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Kevin Kraut
by
Ogden Kraut
Go ye forth as your circumstances shall permit, in your several callings, unto the great and notable cities and villages, reproving the world in righteousness of their unrighteousness and ungodly deeds, setting forth clearly and understandingly the desolation of abomination in the last day. (D. & C. 84:117)
Fall 1987
Salt Lake City, Utah
PREFACE
The prophecies compiled in this book have been uttered by both ancient and latter-day prophets; many of them have been recorded and are now recognized as scripture. This collection represents only a very small portion of the mass of information that has been written and spoken under the direction and spirit of prophecy. Much more could, and probably should be included on this subject of prophecy, but time, space and means have created limits and restrictions. Hopefully, however, sufficient information is contained herein to paint a very vivid and impressive picture.
Many prophecies are tied together by time and events; thus it is difficult to place them under just one chapter heading. For this reason, it may be noticed that a few prophecies are repeated or could have been included in more than one chapter.
It is evident that most of these prophecies are directed to our time; therefore, they should be of special interest to us living today. Their fulfillment is either taking place now or will be in the very near future.
The purpose of this publication is to serve as a voice of warning from the Lord to the people in the latter days.
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[9] Chapter 1
INTRODUCTION:
PROPHETS AND PROPHECY
Prophets are recognized as those who receive messages from God–the most common messages being those pertaining to the future; hence, prophets often, but not always, are men or women who foretell the future.
But prophecy, or forecasting the future, has been a very thankless task for God’s prophets. Mankind generally has been more interested in the future than in the past, so it seems that they would be more likely to look to the prophets than to anyone else. Not so! True prophets have been among the least recognized and respected of all mankind, and throughout history they have been persecuted, driven, imprisoned, and killed.
Why are prophets the object of so much rejection and abuse by society? Simply because society is usually wicked and they don’t like to hear their misfortune or unhappy fate. For example, Jehoshaphat asked King Ahab, “Is there not here a prophet of the Lord besides, that we might enquire of him? And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, There is yet one man, by whom we may enquire of the Lord: but I hate him; for he never prophesied good unto me, but always evil…” (II Chron. 18:6-7)
Yet messages from God are always important. They give men a chance to repent, to change their lifestyles and their fateful futures. Even a man’s eternal destiny may be changed.
[10] If someone warned you that by traveling down a certain road you would meet with disaster, would you heed or ignore the warning? Perhaps you may have been down that road many times before and nothing had happened. So would you consider the warning or rely on your own previous knowledge? Too often in history men have refused God’s warnings; and racing down the “road”, they learned too late. Thus, prophecy has more often been rejected than accepted. Orson Pratt warned:
Now let me point out some other things which will occur, before the coming of the Son of Man. The Lord has a controversy among all nations of the Gentiles. He has sent to them a warning. He has sent his servants to prophesy to them. He has sent them to preach and bear record of the truth. He has sent them to call upon the nations to repent, both high and low, rich and poor, religionist and non-religionist, priest and people, for all of them to repent and receive the Gospel in its fullness, and not only to do this, but to gather out from these nations. Will they hear? They will not. We know they will not; but this does not justify us in being slack in delivering our message. We have a responsibility placed upon us, and that responsibility we must fulfill, whether the people hear or whether they forbear, we must warn them, so that they shall not have any excuse, when the tribulations shall come which I have named. (JD 20:150)
It has been estimated that nearly 40% of the Bible contains prophecy; and that 80% of those prophecies pertain to the “last days”. Biblical prophets mentioned the events of our generation more frequently than any other period in the history of man. Thus we may conclude that there are more warnings, more dangers and more devastations in our time than at any previous time. One of the most important efforts of man, therefore, should be to determine his future as much as possible–and certainly the best way is through the word of prophecy.
[11] But in considering the truthfulness of prophecy, it is essential to determine the validity of the prophet. The position of a prophet is different from any other ecclesiastical office or appointment, because the latter can be obtained by the appointment or election of people, whereas only God can call a man to be a true prophet.
Sometimes a distinction has been made between the office of a prophet and the calling of a prophet, yet in reality there should be no distinction. Men who receive neither the spirit nor the gift of prophecy cannot be called prophets, any more than a dodo bird could be called an eagle. Eagles fly and soar through the sky, but a dodo bird (now extinct) never got off the ground. Prophets receive the word and will of the Lord, they can foresee and foretell the future, and they have a true testimony of God. Other men are “grounded”!
It is evident that all men who have the title of prophet are not really true prophets, nor are all the men who claim to be prophets sent from God. Many men boldly declare that they are prophets and that God has called them to be His mouthpiece on earth, and such claims are sometimes difficult to disprove. Nations have often had both true and false prophets–and the mistake is frequently made of misjudging one for the other. Said Joseph Smith:
The world always mistook false prophets for true ones, and those that were sent of God, they considered to be false prophets, and hence they killed, stoned, punished and imprisoned the true prophets, and these had to hide themselves “in deserts and dens, and caves of the earth,” and though the most honorable men of the earth, they banished them from their society as vagabonds, whilst they cherished, honored and supported knaves, vagabonds, hypocrites, impostors, and the basest of men. (T.P.J.S., pp. 206-07)
[12] Certainly there are ways to determine if a man is a true prophet and if his message is from God. So why do men fail to understand the difference between the true prophets and the false ones? Simply because they lack the gift of discernment and the spirit of prophecy themselves. If prophets are acting under the influence and spirit of God, then it takes the spirit of God to determine that which is of God and that which is not.
Furthermore, “nothing is a greater injury to the children of men than to be under the influence of a false spirit when they think they have the Spirit of God.” (T.P.J.S., p. 205) Even the men who think they are prophets are deceived because they too lack the spirit of God. The many religious creeds and the multitude of powerful ministers and preachers can be (and usually are) mistaken.
On the other hand, it is also a great injury when men in high positions of wealth and learning claim that prophecy and revelation have been done away, when in reality the Lord is communing with prophets. They are ignorant of the word of prophecy. The things of God can be understood only by the spirit of God.
Men have performed miracles, as the magicians of Pharaoh did for Moses, but that did not prove they were sent of God. Jesus said that “Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in they name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me ye that work iniquity.” (Matt. 7:22-23)
Herein lies the future destiny of men and of nations: for it is by the spirit of God, or without it, that they are called to judge God’s prophets and prophecies of the latter days.
[13] Chapter 2
THE SHEEP AND THE GOATS
Prophecies pertain to both saint and sinner. They give promises to the righteous and warnings to the wicked. For this reason, God sends prophets among the nations of the world, for He loves all of His children and takes precautions to warn them of evil and dangers, and also to instruct them in righteousness.
Since wickedness is generally the reason for catastrophe, it is necessary to understand the evil that would exist in the latter days. The greatest prophecies that Jesus made pertained to the latter days. He compared the Great Flood and the “abomination of desolation” (as described by the Prophet Daniel) as being similar in severity to the destructions in the latter days. There would be terrible weeping, wailing and gnashing of teeth among the wicked.
The prophecies of the latter days show that the various destructions will bring about a great separation between the righteous and the wicked, between the sheep and the goats–as recorded in Matthew:
When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:
[14] And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. * * *
Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels. (Matt. 25:31-34, 41)
But let’s consider some prophecies of warnings and “separations” that will occur even before the time mentioned in Matthew.
New Testament:
For her <Babylon’s> sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities. Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double.
How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her: for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow.
Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire; for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her. ***
And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth. (Rev. 18:5-8, 24)
Book of Mormon:
For the time soon cometh that the fulness of the wrath of God shall be poured out upon all the children of men; for He will not suffer that the wicked shall destroy the righteous.
[15] Wherefore, He will preserve the righteous by His power, even if it so be that the fulness of His wrath must come, and the righteous be preserved, even unto the destruction of their enemies by fire. Wherefore, the righteous need not fear; for thus saith the prophet, they shall be saved, even if it so be as by fire. (1 Nephi 22:16-17)
For the time speedily cometh that the Lord God shall cause a great division among the people, and the wicked will He destroy; and He will spare His people, yea, even if it so be that He must destroy the wicked by fire. (2 Nephi 30:10)
And thus commandeth the Father that I should say unto you: At that day when the Gentiles shall sin against my gospel, and shall be lifted up in the pride of their hearts above all nations, and above all the people of the whole earth, and shall be filled with all manner of lyings, and of deceits, and of mischiefs, and all manner of hypocrisy, and murders, and priestcrafts, and whoredoms, and of secret abominations; and if they shall do all those things, and shall reject the fulness of my gospel, behold, saith the Father, I will bring the fulness of my gospel from among them. (3 Nephi 16:10)
And my people who are a remnant of Jacob shall be among the Gentiles, yea, in the midst of them as a lion among the beasts of the forest, as a young lion among the flocks of sheep, who, if he go through both treadeth down and teareth in pieces, and none can deliver.
Their hand shall be lifted up upon their adversaries, and all their enemies shall be cut off. Yea, wo be unto the Gentiles except they repent; for it shall come to pass in that day, saith the Father, that I will cut off thy horses out of the midst of thee, and I will destroy thy chariots;
And I will cut off the cities of thy land, and throw all thy strongholds; And I will cut off witchcrafts out of thy land, and thou shalt have no more soothsayers; [16] Thy graven images I will also cut off, and thy standing images out of the midst of thee, and thou shalt no more worship the works of thy hands; And I will pluck up thy groves out of the midst of thee; so will I destroy thy cities. * * *
And I will execute vengeance and fury upon them, even as upon the heathen, such as they have not heard. (3 Nephi 21:12-18, 21)
Wherefore, O ye Gentiles, it is wisdom in God that these things should be shown unto you, that thereby ye may repent of your sins, and suffer not that these murderous combinations shall get above you, which are built up to get power and gain–and the work, yea, even the work of destruction come upon you, yea, even the sword of the justice of the Eternal God shall fall upon you, to your overthrow and destruction if ye shall suffer these things to be. (Ether 8:23)
Doctrine and Covenants:
For the hour is nigh and the day soon at hand when the earth is ripe; and all the proud and they that do wickedly shall be as stubble; and I will burn them up, saith the Lord of Hosts, that wickedness shall not be upon the earth. (Sec. 29:9)
I have sworn in my wrath, and decreed wars upon the face of the earth, and the wicked shall slay the wicked, and fear shall come upon every man. And the saints shall hardly escape, nevertheless, I, the Lord, am with them, and will come down in heaven from the presence of My Father and consume the wicked with unquenchable fire. (Sec. 63:33-34)
I, the Almighty, have laid my hands upon the nations, to scourge them for their wickedness. And plagues shall go forth and they shall not be taken from the earth until I have completed my work, which shall be cut short in righteousness. Until all shall know me, who remain, even [17] from the least unto the greatest, and shall be filled with the knowledge of the Lord, and shall see eye to eye, and shall lift up their voice, and with the voice together sing this new song. (Sec. 84:96-98)
Pearl of Great Price:
And Enoch beheld the Son of Man ascend up unto the Father; and he called unto the Lord, saying: “Wilt thou not come again upon the earth? Forasmuch as thou art God, and I know thee, and thou hast sworn unto me, and commanded me that I should ask in the name of thine Only Begotten; thou hast made me, and given unto me a right to thy throne, and not of myself, but through thine own grace; wherefore, I ask thee if thou wilt not come again on the earth.”
And the Lord said unto Enoch: “As I live, even so will I come in the last days, in the days of wickedness and vengeance, to fulfill the oath which I have made unto you concerning the children of Noah;
“And the day shall come that the earth shall rest, but before that day the heavens shall be darkened, and a veil of darkness shall cover the earth; and the heavens shall shake, and also the earth; and great tribulations shall be among the children of men, but my people will I preserve. * * *” And it came to pass that Enoch saw the day of the coming of the Son of Man, in the last days, to dwell on the earth in righteousness for the space of a thousand years.
But before that day he saw great tribulations among the wicked; and he also saw the sea, that it was troubled, and men’s hearts failing them, looking forth with fear for the judgments of the Almighty God, which should come upon the wicked.
And the Lord showed Enoch all things, even unto the end of the world; and he saw the day of the righteous, the hour of their redemption; and received a fullness of joy. (Moses 7:59-61, 65-67)
[18] Joseph Smith:
I prophesy, in the name of the Lord God of Israel, anguish and wrath and tribulation and the withdrawing of the Spirit of God from the earth await this generation, until they are visited with utter desolation. This generation is as corrupt as the generation of the Jews that crucified Christ; and if He were here today, and should preach the same doctrine He did then, they would put Him to death. (D.H.C. 6:58)
Brigham Young:
Whether the world is going to be burned up within a year, or within a thousand years, does not matter a groat to you and me. We have the words of eternal life; we have the privilege of obtaining glory, immortality, and eternal lives; now will you obtain these blessings? (J.D. 4:53)
If we live, we shall see the nations of the earth arrayed against this people; for that time must come, in fulfillment of prophecy. Tell about war commencing! Bitter and relentless war waged against Joseph Smith before he had received the plates of the Book of Mormon; and from that time till now the wicked have only fallen back at times to gain strength and learn how to attack the Kingdom of God. (J.D. 5:339)
Then, do not be too anxious for the Lord to hasten his work. Let our anxiety be centered upon one thing, the sanctification of our own hearts, the purifying of our own affections, the preparing of ourselves for the approach of the events that are hastening upon us. This should be our concern, this should be our study, this should be our daily prayer, and not to be in a hurry to see the overthrow of the wicked. (J.D. 9:3)
[19] Jedediah M. Grant:
It is not matter how much they deal in compromised measures, or how often they try to adjust difficulties that thicken around them–it is a stern fact that the people of the United States have shed the blood of the Prophets, driven out the Saints of God, rejected the Priesthood, and set at naught the holy Gospel; and the result of rejecting the Gospel has been, in every age, a visitation from the chastening hand of the Almighty–which chastisement will be administered in proportion to the magnitude and enormity of their crimes.
Consequently I look for the Lord to use His whip on the refractory son called “Uncle Sam”; I expect to see him chastised among the first of the nations. I think Uncle Sam is one of the Lord’s boys that He will take the rod to first, and make him dance nimbly to his own tune of “Oh! Oh!” for his transgressions, for his high mindedness and loftiness, for his evil, for rejecting the Gospel, and causing the earth to drink the blood of the Saints–for this, I say, I expect he will be well switched among the first of the sons. (J.D. 2:148)
[20] Chapter 3
WARS AND RUMORS OF WARS
From the beginning of time, since Cain took up a weapon to slay his brother, men have been making war on each other. The Bible and Book of Mormon contain records of devastating battles that have destroyed empires and nations. Sometimes people are destroyed in war because they are wicked; sometimes the Lord allows wars to come upon His chosen people to stir them up to repentance or to save them from continuing in their unrighteousness. lt is said that the wicked will destroy the wicked. But whatever the reason for the Lord allowing war, we know that all nations are in His hands, and He can save or destroy them.
In a revelation to Joseph Smith, the Lord said that wars would commence with the rebellion at South Carolina:
Verily, thus saith the Lord concerning the wars that will shortly come to pass, beginning at the rebellion of South Carolina, which will eventually terminate in the death and misery of many souls; and the time will come that war will be poured out upon all nations, beginning at this place. (D. & C. 87:1-2)
As prophesied, wars have continued both within and among nations, and at any one time there are usually 15 to 20 skirmishes or conflicts of some kind being fought somewhere in the world.
[21] When World War II was over, it was said to have been the war to end all wars. About 40 million people lost their lives in that international war, and it was so terrible that even the victors were frightened. Even though Russia lost 20 million people, they were the first nation to begin threatening and instigating war once again. It would seem that ALL governments should have been more diligent in keeping peace than they were.
After World War I, many nations decided to form a “League of Nations” in order to prevent another war. It didn’t work. After World War II they formed the United Nations for the same purpose–to join together under a charter that would prohibit any nation from making war upon another. If a nation began to cause trouble, they would all join to stop it. It, too, failed. They gave veto power to nations so that one nation could stop the action of the other nations. Russia and her satellites frequently used their veto power and have continually made war in their efforts to overthrow other nations.
The United Nations has been called “man’s last great hope for peace.” But, we have had more wars during the existence of the United Nations than at any other time in history. Rather than promoting peace, it has actually been a means of helping the Soviet promote wars. It has proved to be a contract made with a den of foxes to guard the hen house.
According to prophecy, all the nations of the earth will suffer from the ravages of war, and it will be so terrible that those who remain will “beat their swords into plowshares” to have peace.
But before that day, according to the following prophecies, there will be wars and rumors of wars throughout the land:
[22] New Testament
And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: …. (Matt. 24:6-7)
Doctrine and Covenants:
Ye hear of wars in far countries, and you say that there will soon be great wars in far countries, but ye know not the hearts of men in your own land. (Sec. 38:29)
And in that day shall be heard of wars and rumors of wars, and the whole earth shall be in commotion, …
And there shall be men standing in that generation, that shall not pass until they shall see an overflowing scourge; for a desolating sickness shall cover the land. But my disciples shall stand in holy places, and shall not be moved; but among the wicked, men shall lift up their voices and curse God and die. And there shall be earthquakes also in divers places, and many desolations; yet men will harden their hearts against me, and they will take up the sword, one against another, and they will kill one another. * * *
Ye hear of wars in foreign lands; but, behold, I say unto you, they are nigh, even at your doors, and not many years hence ye shall hear of wars in your own lands. (Sec. 45:26, 31-33, 63)
I have sworn in my wrath, and decreed wars upon the face of the earth, and the wicked shall slay the wicked, and fear shall come upon every man; And the saints also shall hardly escape; nevertheless, I, the Lord, am with them, and will come down in heaven from the presence of my Father and consume the wicked with unquenchable fire. (Sec. 63:33-34)
Therefore, renounce war and proclaim peace, . . .
And again, this is the law that I gave unto mine ancients, that they should not go out unto battle against [23] any nation, kindred, tongue, or people, save I, the Lord, commanded them. And if any nation, tongue, or people should proclaim war against them, they should first lift a standard of peace unto that people, nation, or tongue; (Sec. 98:16, 33-34)
Joseph Smith:
The Lord took of the best blood of the nations and planted them on the small islands now called England and Great Britain, and gave them great power in the nations for a thousand years and their power will continue with them, that they may keep the balance of power and keep Russia from usurping her power over all the world. England and France are now bitter enemies, but they will be allied together and be united to keep Russia from conquering the world. (“White Horse Prophecy”, Visions of the Latter Days, Kraut)
Brigham Young:
I heard Joseph Smith say, nearly thirty years ago, “They shall have mobbing to their hearts content, if they do not redress the wrongs of the Latter-day Saints. Mobs will not decrease, but will increase until the whole government becomes a mob, and eventually it will be State against State, city against city, neighborhood against neighborhood.” . . . it will be Christian against Christian, and man against man, and those who will not take up the sword against their neighbors, must flee to Zion. (Des. News, Vol. 2, May 1, 1861)
Brigham Young:
Do you think there is calamity abroad now among the people? * * * All we have yet heard and all we have experienced is scarcely a preface to the sermon that is going to be preached. Then the testimony of the Elders ceases to be given, and the Lord says to them, “Come [24] home; I will now preach My own sermons to the nations of the earth,” all you now know can scarcely be called a preface to the sermon that will be preached with fire and sword, tempests, earthquake, hail, rain, thunders and lightnings, and fearful destruction. What matters the destruction of a few railway cars? You will hear of magnificent cities, now idolized by the people, sinking in the earth, entombing the inhabitants. The seas will heave itself beyond its bounds, engulfing mighty cities. Famine will spread over the nations, and nation will rise up against nation, kingdom against kingdom, and states against states, in our own country and in foreign lands; and they will destroy each other, caring not for the blood and lives of their neighbors, of their families, or for their own lives. They will be like the Jaredites who preceded the Nephites upon this continent, and will destroy each other to the last man, through the anger that the devil will place in their hearts, because they have rejected the words of life and are given over to Satan to do whatever he listeth to do with them. You may think that the little you hear of now is grievous; yet the faithful of God’s people will see days that will cause them to close their eyes because of the sorrow that will come upon the wicked nations. The hearts of the faithful will be filled with pain and anguish for them. * * * (J.D. 8:123)
Brigham Young:
According to my definition of the word, there is not a strictly and fully civilized community now upon the earth. Is there murder by wholesale to be found in a strictly civilized community? Will a community of civilized nations rise up one against another, nation against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, using against each other every destructive invention that can be brought to bear in their wars? When will they be civilized? Then the Lord shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people; and they shall beat their swords into ploughshares, and their spears into pruninghooks; when nations shall not lift up sword against nation, neither learn war any more. [25] When the world is in a state of true civilization, man will have ceased to contend against his fellow-man, either as individuals, parties, communities, sects, or nations. This state of civilization will be brought about by the holy Priesthood of the Son of God; and men, with full purpose of heart, will seek unto him who is pure and holy, even our great Creator–our Father and God; and he will give them a law that is pure–a government and plan of society possessed by holy beings in heaven. Then there will be no more war, no more bloodshed, no more evil-speaking and evil-doing; but all will be contented to follow in the path of truth, which alone is calculated to exalt and dignify the whole man, mentally and physically, in all his operations, labors, and purposes. Short of this, mankind cannot be said to be truly civilized. (J.D. 8:6-7)
Orson Pratt:
The time will come when there will be no safety in carrying on the peaceable pursuits of farming or agriculture. But these will be neglected, and the people will think themselves well off if they can flee from city to city, from town to town and escape with their lives. Thus will the Lord visit the people, if they will not repent. (J.D. 12:344)
Orson Pratt:
God has sent forth His warning message in the midst of this nation, but they have rejected it and treated His servants with contempt; the Lord has gathered out His people from their midst, and has planted them here in these mountains; and He will speedily fulfill the prophecy in relation to the overthrow of this nation, and their destruction. We shall be obliged to have a government to preserve ourselves in unity and peace; for they, through being wasted away, will not have the power to govern; for state will be divided against state, city against city, town against town, and the whole country will be in terror and confusion; mobocracy will prevail and there will be no security, through this great Republic, for the lives or property of the people. (Des. News, Oct. 2, 1875)
[26] Orson Pratt:
The day will come when the nations of Europe will have warred among themselves sufficiently long, and those despotic governments are torn down, and when the hand of oppression and tyranny has been eased up, and when the principles of religious liberty have become more fully and more widely spread, that the Elders of this Church will traverse all these nations; and then we shall have use for these Seventies that have been organizing so long. * * *
By-and-by the Spirit of God will entirely withdraw from those Gentile nations, and leave them to themselves. Then they will find something else to do besides warring against the Saints in their midst–besides raising their sword and fighting against the Lamb of God; for then war will commence in earnest, and such a war as probably never entered into the hearts of men in our age to conceive of. No nation of the Gentiles upon the face of the whole earth but what will be engaged in deadly war, except the Latter-day Kingdom. They will be fighting one against another. And when that day comes, the Jews will flee to Jerusalem, and those nations will almost use one another up, and those of them who are left will be burned; for that will be the last sweeping judgment that is to go over the earth to cleanse it from wickedness. (J.D. 7:186, 188)
Orson Pratt:
When that day shall come (when the missionaries will be called home) there shall be wars, not such wars as have come in centuries and years that are past and gone, but a desolating war. When I say desolating, I mean that it will lay these European nations in waste. Cities will be left vacated, without inhabitants. The people will be destroyed by the sword of their own hands. Not only this but many other cities will be burned; for when contending armies are wrought up with the terrible anger, without the Spirit of God upon them, when they have not that spirit of humanity that now characterizes many of the wars [27] amongst the nations, when they are left to themselves, there will be no quarter given, no prisoners taken, but a war of destruction, of desolation, of the burning of the cities and villages, until the land is laid desolate. * * *
But what about the American nation? That war that destroyed the lives of some fifteen or sixteen hundred thousand people <Civil War> was nothing compared to that which will eventually devastate that country. The time is not very far distant in the future, when the Lord God will lay His hand heavily upon that nation. … What then will be the condition of that people, when this great and terrible war shall come? It will be very different from the war between the North and the South. Do you wish me to describe it? I will do so. It will be a war of neighborhood against neighborhood, city against city, town against town, county against county, state against state, and they will go forth, destroying and being destroyed and manufacturing will, in a great measure, cease, for a time among the American nation. Why? Because in these terrible wars, they will not be privileged to manufacture, there will be too much bloodshed, too much mobocracy, too much going forth in bands and destroying and pillaging the land to suffer people to pursue any local vocation with any degree of safety. What will become of millions of the farmers upon that land? They will leave their farms and they will remain uncultivated,and they will flee before the ravaging armies from place to place; and thus will they go forth burning and pillaging the whole country; and that great and powerful nation, now consisting of some forty millions of people, will be wasted away, unless they repent. * * *
They must perish, unless they repent. They will be wasted away, and the fulness of the wrath of Almighty God will be poured out upon them, unless they repent. Their cities will be left desolate. A time is coming when the great and populous city of New York–the greatest city of the American Republic–will be left without inhabitants. The houses will stand, some of them, not all. They will stand there, but unoccupied, no people to inherit them. lt will be the same in regard to numerous other cities,… (1879, J.D. 20:150-152)
[28] Orson Pratt:
But if you <England> will not, as a nation, repent, and unite yourselves with God’s kingdom, then the days are near at hand, when the righteous shall be gathered out of your midst; and woe unto you when that day shall come! For it shall be a day of vengeance upon the British nation; and your armies shall perish; your maritime forces shall cease; your cities shall be ravaged, burned, and made desolate, and your strongholds shall be thrown down; the poor shall rise against the rich, and their storehouses and their fine mansions shall be pillaged, their merchandise, and their gold, and their silver, and their rich treasures, shall be plundered; then shall the Lords, the Nobles, and the merchants of the land, and all in high places, be brought down, and shall sit in the dust, and howl for the miseries that shall be upon them; and they that trade by sea shall lament and mourn; for their traffic shall cease. And thus shall the Lord Almighty visit you, because of your great wickedness in rejecting His servants and His kingdom; and if you continue to harden your hearts, your remnants which shall be left, shall be consumed as the dry stubble before the devouring flame, and all the land shall be cleansed by the fire of the Lord, that the filthiness thereof may no more come up before Him. (Mill. Star 19:680)
Jedediah M. Grant:
Consequently, when we see nation stirred up against nation, and on the other hand see other nations exerting a powerful influence to bring about negotiations of peace, shall we say they can bring it about? Do we expect they can stay the onward course of war? The prophet of God has spoken it all, and we expect to see the work go on–and see all things fulfilled as the prophets have declared by the spirit of prophecy in them. * * *
Three days before the Prophet Joseph started for Carthage, I well remember his telling us we should see the fulfillment of the words of Jesus upon the earth, where He [29] says the father shall be against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, . . . and when a man’s enemies shall be those of his own household.
The Prophet stood in his own house when he told several of us of the night the visions of heaven were opened to him, in which he saw the American continent drenched in blood, and he saw nation rising against nation. He also saw the father shed the blood of the son, and the son shed the blood of the father; the mother put to death the daughter, and the daughter the mother; and natural affection forsook the hearts of the wicked; for he saw that the Spirit of God should be withdrawn from the inhabitants of the earth, in consequence of which there should be blood upon the face of the whole earth, except among the people of the Most High. The Prophet gazed upon the scene his vision represented, until his heart sickened and he besought the Lord to close it up again.
When we hear of war in foreign lands–when we hear of the revolutions among nations afar off, we necessarily infer that distresses incident to war and the hottest of the battle will not come nigh unto us. lt is natural for man to make favorable conclusions as to his own safety, when danger threatens, but the Prophet saw in the vision, that war and distress of nations will not only occur in Europe, in Asia, and in the islands of the sea, but he saw it upon the American Continent–in the region of country where he first introduced the doctrine of the Son of God; so we may look for calamity in our own borders, in our own nation, as well as in the nations of foreign climes. (1854, J.D. 2:146-47)
John Taylor:
Were we surprised when the last terrible war <Civil War> took place here in the United States? No; . .. You will see worse things than that, for God will lay His hand upon this nation, and they will feel it more terribly than ever they have done before. There will be more bloodshed, more ruin, more devastation than ever they have seen before. Write it down! You will see it come to pass; it is [30] only just starting …. there is yet to come a sound of war, trouble and distress, in which brother will be arrayed against brother, father against son, son against father, a scene of desolation and destruction that will permeate our land until it will be a vexation to hear the report thereof. (1879, J.D. 20:318)
Wilford Woodruff:
The judgments of God will now begin to rest more fully upon this nation and will be increased upon it, year by year. Calamities will come speedily upon it and it will be visited with thunder, lightning, storms, whirlwinds, floods, pestilence, plagues, war and devouring fire; the wicked will slay the wicked until the wicked are wasted away. (Life of Wilford Woodruff, Cowley, p. 373)
[31] Chapter 4
DESTRUCTIONS, DISASTERS, AND DESOLATION
In the latter days the judgments of God will be manifest through a variety of destructions. Several of these will be through natural elements, over which man has no control. Plagues, earthquakes, hail and other disasters will combine together showing the terrible judgments of God to all the inhabitants of the earth.
When such destructions are brought upon a people or a nation, other troubles result. Work is stopped, businesses close, transportation is halted, farming ceases. Why, we may ask, do these calamities come upon mankind? Is there a divine purpose for such destruction?
The answer can be understood only by those who comprehend the words of God. To the ungodly such judgments have no significant meaning. But oftentimes God brings about destruction to precede His reconstruction. When the good and evil are mixed together, it is often necessary to destroy the evil so that good might be preserved. God’s work and His glory is “to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man,” and occasionally he must use these methods to bring about His work. Calamities are not always executed to punish the wicked, nor to avenge the righteous. They are also God’s method of purifying and preserving.
[32] New Testament:
And the angel took the censer, and filled it with fire of the altar, and cast it into the earth: and there were voices, and thunderings, and lightnings, and an earthquake. (Rev. 8:5)
And there were voices, and thunders, and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great. (Rev. 16:18)
Doctrine and Covenants:
For a desolating scourge shall go forth among the inhabitants of the earth, and shall continue to be poured out from time to time, if they repent not, until the earth is empty, and the inhabitants thereof are consumed away and utterly destroyed by the brightness of my coming.
Behold, I tell you these things, even as I also told the people of the destruction of Jerusalem; and my word shall be verified at this time as it hath hitherto been verified. (Sec. 5:19-20)
The sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall be turned into blood, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and there shall be greater signs in heaven above and in the earth beneath;
And there shall be weeping and wailing among the hosts of men; And there shall be a great hailstorm sent forth to destroy the crops of the earth.
And it shall come to pass, because of the wickedness of the world, that I will take vengeance upon the wicked, for they will not repent; for the cup of mine indignation is full; for behold, my blood shall not cleanse them if they hear me not.
Wherefore, I the Lord God will send forth flies upon the face of the earth, which shall take hold of the habitants thereof, and shall eat their flesh, and shall cause maggots to come in upon them;
[33] And their tongues shall be stayed that they shall not utter against me; and their flesh shall fall from off their bones, and their eyes from their sockets;
And it shall come to pass that the beasts of the forest and the fowls of the air shall devour them up. (Sec. 29:14-20)
How oft have I called upon you… by mine own voice, and by the voice of thunderings, and by the voice of lightnings, and by the voice of tempests, and by the voice of earthquakes, and great hailstorms, and by the voice of famines and pestilences of every kind, and by the great sound of a trump, and by the voice of judgment, and by the voice of mercy all the day long, and by the voice of glory and honor and the riches of eternal life, and would have saved you with an everlasting salvation, but ye would not!
Behold, the day has come, when the cup of the wrath of mine indignation is full. (Sec. 43:25-26)
And there shall be earthquakes also in divers places, and many desolations; yet men will harden their hearts against me, and they will take up the sword, one against another, and they will kill one another. (Sec. 45:33)
I, the Almighty, have laid my hands upon the nations, to scourge them for their wickedness.
And plagues shall go forth, and they shall not be taken from the earth until I have completed my work, which shall be cut short in righteousness. (Sec. 84:96-97)
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. (Sec. 87:6)
[34] And after your testimony cometh wrath and indignation upon the people.
For after your testimony cometh the testimony of earthquakes, that shall cause groanings in the midst of her, and men shall fail upon the ground and shall not be able to stand.
And also cometh the testimony of the voice of thunderings, and the voice of lightnings, and the voice of tempests, and the voice of the waves of the sea heaving themselves beyond their bounds.
And all things shall be in commotion; and surely men’s hearts shall fail them; for fear shall come upon all people. (Sec. 88:88-91)
The Lord’s scourge shall pass over by night and by day, and the report thereof shall vex all people; yea, it shall not be stayed until the Lord come;
For the indignation of the Lord is kindled against their abominations and all their wicked works.
Nevertheless, Zion shall escape if she observe to do all things whatsoever I have commanded her.
But if she observe not to do whatsoever I have commanded her, I will visit her according to all her works, with sore affliction, with pestilence, with plague, with sword, with vengeance, with devouring fire. (Sec. 97: 23-26)
Joseph Smith:
Behold I speak for mine elect’s sake; for nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. (J.S. 1:29)
He <Moroni> commenced, and again related the very same things which he had done at his first visit, without the least variation; which having done, he informed me of great judgments which were coming upon the earth, with great desolations by famine, sword, and pestilence; and that these grievous judgments would come on the earth in this generation. (J.S. 2:45)
[35] Joseph Smith:
<I> Explained concerning the coming of the Son of Man; also that it is a false idea that the Saints will escape all the judgments, whilst the wicked suffer; for all flesh is subject to suffer, and “the righteous shall hardly escape;” still many of the Saints will escape, for the just shall live by faith; yet many of the righteous shall fall a prey to disease, to pestilence, etc., by reason of the weakness of the flesh, and yet be saved in the Kingdom of God. So that it is an unhallowed principle to say that such and such have transgressed because they have been preyed upon by disease or death, for all flesh is subject to death; and the Savior has said, “Judge not, lest ye be judged.” (D.H.C. 4:11)
Brigham Young:
There is one principle I would like to have the Latter-day Saints perfectly understand–that is, of blessings and cursings. For instance, we read that war, pestilence, plagues, famine, etc., will be visited upon the inhabitants of the earth; but if distress through the judgments of God comes upon this people, it will be because the majority have turned away from the Lord. Let the majority of the people turn away from the Holy Commandments which the Lord has delivered to us, and cease to hold the balance of power in the Church, and we may expect the judgments of God to come upon us; but while six-tenths or three-fourths of this people will keep the commandments of God, the curse and judgments of the Almighty will never come upon them, though we will have trials of various kinds, and the elements to contend with–natural and spiritual elements. While this people will strive to serve God according to the best of their abilities, they will fare better, have more to eat and to wear, have better houses to live in, better associations, and enjoy themselves better than the wicked ever do or ever will do. (J.D. 10:335-36)
[36] Heber C. Kimball:
. . . there is not an Elder here who has read the revelation which says, “Go forth and warn the inhabitants of this land of the sickness, the death, and disasters that are coming upon this nation,” but what must be satisfied of the truth of what I am saying. You have done according to the instruction given in that revelation; and now reflect upon the things that I am declaring in your hearing, and lift up your voices unitedly as a people to the God of Heaven that He will be merciful unto us and favor Zion. Be wise, listen to counsel, and obey the voice of the head, and you will prosper and never want for bread; but, as the Lord liveth, you will feel it, if you do not continue in the line of duty. (President Brigham Young: “That is true.”)
Yes, it is as true as it is that God ever spake to this generation. (J.D. 5:20-21)
Heber C. Kimball:
The judgments of God will be poured out upon the wicked to that extent that our Elders from far and near will be called home, or, in other words, the Gospel will be taken from the Gentiles and later on will be carried to the Jews. The western boundaries of the state of Missouri will be swept so clean of its inhabitants that as President Young tells us, when we return to that place there will not be so much as a yellow dog to wag his tail. Before that day comes, however, the Saints will be put to the test that will try the best of them. The pressure will be so great that the righteous among us will cry unto the Lord day and night until deliverance comes. Then is the time to look out for the great sieve for there will be a great sifting time and many will fall. This Church has before it many close places through which it will have to pass before the work of God is crowned with glory. You cannot endure on borrowed light. Each will have to be guided by the light within themselves. If you do not have a knowledge that Jesus is the Christ, how can you stand? Do you believe it? (See Gen. Conf. Rept., Oct. 3-5, 1930, p. 59.)
[37] Wilford Woodruff:
Thus saith the Lord through the mouth of Joseph Smith the Prophet, who sealed his testimony with his blood, and his testimony from that hour has been in force upon the world. Know ye, Latter-day Saints, that the Lord will not disappoint you or this generation with regard to the fulfillment of his promises. No matter whether they have been uttered by his own voice out of the heavens, by the ministration of angels or by the voice of his servants in the flesh, it is the same; and though the earth pass away, not one jot or tittle of his word will fall unfulfilled. There is no prophecy of scripture of any private interpretation, but holy men of old spoke as they were moved upon by the Holy Ghost, and their words will be fulfilled to the very letter, and it certainly is time that we prepare ourselves for that which is to come. Great things await this generation–both Zion and Babylon. All these revelations concerning the fall of Babylon will have their fulfillment. Forty-five years ago, in speaking to the Church, the Lord said: “You are clean, but not all, and I am not well pleased with any who are not clean, because all flesh is corrupted before my face, and darkness prevails among all the nations of the earth.” This causes silence to reign, and all eternity is pained. The angels of God are waiting to fulfill the great commandment given forty-five years ago, to go forth and reap down the earth because of the wickedness of men. How to you think eternity feels today? Why, there is more wickedness, a thousand times over, in the United States now, than when that revelation was given.The whole earth is ripe in iniquity; and these inspired men, these Elders of Israel, have been commanded of the Almighty to go forth and warn the world, that their garments may be clear of the blood of all men.
