"...pray for thy brethren of the Twelve. Admonish them sharply for my name's sake, and let them be admonished for all their sins, and be ye faithful before me unto my name."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 112:12)

Where Thomas presided over the Twelve, in our case, we should pray over those we preside and serve. 

"Now, I say unto you, and what I say unto you, I say unto all the Twelve: Arise and gird up your loins, take up your cross, follow me, and feed my sheep.
15 Exalt not yourselves; rebel not against my servant Joseph; for verily I say unto you, I am with him, and my hand shall be over him; and the keys which I have given unto him, and also to youward, shall not be taken from him till I come."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 112:14 - 15)

Not only do not rebel against the current prophet, but those that preside over us, our file leaders.  And also -

"...purify your hearts before me...and preach my gospel unto every creature who has not received it;"  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 112:28)

D&C 111

After the Prophet Joseph Smith had gone to Salem, Massachusettes, in pursuit of a windfall of wealth, the Lord lovingly told him -

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

But with this being the case, the Lord then provides and teaches His eternal perspective and purpose where He explains -

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

Obviously, the "treasure" are those individuals that might come unto Christ, where He teaches our responsibility in the "work of salvations" -

"Therefore, it is expedient that you should form acquaintance with men in this city, as you shall be led, and as it shall be given you."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 111:3)

One of the first principles of ministering is to "remember their names and become acquainted" (HB2 - Section 3) with people.  I liked to quote from David Ridges -

"As you no doubt know, the Lord could easily point out to our Church leaders today the location of oil, gold, precious minerals, and so forth, which could free the members of the Church from the necessity of sacrificing and making financial contributions. But this would not bless us. Rather, it would curse us because we would be denied the blessings of personal, voluntary sacrifice, which leads us to focus on eternal priorities.
Ridges, David J. (2005-07-01). The Doctrine and Covenants Made Easier, Part 3 (The Gospel Studies Series) (Kindle Locations 3901-3904). Cedar Fort, Inc.. Kindle Edition.

I think this has great application on our own lives.  The Lord could easily make us wealthy but does not do so because He loves us.

D&C 110

After reading the four visions or visits of the Savior, Moses, Elias, and Elijah, these were the thoughts that came to my mind.  First, Elder Bruce R. McConkie wrote concerning the "new and everlasting covenant" -

"...When men accept the gospel, they thereby agree or covenant to keep the commandments of God, and he promises or covenants to give them salvation in his kingdom.

 

The gospel is the everlasting covenant because it is ordained by Him who is Everlasting and also because it is everlastingly the same. In all past ages salvation was gained by adherence to its terms and conditions, and that same compliance will bring the same reward in all future ages. Each time this everlasting covenant is revealed it is new to those of that dispensation. Hence the gospel is the new and everlasting covenant.

 

All covenants between God and man are part of the new and everlasting covenant..."  (Mormon Doctrine)

As Moses appeared in the Kirtland Temple, he -

"...committed unto us the keys of the gathering of Israel from the four parts of the earth, and the leading of the ten tribes from the land of the north."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 110:11)

In my mind, gathering Israel is missionary work, accepting the gospel of Jesus Christ and the Doctrine of Christ which is the key to salvation.  That is taking on oneself the new and everlasting covenant.  Then -

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

...which I commented on yesterday which I suggested that this included the keys of the "new and everlasting covenant of marriage."  Then -

"...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—"  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 110:13 - 15)

In my mind, Elijah brought the keys related to temple work for the dead, but more important the "sealing keys" where we learn of the necessary importance of this authority and power  -

"...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.
7 And verily I say unto you, that 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 132:6 - 7)

Thus this sealing power not only binds the family or house of Israel together for ever but seals all individual covenants that comprise the new and everlasting covenant.  Thus after these three visits with keys of authority and power, Elijah summarizes or confirms the necessity of their visit and why this temple was constructed -

"Therefore, the keys of this dispensation are committed into your hands..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 110:16)

