For he said that the history of his people should be engraven upon his other plates, Jacob 1:3

And now, as I have spoken concerning these plates, behold they are not the plates upon which I make a full account of the history of my people 1 Ne. 9: 2

And if my people desire to know the more particular part of the history of my people they must search mine other plates. 2 Ne. 5: 33

     Seems we are not to read the BOM as a history.  Therein largely is the problem.  We read it as a history and look way past the mark.  It is written as a commandment, prophecy and revelation (title page).  Who is this revealing prophecy, given as a commandment, too?  And what is that commandment?

            We know that we are in condemnation for not living this commandment.  “And they shall remain under this condemnation until they repent and remember the new covenant, even the Book of Mormon and the former commandments which I have given them, not only to say, but to do according to that which I have written (DC 84)”.   How about that?  The Book of Mormon is a commandment, as both of these scriptures state.  It’s a commandment to the Lamanite, Jew and Gentile.  These are the three main players in Israel’s redemption, or restoration.  The commandment therefore deals with this event, the restoration of Israel and establishment of Zion.  Which of course, we have entirely forgotten as a people.  The world lieth in sin for, “it is not given that one man should possess that which is above another, wherefore the world lieth in sin”. 

            We read the BOM as a HISTORY of Nephi, when in reality it’s a a revealing prophecy of us Gentiles who forsake the covenant, except for the remnant. 

            The stories are ALL types of our lives, of our events, of our problems.  They are commands to us in story form of how to live and how not to live.  All that was not relevant to us, was left out of the book.  Isaiah is given to us as the type by Nephi.  His entire book is a relation of historical things in order to define prophetic events, just as the BOM is given.

I have come to believe though, that a huge part of the change and path for us is meant to persecution from those who profess to know the name of Christ. That sanctification has a price to pay, and that is suffering for things that the ‘group’ don’t agree with. Not that we should seek persecution, but we shouldn’t shy away either. Speak for truth in humility and let the system take its course.

I’m beginning to think the Lord has used the greedy and selfish nature of men, power hungry, etc…to produce a factory.  Hes the all knowing and loving owner who created the workplace to enable the workers to have directed profitable employ. Contrary to this, the Managers of the factory think they are doing things most efficiently for gain, though at the expense of the workers. The owner knows better though and has provided instructions written in the manual for the workers to do their jobs as individuals-and receive the optimum monetary benefit possible for themselves. Very few of those workers ever see the instructions, as most are doing as the managers tell them to do. Most don’t even read the workers manual. The managers themselves largely don’t know the instructions are there and what they do they explain or change.

As a result, those who do read and understand the message the owner was trying to tell them, stick out like a sore thumb. The other workers are annoyed as the differing folks seem to gum up the works, step on toes, they are bad for company image. They do things differently. They confound management since they seem to do their jobs better, understand the rules more completely but not do as they are told. Eventually some are “fired” from their jobs. But this too is OK, as the owner has provided a clause that when a worker is fired in this manner, doing his job most efficiently, according to the book, he is compensated monetarily out of the owners pocket FAR more than they would have received slaving away in the factory for their lives. They are then set at the personal employ of the owner, with a direct line cell phone, to do the work in places outside of the walls of the factory.

The “church” today is built to exalt the few who stick-out , though the general populace doesn’t see it that way, through study, prayer and suffering, as the saints in Helaman 3 found out. 

And in the *fifty and first year of the reign of the judges there was peace also, save it were the pride which began to enter into the church—not into the church of God, but into the hearts of the people who ^aprofessed to belong to the church of God— "And they were lifted up in ^apride, even to the persecution of many of their brethren. Now this was a great evil, which did cause the more humble part of the people to suffer great persecutions, and to wade through much affliction.  Nevertheless they did ^afast and ^bpray oft, and did wax stronger and stronger in their ^chumility, and firmer and firmer in the faith of Christ, unto the filling their souls with joy and consolation, yea, even to the ^dpurifying and the ^esanctification of their hearts, which sanctification cometh because of their ^fyielding their hearts unto God." 

I recently have been hit by another topic discussed by Joseph, and in particular the way he discussed it.  Quoting the topic in the Encyclopedia of Mormonism:

All four Gospel writers indicate that at the baptism of Jesus, John the Baptist saw the Spirit descend upon Jesus like a dove (Matt. 3:16; Mark 1:10; Luke 3:22; John 1:32). The Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible, John 1:31-33, reads: "And John bare record, saying: When he was baptized of me, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. And I knew him; for he who sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me: Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he who baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God" (see also JST Matt. 3:45-46).

The Holy Ghost is a spirit person in the form of man (D&C 130:22) and does not transform himself into a dove or any other form. The Prophet Joseph Smith explained: "The sign of the dove was instituted before the creation of the world, a witness for the Holy Ghost, and the devil cannot come in the sign of a dove. The Holy Ghost is a personage [a man], and is in the form of a personage [a man]. It does not confine itself to the form of the dove, but in sign [symbol or representation] of the dove. The Holy Ghost cannot be transformed into a dove; but the sign of a dove was given to John to signify the truth of the deed, as the dove is an emblem or token of truth and innocence" (TPJS, p. 276). The dove was a supernatural sign given to John to witness the identity of the messiah. Some non-LDS scholars have entertained differing opinions as to whether or not a real dove was present. Joseph Smith's explanation leads toward a conclusion that the dove was not literally present (see Jesus Christ: Baptism).

Other references to the sign of the dove are 1 Nephi 11:27; 2 Nephi 31:8 and Doctrine and Covenants 93:15. The Book of Abraham states that to Abraham also was revealed "the sign of the Holy Ghost in the form of a dove" (Facsimile 2, Fig. 7).

As usual, upon pondering this, I can’t say I agree entirely with the encyclopedia, though I appreciate them doing some of the legwork.  Especially the line, “Joseph Smith's explanation leads toward a conclusion that the dove was not literally present” 

            A literary analysis, in my opinion, digs up the opposite ideal.  In the JST of Matthew quote it states, “and it abode upon him”   And in the verse in John, the same wordage is used.  In the other instances of the word “abode” in the New Tesatment, “in” is used to signify when someone or something dwells INSIDE of that thing or person.  This is the only incidence of the dove dwelling on someone. 

            A correlation for this is found in the Fac. 2 #7 where in Abraham drew an actual dove.  And Joseph tells us, “the sign of the Holy Ghost unto Abraham, in the form of a dove.”