I tell you that God will not disappoint Zion or Babylon, the heavens or the earth, in regard to the judgments which He has promised in these last days, but every one of them will have its fulfillment upon the heads of the children of men; and when they are fully ripened in iniquity, the nations of the earth will be swept away as with the besom of destruction. (J.D. 18:127-28)
[38] Wilford Woodruff:
The Lord then poured out His spirit upon me and opened the vision of my mind so that I could comprehend in a great measure the mind and will of God concerning the nation and concerning the inhabitants of Zion. I saw the wickedness of the nation, its abominations and corruptions and the judgments of God and the destruction that awaited it….
On January 28th I was again given a vision. It concerned the destiny of our nation and of Zion. My pillow was again wet by a fountain of tears as I beheld the judgments of God upon the wicked. I was strongly impressed that the Apostles and elders should warn the inhabitants of the earth. (Wilford Woodruff, by Cowley, pp. 530-31)
Wilford Woodruff:
I have already revealed my will concerning this nation through the mouth of my servant Joseph, who sealed his testimony with his own blood, which testimony has been in force upon all the world from the hour of his death. What I the Lord have revealed in that testament and decreed upon this nation and upon all the nations of the earth, shall be fulfilled, saith the Lord of hosts. I the Lord have spoken and will be obeyed. My purposes shall be fulfilled upon this nation and no power shall stay My hand. The hour is at the door when My wrath and indignation will be poured out upon the wicked of this nation. Their murders, blasphemies, lying, whoredoms, and abominations have come up before my face and before the heavens, and the wrath of my indignation is full. * * *
And thus, with the sword and by bloodshed, and with famine and plagues and earthquakes and the thunder of heaven and the vivid lightnings shall this nation and the nations of the earth be made to feel the chastening hand of an Almighty God until they are broken up and destroyed and wasted away from under heaven, and no power can stay my hand. (Journal of Wilford Woodruff, Jan. 25, 1880)
[39] Wilford Woodruff:
You are to become men and women, fathers and mothers; yea, the day will come, after your fathers, and these prophets and apostles are dead, you will have the privilege of going into the towers of a glorious Temple built unto the name of the Most High (pointing in the direction of the bench), east of us upon the Logan bench; and while you stand in the towers of the Temple and your eyes survey this glorious valley filled with cities and villages, occupied by tens of thousands of Latter-day Saints, you will then call to mind this visitation of President Young and his company. You will say: That was in the days when Presidents Benson and Maughan presided over us; that was before New York was destroyed by an earthquake. It was before Boston was swept into the sea, by the sea heaving itself beyond its bounds; it was before Albany was destroyed by fire; yea, at that time you will remember the scenes of this day. Treasure them up and forget them not. President Young followed and said, “What Brother Woodruff has said is revelation and will be fulfilled.” (Des. News 33:678; see J.D. 21:299.)
Orson Pratt:
It is not only a Gospel to be preached to all the nations of the earth, but in connection with it you will have to make proclamation connected with it, to all people, to fear God and give glory to him, for the hour of his judgment is come. And as these judgments come, kingdoms and thrones will be cast down and overturned. Empire will war with empire, kingdom with kingdom, and city with city, and there will be one general revolution throughout the earth, the Jews fleeing to their own country, desolation coming upon the wicked, with the swiftness of whirlwinds and fury poured out. (J.D. 14:65-66)
[40] Charles W. Penrose:
Through the rejection of this Gospel, which “shall be preached to all the world as a witness” of the coming of Christ, the world will increase in confusion, doubt, and horrible strife. As the upright in heart, the meek of the earth, withdraw from their midst, so will the Spirit of God also be withdrawn from them. The darkness upon their minds in relation to eternal things will become blacker, nations will engage in frightful and bloody warfare, the crimes which are now becoming so frequent will be of continual occurrence, the ties that bind together families and kindred will be disregarded and violated, the passions of human nature will be put to the vilest uses, the very elements around will seem to be affected by the national and social convulsions that will agitate the world, and storms, earthquakes, and appalling disasters by sea and land will cause terror and dismay among the people; new diseases will silently eat their ghastly way through the ranks of the wicked; the earth, soaked with gore and defiled with the filthiness of her inhabitants, will begin to withhold her fruits in their season; the waves of the sea will heave themselves beyond their bounds, and all things will be in commotion; and in the midst of all these calamities, the masterminds among nations will be taken away, and fear will take hold of the hearts of all men. (Mill. Star 21:582)
Orson F. Whitney:
The gospel saves all who are willing to be saved, and who show their willingness by their obedience, their faith by their works. It also aims to save the unwilling and the disobedient–here if possible, and if not here, then hereafter. Wars and other woes are sent to put a stop to men’s evil practices, lest they add sin to sin and pile up guilt to their greater condemnation. To be swept off the earth and ministered to in the spirit world, is not the worst fate that can befall the wicked. Omnipotence wields the powers of destruction in such a way as to make of them instruments of salvation. It may seem cruel, but in reality, it is kind. (Saturday Night Thoughts, pp. 202-03)
[41] Chapter 5
FAMINE AND FOOD STORAGE
Famines have been one of the greatest scourges ever to befall mankind. This peril has been caused by man himself and also by the judgments of God. It has been created by armies of men who loot and steal food from others (Deut. 28:15 and 2 Kings 6:25); or by the deliberate withholding of food from men and nations. Frequently, it is caused by the lack of rain, such as occurred in Egypt while Joseph was there. Occasionally it is brought about by floods or hail (Ex. 9:23-25) or by fire. In any event, it often is followed by other related miseries, such as panic and disease (I Kings 8:37; Jer. 14:12), looting, and even killing.
But through these means, God can accomplish His will and purposes. By means of a famine, God raised up Joseph to a position of authority and influence in Egypt and then brought all the families of Israel into that land to be preserved. (Gen. 41:47)
Jesus said that famine would be one of the “signs” of the last days. By this means God will destroy the wicked and preserve His people.
[42] Ancient Famines
Old Testament:
<Referring to Genesis chaps. 41-44>
If the King of Egypt had not observed the counsels of Joseph, almost the whole people would have been destroyed. As it was, those who did not obey Joseph’s counsel were under the necessity of selling all their property, and ultimately themselves, for slaves to the king, in order to obtain that bread which they could have laid up during the seven years of plenty, if they had obeyed Joseph’s counsel. Now brethren, let us not treat this subject lightly. (George A. Smith, J.D. 12:142)
Joseph’s brethren never voted to make him governor over them; but he was elected to that office by a joint ballot of wheat and corn. (Orson Hyde, J.D. 2:206)
And Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the inhabitants of Gilead said unto Ahab, As the Lord God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years but according to my word. (I Kings 17:1)
Therefore, thus saith the Lord concerning the prophets that prophesy in my name, and I sent them not, yet they say, Sword and famine shall not be in this land; by sword and famine shall those prophets be consumed. (Jer. 14:15)
Book of Mormon:
My <Lehi’s> heart hath been, weighed down with sorrow from time to time, for I have feared, lest for the hardness of your hearts. . . that a cursing should come upon you for the space of many generations; and ye are visited by sword, and by famine, and are hated, and are led according to the will and captivity of the devil. (2 Nephi 1:17-18)
[43] Therefore, as they were unfaithful they did not prosper nor progress in their journey, but were driven back, and incurred the displeasure of God upon them; and therefore, they were smitten with famine and sore afflictions, to stir them up in remembrance of their duty. (Mosiah 1:17)
And yet, I <Zeniff> being over-zealous to inherit the land of our fathers, collected as many as were desirous to go up to possess the land, and started again on our journey into the wilderness to go up to the land; but we were smitten with famine and sore afflictions; for we were slow to remember the Lord our God. (Mosiah 9:3)
Behold, thou art Nephi, and I am God. Behold, l declare it unto thee in the presence of mine angels, that ye shall have power over this people, and shall smite the earth with famine, and with pestilence, and destruction, according to the wickedness of this people. (Helaman 10:6)
O Lord, do not suffer that this people shall be destroyed by the sword; but O Lord, rather let there be a famine in the land, to stir them up in remembrance of the Lord their God, and perhaps they will repent and turn unto thee.
And so it was done, according to the words of Nephi. And there was a great famine upon the land, …
For the earth was smitten that it was dry, and did not yield forth grain in the season of grain; and the whole earth was smitten, . . .that they did perish by thousands in the more wicked parts of the land.
And it came to pass that the people saw that they were about to perish by famine, and they began to remember the Lord their God; . . .
. . . they would say unto Nephi: Behold, we know that thou art a man of God, and therefore cry unto the Lord our God that he turn away from us this famine, lest all the words which thou hast spoken concerning our destruction be fulfilled.
[44] . . . when Nephi saw that the people had repented and did humble themselves in sackcloth, he cried again unto the Lord, saying:
. . . O Lord, wilt thou turn away thine anger, yea, thy fierce anger, and cause that this famine may cease in this land.
Yea, O Lord, and thou seest that they have repented, because of the famine and the pestilence and destruction which has come unto them.
. . the Lord did turn away his anger from the people, and caused that rain should fall upon the earth, insomuch that it did bring forth her fruit . . . .
And behold, the people did rejoice and glorify God . . . . (See Helaman 11:4-18.)
And thus we see that except the Lord doth chasten his people with many afflictions, yea, except he doth visit them with death and with terror, and with famine and with all manner of pestilence, they will not remember him. (Helaman 12:3)
And there came prophets in the land again, crying repentance unto them <Jaredites>–that they must prepare the way of the Lord or there should be a great famine, in which they should be destroyed if they did not repent. But the people believed not the words of the prophets, but they cast them out; and some of them they cast into pits and left them to perish. And it came to pass that they did all these things according to the commandment of the king, Heth. And it came to pass that there began to be a great dearth upon the land, and the inhabitants began to be destroyed exceeding fast because of the dearth, for there was no rain upon the face of the earth. (Ether 9:28-30)
And it came to pass that when they had humbled themselves sufficiently before the Lord, he did send rain upon the face of the earth; and the people began to revive again, and there began to be fruit in the north countries, and in all the countries round about. And the Lord did show forth his power unto them in preserving them from famine. (Ether 9:35)
[45] And they <Jaredites> hearkened not unto the voice of the Lord, because of their wicked combinations; wherefore, there began to be wars and contentions in all the land, and also many famines and pestilences, insomuch that there was a great destruction, such as one as never had been known upon the face of the earth; and all this came to pass in the days of Shiblom. (Ether 11:7)
Future Famines
New Testament:
For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows. (Matt. 24:7-8)
Joseph Smith:
And now I am prepared to say by the authority of Jesus Christ, that not many years shall pass away, before the United States shall present such a scene of bloodshed as has not a parallel in the history of our nation; pestilence, hail, famine, and earthquake will sweep the wicked of this generation from off the face of the land, to open and prepare the way for the return of the lost tribes of Israel from the North country. (T.P.J.S., p. 17)
Joseph Smith:
I saw blood, desolation, fires. The Son of Man has said that the mother shall be against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother. These things are at our doors. They will follow the Saints of God from city to city. Satan will rage, and the spirit of the devil is now enraged. I know not how soon these things will take place; but with a view of them, shall I cry peace? No; I will lift up my voice and testify of them. How long you will have [46] good crops, and the famine be kept off, I do not know; when the fig tree leaves, know then that the summer is nigh at hand. (T.P.J.S., p. 161)
Joseph Smith:
Peace will be taken from the earth and there will be no peace only in the Rocky Mountains. This will cause many thousands of the honest in heart to gather there; not because they would be saints, but for safety and because they would not take up the sword against their neighbor.
You will be so numerous that you will be in danger of famine, but not for the want of seed time and harvest, but because of so many to be fed. Many will come with bundles under their arms to escape the calamities, and there will be no escape except by fleeing to Zion. (“White Horse Prophecy”, Visions of the Latter Days, Kraut, p. 9)
Heber C. Kimball:
Joseph warned the people of a famine that was coming on the land, and laid up corn; so Brigham and Heber have taught you that we are going to see a day similar to that, but more terrible–more awful! (J.D. 5:174)
Heber C. Kimball:
Am I looking for famines? Yes, the most terrible and severe that have ever come upon the nations of the earth. These things are right before us, and some of this people are not thinking anything about them; they do not enter their hearts. (J.D. 5:20)
Orson Hyde:
Famine shall sorely oppress them–confusion and war shall make their hearts to faint, and their knees to tremble. Would to God that our nation had never given cause for the distress which they now only begin to suffer! Would to God that they, chiefly for their sakes, [47] had never provoked the anger of the Almighty by killing our prophets, and casting out our people. * * * They burned our hay and our houses; and left our sick, our women and children in the scorching sun and beating rain, without food or shelter. We told them when they did it, that we would have wheat when they had none. When these poor starving thousands flock here for food, will it not he glory enough for you to begin with, to feed them, to give them shelter, and administer to their sick? Will not such coals of fire heaped upon their heads be hot enough to satisfy your righteous indignation? If you will do as you are told, your eyes shall witness just such scenes! You may ask, “When shall these things be?” Answer: Just so soon as you can possibly lay up the wheat. (J.D. 2:206)
Food Storage
Brigham Young:
We have said much to the people with regard to laying up provisions to last them a few years. This is our duty now; it has been our duty for years. How many of our bishops have provisions laid up for one year, two years, or seven years? There may be a few bishops who have got their grain laid away to last their families a year, but the great majority of them have not. The people do, or should look to their bishops for example. Each bishop should be an example to his ward. If the bishop of a ward lays up wheat to last his family a year, two years, or seven years, as the case may be, his neighbors on the right and on the left will be very apt to do the same; they will very likely build good bins and try to fill them. (J.D. 12:106)
Brigham Young:
For years past it has been sounded in my ears, year after year, to lay up grain, so that we might have an [48] abundance in the day of want. Perhaps the Lord would bring a partial famine on us; perhaps a famine would come upon our neighbors. * * *
View the actions of the Latter-day Saints on this matter, and their neglect of the counsel given; and suppose the Lord would allow these insects to destroy our crops this season and the next, what would be the result? I can see death, misery and want on the faces of this people. But some may say, “I have faith the Lord will turn them away.” What ground have we to hope this? Have I any good reason to say to my Father in heaven, “Fight my battles,” when He has given me the sword to wield, the arm and the brain that I can fight for myself? Can I ask Him to fight my battles and sit quietly down waiting for Him to do so? I cannot. I can pray the people to hearken to wisdom, to listen to counsel; but to ask God to do for me that which I can do for myself is preposterous to my mind. * * *
I have never promised a famine to the Latter-day Saints, if we will do half right. You have never heard it drop from my lips that a famine would come upon this people. There never will, if we will only do half right,…
Just as sure as the Lord lives we are going to see times when our neighbors around us will be in want. But some may say, here have ten years, twenty years, thirty years gone, and the sayings of Joseph and the Apostles have not all come to pass. If they have not all been fulfilled, they all will be fulfilled. When we saw the flaming sword unsheathed in the terrible war between the north and the south, we could see in it the fulfillment in part of the prophecies of Joseph. But when peace comes for a short time we forget all about it, like a person who comes into the Church because of seeing a miracle. If he has professed an obedience to the gospel and a belief in its principles because he saw a miracle performed, he would need another in a day or two to continue him in his belief; and he wants a repetition of miracles to keep him in the Church. Let peace continue for a few years, and the prediction of Joseph spoken of would be forgotten by all but a few. So it is with us, comparatively. Let [49] crickets, or grasshoppers, or frost, or anything else come and destroy our crops, and we feel it then; but just as soon as prosperity comes we forget what has happened.***
It is just as consistent to expect that the Lord will supply us with fruit when we do not plant the trees; or that, when we do not plow and sow and are saved the labor of harvesting, we should cry to the Lord to save us from want, as to ask Him to save us from the consequences of our own folly, disobedience and waste. (J.D. 12:240-244, excerpts)
Brigham Young:
Years ago, Brother Kimball counseled the people to lay up two years’ provisions, and then enough for four, for six and for seven years. I have it now, and I am dealing it out. (J.D. 12:219)
I had my seven years’ breadstuffs on hand last year; but I have to deal it out, and I will deal it out to the last bushel, and try my faith with my brethren. (J.D. 12:243)
Heber C. Kimball:
Brethren, go and build your storehouses before your grain is harvested, and lay it up, and let us never cease until we have got a seven years’ supply. You may think that we shall not see times in which we shall need it. ***
Let us go to work, every man and women of us and lay up our stores, and build good store-houses, and increase. If we will do this, brethren, we will have some of the finest seasons you ever saw. Our grain will increase, and we will lay a foundation for the world and the ungodly, and we will buy them for our servants. They will be glad to come and work for us for bread, and each one of us will be like Joseph in Egypt was to his father’s house. They will come to us and buy grain and the good things of the world; for I know that we are the people who have got to do that thing. (J.D. 4:337-338)
[50] Heber C. Kimball:
This is part of our religion–to lay up stores and provide for ourselves and for the surrounding country; for the day is near when they will come by thousands and by millions, with their fineries, to get a little bread. * * *
Suppose it is not coming, will it hurt you to lay up the products of the earth for seven years? Will it hurt you, if you have your guns, swords, and spears in good condition, according to the law of the United States? (J.D. 5:163-164)
Wilford Woodruff:
There is another word of the Lord unto me, and which has been like fire shut up in my bones for the last three months; that is, to call upon all the inhabitants of these mountains, so far as I have an opportunity, to go to and lay up their grain, that they may have bread. For the last three months I have not felt as if I could answer my own feelings, unless at every meeting I have attended I called upon the farmers to lay up their grain. “Oh yes,” say some, “Heber C. Kimball cried, ‘famine, famine’ for years, and it has not come yet? Well, bless your soul, there is more room for it to come. “Who am I, saith the Lord, that I promise and do not fulfill?” The day will come when if this people do not lay up their bread, they will be sorry for it. The Lord has felt after us in days past and gone by the visitation of grasshoppers and crickets, time after time, and had it not been for his mercy we should have had famine on our heads long before this. It is the duty of the farmers in this valley not to sell their bread, or to throw it away for a song, but to lay it up, or you will find that the day is not a great way off when you will need it. That is the voice of the Lord to me, and it is the way I have felt for a good while, and I believe it is the same to my brethren. (J.D. 18:127)
[51] Orson Hyde:
There is more salvation and security in wheat, than in all the political schemes of the world, and also more power in it than in all the contending armies of the nations. Raise wheat and lay it up in store till it will bring a good price; not dollars and cents, but kingdoms, countries, peoples, tribes, and tongues. “They have sold themselves for naught, and must be redeemed without money!” It will take wheat to redeem them! Raise wheat and lay it up securely, and it will preach the “gathering” more eloquently, successfully, and extensively than all the missionaries that we can send out to sweep through the nations, with the proclamation of the judgments of God abroad in the land! (J.D. 2:207)
George A. Smith:
I wish to call the attention of the conference to the test of President Young in relation to storing our wheat. This is a question of vast importance. A few years ago President Young gave counsel to the people of the Territory–most of whom agreed to it–to lay by seven years’ provisions. We were to have commenced three years ago, and were to have laid up one year’s bread over and above the year’s supply. The following year we were to add another year’s supply, and so have continued until we had our seven years’ supply laid up. How faithful the people have been in keeping this counsel I am not prepared to say, but I am afraid that few men in Israel, even among those who have raised breadstuffs and have had the power to control considerable quantities of it, had three years’ bread laid aside when the grasshoppers made their descent this season and swept off half the grains, vegetables, and fruit raised in the Territory, and were prepared if the whole had been swept off, to live for the next three years without laying in more bread. * * *
Now, brethren, let us not treat this subject lightly. If we have been neglectful in times past, let us remember that we live in a high altitude, in a country subject to [52] frost and to extreme drouth, that we have several times lost our crops, and that we have twice been reduced to famine or half rations through the crickets or grasshoppers. Let us heed the counsel given about storing up provisions, and, instead of freighting our food away to feed strangers, let us go to work and build good substantial granaries, and fill them with bread-stuff until every man and woman has enough on hand to last for seven years. * * *
I look upon the subject of storing grain and other kinds of food as a very religious matter. How could a man who was half starved enjoy his religion? How on the face of the earth could a man enjoy his religion when he had been told by the Lord how to prepare for a day of famine, when, instead of doing so, he had fooled away that which would have sustained him and his family. I wish our brethren to lay this matter to heart, and not to rest until they have obeyed this particular item of counsel. (J.D. 12:141-142)
Brigham H. Roberts:
. . . it was during these years, I say, that the wise policy was inaugurated of storing up grain each year “against a day of famine”–a policy which though now sometime since abandoned by individuals, . . . (C.H.C. 4:112)
[53] Chapter 6
AMERICA’S DESTINY
The Lord has revealed through His prophets the fate of America. As corruption, wickedness, and rebellion against God continue, the closer we come to the fulfillment of those prophecies concerning the destruction of America. This is a choice land–dedicated to God; but according to the prophecies of the Book of Mormon, there will be an overthrow of this nation and government with a great war that will destroy nearly all the people. The Book of Mormon was given to this generation as a warning so that the inhabitants would not be guilty of the same sins and crimes that were formerly committed and recorded in that book.
In the mid-1800’s the people of this nation never thought they would see America become divided in a civil war, but Mormon missionaries published and preached about the revelation in which God revealed the place, events and outcome of that war 30 years before it happened. The Civil War was only a preface to the wars that would happen on this continent if they did not repent. The Prophet Joseph warned that–
A terrible revolution will take place in the land of America, such as has never been seen before; for the land will literally be left without a supreme government and every species of wickedness will run rampant ….(“White Horse Prophecy”)
These events are at our doors. The fulfillment of these prophecies is to accomplish (1) the destruction of the wicked, (2) the purification of the people of God, and (3) the preparation for the Millennial reign of the government of God on the earth.
[54] Book of Mormon:
And he had sworn in his wrath unto the brother of Jared, that whoso should possess this land of promise, from that time henceforth and forever, should serve him, the true and only God, or they should be swept off when the fulness of his wrath should come upon them.
And now, we can behold the decrees of God concerning this land, that it is a land of promise; and whatsoever nation shall possess it shall serve God, or they shall be swept off when the fullness of his wrath shall come upon there. And the fullness of his wrath cometh upon them when they are ripened in iniquity.
For behold, this is a land which is choice above all other lands; wherefore he that doth possess it shall serve God or shall be swept off; for it is the everlasting decree of God. And it is not until the fulness of iniquity among the children of the land, that they are swept off.
And this cometh unto you, O ye Gentiles, that ye may know the decrees of God–that ye may repent, and not continue in your iniquities until the fulness come, that ye may not bring down the fulness of the wrath of God upon you as the inhabitants of the land have hitherto done.
Behold, this is a choice land, and whatsoever nation shall possess it shall be free from bondage, and from captivity, and from all other nations under heaven, if they will but serve the God of the land, who is Jesus Christ, who hath been manifested by the things which we have written. (Ether 2:8-12)
Doctrine and Covenants:
Let the bishop (Newel K. Whitney) go into the city of New York, and also the city of Albany, and also to the city of Boston, and warn the people of those cities with the sound of the gospel, with a loud voice, of the desolation and utter abolishment which awaits them if they do reject these things; for if they do reject these things the hour of their judgment is nigh, and their house shall be left unto them desolate. (Sec. 84:114)
[55] Thy brethren have rejected you and your testimony, even the nation that has driven you out;
And now cometh the day of their calamity, even the days of sorrow, like a woman that is taken in travail; and their sorrow shall be great unless they speedily repent, yea, very speedily.
For they killed the prophets, and them that were sent unto them; and they have shed innocent blood, which crieth from the ground against them. (Sec. 136:34-36)
Joseph Smith:
While discussing the petition to Congress, I prophesied, by virtue of the holy Priesthood vested in me, and in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, that, if Congress will not hear our petition and grant us protection, they shall be broken up as a government. (D.H.C. 6:116)
Joseph Smith:
I prophesy in the name of the Lord God of Israel, unless the United States redress the wrongs committed upon the Saints in the state of Missouri and punish the crimes committed by her officers that in a few years the government will be utterly overthrown and wasted, and there will not be so much as a potsherd <piece of broken pottery> left, for their wickedness in permitting the murder of men, women and children, and the wholesale plunder and extermination of thousands of her citizens to go unpunished. (TPJS, pp. 302-303)
Joseph Smith: (as reported by Orson Hyde)
Joseph Smith once said, on the stand in Nauvoo, Ill., “that if the Government of the United States did not redress the wrongs of the Mormon people inflicted upon them in the State of Missouri, the whole nation would be distracted by mobs from one end to the other; and that they should have mobs to the full, and to their hearts’ content.” I heard the foregoing statement myself, as it fell [56] from the lips of the Prophet in the presence of thousands of witnesses, some of whom now reside in the city of St. Louis. After returning from Washington, to which place he had been, to lay our grievances before President Martin Van Buren, and to solicit redress, he made the above statement. But the President’s response to his appeal was worse than a blank. (Mill. Star 24, No. 18, May 3, 1862)
Joseph Smith: (as reported by Orson Hyde)
It is said that brother Joseph in his lifetime declared that the Elders of this Church should step forth at a particular time when the Constitution should be in danger, and rescue it, and save it. This may be so; but I do not recollect that he said exactly so. I believe he said something like this–that the time would come when the Constitution and the country would be in danger of an overthrow; and said he, if the Constitution be saved at all, it will be by the Elders of this Church. I believe this is about the language as nearly as I can recollect it.
The question is whether it will be saved at all, or not. I do not know that it matters to us whether it is or not; the Lord will provide for and take care of his people, if we do every duty, and fear and honour him, and keep his commandments; and he will not leave us without a Constitution. (J.D. 6:152)
Joseph Smith:
And now I am prepared to say by the authority of Jesus Christ, that not many years shall pass away before the United States shall present such a scene of bloodshed as has not a parallel in the history of our nation; pestilence, hail, famine, and earthquake will sweep the wicked of this generation from off the face of the land, to open and prepare the way for the return of the lost tribes of Israel from the north country. * * * Therefore I declare unto you the warning which the Lord has commanded me to declare unto this generation, remembering that the eyes [57] of my Maker are upon me, and that to Him I am accountable for every word I say, wishing nothing worse to my fellow-men than their eternal salvation; therefore, “Fear God, and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment is come.” Repent ye, repent ye, and embrace the everlasting covenant, and flee to Zion, before the overflowing scourge overtake you, for there are those now living upon the earth whose eyes shall not be closed in death until they see all these things, which I have spoken, fulfilled. Remember these things; call upon the Lord while He is near, and seek Him while He may be found, is the exhortation of your unworthy servant. (J.H.C. 1:315-316)
Joseph Smith:
Wednesday, March 4, 1840, writes Joseph, “I arrived safely at Nauvoo, after a wearisome journey through alternate snows and mud, having witnessed many vexatious movements in government officers, whose sole object should be the peace and prosperity and happiness of the whole people; but instead of this, I discovered that popular clamor and personal aggrandizement were the ruling principles of those in authority; and my heart faints within me when I see, by the visions of the Almighty, the end of this nation, if she continues to disregard the cries and petitions of her virtuous citizens, as she has done, and is now doing. * * *
In speaking about the refusal of the government to grant the Saints redress for the wrongs they had suffered, he says: “Since Congress has decided against us, the Lord has begun to vex the nation, and he will continue to do so, except they repent; for they now stand guilty of murder, robbery and plunder, as a nation, because they have refused to protect their citizens and to execute justice according to their own Constitution. (Historical Record, see pp. 474-477.)
[58] Joseph Smith: (as reported by Brigham Young)
Joseph said that if they succeeded in taking his life, which they did, war and confusion would come upon the nation, and they would destroy each other, and there would be mob upon mob from one end of the country to the other. Have they got through? No, they have only just
commenced the work of wasting life and property. (JD 10:255)
Brigham Young:
The nation that kills the prophets of God in any age must expect to reap cursings instead of blessings, unless it speedily repent. Judgment must begin at the house of God first, and we are perfectly willing it should. I told General Kane that the Government of the United States would be shivered to pieces. (JD 12:119)
Brigham Young:
God has come out of his hiding-place, and has commenced to vex the nation that has rejected us, and he will vex it with a sore vexation. It will not be patched up–it never can come together again–but it will be sifted with a sieve of vanity, and in a short time it will be like water spilled on the ground, and like chaff upon the summer threshing-floor, until those wicked stewards are cut off. (JD 8:324)
Brigham Young:
The nations will consume each other, and the Lord will suffer them to bring it about. It does not require much talent or tact to get up opposition in these days. You see it rife in communities, in meetings, in neighbourhoods, and in cities. That is the knife that will cut down this Government. The axe is laid at the root of the tree, and every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit will be hewn down. (JD 8:143)
[59] Heber C. Kimball:
The President of this nation and his brethren in office, with all the rulers and all the priests, have sanctioned the destruction of this people. Yes, the President and all his coadjutors have sanctioned our death as much as if they had taken our lives, and they are a blood-thirsty nation. They have killed our Prophets, Patriarchs and Apostles, and they have slain, or caused to fall, thousands–yea, thousands of our brethren and sisters, our wives, our fathers, and our mothers; and they shall see the same fulfilled upon themselves, and it shall be measured to them double for all they have dealt out unto us. (JD 5:218)
Contributor Editorial:
I saw multitudes fleeing to the place of safety in the mountain heights. The church was established in the wilderness. Simultaneously the nation had reached an unparalleled prosperity….
“But”, continued the messenger, “thou beholdest a change. Confidence is lost. Wealth is arrayed against labor, labor against wealth . . . .”
Factions now sprang up as if by magic: Capital had entrenched itself against labor throughout the land; labor had organized against capital. The voice of the wise sought to tranquilize these two powerful factors in vain. Excited multitudes ran wildly about; strikes increased; lawlessness sought the place of regular government. At this juncture I saw a banner floating in air whereon was written the words, “Bankruptcy, Famine, Floods, Fire, Cyclones, Blood, Plagues.” Mad with rage men and women rushed upon each other. Blood flowed down the streets of cities like water. The demon of hate had enthroned itself on the citadel of reason; the thirst for blood was more intense than that of the parched tongue of water. Thousands of bodies lay untombed in the streets. Men and women fell dead from the terror inspired by fear. Rest was but the precurser of the bloody work of the morrow. [60] … A voice now sounded aloud these words, “Yet once again I shake not only the earth, but also heaven. And this word yet once again signifies the removing of things that are shaken, as of things that are made; that those things that cannot be shaken may remain.”
Earthquakes rent the earth in vast chasms, which engulfed multitudes; terrible groanings and wailings filled the air; the shrieks of the suffering were indescribably awful. Water wildly rushed in from the tumultuous ocean whose very roaring under the mad rage of the fierce cyclone, was unendurable to the ear. Cities were swept away in an instant, missiles were hurled through the atmosphere at a terrible velocity, and people were carried upward only to descend an unrecognizable mass. (Cont. 15:638-640, excerpts)
Mosiah Hancock:
The United States will spend her strength and means warring in foreign lands until other nations will say, “Let’s divide up the lands of the United States;” then the people of the U.S. will unite and swear by the blood of their fore-fathers, that the land shall not be divided. Then the country will go to war, and they will fight until one-half of the U.S. army will give up, and the rest will continue to struggle. They will keep on until they are very ragged and discouraged, and almost ready to give up–when the boys from the mountains will rush forth in time to save the American Army from defeat and ruin. And they will say, “Brethren, we are glad you have come; give us men, henceforth, who can talk with God.” Then you will have friends, but you will save the country when its liberty hangs by a hair, as it were. (Mosiah Hancock Journal, pp. 19-20)
Parley P. Pratt:
To this inquiry the Angel of the Prairies replied as follows:
[61] “The American system was indeed glorious in its beginning, and was founded by wise and good men, in opposition to long established abuses and oppressive systems of the Old World. But it had its weaknesses and imperfections. These were taken advantage of by wicked and conspiring men, who were unwisely placed at the head of government, and who, by a loose and corrupt administration, gradually undermined that beautiful structure. In their polluted hands justice faltered, truth fell to the ground, equity could not enter, and virtue fled into the wilderness. A blind, sectarianized and corrupt populace formed themselves into numerous mobs, overturned the laws, and put at defiance the administration thereof. These were either joined by the officers of Government or secretly winked at and encouraged by them, until the injured and persecuted friends of law and order, finding no protection or redress, were forced to abandon their country and its institutions, now no longer in force, and to retreat into the wilderness, with the loss of a vast amount of property and many valuable lives. These carried with them the spirit of liberty which seemed as a cement to form them into union, and thus was formed a nucleus around which rallied by degrees all the virtue and patriotism of the nation. Thus rallied and re-organized, the bold and daring sons of liberty were able to stand in their own defense, and to hurl defiance upon their former enemies. Thus the spirit of freedom had withdrawn from the mass and they were abandoned, like king Saul of old, to destruction. Divisions and contentions arose, and multiplied to that degree that they soon destroyed each other, deluged the country in blood, and thus ended the confederation under the title of E Pluribus Unum.
“The remnant who fled into the wilderness and rallied to the standard of liberty on the plains of the West, combining the wisdom of former experience with the light of truth which shone into their hearts from above, laid the foundation of their perfect form of government–this mighty empire of liberty which you now see, and the institutions of which you shall be more fully informed in due time. The wisdom, intelligence and peace which [62] flowed from this centre soon served as an ensign to the nations abroad. This filled some with envy, others with admiration and delight. The good, the great, the noble, the generous and patriotic lovers of truth rallied from all nations, and joining the standard of freedom, were a constantly increasing strength to their new and perfect organization. While by the same means the old and corrupt institutions were proportionately weakened and abandoned. This soon stirred the envy and jealousy of old and corrupt powers to that degree that they united in a general declaration of war against their young and more prosperous neighbors. These allied powers sent out an armament of five hundred ships of the line, and half a million of men. Their object was not only to gratify their vengeance and envy, but their avarice and ambition. They aimed at nothing less than the subjugation and plunder of the whole country. These powers were a portion of them landed, with implements and effects, and the remainder reserved on board their ships. They were met by the sons of liberty, both by sea and land, who were at length victorious, and this whole army were overcome, and their riches and armor, which was immense, were taken for spoil. This brilliant victory greatly enriched and strengthened the new empire of freedom, and at the same time nearly ruined the nations who commenced the war. They sued for peace, and finally obtained it on condition of perfect submission to the will of the conquerors. This gave them new and liberal laws and institutions, broke off the fetters of their old masters, and utterly forbade the use of arms or the art of war. These brilliant and highly commendable measures soon opened the eyes of millions more, and won them to the cause of liberty and truth. Other and distant nations, who had watched all these movements at length, saw the beauties of liberty and felt the force of truth, till finally, with one consent, they joined the same standard. Thus, in one short century, the world is revolutionized; tyranny is dethroned; war has ceased forever; peace is triumphant, and truth and knowledge cover the earth.”
Thus spake the Angel of the Prairies. (Angel of the Prairies, pp. 16-19)
[63] John Taylor:
When the people shall have torn to shreds the Constitution of the United States, the Elders of Israel will be found holding it up to the nations of the earth and proclaiming liberty and equal rights to all men, and extending the hand of fellowship to the oppressed of all nations. This is part of the programme, and as long as we do what is right and fear God, He will help us and stand by us under all circumstances. (JD 21:8)
Moses Thatcher:
I have seen the end of this nation and it is terrible . . . . I will tell you in the name of the Lord that a secret band will sap the life of this nation. (“Franklin Ward Historical Record”, Franklin, Idaho, June 16, 1882)
Millennial Star Editorial:
This generation shall be visited by an overflowing scourge. Of the precise nature of it we are not informed. It shall pass over the nations night and day. The effects of this visitation will be so direful and calamitous that the reports of its terrible ravages will fill all people with vexation. The operations of this fear-inspiring and destructive agent will continue until the appearance of the Lord in His glory.
