Joseph Smith stands at the head of this last, greatest of all dispensations

“The Book of Mormon reveals the inheritance of Joseph, son of Israel“

“Josephs inheritance was to be a land choice above all others“

“Joseph Smith stands at the head of this last, greatest of all dispensations (see JD 8:224). From his position today in the spirit world, he undoubtedly presides over the day of the Lamanite which now has arrived (see Kimball “The Day of the Lamanites”). In that sphere, with the cultural biases, the language difficulties, and the centuries of tradition put aside, one wonders if Joseph is not now preaching those very words and seeing the budding and blossoming of that rose which will, in due course, both there and here, reach the perfection of its bloom.” Byron R. Merrill, “Joseph Smith and the Lamanites,” in Joseph Smith: The Prophet, The Man, ed. Susan Easton Black and Charles D. Tate Jr. (Provo, UT: Religious Studies Center, Brigham Young University, 1993), 187–202

The Book of Mormon reveals the inheritance of Joseph, son of Israel, who was not forgotten when land was distributed to the tribes of Israel. This was promised in the Abrahamic covenant…  Josephs inheritance was to be a land choice above all others. Choice because it was chosen to be the repository of sacred writings on golden plates from which the Book of Mormon would one day come. Choice because it would eventually host the world headquarters of the Restored Church of Jesus Christ in the latter days. And it was choice because it was a land of liberty for those who worship the Lord and keep His commandments.” Russell M Nelson President, Quorum of 12 June, 2016 Provo Missionary Training Center

JOSEPH SMITH AMONG THE NATIVE AMERICAN INDIANS OR LAMANITES

“Although the Gentile threat may have temporarily halted extensive activity among the Native Americans, the ardor of the members in contemplating the Lamanites’ eventual redemption was not abated. William W. Phelps wrote to Oliver Cowdery in 1835: Our government has already gathered many of the scattered remnants of tribes, and located them west of the Missouri to be nationalized and civilized; . . . I rejoice to see the great work prosper. The Indians are the people of the Lord; they are of the tribes of Israel; the blood of Joseph, with a small mixture of the royal blood of Judah, and the hour is nigh when they will come flocking into the kingdom of God, like doves to their windows. (193).

Editors Note: Unfortunately Joseph and the church thought the government was going to take care of the Native Americans by gatherings them up and giving them land. But, it ended up the government was preparing to take land away from the Natives for their own selfish reasons which Joseph found out about later.

At a meeting in Kirtland, during that same year, Joseph Smith proposed a mission for the Twelve throughout the eastern states. It was there resolved that Brigham Young should “go immediately from this place to an adjacent tribe of the remnants of Joseph, and open the door of salvation to that long dejected and afflicted people” (HC 2:224–25). Brigham Young was not then president of the Quorum of the Twelve, but the promise that this appointment would “open the door to the whole house of Joseph” (222) seems prophetic in view of his labors among the Lamanites when the Saints moved to the Rocky Mountains. There is no record, however, that his early mission resulted in any substantial work among that people (see Young 11). Indicative of the continued concern for this chosen remnant was the dedicatory prayer of the Kirtland temple, received by revelation, wherein Joseph prayed: And cause that the remnants of Jacob, who have been cursed and smitten because of their transgression, be converted from their wild and savage condition to the fullness of the everlasting gospel; That they may lay down their weapons of bloodshed, and cease their rebellions. And . . . come to a knowledge of the truth, believe in the Messiah, and be redeemed from oppression, and rejoice before thee. (D&C 109:65–67).” Byron R. Merrill, “Joseph Smith and the Lamanites,” in Joseph Smith: The Prophet, The Man, ed. Susan Easton Black and Charles D. Tate Jr. (Provo, UT: Religious Studies Center, Brigham Young University, 1993), 187–202

“What of Joseph’s Efforts? There seems to be a perception that Joseph’s efforts among the Lamanites were not only relatively unsuccessful but even superficial. It has been argued that “the initiative for [such] missionary work lay more with the members of the Church than with Joseph Smith” (Parry 74), and that Joseph did not see the redemptive work among the Lamanites “as essential to the ‘building up of Zion’” (72). To the contrary, Joseph’s commitment to the Book of Mormon promises to the Lamanites and the need to find a long term home for his people appear to have been closely connected priorities. Oliver B. Huntington recorded that early in the settlement of Nauvoo, Joseph Smith, Sr., confided in him that it had been revealed to the Prophet that the Church would stay in Nauvoo just seven years and “when we left there, we would go right into the midst of the Indians, in the Rocky Mountains” (18). Similarly, efforts by Lyman Wight and Jonathan Dunham appear to have combined proselyting the Lamanites and exploring for a new home for the Saints in their midst (Esplin 90–97). An 1845 mission call by the Council of the Kingdom was to “fill Joseph’s measures originally adopted . . . to seek out a location and a home where the Saints can dwell in peace and health . . . and proceed from tribe to tribe, to unite the Lamanites. . . .” (Ehat 269). Had Joseph done nothing more than translate the Book of Mormon, his contribution would have been greater than all other efforts to help the Native Americans; yet an examination of his life indicates his concern for and involvement with them went much further. But his time and energy were limited. He was faced with continual personal persecution, legal battles, and imprisonment. He conducted the defense, movements, and growth of the Church and the founding of cities. The Lord gave him many assignments including the new translation of the Bible, the translation of the Egyptian papyri, the organization of the Priesthood, the revelation of temple ordinances and their dissemination, etc. All of these required concentrated effort and substantial time. Spencer W. Kimball summarized: The very first thing before the Church was organized, Joseph Smith caught the vision of this work. He sent Oliver Cowdery, Ziba Peterson, and Parley P. Pratt and Peter Whitmer to the Indians immediately. They didn’t do very much. The brethren had their hands full: there were persecutions and the expulsions and the exodus and the settlement of this country. So missionary work with the Indians was limited in the Church to whom the great responsibility came. (Kimball, “The Children” 6) Brigham Young indicated that “there was a watch placed upon [Joseph] continually to see that he had no communication with the Indians” (Journal of Discourses 4:41; hereafter JD). Perhaps the Lord inspired Joseph to proceed cautiously in the face of false accusations which so negatively impacted the Saints. One wonders if the Lord also revealed to him that as important as this work was, only the seeds thereof were then being planted, that the fulfillment of the promises awaited a future day. Whereas this effort had originally been a primary objective of Joseph’s ministry, as the flood of revelation broadened his assignments, it became one of the principal objectives in the midst of many others. In the Proclamation of the Twelve Apostles issued 6 April 1845, many of the 115 paragraphs discuss the Lamanites, giving a more balanced perspective of their place in the overall picture than perhaps would have been the case had such a mission statement been issued in 1829 (see Clark 252–66). In Nauvoo, Joseph was heavily occupied in the restoration of the blessings given to Abraham as part of the gathering of the house of Israel, the initial stages of which were just then beginning. Who, in Joseph’s mind, would have fit more prominently into the family of Abraham (for whom the blessings were being restored) than the Lamanites? It seems Joseph knew they were of Israel before he knew he was. Was it not the spirit of the Book of Mormon and the continual leadership of the Prophet in this regard that led individual members of the Church to have special personal encounters with the Lamanites? (see Johnson 76). Contrary to general assumption, there were a few Lamanites baptized in his day. Panina S. Cotton, a Cherokee, and Lewis Dana, an Oneida, received their temple blessings in Nauvoo (Black 11:760, 13:194).” Byron R. Merrill, “Joseph Smith and the Lamanites,” in Joseph Smith: The Prophet, The Man, ed. Susan Easton Black and Charles D. Tate Jr. (Provo, UT: Religious Studies Center, Brigham Young University, 1993), 187–202

“Ultimately, what did Joseph accomplish? By the gift and power of God, he translated the Book of Mormon which revealed who the Native Americans are, their heritage of prophets and priests, of repentance and righteousness, and of pride and destruction. It discloses promises to this remnant of Israel, so diligently sought by their ancestors and vouchsafed by the covenants of the Lord. It proclaims their glorious future in the face of their state of poverty. In a personal way, Joseph seemed to feel a kinship to this people whose culture was so very distant from his own. He knew he and they were both descendants of Joseph of old, the son of Israel. He knew that Joseph of old, their prophet ancestor, had foretold that a mighty seer would be raised up from his posterity to bring to pass much restoration to the remnant of his seed (2 Nephi 3:6–12). From his early tutoring by Moroni to his personal visits with numerous Native American chiefs, Joseph Smith sought to bring to this chosen people the glad tidings of the restoration. But what did he see in the way of fulfillment for his efforts? In mortality he saw very little, but in vision he must have seen the Lamanites “blossom as a rose” (D&C 49:24). Byron R. Merrill, “Joseph Smith and the Lamanites,” in Joseph Smith: The Prophet, The Man, ed. Susan Easton Black and Charles D. Tate Jr. (Provo, UT: Religious Studies Center, Brigham Young University, 1993), 187–202

Lewis Dana First Indian in Council of Fifty and Solomon Tindall, a Mohegan Indian

Saints Volume 1 Chapter 46 Endowed with Power

In the fall of 1844, the Quorum of the Twelve sent an epistle to all Saints everywhere. “The temple,” they announced, “necessarily claims our first and most strict attention.” They encouraged the Saints to send money, supplies, and laborers to speed the work along. An endowment of power awaited them. All they needed was a place to receive it.

The Saints shared the apostles’ urgency. In late September, Peter Maughan wrote Willard Richards about the Saints’ new coal mine a hundred miles up the Mississippi River. Peter and Mary had recently sold their home in Nauvoo, used the money to purchase the mine for the church, and moved their family to a rough cabin near the work site. But already Peter longed to be back in Nauvoo cutting stone for the house of the Lord.

“The only thing that rests on my mind,” he told Willard, “is that the temple is being built right up and I am cut off from the privilege of helping.”

With the temple walls climbing higher, Brigham was determined to continue the work Joseph had begun. Following the prophet’s example, he prayed often with the endowed Saints and asked the Lord to preserve and unify the church. Baptisms for the dead, which had stopped after Joseph’s death, began again in the basement of the temple. Elders and seventies returned to the mission field in greater numbers.

But challenges were never far away. In September, Brigham and the Twelve learned that Sidney Rigdon was conspiring against them and denouncing Joseph as a fallen prophet. They charged him with apostasy, and Bishop Whitney and the high council excommunicated him. Sidney left Nauvoo soon after, predicting that the Saints would never complete the temple.

What happened to Sidney Rigdon?
Conflict and Change

“After the Saints settled in Nauvoo, Sidney Rigdon’s relationship with Joseph Smith was sometimes strained. Joseph charged Rigdon with neglecting his duties as Joseph’s counselor, aiding the Church’s enemies, and “defraud[ing] the innocent.” In August 1843, Joseph denounced Rigdon and asked the congregation to support him in withdrawing fellowship from his counselor. At the next Church conference in October, Joseph reluctantly agreed to retain Rigdon as his counselor if he would “magnify his office, and walk and conduct himself in all honesty, righteousness, and integrity.”

Despite these rifts, Rigdon was selected to run as Joseph Smith’s vice-presidential candidate in the 1844 United States presidential election. The campaign was cut short in June 1844, however, when a mob murdered Joseph. Rigdon rushed back to Nauvoo from Pittsburgh, where he had been living, and claimed the right to act as a “guardian” to the Church in Joseph’s absence. In response, Brigham Young declared that Joseph had given the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles all the keys and ordinances needed to lead the Church going forward. The vast majority of the Saints in Nauvoo voted to sustain the leadership of the Twelve.

Though members of the Twelve reached out to Rigdon, he refused to accept their leadership, was excommunicated from the Church in September 1844, and then returned to Pittsburgh. There he formed an independent church organization. His Church of Christ only lasted until 1847, when internal strife and a failed prophecy of Christ’s Second Coming caused the organization to crumble. With Stephen Post, Rigdon later organized another movement called the Church of Jesus Christ of the Children of Zion, which he led until his death in 1876.”

“Rigdon Sidney,” josephsmithpapers.org. Elizabeth Maki, “‘Go to the Ohio’: D&C 35, 36, 37, 38,” in Matthew McBride and James Goldberg, eds., Revelations in Context: The Stories behind the Sections of the Doctrine and Covenants (Salt Lake City: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2016), 70–73.” Sidney Rigdon Church History Topic

Disputes over Joseph’s Papers

Endowed with Power chapter 46 continues, “Still concerned about her family’s well-being, Emma Smith also refused to give her full support to the apostles. She cooperated with the trustees-in-trust they had appointed to sort out Joseph’s estate, but disputes over Joseph’s papers and other property rankled her. It also troubled her that the apostles continued to teach and practice plural marriage privately.

The women who had been sealed to Joseph as plural wives made no claim to his estate. After his death, some of them returned to their families. Others married members of the Twelve, who covenanted to care and provide for them in Joseph’s absence. Quietly, the apostles continued to introduce plural marriage to more Saints, married new plural wives, and started families with them.

At the start of 1845, the Saints’ greatest challenges came from outside the church. Thomas Sharp and eight other men had been charged with murdering Joseph and Hyrum, but none of the Saints expected them to be convicted. State legislators, meanwhile, sought to weaken church members’ political power by repealing the Nauvoo city charter. Governor Ford supported their efforts, and by the end of January 1845, the legislature stripped the Saints living in Nauvoo of their right to make and enforce laws and disbanded the Nauvoo Legion as well as the local police force.

Without these protections, Brigham feared, the Saints would be vulnerable to attacks from their enemies. Yet the temple was far from finished, and if the Saints fled the city, they could hardly expect to receive their endowment. They needed time to complete the work the Lord had given them. But staying in Nauvoo, if only for another year, could put everyone’s lives at risk.

Brigham went to his knees and prayed to know what the Saints should do. The Lord responded with a simple answer: stay and finish the temple.

Lewis Dana

On the morning of March 1, thirty-eight-year-old Lewis Dana became the first American Indian to join the Council of Fifty. After Joseph’s death, council meetings had stopped, but once the Nauvoo charter was repealed and the Saints realized their days in Nauvoo were numbered, the Twelve had called the council together to help govern the city and plan its evacuation.

A member of the Oneida nation, Lewis had been baptized with his family in 1840. He had served several missions, including one to the Indian territory west of the United States, and had ventured as far away as the Rocky Mountains. Knowing Lewis had friends and relatives among Indian nations to the west, Brigham invited him to join the council and share what he knew about the people and lands there.

“In the name of the Lord,” Lewis told the council, “I am willing to do all I can.”

Gathering Place in the West

Over the years, the Saints had grown deeply resentful of their nation’s leaders for refusing to help them. Church leaders were now resolved to leave the country and carry out Joseph’s plan to establish a new gathering place where they could raise an ensign to the nations, as the prophet Isaiah foretold, and live the laws of God in peace. Like Joseph, Brigham wanted the new gathering place to be in the West, among the Indians, whom he hoped to gather together as a branch of scattered Israel.

Addressing the council, Brigham proposed sending Lewis and several other members of the council west on an expedition to meet with Indians from several nations and explain the Saints’ purpose for moving west. They would also identify possible sites for gathering.

Heber Kimball agreed with the plan. “While these men are finding this location,” he said, “the temple will be finished and the Saints get their endowment.”

The council approved the expedition, and Lewis agreed to lead it. For the rest of March and April, he attended council meetings and advised fellow councilmen on how best to outfit the expedition and achieve its goals. By the end of April, the council had appointed four men to join Lewis on the journey, including Brigham’s brother Phineas and a recent convert named Solomon Tindall, a Mohegan Indian who had been adopted by the Delaware.

The expedition left Nauvoo soon after, traveling southwest through Missouri to the territory beyond.” Saints Volume 1 Chapter 46 Endowed with Power

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/history/saints-v1/46-endowed-with-power?lang=eng

“The Priesthood was first given to Adam; he obtained the First Presidency, and held the keys of it from generation to generation. He obtained it in the Creation, before the world was formed, as in Genesis 1:26, 27, 28.” Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith Section Four 1839-42, p.157 “I saw Adam in the valley of Adan-Ondi-Ahman.” ibid pg.158

THIS LAND IS CHOICE
Hartman Rector Jr. said, “I thrill when I see the flag. I hope you do, too. It stands for the USA. This is a land choice above all other lands. We have revelation on the subject. There’s nothing like the USA anywhere. There never has been, and I presume there never will be. The Lord has made that comment in respect to this earth. There are those who feel that we in the Western Hemisphere are the New World but, of course, we aren’t the New World at all this is where it all began; thus the USA is really the “Old World.”

It was on this continent, near the center of this continent (in fact, very near Missouri, which is the center of this continent), that the Garden of Eden was located. Life didn’t start off over in what they call the “cradle of civilization” or today’s Holy Land. No, it started in the central part of the United States. That’s where Adam and Eve were cast out of the garden. They moved out to earn their bread by the sweat of their brows. Also it was there that Cain slew Abel. It was there that Noah built an ark, in the middle of a continent like the United States. No wonder they thought he was a little bit “strange,” to say the least. It was there that he and his wife and his three sons and their wives embarked on the ark and floated for many, many days. The ark finally came to rest on top of Mount Ararat. They came down out of the ark, and civilization supposedly started from there. But that was the second start. Civilization had already started here.

The Book of Mormon says that, when the waters receded off of this land, it became a land choice above all other lands—a land of promise to those who would obey the God of this land, who is Jesus Christ. If the people would not obey the God of this land, then they would be swept off (see Ether 2:7–12). That has happened at least three times previously as far as we know. It happened in Noah’s time, certainly. It happened again to the Jaredite civilization. It happened again in the Nephite civilization, which included the Mulekites. It may have happened at other times. We’re not sure. We don’t have all the records that deal with this land, but what records we do have are consistent. The warning to us in this day and time is that unless we live these commandments, unless we serve the God of this land, we too can be swept from this land. I don’t believe that will happen again because this people, the Lord’s people, the Latter-day Saints, are going to keep the commandments of God. If they don’t, they will no longer be Latter-day Saints.” Hartman Rector Jr.

Editor’s Notes: This information from Elder Hartman Rector Jr is truth. Many scientists believe very differently. But it just makes sense that the area of Missouri is a promised land forever. What was this part of Missouri originally called? Look at Moses 6:17. “And Enos lived ninety years, and begat Cainan. And Enos and the residue of the people of God came out from the land, which was called Shulon, and dwelt in a land of promise, which he called after his own son, whom he had named Cainan.” Not Canaan; that was near Jerusalem. Cainan is the New Jerusalem and Canaan is the Old Jerusalem.

So the flood began in North America where Noah built the ark. When the waters receded, the ark landed in the Old World in Turkey at Mount Ararat.

“After the waters had receded from off the face of this land [USA] it became a choice land above all other lands, a chosen land of the Lord; wherefore the Lord would have that all men should serve him who dwell upon the face thereof; And that it was the place of the New Jerusalem [USA], which should come down out of heaven, and the holy sanctuary of the Lord.” Ether 13:2-3

Which is the first civilization after the flood? Egypt or Turkey or Europe? Or, is it the USA? The following article adds new light to the old theories of Egypt being the cradle of civilization.

If you look back at the time when humans first decided to give up their nomadic, hunter-gatherer lifestyle in favor of settling down at one place, six distinct cradles of civilization can be clearly identified: Egypt, Mesopotamia (present-day Iraq and Iran), the Indus Valley (present-day Pakistan and Afghanistan), China, Mexico and Peru.

These are the regions where our very first cities were built, the expanses where harvesting of crops and raising of livestock first took place, the areas where the first innovations in technology were made, and the places where language was developed and complex social orders came into being.

Since these regions needed to be hospitable and capable of sustaining life, you will notice a common thread between the early civilizations: They all sprung up near rivers. And this development took place around 3000 BCE for each of them except China, who joined the scene only in 2100 BCE. Source: https://mapscaping.com/blogs/geo-candy/mapped-the-6-cradles-of-civilization

The following article has been very insightful to me about Joseph of Egypt. It also shares important information about the age of important cities in the past. Maybe Egypt wasn’t as old as we may think. Maybe Europe is just as old after all the Ark landed in Turkey and spread from there. What culture was the first to develop and where do we find the most ancient of evidence? They report and you decide.

A Mysterious Mummy in Cairo: The Surprising True Identity of Joseph with the Coat of Many Colors

Since the days of Adam we have been told that the Sabbath day is a special day of the Lord’s. How are we doing on the Sabbath? Lehi and Nephi kept the Sabbath day holy as we read in Abinadi’s words of the Book of Mormon, it is important enough to be one of the amazing 10 Commandments, it is critical enough that the first Pilgrims kept the Sabbath in 20 degree weather, Joseph Smith and Zion’s camp kept the Sabbath day holy as you read below, so how are we doing?

Seriously, have you thought of that lately? How can we expect to be blessed if we aren’t even do the basics? Is our day today so important that we can’t take a few hours per week to take His Sacrament and worship Him? Can we just do the minimum and pray and read scriptures and pay our tithing, or can we do better? I know myself, I can do much better and that’s why I write this message. I am amazed at the devotion of the Pilgrims and Saints and and Nephites and the many good brothers and sisters today that I know. Are we teaching our children or are they ignoring us?

Is it harder to get our children back to church after this long and stupid (made in the lab) flu scare? Unfortunately in my opinion it was made up and Fauchi will go to jail. I feel the 99.7% curable Covid never needed a Emergency Use Authorization Trial or as they say the “Jab” vaccine. It was meant to hurt us and not help us, but we can and will still be blessed. If we had the Jab I believe there will be medical ways to help us if necessary. We need a better awareness of the evil in this world including our own government. Follow the prophet and stay close to the Lord as He is in charge. Pray for Trump as I believe he will be back soon to bless our lives as I feel he is guided by the Lord to help.