            Reading the explanations from Joseph in the above quote from the Encyclopedia, “It does not confine itself to the form of the dove, but in sign [symbol or representation] of the dove. The Holy Ghost cannot be transformed into a dove; but the sign of a dove was given to John to signify the truth of the deed, as the dove is an emblem or token of truth and innocence”  My reading of this shows that there are two entities.  A Holy Ghost coming upon and dwelling IN the baptized and baptizer and a dove sent as a SIGN to all that the Holy Spirit of Promise recognized the deed.  Would this be made mention, the dove, had a Dove not been seen? 

            Reading other versions of ‘signs’ sent to men by God to tell them something, we see a similar pattern.  In Jer 6:1 the Lord states, “and set up a sign of fire in Beth-haccerem: for evil appeareth out of the ^anorth, and great destruction.”  This sign was set up to warn the people of evil.  In  1 Kgs. 13: 3, 5  we read, “And he gave a sign the same day, saying, This is the sign which the Lord hath spoken; Behold, the altar shall be ^arent, and the ashes that are upon it shall be poured out...The altar also was rent, and the ashes poured out from the altar, according to the sign which the man of God had given by the word of the Lord.”  Here again, the Lord gave a sign, and it was physical proof that an event had happened.  The Lord sent multiple signs to moses, Israel and Egypt to warn of destruction impending.  They were tangible to flesh, visible to those without spiritual sight.  In fact, according to 1 cor 14:22, signs are given so that believer and unbeliever alike can see and know, in this case the sign of the gift of tongues.  This understanding of what a sign is and what there purpose is, I think proves easily that an actual visible Sign was given toward John the Baptist, to represent a spiritual happening invisible to the natural eye.  From Joseph saying that the Dove, the actual bird, is a sign, a token, of truth that abode UPON John, to the understanding of what signs God has given man, it is my belief that this was an actual physical appearance of a Dove.

            Another incident of a Dove making his appearance, beside the baptism and Abraham, is Noah.  When Noah finally got answer to whether or not the flood was over, it was a Dove who brought it.  The last time he sent the dove, it did not return,  presumably to greener pastures.  I just find it intriguing that the animal who brought the sign to Noah which told him his answer, was a dove. 

            And why not?  Here we have all four Testaments, Joseph Smith, Abraham and Noah all using the Dove as a sign for God to tell them something of truth, to reveal the Holy Spirit of Promise.  This is a Sign as Joseph stated, “was instituted before the creation of the world, a witness for the Holy Ghost, and the devil cannot come in the sign of a dove.”  Pretty important sign for man to know when the Holy Ghost is given!  Satan is not able to have this sign when he is working his discontent.  Before the foundation of the world, in the eternal realm, the Dove has this same job.  What is his job?  To “signify the truth of the deed, as the dove is an emblem or token of truth and innocence”  This of course is also the inward job of the Holy spirit of promise, to signify the truth of the deed (D&C 132: 7). 

            Perhaps we should pay more attention to these signs, given to us from God to signify an event?  I would submit that there are likely other signs, if we were spiritually aware to understand them.

The Persecution Problem

            I believe most people are in the LDS church are cognizant of the idea of persecution.  They are even aware that great persecution has been suffered by men of God since the beginning.  For that we can turn to Adam, Abel and Cain.  The moment Adam came into the world and tried to seek further light and knowledge he was approached by someone seeking to stop him, to divert his path.  This same pattern continues on for all men of God.  Upon learning new things, accepting them and seeking to live after that manner of true faith, opposition arrives to thwart that progress and divert it.  Men of all classes heap up persecution of one form or other.

            Joseph was a prime example of this also.  The moment he told people about this remarkable change in his life, he was told to quit believing, called a liar and pushed around by men of much more persuasion then him.  Joseph made the solemn observation,  “...all the time suffering severe persecution at the hands of all classes of men, both religious and irreligious, because I continued to affirm that I had seen a vision. During the space of time which intervened between the time I had the vision and the year eighteen hundred and twenty-three—having been forbidden to join any of the religious sects of the day, and being of very tender years, and persecuted by those who ought to have been my friends and to have treated me kindly, and if they supposed me to be deluded to have endeavored in a proper and affectionate manner to have reclaimed me-...(JSH)”.  Upon reading the whole of the JSH, it is painfully obvious that this was his lot in life from the beginning, and yet he felt it to be to his benefit to receive it.  He was in fact given that promise, “My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment; And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes. (D&C 121:7-8)”

            Throughout the text we find living examples of persecution displayed graphically, all for believing and worshipping God and his Christ in the correct manner.  Nephi was tortured by his brothers, tied up, beaten, verbally abused.  They eventually sought his life.  When enough was enough, Nephi was removed by the Lord with his family from the situation.  They said of Enoch, “and all men were offended because of him”.  They attempted to lay hands on him, but the Lord protected him (moses 7).  As was Noah, whos life was sought by the Nephilim for preaching Gods word (Moses 8).  Abraham, Joseph of Egypt, David, Moses, Isaiah, Ezekial, Paul, John, Alma, Alma the younger and his friends, Nephi iii, Mormon, Moroni, countless men in our dispensation, etc... All have this one thing in common, persecution.  Their manner of life was not consistent with those around them and they were thus persecuted for being not like the others. 

            At first glance it could be dismissed that this was/is the lot in life of exceptional men.  It could be dismissed that the majority of believers are not meant to be persecuted in this manner.  This however does not correlate with scripture.

            In 2 Tim. 3 Paul tells us, “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution”.  And the Lord told us in Joh 5, “The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.”  Are you a servant?  Do you live Godly in Christ Jesus?  If so, what should be happening as fruit?  But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now. (Gal. 4)”

            Whenever they were living the laws of God, men were persecuted for it.  The saints of the New Testament were constantly bolstered by Paul’s word to them, telling them, “that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure: Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer (2 Thes 1)”.  It was a forgone conclusion to Paul that the Saints would be persecuted, that it was to be their lot and that they would be rewarded for it.

            Joseph stated, “This one thing is sure, that they who will live godly in Christ Jesus, shall suffer persecution; and before their robes are made white in the blood of the Lamb, it is to be expected, according to John the Revelator, they will pass through great tribulation. (HC 1:449.)”.  Also, “Those who cannot endure persecution, and stand in the day of affliction, cannot stand in the day when the Son of God shall burst the veil, and appear in all the glory of his Father, with all the holy angels. (HC 1:468.)” 