D&C 110

A week ago on Monday, I blogged how, through the seed of Abraham, the priesthood would a means where all the nations of the earth would be blessed quoting -

"I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee above measure, and make thy name great among all nations, and thou shalt be a blessing unto thy seed after thee, that in their hands they shall bear this ministry and Priesthood unto all nations;
10 And I will bless them through thy name; for as many as receive this Gospel shall be called after thy name, and shall be accounted thy seed, and shall rise up and bless thee, as their father;
11 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse them that curse thee; and in thee (that is, in thy Priesthood) and in thy seed (that is, thy Priesthood), for I give unto thee a promise that this right shall continue in thee, and in thy seed after thee (that is to say, the literal seed, or the seed of the body) shall all the families of the earth be blessed, even with the blessings of the Gospel, which are the blessings of salvation, even of life eternal."  (Pearl of Great Price | Abraham 2:9 - 11)

I believe there is something else the Lord covenanted with Abraham which was dispensed in his day.  We read that a week after the Kirtland Temple was dedicated -

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

Though we don't necessarily know whom "Elias" is referenced herein, we would have to assume that he lived around the same time as Abraham given the privilege of committing that which was dispensed or keys, ordinances, and covenants given in his day.  As I pondered these words, I noted the key words  -

• make of thee a great nation
• bless thee above measure
• in thy seed after thee (that is to say, the literal seed, or the seed of the body) shall all the families of the earth be blessed
• even of life eternal

The emphasis here seems to be on the "family" and exaltation.  For a family or mother and father to acquire exaltation, we learn that -

"IN the celestial glory there are three heavens or degrees;
2  And in order to obtain the highest, a man must enter into this order of the priesthood [meaning the new and everlasting covenant of marriage]..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 131:1 - 2)

Based upon these words, I would have to believe that what Elias committed in the Kirtland Temple is the power and authority of the new and everlasting covenant of marraige or eternal marriage, the key to "eternal lives".

D&C 110

A week after the Kirtland Temple was dedicated, the Savior appeared saying -

"I am the first and the last; I am he who liveth, I am he who was slain; I am your advocate with the Father.
5 Behold, your sins are forgiven you; you are clean before me; therefore, lift up your heads and rejoice.
6 Let the hearts of your brethren rejoice, and let the hearts of all my people rejoice, who have, with their might, built this house to my name."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 110:4 - 6)

Having been obedient, with great sacrifice, in building the house the Lord had commanded them, can you imagine their feelings as the Savior tells the that He is their advocate, that there sins are forgiven and they are clean, and because of that, they should rejoice, lifting up their hearts to God.  Not only because they are now clean but even more, that in this house, they would receive great power adding -

"Yea the hearts of thousands and tens of thousands shall greatly rejoice in consequence of the blessings which shall be poured out, and the endowment with which my servants have been endowed in this house.
10 And the fame of this house shall spread to foreign lands; and this is the beginning of the blessing which shall be poured out upon the heads of my people."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 110:9 - 10)

The Lord then expresses His appreciation for this house saying -

"For behold, I have accepted this house, and my name shall be here; and I will manifest myself to my people in mercy in this house."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 110:7)

And then He provides a profound statement that I believe is His instructions, not only for this holy house, but for any place that may be considered a "holy place" -

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

This suggests to me that any place can be a holy place, if His commandments are kept and the place is not polluted.  Polluted would suggest to me both spiritual but also temporal pollutions.

D&C 109

I find the Prophet Joseph Smith's dedicatory prayer of the Kirtland temple so touching, it is hard not to include the entire prayer in my blog.  He not only prays for the justice of God be satisfied upon the wicked, but he also prays for the wicked that they are given adequate opportunity to repent and receive the blessings of the gospel.

His prayer includes that all those that faithfully worship in the temple to recieve sufficent power not only to resist temptations of the world, but sufficient power to change of the heart of men or the "work of salvation" throughout the world to gather Israel to Zion or stakes of Zion.