Some of the judgments are definite as to locality. As an instance may be cited the approaching disruption of the United States of America. One of the horrors announced by the Prophet upon that nation is now a matter of history–the war of the Rebellion. Another and more appalling condition awaits that ill-fated people. It shall fail upon them like the visitation of a whirlwind, sweeping the country like a mighty flood. The populace will be divided into innumerable factions, and blood, carnage and woe will be rampant among them, filling the hearts of the more peacefully disposed with fear and dismay. Many may laugh at such a prediction, but, unless the people repent, it will [64] come as surely as night follows day. Weakened and powerless from internal broils and disturbances, the nation will become a prey to the remnants left of the aboriginal inhabitants, who will be filled with vengeful rage at the wrongs that have been perpetrated upon them and furiously spread destruction in every direction. (Mill. Star, Sept. 1880, 42:585-586)
Wilford Woodruff:
Our nation was under no condemnation in this respect until the light came and they heard the Gospel, rejected it, and cast out the saints from their midst slaying their leaders and depriving thousands of the Latter-day Saints who were American citizens, of every blessing, right, and privilege guaranteed unto them by the Constitution and the laws of the United States. (JD 6:117)
Wilford Woodruff:
The angels of God are waiting to fulfill the great commandment given forty-five years ago, to go forth and reap down the earth because of the wickedness of men. How do you think eternity feels today? Why there is more wickedness, a thousand times over, in the United States now, than when that revelation was given. The whole earth is ripe in iniquity. (JD 18:128)
Wilford Woodruff:
When I contemplate the condition of our nation, and see that wickedness and abominations are increasing, so much so that the whole heavens groan and weep over the abominations of this nation and the nations of the earth, I ask myself the question, can the American nation escape? The answer comes, No; its destruction, as well as the destruction of the world, is sure; just as sure as the Lord cut off and destroyed the two great and prosperous nations that once inhabited this continent of North and South America, because of their wickedness, so will he [65] them destroy, and sooner or later they will reap the fruits of their own wicked acts, and be numbered among the past. (JD 21:301)
Wilford Woodruff:
I warn future historians to give credence to my history; for my testimony is true, and the truth of its record will be manifest in the world to come. All the words of the Lord will be fulfilled upon the nations, which are written in this book. The American nation will be broken in pieces like a potter’s vessel, and will be cast down to hell if it does not repent–and this, because of murders, whoredoms, wickedness and all manner of abominations, for the Lord has spoken it. (Wilford Woodruff, by M. Cowley, p. 500)
- H. Roberts:
I should have been pleased, could time possibly have been had, to present to you the full indictment, the indictment that is being made against the United States for the lawlessness of its people, the increase of crime during the last twenty years especially, and especially those crimes of violence that end in murder, in its various degrees. In these higher crimes the United States of America is the most criminal nation on earth today. (Improvement Era 26:164-165)
Ezra Taft Benson:
Concerning the United States, the Lord revealed to His prophets that its greatest threat would be a vast, world-wide secret combination which would not only threaten the United States but seek to overthrow the freedom of all lands, nations and countries. In connection with the attack on the United States, the Lord told His prophet there would be an attempt to overthrow the country by destroying the Constitution. Joseph Smith predicted that the time would come when the Constitution would [66] hang, as it were, by a thread, and at that time this people will step forth and save it from the threatened destruction. It is my conviction that the Elders of Israel, widely spread over the nation, will at that crucial time successfully rally the righteous of our country and provide the necessary balance of strength to save the institutions of constitutional government. … The prophets in our day have continually warned us of these internal threats–that our greatest threat from Socialistic Communism lies within our country. … As the first Presidency pointed out in a statement signed in 1936, if we continue to uphold Communism by not making it treasonable, our land shall be destroyed, for the Lord has said that whatsoever nation shall uphold such secret combinations to get power and gain until they shall spread over the nation–behold, they shall be destroyed. The Lord has declared that before the second coming of Christ, it will be necessary to destroy the secret works of darkness in order to preserve the land of Zion–the Americas. The world-wide secret conspiracy which has risen up in our day to fulfill these prophecies is easily identified. (Gen. Conf., Oct. 7, 1961)
[67] Chapter 7
THE TIMES OF THE GENTILES
The times of the Gentiles and their fulfillment has been a subject of curiosity and speculation for many years. Christ referred to this particular time when He said:
And they <the Jews> shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations; and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled. (Luke 21:24)
There is a variety of opinion as to the fulfillment of the times of the Gentiles. Some think that it was accomplished when the Jews were scattered <70 A.D.>; others think it was fulfilled at the time of the restoration of the Gospel; and still others indicate that it has not yet occurred.
The quotations included in this chapter should shed considerable light upon this subject:
Doctrine and Covenants:
And this I have told you concerning Jerusalem; and when that day shall come, shall a remnant be scattered among all nations; But they shall be gathered again; but they shall remain until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled. And in that day shall be heard of wars and rumors of wars, and the whole earth shall be in commotion, and men’s hearts shall fail them, and they shall say that Christ delayeth his coming until the end of the earth. And the love of men shall wax cold, and iniquity shall abound.
[68] And when the times of the Gentiles is come in, a light shall break forth among them that sit in darkness, and it shall be the fulness of my gospel; but they receive it not; for they perceive not the light, and they turn their hearts from me because of the precepts of men. And in that generation shall the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled. And there shall be men standing in that generation, that shall not pass until they shall see an overflowing scourge; for a desolating sickness shall cover the land. (Sec. 45:24-31)
Heber C. Kimball:
The judgments of God will be poured out upon the wicked to the extent that our elders from far and near will be called home. Or, in other words, the gospel will be taken from the Gentiles and later on will be carried to the Jews. … Then the Prophet Joseph and others will make their appearance and those who have remained faithful will be selected to return to Jackson County, Missouri, and take part in the upbuilding of that beautiful city, the new Jerusalem. (“Amanda Wilcox Record”, B.Y.U.)
Orson Pratt:
If you will read the revelations given in 1833, you will find in them a promise made, when the time should arrive for this Gospel to be sent to the house of Israel. If you will read another revelation given on the 7th day of March 1831, you will there learn also concerning the fulfillment of the times of the Gentiles.
I wish to say a few words upon two subjects: first, the times of the Gentiles being come in; and second, their times being fulfilled, and the sending of the Gospel to the house of Israel.
In a revelation, given in March, 1831, (twenty-four years ago), to the Prophet Joseph, concerning what Jesus said to the Apostles at Jerusalem, in regard to the last days, and the day of their redemption, etc., Jesus said to his Apostles, when that day shall come, and the light shall [69] begin to break forth among them that sit in darkness, when the fulness of my Gospel shall begin to break forth, that is the period when “the time of the Gentiles shall come in.” Mark the expression: when the light shall begin to break forth, then at that period the time of the Gentiles shall have come in, and in that generation “the times of the Gentiles shall be fulfilled.”
Here then, we perceive the two distinctions, when the light begins to break forth; that is, when the Book of Mormon is translated, when the Church is organized, these events bring in the time of the Gentiles, and in the generation that the light breaks forth the times of the Gentiles shall be fulfilled. We are also told in the same revelation that the Jews who were to be scattered from old Jerusalem, should remain scattered, until the times of the Gentiles should be fulfilled; consequently, this is the reason why the Jews have not gathered since the rise of this Church. If they were gathered together–if they had assembled at old Jerusalem, it would have contradicted the prophecies and revelations God has given on this subject. They are to remain scattered, said the Lord, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled, and their times are to be fulfilled in the generation that their time comes in, or when the light of the fulness of the Gospel begins to break forth.
Another revelation upon this subject says that after the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled, the servants of God should be sent forth to Israel. What shall then take place? Behold, “then cometh the day of my power.” “Then,” when the servants of God turn from the Gentile nations, and shall go forth by commandment of the Almighty, being sent by His Church, the voice of His people, and the Holy Spirit, unto the nations of Israel, “then cometh the day of my power,” saith the Lord. What kind of power? He goes on to tell us that it should come to pass, that the tribes and nations of Joseph should hear the Gospel in their own tongue, and in their own language, through those who are sent forth and ordained unto this power through the gift of the Holy Ghost shed forth upon them, for the revelations of Jesus Christ. * * *
[70] “But,” inquire the people, “do you believe that the times of the Gentiles ave fulfilled yet?” No; they are not fulfilled yet. Hundreds and thousands and tens of thousands of the Gentiles among the various nations of the earth will yet bow to the fulness of the Gospel; and they will come, and the gates of Zion will not be shut day nor night, that the forces of the Gentiles may flow unto her. The Lord will continue to work among both Israel and Gentiles, and His power will increase, the more we send the Gospel among Israel; the more the servants of God seek for the seed of Jacob, the more will the powers of heaven be displaced for the redemption of the people. (JD 2:261-263)
Orson Pratt:
Before this great message for the redemption and salvation of the Jewish nation can ever go forth, there is a certain work to be performed on the earth, certain purposes to be fulfilled, and until that is fulfilled and accomplished, Jerusalem can never be rebuilt, and the Jews can never return as a nation. A decree has gone forth by the mouth of the Son of God himself, that that city should be in the possession of the Gentiles, and that it should be trodden down by them, and that the Jews should be scattered among the nations until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. Who, among all the inhabitants of the earth, can tell us how the Lord will bring about the fulfillment of this prediction in regard to the Gentiles? Who is able to declare when the times of the Gentiles will be fulfilled? Who knows anything about it, unless it be revealed from heaven? We might pour over the pages of the Bible, understand many of the prophecies that have been fulfilled, and be able to treasure up in our hearts and commit to memory all the predictions of the prophets, and yet, without new revelation, no person would be able to decide when the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.
It may not be amiss to declare, in a very few the belief of the Latter-day Saints, in regard to the fulfilling of the times of the Gentiles; that is, when we [71] understand by the fulfilling of their times. We believe, as was said this morning, that before the times of the Gentiles can possibly be fulfilled, a proclamation must come from heaven and be sounded in their ears–namely, that an angel must come from heaven and bring the everlasting Gospel, not for the Jews, the descendants of Israel, alone, but for every nation, kindred, tongue and people. Gentiles and Jews, all must hear it, for the prediction is that when the angel comes forth with that message from heaven, it is to be preached to all nations, kindreds, tongues and people. This, of course, includes Gentiles as well as Jews. We cannot, therefore, suppose that the times of the Gentiles will be fulfilled until after that event takes place. When the angel comes, when the servants of God are sent forth by Divine authority with a proclamation, and have fulfilled that prediction by declaring the everlasting Gospel to all the nations and kingdoms of the Gentiles, then their times will be fulfilled, and not before.
What would be the use of sending the Gospel to the Gentiles if their times were fulfilled and there was no hope or chance for them to receive salvation? The very declaration–that an angel shall come forth with the Gospel in the latter days before the destruction of the wicked, and that that Gospel is to be preached to Gentiles as well as Jews, is proof and evidence to every reflecting mind that believes the Bible that the Gentiles will have an opportunity, until that message is delivered and the prediction concerning it fulfilled. When that is done, the law is bound, the testimony is sealed, so far as they are concerned. * * *
How many more years will pass over our heads that we will have the privilege of declaring the fulness of the everlasting Gospel among the nations of the Gentiles is not revealed. All that we know on the subject is what the Lord told us some forty years ago, that the times of the Gentiles would be fulfilled in the generation in which he established his Church, that is, that before the generation living forty years ago have all passed away the times of the Gentiles will be fulfilled. And what then? The prediction of Isaiah, in another place, will be literally [72] fulfilled–the “law will be bound up and the testimony sealed” so far as sending the Gospel to the Gentile nations is concerned. What will be the next work to be performed? The Jews will then come in remembrance before the Lord. That is, the set time for their deliverance and restoration will have come, the period predicted by the mouth of the ancient prophet in which the Gospel shall be proclaimed to them. * * *
This will be when the times of the gentiles are fulfilled, and you Elders of Zion are sent to the house of Israel. You will go in the Lord’s power, and so great will be that power that you will have influence over them. You will tell them that their warfare is accomplished, that their iniquity is pardoned, and that they have received at the Lord’s hand double for all their sin; and the Lord will bear witness of this by his mighty power, with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm will the Lord do this, and with fury poured out. Poured out upon whom? Upon all the nations and kingdoms of the Gentiles who will not receive the truth, their times being fulfilled. It will be expressly the day of the Lord’s judgment, or, in other words, the hour of the Lord’s judgment, that is spoken of in the 24th chapter of Revelations, when the angel brings the Gospel. (JD 14:61, 62, 65)
Orson Pratt:
After the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled, which period is set in the mind of God, another scene will open up before the world, in the grand panorama of the last days. What is that? The downfall of the Gentile nations. Says one–“Whom do you call Gentiles?” Every nation excepting the literal descendants of Israel. We, the Latter-day Saints, are Gentiles; in other words, we have come from among the Gentile nations, though many of us may have the blood of Israel within our veins. When God has called out the righteous, when the warning voice has been sufficiently proclaimed among these Gentile nations, and the Lord says “It is enough,” he will also say to his [73] servants–“O, ye, my servants, come home, come out from the midst of these Gentile nations, where you have labored and borne testimony for so long a period; come out from among them, for they are not worthy; they do not receive the message that I have sent forth, they do not repent of their sins; come out from their midst, their times are fulfilled. Seal up the testimony among them and bind up the law.” What then? Then the word of the Lord will be–“O, ye, my servants, I have a new commission for you. Instead of going forth to convert the Gentile nations, go unto the remnants of the house of Israel that are scattered in the four quarters of the earth. Go and proclaim to them that the times of their dispersion are accomplished; that the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled; that the time has arrived for my people Israel, who have been scattered for generations in a dark and cloudy day, to gather unto their own homes again, and to build up old Jerusalem on its former heap. And then will commence the gathering of the Jews to old Jerusalem; then the ten tribes in the northern regions, wherever they may be, after having been concealed from the nations for twenty-five hundred years, will come forth and will return, as Jeremiah has said, from the north country.” (JD 18:64)
Orson Pratt:
Then, when the Gentile nations shall reject this Gospel, and count themselves unworthy of eternal life, as the Jews did before them, the Lord will say–“It is enough, come away from them, my servants, I will give you a new commission, you shall go to the scattered remnants of the house of Israel. I will gather them in from the four quarters of the earth, and bring them again into their own lands. They shall build Jerusalem on its own heap; they shall rear a Temple on the appointed place in Palestine, and they shall be grafted in again.” Now that, in short, is the nature of this great latter-day preparatory work for the coming of the Son of Man. (JD 18:177)
[74] Orson Pratt:
Having established his kingdom, he offers it first to these Gentile nations, if they will receive it; and when they shall account themselves unworthy of the kingdom, unworthy of eternal life, unworthy of the message which God has sent to them, and shall persecute his servants and his people all the day long, and shall close up their sanctuaries, their churches, their chapels, their meeting houses, and their places of worship against this message, and when it can no longer find place among them, so as to bring them to a knowledge and understanding of the truth, the Lord will, after a while, designate by revelation, and say unto his servants, “It is enough. You have been faithful in laboring in my vineyard, for the last time;” for it was the decree of heaven, that this shall be the last time, that he will labor in his vineyard. It is the eleventh hour, the last warning that will be given to the nations of the earth, first to the Gentiles, and then to the House of Israel. (JD 20:146)
Parley P. Pratt:
“And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and they shall be led away captive among all nations, and Jerusalem”–what will become of it finally?–“shall be trodden down of the gentiles, until”–that is a big word, and means much in the position it occupies here–“until”–on that word is suspended that nation’s fate, and the fate of all the neighboring nations–“Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.”
I tell you there is meaning in these words, contained in that single line. O ye nations of the earth, if I had the voice of an angel’s trump, that I could be heard to earth’s remotest bounds, by kings, rulers, captains, generals, armies, and nations, I would wish to read that one line in their ears, and tell them the things that are summed up in it.
[75] “Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.” What is meant by it? One thing we know certain, we have no need to conjecture, that is, that all these things happened literally. The Roman army on the outside, and the three factions on the inside of the city of Jerusalem, and the famine, and the pestilence helping it on, performed their work until finally it came to an end by the city being taken by the Romans, the temple set on fire and burned, and the whole city desolated, and brought under Gentile rule, namely, Roman rule. And it is said, in the history written by Josephus, that one million and a half of Jews perished in that siege, that is, in that one city, in putting an end to a national polity; a national corrupted form of government, a national priesthood, a national house of worship.
One million and a half perished! They fell by the edge of the sword, by pestilence, and by famine, and the remnants of the Jews were carried captive among all nations. To remain how long? As I have said, we know this prophecy has been literally fulfilled, for we see them scattered among all nations to this day. * * *
Now there was a time allotted for the Gentile powers to reign, for their corruptions to bear rule, and during the time here designated as the times of the Gentiles, the times of their polity, of their nationality, their religion, and to prove them and to see what they would do with the power committed unto them–the times spoken of by Daniel the Prophet, in which the fourth monarchy, namely, the Roman, and all those divisions, and subdivisions that should grow out of it in modern times, the times when these divided powers should bear rule.
There is just as much a time for these to have their day and prove themselves, and bring forth the fruits of their rule, and a time for them to come to an end, as ever there was a time for Jerusalem to rule or for the Jewish polity to come to an end. Now when that time arrives, ye nations look out, for there is a prophecy gone forth about you; it is in these words, and recorded in the Old Testament: “Though I make a full end of all nations where I have scattered you, yet will I not make a full end of you,” speaking of Israel.
[76] Now, when the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled, there will be an uprooting of their governments and institutions, and of their civil, political, and religious polity. There will be a shaking of nations, a downfall of empires, an upturning of thrones and dominions, as Daniel has foretold, and the kingdom and power, and rule on the earth will return to another people, and exist under another polity, as Daniel has further foretold. But let me read it here, let Jesus speak in his own words, or the writer for him. Now understand that we have got down to the present time, that is sure with this prophecy, no man can mistake it. Jerusalem has been overthrown, and not one stone of that magnificent temple has been left upon another. A great portion of that nation fell by the edge of the sword, and the residue went captive among all nations, and their city has been trodden under foot of the Gentiles, and will be until their times are fulfilled, that is, until they have had their reign out. (JD 3:134-135)
[77] Chapter 8
APOSTASY WITHIN THE CHURCH
One of the early parables of Jesus was the parable of the sower. He explained that it pertained to the Gospel message being sent into the world–many accepting it and then abandoning it for a variety of reasons, the main ones being: (1) lack of understanding it; (2) tribulation; (3) persecution; (4) cares of the world; and (5) riches.
These are some of the most frequent reasons for apostasy in all ages of time. Jesus said there would be a straight and narrow path to the Gospel and only a few would find and follow it.
In less than a century the Gospel of Christ suffered persecution from without and from apostates within. The Apostle Paul warned them of heresies and apostates that were already at work destroying the Church of Christ.
Today, the Latter-day Saints are not exempt from the trials caused by apostates, persecution, and even wealth. It has cost the Church dearly, but there still remain a few valiant and uncompromising elders who will be those “chosen” by the Lord.
Joseph Smith, Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, and many others have warned us of the deceptions and false doctrines that would creep into the membership of the Church, as well as influences of the world upon the Mormon people. These were predominantly the most harmful effects of apostasy in the beginning of the Church and they are still evident today.
[78] Old Testament:
As for MY people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O MY people, they which lead thee cause thee to err, and destroy the way of thy paths. (Isa. 3:12)
Moreover the Lord saith, Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, and walk with stretched forth necks and wanton eyes, walking and mincing as they go, and making a tinkling with their feet: Therefore the Lord will smite with a scab the crown of the head of the daughters of Zion, and the Lord will discover their secret parts. In that day the Lord will take away the bravery of their tinkling ornaments about their feet, and their cauls, and their round tires like the moon, the chains, and the bracelets, and the mufflers, the bonnets, and the ornaments of the legs, and the headbands, and the tablets, and the earrings, the rings, and nose jewels, the changeable suits of apparel, and the mantles, and the wimples, and the crisping pins, the glasses, and the fine linen, and the hoods, and the vails. And it shall come to pass, that instead of sweet smell there shall be stink; . . . (Isa. 3:16-24; See Isaiah chapters 3-5.)
Old Testament:
The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant.* Therefore hath the curse devoured the earth, and they that dwell therein are desolate: therefore the inhabitants of the earth are burned, and few men left. (Isaiah 24:5-6)
<*”Apostle Joseph Fielding Smith declared that it is the L. D. Saints who `have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant.'” (Des. News, “Church Section”, Oct. 17, 1936)>
[79] Old Testament:
Behold, the Lord hath a mighty and strong one, which as a tempest of hail and a destroying storm, as a flood of mighty waters overflowing, shall cast down to the earth with the hand. The crown of pride, the drunkards of Ephraim, shall be trodden under feet: * * *
In that day shall the Lord of hosts be for a crown of glory, and for a diadem of beauty, unto the residue of his people, and for a spirit of judgment to him that sitteth in judgment, and for strength to them that turn the battle to the gate.
But they also have erred through wine, and through strong drink* are out of the way; the priest and the prophet have erred through strong drink, they are swallowed up of wine, they are out of the way through strong drink; they err in vision, they stumble in judgment.
For ALL tables are full of vomit and filthiness, so that there is no place clean.
Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts. (Isaiah 28:2-3, 5-9)
<*Tyndale’s The Illustrated Bible Dictionary, 3:1648, states that wine and strong drink may also “represent the intoxicating influence of Babylonian supremacy which brings ruin.”>
Book of Mormon:
Yea, they have ALL <the churches> gone out of the way; they have become corrupted. Because of the pride, and because of false teachers, and false doctrine, their churches have become corrupted, and their churches are lifted up; because of pride they are puffed up.
They rob the poor because of their fine sanctuaries; they rob the poor because of their fine clothing; and they persecute the meek and the poor in heart, because in their pride they are puffed up.
[80] They wear stiff necks and high heads; yea, and because of pride, and wickedness, and abominations, and whoredoms, 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. * * *
For behold, at that day shall he <the devil> rage in the hearts of the children of men, and stir them up to anger against that which is good. And others will he pacify, and lull them away into carnal security, that they will say: All is well in Zion; yea, Zion prospereth, all is well–and thus the devil cheateth their souls, and leadeth them away carefully down to hell. ***
Therefore, wo be unto him that is at ease in Zion! Wo be unto him that crieth: All is well! Yea, wo be unto him that hearkeneth unto the precepts of men, and denieth the power of God, and the gift of the Holy Ghost! (2 Nephi 28:11-14; 20-21; 24-26)
Book Of Mormon:
Behold, the Lord hath shown unto me <Moroni> great and marvelous things concerning that which must shortly come, at that day when these things shall come forth among you. Behold, I speak unto you as if ye were present, and yet ye are not. But behold, Jesus Christ hath shown you unto me, and I know your doing. 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.
For behold, ye do love money, and your substance, and your fine apparel, and the adorning of your churches, more than ye love the poor and the needy, the sick and the afflicted.
O ye pollutions, ye hypocrites, ye teachers, who sell yourselves for that which will canker, why have ye polluted the holy church of God?* Why are ye ashamed to [81] take upon you the name of Christ? Why do ye not think that greater is the value of an endless happiness than that misery which never dies because of the praise of the world? (Mormon 8:34-38)
<*Note: In a visit with Joseph Fielding Smith, a personal friend of the author inferred that this quotation in Isaiah could only apply to the Latter-day Saints. Elder Smith responded by saying, “If the hat fits, we’d better wear it.”>
Joseph Smith: (as reported by Mosiah Hancock)
. . . you will travel west until you come to the valley of the Great Salt Lake. * * * You will live to see men arise in power in the church who will seek to put down your friends and the friends of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Many will be hoisted because of their money and the worldly learning which they seem to be in possession of; and many who are the true followers of our Lord and Saviour will be cast down because of their poverty. (Mosiah Hancock Journal, p. 19)
Brigham Young:
I have but one fear concerning the people in the valleys of the mountains. I have but one trembling sensation in the nerves of my spirit, and that is, lest we do not live the religion we profess. If we will only practice what we profess, I will tell you we are at the defiance of all hell. But if we transgress the law God has given us, and trample His blessings, mercies and ordinances under our feet, and treat them with the indifference which I have thought that some do occasionally, not fully realizing the obligations that they are under to their God, l have feared that in consequence they would be overcome, and that the Lord would let them be scattered and smitten. (JD 2:186)
[82] Brigham Young:
There never has been a day for ages and ages, not since the true church was destroyed after the days of the Apostles, that required the faith and the energy of godly men and godly women, and the skill, wisdom and power of the Almighty to be with them, as much as this people require it at the present time. There never was that necessity; there never has been a time on the face of the earth, from the time that the church went to destruction, and the Priesthood was taken from the earth, that the powers of darkness and the powers of earth and hell were so embittered, and enraged, and incensed against God and Godliness on the earth, as they are at the present. And when the spirit of persecution, the spirit of hatred, of wrath, and malice ceases in the world against this people, it will be the time that this people have apostatized and joined hands with the wicked, and never until then; which I pray may never come. (JD 4:326-327)
Brigham Young:
I have had visions and revelations instructing me how to organize this people so that they can live like the family of heaven, but, I cannot do it while so much selfishness and wickedness reign in the Elders of Israel….
There are many great and glorious privileges for the people, which they are not prepared to receive. How long it will be before they are prepared to enjoy the blessings God has in store for them, I know not–it has not been revealed to me. I know the Lord wants to pour blessings upon this people, but were He to do so in their present ignorance, they would not know what to do with them. They can receive only a very little, and that must be administered to them with great care. (JD 9:269)
Brigham Young:
I sometimes think that I would be willing to give anything, to do almost anything in reason, to see one fully [83] organized Branch of this kingdom–one fully organized Ward. … Is there even in this Territory a fully organized Ward? Not one. It may be asked, “Why do you not fully organize the Church?” Because the people are incapable of being organized. I could organize a large Ward who would be subject to a full organization, by selecting families from the different Wards, but at present such a Branch of the Church is not in existence. (J.D. 10:20)
Brigham Young:
. . . cease to give the wealth which the Lord has given us to those who would destroy the kingdom of God and scatter us to the four winds, if they had the power. Cease to buy from them the gewgaws and frivolous things they bring here to sell to us for our money and means–means that we should have to bring the poor here, to build our temples, our towers, ornament our public grounds and buildings, and to beautify our cities. For, as merchandising has been generally conducted here, instead of having our means to perform these public works, it has been borne away by our enemies by the million. * * *
I know it is our duty to save ourselves; the enemy of all righteousness, will do nothing to help us in that work, neither will his children; we have to preserve ourselves, for our enemies are determined to destroy us. I know it is the duty of this people to build up themselves; for our enemies will not build us up, but they will do their uttermost to tear us down. (JD 11:139)
Brigham Young:
Civilization! it is corruption and wickedness of the deepest dye. It is no society for you, my people, come out of her. Gather out where you can pray, where you can have meetings and sacraments; where you can meet, associate, and mingle together; where you can beautify the earth and gather around you the necessaries of life, and make everything as beautiful as Zion, and begin to establish Zion on the earth; sanctify yourselves, sanctify your houses, the lands that you live upon; your farms, the [84] streams of water that flow through your cities, country places and farms, sanctify your hills and mountains and valleys, and the land around about, and begin to build up Zion. Now, “come out of her, my people,” for this purpose, “and partake not of her sins, lest ye receive of her plagues.” After all these revelations and commandments the people who profess to be Saints will mingle with the wicked, and foster those who would cut their throats, and feed and clothe, and give them everything they can gather together. (JD 11:300; Feb. 1867)
Brigham Young:
It is true this is Zion–North and South America are Zion, and the land where the Lord commenced His work; and where He commenced He will finish. This is the land of Zion; but we are not yet prepared to go and establish the Centre Stake of Zion. The Lord tried this in the first place. He called the people together to the place where the New Jerusalem and the great temple will be built, and where He will prepare for the City of Enoch. And He gave revelation after revelation; but the people could not abide them, and the Church was scattered and peeled, and the people hunted from place to place till, finally, they were driven into the mountains, and here we are. Now, it is for you and me to prepare to return back again; not to our fatherland, in many cases, but to return east, and by-and-by to build up the Centre Stake of Zion. We are not prepared to do this now, but we are here to learn until we are of one heart and of one mind in the things of this life. Do all the Latter-day Saints arrive at this? No; they have not, our former experience has proved this. Of the great many who have been baptized into this Church, but few have been able to abide the word of the Lord; they have fallen out on the right and on the left, and have foundered by the way, and a few have gathered together. Will these be prepared to enter the celestial kingdom? Some of them will be, and will become kings and priests; but not all of these, only a portion of them. They do not know what to do with the revelations, commandments and blessings of God. (JD 11:324)
[85] Brigham Young:
You recollect reading in the Revelations of John what the angel said to John, when he was on the Isle of Patmos, about the Seven Churches. What was the matter with those churches? They were not living according to the light that had been exhibited. Do the Latter-day Saints live according to the light that has been exhibited to them? No, they do not. (JD 12:66)
Brigham Young:
And with regard to the conduct of this people–if an angel should come here and speak his feelings as plainly as I do, I think he would say, “0, Latter-day Saints! why don’t you see, why don’t you open your eyes and behold the great work resting upon you and that you have entered into? You are blind, you are stupid, you are in the dark, in the mist and fog, wandering to and fro like a boat upon the water without sail, rudder or oar; and you know not whither you are going.” (JD 19:93-94; Aug. 19, 1877)
Brigham Young: (as reported by Mosiah Hancock)
He <B.Y.> conversed freely on the situation of the Saints in the mountains, and said that he dreaded the time when the Saints would become popular with the world; for he had seen in sorrow, in a dream, or in dreams, this people clothed in the fashions of Babylon and drinking in the spirit of Babylon until one could hardly tell a Saint from a black-leg. And he felt like shouting, “To your tents, Oh Israel!” because it was the only thing that could keep this people pure …. Many of this people for the sake of riches and popularity, will sell themselves for that which will canker their souls and lead them down to misery and despair. It would be better for them to dwell in wigwams and among the Indians than to dwell with the gentiles and miss the glories which God wishes them to obtain. (Life Story of Mosiah Hancock, p. 73)
[86] Brigham Young:
Hear it, ye elders of Israel, and mark it down in your logbooks: the fullness of the Gospel is the United Order and the Order of Plural Marriage; and without these two principles this gospel never can be full. And I much fear that when I am gone this people will give up these two principles which we prize so highly; and if they do this church cannot advance as God wishes it to advance. (Discourse delivered at dedication of St. George Temple and recorded in the pamphlet “Celestial Marriage”, pub. by Shepherd Book Company.)
Heber C. Kimball:
I have not one word of reflection to make against you, yet you are living at a poor dying rate. (JD 12:190; 1868)
Heber C. Kimball:
After a while the Gentiles will gather to this place by the thousands and Salt Lake will be classified among the wicked cities of the world. A spirit of speculation and extravagance will take possession of the Saints, and the result will be financial bondage.
Persecution comes next, and all true Latter-day Saints will be tested to the limit. Many will apostatize, and others will stand still, not knowing what to do. “Darkness will cover the earth and gross darkness the minds of the people.” (“Amanda Wilcox Records”, B.Y.U.)
Heber C. Kimball:
“Yes,” said Brother Heber (by which name he was so familiarly known), “we think we are secure here in the chambers of the everlasting hills, where we can close those few doors of the canyons against mobs and persecutors, the wicked and the vile, who have always beset us with violence and robbery, but I want to say to you, my [87] brethren, the time is coming when we will be mixed up in these now peaceful valleys to that extent that it will be difficult to tell the face of a Saint from the face of an enemy to the people of God. Then, brethren, look out for the great sieve, for there will be a great sifting time, and many will fall; for I say unto you there is a test, a test, A TEST coming, and who will be able to stand?” * * *
His <HCK> public discourses about this time were the most earnest and impressive that I had ever heard; and on several occasions in the Provo meeting house, he clearly fore-shadowed the time of trial the Saints are now passing through, and to a period still before us. He often used the language, “a test, a test, is coming.” (Life of Heber C. Kimball, O. F. Whitney, pp. 445, 447)
Orson Hyde: (1846 Revelation)
Evil men, ambitious of power, must needs arise among you, and they shall be led by their own self-will and not by me. Yet they are instruments in my hands, and are permitted to try my people, and to collect from among them those who are NOT the elect, and such as are unworthy of eternal life.
Grieve not after them, neither mourn nor be alarmed. My people know my voice and also the voice of my spirit, and a stranger they will not follow; therefore such as follow strangers are not my people. (Unpublished Revelations, comp. by Fred Collier, pp. 104-105)
John Taylor:
We are getting into such a condition that if we were to meet the Lord, we could not look him in the face, and the way we are going it will soon be impossible to tell what we do believe. (Des. News, Mar. 9, 1889)
John Taylor:
We did not come here to copy after anything that exists in the world; we had no such idea or intention, and [88] if this fact is not understood by all the Latter-day Saints, it ought to be. When men come among us, we should be very sorry indeed if they found us like the world; we are not like them, neither do we wish to be. * * * We do not, today, try to imitate any of the governments of the earth; we do not admire their policy; we do not believe that their systems are correct. We believe that they have the seeds of dissolution within themselves, and through the lack of correct principles by which to regulate themselves, that they will eventually crumble to pieces. (JD 11:340)
John Taylor: (as reported by Edward Lunt)
He <J.T.> saw Salt Lake City become a great and beautiful city with cement streets and roads and the people had become wealthy. Great beautiful homes covered the city, and he said that the city was extended almost to the point of the mountain (south of the now, 1951, state prison. The people had become indifferent to the counsel and advice of the authorities of the Church, and were more interested in the accumulating of wealth than they were in living their religion, and at this time there began to be war and bloodshed. (Visions of the Latter Days, Pioneer Press, pp. 99-100)
Orson Pratt:
But you know that property is the Gentiles’ god; it is sought after more eagerly than any other thing by the Gentile nations; it is worshipped by them, and their hearts are set on their treasures; and their treasures are of the earth and of an earthly nature; and it will take a long time for the Saints to get rid of their old idols–their idolatrous notions and traditions. The Gentile god has great influence even over the Saints; consequently it will take years to eradicate covetousness from our hearts; as our President has told us that the law relating to a full consecration of our property would perhaps be one of the last laws that would be fulfilled before the coming of Christ. Much patience and forbearance will need to be [89] exercised before the Saints will get completely rid of their old traditions, Gentile notions, and whims about property, so as to come to that perfect law required of them in the revelations of Jesus Christ. But the day will come when there will be no poor in Zion, but the Lord will make them equal in earthly things, that they may be equal in heavenly things; that is, according to His notions of equality, and not according to our narrow, contracted views of the same. (JD 2:261)
Orson Pratt:
When we go back to Jackson County, we are to go back with power. Do you suppose that God will reveal His power among an unsanctified people, who have no regard nor respect for His laws and institutions, but who are filled with covetousness? No. When God shows forth His power among the Latter-day Saints, it will be because there is a union of feeling in regard to doctrine, and in regard to everything that God has placed in their hands; and not only a union but a sanctification on their part, that there shall not be a spot or wrinkle as it were, but everything shall be as fair as the sun that shines in the heavens.
In order to bring about this, who knows how many chastisements God may yet have to pour out upon the people calling themselves Latter-day Saints? (JD 15:361)
George Q. Cannon:
But if we had our way, as Latter-day Saints, there would be no drinking saloons, there would be no houses of ill fame, there would be no gambling saloons, there would be nothing of this character permitted in our cities or in our settlements. We would not only be free from litigation and strife, as I have said we are as a people, but we would be free from those other evils, those other vices. (JD 24:134)
[90] George Q. Cannon:
It is not the numbers of the Latter-day Saints that gives them weight in the world so much as it is their union and their distinctive virtues, which in the struggle for existence and supremacy always give victory and triumph to their possessors. If the Latter-day Saints desert the principles of the gospel, and abandon themselves to the vices and corruptions that prevail in the world, and to which they would have been subjected had they remained in a scattered condition, they would have no more power than any other people of like number. But that which will ever give them superiority, so long as they possess them, are those virtues which their religion makes imperative upon them, and without which they cannot remain the people of God. There can be no question about the future destiny of what are called the Mormon people, if they will only be true to themselves. (Mill. Star 60:350)
Joseph Fielding Smith:
I wish we all loved the gospel to the extent that we would be willing to do anything the Lord asks of us irrespective of what the world thinks or does. Why cannot the Latter-day Saints uphold the standards and the regulations of the Church with united effort notwithstanding what the world might do or think? With some of us it is the custom to do very much as the world does. We dress as the world does. We seek its pleasures; we follow its customs; and there is no question in my mind that these things do bring us somewhat in conflict with the things the Lord has taught and commanded us to do. (Doctrines of Salvation, pp. 294-295)
Joseph Fielding Smith:
When I see reports of conditions in this state and surrounding states where Latter-day Saints dwell, the amount of liquor that is consumed, and tobacco that is consumed, and tea and coffee and other things destructive [91] of health, and contrary to the commandments of the Lord, when I see the people violating the Sabbath day and committing all other kinds of sins contrary to that which they have been taught, I wonder if the Lord is pleased with us. (Doctrines of Salvation, p. 329)
[92] Chapter 9
THE LITERAL GATHERING OF ISRAEL
Efforts to gather of the house of Israel make an interesting story that frequently repeats itself throughout the history of the world. Moses was successful for awhile in gathering the Israelites together; however, they apostatized and were captured by the Assyrians. Once again they were scattered. Christ and His apostles tried to gather them once more (see James 1:1), but they fell into apostasy and refused to obey.
In the last days the doctrine of the literal gathering of Israel was once more taught. But under the banner of the Gospel restoration, they were only partially gathered. Now, due to erroneous admonitions and counsel, the Saints generally stay scattered throughout the nations of the world rather than gathering to the area of the Rocky Mountains. Once again they are in the captivity of Babylon. However, calamities, wars and the judgments of God will again cause Israel to be brought back into a gathered condition, as the prophets have foretold.
This final gathering of Israel will be one of the greatest movements of a nation, or nations, that has ever been recorded in the history of mankind. The prophecies included in this chapter clearly depict the scope and importance of the gathering of Israel–at all periods of time, but especially the great and final gathering about to take place.
[93] Old Testament:
. . . it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. (Isa. 2:2; also Micah 4:1)
New Testament:
And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.
Reward her even as she reward you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled, fill to her double.
And in her were found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth. (Rev. 18:4, 6, 24)
Doctrine and Covenants:
But behold, in the last days, even now while the Lord is beginning to bring forth the word, and the blade is springing up and is yet tender–
Behold, verily I say unto you, the angels are crying unto the Lord day and night, who are ready and waiting to be sent forth to reap down the fields; But the Lord saith unto them, pluck not up the tares while the blade is yet tender (for verily your faith is weak), lest you destroy the wheat also.
Therefore, let the wheat and the tares grow together until the harvest is fully ripe; then ye shall first gather out the wheat from among the tares, and after the gathering of the wheat, behold and lo, the tares are bound in bundles, and the field remaineth to be burned. (See. 86:4-7)
[94] Doctrine and Covenants:
Therefore, I must gather together my people, according to the parable of the wheat and the tares, that the wheat may be secured in the garners to possess eternal life, and be crowned with celestial glory, when I shall come in the kingdom of my Father to reward every man according as his work shall be;
While the tares shall be bound in bundles, and their
bands made strong, that they may be burned with unquenchable fire.
Therefore, a commandment I give unto all the churches, that they shall continue to gather together unto the places which I have appointed.
Nevertheless, as I have said unto you in a former commandment, let not your gathering be in haste, nor by flight; but let all things be prepared before you. (Sec. 101:65-68)
Millennial Star Editorial:
How can Zion be built up, unless the Saints gather and build it up? And how can Babylon fall, so long as the Saints stay and hold it up? (32:233)
Joseph Smith:
The time is near when desolation is to cover the earth, and then God will have a place of deliverance in his remnant, and in Zion….