            Indeed persecution can be shown scripturally to not only be a byproduct of covenant keeping but the medium through which perfection is wrought. While strict law of ordinance and obedience, has not the power to perfect (Heb. 7), Persecution and Suffering do, “But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you (1peter 5)”.  In fact, this is said to be the medium through which our Savior found perfection, “...we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. For ^ait became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings (Heb. 5)”.

            The Nephites of the BOM were persecuted and purged through the righteous enduring of it. “And they were lifted up in pride, even to the persecution of many of their brethren. Now this was a great evil, which did cause the more humble part of the people to suffer great persecutions, and to wade through much affliction.  Nevertheless they did fast and pray oft, and did wax stronger and stronger in their humility, and firmer and firmer in the faith of Christ, unto the filling their souls with joy and consolation, yea, even to the purifying and the sanctification of their hearts, which sanctification cometh because of their yielding their hearts unto God.”

            Finally the above quote in Helaman points out an interesting dichotomy which is consistent in scripture.  That is, there are only two camps.  They are those in prideful complacency who persecute and the repentant faithful who endure them.  Taking Helamans example, “pride which began to enter into the church—not into the church of God, but into the hearts of the people who professed to belong to the church of God-And they were lifted up in pride, even to the persecution of many of their brethren.” The same story was repeated in 4 Nephi,

“there were many churches which professed to know the Christ, and yet they did deny the more parts of his gospel, insomuch that they did receive all manner of wickedness, and did administer that which was sacred unto him to whom it had been ^bforbidden because of unworthiness.  And this church did multiply exceedingly because of iniquity, and because of the power of Satan who did get hold upon their hearts.  And again, there was another church which denied the Christ; and they did persecute the true church of Christ, because of their humility and their belief in Christ; and they did despise them because of the many miracles which were wrought among them.”

            Thus men divide themselves into those who have faith and lift others and those with pride who tear others down.  The BOM is full of examples of this, but more poignant to us is the warning from Moroni directly to us today, “And I know that ye do walk in the pride of your hearts; and there are none save a few only who do not lift themselves up in the pride of their hearts, unto the wearing of very fine apparel, unto envying, and strifes, and malice, and persecutions, and all manner of iniquities; and your churches, yea, even every one, have become polluted because of the pride of your hearts.”

            So, the question than behooves us as saints; are we being persecuted?  If this is the manner of events that perfects us, are we in line?  If not, what laws can we live to reap the fruits that provide perfection? 

            I picked up on an interesting point today made by Joseph Smith concerning the message and mission of the Latter-Day servant, which I have not heard discussed in the past in the least.  I’d like to discuss it for a moment. 

            While studying the lesson in today’s manual (ch 25) which covers Joseph's discourses on Matthew 13 I felt a nudge to put it all together.  These are some powerful parables!  The meanings of course are not even now fully dug up. I think evidence of that is found in our discussion of them and Josephs explanations. 

            The Parable of the Leavened Bread is used by Joseph to summarize and explain the other parables in the chapter (tares, sower and mustard seed).  In the heading on page 302 the committee states, “The testimonies of the three witnesses and the latter-day scriptures are like the leaven that was hidden in the meal.”  This description is misplaced, as we will show.  Upon reading the actual discourse, the content therein is far more revelatory in nature and descriptive of  last-days events. 

Quoting the manual....

'And another parable spake He unto them. The Kingdom of Heaven is like unto leaven which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal till the whole was leavened.' [Matthew 13:33.] It may be understood that the Church of the Latter-day Saints has taken its rise from a little leaven that was put into three witnesses. Behold, how much this is like the parable! It is fast leavening the lump, and will soon leaven the whole. ...

" 'Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like unto a net that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind, which when it was full they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away.' [Matthew 13:47-48.] For the work of this pattern, behold the seed of Joseph, spreading forth the Gospel net upon the face of the earth, gathering of every kind, that the good may be saved in vessels prepared for that purpose, and the angels will take care of the bad. 'So shall it be at the end of the world-the angels shall come forth and sever the wicked from among the just, and cast them into the furnace of fire, and there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Jesus saith unto them, Have you understood all these things? They say unto Him, Yea, Lord.' [Matthew 13:49-51.] And we say, yea, Lord; and well might they say, yea, Lord; for these things are so plain and so glorious, that every Saint in the last days must respond with a hearty Amen to them.

" 'Then said He unto them, therefore every scribe which is instructed in the Kingdom of Heaven, is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things that are new and old.' [Matthew 13:52.]

"For the works of this example, see the Book of Mormon coming forth out of the treasure of the heart. Also the covenants given to the Latter-day Saints [the Doctrine and Covenants], also the translation of the Bible-thus bringing forth out of the heart things new and old, thus answering to three measures of meal undergoing the purifying touch by a revelation of Jesus Christ, and the ministering of angels, who have already commenced this work in the last days, which will answer to the leaven which leavened the whole lump. Amen."11

             Notice here a distinct difference in understanding considering the term ‘three witnesses’.  While it is true that we refer to the three witness of the Book Mormon with that terminology, I don’t believe Joseph was here, as inferred by the heading.

             Joseph first states, “The Kingdom of Heaven is like unto leaven which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal till the whole was leavened.' [Matthew 13:33.] It may be understood that the Church of the Latter-day Saints has taken its rise from a little leaven that was put into three witnesses. Behold, how much this is like the parable! It is fast leavening the lump, and will soon leaven the whole.”  

            The language used here is interesting.  Three measures of Meal had leaven hidden within them.  That leaven was hidden until the batch was done, the lump had grown, and the whole was leavened.  Of course, than it follows that the leaven would than be unhidden, or revealed, when the time was right.  Using the parables in the rest of the chapter, this revealing happens when the harvest is ripe, at the time of the division of wheat and tares, when the fish are removed from the net and separated, when the corruption in the  church (which the tares represent according to Joseph in the same discourse) are reaped and the church in purity remains.  Just from there we find the leaven to be a revelation.

            Following the inference in the heading, what would it be in the three witnesses of the BOM that eventually made this revelation happen?  What of the three witnesses testimony eventually leavens the whole?  What is HIDDEN in the three witnesses to the BOM?  Nothing.

            Joseph illustrates to us what the three measures of meal are , what those testimonies represent.  “"For the works of this example, see the Book of Mormon coming forth out of the treasure of the heart (1). Also the covenants given to the Latter-day Saints [the Doctrine and Covenants] (2), also the translation of the Bible (3)-thus bringing forth out of the heart things new and old, thus answering to three measures of meal...” 