I specifically noted this morning concerning this work of salvation -

"We ask thee, Holy Father, to confound, and astonish, and to bring to shame and confusion, all those who have spread lying reports abroad, over the world, against thy servant or servants, if they will not repent, when the everlasting gospel shall be proclaimed in their ears;
30 And that all their works may be brought to naught, and be swept away by the hail, and by the judgments which thou wilt send upon them in thine anger, that there may be an end to lyings and slanders against thy people.
31 For thou knowest, O Lord, that thy servants have been innocent before thee in bearing record of thy name, for which they have suffered these things.
32 Therefore we plead before thee for a full and complete deliverance from under this yoke;
33 Break it off, O Lord; break it off from the necks of thy servants, by thy power, that we may rise up in the midst of this generation and do thy work."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 109:29 - 33)

And that work of salvation is to include with endowed power -

"Put upon thy servants the testimony of the covenant, that when they go out and proclaim thy word they may seal up the law, and prepare the hearts of thy saints for all those judgments thou art about to send, in thy wrath, upon the inhabitants of the earth, because of their transgressions, that thy people may not faint in the day of trouble.
39 And whatsoever city thy servants shall enter, and the people of that city receive their testimony, let thy peace and thy salvation be upon that city; that they may gather out of that city the righteous, that they may come forth to Zion, or to her stakes, the places of thine appointment, with songs of everlasting joy..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 109:38 - 39)

Much as Isaiah had previously prophesied -

"...O Lord, deliver thy people from the calamity of the wicked; enable thy servants to seal up the law, and bind up the testimony, that they may be prepared against the day of burning."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 109:46)

D&C 109

After having obeyed the revelations and instructions from the Lord, even in much tribulation, to build Him a house where He may manifest Himself, the Prophet Joseph Smith, in a revealed dedicatory prayer, prays -

"And now, Holy Father, we ask thee to assist us, thy people, with thy grace, in calling our solemn assembly, that it may be done to thine honor and to thy divine acceptance;
11 And in a manner that we may be found worthy, in thy sight, to secure a fulfilment of the promises which thou hast made unto us, thy people, in the revelations given unto us..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 109:10 - 11)

In previous revelations, the Lord had given great promise if they would be obedient and build this Holy House.  And thus the Prophet pleads -

"That thy glory may rest down upon thy people, and upon this thy house, which we now dedicate to thee, that it may be sanctified and consecrated to be holy, and that thy holy presence may be continually in this house;
13 And that all people who shall enter upon the threshold of the Lord's house may feel thy power, and feel constrained to acknowledge that thou hast sanctified it, and that it is thy house, a place of thy holiness.
14 And do thou grant, Holy Father, that all those who shall worship in this house may be taught words of wisdom out of the best books, and that they may seek learning even by study, and also by faith, as thou hast said;
15 And that they may grow up in thee, and receive a fulness of the Holy Ghost, and be organized according to thy laws, and be prepared to obtain every needful thing;
16 And that this house may be a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of glory and of God, even thy house;
17 That all the incomings of thy people, into this house, may be in the name of the Lord;
18 That all their outgoings from this house may be in the name of the Lord;
19 And that all their salutations may be in the name of the Lord, with holy hands, uplifted to the Most High..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 109:12 - 19)

These had been the promises if the saints did build this house and remained faithful and worthy to enter therein -

"...that no unclean thing shall be permitted to come into thy house to pollute it..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 109:20)

And if by chance one fails to remain clean or -

"...when thy people transgress, any of them, they may speedily repent and return unto thee, and find favor in thy sight, and be restored to the blessings which thou hast ordained to be poured out upon those who shall reverence thee in thy house."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 109:21)

And with all these promises, the Prophet again reminds us of another promise -

"...we ask thee, Holy Father, that thy servants may go forth from this house armed with thy power, and that thy name may be upon them, and thy glory be round about them, and thine angels have charge over them..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 109:22)

This is why we build temples.