Native American and Pilgrims Kept the Sabbath Day Holy- Do We?

“Now, to my story again. Besides the Delawares, Shawnees, Kickapoos, Wyandots, Pottowattomies, Osages, Choctaws, Cherokees, Kaskaskias, Kansas, &c. &c. which our nation and the missionaries are domesticating as they are gathered, upon the southern limits of the land of Israel, the Pawnees, the Sioux, the Rickarees, the Mandans, the Nespersees, the Blackfeet, the Sacs, the Foxes, and many other tribes, rove and hunt from prairie to prairie, from river to river, from hill to hill, and from mountain to mountain, and live, and are blessed before the face of heaven daily as well as their contemporary whites; and, perhaps I may add, are as justifiable before God, as any people on the globe, called heathens. No church bell from its elevated steeple, rings “Go to meeting; it is Sunday,” while a dozen lesser ones, for stages and Steam boats, peal a ding dong “for parties of pleasure, as a holiday,” among these rude sons of the west.—And it is a difficult matter to make one soul of them believe the Great Spirit ever said, “Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy,” while they know, that the majority of the white nation, use it for a holiday. No politicians boast of freedom and equal rights, while thousands are imprisoned for debt, or are in bondage: No; when the tribes are at peace, the Indian is free; his land is free; his game is free; his time is free, and all is free.” LETTER NO. II. From WW Phelps to Oliver Cowdery Liberty, Mo. Nov. 6, 1834

The First Sabbath in Zion

“The first Sabbath after our arrival in Jackson county, Brother W. W. Phelps preached to a western audience over the boundary of the United States, wherein were present specimens of all the families of the earth; Shem, Ham and Japheth; several of the Lamanites or Indians–representative of Shem; quite a respectable number of negroes–descendants of Ham; and the balance was made up of citizens of the surrounding country, and fully represented themselves as pioneers of the West. At this meeting two were baptized, who had previously believed in the fulness of the Gospel.”  HC 1:191 The First Sabbath in Zion.

The Pilgrims’ First Sabbath on Shore

“They do not believe that their present necessities are sufficient to justify a suspense of the Sabbath law in the sight of God.”

J.S. Clark, “The Pilgrims’ First Sabbath on Shore,” in The Illustrated Pilgrim Memorial (1872), p. 8:

“Why has no painter immortalized his name by transferring to canvass this Sabbath scene [on Clark’s Island], the first ever witnessed on the shores of New England? As an illustration of the true Pilgrim spirit, nothing can exceed it. We see them now, in imagination, grouped in devout posture around a forest fire, while “Deacon Carver,” the newly elected governor, reads from his pocket Bible an appropriate chapter, and “lines” a favorite psalm, which gives vent to full-hearted and high-sounding praise. We hear the fervent prayers and earnest prophesying’s of Bradford and Winslow, who, though yet young, are much experienced in these exercises. We behold the solemnity that rests even on the sailor’s countenance, as, silently musing on perils recently passed, he participates in the service, while not a rising cloud, nor breaking wave, nor frightened sea-gull escapes his ever watchful eye.

But why are they there, under the open canopy of heaven, on that raw December day? Because it was just there that the Sabbath overtook them, while searching to find a place of settlement for themselves and their little ones, whom they left four days ago at the end of Cape Cod, on board the May-Flower, in charge of a captain who begins to talk of setting them all ashore on the sand, unless they find a place soon.* But how is it that, under such a pressing necessity they can spare the time for so much psalm-singing, and prayer, and prophesying? Do they not know that works of “necessity and mercy” are lawful on that day? Yes, but they do not believe that their present necessities are sufficient to justify a suspense of the Sabbath law in the sight of God. They are even more scrupulous than that; rather than approach the Lord’s Day under such bodily exhaustion as will unfit them for religious worship (an essential part of their Sabbath observance), they would spend the whole of Saturday in recovering tired nature from extra fatigue, and in preparing for the Sabbath, — as they actually did.

Here we have the Pilgrim Sabbath, not as discussed in a learned treatise, not as explained in a catechism; not as enforced in a sermon, but as actually kept, and that, too, under circumstances which exclude all suspicion of any sham observance — any mere pretence of religious strictness.

* In Bradford’s Journal, lately discovered in the Fallhane library, England, and printed by the Massachusetts Historical Society, the account is given thus, immediately after the record of their perilous escape to Clark’s Island on that stormy Friday night. “But though this had been a day and night of much trouble and danger unto them, yet God gave them a morning of comfort and refreshing (as usually he doth to his children), for the next day was a fair sunshining day, and they found themselves to be on an island secure from the Indians, where they might dry their stuff, fix their pieces and rest themselves, and give God thanks for his mercies m their manifold deliverances. And this being the last day of the week, they prepared to keep the Sabbath.” https://virginiahuguenot.blogspot.com/2009/11/pilgrims-first-sabbath-on-shore.html

Pulpit Rock, Clark Island, where the first sermon is said to have been preached.

Clark’s Island/Cedarfield

The DRHS owns approximately 17 acres of land on Clark’s Island, located in Plymouth Bay. These holdings include land on the west shore, the eastern shore, Pulpit (Election) Rock, a boat house called Hop House, and the house property known as Cedarfield (built in 1836 and the second-oldest house on the island). The property was donated to the DRHS in 1969 by the Pilgrim Rock Foundation. The property had been part of the estate of Sarah Wingate Taylor (d. 1964).

History of the Island:

The Island’s European history extends back to the landing of the Pilgrims when, during a blinding storm in December of 1620, a band of Pilgrim explorers rowed into Plymouth Bay. Leaving the Mayflower anchored off Cape Cod, this group of 18 had been sent ahead to find a suitable place for settlement. John Clark, the first mate, spotted the shore of what is now known as Clark’s Island and was the first of them to set foot there. Historical legend goes on to say, that as the next day was the Sabbath, the explorers could not begin repairs on their battered vessel. Instead, the group, including William Brewster, Myles Standish, and William Bradford, marched to the top of the nearest hill in search of a place to worship.  They found an enormous boulder at the crest of the Island, and there elected to hold their first worship service ashore. Today, the boulder is known as Pulpit (Election) Rock and is inscribed with words from William Bradford’s journal, “On the Sabboth Day Wee Rested.”

A darker episode in the island’s history was its use as an internment camp for the local Native population during King Philip’s War (1675-1676). Despite little evidence of a threat, Plymouth authorities feared a Native insurrection and they voted to relocate over 1,000 people on the island, “and there to remain and not to depart from there…upon pain of death.” With very few resources, starvation was inevitable.

The Town of Plymouth sold Clark’s Island to a group of individual families in 1690, many of whom would continue to hold the properties for centuries. From Cedarfield, Sarah Wingate Taylor directed the Pilgrim Rock School for American Studies beginning in 1963, inviting talented students and scholars to engage in discussion and advanced learning. Notable visitors to the island throughout the history of the house, include Henry David Thoreau, Louisa May Alcott, and Truman Capote.

The DRHS maintains Sarah Wingate Taylor’s tradition of education each year through its Sarah Wingate Taylor lecture series, and the annual picnic and commemorative service at Pulpit (Election) Rock. This property is private property and has a caretaker present. Visitation is possible during the summer season. For more information or to make an appointment for your visit, please call 781-934-6106. Thank you.

Eighteen men on board the Shallop sailed into Plymouth harbor on Friday, December 8, 1620 in the midst of a storm.

Eighteen men on board the Shallop (small sailing vessel) sailed into Plymouth harbor on Friday, December 8, 1620 in the midst of a storm.  They had lost their mast as well as their rudder and became shipwrecked on an island.

After drying out on Saturday and repairing their Shallop, it was too late to land that day.  The next day was Sunday, and since they honored the Sabbath, they would not land on that day but held a church service, probably near the large boulder now known as Pulpit Rock in the center of Clark’s Island.  Then, on Monday, December 11, they landed on what is now known as Plymouth Rock.

The interesting providence is that the pilgrim church had been taught that religious liberty is internal, and civil liberty external.  The first precedes the second and is in proportion to it.  They held a service at Pulpit Rock before landing on Plymouth Rock, and the first boulder is more than 20 times larger than the second.  If our religious convictions do not exceed our civil ones, we lose both. Category: Pilgrims By Dr. Paul Jehle
February 25, 2019 Author: Dr. Paul Jehle

No, God’s base of operations will not be destroyed

No, God’s base of operations will not be destroyed. But it may be weakened and made less effective. One of the first rules of war strategy-and we are at war with the adversary and his agents-is to protect the base of operations. This we must do if we are to build up the kingdom throughout the world and safeguard our God-given freedom.

We must protect this base of operations from every threat-from sin, from unrighteousness, from immorality, from desecration of the Sabbath day, from lawlessness, from parental and juvenile delinquency. We must protect it from dirty movies, from filthy advertising, from salacious and suggestive television programs, magazines, and books. We must protect this base from idleness, subsidies, doles, and soft governmental paternalism which weakens initiative, discourages industry, destroys character, and demoralizes the people. To protect this base we must protect the soul of America-we must return to a love and respect for the basic spiritual concepts upon which this nation has been established. We must study the Constitution and the writings of the Founding Fathers.

If we are to protect this American base, we must realize that all things, including information disseminated by our schools, churches, and governments, should be judged according to the words of the prophets, especially the living prophet. This procedure, coupled with the understanding which will come through the Spirit of the Lord, if we are living in compliance with the scriptures, is the only sure foundation and basis of judgment. Any other course of action leaves us muddled, despondent, wandering in shades of gray, easy targets for Satan. If we fail in these pressing and important matters, we may well fall far short of the great mission the Lord has proffered and outlined for America and for His divinely restored Church. [6]

I testify to you that this is a choice land, that God held this hemisphere, as it were, in the palm of His hand for hundreds, yea, thousands of years in order that the great mission of this land might be undertaken and might be accomplished. [7] This is a great country and certainly this greatness was foreshadowed and foreseen by ancient prophets who lived here, prophecies made by the brother of Jared [8], by Lehi, by Jacob [9], and by Nephi of old [10]. It is enough to know that this nation has a prophetic history. All of the great events that have transpired here, including the coming of Columbus and of the Pilgrim fathers, were foreseen by ancient prophets [11]. It was predicted that those who came to this great land would prosper here, that they would humble themselves before the Almighty, that the power of God would be with them, and that this nation would move forward to its great destiny. [12]. [13] I bear witness that America’s history was foreknown to God; that His divine intervention and merciful providence has given us both peace and prosperity in this beloved land; that through His omniscience and benevolent design He selected and sent some of His choicest spirits to lay the foundation of our government [14]. These men were inspired of God to do the work they accomplished. They were not evil men. Their work was a prologue to the restoration of the gospel and the Church of Jesus Christ. It was done in fulfillment of the ancient prophets who declared that this was a promised land, “a land of liberty unto the Gentiles,” and that is us [15]. [16]

I testify that America is a choice land. (See 2 Nephi 1:5.) God raised up the founding fathers of the United States of America and established the inspired Constitution. (See D&C 101:77–80.) This was the required prologue for the restoration of the gospel. (See 3 Nephi 21:4.) America will be a blessed land unto the righteous forever, and is the base from which God will continue to direct the worldwide latter-day operations of His kingdom. (See 2 Nephi 1:7.) Ezra Taft Benson, This Nation Shall Endure Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson; “I Testify”, General Conference, October 1988 “Responsibilities of Citizenship,” BYU, Provo, Utah, 1954

Early Sabbath Keeping in North America

By COGwriter

When was the Sabbath first kept in North America?
Did the pilgrims on the Mayflower keep the seventh-day Sabbath?
Many have wondered about all of this.

Did the Pilgrims Who Arrived on the Mayflower Keep the Seventh day Sabbath?

“Some have believed that the Sabbath was kept by the pilgrims who arrived in Plymouth Rock in 1620.

Notice the following accounts in A History of the True Church Traced From 33 A.D. to Date by Andrew N. Dugger and Clarence O. Dodd:

It will not be thought strange that the churches of God in London were reduced from seven congregations down to three from 1646 to 1677, when severe persecutions were being carried on against the Sabbath-keepers of England during this period, and in America there was an open door offered the Church of God. “The earth helped the woman,” as John the Revelator expressed it in Revelation 12:16. It was to this country the Pilgrims, the Puritans, and the Quakers came, the first ones landing at Plymouth the year 1620, and many others followed. It was quite natural that churches in England at this time would come to America, the only place in the world where freedom of religion was offered the persecuted ones.– In the next chapter we shall trace the Church of God from England and Europe to America, and it will be shown that among the Pilgrim fathers, who risked their lives on the Mayflower, and landed at Plymouth 1620, were Sabbath-keepers, observing the seventh day of the week, who baptized by immersion, and called themselves the “Church of God.” …

That the Pilgrims were Sabbath-keepers, and evidently from the same line of Sabbatarian-Puritan preachers mentioned in this work, the following evidence will confirm.

While one of the authors was living in the city of St. Joseph, Missouri, during the winter of 1934, the following editorial appeared in the St. Joseph, Mo., Daily Gazette, during the Christmas season, written by the editor, Mr. Hugh Sprague.

“Strange as it may seem, in the early history of America there was an attempt at suppression of Christmas spirit. The stern Puritans at Plymouth, imbued with the rigorous fervor of the Old Testament, abhorred the celebration of the orthodox holidays. Their worship was on the Sabbath (Saturday), rather than Sunday, and Christmas in particular they considered a pagan celebration. Later immigrants attempted to observe Christmas as a time of joy, but were suppressed. Governor Bradford, Elder Brewster, Miles Standish and other leaders were firm against the yuletide spirit as we know it today.”

The author’s wife, having first noticed the above editorial, called his attention to it. He immediately drove over to the Gazette office where, upon finding Mr. Sprague, he asked him where he obtained the evidence of the Pilgrim Fathers keeping the Sabbath or Saturday. He said, “Why do you desire this information? Do you doubt the truth of the statement!” He answered, that from information already at hand he had frequently made the statement that they were observers of the seventh day of the week, but thought he might have something additional. He said he did not know of any book mentioning this, but that he had additional evidence. He said, “The Pilgrims are my direct ancestors, and we know very well their religious practice, and belief.” He assured him that all his grandparents and great-grandparents knew that the Pilgrims of the Mayflower days were strict Sabbath-keepers on the seventh day of the week instead of Sunday.

 Notice also something from the late John Kiesz (died 1993) that was republished in 2016:

The history of the Church of God organization, as we know it in the 20th century, seems hard to trace accurately as to its origin. But, if we look into articles and letters still available to us that have been published in The Review and Herald (a Seventh-day Adventist paper), the Home of Israel (a Church of God paper) and a few references from the Seventh Day Baptist publications, etc., we may draw some conclusions regarding our faith and heritage. Sabbath-keepers in America can be traced to early colonial days. It is evident that there were seventh-day observers among those who landed on the American shores when they arrived on the Mayflower in 1620. Local congregations developed in several of the New England states, in some of the Eastern, Southern and later even in the Midwestern States, as time rolled on. …

Sabbatarianism

“Sabbatarianism advocates the observation of the Sabbath in Christianity, in keeping with the Ten Commandments. The observance of Sunday as a day of worship and rest is a form of first-day Sabbatarianism, a view which was historically heralded by nonconformist denominations, such as Congregationalists, Presbyterians, Methodists, and Baptists, as well as many Episcopalians.” Wikipedia

Did the Pilgrims Who Arrived on the Mayflower Keep the Seventh day Sabbath continues, “Were there really any Sabbatarians on the Mayflower, which brought the Pilgrims to America? The evidence seems to be in favor of their presence in the Plymouth Colony. In the month of December 1934 Hugh Sprague, editor of The St. Joseph Gazette (Missouri) wrote an editorial on this very matter, as follows: “Strange as it may seem in the early history of America there was an attempt at suppression of the Christmas spirit. The stern Puritans at Plymouth, imbued with the rigorous fervor of the Old Testament, abhorred the celebration of the orthodox holidays. Their worship was on the Sabbath (Saturday), rather than Sunday, and Christmas in particular they considered a pagan celebration. “Later immigrants attempted to observe Christmas as a time of joy, but were suppressed. Governor Bradford, Elder Brewster, Miles Standish and other Leaders were firm against the yuletide spirit as we know it today.”

Sabbatarian and Similar

In a private conversation between Elder A.N. Dugger and Hugh Sprague after this editorial appeared, the latter stated that the Pilgrims were his direct ancestors and that he very well knew their religious beliefs and practices. In addition he stated that all his grandparents and great-grandparents knew that the Pilgrims of the Mayflower were strict Sabbath observers on the seventh day of the week instead of on Sunday.

Now, just because a Sabbath keeping person makes a claim that does not mean the claim is correct. All need to be careful about the truth.  Here is essentially a rebuttal to the Mayflower claim by another Sabbath keepting elder, Doug Ward:

However, despite the claims of Hugh Sprague, there is strong evidence that the Pilgrims actually observed a Sunday Sabbath. One good source of information on this question is the Journal of the English Plantation at Plimoth, which was published in London in 1622. This book is our earliest record of the voyage of the Mayflower and the establishment of the Plymouth colony. It gives a first-hand, day-to-day account of the experiences of the Pilgrims.

Two of the entries in this journal indicate that it was the custom of the Pilgrims to rest and meet for worship on Sunday. In early December 1620, the Mayflower was off the coast of what is now Massachusetts as the Pilgrims looked for a good location for a settlement. According to the journal,

“10. of December, on the Sabbath day wee rested, and on Monday we sounded the harbour, and found it a very good Harbour for our shipping … .”

Then for January 1621, the notes include the following:
“Saturday 20, we made up our Shed for our common goods.
Sunday the 21. we kept our meeting on Land.
Monday the 22. was a faire day, we wrought on our houses, and in the after-noone carried up our hogsheads of meale to our common storehouse.”

All the sources on the Pilgrims that I have examined agree that the Plymouth Colony kept a Sunday Sabbath. It is true, though, that Edmund Dunham, the grandson of Plymouth settler John Dunham, later became a prominent Saturday Sabbatarian [2, pp. 111-112].

Presuming the above account is true, then while ancestors to Hugh Sprague, possibly with some ties to an early European in North America, kept the Sabbath, this would mean that the original pilgrim settlers to Plymouth Rock did not. Furthermore, I did my own research into the Journal of the English Plantation at Plimoth and found the following accounts:

But the next morning, being Thursday the 21st of December … Saturday, the 23rd, so many of us as could, went on shore, felled and carried timber, to provide themselves stuff for building.

Sunday, the 24th, our people on shore heard a cry of some savages (as they thought) which caused an alarm, and to stand on their guard, expecting an assault, but all was quiet.

Monday, the 25th day, we went on shore, some to fell timber, some to saw, some to rive, and some to carry, so no man rested all that day. …

Friday and Saturday, we fitted ourselves for our labor, but our people on shore were much troubled and discouraged with rain and wet, that day being very stormy and cold. We saw great smokes of fire made by the Indians, about six or seven miles from us, as we conjectured.

Monday, the 1st of January, we went betimes to work. …

Saturday, 20th, we made up our shed for our common goods.

Sunday, the 21st, we kept our meeting on land.

Monday, the 22nd, was a fair day. …

Sunday, the 4th of February, was very wet and rainy . . . Saturday, the 17th day, in the morning we called a meeting for the establishing of military orders among ourselves, and we chose Miles Standish our captain, and gave him authority of command in affairs.^[4]

The accounts show that the pilgrims were working on Saturday, and seemed to rest on Sundays.

The Bible teaches:

8 “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. 9 Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 10 but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God. In it you shall do no work: you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates. 11 For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it. (Exodus 20:8-11)

The account of the pilgrims showed that they worked on the seventh day, and hence did not obey God’s command. More on the Sabbath can be found in the article The Sabbath in the Early Church and Abroad.

It is not wise for Sabbath keepers to claim that those from the Mayflower kept the Seventh day Sabbath as the evidence is against it. Making improper claims can get people to blaspheme the way of truth (2 Peter 2:1-2)https://cogwriter.com/early-sabbath-keepings-america.htm

Excerpt Mentioning the Pilgrims from State of the Union Address

During the 400th anniversary year of the arrival of the Mayflower Pilgrims in Plymouth, President Donald Trump references their role in America’s legacy of heroism before millions of Americans during his 2020 State of the Union Address.

“As the world bears witness tonight, America is a land of heroes. This is the place where greatness is born, where destinies are forged, and where legends come to life. This is the home of Thomas Edison and Teddy Roosevelt, of many great Generals, including Washington, Pershing, Patton, and MacArthur. This is the home of Abraham Lincoln, Frederick Douglass, Amelia Earhart, Harriet Tubman, the Wright Brothers, Neil Armstrong, and so many more. This is the country where children learn names like Wyatt Earp, Davy Crockett, and Annie Oakley. This is the place where the pilgrims landed at Plymouth and where Texas patriots made their last stand at the Alamo.

The American Nation was carved out of the vast frontier by the toughest, strongest, fiercest, and most determined men and women ever to walk the face of the Earth. Our ancestors braved the unknown; tamed the wilderness; settled the Wild West; lifted millions from poverty, disease, and hunger; vanquished tyranny and fascism; ushered the world to new heights of science and medicine; laid down the railroads, dug out canals, raised up the skyscrapers — and, ladies and gentlemen, our ancestors built the most exceptional Republic ever to exist in all of human history.” 