            The three measures of meal are the three testimonies available to us in the last days.  The BOM, the D&C and the Bible.   Hidden inside these three measures of meal is some leaven.  That leaven will be revealed at the time of the division of wheat and tares, bad fish from the good.

            Our prophet goes so far as to tell us what the leaven is.  “...Of the heart things new and old, thus answering to three measures of meal undergoing the purifying touch by a revelation of Jesus Christ, and the ministering of angels who have already commenced this work in the last days, which will answer to the leaven which leavened the whole lump. Amen.”

            This leaven will be revealed to us in the last days.  A revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ that is hidden in the scriptures but will be revealed to the world at the winding up scene, commencing the events in the other parables of revelation.  The angels are now doing the work, sowing the seed, dividing thoughts and ideals.  At some point, a revelation will be brought which will ‘purify’ revealed word in some manner.  Thus leavening the whole of Scripture and makeing the Loaf of Meal complete.  From our vomiting wolves we know that the seperation will be based on the word of God, those who receive meat form the Savior, and those who receive vomitted milk from men, prophets with covered eyes (Isaiah28). This purification of scripture of leaven will divide the sheep from the goats.

            Here we have Joseph Smith discussing the Servant and his Mission!  Jesus giving us a parable describing this event!  That is revelatory indeed.  Looking into the scriptures to back this theory and show we are on the same track reveals these ideas even stronger.  To discuss just a couple;

            In 3 Nephi we read; “ For in that day, for my sake shall the Father ^awork a work, which shall be a great and a ^bmarvelous ^cwork among them; and there shall be among them those who will not believe it, although a man shall declare it unto them.   But behold, the life of my servant shall be in my hand; therefore they shall not hurt him, although he shall be ^amarred because of them. Yet I will heal him, for I will show unto them that ^bmy wisdom is greater than the cunning of the devil. Therefore it shall come to pass that whosoever will not believe in my words, who am Jesus Christ, which the Father shall cause ^ahim to bring forth unto the ^bGentiles, and shall give unto him power that he shall bring them forth unto the Gentiles, (it shall be done even as Moses said) they shall be ^ccut off from among my people who are of the covenant.”  

            The words declared by a man will start a confrontation.  Some will believe, some not.  What will the words be about?  They will be the words of Jesus Christ!  Just as Joseph told us concerning the leaven hidden in the scriptures.  A revelation hidden in scripture, revealed by a man concerning our Lord will commence this work.  It isn’t Joseph, at least not in the probation he was teaching us in at the time.  This revelation will work as the redemption of Zion (DC 101), but will cause great persecution of the man who reveals it.
 

            For another description of this event we will turn to D&C 86;

 “And it shall come to pass that I, the Lord God, will send one mighty and strong, holding the scepter of power in his hand, clothed with light for a covering, whose mouth shall utter words, eternal words; while his bowels shall be a fountain of truth, to set in ^aorder the house of God, and to arrange by ^blot the ^cinheritances of the saints whose names are found, and the names of their fathers, and of their children, enrolled in the book of the law of God; While that man, who was called of God and appointed, that putteth forth his hand to ^asteady the ^bark of God, shall fall by the shaft of death, like as a tree that is smitten by the vivid shaft of lightning.  And all they who are not found written in the ^abook of remembrance shall find none inheritance in that day, but they shall be cut asunder, and their portion shall be appointed them among ^bunbelievers, where are ^cwailing and gnashing of teeth.”

            To review again, a man shall come with eternal words in front of the people.  He will utter eternal words, divide inheritances and steady the ark of God, which another man was not able to do.  We know what those eternal words will be about, a revelation of our Lord hidden in scripture.  And we know what they will do, provide inheritance for those who believe and cut asunder those who do not.  What is the next section about in the D&C?  The Wheat from the Tares. 

            Isaiah covers this event in great detail, repeatedly telling us the mission and message of the servant.  Here our modern prophet has told us too what he will do using Matthew 13:52, “'Then said He unto them, therefore every scribe which is instructed in the Kingdom of Heaven, is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things that are new and old.”  

            What do we call  a scribe that is instructed in the kingdom of Heaven?  A prophet.  And what do Prophets do, in particular the servant in this case?  He “bringeth forth out of his treasure things that are new and old.”   A prophet looks into the scriptures available, relates to us the old things that we understood and reveals new things within them that the world didn’t already have.  In most instances, the New is thrown to the swine who refuse to hear it. 

As a follow up, I’m including Gileadi’s analysis of the revelatory event.

The Lord's Work as a Revelatory Event

Our analysis of the terms great, marvelous, and work, also suggests that the Lord's work is preeminently revelatory in nature. It brings to light knowledge hidden up from the founda­tion of the world because of unbelief (Eth. 4:13-15). This "great and marvelous" knowledge appears in the sealed portion of the Book of Mormon and in other books.[1] Such knowledge will be revealed initially among the believing Gentiles. From these Gentiles it will go forth to the house of Israel.[2]  This additional reve­lation (see 2 Nephi 29:9) contains the "greater things" or more important truths (Morm. 8:12; Eth. 4:13). In relation to them, the Book of Mormon is called the "lesser part" (3 Nephi 26:6-10).

Much of this new revelation has to do with the last days, the time ushering in the millennial era of peace, as well as with the Millennium itself: a vision the Brother of Jared had in which he saw the end of time (Eth. 4:4-9; compare 3:25-27); a similar vision by the prophet Ether (Eth. 13:13; compare 12:5); a vision by Joseph in Egypt about his future descendants (2 Nephi 4:2; compare 3:5), a vision by Nephi on the mountain (1 Nephi 18:3; 2 Nephi 4:17, 25); teachings by Jesus to the Nephites that deal with the beginning and the end of the earth (3 Nephi 26:3-11); and visions by Moroni about our day (Morm. 8:34-35).

This new revelation includes knowledge of the mysteries of God.[3] It comprises all things shown to men in the past, things that were sealed up to come forth in their purity.[4] These revelations ultimately include words that are not within man's natural power to utter or write.[5] They consist of the "wonders of eternity," the mysteries of the kingdom of God "from days of old, and for ages to come" (D&C 76:2-10, 114).