Take away the Book of Mormon and the revelations, and where is our religion? We have none; for without Zion, and a place of deliverance, we must fall….
. . . and if we are not sanctified and gathered to the places God has appointed, with all our former professions and our great love for the Bible, we must fall….
. . . for God will gather out his Saints from the Gentiles, and then comes desolation and destruction, and none can escape except the pure in heart who are gathered. (TPJS, p. 71)
[95] Joseph Smith:
It is also the concurrent testimony of all the Prophets, that this gathering together of all the Saints must take place before the Lord comes to “take vengeance upon the ungodly,” and “to be glorified and admired by all those who obey the Gospel.” (D.H.C. 4:272)
Joseph Smith:
The Prophet Joseph said more than forty years ago that the Latter-day Saints would yet be under the protecting wing of the Republic of Mexico; that, familiarly speaking, the Lord and Satan were, as it were, playing a game of checkers; the Lord had one move ahead, and the moves would continue to be made and we would be got down toward Central America; then a backward move would be made and the Lord would sweep the board. (Jacob Hamblin–The Peacemaker, by Pearson H. Corbitt, p. 416)
Joseph Smith:
A terrible revolution will take place in the land of America, such as has never been before; for the land will be literally left without a supreme government, and every species of wickedness will run rampant. * * *
Peace will be taken from the earth and there will be no peace only in the Rocky Mountains. This will cause many hundreds and thousands of the honest in heart to gather there; not because they would be saints, but for safety and because they would not take up the sword against their neighbor.
You will be so numerous that you will be in danger of famine, but not for the want of seed time and harvest, but because of so many to be fed. Many will come with bundles under their arms to escape the calamities, and there will be no escape except by fleeing to Zion. * * *
While the terrible revolution of which I have spoken has been going on, England will be neutral until it be-[96]comes so inhuman that she will interfere to stop the shedding of blood.
. . . During this time the great White Horse will have gathered strength sending out Elders to gather the honest in heart among the Pale Horse, or people of the United States, to stand by the Constitution of the United States, as it was given by inspiration of God. * * *
Peace and safety in the Rocky Mountains will be protected by a cordon band of the White Horse and the Red Horse. (“White Horse Prophecy”, Visions of the Latter Days, compiled by Ogden Kraut, see pp. 49-54.)
Joseph Smith:
I prophesy that that man who tarries after he has an opportunity of going, will be afflicted by the devil. Wars are at hand; we must not delay; but are not required to sacrifice. We ought to have the building up of Zion as our greatest object. When wars come, we shall have to flee to Zion. The cry is to make haste. The last revelation says, “Ye shall not have time to have gone over the earth” until these things come? It will come as did the cholera, war, fires and earthquake; one pestilence after another, until the Ancient of Days comes, then Judgment will be given to the Saints.
I saw men hunting the lives of their own sons, and brother murdering brother, women killing their own daughters, and daughters seeking the lives of their mothers. I saw armies arrayed against armies. I saw blood, desolation, fires. The Son of Man has said that the mother shall be against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother. These things are at our doors. They will follow the Saints of God from city to city. Satan will rage, and the spirit of the devil is now enraged. I know not how soon these things will take place; but with a view of them, shall I cry peace? No! I will lift up my voice and testify of them, How long you will have good crops, and the famine be kept off, I do not know; when the fig tree leafs, know then that the summer is nigh at hand. (J.H.C. 3:390-391)
[97] Brigham Young:
Previous to the death of Joseph, he said that the time would come when the Saints would be glad to take a bundle, if they could get one, under their arms and start to the mountains, and that they would flee there, and that if they could pick up a change of linen they would be glad to start with that, and to go into the wilderness with anything, in order to escape from the destruction that is coming on the inhabitants of the earth. (JD 4:203)
Brigham Young:
We are gathering the people as fast as we can. We are gathering them to make Saints of them and of ourselves. Probably many of them will apostatize, though some will not apostatize until you give them their endowments; and then, if you do not speak out of the right corner of your mouth, they will apostatize; and if you do not laugh out of the right corner of your mouth, they will go. We are gathering a few that will be faithful in the midst of this people, and prepare themselves to be crowned kings and priests unto God. By-and-by you will see the Saints flock together. Will they come merely by one or two shiploads? No; it will require many more ships than we have heretofore employed to bring home the gathering thousands to Zion. Millions of people that now sit in darkness–that are now, to all appearance, in the region and shadow of death, will come to Zion. * * *
Millions will come and live in Zion when the laws of Zion reign predominant over creation; but will all be prepared to be crowned kings and priests unto God? No. You cannot imagine anything that will not be in Zion, except sin and iniquity, and reviling against God and against his kingdom. All classes of people will come to Zion. Will there be Methodists there? Yes; and they will have the privilege to worship a God without body, parts, and passions, just as they do now, if they choose to. Every person and every community will receive according to the extent of their capacity and ability. Every person then [98] will be blessed, will be filled with joy, will be filled with peace, with light, and intelligence according to the endowments with which they are endowed. Will all become kings and priests? No; not even all that will embrace the fulness of the Gospel. * * *
There are millions of people, both among the Christian and heathen nations, that are still in darkness, and exclaiming, “Oh, how glad we would be to have some knowledge of the gospel of salvation!” By-and-by, when the Lord sends forth his servants and his angels to gather them, they will be brought home to Zion and be taught the peaceable things of the kingdom; and those that abide a celestial law will receive a celestial glory, and those that can abide the next law in order can abide the glory pertaining to it, and so on. (JD 9:137, 138, 139)
Brigham Young:
Young men, prepare yourselves; for a greater responsibility will come upon you than you have ever dreamed of. Millions will seek to you for salvation. Are you prepared for this? No, you are not. There are but very few men, old or young, that are capable of taking proper charge of themselves, to say nothing of a Ward, a community, or a nation. * * *
You can scarcely find a man that knows how to properly treat himself, and it is worse when you come to his directing others. You will see the time when thousands will seek salvation at the hands of this people, and say, “Guide us in the way of life; the earth is emptied of wickedness, and it has come to an end.” (JD 9:143)
Brigham Young:
. . . we have assembled ourselves together to become one; to become the people of God, the children of Zion, the children of light. We are here for the express purpose of separating ourselves from the world and establishing that order of government that we read of in the Holy Scriptures; and we desire to see the glory of Zion upon the earth that has been spoken of by the Prophets of God. (JD 12:226-227)
[99] Brigham Young:
Years ago, when the Spirit opened up to the mind of the Prophet Brigham the visions of the future, he plainly foresaw that the time must come, when the Saints would rejoice in the privilege of going up to Zion on foot, not only with handcarts, but without them; that they would be glad to escape from the nations with their lives. (Mill. Star 18:137)
Brigham Young:
It will be the same with other denominations of professing Christians, and it will be Christian against Christian, and man against man, and those who will not take up the sword against their neighbors, must flee to Zion.
We are blessed in these mountains; this is the best place on earth for the Latter-day Saints. Search for the history of all nations and every geographical position on the face of the earth, and you cannot find another situation so well adapted for the Saints as are these mountains. Here is the place in which the Lord designed to hide His people…. It has been designed, for many generations, to hide up the Saints in the last days, until the indignation of the Almighty be over. His wrath will be poured out upon the nations of the earth. (Des. News Vol. 2, No. 5, May 1, 1861)
Brigham Young:
Save all pins, needles, buttons, buckles, nails, leather, pieces of cloth and rags, because the day will come when it will be almost impossible to secure them. Save your crusts and dry bread, delicious puddings can be made from them; save bacon rinds, tallow, and grease for making soap. Do not waste anything, for the time will come when it will be hard to get these things, and they will be greatly needed.
[100] An inland Empire will be established in these valleys of the mountains, which will be a place of refuge for millions of people to gather to, when the great day of the Judgment of God comes upon the earth, and the righteous come here for safety. Our people will go East, West, North and South, but the day will come, when they will be to come back. We will be shut out from the rest the world. (Significant Prophecies by Presidents Brigham Young and Charles W. Penrose, by Robert W. Smith, p. 4)
Brigham Young:
The day will come when there will be large places of manufacture and storage constructed West of the Jordan River and there will be over three millions of people living there and Jordan River will practically run through the center of Salt Lake City. (Ben Bullock Collection)
Brigham Young:
Are we going back to Jackson County? Yes. When? As soon as the way opens up. Are we all going? O no! of course not. The country is not large enough to hold our present numbers. When we do return there, will there be any less remaining in these mountains than we number today? No, there may be a hundred then for every single one that is there now. It is folly in men to suppose that we are going to break up these our hard earned homes to make others in a new country. (JD 18:355)
Heber C. Kimball:
He <Joseph Smith> was a Prophet of God, and they <our nation> cannot help themselves. They slew him, and that nation has got to smart for it, and it will be as much as the Saints can do to gather out of it. If they stay there, they will not gather from there; it is necessary to gather the wheat, and put it into the barn; if it is left out, the storms will come and actually waste or destroy it. (JD 1:208)
[101] Heber C. Kimball:
I am very thankful that so many of the brethren have come in with hand carts; my soul rejoiced, my heart was filled and grew as big as a two-bushel basket. Two companies have come through safe and sound. Is this the end of it? No; there will be millions on millions that will come much in the same way, only they will not have hand carts, for they will take their bundles under their arms, and their children on their backs, and under their arms, and flee; and Zion’s people will have to send out relief to them, for they will come when the judgments come on the nations. (JD 4:106)
Heber C. Kimball:
. . . and the day will come that you (strangers) will have to come to us for bread to eat; and we will be your saviours here upon Mount Zion. You don’t believe it now; but wait a little while, and you will see that it will come to pass. * * *
The day will come when the people of the United States will come lugging their bundles under their arms, coming to us for bread to eat. (JD 5:9-10)
Heber C. Kimball:
You know that salt will not save meat when it has lost its saving principles, and it is just so with us; when a man sins to that degree that he rejects the truth and the principles of righteousness, he is thenceforth good for nothing but to be cast out and trodden under foot of men. So it will be eventually in the United States. After the truth is all gathered out, you will find that the rest will be destroyed. I do not mean that the land will be destroyed, but I refer to the wicked inhabitants, and the earth will be emptied, according to the words of the Prophet. (JD 6:185)
[102] Orson Pratt:
The Lord is going to gather His Saints, and we are already gathered, a great host of us, into this territory; but let me tell you this is hardly a beginning; many nations are yet to be gathered unto the name of the Lord of Hosts, unto Mount Zion, where they can be taught in the ways of the Lord, and be instructed to walk in His paths, and understand the principles of true government, and their duties towards one another, and towards the God whom they profess to worship and serve. Nations, not a few, are to be gathered, and to go up for that purpose.
This is just laying the foundation; it is a little nucleus, and a few thousands are gathering to it year after year; but the work that is now commenced will increase, and continue to increase, like the stone that was hewn out of the mountain. In the first place, the stone taken out of the mountain is much smaller than the mountain, but finally it increases to that magnitude that it begins to be a great mountain, not merely to fill one small territory, but as Daniel said, “it became a great mountain and filled the whole earth.”
Very well, then, the Saints are to be gathered, and they are to come not only by thousands, but tens of thousands, scores of thousands, and hundreds of thousands are to be assembled from among the nations. How is this to be brought about? Through the servants of the living God. This is what the Lord told us before one Saint was gathered. In a revelation, given in the presence of six Elders, in Sept. 1830, the Lord says, “Ye are called to bring to pass the gathering of my elect, for mine elect hear my voice and harden not their hearts, wherefore the decree hath gone forth from the Father, that they shall be gathered in unto one place upon the face of this land.”
That is the decree that has gone forth; it is ordained in the heavens, and it will come to pass. As the Saints have already been gathered here unto this territory, even so will it continue to be fulfilled until the last of the elect of God are assembled from the four corners of the earth. (JD 2:54-55)
[103] Orson Pratt:
. . .the Lord will gather them with a mighty hand, and with an outstretched arm, and with fury poured out; and He will assemble them in the wilderness, and there will He plead with them face to face, like as He pled with their fathers in the wilderness of the land of Egypt; thus saith the Lord, by the mouth of Ezekiel He will plead with them by His power; He will plead with them by His angels; and He will plead with them by the revelation of His own face. (JD 2:263)
Orson Pratt:
The hand of the Lord will be over us to sustain us, and we will spread forth. He will multiply us in the land; He will make us a great people, and strengthen our borders, and send forth the missionaries of this people to the four quarters of the earth to publish peace and glad tidings of great joy and proclaim that there is still a place left in the heart of the American continent where there are peace and safety and refuge from the storms, desolations and tribulations coming upon the wicked. (JD 12:345)
Orson Pratt:
The Lord our God has therefore fulfilled that which He spoke; and as I said this work, instead of being nearly accomplished, nearly fulfilled, and all things brought about according to the purposes of the Almighty, only the foundation, as it were, is now laid, and instead of being gathered in a little company of 150,000, by and by we shall be gathered in hundreds of thousands and even millions. Now, do you believe it? I not only believe it but know it will come to pass just as much as a great many other things which have already been fulfilled since the promises were uttered and published in this book. I knew they would come to pass, for God has revealed these things to me, and given me a knowledge of them, and I also know concerning the future of this people, as also do a great many of our brethren that have received; testimonies concerning these matters. (JD 21:135)
[104] Orson Pratt:
Use every exertion to flee out from the corruptions of the Gentiles, and to obtain for yourselves an everlasting inheritance among the people of God; for the day of the wicked is far spent, their sun will soon go down in the midst of clouds and thick darkness–a long and dreary night awaits them; but upon such as fear the Lord, and keep His commandments the sun of righteousness will arise, and their day will be glorious; and their sun shall no more go down; for God will be unto them an everlasting light; which shall shine for evermore. (The Seer, pp. 168-169)
Wilford Woodruff:
As I passed along upon my way east, I saw the road full of people, mostly women, with just what they could carry in bundles on their backs traveling to the mountains on foot.
I wondered how they could get through with such a small pack on their back. It was remarkable to me that there were so few men among them. It did not seem to me as though the cars were running. The rails looked rusty and abandoned.
. . . Everywhere I went I saw the same scenes of horror and destruction was everywhere.
. . . I supposed this was the end, but no. I was given to understand that the same horrors were being enacted all over the country–East, West, North, South. (Prophetic Years, by Anderson, p. 54)
George Q. Cannon:
I expect to see the day when the Latter-day Saints will be the people to maintain constitutional government on this land. Men everywhere should know that we believe in constitutional principles, and that we expect that it will be our destiny to maintain them. That the prediction will be fulfilled that was made forty-four years ago the [105] seventh of last March, wherein God said to Joseph Smith–“Ye hear of wars in foreign lands; but behold I say unto you, they are nigh, even at your doors, and not many years hence ye shall hear of wars in your lands;” but the revelation goes on to say that the day will come among the wicked, that every man that will not take his sword against his neighbor, must needs flee unto Zion for safety. A portion of that revelation has been fulfilled, the remainder will be. The causes are in operation to bring it about. We are not alone in the thought that the republic is drifting steadily in that direction; that we are leaving the old constitutional landmarks, and that the time is not far distant when there will be trouble in consequence of it, when there will be civil broils and strife; and to escape them, we believe, men will be compelled to flee to the “Mormons”, despised as they are now. (JD 18:10)
Jedediah Grant:
Some of you who want a gardener, or a farmer, launch out your gold, your cattle, your horses, your food, and your raiment, and deposit the means, and we will send over and get the family, and that family will aid and assist you in your financial operations, and pay up the debt. I reckon that six or eight thousand in Utah could act upon this principle. . . . This piecemeal business of gathering Saints! We want it upon the wholesale principle. That’s the doctrine. I tell you, a few more boys breaking the crust of nations, like brother Carn, after a while, by driving their little wedges, will bring them over by nations. (JD 2:72)
William M’ghie:
It is true, that no other subject <gathering> is so largely treated of in the prophecies. But our theologians, being more wise than the prophets, and seeing that such a doctrine would be very hurtful to the best interests of popular Christianity, had long done away with it, by substituting a spiritual gathering in its stead. (Mill. Star 12:182)
[106] Orson Spencer:
If men have not the spirit of gathering, they are blind and cannot see afar off, and are nigh unto burning. The gathering is one great test of faith, by which you may know who is on the Lord’s side. (Mill. Star 9:310)
[107] Chapter 10
THE TEN TRIBES
All Jews are Israelites, but not all Israelites are Jews; just as all Californians are Americans, but not all Americans are Californians. The Jews belong to the house of Judah–one of the twelve tribes. At one time the tribes of Judah, Benjamin and Levi were called the house of Judah, and the ten tribes, headed by Ephraim and Manasseh, were called Israel. These two nations, composed of the different tribes, were identified as Judah and Israel throughout the rest of the Bible. For many generations Israel and Judah remained separate nations having their own kings.
Within 500 years from the time Moses delivered the Israelites out of Egypt, they had intermixed in marriage and customs until only two distinct nations remained. By 730 B.C. the tribes of Israel had fallen into the same kind of spiritual and physical apostasy and bondage that Moses had delivered them from nearly 800 years before. They never fully recovered and eventually fell into bondage again.
In the ninth year of Hoshea, the king of Assyria took Samaria, and carried Israel away into Assyria, and placed them in Halah and in Habor by the river of Gozan, and in the cities of the Medes. For so it was, that the children of Israel had sinned against the Lord their God, which had brought them up out of the land of Egypt, from under the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and had feared other gods, and walked in the statutes of the heathen, whom the Lord cast out from before the children of Israel, and of the kings of Israel, which they had made. (II Kings 17:6-8)
[108] From the last glimpse of this great nation, we can see they were in a fallen, apostate condition–both politically and spiritually. In this degraded and wicked situation, they were taken captive and became lost as a distinct people or nation.
And the Lord rejected all the seed of Israel, and afflicted them, and delivered them into the hand of spoilers, until he had cast them out of his sight. (II Kings 17:20)
So, from this period of Israel’s history, the identity of the Ten Tribes as a nation was lost. Many have speculated as to where they are, but according to the scriptures they were gradually intermixed with other cultures and intermarried among other nations. They had become more wicked than the heathens because they had sinned against the true God of Israel. The Lord had warned them through the Prophet Moses:
And if ye will not for all this hearken unto me, but walk contrary to me; then I will walk contrary unto you also in fury; and I, even I, will chastise you seven times for your sins.
And I will scatter you among the heathen, and will draw out a sword after you: and your land shall be desolate, and your cities waste. (Lev. 26:27, 28, 33)
James, in his general epistle written about 62 A.D., realized the scattered condition of the Israelites at that time when he said:
James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting. My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations. (James 1:1-2)
[109] Thus we see both the wickedness of Israel and their fate. They were to suffer because of it for many generations. However, they were not to be totally destroyed or abandoned. It was prophesied their seed should again hear and obey the word of the Lord, and in the latter days they would again be gathered, becoming a great people and a mighty nation.
Old Testament:
Therefore, behold the days come, saith the Lord, that it shall no more, be said, The Lord liveth that brought up the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt; but the Lord liveth that brought the children of Israel from the land of the north, and from all lands whether he had driven them. (Jer. 16:14-15)
But, the Lord liveth, which brought up and which led the seed of the house of Israel out of the north country, and from all countries whither I had driven them; and they shall dwell in their own land. (Jer. 23:8)
Behold, I will bring them from the north country and gather them from the coasts of the earth, and with them the blind and the lame, the woman with child and her that travaileth with child together: a great company shall return thither. They shall come with weeping, and with supplications will I lead them…. (Jer. 31:8-9)
And it shall come to pass in that day, that the Lord shall set his hand the second time to recover the remnant of his people, which shall be left, from Assyria, and from Egypt, and from Pathros, and from Cush, and from Elam, and from Shinar, and from Hamath, and from the islands of the sea. And he shall set up an ensign for the nations, and shall assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four quarters of the earth. (Isaiah 11:11-12)
[110] Moreover the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, Son of man, when the house of Israel dwelt in their own land, they defiled it by their own way and by their doings: their way was before me as the uncleanness of a removed woman. Wherefore I poured my fury upon them for the blood that they had shed upon the land, and for their idols wherewith they had polluted it: And I scattered them among the heathen, and they were dispersed through the countries: according to their way and according to their doings I judged them.
Therefore say unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord God; I do not this for your sakes, O house of Israel, but for mine holy name’s sake, which ye have profaned among the heathen, whither ye went. And I will sanctify my great name, which was profaned among the heathen, which ye have profaned in the midst of them; and the heathen shall know that I am the Lord, saith the Lord God, when I shall be sanctified in you before their eyes.
For I will take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into your own land. (Ezekiel 36:16-19, 22-24)
Say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I will take the stick of Joseph, which is in the hand of Ephraim, and the tribes of Israel his fellows, and will put them with him, even with the stock of Judah, and make them one stick, and they shall be one in mine hand. And the sticks whereon thou writest shall be in thine hand before their eyes. And say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I will take the children of Israel from among the heathen, whither they be done, and will gather them on every side, and bring them into their own land. (Ezekiel 37:19-21)
New Testament:
And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree.
[111] And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea,
Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.
And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel.
Of the tribe of Judah were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Reuben were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Gad were sealed twelve thousand.
Of the tribe of Aser were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Nepthalim were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Manasses were sealed twelve thousand.
Of the tribe of Simeon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Levi were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Issachar were sealed twelve thousand.
Of the tribe of Zabulon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Joseph were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Benjamin were sealed twelve thousand. (Rev. 7:1-8)
Book of Mormon:
Wherefore, the things of which I have read are things pertaining to things both temporal and spiritual; for it appears that the house of Israel, sooner or later, will be scattered upon all the face of the earth, and also among all nations. And behold, there are many who are already lost from the knowledge of those who are at Jerusalem. Yea, the more part of all the tribes have been led away; and they are scattered to and fro upon the isles of the sea; . . .
And it meaneth that the time cometh that after all the house of Israel have been scattered and confounded, that the Lord God will raise up a mighty nation among the Gentiles, yea, even upon the face of this land; . . . (I Nephi 22:3, 4, 7)
[112] For behold, I shall speak unto the Jews and they shall write it; and I shall also speak unto the Nephites and they shall write it; and I shall also speak unto the other tribes of the house of Israel, which I have led away, and they shall write it; and I shall also speak unto all nations of the earth and they shall write it.
And it shall come to pass that the Jews shall have the words of the Nephites, and the Nephites shall have the words of the Jews; and the Nephites and the Jews shall have the words of the lost tribes of Israel; and the lost tribes of Israel shall have the words of the Nephites and the Jews.
And it shall come to pass that my people which are of the house of Israel, shall be gathered home unto the lands of their possessions; and my word also shall be gathered in one. (2 Nephi 29:12-14)
And as surely as the Lord liveth, will he gather in from the four quarters of the earth all the remnant of the seed of Jacob, who are scattered abroad upon all the face of the earth. (3 Nephi 5:24)
And then shall the work of the Father commence at that day, even when this gospel shall be preached among the remnant of this people. Verily I say unto you, at that day shall the work of the Father commence among all the dispersed of my people, yea, even the tribes which have been lost, which the Father hath led away out of Jerusalem. Yea, the work shall commence among all the dispersed of my people, with the Father, to prepare the way whereby they may come unto me, that they may call on the Father in my name. Yea, and then shall the work commence, with the Father, among all nations, in preparing the way whereby his people may be gathered home to the land of their inheritance. And they shall go out from all nations; and they shall not go out in haste, nor go by flight, for I will go before them, saith the Father, and I will be their rearward. (3 Nephi 21:26-29)
[113] Doctrine and Covenants:
. . . he <John> shall minister for those who shall be heirs of salvation who dwell on the earth. (D & C 7:6)
What are we to understand by the little book which was eaten by John, as mentioned in the 10th chapter of Revelation? We are to understand that it was a mission, and an ordinance, for him to gather the tribes of Israel; behold, this is Elias, who, as it is written, must come and restore all things. (D & C 77:14)
And they who are in the north countries shall come in remembrance before the Lord; and their prophets shall hear his voice, and shall no longer stay themselves; and they shall smite the rocks, and the ice shall flow down at their presence.
And an highway shall be cast up in the midst of the great deep. Their enemies shall become a prey unto them, and in the barren deserts there shall come forth pools of living water; and the parched ground shall no longer be a thirsty land.
And they shall bring forth their rich treasures unto the children of Ephraim, my servants. And the boundaries of the everlasting hills shall tremble at their presence. And there shall they fall down and be crowned with glory, even in Zion, by the hands of the servants of the Lord, even the children of Ephraim.
And they shall be filled with songs of everlasting joy. Behold, this is the blessing of the everlasting God upon the tribes of Israel, and the richer blessing upon the head of Ephraim and his fellows. (D & C 133:26-34)
Articles of Faith:
We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the ten tribes; that Zion will be built upon this (the American) continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory. (Article 10)
[114] Joseph Smith:
The city of Zion spoken of by David, in the one hundred and second Psalm, will be built upon the land of America, “And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads.” (Isa. 35:10); and then they will be delivered the overflowing scourge that shall pass through the land. But Judah shall obtain deliverance at Jerusalem. (See Joel 2:32; Isa. 26:20-21; Jer. 31:12; Psalms 1:5; Ezek. 34:11, 12, 13.) These are testimonies that the Good Shepherd will put forth His own sheep, and lead them out from all where they have been scattered in a cloudy and dark day, to Zion, and to Jerusalem; besides many more testimonies which might be brought. (TPJS, p. 17)
Joseph Smith:
The Spirit of the Lord fell upon Joseph in an unusual manner, and he prophesied that John the Revelator was then among the Ten Lost Tribes of Israel . . . to prepare them for their return from their long dispersion to again possess the land of their fathers. (History of the Church 1:176)
Joseph Smith:
Oliver Cowdery stated that the Angel Moroni instructed Joseph Smith that after the Church “shall be sanctified and receive an inheritance where the glory of God shall rest upon them . . . and all things are prepared, the ten tribes of Israel will be revealed in the north country, whither they have been for a long season.” (Messenger and Advocate, Oct. 1835)
Brigham Young:
By and by the Jews will be gathered to the land of their fathers, and the ten tribes, who wandered into the north, will be gathered home, and the blood of Ephraim, the second son of Joseph, who was sold into Egypt, which [115] is to be found in every kingdom and nation under heaven, will be gathered from among the Gentiles, and the Gentiles who will receive and adhere to the principles of the Gospel will be adopted and initiated into the family of Father Abraham, and Jesus will reign over his own and Satan will reign over his own. (JD 22:38)
Millennial Star Editorial:
When the Gentiles shall have rejected the fullness of the Gospel, the cup of their iniquity will be full, then will the Lord make bare His arm in the eyes of all nations, in gathering together the dispersed of Israel from the four corners of the earth, unto the great centres of gathering for the elect of God, namely, Zion, on the Western Hemisphere, and Jerusalem on the Eastern; then will He pour out of His hot wrath and indignation upon those nations who have oppressed His chosen people, and trodden them under foot for so many generations. (Mill. Star 39:245)
Orson Pratt:
Here it will be seen that the house of Israel will be in a very different condition from the Jews. The ten tribes will believe in Christ, so much so, that He will lead them, while on their return from the north country, and they will come and “sing in the height of Zion,” and “they will not sorrow any more at all”; whereas the Jews will have no such favors shown unto them on their return from the nations, but will have great distress and sorrow, and mourning, after they get back to Jerusalem. The ten tribes are redeemed from their afflictions before the Jews, consequently they first come to Zion among the redeemed saints, and partake with them in all the glory of Zion, until the Jews and Jerusalem shall also be redeemed, when they shall return to Jerusalem, and receive their inheritance in the land of Palestine, according to the divisions of that land in Ezekiel’s prophecy, and become one nation with the Jews, “in the land upon the mountains of Israel.” (Masterful Discourses of Orson Pratt, Lundwall, p. 124)
[116] Orson Pratt:
The Ten Tribes will have to come forth and come to this land, to be crowned with glory in the midst of Zion by the hands of the servants of God, even the children of Ephraim; and twelve thousand High Priests will be elected from each of these tribes, as well as from the scattered tribes, and sealed in their foreheads, and will be ordained and receive power to gather out of all nations, kindreds, tongues and people as many as will come unto the general assemblage of the Church of the first-born. (JD 15:355-66)
Orson Pratt:
Having spoken concerning the gathering of the ten tribes, I will refer again to their Prophets. “Their Prophets shall hear his voice.” Do not think that we are the only people who will have prophets. God is determined to raise up Prophets among that people, but He will not bestow upon them all the fulness of the blessings of the Priesthood. The fulness will be reserved to be given to them after they come to Zion. But Prophets will be among them while in the north, and a portion of the Priesthood will be there; and John the Revelator will be there, teaching, instructing and preparing them for this great work. (JD 18:25)
B.H. Roberts:
It would have been quite possible for God to scatter, or to use the language of the prophet Amos–“Sift the house of Israel among all nations, like as corn is sifted in a sieve,” and “yet not the least grain fall upon the earth” –i.e., be lost to the knowledge of God, though now lost to men. And as it was possible to lose these tribes of Israel among the nations of the earth, so is it possible for God to recover them from their scattered condition from among these nations, with a display of the divine power. (Defense of the Faith and the Saints, Vol. 2, pp. 479-480)
[117] Stephen Malan:
. . . there are no grounds whatever for believing that the ten tribes are now and have been for centuries a separate and distinct nation living in complete isolation from the rest of mankind. Also from the further fact that should they have multiplied during twenty-four centuries upon any part of the known earth, they could not be isolated nor unknown to mankind at this age; hence the argument so often repeated of their being “lost”, and of their being recovered from their hiding places, cannot be construed otherwise than by the process of having become mixed with other people, and recovered from said mixture. (The Ten Tribes–Discovered and Identified, pp. 145)
- L. Whitehead:
The prophecies foretelling the gathering of Israel refer to two peoples and two gathering places. Perhaps the largest body is that composed of the tribes of the Northern Kingdom known as Israel. This body will be gathered in two stages. The first stage is in process of fulfillment at the present time, the gathering of Ephraim out of the world. The fishers of men have gone forth and have made their casts, bringing in great draughts of fish during the early history of the Church. Now the hunters are searching for them in the hidden places of the world, bringing them one of a city and two of a family to the valleys of Zion. All this is preparatory to the arrival of the second and much larger body, the rest of the Ten Tribes. * * *
As a preliminary step in the gathering, the saints are to be gathered to the tops of the mountains in fulfillment of the prophecies of Isaiah and Micah. This is merely a temporary shelter until the forces of Ephraim have been able to procure the other lands and multiplied in numbers sufficiently to provide hospitality to the rest of the tribes who shall come to Zion to receive their blessings at the hands of Ephraim, and consummate the work for their ancestors in the temples of the Lord raised up by Ephraim. (House of Israel, pp. 499, 502-503)
[118] Chapter 11
A SPECIAL PEOPLE
Wickedness and apostasy will increase throughout the world and also among many of those called Latter-day Saints. But it has been prophesied that a people “from the midst of this people” would be separated and would continue faithful until the ushering in of the Millennium. This special people will carry the great responsibility of living the Gospel in its fullness until the second coming of Christ.
A knowledge of these numerous prophecies is important in understanding the qualifications and responsibilities required of this special people.
Joseph Smith:
. . . and my only trouble at the present time is concerning ourselves, that the Saints will be divided, broken up, and scattered, before we get our salvation secure; for there are so many fools in the world for the devil to operate upon, it gives him the advantage oftentimes. * * *
I have tried for a number of years to get the minds of the Saints prepared to receive the things of God; but we frequently see some of them, after suffering all they have for the work of God, will fly to pieces like glass as soon as anything comes that is contrary to their traditions: they cannot stand the fire at all. How many will be able to abide a celestial law, and go through and receive their exaltation, I am unable to say, as many are called, but few are chosen. (T.P.J.S., p. 331)
[119] Joseph Smith:
. . . for if Zion will not purify herself, so as to be approved of in all things, in His sight, He will seek another people; for His work will go on until Israel is gathered, and they who will not hear His voice, must expect to feel His wrath. (T.P.J.S., p. 18)
Joseph Smith: (as reported by Mosiah Hancock)
“… the United States will not receive you with the laws which God desires you to live, and you will have to go to where the Nephites lost their power. They <the Nephites> worked in the United Order for 166 years, and the Saints have got to become proficient in the laws of God before they can meet the Lord Jesus Christ, or even the city of Enoch.” * * * Placing his finger on the map, I should think about where Snowflake, Arizona, is situated, or it could have been Mexico, he <Joseph> said, “The government will not receive you with the laws that God designed you to live, and those who are desirous to live the laws of God will have to go South. You will live to see men arise in power in the Church who will seek to put down your friends and the friends of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Many will be hoisted because of their money and the worldly learning which they seem to be in possession of; and many who are the true followers of our Lord and Savior will be cast down because of their poverty.” (Mosiah Hancock Journal, pg. 19)
Brigham Young:
There is one principle I would like to have the Latter-day Saints perfectly understand–that is, of blessings and cursings. For instance, we read that war, pestilence, plagues, famine, etc., will be visited upon the inhabitants of the earth; but if distress through the judgments of God comes upon this people, it will be because the majority have turned away from the Lord. Let [120] the majority of the people turn away from the Holy Commandments which the Lord has delivered to us, and cease to hold the balance of power in the Church, and we may expect the judgments of God to come upon us; but while six-tenths or three-fourths of this people will keep the commandments of God, the curse and judgments of the Almighty will never come upon them…. (JD 10:335)
Brigham Young:
God will preserve a portion of this people, of the meek and the humble, to bear off the kingdom to the inhabitants of the earth, and will defend His Priesthood; for it is the last time, the last gathering time. (Contributor 10:362)
Heber C. Kimball:
But the time will come when the Lord will choose a people out of this people upon whom he will bestow his choicest blessings. (Des. News, Nov. 9, 1865; see also JD 11:145.)
John Taylor:
What would be necessary to bring about the results nearest the hearts of the opponents of Mormonism? Simply to renounce, abrogate, or apostatize from the New and Everlasting Covenant of Marriage in its fulness. Were the Church to do that as an entirety, God would reject the Saints as a body. The authority of the Priesthood would be withdrawn with its gifts and powers and there would be no more heavenly recognition of the administrations. The heavens would permanently withdraw themselves, and the Lord would raise up another people of greater valor and stability, for his work must, according to his unalterable decrees, go forward; for the time of the second coming of the Savior is near, even at the doors. (Des. News, April 23, 1885)
[121] Wilford Woodruff:
Can you tell me where the people are who will be shielded and protected from these great calamities and judgments which are now at our doors? I’ll tell you. The priesthood of God who honor their priesthood, and who are worthy of their blessings are the only ones who shall have this safety and protection. They are the only mortal beings. No other people have a right to be shielded from these judgments. They are at our very doors; not even this people will escape them entirely. They will come down like the judgments of Sodom and Gomorrah. And none but the priesthood will be safe from their fury. (Y.W. Journal Vol. 5, No. 11, Aug. 1894)
Orson F. Whitney:
Many of this people are perhaps preparing themselves, by following after the world in its mad race for wealth and pleasure, to go down with Babylon when she crumbles and falls; but I know there is a people, in the heart’s core of this people, that will arise in their majesty in a day that is near at hand, and push spiritual things to the front; a people who will stand up for God, fearing not man nor what man can do, but believing as the prophet Joseph says, that all things we suffer are for our best good, and that God will stand by us forever and ever. (Des. News, Aug. 11, 1889)
Millennial Star Editorial:
Let the weak knees quake, and the false hearts flutter and tremble; let those of little faith ignore and forsake, if they choose, the holy principles of eternal life committed to their care! Let the winds howl, and the waves dash, and the storms burst forth in all their fury! There are those remaining whom God hath reserved for perilous times, whose knees have never bowed to Baal, whose hands have never faltered, whose hearts have never trembled; . . . These shall stand steadfast, firm-rooted as [122] the Rock upon which their hopes are built, and though the floods come and the rains descend and the winds blow and beat upon their house, it shall not fall. (Mill. Star 44:314, May 15, 1882)
Orson Pratt:
I do not know but that 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 somewhere in the regions round about in these mountains…. I do not know how long it will be before this people are brought to the trying point to see who is and who is not for the Lord; but I would advise the Latter-day Saints to prepare for this, for it may come sooner than some of you expect. If the Lord should undertake to bring about an order of things different from that which now exists, and establish it not exactly in the midst of this people, but in some place where they can commence anew, I hope the people will begin to pray to the Lord, reckon up with themselves and examine their own hearts and see whether they are willing and prepared, if called upon, to place all that they have, or as much as they are required in that order of things, and carry out . . . .
In order to bring about this, who knows how many chastisements God may yet have to pour out upon the people calling themselves Latter-day Saints? I do not know. Some times I fear, when I read certain revelations contained in this book. (JD 15:361)
George Q. Cannon:
Before the great day of the Lord shall come, and the day of righteousness and peace dawn upon this fair creation, two potent cleansing processes shall be in active operation. The first of these is a preparation of a choice people, purified by an application to their lives, as [123] individuals and a community, of the principles of the gospel of peace. Such a body will evolve from those called Latter-day Saints, who as a Church possess the fulness and power of the pure plan of salvation. Out of this community at present in the merely incipient stages of development and from the remnant of the whole house of Israel will emanate the nucleus or foundation from which will spring the righteous millennial population of our globe. (Mill. Star 42:585)
Joseph F. Smith:
Do we expect or hope that all the people that are now numbered among the Latter-day Saints will be true and faithful to the end? No, we may justly fear that many will fall by the way. But there will be a sufficient number of this people, and of their children’s children, and of the honest in heart who are at present in darkness but who will yet come to a knowledge of the truth, who will be sufficiently faithful to the covenants that they make with God, that the kingdom will never fall or be left to another people. (Des. News, July 7, 1883)
Daniel H. Wells:
Many will doubtless make shipwreck of their faith and will be led away by the allurements of sin into by and forbidden paths; yet the kingdom will not be taken from this people and given to another, but a people will come forth from among us, who will be zealous of good works, willing to do the bidding of the Lord, who will be taught in His ways, and who will walk in His paths. (Des. News, Nov. 6, 1875)
Daniel H. Wells:
And if we as a people do not hold ourselves on the altar ready to be used with our means and all that God has bestowed upon us, according to the Master’s bidding, for the upbuilding of His kingdom upon the earth, He will [124] pass on and get somebody else; because He will get a people that will do it. I do not mean to say that He will pass on and leave this people; no, there will come up from the midst of this people that people that has been talked so much about. (Des. News, Dec. 9, 1882)
[125] Chapter 12
SETTING IN ORDER THE HOUSE OF GOD
The scriptures inform us that in the last days the “house of God” will be set in order–that “judgments” will start there and then go forth throughout the world.