President Donald Trump

“Thus out of small beginnings greater things have been produced by His hand that made all things of nothing, and gives being to all things that are; and, as one small candle may light a thousand, so the light here kindled hath shone unto many, yea in some sort to our whole nation; let the glorious name of Jehovah have all the praise!” ~William Bradford, Of Plymouth Plantation

America is a country with deep-seated roots of faith planted by pilgrims seeking religious independence. It was these men and women who paved the way for a free nation under God in this promised land—but what if those early voyagers were brought here for a much greater purpose? What if their arrival in this new land heralded the fulfillment of ancient prophecy, laying the foundation of a country that would allow for the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the beginning of the gathering of scattered Israel? In The Pilgrim Hypothesis, readers are presented with a gripping new investigation by best-selling author and historian Timothy Ballard as he uncovers what the early colonists—a people who believed themselves to be the “New Israel”—may have known about their role in the restoration of the gospel. Delve into a complex history bridging the centuries and spanning the globe, as each clue leads to one compelling conclusion: history and scripture may be far more intertwined than you’ve ever realized.

Two Apostles Testify of the Puritans and Pilgrims

“It was not by chance that the Puritans left their native land and sailed away to the shores of New England, and others later followed. They were the advance guard of the army of the Lord, predestined to establish the God-given system of government under which we live and to make America, which is the land of Joseph, the gathering place of Ephraim, an asylum for the oppressed of all nations, and prepare the way for the restoration of the gospel of Christ and the establishment of his church upon the earth” – Heber J. Grant, Conference Report, April 1930.

“Nephi saw in vision also the coming of the Pilgrims, who came to escape religious persecution. He foresaw the coming to America of peoples from many nations, their wars and contentions. As Nephi said, they did humble themselves before the Lord. Thus the American colonies attained their independence and set up the government of the United States, all under the divine intervention of God in preparing this land for its divine destiny. We believe that both freedom and the continuing reformation that flourished here occurred in preparation for the restoration from heaven of the full gospel of Jesus Christ. That restoration began in the United States of America in the 1820s, through the [assistance] of the Prophet Joseph Smith, who was chosen by the Lord and who, through [visits] from heavenly messengers, received … records that contained the authentic record of early American peoples and God’s dealings with them. He received the priesthood and authority to reestablish the church of Jesus Christ in these latter days. At the time of this restoration, God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ actually appeared to Joseph Smith, as they had appeared to leaders of previous dispensations. They announced to him that Christ’s church would be reestablished upon the earth. … This restoration was the greatest event in the history of mankind since the birth, death, and resurrection of our Savior, Jesus Christ.” A Choice Land President N. Eldon Tanner, First Counselor in the First Presidency

Editor’s Note About Tim Ballard

About 8 years ago I remember speaking with my good friend Rod Meldrum about Tim Ballard. By that time I had only met Tim briefly a few times as he spoke at our different conferences over the years. Rod would tell me amazing stories about Tim and how brave he was and how much knowledge he had about America and his love for God and Country and his support of the Heartland Geography.

At this time, many years ago, I remember Rod speaking to me about Glenn Beck and how he and Tim Ballard were great friends and taught the same great message about the Gospel and our Country. Rod said something similar to this to me, “You watch one day Tim Ballard will run for the President of the United States. Glenn Beck has felt that as well and Tim has many donors already lined up to see him run one day.” I don’t know if Rod would even remember that, but it sure has stuck with me the past many years.

Tim Ballard is simply a “stud” as I would call him. He loves the Lord, honors our country, has a wonderful wife and eight children, loves rescuing sex slave children and even has adopted several. He now has 8 or 9 books he has written and I suggest you read them all. He is an awesome man and I know he has a future in politics to help our nation. Above all else he loves The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and honors his priesthood. I have always said, Tim Ballard could be one of the Elder’s who help our Constitution from being destroyed. He has been working with President Trump for a few years now to help rid the evil sex trafficking trade from here in the US and in the world.

The American Covenant set. Volumes 1 & 2 by Timothy Ballard (Books)

$45.90 $39.95 The American Covenant I and II by Timothy Ballard.  Volume 1, Discovery Through Revolution, gives a profound understanding of the true and eternal purpose of America.  Witness ancient prophecies and promises of God’s glorious plan for his children on His Promised Land of America, the United States. Vol. 2 tells the covenant story from Abraham to the signing of the Constitution and on to Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War.  Buy the set and save. The rest of his books are at Deseret Book and Seagull Book.

Tim Ballard Explains How a Copy of the Book of Mormon Signed by Joseph Smith Ended Up in the John Adams House Library

“Tim Ballard, author and CEO of Operation Underground Railroad, recently released his book called The Pilgrim Hypothesis, which explores the connection between US history and the Restoration.

In one of the videos, Ballard discusses what he discovered after seeing Emma Smith’s copy of the Book of Mormon, which was signed by Joseph, in the John Adams House Library. Ballard was so intrigued by how this copy could have gotten there, that he began reading through Adam family journals until he found his answer.

Charles Francis Adams, son of former US president John Quincy Adams, and his cousin Josiah Quincy—who was a Massachusetts legislator, the son of a Harvard president, and later the mayor of Boston—were near Nauvoo and decided to pay a visit to Joseph Smith. They were both involved in politics and wanted to talk to Joseph because of what they’d heard about his claims of being a prophet and because he was running for president at the time.

Adams and Quincy were welcomed by Joseph, who talked to them about the Restoration and the Book of Mormon. In the video, Ballard explains the two men’s reaction to Joseph and his teachings.

“Their response is so interesting. These men are verbose, they are opinionated, they are conclusive. But with the Mormon prophet they didn’t know what to think. They said, ‘There is a mixture of knowledge and ignorance of wisdom and folly in his whole system that I am somewhat at a loss to find definitions for it,’” says Ballard. 

Ballard goes on to explain that Adams and Quincy had expected to find a wild prophet, but within Adams’s diary it is evident that he sees wisdom in Joseph’s philosophies. Joseph was not what they expected.

Before the men left, Joseph signed a copy of the Book of Mormon (evidently Emma’s copy as her name was on the spine) and gave it to them.

Ballard also shares the story of John Howland, who was nearly drowned when he was thrown from the Mayflower during a storm while coming to America. Howland’s survival was a miracle and his posterity would come to include prominent early Church members and United States presidents.” By Emily Abel LDS Living

► You may also like: https://www.bofm.blog/pilgrim-john-howland/
https://www.bofm.blog/america-is-a-covenant-land-by-tim-ballard/

Joseph Smith said, “Let man first get rid of his destructive propensities and then we may look for a change in the serpents’ disposition.” This is one of the reasons we love going to the temple.

“Nephi’s building of the temple was to bless the lives of his people. Elder Maxwell explained the significance of temple worship in our day when he said, “The real act of personal sacrifice is not now nor ever has been placing an animal on the altar. Instead, it is a willingness to put the animal that is in us upon the altar—then willingly watching it be consumed! Such is the ‘sacrifice unto [the Lord of] a broken heart and a contrite spirit.’ (3 Nephi 9:20).” Neal A Maxwell, Meek and Lowly 1987. Joseph Smith during Zion’s Camp, stopped some men from killing rattlesnakes and then said, “…Let man first get rid of his destructive propensities and then we may look for a change in the serpents’ disposition.” The Prophet Joseph Smith also taught us about faith and sacrifice saying, “A religion that does not require the sacrifice of all things never has power sufficient to produce the faith necessary unto life and salvation; for, from the first existence of man, the faith necessary unto the enjoyment of life and salvation never could be obtained without the sacrifice of all earthly things.” Joseph Smith Jr. Lectures on Faith. President Ezra Taft Benson succinctly restated the message of Abraham 3:25 when he said: “The great test of life is obedience to God… We are not here to test or “prove” God, but to be tested and proved ourselves. We are on trial, not God.” Ensign, May 1988.

Nephi ordained his brother Jacob and others to teach in the temple. Jacob 1:17. Nephi knew his people needed the greater light that a temple would provide. Nephi’s faith is a great example to us all of passing this important test of life, and the building of the first Nephite temple was a sign to all, of his devotion to the Great Jehovah.

Here I discuss the importance of the Temple and the importance of where it is placed and why. There is a reason you and I love the beauty of being on the mountain tops.” Rian Nelson

D&C 124:25–27. “Build a House to My Name for the Most High to Dwell Therein”

The building of the Nauvoo Temple was the fifth attempt by the Latter-day Saints to build a house of the Lord. The other attempts include Jackson County, Missouri; Kirtland, Ohio; and Far West and Adam-ondi-Ahman, Missouri. Only the Kirtland Temple was completed before the one in Nauvoo, and it was desecrated, as Brigham Young explained: “The Saints had to flee before mobocracy. And, by toil and daily labor, they found places in Missouri, where they laid the corner stones of Temples, in Zion and her Stakes, and then had to retreat to Illinois, to save the lives of those who could get away alive from Missouri, where fell the Apostle David W. Patten, with many like associates, and where were imprisoned in loathsome dungeons, and fed on human flesh, Joseph and Hyrum, and many others. But before all this had transpired, the Temple at Kirtland had fallen into the hands of wicked men, and by them been polluted, like the Temple at Jerusalem, and consequently it was disowned by the Father and the Son.” (In Journal of Discourses, 2:32.)https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/manual/doctrine-and-covenants-student-manual/section-124-a-solemn-proclamation-the-priesthood-order-is-established?lang=eng

D&C 124:28. What Is Meant by “The Fulness of the Priesthood”?

President Joseph Fielding Smith wrote:

“Joseph Smith said … , ‘If a man gets a fulness of the Priesthood of God, he has to get it in the same way that Jesus Christ obtained it, and that was by keeping all the commandments and obeying all the ordinances of the house of the Lord.’ [History of the Church, 5:424.]

I hope we understand that. If we want to receive the fullness of the Priesthood of God, then we must receive the fullness of the ordinances of the house of the Lord and keep His commandments. …

Let me put this in a little different way. I do not care what office you hold in this Church, you may be an apostle, you may be patriarch, a high priest, or anything else, and you cannot receive the fulness of the Priesthood unless you go into the temple of the Lord and receive these ordinances of which the Prophet speaks. No man can get the fulness of the Priesthood outside of the temple of the Lord. There was a time when that could be done, for the Lord could give these things on the mountain tops—no doubt that is where Moses got it, that is no doubt where Elijah got it—and the Lord said that in the days of poverty, when there was no house prepared in which to receive these things, that they can be received on the mountain tops. But now you will have to go into the house of the Lord, and you cannot get the fulness of the priesthood unless you go there. (Elijah the Prophet, pp. 45–46.)” Joseph Fielding Smith

What’s Going on in the Book of Mormon Isaiah Chapters?
Here Are 3 Insights into the Verses

by Tammy Uzelac Hall 

Question: Isaiah 2:2 and 2 Nephi 12:2 say that the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established in the top of the mountains. What exactly does this mean?

Answer: Mountains were among the first places where God would commune with and teach His people His ways—they were essentially temples. Here are a few examples of people in the scriptures who communed with God on mountains:

• Moses on Mount Sinai (Exodus 3)
• Peter, James, and John on the Mount of Transfiguration (2 Peter 1:16–19; Doctrine and Covenants 131:5)
• The Brother of Jared on Mount Shelem (Ether 3:1)
• Enoch on Mount Simeon (Moses 7:2)
• Nephi on an unnamed mountain (1 Nephi 11:1)

The experiences the prophets had on the tops of mountains held great significance. It was here that Moses received the call to deliver Israel. It was here that Nephi received the interpretation of his father’s dream, and where the Brother of Jared saw the finger of the Lord. 

In New Testament times, it appears that Peter, James, and John all received their endowment while on the Mount of Transfiguration [See Joseph Fielding Smith, Doctrines of Salvation, comp. Bruce R. McConkie, 3 vols. (1954–56), 2:165]. While on the mount, they received the more sure word of prophecy when it was revealed to them that they were sealed up unto eternal life (2 Peter 1:16–19; Doctrine and Covenants 131:5). Source Editor’s Note: Tammy Uzelac Hall is the host of  LDS Living’s Sunday on Monday

Another example of how mountains are similar to temples is from more recent Church history, as you will read below about Pioneer Addison Pratt

Ensign Peak

“From the time the pioneers first entered the Salt Lake Valley until the present, Ensign Peak has received recognition beyond its geological importance. The peak is best described as an undistinguished hill, rising over a thousand feet from the northern edge of the Salt Lake Valley, approximately one mile north of the Utah State Capitol Building. While unremarkable in most ways, the peak has received attention from community and religious leaders because of its historical importance.” Ensign Peak: A Historical Review Dennis A. Wright and Rebekah E. Westrup

How one Utah hill became a Mormon temple — for a day

“History • Ensign Peak provided the backdrop for several well-known early Salt Lake City events, but it also played host to the first LDS temple ordinance in Utah.

Jutting up like a rounded brown thumb a mile north of the Utah Capitol, Ensign Peak boasts a unique claim: This humble hill once served as a Mormon temple — at least for one day and for one person.

Many of the crowds flocking to LDS General Conference this weekend will visit some of the 14 other Mormon temples in the Beehive State (with three more planned or under construction). Few may realize that the hill north of downtown Salt Lake City played host to the first LDS temple ordinance performed in Utah.

The peak has much other historical significance, too, ranging from Brigham Young proclaiming he saw it in a vision as the hill beneath which Mormon pioneers should settle to an LDS belief that the site represents fulfillment of biblical prophecy.

Ensign Peak’s history as a temple is unusual because The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints normally reserves its most sacred sacraments — including eternal marriage — for specially designed and dedicated buildings.

One of those temple ceremonies is called the endowment, a word meaning gift. The church’s website says that “as part of this ordinance, we are taught about the purpose of life, the mission and atonement of Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father’s plan for his children. We gain a glimpse of what it will be like to live in his presence.”

Before mobs forced Mormons to flee Nauvoo, Ill., members crowded an early LDS temple there to receive the endowment before trekking westward toward Utah.

To show the importance of temples, Young designated the site for the Salt Lake Temple just days after he arrived in the Salt Lake Valley. But that iconic temple would not be completed for 46 years. Other Utah temples would be finished before that in St. George, Logan and Manti, but they still were decades away.

Meanwhile, Addison Pratt missed the opportunity to receive his endowment in Nauvoo because he was away as a missionary in the South Pacific. In 1849, he was about to leave again on a mission to the Society Islands, or French Polynesia. He and LDS leaders wanted him to receive that ordinance before he left, and Ensign Peak essentially became a temple for the purpose.

Minutes of the event — published in the book “The Development of LDS Temple Worship 1846-2000” — record that on July 21, 1849, Young, six members of the faith’s Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and other general authorities met atop the hill with Pratt at 6 a.m.

Young prayed and “consecrated the spot for the present purpose of giving … Pratt his endowment that we might have power to erect a standard that should be glorified in the eyes of all its beholders, that no unholy thing might come here, that thy servants may come here to offer up prayers and obtain the ministration of angels.”

LDS historian B.H. Roberts wrote that the “action was in harmony with the instructions of the Prophet [LDS Church founder Joseph Smith] in Nauvoo when he said that these ordinances of the temple under certain circumstances might be obtained on the mountaintop, as Moses obtained them.”

Devery S. Anderson, editor of “The Development of LDS Temple Worship,” wrote that Pratt’s endowment is the only one documented to have occurred on Ensign Peak.

Other endowments would be performed before permanent Mormon temples were up and running in the Salt Lake Valley, according to the book, including in an early Salt Lake City building called the Council House (which later burned down) and a temporary temple dubbed the Endowment House on Temple Square.

Pratt, originally a whaler from New England, served several LDS missions, including the faith’s first foreign-language mission (he had learned Hawaiian as a young sailor). For a short time, he offered classes in Utah to teach Tahitian to other potential proselytizers, essentially operating the church’s first language training center for missionaries.

Among other historical highlights for Ensign Peak, George A. Smith — a counselor to Young — said that Mormonism’s second prophet saw the hill in a vision and was told LDS pioneers should settle beneath it, according to Dennis Wright and Rebekah Westrup, who wrote a chapter about the hill’s history in “Salt Lake City: The Place Which God Prepared.”

George A. Smith said Young recognized the hill when he arrived in the valley because of that vision.

Young climbed Ensign Peak two days after he arrived in the valley with other leaders and began planning the new settlement using the view from that hilltop.

Wilford Woodruff, an early apostle who later led the LDS Church, suggested while there — according to a plaque on the peak — that it was a fit place “to set up an ensign” to fulfill Isaiah 11:12.

That Bible passage proclaims, “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 corners of the earth.”

A Mormon hymn, “High on the Mountain Top,” was written by Joel Johnson and inspired by Ensign Peak, along with other Isaiah prophesies saying 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” in the last days (Isaiah 2:2).

Wright and Westrup wrote that the current monument and flagpole atop the hill was built in 1934, and included stones gathered from the Mormon Pioneer Trail and various LDS historical sites, including the Sacred Grove in New York (where founder Smith said he saw God).

A public trail up to the peak, with a monument garden at its base, starts off Ensign Vista Drive in Salt Lake City. Utah LDS temples and dedication dates

St. George, 1877.
Logan, 1884.
Manti, 1888.
Salt Lake, 1893.
Ogden, 1972, rededicated 2014.
Provo, 1972.
Jordan River (South Jordan), 1981.
Bountiful, 1995.
Mount Timpanogos (American Fork), 1996.
Vernal, 1997
Monticello, 1998.
Draper, 2009.
Oquirrh Mountain (South Jordan), 2009.
Brigham City, 2012.
Payson, scheduled for June 7.
Provo City Center (formerly the Provo Tabernacle), under construction.
Cedar City, announced. —

“What is the LDS endowment?

Mormons go to temples to take part in “endowment” ordinances for themselves and for people who have died. The symbolic ceremony includes ritual re-enactments of the creation, Adam and Eve’s expulsion from the Garden of Eden and humankind’s mortal journey and ultimate return to God’s presence. In the Salt Lake and Manti temples, live actors portray these scenes. But in all other Mormon temples, the story is told through films. During the ceremony, LDS temple goers make promises to the Almighty to act, speak and think according to heaven’s commands.”

Sources: Encyclopedia of Mormonism, lds.org — Peak prophecy

“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 corners of the earth.” Isaiah 11:12″
https://archive.sltrib.com/article.php?id=2298685&itype=CMSID

Hill Cumorah DVD Here

Do you think a Prophet or Apostle would ever use the word FACT or PROOF or EXACT or DEFINATELY; whether in a daily conversation or as a revelation unless he believed it was indeed TRUE?

Jonathan Neville said, “Most members of the Church still believe the Hill Cumorah is in New York, a few miles from Palmyra.

Church leaders have consistently taught this for over 160 years. No member of the First Presidency or Quorum of the Twelve has ever taught Cumorah was anywhere other than New York. New discoveries in Church history validate this teaching.

However, some intellectuals in the Church—including faculty at BYU and CES—promote the theory that the Book of Mormon took place in Central America (Mesoamerica). This theory teaches that there are “two Cumorah’s.” They admit that Joseph Smith got the plates from the hill in New York (one Cumorah), but they rationalize that New York is too far from Central America (Mesoamerica) to be the scene of the final battles of the Jaredites and the Nephites. They also claim Mormon’s depository (Mormon 6:6) is somewhere in Mexico.

These intellectuals are teaching their students that the prophets and apostles are wrong about the New York Cumorah.

Because these intellectuals have trained thousands of LDS students at BYU and CES, their ideas have permeated the Church. The “two-Cumorahs” theory is on display every time you see a depiction of the Book of Mormon in Mesoamerica. This theory has caused confusion among members and investigators. But the teachings of the prophets are clear and consistent. 

In Letter VII (July 1835) President Cowdery described the Hill Cumorah in New York. He explained that “at about one mile west rises another ridge of less height, running parallel with the former” and declares it was a “fact that here, between these hills, the entire power and national strength of both the Jaredites and Nephites were destroyed.” He emphasized that “in this valley fell the remaining strength and pride of a once powerful people, the Nephites.” “This hill, by the Jaredites, was called Ramah; by it, or around it, pitched the famous army of Coriantumr their tent… The opposing army were to the west, and in this same valley, and near by.” He also explained that Mormon’s depository of Nephite records (Mormon 6:6) was in the same hill.” Joseph Smith Papers, here. Jonathan Neville http://bookofmormonwars.blogspot.com/

Book of Mormon Central Know-Whys

It is important to BOMC to establish when Moroni or Joseph called the hill in New York “Cumorah.” They say it wasn’t before the mid-1830’s or in 1842. They want to make room in their narrative that Cumorah could be a hill in NY and one in Mexico not necessarily by the name of Cumorah. Like in the Church Publication “Saints” they do not ever call it Cumorah, but simply they call it, “hill” or “the hill.” Heartland shows below that the name was used several times before BOMC claims and show it is the one and same hill where Joseph received the plates from Moroni and it is the same place that the final battles happened for both the Jaredites and the Nephites.

According to BOMC
The First Time the Word Cumorah was Mentioned.

“There is “no historical evidence that Moroni called the hill ‘Cumorah’ in 1823” during his first encounter with the Prophet Joseph Smith. The name Cumorah came into “common circulation [amongst Latter-day Saints] no earlier than the mid-1830s.”2…

“As far as can be determined, the Prophet Joseph Smith himself only associated the hill in New York with the Cumorah in the Book of Mormon towards the end of his life. In an 1842 epistle the Prophet spoke of hearing “Glad tidings from Cumorah! Moroni, an angel from heaven, declaring the fulfilment of the prophets—the book to be revealed” (Doctrine and Covenants 128:20).7 Before then, Joseph left the name of the New York hill where Moroni gave him the plates unnamed in his accounts of the coming forth of the Book of Mormon.8”  Post contributed by BMC Team November 29, 2018 KnoWhy #489

According to Heartland
The First Times the Word Cumorah was Mentioned.