These "great and marvelous" revelations nonetheless come forth in a time of wickedness among the Lord's people. Because the people of the Lord are not doing his work as they ought (2 Nephi 27:25-29), he is required to "do mine own work" (2 Nephi 27:21).[6] The new revelations, therefore, convince the Gentiles among whom they come forth of the error of their ways; the revelations show forth to all men the wickedness, abominations, and follies of the Gentiles among whom the gospel has already gone forth.[7]

Yet, the very coming forth of these great and marvelous rev­elations depends upon some Gentiles not hardening their hearts as their unrighteous brethren do (see Alma 12:10). When these more righteous among the Gentiles repent of their iniquity of their own accord, when they become clean before the Lord and truly exercise faith in him and become sanctified, then is the time that the Lord will bring forth to them his great and marvelous revelations (Eth. 4:4-7.)[8]

Of necessity, the revealing of the Lord's "work" comes through his appointed seer or seers. In large part, it involves the translation of ancient records (Mosiah 8:17-20; D&C 8:1-8). Al-though what the Lord reveals is given in plain language (2 Nephi 31:3), men do not understand or appreciate such revelation un­less they inquire of the Lord for themselves (1 Nephi 15:3; Eth. 4:7-13). Like Laman and Lemuel, those who harden their hearts fail to inquire of the Lord. They suppose that "the Lord maketh no such thing known" to them (1 Nephi 15:9). They harbor a superficial interest in the Lord's "work" only because of some wonder he might perform on their behalf (2 Nephi 15:19). They maintain, for all practical purposes, that the Lord has already "done his work" (2 Nephi 28:5-6). Although a man declares the "great and marvelous work" to them, they do not believe it (3 Nephi 21:9; Eth. 12:5).

Part of the great and marvelous work, therefore, consists of words condemning the wicked of the Lord's people. We find types of such condemnation in the words of Nephi the son of Helaman. Nephi prophesies the destruction and disinheritance of his people (Hel. 9:2; compare 7:28). Samuel the Lamanite like-wise prophesies the extinction of the Nephites and the Lord's redemption of the Lamanites (Hel. 16:16; compare 15:11-17). Lachoneus the governor also warns of secret combinations over-powering his people (3 Nephi 3:15-16).

The scriptural references I have cited, because they use the terms great, marvelous, and work, serve rhetorically as types. They teach us what kinds of things to expect when the Lord per-forms his great and marvelous work in the last days. They show both sides of the event, the positive and the negative. Making ourselves familiar with these types thus increases our understanding of the message of the Book of Mormon. Indeed, the book's great value lies in its message as a type of things to come.

[1] See 2 Nephi 27:21-23, 26, 29; Words of Mormon 1:11; 3 Nephi 5:8-9; Ether 4:4-7, 13-17.

[2] See 3 Nephi 21:9-12; 26:7-9; Ether 4:6, 13; D&C 35:7.

[3] See Jacob 4:8; Alma 10:5; 12:10; D&C 6:11.

[4] See 1 Nephi 14:26; 2 Nephi 27:10-11; 30:17-18; Mormon 5:8-9; Ether 3:25-26; 4:4-7.

[5] See Helaman 5:33, 45; 3 Nephi 17:16-17; 19:34-36; 26:14, 16.

[6] See 2 Nephi 27:21-29; 29:1-9; Mormon 8:34-41.

[7] See Mormon 8:34-41; Ether 12:19-35; D&C 6:11; 35:7.

[8] Compare 2 Nephi 27:23; 3 Nephi 26:7-9; Ether 4:13-16; D&C 35:7-18.

1. Though in the outward church below,
The wheat and tares together grow;
Jesus ere long will weed the crop,
And pluck the tares in anger up.
For soon the reaping time will come,
And angels shout the harvest home.
2. Will it relieve their horrors there,
To recollect their stations here;
How much they heard, how much they
knew,
How much among the wheat they grew?
3. No! this will aggravate their case,
They perish'd under means of grace;
To them the word of life and faith
Became an instrument of death.
4. We seem alike when thus we meet,
Strangers might think we all were wheat;
But to the Lord's all-searching eyes,
Each heart appears without disguise,
5. The tares are spared for various ends,
Some for the sake of praying friends;
Others the Lord, against their will,
Employs his counsels to fulfil.
6. But though they grow so tall and strong,
His plan will not require them long;
In harvest, when he saves his own,
The tares shall into hell be thrown.
7. Oh! awful thought, and is it so?
Must all mankind the harvest know?
Is every man a wheat or tare?
Me, for that harvest, Lord, prepare.

(A Collection of Sacred Hymns, selected by Emma Smith )

Orson Pratt

What kind of a revo lution would it work among the Lat ter‑day Saints if the revelation given in March, 1831, were carried out by them, “It is not given that one man should possess that which is above another, wherefore the world lieth in s in?”  How much of a revol ution would it accomplish in Sa lt Lake City if this order of things should be brought about?  I think it would work a greater revo lution among this people than has ever been witnessed amongst them since they had an existence as a Ch urch.  (JD 15:355‑356)

Later in the same address Elder Pratt made the following observation:

There must be a reformation.  There will be a reformation among this people, but He will plead with the stronger ones of Zion, He will plead with this people, He will plead with those in high places, He will plead with the priesthood of this church, until Zion shall become clean before him.  I do not know but what it would be an utter impossibility to commence and carry out some principles pertaining to Zion right in the midst of this people.  They have strayed so far that to get a people who would conform to heavenly laws it may be needful to lead some from the midst of this people and commence anew in the regions round about in these mountains.  (JD 15:360)

John Taylor

I would be surprised if ten percent of those who claim to hold the Melchizedek priesthood will remain faithful to the gospel at the time of the seventh president and that there would be thousands that think they hold the priesthood at that time, but would not have it properly conferred upon them.  (Minutes of a meeting, September 7, 1886)

G. Q. Cannon

The day will come when man’s priesthood and authority will be called to question, and you will find that there will be hundreds who have no priesthood, but who believe they hold it, they are holding only an office in the church.  (Truth, 3:153)

Joseph Fielding Smith

It is a very apparent fact that we have traveled far and wide in the past 20 years.  What the future will bring I do not know.  But if we drift as far afield from fundamental things in the next 20 years, what will be left of the foundation laid by the Prophet Joseph Smith?  It is easy for one who observes to see how the apostasy came about in the primitive church of Christ.  Are we not traveling the same road?  (Joseph Fielding Smith Journal, 28 December 1938)

H. Verlan Anderson

To fail to consider the possibility that the members of the church are again “falling away” would be to ignore one of the most thoroughly documented lessons of history.  Especially is this true in light of the fact that the cultural, political, and educational life of Church members has become so deeply and thoroughly involved with that of non-members that they are overwhelmingly influenced by the “ways of the world.”  Through newspapers and magazines, motion pictures and television, schools and lecture halls, and a thoroughly integrated economic system, Church members come into close and continuous contact with those not of their faith.