Why would judgments be brought against the “house of God”, or why would it have to be set in order unless it was out of order and deserved to have such judgments brought upon it? In the latter days deceptions, strong delusions, and false prophets are to be a major test upon the house of God. We are supposed to be independent and free, but we are totally tied up with Babylon in its political and economic system. We are supposed to be living moral lives, but statistics show we are about average with the rest of the nation. We are supposed to be the best informed scriptorians in the world on our religious beliefs, but there are only about 6% of the LDS Church members that have read the Book of Mormon. On every point we have been increasing our worldly and temporal efforts. We have compromised the laws of God to conform with the laws of man. We are supposed to be a Zion, but we are not.
Is it any wonder that God will have to send “one mighty and strong . . . to set in order the house of God”!
New Testament:
The Apostle Peter prophesied that “the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God; . . . and if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?” (I Peter 4:17-18)
[126] Doctrine and Covenants:
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 order the house of God, and to arrange by lot the inheritances 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; . . . (Sec. 85:7)
Doctrine and Covenants:
Verily, verily, I say unto you, darkness covereth the earth, and gross darkness the minds of the people, and all flesh has become corrupt before my face. Behold, vengeance cometh speedily upon the inhabitants of the earth, a day of wrath, a day of burning, a day of desolation, of weeping, or mourning, and of lamentation; and as a whirlwind it shall come upon all the face of the earth, saith the Lord.
And upon my house shall it begin, and from my house shall it go forth, saith the Lord; First among those among you, saith the Lord, who have professed to know my name and have not known me, and have blasphemed against me in the midst of MY house saith the Lord. (Sec. 112:23-26)
Doctrine and Covenants:
For it shall come to pass that the inhabitants of Zion shall judge all things pertaining to Zion. And liars and hypocrites shall be proved by them, and they who are not apostles and prophets shall be known. And even the bishop, who is a judge, and his counselors, if they are not faithful in their stewardships shall be condemned, and others shall be planted in their stead. (Sec. 64:38-40)
[127] Brigham Young:
Judgments must begin at the house of God first, and we are perfectly willing it should. (JD 12:119)
Heber C. Kimball:
If judgments must need begin at the house of God, and if the righteous scarcely are saved, how will it be with the wicked? (JD 5:20)
Heber C. Kimball:
There will not many calamities come upon the nations of the earth, until this people first feel their effects, and when hard times commence, they will begin at the house of God, and if there is any house of God on the earth where is it? It is here, is it not? (Des. News, March 2, 1856)
Moses Thatcher:
. . . I will say when this nation, having sown to the wind, reaps the whirlwind; when brother takes up sword against brother; when father contends against son, and son against father; when he who will not take up his sword against his neighbor must needs flee to Zion for safety–then I would say to my friends come to Utah; for the judgments of God commencing at the house of the Lord, will have passed away, . . . (JD 26:334)
Wilford Woodruff: (1880 Revelation)
These revelations and testimonies are before you. Let my Saints search the Word of the Lord and treasure up wisdom and be prepared for that which is to come. As I have decreed, so shall my judgments begin at the House of God. * * * Judgments will begin upon my house, and from thence will they go forth unto the world and the wicked cannot escape. (Revelation to Wilford Woodruff, Jan. 26, 1880)
[128] John H. Koyle: (as reported by a personal friend)
. . . the Great Reformation would commence and continue until it had enveloped the entire Church–in fact, everything had to be set in order.
This setting-in-order would include many people in many positions, because the Bishop <John Koyle> said it would be “first the Church, then the State, and then the Nation.” All of these would be “brought up standing to judgment like a wild colt is brought to a snubbin’ post.” (Relief Mine, by Ogden Kraut, p. 153)
[129] Chapter 13
RICHES OF THE LATTER-DAY SAINTS
Riches can be a blessing or a curse. When men are rich, however, they often forget God and thus “ye are cursed because of your riches.” (Hela. 13:21) When God gives His riches to His people, it is usually because they have been tried and tested and know what God requires of them with such an awesome responsibility. For example:
And Joram brought with him vessels of silver, and vessels of gold and vessels of brass: which also king David did dedicate unto the Lord, with the silver and gold that he had dedicated of all nations which he subdued. (II Sam. 8:10-11)
The riches needed to build up God’s kingdom, to redeem His Zion, and to gather and save His people, will not come through the riches of the worldly. God does not require that His people get rich on selling, merchandising, stock markets and speculation. When He blesses His people, it will be with the gold and silver and precious elements that He has produced. Gold will be used to beautify special buildings, for ornamentation and culinary items, and to purchase the needed materials and lands to fulfill the purposes which God intends for His people.
In considering all these prophecies concerning riches coming to the Latter-day Saints, however, we should keep in mind the following admonitions:
But before ye seek for riches, seek ye for the kingdom of God. (Jacob 2:18)
[130]
Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eyes of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. (Matt. 19:23-24)
The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver. (Psalms 119:72)
But since prophecies frequently imply that God’s people will become extremely rich, it is important to learn beforehand how to use these riches and the wealth of the earth correctly so they can be considered a blessing. Although a few of the following excerpts are not actually prophetic in nature, they clearly indicate what is required of God’s people regarding the acquiring and use of wealth.
Old Testament:
But all the silver, and gold, and vessels of brass and iron are consecrated unto the Lord: they shall come into the treasury of the Lord. (Joshua 6:19)
The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the Lord of hosts. (Haggai 2:8)
Joseph Smith:
The White Horse will find the mountains full of minerals and they will become very rich. You will see silver piled in the streets. You will see gold shoveled up like sand. Gold will be of little value even in a mercantile capacity, for the people of the world will have something else to do in seeking for salvation. The time will come when the banks in every nation will fail and only two places will be safe where people can deposit their gold and treasures. These places will be the White Horse and England’s vaults. (“White Horse Prophecy”, Visions of the Latter-days, Kraut, p. 50)
[131] Brigham Young:
The true use of gold is for paving streets, covering houses and making culinary dishes, and when the Saints shall have preached the gospel, raised grain and built up cities enough, the Lord will open up a way for a supply of gold to the perfect satisfaction of His people. Until that time, let them not be over anxious, for the treasures of the earth are in the Lord’s storehouse and He will open the doors thereof when and where He pleases. (Brigham Young at Home, p. 252)
Brigham Young:
Why do the children of men set their hearts upon earthly things? They are to be used, but not to the abusing of yourselves. They are to be used to make us comfortable. Suppose all the good things of this world should be given to us, the gold and the silver, the cattle and the horses, and all the flocks of a thousand hills; it would be for the express purpose of building mansions and temples, of feeding the poor that cannot feed themselves, of succouring the tried and the tempted, of sending Elders to preach the Gospel from nation to nation, from island to island, and of gathering Israel from the four quarters of the globe. But that moment that men seek to build up themselves, in preference to the kingdom of God, and seek to hoard up riches, while the widow and the fatherless, the sick and afflicted, around them, are in poverty and want, it proves that their hearts are weaned from their God; and their riches will perish in their fingers, and they with them.
The power which belongs to the true riches is gained by pursuing a righteous course, by maintaining an upright deportment towards all men, and especially towards the household of faith, yielding to each other, giving freely of that which the Lord has given to you, thus you can secure to yourselves eternal riches; and gain influence and power over all your friends, as well as your enemies. “If you [132] want anything I have, here, take it, and I will have influence and power over you;” this is a key word to gain the true riches; that is the amount of it. (J.D. 1:272)
Brigham Young:
Poor men, or poor women, who have nothing, and covet that which is not their own, are just as wicked in their hearts, as the miserly man who hoards up his gold and silver, and will not put it out to use. I wish the poor to understand, and act as they would wish others to act towards them in like circumstances. (J.D. 2:52)
Brigham Young:
The poor are filled with idolatry as well as the rich, and covet the means of those who have helped them; the rich also have the same spirit of idolatry, and stick to what they have. Let the poor be honest, let the rich be liberal, and lay their plans to assist the poor, to build up the Kingdom of God, and at the same time enrich themselves, for that is the way to build up God’s Kingdom. (J.D. 3:6)
Brigham Young:
The gold and the silver belong to the Lord Almighty, and He will hand it over to us as fast as we know how to use it to His name’s glory. (J.D. 5:204)
Brigham Young:
I am more afraid of covetousness in our Elders than I am of the hordes of hell. (J.D. 5:353)
Brigham Young:
What good can our wealth do, were it not to promote the cause of God upon the earth, overcome the power of Satan, and be used to bring forth righteousness and overcome darkness? That is dedicating ourselves and all we [133] are made stewards over to the building up of the cause of God on the earth. In so doing we can be justified. (J.D. 6:197)
Brigham Young:
If gold is a sufficient inducement to lead men off to live in the midst of that society in California, after they know and understand the condition of it, it certainly proves that they love the things of this world better than they love Christ. You may say you are poor, and wish to accumulate something to help yourself and your family. “Are you starving to death for want of food?” “No.” All of you have plenty to subsist upon. If those who go to California for gold were full of the Holy Ghost, they would clothe their wives and children with buckskin, and wear it themselves to the day of their death, rather than mingle with the wicked and be induced to leave the society of the Saints. The true cause of their taking such a course is, they do not love the Lord.
There is a class of persons that persecution will not drive from the Church of Christ, but prosperity will; and again, there is another class that prosperity will not drive, but persecution will. The Lord must and will have a company of Saints who will follow him to the cross, if it be necessary; and these He will crown. They are the ones who will wear a celestial crown and have dominion, rule, and government. These are they who will receive honour of the Father, with glory, exaltation, and eternal lives. They shall reign over kingdoms, and have power to be Gods, even the sons of God. (J.D. 6:322)
Brigham Young:
Men are greedy for the vain things of this world. In their hearts they are covetous. It is true that the things of this world are designed to make us comfortable, and they make some people as happy as they can be here; but riches can never make the Latter-day Saints happy. Riches of themselves cannot produce permanent happiness; only the Spirit that comes from above can do that. * * *
[134] Never pray for riches; do not entertain such a foolish thought. In my deep poverty, when I knew not where I could procure the next morsel of food for myself and family, I have prayed God to open the way that I might get something to keep myself and family from dying. Those who do more than this are off, more or less, from the track that leads to life eternal. (J.D. 7:135, 138)
Brigham Young:
I will say to such, Get rich in gold and silver, in houses and lands, in goods and chattels, in flocks and herds, until you possess all you can possibly gain; but let me caution you not to get one cent, unless you get it honestly. And when you have amassed your millions, never allow yourselves to possess one dollar with the belief that you are capable of disposing of it judiciously without wisdom from our God. In all things inquire of the Lord, that you may wisely direct your earthly substance, as well as the energies of your minds, to the building up of His kingdom and the consummation of His purposes pertaining to this world and our salvation. (J.D. 8:9)
Brigham Young:
It is the privilege of the Saints to enjoy every good thing, for the earth and its fulness belong to the Lord, and He has promised all to His faithful Saints; but it must be enjoyed without spirit of covetousness and selfishness–without the spirit of lust, and in the spirit of the Gospel: then the sun will shine sweetly upon us; each day will be filled with delight, and all things will be filled with beauty, giving joy, pleasure, and rest to the Saints. The vegetable kingdom is made for man, to gratify the taste and add health to the body and gratification to every sense. The gold and the silver wilt be given to the Saints; the riches of the world will be put in their possession, and they will be legal heirs. We are now passing through a day of trial, to determine whether we will prove worthy of all [135] we may enjoy and possess, for it must be enjoyed and possessed without the spirit of covetousness. Without the pure Spirit of the Lord Jesus Christ, we cannot enjoy the good things of life. (J.D. 8:82)
Brigham Young:
Every Saint should understand that the Lord will bring forth to us the gold when we need it. (J.D. 8:170)
Brigham Young:
Gold is one of the most refined metals, and mankind have to be tried like gold that has passed seven times through the crucible, making it a little hotter each time, until the metal is as pure as it can be. Who will possess it? Who will possess the earth and all its fulness? Will it not be those whom the Lord has reserved to this honour? And they will come upon Mount Zion as saviours, to labour through the millennium to save others. * * *
If you cannot possess gold and silver without having one particle of love for it, you are not as you must learn to be. All that a man should have in his heart with regard to goods, and chattels, and possessions on the earth, is to know of the Lord what to do with them. (J.D. 8:191)
Brigham Young:
The possession of all the gold and silver in the world would not satisfy the cravings of the immortal soul of man. The gift of the Holy Spirit of the Lord alone can produce a good, wholesome, contented mind. Instead of looking for gold and silver, took to the heavens and try to learn wisdom until you can organize the native elements for your benefit; then, and not until then, will you begin to possess the true riches. (J.D. 10:35)
[136] Brigham Young:
Gold is a pure and precious metal, and the wicked love it through selfishness or an unholy lust, while God and his true people love to pave the streets of Zion with it, to overlay altars and pulpits of Temples with it, and to make utensils of it for the use of the Priests of the Lord in offering sacrifice to Him, and also for household purposes. (J.D. 10:254)
Brigham Young:
When it is necessary that we should possess gold in great abundance, the Lord will show it to us in vision, and we shall not have to prospect and dig to find it, as the wicked have to do. The liberty of the Saints is to possess power with God to open gold mines, when we want gold; to plant and reap in abundance; to heal the sick of our families, and to heal our animals that serve us; to elude every snare of the enemy. (J.D. 10:288)
Brigham Young:
If we are destroyed through the possession of wealth, it will be because we destroy ourselves. If we possessed hundreds of millions of coin and devoted that means to building up the Kingdom of God and doing good to His creatures, with an eye single to His glory, we would be as much blessed and as much entitled to salvation as the poor beggar that begs from door to door; the faithful rich man is as much entitled to the revelations of Jesus Christ as is the faithful poor man. (J.D. 10:300)
Brigham Young:
We cannot talk about spiritual things without connecting with them temporal things, neither can we talk about temporal things without connecting spiritual things with them. They are inseparably connected. * * *
[137] We want this people to become wealthy, but there is an “if” in the case. If this people can at the same time possess riches and glorify God, then we want them to be rich; but, I would rather see this people half clothed and living in the dens and caves of the earth, than that through riches they should forsake their God. When the people can endure wealth and live and glorify their Father in heaven, it will be pleasing to Him to have us wield enough of the wealth of the world to send forth our Elders by thousands, and then gather home the faithful by thousands and millions, who are just as honest as we are. There are thousands of good men and women on the earth, who are praying and seeking unto the Lord to open up the way to bring to them the words of life that they may be saved. * * *
And if we have substance given us from the Lord, it should be devoted to building up His kingdom upon the earth. * * *
The Lord designs to build up a kingdom that will be both a spiritual and temporal kingdom upon the earth. The earth and the kingdoms thereof will be given unto the Saints of the Most High God. Will they be rich then? Do you not think they will possess the gold mines and the treasures of the earth? Yes. But some cry out, “that is not yet.” That is right. How long will it be until then? As soon as we are prepared to receive them. (J.D. 10:329, 332)
Brigham Young:
I can witness one fact, and so can others, that by paying attention to the building up of the Kingdom of God alone we have got rich in the things of this world; and if any man can tell me how we can get rich in any other way, he can do more than I can. We leave our business and our families and go out to preach the peaceable things of the Kingdom, and pay attention to that, never thinking of our business or our families, except when we ask the Lord to bless our families in common with all the families of the Saints everywhere. (J.D. 11:116)
[138] Brigham Young:
If they enter upon their business without God in their thoughts, it is “How much can I get for this? and how much on that? and how much will the people give for this and for that? and how fast can I get rich? and how long will it take me to be a millionaire?” which thoughts should never come into the mind of a merchant who professes to be a Latter-day Saints. But it should be to benefit this people?” * * *
The question will not arise with the Lord, nor with the messengers of the Almighty, how much wealth a man has got, but how has he come by this wealth and what will he do with it? * * *
If our mechanics would work upon the principle of establishing the Kingdom of God upon the earth, and building up Zion, they would, as the Prophet Joseph said in the year 1833, never do another day’s work but with that end in view. In that year a number of Elders came up to Kirtland; I think there were some twenty or thirty Elders. Brother Joseph Smith gave us the word of the Lord; it was simply this: “Never do another day’s work to build up a Gentile city; never lay out another dollar while you live, to advance the world in its present state; it is full of wickedness and violence; no regard is paid to the prophets, nor the prophecyings of the prophets, nor to Jesus nor His sayings, nor the word of the Lord that was given anciently, nor to that given in our day. They have gone astray, and they are building up themselves, and they are promoting sin and iniquity upon the earth; and,” said he, “it is the word and commandment of the Lord to His servants that they shall never do another day’s work, nor spend another dollar to building up a Gentile city or nation.” * * *
But I know that there is no man on this earth who can call around him property, be he a merchant, tradesman, or farmer, with his mind continually occupied with: “How shall I get this or that; how rich can I get; or, how much can I get out of this brother or from that brother?” and dicker and work, and take advantage here and there–[139] no such man ever can magnify the priesthood nor enter the celestial kingdom. * * *
My experience has taught me, and it has become a principle with me, that it is never any benefit to give, out and out, to man or woman, money, food, clothing, or anything else, if they are able-bodied, and can work and earn what they need, when there is anything on the earth for them to do. This is my principle, and I try to act upon it. To pursue a contrary course would ruin any community in the world and make them idlers. (J.D. 11:294-295, 297)
Brigham Young:
The course pursued by men of business in the world has a tendency to make a few rich, and to sink the masses of the people in poverty and degradation. (J.D. 11:348)
Brigham Young:
Every man who has property and means should live so as to obtain wisdom to know how to use them in the best possible way to produce the greatest amount of good for himself, for his family, and for the kingdom of God; . . . (J.D. 12:160)
Brigham Young:
If the poor had all the surplus property of the rich, many of them would waste it on the lusts of the flesh, and destroy themselves in using it. For this reason the Lord does not require the rich to give all their substance to the poor. It is true that when the young man came to Jesus to know what he must do to be saved, he told him, finally, “sell all that thou hast and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven, and come, follow me”; and a great many think that he told the young man to give away all that he had, but Jesus did not require any such thing, neither did he say so, but simply, “distribute to the poor? If the poor knew what to do with what they have, many, yea very many, in this land would have all that is necessary to make them comfortable. (J.D. 13:302)
[140] Brigham Young:
Let me ask you, my brethren and sisters, Do you want wealth? If you do, do not be in a hurry. Do you want the riches pertaining to this world? Yes, we acknowledge we do. Then, be calm, contented, composed; keep your pulses correct. * * *
This is the counsel I have for the Latter-day Saints today. Stop, do not be in a hurry. I do not know that I could find a man in our community but what wishes wealth, would like to have everything in his possession that would conduce to his comfort and convenience. Do you know how to get it? “Well,” replies one, “if I do not, I wish I did; but I do not seem to be exactly fortunate–fortune is somewhat against me.” I will tell you the reason of this–you are in too much of a hurry; you do not go to meeting enough, you do not pray enough, you do not read the Scriptures enough, you do not meditate enough, you are all the time on the wing, and in such a hurry that you do not know what to do first. This is not the way to get rich. I merely use the term “rich” to lead the mind along, until we obtain eternal riches in the celestial kingdom of God. Here we wish for riches in a comparative sense, we wish for the comforts of life. If we desire them let us take a course to get them. Let me reduce this to a simple saying–one of the most simple and homely that can be used–“Keep your dish right side up,” so that when the shower of porridge does come, you can catch your dish full. (J.D. 15:35 & 36)
Brigham Young:
Men have said, probably, to all of you who have been out and mingled with the world, “It is very well for you Latter-day Saints to talk about your condition now, because you are a primitive people, you are a young community, you have not been tempted and tried. Wait till you increase in wealth, and until you become familiar with the sins which surround the wealthy. Wait until you are brought in contact with luxury; wait until the spirit of [141] reform which animated your pioneers dies out, and a generation rises up who will think more of the world, then there will be a different feeling and spirit, and you will be persecuted, hated or despised. You will become more popular, because the world will become familiarized with your ideas. Then `Mormonism’ and the Latter-day Saints will become like every other people that have preceded them–overcome by the luxuries of the world, and by the love of riches. (J.D. 15:207)
Brigham Young:
There is any amount of property, and gold and silver in the earth and on the earth, and the Lord gives to this one and that one–the wicked as well as the righteous–to see what they will do with it, but it all belongs to him. He has handed over a goodly portion to this people, and, through our faith, patience and industry, we have made us good, comfortable homes here, and there are many who are tolerably well off, and if they were in many parts of the world they would be called wealthy. But it is not ours, and all we have to do is to try and find out what the Lord wants us to do with what we have in our possession, and then go and do it. If we step beyond this, or to the right or to the left, we step into an illegitimate train of business. Our legitimate business is to do what the Lord wants us to do with that which he bestows upon us, and dispose of it just as he dictates, whether it is to give all, one-tenth, or the surplus. (J.D. 16:10)
Brigham Young:
I used to tell the people, and I tell them the same now, I do not go in for a few millions, I go in for the pile, and I calculate to have it. “How are you going to get it?” By serving God with all my heart and being a Saint indeed, and when the earth and its fullness are given into the hands of the Saints, I shall go in for my share–the whole pile. I used to say, “Why, brother Joseph is the greatest speculator I have heard of in modern times–he is [142] going to have the whole earth. Jesus is coming to earth to reign King of nations, and he is going to share the gold and silver with his brethren. That is not all–all things are yours for time and eternity–the heights and depths, the lengths and breadths, crowns of glory and immortality and eternal lives are yours.” Well, I go in for the pile. (J.D. 16:29)
Brigham Young:
But is not the Lord going to give the earth and the riches thereof to His Saints? Yes, that is the promise, and He has spoken it by the mouth of many of His Prophets. But when will this inheritance pass into the hands of His people? When we shall have sanctified the Lord in our hearts, sanctified our bodies and spirits in the truth, and we become pure and holy, free from selfishness and from every sin; and until we shall have reached this state of perfection, we never need expect these things committed to our care, for he will not do it. (J.D. 19:7)
Brigham Young:
This chain of mountains has been followed from the north to the south, and its various spurs have been prospected, and what do they find? Just enough to allure them, and to finally lead them from the faith, and at last to make them miserable and poor. Ask the brethren why they do this, and the ready reply will be, “Is it not my privilege to find a gold mine, or a silver mine, as well as others?” As far as I am concerned I would say, “Yes, certainly it is your privilege, if you can find one.” But do you know how to find such a mine? No, you do not. These treasures that are in the earth are carefully watched; they can be removed from place to place according to the good pleasure of Him who made them and owns them. He has His messengers at His service, and it is just as easy for an angel to remove the minerals from any part of one of these mountains to another, as it is for you and me to walk up and down this hall. This, however, is not understood by the Christian world, nor by us as a people. * * *
[143] People do not know it, but I know there is a seal set upon the treasures of earth; men are allowed to go so far and no farther. I have known places where there were treasures in abundance; but could men get them? No. You can read in the Book of Mormon of the ancient Nephites holding their treasures, and of their becoming slippery; so that after they had privately hid their money, on going to the place again, lo and behold it was not there, but was somewhere else, but they knew not where. The people do not understand this; I wish they did, for they would then do as I do, pay attention to the legitimate business that God has given them to perform. (J.D. 19:38 & 39)
Orson Pratt:
Riches are not a curse, but they are a great blessing: it is inequality in riches that is a great curse. God has made all the riches of the earth, and the riches of all worlds. He made the gold, and the silver, and the precious metals: He formed the flocks and herds, and all useful animals: He has made the earth exceedingly rich; and He has given man dominion over all these things: the more His people enjoy of these things the better He is pleased; it is impossible for His people to become too rich; if the whole world, with all the treasures thereof, were in the hands of the Saints, the Lord would still be delighted for them to have more. But these blessings have become a great curse to man, because they have been unequally possessed. We again repeat the word of the Lord to this Church: “It is not given that one man should possess that which is above another: wherefore the world lieth in sin.” Unequal possession of that which God has made for the benefit of all His children, is sin. All nations, kindreds, and people, are in sin because of this inequality. The Saints are still in sin so far as they approve this unequal possession; and we shall remain in sin until we make exertions to put this inequality away from us. We must be one, not only one in heavenly riches, but one in earthly riches. (The Seer, pp. 293-294)
[144] Orson Pratt:
Has He not told us, in the early rise of this Church, if we would do His will, and seek the riches that is the will of the Father to bestow upon us, we should be the richest of all people; for the riches of eternity should be given to us, and it must needs be, saith the Lord, that the riches of the earth are mine to give. They are all His; how easily He could turn all the riches of the earth into our hands, if we were only prepared to receive them and use them according to His will. But He knows the time to hasten them, and He knows the secret intents of our hearts as a people; He knows whether we are prepared to use the riches of the earth to build up His kingdom or not, and He will withhold them, until the time shall fully come for Him to bless us according to the promise He has made–until we shall be prepared to receive them; we shall have riches then in great plenty. God will be so plentiful that we may find no use for it only to make culinary and other utensils; we may use some of it for paving our streets, and for whatsoever is necessary; we can use the gold and silver which we have not toiled for in the gold mines of California and Australia, to collect for ourselves; we shall have that which others have labored for, but were unworthy because of wickedness to enjoy. (J.D. 2:263)
Orson Pratt:
Has God said anything about temporal riches? Yes. He told this Church, before it was one year old that we should become the richest of all people. His words will be fulfilled. The Lord says we shall not only have the riches of eternity, but we shall have the riches of the earth. God does not care how much wealth His people have, provided they obtain it according to the law he has instituted. Do you suppose that the Lord wants His people to be always bound down with the shackles of poverty, distress and suffering? No. He is willing that you should have your hundreds of thousands. But He wants the riches of His [145] people to be, at all times, in a position to be used, not to aggrandize themselves alone, but for the building up of His latter-day Kingdom here on the earth. We have got that to do. (J.D. 12:322)
Orson Pratt:
The Lord gave a caution to the Latter-day Saints, when He told them, in a revelation, given in 1831, to enter into the same order pertaining to our possessions in Jackson County. Prior to that, He gave us a promise, saying, that if we would be faithful, we should become the richest of all people; but if we would not be faithful in keeping His commandments, but should become lifted up in the pride of our hearts, we should, perhaps, become like the Nephites of old. (J.D. 17:31)
Orson Pratt:
Now, when the time comes for purchasing this land, we will have means. How this means will be brought about it is not for me to say. Perhaps the Lord will open up mines containing gold and silver, or in some other way as seemeth to Him best; wealth will be poured into the laps of the Latter-day Saints till they will scarcely know what to do with it. I will here again prophesy on the strength of former revelation that there are not people on the face of the whole globe, not even excepting London, Paris, New York, or any of the great mercantile cities of the globe–there are no people now upon the face of the earth, so rich as the Latter-day Saints will be in a few years to come. Having their millions; therefore they will purchase the land, build up cities, towns, and villages, build a great capital city, at headquarters, in Jackson County, Missouri. (J.D. 21:136)
George Q. Cannon:
Our Prophets have predicted that when the time should arrive for this people to be tried with prosperity, [146] then they would be in great danger. I have heard this prediction uttered hundreds of times, until it has almost become like an old story with us. I heard the Prophet Joseph say, when he was living, that the time would come that this people would be tried with abundance; but he warned them to be careful of these things. The Lord has told us, through the revelations which he gave to Joseph, that it must needs be that the riches of the earth were His to give to His people; “but”, He said, “beware of pride, lest ye become as the Nephites of old.” (J.D. 10:346)
Moses Thatcher:
Gold, when compared with the riches of eternity, becomes almost valueless, and yet it is the creation of God, and no man has ever brought an ounce of it into the world, nor can he take a grain of it out of the world. But notwithstanding this fact known to all, men for its brief possession willingly encounter untold dangers, in traversing deserts, climbing mountains, navigating seas, and battling with angry waves; they willingly endure the heats of torrid and the colds of frigid zones, often sacrificing the endearments of home and friends, and sometimes truth and honor. Created by the Almighty, gold, when honestly acquired, becomes a means of ministering to the comfort and convenience of man; but there is that which the Lord bestows upon the honest, obedient and good, of far higher value. The Holy Ghost, the Comforter, hath the power of peace and bestows salvation upon obedient humanity, regardless of their earthly surroundings. (J.D. 26:205)
[147] Chapter 14
REBUILDING THE OLD JERUSALEM
In the latter days, the House of Judah–one of the twelve tribes of Israel–is to be gathered back into their homeland of Judea. For thousands of years they have been looking forward to the coming of their Messiah, as they did not believe nor accept Jesus Christ as the promised Savior. Thus, they were responsible for His crucifixion, resulting in their being smitten and scattered throughout the world.
However, in the near future, after they have been sufficiently purged, they will look for deliverance and discover that Jesus Christ is their Messiah and Redeemer. Under His direction they will rebuild the Old Jerusalem and once again inherit their “promised land”.
Old Testament:
<Referring to the “last days”> . . . for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. (Isa. 2:3)
Old Testament:
Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all the people round about, when they shall be in the siege both against Judah and against Jerusalem. And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it. (Zechariah 12:2-3)
[148] . . . the Lord <shall) go forth, and fight against those nations, as when he fought in the day of battle. And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives… and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south. (Zech. 14:3-4)
And this shall be the plague wherewith the Lord will smite all the people that have fought against Jerusalem; Their flesh shall consume away while they stand upon their feet; and their eyes shall consume away in their holes, and their tongue shall consume away in their mouth. (Zech. 14:12)
New Testament:
. . . and the holy city <Old Jerusalem> shall they tread under foot forty and two months. And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, <approx. 3-1/2 years> clothed in sackcloth. These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth. And if any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies; and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed.
These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will.
And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them. And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified.
And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves. And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over [149] them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth.
And after three days and an half the Spirit of life God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them. And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them.
And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were afrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven. (Revel. 11:2-13)
<Note: These “two witnesses” are explained in the Doctrine and Covenants, 77:15–
What is to be understood by the two witnesses, in the eleventh chapter of Revelation?
- They are two prophets that are to be raised up to the Jewish nation in the last days, at the time of the restoration, and to prophesy to the Jews after they are gathered and have built the city of Jerusalem in the land of their fathers.>
Book of Mormon:
And he <Ether> spake also concerning the house of Israel, and the Jerusalem from whence Lehi should come–after it should be destroyed it should be built up again, a holy city unto the Lord; wherefore, it could not be a new Jerusalem for it had been in a time of old; but it should be built up again, and become a holy city of the Lord; and it should be built unto the house of Israel. (Ether 13:5)
Doctrine and Covenants:
And then shall the Jews look upon me and say: What are these wounds in thine hands and in thy feet? Then shall they know that I am the Lord; for I will say unto [150] them: These wounds are the wounds with which I was wounded in the house of my friends. I am he who was lifted up. I am Jesus that was crucified. I am the Son of God. (See. 45:51-52)
Joseph Smith:
Now there are two cities spoken of . . . there is a New Jerusalem to be established on this continent, and also Jerusalem shall be rebuilt on the eastern continent. (TPJS, p. 86)
Joseph Smith:
Judah must return, Jerusalem must be rebuilt, and the temple and water come out from under the temple, and the waters of the Dead Sea be healed. It will take some time to rebuild the walls of the City and the temple, and etc.; and all this must be done before the Son of Man will make His appearance. (TPJS, p. 286)
Brigham Young:
Jerusalem is not to be redeemed by our going there and preaching to the inhabitants. It will be redeemed by the high hand of the Almighty. It will be given into the possession of the ancient Israelites by the power of God, and by the pouring out of His judgments. * * *
Jerusalem is not to be redeemed by the soft, still voice of the preacher of the Gospel of peace. Why? Because they were once the blessed of the Lord, the chosen of the Lord, the promised seed. They were the people from among whom should spring the Messiah; and salvation could be found only through that people. The Messiah came through them, and they killed him; and they will be the last of all the seed of Abraham to have the privilege of receiving the New and Everlasting Covenant. You may hand out to them gold, you may feed and clothe them, but it is impossible to convert the Jews, until the Lord God Almighty does it. (JD 2:141-142)
[151] Brigham Young:
We have a great desire for their <the Jews> welfare, and are looking for the time soon to come when they will gather at Jerusalem, build up the city and the land of Palestine, and prepare for the coming of the Messiah. When He comes again, He will not come as-He did when the Jews rejected Him; neither will He appear first at Jerusalem when He makes His second appearance on the earth; but He will appear first on the land where He commenced His work in the beginning, and planted the Garden of Eden, and that was done in the land of America.
When the Savior visits Jerusalem, and the Jews look upon Him, and see the wounds in His hands and in His side and in His feet, they will then know that they have persecuted and put to death the true Messiah, and then they will acknowledge Him, but not till then. They have confounded His first and second coming, expecting His first coming to be as a mighty prince instead of a servant. They will go back by and by to Jerusalem and own their Lord and Master. We have no feelings against them. (JD 11:279)
Orson Pratt:
The Jews dispersed among the Gentiles will not come and sing in the height of Zion, or but very few of them, they will go to Jerusalem. Some of them will believe in the true Messiah, and thousands of the more righteous, whose fathers did not consent to the shedding of the blood of the Son of God, will receive the Gospel before they gather from among the nations. Many of them, however, will not receive the Gospel, but seeing that others are going to Jerusalem they will go also; and when they get back to Palestine, to the place where their ancient Jerusalem stood, and see a certain portion of the believing Jews endeavoring to fulfill and carry out the prophecies, they also will take hold and assist in the same work. At the same time they will have their synagogues, in which [152] they will preach against Jesus of Nazareth, “that imposter,” as they call him, who was crucified by their fathers. (JD 18:64)
Orson Pratt:
The Jews and Christians only differ as to the personage, and not in relation to the grand events which that personage is to perform. A portion of the Jewish nation will sincerely remain in error in regard to the personage until he descends with all his saints, and stands his feet upon the mount of Olives, and destroys the assembled nations who will at that time be in the very act of taking Jerusalem. After this grand and powerful deliverance of their nation, they will look more attentively upon this mighty deliverer, and what will be their astonishment when they behold his wounded side and hands. Some of them, not once mistrusting that he is the poor despised Nazarene whom their fathers put to death, will “say unto him, What are these wounds in thine hands? Then he shall answer, Those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends.” “They shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his first born. In that day shall there be a great mourning in Jerusalem, . . .” This mourning will not be the mourning of despair, but of love and affection which they will have for Jesus when they recognize him by the wounds of his hands and side, and reflect upon their own iniquities in so long rejecting him, and the cruelty of their fathers in putting him to death. That it is not the mourning of despair is evident from the fact that he then “will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and supplications.” (Masterful Discourses of Orson Pratt, Lundwall, p. 118)
[153] Wilford Woodruff:
The Lamanites, now a down-trodden people, are a remnant of the house of Israel. The curse of God has followed them as it has done the Jews, though the Jews have not been darkened in their skin as have the Lamanites. The fate of the Jews in this respect is a standing monument to all infidelity. The prediction of Jesus with regard to them has been literally fulfilled. He predicted that they should be led away captive unto all nations, and that Jerusalem should be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled. When Pilate was ready to release Jesus because he found no fault in him, the Pharisees and high priests, being filled with prejudice, would not have it. They cried out, “Crucify him, crucify him, and let his blood be upon us and our children.” The prediction of Jesus has been verified, and its fulfillment is before the world today. The Jews have been trampled under the feet of the Gentiles for 1800 years, and they are today being persecuted in European nations. Why? Because that curse of God rests upon them and will rest upon them until Shiloh comes, until they are regathered to Jerusalem and re-build the city in unbelief. You cannot convert a Jew. They will never believe in Jesus Christ until he comes to them in Jerusalem, until these fleeing Jews take back their gold and silver to Jerusalem and re-build their city and temple, and they will do this as the Lord lives. Then the gentiles will say, “Come let us go up to Jerusalem; let us go up and spoil her. The Jews have taken our gold and silver from the nations of the earth–come let us go up and fight against Jerusalem.” Then will the prophecies that are before you be fulfilled. The Gospel was preached first to the Jews and then to the Gentiles. The Jews rejected the message: the Gentiles received it, and unto them was given all the gifts and blessings of the Gospel. (JD 22:173)
[154] Chapter 15
BUILDING THE NEW JERUSALEM
Locating the New Jerusalem is one of the more common errors made by Bible students. It has been assumed that the Old Jerusalem will also be the New Jerusalem, but this is not so. Through modern revelation, the identity and location of this great city have been revealed, thus causing many ancient scriptures to be more clearly understood.
According to prophecy, the New Jerusalem will be the most beautiful city ever established. It will be built through direct revelation from heaven, with both mortal and immortal beings laboring together to construct this sacred city–in the land of America.