1- Early 1827– Joseph Smith (quoted by his mother Lucy Mack Smith)

“Stop, father, Stop.” said Joseph, “it was the angel of the Lord— as I passed by the hill of Cumorah, where the plates are, the angel of the Lord met me and said, that I had not been engaged enough in the work of the Lord; that the time had come for the record to <​be​> brought forth; and, that I must be up and doing, and set myself about the things which God had commanded me to do: but, Father,’ continued he, ‘give yourself no uneasiness concerning the reprimand that I have received; for I now know the course that I am to pursue; so all will be well.”

It was also made known to him at this interview, that he should make another effort to obtain the plates on the 22d. of the following September; But this he did not mention to us at that time.”

https://www.josephsmithpapers.org/paper-summary/lucy-mack-smith-history-1845/111

2. [Moroni, after telling Joseph about the record, said] “but you cannot get it until you learn to keep the commandments of God For it is not to get gain. But it is to bring forth that light and intelligence which has been long lost in the Earth.

Now Joseph beware or when you go to get the plates your mind will be filled with darkness and all manner of evil will rush into your mind. To prevent you from keeping the commandments of God that you may not succeed in doing his work and you must tell your father of this for he will believe every word you say.

The record is on a side hill on the Hill of Cumorah 3 miles from this place. Remove the grass and moss and you will find a large flat stone pry that up and you will find the record under it laying on 4 pillars of cement— then the angel left him.” 

https://www.josephsmithpapers.org/paper-summary/lucy-mack-smith-history-1844-1845/41

3-  April 8, 1831 Oliver Cowdery’s Speech to the Delaware Indians about the Book of Mormon. Oliver Cowdery (quoted by Parley P. Pratt) during the mission to the Lamanites (D&C 28, 30 and 32).

“This Book, which contained these things, was hid in the earth by Moroni, in a hill called by him, Cumorah, which hill is now in the State of New York, near the village of Palmyra, in Ontario County.

“In that neighborhood there lived a young man named Joseph Smith, who prayed to the Great Spirit much, in order that he might know the truth; and the Great Spirit sent an angel to him, and told him where this Book was hid by Moroni; and commanded him to go and get it. He accordingly went to the place, and dug in the earth, and found the Book written on golden plates.

“But it was written in the language of the forefathers of the red man; therefore this young man, being a pale face, could not understand it; but the angel told him and showed him, and gave him knowledge of the language, and how to interpret the Book. So he interpreted it into the language of the pale faces, and wrote it on paper, and caused it to be printed, and published thousands of copies of among them; and then sent us to the red men to bring some copies of it to them, and to tell them this news. So we have now come from him, and here is a copy of the Book, which we now present to our red friend, the chief of the Delawares, and which we hope he will cause to be read and known among his tribe; it will do them good.”

We then presented him with a Book of Mormon.

There was a pause in the council, and some conversation in their own tongue, after which the chief made the following reply: “We feel truly thankful to our white friends who have come so far, and been at such pains to tell us good news, and especially this new news concerning the Book of our forefathers; it makes us glad in here”—placing his hand on his heart.

Autobiography of Parley P. Pratt, http://www.gutenberg.org/files/44896/44896-h/44896-h.htm

4-  April 8, 1831 Oliver Cowdery’s Speech to the Delaware Indians about the Book of Mormon.

Oliver Cowdery wrote a letter dated April 8, 1831, from Jackson County, Missouri, to the Saints in Kirtland. He described some of the events of the mission to the Lamanites.

I think everyone agrees that “early” members of the Church believed the American Indians in the U.S. and its territories were Lamanites. Here, Oliver refers to the Delaware Indians as the “deleware Nation of Lamanites.”

That fits pretty well with what the Lord said in D&C 28, 30 and 32.

Below is the full Quote

“Aged Chief and Venerable Council of the Delaware nation; we are glad of this opportunity to address you as our red brethren and friends. We have travelled a long distance from towards the rising sun to bring you glad news: we have travelled the wilderness, crossed the deep and wide rivers, and waded in the deep snows, and in the face of the storms of winter, to communicate to you great knowledge which has lately come to our ears and hearts and which will do the red man good as well as the pale face. Once the red men were many; they occupied the country from sea to sea—from the rising to the setting sun; the whole land was theirs; the Great Spirit gave it to them, and no pale faces dwelt among them. Thousands of moons ago, when the red men’s forefathers dwelt in peace and possessed this whole land, the Great Spirit talked with them, and revealed His law and His will, and much knowledge to their wise men and prophets. This they wrote in a Book; together with their history, and the things which should befall their children in the latter days. “This Book was written on plates of gold, and handed down from father to son for many ages and generations. “It was then that the people prospered, and were strong and mighty; they cultivated the earth; built buildings and cities, and abounded in all good things, as the pale faces now do. “But they became wicked: they killed one another and shed much blood; they killed their prophets and wise men, and sought to destroy the Hook. The (heat Spirit became angry, and would speak to them no more; they had no more good and wise dreams ; no more visions ; no more angels sent among them by the Great Spirit ; and the Lord commanded Mormon and Moroni, their last wise men and prophets, to hide the Book in the earth, that it might be preserved in safety, and be found and made known in the latter day to the pale faces who should possess the land ; that they might again make it known to the red man ; in order to restore them to the knowledge of the will of the Great Spirit and to His favor. And if the red man would then receive this Book and learn the things written in it, and do according thereunto, they should be restored to all their rights and privileges; should cease to fight and kill one another; should become one people; cultivate the earth in peace, in common with the pale faces, who were willing to believe and obey the same book, and be good men and live in peace. This Book, which contained these things, was hid in the earth by Moroni, in a hill called by him, Cumorah, which lull is now in the State of New York, near the village of Palmyra, in Ontario County. “In that neighborhood there lived a young man named Joseph Smith, who prayed to the Great Spirit much, in order that he might know the truth ; and the Great Spirit sent an angel to him, and told him where this Book was hid by Moroni; and commanded him to go and get it. He accordingly Went to the place, and dug in the earth, and found the Book written on golden plates. But it was written in the language of the forefathers of the red man; therefore this young man, being a pale face, could not understand it; but the angel told him and showed him, and gave him knowledge of the language, and how to interpret the Book…

5- First formal Church History, 1834-1835– Oliver Cowdery and Joseph Smith wrote a series of essays, published as letters, about early Church history, including the restoration of the Priesthood, the visit of Moroni, and Joseph’s recovery of the plates. Letters I and II were published in The Messenger and Advocate in Kirtland, Ohio, in October and November 1834. An excerpt from Letter I was canonized in the Pearl of Great Price as a note to Joseph Smith-History. https://www.josephsmithpapers.org/paper-summary/history-1834-1836/1#full-transcript

Oliver Cowdery, “Letter VII,” July 1835

By turning to the 529^th and 530^th pages of the book of Mormon¹²⁰ you will read Mormon’s account of the last great struggle of his people, as they were encamped round this hill Cumorah. (it is printed Camorah, which is an error.) In this vally fell the remaining strength and pride of a once powerful people, the Nephites—

Oliver Cowdery, “Letter VIII,” October 1835

1. I have now given sufficent on the subject of the hill Cumorah—it has a singular and imposing appearance for that country, and must ex[c]ite the curiosity curious enquiry of every lover of the book of Mormon:
2. You will have woundered, perhaps, that the mind of our brother should be occupied with the thoughts of the goods of this world, at the time of arriving at Cumorah, on the morning of the 22^nd of September, 1823, after having been rapt in the visions of heaven during the night, and also seeing and hearing in open day; but the mind of man is easily turned, if it is not held by the power of God through the prayer of faith, and you will remember that I have said that two invisible powers were operating upon his mind during his walk from his residence to Chumorah, and that the one urging the certainty of wealth and ease in this life,
3. You will remember that I said, two invisible powers were operating upon the mind of our brother while going to Cumorah. In this, then, I discover wisdom in the dealings of the Lord: it was impossible for any man to translate the book of Mormon by the gift of God, and endure the afflictions, and [p. 98] temptations, and devices¹³³ of satan, without being overthrown unless he had been previously benefited with a certain round of experience:
4. To W[illiam] W. Phelps
   “Soon after this visit to Cumorah, a gentleman from the south part of the State, (Chenango County,) employed our brother as a common laborer, and accordingly he visited that section of <​the​> country;…
   As ever your brother in the Lord Jesus” Oliver Cowdery

Blog about Leaders saying Cumorah in NY is a fact: Prophets and Apostles Know it as Fact

THREE OPINIONS ON NEUTRALITY

Why Geography Matters by Rian Nelson

“I think there is importance with the Brethren being neutral on Geography, Evolution and other difficult issues. They want us to gain our own witness to secondary information. They have given us sound doctrine and I try hard every day to live my religion.

I believe the Land of Promise spoken of in the Book of Mormon is the United States of America. The Constitution was created by the Lord, that Adam and Eve were placed on this same land and the New Jerusalem will be on this same land. No need for me to check out Mesoamerica anymore as I did for 40 years.

Just like Evolution. I don’t believe we came from an ape and I know that matter cannot come from nothing. I don’t have to look into science to figure this out, but by the witness of what the scriptures tell us.

I don’t expect Pres Nelson to come right out and tell me where the Book of Mormon events happened or if we came from an ape, I know through sound reasoning the answer that makes most sense to me. Now if the Brethren say otherwise I would always listen to them first, but in my opinion the Church is neutral on difficult issues that exist to help each of us individually come to a knowledge of the “truth of all things” as promised in the Book of Mormon. I don’t need to be commanded in all things!

All the teachings from current Brethren and those before them and from the Prophet Joseph Smith are to be taken as given. They are guides to the answers I seek. I leave one example on believing that the United Sates is the Choice and Promised land, I quote Pres Nelson when he was President of the Quorum of the Twelve who said, “The Book of Mormon reveals that Joseph, the son of Jacob who was once sold into Egypt, foresaw the Prophet Joseph Smith and his day (see 2 Ne. 3:6–21) and noted that there would be many similarities in their lives. Centuries later, the Prophet Joseph stated, “I feel like Joseph in Egypt.” (The Personal Writings of Joseph Smith, ed. Dean C. Jesse, Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1984, p. 409; spelling modernized.) The Book of Mormon reveals that the inheritance of Joseph, son of Israel, was not forgotten when, as promised in the Abrahamic covenant, land was distributed to the tribes of Israel. Joseph’s inheritance was to be a land choice above all others. (See Ether 13:2, 8.) It was choice not because of beauty or wealth of natural resources, but choice because it was chosen. It was to be the repository of sacred writing on plates of gold from which the Book of Mormon would one day come, choice because it would eventually host world headquarters of the restored church of Jesus Christ in the latter days.” A TREASURED TESTAMENT By Elder Russell M. Nelson Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland said, “…Truly rock-ribbed faith and uncompromised conviction comes with its most complete power when it engages our head as well as our heart… Truth borne by the Holy Spirit comes with, in effect, two manifestations, two witnesses if you will—the force of fact as well as the force of feeling… I believe God intends us to find and use the evidence He has given—reasons, if you will—which affirm the truthfulness of His work… Evidence is still evidence even if it is not immediately observable… “My testimony to you tonight is that the gospel is infallibly true and that a variety of infallible proofs supporting that assertion will continue to come until Jesus descends as the ultimate infallible truth of all. Our testimonies aren’t dependent on evidence—we still need that spiritual confirmation in the heart of which we have spoken—but not to seek for and not to acknowledge intellectual, documentable support for our belief when it is available is to needlessly limit an otherwise incomparably strong theological position and deny us a unique, persuasive vocabulary in the latter-day arena of religious investigation and sectarian debate. Thus armed with so much evidence of the kind we have celebrated here tonight, we ought to be more assertive than we sometimes are in defending our testimony of truth… Farrer [English cleric Austin Farrer] said: “Though argument does not create conviction, lack of it destroys belief. What seems to be proved may not be embraced; but what no one shows the ability to defend is quickly abandoned. Rational argument does not create belief, but it maintains a climate in which belief may flourish.”… May our Father in Heaven bless us and an ever-larger cadre of young scholars around the Church to do more and more to discover and delineate and declare the reasons for the hope that is in us, that like those converted Lamanites, we may with bold conviction hold up to a world that desperately needs it “the greatness of the evidences which [we have] received,” especially of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon, the keystone of our religion. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.” The Greatness of the Evidence By Elder Jeffrey R. Holland August 16, 2017

I leave you with true words of a prophet, “Whenever I hear anyone, including myself, say, “I know the Book of Mormon is true,” I want to exclaim, “That’s nice, but it is not enough!” We need to feel, deep in “the inmost part” of our hearts, that the Book of Mormon is unequivocally the word of God. We must feel it so deeply that we would never want to live even one day without it. I might paraphrase President Brigham Young in saying, “I wish I had the voice of seven thunders to wake up the people” to the truth and power of the Book of Mormon.” President Russell M. Nelson The Book of Mormon: What Would Your Life Be Like without It?“

Lehi’s Family (Left): Travels to the Promised Land recounts the story of Lehi and his family as they travel from Jerusalem to America, the Promised Land. Beautiful and engaging artwork portrays stories from 1 Nephi including obtaining the brass plates from the wicked Laban, Nephi’s broken bow, the vision of the Tree of Life, the building of Nephi’s ship, and the Lehite voyage to the Promised Land.

For children ages 3 and older. Illustrated by the author, Robyn T. Pearson.

Does the Geography of the Book of Mormon Matter? By Rod Meldrum

“Does the geography of the Book of Mormon matter? The book is true no matter where it happened. Right? This is a response I have heard many others say and one I have said myself many times. But reading in 3 Nephi this morning made me change my mind. I think the Book of Mormon geography does matter.

When Christ appeared to the Nephites as the resurrected Savior, He blessed them, He taught them He prayed with them and for them. He also quoted to them the words of Isaiah. He reminded them that they had been given THIS LAND for their inheritance and were warned that they would not be allowed to remain on THIS LAND if they did not remain faithful. This emphasis shows the significance of the LAND to the Book of Mormon people, and the people who would be brought by the hand of God to THIS LAND and now occupy THIS LAND.

Christ himself said, “great are the words of Isaiah” and He commanded the Nephites and all who read the Book of Mormon to search his words. If the words of Isaiah are great and we are commanded to read them and study them and ultimately understand them, then I believe we most certainly should understand where THIS LAND is and we should understand who the Lord is taking to when he talks about the inhabitants of THIS LAND. Because he is in fact talking directly to those who are on THIS LAND and if you don’t know where that is you can’t fully understand the message.

Does the geography of the Book of Mormon matter? With over 1400 references to “this land” in the Book of Mormon I’m not sure how the Book of Mormon prophets could have made it clearer. THIS LAND matters. Geography matters. Those of us on THIS LAND the “promised land,” the Land of Liberty, the Land of the New Jerusalem need to know who we are. America is THIS LAND. America is a covenant land. I live on THIS LAND. Even the chapter heading of 3 Nephi also confirms this truth.

Israel will be gathered when the Book of Mormon comes forth–The Gentiles will be established as a free people in America–They will be saved if they believe and obey; otherwise, they will be cut off and destroyed–Israel will build the New Jerusalem, and the lost tribes will return.

I am learning more each day about what the prophecies say about me, my fellow Gentiles and my House of Israel sisters and brothers on THIS LAND. I desire to understand my covenant that I have made with the Lord and the Book of Mormon is the “voice crying from the dust” helping me understand it. The geography of the Book of Mormon matters to me.” Rod Meldrum FIRM Foundation President

COME  FOLLOW ME GEOGRAPHY by Bob Webster

Our friend Bob Webster wrote this article about geography you will enjoy. He recently gave a talk at our Virtual Expo. See website to view by members here: https://bookofmormonevidencestreaming.com/ To sign up for a 3 month membership for over 600 videos visit here:

“Despite the official statements that the Church remains neutral on Book of Mormon Geography (BoMG), the artists paid by the Church consistently portray BoMG as if it happened in meso-America.

For example, to illustrate the early chapters of Mosiah, the pictures on pp 50, 52, 57, 58, 61, 62, 66, 70, & 74 portray a geographical mindset/paradigm of tropical vegetation, cut-stone buildings and mountainous terrain. The same bias is evident in famous paintings in BoM editions, chapel walls and Temples.

Of all the physical features available on earth to represent those chapters, why were those chosen consistently? Since the Church claims to maintain neutrality on geography, WHY were features representative of tropical Central America chosen consistently? 

Since there are so many known and verified BoMG locations associated with Missouri, North America, why not display that terrain in church-approved artworks?  Since scholars know that Moses specified ramps to approach a holy temple, and specifically forbid cut-stone steps, why show them (p.62) in a publication teaching God’s people Truth about BoM reality? Truth is taught visually as well as by the written word, as we all know. Temple ordinances rely on it.

Considering that the BoMG location of the Hill Ramah-Cumorah in New York State was officially declared by the Church First Presidency in 1990, and the location of one of the Nephite-Lamanite battlegrounds was verified by Joseph Smith at Zelph’s Mound in Ilinois, and the locations of three other BoM cities – Manti. Melek and Zarahemla –  are all authenticated in Church historical records, why weren’t any of those environments used as background scenery for those artists’ renderings? Who guides and edits the artists?

Even the locations of The Garden of Eden, Adam-ondi-Ahman and New Jerusalem are scriptural, church history, geographical locations.  Any of those would have been undisputed choices for illustrating BoM lessons in the official Come Follow Me Manual, without violating “BoMG neutrality.”

Is it coincidental that BoMG references are consistently removed by writers of both of the Church’s official historical record, SAINTS, as “The Standard of Truth?”  Who edits the writers?” Bob Webster  Pleasant Grove, UT.  84062

THE UNTOLD TRUTH OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN

BY NOLAN MOORE/AUG. 9, 2017 and APRIL 20, 2018

Everybody knows Abraham Lincoln. His face is plastered on the penny and chiseled on Mt. Rushmore. He’s been portrayed in movies by actors like Henry Fonda and Daniel Day-Lewis. There are statues of the guy in countries like Mexico, England, Cuba, and he’s even got his own Walt Whitman poem. With his iconic top hat and epic beard, the 16th president is one of the most fascinating Americans who’s ever lived and a man with a rich history of unbelievable, untold truth.

LINCOLN THE MILITIAMAN

Long before he was commander-in-chief, Lincoln got first-hand military experience during the 1832 Black Hawk War. The conflict started when the Native American Chief Black Hawk (pictured above) started butting heads with the US government. White settlers were taking Black Hawk’s turf, and when the chief got angry, the Illinois governor called up a militia, summoning 1,500 men for battle.

One of those guys was 23-year-old Abraham Lincoln, who was elected captain of his company, a moment he later described as “a success which gave me more pleasure than any I have had since.” However, Lincoln had a difficult time at first keeping his men in line. When he started giving orders, his troops responded with insults like, “Go to the devil, sir!” On another occasion, his company got so drunk on stolen liquor that they couldn’t march, so Lincoln was forced to carry a wooden sword for two days (instead of a real one) as punishment.

Lincoln disobeyed orders himself on another occasion, firing his weapon within 50 yards of camp. As a result, he was arrested and stripped of his saber for 24 hours. Despite these setbacks, Lincoln was considered a good soldier with a solid sense of right and wrong. When a Native American walked into camp looking for a job, Lincoln’s men wanted to shoot the interloper, but Abe intervened, telling his men to stand down. When they called him a coward, Lincoln responded, “If any man thinks I am a coward, let him test it.”

Naturally, nobody was willing to throw down with Lincoln, who spent his free time competing in wrestling matches. However, even though he reenlisted with the militia two more times as a private, Lincoln never saw any combat, although as he later explained, he did have “a good many bloody struggles with the musquetoes [sic] and, although I never fainted from loss of blood, I can truly say I was often very hungry.”

HIS ODD CONNECTION TO THE DONNER PARTY

Don’t be fooled. Just because it’s called the “Donner Party,” that doesn’t mean people were having any fun. This 1846 wagon train famously got stuck in the snowy Sierra Nevada mountains, and the hungry settlers were forced to partake of their fellow pioneers. Of the 87 people who left Illinois for California, only 48 made it out alive. While this expedition is closely associated with cannibalism, it also has some crazy connections to America’s 16th president.

In 2010, historians discovered four muster rolls—registers of troops in military units—among the possession of James Reed, a Donner Party pioneer (pictured above). This Illinois businessman was kicked out of the expedition after stabbing a dude to death, but Reed’s wife stayed with the train, carrying the papers to California. Decades later, researchers looking over the rolls noticed Lincoln’s name listed alongside Reed’s, as the two men were friends who’d served together in the Black Hawk War.

Reed had gotten a hold of the muster rolls and probably kept them for personal reasons. But in addition to spotting Lincoln’s name, the researchers also noticed that Lincoln had written a few lines on the document himself, describing how Captain Jacob M. Earleys had been mustered out of the militia on July 10, 1832. Lincoln’s handwriting had traveled through the Sierra Nevada mountain range and made it through intact, while most of the people involved were turned into pâté.