Some may assume that a “Gentile apostasy” in these latter days cannot occur because Christ’s Church is here to stay this time.  They may assume that widespread departure from gospel principles by Church members is contrary to prophecy.  While the scriptures do assure us that the Church will continue to exist and be divinely led by prophets of the Lord right up until his Second Coming, they do not state that all, or even a majority of its members will follow those prophets.  On the contrary, they foretell extensive, and in some cases, almost total defection from true principles.  (The Great and Abominable Church of the Devil, pp. 169-170)

Moroni was similarly explicit in predicting false teachings among the saints.  Reflect upon the unmistakable implications of this point-blank indictment of members of the “holy church of God:”

“O ye pollutions, ye hypocrites, ye teachers, who sell yourselves for that which will canker, why have ye polluted the holy church of God?” (Mormon 8:38)

Since there is only one "holy church of God" on earth, and since it is being polluted, the blame therefore appears to rest upon the teachers and hypocrites within that church.  (The Great and Abominable Church of the Devil, pp. 170-171, underline added)

Pres. Benson

Not only are there apostates within our midst, but there are also apostate doctrines that are sometimes taught in our classes and from our pulpits and that appear in our publications.  And these apostate precepts of men cause our people to stumble.  As the Book of Mormon, speaking of our day, states: “They have all gone astray save it be a few, who are the humble followers of Christ; nevertheless, they are led, that in many instances they do err because they are taught by the precepts of men” (2 Nephi 28:14).  (Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, Pg.89‑90)

Watchmen - what of the night?  We must respond by saying that all is not well in Zion.  (Conference Report, May 1986, Pg. 4.  See Isaiah 21:11.)

The Lord declares that the whole Church and all the children of Zion are under condemnation because of the way we have treated the Book of Mormon.  This condemnation has not been lifted, nor will it be until we repent.  (See D&C 84:51-81.)

The Lord states that we must not only say but we must do!  We have neither said enough nor have we done enough with this divine instrument--the key to conversion.  As a result, as individuals, as families, and as the Church, we sometimes have felt the scourge and judgment God said would be "poured out upon the children of Zion" because of our neglect of this book (D&C 84:58).

The Lord inspired His servant Lorenzo Snow to reemphasize the principle of tithing to redeem the Church from financial bondage.  In those days the General Authorities took that message to the members of the Church.  So too in our day the Lord has inspired His servant to reemphasize the Book of Mormon to get the Church out from under condemnation--the scourge and judgment.  (Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, Pg.63-6.  See also A Witness and a Warning, Pg. vii-viii and p.9)

You could understand a hesitant nature as Joseph turned and looked back. headed to Carthage jail for the last time.  He had wanted to take the saints to the Rocky Mountains.  He felt and had prophesied that they would go there and become a vast people in the shadows of that cathedral.  They indeed did but Joseph didn't go with them.  He left a church in turmoil.  Like leaving for vacation by saying good-bye to his irate baby at the babysitters house.  Indeed, the lower laws have been embraced and the saints have shook hands with the Gentiles now.  Joseph had much to worry about.  It may have been the fault of a people unwilling to live Celestial laws in a Terestial existence but Joseph knew from several personal insights, including the two discussed below, that when the servants of God returned to make the house aright they would find corruption muddying the once clears waters of revelation.  Anxiety over this is prevalent in the dreams below but lets read them to find parallels and what they tell us about us. 

The last recorded dream we have in our possession is recorded below....

I was back in Kirtland, Ohio, and thought I would take a walk out by myself, and view my old farm, which I found grown up with weeds and brambles, and altogether bearing evidence of neglect and want of culture. I went into the barn, which I found without floor or doors, with the weather-boarding off, and was altogether in keeping with the farm.

While I viewed the desolation around me, and was contemplating how it might be recovered from the curse upon it, there came rushing into the barn a company of furious men, who commenced to pick a quarrel with me.

The leader of the party ordered me to leave the barn and farm, stating it was none of mine, and that I must give up all hope of ever possessing it.

I told him the farm was given me by the Church, and although I had not had any use of it for some time back, still I had not sold it, and according to righteous principles it belonged to me or the Church.

He then grew furious and began to rail upon me, and threaten me, and said it never did belong to me nor to the Church.

I then told him that I did not think it worth contending about, that I had no desire to live upon it in its present state, and if he thought he had a better right I would not quarrel with him about it but leave; but my assurance that I would not trouble him at present did not seem to satisfy him, as he seemed determined to quarrel with me, and threatened me with the destruction of my body.

While he was thus engaged, pouring out his bitter words upon me, a rabble rushed in and nearly filled the barn, drew out their knives, and began to quarrel among themselves for the premises, and for a moment forgot me, at which time I took the opportunity to walk out of the barn about up to my ankles in mud.

When I was a little distance from the barn, I heard them screeching and screaming in a very distressed manner, as it appeared they had engaged in a general fight with their knives. While they were thus engaged, the dream or vision ended. (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, Section Six 1843-44 p. 393)

In the dream the vineyard is likened unto Josephs old barn and property.  The dream I believe, is a bit more specific than the below parable, speaking of the church proper and not the broader idea of the vineyard as a whole.   Joseph begins by telling of its appearance being in disarray.  He refers to a "curse" that has been put upon it.  I can't help but think this is a continuation of our condemnation, which started in Josephs day and our continual decline in revelation and celestial law.  

Joseph views the place and is rather sad at its degenerate state.  He even ponders how to fix it up (what a work that would be!).  A "company" of men than come in arguing, tell Joseph it isn't his, though they can't seem to agree on who's it is.  They threaten Joseph with his life.  Joseph says whatever, you can have it and determines to leave.  This tells me that we are not talking about an eternal spiritual inheritance here, but rather a physical structure, as Joseph would have argued harder to keep it.  Organizations, buildings, systems people who worship them, etc...the expendable part of the church.  The guy continues to tear into him, but another group enters the fray claiming ownership.  While these two parties are arguing, Joseph peaceably leaves.