Old Testament:
And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. (Isa. 2:2-3)
[155] New Testament:
And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. (Rev. 21:1-4)
Book of Mormon:
And it shall come to pass that I will establish my people, O house of Israel. And behold, this people will I establish in this land, unto the fulfilling of the covenant which I made with your father Jacob; and it shall be a New Jerusalem. And the powers of heaven shall be in the midst of this people; yea, even I will be in the midst of you. (3 Nephi 20:21-22)
Book of Mormon:
And they <the Gentiles, if they repent so as to be given this blessing> shall assist my people, the remnant of Jacob, and also as many of the house of Israel as shall come, that they may build a city, which shall be called the New Jerusalem. And then shall they assist my people that they may be gathered in, who are scattered upon all the face of the land, in unto the New Jerusalem.
And then shall the power of heaven come down among them; and I also will be in the midst. And then shall the work of the Father commence at that day, even when this gospel shall be preached among the remnant of this people. Verily I say unto you, at that day shall the work of the Father commence among all the dispersed of [156] my people, yea, even the tribes which have been lost, which the Father hath led away out of Jerusalem. Yea, the work shall commence among all the dispersed of my people, with the Father, to prepare the way whereby they may come unto me, that they may call on the Father in my name. (3 Nephi 21:23-27)
Book of Mormon:
And that it was the place of the New Jerusalem, which should come down out of heaven, and the holy sanctuary of the Lord. Behold, Ether saw the days of Christ, and he spake concerning a New Jerusalem upon this land. (vs. 3-4)
And that a New Jerusalem should be built upon this land, unto the remnant of the seed of Joseph, for which things there has been a type. (v. 6)
Wherefore, the remnant of the house of Joseph shall be built upon this land; and it shall be a land of their inheritance; and they shall build up a holy city unto the Lord, like unto the Jerusalem of old; and they shall no more be confounded, until the end come when the earth shall pass away. And there shall be a new heaven and a new earth; and they shall be like unto the old save the old have passed away, and all things have become new. And then cometh the New Jerusalem; and blessed are they who dwell therein, for it is they whose garments are white through the blood of the Lamb; and they are they who are numbered among the remnant of the seed of Joseph, who were of the house of Israel (vs. 8-10) (Ether 13)
Doctrine and Covenants:
And with one heart and with one mind, gather up your riches that ye may purchase an inheritance which shall hereafter be appointed unto you. And it shall be called the New Jerusalem, a land of peace, a city of refuge, a place of safety for the saints of the Most High God; And the glory of the Lord shall be there, and the [157] terror of the Lord also shall be there, insomuch that the wicked will not come unto it, and it shall be called Zion. And it shall come to pass among the wicked, that every man that will not take his sword against his neighbor must needs flee unto Zion for safety. And there shall be gathered unto it out of every nation under heaven; and it shall be the only people that shall not be at war one with another. And it shall be said among the wicked: Let us not go up to battle against Zion, for the inhabitants of Zion are terrible; wherefore we cannot stand. (Sec. 45:65-70)
Doctrine and Covenants:
Hearken, O ye elders of my church, saith the Lord your God, who have assembled yourselves together, according to my commandments, in this land, which is the land of Missouri, which is the land which I have appointed and consecrated for the gathering of the saints.
Wherefore, this is the land of promise, and the place for the city of Zion.
And thus saith the Lord your God, if you will receive wisdom here is wisdom. Behold, the place which is now called Independence is the center place; and a spot for the temple is lying westward, upon a lot which is not far from the court-house.
Wherefore, it is wisdom that the land should be purchased by the saints, and also every tract lying westward, even unto the line running directly between Jew and Gentile;
And also every tract bordering by the prairies, inasmuch as my disciples are enabled to buy lands. Behold, this is wisdom, that they may obtain it for an everlasting inheritance. (See. 57:1-5)
Pearl of Great Price:
And the day shall come that the earth shall rest, but before that day the heavens shall be darkened, and a veil of darkness shall cover the earth; and the heavens shall shake, and also the earth; and great tribulations shall be among the children of men, but my people will I preserve;
[158] And righteousness will I send down out of heaven; and truth will I send forth out of the earth, to bear testimony of mine Only Begotten; his resurrection from the dead; yea, and also the resurrection of all men; and righteousness and truth will I cause to sweep the earth as with a flood, to gather out mine elect from the four quarters of the earth, unto a place which I shall prepare, an Holy City, that my people may gird up their loins, and be looking forth for the time of my coming; for there shall be my tabernacle, and it shall be called Zion, a New Jerusalem.
And the Lord said unto Enoch: Then shalt thou and all thy city meet them there, and we will receive them into our bosom, and they shall see us; and we will fall upon their necks, and they shall fall upon our necks, and we will kiss each other;
And there shall be mine abode, and it shall be Zion, which shall come forth out of all the creations which I have made; and for the space of a thousand years the earth shall rest. (Moses 7:61-64)
Joseph Smith:
Now we learn from the Book of Mormon the very identical continent and spot of land upon which the New Jerusalem is to stand, and it must be caught up according to the vision of John upon the isle of Patmos.
Now many will feel disposed to say that this New Jerusalem spoken of is the Jerusalem that was built by the Jews on the eastern continent. But you will see, from Revelation 21:2, there was a New Jerusalem coming down from God out of heaven, adorned as a bride for her husband; that after this, the Revelator was caught away in the Spirit, to a great and high mountain, and saw the great and holy city descending out of heaven from God. Now there are two cities spoken of here. As everything cannot be had in so narrow a compass as a letter, I shall say with brevity, that there is a New Jerusalem to be established on this continent, and also Jerusalem shall be rebuilt on the eastern continent. (TPJS, pp. 85-86)
[159] Brigham Young:
He (the Lord) will not send His angels to gather up the rock to build up the New Jerusalem. He will not send His angels from the heavens to go to the mountains to cut the timber and make it into lumber to adorn the city of Zion. He has called upon us to do this work; and if we will let Him work by, through, and with us, He can accomplish it; otherwise we shall fall short, and shall never have the honor of building up Zion on the earth. Is this so? Certainly. Well, then let us keep the commandments. (JD 13:313)
Heber C. Kimball:
An army of Elders will be sent to the four quarters of the earth to search out the righteous and warn the wicked of what is coming. All kinds of religions will be started and miracles performed that will deceive the very elect if that were possible. Our sons and daughters must live pure lives so as to be prepared for what is coming.
After a while the gentiles will gather by the thousands to this place, and Salt Lake City will be classed among the wicked cities of the world. A spirit of speculation and extravagance will take possession of the Saints, and the results will be financial bondage.
Persecution comes next and all true Latter-day Saints will be tested to the limit. Many will apostatize and others will be still not knowing what to do. Darkness will cover the earth and gross darkness the minds of the people. The judgments of God will be poured out on the wicked to the extent that our Elders from far and near will be called home, or in other words the gospel will be taken from the Gentiles and later on carried to the Jews.
The western boundary of the State of Missouri will be swept so clean of its inhabitants that as President Young tells us, when you return to that place, there will not be left so much as a yellow dog to wag his tail. “Before that day comes, however, the Saints will be put to tests that will try the integrity of the best of them. The [160] pressure will become so great that the more righteous among them will cry unto the Lord day and night until deliverance comes.
Then the prophet and others will make their appearance and those who have remained faithful will be selected to return to Jackson County, Missouri, and take part in the upbuilding of that beautiful city, the New Jerusalem.” (Des. News, May 23, 1931; statement to Amanda Wilcox)
Heber C. Kimball:
You will be blessed, and you will see the day when President Young, Kimball, and Wells, and the Twelve Apostles will be in Jackson County, Missouri, laying out your inheritances. In the flesh? Of course. We should look well without being in the flesh! We shall be there in the flesh, and all our enemies cannot prevent it. Brother Wells, you may write that: You will be there, and Willard will be there, and also Jedediah, and Joseph and Hyrum Smith and David, and Parley; and the day will be when I will see those men in the general assembly of the Church of the First-Born, in the great council of God in Jerusalem, too. (JD 9:27)
Orson F. Whitney:
Is the State of Utah the proper monument of the Mormon people? No . . . The monument to Mormonism will stand in Jackson County, Missouri. There the great City will be built: There Zion will arise and shine, `the joy of the whole earth,’ and there the Lord will come to His temple in His own time, when His people shall have made the required preparation. (Doc. and Cov. Commentary, p. 196)
Orson Pratt:
This <the Great Basin area> is now one of the most wild, romantic and retired countries on the great western hemisphere. It is there that the Saints hope to rest for a [161] season from the fury of the oppressor, and strengthen themselves in the Lord. It is there that they intend gathering from the various nations of the earth, until the Lord, by revelation or his providence, shall direct otherwise.
But where is the spot where the city of Zion or the New Jerusalem shall stand? We answer, in Jackson County, State of Missouri, on the western frontiers of the United States. It is there that the City of Zion shall be built. All the other cities that have been built by the gathering of the Saints are called, not Zion, but “stakes of Zion.” (Masterful Discourses of Orson Pratt, Lundwall, p. 113)
Orson Pratt:
It was promised that we should have a land as an inheritage; but we were commanded of God, to purchase the land. Now, when the time comes for purchasing this land, we will have means. How this means will be brought about it is not for me to say. Perhaps the Lord will open up mines containing gold and silver, or in some other way as seemeth to Him best, wealth will be poured into the laps of the Latter-day Saints till they will scarcely know what to do with it. I will here again prophesy on the strength of former revelation that there are no people on the face of the whole globe, not even excepting London, Paris, New York, or any of the great mercantile cities of the globe–there are no people now upon the face of the earth, so rich as the Latter-day Saints will be in a few years to come. Having their millions, therefore they will purchase the land, build up cities, towns and villages, build a great capital city, at headquarters, in Jackson County, Missouri. Will we have a temple there? Yes; will we have a beautiful city? Yes, one of the most beautiful cities that will ever be erected on the continent of America will be built up by the Latter-day Saints in Jackson County. (JD 21:136)
[162] Orson Pratt:
I expect that this people, if they do not become a “strong nation” in one sense of the word, they will be a great and strong and powerful people upon the face of this land. This is one of the things your humble servant is looking for. And I expect that when we go from these mountains, by hundreds of thousands, down to that land to purchase it and to occupy it, that we will take with us a great deal of gold and silver–for the Lord will in those days make His people very rich, in fulfillment of another promise made in the same revelation, in which He says that we shall become the richest of all people. If this is to be the case, the Lord will probably fulfil that prediction by Isaiah, contained in the 60th chapter of his book–“for brass I will bring gold, and for iron I will bring silver, and for wood brass, and for stone iron,” and He will bestow upon His people riches that they will not know what to do with them, unless directed by the counsels of the servants of the living God. With this we will purchase the land, and go down and inherit it, as a strong and powerful people, receiving our stewardships. And we will not spread forth in that land three or four miles apart, and think we are crowded when people come and settle within a mile of us; but we will settle in such a manner as to make a very dense population. It is a country that is susceptible, almost every foot of it, to agricultural purposes; and we can settle with a very large population upon every square mile of country. And we will extend our borders around about the great central city, not stake, of Zion. You have heard of the centre stake of Zion, but did ever read in the revelations of God that the place where the New Jerusalem is to be built is called a stake? There are other places, called Stakes of Zion, but they will be round about the city. And we will be multiplied by hundreds and thousands; and we will build, throughout the region of country, our meeting houses, our school houses, our academies and universities; and we will see to it, that all of our children have equal advantages, as far as possible, of becoming acquainted with all necessary and useful learning. (JD 21:151-152)
[163] Orson Pratt:
There (in Jackson County), however, we expect to build a temple different from all other temples in some respects. It will be built much larger, cover a larger area of ground, far larger than this Tabernacle covers, and this Tabernacle will accommodate from 12,000 to 15,000 people. We expect to build a temple much larger, very much larger, according to the revelation God gave to us forty years ago in regard to that Temple. But you may ask in what form will it be built? Will it be built in one large room, like this Tabernacle? No; there will be 24 different compartments in the Temple that will be built in Jackson County. The names of these compartments were given to us some forty-five or forty-six years ago; the names we still have, and when we build these twenty-four rooms, in a circular form and arched over the centre, we shall give the names to all these different compartments just as the Lord specified through Joseph Smith…. Perhaps you may ask for what purpose these twenty-four compartments are to be built. I answer not to assemble the outside world in, nor to assemble the Saints all in one place, but these buildings will be built with a special view to the different orders, or in other words, the different quorums or councils of the two Priesthoods that God has ordained on the earth…. But will there be any other buildings excepting those 24 rooms that are all joined together in a circular form and arched over the center–are there any other rooms that will be built–detached from the Temple? Yes. There will be tabernacles, there will be meeting houses for the assembling of the people on the Sabbath day. There will be various places of meeting so that the people may gather together; but the Temple will be dedicated to the Priesthood of the Most High God, and for most sacred and holy purposes. (JD 24:24-25)
John Taylor: (as recorded by Wilford Woodruff, 1878)
I saw a short distance from the Missouri River, where I stood, twelve men dressed in the robes of the [164] Temple. They stood in a square nearby and I was given to understand that they represented the twelve gates of the New Jerusalem. Their hands were uplifted while they were consecrating the ground; and later they laid the cornerstones of the house of God. I saw myriads of angels hovering over them, and above their heads there was a pillar-like cloud. I heard the most beautiful singing in the words: “Now is established the Kingdom of our God and his Christ, and he shall reign forever and forever, and the Kingdom shall never be thrown down, for the Saints have overcome.” I saw people coming from the river and from distant places to help build the Temple. It seemed as though there were hosts of angels helping to bring material for the construction of that building. Some were in Temple robes, and the pillar-like cloud continued to hover over the spot. (Wilford Woodruff, by Matthias Cowley, p. 505)
Joseph Fielding Smith:
My attention has been called to statements in the Book of Mormon which some interpret to mean that the Lamanites will take the lead in building the temple and the New Jerusalem in Missouri. But I fail to find any single passage which indicates that this is to be the order of things when these great events are to be fulfilled.
Most of the passages used as evidence, in an attempt to prove that the Lamanites will take the lead and we are to follow, seem to come from the instruction given by our Lord when He visited the Nephites after His resurrection. Chapters 20 and 21 of Third Nephi are the main sources for this conclusion. But I fail to find in any of the words delivered by our Savior any declaration out of which this conclusion can be reached. It all comes about by a misunderstanding and an improper interpretation.
In these chapters the Lord is speaking throughout of the remnant of Jacob. Who is Jacob whose remnant is to perform this great work in the last days? Most assuredly Jacob is Israel. Then again, when he speaks of the seed of Joseph, who is meant? Those who are descendants of [165] Joseph, son of Israel, and this includes, of course, the Lamanites as well as the Ephraimites who are now being assembled and who are taking their place, according to prophecy, at the head to guide and bless the whole house of Israel.
In his discourse, the Savior states that the gentiles who are upon this land will be blessed, if they will receive gospel, and they will be numbered with the house of Israel. The gentiles were to be a scourge to the remnant upon this land. Again, they were to be nursing fathers to them, and this they are beginning to be in these latter-days, after the terrible scourging in former days:
The gentiles were promised that they would be entitled to have all the blessings which were given to Israel, if they would repent and receive the gospel. All this was seen in vision by Nephi and was stated by the Savior on the occasion of his visit to the Nephites.
He also said that if the gentiles, not only upon this land, but also of all lands, did not repent he would bring the fulness of the gospel from among them. The remnant of the house of Israel spoken of in First Nephi, chapter 13, and Third Nephi, chapters 16, 20, and 21, does not have reference only to the descendants of Lehi, but to all the house of Israel, the children of Jacob, those upon this land and those in other lands. Reference to the gentiles also is to all the gentiles on this land and in other lands. (Doctrines of Salvation 2:247-248)
Joseph Fielding Smith:
. . . the fact remains that the City Zion, or New Jerusalem, will eventually be built in Jackson County, Missouri, and the temple of the Lord will also be constructed. (The Way to Perfection, p. 270)
(Author’s Note: A continuation of this subject will be included in Chapter 18, “Zion and the Kingdom of God”.)
[166] Chapter 16
ADAM-ONDI-AHMAN
In the beginning years of this earth, Adam came to a place called “Adam-ondi-Ahman”. Here, according to Joseph Smith, he built an altar and offered sacrifice after he and Eve were cast out of the Garden of Eden. Here, too, just before he died, Adam called together his righteous posterity, blessed them, and foretold what would happen to mankind for the next six thousand years.
At the beginning of the Millennium, Adam will once again appear at the Valley of Adam-ondi-Ahman to participate in the transferring of keys and Priesthood functions. Thus, this sacred place is the site of both the beginning and ending of the telestial order of this world.
Orson Pratt gives the following brief definition of the term “Adam-ondi-Ahman”:
It means the place where Adam dwelt. “Ahman” signifies God. The whole term means Valley of God, where Adam dwelt. It is in the original language spoken by Adam, as revealed to the Prophet Joseph. (JD 18:343)
For a better understanding of the significance of this special area in Missouri, the references in this chapter are divided into two sections:
Part I–Historical Background
Part II–Future Prophecies
* * *
[167] Part I–Historical Background
Doctrine and Covenants:
Three years previous to the death of Adam, he called Seth, Enos, Cainan, Mahalaleel, Jared, Enoch, and Methuselah, who were all high priests, with the residue of his posterity who were righteous, into the valley of Adam-ondi-Ahman, and there bestowed upon them his last blessing.
And the Lord appeared unto them, and they rose up and blessed Adam, and called him Michael, the prince, the archangel.
And the Lord administered comfort unto Adam, and said unto him: I have set thee to be at the head; a multitude of nations shall come of thee, and thou art a prince, over them forever.
And Adam stood up in the midst of the congregation; and, notwithstanding he was bowed down with age, being full of the Holy Ghost, predicted whatsoever should befall his posterity unto the latest generation. (Sec. 107:53-56)
Joseph Smith:
I saw Adam in the valley of Adam-ondi-Ahman. He called together his children and blessed them with a patriarchal blessing. The Lord appeared in their midst, and he (Adam) blessed them all, and foretold what should befall them to the latest generation. (TPJS, p. 158)
Joseph Smith:
On the brow of the bluff stood the old stone altar, and near the foot of it was built the house of Lyman Wight. When the altar was first discovered, according to those who visited it frequently, it was about 16 feet long, by nine or ten feet wide, having its greatest extent north and south. The height of the altar at each end was some two and a half feet, gradually rising higher to the center, [168] which was between four and five feet high–the whole surface being crowning. Such was this altar at “Diahman” when the Prophet’s party visited it. * * *
It was at this altar, according to the testimony of Joseph Smith, that the patriarchs associated with Adam and his company, assembled to worship their God. Here their evening and morning prayer ascended to heaven with the smoke of the burning sacrifice, prophetic and symbolic of the greater sacrifice then yet to be, and here angels instructed them in heavenly truths. (DHC 3:40)
Heber C. Kimball:
While there, (Adam-ondi-Ahman) we laid out a city on a high elevated piece of land, and set the stakes for the four corners of a temple block, which was dedicated, Brother Brigham Young being mouth; there were from three to five hundred men present on the occasion, under arms. This elevated spot was probably from 250 to 500 feet above the level of the Grand River, so that one could look east, west, north, or south, as far as the eye could reach; it was one of the most beautiful places I ever beheld.
The Prophet Joseph called upon Brother Brigham, myself and others, saying,”Brethren, come, go along with me, and I will show you something.” He led us a short distance to a place where were ruins of three altars built of stone, one above the other, and one standing a little back of the other, like unto the pulpits in the Kirtland Temple, representing the order of the three grades of priesthood. “There,” said Joseph, “is the place where Adam offered up sacrifice after he was cast out of the garden.” The Altar stood at the highest point of the bluff. I went and examined the place several times while I remained there. (Life of Heber C. Kimball, Whitney, p. 22; 1888 ed.)
[169] Part II–Future Prophecies
Old Testament:
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.
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.
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. (Daniel 7:9-20, 13-14)
Doctrine and Covenants:
Revelation given to Joseph Smith the Prophet, near Wight’s Ferry, at a place called Spring Hill, Daviess County, Missouri, May 19, 1838, wherein 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. (Sec. 116)
Joseph Smith:
Daniel in his seventh chapter speaks of the Ancient of Days; he means the oldest man, our Father Adam, Michael. He will call his children together and hold a council with them to prepare them for the coming of the Son of Man. He (Adam) is the father of the human family, [170] and presides over the spirits of all men, and all that have had the keys must stand before him in this grand council. This may take place before some of us leave this stage of action. The Son of Man stands before him, and there is given him glory and dominion. Adam delivers up his stewardship to Christ, that which was delivered to him as holding the keys of the universe, but retains his standing as head of the human family. (TPJS, p. 157; DHC 3:386-87)
Joseph Smith:
In the afternoon I went up the river about half a mile to Wight’s Ferry, accompanied by President Rigdon, and my clerk, George W. Robinson, for the purpose of selecting and laying claim to a city plat near said ferry in Daviess County, township 60, ranges 27 and 28, and sections 25, 36, 31, and 30, which the brethren called “Spring Hill”, but by the mouth of the Lord it was named 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. (DHC 3:34-35, May 19, 1838; see also TPJS, p. 122)
Orson Pratt:
He <Father Adam> comes, then, as a great judge, to assemble this innumerable host of which Daniel speaks. He comes in flaming fire. The glory and blessing and greatness of his personage it would be impossible even for a man as great as Daniel fully to describe. He comes as a man inspired from the eternal throne of Jehovah himself. He comes to set in order the councils of the Priesthood pertaining to all dispensations, to arrange and Priesthood and the councils of the Saints of all former dispensations in one grand family and household.
What is all this for? Why all this arrangement? Why all this organization? Why all this judgment and the opening of the books? It is to prepare the way for another august personage whom Daniel saw coming with the clouds of heaven, namely the Son of Man, and these clouds of [171] heaven brought the Son of Man near before the Ancient of Days. And when the Son of Man came to the Ancient of Days, behold a kingdom was given to the Son of Man, and greatness and glory, that all people, nations and languages should serve him, and his kingdom should be an everlasting kingdom, a kingdom that should never be done away.
This explains the reason why our father Adam comes as the Ancient of days with all these numerous hosts, and organizes them according to the records of the book, every man in his place, preparatory to the coming of the son of Man to receive the kingdom. Then every family that is in the order of the Priesthood, and every man and every women, and every son or daughter whatever their kindred, descent or Priesthood, will know their place.* * *
All the various quorums and councils of the Priesthood in every dispensation that has transpired since the days of Adam until the present time will find their places, according to the callings, gifts, blessings, ordinations and keys of Priesthood which the Lord Almighty has conferred upon them in their several generations. This, then, will be one of the grandest meetings that has ever transpired upon the face of our globe. What manner of persons ought you and I, my brethren and sisters, and all the people of God in the latter-days to be, that we may be counted worthy to participate in the august assemblies that are to come from the eternal worlds, whose bodies have burst the tomb and come forth immortalized and eternal in their nature. (JD 17:185-186, 187-188)
Orson Pratt:
How much is ten thousand times ten thousand? <as mentioned in Daniel 7:10> Only a hundred millions, but that would make quite a large congregation. All the inhabitants of the United States only number about forty millions, counting men, women and children. If they were assembled in one place, it would present a grand spectacle; but suppose we double that number, making it eighty millions, what a vast congregation that number of [172] people would make, we can hardly grasp in our comprehension its extent; and still we will add to it another twenty million so as to equal the size of the congregation which the Prophet Daniel saw standing before the Ancient of Days. Such a body of people must extend over a great many miles of country, however closely they may be collected together. I doubt whether the extremes of such a congregation could be seen by the natural eyes of mortals; they would be lost in the distance. (JD 18:338-339)
Orson Pratt:
I will read a new revelation upon the subject given May 18, 1838, almost thirty-nine years ago. It was given when the Prophet Joseph Smith, and the Latter-day Saints, had gathered themselves together in Missouri, about forty or fifty miles north of Jackson County. They had assembled at a place that they called Spring Hill, and the Lord revealed to Joseph, on that occasion, things concerning this great event. This place, Spring Hill, is alluded to by the Lord, in this revelation, as being anciently called Adam-ondi-Ahman, because it is the place where Adam shall come to visit his children, or the place where the Ancient of Days shall sit, as spoken of by Daniel the Prophet. * * *
Why the necessity of this vast multitude from the heavens to assemble here on earth? It is to fulfill many prophecies besides that of Daniel; it is to fulfill prophecies that have been predicted by all holy men that understood the great events of the latter days, that the Saints who are in heaven are to come down here on the earth, and are to be organized here on the earth, and are to be united with the Saints on the earth, as one grand company, each one understanding his place. (JD 18:342, 343-344)
[173] W. W. Phelps:
Hosanna to such days to come,
The Saviour’s second coming, When all the earth in glorious bloom
Affords the Saints a holy home,
Like Adam-ondi-Ahman.
(Last verse of the LDS hymn,”Adam-ondi-Ahman)
Joseph Fielding Smith:
Not many years hence there shall be another gathering of high priests and righteous souls in this same valley of Adam-ondi-Ahman. At this gathering Adam, the Ancient of Days, will again be present. At this time the vision which Daniel saw will be enacted. The Ancient of Days will sit. There will stand before him those who have held the keys of all dispensations, who shall render up their stewardships to the first Patriarch of the race, who holds the keys of salvation. This shall be a day. of judgment and preparation. * * *
Until this grand council <at Adam-ondi-Ahman> is held, Satan shall hold rule in the nations of the earth; but at that time thrones are to be cast down and man’s rule shall come to an end–for it is decreed that the Lord shall make an end of all nations. (D. & C. 87:6) Preparation for this work is now going on. Kingdoms are already tottering, some have fallen; but eventually they shall all go the way of the earth, and He shall come whose right it is to rule. Then shall He give the government to the saints of the Most High. * * *
When this gathering is held, the world will not know of it; the members of the Church at large will not know of it, yet it shall be preparatory to the coming in the clouds of glory of our Savior Jesus Christ as the Prophet Joseph Smith has said. The world cannot know of it. The Saints cannot know of it–except those who officially shall be called into this council–for it shall precede the coming of Jesus Christ as a thief in the night, unbeknown to all the world. (Way to Perfection, pp. 289-291)
[174] The following summary is given by Duane Crowther:
A major purpose of the Council at Adam-ondi-Ahman will be to conduct the turning over of the keys of the world power to the Savior. Each leader is to deliver his authority to Adam who will, in turn, give them to the Savior. Note that complete world-wide control will be relinquished to the Savior and he will be given “dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him.” (Dan. 7:14) * * *
The council at Adam-ondi-Ahman is expected to mark the end of persecution against the Saints in the last days.
Summary
- During the period of universal conflict an important council will be held at Adam-ondi-Ahman, Missouri.
- The Council will be under the direction of the Ancient of Days, who is Adam.
- According to Daniel, there is to be a vast number of participants in the Council. Some of them will be mortal beings, but the majority of participants will apparently be from beyond the veil.
- The Savior is to appear to Adam and receive the dominion which comes through the acceptance of the Kingdom of God.
- The Council at Adam-ondi-Ahman will fulfill five purposes:
(a) The keys for each dispensation will be turned over to Adam.
(b) The members of the Church will be organized into one grand family with Adam as the patriarch.
(c) Each priesthood quorum which has existed down through the ages will be assigned its place in the government of the Church.
(d) Judgment will be set. In addition to judging affairs within the Church, the Saints are expected to judge the nations then in existence and determine their fate.
(e) Power, glory, and dominion will be turned over to the Savior.
(Prophecy, Key to the Future, Crowther, p. 175, 176)
[175] Chapter 17
THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST
The most popular subject of Bible prophecy pertains to the coming of Christ to the earth. So many prophecies are centered around that event that it is difficult to speak of them without mentioning the Second Coming. Christ Himself referred to it:
Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. (Matt. 24:39-30)
In latter-day scripture the Lord has revealed additional information concerning His Second coming. For example, one entire section of the Doctrine and Covenants (Section 133) is devoted to this great event. Because of the vast number of prophecies dealing with this subject, only a small representation is included in this chapter.
But first, to provide a better background and a more clear understanding of the different appearances that Christ will make as part of His second coming, the following summary by Duane Crowther is included:
[176] Four specific appearances of the Lord are prophesied during the last days. Three of these appearances are local appearances in which His coming will be known only to those in the immediate vicinity. The fourth appearance will be His coming in glory (which is often called the second coming of Christ) which will be witnessed by all mankind. These appearances are
- Christ’s appearance in the temple in the New Jerusalem, at which time He will give His laws to Zion and minister unto the people.
- Christ’s appearance at Adam-ondi-Ahman, Missouri, at which time He will receive the keys of the kingdom and hold judgment on the nations of the earth.
- Christ’s appearance on the Mount of Olives and in the temple at Jerusalem, Palestine, at which time He will save Israel from defeat in the battle of Armageddon.
- Christ’s appearance in glory to an unspecified place, at which time He will be accompanied by the hosts of Heaven and will cleanse the earth by fire.
(Prophecy, Key to the Future, Crowther, pp. 112-113)
* * *
Old Testament:
For, behold, the Lord will come with fire, and with his chariots like a whirlwind, to render his anger with fury, and his rebuke with flames of fire. For by fire and by his sword will the Lord plead with all flesh; and the slain of the Lord shall be many. * * *
For I know their works and their thoughts: it shall come, that I will gather all nations and tongues; and they shall come, and see my glory. * * *
[177] And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the Lord. (Isaiah 66:15-16, 18, 23)
Behold, the day of the Lord cometh, and thy spoil shall be divided in the midst of thee. For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle; and the city shall be taken, and the houses rifled, and the women ravished; and half of the city shall go forth into captivity, and the residue of the people shall not be cut off from the city. Then shall the Lord go forth, and fight against those nations, as when he fought in the day of battle.
And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south.
And ye shall flee to the valley of the mountains; for the valley of the mountains shall reach unto Azal: yea, ye shall flee, like as ye fled from before the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah: and the Lord my God shall come, and all the saints with thee.
And it shall come to pass in that day, that the light shall not be clear, nor dark: But it shall be one day which shall be known to the Lord, not day, nor night: but it shall come to pass, that at evening time it shall be light. And it shall be in that day, that living waters shall go out from Jerusalem: half of them toward the former sea, and half of them toward the hinder sea: in summer and in winter shall it be.
And the Lord shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one Lord, and his name one. (Zech. 14:1-9)
Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the Lord of hosts.
[178] But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner’s fire, and like fullers’ soap: And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness. (Malachi 3:1-3)
New Testament:
And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.
And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS. (Revel. 19:11-16)
Book of Mormon:
And it shall come to pass that I will establish my people, O house of Israel. And behold, this people will I establish in this land, unto the fulfilling of the covenant which I made with your father Jacob; and it shall be a New Jerusalem. And the powers of heaven shall be in the midst of this people; yea, even I will be in the midst of you.
Behold, I am he of whom Moses spake, saying: A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you. And it shall come to pass that every soul who will not hear that prophet shall be cut off from among the people. (3 Nephi 20:21-23)
[179] Doctrine and Covenants:
And now, I speak also concerning those who do not believe in Christ. Behold, will ye believe in the day of your visitation–behold, when the Lord shall come, yea, even that great day when the earth shall be rolled together as a scroll, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, yea, in that great day when ye shall be brought to stand before the Lamb of God–then will ye say that there is no God? (Section 9:1-2)
For I will reveal myself from heaven with power and great glory, with all the hosts thereof, and dwell in righteousness with men on earth a thousand years, and the wicked shall not stand. And again, verily, verily, I say unto you, and it hath gone forth in a firm decree, by the will of the Father, that mine apostles, the Twelve which were with me in my ministry at Jerusalem, shall stand at my right hand at the day of my coming in a pillar of fire, being clothed with robes of righteousness, with crowns upon their heads, in glory even as I am, to judge the whole house of Israel, even as many as have loved me and kept my commandments, and none else.
For a trump shall sound both long and loud, even as upon Mount Sinai, and all the earth shall quake, and they shall come forth–yea, even the dead which died in me, to receive a crown of righteousness, and to be clothed upon, even as I am, to be with me, that we may be one. (Section. 29:11-13)
I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God; wherefore, gird up your loins and I will suddenly come to my temple. Even so. Amen. (Section 36:8)
And for the purpose of purchasing lands for the public benefit of the church, and building houses of worship, and building up of the New Jerusalem which is hereafter to be revealed–That my covenant people may be gathered in one in that day when I shall come to my temple. And this I do for the salvation of my people. (Section 42:35-36)
[180] And it shall come to pass that he that feareth me shall be looking forth for the great day of the Lord to come, even for the signs of the coming of the Son of Man. And they shall see signs and wonders, for they shall be shown forth in the heavens above, and in the earth beneath. * * *
And then they shall look for me, and behold, I will come; and they shall see me in the clouds of heaven clothed with power and great glory; with all the holy angels; and he that watches not for me shall be cut off. But before the arm of the Lord shall fall, an angel shall sound his trump, and the saints that have slept shall come forth to meet me in the cloud. * * *
Then shall the arm of the Lord fall upon the nations. And then shall the Lord set his foot upon this mount, and it shall cleave in twain, and the earth shall tremble, and reel to and fro, and the heavens also shall shake. And the Lord shall utter his voice, and all the ends of the earth shall hear it; and the nations of the earth shall mourn, and they that have laughed shall see their folly. * * *
And then shall the Jews look upon me and say: What are these wounds in thine hands and in thy feet? Then shall they know that I am the Lord; for I will say unto them: These wounds are the wounds with which I was wounded in the house of my friends. I am he who was lifted up. I am Jesus that was crucified. I am the Son of God. And then shall they weep because of their iniquities; then shall they lament because they persecuted their king. * * *
And at that day, when I shall come in my glory, shall the parable be fulfilled which I spake concerning the ten virgins. For they that are wise and have received the truth, and have taken the Holy Spirit for their guide, and have not been deceived–verily I say unto you, they shall not be hewn down and east into the fire, but shall abide the day. And the earth shall be given unto them for an inheritance; and they shall multiply and wax strong, and their children shall grow up without sin unto salvation. For the Lord shall be in their midst, and his glory shall be upon them, and he will be their king and their lawgiver. (Section 45:39-59, excerpts)
[181] And there shall be silence in heaven for the space of half an hour; and immediately after shall the curtain of heaven be unfolded, as a scroll is unfolded after it is rolled up, and the face of the Lord shall be unveiled; and the saints that are upon the earth, who are alive, shall be quickened and be caught up to meet him. And they who slept in their graves shall come forth, for their graves shall be opened; and they also shall be caught up to meet him in the midst of the pillar of heaven–They are Christ’s, the first fruits, they who shall descend with him first, and they who are on the earth and in their graves, who are caught up to meet him; and all this by the voice of the sounding of the trump of the angel of God. (Section 88:95-98)
Inasmuch as my people build a house unto me in the name of the Lord, and do not suffer any unclean thing to come into it, that it be not defiled, my glory shall rest upon it; yea, and my presence shall be there, for I will come into it, and all the pure in heart that shall come into it shall see God. (Section 97:16)
Hearken, O ye people of my church, saith the Lord your God, and hear the word of the Lord concerning you–The Lord who shall suddenly come to his temple; the Lord who shall come down upon the world with a curse to judgment; yea, upon all the nations that forget God, and upon all the ungodly among you. * * *
Yea, let the cry go forth among all people: Awake and arise and go forth to meet the Bridegroom; behold and lo, the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Prepare yourselves for the great day of the Lord. * * *
For behold, the Lord God hath sent forth the angel crying through the midst of heaven, saying: Prepare ye the way of the Lord, and make his paths straight, for the hour of his coming is nigh–when the Lamb shall stand upon Mount Zion, and with him a hundred and forty-four thousand, having his Father’s name written on their foreheads. Wherefore, prepare ye for the coming of the Bridegroom; go ye, go ye out to meet him. For behold, he shall stand [182] upon the mount of Olivet, and upon the mighty ocean, even the great deep, and upon the islands of the sea, and upon the land of Zion. And he shall utter his voice out of Zion, and he shall speak from Jerusalem and his voice
shall be heard among all people; and it shall be a voice as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder, which shall break down the mountains, and the valleys shall not be found.
He shall command the great deep, and it shall be driven back into the north countries, and the islands shall become one land; and the land of Jerusalem and the land of Zion shall be turned back into their own place, and the earth shall be like as it was in the days before it was divided. And the Lord, even the Savior, shall stand in the midst of his people, and shall reign over all flesh. * * *
And it shall be answered upon their heads; for the presence of the Lord shall be as the melting fire that burneth, and as the fire which causeth the waters to boil. O Lord, thou shalt come down to make thy name known to thine adversaries, and all nations shall tremble at thy presence–when thou doest terrible things, things they look not for; yea, when thou comest down, and the mountains flow down at thy presence, thou shall meet him who rejoiceth and worketh righteousness, who remembereth thee in thy ways. * * *
And it shall be said: Who is this that cometh down from God in heaven with dyed garments; yea, from the regions which are not known, clothed in his glorious apparel, traveling in the greatness of his strength? And he shall say: I am he who spake in righteousness, mighty to save. And the Lord shall be red in his apparel, and his garments like him that treadeth in the wine-vat. And so great shall be the glory of his presence that the sun shall hide his face in shame, and the moon shall withhold its light, and the stars shall be hurled from their places. And his voice shall be heard: I have trodden the winepress alone, and have brought judgment upon all people; and none were with me. * * *
And the graves of the saints shall be opened; and they shall come forth and stand on the right hand of the Lamb, when he shall stand upon Mount Zion, and upon the [183] holy city, the New Jerusalem; and they shall sing the song of the Lamb, day and night forever and ever. (Section 133, excerpts; refer to entire section.)