This isn’t Lincoln’s only connection to the Donner Party, though. According to historian Michael Wallis, Abe had actually considered going with Reed to California, but his wife, Mary Todd, was pregnant and Lincoln was getting started in politics, so the couple decided to stay in Illinois. However, as the Donner Party pulled out of Springfield, Illinois, Mrs. Lincoln was actually there to send them off. Read More: https://www.grunge.com/79311/untold-truth-abraham-lincoln/?utm_campaign=clip

Researchers: Donner Party member carried Lincoln documents on journey

By the CNN Wire Staff July 20, 2010

Researchers have made an unexpected discovery among the items a member of the Donner Party kept in a carpetbag on the group’s ill-fated journey to California: a military document with Abraham Lincoln’s handwriting on it.

Donner Party member James Reed and his family carried muster rolls with Lincoln’s name on them among their treasured heirlooms, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum said in a statement released Monday.

A team of librarians, historians and handwriting experts combined forces to confirm that Lincoln’s writing was on one of the documents, which list Lincoln and volunteer soldiers who fought in the 1832 Black Hawk War.

“We often find documents that detail fascinating stories about Abraham Lincoln’s life and times, but it is rare indeed for the document to have such an intriguing history after it was written,” said Daniel Stowell, director of the Papers of Abraham Lincoln. “That these documents detail part of Lincoln’s military service and that they accompanied the Donner Party to California makes them doubly significant.”

All four of the muster rolls include “Private Abraham Lincoln” among the list of soldiers. On one of them, experts say two-and-a-half lines are clearly written in Lincoln’s hand. And the documents reveal that Lincoln had a horse worth $85 and equipment valued at $15, noting that Lincoln received one tent that was United States property to be returned at the end of his service.

The lines Lincoln wrote said: “Muster Roll of Captain Jacob M. Earleys Company of Mounted Volunteers Mustered out of the service of the United States By order of Brigadier General Atkinson of the United States army on White Water Rivers of Rock River on the 10th day of July 1832.”

The documents are part of the James Frazier Reed Collection at the California State Library. Source

Donner Party: List of Members Here

The Truth About Abraham Lincoln

[Author Unknown]
Little has been published about the early life of Abraham Lincoln. However, during a search of some old property records and will in a small courthouse in central North Carolina, Alex Christopher the author of “Pandora’s Box,” in one of the old will books dated around 1840, he found the will of one A. A. Springs. Upon reading the will he was shocked and amazed at the secret that it disclosed, but one must remember that it is a known fact that wills, even though they are classified public records the same as property and corporation records, they are rarely combed through as he was doing at the time, and these records hold many dark secrets that can be hidden in public view, but are never uncovered because there are very few who research these old records.

This practice of hiding secrets in public view and the conspirators can say, when faced with the facts and accused of concealing the records; they can reply “Well it was there in the public record in plan view for any and all to find.” In the will of A. A. Springs was the list of his property. it went into detail to whom the property was to be dispersed and it included his children.  Mr. Christopher, and others, were looking to find what railroads and banks this man might have owned and had left to his son, Leroy Springs. He didn’t find anything like that, but he did find the prize of the century. On the bottom of page three of four pages was a paragraph where the father, A. A. Springs, left to his son an enormous amount of land in the state of Alabama which amounted to the land that is today known as Huntsville, Alabama and then he went into detail to name the son and at first Mr. Christopher and the others with him couldn’t believe what they were seeing, but there it was the name of the son and it was “ABRAHAM LINCOLN!“

This new information that they had about the Springs (real name Springstein) family, this was just another twist to add to the already manipulative family. This new information about Lincoln built a fire under them to see where this new lead would take them, because everything they had found in the railroad and banking saga had been a real mind-bender.  They figured this one would be the same; so they inquired at the local archives and historical records on families and found a reference to one Abraham Lincoln in the family genealogy of the family of the Carolina by the name of McAdden, in a published genealogy on the family.  The family members in the Carolinas were in a limited edition that at one time could be found in the public libraries.  The section on Lincoln and the story went something like the following: “In the late spring of the year of 1808 Nancy Hanks, who was of the family lineage of the McAdden family was visiting some of her family in the community of Lincolnton, North Carolina.  While on her stay with family in the Carolina’, she visited with many of the neighboring families that she had known for many years; one such visit was the Springs family.  The sordid details had been omitted but obviously the young Nancy Hanks had found herself in a compromised position and was forced to succumb to the lust of A.A. Springs.  She became pregnant as a result.  There were no details of a love affair or an act of violence on a helpless female.  Abraham Lincoln was the result of that act, which leads one to wonder if the name ‘Lincoln’ was real or a fabricated name for the area of conception was ‘Lincolnton.’  Was there really a Thomas Lincoln?  Since the ‘Spring’ were of the race that called themselves Jewish, that made Lincoln part Jewish and as part of the Springs family, he also became a relative of the Rothschild family by blood.”

Blog Here: DID ABRAHAM LINCOLN READ THE BOOK OF MORMON?

The following information was derived from information that exists in the Smithsonian, National Archives, the Congressional Library, Courtroom Police files, public and private libraries and storage vaults across the United States and Europe: “Abraham Lincoln was slapped three times with a white glove by a member of the Hapsburg royal family of Germany (Payseur family relatives) during a White House reception in 1862.  The German royal family member demanded a pistol duel with the, then, President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln.  The blows to the face stunned Lincoln but he non-verbally refused to participate in the duel by bowing his head before walking out of the reception room.”  What had ol’ honest Abe done to so enrage and up-set the royal European personage?

It seems that the practice of promiscuity was running rampant in many families in those days and the German King Leopold had an illegitimate daughter named ‘Elizabeth‘ who was sent to America, where she lived in a very comfortable manner.  Although Leopold could not recognize her position, he was very interested in her life.  In the early or mid 1850s, Abraham Lincoln and Elizabeth began having sexual liaisons that produced twin daughters named ‘Ella‘ and ‘Emily‘ in 1856.  The regal German father who was so royally up-set with ol’ honest Abe probably had full knowledge of what the true blood line of Lincoln really was.  Abraham’s wife, Mary Todd Lincoln, did not find out about Elizabeth, Ella and Emily until 1865.  Previous to being informed about Elizabeth and the twins, Mrs. Lincoln had developed a ravaging dependency on Opium.  Her main supplier of the drug was a former member of the Confederate Intelligence community, he was a former member because the Southern gentlemen did not approve of his drug pushing and unreliable behavior.  It was because of his involvement with the Southern Intelligence Community, Mary’s supplier – John Wilkes Booth – knew about the lover and the illegal twins.” The Truth About Abraham Lincoln

“Lincoln’s wife, Mary Todd, was into the occult. Abraham Lincoln was a Rosicrucian and a member of the Order of the Lily’s Council of Three along with Paschal Beverly Randolph and General Ethan Allen Hitchcock. The Todd family are considered by the Illuminati as part of the Collins bloodline (one of the top illuminati families that has managed to remain low key. It is believed that the Collins family has been kept secret because they wield more power than the Rothschilds or the Rockefellers. Research shows the family has been connected to witchcraft since they arrived in New England in the 1630’s, and at least part of the British Collins family are Jewish).” Source

The Truth About Abraham Lincoln continues, “After being spurned by the Confederate intelligence community, Mary’s ‘candy man‘ approached and became involved with the Rothschild Empire of Europe, for he realized the European banking moguls would be very interested in his pipeline to the White House.  (At this time) Abraham was searching for an issue that would unite the North and South after the Civil War ended.  The issue needed to be popular to all levels of American citizenry so they could ‘rally around the Stars and Stripes’ thus rapidly healing the wounds of the bloodiest war in history.  Lincoln  was seriously considering one major movement or event that would galvanize his fellow Northern and Southern patriot countrymen into cutting loose the United States of America from the dictatorial grip of the Hapsburg’s bloodline of banking control in Europe.  All the time, the Rothschild’s were trying to take control of the entire world monetary system, and at that time the Rothschild’s were trying to get a foot-hold in America and find a way around the British, Virginia Company, and French Bourbon family that were gaining control in this country through government help …

Lincoln found himself in real hot water, because under the Virginia Company covenant, the 48 families that formed it were all of the Holy Grail Bloodline.  This country was to be an extension of what all the royal families of Europe controlled.  The royalty of Europe is ‘Hapsburg,’ no matter what their name is.  The royal family of England is one such example.  Now what Lincoln did is he wanted to become independent of the cogenant (in favor of his family) on the Rothschild side … the Rothschild’s and their family bloodline have always been undermining the affairs of the Hapsburg’s and stealing the monetary control away from them.  No matter what the history books say, the Rothschild’s didn’t get (total) real control on things in America and the Federal Reserve until the Springs usurped the Payseur family companies in the early 1920’s …  (But Lincoln had fallen from Rothschild grace also and so, due, in part to his Executive Order to print United States Greenbacks, thus interfering with the Jewish International Banks profits).  It appears that the Rothschild family wanted Lincoln embarrassed to the maximum degree.  (So) Mary Todd’s drug dealer (John Wilkes Booth) was hired to kidnap the President of the United States.  Abraham would be put on a boat for a two month cruise of the Atlantic where he would be injected with and addicted to Opium and then dumped on the streets of Washington.  While the forcefully addicted President was stumbling around our nation’s capital, the press would be informed of Elizabeth, Ella and Emily.

The drug pusher (Booth) and collaborator (agent) of the Rothschild’s had his perfect accomplice in the plot to kidnap and discredit the leader of the North American Continent in the First Lady, Mary Todd Lincoln.  After being informed of Abe’s lover and the twins and the kidnap plot by her drug supplier, Mary was promised that after her husband resigned or was impeached, she and Abe would be moved to Europe to live happily ever after with plenty of Opium.  Superficially, Mary expressed a desire to live in Europe with plenty of Opium and no Civil War or Politics to distract her husband or family.  But her drug suppler had totally underestimated the confusion, desperation and anger of Mary Todd Lincoln.

The plotters decided the Presidential snatch needed to take place in a public, yet discreet location where minimum witnesses would be present.  There were too many potential witnesses at the White House.  Two hours before the capture was to take place, Mary Todd had on the floor, a tantrum, because Abe had decided not to go out of the White House that night.  Mary’s outrageous outburst caused Abe to change his mind and the First family departed.  Several minutes after arriving at the kidnap location, Mary instructed the family bodyguard to take a position that placed the First Family out of his visual sight.  The position also required the bodyguard to traverse several flights of stairs to reach Abe and Mary should he be needed for any reason …  A wagon with a wooden cover arrived at the back entrance of the kidnap location with several men including Mary’s Opium supplier.  The plan was for the drug pusher to traverse the backstairs entrance, silently move down a hallway, and open an unlocked door to a darkened room where Mary and Abe were sitting.

After entering the room, Mary’s drug man (Booth) would tell the President an urgent message was waiting for him at the War Department.  Before descending down the backstairs, Abe would be knocked out with a chloroform cloth.  The kidnappers would load the limp body into the covered wagon and swiftly stow Lincoln on an Opium boat for a novel ‘cruise‘ of the Atlantic Ocean.  When Booth actually opened the door to the darkened room where Abe and Mary were sitting, he went into a panic and shock.  Abe was asleep with his head on Mary’s left shoulder and the First Lady had her head turned toward the left looking at the door …  When she was sure the man who opened the door was Booth, she turned and looked at the President to be sure the pistol she was pointing would explode beneath the lower left earlobe of her husband.

Before Mary pulled the trigger, John Wilkes Booth, drug supplier to the First Lady, realized he was the patsy in all this mess.  But he did not know if he was only Mary’s patsy or also a chump for the Rothschild family.  Were the men hiding around the back door of Ford’s Theater there to help Booth with the kidnapping or there to point the false finger at the ‘innocent‘ Booth?  Booth was not about to run into the hallway or down the backstairs to find out the answer to that question.  The only escape route was to jump the balcony and crash onto the stage during the performance.  That night, Booth gave a literal interpretation of the theatrical phrase ‘break a leg‘ as he fractured one of his during his leaping act from ‘lethally loony Mary’ and the men lurking around the back entrance of Ford’s Theater.

In a novelty case located on a wall in Ford’s Theater is ‘The Gun That Shot Abraham Lincoln.’  If anyone (assassin) were to kill a head of state, they would use a revolver, because several bullets might be needed to accomplish the murder and stop any guards during the escape.  One would only use a one-shot pistol if they were absolutely sure they had intimate access to the victim.  The gun on the wall of Ford’s Theater is a derringer – the perfect weapon for the left handed female assassin who did not attend her husbands funeral.  Mary Todd was not hiding in her room due to overwhelming grief and sorrow; she was imprisoned in her room with two armed guards for two weeks after killing her husband.

In the 1860’s, an Act of Congress mandated the compensation of widows of former and active Congressmen, Senators, Vice Presidents and Presidents.  The month and duration was ratified by both Houses of Congress for each widow.  Mary Todd Lincoln applied for her widowers compensation three times and was denied the mandated compensation three times by both Houses of Congress.  An unknown benefactor paid for Mary’s passage to Europe where she died in small cottage in Germany.

In 1867, the Secret Service was founded so that drunken municipal law enforcement could not unwittingly participate with drug-addicted First Ladies or Gentlemen in vengeful high-brow killings of philandering Presidents of the United States.  (To cover up the murders committed which would reflect a bad light for the presiding Administration, such as the Foster murder of President Clinton’s administration).  Before Booth jumped out of the balcony of the Presidential Box of the Ford Theater, he shouted at General Riley and his wife who were sitting to the right-front of the Lincolns.  Booth’s words expressed his innocence but also sealed the fate of the Riley’s.  Within a week of the shooting, General Riley and his wife were packed off to an insane asylum where they both died of ‘unknown causes‘ within 30 days of being committed.” (Pandora’s Box, by Alex Christopher, pp. 282-286). http://usa-the-republic.com/items%20of%20interest/abraham%20lincoln.html

More Reading Below

Blog Here IS ABRAHAM LINCOLN A HEARTLANDER?

THE ASSASSINATION OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN

Lincoln’s Missing Bodyguard. What happened to Officer John Parker, the man who chose the wrong night to leave his post at Ford’s Theatre? https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/lincolns-missing-bodyguard-12932069/

Originally Answered: How did the Lincoln’s security detail mess up and not prevent his assassination?

Lincoln’s security didn’t mess up.

Lincoln’s assassination was meticulously planned. Lincoln had an excellent bodyguard, a United States Marshal named Ward Lamon. Ward Lamon was sent out of town on an errand days before Lincoln’s assassination. Before he left Washington, he told Lincoln not to go to the theater while he was absent. Lamon said it was too dangerous. Lincoln respected Lamon’s wishes and did not plan to attend the theater. Lincoln had to be enticed into going to the theater.

Let’s review the preparations for the killing.

Ward Lamon was sent out of town on an errand that would take him a week to do.

Ford’s theatre was selected as the location for the killing. Someone installed a brace on the hallway door leading to the president’s box to keep people from entering once the brace was set in place. A hole in the wall was made to secure one end of the brace. A piece of matching wallpaper was placed over the hole to keep people from noticing it. The brace was left behind the door so the killer could find it.

Remember that L.C. Payseur hired Leroy Springs to operate a host of his companies. Leroy Springs’ father was A.A. Springs and was the secret father of Abraham Lincoln. In 1808, Nancy Hanks, of the Scottish McAdden family, visited some of her own family and the Springs family at Lincolnton, North Carolina. That is when A.A. Springs impregnated her, and her child was named Abraham Lincoln. Troy Cowan, Author of: “They Wanted Lincoln Dead.” Updated September 9, 2015

They rejected the Illuminatti- Abe Lincoln and JFK

“Abraham Lincoln’s Rothschild blood was kept very secret, but he grew up to be a famous lawyer, a secret leader of the Rosicrucian’s and President of the United States. It is believed from the evidence that the establishment conspiracy, concocted the person of Thomas Lincoln out of thin air. The actual early history of Abraham Lincoln is shrouded in myth and mystery, and as one encyclopedia puts it, “We know little about the family of his mother, Nancy Hanks Lincoln”.

While a lawyer, Abraham Lincoln had a sexual liaison with Elizabeth, who was the illegitimate daughter of Belgian King Leopold I (1790-1865), who is also of elite blood lineage. Abraham Lincoln and Elizabeth had two twin daughters Ella and Emily in 1856, who were adopted out. Lincoln actually had a fairly large number of illegitimate children.

ILLUMINATI GOALS

Now A.A. Springs, who was both the biological father of Leroy Springs and Abraham Lincoln left an enormous amount of land, in what is now Huntsville, Alabama, to his son Abraham Lincoln. Huntsville has become a hotbed of New World Order (NWO) activity. Some of the mind-control research the intelligence community conducted, was done at Huntsville.

The Rothschilds even named one of their boys after Abraham Lincoln, his name was Lincoln Rothschild. Although Abraham Lincoln secretly had powerful occult blood, he was a great man in his own right. Just like John F. Kennedy (JFK), he had the strength of personality to refuse to bow to the Illuminati’s instructions. Lincoln refused to go down the path that his distant European International Banking Rothschild relatives wanted for the United States.

The Illuminati goal was to split the United States into easier to control states. However, just as with JFK (the man who could work miracles) who also came from a top 13 family, a large scale conspiracy involving many government officials including the Secretary of Defense was put into place to assassinate Lincoln (not according to this research). There are numerous indications that show that the Rothschilds were in part behind the assassination of Lincoln”.

Six Corporations who Own the World and run by the Illuminati

Rian Nelson’s Personal Opinion on this entire Article:

“Historians seem to take great pride in publishing something new, particularly if it illustrates a weakness or mistake of a prominent historical figure. For some reason, historians and novelists seem to savor such things. If it related to a living person, it would come under the heading of gossip. History can be as misleading as gossip and much more difficult—often impossible—to verify. The writer or the teacher who has an exaggerated loyalty to the theory that everything must be told is laying a foundation for his own judgment. He should not complain if one day he himself receives as he has given. Perhaps that is what is contemplated in having one’s sins preached from the housetops.” The Mantle Is Far, Far Greater Than the Intellect Elder Boyd K. Packer

I love this article by Elder Packer above.  I quote it often. I would say this. Abraham Lincoln is a Saint sent by the Lord for our Nation. No matter what he has or has not done, he is a Man of God. Lincoln to me is just like Washington, Reagan and Trump. Great men who are directed by the Lord. The purpose of me bringing up the stories I read or hear is not always because they are true. It is because I want people to not be lazy and just accept everything they hear and read.

Two things stood out to me about these stories about Lincoln and the reason I published it is: I had never heard of a different version of who shot Lincoln. I still think it is possible that his wife as a drug addict may have done it for money etc but to me that is not important. In Red is the biggest take away from the article.

“Abraham Lincoln’s Rothschild blood was kept very secret, but he grew up to be a famous lawyer, a secret leader of the Rosicrucian’s and President of the United States. It is believed from the evidence that the establishment conspiracy, concocted the person of Thomas Lincoln out of thin air. The actual early history of Abraham Lincoln is shrouded in myth and mystery, and as one encyclopedia puts it, “We know little about the family of his mother, Nancy Hanks Lincoln”...

The Rothschilds even named one of their boys after Abraham Lincoln, his name was Lincoln Rothschild. Although Abraham Lincoln secretly had powerful occult blood, he was a great man in his own right. Just like John F. Kennedy (JFK), he had the strength of personality to refuse to bow to the Illuminati’s instructions. Lincoln refused to go down the path that his distant European International Banking Rothschild relatives wanted for the United States.

The Illuminati goal was to split the United States into easier to control states. However, just as with JFK (the man who could work miracles) who also came from a top 13 family, a large scale conspiracy involving many government officials including the Secretary of Defense was put into place to assassinate Lincoln (not according to this research). There are numerous indications that show that the Rothschilds were in part behind the assassination of Lincoln”. https://payseurs.com/rothschild-payseur/

Both Kennedy and Lincoln are great presidents who were trying to take down the Cabal also called the 13 Illuminati Families with Rothchild and Rockefeller being two of them. Lincoln and Kennedy are both from those two evil families and they broke outside of it and were killed because they did so much damage to the Cabal. This is the same thing Trump is doing today but he will succeed in taking down the Cabal. You’ll see Trump will be back as the Lord is with him.

For those concerned how this occultic “Joseph Smith” could make its way into Church publications, President Ezra Taft Benson offered this advice, “Sometimes from behind the pulpit, in our classrooms, in our Council meetings and in our church publications we hear, read or witness things that do not square with the truth. . . . Now do not let this serve as an excuse for your own wrong-doing. The Lord is letting the wheat and the tares mature before he fully purges the Church. He is also testing you to see if you will be misled. The devil is trying to deceive the very elect.” Ezra Taft Benson, “Our Immediate Responsibility” (BYU Devotional, Provo, October 25, 1996), https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/ezra-taft-benson_immediateresponsibility.

I have noticed some peculiar beliefs behind some very intellectual men and women that are good active members.
They believe in Christ and the Gospel (10)
They believe in the Doctrine of the Church (10)
They believe the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve (10)
They believe in past Prophets and Apostles mostly. (Most likely disagreeing slightly with Joseph Fielding Smith, Ezra Taft Benson, and David O. McKay. (9)
They believe members of the Quorum of the Seventies mostly and have very few different opinions. (9)
They believe their peers, and scholars but have a few different opinions. (8)
They believe The Prophet Joseph Smith very often but always try and put him down, or make him human. (7)

I realize I am generalizing, but I am trying to make a point. In my opinion it seems many historians, professors and intellectuals try and bring Joseph Smith down just a notch more often than anyone else as Elder Packer says below.