Of course I liken this to the Servant, coming causing a stir amongst the church and its people and leaving to the wilderness out the backdoor (3 Ne. 21: 9-10).  The servant steps in to the situation for a moment.  His presence is alarming to those who are in charge.  He states his right to set the church in order  (section 85).   They fight him over it, and he decides to take those who will come with him and turn the "church" (barn) entirely over to the hand of flesh.

When he/they leave its a sticky situation.  Mud covers them which would slow the departure but mainly just leave unsightly residue that would need to be cleansed later, on all those who go with him.  The mud would be cleaned and a better organization set up when they get to a new inheritance (JS-M 1: 27).

As he leaves, Joseph hears the men fight for their lives over it.  I would assume that these two parties are the makers of the covenant of death (Isa. 28: 15, 18).  The Church Corporation and the Gov't they shook hands with.  The Gov't brings the knives to the party and all those who relied on the arm of flesh are taken off guard by it.  While those who recognized the true servant of God depart for a better place with mud on their clothes from past experiences (2 nephi 28:14)

 
The next text is a Parable given to Joseph via revelation which tells of a similar event. 

• 2 Nephi 28-Led By the Precepts of men but have to find truth therein by the Holy Ghost (vs 14, 31)
• D&C 33:4-Err in many instances because they are taught by Priestcraft, corrupt minds
• 1 Nephi 14-Scattered small groups (13, 14)
• Amla 21:12-Looking, searching, seeking for MORE of Gods word (see also 1 nephi 14, 2 Nephi 28, a bible, a bible...)
• Alma 33:19-23-Believe in the gift of Healing, the Gifts of the Spirit.  And UNDERSTAND what that means
• Mormon 8:36-Do NOT wear fine apparel (white shirt, dark suit, flaxen cord), are not prideful, do not envy things, or persecute others for their beleifs of socio economic status.
• 3 Nephi 7:21-They are visited by the power and spirit of God and testify of it
• 3 Nephi 14:14-have found the straight gate and narrow way of Baptism by fire
• DC 121:34-They are Chosen Because they reject the things of the World, Idols and pride; Don't aspire to mens honors, the pharicees seats in the high places; Do not exercise Dominion or compulsion over other men, like making someone dress or groom differently to receive preisthood blessings
• DC 132:22-perhaps the biggest demarcation, They SEE CHRIST in THIS WORLD, or are definately searching for that gift
• Finally, their mantra is FOLLOW CHRIST, not FOLLOW THE LEADER or arm of flesh ( a mediator for a mediator? perposterous.  All men should be prophets in order to have the secrets and direction of God given them

Great Salt Lake City, April 9, 1852.

JD 1:46, Brigham Young, April 9, 1852

     Is it not marvellous, considering the weakness of man, to see the willingness of this whole people to die if

necessary for the truth? How do you suppose it makes me feel? Though I may sometimes chastise my

brethren, and speak to them in the language of reproof, there is not a father who feels more tenderly towards

his offspring, and loves them better than I love this people; and my Father in Heaven loves them; my heart

yearns over them with all the emotions of tenderness, so that I could weep like a child; but I am careful to

keep my tears to myself. If you do wrong, it grieves my heart, and it also grieves the heart of my heavenly

Father. I feel continually to urge my brethren to cease from all evil, and learn to do well.

The fulness of the heavens and the earth is the Lord's − the gold and the silver, the wheat, the fine flour, and

the cattle upon a thousand hills; and when we fully understand His works, we shall know that He is in all the

earth, and fulfills His will among the children of men, exalting and debasing them according to His pleasure;

for the systems, creeds, thrones, and kingdoms of the world are all under His control. "Shall there be evil in a

city, and the Lord hath not done it" − or that He doth not control? The Lord controls the whole; and in the end,

you will find He has regulated all things right, for all will be consummated to His glory.

Wilford Woodruff Account:

Meeting adjourned [i.e. afternoon Conference] until evening when the house was filled again and was addressed by Bishop Hunter who told his experience, [when] he came into the Church, and was followed by President Young.

President Young arose and said: I will bear testimony to what Brother Hunter said — that the Elders go to work and preach in their wards and get the peopletogether at my house if nowhere else and preach, if it is but [a] few moments. I would pray and learn till I could preach. You say that you would go and preach [to] total strangers and teach them the Gospel. I know it is easier to do that than it is to get the Saints together and teach them to be saved and exalted. I know it is the desire of this people to get something new, but you should improve upon what you have. Here is the place to expose your ignorance and false views and let them out and be corrected. If you have false views, don't go into private houses and preach them where there is no one to correct you, nor while abroad [in] any other countries, but here is the place to let your errors out, not keep them back. Teach people to control themselves. Teach good doctrine and practice it. Here is the place to become a polished shaft.^aÝ I like to remain here to see you, to be with you. I want to say to the Elders of Israel, were you ordained to preach the Gospel? If so, it is not wisdom or prudent to mingle with the excesses of the wicked or in any of their exercises, for then the Devil will have no advantage over you. I mingle with the Saints here in their recreation and exercises, but let me go abroad and subject myself to mingle with the wicked — I am on the Devil's ground and subject myself to him.^aý If I mingle with any company here for recreation, I control that company

but if I step onto the Devil's ground, he controls it. Remember that at all times — that what you do — do it in the name of the Lord and let all your acts be to do the will of God. It is so that a man could not exercise his privileges because of the traditions of the world. All Christians would think it a great sin to have a fiddle. They would say it is wicked to hear music — they have made it a sin. I have not put a desire in my heart for music, but the Lord has. Music will calm the ferocious beast — who caused this? The Lord.

I want to say a few words about tithing. You know what was said at the last conference. The Saints have done more during the last 7 months than in 7 years before. I feel to bless you. Call upon this people to put their all upon the altar and they will do it. I feel like a father to this people — no mother can love her babe more than I do this people. When you do wrong, I feel oppressed in spirit and the Lord is grieved. I feel to urge it upon you all to cease to do evil and learn to do right.

All that we have is the Lord's — He does as He pleases — the thrones and kingdoms of the world are all governed by Him and in the end all will be found right. And they will find they have an agency unto themselves and all will do as they please — if they do right they will be Saved [and] get Glory and Exaltation and the wicked will go to Hell.