Joseph Smith:
For as the light of the morning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west, and covereth the earth, so shall also the coming of the son of Man be. * * *
And, as I said before, after the tribulation of those days, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken, then shall appear the sign of the son of Man in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth mourn; and they shall see the Son of Man coming in the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory;
And whoso treasureth up my word, shall not be deceived, for the Son of Man shall come, and he shall send his angels before him with the great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together the remainder of his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
Now learn a parable of the fig-tree–When its branches are yet tender, and it begins to put forth leaves, you know that summer is nigh at hand; So likewise, mine elect, when they shall see all these things, they shall know that he is near, even at the doors;
But of that day, and hour, no one knoweth; no, not the angels of god in heaven, but my Father only.
But as it was in the days of Noah, so it shall be also at the coming of the Son of Man; For it shall be with them, as it was in the days which were before the flood; for until the day that Noah entered into the ark they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage; And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of Man be.
Then shall be fulfilled that which is written, that in the last days, two shall be in the field, the one shall be taken, and the other left; Two shall be grinding at the mill, the one shall be taken, and the other left;
And what I say unto one, I say unto all men; watch, therefore, for you know not at what hour your Lord doth come. * * *
[184] Therefore be ye also ready, for in such an hour as ye think not, the son of Man cometh. (P. of G.P., J.S. 1:26, 36-46, 48)
Joseph Smith:
Judah must return, Jerusalem must be rebuilt, and the temple, and water come out from under the temple, and the waters of the Dead Sea be healed. It will take some time to rebuild the walls of the city and the temple, etc; and all this must be done before the Son of Man will make His appearance. There will be wars and rumors of wars, signs in the heavens above and on the earth beneath, the sun turned into darkness and the moon to blood, earthquakes in divers places, the seas heaving beyond their bounds; then will appear one grand sign of the Son of Man in heaven. But what will the world do? They will say it is a planet, a comet, etc. But the Son of Man will come as the sign of the coming of the Son of Man, which will be as the light of the morning cometh out of the east. (April 6, 1843, TPJS, pp. 286-287)
Joseph Smith:
The coming of the Messiah among this people will be so natural, that only those who see Him will know that He has come, but He will come and give His laws unto Zion, and minister unto His people. This will not be His coming in the clouds of heaven to take vengeance on the wicked of the world. (White Horse Prophecy)
Millennial Star Proclamation:
And there the Messiah will visit them in person; and the old Saints, who will then have been raised from the dead, will be with Him; and He will establish His kingdom and laws over all the land….
He (the Lamanites personified as a single individual) shall also behold his Redeemer, and be filled with His presence, while the cloud of His glory shall be seen in His temple. (Mill. Star, Oct. 22, 1845)
[185] Brigham Young:
In the progress of the age in which we live, we discern the fulfillment of prophecy, and the preparation for the second coming of our Lord and Savior to dwell upon the earth. We expect that the refuge of lies will be swept away, and that city, nation, government, or kingdom which serves not God, and gives no heed to the principles of truth and religion, will be utterly wasted away and destroyed. (JD 2:178)
Brigham Young:
Jesus has been upon the earth a great many more times than you are aware of. When Jesus makes his next appearance upon the earth, but few of this Church will be prepared to receive him and see him face to face and converse with him; but he will come to his temple. Will he remain and dwell upon the earth a thousand years, without returning? He will come here, and return to his mansions, where he dwells with his Father, and come again to the earth, and again return to his Father, according to my understanding. Then angels will come and begin to resurrect the dead, and the Savior will also raise the dead, and they will receive the keys of the resurrection, and will begin to assist in that work. Will the wicked know of it? They will know just as much about that as they now know about “Mormonism”, and no more. (JD 7:142)
Brigham Young:
Do you know that it is the eleventh hour of the reign of Satan on the earth? Jesus is coming to reign, and all you who fear and tremble because of your enemies, cease to fear them, and learn to fear to offend God, fear to transgress his laws, fear to do any evil to your brother, or to any being upon the earth, and do not fear Satan and his power, nor those who have only power to slay the body, for God will preserve his people. (JD 10:250)
[186] Brigham Young:
When he comes again he will not come as he did when the Jews rejected him; neither will he appear at Jerusalem when he makes his second appearance on the earth; but he will appear first on the land where he commenced his work in the beginning, and planted the garden of Eden, and that was done in the land of America. (JD 11:279)
Orson Pratt:
. . . the curtain of heaven will be unfolded as a scroll that is rolled up. You know how our great maps are rolled out to expose their contents to the people; and the Lord has said the heavens shall be unfolded as a scroll that is rolled up is unfolded. What will be seen when this takes place? Our Savior, our Redeemer, will unveil his face. That Being who was born in Bethlehem–that being who has saved the world by offering his own life, how will be appear? Will he come as a common man? or how will be make his appearance? He will appear as a being whose splendour and glory will cause the sun to hide his face with shame.
The sun is a very glorious body; and when you look upon it, so great is the light, that you can scarcely see surrounding objects; but the light of the sun is nothing to be compared with the glory of that personage who shall appear when the heavens shall be unveiled, or unfolded like a scroll. The light of the sun will dwindle away, and he shall hide his face with shame. Who will be with Jesus when he appears? The decree has gone forth, saying, Mine Apostles who were with me in Jerusalem shall be clothed in glory and be with me. The brightness of their countenance will shine forth with all that refulgence and fulness of splendour that shall surround the Son of Man when he appears. There will be all those personages to whom he alludes. There will be all the former-day Saints, Enoch and his city, with all the greatness and splendour that surround them; there will be Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, [187] as they sit upon their thrones, together with all the persons that have been redeemed and brought near unto the presence of God. All will be unfolded and unveiled, and all this will be for the wicked to look upon, as well as the righteous; for the wicked will not as yet have been destroyed. When this takes place, there will be Latter-day Saints living upon the earth, and they will ascend and mingle themselves with that vast throng; for they will be filled with anxiety to go where the Saints of the Church of the Firstborn are, and the Church of Firstborn will feel an anxiety to come and meet with the Saints on earth, and this will bring the general assembly of the redeemed into one; and thus will be fulfilled the saying of Paul, “that in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth, even in him.”
About the same time that the Latter-day Saints are quickened, (not immortalized,) there will be Saints that have slumbered and slept for ages, and they are to be quickened and taken up into the heavens. Now the wicked are to see all these things; and if power of language could be given to them, what would they say? They would turn to the rocks and the mountains, and say, O mountains and rocks, fall upon us and hide us from the presence of Him that sits upon the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb. And I have no doubt but they will have the power to say it. But they must endure the sight. After which, they must be consumed according to that which is spoken, and the heathen nations must be redeemed, and the way be prepared for the Lord to dwell upon the earth. The mortal Saints will then be transfigured and sanctified, but not immortalized. They will be prepared for the millennial reign. The tables will then be spread, and the Latter-day and Former-day Saints will be together to partake of the sacrament just as it is this afternoon, only more perfectly prepared.
This is my object in thus portraying these things before you this afternoon, for as often as we do this we show forth the Lord’s death till he come. When that time comes, he will partake of the fruit of the vine with us; [188] and with him will be Moroni, Mormon, and Lehi, and all the inhabitants of this vast American continent who have been saved through the Gospel. There will be Enoch’s city, the Former-day Saints, and the vast throng of resurrected Saints to sit down and partake of the supper of the great Bridegroom, and he will administer in the midst of his brethren. (JD 8:51-52)
Orson Pratt:
By and by the time will come for Jesus to appear, and he will bring the heavenly society which has been engaged for thousands of years in that celestial world in carrying out these principles. They will come down here, and they will find a society just like themselves, so far as union is concerned; they will find a people perfected and carrying out the principles here on earth, as they are carried out in the heavens. They will join with us, and we with them. But before the heavenly hosts appear, all the nations of the wicked will be wasted away, and then it will be said, that the kingdom and the greatness of the kingdom, under the whole heaven, are in the hands of the Saints of the Most High. (Des. News, 8:265)
Orson Pratt:
It is true that the Lord has not yet spoken by the voice of thunders, calling upon the people from the ends of the earth, saying, “Repent and prepare for the great day of the Lord” but such an event will come; and when it does come it will not be a mere ordinary, common thunderstorm, such as we experience occasionally, extending only over a small extent of country, but the Lord will cause the thunders to utter their voices from the ends of the earth until they sound in the ears of all that live, and these thunders shall use the very words here predicted–“Repent O ye inhabitants of the earth and prepare the way of the Lord, prepare yourselves for the great day of the Lord? These words will be distinctly heard by every soul that lives, whether in America, Asia, Africa, Europe, [189] or upon the islands of the sea. And not only the thunders, but the lightnings will utter forth their voices in the ears of all that live, saying, “Repent, for the great day of the Lord is come.” Besides the voices of thunder and lightning, the Lord himself, before he comes in his glory, will speak by his own voice out of heaven in the ears of all that live, commanding them to repent and to prepare for his coming. (JD 15:332-333)
Charles W. Penrose:
Among the first-mentioned of these three classes of men, <Saints of God gathered to one place on the western continent, called Zion> the Lord will make his appearance first; and that appearance will be unknown to the rest of mankind. He will come to the Temple prepared for him, and his faithful people will behold his face, hear his voice, and gaze upon his glory. From his own lips they will receive further instructions for the development and beautifying of Zion and for the extension and sure stability of his Kingdom. * * *
His next appearance will be among the distressed and nearly vanquished sons of Judah. At the crisis of their fate, when the hostile troops of several nations are ravaging the city and all the horrors of war are overwhelming the people of Jerusalem, he will set his feet upon the Mount of Olives, which will cleave and part asunder at his touch. Attended by a host from heaven, he will overthrow and destroy the combined armies of the Gentiles, and appear to the worshiping Jews as the mighty Deliverer and Conqueror so long expected by their race. ***
The great and crowning advent of the Lord will be subsequent to these two appearances; but who can describe it in the language of mortals? The tongue of man falters, and the pen drops from the hand of the writer, as the mind is rapt in contemplation of the sublime and awful majesty of his coming to take vengeance on the ungodly and to reign as King of the whole earth.
[190] He comes! The earth shakes, and the tall mountains tremble; the mighty deep rolls back to the north as in fear, and the rest skies glow like molten brass. He comes! The dead saints burst forth from their tombs, and “those who are alive and remain” are “caught up” with them to meet him. The ungodly rush to hide themselves from his presence and call upon the quivering rocks to cover them. He comes! with all the hosts of the righteous glorified. The breath of his lips strikes death to the wicked. His glory is as a consuming fire. The proud and rebellious are as stubble; they are burned and “left neither root nor branch.” He sweeps the earth “as with the besom of destruction.” He deluges the earth with the fiery floods of his wrath, and the filthiness and abominations of the world are consumed. Satan and his dark hosts are taken and bound–and the prince of the power of the air has lost his dominion, for he whose right it is to reign has come, and the “kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of his Christ.” (Mill. Star, XXI, pp. 582-583, Sept. 10, 1859)
* * *
As in the introduction of this chapter, we also conclude with a summary from Duane Crowther:
In preceding chapters three appearances of the Savior have been considered–His coming to the temple in New Jerusalem, His coming to the council at Adam-ondi-Ahman, and His appearance on the Mount of Olives. Following these events, and after the interval in which Palestine will be rebuilt and the righteous gathered in, He will make His most important appearance–His advent in glory. According to the prophecies, the earth will have undergone many changes in preparation for this event. Great earthquakes will have changed the configuration of the land; wars will have raged throughout the world and will have brought political upheaval; famine and [191] pestilence will have swept across the continents, leaving many cities desolate; the earth’s population will have been drastically reduced so that there will be but “few men left;” the righteous will have been gathered in to the areas surrounding the new and old Jerusalems; and the wicked who remain will have been bound in sin and will be ready to be swept off the face of the earth. (Prophecy, Key to the Future, Crowther, p. 227)
[192] Chapter 18
ZION AND THE KINGDOM OF GOD
The redemption of Zion was once regarded as one of the most important beliefs and goals of the Latter-day Saints. Joseph Smith received over 50 revelations (from 1830 to 1841) pertaining to the redemption of Zion and building the New Jerusalem.
In the Articles of Faith it states:
We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion will be built upon this (the American) continent; . .. (Article 10)
However, today it is seldom taught and rarely understood. The ancient prophets, however, looked upon Zion as a culmination of all their efforts and teachings. To the Mormons, the redemption of Zion should be a valued treasure to seek after and work towards.
Zion and the Kingdom of God can be with a person, a community, a nation, or a continent. The obligation of those who bear the Priesthood is to build up a zion and make a kingdom of God in their homes and in their communities. When this is done, then it can be said, Thy kingdom has come, and Thy will is now being done on earth as it is in heaven.
The Kingdom of God is the government of God. It is separate from the Church of God or the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. George Q. Cannon clearly explained this fact:
[193]
We are asked, Is the Church of God, and the Kingdom of God the same organization? . . .
The Kingdom of God is a separate organization from the Church of God. There may be men acting as officers in the Kingdom of God who will not be members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. On this point the Prophet Joseph gave particular instructions before his death, and gave an example, which he asked the younger elders who were present to always remember. It was to the effect that men might be chosen to officiate as members of the Kingdom of God who had no standing in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Kingdom of God when established will not be for the protection of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints alone, but for the protection of all men, whatever their religious views or opinions may be. Under its rule, no one will be permitted to overstep the proper bounds or to interfere with the rights of others. (DHC 7:382)
According to Duane Crowther, the Kingdom of God will go through three main stages of growth and development:
- The beginning stage–The Saints will be in the West. Here the influence of the Kingdom will be relatively limited and unknown.
- The growth stage–During this period many of the Saints will journey from the West to Missouri to establish the New Jerusalem. There the Kingdom of God will rise in power, not by waging war on other nations, but by being a standard of peace and lawfulness while other governments collapse through corruption and war.
- The world-ruling stage–This period will commence with the second coming of Christ and will take place during the Millennium. (Prophecy, Key to the Future, p. 81)
[194] When the laws of the Kingdom of God are obeyed, there will be a Zion. Thus, the Kingdom of God and Zion are closely related. They are subjects worthy of great attention and study by the Latter-day Saints.
The following prophecies are merely a small selection of the many that could be included on these two important subjects.
* * *
Old Testament:
For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising. * * *
For the nation and kingdom that will not serve thee shall perish; yea, those nations shall be utterly wasted. (Isaiah 60:2-3, 12)
Thou sawest till that a stone was cut out without hands, which smote the image upon his feet that were of iron and clay, and brake them to pieces. Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, broken to pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshing floors; and the wind carried them away, that no place was found for them: and the stone that smote the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth. * * *
And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever. Forasmuch as thou sawest that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it brake in pieces the iron, the brass, the clay, the silver, and the gold; the great God hath made known to the king what shall come to pass hereafter: and the dream is certain, and the interpretation thereof sure. (Daniel 2:34-35, 44-45)
[195] I <Daniel> 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. 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. (Daniel 7:13-14)
Doctrine and Covenants:
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; . . . (Section 87:6)
Therefore, let your hearts be comforted concerning Zion; for all flesh is in mine hands; be still and know that I am God. Zion shall not be moved out of her place, notwithstanding her children are scattered. That they remain, and are pure in heart, shall return, and come to their inheritances, they and their children, with songs and everlasting joy, to build up the waste places of Zion. (Section 101:16-18)
<Note: See the parable concerning the redemption of Zion, Section 101:43-62.>
Behold, I say unto you, the redemption of Zion must needs come by power; Therefore, I will raise up unto my people a man, who shall lead them like as Moses led the children of Israel. For ye are the children of Israel, and of the seed of Abraham, and ye must needs be led out of bondage by power, and with a stretched-out arm.
And as your fathers were led at the first, even so shall the redemption of Zion be. Therefore, let not your [196] hearts faint, for I say not unto you as I said unto your fathers: Mine angel shall go before you, but not my presence. But I say unto you: Mine angels shall go up before you, and also my presence, and in time ye shall possess the goodly land. (Section 103:15-20)
Behold, I say unto you, were it not for the transgressions of my people, speaking concerning the church and not individuals, they might have been redeemed now. But behold, they have not learned to be obedient to the things which I required at their hands, but are full of all manner of evil, and do not impart of their substance, as becometh saints, to the poor and afflicted among them; and are not united according to the union required by the law of the celestial kingdom; and Zion cannot be built up unless it is by the principles of the law of the celestial kingdom; otherwise I cannot receive her unto myself. And my people must needs be chastened until they learn obedience, if it must needs be, by the things which they suffer. (Section 105:2-6)
Joseph Smith:
Daniel in his seventh chapter speaks of the Ancient of days; he means the oldest man, our Father Adam, Michael, he will call his children together and hold a council with them to prepare them for the coming of the Son of Man. He (Adam) is the father of the human family, and presides over the spirits of all men, and all that have had the keys must stand before him in this grand council. This may take place before some of us leave this stage of action. The Son of Man stands before him, and there is given him glory and dominion. Adam delivers up his stewardship to Christ, that which was delivered to him as holding the keys of the universe, but retains his standing as head of the human family. * * *
I prophecy, that that man who tarries after he has an opportunity of going, will be afflicted by the devil. Wars are at hand; we must not delay; but are not required to sacrifice. We ought to have the building up of Zion as our [197] greatest object. When wars come, we shall have to flee to Zion. The cry is to make haste….
The time is soon coming when no man will have any peace but in Zion and her stakes. . . . (DHC 3:386-387, 390-391)
Joseph Smith:
In these days God will set up a kingdom, never to be thrown down, for other kingdoms to come unto. And these kingdoms that will not let the Gospel be preached will be humbled until they will.
England, Germany, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Switzerland, Holland, and Belgium have a considerable amount of blood of Israel among their people which must be gathered. These nations will submit to the kingdom of God. England will be the last of these kingdoms to surrender, but when she does she will do it as a whole in comparison as she threw off the Catholic power. (The White Horse Prophecy)
Millennial Star Proclamation:
The city of Zion with its Sanctuary and Priesthood, and the glorious fulness of the Gospel, will constitute a standard which will put an end to jarring creeds and political wranglings, by uniting the republics, states, provinces, territories, nations, tribes, kindreds, tongues, people, and sects of North and South America in one great and common bond of brotherhood; while truth and knowledge shall make them free, and love cement their union. (Oct. 22, 1845)
David Whitmer: (Interview)
Ques.: How many of the plates were sealed?
Ans.: About the half of the book was sealed. Those leaves which were not sealed, about the half of the first part of the book, were numerous, and the angel turned them over before our eyes. There is [198] yet to be given a translation about Jared’s people’s doings and of Nephi, and many other records and books, which all has to be done, when the time comes. * * *
Ques.: When will the Temple be built in Independence?
Ans.: Right after the great tribulation is over.
Ques.: What do you mean by that?
Ans.: A civil war more bloody and cruel than the rebellion. It will be a smashing up of this nation, about which time the second great work has to be done, a work like Joseph did, and the translation of the sealed plates, and peace all over.
(Des. News, Fri., Aug. 16, 1878)
Brigham Young:
When the day comes in which the Kingdom of God will bear rule, the flag of the United States will proudly flutter unsullied on the flag staff of liberty and equal rights without a spot to sully its fair surface; and the glorious flag our fathers have bequeathed to us will then be unfurled to the breeze by those who have power to hoist it aloft and defend its sanctity. (JD 2:317)
Brigham Young:
I do not care what becomes of the things of this world, of the gold, of the silver, of the houses and of the lands, so we have power to gather the House of Israel, redeem Zion, and establish the Kingdom of God on the earth. I would not give a cent for all the rest. True, these things which the Lord bestows upon us are for our comfort, for our happiness and convenience, but everything must be devoted to the upbuilding of the Kingdom of God on the earth. (JD 3:361)
Brigham Young:
We have a nation here in the mountains that will be a kingdom by-and-by, and be governed by pure laws and [199] principles. What do you call yourselves? some may ask. Here are the people that constitute the kingdom of God. It may be some time before that kingdom is fully developed, but the time will come when the kingdom of God will reign free and independent.
There will be a kingdom on the earth, that will be controlled upon the same basis, in part, as that of the Government of the United States; and it will govern and protect in their rights the various classes of men, irrespective of their different modes of worship; for the law must go forth from Zion, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem, and the Lord Jesus will govern every nation and kingdom upon the earth. (JD 5:329)
Brigham Young:
But few, if any, understand what a theocratic government is. In every sense of the word, it is a republican government, and differs but little in form from our National, State, and Territorial Governments; but its subjects will recognize the will and dictation of the Almighty. * * *
The Constitution and laws of the United States resemble a theocracy more closely than any government now on the earth, or that ever has been, so far as we know, except the government of the children of Israel to the time when they elected a king. * * *
Whoever lives to see the kingdom of God fully established upon the earth will see a government that will protect every person in his rights. (JD 6:342)
Brigham Young:
When all nations are so subdued to Jesus that every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess, there will still be millions on the earth who will not believe in him; but they will be obliged to acknowledge his kingly government. (JD 7:142)
[200] Brigham Young:
When will Zion be redeemed? When will the Saviour make his appearance in the midst of his people? When will the vail be taken away, that we may behold the glory of God? Can any of you answer these questions? Yes, readily, when I tell you. The redemption of Zion is the first step preparatory to the two last-named events. Just as soon as the Latter-day Saints are ready and prepared to return to Independence, Jackson County, in the State of Missouri, North America, just so soon will the voice of the Lord be heard, “Arise now, Israel, and make your way to the centre Stake of Zion.” (JD 9:137)
Brigham Young:
We want all the Latter-day Saints to understand how to build up Zion. The City of Zion, in beauty and magnificence, will outstrip anything that is now known upon the earth. The curse will be taken from the earth and sin and corruption will be swept from its face. Who will do this great work? Is the Lord going to convince the people that he will redeem the center Stake of Zion, beautify it and then place them there without an exertion on their part? No. He will not come here to build a Temple, a Tabernacle, a Bowery, or to set out fruit trees, make aprons of fig leaves or coats of skins, or work in brass and iron, for we already know how to do these things. He will not come here to teach us how to raise and manufacture cotton, how to make hand cards, how to card, how to make spinning machines, looms, etc., etc. We have to build up Zion, if we do our duty. (JD 10:172)
Brigham Young:
We are going to try and save ourselves, and when we come to understanding, we will then be counted worthy to possess Zion, even the centre stake of Zion. It is true this is Zion–North and South America are Zion, and the land [201] where the Lord commenced His work; and where He commenced He will finish. This is the land of Zion; but we are not yet prepared to go and establish the Centre Stake of Zion. The Lord tried this in the first place. He called the people together to the place where the New Jerusalem and the great temple will be built, and where He will prepare for the City of Enoch. And He gave revelation after revelation; but the people could not abide them, and the Church was scattered and peeled, and the people hunted from place to place till, finally, they were driven into the mountains, and here we are. Now, it is for you and me to prepare to return back again; not to our fatherland, in many cases, but to return east, and by-and-by to build up the Centre Stake of Zion. We are not prepared to do this now, but we are here to learn until we are of one heart and of one mind in the things of this life. (JD 11:324, Feb. 10, 1867)
Brigham Young:
Let me say to you, just what the Lord requires of you, if you would only do it. He requires at our hands, each and every one of us, to begin and sustain the Kingdom of God, and to withdraw from the world and the business of the world. * * * …we should buy of our brethren, and sustain the kingdom of God. I say this is the mind and the will of God concerning this people, if they will hearken to it. Purchase no more of your enemies. (JD 11:374)
Brigham Young:
On this occasion I will not repeat anything particular in respect to the language of revelation, further than to say–Thus saith the Lord unto my servant Brigham, Call ye, call ye, upon the inhabitants of Zion, to organize themselves in the Order of Enoch, in the New and Everlasting Covenant, according to the Order of Heaven, for the furtherance of my kingdom upon the earth, for the perfecting of the Saints, for the salvation of the living the dead. * * *
[202] The Prophet gave a full and complete organization to this kingdom the Spring before he was killed. This kingdom is the kingdom that Daniel spoke of, which was to be set up in the last days; it is the kingdom that is not to be given to another people. * * *
But the kingdom of God, when it is established and bears rule, will defend the Methodists in their rights just as much as Latter-day Saints, but it will not allow them to infringe upon the rights of their neighbors; this will be prohibited. * * *
Now I want to give you these few words–the kingdom of God will protect every person, every sect and all people upon the face of the whole earth, in their legal rights. I shall not tell you the names of the members of this kingdom, neither shall I read to you its constitution, but the constitution was given by revelation. The day will come when it will be organized in strength and power. Now, as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we work our way along the best we can. Can you understand this? (JD 17:154, 156-157)
Heber C. Kimball:
Then who is to gather the people of God? You all say that we are to become a Kingdom of kings and priests–of queens and priestesses; and the Bible supports this doctrine. Now, the truth is, you are the very kings and priests that have got to gather the Saints, and your wives have got to school them and nurse them. I might put this in different language, but this will answer the purpose and convey to you the true meaning of the test. (JD 8:349)
Orson Pratt:
A flowing stream is one that runs continually; and the Gentiles will, in that day, come to us as a flowing stream, and we shall have to set our gates open continually, they will come as clouds and as doves in large flocks. Do you suppose that the Gentiles are going to be ignorant of what is taking place? Now this will not be the case; [203] they will perfectly understand what is taking place. The people will see that the hand of God is over this people; they will see that He is in our midst, and that He is our watchtower, that He is our shield and our defense, and therefore, they will say, “Let us go up and put our riches in Zion, for there is no safety in our own nations.”
Those nations are trembling and tottering and will eventually crumble to ruin, and those men of wealth will come here, not to be baptized, but many of them will come that have never heard the servants of God; but they will hear that peace and health dwell among us, and that our officers are all peace officers, and our tax-gatherers men of righteousness. (JD 3:16)
Orson Pratt:
The Lord said in that revelation that the principle which he had revealed in relation to the properties of his Church must be carried out to the very letter upon the land of Zion; and those individuals who would not give heed to it, but sought to obtain their inheritances in an individual way by purchasing it themselves from the Government, should have their names blotted out from the book of the names of the righteous, and if their children pursued the same course their names should be blotted out too, they and their children should not be known in the book of the law of the Lord as being entitled to an inheritance among the Saints in Zion.
We find, therefore, that the Lord drove out this people because we were unworthy to receive our inheritances by consecration. As a people, we did not strictly comply with that which the Lord required. Neither did they comply in Kirtland. * * *
This ought to be an example for us who are living at a later period in the history of the Church of the living God, and who ought, by this time, to have become thoroughly experienced in the law of God. * * *
When we go back to Jackson County, we are to go back with power. Do you suppose that God will reveal his power among an unsanctified people, who have no regard [204] nor respect for his laws and institutions, but who are filled with covetousness? No. When God shows forth his power among the Latter-day Saints, it will be because there is a union of feeling in regard to doctrine, and in regard to everything that God has placed in their hands; …
In order to bring about this, who knows how many chastisements God may yet have to pour out upon the people calling themselves Latter-day Saints? l do not know. Sometimes I fear, when I read certain revelations contained in this book. * * *
I expect that when the Lord leads forth his people to build up the city of Zion, his presence will be visible. When we speak of the presence of the Lord we speak of an exhibition of power. * * *
We shall go back to Jackson County. Not that all this people will leave these mountains, or all be gathered together in a camp, but when we go back there will be a very large organization consisting of thousands, and tens of thousands, and they will march forward, the glory of God overshadowing their camp by day in the form of a cloud, and a pillar of flaming fire by night, the Lord’s voice being uttered forth before his army. * * *
The everlasting hills will rejoice, and they will tremble before the presence of the Lord; and his people will go forth and build up Zion according to celestial law. (JD 15:358, 361, 364)
Orson Pratt:
The kingdom of God is to roll forth, and a certain person is to come, accompanied by a great host; the name of this person is the Ancient of Days. And who are they that compose the mighty host? Are they immortal beings? Doubtless most of them will be immortal Saints, but there may be some mortals among them. The being called the Ancient of Days will not be a mortal person; his glory is too great, he has passed through his mortality, and he will have the oversight of this numerous host, at least a hundred million of people.
[205] Who would be the most likely person to fill this important position? He is called the Ancient of Days. Can you tell me, who the most ancient person is that lived on the earth, during the most ancient days? All, all will acknowledge that it is Adam. Inasmuch as he has proven himself a righteous man, it is right and proper that he should by divine appointment, have dominion over the righteous of his posterity, who should exist from his day, down to that period, when he comes in his glory; and this ten thousand times ten thousand spoken of will be the faithful of his own posterity. (JD 18:341-342)
Orson Pratt:
Not many years hence–I do not say the number of years–you will look forth to the western counties of the State of Missouri, and to the eastern counties of the State of Kansas, and in all that region round about you will see a thickly populated country, inhabited by a peaceful people, having their orchards, their fruit trees, their fields of grain, their beautiful houses and shade trees, their cities and towns and villages. And you may ask–Who are all these people? The answer will be–Latter-day Saints! Where have they come from? They have come from the nations of the earth! They have come from the mountains of Utah, from Arizona, from Idaho, and from the mountainous territories of the North American Continent, they have come down here, and are quietly cultivating the lands of these States! Now, this will all come to pass, just as sure to come to pass as there is a God that reigns in yonder heavens, and not many years hence either. (JD 21:135)
Orson Pratt:
Then will be fulfilled another saying in this same chapter which I have read–“For thou shalt break forth on the right hand and on the left; and thy seed shall inherit the Gentiles, and make the desolate cities to be inhabited.” Now, there are a great many cities in the United [206] States that will not be totally destroyed when the inhabitants are swept off the surface of the earth. Their houses, their desolate cities will still remain unoccupied until Zion in her glory and strength shall enlarge the place of her tents, and stretch forth the curtains of her habitations. That is the destiny of this nation, and the destiny of the Latter-day Saints. (JD 24:31-32)
Orson Pratt:
The day will come “when the United States government, and all others, will be uprooted and the kingdoms in this world will be united in one, and the kingdom of God will govern the whole earth. The nucleus of such a government is formed and its laws have emanated from the throne of God. (The Seer, 1:147-148, Oct. 1853)
Orson Pratt:
The kingdoms of the world have waxed old; and, because of wickedness, they are destined to be speedily broken to pieces; but the kingdom of God will endure forever. It is destined to increase in strength, power, and dominion, and to bear rule over all the earth. Those nations and kingdoms which will not unite themselves with the kingdom of God, and become one with it, honoring its laws and institutions, will utterly perish, and no place will be found for them. (Mill. Star, 19:680-681, Oct. 24, 1857)
Orson Pratt:
Now that order of things will continue and will spread forth from that nucleus in Jackson County and the western counties of Missouri and the eastern counties of Kansas, where this people will be located, and it will spread abroad for hundreds and hundreds of miles, on the right hand and the left, east, west, north and south from the great central city and all the people will be required to execute the law in all their stewardships, and then there will be a oneness and union which will continue, and [207] it will spread wider and wider, and become greater and greater, until the desolate cities of the Gentiles will be inhabited by the Saints. Then will be fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah, in which he says, “Thy seed shall inherit the Gentiles and make the desolate cities to be inhabited,” for God will visit them in judgment, and there will be no owners left to occupy the country. Then the land will be filled up with Saints, those who will keep the celestial law; and they will receive their stewardships according to the appointment of heaven.
By and by the time will come for Jesus to appear, and he will bring the heavenly society which has been engaged for thousands of years in that celestial world in carrying out these principles. They will come down here, and they will find a society just like themselves, so far as union is concerned; they will find a people perfected and carrying out the principles here on earth, as they are carried out in the heavens. (Des. News, Oct. 2, 1875)
Daniel Wells:
When our Father in heaven finds he has got a people who stand as a unit in favour of his kingdom, and have made themselves free and independent, will he not be pleased with that people? It is a long time since he has had such a people. It is our privilege to be that people, and be acknowledged of God as his people. (JD 9:61)
Daniel Wells:
I have often been asked the question, “When will the kingdom be given into the hands of the hints of the most high God?” and I have always answered it in this way: just so soon as the Lord finds that He has a people upon the earth who will uphold and sustain that kingdom, who shall be found capable of maintaining its interests and of extending its influence upon the earth. When he finds that he has such a people, a people who will stand firm and faithful to him, a people that will not turn it over into the lap of the devil, then, and not until then, will he give [208] “the kingdom” into the hands of the Saints of the most high, in its power and influence when it shall fill the whole earth. The promise is, that the kingdoms of this world shall become the kingdoms of our God and His Christ; and it shall be given to the Saints of the most high, and it shall stand forever. That is when we may expect it, and we could not reasonably expect it any sooner. Therefore, it depends, in a great measure, upon the people themselves, as to how soon the kingdom spoken of by Daniel shall be given into the hands of the Saints of God. When we shall prove ourselves faithful in every emergency that may arise, and capable to contend and grapple with every difficulty that threatens our peace and welfare, and to overcome every obstacle that may tend to impede the progress of the Church and kingdom of God upon the earth, then our heavenly Father will have confidence in us, and then he will be able to trust us. (JD 23:305)
Charles W. Penrose:
And when He comes we expect it will be Himself–Jesus of Nazareth, our Elder Brother, the first born of God in the spirit world, the Only Begotten of God in the flesh. We expect that He will come and reign over the earth as King of kings and lord of lords, and we expect that all kingdoms, all governments, and all institutions that men have set up will be broken down, and as Nebuchadnezzar saw them in the vision which Daniel interpreted, they will become as the chaff of the summer threshing floor, and be swept away, and no place found for them upon the face of the whole earth; because the Kingdom of God and of His Christ will prevail everywhere, and it will cover the earth. For it is the kingdom that was spoken of by the Prophets, and we are told that “the kingdom and the dominion and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heavens”–that is over all the earth, is it not?–shall be His kingdom and shall “be given into the hands of the people of the Saints of the Most High, and their kingdom shall be an everlasting kingdom.” (JD 25:222)
[209] John Taylor:
They <the Prophets of God> all had their eye upon the time when legitimacy would obtain its proper place upon the earth, in the shape of the kingdom of God established in the world, when all false rule and dominion would be put down, and the kingdoms of this world would become subject to God and His Christ. * * *
The kingdom of God will establish truth and correct principles–the principles of truth, equity, and justice; in short, the principles that emanate from God, principles that are calculated to elevate man in time and through all eternity. How shall this be? It will be by a legitimate rule, authority, and dominion. * * *
Let us now notice our political position in the world. What are we going to do? We are going to possess the earth. Why? Because it belongs to Jesus Christ, and he belongs to us, and we to him; we are all one, and will take the kingdom and possess it under the whole heavens, and reign over it for ever and ever. Now, ye kings and emperors, help yourselves, if you can. This is the truth, and it may as well be told at this time as at any other. (JD 1:229-230)
John Taylor:
The Almighty has established this kingdom with order and laws and every thing pertaining thereto, that we might understand his will and operate in his kingdom, that we might be taught of God and understand correct principles, that when the nations shall be convulsed, we may stand forth as saviours, and do that which will be best calculated to produce the well-being of the human family and finally redeem a ruined world, not only in a religious but in a political point of view. * * *
Now as to the great future what shall we say? Why, a little stone has been cut out of the mountains without hands, and this little stone is becoming a great nation, and it will eventually fill the whole earth. How will it fill it, religiously? Yes, and politically, too, for it will have the [210] rule, the power, the authority, the dominion in its own hands. This is the position that we are destined to occupy. . . . I expect one nation after another to rise against us until they will all be broken to pieces. We have a great many things to accomplish; we need not think that we have no business to attend to or that the world has gone through its regeneration for it has got to be struggle after struggle, and power after power will be arrayed against us, and then, if we have not learned it, we shall learn that God is our strength and that in him only can we trust. (JD 9:342-343)
John Taylor:
We believe, moreover, that God, having commenced his work, will continue to reveal and make manifest his will to his Priesthood, to his Church and kingdom on the earth, and that among this people there will be an embodiment of virtue, of truth, of holiness, of integrity, of fidelity, of wisdom and of the knowledge of God. We believe that there will be a temporal kingdom of God organized that will be under the direction and auspices of the Lord of Hosts, and that in all our affairs, whether they relate to things temporal or things spiritual, as we have been in the habit of calling them, we shall be under the direction of the Lord, as the Scriptures say, “It shall come to pass that all people shall be taught of the Lord.” This is part and parcel of our creed. We believe that we shall rear splendid edifices, magnificent temples and beautiful cities that shall become the pride, praise and glory of the whole earth. We believe that this people will excel in literature, in science and the arts and in manufactures. In fact, there will be a concentration of wisdom, not only of the combined wisdom of the world as it now exists, but men will be inspired in regard to all these matters in a manner and to an extent that they never have been before, and we shall have eventually, when the Lord’s purposes are carried out, the most magnificent buildings, the most pleasant and beautiful gardens, the richest and most costly clothing, and be the most healthy [211] and the most intellectual people that will reside upon the earth. This is part and parcel of our faith; in fact, Zion will become the praise of the whole earth; and as the Queen of Sheba said anciently, touching the glory of Solomon, the half of it had not been told her, so it will be in regard to Israel in their dwelling places. In fact, if there is anything great, noble, dignified, exalted, anything pure, or holy, or virtuous, or lovely, anything calculated to exalt or ennoble the human mind to dignify and elevate the people, it will be found among the people of the Saints of the most High God. (JD 10:146-147)
Joseph F. Smith:
When God leads the people back to Jackson County, how will he do it? Let me picture to you how some of us may be gathered and led to Jackson County. I think I see two or three hundred thousand people wending their way across the great plain enduring the nameless hardships of the journey, herding and guarding their cattle by day and by night, and defending themselves and little ones from foes on the right hand and on the left, as when they came here. They will find the journey back to Jackson County will be as real as when they came out here. (JD 24:156)
Joseph Fielding Smith:
Over one hundred years have passed since the site of Zion was dedicated and the spot for the temple was chosen, and some of the members of the Church seem to be fearful lest the word of the Lord should fail. Others have tried to convince themselves that the original plan has been changed, and that the Lord does not require at our hands this mighty work which has been predicted by the prophets of ancient times. We have not been released from this responsibility, nor shall we be. The word of the Lord will not fail. If we look back and examine his word carefully, we will discover that nothing has failed of all that he has predicted, neither shall one jot or tittle pass away unfulfilled. It is true that the Lord commanded the [212] saints to build to his name a temple in Zion. This they attempted to do, but were prevented by their enemies, so the Lord did not require the work at their hands at that time. The release from the building of the temple in 1833, did not, however, cancel the responsibility of building the city and the house of the Lord, at some future time. When the Lord is ready for it to be accomplished, he will command his people, and the work will be done. (Way to Perfection, pp. 268-269)
[213] Chapter 19
THE MILLENNIUM
The Latter-day Saint 10th Article of Faith states that “Zion will be built upon this, (the American) continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.” When the earth is elevated from its telestial state to that paradisiacal terrestrial order, it will remain so for a thousand years. This will be the Millennial reign of Christ on the earth.