“Some historians write and speak as though the only ones to read or listen are mature, experienced historians. They write and speak to a very narrow audience. Unfortunately, many of the things they tell one another are not uplifting, go far beyond the audience they may have intended, and destroy faith. What that historian did with the reputation of the President of the Church was not worth doing. He seemed determined to convince everyone that the prophet was a man. We knew that already. All of the prophets and all of the Apostles have been men. It would have been much more worthwhile for him to have convinced us that the man was a prophet, a fact quite as true as the fact that he was a man. The Mantle Is Far, Far Greater Than the Intellect Elder Boyd K. Packer

Quotes about Intellectual Opinions

“Mormonism, as it is called, must stand or fall on the story of Joseph Smith. He was either a Prophet of God, divinely called, properly appointed and commissioned or he was one of the biggest frauds this world has ever seen. There is no middle ground. If Joseph was a deceiver, who willfully attempted to mislead people, then he should be exposed, his claims should be refuted, and his doctrines shown to be false” .Joseph Fielding Smith, Doctrines of Salvation, vol. 1 (Bookcraft, 1960), 188

I have come to believe that it is the tendency for many members of the Church who spend a great deal of time in academic research to begin to judge the Church, its doctrine, organization, and leadership, present and past, by the principles of their own profession. Ofttimes this is done unwittingly, and some of it, perhaps, is not harmful. The Mantle Is Far, Far Greater Than the Intellect Elder Boyd K. Packer

This problem has affected some of those who have taught and have written about the history of the Church. These professors say of themselves that religious faith has little influence on Mormon scholars. They say this because, obviously, they are not simply Latter-day Saints but are also intellectuals trained, for the most part, in secular institutions. They would that some historians who are Latter-day Saints write history as they were taught in graduate school, rather than as Mormons. The Mantle Is Far, Far Greater Than the Intellect Elder Boyd K. Packer

President Brigham Young admonished Karl G. Maeser not to teach even the times table without the Spirit of the Lord. How much more essential is that Spirit in the research, the writing, and the teaching of Church history. The Mantle Is Far, Far Greater Than the Intellect Elder Boyd K. Packer

Author: John E. Clark Takes Joseph Down a Notch

Bio: “Dr. John E. Clark’s interest in archaeology began innocently at the age of six when his oldest brother helped him hunt for arrowheads around their house in Burley, Idaho. By the eighth grade his interest in artifacts eclipsed that in dinosaurs, and he decided to become an archaeologist. In high school he taught himself how to chip arrowheads and has studied and taught ancient technologies since that time. While completing BS and MA degrees in anthropology at BYU in the 1970s, he became excited about Mesoamerican mythology and archaeol­ogy, especially Maya writing and calen­dar systems.” Source

Quote from Dr. John Clark: “Had circumstances permitted a marked grave for the slain prophet, a fitting headstone could have read, “By Joseph Smith, Junior, Author and Proprietor.” Such an epitaph, taken from the title page of the Book of Mormon, captures the enduring bond between the man and the book, and also the controversy which coalesced around both with the book’s publication and the organization of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1830. In the ensuing and continuing “war of words” (Joseph Smith—History 1:10) and prejudice, redemption may hang on the single preposition “by.” What hand did Joseph have in producing the book?

Joseph claimed he translated by the power of God an ancient record inscribed on golden plates entrusted to him by an American angel. His account of the origin of the Book of Mormon is, to understate the obvious, outrageously incredible. One critique dubbed it “knavery on two sticks.”3 Or is it? Are Josephs claims truth or nonsense? How can one know? This question implicates classic antitheses between science and religion, reason and faith. I consider both
faith and reason here in evaluating competing explanations of the book. When confronted with the book, most people reject it because of its cover story. Sterling M. McMurrin, a former Latter-day Saint, said critically, “You don’t get books from angels and translate them by miracles.” Archaeological Trends and Book of Mormon Origins, John E. Clark Source: BYU Studies Quarterly, Vol. 44, No. 4 (2005), pp. 83–104. Published by: BYU Studies

You can evaluate on your own Dr. Clark’s opinion’s above about Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon.

Jonathan Neville Refutes John E. Clark

“Clark’s article starts on page 83. I’m not going to reproduce the whole thing here, just a few sections that I’ll comment on in red, as usual.

p. 85: Most Mormons fall into a more subtle error that also inflates Joseph’s talents; they confuse translation with authorship. They presume that Joseph Smith knew the contents of the book as if he were its real author, and they accord him perfect knowledge of the text. This presumption removes from discussion the most compelling evidence of the book’s authenticity–Joseph’s unfamiliarity with its contents. To put the matter clearly: Joseph Smith did not fully understand the Book of Mormon. I propose that he transmitted to readers an ancient book that he neither imagined nor wrote. This paragraph is full of logical fallacies and fact avoidance. Start with the idea that Mormons are falling into “a more subtle error” when they presume Joseph knew the contents of the book and had a perfect knowledge of the text. In fact, Joseph re-read the text many times, correcting it in some cases. In 1842, he re-read it again (I think because Winchester was challenging it), yet he made no corrections. During the translation, Joseph spelled out words for Oliver Cowdery. But prior to even beginning the translation, Moroni and others tutored him. Joseph wrote: “I was also informed concerning the aboriginal inhabitants of this country, and shown who they were, and from whence they came; a brief sketch of their origin, progress, civilization, laws, governments, of their righteousness and iniquity, and the blessings of God being finally withdrawn from them as a people was made known unto me.” Joseph knew far more about the cultural context than the book itself reveals. There is zero evidence that Joseph was unfamiliar with its contents; what he was unfamiliar with is the Mesoamerican setting. This is why Clark and other Mesoamerican proponents insist Joseph didn’t understand the book. It is a logical fallacy to assert that because Joseph transmitted an ancient book he neither imagined nor wrote, he therefore could not understand the book. The assertion that one can only understand a book one writes is not just nonsensical; it defies the very purpose for writing.  Clark wrote an article to convey his understanding of the topic. His argument would mean that because his readers did not write his article, they cannot understand it. This argument is akin to that made by the old Catholic priests who didn’t want people having access to the Bible because they could never understand it. To see Jonathans complete article visit, The Worlds of Joseph Smith by Jonathan Neville

Intellectuals Love the Seer Stone V. Urim and Thummim. Why?

“Seer Stone v. Urim and Thummim by the Stoddard’s places the Book of Mormon translation on trial, presenting the latest research in one of the most comprehensive treatments of the translation process to date providing encouragement for Latter-day Saints who fear they have been “betrayed” by the translation history taught by the Church for over 190 years.

Did Joseph Smith study and master the Nephite language? Did the Prophet tutor some of the early Brethren in ancient Nephite characters?

Did Joseph Smith translate the Book of Mormon using a dark seer stone in a hat?

Why are progressive historians creating a new history using sources from a man who vowed to wash his hands in the blood of Joseph Smith, while boasting that he had deceived the Prophet and his God?” Joseph Smith Foundation

Below is part of one chapter of that book. This chapter will expose many Historian’s and Professors trying to take Joseph Smith down a notch in his credibility. I just think it makes Joseph look more as a Prophet of God. We only try to ruin and take down those whom we fear the most.

Indolent Treasure Digger: The Josiah Stowell Letter

“Mark Hofmann continued to forge and sell an increasingly prodigious number of documents, including a letter from Joseph Smith to his wife Emma, which he sold to Brent Ashworth for $6,000. Other documents included: a letter dated January 13, 1873, from Martin Harris to Walter Conrad, a letter dated January 23, 1829, from Lucy Mack Smith to Mary Pierce, and a letter dated April 2, 1873, from David Whitmer to Walter Conrad. Hofmann produced a half-page fragment of the book of Mosiah, a fragment from the book of Helaman, and other seemingly unimportant artifacts, such as Spanish Fork Co-Operative notes. All of these and more served to bolster Hofmann’s persona as a bona fide historical documents expert. Before the exposure of his fraud and subsequent downfall, the Church would add at least 446 Hofmann forgeries to its collection. Even then, this staggering list “represents only a fraction of the documents that passed through Hofmann’s hands.” … To read more about the Mark Hoffman forgeries read, Faith Crisis Volume 1 We We’re Not Betrayed. Stoddard’s at their Best!

A Product of the Times?

“With the eventual release of the [forged] Josiah Stowell Letter, headlines such as, “Letter Revealing Mormon Founder’s Belief in Spirits, Occult Released“ sent a shockwave through the Latter-day Saint community, leaving many members reeling. Progressive historians, authors, and journalists began weighing in on the implications and its effect on the Church. Peggy Fletcher, an editor for Sunstone, and subsequent religion writer for the Salt Lake Tribune, commented: 

Mormon intellectuals “will have to revise their traditional understanding” of the origins of their church, she said, and the letter will raise questions “in some minds” about the divine inspiration of their faith. 

Jan Shipps, a prominent non-Latter-day Saint New Mormon Historian, commented after the release of the Josiah Stowell Letter, that in light of Hofmann’s documents, “. . . educated Mormons who have managed to hold off their questions of the truth of their church’s origins will have to face the fact that Joseph Smith didn’t tell the whole story.” 

The essence of the progressive history argument—that Joseph Smith was involved in treasure digging and ritual magic, and covered it up (essentially lying)—necessarily challenges the integrity of the Prophet Joseph Smith. In his histories, Joseph made his affiliation unambiguously clear in relation to his money digging: that he had only worked for hire, had never indulged in it as a profession, nor had he engaged in it as a hobby or for personal interest. He had merely worked for someone else, who was a treasure digger, and had done his best to persuade his employer to give up the useless venture. Suggesting that Joseph Smith was a treasure digger effectively charges the Prophet as being deceptive and misleading. 

If Joseph Smith was not honest, his deceit would immediately discredit the Restoration of the Gospel, as President Joseph Fielding Smith would later teach:” 

“Mormonism, as it is called, must stand or fall on the story of Joseph Smith. He was either a Prophet of God, divinely called, properly appointed and commissioned or he was one of the biggest frauds this world has ever seen. There is no middle ground. If Joseph was a deceiver, who willfully attempted to mislead people, then he should be exposed, his claims should be refuted, and his doctrines shown to be false . . . .” Joseph Fielding Smith

Seer Stone V. Urim and Thummim: Book of Mormon Translation on Trial continues, “The doctrinal and historical upheaval during the 1980s left many members desperately struggling with what to believe. Marvin S. Hill, former progressive American history professor at BYU, commented that: “It [the Josiah Stowell Letter] shows that Joseph was deeply into some of the money-digging techniques, and it forces a lot of historians to reevaluate the many accounts of Joseph’s money-digging activities prior to getting the Book of Mormon plates.”

As we will see later, a central theme of the New Mormon History includes a restructuring of Joseph Smith’s character. A few years prior to the publication of this work, a progressive Latter-day Saint historian informed the authors of his goal to “take Joseph Smith off of the pedestal to which he has been placed by past Presidents of the Church and manuals.” Progressive historians understand that to change the Restoration, or to change the Church, one must change its foundation—its origins. 

Those who accepted the Josiah Stowell Letter as genuine history while at the same time seeking to accept Joseph Smith as a prophet of God, faced the challenge of melding two contending worlds: Christianity and magic. Reflecting that concern, The Washington Post published an official statement justifying dowsing and magic treasure digging as “common practices of the times,” and that Joseph Smith’s practice “does not appear unusual in the context of the times”: 

A statement from the church’s First Presidency in Salt Lake City appeared to play down the significance of the Smith letter — for which church officials reportedly paid $25,000 — by characterizing it as an interesting historical document reflecting common practices of the times.

“The letter speaks of a procedure that we in our time would refer to as similar to the use of a dowsing rod,” said the statement. “This does not appear unusual in the context of the times.”

Richard L. Bushman, progressive historian and author of Rough Stone Rolling, would later echo this argument, adding that Joseph was “involved in magic,” had “treasure-seeking greed,” and that magic was a “preparatory gospel” in training the young man as a prophet of God. However, Bushman argued that “all sorts of treasure seekers were also serious Christians,” so to him, it just wasn’t a big deal: See Blog on Bushman Here

It was no more scandalous than say gambling, playing poker today. A little bit discredited and slightly morally disreputable but not really evil. And when it was found that all sorts of treasure seekers were also serious Christians, why not the Smiths too? So, instead of being a puzzle or a contradiction, it was just one aspect of Smith family culture and not really anything to be worried about.

Contrary to Bushman’s claims, when Mormonism Unvailed was published in 1834, accusing the Smith family of involvement in magic, treasure digging, etc. the public was incensed. The First Presidency reported that Hurlbut’s claims “fired the minds of the people with much indignation” against Joseph Smith and the Church. No good Christian in Joseph Smith’s day heard Hurlbut and thought, “Those Smiths are kind of weird but no big deal.”

The accusations of magic and treasure digging Hurlbut & Howe conjured up carried grave implications for early 19^th-century Americans, and were published with the specific intent of destroying Joseph Smith’s character. Just as his enemies had hoped, the publication resulted in increased and intense persecution. When “serious Christians” in Joseph Smith’s day—and this is true as well for serious Christians in our day—heard that Joseph Smith was “expert in the arts of necromancy” and that he had spent his boyhood “digging into the hills and mountains” searching for gold, the slanders destroyed his credibility and impeded interest in the ongoing work of the Restoration of the Gospel. Viewed as ‘blots’ on the character of the young Prophet, most of the persecution leveled against the Church in 1834 was rooted firmly in these scandalous tales.” By James and Hannah Stoddard, Seer Stone V. Urim and Thummim: Book of Mormon Translation on Trial!

Historians seem to take great pride in publishing something new, particularly if it illustrates a weakness or mistake of a prominent historical figure. For some reason, historians and novelists seem to savor such things. If it related to a living person, it would come under the heading of gossip. History can be as misleading as gossip and much more difficult—often impossible—to verify. The writer or the teacher who has an exaggerated loyalty to the theory that everything must be told is laying a foundation for his own judgment. He should not complain if one day he himself receives as he has given. Perhaps that is what is contemplated in having one’s sins preached from the housetops. The Mantle Is Far, Far Greater Than the Intellect Elder Boyd K. Packer

The Lord Jesus Christ

On Memorial Day we remember and respect with honor anyone whom we love and respect who has died. I begin by respecting and showing love for my Savior Jesus Christ. He died for all that we may live again. He suffered for all that our sins be forgiven. He created this world and looks after us daily. There is no greater person in my memory this day than the Lord Jesus Christ.

My Parents and Ancestors

Next my memories go to my wonderful Parents who have both passed. They taught me the true principles of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They are loved and I think of them daily. They knew just how to love and teach me, so that I would one day grow up from being a silly boy to a blessed man with a wonderful eternal wife Stacy, and two wonderful children and two beautiful and special granddaughters.

I have a wonderful Ancestor who many of you know named John Howland, who was saved from drowning during the Mayflower voyage. John Howland and Elizabeth Tilley are my 10th great grand parents through their oldest daughter Desire. Blog Here: Joseph Smith is also John Howland’s 5th grandson through John Howland Jr. and Emma Smith is John Howland’s 5th great granddaughter through Hope Howland.

John Howland probably had a greater impact on the history of the United States than many. Hundreds of thousands of Americans are unaware that they owe their very existence to Howland as they celebrate Thanksgiving, a holiday that commemorates a feast shared between Native Americans and the Pilgrims of the Mayflower. Howland boarded the ship as a servant of Carver, the first governor of the New Plymouth Colony, but he almost never made it to the New World. He fell overboard in the middle of the Atlantic during a gale but grabbed a trailing rope and was hauled back aboard by sailors using boat hooks. I am in some very blessed ancestry as I remember those who have died before me this Memorial Day.

I love the United Stated of America and feel so blessed to have been born here. I don’t take it for granted as I try often to share my blessings with others. I remember all the fallen heroes of any previous war or conflict, men and women who died in the line of duty to protect the freedom of our great country, our country that has been call a Promised Land, a Land Choice above others and the Land of the Book of Mormon events.

I love Fiji and Kiribati

I don’t love the people of the USA more than anyone else. I served the Fijians and Kirabati people and love them very much. I was the first mission companion of Elder Naborisi (left) in 1975 and I baptised Paul Whippy in 1977. I sure love them and know that Fiji is a blessed place. I love the Native Americans as my parents served the Navajo, Hopi and Apache in New Mexico. My son served the Inuit’s of Alaska. I have always admired and loved the Jews very much as our brothers from Judah. The fact remains the Lord chose the USA, not because it’s better but because it was His choice just as choosing Israel was His choice. I love the world but I also love the USA the most, just as others from their country should love it the most. I believe exactly as Pres Hinckley said here, “I should like to say a few words about America…No land is without its beauty, no people without their virtues, and I hope that you who come from elsewhere will pardon my saying a few words concerning my own native land, America…surely this is a good land, a choice land, a chosen land. To me it is a miracle, a creation of the Almighty.” Gordon B. Hinckley Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled”, BYU Speeches of the Year, October 29, 1974, pp. 267-68 ) Notice he said “CHOSEN” because it was chosen, no other reason.

Places I Visited

President Thomas S. Monson/Joseph Smith

“Our Heavenly Father inspired Christopher Columbus in his discovery of America. Our Heavenly Father inspired the leaders of the renaissance period. Our Heavenly Father inspired men and caused that they would dream dreams and see visions and discover marvelous instruments and inventions which would enable them to set forth upon the oceans and to be led to the place where our Father in Heaven would have them led. Our Heavenly Father inspired the man who invented movable type, that His holy word, as found in the Bible, could be printed and disseminated widely to the people. Our Heavenly Father inspired the leaders of . . . the United States of America, that they might together, under His direction, having been raised up by God for the purpose, establish the Constitution of this country and . . . Bill of Rights, that . . . by the year of our Lord 1805 [there would be] a climate (USA) where our Heavenly Father could send into this period of mortality a choice spirit who would be known as Joseph Smith, Jr. His life’s mission would alter the course of all future events. Thus, came Joseph into the world.” Teachings of Thomas S Monson 2011 (Twenty-First Annual Joseph Smith Memorial Sermon, December 11, 1963) I love Joseph Smith who I praise this wonderful Memorial Day.

Adam to Americans – All in North America

I also this memorial day reflect on all that God has done for our country. First Adam was placed here near Adam-Ondi-Ahman. He allowed Noah to protect this Promised Land by ridding North America of all it’s evil except 8. The Lord always reserved America to those who would covenant with Him and stay righteous. That’s why the Lord sent the Jaredites back to this Promised Land because of their righteousness. They sadly died as evil at the Hill Ramah in upstate New York. Then the Nephites were brought to live in America, but they were here only 1,000 years and their wickedness saw them destroyed at the same hill as the Jaredites, but they called it Hill Cumorah. Then almost 1,000 years later the Lord sent Columbus to this Promised Land as He inspired Columbus to discover a route to the Bahamas which had a group of natives called the Taino’ who had came from Florida living here. He guided the Puritans and Pilgrims to come to America and in 1620 they established Plymouth. Now today we thank the Lord for allowing the Gentile nations of Europe to come back here to America where we have gone full circle from Adam in about 4,000 BC to today in 2021, and the same place we will end up in the New Jerusalem here in America in Missouri. What a choice land we have been blessed to live in. And all those immigrants who come here legally are welcomed with open arms to enjoy America with us.

Lehi’s People and Mulek

Speaking about Lehi’s people, “Joseph wrote, “They were principally Israelites, of the descendants of Joseph.”  It is possible that Joseph Smith was referring to Zoram after all, clarifying he was not a Jew. He may have been referring to those who accompanied the Mulekites (presumably Phoenicians). But it is also possible that he was referring to others who accompanied Lehi… To summarize: I think Lehi brought servants and landed in a mostly uninhabited area in Florida, among a small population of hunter/gatherers who lacked a well-organized society. Moroni’s America page 84-86

Jonathan Neville More on Columbus

“Here’s a map showing Columbus’ route of discovery. Nephi does not describe the “man among the Gentiles” making multiple voyages. He refers only to the first voyage that took him to “the seed of my brethren, who were in the promised land.” For that reason, I focus on the first voyage.

The green line in the map is Columbus first journey to the Americas. The pink line is his route home. The yellow line is the route of the Mulekites from Moroni’s America. The orange line is Lehi’s route from Moroni’s America.

I think Lehi landed in Florida for all the reasons I’ve explained in Moroni’s America. He may have sailed south of Cuba to get there because of ocean currents and wind, but it’s interesting that Mulek, Lehi and Columbus converge on the same areas.

Of course, the first people Columbus encountered were from Florida (they had inhabited the Bahamas). So if you want to believe Columbus was the man identified by Nephi, then the first people he encountered were not from Mesoamerica or South America; they were from North America, not far from where Lehi originally landed (in Florida).

If you have Mesomania, you’ll ignore Columbus’ first voyage, the only one Nephi described, and instead focus on his later voyages where he sailed along the coast of Honduras. Then you’ll say Honduras is “close enough” to Guatemala and southern Mexico.

You’ll also claim that although Lehi landed on the west coast of Central America (or Chile, or Baja, or Panama), and Columbus sailed by the east coast, they both went to the same promised land.

For me, Nephi’s description makes far more sense if Lehi, Mulek, and Columbus converged on the same basic place in the Caribbean. I even think Nephi’s vision of “Columbus,” which he had before they left the old world, helped him recognize the promised land once he arrived there.”

But that’s just me.” Source: Book of Mormon Wars

“In the next part of his article, Brother Clark sets forth the Columbus argument that so many M2C writers have relied upon. I engage this just to show how easy it is to support one’s argument by attacking an easy target and ignoring arguments that contradict what you’re advocating.