There is no place where God is not. Find empty space and there the Lord will not be.^b

I will now preach you another sermon. There is one great master and head in all kingdoms and governments — so with [us.] Our Father in Heaven is a [being of] tabernacle.^c — He created us in the likeness of His own image.^d The Son has also a tabernacle like the Father ^e and the Holy Ghost is a minister to the people but [has] not a tabernacle. ^f

Who begat the Son of God? Infidels say that Jesus was a bastard, ^fÝ but let me tell you the truth concerning that matter. Our Father begat all thespirits that were, before any tabernacles were made.^g When our Father came into the garden,^h He came with His celestial bodyⁱ and brought one of His wives with Him ^j and ate of the fruit of the garden until He could beget a [mortal] tabernacle^k — and Adam is Michael^l or God^m and all the God that we have anything to do with.ⁿ They eat of this fruit and formed the first tabernacle that was formed. And when the Virgin Mary was begotten with child, it was by the Father ^o and in no other way — in no other way, only as we were begotten. ^p I will tell you the truth as it is in God. The world don't know that Jesus Christ our elder brother was begotten by our Father in Heaven. Handle it as you please, it will either seal the damnation or salvation of man. He was begotten by the Father and not by the Holy Ghost.

When you go to preach and believe that Jesus Christ was begotten by the Holy Ghost, don't lay hands upon the heads of females for the reception of the Holy Ghost lest it beget her with child and you be accused.^q I have told you nothing in this thing but what you have read in the Bible. I do not frame it.

Written by ZSHALLR
ALMAS CHURCH (lasted 177 years)

Alma’s church was organized and established in 147BC (see Mosiah 18:17).  Alma’s church was broken up or destroyed in 30AD (see 3 Nephi 6:14).  That brings us to the fact that Alma’s church only lasted 177 years from it’s organization to it’s full stage of apostasy and destruction.  It’s important to looks at why this occurred.  The Book of Mormon record tells us that pride and boastings came about because of exceeding riches and prosperity (3 Nephi 6:10).  It was a society of commerce with many merchants, lawyers and officers in the land (3 Nephi 6:11).  People were also distinguished ranks according to their riches “and” chances for learning (college) while others were not as successful in this market because of a lack of learning or opportunities for schooling (3 Nephi 6:12).  The rest of this chapter tells us that it was the lawyers and judges that prospered in this society and they were the eventual cause of the Nephites federal governments destruction (3 Nephi 26, 27:6).  After the government collapsed they all broke into tribes and hated one another “but” they were united on one point.  They wanted there federal government back (3 Nephi 7:11).  So we see that in the same year that the church fell into full scale apostasy the government of the land also failed in the same year.

MIGHTY PROPHET WHO SEES VISIONS AND ANGELS ARISES (178^TH - 179^TH YEAR)

This great prophet who was the forerunner for Christ among the Nephites was visited by angels, heard the voice of the Lord, was an eye witness and had power bestowed upon him concerning the ministry of Christ.  He declared the doctrines of Christ to people that were hard hearted and and blind in their minds.  He preached boldly and with strong teachings.  The people were angry with him of course for not being politically correct (cross reference to Helaman 13:25-29) and because he had more convincing power then orthodox priests and leaders.  Angels visited him on a daily basis.  He was able to cast out devils and unclean spirits and even raised his own brother from the dead!  He performed many more miracles.  Still few were converted and denied following this great prophet.  Those who did believe testified boldly to non believers and performed miracles themselves.  These new members and followers of Christ through the prophet Nephi were baptized or possibly rebaptized.  This prophet made no mistakes in the reckoning of years and the people did look forward with anxiousness to the signs of Christ’s appearance unto them.  The people all disagreed about the signs and time of Christ’s coming despite the many signs that had been given.  Then on Jan 4^th 34AD the earth begins to become a complete disaster zone.  This all happened before the ending of 34 AD (3 Nephi 10:18) and must have lasted many months not over a few nights as most think.  See 3 Nephi 7:15 – 3 Nephi 8:4 for sources on the above commentary.  For the natural disasters see 3 Nephi 8:5 – 3 Nephi

CHRIST’S CHURCH (lasted 176 years)

Christs church is organized all through 3 Nephi 11 up to chapter 27.  See specifically 3 Nephi 26:1 and chapter 27.  Lets see how long this church lasted and what caused it’s eventual apostasy.  4 Nephi starts out with the people doing pretty well but then it turns mid chapter.  In verse 23 we learn that the people had prospered and became exceedingly rich (here we go again, right).  Pride, costly apparel, fine pearls and commonality or the united order had been abandoned (4 Nephi 1:24-25).  They were big time church builders and must have had a chapel on every corner because there were “many” in the land.  The church “professed” to know Christ but denied the more parts of the gospel (lunch room gospel, take what you want and leave the rest out).  They gave sacred things to people that shouldn’t have because of unworthiness (temple rights perhaps?).  As brother Nibley has well stated this chapter points out that there were those who professed to belong to the church of Christ and those who really did.  Well the wanta-bees of course persecuted the original twelve that Christ chose and who were extremely old at this point.  The people hardened their hearts and were led by many false priests and false prophets “to build up many churches” (4 Nephi 1:23-34).  Hmm….sounds familiar.  We are again reminded that there full focus was to build churches in verse 41.  Riches were the name of the game (verse 43).  It was a commerce society that was apparently booming (verse 46).

LDS CHURCH WARNED OF DESTRUCTION

Then not many years after Christ’s church apostatized we know exactly what happens to them according to Mormon and Moroni’s records.  Mormon 8 is Moroni’s record to the latter day gentile church (LDS church) warning us against everything single thing mentioned above which caused the failure of our Lords previous churches on this continent.  Watch and learn is the message of Moroni.  Power of God is denied, churches are defiled because of pride.  The church leaders are very prideful and the members envy them (some day I’ll be a mission president or GA etc).  Destruction and pollutions are seen across the whole earth (8:28-31).  For money all your sins and worries will go away is the doctrine of these leaders (8:32).  Again we find church builders like McDonalds builds restaurants (8:33).  The scriptures are modified or transformed (8:33 see also 1981 scripture changes to LDS canon).  Then Moroni gives his famous speech to the latter day gentile church (8:35-38).  Note that the same exact words are used by Moroni to the latter day gentiles as were the words of Samuel the Lamanite to the Nephites.  “Behold the sword of vengeance hangeth over you” (8:41 cr Helamen 13:5).  Well we know what happened to the Nephites already and our D&C confirms this message (D&C 38:39).