The conditions and surroundings then will be much different from what now exist. There will be no death; Satan will not tempt men; the City of Enoch and many of the dead will revisit the earth; and “the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.” (Habakkuk 2:14) This paradise is a time of great promise that nearly all the prophets spoke of and desired to witness. It certainly is a blessing we should strive to attain.
Old Testament:
Therefore wait ye upon me, saith the Lord, until the day that I rise up to the prey: for my determination is to gather the nations, that I may assemble the kingdoms, to pour upon them mine indignation, even all my fierce anger: for all the earth shall be devoured with the fire of my jealousy. For then will I turn to the people a pure language, that they may all call upon the name of the Lord, to serve him with one consent. (Zeph. 3:8-9)
[214] Old Testament:
. . . and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. (Isa. 2:4)
And in that day seven women shall take hold of one man, saying, We will eat our own bread, and wear our own apparel: only let us be called by thy name, to take away our reproach. In that day shall the branch of the Lord be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the earth shall be excellent and comely for them that are escaped of Israel.
And it shall come to pass, that he that is left in Zion, and he that remaineth in Jerusalem, shall be called holy, even every one that is written among the living in Jerusalem: When the Lord shall have washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion, and shall have purged the blood of Jerusalem from the midst thereof by the spirit of judgment, and by the spirit of burning.
And the Lord will create upon every dwelling place of mount Zion, and upon her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night: for upon all the glory shall be a defence. And there shall be a tabernacle for a shadow in the daytime from the heart, and for a place of refuge, and for a covert from storm and from rain. (Isa. 4:1-6)
For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind. But be ye glad and rejoice for ever in that which I create: for, behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy.
And I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in my people: and the voice of weeping shall be no more heard in her, nor the voice of crying. There shall be no more thence an infant of days, nor an old man that hath not filled his days: for the child shall die an hundred years old; but the sinner being an hundred years old shall be accursed.
[215] And they shall build houses, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them. They shall not build, and another inhabit; they shall not plant, and another eat: for as the days of a tree are the days of my people, and mine elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands.
They shall not labour in vain, nor bring forth for trouble; for they are the seed of the blessed of the Lord, and their offspring with them.
And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.
The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the bullock: and dust shall be the serpent’s meat. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, saith the Lord. (Isa. 65:17-25)
New Testament:
And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years. And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.
And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.
But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.
[216] And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison, and shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea.
And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them. And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever. (Revel. 20:1-10)
<Note: Orson Pratt read the above scriptural passage and remarked: “In the words which I have read, we have perhaps as much revealed in regard to the Millennium, as we will find in any of the revelations which God has given to man. We can understand from these words that a time is to come in which the devil will have no power to tempt the children of men, and this happy period will last for one thousand years.” (JD 16:313)>
Book of Mormon:
And because of the righteousness of his people, Satan has no power; wherefore, he cannot be loosed for the space of many years; for he hath no power over the hearts of the people, for they dwell in righteousness, and the Holy One of Israel reigneth. (1 Ne. 22:26)
Doctrine and Covenants:
For I will reveal myself from heaven with power and great glory, with all the hosts thereof, and dwell in righteousness with men on earth a thousand years, and the wicked shall not stand. (Sec. 29:11)
For in mine own due time will I come upon the earth in judgment, and my people shall be redeemed and shall reign with me on earth. For the great Millennium, of [217] which I have spoken by the mouth of my servants, shall come. For Satan shall be bound, and when he is loosed again he shall only reign for a little season, and then cometh the end of the earth. And he that liveth in righteousness shall be changed in the twinkling of an eye, and the earth shall pass away so as by fire. (Sec. 43:29-32)
And the earth shall be given unto them for an inheritance; and they shall multiply and wax strong, and their children shall grow up without sin unto salvation. For the Lord shall be in their midst, and his glory shall be upon them, and he will be their king and their lawgiver. (Sec. 45:58-59)
Yea, and blessed are the dead that die in the Lord, from henceforth, when the Lord shall come, and old things shall pass away, and all things become new, they shall rise from the dead and shall not die after, and shall receive an inheritance before the Lord, in the holy city. And he that liveth when the Lord shall come, and hath kept the faith, blessed is he; nevertheless, it is appointed to him to die at the age of man. Wherefore, children shall grow up until they become old; old men shall die; but they shall not sleep in the dust, but they shall be changed in the twinkling of an eye. (Sec. 63:49-51)
- What are we to understand by the sounding of the trumpets, mentioned in the 8th chapter of Revelation?
- We are to understand that as God made the world in six days, and on the seventh day he finished his work, and sanctified it, and also formed man out of the dust of the earth, even so, in the beginning of the seventh thousand years will the Lord God sanctify the earth, and complete the salvation of man, and judge all things, and shall redeem all things except that which he hath not put into his power, when he shall have sealed all things, unto the end of all things; and the sounding of the trumpets of the seven angels are the preparing and finishing of his work, in the beginning of the seventh thousand years–the preparing of the way before the time of his coming. (Sec. 77:12)
[218] And in that day the enmity of man, and the enmity of beasts, yea the enmity of all flesh, shall cease from before my face. And in that day whatsoever any man shall ask, it shall be given unto him. And in that day Satan shall not have power to tempt any man. And there shall be no sorrow because there is no death. In that day an infant shall not die until he is old; and his life shall be as the age of a tree; And when he dies he shall not sleep, that is to say in the earth, but shall be changed in the twinkling of an eye, and shall be caught up, and his rest shall be glorious. Yea, verily I say unto you, in that day when the Lord shall come, he shall reveal all things–Things which, have passed, and hidden things which no man knew, things of the earth, by which it was made, and the purpose and the end thereof–Things most precious, things that are above, and things that are beneath, things that are in the earth, and upon the earth, and in heaven. (Sec. 101:26-34)
He shall command the great deep, and it shall be driven back into the north countries, and the islands shall become one land; And the land of Jerusalem and the land of Zion shall be turned back into their own place, and the earth shall be like as it was in the days before it was divided. (See. 133:23-24)
Pearl of Great Price:
. . . and righteousness and truth will I cause to sweep the earth as with a flood, * * *
And the Lord said unto Enoch: Then shalt thou and all thy city meet them there, and we will receive them into our bosom, and they shall see us; and we will fall upon their necks, and they shall fall upon our necks, and we will kiss each other; And there shall be mine abode, and it shall be Zion, which shall come forth out of all the creations which I have made; and for the space of a thousand years the earth shall rest. (Moses 7:62, 63-64)
[219] Joseph Smith:
Other attempts to promote universal peace and happiness in the human family have proved abortive; every effort has failed; every plan and design has fallen to the ground; it needs the wisdom of God, the intelligence of God, and the power of God to accomplish this. The world has had a fair trial for six thousand years; the Lord will try the seventh thousand Himself; “He whose right it is, will possess the kingdom, and reign until He has put all things under His feet.” (TPJS, p. 252)
Joseph Smith:
It is not the multitude of preachers that is to bring about the glorious millennium! but it is those who are “called, and chosen, and faithful.” (TPJS, p. 42)
Joseph Smith:
While in conversation at Judge Adams’ during the evening, I said, Christ and the resurrected Saints will reign over the earth during the thousand years. They will not probably dwell upon the earth, but will visit it when they please, or when it is necessary to govern it. (TPJS, p. 268)
Brigham Young:
Were we to dedicate our moral and intellectual influence, and our earthly wealth to the Lord, our hearts would be very likely to applaud our acts …. If this people would take that course, what hinders their being in the Millennium? * * *
The Millennium consists in this–every heart in the Church and Kingdom of God being united in one; the Kingdom increasing to the overcoming of everything opposed to the economy of heaven, and Satan being bound, and having a seal set upon him. All things else will be as they are now, we shall eat, drink, and wear clothing. Let the [220] people be holy, and the earth under their feet will be holy. Let the people be holy, and filled with the Spirit of God, and every animal and creeping thing will be filled with peace; the soil of the earth will bring forth in its strength, and the fruits thereof will be meat for man. The more purity that exists, the less is the strife; the more kind we are to our animals, the more will peace increase, and the savage nature of the brute creation vanish away. If the people will not serve the devil another moment whilst they live, if this congregation is possessed of that spirit and resolution, here in this house is the Millennium. Let the inhabitants of this city be possessed of that spirit, let the people of the territory be possessed of that spirit, and here is the Millennium. Let the whole people of the United States be possessed of that spirit, and here is the Millennium, and so will it spread over all the world. (JD 1:202-203)
Brigham Young:
When the Kingdom of Heaven spreads over the whole earth, do you expect that all the people composing the different nations will become Latter-day Saints? If you do, you will be much mistaken.
Do you expect that every person will be destroyed from the face of the earth, but the Latter-day Saints? If you do, you will be mistaken. Many of our Elders labor under these erroneous expectations when reading over the sayings of the Apostles and Prophets in regard to the coming of the Son of Man. In one verse the Prophet will be describing the second coming previous to the commencement of the Millennium, and perhaps in the same verse he will describe a scene that will take place after the Millennium, and when the earth will be cleansed from all wickedness, after Satan has been let loose a little season, and had another tour upon it, and after it is renovated and becomes sanctified, and is like a sea of glass, as John describes it. Will this be in the Millennium? No. But the order of society will be as it is when Christ comes to reign a thousand years; there will be every sort of sect and party, and every individual following what he supposes to be the best in religion, and in everything else, similar to what it is now.
[221] Will there be wickedness then as now? No. How will you make this appear? When Jesus comes to rule and reign King of nations as he now does King of Saints, the veil of the covering will be taken from all nations, that all flesh may see his glory together, but that will not make them all Saints. Seeing the Lord does not make a man a Saint, seeing an Angel does not make a man a Saint by any means. A man may see the finger of the Lord, and not thereby become a Saint; the vail of the covering may be taken from before the nations, and all flesh see His glory together, and at the same time declare they will not serve Him. * * *
What will they do? They will hear of the wisdom of Zion, and the kings and potentates of the nations will come up to Zion to inquire after the ways of the Lord, and to seek out the great knowledge, wisdom, and understanding manifested through the Saints of the Most High. They will inform the people of God that they belong to such and such a Church, and do not wish to change their religion.
They will be drawn to Zion by the great wisdom displayed there, and will attribute it to the cunning and craftiness of men. It will be asked, “What do you want to do, ye strangers from afar?” “We want to live our own religion.” “Will you bow the knee before God with us?” “O yes, we would as soon do it as not;” and at that time every knee shall bow, and every tongue acknowledge that God who is the framer and maker of all things, the governor and controller of the universe. They will have to bow the knee and confess that He is God, and that Jesus Christ, who suffered for the sins of the world, is actually its Redeemer; that by the shedding of his blood he has redeemed men, women, children, beasts, birds, fish, the earth itself, and everything that John saw and heard praising in heaven.
They will ask, “If I bow the knee and confess that he is that Saviour, the Christ, to the glory of the Father, will you let me go home and be a Presbyterian?” “Yes.” “And not persecute me?” “Never.” “Won’t you let me go home and belong to the Greek Church?” “Yes.” “Will you [222] allow me to be a Friend Quaker, or a Shaking Quaker?” “O yes, anything you wish to be, but remember that you must not persecute your neighbors, but must mind your own business, and let your neighbors alone, and let them worship the sun, moon, a white dog, or anything else they please, being mindful that every knee has got to bow and every tongue confess. When you have paid this tribute to the Most High, who created you and preserves you, you may then go and worship what you please, or do what you please, if you do not infringe upon your neighbors.” . . .
The Church of Jesus Christ will produce this government, and cause it to grow and spread, and it will be a shield round about the Church. And under the influence and power of the Kingdom of God, the Church of God will rest secure and dwell in safety, without taking the trouble of governing and controlling the whole earth. The Kingdom of God will do this, it will control the kingdoms of the world.
When the day comes in which the Kingdom of God will bear rule, the flag of the United States will proudly flutter unsullied on the flag staff of liberty and equal rights, without a spot to sully its fair surface; the glorious flag our fathers have bequeathed to us will then be unfurled to the breeze by those who have the power to hoist it aloft and defend its sanctity. (JD 2:316-317)
Brigham Young:
A great many of the Elders of Israel in Mount Zion will become pillars in the temple of God, to go no more out. They will eat and drink and sleep there; and they will often have occasion to say, “Somebody came to the Temple last night; we did not know who he was, but he was no doubt a brother, and told us a great many things we did not before understand. He gave us the names of a great many of our forefathers that are not on record, and he gave me my true lineage and names of my forefathers for hundreds of years back. He said to me, You and I are connected in one family: there are the names of your ancestors; take them and write them down, and be baptized and confirmed, and save such and such ones, and [223] receive of the blessings of the eternal Priesthood for such and such an individual, as you do for yourselves.” This is what we are going to do for the inhabitants of the earth. When I look at it, I do not want to rest a great deal, but be industrious all the day long, for when we come to think upon it, we have no time to lose for it is a pretty laborious work. (Way to Perfection, Joseph Fielding Smith, p. 324)
Brigham Young:
When I get a revelation that some of my progenitors lived and died without the blessings of the Gospel, or even hearing it preached, but were as honest as I am, as upright as I am, or as any man or woman could be upon the earth; as righteous, so far as they knew how, as any Apostle or Prophet that ever lived, I will go and be baptized, confirmed, washed, and anointed, and go through all the ordinances and endowments for them, that their way may be open to the celestial kingdom.
As I have frequently told you, that is the work of the Millennium. It is the work that has to be performed by the seed of Abraham, the chosen seed, the royal seed, the blessed of the Lord, those the Lord made covenants with. They will step forth, and save every son and daughter of Adam who will receive salvation here on the earth; and all spirits in the spirit world will be preached to, conversed with, and the principles of salvation carried to them, that they may have the privilege of receiving the Gospel; and they will have plenty of children here on the earth to officiate for them in those ordinances of the Gospel that pertain to the flesh. (JD 2:138)
Brigham Young:
We have at least one thousand years, counting three hundred and sixty-five days, five hours, forty-eight minutes, and fifty-seven seconds to the year, if I recollect right, wherein the Elders of Israel will enter holy temples of the Lord and officiate for just such persons as you and [224] I, that have done the work we were called to do in our day, whether it was much or little. There will be hundreds of thousands of the sons of Jacob to administer in these temples for you and me. Joseph, Hyrum, father Smith, and many others will be there to dictate and preside. Joseph will stand at the head of this dispensation and hold the keys of it, for they are not taken from him: they never were in time; they never will be in eternity. (JD 6:308)
Brigham Young:
When all nations are so subdued to Jesus that every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess, there will still be millions on the earth who will not believe in him: but they will be obliged to acknowledge his kingly government. You may call that government ecclesiastical, or by whatever term you please; yet, there is no true government on earth but the government of God, or the holy Priesthood. Shall I tell you what that is? In short, it is a perfect system of government–a kingdom of Gods and angels and all beings who will submit themselves to that government. There is no other true government in heaven or upon the earth. Do not blame me for believing in a pure and holy government. (JD 7:142)
Brigham Young:
Our bodies are now mortal. In the resurrection there will be a reunion of the spirits and bodies, and they will walk, talk, eat, drink, and enjoy. Those who have passed these ordeals are society for angels–for the Gods, and are the ones who will come into the Temple of the Lord that is to be built in the latter days, when saviours shall come up upon Mount Zion, and will say, “Here, my children, I want this and this done. Here are the names of such and such ones, of our fathers and mothers–our ancestors; we will bring them up. Go forth, you who have not passed the ordeals of death and the resurrection–you who live in the flesh, and attend to the ordinances for those who have died without the law.” Those who are resurrected will thus [225] dictate in the Temple. When the Saints pass through death, they cannot officiate in this sinful world, but they will dictate those who are here. “Go, now, and be baptized for the honourable–for those who would have received the law of God and the true religion, if they had lived; be baptized for the heathen–for all who were honest; officiate for them, and save them, and bring them up. Be baptized for them, anointed for them, washed and sealed for them, and fulfil all the ordinances which cannot be dispensed with.” They will all be performed for the living and the dead upon Mount Zion. (JD 8:225)
Brigham Young:
The Gospel is now preached to the spirits in prison, and when the time comes for the servants of God to officiate for them, the names of those who have received the Gospel in the spirit will be revealed by the angels of God and the spirits of just men made perfect; also the places of their birth, the age in which they lived, and everything regarding them that is necessary to be recorded on earth, and they will then be saved so as to find admittance into the presence of God, with their relatives who have officiated for them. (JD 9:317)
Brigham Young:
The Christian world have taught, preached, contemplated, meditated, sung about and prayed for the Millennium. What are you going to do during that period, Christians? Do you know what the Millennium is for, and what work will have to be done during that period? Suppose the Christian world were now one in heart, faith, sentiment and works, so that the Lord could commence the Millennium in power and glory, do you know what would be done? Would you sit and sing yourselves away to everlasting bliss? No, I reckon not. I think there is a work to be done then which the whole world seems determined we shall not do. What is it? To build temples. * * * and work for the salvation of our forefathers. (JD 13:329)
[226] Brigham Young:
In the Millennium, when the Kingdom of God is established on the earth in power, glory and perfection, and the reign of wickedness that has so long prevailed is subdued, the Saints of God will have the privileges of building their temples, and of entering into them, becoming, as it were, pillars in the temples of God, and they will officiate for their dead. Then we will see our friends come up, and perhaps some that we have been acquainted with here. If we ask who will stand at the head of the resurrection in this last dispensation, the answer is–Joseph Smith, Junior, the Prophet of God. He is the man who will be resurrected and receive the keys of the resurrection, and he will seal this authority upon others, and they will hunt up their friends and resurrect them when they shall have been officiated for, and bring them up. And we will have revelations to know our forefathers clear back to Father Adam and Mother Eve, and we will enter into the temples of God and officiate for them. Then man will be sealed to man until the chain is made perfect back to Adam, so that there will be a perfect chain of Priesthood from Adam to the winding-up scene. This will be the work of the Latter-day Saints in the Millennium. (JD 15:138-139)
Orson Pratt:
But as the earth has been corrupted by other sins than the original, it must partake of the curses of the second death, after it is redeemed from the curses of the first, unless God has provided a way for its sanctification and redemption therefrom. It has seemed good unto the great Redeemer to institute ordinances for the cleansing, sanctification, and eternal redemption of the earth, not from the original sin, but from the sins of the posterity of Adam.
The first ordinance instituted for the cleansing of the earth, was that of immersion in water; . . .
[227] The second ordinance instituted for the sanctification of the earth, is that of fire and the Holy Ghost. The day will come when it shall burn as an oven, and all the proud, and all that do wickedly shall be as stubble; after which, the glory of God shall cover the earth, as the waters cover the deep. Here then is a baptism of fire first, then of the Holy Spirit. As man receives the baptism of fire and the Holy Spirit through the laying on of the hands of a legal administrator, so the earth receives the same, not through its own agency, but through the agencies ordained of God. As man becomes a new creature by being born again, first of water, then of the spirit, in the same manner the earth becomes a new earth by being born again of these cleansing and purifying elements. As man becomes a righteous man by the new birth, so the earth becomes a righteous earth through the same process.
Righteousness will abide upon its face, during a thousand years, and the Saviour will bless it with his personal presence: after which the end soon comes, and the earth itself will die, and its elements be dissolved through the agency of a fire. (JD 1:331)
Orson Pratt:
All the righteous from Adam to the seventh Millennium will be honored with a thousand years’ reign on the earth with Christ. Their bodies being immortal, will no more be subject to the grim monster death; neither will they suffer pain nor sorrow, nor accidents; neither will
they hunger, nor thirst, nor be fatigued; but will dwell with the Lamb of God, and reign with him in great glory. * * *
The earth will not only be inhabited by children of mortality, but the resurrected righteous will mingle freely in their midst. (Masterful Discourses of Orson Pratt, comp. by N. B. Lundwall, p. 80)
[228] Orson Pratt:
“Do you think,” one may say, “there will be mortal beings living on the earth, when these heavenly hosts come?” Yes, and they will dwell together. What, people not subject to sickness, or to sorrow, or punishment, people whose bodies are celestial and immortal, who will endure in their bodies to all eternity! Will they mingle with mortal belongs? Yes. Have we any Scripture to sustain us in this? Yes. Our Savior was immortal when he arose from the tomb, his body of flesh and bones was no longer sensitive to pain; it was a glorified, immortal, and eternal body. Could he mingle with the children of mortality? Yes, for on a certain occasion the Apostles, doubtless thinking the Savior to be dead, went to their nets, their former pursuit. But Jesus knowing their hearts, went to the seashore and there made a fire. By and by he called them to land, and they came. He took a fish and broiled it on the coals, and gave it to them to eat, and he ate with them. He was immortal, they were mortal. Was there any perceptible difference between the appearance of the Savior on this occasion, and his disciples? No; he did not permit his glory to shine forth, as he did on the Isle of Patmos, when John received his heavenly manifestations. His glory was withheld, and they had no difficulty in looking upon his person.
I have no doubt there will be a certain degree of the glory of the immortal beings withheld from the children of mortality, during the whole period of the millennium. Kings and priests will come here to reign, and will mingle freely among their children of whom they are ancestors. And those who are mortal can receive instruction from those who are immortal, that will prepare them for the time when the earth is to undergo a still greater change. The children of mortality will need this preparation in order to live when this earth is burning up, which is to be its final destiny.
When Jesus comes, the events that I have named will take place. The earth is destined to pass away; after these immortal beings have dwelt upon it for one thousand [229] years, after Jesus has been here reigning as King of kings and Lord of lords, and people have become familiar with him and all the ancients, by and by the earth will be burned up. (JD 18:320)
Orson Pratt:
. . . when He comes in all His glory, in the clouds of heaven, accompanied by the prophets, and apostles, and revelators, and the rest of the Saints to reign on the earth, it is reasonable to suppose that the Kingdom to be set up would have prophets, and revelators, and inspired men, old men dreaming dreams, and young men seeing visions. And in this way, when Jesus descends with His resurrected Saints finding a Kingdom prepared for him composed of those who have the Spirit of God in their hearts, he will commence his reign–his universal reign upon the earth, over all the Saints living. * * * And all flesh will have the Spirit of God poured out upon them.
I said “all” flesh including the flesh of the animal as well as human. This has been clearly spoken of in the prophecies. That is, in those days when “the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea,” then the “lion shall eat straw like the ox.” His nature will be so susceptible to the Spirit of God that it will be entirely changed, instead of his preying upon other animals and devouring their flesh, he will feast upon the vegetable kingdom, just as he did in the morning of creation. * * *
But the time will come, when the Spirit of God will be poured out upon all flesh and “The wolf shall lie down with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them,” etc. * * *
And Jesus and the Twelve Apostles will be in our midst. And we have an account of their thrones. “And Jesus said unto them, Verily, I say unto you, that ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of Man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” [230] Then the twelve tribes will come back, and twelve men sitting on twelve thrones, in the land of Palestine, will reign over them. The Twelve disciples raised up in this land, 1800 years ago, are to have their thrones; who, after being judged themselves by the Twelve at Jerusalem, will sit upon their thrones and will judge the remnant of the tribe of Joseph. And they will have that work to do in the eternal worlds. (JD 19:175-176)
Orson Pratt:
It is then that the enmity of the beasts of the field as well as that of all flesh will cease; no more one beast of prey devouring and feasting upon another that is more harmless in its nature; no more will this enmity be found in the fish of the sea, or in the birds of the air. This change will be wrought upon all flesh when Jesus comes; not a change to immortality, but a change sufficient to alter the ferocious nature of beasts, birds and fishes. In those days the lion will eat straw like the ox; he will no more be the terror of the forest, but will be perfectly harmless, and gentleness will characterize all the wild and ferocious animals, as well as the venomous serpents, so much so that the little child might lead them and play with them, and nothing should hurt or destroy in all the holy mountain of the Lord; all things becoming, in some measure, as when they were first created. For it will be remembered that animals did not devour one another until after the fall, neither was there any death, until after the fall.
What did they eat, then? The Lord said, “To every beast of the field, and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat.” The grass, and the herbs, and every green thing were their food. And Adam and Eve ate fruits and vegetables, not animal flesh. The whole earth will be restored; and man will be restored; and not only upon man, but upon all flesh the Spirit of God will be poured out and they will eventually be restored to all that was lost by the fall of our first parents. Then the knowledge of God will cover the whole earth, as the waters cover the great deep.
[231] And then the animal creation will manifest more intelligence and more knowledge than they do now, in their fallen condition. Indeed, we have a declaration, by John the Revelator, that when this time shall come, they will even know how to praise God. He says, “And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I, saying, Blessing, and honor and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.” What? The animal creation endowed with language? Yes, a language of praise, saying something concerning the Lamb that was slain, and about his glory and excellency. What a beautiful creation this will be when all these things are fulfilled! (JD 20:18)
Orson Pratt:
In the resurrection, they will come forth immortal, eternal, clothed upon with the fulness of that glory that pertains to the celestial kingdom. They will also reign as kings and priests here on the earth. To some of the raised Saints there will be given ten cities to rule over. To others there will be given five cities to rule over, according to their works here in this life. All will not have the same power. All will not have the same rule. The Twelve shall have twelve thrones–one throne each, to judge the twelve tribes of Israel. The tribes will need judging, during the whole thousand years they live on the earth; they will need judges in their midst, to make manifest unto them that which is important for men, and women, and children, to know.
These twelve men who are appointed to judge these twelve tribes of Israel cannot be as it were the judges over all the earth at the same time. They cannot be everywhere present at the same moment, and hence there will be other judges, other men of God, those who are accounted worthy in the sight of the Most High. (JD 20:155)
[232] John Taylor:
We believe that God is going to revolutionize the earth, to purge it from iniquity of every kind and to introduce righteousness of every kind, until the great millennium is fully introduced. * * * We talk of returning to Jackson County to build the most magnificent temple that ever was formed on the earth and the most splendid city that was ever erected; yea, cities, if you please. The architectural designs of those splendid edifices, cities, walls, gardens, bowers, streets, etc., will be under the direction of the Lord, who will control and manage all these matters; and the people, from the President down, will all be under the guidance and direction of the Lord in all the pursuits of human life, until eventually they will be enabled to erect cities that will be fit to be caught up–that when Zion descends from above, Zion will also ascend from beneath, and be prepared to associate with those from above. The people will be so perfected and purified, ennobled, exalted, and dignified in their feelings and so truly humble and most worthy, virtuous and intelligent that they will be fit, when caught up, to associate with that Zion that shall come down from God out of heaven. (JD 10:146-147)
John Taylor:
This is a great work. Well might it be said to Joseph Smith, “You are laying the foundation of a great work”–so vast that very few can begin to comprehend it. We read sometimes about the millennium. But what do we know about it? It is a time when this work will be going on, and Temples, thousands of them, will be reared for the accomplishment of the objects designed, in which communications from the heavens will be received in regard to our labors, how we may perform them, and for whom. (JD 25:185)
[233] George Q. Cannon:
If you read the 20th chapter of the Revelations, you will see that the Lord revealed to John that there shall be a thousand years’ rest, a millennium or millennial era, when the earth shall rest from wickedness, and when knowledge shall cover it as waters cover the deep, and when one man shall not have to say to another, “Know ye the Lord?” but when, according to the words of the Prophet, “All shall know him, from the least even unto the greatest;” when God’s will shall be written in the hearts of the children of men, and they will understand his law. (JD 14:321)
Wilford Woodruff:
When the Savior comes, a thousand years will be devoted to this work of redemption; and Temples will appear all over this land of Joseph, North and South America and also in Europe and elsewhere; and all the descendants of Shem, Ham, and Japheth who received not the Gospel in the flesh, must be officiated for in the Temples of God, before the Savior can present the Kingdom to the Father, saying, “It is finished.” (JD 19:230)
Erastus Snow:
Hence their tabernacles shall not be subject to pain and sickness like unto ours. There will be no pain and sickness, because there will be no breach of the laws of life and health. There will be no intemperance of any kind, because there will be no evil spirit at the elbow continually ready to allure and draw into sin. But the Spirit of the Lord will be with every person to guide him constantly, and the law of the Lord will be written in his heart, so that one will not need to say to another, “This is the way; walk ye in it.” There will be no Devil to tempt on the right hand and on the left, saying, “This is the way, walk in it.” Thus having this good influence continually around them to keep them in the straight path, they will grow up without sickness, pain, or death.” (JD 7:355-356)
[234] Erastus Snow:
Now, this thousand years is spoken of among modern Christians as the millennium, signifying a thousand years. That period of all other periods will, as we speak of the Sabbath, be a day of rest. On the Sabbath, the seventh day, the Lord rested from his labors, and He has commanded His people to rest from their labors on that day; to meet together and worship Him; to offer up their sacraments and their oblations; to confess their sins unto one and another and before the Lord. And as they ask to be forgiven, and feel to forgive one another, so God forgives them. * * *
This day of rest is a day to forgive and to be forgiven, and to make peace with one another and with our God, and is a type of the millennium, or the seventh thousandth year, in the which universal peace will be established upon the earth, and the Kingdom of our God prevail in all lands–a day when the servants of God may bear the glad tidings to all people, nations, kindreds and tongues upon all the face of the earth, and there shall be none to molest them, or make them afraid. The truth will abound and light and understanding come to the people. It will be a day of great light in every corner of the land–the day spoken of by the Prophet Isaiah, wherein he says the knowledge of the Lord shall cover the earth as the waters cover the sea–the day when they shall teach no more every man his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, know the Lord; for they shall all know Him from the least of them to the greatest of them–a day when “every man shall see eye to eye.” Prophets and Saints have looked for such a period, have longed for it, have prayed for it, have sung about it, have prophesied of it, and they have spoken of the work that should bring it about. (JD 25:69-70)
* * *
[235] From information available on the Millennium, an interesting conclusion was reached by Cleon Skousen:
It is highly possible that with the cessation of wars, the eradication of infant mortality, the increase of the human life span to one hundred years and the marked increase in the arable land area, the number of individuals who will populate the earth during the thousand years of the Millennial reign will total more than all those who lived on the earth during the previous six thousand years. (Prophecy and Modern Times, Skousen, p. 121)
The following list condenses most of the information available on the Millennium:
* The main objectives of the Millennium are (1) missionary work, (2) temple work, and (3) teaching the Saints and preparing them for exaltation.
* The earth will undergo methods of purification both before and after the Millennium.
* The earth will become one continent, as it was “before it was divided”, with much more available and productive land surface.
* Both mortals and immortals will dwell together.
* Satan will be bound and will have no influence in mortal or immortal spheres.
* All people will acknowledge Jesus as the Christ, (“Every knee will bow and tongue confess…”), but there will be many different churches.
* Jesus will reign over the Kingdom of God throughout the 1,000 years, visiting the earth when He pleases.
[236]
* There will be two world capitals–Old and New Jerusalem–and two sets of Twelve Apostles judging the people from both these capitals, with help from many other kings and priests.
* The temple at New Jerusalem will be the most magnificent ever built, and the city itself, the most splendid ever erected.
* Thousands of temples will exist, and temple work will be done by personal instruction from angels and immortal beings.
* The City of Enoch will return.
* The pure Adamic language will be re-established among all nations.
* All prayers will be answered–“Whatsoever any man shall ask shall be given him.”
* All ancient scriptures and knowledge of the history of this world and our universe will be made known, and “nothing shall be withheld.”
* Houses will be built, and crops will be planted and harvested.
* We shall eat, drink, and wear clothing.
* The fullness of the restored Gospel will be taught and practiced, among which will be plural marriage. (“Seven women shall take hold of one man.”)
* There will be no sorrow, accidents, crime, sickness, or death. The righteous will be changed in the twinkling of an eye.
* There will be no wars; swords will be beat into plowshares and spears into pruninghooks.
[237]
* There will be a tremendous increase of population–probably as many as have lived on the earth during the first 6,000 years.
* Children will live to be 100 years old.
* There will no longer be carnivorous animals, but they will “feast upon the vegetable kingdom,” eating straw, grass, herbs, “and every green thing.”
* Animals will have no enmity toward each other or toward mankind, nor will there be enmity among individual people.
* The animal creations will manifest more knowledge and intelligence than they do now.
[238] Chapter 20
CONCLUSION: A VOICE OF WARNING
Will you be slack, brethren, and let the evil come upon us, when we forewarn you of the future events that are coming? (Heber C. Kimball, JD 4:338)
Nearly every prophet spoke of events in the “latter days”. It was a period of time they all looked to with deepest interest.
These prophets have told us that the most devastating calamities are to take place in the last days. But they also said that eventually there will be greater peace and prosperity than ever before, lasting for a thousand years. Thus will be seen the great conflict between war and peace, depression and prosperity, destruction and construction, and the final battle between good and evil. It is no wonder that the prophets have had so much to say about the latter days.
Have you ever stopped to think that approximately one third of the Bible is prophecy? Page after page of God’s revealed Word has to do with the time immediately ahead of us. In fact, almost 90 percent of the events prophesied to happen in the Bible have not yet occurred. (Where Are We Now in Prophecy?, by Herbert W. Armstrong, p. 3)
[239] In summary, then, the prophets–through their voices of warning–have taught us:
- How wicked the world is; how fallen our nation has become; and how wayward the Saints in the latter days are.
- The various methods of destruction which will befall the wicked in the last days, doing away with all that is bad, and humbling and purging those who remain.
- The Lord will intervene in the affairs of men by causing famines, plagues, earthquakes and pestilences.
- The righteous from all nations will gather together and leave Babylon to its fate.
- The Saints must store food and supplies as a protection from the calamities that are coming.
- The Lord will give them understanding and great blessings so that His people will know that He is God. No more will they be deceived by false prophets and incorrect doctrines.
- The cities of both New and Old Jerusalem will be built or rebuilt.
- The Saints shall have great riches in abundance, and this wealth will be used as the Lord intends.
- The Kingdom of God (or the government of God) shall be established and will govern all the earth.
- And then shall the Millennium, the promised thousand years of peace and prosperity, become a reality among men.
[240] The Millennium, or terrestrial order of the world, will be too exalted, too sacred, for the wicked. For this reason the Lord must cleanse the world of all its iniquity and corruption through these purification processes.
. . . for the Lord hath a controversy with the nations, he will plead with all flesh; he will give them that are wicked to the sword, saith the Lord. (Jer. 25:31)
For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. (Matt. 24:21)
Today’s major problem seems to be a diabolical international conspiracy, which is planning for a New World Order–a counterfeit to the Kingdom of God. It is the same old “secret society” of evil men who have always tried to rule the world. Actually, it is the kingdom of the devil–organized, financed and programmed by devil’s disciples on the earth and empowered by his own priesthood. From the Garden of Eden to the present, he has usurped dominion among men, creating wars, causing depressions, and ruling as the “god of this world”. (II Cor. 4:4) The culmination of this great conflict was described by Jesus as “kingdom against kingdom”. (Matt. 24:7)
The purpose of issuing prophecies is to warn the people. The righteous will heed them; the wicked will not. But it is the obligation of those who believe the prophets to warn the wicked, for the Lord has said:
Behold, I sent you out to testify and warn the people, and it becometh every man who hath been warned to warn his neighbor. Therefore, they are left without excuse, and their sins are upon their own heads. (D. & C. 88:81-82)
[241] After this cleansing process is complete, there will be no more corrupt politicians, armies and navies will have been destroyed, and wickedness shall cease. Satan will have no more power and influence among men. Those remaining will obey the laws of God. They will be able to commune with angels and live under the government of God. Those few left will be sick of war, they will despise sin, and they will seek goodness and truth. No one will want to return to the corrupt practices and devices existing in our present society.
And many nations shall come, and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for the law shall go forth of Zion, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.
And he shall judge among many people, and rebuke strong nations afar off; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up a sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. (Micah 4:2-3)
Just as God created this earth in six “days” and rested on the seventh, so shall the earth exist in this mortal state for six thousand years and rest during the seventh. This will be the “Golden Era” of peace and prosperity, and the earth will receive its paradisiacal glory, or “second estate”. There will be beautiful gardens, harvests will be abundant, and nothing shall “hurt in all my holy mountain”; and even the bells upon the horses will read “holiness to the Lord”. Every animal and every creature will have lost its savage instincts where the lamb shall lie down with the lion. Beautiful buildings, temples and cities will adorn the earth like a crown of jewels upon a king.
[242] There will be such an atmosphere that man will not die; no freshly dug graves will protrude from the earth, nor shall there be weeping for the dead. Man will strive to save man rather than to destroy him. Angels will frequently visit the earth, and the living and the dead will labor together, bringing about the eternal cause of salvation and exaltation for mankind.
Such are the blessings of those who heed the warnings and messages of the prophets and prepare for the great events to come. Joseph Smith, one of the greatest prophets of all times, admonished us to “study the prophecies, and rejoice that God grants unto the world seers and prophets.” (TPJS, p. 12) Certainly we have reason to rejoice for the lives and teachings of all God’s prophets who help us to understand Christ’s second coming and His Millennial reign on earth.