Fortunately for Brother Clark, Brother Curtis is an easy target. Brother Clark quotes him as writing, “Columbus didn’t actually come to North America…” Of course, that’s factually wrong. The Bahamas and Cuba are north of southern Mexico and are part of North America.” Moroni’s America

“Here’s a map above showing Columbus’ route of discovery. Nephi does not describe the “man among the Gentiles” making multiple voyages. He refers only to the first voyage that took him to “the seed of my brethren, who were in the promised land.” For that reason, I focus on the first voyage. The red line in the map is Columbus first journey to the Americas. The black line is the route of the Mulekites all the way up the Mississippi River and was stopped by the the Des Moines Rapids so the Mulekites landed near Montrose Iowa (Zarahemla). I believe that be cause of the following scripture in Omni 1:15-16.

“Behold, it came to pass that Mosiah discovered that the people of Zarahemla came out from Jerusalem at the time that Zedekiah, king of Judah, was carried away captive into Babylon. And they journeyed in the wilderness, and were brought by the hand of the Lord across the great waters, into the land where Mosiah discovered them; and they had dwelt there from that time forth.” Omni 1:15-16

In other words Mosiah met the Mulekites in Zarahemla (Montrose, Iowa) the same place they had always been . If the Mulekites would have traveled up the St Lawrence seaway how would they have landed in Iowa, the place they had always been? I know Wayne and others believe the Atlantic route for the Mulekites and it could be either way.

The blue line is Lehi’s route. I think Lehi landed in Florida for all the reasons I’ve explained in Moroni’s America. He may have sailed south of Cuba to get there because of ocean currents and wind, but it’s interesting that Mulek, Lehi and Columbus converge on the same areas.” Jonathan Neville Moroni’s America.

Jonathan Neville continued, “I’ve shown previously that, in fact, the first place Columbus landed (probably–the location remains open for debate) was the island of San Salvador in the Bahamas. This is less than 400 miles from Florida. (Many LDS tbelieve Lehi landed in Florida.) On that first voyage, Columbus also visited Cayo Cruz in Cuba, which is only 134 miles from Florida.

By contrast, San Salvador is 1,400 miles from the east coast of southern Mexico. M2C intellectuals think Lehi landed on the west coast of southern Mexico or Guatemala, which of course is even farther away from San Salvador, Cayo Cruz, and the other places Columbus visited in 1492.

M2C intellectuals like to invoke all of Columbus’ voyages, because on his fourth voyage in 1502 he visited Trujillon on the east coast of Honduras, which is closer to their Mesoamerican setting. But it’s still far away. In addition to being the wrong coast, Trujillo is 300 miles away from Guatemala City.

Plus, before Columbus’ fourth voyage in 1502, Cabot landed in Newfoundland (1497) and Cabral landed in Brazil (1500), so it’s difficult to justify Columbus 4th voyage as the one Nephi described in 1 Nephi 13:12. Before the time of the events in verse 13, when “other Gentiles” are coming, the man in verse 12 had already sailed upon the many waters “unto the seed of my brethren, who were in the promised land.” This means the Bahamas and Cuba, not Mesoamerica. Columbus’ fourth voyage to Honduras was too late to qualify.

If, as I believe, Lehi and Nephi crossed the Atlantic and landed in Florida, they would have sailed roughly the same route Columbus did through the Caribbean. (The Mulekites also sailed along a similar route, as I explain here.)

There’s another important point. Assuming Lehi sailed all the way to Florida through the area Columbus visited, it’s not surprising that Nephi, having had a vision of the promised land, recognized the place when they sailed through the area on their way to the landing site in Florida. The M2C theory requires that Lehi landed on the west coast of Mexico, an area Columbus never saw or even came close to, which raises the question of how Nephi would have recognized it from his vision.

I realize all of this is getting in the weeds, but when M2C scholars insist Columbus visited Mesoamerica and not North America (meaning the U.S.), we have to assess their claims. No matter how you look at it, Columbus and Nephi are aligned with Caribbean voyages but not with a theory that has Lehi landing on the west coast of Mesoamerica.

This is a digression from Cumorah, obviously, but Brother Clark’s Columbus discussion fails to take into account these critical elements. As do the Columbus arguments of all the M2C proponents.” Jonathan Neville

See another blog here about Columbus

Abraham Lincoln Loved America and Niagara

“When Columbus first sought this continent—when Christ suffered on the cross—when Moses led Israel through the Red-Sea—nay, even, when Adam first came from the hand of his Maker—then as now, Niagara was roaring here. The eyes of that species of extinct giants, whose bones fill the mounds of America, have gazed on Niagara, as ours do now. Co[n]temporary with the whole race of men, and older than the first man, Niagara is strong, and fresh to-day as ten thousand years ago. The Mammoth and Mastadon—now so long dead, that fragments of their monstrous bones, alone testify, that they ever lived, have gazed on Niagara. In that long—long time, never still for a single moment. Never dried, never froze, never slept, never rested, Abraham Lincoln

Mark E. Petersen

“We know that various explorers discovered America anciently, well before Christopher Columbus. The Norsemen came over to what they called Vinland, as you remember, and there were others. It is interesting to read about them, but, mark you, not one of them established permanent colonies. God would not allow them here. Colonization was reserved for the people whom the Lord himself would bring to this country. Even though there were earlier discoveries of America, none of them counted so far as God was concerned because he had his eye upon Columbus.

I hope that when you read the Book of Mormon you will read carefully the last chapter of first Nephi, which refers to the day in which we are living. In this chapter Nephi talked about this land and the gentiles who in latter days would be brought here. Then he said:

And it meaneth that the time cometh that after all the house of Israel have been scattered and confounded [the scattering of the ten tribes and the Jews to all parts of the world], that the Lord God will raise up a mighty nation among the Gentiles, yea, even upon the face of this land [the United States]; and by them shall our seed be scattered. [Through the Indian wars the Indians were scattered by the early Americans.]

And after our seed is scattered the Lord God will proceed to do a marvelous work among the Gentiles, which shall be of great worth unto our seed; wherefore, it is likened unto their being nourished by the Gentiles and being carried in their arms and upon their shoulders.

And it shall also be of worth unto the Gentiles; and not only unto the Gentiles but unto all the house of Israel, unto the making known of the covenants of the Father of heaven unto Abraham, saying: In thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed. [1 Nephi 22:7–9]” The Great Prologue by Mark E. Petersen.

Ezra Taft Benson Great Words about America from Joseph Smith Foundation

“When this nation was established, the Church was restored and from here the message of the restored gospel has gone forth-all according to divine plan. This then becomes the Lord’s base of operations in these latter days. And this base-the land of America—will not be shifted out of its place. This nation will, in a measure at least, fulfill its mission even though it may face serious and troublesome days. The degree to which it achieves its full mission depends upon the righteousness of its people. God, through His power, has established a free people in this land as a means of helping to carry forward His purposes. It was His latter-day purpose to bring forth His gospel in America, not in any other place. It was in America where the Book of Mormon plates were deposited. That was no accident. It was His design. It was in this same America where they were brought to light by angelic ministry. [1]. It was here where He organized His modern Church, where He, Himself, made a modern personal appearance [2]; [3]. It was here under a free government and a strong nation that protection was provided for His restored Church. Now God will not permit America, His base of operations, to be destroyed. He has promised protection to this land if we will but serve the God of the land [4]. He has also promised protection to the righteous even, if necessary, to send fire from heaven to destroy their enemies [5]. No, God’s base of operations will not be destroyed. But it may be weakened and made less effective.

How to Win World War III

One of the first rules of war strategy-and we are at war with the adversary and his agents-is to protect the base of operations. This we must do if we are to build up the kingdom throughout the world and safeguard our God-given freedom. We must protect this base of operations from every threat-from sin, from unrighteousness, from immorality, from desecration of the Sabbath day, from lawlessness, from parental and juvenile delinquency. We must protect it from dirty movies, from filthy advertising, from salacious and suggestive television programs, magazines, and books. We must protect this base from idleness, subsidies, doles, and soft governmental paternalism which weakens initiative, discourages industry, destroys character, and demoralizes the people. To protect this base we must protect the soul of America-we must return to a love and respect for the basic spiritual concepts upon which this nation has been established. We must study the Constitution and the writings of the Founding Fathers. If we are to protect this American base, we must realize that all things, including information disseminated by our schools, churches, and governments, should be judged according to the words of the prophets, especially the living prophet. This procedure, coupled with the understanding which will come through the Spirit of the Lord, if we are living in compliance with the scriptures, is the only sure foundation and basis of judgment. Any other course of action leaves us muddled, despondent, wandering in shades of gray, easy targets for Satan. If we fail in these pressing and important matters, we may well fall far short of the great mission the Lord has proffered and outlined for America and for His divinely restored Church. [6] I testify to you that this is a choice land, that God held this hemisphere, as it were, in the palm of His hand for hundreds, yea, thousands of years in order that the great mission of this land might be undertaken and might be accomplished. [7] This is a great country and certainly this greatness was foreshadowed and foreseen by ancient prophets who lived here, prophecies made by the brother of Jared [8], by Lehi, by Jacob [9], and by Nephi of old [10]. It is enough to know that this nation has a prophetic history. All of the great events that have transpired here, including the coming of Columbus and of the Pilgrim fathers, were foreseen by ancient prophets [11]. It was predicted that those who came to this great land would prosper here, that they would humble themselves before the Almighty, that the power of God would be with them, and that this nation would move forward to its great destiny. [12]. [13] I bear witness that America’s history was foreknown to God; that His divine intervention and merciful providence has given us both peace and prosperity in this beloved land; that through His omniscience and benevolent design He selected and sent some of His choicest spirits to lay the foundation of our government [14]. These men were inspired of God to do the work they accomplished. They were not evil men. Their work was a prologue to the restoration of the gospel and the Church of Jesus Christ. It was done in fulfillment of the ancient prophets who declared that this was a promised land, “a land of liberty unto the Gentiles,” and that is us [15]. [16]

I testify that America is a choice land. (See 2 Nephi 1:5.) God raised up the founding fathers of the United States of America and established the inspired Constitution. (See D&C 101:77–80.) This was the required prologue for the restoration of the gospel. (See 3 Nephi 21:4.) America will be a blessed land unto the righteous forever, and is the base from which God will continue to direct the worldwide latter-day operations of His kingdom. (See 2 Nephi 1:7.)

The restoration of the gospel and the establishment of the Lord’s Church could not come to pass until the Founding Fathers were raised up and completed their foreordained missions. Those great souls who were responsible for the freedoms we enjoy acknowledged the guiding hand of Providence. For their efforts we are indebted, but we are even more indebted to our Father in Heaven and to His Son, Jesus Christ. How fortunate we are to live when the blessings of liberty and the gospel of Jesus Christ are both available to us. 2

The coming forth of the Constitution is of such transcendent importance in the Lord’s plan that ancient prophets foresaw this event and prophesied of it. In the dedicatory prayer for the Idaho Falls Temple, President George Albert Smith indicated that the Constitution fulfilled the ancient prophecy of Isaiah that “out of Zion shall go forth the law” (Isaiah 2:3). 3

History is not an accident. Events are foreknown to God. His superintending influence is behind the actions of his righteous children. Long before America was even discovered, the Lord was moving and shaping events that would lead to the coming forth of the remarkable form of government established by the Constitution. America had to be free and independent to fulfill this destiny. 4

Before the gospel could again shine forth its resplendent light, religious and political freedom first had to be restored. This land had been preserved as a continent apart from the religious oppression, tyranny, and intolerance of Europe. In time, emigrants came to the new land and established colonies. By and large, they were a God-fearing people. A war was fought for their independence, and by God’s intervention, victory was achieved (see 1 Nephi 13:16–19). By that same omnipotent power the Constitution was born (see D&C 101:80), which guaranteed religious and political liberty (see D&C 98:5–8). Only then was the time propitious for the kingdom of God — that “stone cut out without hands” — to be restored (see Dan 2:34). 5″ Ezra Taft Benson, This Nation Shall Endure Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson; “I Testify”, General Conference, October 1988 “Responsibilities of Citizenship,” BYU, Provo, Utah, 1954

1. ↑ Book of Mormon Introduction
2. ↑ D&C 20:1
3. ↑ Joseph Smith-History 1:17
4. ↑ Ether 2:12
5. ↑ 1 Nephi 22:17
6. ↑ Ezra Taft Benson, Title of Liberty, pp. 88-91; Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, p. 571
7. ↑ Ezra Taft Benson, CR October 1954, Improvement Era 57 [December 1954]: 922; Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, p. 574
8. ↑ Ether 13:8
9. ↑ 2 Nephi 10:18-19
10. ↑ 1 Nephi 13:13-20
11. ↑ 1 Nephi 13:12-13
12. ↑ 1 Nephi 13:15-19
13. ↑ Ezra Taft Benson, “Responsibilities of Citizenship,” BYU, Provo, Utah, 22 October 1954; Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson p. 575
14. ↑ D&C 101:80
15. ↑ 2 Nephi 1:7
16. ↑ Ezra Taft Benson, This Nation Shall Endure, p. 23; Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, p. 578

1. Ezra Taft Benson, “I Testify”, General Conference, October 1988
2. Ezra Taft Benson, Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson 604; from an address given at the Bicentennial Ball, Salt Lake City, UT, 18 Sep 1987
3. Ezra Taft Benson, CHB 16; Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson 595
4. Ezra Taft Benson, CHB 10; Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson 587 
5. Ezra Taft Benson, This Nation Shall Endure 116; Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson 109 
6. John Quincy Adams, Independence Day speech, Newburyport, MA, July 04, 1837

Don’t pretend that our complaints alone will solve America’s problems.
REPENT
Your tolerance for an individual does not grant them license to do wrong.
FORGIVE

The messages of two of my Heores

Lt. Gen. Michael T. Flynn, USA (Ret.)

“It’s a simple fact of life that people like to complain… I understand the allure of this mentality. I can complain with the best of them. Yet, patriots can’t pretend that our complaints alone will solve America’s problems”.

President Russell M Nelson

“We must recognize at the outset that there is a difference between tolerance and tolerate. Your gracious tolerance for an individual does not grant him or her license to do wrong, nor does your tolerance obligate you to tolerate his or her misdeed. That distinction is fundamental to an understanding of this vital virtue.”

General Michael Flynn Has an Urgent Message To Americans

It’s a simple fact of life that people like to complain. If you don’t believe me, just watch the evening news. Even when we say we don’t, each one of us has an innate desire to lament everything that is wrong with the world.

Sadly, this problem is nothing new. In Scripture, we read how the children of Israel complained that they were going to die of starvation in the wilderness. The Lord answered in spite of their attitude by miraculously providing them with a daily supply of food that tasted “like wafers made with honey.” Incredulously, it wasn’t long after that the Israelites were complaining that the Lord’s miraculous all-you-can-eat buffet was not good enough for them.

I understand the allure of this mentality. I can complain with the best of them. Yet, patriots can’t pretend that our complaints alone will solve America’s problems. If we are going to see meaningful change, we must be willing to take action.

In his essay titled “The Way to Wealth,” Benjamin Franklin said “Friends and neighbors complain that taxes are indeed very heavy…. We are taxed twice as much by our idleness…. Let us hearken to good advice, and something may be done for us: ‘God helps them that help themselves.’” Franklin not only wrote these words but lived them too. He was a patriot willing to take action when others were only willing to complain.

All of our Founding Fathers exemplified that same spirit of tenacity, but I find it much more encouraging to know that they made a way for us to turn our complaints into action. In the First Amendment, we have secured a right to “petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” These words mean that American citizens have a right not only to air our complaints but to do so with the understanding that we demand action from the proper authorities. The proper authority to petition will vary depending upon the grievance, but the inalienable right of the citizen remains true regardless.

Exercising this right is a patriot’s responsibility, a fact highlighted by the Memorial Day we commemorate in just a few days. As we memorialize the sacrifice of countless brave men and women who gave everything to secure our liberties, empty complaints should taste like sawdust on our lips. We have no excuse not to honor their courage with our actions.

If you don’t know where to begin, start small. Raise the American flag for Memorial Day and recite the Pledge of Allegiance with your family. If you can’t get a flag that quickly, Flag Day is just around the corner. Once you’ve done that, find good groups of active patriots in your area. Internet forums can never take the place of the camaraderie that comes with local patriots acting together to better their community.

I also hope you will listen to the first episode of my new podcast, where I dig deeper into why Americans should stop complaining and start doing. You can find the podcast exclusively at AmericasFuture.net, where you can also leave a donation to support our ongoing work. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Lt. Gen. Michael T. Flynn, USA (Ret.)
Chairman, America’s Future, Inc.
CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE
F YOU LOVE NEWS, YOU’LL LOVE OUR HOMEPAGE! May 29, 2021

“Teach Us Tolerance and Love”

Russell M. Nelson Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Dear brothers and sisters, I join my brethren in extending Easter greetings to each of you, while expressing personal gratitude for the atonement of Jesus Christ, for His example, and for His teachings that have motivated my message today.

I have been impressed to speak on the subject of tolerance—a virtue much needed in our turbulent world. But in discussing this topic, we must recognize at the outset that there is a difference between tolerance and tolerate. Your gracious tolerance for an individual does not grant him or her license to do wrong, nor does your tolerance obligate you to tolerate his or her misdeed. That distinction is fundamental to an understanding of this vital virtue.

I attended a “laboratory of tolerance” some months ago when I had the privilege of participating in the Parliament of the World’s Religions. There I conversed with good men and women representing many religious groups. Again I sensed the advantages of ethnic and cultural diversity and reflected once more on the importance of religious freedom and tolerance.

I marvel at the inspiration of the Prophet Joseph Smith when he penned the eleventh article of faith: “We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.” [A of F 1:11]

That noble expression of religious tolerance is particularly poignant in light of the Prophet’s personal persecution. On one occasion he wrote, “I am at this time persecuted the worst of any man on the earth, as well as this people, … all our sacred rights are trampled under the feet of the mob.”

Joseph Smith endured incessant persecution and finally heartless martyrdom—at the hands of the intolerant. His brutal fate stands as a stark reminder that we must never be guilty of any sin sown by the seed of intolerance.

Two Great Commandments to Love

Revealed to that revered prophet was the fulness of the gospel. He was tutored by the resurrected Christ, whom Joseph adored. He taught doctrines declared by the Lord, including these He gave in response to the question of an exacting lawyer:

“Master, which is the great commandment in the law?

“Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

“This is the first and great commandment.

“And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

“On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”

Hence, our highest priorities in life are to love God and to love our neighbors. That broadly includes neighbors in our own family, our community, our nation, and our world. Obedience to the second commandment facilitates obedience to the first commandment. “When ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.”

Parental Love

That concept is easy for mothers and fathers to understand. Parental love includes gratitude for service extended to any of their children, especially in their time of need.

I was amused recently when one of our grown children confided that she had always thought that she was her daddy’s favorite daughter. She was surprised to discover later that each of her eight sisters harbored that same feeling. Only when they had become mothers themselves did they realize that parents hardly have favorites. (Incidentally, our only son never had to wonder who was our favorite son.)

Our Father in Heaven loves all of His children, too. Peter taught that “God is no respecter of persons:

“But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.”

Yet His children can be so intolerant with one another. Neighboring factions, whether they be identified as groups or gangs, schools or states, counties or countries, often develop animosity. Such tendencies make me wonder: Cannot boundary lines exist without becoming battle lines? Could not people unite in waging war against the evils that beset mankind instead of waging war on each other? Sadly, answers to these questions are often no. Through the years, discrimination based on ethnic or religious identity has led to senseless slaughter, vicious pogroms, and countless acts of cruelty. The face of history is pocked by the ugly scars of intolerance.

How different our world would be if all parents would apply this inspired instruction from the Book of Mormon: “Ye will not suffer your children … that they transgress the laws of God, and fight and quarrel one with another. …

“But ye will teach them to walk in the ways of truth and soberness; ye will teach them to love one another, and to serve one another.”

If such training occurred, children and parents around this globe would join in singing, “Fill our hearts with sweet forgiving; Teach us tolerance and love.” Men and women would respect their neighbors and the beliefs held sacred by them. No longer would ethnic jokes and cultural slurs be acceptable. The tongue of the tolerant speaks no guile.

Independence and Cooperation

While we strive for the virtue of tolerance, other commendable qualities need not be lost. Tolerance does not require the surrender of noble purpose or of individual identity. The Lord gave instruction to leaders of His restored church to establish and maintain institutional integrity—“that the church may stand independent.”

Meanwhile, its members are encouraged to join with like-minded citizens in doing good. We are grateful for the many examples of heroic service rendered in times of earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, or other disasters. Such cooperative efforts to help neighbors in distress transcend any barriers posed by religion, race, or culture. Those good deeds are latter-day love in action!

Humanitarian relief rendered by members of this church is extensive, multinational, and generally unpublicized. Even so, there are doubtless many who wonder why we don’t do more to assist the innumerable worthy causes to which our hearts respond.

Of course we are concerned with the need for ambulances in the valley below. But at the same time, we cannot ignore the greater need for protective guardrails on the cliffs above. Limited resources needed for the accomplishment of the higher work cannot be depleted in rescue efforts that provide only temporary relief… We are but the builders; the architect is almighty God.

Missionary Responsibilities

Latter-day Saints throughout the world work side by side with others—regardless of race, color, or creed—hoping to be good examples worthy of emulation. The Savior said: “I give unto you a commandment, that every man, both elder, priest, teacher, and also member, … prepare and accomplish the things which I have commanded.

“And let your preaching be the warning voice, every man to his neighbor, in mildness and in meekness.”

This we are to do with tolerance. While in Moscow in June 1991, in that spirit of preparation and with sincere respect for leaders of other religious denominations, Elder Dallin H. Oaks and I had the privilege of meeting with the presiding official of the Russian Orthodox Church. We were accompanied by Elder Hans B. Ringger and the mission president, Gary L. Browning. Patriarch Aleksei was most gracious in sharing a memorable hour with us. We perceived the great difficulties endured for so many years by this kind man and his fellow believers. We thanked him for his perseverance and for his faith. Then we assured him of our good intentions and of the importance of the message that missionaries of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints would be teaching among his countrymen. We affirmed that ours is a global church and that we honor and obey the laws of each land in which we labor.

To those with an interest in the fulness of the restored gospel—regardless of nationality or religious background—we say as did Elder Bruce R. McConkie: “Keep all the truth and all the good that you have. Do not abandon any sound or proper principle. Do not forsake any standard of the past which is good, righteous, and true. Every truth found in every church in all the world we believe. But we also say this to all men—Come and take the added light and truth that God has restored in our day. The more truth we have, the greater is our joy here and now; the more truth we receive, the greater is our reward in eternity. This is our invitation to men [and women] of good will everywhere.”

Each of you with a testimony of the truth of the restored gospel has opportunity to share that precious gift. The Lord expects you to “be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness.”

Baptism Transcends Background

On every continent and across isles of the sea, the faithful are being gathered into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Differences in cultural background, language, gender, and facial features fade into insignificance as members lose themselves in service to their beloved Savior. Paul’s declaration is being fulfilled: “As many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.”

Only the comprehension of the true Fatherhood of God can bring full appreciation of the true brotherhood of man. That understanding inspires desire to build bridges of cooperation instead of walls of segregation.

Our Creator decreed “that there should be no contention one with another, but that they should look forward with one eye, having one faith and one baptism, having their hearts knit together in unity and in love one towards another.”

Intolerance seeds contention; tolerance supersedes contention. Tolerance is the key that opens the door to mutual understanding and love.

Risks of Boundless Tolerance

Now may I offer an important note of caution. An erroneous assumption could be made that if a little of something is good, a lot must be better. Not so! Overdoses of needed medication can be toxic. Boundless mercy could oppose justice. So tolerance, without limit, could lead to spineless permissiveness.

The Lord drew boundary lines to define acceptable limits of tolerance. Danger rises when those divine limits are disobeyed. Just as parents teach little children not to run and play in the street, the Savior taught us that we need not tolerate evil. “Jesus went into the temple of God, and … and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers.” Though He loved the sinner, the Lord said that He “cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance.” His Apostle Paul specified some of those sins in a letter to the Galatians. The list included “adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,

“Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, … wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,

“Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like.”

To Paul’s list I might add the regrettable attitudes of bigotry, hypocrisy, and prejudice. These were also decried in 1834 by early Church leaders who foresaw the eventual rise of this church “amid the frowns of bigots and the calumny of hypocrites.” The Prophet Joseph Smith prayed that “prejudices may give way before the truth.” Hatred stirs up strife and digs beneath the dignity of mature men and women in our enlightened era.

Paul’s list included “uncleanness.” As members of the Church entrusted with its holy temples, we are commanded that “no unclean thing shall be permitted to come into [His] house to pollute it…”

Tolerance and Mutual Respect

Our commitment to the Savior causes us to scorn sin yet heed His commandment to love our neighbors. Together we live on this earth, which is to be tended, subdued, and shared with gratitude. Each of us can help to make life in this world a more pleasant experience. Not long ago the First Presidency and the Twelve issued a public statement from which I quote: “It is morally wrong for any person or group to deny anyone his or her inalienable dignity on the tragic and abhorrent theory of racial or cultural superiority.

“We call upon all people everywhere to recommit themselves to the time-honored ideals of tolerance and mutual respect. We sincerely believe that as we acknowledge one another with consideration and compassion we will discover that we can all peacefully coexist despite our deepest differences.”

That pronouncement is a contemporary confirmation of the Prophet Joseph’s earlier entreaty for tolerance. Unitedly we may respond. Together we may stand, intolerant of transgression but tolerant of neighbors with differences they hold sacred. Our beloved brothers and sisters throughout the world are all children of God. He is our Father. His Son, Jesus, is the Christ. His church has been restored to the earth in these latter days to bless all of God’s children. I so testify in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Full Article Here:
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1994/04/teach-us-tolerance-and-love?lang=eng

#GiveThanks

Video Below:
President Russell M. Nelson on the Healing Power of Gratitude

#comeuntojesus #lds #jesus

Tear Jerker
Come Unto Jesus | Madilyn Paige

My Newest Blog Titled:
JFK’S 1961 Prophecy EXPOSES Obama, Hillary, Pope Francis, and the NWO

Dana Young – Ancient Plants: A Message from the Ground
55 Minute Video

In 1995, Dana Young began his scientific discovery into the world of alternative medicine and essential oils. After years of personal study and training with the leading experts and authorities of alternative medicine and essential oils, he was able to glean a broad understanding of the chemistry and science of essential oils. Dana is one of the very few people in the world who has been involved with every aspect of essential oil production. Because of this, he has extensive knowledge of the importance of the seed selection, propagation, cultivation, harvesting, distillation, and quality testing of essential oils. Dana provides a unique and robust understanding of essential oils that no other essential oil provider in the industry can offer. His knowledge and background of these medicinal plants provide Be Young with the highest quality essential oils on the market.

Link if you are logged into your Streaming Account:
https://bookofmormonevidencestreaming.com/videos/apr-2021-virtual-expo/dana-young-ancient-plants-a-message-from-the-ground/

Spotted Bee Balm – Why is it significant in the Book of Mormon? Kevin Price, PhD biogeography (plant ecology) 85 Minute Video

Rapidly Emerging Technologies for Archaeological Site Surveys and Virtual Reality 3D Modeling: Looking for the Great City of Zarahemla

Dr. Kevin Price grew up in the small town of Green River, Utah (watermelon country). He served as a missionary for two years in the California, Anaheim mission under the leadership of Elder Rex C. Reeves. He attended Rick’s College (now BYU-Idaho), then transferred to BYU in Provo where he met his wife, Melinda and was married in the Salt Lake Temple. He has two daughters; Kaylie is director of marketing for a company in Wisconsin and Julia is in her last semester at BYU in the School of Business. Kevin severed in his Kansas ward as the High Priest’s Group Leader, Gospel Doctrine Instructor and Secretary to the Young Men’s program. He now serves as the Emergency Preparedness Coordinator.

He did his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees at BYU in Rangeland Ecology and Ph.D. at the University of Utah in Geography specializing in biogeography (plant ecology), remote sensing and geographic information systems (GIS) (or computerized mapping and analysis). He was a professor for 3 years at Utah State University, 19 years at the University of Kansas and 6 years at Kansas State University. He has conducted research throughout the world and has been the Keynote or Invited speaker on drone applications in agriculture and natural resource management throughout the world at over 100 conferences. He served as a scientific advisor to NASA, NOAA and a former US Secretary of State.

Kevin is currently the Chief Emerging Technologies Officer for Air Data Solutions with offices throughout the US. He analyzes drone and airplane acquired imagery including natural color, color infrared, thermal and LiDAR.

During his presentation he will introduce attendees to emerging mapping technologies and demonstrate how they can be applied to a variety of challenges with emphasis in archaeology. His ultimate desire is to help find the Great City of Zarahemla which he believes to be in the US.

85 Minute Video
Link if you are logged into your Streaming Account:
https://bookofmormonevidencestreaming.com/videos/apr-2021-virtual-expo/spotted-bee-balm-why-is-it-significant-in-the-book-of-mormon/

Ancient Medicine Coming Out of the Ground

May 2021: Plants Ready For Planting in the Exact Same Spot when Mormon Came with his Father Down the River Sido to Zarahemla in AD 321.We believe in the restoration of all things. The truth shall come out of the ground.

We believe in the restoration of all things. The truth shall come out of the ground.

We are happy to report that the medicine plant from the Book of Mormon will next week be growing at the Zarahemla Temple Site. This is a return to a time and place where the Nephites 2,000 years ago enjoyed the marvelous health benefits of a plant that saved their lives when they suffered from fevers that were and are still common to areas in the Mississippi River Valley.

The circle is complete. We can now tell the ancient people that we are following in their footsteps, and as we do, we are witnessing the truth coming out of the ground. We know that as we discover the truth of Zarahemla, we will only discover the truth of the Book of Mormon.

The plant has been studied for is ability to protect people during times of bacterial and viral biological warfare.  We found it to have 56 compounds and it is MUCH more effective in controlling antibiotic resistant bacterial strains when used as a whole essential oil as opposed to isolated compounds such as just the thymol or the carvacrol, which are its two most abundant compounds.  So, synthesized thymol or carvacrol are much less effective for disease control. The synergistic effects of the 56 combined compounds are what makes it much more effective.

Tall upright stems are topped by unusual and dramatic tufted lavender-pink flower bracts surrounding creamy yellow leopard-spotted blooms from June to August. These highly adaptable plants grow to two feet in height and their long-lasting blooms are greatly attractive to bees, hummingbirds and many butterflies. Highest level of the chemical “Thymol” in all the mints. It can be used for a variety of medicinal purposes, usually being external. Plants prefer moderately moist but well-drained soil in full sun but will tolerate poor soils, some shade and a reasonable amount of drought once established.

Bee Balm belongs to the mint family. Also known as Horsemint, it is a flowering scented herb that is native to the United States. If you brush, crush or cut the plant, a refreshing lemony citrus fragrance is released. It attracts all types of pollinators; honeybees, bumblebees, miner bees, plasterer bees, butterflies and hummingbirds! The leaves and flowers of Bee Balm are used in a tea commonly known as Oswego tea, drunk by several Native American tribes. From the Lakota to the Ojibwa to the Navajo, many tribes used this plant for fevers, colds, coughs, nausea, digestion, and acne. Today it is commonly used to help treat digestive & upper respiratory tract issues.

I have attached the white paper that Dana Young, Wayne May and I wrote on the plant. In this white paper we discussion many facts about the plant and tell you about the most common compounds in the plant, but we do not know that some of the less abundant compounds are not very important to the effectiveness of the plant – the Hopewell and Native Americans certainly knew of this plants importance.” Kevin Price PhD.

©2021 Heart Land Research Group | 2681 Milan Street Easton, PA 18045

“Our great friend Rod Meldrum was sharing with me his desire to eventually make a huge film about the heartland utilizing all the players and their talents to contribute to such a movie. Rod is an absolutely wonderful man who has touched the lives of so many. His strong belief in the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon has driven him to share this important testimony with anyone he can. His first book called Prophecies and Promises that he co-authored with Bruce H. Porter was a very scripturally based witness that supports the following quote. “The United States is the promised land foretold in the Book of Mormon—a place where divine guidance directed inspired men to create the conditions necessary for the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ.” Elder L. Tom Perry promised Ensign Dec. 2012” Rian Nelson

Joseph Writing a letter to his wife Emma while in Atlas, Illinois on the Mississippi River June 4, 1834. From Joseph’s own handwriting we learn that his Zion’s camp journey from Ohio to Indiana, to Illinois, to Missouri he called this land he crossed, “The Plains of the Nephites” No further evidence needed!

“Wandering over the plains of the Nephites, recounting occasionally the history of the Book of Mormon, roving over the mounds of that once beloved people of the Lord, picking up their skulls & their bones, as a proof of its divine authenticity… During our travels we visited several of the mounds which had been thrown up by the ancient inhabitants of this country-Nephites, Lamanites, etc.“Joseph Smith Papers Letter to Emma Smith, 4 June 1834 Page 56

My Heartland Friends

I would love to have the history of the Heartland model geography be made known through film some day soon. There have been many people involved and each has a story to tell.

“Bruce Porter has done extensive research for the BYU’s Religious Studies Center, on the Pearl of Great Price and the Book of Abraham, and been instrumental in the research and discovery of the Antonio Lebolo Will. Bruce’s testimony, research, and message are dedicated to the truthfulness of the scriptures, and in particular the Book of Mormon, the divine calling of the Prophet Joseph Smith, and of course Jesus Christ and the necessity to Come unto Him for Salvation.

I’d have to say that in my view Wayne May was the one who originally began openly showing evidences of the Book of Mormon geography in North America, however there were others even before Wayne really got going in his research.

Delbert Curtis’s book Christ in North America, and VHS videos by Ron and Jeff Garff and Dwayne Erickson all contributed information and research.

My own research involving DNA was developed before I ever met Wayne and meeting him in Provo was the start of the archeological portion of my study. I was mesmerized. 

The Church was going through some tough times as claims were being made in about 2002 that DNA disproves the BofM. My DNA research came into play at the height of that controversy which gave my first DVD, DNA Evidence for Book of Mormon Geography, a real reach into the Church’s membership with over 80,000 DVD’s going out in about 2 years and leading to more people learning about the evidences than ever before. I continued to share my determined belief that the United States is indeed the Promised Land spoken of in the Book of Mormon.

Wayne had worked with a tour company to get a group to go back to visit these amazing sites but they couldn’t get enough people to sign up to make it work, until Wayne and I got together and hosted the first ever Book of Mormon in North America inaugural tour with Mary Ellen Elgrin. That was the first of many, many tours that would bring the North American setting for the Book of Mormon into the homes of hundreds, and ultimately hundreds of thousands of faithful saints.

Because of the midwestern location of all this and feeling the need to differentiate this geography from other previous models involving North America, like the hemispheric models, I coined the term “Heartland Model” for this geography theory because it happened in what is typically called the “Heartland” of America and because I felt that “Heartland” had a nice warmth of tone to it that folks could relate to. Thus the ideas put forward as the North American models began to be recognized by friend and foe in websites and blogs as the Heartland Model Geography.

My dear friend Amberli Nelson has taken it upon herself to research the Law of Moses in the Book of Mormon and has explained how the animals and plants necessary to practice the Law are only found in North America which rules out the Book of Mormon events happening in Mesoamerica. She is also the first one to decode the Newark Earthworks as she tells how it represents a complete ancient earth work and explains our entire gospel Plan of Salvation. Amberli’s research and presentations on DVD have inspired thousands of people. She is a very dynamic speaker.

Steven Smoot has been a friend for many years and his extensive research includes many important areas. His love for the Native Americans is incredible and feels their pain every time he speaks about the “Trail of Tears” and the suffering that happened to the Natives. Steve has an amazing book called “The Lost Civilizations of North America” and he shares with us how the ancient explorers and archaeologist have kept the truth from us. They hid the story of the Natives Americans as being a wonderful, spiritual people who are far more advanced than intellectuals want to tell us. Anything that doesn’t fit the current reality of these deceitful Archaeologist they declare as a hoax or fake.

Jonathan Neville had acquired a tremendous knowledge on the geography subject and felt intrigued enough by the research that he decided to join a tour. It was on that tour that I was able to provide more in depth info that lead to Jonathan’s incredible contributions to the overall model through in-depth Church History research and understandings. Jonathan has many friends who believe in Mesoamerica and he continues to write books (15 now I think), and show us all why the heartland is the place where the Book of Mormon happened. His knowledge about Church History is tremendous. He has brought to light Oliver Cowdery’s letters which speak so forthright about only one hill Cumorah and he also shows us how Joseph actually used two separate sets of plates during translation. He has discovered Benjamin Winchester, who is the “Smoking Gun of Book of Mormon Geography.”

James Stoddard and his daughters Hannah and Leah and sons Isaiah and Ephraim are descendants of Hyrum Smith and their hard work at the Joseph Smith Foundation has brought so much light and truth to the entire gospel. They can answer the difficult questions about the Book of Mormon and have shared much about the true importance of Joseph Smith to this entire work. They were the first ones to explain that Joseph did not use the rock in the hat for translation, as the only first hand witnesses, Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery testified that only the Urim and Thummim was used for translation. They have done amazing research into the possibility of the Nephites being found in many parts of the world outside of the United States and are experts in comparing the timelines of the Book of Mormon events with the timeline of our events today. They are huge supporters of the Traditional values of the Church and are constantly revealing that Revisionist Historians are trying to change our history. They have discovered people like Leonard Arrington, Richard Bushman and other seemingly gospel stalwarts that are changing our known history, and trying to reduce Joseph Smith’s role as a Prophet in the way they discuss him.

I had a shared feeling with my good friend Boyd Tuttle over 14 years ago while in New York. We looked around at the pageant and thought, wouldn’t it be nice for all of these people to know the truth about this Hill Cumorah and they would all know this is the only hill Cumorah? The reality is becoming more and more of a reality. Boyd is a great book publisher and has published my favorite book in the world, The Annotated Edition of the Book of Mormon. His edits and suggestions added so much value to this publication. We have now printed over 30,000 copies in a year and a half. We love the Book of Mormon and its spiritual witness of truth, and we have included many secondary witnesses and artifacts, truths and possibilities of showing how the events happened in North America.

I am grateful for the strong bond I have with an amazing editor named David Hocking. He is the Managing Editor of The Annotated Book of Mormon which has been created to help readers understand the everlasting gospel as explained in the text, together with what the modern prophets and apostles have taught about it. The text has been formatted so readers can identify natural conversations, poetic speech patterns, prophecies, and the words of God. The annotations include prophetic commentaries on quoted scripture and the use of colored text. These elements bear witness to the divinity of this ancient text by drawing upon Hebrew tradition—much different from the nineteenth century rural America known to Joseph Smith. He also has books called, Annotated Isaiah, Annotated Jasher and will be doing Annotated Enoch soon. All this work began over 10 years ago as David tried to make the scriptures come alive for his son who was on a mission. His son learned to love David’s textual versions just as we, his readers do as well.

One of our talented friends is Val Chadwick Bagley, the Cartoonist Man. He has done cartoons for the Church for over 40 years now. About 2013 we asked him to do some cartoons for the Heartland group. He didn’t know much about us and the thought of giving up drawing for the fun and dynamic Mesoamerican cartoons never even entered his mind. Until we had him draw a few things that caught his eye and heart. When we had him draw a rickety wagon full of gold plates and artifacts being pulled by a Llama from Mesoamerica to New York (3,787 miles), Val finally got the idea of, “how is that possible”, I think the Heartland model looks correct to me. Since then he has drawn over 300 cartoons for us and has an amazing 96 page book called “It Came to Pass Where.”

Now about our two Native American friends whom we love. Mike “Painted Pony” (Chippewa) and Betty “Red Ant”(Navajo) LaFontaine who live in Jacksonville Florida. About 5 years ago they attended our Book of Mormon Evidence Conference in Orem Utah and fell in love. Every speaker they loved and the spirit of love and joy amongst the people was overwhelming. After the conference was over they began speaking with Rian and thanking all who made this wonderful event happen. After a few minutes of speaking, Rian asked Red Ant, if she would like to speak at our next conference in 6 months. She was stunned by she is such a natural. She said yes and the rest is history as she shares her story about the Great Spirit (Christ) every time. She came across a most beautiful hymn by WW Phelps called “O Red Man” that she plays with the drum and sings so beautifully. Mike makes the gorgeous drums himself. They participate in all of our magnetometry expeditions, our looking for Zarahemla events, they sell books for us, held meetings with hundreds and are great physical and spiritual support to all of us. They constantly remind us that they know the Book of Mormon happened in the USA and they are a constant reminder to us all, that we Gentiles are to take the Gospel to the Lamanites.

There is one more best friend I can’t leave out of the Heartland project and many other things we have discovered together. I love Dean Sessions. We met each other in Mesa, Arizona about 33 years ago and have been fast friends since. As we were doing scientific study together, I branched off into the truths and geography of the Book of Mormon, its DNA and other historicity, and he continued rigorous study in History, Geology, Anthropology, Science, Biology, etc. What a mind Dean has. He has inspired all of us with his aggressive and truthful research into history as no one has ever done before. Dean W. Sessions is the author of the Universal Model (UM 3 Volumes and over 2,500 pages) and founder of the Millennial Science Foundation. Sessions has a B.S. Degree in Science from Brigham Young University and in 1990, Sessions began studying in both archeology and geology where a number of important new discoveries in these fields were made over the next few years. From this initial research and experimentation, a number of inaccuracies in theoretical aspects of modern science was found leading to the realization that a complete revolution in science needed to take place. As he has shown, Einstein’s Theory is still only a theory!

Rian Nelson first began his Heartland journey when he met me while promoting an Arnold Freiburg art event at the Joseph Smith Memorial building. When I discussed about “a Mound” with him and what it was, he caught fire and has been burning up the internet with his geography research and blogs ever since.  He has created hundreds of Book of Mormon Heartland maps we all enjoy and he has had many professional artists create amazing paintings of Heartland scenes that are all in our Annotated Edition of the Book of Mormon. His daily blog posts contain some of the most thorough answers to information about the Book of Mormon, The Church and its History, Anachronism’s, Love of Country, the Heartland Geography, Science and Education, Government and anything else others may have questions about. He manages all my websites and social media and continues to organize our bi-yearly Conferences.

So there’s a lot to this story, and if the story needs a couple of good antagonists we could talk about the attacks from FARMS, FAIR, Maxwell Institute, Lost Civilizations Documentary, Simon Southerton, John Dehlin, the Church History Dept, and others…  it’s all part of the story! 

We as a group might differ in certain specifics ideas, but my feeling is that unless this is going to be a 100 hour series we don’t need to take time discussing area’s of disagreement, when I feel we have some 95% agreement on everything else.  I’d want to put out the positive message upon which we agree.

Your brother in the gospel and in truth,”

Rod Meldrum and input from Rian Nelson